CLUB SPOTLIGHT ANTRIM COUNTY SNOWMOBILE CLUB (ACSC)

ANTRIMCOUNTYSNOWMOBILECLUB.ORG

FACEBOOK: ANTRIM COUNTY SNOWMOBILE CLUB

EDITOR NOTE: MISORVA is going to feature a new Michigan club every issue to spotlight the many volunteers within who work tirelessly to perfect the trail systems spanning the great state of Michigan. Whether snowmobile or ORV, without the clubs and volunteers, there would be no trails to adventure on. Hopefully through these Spotlights, the importance of what they do will shine through and even inspire you to explore the areas they work so hard to perfect. If you’d like to see your club highlighted here, please send your story and photos to: kale@mspninc.com

The Antrim County Snowmobile Club (ACSC), is located in Alba, Michigan and has been a club for over 30 years. With 240 members strong and 23 commercial sponsors, it’s no surprise the club has 15 groomer operators to maintain 79 miles of snow-only trails. ACSC considers themselves a dual-sport club (snowmobile and ORV) even though ORV trails in Antrim County don’t exist at this time. We asked them a few more questions… and manpower for local food pantries, charities, schools, veterans groups, etc. We also have a lot of fun!

MISORVA: You mention fun…what club events are held each year, social events, rides, fundraisers?

ACSC: We host a veterans ORV ride, club ORV rides, golf outing, Christmas party (proceeds to local food pantry), club rides (snowmobile) each week when trails are open, vintage snowmobile ride participant, Wertz Warriors stop on their annual snowmobile tour raising money for Special Olympics.

MISORVA: How many trail cleanup days do you have and what other ways can riders help in making the trails the best then can be each season?

ACSC: 1 day annually when we work on signing and brushing.

MISORVA: What areas could the club use more help if there are people wanting to volunteer?

ACSC: We need members in the clubhouse on Saturdays (10am4pm) during snowmobile season (conditions permitting) to chat with riders as they stop in to warm up and get a quick snack or trail map.

MISORVA: What are the mustsee areas of your trails and what is the most popular attraction or trail in your system?

ACSC: Trail 766; The Jordan Valley is a popular stretch that we groom that follows the banks of the Jordan River. Along this trail, riders can stop at the fish

MISORVA: Where can riders get up to date trail reports and/or printed maps?

ACSC: Our website contains links to trail reports and some live trail reports can be found on our Facebook page. We do have trail system maps paid for by local sponsors, which are available at the clubhouse and local businesses.

MISORVA: What is the cost of a membership and why should people join?

ASCS: Annual is $20 single member, $25 family, $40 commercial. Membership provides access to club events (ie: Christmas party including food and beverages), plus being a part of an organization helps give back to the community all year long donating funds hatchery (open year around) to warm up and tour the state facility. On each end of this stretch, there are fuel and dining options as well.

MISORVA: What is the largest issue your club encounters?

ACSC: Off- trail snowmobile riding. These trails cross through private landowner property. Please stay on the designated trail system.

MISORVA: Where is your trail system area?

ACSC: We groom and maintain Trail 4 and 76 in northern lower peninsula (See map in the picture)

MISORVA: Where are the staging areas in your trail system?

ACSC: Our clubhouse is located at 5515 Kregula Rd. Mancelona, MI. This is a staging area as well as the staging area approximately seven miles east of Mancelona, on County Road C38.

MISORVA: What are any current or future plans and/or upcoming projects the club is working toward?

ACSC: Our club is currently conducting a snowmobile raffle to raise money for a new 60’ x 80’ social hall/equipment building to adjoin to our current clubhouse. As we continue to grow in membership, we need a larger area to gather and host both club and community events, as well as store grooming equipment when not in use, or if repairs need to be made. We will be adding a webcam link to our website soon, to show current snow conditions outside the clubhouse.