Mi-TRALE Board To Go Over Highway Signs

Throughout the state of Michigan, thousands of off-highway vehicle trails cross county, state, and federal highways. However, the state does not have any OHV crossing signs to warn motorists of OHVs crossing. For over 20 years, the state has posted "Snowmobile Crossing" signs at many of these same highway crossings that OHVs use.

Mi-TRALE has contacted the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment along with state legislators in an effort to get OHV crossing signs posted. The legislators and the DNRE have contacted the Michigan Department of Transportation, who states that they do not have "OHV Crossing" signs.

"We have more OHVs sold in the state than snowmobiles, and OHV use is 6 to 8 months a year, while snowmobile use is usually 2 to 3 months a year," stated Mi-TRALE President Skip Schulz. "Mi-TRALE has waited for years to see these signs put up before we have a serious injury, or possibly a fatality."

Mi-TRALE has received phone calls and e-mails from State Representative Mike Lahti, State Representative Kevin Elsenheimer, State Senator Mike Prusi, and the DNRE, all of whom told Mi-TRALE that this issue is being looked at by MDOT.

"It's amazing that when the OHV users decided to ask to have our trail permit fees almost doubled, state agencies came running to the table asking for a good share of this money. Yet for years we have been waiting to have warning signs put up to possibly save someone's life, everyone wants to 'pass the buck,'" stated Schulz.

This issue, along with a recap on the new snowmobile and OHV trail signing standards will be addressed at the Mi-TRALE board of directors meeting on Monday night, June 12th. That meeting is open to the public and will take place at Twilley's in Bruce Crossing. The meeting is to start at 7:00 p.m. EST.

Gals On ATVs To Raise Money For Charity

Mi-TRALE has joined with the Ontonagon County Fair to host the first "Girls of Grit" ride. The ride will have women only ride ATVs and side-by-sides from the Ontonagon County Fairgrounds to Rockland, or for the women who can ride farther, the ride would go all the way to White Pine.

The ride will take place on Saturday, July 24th, during the Ontonagon County Fair. The ride will begin at 9:00 a.m. EST. The women will be asked to donate $50.00. Those participating will also be asked to pay the daily admission to the fair.

The "Girls of Grit" ride will be a fundraiser for Motorsport Enthusiasts That Care (METC). METC will then donate the money to a family fighting cancer.

"This is a great way for gals to enjoy a fun ride, but also know they are doing this to help those less fortunate than themselves," stated Mi-TRALE President Skip Schulz.

"We are honored to be a part of this event. It not only is for a great cause, but also brings us another event to the fair," stated Ontonagon County Fair Board Chairman Gail Kocher.

The "Girls of Grit" riders will register at the Mi-TRALE trailer next to the ATV/Truck XTreme Challenge Track at the Ontonagon County Fairgrounds in Greenland. The riders will then ride the "C" Trail to Rockland, and those who want to go to White Pine will then ride on the "P" Trail to the NR (Norwich Road) Preferred Route. The NR Route then goes to the "PF" Trail, which runs to the "E" Trial into White Pine.

Schulz doesn't know how many women will want to take the ride all the way to White Pine, but he is hopeful that the ride will draw between 20 and 40 women.

"Whether it is mother and daughters, or just friends, we're hoping the gals can 'network' to help us make this first ride a success," concluded Schulz.

For more information on the Girls of Grit ride, you can call Schulz at 906-884-9101.

Michigan's New OHV Legislation, Bills HB 6159, HB 6160, HB 6161, HB 6162 & Michigan State Trail Signing Board Final "Face to Face Meeting" May 27
Mi-TRALE's Efforts to Get Michigan DOT to Put Up OHV Crossing Signs
Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Michigan Trail Signing:

New Michigan OHV Law Meeting

Recap of May General Membership Meeting
Monday, May 10, 2010

Congratulations to Our Newest Mi-TRALE Trustee!

It was at our May 3rd general membership meeting that the membership elected Tom McCarthy of the Lake Gogebic Chamber of Commerce as our newest trustee. Our board is now complete. Tom and Bob Brownell will serve on the board till the October 2011 annual membership meeting. Beckie Faulkner's, Keith Meyer's, and Greg Rogers' terms expire on the board at this coming October 16th annual membership meeting. My term as president and Dudley Pierce's term as secretary also expire this year, while our VP, Darrell Grams', and our treasurer, Russ Diethert's, terms expire in 2011.

Mi-TRALE Begins a Close Working Relationship With the Lake Gogebic Chamber of Commerce

At our May 3rd meeting, representatives of the Lake Gogebic Chamber and Mi-TRALE began the process of working together. The two organizations have always been “on the same page” when it comes to multi-use trails; it is now that the two groups will work closely in finding a way to connect to Bergland and continue to work on getting a multi-use trail on the west shore of Lake Gogebic.

Annual Senior Citizen Fall Color ORV Tour Changes Location

Rich from the Mi DNRE Twin Lakes State Park and Mike Sabol, longtime Mi-TRALE member, presented the opportunity for Mi-TRALE to take senior citizens for a fall color ORV ride on the BN Trail. We have had a lot of senior citizens who showed an interest in seeing the Firesteel trestles. The morning ride will leave Adventure Mountain in Greenland and ride to the Twin Lakes State Park, where this group will meet up with the afternoon senior citizen riders. Both groups will have lunch served to them at the Twin Lakes State Park indoor shelter, then the afternoon group will leave the state park and ride to Adventure Mountain. This change means that Mi-TRALE will have to pay for the Mi DNRE application permit and possibly pay other DNRE fees, as we have more than 20 participants on this ride. This also means that Mi-TRALE will have to find bus and/or van transportation to the park and Adventure Mountain, as the Ontonagon County Public Transit will not transport the senior citizens the 3 miles past the county line. Mi-TRALE is also hoping that we will be able to retain the help of Polaris Industries and the use of their Ranger Crew Cabs. I have also had contact with the Polaris Ranger Club, and they have expressed an interest in bringing some Ranger Crew Cabs and Rangers to help us give the senior citizens this fun and colorful ride. This ride always takes place on the final Thursday in September. That means this year’s date is September 23rd, 2010. If you can help in any way, please .

Spring Trail Work Bee Is This Coming Weekend

Keith Meyer is heading up a crew to work on the BN Trail this Saturday, May 15th, and the P Trail on Sunday, May 16th. Krupp's Mini Mart is providing food for those working on the BN Trail. Mike and Linda Schulz of the Running Bear Resort in Paulding will be working on the SB Trail and the SB Trail re-route. They will also be working on the BLA Trail. Greg Rogers already took care of the IRM Trail from Watersmeet to Marenisco. Darrell and Cindy Grams of Peppermill Lodging in Rockland are handling the C Trail. Paul Zakowski will be handling the E and PF Trails. I am looking for someone to help me with the IRM Trail from Watersmeet to Iron River and the SB Trail from Sidnaw to Bruce Crossing. We will be checking all the trails for downed trees, washouts, putting up confidence markers, and checking the STOP and STOP Ahead signs. If you can help and want to have a fun day on the trails, let me know or the crew chief for the trail you can help on.

BLA Trail To Become The LL Trail

While we wait for the Ottawa NF appeal to be settled, Mi-TRALE is confident that we will eventually have the LL Trail extended past Lac Vieux Desert and to Bass Lake Road. Then the LL Trail would merge with the BLA Trail to Paulding. Thus the club has decided to mark the current BLA Trail also with LL Trail signs. Eventually the BLA Trail signs will be taken down and the BLA Trail will simply be the northern extension of the LL Trail.

Ottawa NF Appeal

We continue to wait on the Ottawa NF Appeal process. We're hoping that the decision that the Ottawa NF Supervisor, Susan Spear, made in October of last year will eventually come to fruition. When this happens, we will have many more miles of OHV trails. More important, we will then have the important north-south connector trails from the IRM to the SB, from the SB to the BN, a connector to Wakefield, FR 630 opened up which would get us off the dangerous Norwich Road and put us on a dirt forest road (PF Trail), and a west shore of Lake Gogebic trail.

P Trail Mi DNRE ORV Route Designation

The trail that was built by the Michigan National Guard, U.S. Army Reserve, Ottawa NF, Mi DNR, and TRALE-UP in 1995 is open, but it is not an Mi DNRE Designated Trail. That means that Mi-TRALE has to maintain this trail with membership money. We continue to keep our fingers crossed that eventually this trail will be designated by the Mi DNRE.

New Michigan OHV Legislation

We continue to send letters and e-mails to Rep. Joel Sheltrown’s office as we continue to hope that Mi-TRALE will have a “voice” on this STATE-WIDE legislation. We will work with Dick Ranney of the Michigan Motorized Recreation Council in hope that our ideas and suggestions will be heard. Stay tuned! We do have some good news to pass on, as I was appointed to the new Michigan Trail Signing Workgroup. We held one meeting in Lower Michigan and I will attend another meeting this coming Wednesday. It is an honor for the Mi DNRE to appoint me to this important group and I thank the Mi DNRE for this appointment.

Membership Campaign Is On NOW!

Mi-TRALE desparately needs to increase our membership base. We need your renewal and we need new members. This is our main funding as we continue to expand the ORV riding opportunities throughout our 5 western U.P. counties. PLEASE renew your membership and help us get new members. See this web site’s home page for details.

That's it for now, will send you another update in the near future.

Skip

May 3rd General Membership Meeting

This coming Monday night, Mi-TRALE will hold an important general membership meeting. The meeting will take place at the Konteka in White Pine. The meeting is to start at 7:00 p.m. EST/6:00 p.m. CST.

As you know, Mi-TRALE stands for Michigan Trails and Recreation Alliance of Land and the Environment. While Mi-TRALE has focused on ORV trails for a number of years, our organization is an alliance of many different trail users. Many of our board members are and represent snowmobilers and snowmobile clubs. Recently I was fortunate to be given the privilege to serve on the Michigan Trail Signing workgroup. This workgroup will be making recommendations on snowmobile and ORV trail signing throughout the state.

This past week we held our first meeting in Roscommon and will be meeting again on May 12th. It will be at Monday night's meeting that I will give a recap of what took place at this past week's meeting. I hope to hear from snowmobilers, snowmobile groups, and ORV riders as to what they think or would like to see in regards to trail signing.

It will also be at Monday's meeting that I will give a recap as to the many changes dealing with Michigan ORV trail maintenance. I recently attended that workshop in Gwinn. The Mi DNRE has made changes to the trail maintenance on Mi DNRE Designated ORV Trails.

Also on Monday's agenda is a report as to my meeting with Jeff Mell of the Ottawa NF in regards to the P (Pioneer) Trail and a status report on the OHV Connector Trail appeal. Once again this year, Mi-TRALE has applied to have the P Trail become a part of the Mi DNRE Designated ORV Trail program, thus we would get funding for the maintenance of this trail. For the past 8 years, Mi-TRALE has been working on this trail through our membership money.

We're also going to hear from the Lake Gogebic Chamber on possible changes to ORV riding in that area, some of which could have a very negative impact on our sport and keeping our trail system connected.

Mi-TRALE has changed the date of events taking place this summer in Watersmeet. The June event has been cancelled. We are going to have an even bigger WHEEL FEST Celebration than last year. WHEEL FEST will once again take place on July 31st. This will be one week after our annual Ontonagon County Fair ATV/Truck XTreme Challenge, which will take place on Saturday, July 24th.

In addition to the Ontonagon County Fair ATV/Truck XTreme Challenge, we will be holding our Girls of Grit fund-raising ride for charity. Girls only will be riding ATVs or side-by-sides from the Ontonagon County Fair to White Pine and back. Funds from this ride will be donated to the Motorsports Enthusiasts That Care (METC) fund. This fund donates money to families fighting cancer or families in need.

At Monday's meeting we're going to continue to organize this spring's "work bee." This will take place May 15th and 16th. We have a good crew lined up to check and brush the BN Trail from Greenland to Houghton. We still need a crew to take the SB Trail from Sidnaw to Bruce Crossing and a crew to go from Bruce Crossing to Bergland. We're also looking for a crew to work on the P and C Trails from Bergland to Greenland and the IRM Trail from Iron River to Watersmeet.

I want to thank Greg Rogers of Rogers Bar and one of our trustees for taking care of the IRM Trail from Watersmeet to Marenisco. Paul Zakowski and his family have already signed on to handle the E and PF Trails.

If you can help out on one of these crews, or better yet, organize your own crew...THAT WOULD BE GREAT. Contact me so I can get one of our power augers and chain saws to you.

May is the Month of Our Annual Membership Drive

Mi-TRALE has implemented a new membership program. All our memberships will go from June 1st to May 31st. Membership dues have not changed since the club was formed in July of 2001. Individual memberships are 25.00, family memberships are $30.00, small business memberships are $50.00, and large business memberships are $75.00.

It's important to remember that Mi-TRALE has over 500 miles of ORV trails covering 5 of the 6 western U.P. counties. When one reads over this web site, www.mi-trale.org, you can see for yourself how active our volunteer organization is. Mi-TRALE is a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization.

Please try to make this coming Monday night's meeting at the Konteka in White Pine. If you cannot make it, please help us in getting the word out, and if possible please sign up for one of our work bee crews. Those volunteers working on the BN trail will be provided FREE food courtesy of Krupp's Mini-Mart in Twin Lakes.

Don't forget to renew your membership, join Mi-TRALE, and help us get new members!

Thank you,

Skip Schulz
Mi-TRALE President

New ORV/Snowmoble Trailhead in Marenisco

Mi-TRALE just received word that the application that Marenisco Township sought for a new ORV/snowmobile trailhead in Marenisco has been APPROVED. Construction will begin this summer.

Mi-TRALE has sought ORV trailheads in Marenisco, Greenland, Sidnaw, and South Range. These trailheads would provide ORV riders and snowmobilers with a place to drop off their ORVs and/or snowmobiles and ride right from the trailhead. The new Marenisco Trailhead is located on the IRM Trail.

Since November of 2005, Mi-TRALE has been working on getting the IRM Trail extended west from Marenisco to Wakefield. This is one of the many proposed “connector” trails that is currently under appeal with the Ottawa National Forest. While Mi-TRALE does not know when any of our proposed connector trails will be opened up for ORV riding, we are confident that the IRM Trail west from Marenisco to Wakefield will eventually be approved.

As we have informed you, our proposal to connect Marenisco to Presque Isle, Wisconsin, was denied by the Ottawa NF. However, we will continue to work on finding an ORV trail from Marenisco south to Presque Isle. We have the ES Trail that connects just east of Marenisco that takes a rider to the SB Trail.

It sure is good to pass on good news.

Don't forget the Mi-TRALE annual membership drive is underway right now. We NEED your renewal and we NEED new members.

Thanks everyone and thanks to Rob Katona, Ron Yesney, and Steve Debrabender of the Mi DNRE. Special thanks also to Bruce Mahler of Marenisco Township.

Skip

UP ORV Group Meeting:

Mi-TRALE was instrumental in bringing many Upper Peninsula ORV Groups together.  We held a meeting on Saturday, April 17th in Gwinn, Michigan.  Representatives from many ORV Clubs in the UP talked about an inter-connecting ORV Trail System from one end of the Upper Peninsula to the other.  One club representative would state how far a trail would go, then the next club representative would 'pick up the baton.'  Not only did we have the clubs talking with each other, we had representatives from the MiDNRE in attendance to talk about how the MiDNRE can help.

One area that a lot of talk revolved around was how the MiDNRE is working on establishing a Private Landowner Agreement Form and working relationship.  Ron Yesney, Rob Katona, and Steve Debrabander of the MiDNRE stated how we need to use the POSITIVE reasons for a Private Landowner to have a Designated ORV Trail on their land.  Reason's such as a safe and maintainted trail.  A trail that will have law enforcement, insurance and proper signing.  

The meeting went so well that everyone in attendance stated that we should have another meeting.  That meeting will be on Saturday, October 2nd.  I will be working with the MiDNRE on setting the time and location of that meeting.

MiDNRE ORV Trail Workshop Meeting:
I attended the annual MiDNRE ORV Trail Workshop Meeting right after the UP ORV Group Meeting.  Like always, this is an EXCELLENT meeting.  The MiDNRE is establishing a new trail maintenance program where ORV Groups, such as Mi-TRALE, that have Mi DNRE Designated ORV Trails, will now do 2 maintenance runs.  One will be before Memorial Day weekend, and the other will take place in the summer.  This is GOOD news for Mi-TRALE, as our organization does a lot of trail work on the Mi DNRE Designated ORV Trails (BN, SB, IRM) during the summer.

The MiDNRE has also established a trail grading program for clubs on the MiDNRE Designated ORV Trails.  While the MiDNRE will still determine when and which trails will be graded, this program will now entice Mi-TRALE to look at our own grading program.

It was at this meeting that the MiDNRE announced those that have been appointed to the Michigan Trail Signing Committee.  I was fortunate to be selected to this committee.  Our first meeting will be this coming Tuesday in Roscommon, Michigan.  I'm sure all of us are happy to hear that the DNRE is looking at establishing an ORV Trail Signing Program.  Now we just hope that it will be similar to the successfull one that Mi-TRALE has been using for years.

Mi-TRALE Board of Director Meeting on April 12th:
It was at this meeting that the Board agreed for Mi-TRALE to purchase another Post-Hole Auger.  We now will have one unit on the North End and one unit on the South End.
The Board agreed to get our Big Boss serviced and ready for the season.
I attended the recent Ottawa National Forest Chainsaw re-certification class.  The Ottawa NF will be having a Chainsaw Certification class for those that want to get certified in the next month.  If you are interested, please contact me.
We had a lot of discussion on the new Mi-TRALE Membership program.  You will notice the new program on our website cover-page.  ALL our membership's will now be renewed at the same time every year.  Membership's will run from June 1st to May 31st.  Membership dues are the same as they were when the club was formed in July of 2001.  The Mi-TRALE Membership Drive is ON RIGHT NOW.  As Mi-TRALE looks to expand our 5-County ORV Trail System, we are in need of membership renewals and new members.  Those that may have renewed or joined since this past January will be pro-rated till May 31st, 2011.

Spring Work Bee:
This will take place the weekend of May 15th and 16th.  Those working on the BN Trail will be provided lunch by Krupp's Mini-Mart.  Jim and Deb Sauer have done this for us in the past and continue to be BIG SUPPORTERS of Mi-TRALE!  We can't thank them enough!  We need people to help us put up ORV Route Confidence Markers on Posts, brush the trail, and check for wash-outs.  If you can help on one of those trails, please let e-mail me: sschulz@jamadots.com
We also need people to work on the P and C Trails.  We will also need people to use either their Street-legal vehicle or ORV to put up new signs on the following Preferred Routes:  F, NR, G, and ES.  If you cannot make it the weekend of May 15th and 16th, but are willing to help at some other time, let me know.  I will provide you with the signs for the C Trail and the Preferred Routes.

Girls of Grit Ride:  The Girls of Grit ride for the Motorsports Enthusiasts that Care (METC) Foundation will run on July 24th.  The ride is to raise money for those fighting cancer and families in need.  The ride will leave Adventure Mountain and go to Rockland and White Pine and back.  This is FOR GIRLS only!  It is $50 to ride 50 miles, $75.00 to ride 75 miles, or for the really hard-core gals, $100 for a 100 mile ride.  PLEASE HELP US GET THE WORD OUT!

Trail News/Update:
Mi-TRALE has not heard anything from the Ottawa National Forest on the OHV Connector Trail Update.  I will be meeting with the Ottawa on Friday, April 30th.  We did hear from the MiDNRE that the P Trail is still being considered for MiDNRE ORV Route Designation.  Jeff Mell of the Ottawa National Forest was at the MiDNRE ORV Trail Workshop and continues to work with both Mi-TRALE and the MiDNRE in getting that trail designated.  At the April 30th meeting I am hoping to find out what can be done about the water/wash-out problems on the P Trail.

GOOD NEWS:
The Equestrian battle over the 'Right to Ride" passed the Michigan Legislature.  Mi-TRALE wants to commend the Ottawa Back Country Horsemen for their battle on this important legislation.  

Zak Zakowski, son of Paul and Linda Zakowski, major supporters of Mi-TRALE, took a FIRST Place at a recent American Motorcycle Association ATV Cross Country Race in Pennsylvania.  Zak is a contact racer for Can-AM and once again doing an excellent job on the GNCC Circuit.  Congrats Zak!

That's it for now.  As you can see Mi-TRALE is an ACTIVE VOLUNTEER based organization working for Multiple Trail Users.  WE NEED YOUR MEMBERSHIP!

Skip Schulz,
Mi-TRALE President

Weekly Update and April Board Meeting
April 8, 2010

News:
With the excellent cooperation from Rob Katona and Ron Yesney of the Michigan DNRE, we are working on providing a ‘detour’ around this summer’s Baltimore River Bridge Redecking. Once we have this re-route finalized, Mi-TRALE volunteers will be putting up signs. We'll keep you updated.

Every spring the Ottawa National Forest provides Chainsaw Certification classes for individuals that work on trails within the Ottawa National Forest. Mi-TRALE has always had members participating in these classes. The Re-Certification for those that have taken the class will be this coming Tuesday at the Watersmeet Visitor Center. Once I find out the dates of the FREE 2-day first-time Chainsaw Certification Class, I will post it. This is an EXCELLENT class and EVERYONE that uses a chainsaw should take this class.

On Saturday, April 17th, at Tailwinds in Gwinn, individuals from Organizations that have MiDNRE Designated ORV Trails will be attending the DNRE’s annual Trail Workshop. Mi-TRALE has always had representatives at this meeting. Any Mi-TRALE member that would like to attend, please let me know. The workshop begins at 11:30 a.m.

BEFORE that meeting, Mi-TRALE is spearheading an effort to get ORV Trail Groups together for a meeting to discuss ORV Connector Trails. With the help and support of Rob Katona of the MiDNRE, I was fortunate to get the e-mail addresses of the different ORV Trail Groups in the UP. I sent out an e-mail asking for the groups to get together for a short 90 minute meeting. We’re hoping this is just the start of getting ORV Groups in Michigan united. Again, I want to thank Rob Katona and the Mi-TRALE Board for allowing me to pursue this effort.

I am also pleased to announce that I will be representing Mi-TRALE and other ORV Groups on the Mi DNRE Recreational Trail Signing Committee. This committee will meet for the first time later this month in Roscommon, Michigan. It is YOUR membership that allows Mi-TRALE volunteers the chance to keep our organization in a leadership role in the state.

TRAIL News and Notes:
Mi-TRALE continues to work on getting the popular P (Pioneer) Trail as a MiDNRE Designated ORV Route. Rob Katona and Ron Yesney continue to work with us. We’re hoping Rep. Mike Lahti will also help us. The P (Pioneer) Trail was built by TRALE-UP over 15 years ago. A few years after it was opened it was opened and funded as a Snowmobile Trail, but not an ORV Trail. On June 30, 2007, it was officially opened by the Ottawa National Forest.

With the help of Lac Vieux Desert Tribal Community, more work will be done on the new LL North Trail. Right now that trail is VERY MUDDY in parts.

Mi-TRALE will also be opening a new trail on the south side of the NR Route. This new trail will get us off the Norwich Road for about a mile.

We still have not heard any news as to the Appeal on the 50+ miles of new ORV Connector Trails in the Ottawa NF. We’re ALL hoping that common-sense will prevail and our years of work and meetings will pay off.

Events:
DNRE ATV Safety Certification Class will be held in May. I will post this when we have this confirmed with the DNRE.

Spring Trail Work-Bee: Saturday and Sunday, May 15th and 16th. We still are looking for people to work on a section of the BN, SB, or IRM Trails. Please let me know if you can help check those trails, put up signs, and clear downfall.

First ATV/Truck XTreme Challenge: Saturday, June 12th, Lac Vieux Desert Race Track, Watersmeet. This will also include 4-cylinder Stock Cars, and ATV Oval Racing.

Next Mi-TRALE Meeting: Board Meeting, Monday Night, April 12th, Twilley's in Bruce Crossing, 7:00 pm EST/6:00 pm CST. Everyone, members and non-members, are ENCOURAGED to attend.

Weekly Update and review of March 1st, Board Meeting
Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Mi-TRALE Membership Campaign is underway!
We are in the process of getting a new Website Cover Page. The Cover Page will have the details of Mi-TRALE's new Membership program. We are changing our membership to go from June 1st to May 31st of every year.

Trail Update:
On Saturday, April 17th, the Annual Michigan DNR Trail Workshop will take place at the Tailwinds in Gwinn. If you would like to join me at this meeting, contact me. It is an EXCELLENT meeting and a great chance to meet other ORV Groups in the Upper Peninsula. If you are a member of Mi-TRALE AND a member of an Upper Peninsula Snowmobile Club, I highly encourage you to attend this meeting.

We will have a new trail running from the SB Trail in Matchwod Township to the NR Route. While this will only be about a mile, it gets us off a section of the paved NR Route.

Mi-TRALE continues to be in communication with the Ottawa National Forest on the OHV Connector Trails appeal. As you know Mi-TRALE has been working on OHV Connector Trails in the Ottawa since November of 2005.

Now that Mi-TRALE has secured a working relationship with Watersmeet Township, the new LL North Trail extension will be signed and ready to ride this year. Our concern now turns to the LL South Trail where talk is going on to possibly pave a section of this trail, something that Mi-TRALE is OPPOSED to. An important meeting will take place on March 10th and March 24th regarding this proposal. Contact our Secretary and/or Treasurer (contact on webpage) for more details.

