CLUB UPDATE by Bob Smith – TTF Vice President
Tollgate Friends:
We had great snow over the Christmas and New Year’s break. However, mother nature has decided to take a break. Temps have remained near the freezing level, so our snow base has held steady. NOAA weather is calling for snow beginning Wednesday the 16th through Saturday the 19th so with a fresh coating it may become “awesome go anywhere” snow. With our near 5’ base and potential fresh snow, tree sledding in the back country should be great. Our club is pushing hard to welcome side x sides into our membership. It’s this diversity that makes days like this great. The current snow is a little hard packed for snowmobiling, but it works great for UTV’s. A group of us went out Saturday and played off trail and the snow was perfect. We enjoyed turning on the cab heaters and playing in our tee shirts!! Overheating isn’t an issue with the side x side tracks as it can be with snowmobiles on hard snow and the compact snow holds the heavier machines up on the snow very well.
The trails we played on were all well-groomed and smooth. Thank you, Grooming Department it makes for great trail riding!!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Feb 2nd 8:45am to 4pm Avalanche Awareness Class
Victor McNeil from the Wallowa Avalanche Center is putting on an avalanche awareness class February 2nd at 8:45 am. We’ll start off with about an hour of classroom study. The classroom portion is a study of tools and techniques and a video of what to look for in potential slide conditions. After this we’ll head to the hills and do mock avalanche rescues and wrap up around 4:00 pm. We encourage members to attend and learn how to rescue someone who may be buried in an avalanche. Learn how to potentially turn an Avy into a rescue and not a recovery. If you have an Avy bag with a beacon, probe and shovel please bring them. If you don’t, we’ll share, and you can learn what type of equipment you need to be safer. There is no fee for club members, but we encourage people to donate what their heart feels is right as the Wallowa Avalanche Center is funded by Grants and Donations and Victor does a great job providing Avalanche forecasts and education.
Feb 2nd 5pm. General Meeting followed by a Potluck dinner.
Feb 8th, 9th, 10th – Extreme Winter Getaway – McCall, Idaho
We’re getting closer to our snowmobile and side x side trip to McCall Idaho. McCall is one of the prettiest places on earth and our club is sponsoring a snowmobile/Side x Side trip to this paradise the weekend of February 9th and 10th. Most of us plan to leave the 8th and return the 10th or 11th.
McCall has great dining and night life and the side x side ride to Burgdorf should be a blast. Bring your swim suit and we’ll soak in the hot springs at Burgdorf! Brandon Christensen knows the area well and will lead the snowmobile portion of the ride. Those of us who have ridden with Brandon know at the end of the day you’ll have a big smile on your face. Bob Smith plans to lead the UTV portion of the ride. Plan to bring enough gas to ride approx. 75 miles. You’ll need to purchase an Idaho snowmobile sticker.
In the past we have purchased them at the local grocery store right in McCall. You can also purchase them online at https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/registration-renewals-permits-passes.
It’ll be a great weekend to remember for the rest of the year. FYI…for lodging most of us are renting VRBO’s. If you have any questions, feel free to Email Bob Smith at bob.outback76@gmail.com.
Feb 9th, 9:45am. Kids Safety Class.
Andy Millar has graciously agreed to put on another “Kids Safety Class” at the TTF club house 10:00 am-2:00 pm. This is a great opportunity to get your kids ages 8-16 certified in the state of Oregon to ride the trails on a snowmobile legally. It also educates the kids on safety and the rules and etiquette of riding the trails and back country. You need to be a TTF or OSSA member or sign up to be a member and the class is free.
Mar 2nd, 9am. Annual Kids Ride
Kolby Christensen is leading our annual kids ride. Plan to meet at the Club house before 9:00 am. Kolby led the ride last year and it was a blast. The parents had as much or more fun than the kids! There is no lunch provided so BYOL and D’s. It will probably wrap up around 3:00 to 3:30 pm.
Mar 2nd, 5pm. General Meeting…Elections and Steak out.
There are 6 Executive Board Member seats up for election this year. We encourage anyone who is interested in helping lead our club to get involved and run for a board position. You must be a member in good standing to serve on the board. Also bring your steak and the TTF team will grill them up for you!
Have a great 2019 snowmobile season!
Bob Smith TTF V.P.
Brandon Christensen, President
