Revelstoke
The good life
This sledder knows what he likes
by TANYA LAING
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ENJOYING THE VIEW: Ron LaRoy (third from left) stands among some of his favourite people in his favourite place.
—photo by Ron LaRoy |
Ron LaRoy first rode on a snowmobile in 1969 and knew in that instant that he had found one of his favourite pastimes. Since moving to the Revelstoke region in 1974, he has spent the bulk of his sledding time travelling along his favourite trails in the region, which he believes offer the finest snowmobiling opportunities in the world. And LaRoy has a new perspective that makes every outing a good one.
“This past winter, I had some medical problems . . . and wasn’t able to snowmobile until late February,” said LaRoy, “so all of the trips are my favourite right now. It’s just nice to be back out and with people.”
Even so, LaRoy has been able to take in his particular favourites, Boulder Mountain and Frisby Mountain—both of which he would recommend to anyone who had only a limited time to explore Revelstoke’s renowned riding areas.
LaRoy said that every snowmobile he has ever owned has been his favourite at the time—and he has owned all the major brands over the years. However, his first sled—a second-hand Polaris Colt—and his current 2008 Ski-Doo XP stand out.
“(The Ski-Doo) is lightweight and easy to handle,” he said. “I like the dynamics of the machine and the styling of the sled. It’s a comfortable ride, especially on an ungroomed trail.”
LaRoy is happy to hit the trails in the company of his many friends and fellow Revelstoke Snowmobile Club members. His favourite rides, though, are those he does with his family.
“I love to ride with my kids,” said LaRoy. “They live in Alberta now but they’re avid snowmobilers and come out here often through the course of the winter . . . We’re a snowmobiling family. It’s a way of life with us.”
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