We have set the weekend of May 8th and 9th as our first Trail Work-bee. That weekend we are looking for members to PLEASE volunteer to help us put up STOP and STOP AHEAD Signs, Confidence Markers on the BN, SB, and IRM Trails.

The Work-bee for the P, C, E, NR, G, trails will be the following weekend, May 15th and 16th. On those trails, we will need to replace our Signs, so if you can help, that would be greatly appreciated! We will also need some help in cleaning the P Trailheads.

March 1, 2010 Board Meeting recap:
Discussion took place about this summers ATV/Truck XTreme Challenge, and a possible 3-event ‘series’ taking place in Watersmeet.

Due to the Michigan DNR Land Use permit application and fees, Mi-TRALE Board has decided to MOVE THE DIRECTION of this summers Girls of Grit ride. We are also changing the date to coincide with the Ontonagon County Fair. The NEW Date of the Girls of Grit ride is Saturday, July 24th. The New Direction of the ride is to go from Adventure Mountain to Rockland, and for the true hard-core ‘gals’ a ride all the way to White Pine. This way we will not be on any MiDNR Designated ORV Trails and will not have to use the money we are trying to raise for the Motorsports Enthusiasts that Care (METC) Foundation to go to Permit Application fees and permit fees.

Also because of the MiDNR Group rules and fees, we will not be able to take our popular Senior Citizen Fall Color Tour ride from Adventure Mountain to the Twin Lakes State Park. We wanted to do that route this year to show the Senior Citizens the BN Trail and the Trestles. The ride will once again be from Old Victoria to Adventure Mountain for the morning ride, and from Adventure Mountain to Old Victoria for the afternoon ride.

Mi-TRALE still has a lot of GREAT LOOKING CLOTHING for sale. You can see our website. Contact Greg Rogers, listed on our website, for specials on Clothing. We will only re-order what we have sold out on.

If you don't have a Mi-TRALE map, you can now order a map and have it sent to you. Cost of a map, including shipping is $5.00, or you can stop at anyone of the many Mi-TRALE map outlets and purchase a map for $3.00. Businesses that need maps, should contact Russ at Headwaters Polaris and he will send you 20 to 50 maps. You can also contact Russ, listed on our website.

Legislative News:
The new Michigan ORV law is still being drawn up. It is still in the PROPOSAL stage. It has not even gone to the State Legislative sub-committees. Mi-TRALE has sent in our concerns over the legislation and will keep you updated as to the specifics on the legislation.

I received a call from Steve Debrander of the Michigan DNR offices in Lansing. I have been asked to serve on the State ORV Trail Signing Committee.

I have also received a call from Melanie of the Ottawa National Forest Supervisor's office stating that the US Forest Service has not made a decision on my request to be appointed to the Eastern US Regional Forest Recreation Committee. However I will be honest with all of you and let you know that the odds of myself getting appointed to this is slim, however I feel confident that I will get appointed to the Ontonagon County Recreation Advisory Committee for the Ottawa National Forest.

It's this time of the year that the Mi-TRALE Officers and Board is getting real busy. You will be receiving more updates with all that is happening.

Thanks for reading,

Skip

Board Meeting this coming Monday, March 1, 2010 and
Weekly Update, Wednesday, Feb 24, 2010

March Board of Directors Meeting: The meeting will be this coming Monday Night, March 1st at Twilley’s in Bruce Crossing. The Board Meeting will start at 7:00 pm EST/6:00 pm CST. Like ALL Mi-TRALE meetings, they are open to the public and we encourage people to attend. Here are a few of the main agenda items:

1) It has been three years since Mi-TRALE put out a new ORV Trail Map. The Board will be deciding if we want to print a new map this year or not. If we do, Mi-TRALE will then be looking for advertisers to cover the cost of the map.

2) Even though the Michigan DNR’s Western UP Citizens Advisory Board in large numbers supported increasing the numbers of participants of a ‘group’ or ‘organized ride’ from 20 to 75, before the group has to pay to apply for a permit, then pay for the permit; Mi-TRALE has found out that this change has not been moved on by the DNR. Thus the Board is going to have to decide on changing the Girls of Grit ride from the BN Trail to a Non-DNR designated ORV Trail. The Girls of Grit ride is a fundraiser for the Motorsports Enthusiasts that Care Foundation (METC). METC raises money for families fighting cancer and families in need. The date of this ride will also be moved from July 31st to July 24th to coincide with the Ontonagon County Fair.

3) Due to the DNR’s policy of charging groups an application fee and a permit fee for any group over 20, the possibility of moving the Fall Senior Citizen Ride to go from Adventure Mountain and take the BN Trail to Twin Lakes State Park will also have to be scrapped. Mi-TRALE will continue to run this very successfull Senior Citizen Fall Color Tour on Non-DNR Designated ORV Trails. We wanted to showcase the ORV opportunities at Twin Lakes State Park, but that will not happen.

4) Mi-TRALE is still waiting for ANY news from the Ottawa National Forest on the OHV Connector Trails that our organization has been working on since 2005. The decision to open all but two of Mi-TRALE’s proposed OHV Connector Trails in the Ottawa was appealed, and the Regional Offices of the USFS upheld the appeal. The two connector trails that the Ottawa rejected was a connector from the SB Trail to the Baraga Plains ORV Trails and a connector from Marenisco and the IRM Trail to Presque Isle, Wisconsin.

5) On the subject of a connector trail from the extensive Mi-TRALE ORV Trail Network to Northern Wisconsin may be talked about at this years Wisconsin ATV Association Annual Meeting. Mi-TRALE will be sending a representative to that meeting.

6) We’re going to be discussing events in Watersmeet on June 19th, July 10th, and August 21st. We’re hoping to work with Lac Vieux Desert in holding these events at the race track across from LVD Casino.

7) Mi-TRALE will have a representative on the Mi DNR ORV Trail Signing Committee.

This is just a few of the agenda items to be discussed at Monday Night's meeting. If you have any thoughts on any of these items, please e-mail me.

Another New ORV Trail! With the help of former Mi-TRALE member, Scott Smith, we will have a new trail coming off the SB Trail at Hokens Road. The trail will then go across private property for about a mile, thus getting ORVs off the southern part of the Norwich Road for a mile. It isn’t much, but we continue to look for trail possibilities to get us off paved roads.

Congratulations to Mi-TRALE’s newest Board Member, Bob Brownell. Bob was elected to the Board at our February Meeting. Bob and his wife have been long-time members and supporters of Mi-TRALE! It was at the January General Membership Meeting that the members voted to expand our Board of Trustees from 3 to 5. The membership also amended the bylaws to expand the term for Board Members from 1 year to 2 years. Bob will be on the Board till the 2011 Fall Annual Membership Meeting. Bob Brownell joins Beckie Faulkner, Keith Meyer, and Greg Rogers on the Board. Mi-TRALE still has one opening for a Board Member. The next General Membership Meeting where a new Board Member could be elected is May 3rd, 2010.

Michigan’s proposed new OHV Law. Mi-TRALE has not heard what is happening with this. We’re sorry to say that while our organization has one of the largest ORV Trail Networks in the State of Michigan, our organization has not been invited to be a part of the process on the new legislation. One thing we are sure of is that the Annual ORV Trail Permit will be increased. Whether the increase will come with allowing ORVs to go on the side of State and Federal Highway bridges where a trail is on both sides of the river/creek, is left to be seen. Mi-TRALE would also like to see ORV trails be allowed on the shoulder of State and Federal Highways. This is the same right that snowmobilers have had for 30+ years.

ATV Safety Training. The Mi-TRALE DNR ATV Safety Instructors will once again be holding ATV Safety Training this spring, summer, and fall. Mi-TRALE has it’s own Field Training ATV Safety course, even though Field Training is not required for children from 11-16.

Congratulations to the 2009 Mi-TRALE Unity Award winning organization, Snow Valley Riders for the EXCELLENT turnout at their recent Snowmobile Drag Races in Sidnaw, Michigan. Mi-TRALE had members helping out at this event. Mi-TRALE is proud to work cooperatively with the Snow Valley Riders, Superior Snowmobile Club, and White Thunder Riders Snowmobile Clubs.

Mi-TRALE continues to be ACTIVE in the Western UP! Mi-TRALE members are a part of the Lake of the Clouds Recreation Trails Committee, the Ontonagon County Tourism Committee, and the Watersmeet Planning Commission. This is just a few of the NEW committee's and organizations that Mi-TRALE has been INVITED to participate in.

Now some bad news...Due to problems in getting the support of the MiDNR and our elected officials, Mi-TRALE will have to pull the idea of VOLUNTEERING to build an Equestrian Park on Ontonagon County Forest land. As the one organization that TRULY is a MULTI-TRAILS organization, we thought this would be a way to help the area’s ailing economy.
However Mi-TRALE will continue to work on getting an “Activity” area located in the Western UP. This area would be for 4X4 Trucks, Jeeps, Off Highway Motorcycles, and ORVs.

Would you like to be CERTIFIED by the Ottawa N.F to use a chainsaw for trail work? Every spring Mi-TRALE members take a weekend Chainsaw course to be certified in one of three levels. This is AN EXCELLENT course. We have not heard when the course will be offered, but it is usually in the spring. If you are interested, please e-mail me.

That's it for this weeks update. THANKS for reading!

Skip Schulz
Mi-TRALE President

Recap of February 1st Meeting
Thursday, February 4, 2010

Congratulations to our newest Board Member!
After Mi-TRALE members voted to change our Bylaws to add up to 2 new Board Members in January, it was at this past Monday Night's meeting that M-TRALE members elected Bob Brownell of Watersmeet to our Board of Directors. Bob joins Beckie Faulkner, Keith Meyer, and Greg Rogers as Trustees. Bob’s term will run till the Mi-TRALE Annual Membership Meeting in October of 2011.

Mi-TRALE continues to work with other Trail User Groups!
A good contingent of members of the White Thunder Riders Snowmobile Club of Watersmeet attended our Feb. 1st Meeting. Warren Kubilca of the Iron County Snowmobile Club was also in attendance. Mi-TRALE is PROUD to have a close working relationship with many snowmobile clubs in the Western UP.

Also at our meeting was Alan Peele, representing the interests of Mountain Bikers and Hikers. Mr. Peele addressed our membership to discuss working together on a portion of the LL Trail, south of Watersmeet. It was good to have another Non-Motorized group looking to Mi-TRALE to expand our alliance of Trail Users.

Ottawa National Forest Off Highway Vehicle Connector Trails.
Mi-TRALE members met with representatives from the Ottawa National Forest and representatives from the Eastern US Forest Service Offices. Our meetings were to find out what the process is to get the OHV Connector Trails that Ottawa NF Supervisor approved in October of 2009. The Supervisor’s decision was appealed by the Northwoods Alliance and one Iron County Indvidual. That appeal was upheld. While the Mi-TRALE members that attended those meetings feel the meetings and discussion was productive, time will only tell if the work Mi-TRALE has done for the past three years was ‘fruitfull.’ Keep watching for more information.

Mi-TRALE continues to work on the 2010 Girls of Grit Ride.
This ride will be a fundraiser for the Motorsports Enthusiasts that Care (METC) Foundation. The METC Foundation, started by Mi-TRALE, is an autonomous foundation. The METC Foundation is raising money for families fighting Cancer and families in need. The Girls of Grit ride will be July 31st. The ride is FOR WOMEN ORV RIDERS ONLY. The gals will ride 50, 75, or 100 miles. We’re asking that the gals acquire sponsors at $1.00 a mile. Then donate that money to the METC Foundation. Girls participating will receive a special T-Shirt (50 mile riders), or Sweatshirt (75 and 100 mile riders). The ride will leave the Ontonagon County Fairgrounds in Greenland, and ride the Bill Nichols Trail.

Mi-TRALE is looking for business sponsors to pick up the costs of the prizes, shirts, and sweatshirts for the 2010 “Girls of Grit” Ride. If you can help, please contact me.

Mi-TRALE to be a part of ”Bridge to the Clouds“ National Recreation Route.
As an organization that has an excellent ‘track record’ of working with different recreational stakeholders, Mi-TRALE will be a part of the process of having some of our popular Multi-Use Trails in Ontonagon County to be a part of the “Bridge to the Clouds” National Recreation Route. This includes the popular P (Pioneer) Trail. Now all we need to do is finally get the P Trail as a MiDNR Designated ORV Trail!

Did you know that you will not find A SINGLE ORV Trail Crossing Sign on any US, Michigan, or County Road/Highway?
While we have asked for help from the State to put up important ORV Trail Crossing signs on highways, we have been unsuccessfull in our efforts. Mi-TRALE is looking at using our own Membership money to purchase these signs BEFORE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT happens.

Special thanks:
Mi-TRALE was thanked for their support of the recent Winternationals Snowmobile Hillclimb, of which Board Members Darrell Grams and Greg Rogers donated to the event.
The club also acknowledged the work that our Secretary Dudley Pierce is doing to try to get a grant from Lac Vieux Desert Tribal Community.
Thanks also went to Darrell and Cindy Grams for donating copy-paper for Mi-TRALE business.

Upcoming Events:
Mi-TRALE members will be helping the Snow Valley Riders Snowmobile Club at the Feb. 13th, 2010 Snowmobile Drag Races at the Sidnaw Airport.
The club is working on a proposal for the 2010 Lac Vieux Desert Wheel Fest. Proposed date for this would be Saturday, July 10th, 2010.

Next Meeting will be a Mi-TRALE Board of Directors Meeting at Lac Vieux Desert Restaurant. This will be on Monday Night, March 1st, 2010 at 6:00 pm CST/7:00 pm EST. EVERYONE is always encouraged to attend any and all Mi-TRALE meetings!

Weekly Update NEWS:
Tuesday, January 26, 2010

It was at the January 4th, Mi-TRALE General Membership Meeting, that some of the Mi-TRALE Bylaws were changed. One of which allows for our organization to add up to two additional Board Members. Currently all our officers, and 3 Board Members serve on the Board. The bylaws were changed to increase the Board Members terms to two years. The current 3 Board Members, Beckie Faulkner, Keith Meyer, and Greg Rogers terms expire at this years General Membership meeting. The two new Board Members terms would expire at the General Membership meeting in 2011.

If you are interested in being on the Mi-TRALE Board of Directors, you are asked to attend this coming Monday Night's General Membership meeting. The meeting will take place at Lac Vieux Desert Resort/Casino Restaurant in Watersmeet. The meeting will start at 6:00 pm CENTRAL Time/7:00 pm Eastern Time.

If you cannot attend, but would like to be on the board or know someone that you think would be a good member of the Mi-TRALE Board of Directors, send me an e-mail, sschulz@jamadots.com.

Another bylaw was added to create an “Honorary Lifetime Member, with all the privileges of a current member.” Honorary Lifetime Membership is voted upon by the current Board of Directors.

The bylaw was changed to allow the Board to determine the dates, locations, and times of both General Membership and Board Meetings. This schedule will be determined by the Board at the meeting following the Annual General Membership Meeting.

2010 Mi-TRALE Annual Membership Meeting and Awards Banquet:
This will be on Saturday, October 16th, 2010 at Parview Lodge in Twin Lakes. PLEASE mark your calendar to be at this VERY IMPORTANT meeting. This year the President and Secretary position is up for election, along with 3 Board of Trustee positions.

February 1st, 2010 General Membership Meeting:
In addition to possibly electing one or two new Board Members, the following items are on the agenda:
1) Update on the LL North Trail extension from the IRM Trail to Lac Vieux Desert.
2) Report on this weeks meetings with the Ottawa National Forest and Representatives from the Eastern USFS offices.
3) 2010 Wheel Fest.
4) “Girls of Grit” Ride.
5) Bridge to the Clouds participation by Mi-TRALE.
6) Newsletter, Map, and Mi-TRALE Apparal discussion.

And more...

Mi-TRALE prayers goes out to the Zakowski Family:
Our prayers goes out to the passing of Linda Zakowski's father, who participated in many of the Mi-TRALE club rides.

Special Thanks!
BROWNELL EXCAVATING donated a load of gravel as a prize for the Oct. 3rd CISCO LAKE RESORTATV Ride. The prize was won by GAIL PIPP, CONOVER, who in turn gave it to the owners of GOGEBIC STATION property where it will be used to repair the ES Trail connecting from the IRM Trail to the ES Trail on Stage Coach Rd. Mi-TRALE wants to say thank you to BROWNELL for the gravel & spreading it, also to GAIL. Gail & husband JIM are avid ATV & SNOWMOBILERS & MEMBERS OF LANDOVER ATV CLUB.
ROGER FLAHERTY LANDOVER ATV CLUB
Thanks to Brownell Excavating, Roger Flaherty, and the Landover ATV Club!
Mi-TRALE also wants to thank Plum Creek Timber and the Superior Snowmobile Club for doing all the work on a bridge on the Pioneer Trail.
This is just two more examples of how Mi-TRALE is proud to be a partner with other Trail user groups and individuals!

Mi-TRALE has been BUSY over the past couple months!
Over the past two months Mi-TRALE Board Members have been busy going to many meetings. The Mi-TRALE Board met with Board Members of the Northwoods Alliance (NWA). The NWA was one of the two appeals to the Ottawa National Forest Supervisor decision on Off Highway Vehicle Connector Routes. Susan Spear, Ottawa National Forest Supervisor, made the decision to connect many of the ‘connector routes’ that Mi-TRALE has been working on for over 3 years. While her decision did not include the important connector from the SB Trail in Sidnaw to the Baraga Plains or give us a connector trail from the IRM Trail in Marenisco to Presque Isle (WI), Mi-TRALE was pleased to have many other connector trails approved. However her decision was appealed by a Caspian (MI) resident and the NWA. The Regional offices of the US Forest Service in Milwaukee upheld the appeal.
At the Mi-TRALE meeting with the NWA we found that the two organizations can communicate and cooperate to the best intersts of both. We’re hoping that this new line of communication will show other stakeholders of different interests and views, that through cooperation and communication, everyone can win.
Mi-TRALE continues to meet and talk with the Ottawa National Forest in an effort to get the much needed OHV Connector Trails.
By the way, the Federal Government calls them Off Highway Vehicles. Michigan DNR, calls them Off Road Vehicles. That is why you will read in my updates the terms, OHV and ORV.
Mi-TRALE has also expressed interest with the Michigan DNR to be a part of the ORV Signing Committee and the new Michigan Trails Council. While our organization has been a leader in the State in developing an ORV Trail Signing program THAT WORKS, and has developed one of the largest connecting ORV Trail Systems in the state, we have not heard word if we will have a ‘seat’ at either board or committee. Whether we are fortunate to be a part of this process, Mi-TRALE continues to work and meet with Representatives of the Michigan DNR.

Mi-TRALE continues to be COMMUNITY-INVOLVED!
In January of this year, Mi-TRALE helped start the Motorsport Enthusiasts that Care (METC) Foundation. METC is an autonomous organization of Mi-TRALE. METC will be doing fund-raising events and activities to raise money for families fighting cancer and families in need. The first fund-raising event for METC was the recent Winternationals Snowmobile Hillclimb at Whealkate Bluff. It was Mi-TRALE Board Members, Darrell and Cindy Grams of Peppermill Lodging and Greg and Sue Rogers of Rogers Bar that donated money for the purchase of fencing for this event. With the approval of the members and Board Members at this coming Monday Night’s meeting, this years Girls of Grit ride will be a fund-raiser for the METC Foundation.
Mi-TRALE members will be helping at the Feb 13th, 2010 Snow Valley Riders Snowmobile Drag Races at the Sidnaw Airport. This event is a fund-raiser for the Snow Valley Riders. The Snow Valley Riders were the 2009 Unity Award recipient. Mi-TRALE is proud to work closely with the Snow Valley Riders Snowmobile Club!

Girls of Grit 2010 Ride:
This ride will begin at the Ontonagon County Fairgrounds in Greenland on Saturday, July 31st. The ride is FOR WOMEN ONLY. Gals will donate $50 for a 50 mile ride, $75. for a 75 mile ride, and for the really ‘hard-core women ATV Riders,’ $100 for a 100 mile ride. Our plans are to obtain sponsors to pay for T-shirts and/or sweatshirts. The sponsors will be on the back of the T-shirts/sweatshirts. We're hoping to obtain sponsors to provide prizes for participants. If you are interested in being a sponsor of the Girls of Grit 2010 Ride, please e-mail me! Remember, the Girls of Grit 2010 ride is a benefit to those fighting cancer.
That's it for this update. Please try to make this coming Monday, Feb. 1st Meeting at Lac Vieux Desert in Watersmeet. If you are interested in being on the Mi-TRALE Board of Directors, please let me know.

Skip Schulz, Mi-TRALE President

Tingstad and Miller Crowned Kings

The MASTERS Circuit Hill may be different, but the names are the same when it comes to being crowned the “King of the Hill.” Pelkie, Michigan’s Wyler “Wild Man” Miller captured his 4th Pro Mod King of the Hill crown and Bessemer’s Matt Tingstad won his second Pro Stock King of the Hill. They both competed at this past weekend's Winternationals Snowmobile Hillclimb at Whealkate Bluff in South Range, Michigan.

Besides winning the “King” titles, both drivers took home the $1000 ‘winner-take-all’ purse, and earned a right to represent the Mid America Snow & Terrain Expert Riders (MASTERS) Circuit at this years World Championship Snowmobile Hillclimb in Jackson, Wyoming, March 25th to the 28th.

Miller qualified for the Pro Mod King of the Hill ‘shoot-out’ by taking a first in two classes, Pro Mod 600 and Pro Mod 700. Tingstad made it into the Pro Stock King of the Hill 'shoot-out' by winning the Pro Stock 800 class. Miller was on a Ski-Doo Summitt and Tingstad was on an Arctic Cat M-8.

Tingstad also qualified for the Pro Mod King of the Hill shoot-out. Whenboth Ironnwood (MI) Cory Bull and Wauconda, Illinois driver, Chuck Whitesell failed to make the very challenging hill in the Pro Mod Shootout, it was Miller who drew the 3rd and 4th run in the shootout. Miller made the hill in his first run in a little over 20 seconds. Then Miller had the choice to either ‘sit’ on the run and see if Tingstad could beat it, or take another shot at the hill. Miller chose to take another shot and this time he had a 19 second run. This put the pressure on Tingstad to try to be one of the few drivers to take both the Pro Stock and Pro Mod King of the Hill.

Tingstad had a 21 second run, thus giving the Pro Mod King of the Hill title to Miller.

Before the Pro Mod King of the Hill shootout, Tingstad had to beat MASTERS Circuit 3-time “Pro Stock King of the Hill” winner, Mike Fraki of Atlantic Mine. The other two drivers to qualify for the Pro Stock King of the Hill was International Falls (MN) Derek Zimney, and Pelkie (MI) Travis Kaurala.

The Winternationals was Zimney‘s first time competing at a MASTERS Circuit Hillclimb. While Kaurala has competed at past MASTERS Circuit Hillclimbs, this was the first time that the Yamaha Nytro driver qualified for a King of the Hill shootout.

“By the time we were ready to run the King ‘shoot-outs,’ the hill was at it’s most challenging condition,” stated MASTERS Circuit President Skip Schulz. “All the drivers had to cross the ‘grooves’ that were worn in throughout the day, plus some 4-5 foot ‘holes’ at the top of the hill. I actually didn’t expect all the ‘shootout’ drivers to make it over the top, and only a couple did,” commented Schulz.

The Winternationals drew one of the biggest crowds of any hillclimb in the Midwest. Both the reserved and regular parking were full by 10:00 in the morning, so fans were either walking the 2 miles to the hill or taking a shuttle provided by Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church of Hancock.

“We were hoping for a good turnout of fans, somewhere close to 1,000 people. We had well over 1,000 people take in the event,” replied Schulz.

The fans saw how challenging Whealkate Bluff is when every driver in the Pro Open Mod class failed to make it over the top of the hill in their first qualifying run. Tingstad was the first to make it over the top in the Pro Mod 800 class with a 27.31 second run. It was in Tingstad’s second run on the 2nd “course” that he won the class with an amazing 17.47 second run.

The second driver to make it over the top was Roseau, Minnesota’s Nick Gustafson. Gustafson was one of the top MASTERS Circuit drivers to compete last year at the World Championships. Gustafson thrilled the crowd with a 22.44 second run that would not be beat till Miller’s run in Pro Mod 600, where the “Wild Man” turned in a 21.11.

Just when the standing room only crowd thought that the event was going to be a battle between the Polaris, Ski-Doos, and Arctic Cats, the ‘factory-loyal’ crowd saw Kaurala on a Yamaha Nytro turn in a 19.87 second run to win that class. It wasn’t just Kaurala that impressed the fans with the performance of the 4-Stroke Yamaha, so did fellow Pat’s Motorsport teammate Jason Kleinschmidt of Merrill (WI) who turned in a 23.38 second run with his Stock Yamaha in the Pro Mod 700 class.

It was Bree Miller of Pelkie that won the 120cc “Queen of the Hill.” Bree defeated her sister, Mackenna, Wyatt McIntyre and Kaidlynn Kaurala in the class designed for children between the ages of 4 and 8.

The MASTERS Circuit Hillclimbs drew fans from Europe, Canada, and throughout the US. Drivers came from througout Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota.

“This was definately not a ‘bunny-hill.’ I don’t think the fans knew how tough it was to make this hill,” stated Gustafson.

“One not only had to go around 4 ‘tight’ gates, in place of 3, they had 2 washout holes on both sides of the hill. If trying to turn so tight on the steep hill didn’t get your pulse going, then trying to get over the two 4-5 foot holes would,” stated Kleinschmidt.

