As the key turns and the engine starts, the rally is on.
Forfar Hall was invaded by sledders last Saturday as the Athabasca River Runners and Alberta Snowmobile Association (ASA) descended on the area for the River Runners’ annual rally, which doubled as the ASA Jamboree this year.
More than 400 snowmobiles headed out on the Athabasca River Runners trails for a 45-kilometre or 65-kilometre poker rally.
More than 800 hands of poker were played throughout the day.
Once sleds pulled out of the Forfar Hall parking lot, they travelled along the ditch and then entered the cover of the trail system.
Throughout the day, riders stopped at checkpoints along the trails where they were able to warm their feet, have a meal and draw poker chips.
At each checkpoint, the mass of unidentifiable snowsuits and helmets gathered around a lit fire pit.
Riders of all ages attended the rally. Some younger kids rode double with their parents, while others were granted their own sleds to drive.
For more than two years, the Athabasca River Runners prepared for the ASA Jamboree, and the club executives are glad it went well.
Dave Bilsky, president of the River Runners, and his wife, first lady Jean Bilsky, used their house and garage as a checkpoint for the riders near the end of the rally.
“Things were awesome,” Jean said.
Both said that without the sponsors, the event would not have been possible.
“The sponsors and the businesses in town have totally supported us. It’s awesome,” Jean said. “I can’t say enough about what they have done for us.”
Dave explained the businesses supported the rally 100 per cent.
“We tried to pick a family-friendly route, something that is easy to sign and gives the riders a good overview of what our trail system is like,” Jean said. “We included hilly trails, as well as flat and windy trails.”
Dave stated the club was trying to give people a taste of the 200- kilometre trail system.
“We wanted to showcase it,” he said. “We did a little bit of everything.”
People from all over Alberta attended the jamboree, which included an early-bird registration on Friday night at the Athabasca Regional Multiplex, the poker rally Saturday at Forfar Hall and a dinner and dance Saturday night at the Athabasca Regional Multiplex.
For months, the River Runners sold tickets for the chance to win a 2014 Polaris 800 Pro-RMK 155, and when it came time for the draw, a Fort McMurray man won.
He was not attending the event, but when he was told he won the sled, he informed the River Runners his current sled had died the week before.
“Our rally will come again next year as it always does,” Jean stated. “We want to thank everyone for coming: sponsorships and participation.”
