Michigan Loop and Alaska Charity Rides are complete!
Michcanska’s 2 big charity rides for 2018 are complete. Both rides were very safe and successful in terms of the rides themselves. Once again our riders were up to the challenges that they took on. Both rides began on February16th from Sault St. Marie MI. The Michigan Loop ride was completed back at the Soo on Feb. 24th. All 20 Loop riders returned to home and raised a lot of money for a good cause. The ride lasted 9 days and everyone had a great time. A special thank you to Ralph Gordon who drove the chase/support vehicle for that group. Also we all want to send out a get well to George Pattullo who encountered some medical issues before the ride and was unable to make it this year. George is a founding Board member of the club and we wish him well in his recovery.
The 10 Alaska bound riders successfully completed their journey on March 14. The Alaska adventure was Part 2 of a planned Maine to Alaska trip. Part 1 was from Maine to MI and completed in 2017. Ironically, the start of our Maine ride was delayed by too much snow, and, at the end of our Alaska ride just outside of Fairbanks, we ran into the same situation. The group made a safety decision and called in the support vehicles to get to get us to North Pole Alaska which is just outside of Fairbanks. It was a great adventure covering 4 US States, 5 Canadian Provinces and several time zones. The trip also included a Trek Over The Top of the world (Dawson City YT to Tok Alaska). Thanks to Dave Gentry for manning the chase/support vehicle and tending to our needs. Dave spent many hours in the vehicle supporting our efforts
Both groups want to thank Pete Pattullo and Mike Pattullo for manning and monitoring the Command Center. They had the ability to track our progress, deal with any emergency on the trails if needed, maintain the riders medical records and emergency contacts, locate riders and groups if separated, and coordinate other emergency responses. It was great knowing that had your back. Thanks Again!
We want to thank all of the people who supported and donated to our charities this year. There is still time to donate even though we have completed the rides. Please go to www.michcanska.com to do so. Please do so before May 31st
MichCanSka thanks all of the Snowmobile Cubs, organizations, and guide services that made these trips possible including trip planning, guides and ride alongs to get us through unknown areas.
Finally, we thank our trip planners:
President Don Lipinski, who made these trips a priority and kept us all focused. Garry Randall, Hugh Cummins, Jean-Guy Charette, Yves LeBlanc and George Pattullo.
Nice job everyone!