All the drivers turned to the Sledheads of Michigan Tech to ‘save’ their sled from rolling down the hill. The quick action of the Sledheads and the MASTERS Circuit actually got the event over a lot quicker then officials, crews, and fans thought.

“Since it has been over 10 years since we held a professionally-sanctioned hillclimb at Whealkate Bluff, we simply did not know how fast or slow the event would go,” Schulz stated. “If we would have known that we had 2 hours of daylight left, the MASTERS Circuit would have allowed more drivers to compete.”

Like all MASTERS Hillclimb events, this long running Snowmobile Racing Circuit had to turn drivers away.

“If we are fortunate enough to get Northern Quad, the landowners of Whealkate Bluff, to allow us to run another event, we will allow more drivers to compete in the Pro Divisions,” said Schulz. “If we can get ample community support and sponsorship, I would like to see this be a 2-day event, and run the SPORT (Semi-Pro/Amateur) Division.”

Schulz concluded, “That is, if they have the guts, we have the hill.”

Proceeds from this event will help Schulz file for a Non-Profit Corporation called Motorsport Enthusiasts that Care (METC). The METC Foundation will provide financial assistance to families fighting Cancer and families in need.

“We’re hoping to have other events that will raise money, or organizations that will donate to the METC Foundation. This is just one of many events that will show people how it is the Off Road Motorsports Community that cares about people,” stated Schulz.

The MASTERS Circuit now turns their attention to the Snowmobile Drag Strip at the Sidnaw (MI) Airport on Saturday, February 13th. This Snow Valley Riders Snowmobile Club event will have a cash purse close to $3,000.00. Contact Schulz for more information at 906-884-9101.

RESULTS:

G & J Construction and Excavating Pro Stock King of the Hill: Matt Tingstad, Bessemer (MI), Arctic Cat M-8 20.09

Pat’s Motorsports Pro Mod King of the Hill: Wyler Miller, Pelkie (MI), Ski-Doo Summitt 600. 19.47

Wildlife Refuge Cabins 120cc Queen/King of the Hill: 1) Bree Miller, Pelkie (MI); Polaris; 2) Mackenna Miller, Pelkie (MI), Ski-Doo; Wyatt McIntyre, Greenland (MI), Arctic Cat; Kaidlen Kaurala, Pelkie (MI), Ski-Doo.

Krupp’s Mini Mart Pro Stock 600: 1) Travis Kaurala, Pelkie (MI); Yamaha Nytro; 19.87: 2) Corey Bull, Ironwood (MI); Arctic Cat Sno Pro 440; 21.02: 3) Chuck Effenberger, New Ulm (MN); Polaris Rush; 21.93

Sledheads of MTU Pro Stock 700: 1) Derek Zimney, International Falls (MN) Polaris 700 RMK; 17.84: 2) Jordan Stank, Houghton (MI); Polaris 600 RMK; 19.52: 3) Michael Kleinschmidt, Merrill (WI) Polaris 600 RMK; 25.59

Somero Pumpkin Patch Pro Stock 800: 1) Matt Tingstad, Bessemer (MI) Arctic Cat M-8; 19.13: 2) Nick Gustafson, Roseau (MN) Polaris Assault; 21.69: 3) Lance Forcia, L'Anse (MI) Polaris Shift; 21.90

“Rockin Eagle” Pro Open Stock: 1) Mike Fraki, Atlantic Mine (MI) Arctic Cat M-8; 20.13: 2) Nick Bracco, Calumet (MI) Ski-Doo Summit; 20.18 (2nd Run): 3) Nick Bracco, Calumet (MI) Ski-Doo Summitt; 20.86 (1st Run)

ABC-10/CW-5 Pro Mod 500: 1) Cory Bull, Ironwood (MI) Arctic Cat Sno Pro; 21.71 (1st Run): 2) Cory Bull, Ironwood (MI) Arctic Cat Sno Pro; 21.88 (2nd Run): 3) Josh Bramble, Donken (MI) Ski-Doo Rev 440; 22.62

Four Wheelers of Michigan Tech Pro Mod 600: 1) Wyler Miller, Pelkie (MI) Ski Doo Sumitt 600; 18.42 (2nd Run): 2) Cory Bull, Ironwood (MI) Arctic Cat Sno Pro; 20.71: 3) Wyler Miller, Pelkie (MI) Ski-Doo Summitt 600; 21.11 (1st Run)

Eagle Country Pro Mod 700: 1) Wyler Miller, Pelkie (MI) Ski Doo Summitt 600; 18.43: 2) Travis Kaurala, Pelkie (MI) Yamaha Nytro; 22.03: 3) Chuck Effenberger, New Ulm (MN) Polaris Rush; 22.99

Londerville Steel & Concrete Supplies Pro Mod 800: 1) Matt Tingstad, Bessemer (MI) Arctic Cat M-8; 17.47: 2) Nick Gustafson, Roseau (MN) Polaris IQR 800; 17.6: 3) Mike Fraki, Atlantic Mine (MI) Arctic Cat M-8; 18.14

Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church Pro Open Mod: 1) Chuck Whitesell, Wauconda (ILL) Ski-Doo Rev 600; 17.64: 2) Jason Carter, Marquette (MI) Ski Doo Summitt 800; 18.39: 3) Nick Gustafson, Roseau (MN) Polaris IQR 800; 19.49

Weekly Update NEWS:
Thursday, December 10, 2009

Mi-TRALE has received word that the Ottawa National Forest has received two appeals on the Forest Supervisor's decision on OHV Connector Trails. While we did not get the much needed OHV Connector trail from Sidnaw and the SB Trail to the Baraga Plains, or an OHV Connector Trail from Marenisco to Presque Isle (WI), we were pleased with her decision on the many other connector routes that our club has proposed and worked so hard on for many years.

However her decision has been appealed by the Northwoods Alliance (NWA). Mi-TRALE has been communicating with officers of the NWA. The Officers and Board of Directors of both groups have agreed to have a positive and productive meeting. Mi-TRALE understands that it is better to communicate and work together in an effort to answer the NWA's questions and concerns, then to 'fight.' Afterall Mi-TRALE stands for Michigan Trails and Recreation ALLIANCE of Land and the ENVIRONMENT.

At our December Board Meeting the Board decided to go to a June 1st to May 31st Membership year, in place of the current "Anniversary Membership," that has everyone with different annual membership renewal dates. Those that joined recently will be given 'extra months of membership for free.'

Mike Sabo, Mi-TRALE member and President of the Superior Snowmobile Club gave a report as to where the Superior Snowmobile Club, Mi DNR Snowmobile Trail Program, and Plum Creek repaired a bridge and culvert on the P (Pioneer) Trail at NO EXPENSE to Mi-TRALE. It is Snowmobile Clubs like the Superior Snowmobile Club and the Sno Valley Riders that show how GREAT it is for all of us to WORK TOGETHER!

Dan Laux, MiDNR Snowmobile Trail Coordinator for the Western UP gave a report on the misuse of DNR Snowmobile Signs, such as STOP Signs on Non-Designated ORV Trails. The main trail in question was our E Trail to White Pine. The Board voted to use our membership money to replace STOP Signs that were to be discarded with STOP Signs the club's membership will buy. We're also going to ask the members if they want or do not want to be listed on our website.

On the subject of Signs, the club is going to look into the costs of ORV/Snowmobile Trail Crossing signs on Highways. Whether it is a STOP Sign or a ORV/Snowmobile Trail Crossing Warning Sign, Mi-TRALE will do whatever we need too to make it safe for both ORV Riders and Motorists!

We received word that the LL Trail Extension to the north from the IRM Trail has been approved by the Watersmeet Town Board. This is GOOD NEWS!

Our new Treasurer, Russ Diethert is going to put a proposal together for Mi-TRALE ORV Map Distribution. The club is going to get away from having to have someone drive all over to distribute maps to map advertisers.

Our new Vice President Darrell Grams volunteered to get the clubs Trail Boss, Enclosed Trailer, and other equipment checked over and repaired if neccessary.

The club voted to renew our membership in the Lake States Resource Alliance.

Possible sites for an "Activity Area" were discussed. The Mi-TRALE EQ Park is still in 'limbo' as our organization does not know how we can address the Mi DNR's policy of not allowing a County-Owned Forest to have EQ Trails on it.

BYLAW Changes:
It will be at our January 4th, 2010 meeting that the following Bylaws will be voted on by ALL members in good standing attending the meeting.

(Proposed change to schedule of Membership and Board Meetings)
It will be at the Board of Directors meeting immediately following the Annual Membership meeting that the dates, locations, and times of Board Meetings and General Membership Meetings will be determined for the following year then posted on the Mi-TRALE website.

(Proposed additional bylaw to officer and board election and/or appointment)
No more then one person from an immediate family can be elected or appointed to an office or board at the same time.

(Proposed expansion of Mi-TRALE Board of Directors. This will change a bylaw)
The Mi-TRALE Board will consist of the current officers and 5 elected Board Members. The current 3 Board members as of January 2010 will serve on the Board till the 2010 Annual Membership Meeting. 2 New Board members will be elected at the February 1st, 2010 General Membership meeting, and those two board members will serve till the 2011 Annual Membership Meeting. Following the election of 3 Board Members at the 2010 Annual Membership meeting, all Board Members will serve 2 year terms. A Board of Directors Quorom will remain at 4 Board and/or Officers.

(Proposed New Bylaw)
The "Founder" of Mi-TRALE will be given an irrevocable free lifetime membership to Mi-TRALE.

THIS IS THE FORMAL POSTING OF BYLAW CHANGES TO BE VOTED ON BY THE GENERAL MEMBERSHIP AT THE JANUARY 4, 2010 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING. You are encouraged to attend this meeting to vote on these important Bylaw changes. The meeting will take place at Twilley's in Bruce Crossing at 7:00 pm EDST/6:00 pm CDST. If the membership votes to expand our Board of Directors, the two new Board Members will be elected at the Feb 1st, General Membership Meeting at Lac Vieux Desert Resort in Watersmeet at 7:00 pm EDST/6:00 pm CDST.

That's it for this week's Mi-TRALE Update!

Weekly Update
Thursday, November 19, 2009

I apologize for not getting an update out to all of you over the past few weeks. I had some health problems and am now on my way to a full recovery. I want to thank all of those that sent me the kind e-mails, cards, and letters.

Trail News

As you know, Mi-TRALE does a lot more than develop and maintain ORV trails. Just as our name says, Michigan Trails and Recreation ALLIANCE of Land and the Environment (Mi-TRALE), we have a very diverse membership. Mi-TRALE has worked on and will continue to work on developing an equestrian park in the Western U.P. This has been made easier with the passage of the “right to ride” bill for horseback riders. I really want to commend the Ottawa Back Country Horseman, Cathy Wainio, for all the work she did on this. Now Mi-TRALE will get on the agenda of an upcoming Ontonagon County Forestry Committee meeting to get their approval on allowing us to use Ontonagon County Forest Land as an EQ park. Final decision on this will come from the Ontonagon County Board.

With the hard work done by our secretary and treasurer, along with many Mi-TRALE members, the LL Extension from the IRM Trail in Watersmeet to Lac Vieux Desert Casino is in its final stages. We now have to get that trail fully signed and continue to work with the White Thunder Riders Snowmobile Club. This trail will be ready to ride in the spring of 2010! Thanks also to Watersmeet Township Supervisor Frank Kuchevar for working with Mi-TRALE.

We have not heard back from the Ottawa National Forest as to whether they received any appeals during the 30-day appeal process. This process is now over and we’re anxious to hear what NEW OHV connector trails we will have opened in 2010. I really want to thank all the Mi-TRALE members that worked so hard on this process over the past 3 years...we’re getting closer to finally seeing some new connector trails!

Mi-TRALE also wants to thank the Superior Snowmobile Club for their help on a bridge on the P (Pioneer) Trail on Plum Creek Timber land. Mike Sabo and the Superior Snowmobile Club took the lead on this important project. It is really good to see how good of a relationship Mi-TRALE has with many of the Western U.P. snowmobile clubs.

It is Mi-TRALE that led the effort to bring in over 45 yards of fill to repair the SB Trail from Bergland to Ewen. With the help of Rob Katona of the MiDNR, Mi-TRALE’s efforts not only improve this trail for ORV riders but also for snowmobilers! With Mr. Katona and the DNR's help, Mi-TRALE also was instrumental in getting a section of the SB Trail and the BN Trail graded. This not only helps ORV riders, but also snowmobilers!

It will be Mi-TRALE members that will be working with different snowmobile clubs this winter on at least two different events. The Whealkate Bluff Winternationals Snowmobile Hillclimb and the Sidnaw Drag Races. We’re hoping that we will be able to work with the North Country Snowmobile Club on a snowmobile event this winter. All the events help our area’s depressed economy.

Other News

The proposed new Michigan OHV Legislation remains in its preliminary stages. While Mi-TRALE understands the need to raise funds for our sport, we’re hoping that our organization will have the chance to be a part of this legislative process. Our concerns on this legislation deal with ORV trail signing (for which our organization already has a proven system that works!), ORV trails along specified state and federal highways (on which we need to connect certain trails), allowing ORVs to use the side of a highway bridge when needed, funding for trail equipment, ATV safety classes for children and funding for these classes, and law enforcement. Stay tuned as we will keep you informed on the progress of this very important legislation.

Now that the MiDNR and MiDEQ have been combined, the State of Michigan is forming a new Trails Advisory Council. While it would be great to have a Mi-TRALE representative on this council, I doubt if we will even be considered. What is important is that the members of this new trails council will represent many different trail users, such as Mi-TRALE. I do want to commend Dick Ranney of the ORV Trails Advisory Board for all that he has done for our sport.

Mi-TRALE still has not heard if we will have anyone on the new Ottawa National Forest Recreation Advisory Council.

Mi-TRALE will have a representative participating in the development of the new Ontonagon County Economic Partnership. Mi-TRALE has members on numerous local, county, regional, state and national councils and committees!

Mi-TRALE will continue to work closely with search and rescue units this winter, along with Habitat for Humanity and other volunteer-based groups.

Mi-TRALE still plans on looking into grants from Polaris and Yamaha as a way to help us fund the much needed trail equipment. Our organization, like businesses and government, is also suffering from our poor economy. However, with the continued support of our members, hopefully we will be able to weather “the storm.”

NEXT MEETING

This is Monday night, December 7th, at the Rockland Town Hall, 7 p.m. EST/6 p.m. CST. That meeting is a board meeting, and this is open to members and non-members. The meeting will be going over the proposed bylaw changes. These bylaws will be voted on at the January full membership meeting. The bylaw proposals were introduced at the October 3rd, 2009, annual membership meeting. Bylaw changes include expanding our current board of trustees from 3 to 5, and having our board members serve two-year terms in place of one-year terms. It will also be at the Dec 7th meeting that the dates and locations of the 2010 Mi-TRALE meetings will be set. We would LOVE to have you join us for that meeting!

PLEASE renew your membership or become a member!

Weekly Update
Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Congratulations to Zak Zakowski!

Mi-TRALE member Zak Zakowski took a FIRST at the GNCC race at St. Clairsville, Ohio, in the 4x4 Open Race. Plus in his first International Watercross Association World Series of Snowmobile Watercross Races in Wausau, Wisconsin, Zak not only made it through the qualifying rounds, he advanced all the way to the Feature. Zak now will race in the Baja race on November 20th.

Mi-TRALE is fortunate to have Zakowski racing as a member of our organization.

Special Thanks

The past couple weeks Mi-TRALE's new Secretary Dudley Pierce has had to do a lot of work with the Michigan DNR representing Mi-TRALE. It is his work that is not only keeping our good relationship with the DNR, but will ensure the financial stability of our organization. Mi-TRALE is very fortunate to have Dudley as our secretary!

I also want to thank Stacey Welling, Ron Yesney, and Rob Katona from the MiDNR for keeping Mi-TRALE in “the loop” on the proposed new Michigan ORV legislation. ALL OF US are fortunate to have them in the DNR. While neither they, nor any of us, know if the work, efforts, meetings, and communication Mi-TRALE has had with the DNR in Lansing and our elected representatives will matter, at least we know we have been heard.

Trail Update

We should know in the next few weeks the status of OHV Connector Trails on the Ottawa and the LL Trail Extension to the north.

Next Meeting

The next Mi-TRALE meeting will be on Monday night, December 7th. This will be a board of directors meeting; however, ALL of our meetings are open to members and the general public. Mi-TRALE encourages people to attend our meetings and offer ideas and suggestions. It will be at the December 7th meeting that the dates and location for the 2010 Mi-TRALE general membership and board meetings will be determined. That schedule will then be posted here on our web site.

It will be at our January general membership meeting that the proposed Mi-TRALE bylaw changes that were announced at our October 3rd general membership meeting will be voted upon. One of the proposed bylaw changes is to expand our board of trustees from our current number of 3 to 5. Another proposed bylaw change would be to have the term of the board of trustees go from one year to two years. If adopted at the January 2010 general membership meeting, the current board members would be up for reelection at the October 2010 general membership meeting, with the two newly elected board member terms being up for reelection at the October 2011 general membership meeting.

That's it for this week.

Skip Schulz
Mi-TRALE President

Greg “Big B” Bressette
Thursday, October 8, 2009

On October 7th, a close friend of Mi-TRALE passed away. Greg Bressette, better known as Big B, suffered a heart attack.

Greg and the late Joe Beebe were two of the people that helped me bring trucks into our ATV/Truck XTreme Challenge Series years ago. Joe was fatally injured pulling a stranger out of a snowbank a few years ago. Now we lost Greg.

While I know that we have had a great turnout of fans for the ATV/Truck XTreme Challenge at the Ontonagon County Fair, we needed Greg and Joe to keep the truck portion of the event going. Without them, I am asking that Mi-TRALE members and friends help us keep this event going.

Greg and Joe will be watching from above. Let’s do it for them.

Our prayers go to Greg's family.

“Big B” and Joe are talking our Lord into having a Truck XTreme Challenge above.

Skip

2009 Annual Mi-TRALE Meeting/Awards Banquet
Monday, October 5, 2009

2009 Awards

Unity Award
Snow Valley Riders Snowmobile Club

President’s Awards
Darrell and Cindy Grams of Peppermill Lodging, Rockland
Jim and Deb Saur of Krupp’s Mini-Mart, Twin Lakes

CP2R (Certified Pride to Ride) Award
Dan Cote (2nd year in a row), Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Dave Nowak

Appreciation Awards
Pat’s Motorsports - Yamaha of Greenland, Michigan
Polaris Industries of Roseau, Minnesota
Dale Koski and Eileen Holmstrom of Silver City, Michigan

Officer Elections

Vice President - Darrell Grams (term expires 2011)
Treasurer - Russ Diethert (term expires 2011)
Secretary - Dudley Pierce (term expires 2010)
Board Trustee - Beckie Faulkner (term expires 2010)
Board Trustee -  Greg Rogers (term expires 2010)
Board Trustee -  Keith Meyer (term expires 2010)

President Skip Schulz was not up for election this year; his term expires in 2010.

Guest Speakers for 2009 Mi-TRALE Annual Membership Meeting

Rob Katona, Michigan DNR Western U.P. ORV Coordinator, talked about the new Michigan ORV legislation that is in the discussion stage right now through Michigan State Representative Joel Sheltron. Mr. Katona stated that Mi-TRALE will have a representative on an ORV Trail Signing Committee. He also discussed new trail development and trailhead development projects, and stated that Mi-TRALE’s P (Pioneer) Trail has not been officially designated as of yet, but the DNR is working on it. Mr. Katona talked about a possible scramble area, or better known as an “activity” area in the western U.P. Mr. Katona ran down the need for an increase in the Annual Trail Permit.

It was an EXCELLENT presentation!

Jeff Mell of the Ottawa National Forest also gave an EXCELLENT presentation. Mr. Mell went over the recently released Ottawa NF Supervisor OHV Connector Trail Environmental Anaylsis decision. Those in attendance were able to pick up the full decision at the meeting. Mr. Mell then went over the process of getting the OHV Connector Trails opened. He did suggest that Mi-TRALE wait before making a decision on coming out with a new western U.P. trail map showing the new trails. The Ottawa NF should know by the end of this year whether the new connector trails that were approved will be opened in 2010. Mr. Mell also talked about the work the Ottawa NF is doing on developing trail signs. Mr. Mell also commented on the recent very successful Mi-TRALE Senior Citizen Fall Color Tour that he participated in.

Actions Taken by the General Membership

1) Approved the president signing a trail maintenance agreement with Watersmeet Township Board and Lac Vieux Desert Tribal Community on the LL North Trail Extension.
2) Decided to wait till Mi-TRALE knows if the new OHV Connector Trails on the Ottawa will be open in 2010 before coming out with a new trail map.
3) Decided to ask Superior Snowmobile Club to apply to DNR for emergency funds to repair bridge on Plum Creek land. Bridge is on the P (Pioneer Trail).
4) Decided to have treasurer and president be the authorizing signatures on checks.
5) Presented bylaw changes for general membership vote at January 2010 meeting.
6) Decided to purchase a cordless drill for trail signing.

Mi-TRALE Senior Citizen ORV Tour Success

For the second year, volunteers of Mi-TRALE teamed up with Polaris Industries, Pat’s Yamaha, Krupp’s Mini-Mart, Aspirus Hospital, Peppermill Lodging of Rockland, Superior Snowmobile Club, Adventure Mountain Lions Club, and the Ottawa National Forest in providing 40 Senior Citizens with a close-up view of the Fall Colors.

Mi-TRALE took two groups of Senior Citizens for an ORV Ride on their “P” Trail. The Senior Citizens rode in what is commonly referred to as “Side-by-Side” ORV’s. The group stopped at different scenic overlooks, including the Victoria basin, C-Shaft/Minesota Mine, and the Firesteel/Flintsteel Trestles.

“While the color was just starting to turn, all we heard from the Senior Citizens was how much they enjoyed getting out in the Forest,” replied Mi-TRALE President Skip Schulz.

During the ride, Jeff Mell of the Ottawa National Forest talked about the process of the leaves changing color. “Many of the trees are still holding on to their energy, thus the lack of abundant color,” stated Mell. Mell also complimented Mi-TRALE in organizing the ride and the group’s work on establishing a network of ORV Trails in the Western UP.

Once again this year Polaris Industries from Roseau, Minnesota supplied 3 Ranger “Crew Cabs.” Pat’s Yamaha of Greenland provided a Rhino, and numerous Mi-TRALE members provided personal units to transport the Senior Citizens. Aspirus Hospital of Ontonagon, along with Mi-TRALE and Peppermill Lodging provided the transportation to and from the ride’s starting and ending point.

The morning group rode from the historic Old Victoria Mining Village to the Adventure Mountain Lions Clubhouse in Greenland, where they met up with the afternoon riders. Both groups were provided lunch by Krupp’s Mini-Mart of Twin Lakes and the Superior Snowmobile Club.

Lunch, bus transportation, and the 15 mile ride were free to all the Senior Citizens because of the support Mi-TRALE received from the ride’s sponsors.

“This is a fantastic event,” commented Deb Roberts of Aspirus Hospital. Roberts volunteered to drive the Aspirus Long Term Care bus.

“Thanks to Mi-TRALE, the USFS, and all the sponsors for once again making this a huge success,” stated Ron Rockis of Polaris Industries. Rockis transported two of the Ranger Crew Cabs from Roseau, Minnesota.

“I want to express our thanks to you and the Mi-Trale members who made the ATV tours for seniors happen. Everything was perfect, including the weather! I know a lot of work goes into making the tour run so smoothly. Please express our gratitude to Deb for driving the bus, Peppermill, Krupp’s Mini Mart, Jeff at the Ottawa National Forest, the rep from Polaris, Polaris Industries, Pat’s, and anyone else I may have missed. Organizing this was a lot of work for all your “team members”, and I want you and them to know it was appreciated!” stated Donna Watkins. Watkins and her husband participated in the ride.

Riders didn’t just come from throughout the Western Upper Peninsula, but some Senior Citizens brought their own ORV’s from Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Plans for the 3rd Annual Ride are already in progress, and will be discussed at this coming Saturday's Annual Mi-TRALE Membership Meeting and Awards Banquet. This will take place at the Rootcellar on the East Shore of Lake Gogebic, starting at 6:00 pm. All current members and those that would like to join Mi-TRALE are encouraged to attend.

2009 Annual Membership Meeting and Awards Banquet
Wednesday, September 30, 2009

The Annual Mi-TRALE Membership Meeting is this Saturday. WE NEED YOU to attend. At this important meeting we will be electing our new Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. All of our Board Members are also up for re-election.

It will be at this meeting that we will hear from Jeff Mell of the Ottawa National Forest on the just released ORV Connector Trail Enviornmental Analysis decision. This is something that Mi-TRALE has been working on for a number of years. It is at Saturday's meeting that you are going to have the chance to ask Jeff questions in regards to the decision.

We will also be hearing from Rob Katona of the Michigan DNR. Rob will discuss the new Michigan ORV Legislation that Michigan Rep Sheltron is proposing. THIS WILL have an impact on ALL ORV users in Michigan. We're also hoping to hear where the P (Pioneer) Trail stands as far as MiDNR ORV Designation.

The topics that Jeff and Rob will be talking about are VERY IMPORTANT. We NEED as many people as we can to attend this meeting.

We will also be handing out this years 2 CP2R Awards, the Unity Award, and the Presidents Award. We will hand out the proposed bylaw changes.

