Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – The Star City ATV Club is preparing for another busy season for 2008.
If it’s anything like last year, it looks like a lot of fun is in store for riders – whether riding alone or as part of a group. But a lot of work takes place to prepare area trails for all to enjoy. Local clubs like the SCATV put many hours into maintaining trails. “Last year, our ATV club had a busy summer with the building of a new trail (off the Williams Rd.), maintaining old trails and having two poker runs. This year looks to be another busy summer,” said Richard “Dick” Howlett, club president.
The club will kick off the season prior to trails opening by taking part in the Presque Isle Fish & Game Club Sportsman’s Show, scheduled for April 5 and 6 at the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Gentile Hall.
“We’ll start out 2008 by being at the Sportsman’s Show at UMPI in April. Then the trails open up May 15, but due to all the snow we have this winter, it could be later,” said Howlett.
Howlett added that, with all the snow the area has seen this winter, the trails are going to need a lot of work.
In June, the club is preparing to host its major event for the year, the third Ultimate ATV Event.
“Last year, we had our second Ultimate ATV Event in June, which was a huge success. This year, we will be having the Ultimate Event June 20, 21 and 22,” said Howlett.
During this event, Friday night will find the club hosting a short ATV ride and a bonfire. More events will follow on Saturday and Sunday.
“On Saturday, we have a huge poker run with a purse of $1,000 for first place, $300 for second and $200 for third. Registration starts at 7 a.m., with the poker run beginning at 10 a.m. Then at 4 p.m., we will be having a chicken barbeque and another bonfire,” Howlett said.
On Sunday, the club will host a ride to Mars Hill Mountain.
Howlett said past events have helped boost the local economy, attracting ATV enthusiast from near and far.
“Last year, we had 300 to 500 ATVs in the Presque Isle area. Many of these people were from out of state. They came from as far away as Georgia,” he said.
Club rides are planned throughout the summer, planned around neighboring club events.
In September, SCATV will host another poker run.
Howlett credited community support for much of the club’s success.
“We have a lot of support – over 50 businesses donating to our club. We have great support from our local police department and city officials,” said Howlett. “I’d also like to thank the landowners – without them, all this wouldn’t be possible.”
While the club receives support from local businesses, maintaining trails costs a great deal more than what businesses contribute. That’s why membership is so important.
“Every ATV rider should join their local club, because if you’re riding on an ATV trail, there is a club maintaining it,” Howlett said.
Last year alone, the club had over 450 man hours working on area trails.
“We have over 400 members in our club, but we could use more help with the work. We have over 50 miles of trails and there is over 6,000 miles in the state. So when riding on ATV trails, please respect all landowners, because we can lose the trails at any time (if improperly used),” said Howlett.
For more information on the club or to become a member, visit www.starcityatv.com.
