Antiques hit the trails
Special to the Star-Herald
WASHBURN — Outdoor enthusiasts John Robertson, of Portage Lake, and his son, Dan, of Colby, enjoyed some snowmobile riding time with friends Bill Beach and his son, Jim, both of Blackstone, Mass., in February. What made their ride somewhat unusual is that they all rode sleds that are registered as “antiques.” One snowmobile is 45 years old, another is 39 years old and the “newest” machine is 38 years old. These sleds traveled at 25 miles per hour at top speed but the riders generally went at a slightly slower pace.
The group took along cell phones in case of breakdowns, and were also accompanied by their all important “insurance” vehicle, with Jim Beach on his 2006 Tundra Bombardier sled. And as extra security, they even brought along a tow rope. None of these “insurance policies” were needed, as the sleds performed admirably, making the approximately 20-mile round trip in relative ease. The group stopped at times to take turns in their riding positions, but the 2006 Tundra remained in last position, taking up the “rear guard.”
The group attracted attention, turning heads all along the trail from Colby, traveling all the way to the Aroostook River in Washburn, where they crossed the train trestle and then headed back to the Washburn Trail Runners snowmobile clubhouse for lunch and some “warm-up time,” before returning to home base at Colby. All riders seemed to enjoy viewing the “old timers” and gave them lots of waves and thumbs up. Those present at the Washburn clubhouse also enjoyed seeing the sleds and watched with some anticipation when they arrived and departed the area.
The first sled, a Bombardier Olymique, owned and operated by John Robertson, was purchased brand new in 1965 for a cost of $700 plus tax and has registration stickers from each year it has been registered since. The second oldest sled, a 1970 Moto-Ski MS-18, owned and operated by Dan Robertson, joined another Robertson-owned sled, a 1971 Bombardier Skandic, that was driven by Bill Beech on the ride. All three sleds are antiques. Once sleds have obtained “antique” status, no further yearly stickers are required by the state of Maine.
While the men took to the trails, Wilza Robertson and Cindi Beach spent time with grandson Sean Robertson and also did some shopping. The Beach family spent the week at camp on Portage Lake, visiting John, Wilza and Allen Robertson and friends.
FATHERS AND SONS TAKE JOY RIDE — Three riders and their “antique” registered sleds toured the trails from Colby to Washburn and back this season. Riders making the trek included, from left: Bill Beach touring on a 1971 Bombardier Skandic, Dan Robertson on his 1970 Moto-Ski MS 18 and John Robertson operating a 1965 Bombardier Olymique. Not pictured but joining the group on the trip was Jim Beach on his 2006 Tundra Bombardier, who followed the other sleds in case any of them had a problem.