We realize that many of you cannot make the monthly meetings, but we're asking that you try to make this meeting.

The meeting will be at the Rootcellar on the East Shore of Lake Gogebic. Social Hour will start at 5:00 pm Central Time. Dinner starts at 6:00 pm. The Rootcellar has an EXCELLENT Dinner Buffett for only $15.00/person.

PLUS THE COLOR will be PEAKING this weekend. Come up early and go for a ride. Bring your camera!

Weekly Update—Senior Citizen Ride THIS THURSDAY and Upcoming Annual Meeting on October 3rd
Tuesday, September 22, 2009

2nd Annual Mi-TRALE Senior Citizen Fall Color ORV Tour

This will take place THIS THURSDAY, September 24th. Just like last year, we have close to 40 senior citizens who have signed up to take this ride. Mi-TRALE member Krupp’s Mini-Mart of Twin Lakes will be providing lunch for both the morning and afternoon riders along with our volunteers. Peppermill Lodging of Rockland is providing the funds for our volunteers to transport the senior citizens to our departure sites and to bring them back home. Ron Rockis of Polaris Industries of Roseau, Minnesota, and Polaris District Sales Manager Scott Kukluck will be bringing 3 Polaris Ranger Crew Cabs, and Pat’s Yamaha of Greenland will be bringing a Yamaha Rhino for the senior citizens to ride in. Numerous Mi-TRALE members with side-by-sides will also be bringing units for senior citizens to ride in.

Where we need help right now is for a couple vehicles to transport senior citizens to and from the departure sites. If you can help out, please give me a call at 906-884-9101, or e-mail me.

Jeff Mell of the Ottawa National Forest will be riding with us and talking about the FANTASTIC colors along the trail.

We have people from all over the Western U.P. and Wisconsin who will be riding with us. Everyone is welcome to join in on the fun. The morning group will be leaving Old Victoria mining village just west of Rockland at 9:00 a.m. Eastern time, and arriving at Adventure Mountain in Greenland for lunch. The afternoon group will be meeting us at Adventure Mountain for lunch, then heading to Old Victoria after lunch.

Mi-TRALE Annual Membership Meeting and Awards Banquet

This will take place on Saturday, October 3rd at the Root Cellar on the East Shore of Lake Gogebic. Buffet style dinner: Chicken, brats w/kraut, mac & cheese, mashed potato w/gravy, corn, cabbage rolls and shrimp. $15.00 includes a beverage (soda, ice tea or coffee) and tip.

It’s at this meeting that we will be voting for vice president, secretary, treasurer, and 3 board of directors members.

Currently Russ Diethert is treasurer and he will be seeking election. Currently Dudley Pierce is secretary and he will be seeking election. Currently Greg Rogers, Keith Meyer, and Beckie Faulkner are board members and all will be seeking re-election.

Our current vice president, Paul Zakowski, is not seeking to be re-elected as vice president. If you are interested in running for this position, please let me know. My term as president expires at our 2010 annual meeting.

We are also going to be presenting bylaw changes, which will then be voted on at the January membership meeting. These changes include:

Board of directors will be expanded from 3 board Members to 5 board members. The current 3 board members’ terms will expire at the annual membership meeting in 2010. The 2 newest board members’ terms will expire at the annual membership meeting in 2011. Beginning in 2010, board members will serve 2-year terms. The quorum for a board meeting will remain at 4. The board consists of all the officers and board members. No more than one individual from an immediate family can serve on the board of directors at the same time.

All board of director meetings will be at one specific location with dates and the location of those meetings agreed upon by the board of directors. The schedule and location of board meetings and general meetings will be set immediately following the annual meeting for the next year. This schedule and location will be put on the www.mi-trale.org web site and annual newsletter.

The agreed upon “Founder” of Mi-TRALE will be given a free lifetime membership to Mi-TRALE.

It will also be at the annual meeting that the following awards will be given out:

Unity Award
This goes to another organization that has worked closely and cooperatively with Mi-TRALE.

CP2R Award
This year we had 2 people who rode all the required CP2R Award trails. This includes the BN, SB, IRM, P, PF, E, LL, and C Trails.

Presidents Award
This goes to an individual, couple, family, and/or business that volunteered, co-sponsored, donated, and/or helped Mi-TRALE “above and beyond,” as determined by the president of Mi-TRALE.

Our guest speaker who has confirmed to be at the annual meeting is Jeff Mell, recreation specialist of the Ottawa National Forest. Mi-TRALE has invited Rob Katona of the DNR to be a guest speaker but he has not yet confirmed.

I’m asking you to PLEASE try to make it to our annual membership meeting. I understand where it is very difficult for most of you to make our monthly meetings, but if you could please make the annual meeting, that would be great. Voting on important matters, hearing what Mi-TRALE has done this past year and plans to do next year, offering your ideas and suggestions...all this is important.

Plus this is right at the PEAK of our FANTASTIC FALL COLOR season, so come up, ride during the day, then come to the meeting that night.

Social hour is from 5:00 to 6:00 Central time, dinner starts at 6:00 Central time.

A group from Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio not only drove all that distance to ride the FANTASTIC Mi-TRALE ORV Trail Network, but they came a second time this summer!

Here's an e-mail from Dexter and Bernice Luck of www.atvwithcutter.com:

Sorry we missed you Skip. We had a great experience in the U.P. We took the IRM from Crystal Falls to the Root Cellar and spent the night. Monday we rode up the “P” to the “C” and then the BN to Krupp’s. Spent the night, then took the BN to Mass City where we took the “G” to the SB and then over to Sidnaw and then took the Sidnaw county road all the way to Iron River and then back to Crystal Falls. 262 miles in all and a great adventure. Al from the Chippewa guided us on some trails on Thursday and it was great. We rode over 700 miles in the U.P. this year and loved it. We’ll be back next summer for sure. Thanks for all your hard work and assistance.
Dexter

Mi-TRALE Senior Citizen Fall Color Ride

The second annual Mi-TRALE Senior Citizen Fall Color ORV Ride will take place on Thursday, September 24th. Once again this year, Mi-TRALE will be offering a morning and an afternoon ride for senior citizens, 65 and older.

“This ride was a tremendous success last year as we were able to give close to 40 senior citizens the chance to see the spectacular fall color of the Ottawa National Forest,” stated Mi-TRALE President Skip Schulz.

The first ride leaves from Old Victoria in Rockland at 9:00 a.m. and goes to Adventure Mountain in Greenland. The morning group then meets up with the afternoon riders for lunch at Adventure Mountain. Lunch is being donated by Krupp’s Mini-Mart of Twin Lakes. After lunch, the afternoon ride then goes back to Old Victoria. Mi-TRALE expects the afternoon group to leave Adventure Mountain around 1:00 and be at Old Victoria around 3:30 p.m.

With the help of Polaris Industries of Roseau, Minnesota, Pat's Yamaha of Greenland, and Headwaters Polaris of Watersmeet, Mi-TRALE is expecting to be able to accommodate around 16 riders for each ride. The senior citizens will be riding in either “side-by-side” utility off-road vehicles (ORVs) or conventional 2-up ATVs. Mi-TRALE members also provide machines and the drivers of the ORVs.

“The only complaint we had from last year’s ride was some of our special senior citizens said they would have liked to have gone for a longer trip,” stated Schulz. The ride is approximately 15 miles and includes a section of the P, or sometimes called Pioneer Trail.

The P Trail was built by TRALE-UP, Michigan National Guard, U.S. Army Reserve, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and the Ottawa National Forest. When TRALE-UP disbanded in 2000, Schulz formed Mi-TRALE.

Last year’s ride included one individual that was 90 years old. The ride received media attention from WLUC TV-6, along with national magazines. This past summer, Schulz was invited to speak at the Wisconsin ATV Association Annual Meeting about the senior citizen ride in an effort to encourage other ORV groups to have a ride.

Mi-TRALE is currently looking for businesses to help sponsor the event.

Peppermill Lodging of Rockland is sponsoring the public bus transportation for the senior citizens to and from the ride. Thanks to Darrell and Cindy Grams!

Due to the limited amount of space on the bus and available ORVs, the group will be taking the first 16 signed up for each ride. To sign up, you’re asked to contact Schulz at 884-9101 or .

Mi-TRALE will also be running its annual fall DNR ATV Safety Certification Class for children between the ages of 11 and 16. According to Schulz, the date for this will be Saturday, October 10.

Buffet style dinner: Chicken, brats w/kraut, mac & cheese, mashed potatoes w/gravy, corn, cabbage rolls and shrimp. A price of $15.00 includes a beverage (soda, iced tea, or coffee) and tip.

Please try to make it and bring as many people as you can to the meeting. If they are not members already, we’ll have membership applications available.

Skip Calumet’s Sanchez Takes Top Dog at ATV Race

Calumet’s Cody Sanchez pulled off one of the biggest upsets in the 7-year history of the Mi-TRALE ATV/Truck XTreme Challenge race this past Saturday. Sanchez defeated the 4-year undefeated Top Dog Champion, Appleton, Wisconsin’s Zachary Zakowski in the qualifying rounds of the ATV Top Dog Class. The annual event takes place during the Ontonagon County Fair in Greenland.

Sanchez takes Top Dog ATV Division at Mi-TRALE XTreme Challenge

With Zakowski out of the finals, Sanchez went up against the last person other than Zakowski to be the “Top Dog,” Ewen’s Eli Gustafson. Sanchez defeated Gustafson to move on to the ATV XTreme Challenge races this Saturday in Watersmeet. If Sanchez can win the “Top Dog ATV Class” at WheelFest in Watersmeet, he will earn a $100 bonus from Lac Vieux Desert Resort Casino.

Sanchez defeated Garrett Byrne of Ewen to also win the 2-Wheel-Drive ATV Class. Zakowski defeated Bruce Crossing’s Leo Nippa to take the 4-Wheel Drive/Under 500cc class.

It will also be at this coming Saturday’s WheelFest that Sanchez will be one of five drivers competing in the “Zak Challenge.” The first driver to defeat Zakowski, one of the nation’s top ATV racers, that driver will earn a $200 bonus.

In the Truck Division, White Pine’s Bobby Paulson defeated fellow White Pine driver Landon White to win the “Truck Shoot-out.” If Paulson wins the Truck Division at this Saturday’s WheelFest, he will also earn a $100 bonus.

White Pine’s Bobby Paulson winning the Truck XTreme Challenge at Ontonagon County Fair

WheelFest gets underway with an ATV “cookout” on Thursday. This Friday, Mi-TRALE will be offering DNR Certified ATV Safety Classes for children between the ages of 11 and 16. Currently there is only one spot open. The ATV/Truck XTreme Challenge will begin at 1:00 p.m. Central time this Saturday, with the gates opening at noon. Registration will also begin at noon.

On Sunday the 4-cylinder stock cars along with ATVs will be the first to race on the new one-third-mile oval dirt track. All the racing will take place at the race track located across from Lac Vieux Desert Resort Casino, on US-45 in Watersmeet. The ATV safety classes and the ATV/Truck XTreme Challenge is co-sponsored by Mi-TRALE.

Weekly Update
Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Recap of July 6, 2009, Monthly Meeting

Mi-TRALE was fortunate to have Al and Sharon Skurka of the Chippewa Sno-Kats from the Crystal Falls/Iron River area attend our meeting. We went over many ways that the two organizations can work together, especially in expanding the ORV trail system from Iron River to the east and from Crystal Falls to the north.

At the start of the meeting, we walked and looked at a proposed new Truck XTreme Challenge track that will be different from the ATV XTreme Challenge Track at the Ontonagon County Fairgrounds. This is for the July 25th ATV/Truck XTreme Challenge.

On that subject, we are going to run two ATV/Truck Xtreme Challenges this year: July 25th at the Ontonagon County Fair and the following Saturday as a part of Lac Vieux Desert’s Wheel Fest Celebration. The driver who wins at both the Ontonagon County Fair and Wheel Fest in the Top Dog and Truck Class will get an extra $100 from Lac Vieux Desert.

I am the club’s newest DNR Certified ATV Safety Instructor and will be teaching an ATV safety class on July 31st in Watersmeet as a part of Wheel Fest. On Sunday, August 2nd, we will have both ATV and stock car oval racing on the new oval track across from Lac Vieux Desert Casino.

At our meeting we talked about a scramble area for Jeeps, trucks, off-road motorcycles and other ORVs. Our latest proposed site will not work due to its close proximity to the Big Iron River. We are now looking at other possible sites.

We also talked about the DNR’s decision to NOT give Mi-TRALE written permission to build an equestrian park on Ontonagon County Forest Land. The club is pursuing other ways of getting an equestrian park on this county-owned land.

The two Pioneer trailheads have been mowed and trimmed. The club once again acknowledged and thanked Dexter Luck of the Trail Riders of America for donating a commercial-grade trimmer to Mi-TRALE.

Expanding our current board of directors was brought up. This will be voted upon at our annual meeting on October 3rd at the Root Cellar.

With our membership money, the club will be back on the trail in the next two weeks taking care of windfall. If anyone can help, please contact me.

Once again the trail signing issue was discussed. Mi-TRALE was sent a letter condemning Mi-TRALE from the DNR in Lansing with a special permit allowing us to keep our trail signs posted until the DNR has their new “Confidence” system in place.

Trail Issues

I met with representatives from the Ottawa National Forest on Tuesday, July 7th. We went over trail repair work to be done this summer on the P Trail. We also went over the latest on the ORV connector trails that Mi-TRALE has been actively working on for a number of years. It looks like a decision will be made on those ORV connector trails this summer. Then the Forest Service has to go through an appeal process. Providing there are no appeals, work on the trails will begin in 2010. It now looks like those new trails would not be open till the summer of 2011.

Mi-TRALE is hoping that the extension of the IRM Trail from Marenisco to Wakefield, the LL Trail, and extending/changing the PF Trail on FR 630 can be opened by the summer of 2010. The Ottawa has some problems with the proposed north/south trail from Sidnaw to the BN Trail and some problems with the P Trail extension on the west shore of Lake Gogebic. Stay tuned...

I also met with representatives from Lac Vieux Desert on the LL Trail extension from the IRM Trail in Watersmeet north to the casino. Two of the earlier proposed trails will not work, so Lac Vieux Desert is working with the Watersmeet Town Board on a different route. As of right now, it looks good that we will finally have a new LEGAL ORV trail going from the IRM Trail north to Lac Vieux Desert Resort/Casino. Whether it will be done in time for this year’s Wheel Fest is still up in the air...but we’re finally moving forward!

Mi-TRALE is also working hard in finding a multi-use trail that both snowmobilers and ORV riders can use to go to White Pine and then north to Silver City. The passing of our friend Brian Paulson has slowed this process down.

As you can see, Mi-TRALE is constantly working on getting new ORV trails...all this is being done TOTALLY through membership money! We desperately need your membership and NEW MEMBERS. Another way we fund our current trail system and developing new trails is by the sale of the Western U.P. ORV Trail Maps. You can get them at any one of our advertisers or by contacting our secretary/treasurer.

Senior Citizen ORV Fall Color Ride

This is scheduled for Thursday, September 24th. The morning group will be leaving from the Norwich Trailhead on the Pioneer Trail and going to Adventure Mountain, where we will have lunch, provided by the FANTASTIC people of Krupp’s Mini-Mart. At noon, we will meet up with the afternoon group, where they will join us for lunch, and then ride to the Norwich parking lot. Thanks to Jim and Deb Saur of Krupp’s Mini-Mart for sponsoring the lunch. We are still looking for sponsors for the bus ride to and from for the senior citizens, and looking for people that have side-by-sides to take senior citizens for the ride. If you can help, please contact me.

“Girls of Grit” Fundraiser for Breast Cancer Research

In early August of 2010, Mi-TRALE is going to be sponsoring a 50-75-100-mile ORV ride for women. The women will have to raise and/or pay $1.00/mile to participate. The money will all go to breast cancer research. The club voted at its July 6th meeting to base the ride in Watersmeet. The participating women can ride many directions on the “Girls of Grit” ride. They can choose to go to Iron River and/or Marenisco. We’re hoping to have this as a part of the 2010 Wheel Fest celebration.

Now that the location and (pretty much) date have been voted on...more details will follow.

Congrats to Zak Zakowski!

The son of our vice president, Zak took a 1st in the 4X4 Open Class and a 4th overall amongst over 500 drivers at Snowshoe Resort in West Virginia a couple weeks ago. This is AWESOME! While Zak will continue to represent Mi-TRALE NATIONALLY at GNCC races, he is going to give snowmobile watercross a shot this summer. Good luck, Zak!

Next Mi-TRALE Club Ride is THIS SATURDAY, July 11th

We’re going to be meeting at Adventure Mountain at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time, and riding to Bergland for lunch on the P Trail and back. We’ll be leaving around 9:00 a.m. this Saturday morning.

Please join us for a fantastic ride on the popular P (Pioneer) Trail.

Weekly Update
Friday, June 26, 2009

Past Week’s Activities

We had our June Club Ride last Saturday. Seven people participated. We rode the LL Trail and the IRM Trail from Watersmeet to Marenisco and back. Thanks to those who participated!

Our next Mi-TRALE Club Ride will be Saturday, July 11th. We’ll be leaving Adventure Mountain in Greenland and taking the C and P Trails to Bergland and back. We’ll be meeting at Adventure Mountain at 9:00 a.m. EASTERN time, 8:00 a.m. CENTRAL time. JOIN US for a FUN RIDE.

This past week, Mi-TRALE mowed and weed-wacked the Pioneer trailheads, both the southern trailhead and the Norwich trailhead. These trailheads are maintained throughout the year by Mi-TRALE volunteers in an effort to have places for you to unload your machines, park your vehicles and trailers, and ride right from the trailhead.

Mi-TRALE used the new commercial weed-wacker DONATED by www.atvwithcutter.com (www.atvwithcutter.com) and the Trail Riders of America. Once again a special thanks to Dexter and Bernice Luck.

Trail News

We want to inform riders that we do have some washouts on our trails, so please DRIVE SAFELY. We have a washout on the SB Trail between Bruce Crossing and Ewen. We also have some washouts on the Pioneer Trail. Our members have helped by posting warning signs and/or ribbons. If you ever come across a safety concern on a trail, please do your best to put some type of warning at the area of concern, then e-mail me.

With the help of Lac Vieux Desert Tribal Community, we are continuing to look for a north/south trail extension of the LL Trail north of the IRM Trail intersection. We’re getting close, but it’s still not a done deal.

Upcoming Events

July meeting will be on July 6th at Adventure Mountain in Greenland. Meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. Eastern time. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend!

ATV/Truck XTreme Challenge, Saturday, July 25th, Ontonagon County Fairgrounds, during the fair. Hot Runs to start at 3:00 p.m. EASTERN, racing to follow. Cash purse and trophies in the 3 ATV divisions (2WD, 4WD to 500cc, Top Dog) and the Truck division.

Lac Vieux Desert Resort/Casino WHEEL FEST, July 30th-August 2nd. Mi-TRALE-sponsored ATV DNR Certified Safety Training for children 12 to 15 on Friday, July 31st from 9:00 a.m. CENTRAL to 3:00 p.m. CENTRAL.

ATV/Truck XTreme Challenge, Saturday, August 1st, inside the oval of the race track across from LVD Casino. Hot Runs to start at 1:00 p.m. CENTRAL, racing to follow.

ATV OVAL Racing, Sunday, August 2nd. This is a FIRST in the Western U.P.: ATVs racing side by side on the brand new dirt oval track across from LVD Casino. Four Cylinder Bandit/Stinger/Sport Four Stock Cars will also be racing!

Join us for all the fun, and help Mi-TRALE by getting us a new member or two!

Talk to you next week!

This Week’s Update, The Good, The Bad, and The...
Friday, June 19, 2009

Mi-TRALE Club Ride is TOMORROW, Saturday, June 20th (The Good)

Our June club ride is scheduled for tomorrow. It will begin at Headwaters Polaris in Watersmeet. We’re going to be meeting at Headwaters at 9:00 a.m. CENTRAL time. The ride is going to be on the LL Trail to Land O’ Lakes and back to Watersmeet, then to Marenisco and back.

One of our ACTIVE members, Headwaters Polaris, has their own ATV ride going on at this time. You can contact Headwaters for more information at 906-358-8888. They will be having a live band tomorrow night. Russ and his staff are coordinating all their events.

SB Bridge in Kenton is NOW OPEN (The Good)

While the SB Trail bridge at Kenton was not scheduled to be finished and open till the end of July, the construction company finished this $250,000 project WAY AHEAD OF TIME. The bridge and the trail are now open. “Attaboys” go to the construction company and the DNR! I did a WLUC TV6 interview on this. If you go to the WLUC TV6 web site, click on News and Video Archives. It is on page 26 of the archives. You can see the news story.

Trail Riders of America Dexter and Bernice Luck DONATE a Commercial Weed Trimmer to Mi-TRALE (The Good)

One of the individuals responsible for bringing a group of over 50 ORV riders from Kentucky and Ohio, Dexter Luck of the Trail Riders of America, DONATED a Shindaiwa professional trimmer to Mi-TRALE. We are going to have a picture of this on our web site in the near future. This trimmer will be used to maintain our current two Mi-TRALE trailheads. One is the southern trailhead on the P Trail just east of Bergland, and the other trailhead is the Norwich Road (NR/P Intersection) on the P Trail. Our volunteers mow and trim those two trailheads throughout the summer and fall.

Our VP, Paul Zakowski, Porcupine Lodge of White Pine, and Countryside Auto of Hilbert get Mi-TRALE Big Boss Ready for Trailhead and Trail Work (The Good)

Our Big Boss now has a drop hitch that can be used to pull an ATV wagon and a rough cut mower. By having this, we can now pull the different accessories we need to work on the trails and the trailheads. Paul and his staff also put new tires on the front of the Mi-TRALE Big Boss and replaced the front brakes. Paul and the Zakowski family have been helping Mi-TRALE for a number of years!

Mi-TRALE Now Has Its Own Chainsaw (The Good)

It is YOUR membership that helps our club get the needed equipment to do trail work. The club now owns its own Husqvarna chainsaw, which will be used to clear downed trees from ALL of our trails.

Wheel Fest (The Good)

Plans continue on the Lac Vieux Desert in Watersmeet Wheel Fest Promotion. This is going to be 4 days of FUN, July 30th to August 2nd, 2009. LVD is providing camping for ORV riders at the XTreme Challenge/Oval Track located across from the casino. We will be having lots of ATV riding throughout, plus on Friday, July 31st, Headwaters Polaris will have demo rides of the new Polaris ATVs. Also on Friday, Mi-TRALE will be holding a DNR ATV Safety Certification class for children between 12 and 15. This is for the first 12 students signed up. Like ALL of the Mi-TRALE DNR ATV Safety Certification classes, the classes are FREE! Mi-TRALE DNR ATV safety Instructors VOLUNTEER their time for this. It is YOUR membership that helps us do this!

On Saturday, August 1st, starting at 1:00, we will have our ATV/Truck XTreme Challenge. Registration begins at 12 noon CENTRAL time, with the Hot Runs starting at 1:00 p.m. Central time. We will run a 2-Wheel Drive Class, a 4-Wheel Drive Class for ATVs 500 cc and down, and the TOP DOG Class for ATVs 501cc and up. Top Dog is for ANY ATV, including modifications. Then we run the trucks. We will have a CASH PURSE and trophies in ALL the classes, with a BONUS cash purse for any driver who wins both the Top Dog and/or the Truck Class at both the Ontonagon County Fair XTreme Challenge on Saturday, July 25th AND the finals in Watersmeet.

On Sunday, August 2nd, Wheel Fest will include stock cars racing on the oval track for the first time. This will be the Sport 4s/Bandit/Stingers. This very moment we are working on bringing ATV oval racing to the 1/2 mile dirt track. This will not only be a first in the Western U.P., but possibly the first time ATVs will be racing on a dirt oval in the entire Upper Peninsula. Stay tuned for the details on this...

Mi-TRALE Proposed Equestrian Park (The Bad)

Mi-TRALE has been informed that the DNR has rejected the Mi-TRALE plan to build an equestrian park on Ontonagon County-owned forest land, as the DNR says it does not meet their “laws” regarding a “forest.” Hmmm ... all we proposed was to build a parking area, rustic camping, a horse corral, and horseback riding trails through the forest. Yes, we did propose that from Memorial Day weekend to October 14th, we would not allow ORVs on this 800-acre parcel of land, other than the two-track road to Kennedy Lake. Here we wanted to do this to SHOW the public how Mi-TRALE is a MULTI-USE trails organization where both the motorized AND non-motorized community CAN work together.

The DNR did say that our VOLUNTEERS can go through a lot of paperwork to try to get this amended.

Mi-TRALE Proposed Scramble Area (The ....)

After meeting with a couple representatives of the DNR in White Pine on our second proposed scramble area, we were told that the proposed land just outside of White Pine would probably be rejected due to concerns over the topography of the land and having the Big Iron River run through it. This is after we have already received unanimous support from the Carp Lake Town Board and the Ontonagon County EDC. Both the Carp Lake Town Board and the EDC supported asking the Ontonagon County Planning Commission to amend its County Recreation Plan to include a scramble area and to ask the Ontonagon County Board to have an exception to its policy in regards to the sale of private land to the State of Michigan.

It was at this meeting that the DNR did go through an Ontonagon County Plat Book and circled parcels that they thought we would have a better chance at. So this is not all bad news; however, it could have been better.

Search and Rescue June Training (with Skip Participating, It Was UGLY...)

