MERRILL, Maine — The fifth annual Vintage Snowmobile Show and Ride takes place Saturday, March 11, and features a new twist as the event focuses more on the ride portion.
Dubbed the “Dudley Adventure” ride, participants should arrive at Merrill Millstream Park on U.S. Route 212 in Merrill by 9:30 a.m.
“Past events have been primarily a static display, with vintage sled owners parking their machines at the park, sipping coffee, talking shop,” said Ken Bustard, one of the event organizers. “The newness of this has worn off the past few years, thus the need to add a little variety.”
Riders will depart the park at 10 a.m. and venture through the backcountry of Dudley Brook. This is a well known area for locals, but will be a new adventure for most.
“With no formal trail system in place, it is true ‘back woods snowmobiling,’” Bustard said. “The journey will traverse several abandoned town owned roads as well as logging roads belonging to Prentiss and Carlisle, who have given their support for the event.”
A group leader will take the participants to a remote, rustic hunting camp approximately 10 miles from the park. There they will take a short break and enjoy hot chocolate and refreshments. They will then return to the park, where hot Italian sausage and hotdogs will be available.
All snowmobilers, both new and older sleds, are welcome and encouraged to attend. This will not be a fast paced ride, and safety is a priority. Anyone wishing to ride shotgun on one of the sleds should bring their own helmet. There will be a few opportunities for children to ride on a “tote” behind one of the sleds. Available seating on the pull behind sleds will be on a first come first served basis.
For more information, please call Bustard (659-2018) or Ralph Bartman (694-5458).
