We love this event. Sledders from across the province convened in Kearney on the weekend for the annual Rickward’s Annual Antique Snowmobile Show.
The show featured snowmobiles dating back to the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s. However, new technology was also showcased – including the latest trail grooming equipment being used by the Almaguin District Snowmobile Club. They were on site raising money for the club. Thanks to them for letting us poke around inside the groomer!
Québécois mechanic Joseph-Armand Bombardier made the first snowmobile in 1935 and today there are over 600,000 registered snowmobiles in Canada. It’s no longer just a means of transportation in the north – it’s a passion that is passed on from generation to generation. Everyone 705BLACKFLY.COM spoke to had one thing in common – snowmobiling is a lifelong passion. Some riders have owned their sleds since they were kids or had sought the machines out as adults as a way of reliving fond childhood memories.
Ontario has over 1,000 kms of groomed snowmobile trails and the 705 region in particular is renowned around the world for its picturesque snowmobile trails. Information about guided tours is available on the Discover Muskoka website. Be sure to check out the OFSC Trail Guide for everything you need to know.
Graydon Smith, PC candidate for the Parry Sound – Muskoka PC riding is a diehard snowmobile enthusiast and stopped by the event to check out the sleds. He summed up the sport perfectly.
“We all want to ride as much as we can but it’s a relatively short season so we’ve got to get out and have fun while we can,” Graydon said. “And when we can’t ride, people are thinking about riding or thinking about that next machine.”
Thank you to the Rickward family and the Almaguin District Snowmobile Club for welcoming us – and for letting us bomb around on a sled! Please check out our video for an in-depth look at the event, snowmobile culture, and a look inside the trail groomer!
