Riding high in McBride Wayne Hamm and some friends discovered superb mountain sledding by WAYNE HAMM
On Wednesday, February 1, I struck up a conversation with Constable Mike Wynnyk of the Edmonton Police Service and learned that he and two co-workers, who are snowmobile ditch-bangers, were planning their first mountain sledding trip to McBride, B.C. Mike asked if I would like to go with them; it took me about five seconds to say yes. Constable Jeff Taylor, Constable Pierre Blais, Mike and I left St. Albert, Alberta, on Saturday morning at 4 a.m. and arrived in McBride at 9:30 a.m. Weenjoyed a great breakfast at the Sandman Inn. We had reservations at the North Country Lodge for Saturday evening, and the staff allowed us to check in early so we could get suited up in warmth. McBride is sledder-friendly and these folks really do appreciate your business! The view from the Renshaw On Saturday we rode the Renshaw, the largest of three easily accessible riding areas close to town. Access is via Mountainview Road, just east of town on the north side of the highway. It is a short 10-kilometre drive to the staging area and there is lots of room for parking. There areg rooming fees in place and, as always, El-Ja Grooming had the trail nicely groomed. It is a 30-kilometre ride to the cabin and then a stone's throw to the alpine. We started off in questionable weather conditions, but soon the sun came out and stayed for the day. Because this was the first mountain trip for these guys, weplayed in some virgin snowand small bowls close to the cabin. The smiles on their faces were priceless. This area is great for families and, in fact, was being used by families when we were there. It was +3°C and absolutely beautiful. I realized these fellowswerebecomming overconfident and were in need of a humbling ride through bottomless powder in the trees. Im ade sure they all got stuck—and yours truly got buried too. We rode a long way back into the Renshaw to an area some call The Saddle—I believe this moniker originated because of the shape of the top of that mountain. We reached 7,200 feet above sea level and the views were breathtaking. We burned all our fuel—including spare gas—and ate all our food. We had a wonderful day in the Renshaw and these guys were pumped to try another range, Lucille Mountain, on Sunday. Back at the North Country Lodge we had a good soak in the hot tub, then supper at the Sandman and went to bed early. Lovin' Lucille On Sunday we headed to Lucille Mountain. It had snowed overnight and was sunny; the trail ride up was only 10 kilometres and there is a nice cabin at the trailhead. Grooming fees are in place at Lucille also and El-Ja Grooming had the trail in top shape.
Before leaving town we stopped at the McBride information centre located in the train station. I spoke to Sue Demaine, who had welcomed us to their quaint little town that has several restaurants, a number of gas stations and all the necessities. I encourage you to stop in, say hi and pick up a free copy of SnoRiders West. Thank you, McBride. I know there are three more converted sledders. These guys are already planning to go back and no doubt will pass the good wordalong to friends and co-workers. Thank you El-Ja Grooming—good job! My employment with Riverside Honda & Ski-Doo in St. Albert, Alberta, has taken me on many adventures. Prior to my leaving St. Albertfor this trip, Riverside helped out with some necessities to make our snowmobiling safe and enjoyable. Thank you, Riverside. |
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