What Mi-TRALE started continues to move forward; that is, the Ontonagon County Search and Rescue and Citizens Emergency Response Team (CERT). While this group is autonomous from Mi-TRALE, it is Mi-TRALE’s Rick Varecha who as president is doing a great job in keeping the members informed, educated, and trained. This past Wednesday night, the group did an exercise where an individual was severely injured within the Porcupine Mountain State Park. The SAR/CERT members had to do a line search to find the person, then do first aid, then transport the person (by hand and a wheel cart) to a vehicle. While all those who participated, other than myself, did an excellent job and looked good in doing it, it was an ugly sight seeing me do so much walking and work. That is why this part of our weekly update is the UGLY.

Next Mi-TRALE meeting is Monday night, July 6th, Adventure Mountain in Greenland. The meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. EASTERN time, and EVERYONE is invited and encouraged to attend.

Weekly Update and Summer Campout Date Rescheduled
Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Trail Riders of America/Harlan Ridge Runners ORV Tour

Last week Mi-TRALE hosted over 50 riders from Kentucky, Ohio, Wisconsin, and South Dakota. This group included the Trail Riders of America and Harlan Ridge Runners. The group was led by Mi-TRALE’s Keith and Sherri Meyer and John and Marie Sayre. The group rode the BN, NF, C, P, G, NR, PF, and E Trails. They were in our area from May 31st to June 6th. This is what I received from Dexter Luck of the Trail Riders of America...

Hi Skip! We had an awesome time in the U.P. and we are very thankful for MI-TRALE. The ride in September is still on the table and I already have people saying they want to come back next June.

Dexter is thinking about starting a ride with himself, his wife, and a few people in northeastern Wisconsin and riding all the way to Houghton. They would pack their luggage and stay along the trail. This is something Mi-TRALE has stated can be done but have never had anyone (that we know of) actually do it.

Mi-TRALE was fortunate to have members of the tour attend our June 1st meeting in Twin Lakes. It was at this meeting that Dexter Luck stated that he was going to DONATE a commercial/professional weed trimmer to Mi-TRALE. The weed trimmer will be used by Mi-TRALE volunteers to keep the two trailheads on the P Trail looking good.

Mi-TRALE really appreciates the Trail Riders of America and Harlan Ridge Runners for choosing our area and the Mi-TRALE ORV Trail System to ride and really appreciate Mr. Luck’s donation of the weed trimmer. (I’m sure all the businesses that this group spent money at are also VERY APPRECIATIVE!)

Mi-TRALE June Monthly Meeting Recap

All of the Michigan DNR Designated ORV Trails have been checked, signed, and brushed. While the DNR only requires Mi-TRALE to do this before Memorial Day and after Labor Day, Mi-TRALE continues to work on ALL our trails, designated and non-designated, throughout the year. Clearing the trails of fallen trees and checking for trail problems in an ongoing project, the club agreed to purchase its own chainsaw. The club is also going to try using an pull-behind old county highway grader in the next month to see if this works.

Mi-TRALE believes strongly in keeping its members, associates, DNR, and the Ottawa National Forest informed of EVERYTHING we do, whether it is through these weekly updates, phone calls, or meetings. Yet we find out “news” through the “grapevine.”

I found out that the multi-use bridge on the SB Trail in Kenton is to open this Friday through our local TV station. I found out about ORV trail Issues in the Ironwood area through the grapevine. Since some may not believe in good communication like Mi-TRALE does, I want to thank those who do pass on any information they hear to me by e-mailing me.

It was at the June meeting that due to a scheduling conflict, our summer campout has been changed from August 8th and 9th to September 12th and 13th. This will take place at the Stannard Township Park. We would love to have as many people take part as possible.

Our next Mi-TRALE club ride will be on Saturday, June 20th. We will be meeting at Headwaters Polaris in Watersmeet at 9:00 a.m. CENTRAL time. We’ll be riding the LL Trail to Land O’ Lakes and back and riding the IRM Trail from Watersmeet to Marenisco and back. This ride is FREE and OPEN TO EVERYONE.

Mi-TRALE members also voted to have Mi-TRALE apply to get the maintenance contract on the IRM Trail extension from Marenisco west, providing this trail is opened by the Ottawa National Forest. Over the past three years, it was ONLY Mi-TRALE that attended Ottawa N.F. meetings and the Gogebic County Road Commission and Gogebic County Board meetings on getting this trail extended. Mi-TRALE was also one of the leaders in getting a new Trailhead built in Marenisco. If the IRM Trail extension west of Marenisco is approved by both the Ottawa N.F. and the Michigan DNR, this would not be officially open until the summer of 2010 at the earliest.

A report was given on the upcoming ATV/Truck XTreme Challenges. The first one is Saturday, July 25th at the Ontonagon County Fairgrounds, and the second one is the following Saturday, August 1st, across from Lac Vieux Desert Resort Casino in Watersmeet. Mi-TRALE needs your help working one or both of these events. Let me know if you can help out.

Bruce Johanson and I are looking at this year’s program for our annual meeting/awards banquet. We may go to a PowerPoint presentation as to all that Mi-TRALE has done since our conception, or we may go to having a couple speakers like we did last year. Stay tuned...

“Girls of Grit” Fundraiser Ride for Breast Cancer Research

It was at our June meeting that I asked those in attendance to approve a “Girls of Grit” Ride as a fundraiser for breast cancer research. The club voted to support this idea. The idea is that women ONLY would ride 50, 75, or 100 miles. The girls would get a minimum of $50.00 to sponsor the ride, with ALL the money going to breast cancer research. This ride would take place during the summer of 2010. The idea is in its very early stages. I am looking for ideas and suggestions from anyone.

One of the issues we are going to have to work on is the DNR’s “event fee policy.” While Mi-TRALE worked hard in starting the process of getting this policy changed, the current policy is still law. That means that Mi-TRALE would have to pay $50.00 to APPLY for the permit to have the “Girls of Grit” fundraiser for breast cancer research, plus we may have to pay up to an additional $1,000 just to have this ride on Mi DNR Designated ORV Trails. While I cannot speak for the whole organization, I personally would rather see this money going to breast cancer research. The other issue is picking a date and where the ride would actually take place.

A few weekends ago, Mi-TRALE participated in the Lake Trout Classic Fishing Tournament by providing the PA system for the awards banquet. This fishing tournament is a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

Mi-TRALE Equestrian Park

The Michigan DNR’s Director of Forestry in the Upper Peninsula has been sent the legal description of the county forest land that Mi-TRALE has proposed as an equestrian park. Now we are waiting for the DNR to not only let Mi-TRALE know, but also the Ontonagon County Forestry Committee whether it is legal for Mi-TRALE to build a parking area, horse corral, horseback riding trails on this Ontonagon County owned/managed land or not. The question that the DNR in Lansing has to answer is whether or not this park can be closed to motorized vehicles from Memorial Day Weekend to October 14th or not. The 2-track road on this land that goes to Kennedy Lake would be open year-round. Motorized vehicles would be allowed from October 14th (hunting season) to the following Memorial Day. It’s in the hands of the DNR right now...

Mi-TRALE Scramble Area

This coming Thursday, Mi-TRALE officers will be meeting with officials from the MiDNR to look over a portion of the proposed 1,100-acre parcel where Mi-TRALE would like to build this scramble area. Mi-TRALE has already received the UNANIMOUS support for the scramble area on this parcel from the Carp Lake Township Board and the Ontonagon County Economic Development Corporation. However, this Wednesday Mi-TRALE will be asking the EDC to support having the Ontonagon County Planning Commission amend its Recreation Plan to include this scramble area, and to support having the Ontonagon County Board amend its policy of the sale of private land in the county to the State of Michigan.

Roy Mussatti of Bessemer, one of our long-time competitors in the Truck XTreme Challenge, is really helping me out on this MAJOR project. A scramble area is a series of trails and roads for 4x4 trucks, Jeeps, off-road motorcycles, and ORVs. The Michigan Legislature approved the funding for only ONE scramble area in the entire Upper Peninsula ... all we can do is work hard in getting that ONE scramble area designated within the extensive Mi-TRALE ORV Trail Network. On a side note, this land is currently Commercial Forest Act Land; thus the county will NOT LOSE any tax money on the sale of this land to the State!

Annual Mi-TRALE Legislators/VIP Ride a Part of the Senior Citizens’ Fall Color ORV Ride

The date of this year’s ride will be on Thursday, September 24th. It will be a part of the Annual Mi-TRALE Senior Citizens’ Fall Color ORV Ride. Mi-TRALE wants our elected and appointed government leaders to not only see our beautiful fall color but to also see the success of our senior citizens’ fall color ORV ride. In the next month, we will be sending out our invitations to those in government, and we will also be looking for businesses to help sponsor the senior citizens’ ride.  We need to raise money to pay to transport the senior citizens to and from the ride and the lunch Mi-TRALE provides the senior citizens. If you can help us by donating $25.00 to this ride, that would be GREAT! We need to raise around $150.00 for this ride.

Special Thanks to Eileen Holmstrom and Dale Koski, Former M-107 Highway Clean-Up

Dale and Eileen did the spring highway clean-up on the former M-107 in Silver City. This is a section of highway that Mi-TRALE members have been cleaning the shoulder of for years. It is just one of the MANY community projects done by Mi-TRALE. The club voted to donate a Mi-TRALE cap and shirt along with sending them a special letter of thanks.

Mi-TRALE Map Sales

The club voted at our June meeting to allow for the sale of maps via the mail. However, the map price through the mail will be $5.00 or more depending upon the number of maps, as those wanting maps sent to them will also have to pay for the postage. Businesses that want more maps need to contact me, and I will get maps to them as soon as I can.

Mi-TRALE Board of Director Expansion

For the past 4 months, Mi-TRALE has been discussing expanding the board of directors from 3 to 7. This was brought up again at the June meeting. Even though the board would expand from the officers and 3 trustees to the officers and 7 trustees, the quorum requirement would remain at 4. This will be voted on at the October 3rd, 2009, annual meeting.

Next Mi-TRALE meeting: Quarterly membership meeting, Monday, July 6th, Adventure Mountain, Greenland, 7:00 p.m. EST. Everyone is invited to attend!

Mi-TRALE Graduates 9 Students

Graduation is not just for seniors in high school and college, but it’s also for 12-15-year-olds who successfully complete the Mi-TRALE ATV Safety Program. On Saturday, May 23rd, Mi-TRALE graduated 9 students in the organization’s spring ATV safety class in Ontonagon.

The classes began under a “classroom” setting with students given a Michigan DNR ATV Safety Book. Mi-TRALE volunteer instructors, Bruce Johanson and Rick Varecha, are both ATV safety certified by the MiDNR. The instructors went over the proper preparation children should make before going for an ATV ride. The students were then told the safe way to drive an ATV, including a strong emphasis on responsible riding.

“Just like at a previous ATV safety class, Mi-TRALE strongly points out how important it is for ALL ATV riders to ride on designated ATV trails, whether they are a MiDNR designated trail or one of the hundreds of miles of ATV trails that Mi-TRALE has permission to have a trail on,” stated Johanson.

Another topic that was addressed was the problem of modified exhaust systems. “The after-market mufflers that are loud are not only illegal in Michigan, but hurt our sport in getting trails open,” stated Varecha.

Varecha, who is also the president of the Ontonagon County Search and Rescue/Citizens Emergency Response Team, handled the chapter on survival.

The final chapter was devoted to ORV legal requirements in Michigan. Mi-TRALE President Skip Schulz explained the laws regarding children between the ages of 12 and 15 driving an ORV. Schulz also explained what Michigan requires to be in operating condition on an ORV.

The students then went to the specially-prepared ATV field training course, built and located behind Schulz’s house. Here the students were taught the correct way to drive an ATV. Then they had to demonstrate the safe and proper handling of an ATV on many different courses. The courses ranged from a simple oval to slalom to uphill/downhill operation to a trail built through the woods.

After the instructors believed that the students had the knowledge and skill to safely operate an ATV, they were taken for a trail ride.

At the end of the day, the students had to take a 50-question test, a test that all the students passed.

Schulz states that Mi-TRALE will continue to hold ATV safety training classes for children throughout the Western Upper Peninsula. “ATV safety training for children is just one of the many ways that our organization is proactively involved in the Western U.P. Mi-TRALE has one scheduled for Watersmeet on July 31st, and we’re working on other sites to hold the class in other areas this summer,” Schulz added.

Schulz reiterated how Mi-TRALE is a volunteer organization, not just with ATV safety training, but also on many other projects. This [now past] weekend, Mi-TRALE will be assisting with the Lake Trout Classic Fishing Tournament, which is a benefit for the Ontonagon Chapter of the American Cancer Society.

“Right after helping with the Lake Trout Classic, Mi-TRALE will be hosting a group of over 50 riders from Kentucky and Ohio. This group selected the Western U.P. based upon the popularity of the Mi-TRALE ORV trail system,” according to Schulz. “This group will have an economic impact in our area of over $25,000,” added Schulz.

This spring Eileen Holmstrom and Dale Koski picked up litter along the former M-107 in Silver City. For many years, Mi-TRALE member Jerry Yaklyvich did the M-107 litter pick-up. This winter, Mi-TRALE worked with the Sno-Valley Riders Snowmobile Club in doing a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity. Once again this summer Mi-TRALE will be sponsoring the ATV/Truck XTreme Challenge at the Ontonagon County Fair on July 25th. The following Saturday, August 1st, Mi-TRALE will be sponsoring another XTreme Challenge at the Lac Vieux Desert Wheel Fest.

The popular Mi-TRALE Senior Citizen ORV Fall Color Tour ride is planned for September 24th.

Mi-TRALE continues to work on a Mi-TRALE equestrian park and a Mi-TRALE scramble area. For more information and to join Mi-TRALE, you can contact Schulz at 906-884-9101.

I want to thank all the Michigan DNR, the DNR’s Western U.P. Citizens Advisory Council, the Konteka, and all the people who made it to last night’s meeting at the Konteka in White Pine.

The DNR gave their presentation on the current status of ORV group fees, the current MiDNR ORV signing program, and proposed changes. After the DNR presentation, I gave a presentation as to the voluntary and Mi-TRALE paid ORV signing program, along with what the Mi-TRALE Board of Directors decided to propose in regards to ORV group fees.

Before both sides were given the opportunity to present their case, the DNR’s U.P. Field Director, Stacey Welling, stated that the MiDNR will allow Mi-TRALE to keep its signs posted on the Mi DNR designated ORV trails.

After both presentations, a number of people spoke in support of Mi-TRALE’s ORV signing program and opposition to the current ORV group fee structure. We had people from Wisconsin along with different communities in the U.P. voice their support of Mi-TRALE. Plus we had a large number of people who took the time to attend the meeting to show support for Mi-TRALE.

Then the WUP-CAC board voted overwhelmingly to support the Mi-TRALE ORV trail signing program. The WUP-CAC also agreed with Mi-TRALE and the MiDNR to “compromise” on the ORV group fee structure. The compromise is to allow groups, clubs, and families to have up to 75 riders at an “event” before the permit process goes into effect. However, private and commercial operations, guide services, tours, and events where fees are charged would stay at 20.

The third motion that I asked the WUP-CAC to support is to ask the MiDNR Natural Resources Commission to work with the state legislature in allowing ORVs the use of the shoulder of a state or federal highway bridge where an ORV trail goes to a creek, wetland, or river crossing. The WUP-CAC also supported this.

It’s important to remember that this FANTASTIC support from the WUP-CAC is only a “step” in a long process of actually taking these recommendations to the next “level.” Now we need the support of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission and then the state legislature.

We now will see if the Citizens Advisory Councils have any “input” into the legislative process.

It is also important for all of us to realize that the best way to make things happen legislatively is by working WITH local, county, state, and federal agencies and government. Mi-TRALE has worked very hard over the past 8 years in developing a solid cooperative working relationship with the MiDNR. It showed last night by the DNR’s willingness to listen, reason, and use common sense on the signing and ORV group fee issues.

What's Next For Mi-TRALE?

While we do not know if anyone from Mi-TRALE will be asked to participate in any further discussion regarding a consistant, standardized ORV trail signing program in Michigan, we do know that the DNR realizes the 3-year program on ORV trail signing that Mi-TRALE implemented WORKS. Nor do we know if the Michigan ORV Advisory Council is going to agree with the numerous local, county, and state groups, organizations, agencies, and ORV riders from all over in supporting the Mi-TRALE ORV trail signing program, but we can always hope! Nor do we know if the Natural Resources Commission is going to finally address this issue or whether the state legislature will follow the fantastic support of Mi-TRALE’s signing program.

What we do know is that the same process for getting HB4323 (ORV Road Ordinance) passed is the same process for making progress in changing from mere “confidence markers” to an ORV trail signing program, such as the one Mi-TRALE has been successful with and is now starting to roll.

Other Projects on the Table for Mi-TRALE

Mi-TRALE continues to keep our fingers “crossed,” hoping that the DNR’s Forestry Division will approve the Mi-TRALE equestrian park. Once the DNR approves this, we then will go for support from the Ontonagon County Forestry Committee, then the county board.

Mi-TRALE is also continuing the long process of getting the necessary local, county, and state support for the scramble area. This afternoon, Mi-TRALE will take another step by getting the Ontonagon County Planning Commission to agree to amend its Recreation Plan to include a “scramble” area.

All This, and We’re Still Working on ORV Trails!

Last weekend, a good number of Mi-TRALE volunteers were out working on the SB and IRM Trails. The only Michigan DNR Designated ORV Route that we have left to do by this weekend is the IRM Trail from Iron River to Marenisco. Then we’ll continue to work on the P, PF, E, and LL Trails. The non-designated C Trail is complete, and the BN MiDNR Designated Trail has also been completed.

Thanks again to all those who are helping on the trails!

ATV Safety Training Class is THIS SATURDAY

Mi-TRALE-member DNR Certified ATV Instructors will be holding another ATV safety class for children between 12 and 15 this Saturday behind my house at 610 Greenland Road in Ontonagon. The classroom portion will start at 9:00 a.m. EST, with the field training beginning at 12:30 p.m. EST. Those who successfully complete the course and pass the test will be given a temporary DNR ATV Safety Certificate. The MiDNR will then send out their permanent ATV safety certificate in the mail. We still have a few openings for students. If you’re interested, call 906-884-9101. We do have a $3.00 fee for lunch. The class and field training are provided at no charge by the MiDNR and Mi-TRALE.

Skip Schulz
Mi-TRALE President

Lac Vieux Desert Casino will be hosting “Wheel Fest” from July 30th to August 2nd. One of the many events associated with Wheel Fest is the “Zak Challenge.”

Zachary “Zak” Zakowski of Hilbert, Wisconsin, has never been defeated in a Mi-TRALE ATV XTreme Challenge event. This past year, Zak has been competing in national ATV events and is considered to be one of the top professional ATV races in the nation. Zak is a member of Michigan Trails and Recreation Alliance of Land and the Environment, commonly known as Mi-TRALE.

Zak Zakowski at a professional event in Florida

Lac Vieux Desert Casino, Mi-TRALE, and Zak have agreed to pay the first driver to defeat Zak at this year’s ATV XTreme Challenge at Wheel Fest $200. The first 5 drivers to pre-register to compete against Zak will be given a chance to compete against Zak in the challenging new ATV XTreme Challenge Track. This track will be built in the infield of the Stock Car Track. This is located across from Lac Vieux Desert Casino, US-45, Watersmeet, Michigan.

In addition to the “Zak Challenge,” Mi-TRALE will be offering DNR Certified ATV Safety Training Classes on Friday, July 31st. The classes are for 12 children between the ages of 12 and 16. Upon successful completion of the classroom and field training, the students will be given a temporary DNR ATV safety certificate. The Michigan DNR will be sending the children their permanent ATV safety certificates in the mail. For more information about the class, you’re asked to contact Skip Schulz, Mi-TRALE president, 906-884-9101.

Wheel Fest will also include a Truck XTreme Challenge on Saturday, August 1st, along with Two Wheel Drive, Four Wheel Drive up to 500 cc, and Top Dog ATV classes. A total cash purse of $2,000 will be offered in the Truck division and the 3 ATV divisions. The Mi-TRALE ATV/Truck XTreme Challenge will begin at 1:00 p.m. Central time.

Wheel Fest will conclude with the Debut Stock Car Race. The 4-Cylinder Bandit Stock Car Race will have a purse of $1,500 to the top 10 stock cars that advance to the 15-lap Feature Race. The stock car races will take place on Sunday, August 2nd, and will start at 4:00 p.m. Central time.

Wheel Fest will include ATV demo rides on Friday, July 31st from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. CST.

Mi-TRALE NEEDS your help by simply . Then on the subject line please put “Comments on OHV Connector Routes Project.” We're asking that you simply state your support for Alternative 3; however, state that you are DISAPPOINTED that the Ottawa National Forest did not provide ANY opportunity to connect the SB Trail in Sidnaw to the Baraga Plains, or a connector trail from Marenisco to Presque Isle (WI). If you would rather fax a letter, the fax number is 906-932-0122. The mailing address is: Susan J. Spear, Forest Supervisor, E6248 US Highway 2, Ironwood, MI 49938.

Remember the deadline for public comment is May 5 on an issue that Mi-TRALE has been working on for a number of years.

Mi-TRALE to Offer ORV Safety Class

Michigan Trails and Recreation Alliance of Land and the Environment, commonly known as Mi-TRALE, will be offering an ATV safety class in Ontonagon on Saturday, May 23rd. The class provides children between the ages of 12 and 16 with the chance to acquire the Michigan Department of Natural Resources ORV Safety Certificate.

Under Michigan law, all children between the ages of 10 and 11 years old may operate a 4-wheel ATV only when all of the following conditions are met: The ATV is being operated on land owned by the child’s parent or guardian, the operator is under the direct visual supervision of an adult, and the operator possesses a valid ORV safety certificate.

Children 12 to 15 years old may operate a 4-wheel ATV only when the operator is under the direct visual supervision of an adult and the operator possesses a valid ORV safety certificate. Children under 16 years old may operate other ORVs, such as trail bikes, only when the operator is under the direct visual supervision of an adult and the operator possesses a valid ORV safety certificate.

According to Michigan State Law, “direct visual supervision” is defined as having direct observation with the unaided eye and being close enough to come to the immediate aid of a youthful ORV operator.

Mi-TRALE DNR certified ORV safety Instructors will provide up to 12 students both classroom and ORV field training. The class and the field training will take place behind Skip and Sandy Schulz's home at 610 Greenland Road in Ontonagon. The Michigan DNR provides the classroom books; students are asked to bring their own ATV.

A $3.00 fee will be charged for lunch. Mi-TRALE and the Michigan DNR provides the materials at no charge. Mi-TRALE asks that parents join the organization so that Mi-TRALE can continue to provide this required ORV safety training at no charge. The first 12 students to pre-register by May 15th will be accepted. To pre-register, send the student's name, address, and phone number to: Mi-TRALE, c/o ATV Safety Training, P.O. Box 248, Ontonagon, MI 49953, and include a check for $3.00 for lunch. Family membership in Mi-TRALE is $30.00/year. Mi-TRALE membership is not required to take the course.

Students who pass the written exam and field training will be provided a temporary ORV safety certificate which is valid until the student receives his/her ORV safety certificate from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

For more information, you can call Mi-TRALE President Skip Schulz at 884-9101 or .

To: Superior Snowmobile Club
c/o Mike Sabo
Parkside Drive
Toivola, MI 49965

Dear Mike,

On behalf of the board of directors and the entire membership of Mi-TRALE, we want to congratulate the Superior Snowmobile Club on your new groomer garage. With both a board member and our president privileged to have been at your grand opening, Mi-TRALE commends your organization for all the work and planning that went into such a beautiful and useful facility.

Mi-TRALE is PROUD to have had such an excellent working relationship with your organization. A cooperative relationship that benefits numerous users of the trails that both organizations share in the maintenance. A cooperative relationship that was evident when Mi-TRALE was proud to give the Unity Award to the Superior Snowmobile Club at the 2008 Mi-TRALE Annual Meeting.

It is this cooperation amongst the two organizations that Mi-TRALE hopes will continue for many years to come. Mi-TRALE hopes that the cooperation between our organization and yours will show other trail organizations the benefits of working together.

Once again, Mi-TRALE congratulates the Superior Snowmobile Club on having such an excellent groomer garage!

Sincerely,
Skip Schulz
Mi-TRALE President

Monday Night Monthly Meeting and the Important DNR Meeting on May 18
Thursday, April 2, 2009

The regular monthly meeting of Mi-TRALE will be this coming Monday night, April 6th. The meeting will be at the Konteka in White Pine and starts at 7:00 p.m. EST.

After over a year of a lot of paperwork done by our secretary, we’re hoping to have a report as to Mi-TRALE getting 501C4 status from the Internal Revenue Service. Once we have the 501C4 status, Mi-TRALE will be trying to obtain some much needed grants. We’re going to have an update on the proposed Mi-TRALE equestrian park. Hopefully we’ll hear from the Michigan DNR by Monday night’s meeting. I’m also hoping to hear from Rob Katona on any news regarding any of the proposed trailheads.

It will be this Monday night that we’re going to be looking for volunteers to help with our spring ORV trails. If you cannot make the meeting but would be willing to check for spring washouts, fallen trees, brush, and signs on any of our hundreds of miles of trails, please e-mail me.

