NORTHEAST REGION

Calendar

Dec. 31 Shawano – Lions Fishing Derby Jan. 14 Townsend – Bonfire in the Woods Jan. 18 Crandon – Winter Fest Jan. 28 Lakewood – Paul Bunyan Snow Fun Day Jan. 28 Laona – Nicolet Frosty Bear Bike Race Feb. 4 Townsend – Bed Races on the Ice Feb. 4 Hiles – Hiles Fishoree

Discover the beauty of the Wild Rivers Country’s snowmobile trails

COUNTY-WIDE – There are nearly 180 miles of beautifully groomed trails maintained by the Blue Ox Trail-Riders -- and many more miles of snowmobile trails in the Nicolet National Forest -- waiting to be discovered in Florence County. The breathtaking scenery of rolling hills, nearly endless miles of rivers and streams, tall pines and beautiful hardwoods; these are what snowmobilers to Florence County will encounter in the “Wild Rivers Country.”

The trails in Florence County, which rests against the Wisconsin-Michigan border, will connect riders to Iron Mountain, Crystal Falls and Iron River in Michigan and Marinette and Forest counties in Wisconsin. The Wild River Interpretive Center in Florence (US 2 and Hwy. 101/70) offers free parking. It’s located right on Corridor #2. Overnight parking is also available in the lower parking lot.

The Nicolet National Forest’s network of nearly 500 miles of signed, groomed trails is complemented by hundreds of miles of unplowed National Forest roads, all available to the public. These trails wind through hardwood forests, pine plantations and frozen wetlands.

As soon as a substantial snowfall occurs, the Blue Ox Trail-Riders (snowmobile and ATV members) spring into action. The club operates four Bombardier groomers to groom at least twice a week except for the rail grade, which is 4-5 times a week. Plenty of lodging facilities and eateries can be found along the routes. Trail maps are available from the club or from the Interpretive Center.

The club welcomes new members. The club meets the first Monday of each month at the Interpretive Center. They host morning rides and family cookouts during the riding season. Rides start at 10 a.m. from the Interpretive Center, travel at moderate speed and usually cover 90 to 110 miles in length. There are stops along the way to view wildlife and scenic areas. A lunch stop is always on the schedule.

For more information, contact the Interpretive Center at 888-8890049, or go to florencewisconsinwi.com or blueoxtrailriders.org.

Fat bike riders can discover the Nicolet at its frosty finest

LAONA – Winter fat bike warriors, and those who aspire to be one, are invited to take part in the annual Nicolet Frosty Bear on Saturday, Jan. 28 starting in Laona.

The fat bike ride through the scenic Nicolet National Forest is hosted and supported by the Laona Rescue Squad. The organizers offer two routes: a 30-mile trek that explores the Rat River Trail and Peshtigo River area (not to be taken lightly, organizers say), and a 60-mile “deep dive into the winter wonderland of the Nicolet National Forest that will put your fitness and winter fat biking preparations to the test.”

Both the start and finish will be at the Laona Rescue Building in Laona. The 60-miler starts at 8 a.m.; the 30-miler at 9 a.m.

The field for 30-miler is capped at 100 riders; for the 60-miler it’s 50. Registration fee is by a donation to the Laona Rescue Squad. You can learn more at thebear100.com/nicolet-frosty-bear.

Snow Fun Day, bed races on tap in Oconto County

LAKEWOOD -- The Paul Bunyan Riders Snowmobile Club will hold its annual Snow Fun Day on Saturday, Jan. 28, with the headquarters in the lower level of Waubee Lake Lodge, 18398 Waubee Park Lane, Lakewood.

The fisheree and kid’s fishing derby will run from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. (fish any local lake). The fisheree registration can be done the day before at Pintsch’s Hardware in Townsend or the Mighty Fine Bait Shop in Lakewood. Registration the day of the event will be at Waubee Lake Lodge from 7-10 a.m. Get your catch back for judging by 4 p.m. All kids bringing in a fish will get a prize. Food and beverages will be available.

The club’s meat and prize raffles start at 2 p.m. along with 50-50 raffles, food and beverages throughout the day. Those participating in the poker run must bring in their poker run books and pick a poker hand by 6 p.m. The $10 and $100 raffle ticket announcements will be at 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. (need not be present to win). For more information, call 715-797-6699 or send an e-mail to paulbunyanriders@gmail.com.

TOWNSEND – “The most fun you can have in your pajamas.” That’s the rallying cry for a bit of craziness and fun at Wendt’s Sandbar Resort in Townsend during the annual Farfromsnoozin’ Bed Races on the Ice on Saturday, Feb. 4. Competition consists of five-person teams, with registration at $25 per team and with 100 percent payout. One team member will be stationed on the bed while the other four team members will push him or her to the finish line. Beds will be provided. Registration begins at noon, and races start at 1 p.m. To register or for more information, contact Jason at 715-276-6195. Wendt’s Sandbar Resort is located at 16688 Nicolet Road, Townsend.