Elk Co. Riders warming up for their winter ride
ST. MARYS - The Elk County Riders are preparing to host their second annual Winterfest event taking place Saturday, Feb. 11. This will mark the organization’s first event of 2023.
“We decided to do a winter fundraising/ riding event because in the summer we so much with other groups and we wanted to do something fun,” said Cheryl Ruffner, director and treasurer of Elk County Riders.
The route for “Winterfest ’23 ATV Ride” encompasses six stops where participants can enjoy a snack, a warm fire and a game such as raffles, dice rolls and a cash drawing. At registration participants will receive a game sheet, a map and information about the Elk County Riders Trail of Dreams project.
“This is going to be a nice family oriented, family fun event. It’s a great way to get outside in the middle of winter to enjoy yourself and have fun,” Ruffner said.
The ride will start at the organization’s trailhead at 632 Boone Mountain Road in Kersey and travel through Byrnedale and beyond. Ruffner said they try to change-up the route on each of their rides, however due to the ever-changing winter weather this ride route will stay on mostly roads and very little trail. This also allows them to offer the safest route for riders.
The day-long ride is open to any licensed and insured ATV, side by side, UTV, or fourwheeler. Riders can enjoy the event and drive at their own pace. Each of the Elk County Riders sponsored events are geared at promoting the area. Along the way during the Winterfest ride, participants can stop to see the Cross on the Hill, the Mount Zion Veterans Memorial and the Chapel in the Woods.
Ruffner said the stops are at all at various camps and homes with hosts including Leonard and Emily Snelick, Andy and June Sorg, Patty and Denny Schatz, Gary and LouAnn Tamburlin, Patty and Mark Saline and Brandon and Aerial Vollmer.
The ride will run from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. with pre-registration taking place from 9-11 a.m. the day of the event. Advanced registration is also an option through the organization’s new website, elkcountyatv. com. Those pre-registering must present a copy of registration and proof of payment at the pre-registration desk to receive their assigned number and wristband. A registration form can also be downloaded from their website and mailed to: Elk County Riders ATV, 413 Old Kersey Road, Kersey, PA 15846.
Last year’s inaugural Winterfest ride attracted 374 participants in about 187 vehicles. Ruffner said they were pleased at the turnout which was much more than they had anticipated. She noted almost half of the participants at their events are from outside of the Elk County area.
The organization is planning five ride events this year, with the possibility of adding a sixth event.
The Elk County Riders organization continues to flourish as they recently signed a contract to construct a bridge in the Weedville area connecting two integral parts of trails. They also recently launched a new website, elkcountyatv. com., which was funded through a grant from the PA Outdoors organization. The website was created by the Red Porch Agency in Ridgway.
They are also looking at ways for St. Marys to become involved in the Trail of Dreams. Ruffner added that last week a “great opportunity” recently came about which would be a huge piece in their ATV plan. She could not divulge any additional information regarding the matter, but said she is very excited about it.