On the subject of signs: After years of our volunteers working hard to properly sign the BN, SB, and IRM Trails so that these signs would correspond with the Mi-TRALE Western U.P. ORV Map (a map that cost our club over $10,000), the Michigan DNR is requiring Mi-TRALE to take ALL those signs down. Mi-TRALE never asked for a penny to be reimbursed for the signs, posts, or the work in putting them up; however, it sure would have been nice if we could have at least received an “atta boy.” In place of the “atta boy,” they are telling us to take them down.

This will be an agenda item at a very important May 18th DNR Western U.P. Citizens Advisory Board meeting at the Konteka in White Pine. This meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. EST. For those who are willing to help Mi-TRALE out and are willing to speak during the public comment portion, you need to be at the Konteka from 6:00-6:30 p.m. EST to sign up. Also on that agenda is the DNR’s policy of requiring any organized ORV group of over 20 riders to pay an application fee, then wait for the application to be approved, and if approved, pay an additional fee. This is above and beyond the $16.25 annual trail user fee that everyone is required to buy.

On the subject of that fee, while we would love to have as many Mi-TRALE members and potential new members join us for our FIRST CLUB RIDE OF THE SEASON, on Saturday, May 9 ... if we are fortunate enough to get 20 or more riders, we’ll have to break up. The ride is planned on leaving Adventure Mountain and going to the Wildlife Refuge Trailhead in South Range.

Also on the agenda of this coming Monday night’s regular monthly meeting for Mi-TRALE will be the SB Trail and the Kenton Bridge redecking. Due to the fact that we cannot take a short detour around the bridge on M-28, this trail will be closed down at the bridge until possibly the end of July.

We’re also going to be going over the Trail Riders of America ride on our trail system, June 1st to the 7th. We’ll be talking about an annual newsletter to members, setting the dates for the spring and summer ATV safety training classes, find out what other businesses are willing to sell our Mi-TRALE apparel, and talking about expanding the Mi-TRALE ATV/Truck XTreme Challenge Series to include a special event in Watersmeet on August 1st.

I will also be giving a recap of this weekend’s Wisconsin ATV Association annual meeting in Wausau, Wisconsin. Mi-TRALE will be talking about our popular Senior Citizen ORV Tour. We will also have Mi-TRALE maps for sale, along with some of the clothing, so if you plan on attending the WATVA Convention and would like a map, you'll be able to pick one up at the convention.

Hope to see you at this coming Monday night’s, April 6th, Mi-TRALE meeting at the Konteka. Again, the meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. EST.

Please don't forget about the important Michigan DNR Western U.P. Citizens Advisory Board Meeting at the Konteka in White Pine, Monday night, May 18th.

March Board Meeting and Weekly Update
March 9, 2009

The Mi-TRALE Board of Directors held their regular monthly meeting on March 2nd at the Parkview Lodge in Twin Lakes. Here are some of the items on the agenda:

Mi-TRALE Equestrian Park

With two guests in attendance at the meeting representing Ontonagon and Houghton County Back Country Horseman, the board stuck with the decision that Mi-TRALE members voted on earlier this year. That is to continue to pursue the Mi-TRALE Equestrian Park on an 800-acre parcel off of Himanka Hill Road south of Bruce Crossing. However, the board did change its original proposal to use this land for horseback riding from Memorial Day weekend to October 15th to an ending date of October 30th (which was the original date on our proposal to the Ontonagon County Board). The Mi-TRALE board also proposes to keep a two-track road for motorized use open to Kennedy Lake. Currently we do not have any Mi-TRALE or MI DNR Designated ORV trails or preferred routes that go to or from this parcel of land. If a snowmobile and/or ORV trail or route is built to connect to this parcel, then Mi-TRALE will work on developing a trail separate of the EQ trails in this park. This proposal now goes to the Ontonagon County Forestry Committee, which states that this county-owned land is under control of the Michigan DNR. It is important for everyone to remember that Mi-TRALE stands for...Michigan Trails and Recreation Alliance of Land and the Environment. Mi-TRALE is an organization where the motorized and non-motorized community WORKS TOGETHER.

Mi-TRALE Scramble Area

As most of you know, I have been working on this project for over a year. I have found an 1,100-acre parcel, originally owned by Copper Range, south of White Pine. I am in the process of submitting this information to the Michigan DNR. The scramble area is an area where the 4x4/Jeep community, the off-road motorcycle community, ATVs, and sde-by-sides would have an area for them to enjoy. As stated above, Mi-TRALE is a MULTIPLE USE trails organization!

PA 240

This is the new Michigan State Law that allowed the Northern Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula county boards to vote on opening local and county roads to ORV travel. Mi-TRALE was the ONLY organization representing the ORV community at the Houghton, Ontonagon, Iron, and Gogebic County board meetings when those boards passed PA 240. The only county in our extensive ORV trail network that has not yet passed this legislation is Baraga County. Mi-TRALE is working closely with representatives from Baraga County in getting PA 240 passed. Once this is passed, we will let you know.

Pioneer Trail

While it does not look good that the 15-year project of building the P (Pioneer) Trail will become a Michigan DNR Designated ORV Trail this summer, Mi-TRALE will continue to maintain this beautiful trail through the Ottawa National Forest with membership money and volunteers. Hopefully in 2010, this trail will become a part of the Michigan DNR Designated ORV Trail System.

E Trail

This is the trail that Mi-TRALE built over 2 years ago, connecting the P and PF Trails to White Pine. This is NOT a trail for beginners, and those riding this trail should be aware of the different slopes and angles of this trail. Recently Bruce Johanson and I met with representatives of the Michigan DNR and the North Country Snowmobile Club in possibly having a MULTI-USE bridge built over the Mineral River north of White Pine. Once a MULTI-USE trail bridge is built, then Mi-TRALE will then begin trying to obtain private property trail agreements that would extend the E Trail into Silver City. Mi-TRALE awaits word from the DNR as to where they will decide to put a bridge over the Mineral River before work is done in getting those private landowner trail agreements.

501C7

Our secretary, Bruce Johanson, is making a lot of progress in getting Mi-TRALE 501C7 status. This long process through the Internal Revenue Service will offer Mi-TRALE the opportunity to apply for much needed grants. Mi-TRALE has developed one of the most extensive ORV trail systems in the nation since our conception in July of 2001. The signing, development, and maintance of the hundreds of miles of trails has been done with very little money. In addition to all the miles of trails, Mi-TRALE resurrected a search and rescue unit, did fund-raisers for a county fair and Habitat for Humanity, co-sponsored a senior citizen ORV fall color ride, sponsored ATV safety training classes, and attended over 100 meetings with local, county, state, and federal officials. We're hoping that once we get our 501C7 status, we'll be able to get grant money that will help us in get some trail maintenance equipment and supplies.

Wisconsin ATV Association Annual Meeting

Mi-TRALE will be attending that meeting in Wausau from April 3rd to the 5th. WATVA is an EXCELLENT organization and it is good to keep a close working relationship with them!

Mi-TRALE Clothing

You will find a good selection of the Mi-TRALE clothing for sale at Krupp's Mini-Mart in Twin Lakes, Bergland Bay Bar in Bergland, and Joe's Auto Service and Back40 ATV Guide Service, south of Bruce Crossing. Mi-TRALE wants to thank these businesses for purchasing an excellent supply of Mi-TRALE clothing for resale.

Snowmobile Drag Race to Benefit Habitat for Humanity

With the excellent cooperation of the Snow Valley Riders Snowmobile Club, Mi-TRALE assisted in raising close to $200 for Habitat for Humanity. The local Habitat for Humanity chapter is building a house just west of Ewen for an elderly couple. Plan for construction start-up is this fall. This is another example of Mi-TRALE working with other trail users to BENEFIT our area! The snowmobile drag races took place at the Sidnaw Airport with the support of Brad Fredricks, airport landowner, and help from the EMTs from Covington. Temps at the start of the drag races were over 25 BELOW ZERO ... so turnout of drivers and fans was not as good as projected.

OTHER NEWS, Not From the March Meeting

Mi-TRALE wants to congratulate Zak Zakowski for doing so well on the GNCC Tour this winter, and wish him the best at the races this spring. Zac is the son of Paul and Linda Zakowski. Paul is our vice president.

The multi-use bridge on the SB Trail in Kenton will be re-decked this spring and summer. The Michigan DNR has advised Mi-TRALE that that portion of the SB Trail will be closed for April, May, June, and possibly July of this summer. The DNR states that they do not have a detour around this bridge construction ... so please be aware of this when making your ORV traveling plans this spring and summer.

For the first time in recent history, the Michigan DNR will be holding a meeting in Ontonagon County. As your representative and a representative of the off-road motorized community, I am on the DNR's Western U.P. Citizens’ Advisory Board. It is this board that is going to be meeting on Monday night, May 18th, at 6:30 p.m. EST. I proposed that this meeting be held at the Konteka in White Pine. The actual location of that meeting has not been decided as of right now. Once it is, I will let everyone know.

It is IMPERATIVE that we have a good turnout of people at this meeting speaking during the public comment period in SUPPORT of all the work and Mi-TRALE MONEY spent on signing ORV trails in the entire Western U.P. We have been told by the DNR to TAKE DOWN ALL of the ORV trail signs on the BN (Bill Nichols), SB (Sidnaw to Bergland), and IRM (Iron River to Marenisco) trails. Then if we were fortunate to get any of the many miles of ORV trails our organization built, developed, and maintained with OUR OWN MONEY, we would then have to take down all THOSE signs. It is also at this meeting that the topic of the special Michigan DNR ORV group fee where any group of over 20 people that has an organized ORV ride has to pay $50.00 to APPLY for a special permit. Then if your permit is accepted, that group has to pay another fee. This is above and beyond the state law requiring residents and non-residents to pay for the annual trail sticker fee. Both of these topics will be addressed at the DNR's Western U.P. Citizens' Advisory Board Meeting in White Pine on Monday night, May 20th. PLEASE, PLEASE, try to attend and speak.

Please look at our Web site for the dates and locations of this year's Mi-TRALE club rides, and plan on riding with us. We would love to have you take part in our summer campout/cookout ride. It is NEVER too early to make sure you plan on attending this year's Mi-TRALE Annual Membership Meeting and Banquet! This will be October 3rd at the Root Cellar on the east shore of Lake Gogebic.

Our next Mi-TRALE meeting is a general membership meeting. It is scheduled for Monday night, April 6th, at the Konteka in White Pine. The meeting is open to EVERYONE; it starts at 7:00 p.m. EST.

Story about Copper Peak on ESPN Blog
Sunday, March 1, 2009

Corey Tomesh of www.exconfreeride.com, which is putting together the DVD of this year’s Copper Peak Hillclimb, submitted a GREAT story on this year’s Copper Peak Championship Snowmobile Hillclimb to ESPN. Click on the following link and check it out!

http://espn.go.com/action/snowmobiling/blog?post=3938048

For those of you that are looking to order the DVD of the hillclimb, below is Cory’s address and phone number. I’m anxious to get a copy!

Cory Tomesh, Drift Media
http://www.driftmedia.net
715-719-0298 - Office
715-651-9858 - Cell

Also, this past weekend, we had a great time at our Debut MASTERS Snowmobile Drag Races at the Sidnaw Airport. The Snow Valley Riders Snowmobile Club did a FANTASTIC job in setting up the course and getting landowner approval. The event was co-sponsored by Mi-TRALE and was a benefit for Habitat for Humanity. I will be sending out a press release on the races.

Just like at Copper Peak, it was Kenny Kolitsch and Karen Solberg of the International Watercross Association who helped us at the Drag Races. Karen did her usual FANTASTIC job at the finish line, and Kenny tossed the flag like an “old pro”! My wife, Sandy, did a great job on the charts, and the DRIVERS were FANTASTIC! Not one complaint, question, concern, or criticism of the event! We even had Scott Kneirim DONATE ALL his prize money back to Habitat for Humanity!

That’s it for this year’s MASTERS Circuit. I now turn my attention to the World Series of Watercross with the International Watercross Association and the Mi-TRALE ATV/Truck XTreme Challenge race(s).

Thanks again everyone!

Skip

Mi-TRALE a Partner at Copper Peak Hillclimb—Organization’s 6-Wheeler Used to Haul Sleds Back to Pits

Van Kalker and Gustafson take Copper Peak!

Levering, Michigan's Joe Van Kalker and Roseau, Minnesota's Nick Gustafson won the coveted Copper Peak Championship Snowmobile Hillclimb Pro Stock and Pro Mod King of the Hill this past Saturday. Gustafson, who took a second in last year's competition edged out last years Pro Mod King of the Hill, Matt Tingstad. Van Kalker defeated the 2007 and 2008 Pro Stock King of the Hill, Wyler Miller.

Van Kalker followed Coon Rapids, Minnesota's Jesse Stanton as the first two drivers to qualify for the Pro Stock King of the Hill "shootout." Stanton won the Pro Stock 500 Class, followed by Van Kalker taking the Pro Stock 600 Class. It was in that Pro Stock 600 Class that Van Kalker first defeated Tingstad. Tingstad took a second in that class. Van Kalker beat Tingstad by over 4 seconds. Then in the Pro Stock 700 class, the Ski-doo driver kept Miller from securing a spot in the "shootout'" by beating the 2007 Pro Stock King of the Hill by over 4 seconds, with an amazing second qualifying run of 17.46 seconds. Miller came back to win in Pro Stock 800 and Pro Open Stock.

That meant only 3 drivers would compete for the $1000 "winner-take-all" Pro Stock King of the Hill and the automatic invite to the World Championship Snowmobile Hillclimb in Jackson, Wyomng. Miller drew first in the "shootout" and posted an impressive 17.26-second run. Van Kalker went next and narrowly beat Miller with a 16.61-second run. Miller came back and ran a 17.53-second run. This left only the Pro Stock 500 qualifier, Stanton, to have a shot at defeating Van Kalker. Stanton in his first time competing at Copper Peak posted a 19.14-second run, giving Van Kalker the Pro Stock King of the Hill.

With so much on the line, and people from all over the Midwest looking to dethrone the perennial favorites in the Pro Mod Class, MIller and Tingstad, Wyler "Wild Man" Miller of Pelkie, Michigan, and Tingstad of Bessemer, Michigan, brought an arsenal of sleds this year. Tingstad on Arctic Cats and Miller on Ski-doos. Miller took one of his Ski-doos to a slim win in the Pro Mod 600 Class over Tingstad. Miller posted an 18.22 in his second qualifying run, with Tingstad having an 18.76. Long-time Copper Peak competitor, Lance Forcia., Jr., of L'Anse, Michigan, took a third on a 2009 Polaris.

Tingstad, known as Tinger in the World of Snowmobile Freestyle competition, got revenge in Pro Mod 700 by beating Miller's first qualifying run time by two seconds. Miller failed to make the hill on his second attempt. That meant that time was running out for last year's Pro Mod King of the Hill runner-up, Nick Gustafson. During the first round of competition, it appeared that this was not going to be the year for Gustafson, formerly of neighboring Hurley, Wisconsin.

The driver that works in the Polaris factory turned to his crew to make sled adjustments for the changing hill conditions. In the Pro Mod 800 class, Gustafson opened the second round by turning in a fast 17.58-second run. The huge crowd then thought Gustafson secured his spot in the Pro Mod King of the Hill. Problem was, Van Kalker was the last to run in Pro Mod 800. Van Kalker turned in a 17.15-second run, and left Gustafson wondering what happened.

That meant that Gustafson would have to win the Pro Open Mod class to earn a shot in the Pro Mod King of the Hill "shootout." After the first round of qualifying in Pro Open Mod, the leader was Miller with a 19.80-second run. With the second run being on a different route around the 3 gates and to the "timing shoot," Gustafson knew he had to go "all out." Due to the draw on Friday night, Gustafson had one "ace" in his back pocket: that is that the Polaris Assault driver would be the last to run at the very steep Copper Peak cliff.

Marquette, Michigan's Jason Carter opened up the second round of Pro Open Mod qualifying with an 18.49-second run. That knocked Miller out of first place in the class. Stanton on a different Arctic Cat from his Pro Stock 500 qualifier had an 18.61-second run, then Tingstad had an 18.74-second run, then Cheboygan, Michigan's Chuckie Robiadek had an 18.75 run. This left it down to Van Kalker, Miller, and Gustafson. Van Kalker had an 18.75 shot up the hill, Miller posted a time of 18.51.

Now it was up to Gustafson with one last shot to get into the "shootout" and keep Carter from getting his first shot at qualifying for the much heralded Pro Mod King of the Hill.

Gustafson took off out of the "starting shoot" like a rocket. He made a perfect turn around the first gate and the second gate. Then he had to get over the steepest part of the hill, what is known as "the wall." Gustafson easily cleared "the wall." Problem a majority of the drivers had on the second qualifying course was that the approach to the third gate was down to dirt, with an erosion-preventing log fully exposed. Gustafson went over the log fully under control, and then made a "beeline" to the timing shoot. After the roar of the crowd dissipated, Skip Schulz, Mid America Snowmobile Tournament of Expert Racers, MASTERS Circuit, announced "Nick Gustafson just turned in a time of 16.83 seconds, thus winning Pro Open Mod and qualifying for the Pro Mod King of the Hill shootout."

In the Pro Mod King of the Hill "shootout," four drivers would compete for the $1,000 "winner-take-all" and an invite to the World Championships. Tingstad drew first, Gustafson second, Miller third, and Van Kalker would end the competition.

Tingstad had a 23.00 run. Gustafson had a very "beatable" 19.13-second run. The attention was now on Miller. Miller failed to make it around the tough third gate. Last at the line, Van Kalker, who had already won Pro Stock King of the Hill and pocketed $1,650.00, failed to make it over the top, giving Gustafson the Pro Mod King of the Hill.

Even though Miller failed to win a Stock or Mod King of the Hill competition for the first time in 3 years, Copper Peak was not without a Miller at the top of the throne. However, it would not be a "King of the Hill," but a "Queen of the Hill." Wyler's daughter, McKenna, captured the 120cc "Queen" of the Hill. McKenna went higher up the mountain then Eli Talsma and Morgan Miskovich.

Due to warm weather, the hillclimb was postponed from the Saturday before. While 6 inches of snow did fall from the "meltdown" of the previous week, the hill and the snowmobiles took a beating. Numerous snowmobiles came tumbling down to the applause of the crowd and the ahs of the drivers. In one attempt, De Pere, Wisconsin's Matt Cook's Arctic Cat went off the course and the stand that one of the videographers was perched on. The cameraman was knocked off the stand and came tumbling down the hill. While bruised and beaten, the individual was able to complete the filming of the event. Other than this person and dozens of snowmobiles, once again this year no one was hurt.

The MASTERS Circuit that sanctions this event selects the top drivers from throughout the Midwest to compete at this event. "Copper Peak is the most extreme snowmobile hillclimb in the Midwest and that is why we select a limited number of drivers," stated Schulz. "While we don't have the 'distance' of the hills that the Pro drivers compete at in the Rocky Mountains, Copper Peak is 700 feet that is so steep, one cannot even see the bottom of the hill from the timing chute at the top," remarked Schulz.

With all the carnage on the hill, one would think that the majority of the drivers would leave the Western Upper Peninsula dismayed.

"I look forward to competing in this event every year," stated Layne Stank of Menomonee, Michigan.

"I wouldn't miss competing, no matter how many sleds I've destroyed," said Scott Smith of Ewen, Michigan.

"I didn't know I was competing until a few days before the event. When Skip (Schulz) told me he had a spot for me with a cancellation due to the postponed, I jumped at the chance," stated Jesse Stanton of Coon Rapids, Minnesota. The same misfortune on the change of the date for some drivers also opened up a spot for Jordan Sherwood of Pequot Lakes, Minnesota. However, Sherwood was not as fortunate as Stanton. Sherwood failed to make it over the top after four runs.

"This event is not only good for the tourism economy of the Western Upper Peninsula, but it also gives us the chance to showcase the Western Hemisphere's highest ski flying jump," stated Charlie Supercynski of Copper Peak Ski Flying. Some of the money raised at the snowmobile hillclimb goes to a fund to bring ski flying back to Copper Peak. Fans were given the chance to take the chair lift up the steep bluff to get a view of the acres of cars in the parking lot for the hillclimb.

Plans and the date for the 2010 Copper Peak Championship Snowmobile Hillclimb will begin in March. Till then the MASTERS Circuit now focuses on this coming Saturday's snowmobile drag race in Sidnaw, Michigan, for Habitat for Humanity.

Results of 2009 Copper Peak Championship Snowmobile Hillclimb Pro Stock 500: 1) Jesse Stanton, Coon Rapids (MN), Arctic Cat; 2) Cory Bull, Ironwood (MI), Arctic Cat; 3) Tim Staddick, New Ulm (MN), Ski-doo
Pro Stock 600: 1) Joe Van Kalker, Levering (MI), Ski-doo; 2) Matt Tingstad, Bessemer (MI), Arctic Cat; 3) Jesse Stanton, Coon Rapids (MN), Arctic Cat
Pro Stock 700: 1) Joe Van Kalker, Levering (MI), Ski-doo; 2) Wyler Miller, Pelkie (MI), Ski-doo; 3) Layne Stank, Menomonee (MI), Polaris
Pro Stock 800: 1) Wyler Miller, Pelkie (MI), Ski-doo; 2) Matt Tingstad (2nd Run), Bessemer (MI), Arctic Cat; 3) Tingstad (1st Run)
Ironwood Super 8 Pro Open Stock: 1) Wyler Miller, Pelkie (MI), Ski-doo; 2) Nick Gustafson, Roseau (MN), Polaris; 3) MattTingstad, Bessemer (MI), Arctic Cat
Pro Mod 600: 1) Wyler Miller, Pelkie (MI), Ski-doo; 2) Matt Tingstad, Bessemer (MI), Arctic Cat; 3) Lance Forcia, Jr., L'Anse (MI), Polaris
Pro Mod 700: 1) Matt Tingstad (2nd Run), Bessemer (MI), Arctic Cat;  2) Wyler Miller, Pelkie (MI), Ski-doo; 3) Tingstad (1st Run)
Mountain View Lodges-Silver City Pro Mod 800:  1) Joe Van Kalker, Levering (MI), Ski-doo; 2) Nick Gustafson, Roseau (MN), Polaris; 3) Wyler Miller, Pelkie (MI), Ski-doo
Ironwood Super 8 Pro Open Mod:  1) Nick Gustafson, Roseau (MN), Polaris; 2) Jason Carter, Marquette (MI), Ski-doo; 3) Wyler Miller, Pelkie (MI), Ski-doo
Indianhead Motel of Ironwood 120cc King/Queen of the Hill: 1) McKenna Miller, Pelkie (MI), Ski-doo; 2) Eli Talsma, Bessemer (MI) Polaris; 3) Morgan Miskovich, Wakefield (MI), Polaris
Pro Stock King of the Hill:  1) Joe Van Kalker, Levering (MI), Ski-doo 2) Wyler Miller, Pelkie (MI), Ski-doo; 3) Jesse Stanton, Coon Rapids (MN) Arctic Cat
Pro Mod King of the Hill: 1) Nick Gustafson, Roseau (MN), Polaris; 2) Matt Tingstad, Bessemer (MI), Arctic Cat; 3) Wyler Miller, Pelkie (MI) Ski-doo

Correction on yesterday's update (below)
February 5, 2009

At our last meeting, we had Darla Lenz, Ontonagon Ranger District Supervisor, speak. I made the mistake to not let Darla know that we were going to be talking about “group ORV fees,” so she did not have the specific information we needed.

Dawn Buss-Glodowski, Recreation Specialist for the Ontonagon District of the Ottawa National Forest, sent me the following e-mail today...

Skip, there is a discrepancy with your notes below. You’ve stated that the Ottawa requires user groups over 20 to have a permit. This is not accurate. I know we’ve discussed this before that user groups over 75 participants must apply for a special use permit on National Forest Lands.

I apologize for my mistake.

On another note, Bruce Johanson and I met with Ron Yesney, John Mattila, and Dan Laux of the Michigan DNR today. Also at that meeting were Dave Martin and Jerry Yaklyvich of the North Country Snowmobile Club. The meeting looked at different options that BOTH snowmobilers and ORV riders could have in regard to a trail from White Pine to Silver City. Some of the options require the construction of a multi-use bridge over the Mineral River. It was an EXCELLENT meeting, and Mi-TRALE looks forward to working with both the DNR and the North Country Snowmobile Club in finding a trail that we can BOTH use. I will keep all of you up to date on this very important project.

I also want to thank the Mi-TRALE Board of Directors for agreeing to allow the Mid-America Snowmobile Tournament of Expert Riders (MASTERS) Circuit the use of the Mi-TRALE Polaris Big Boss for use at the upcoming Copper Peak Championship Snowmobile Hillclimb on February 14th.

As all of you know, Mi-TRALE was instrumental in resurrecting a search and rescue unit. Here is their latest press release:

Ontonagon Search and Rescue Meeting Wednesday

The Ontonagon County Search and Rescue (OSAR) Unit will be meeting this Wednesday night. The meeting will be at the Porcupine Mountains State Park Headquarters. The meeting will start at 6:00 p.m. EST.

Bill Doan of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources will go over search and rescue emergency equipment. Doan will be explaining the use and how to use the equipment. Doan, a member of the Ontonagon County Search and Rescue Unit, has given informative presentations to the group over the past year.

Last week four members of OSAR participated in a mock emergency at the Porcupine Mountains State Park. The members participated as victims of an emergency. The Michigan DNR, Michigan State Police, Ontonagon County Sheriff’s Department, U.S. Forest Service, Beacon EMS, Ontonagon Hospital, Grand View Hospital, Carp Lake Township Fire Department, and Ontonagon Emergency Services were a part of the drill.

