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Vintage Sled Ride Will Bring Out Good Ol' Toys

January 12, 2010 - BANGOR -- The second annual Vintage Snowmobile Ride on Saturday at the Paul Bunyan Snowmobile Clubhouse on Union Street in Bangor welcomes everyone, whether their sled is old or new. Snowmobilers are gathering at the clubhouse at 7:30 a.m. for coffee, doughnuts and to share a love of the older sleds. Vintage sleds are at least 20 years old. Last year's trip on Jan. 17 attracted more than two dozen snowmobilers and lots of attention.

"It was a big success, and we got a lot of phone calls afterwards. We are looking for even more people this year," said Marcia Mower, a member of the Paul Bunyan Snowmobile Club who went on the trip last year and plans to go again this year. "I like the fact that we went as a group. When anyone had a problem, there was always someone there to help. Joshua Shaw, our club president, was the leader, and he got off his sled to stop traffic when we needed to cross roadways."

The sight of the older sleds was enough to stop traffic. Snowmobilers on the trails stopped to admire the old sleds. Everywhere the group went, they generated smiles and conversation from onlookers. The group stopped a few times, and people were always gathering around. Some of those old sleds looked brand new, and people were curious about how the sleds were restored to such a great condition.

Shaw, who rode a new sled last year, recently bought a 1980 Arctic Cat Jaguar so he could have an old sled to ride this year.

"I purchased the sled mainly because I love the sport, and the opportunity to purchase a vintage sled presented itself to me," he said. "One of the things that excites me the most about the vintage sleds is the simplicity. You open the hood, and all you see is the engine. No clusters of wires or computers.

"I don't really have any anxieties about the sled breaking down, but you never know what to expect when it comes to snowmobiling. If we get all the snow that is in the forecast, the trails should be in great shape for the ride. I am hoping that this year's ride is as much of a success as last year's, and that every one has a great day."

Members of the Paul Bunyan Snowmobile Club organized the ride with the help of clubs in surrounding towns, such as the Penobscot Snowmobile Club in Hermon and the Hungry Hollow 76ers Snowmobile Club in Levant.

Last year, there were 14 vintage sleds along with nine newer sleds, with a total of 26 riders. It was a snowmobile ride like no other. The group rode from the clubhouse in Bangor to Hermon Pond for some photos and then to the Penobscot Snowmobile clubhouse in Hermon for lunch and then back to Bangor, covering roughly 35 miles.

The plan is to do the same route this year, depending on conditions.

Last year, the first sled to break down was not one of the vintage sleds, but a sled only four years old. The older sleds held their own except for a few minor problems. Snowmobilers traveled at a slower speed than usual but still made good time, mostly going less than 20 miles an hour.

Club member Toby Williams of Bangor came up with the idea for the ride because he loved tinkering with old sleds and began going on rides with a small group of friends who also owned vintage sleds. He decided this kind of ride would be a great event for larger groups of snowmobilers.

Breakdowns are part of the fun and challenge of riding vintage sleds – and owners are always prepared for any kind of breakdown on the trail. Snowmobilers carry spare parts such as belts and plugs as well as a tow rope.

"Everyone should come out to the clubhouse to see these old sleds, whether they own a snowmobile or not," said Mower.

TO LEARN MORE

FOR MORE INFORMATION about the Vintage Sled Snowmobile Ride, visit www.PaulBunyanSnow.com, e-mail PaulBunyanSCBangor@hotmail.com or call Toby Williams at 332-1322.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about upcoming snowmobiling events and an itinerary form (click the link for MSA members), visit the Maine Snowmobile Association Web site at: www.mesnow.com.

CATHY GENTHNER, Portland Press Herald, January 10, 2010


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Regions: Bangor


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