Midwest Rider
EDITOR’S NOTES
Something’s happening here. While most will recognize this phrase as the opening line to the iconic 1967 Buffalo Springfield song, “For What It’s Worth” it also aptly describes the enthusiasm surrounding the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs (AWSC). When my co-editor and friend Kale Wainer returned from the AWSC Fall Workshop this past October and reported attendance was more than 800 enthusiastic snowmobilers, I couldn’t help but think, “there really is something happening here.” Clearly the Wisconsin state snowmobile association has tapped into a formula that works. Attendance at their statewide events keeps getting bigger, making it harder and harder for the organization to secure a resort with the ability to accommodate such burgeoning numbers. Membership in the association also continues to swell, and now eclipses more than 41,000. Even more impressive is they are engaged, active and include several new and younger riders. As Wisconsin grows, other associations across the snowbelt continue to see their membership numbers remain stagnant or worse yet, shrink. Not only are they looking for ways to attract new and younger members, but they must also work at retaining existing members. Fortunately, Wisconsin appears to be a great case study as to how to get it done by providing a road map for others to follow. With that, welcome to the first winter edition of Midwest Rider. While I don’t like to brag (much) it’s a great one, featuring an incredible adventure to Hudson Bay, trailside cooking tips and an inside look at the first ever North American Lynx snowmobile. Enjoy! Pat Bourgeois
8 Midwest Rider 2021