OSAR has been meeting on a monthly basis since April of 2008, with each meeting focusing on special search and rescue training for its members. All of the members of OSAR are volunteers, and the group is always looking for new members. While there are no membership dues to OSAR, members in the past have paid for some of their own equipment and training. The group is working with Ontonagon County Emergency Services Director Bill Johnson in obtaining the funds to purchase search and rescue equipment.

“Ontonagon County Search and Rescue members will be ready to help local, county, state and federal officials in case of search or an emergency. However, we hope that all of the training we have been through will never be needed,” stated OSAR President Rick Varecha of Silver City.

If you would like more information or to join OSAR, you’re asked to contact anyone of the group’s officers, President Rick Varecha at 885-5256, or Vice President Skip Schulz at 884-9101.

That’s it, folks (... at least for a few days ...)!

Weekly Update
February 4, 2009

Recap of Feb 2nd Mi-TRALE Board of Directors Meeting

Darla Lenz, Ontonagon District Ranger of the Ottawa National Forest, explained the process that the Ottawa must now go through to get the connector trails and routes that Mi-TRALE has played an important role in the past couple years. This includes the LL Trail from Watersmeet to Land O’ Lakes, the Lake Gogebic West Shore Trail, the IRM extension from Marenisco to Wakefield, the north/south connector from the IRM Trail in Iron River to Kenton, the north/south connector from Sidnaw to the BN (Bill Nichols) Trail, and FR 630, which would connect the PF Trail to the P (Pioneer) Trail.

What you will not have noticed is Mi-TRALE’s proposed connector from Marenisco to Presque Isle (WI). It was at the meeting that the owners of Alpine Resort in Presque Isle were on hand. Lenz told them and the board that while a connector trail to Presque Isle is not currently being considered, the Ottawa will look at this after the current connector trails are decided upon.

You will also notice that the Ottawa still will not consider opening FR 2200, east of Sidnaw. Mi-TRALE has asked for that trail to be opened for over two years as we need this to connect the SB Trail to the Baraga Plains ORV trails. Once we have that connection finished, we can then start to work on trails east of the Baraga Plains. A long-time goal of ours is to eventually connect to the ORV trails in the Central U.P.

Darla told us that once the environmental analysis is completed, the public will have a chance to choose one of three alternatives. Then the final decision, hopefully at the end of this year, will be made by Susan Spear, Ottawa National Forest Supervisor. I’ll keep you posted!

Rob Katona of the Michigan DNR was also at our meeting. Rob talked about the work he is doing with Mi-TRALE, townships, and counties in establishing four State Designated ORV Trailheads. Earlier in the day, Rob met with officials from Marenisco Township in putting in a trailhead right in town. Rob also talked about building a trailhead on the Canal Road in Houghton. This trailhead would have a reader board letting people know about getting the police escort across the Portage Lift Bridge. Another trailhead that Rob and the DNR is looking at is along M-26 between Greenland and Mass City. This would be a BN (Bill Nichols) Trailhead and would also serve the riders that want to head west to the P (Pioneer) Trail.

A trailhead that Mi-TRALE hopes the DNR will look at is in Sidnaw. I have met with a landowner who also owns a beautiful garage/meeting place. This garage could serve as a place for both the Snow Valley Riders and the Baraga Tourism Association groomers, along with Mi-TRALE equipment. The building would also serve as a meeting and conference center for many different trail users. Hey ... all we can do is ask and hope, right?

Mi-TRALE and the Ottawa National Forest will continue to maintain the P Trailheads, including the one just east of Bergland and the one on the Norwich Road. However ALL OF US are very concerned about the lack of ORV/snowmobile crossing warning signs on the Norwich Road by that trailhead. This is a “blind crossing,” and we’re all fearful of a serious accident happening there.

Rob is also working with Mi-TRALE and the Snow Valley Riders Snowmobile Club in getting the SB Trail from Sidnaw to just west of Bruce Crossing graded this coming fall. Rob and the DNR are also working on getting the IRM Trail and the BN Trail graded this coming fall.

There was a lot of discussion dealing with both the Michigan DNR and Ottawa National Forest group fee structure. Groups over 20 need to apply for a special use permit; however, one can have any number of groups of 19 people or less. This is an issue that I will be bringing up at the February 23rd Michigan DNR Western U.P. Citizens Advisory Board meeting in Crystal Falls. Rob stated that this issue will also most likely be addressed by the Michigan DNR ORV Advisory Council.

A lot of discussion dealt with getting the P (Pioneer) Trail as a Michigan DNR Designated Trail. This trail was originally built by the Michigan National Guard, U.S. Army Reserve, Ottawa National Forest, Michigan DNR, and TRALE-UP in 1994. Fifteen years later, it is still not a Michigan DNR Designated Trail ... however, we’re getting close. It is this trail that has become a template all around the State of Michigan, as Mi-TRALE secured PRIVATE landowner trail agreements ... something that has not been done with ORV trails in Michigan. However, we still need to get one more landowner agreement and a letter from the Ontonagon County Road Commission. It looks good that in 2010, the P Trail will become a Designated Michigan DNR ORV Trail. The trail is open to ORVs and is maintained by Mi-TRALE through our membership money.

In the proposed opening of the P Trail, we are including the C Trail from Rockland to Greenland. A stream crossing is what the issue on that segment of trail is right now.

The proposed Mi-TRALE equestrian park was addressed. Former Mi-TRALE VP Joe Pietila addressed the group with his concern about shutting down 800 acres of publicly owned county land to motorized recreation. Others at the meeting had the same concern. I brought up the need for Mi-TRALE to hold true to its founding and its name ... that being Michigan Trails and Recreation Alliance of Land and the Environment. I formed the group to be a group of multiple trail users; however, with the travel management rule, Mi-TRALE was forced to focus on ORV trails; thus a lot of people think of our organization as just being an ORV group ... which we are not.

However, due to the logging company not returning its contract on the parcel of land that was to have a timber harvest, this project has been put on hold. It was the logging roads that would have helped create the equestrian trails.

Another major project that Mi-TRALE has been working on for over a year is a “scramble” area. This would be a 1000-1500-acre parcel that would have roads and trails for Jeeps, 4x4 trucks, off-road motorcycles, and ORVs. I sent one proposal to the DNR and am working on another. Hopefully Mi-TRALE will get the “ball rolling” on this.

Mi-TRALE and the Snow Valley Riders are teaming up to raise money for the local Habitat for Humanity. This is going to be done by co-hosting a snowmobile drag race on February 28th at the Sidnaw Airport. WE CAN USE ANY HELP WE CAN GET ON THIS ... just contact me. We’ll need security on the grounds, parking attendants, gate people, and people to possibly help with the Habitat for Humanity fundraising concession stand. WE ALSO NEED SNOWMOBILERS that would like to compete. We’ll have Stock, Modified, Vintage and a 120cc Class. Mi-TRALE and the Snow Valley Rider president and Mi-TRALE board member, Beckie Faulkner, pitched in for first-place trophies in all the classes.

It is important that all our Mi-TRALE members know that our organization is a very important SERVICE group in our area. Besides helping Habitat for Humanity, Mi-TRALE was instrumental in resurrecting the area’s search and rescue unit, we host numerous events to help local groups and communities, provide ORV safety training, offer senior citizen ORV color tours, and is active in local, county, state, and federal issues that will have an impact on where you recreate.

Bruce Johanson submitted the 2009 Mi-TRALE budget, from which Mi-TRALE will purchase its own computer and set money aside for different community events. Of those, Mi-TRALE is looking at adding two more ATV/Truck XTreme Challenges this summer, possibly in Bruce Crossing over the 4th of July and one for the Ewen Log Jamboree at the end of September. This is in addition to the fan-popular event during the Ontonagon County Fair the final Saturday in July.

The board voted to once again host the CP2R Award this year. This is the award that goes out to anyone that can actually ride their ORV on the entire IRM, BN, SB, P, PF, E, and LL Trails. Five Mi-TRALE members accomplished this amazing feat last year.

As you can see, we held a very busy and important meeting on February 2nd. Our next meeting will be March 2nd at the Parkview Lodge in Twin Lakes. Hope you can make it!

Weekly Update
January 27, 2009

Next meeting: This coming Monday night, February 2, at Twilley's in Bruce Crossing.

The meeting will start at 7:00 p.m. EST/6:00 p.m. CST. Darla Lenz of the Ottawa National Forest will be at the meeting to go over the ORV “connector” routes that Mi-TRALE has proposed. Rob Katona of the Michigan DNR will be at the meeting to go over potential ORV trailheads, along with the P (Pioneer) Trail getting DNR ORV designation.

The P Trail was “officially” opened by the Ottawa National Forest and Mi-TRALE on June 30, 2007. The trail was built in the summer of 1994. We are hoping that 15 years later, the trail will become a Michigan DNR Designated ORV Trail.

Trail News

Mi-TRALE continues to plan on extending the “E” Trail from White Pine to Silver City, now that the former M-107 through Silver City is open to ORV traffic. It will be at this coming Monday night’s meeting that we will find out what it will take to get DNR ORV funding to re-grade the SB Trail, IRM Trail, and the BN Trail, along with finding out what it will take to secure ORV funds for redecking some of the bridges on those multi-use trails. Mi-TRALE continues to hope that we can get a meeting with officials from Gogebic County in regard to possible new trails from Wakefield to Bessemer and to Ironwood. Mi-TRALE is also working with officials from Baraga County in getting Baraga County to approve PA 240 (the legislation that opens county roads to ORV traffic).

Mi-TRALE/Snow Valley Riders Snowmobile Drag Race for Habitat for Humanity

This will take place on Saturday, February 28 at the Sidnaw Airport. This is just ANOTHER event where Mi-TRALE and surrounding snowmobile clubs are working TOGETHER.

Mi-TRALE Equestrian Park

We have hit another “setback” on the idea that Mi-TRALE has had for over a year. The company that was awarded the timber harvest contract for this 800-acre parcel of Ontonagon County land has not sent the contract back to the county board. This may prompt the county board to not allow Mi-TRALE to proceed with the equestrian park. Mi-TRALE has already received the support from the Ontonagon County Planning Commission and Ontonagon County Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors. Before Mi-TRALE received word that the timber harvest will not take place, the county board supported the Mi-TRALE equestrian park, providing we receive the support from the Ontonagon County Forestry Committee. This idea is just another example as to how the off-road motorsport community and the silent sport community can and should WORK TOGETHER.

These and many more issues will be discussed at the February 2nd Mi-TRALE meeting. If you can, please try to attend.

Snowmobile Drag Race for Habitat

Matt LaCosse, MASTERS Circuit # 1 Drag Racer.
Photo courtesy of Archy Archambeau.

The Sno Valley Riders and Mi-TRALE are going to “team up” to raise money for the Ontonagon Habitat for Humanity by hosting a snowmobile drag race. The MASTERS sanctioned race will take place at the Sidnaw Airport on Saturday, February 28.

This year Habitat for Humanity will be building a home for John and Sandy Smith of Matchwood Township. John Smith is currently residing in a Long Term Care Unit, and his wife is living in an apartment in the Village of Ontonagon. A donation to watch and/or compete at the exciting snowmobile drag races and proceeds from the concession stand will go toward building the Smith home.

The Sno Valley Rider Snowmobile Club is currently preparing the race surface, along with the pit area. This active and community-minded snowmobile club grooms the trail to Sidnaw, where the Baraga County Tourism and Recreation Association then takes the trail from Sidnaw to L’Anse. Mi-TRALE officially opened the SB Trail from Sidnaw to Bergland last summer. Mi-TRALE and the Sno Valley Riders have had different projects where the two groups work closely together.

“This very worthwhile event could not have happened if it was not for the private landowner of the Sidnaw Airport allowing us to use his land,” stated Sno Valley Riders Snowmobile Club President Beckie Faulkner. Faulkner is also a member of the Mi-TRALE Board of Directors.

“I also cannot thank the landowner and the Sno Valley Riders enough,” stated Mi-TRALE President Skip Schulz. Schulz is also the president of the Mid America Snowmobile Tournament of Expert Riders, MASTERS Circuit. The MASTERS Circuit has sanctioned numerous snowmobile events in the Western U.P. over the years, including the popular Copper Peak Snowmobile Hillclimb.

The MASTERS will be running four Vintage classes for 1960-1979 sleds. This includes a Vintage Free Air/Fan-Cooled Class, Vintage 340, Vintage 440, and Open Vintage. The MASTERS also runs classes for Stock machines. They are Stock 500, Stock 600, Stock 700, Stock 800, and Open Stock. The Modified classes includes Mod 500, Mod 600, Mod 700, Mod 800, and Open Mod.

For more information on the MASTERS Sanctioned Snowmobile Drag Races at the Sidnaw Airport, co-sponsored by the Sno Valley Riders and Mi-TRALE, you’re asked to or call him at 906-884-9101.

Download Driver Registration Form
Word document
PDF

Download MASTERS Rules
Word document
PDF

Weekly Update
Update and Recap of First Meeting of 2009
January 8, 2009

The 2009 Mi-TRALE Annual Membership Meeting/Awards Banquet is Set!

This will take place on Saturday night, October 3rd, at the Root Cellar on the East Shore of Lake Gogebic. Not only does the Root Cellar have EXCELLENT FOOD and GREAT SERVICE, right on the ES Preferred Route, but they also have a new motel. Book your room now and make plans to take in this FUN night! Social hour will run from 5-6 p.m. Central time, dinner serving at 6:00 p.m. Central time. We’ll have more on this throughout the coming year.

Gas

Lately different Web sites, along with the expected “chit-chat” network amongst snowmobilers and this coming summer’s ATV riders, are stating that White Pine will be without gas.

I was called by Mi-TRALE business member the Konteka in White Pine that they will be having gas in about 3 weeks.

So don’t think you will be without gas for your snowmobile or ATV in the White Pine area...

Mi-TRALE Equestrian Park

After receiving the support from the Ontonagon County Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors, Ontonagon County Planning Commission, and the Ontonagon County Board of Commissioners, this proposal now goes before the Ontonagon County Forestry Committee. This park would be located on Ontonagon County land, south of Bruce Crossing, off of Himanka Hill Road. This 800+ acre parcel is scheduled for a timber harvest in the next two years. At the conclusion of the timber harvest, Mi-TRALE looks to utilize logging roads and to develop a horseback-riding trail system. This park would have a parking lot and a rustic campsite. While it is on county land, Mi-TRALE did inquire with the Michigan DNR to make sure that our organization would not need special approval from them. We’re hoping the Ontonagon County Forestry Committee will give its approval!

Mi-TRALE proposes that this park not be open to ORVs from Memorial Day weekend to October 31st.

ORV Trails

After 15 years, we’re getting close to finally getting the P (Pioneer) Trail as a Michigan DNR Designated ORV Trail/Route. This is the trail that was planned and developed by our predecessor, TRALE-UP, and built by the Michigan National Guard, U.S. Army Reserve Unit from Hurley, Ottawa National Forest, and Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Mi-TRALE looks to secure a land agreement from a couple private landowners in the next few weeks. Right now that is one of our last “hurdles” in getting this DNR-designated. The trail was officially opened to ORVs on June 30th, 2007, by Mi-TRALE and the Ottawa National Forest. This past summer, Mi-TRALE and the Ottawa put in a new Pioneer Trail trailhead a couple miles east of Bergland, right off of M-28. The trailhead sign was erected, and Mi-TRALE maintained the trailhead. Mi-TRALE also maintained the Pioneer Trail trailhead on the Norwich Road.

The P Trail currently goes from the SB Trail intersection just east of Bergland and goes to Rockland. In Rockland the P Trail then connects with the C Trail, which takes ORV riders to the BN (Bill Nichols) Trail at Adventure Mountain in Greenland.

Trailheads

Mi-TRALE is working with Rob Katona of the Michigan DNR in getting a trailhead developed at Adventure Mountain in Greenland, along with a trailhead on the north end of the BN. Right now Mi-TRALE is working closely with both Mr. Katona of the DNR and Marenisco Township in getting a new trailhead located at Donald McKenzie Park in Marenisco. Bruce Malner, Marenisco Township Police Chief, Katona, and myself will be meeting in the next few weeks to go over details on this new trailhead.  urrently this trailhead would be at the western point of the IRM Trail; however Mi-TRALE hopes that our proposal with the Ottawa National Forest to get the IRM Trail extended to Wakefield WILL HAPPEN. Mr. Katona is going to be at our Feb 2nd Mi-TRALE board meeting at Twilley’s in Bruce Crossing to go over those trailheads, along with the P Trail designation.

Mi-TRALE Proposed New Trails/Connector Routes in the Ottawa National Forest

Mi-TRALE has been informed that the proposed north/south connector trail from Iron River to Sidnaw, the proposed north/south connector trail from Sidnaw to Mass City, the IRM Trail extension into Wakefield, opening FR 630 as a connector from the PF Trail to the P Trail, the LL Trail from Land O’ Lakes to Watersmeet, and the Lake Gogebic West Shore Trail...that “there has been no decision made by the Ottawa National Forest on these trails. The environmental analysis document that reveals alternatives will be released to the public for comment early this year. After that public comment period, a decision will be made by Susan Spear, Forest Supervisor, regarding which additional roads or trails will be open to OHVs.” This is from Darla Lenz, Ontonagon District Ranger. Mi-TRALE has invited a representative of the Ottawa National Forest to be at our February 2nd Mi-TRALE board meeting. We have not heard yet if they will have a representative at that meeting.

We’re also hoping that at that time we will be informed as to why Mi-TRALE is unable to get a proposed connector trail from the SB Trail in Sidnaw to the Baraga Plains ORV trails and a connector trail from the IRM Trail in Marenisco to Presque Isle, Wisconsin.

Maps

The new revised Mi-TRALE Western U.P. ORV Maps are now available at many of the businesses that are Map Advertisers. The businesses that have not gotten the new maps can pick them up at my (Skip’s) place or e-mail me and I’ll do my best in getting them to you. It was at our January 5th membership/board meeting that it was voted to allow businesses that are not advertisers to purchase the maps for $3.00 and resell them or give them away. It was also voted that from now on all maps will be paid for up front.

Mi-TRALE Apparel

The great-looking Mi-TRALE shirts, sweatshirts, caps, and lanyards will now be sold ONLY at the following businesses: Roger’s Bar, Watersmeet; Bergland Bay Bar, Bergland; Joe’s Auto Service/Lost 40 ATV Guide Service, Bruce Crossing; Mountain View Cottages, Silver City; Wildlife Refuge Cabins/South Range BP, South Range. If your business wants to sell the clothing, e-mail Skip.

PA 240 (the law allowing for the legal riding of an ORV on county roads in Northern Michigan/Upper Peninsula)

Iron County voted on Dec 23rd to open their roads to 16- and 17-year-olds with a Michigan ORV Safety Certificate, and everyone 18 and older. The last county we need to get PA 240 approved is Baraga County. Mi-TRALE has been in contact with Baraga County and we will be in attendance of their February meeting in an effort to get this passed. Houghton, Ontonagon, and Gogebic all approved this in October of 2008. This also means that the former M-107 that goes through Silver City and up the Porcupine Mountains is now open to ORVs...that is, from the M-64 intersection to the old mine shaft, approximately 5 miles up the Porkies. HOWEVER, ORVs will not be allowed past the old mine shaft. This was voted upon at the December Ontonagon County Board of Commissioners Meeting.

Mi-TRALE Instrumental In Bringing 2 Groups From Kentucky to the Western U.P.

This summer Mi-TRALE will be proud to have 2 ORV groups from Kentucky coming to our area to ride our trails for a week. We are very proud to host these groups and other groups. If your club, organization, or group is looking for a great place to ride your ORV, contact us and we’ll let you know about the many SCENIC trails to ride!

Mi-TRALE Web Site Advertising

Due to the excellent number of “hits” our Mi-TRALE Web site gets, we have had an inquiry about placing an ad on the Web site. This was discussed at both the November and January meetings, and it was decided not to engage in any advertising on our Web site at this time; however, the club will take another look at this issue at our June 1st meeting.

Snowmobile Drag Race Fund-Raiser

Mi-TRALE is looking to team up with the Sno Valley Snowmobile Club in possibly holding a snowmobile drag race on February 28th. The idea is to have this drag race be a fund-raiser for Ontonagon Habitat for Humanity. Ontonagon Habitat for Humanity recently awarded an elderly couple from Topaz the construction of a new home. This family’s son was one of our charter Mi-TRALE members back in 2001. A lot of planning is still being done whether we will be able to do this or not.

Scramble Area

In an effort to help the sagging Western U.P. economy, Mi-TRALE continues to look at the possibility of garnering the support from the Michigan DNR in developing a new scramble area in the Western U.P. I have come across a 1500-acre parcel that may work for this scramble area. I will continue to work on that. For those that may not be familiar with a scramble area, this is an area where 4x4 trucks/Jeeps, off-road motorcycles, and ORVs would have a specially built trail/road network.

ORV Trails/Equestrian Park/Snowmobile Fund-Raiser/4X4 Truck-Jeep Scramble Area/Dirt Bike Trails...

All this is based upon what Mi-TRALE stands for...Michigan Trails and Recreation Alliance of Land and the Environment.  Mi-TRALE has ALWAYS been an organization of many different trail users. At our January 5th meeting, Mi-TRALE trustee and Sno-Valley Snowmobile Club President Beckie Faulkner brought up the idea of Mi-TRALE working on establishing a Michigan statewide organization based upon all the work our group has and currently is doing. While Mi-TRALE would LOVE to see a unified statewide organization like Mi-TRALE, our organization will remain a Western U.P. organization with the hope that we can work on bringing other organizations together, especially snowmobile and ATV clubs.

It was at the 2008 Mi-TRALE Annual Membership Meeting/Awards Banquet that the Superior Snowmobile Club received the Unity Award. This past fall Mi-TRALE worked with the Sno Valley Snowmobile Club in putting down rubber matting on the Baltimore River trestle. Mi-TRALE has and will continue to work WITH snowmobile clubs.

Mi-TRALE membership includes snowmobilers, ATV/ORV riders, equestrian enthusiasts, personal watercraft riders, and dirt bikers, to name a few.

2009 Budget

Mi-TRALE Treasurer Roberta Johanson and Mi-TRALE Secretary Bruce Johanson will be preparing a preliminary 2009 Mi-TRALE operating budget. This budget will be presented at the February 2nd meeting for approval.

Membership

It is membership dues that provide the funds for Mi-TRALE to maintain the HUNDREDS of miles of ORV trails, continue to work on developing an equestrian park, work on possibly building a scramble area for 4x4 trucks/Jeeps/dirt bikers, and to DEVELOP NEW TRAILS. Mi-TRALE was the ONLY organization speaking at Western U.P. county board meetings to adopt PA 240. Mi-TRALE is the main Multi-Use Trail Organization working with the Michigan DNR and the Ottawa National Forest in getting new trails opened. We’re represented on the National Land Use Advisory Committee, and we’re on the Michigan DNR Western U.P. Citizens Advisory Board. We’re the group that brought the Ontonagon Search and Rescue unit back to life. We’re on the school board, Habitat for Humanity board, Economic Development board, Historical Society board, and involved in many other organizations. Mi-TRALE signs and works on the TRAILS, we’re AT the MEETINGS, WE NEED YOUR MEMBERSHIP.

Next Meeting

The next Mi-TRALE meeting will be Monday night, February 2nd. The meeting will take place at Twilley’s in Bruce Crossing. The meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. EST/6:00 p.m. CST. Rob Katona of the Michigan DNR will be at that meeting, and hopefully a representative of the Ottawa National Forest. ALL Mi-TRALE meetings are open to the public, and everyone is encouraged to attend!

Thanks for taking the time to read this!

Skip Schulz
Mi-TRALE President

Weekly Update
Equestrian Park
December 19, 2008

First of all, on behalf of Sandy and myself and the Mi-TRALE Board of Directors, we want to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season.

Mi-TRALE Equestrian Park

This past week, most of our attention has been on the proposed Mi-TRALE Equestrian Park. As our name states, Michigan Trails and Recreation Alliance of Land and the Environment, our organization represents a diverse user group. One important segment of our organization is the equestrian riders.

It was at our November board meeting that the board supported the development of a Mi-TRALE Equestrian Park. This proposed park would be built on Ontonagon County land south of Bruce Crossing, off of the Himanka Hill Road. The land is scheduled to have a timber harvest in the next couple years.

Our concept is to turn the logging roads used for this timber harvest into equestrian trails. Part of the plan is to build a parking area, a horse corral with a water tank, and a rustic campsite. The park would have a sign at the entrance, “Mi-TRALE Equestrian Park.” We will be asking the Ontonagon County Road Commission to put information signs directing people to the park on US-45.

Mi-TRALE would check the trail every year before Memorial Day for downed trees and possible maintenance. Construction and maintenance costs would come from donations and Mi-TRALE’s efforts to successfully obtain grant money.

This past week, Mi-TRALE secured the support for this concept from the Ontonagon County Economic Development Corporation and the Ontonagon County Planning Commission. At this week’s Ontonagon County Board of Commissioners meeting, the board unanimously supported the development of this park based upon getting the support from the Ontonagon County Forestry Committee and Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Earlier today, I sent a letter to the Michigan DNR seeking their support. Time will tell whether they will support this and/or put roadblocks in our way. Currently the entire western Upper Peninsula only has 13 miles of equestrian trails on state-managed land; that is called Thunder Valley. The idea of an actual equestrian park is new in our region, possibly in the entire Upper Peninsula.

