Lincoln snowmobiling — a family activity sport for many in the region
For many, the cold and snowy conditions of Lincoln mean outdoor family fun

BVD photo
Youngsters Bradley Wolfe, Carson Meyer and Hennesy Meyer, all of Anaconda, joined family members Saturday near the Ponderosa Snow Warriors clubhouse. The weather was cold but the excellent snow conditions brought many families out to enjoy the snow.

As “Old Man Winter” has prevailed over western Montana since late November, families have prepared their cold weather gear and readied their snowmobiles for Lincoln fun. Conditions since early December have opened the snowmobile season early and people have taken advantage. Quite often the snowmobile season in Lincoln doesn’t really get underway until the Christmas holidays. This year, the Groomer began working the trails in mid-December, and the local snowmobile club has been active with organized rides and pancake breakfasts.

Cold temperatures seem to invigorate the snowmobile crowds who turned out in large numbers for the annual New Year poker run (now called “Fun Runs”) on Saturday. More than 178 hands were purchased with R J Zarr turning in the high hand. Other winners included Teresa Noland, Mark Green and Gregg Marlenee.

Snowmobile events bring large numbers of out-of-town guests to the community with many families headed to local businesses during their stay. The Ponderosa Snow Warriors will host its January Pancake Breakfast at its clubhouse this Saturday, Jan. 8 from 8 to 11 a.m. All are invited to take advantage of the excellent riding conditions and come out to enjoy sourdough cakes, eggs and ham. All efforts are being made to keep the road to the clubhouse open for vehicle traffic. An overnight ride to Seeley Lake (Seeley Lake 150) is planned for the following weekend. For more information, contact Jeanette Nordahl at 362-3334.

Snowmobilers are reminded that snowmobiiing in town requires strict guidance to the traffic laws. The can’t expect everyone to be inspected and/or pumped at once,” she said. Other sensitive areas include Lincoln and Augusta and would eventually follow the same recommendations for inspection and pumping.

Residents connected to would not need to worry about yearly reporting as that information would come directly from the district manager stating the condition of the system and handling its speed limit on Lincoln streets is 25 mph and sledders need to keep their machines on the roadway and not on private land. Riding a snow machine in town is a privilege few Montana communities have. The actions of a very few irresponsible sledders could bring that privilege to an end.

Snowmobilers are believed to be responsible for damage to the new ice rink in Hooper Park over the weekend, making it unusable for the remainder of the season. Volunteers put in many hours preparing the skating rink for family fun and are dismayed that one or more irresponsible riders had ridden through the taped off area causing damage to the rink.