Since 1992
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By Bill Preis
BRIDGTON — What a great day for a snowmobile ride! On Feb. 21, the Bridgton Easy Riders had their first clubrRide of the season under clear blue skies, with perfect temperatures, and on well-groomed Bridgton trails.
Some 17 sleds met at 9 a.m. at the old Memorial School in. We split into two groups, to accommodate those who wanted to ride faster and those who chose to ride a bit slower.
The two groups planned to meet at several trail intersections along the way. We headed north on ITS 89 in Bridgton, and then west on ITS 80 into Sweden, Lovell and Waterford.
Our destination was the Bear Mountain Inn in Waterford, for lunch. There, we found indoor bathrooms, as well as good food and beverages. Because the inn observes all the appropriate precautions relating to COVID-19, only two people at a time were allowed into the building, and we wore masks. Our lunch was delivered to us as we sat outdoors, in comfortable Adirondack chairs arranged in a circle around a roaring fireplace, overlooking scenic Bear Pond. What a beautiful location!
The hosts at the inn were very hospitable and welcoming.
The volunteers from Bridgton Easy Riders did a great job grooming trails, and everyone enjoyed the ride, which covered about 60 miles. It was especially nice that Blaine Chapman, Steve Brill and several members of the grooming team, who work so hard so that the rest of us can ride, could enjoy the fruits of their labor and join in on the fun.
It takes the Tucker grooming machine about 10 hours just to groom ITS 80 and back, but only about a half hour for sleds to ride that distance.
The club ride was a great success and we hope to plan more rides in the near future. If you would like to be included, just join at bridgtoneasyriders.com and ask to be put on the e-mail list. Also, check out our Facebook page for photos and a video of the ride. And keep doing your snow dance!
(Bill Preis photos)