I will keep everyone updated on this concept.

Mi-TRALE Western UP ORV Maps

The new maps have now been distributed to: Headwaters Polaris (Watersmeet), Rogers Bar (Watersmeet), Bam Bam’s (Marenisco), Bears 9 Pines Resort (Marenisco), Gogebic Lodge (Marenisco), Bergland Bay Bar (Bergland), Bergland Mobil, Gogebic Retreats (Ewen/Bergland), Konteka (White Pine), Porcupine Lodge (White Pine), and Tulppo’s (Bruce Crossing).

The maps will be distributed to other map advertisers in the near future. If you are in the area snowmobiling, pick up the new map. The new maps are $3.00, and include the new VC Trail and the new RM Preferred Route. They also have the new map advertisers.

Trail News

After over 10 years, 7 of which have been under the non-funded volunteer maintenance of Mi-TRALE, things are starting to move ahead to get the popular P (Pioneer) Trail as a Michigan DNR Designated ORV Trail. After Mi-TRALE and the Ottawa National Forest officially opened the trail on June 30, 2007, we have been working on getting this trail designated by the Michigan DNR.

I really want to thank Ron Yesney and Rob Katona of the Michigan DNR and Dawn Buss-Glodowski of the Ottawa National Forest for all their help.

While our fingers are crossed, we’re hoping that this trail will get DNR designation by the spring of 2009. This designation will include the C Trail that intersects with the P Trail in Rockland and connects ORV riders to the BN (Bill Nicholls) Trail.

It was at the recent Ontonagon County Board of Commissioners meeting that I was informed of the progress of the ORV trail on the west shore of Lake Gogebic. According to the letter, it appears that the Lake Gogebic Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking DNR designation and the funding for this trail.

Mi-TRALE has not received any word as to what is happening on the north-south connector trails from the IRM Trail to the SB Trail and from the SB Trail to the BN Trail. This is all in the hands of the Ottawa National Forest. We also have not heard as to the progress of extending the IRM Trail from Marenisco to Wakefield, nor have we heard what is happening on opening up FR 630 from the PF Trail to the P Trail. Public comment on all this ended this past June. We were originally informed that a decison on those trails would be made this past fall.

While we await those decisions, it does not look good that Mi-TRALE will receive the support of the Ottawa National Forest in connecting the SB Trail in Sidnaw to the Baraga Plains ORV Trails. Nor does it look good that we will get a trail from Marenisco to Presque Isle, Wisconsin. However, this will not stop Mi-TRALE in hoping that the Ottawa National Forest will work with us on those two important connectors.

Rob Katona of the Michigan DNR sought our ideas and suggestions regarding ORV trailheads. Currently we have a trailhead for the Pioneer Trail just east of Bergland and on the Norwich Road. It is Wildlife Refuge Cabins of South Range that put up a fantastic-looking sign for that trailhead on the north end of the BN Trail. While it is not “officially a trailhead,” we do have parking available on the south end of the BN Trail at Adventure Mountain in Greenland. Same scenario, not official, but we do have parking in Bruce Crossing at the Stannard Park along the SB Trail.

We have not heard from Bruce Malner of the Marenisco Township Police Department as to their request for funding to construct a building and a trailhead in Marenisco. Currently, that is the only “possible” trailhead on the IRM Trail.

Mi-TRALE will continue to seek any and all trailhead opportunities and looks forward to working with Rob and Bruce.

While most of our Mi-TRALE members are now enjoying the snowmobile and skiing season, Mi-TRALE continues to work hard on numerous multiple-use trail opportunities!

Weekly Update
December 4, 2008

Map/ATV Safety Instructors

For some of you this is your first Mi-TRALE e-mail update. I send these out on a regular basis to let people know what our organization is doing. If you do not want to receive these, just reply back with “stop Mi-TRALE updates” on the subject line and I will take you off the mailing list.

New Mi-TRALE Western U.P. ORV Trail Maps Are Out!

The second printing of the Mi-TRALE Western U.P. ORV Map is done and the new maps are in! The new maps include the new VC Trail and the RM “Preferred Route.” The new maps also include many new advertisers that helped us pay for the map!

This past week I dropped off the new maps at the Bergland Mobil, Bergland Bay Bar, Root Cellar, Rogers Bar, and Headwaters Polaris. Once the snow stops in our area, I plan on getting the new maps out to many more of our advertisers. Those advertisers that want the new maps right away, please drop me an .

While the ORV riding season is over for 2008 in our area, we wanted to get those maps out to snowmobilers and encourage them to come back to our area. Best way to do this is to sell them a map. The map shows the hundreds of miles of ORV trails we have in the Western U.P. The maps are $3.00 and only available through our Map Advertisers.

PA 240

Baraga County is going to be voting on this in December. On December 23rd, Iron County will be holding their public hearing on this at 1:00 p.m. Central time. It was Mi-TRALE that worked hard in getting PA 240 (allows for the legal use of ORVs on county roads) passed in Gogebic, Houghton, and Ontonagon Counties.

Mi-TRALE Now Has 3 Michigan DNR ATV Safety Instructors

Past Mi-TRALE VP Joe Pietila of Lost 40 ATV Tours and Rick Varecha of Mountain View Lodges in Silver City have become Michigan DNR ATV Safety Instructors. Joe and Rick join our secretary, Bruce Johanson, in being DNR certified to teach ATV safety training. I will be sending in my paperwork in the next couple weeks and hope to join these 3.

Mi-TRALE will be holding regular monthly ATV safety training classes next spring, summer, and fall.  While the classes are required for children between 12 and 16 to operate an ATV in Michigan, Mi-TRALE wants to get people of ALL ages to take these classes.

Apparel Sales

At our last Mi-TRALE Board of Directors Meeting, we voted to have businesses sell the great-looking Mi-TRALE sweatshirts, T-shirts, caps, and lanyards. The businesses that will be selling the clothing include Rogers Bar of Watersmeet, Bergland Bay Bar in Bergland, and Mountain View Cottages of Silver City. Kieth and Sherri Meyer have volunteered to distribute this clothing. The clothing is not at these places yet, but once they are, I’ll have it on a future Mi-TRALE e-mail update. The clothing sales is one of our fund-raising efforts.

Kentucky ATV Club Thinking About Bringing Their Group to the Western U.P.!

While I get many e-mails on a weekly basis from people looking to come to our area to ride the Mi-TRALE ORV trails, every so often I get an e-mail from a group looking to come to our area. Here is the e-mail that I received today...

Good day! My name is Dexter Luck and I live in Bloomington, Indiana. My wife and I have been riding ATVs for several years and I now have a ATV-related Web site.

We ride with several other friends who share our love for the outdoors. We are also members of a ATV club in eastern Kentucky, The Harlan County Ridge Runners, which is a large ATV club that hosts a very large riding area in eastern Kentucky, Black Mountain Recreation Park, and also offer many miles of off-park rides. Every year we get together and take a vacation to other areas of the country and this year we are looking at the U.P. of Michigan. We would be interested in four to five days of riding with another day for just relaxing and possibly doing some fishing. We understand that Michigan has a law that requires large groups of over twenty riders to have a special insurance and approval from the state DNR. We had forty-four riders go the the Black Hills of South Dakota in 2007, and thirty five riders attended our vacation ride this past August in northern Wisconsin. Our group has also been to Moab in Utah. We would no doubt exceed the twenty rider limit and would need to get DNR approval. Would your organization be able to provide information on lodging and restaurant facilities for a group our size? And, would you possibly be able to assist us in getting the proper forms filled out and give us some direction on how to proceed? We are a group of mostly middle-age riders, over forty, with some being in their mid-seventies, so we are pretty laid back and not inclined to create problems. I am including the Web site information for the Harlan County Ridge Runners and the name of their club president. We plan to make this trip the first week of June, 2009.

Thank you in advance.

While I don't know if we will be fortunate enough to get them to come to our area, I sent them one of my usual “short” letters. The reason I have this in my update is to prove once again as to how much of an economic impact the hard work of the VOLUNTEERS of Mi-TRALE do when it comes to building, maintaining, and developing a CONNECTING ORV trail system. This letter is just another example as to how important it is for our local, county, and state government, along with law enforcement and the road commissions to work COOPERATIVELY with Mi-TRALE in developing connector trails and routes. One tourist attraction we have in our area is the former M-107, now an Ontonagon County Road. Mi-TRALE wants to merely go up a few miles into the Porkies on this county road so that tourists can see an old mine shaft and see the Lake Superior Overlook. While the current Ontonagon County Board does not have a problem with this, it now sits in the hands of the Ontonagon County Road Commission. Time will tell whether they shut this short section of county-owned road down to ORVs.

Mi-TRALE Equestrian Park

Mi-TRALE is going to be presenting an idea to turn one of the many Ontonagon County-owned parcels of land into an equestrian park. This land is located south of Bruce Crossing and is scheduled to have a timber harvest. Mi-TRALE will be proposing to both the Ontonagon County EDC and the Ontonagon County Board of Commissioners that the roads that will be built for the timber harvest be turned into equestrian trails when the timber harvest has been completed. We’ll see at the December 10th Ontonagon EDC meeting and the December 16th Ontonagon County Board of Commissioners meeting if this idea will be supported or not. I asked to have this on the agenda of the November Ontonagon County Planning Commission meeting, but this board did not meet. I still may bring this idea up to the planning commission at their December meeting.

Baraga County ORV Trail Development

At the request of the Baraga County Tourism and Recreation Association, Mi-TRALE has been asked to help develop more ORV Trails in Baraga County. Presently Mi-TRALE has the SB Trail in Baraga County, which ends in Sidnaw. Our organization has asked the Ottawa National Forest many times to open FR 2200 to ORVs. By opening FR 2200 and using forest roads the Ottawa currently has open to ORVs, we could FINALLY get the SB Trail connected to the popular Baraga Plains ORV trails. However, the Ottawa National Forest has stated that they do not plan to open FR 2200 and have not offered any other ways for us to connect the SB Trail to the Baraga Plains ORV trails.

We have been asked to work on developing connector ORV trails and routes to Baraga, L'Anse, and the Pesheekee Grade Trail. We have been reluctant to do that, as Mi-TRALE does not want to “step on the Baraga Sno-Drifters’ toes.” The Baraga Sno-Drifters have the DNR contract to maintain the Baraga Plains ORV trails. However, I will continue to work with the Baraga County Tourism and Recreation Association and the Michigan DNR to see what Mi-TRALE can do to get connected to the Baraga Plains ORV trails and to develop other ORV trails in Baraga County.

Gogebic County ORV Trail Development

I have received word that the Gogebic County Economic Development Corporation administrative secretary would like to see Mi-TRALE develop ORV trails in their county. Currently we have the IRM, ES, and LL Trails in Gogebic County. We have wanted to finish the A Trail, just north of Watersmeet, but need the help of the Ottawa National Forest on that one. We are waiting to see if the IRM Trail will be extended past Marenisco to Wakefield. If this trail does get extended, then Mi-TRALE will begin working on connecting the IRM Trail from Wakefield to southwestern Gogebic County. While Mi-TRALE has asked on numerous occasions to get the Ottawa National Forest to allow us to connect the IRM Trail to Presque Isle, Wisconsin, representatives from the Ottawa are not responding positively to that request.

Ontonagon Search and Rescue

Many Mi-TRALE members are also active in search and rescue. The next search and rescue training session will be on Wednesday night, 7:00 p.m., December 10th at the Ontonagon high school. Jim Waters will be doing a presentation on his topographical software. Wal-Mart in Ironwood donated 3 general-purpose Johnson and Johnson, first aid kits to the Ontonagon County Search and Rescue. It would be great if you could make that meeting!

Habitat for Humanity

Mi-TRALE continues to be one of the most active and involved organizations in the Western U.P. Currently I am on the Ontonagon Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors. Tonight our board selected the family that we will be building a home for next year. While I am not at liberty to announce who that family is...I can tell you that it is a family that has been a part of Mi-TRALE. Right now we are looking for fund-raising events. One of the events that I would like to see Mi-TRALE do for Habitat for Humanity is a snowmobile drag race...problem is we would need a snowmobile club to simply groom the track, and the club that used to do that did not want to help last year, so I don't think they will help this year. If you have an idea that we could do to raise money for Habitat for Humanity, please let me know.

Mi-TRALE Is “In the News”

I’ve received word that the 2009 Mi-TRALE Club Ride and Event Schedule is going to appear in the Wisconsin ATV Association Trail Tales Winter Edition. Thank you, Ann Harden! The WATVA fall issue had a story about our successful Senior Citizen ORV Fall Tour!

Next Mi-TRALE meeting is a board of directors meeting. This will take place on Monday night, January 5th. Location is yet to be determined.

Thanks everyone!

Skip Schulz
Mi-TRALE President

Mi-TRALE Plans For 2009 Club ATV Rides

Every summer, people call area chambers asking about ATV trails. Many want to know about the many "scenic" trails the area has to offer. For those who would rather not hire one of our local ATV guides, you're invited to ride with Mi-TRALE on one of the club's rides.

Mi-TRALE, which stands for Michigan Trails and Recreation Alliance of Land and the Enviornment, invites members and non-members to participate in a club ride. While you will be required to sign a "waiver of liability," you will not be required to join or pay a fee for the ride. Each ride takes place on a different trail that the club maintains. Mi-TRALE has hundreds of miles of trails.

The club has so many miles of trails they even have a special award for anyone that can actually ride a majority of their trails. The award is called the CP2R Award, which stands for "Certified Pride to Ride." In 2008, only 5 of the club's 80 members were able to ride all of the CP2R required trails, one of which is the SB Trail from Bergland to Sidnaw. Another is the IRM Trail from Iron River to Marenisco. Other CP2R trails include the BN Trail from Greenland to Houghton, the LL Trail from Watersmeet to Land O' Lakes, the P Trail from Bergland to Greenland, and the PF/E Trail to White Pine.

One of the most scenic club rides is the one on Saturday, July 11th. This ride starts at Adventure Mountain in Greenland and takes the rider all the way to Bergland (and back if you want). For those who really want to experience the "camaraderie" of Mi-TRALE, you're invited to take part in the club's annual summer picnic/campout. This is on August 8th and 9th. Riders camp and start at the Stannard Park in Bruce Crossing and ride both directions from Bruce Crossing on the SB Trail. This includes a ride to the scenic Agate Falls Trestle overlook.

Due to the hard work of the volunteers of Mi-TRALE and the club's membership dues, the club has built a connecting ATV/ORV trail system where a rider can actually ride from north of Green Bay all the way to Calumet. Some of the connector routes use county roads, which are signed and open to riders 12 and older. However, Michigan state law requires that all ATV riders from 12–16 take a DNR ATV Safety Class. Mi-TRALE offers these classes throughout the year.

Mi-TRALE also has the Western U.P. ORV Trail Map that covers not only all the trails that the club has developed and maintained but also adjoining county ATV trails. These maps are $3.00 and available at the map advertisers on this Web site.

While the map shows you all the trails and how they are identified and signed, you will find that it is a great way to meet new friends and see how beautiful our area is by going on a Mi-TRALE club ride. Mi-TRALE reminds ATV riders that ALL of the signed Mi-TRALE trails are open to "side-by-sides."

The Mi-TRALE trail network uses an alphabetical system. The alphabetical letters of the trail are on the trail signs that correspond with their map. Look for the black alphabetical letters on the white signs to know which trails are open for ATVs/ORVs. While the ATV/ORV trail caution and STOP signs are the same as our snowmobile trails, not all snowmobile trails are open to ATVs/ORVs.

"That is why we invested over $1,000 of our membership money in making and erecting the signs. That is to make sure the ATV riders are not riding on snowmobile trails that are NOT open to ATV riding. We also did this so the ATV rider knows where he/she is in case of an emergency," commented Mi-TRALE founder and president, Skip Schulz.

Here is the schedule of the 2009 Mi-TRALE Club Rides:
May 9 - Start at Adventure Mountain, ride to Wildlife Refuge Trailhead and back
June 20 - Start at Headwaters Polaris in Watersmeet, ride to Land O' Lakes and back, then to Marenisco
July 11 - Start at Adventure Mountain and ride to Bergland
August 8 - Summer picnic/campout at Stannard Park, Bruce Crossing. Ride SB Trail to Sidnaw
September 12 - Start at Headwaters Polaris and ride to Iron River

Mi-TRALE Offers DNR ATV Safety Certification Class

They say that neither rain nor sleet nor snow can stop the postman from delivering the mail. It was at the recent Mi-TRALE ATV Safety Certification Class that students and adults had to "weather the rain, sleet, and snow" in order to complete the DNR requirements.

Mi-TRALE provided 7 students between the ages of 12 and 16, along with 3 adults, classroom instruction and field training. The classroom portion of the program took place at Skip and Sandy Schulz's house, with the field training taking place behind their Ontonagon residence. The class was taught by DNR ATV Safety Certified Instructor and Mi-TRALE secretary, Bruce Johanson.

The State of Michigan requires all ATV/mini-bike/dirt bike operators under the age of 16 to successfully complete an ATV safety class taught by a DNR Certified Instructor. The first step to becoming a Certified DNR ATV Safety Instructor is that the adult must take the same class that youngsters take. After the classroom portion of the program, all of the students were required to pass a 50-question test. All of the students passed the written exam.

The students are also taught the safe way to ride an ATV during field training. The field training included going around and through different courses. One course instructed the students on the safe and proper way to turn an ATV, along with instructions on going up and down hills.

While the course is not meant to show students how to handle an ATV in muddy conditions, the weather required the students to learn the difficulty of steering and stopping an ATV anyway. "I have to give all the students a lot of credit for persevering through some of the worst weather conditions you can imagine! While they were wet and cold, every student not only completed all of the field training, they even went for a short trail ride afterwards," stated Mi-TRALE President Skip Schulz.

Schulz, along with Joe Pietila and Rick Varecha, all intend to go through the different steps in becoming DNR ATV Safety Certified Instructors. Once they are all certified, all intend to offer safety certification classes throughout the Western Upper Peninsula.

Dates of the Mi-TRALE 2009 ATV safety classes will be posted, announced, and on this Web site.

Senior Citizens Enjoy ORV Ride!

Recently Michigan Trails and Recreation Alliance of Land and the Enviornment, commonly known as Mi-TRALE, teamed up with the Ottawa National Forest in providing 32 senior citizens with the chance to see the Western Upper Peninsula's fall colors up close. Real close...from within the Forest!

Mi-TRALE did this by taking the senior citizens on an off-road vehicle ride on the popular Pioneer Trail. The senior citizens rode on what the industry calls "side-by-side" or utility vehicles. The units included the Polaris Ranger Crew, Yamaha Rhino, Kawasaki Mule Crew, and Arctic Cat Prowler, all of which allowed the senior citizens with a safe and comfortable ride, and the chance to see sights that only an ATV or side-by-side could take them.

Senior citizen morning tour starting on the tour from Old Victoria historic site

Mi-TRALE members handled the driving to scenic overlooks and historic sites. Dawn Buss-Glodowski of the Ottawa National Forest informed the senior citizens as to the "science" of why the leaves change color along with an informational talk as to forest management. Bruce Johanson, Mi-TRALE secretary and a member of the Ontonagon Historical Society, informed everyone about the history of the different copper mines along the tour.

Due to the number of people who wanted to participate and the availability of "side-by-sides," two tours were given, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The two groups were united for lunch at the Adventure Mountain Lions' Clubhouse in Greenland, which is located at the BN Trailhead. Lunch was provided by Krupp's Mini Mart and that included the region's popular food, "pasties."

Senior citizens on top of Minesota Mine bluff

Ontonagon County's public transit system, On-Tran, transported the senior citizens to the tour's starting points and from the departure point. Funds for On-Tran were provided by Plum Creek Timber, a timber-holding company that has an excellent working relationship on trails with Mi-TRALE.

Polaris Industries from Roseau, Minnesota, brought two Ranger Crew units for the tour. This allowed 5 senior citizens to ride together in each unit. The local Yamaha Rhino Dealer, Pat's Yamaha, and the local Arctic Cat dealer, Superior Sport 'N' Rental, also provided the units. The Ottawa National Forest provided the Kawasaki Mule, with Mi-TRALE members providing the other "side-by-sides."

"You would have had to see how excited the senior citizens were the second they came off the On-Tran bus," said Mi-TRALE President Skip Schulz. "I can assure you that we didn't need to say 'all aboard.' They were sitting in the ORVs before we had a chance to explain where we were going to ride!"

Dawn Buss-Glodowski of the Ottawa talking about forest management

The tour included a stop at "The Church on the Hill," located in Rockland. It also included a stop on top of a high bluff of the Minesota Mine. With clear skies, people could see for 50 miles. While some of the participants didn't want to walk to the bluff, others were quick to take out their cameras. Mi-TRALE members assisted the senior citizens at all stops on the tour. The senior citizens ranged in age from 60 to 85. None of the senior citizens had even ridden on and in an ORV "side-by-side."

"This tour was absolutely perfect. From the coordination of all the activities, the planning, to the excitement displayed by the senior citizens, I just cannot commend Mi-TRALE enough," commented Ron Rockis, Safety Specialist from Polaris Industries.

"The riders I had with me talked about their parents working in these mines and woods," stated Keith Meyer, Mi-TRALE member, who drove a Yamaha Rhino.

"The lady that rode with me had me chuckling most of the way," stated Jerry Johns, who drove the Arctic Cat Prowler.

Dawn Buss-Glodowski of the Ottawa National Forest talking about the science of the color change in leaves

"A BIG thank you to you, to the drivers and the members of Mi-Trale for the wonderful outing!It was GREAT and so much fun," said Yvonne Roehm. Fellow senior citizen Donna Watkins echoed Roehm's response. "Thank you, Skip Schulz, Mi-TRALE, Polaris Industries, Pat's Yamaha, Superior Sport 'N' Rental, volunteers and the U.S. Forest Service for sponsoring the fall colors ATV tour for senior citizens. I appreciate (and I'm sure I speak for all who participated) your efforts and expense in planning the tour. It was a wonderful experience and lots of fun!"

When departing on the bus, the senior citizens gave loud applause to show their appreciation. A common response when leaving was, "We can go a little further next year, right?" The tour was 11 miles.

"If I had a dollar for every smile from these very special people, I could bail out Wall Street myself," concluded Schulz.

Senior citizen afternoon tour leaving Adventure Mountain and the BN trailhead

The local NBC TV Station, WLUC TV-6, was on hand to do a news story of the ride.

Witz, Zakowski XTreme Challenge Winners

Skanee's Bob Witz won the first Joe Beebe Memorial Truck XTreme Challenge, and Hilbert, Wisconsin's Zak Zakowski swept all the ATV classes in the ATV Xtreme Challenge. This popular Mi-TRALE annual event was a part of the Ontonagon County Fair.

Witz made it into the Truck Division "Shootout" by posting the fastest qualifying time of 25.53. Also advancing to the "Shootout" was Scott Smith of Ewen and Landon White of White Pine. Smith in a GEO Tracker had a qualifying time of 26.05. White improved his time from his first run to his second run by over 3 seconds. White's second run was 27.21.

In the Joe Beebe Memorial Shootout, Witz in a Ford F350 turned in a 24.18. White had a 30.56, and Smith was unable to climb the final hill to post a time.

Sean Richard of L'Anse narrowly missed the cut by a mere three-tenths of a second in his first run. Right after the finish line, Richard's truck broke a rear axle. Greenland's Lena Wascher missed advancing by 1 second, and Wakefield's Roy Mussati was less than 2 seconds from advancing.

In the ATV XTreme Challenge, Zakowski opened up by winning the Sport 600 class in an exciting battle with Ewen's Jake Smith. Smith advanced to the finals by defeating Ontonagon's Mike Pestka. Zakowski was on a CAN-AM, Smith was riding a Polaris, and Pestka was on an Arctic Cat.

Zakowski then came back to garner the top seed in the Top Dog Class. Past Top Dog Champion, Eli Gustafson of Bruce Crossing, defeated fellow Yamaha driver, Ryan Huff of Ontonagon, to set up the championship run. Zakowski beat Gustafson for his second win of the day.

Zakowski was the clear favorite in the Pro Class; however, the question was: who would Zakowski take on in the finals? The semi-finals came down to both Cody Sanchez of Calumet and Patrick Rogan of Kenton, both winning when they ran in Lane 1. That meant it would go down to each running against the clock to determine who would take on Zakowski. Sanchez on a Polaris turned in a 25.42 second run, with Rogan on a Yamaha having a 25.12.

This set up the ATV Pro Class finals between Zakowski and Rogan. Zakowski won from both lanes to take a clean sweep of the ATV classes.

The XTreme Challenge has ATVs racing side-by-side over hills, through mud and water, over rocks, and having the ability to stop within the parameters of the "Stop Box." The course starts out by having the drivers go over a series of bumps. As the competition progresses, the hills become "slicked down" and challenging for the drivers to make it over the top of them.

The trucks use the same course; however, they race against the clock. The trucks do not have to stop in the "Stop Box." This style of racing was started by Mi-TRALE in 2001. While different circuits give this type of racing different names, it stems from what Mi-TRALE started in 2001 in Watersmeet.

Mi-TRALE plans on hosting the ATV/Truck XTreme Challenge once again next year on July 25. It will once again be a part of the Ontonagon County Fair. If your community is interested in hosting an ATV/Truck XTreme Challenge, you're asked to contact Mi-TRALE President .

(Pictures available on request)