Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T L Y M O N T A N A M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 2 2 62 bers are kept apprised of any motions being made to shut down riding access so that they can voice their opinions. "Individual comments are just as important as a collec- tive representative speaking," says Bailey. "We need voices heard; we need people to respond." In addition to advocating, the clubs take the education of all riders very seriously. From informing new riders about where they can legally ride to holding riding clinics for kids, the Forest Service and Search & Rescue, the clubs do their part to teach proper riding techniques and how to ride re- sponsibly and respectfully. Many clubs host avalanche train- ings to ensure riders also know how to react quickly and ap- propriately in an emergency. "We want riders to be confident and assured that they can take their equipment out and use it confidently to come to someone's aid," says Victor Johnson, treasurer for the Pon- derosa Snow Warriors. Johnson also shares that the Ponderosa Snow Warriors will soon join the Seeley Lake Driftriders in installing beacon check stations to notify riders passing by whether their ava- lanche beacons are transmitting. For the clubs, advocating for sledders' access to riding ar- eas is critical, but always goes hand in hand with education on the safe, courteous, lawful, and responsible use of snow- mobiles on that land. When Montana's snowmobile clubs aren't busy promoting and protecting their sport, they dedicate themselves to the service of their greater community. "We do our part to help with the community in every way we can," says Bailey. Each year the MSA sponsors the Trans-Montana Charity Ride (TMR), which many of the state clubs participate in. The week-long ride visits six different riding areas in Montana and raises awareness and money for a charity of its choosing. For the past four years, the TMR has supported the Montana chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). "When we heard from NAMI about the suicide levels for teens and veterans in our state, we thought this would be an excellent area for us to focus our efforts," says Smolen, who serves as chairman for the TMR. "Both causes resonate with our members as these issues seem to touch nearly everyone either directly or indirectly via friends and neighbors." According to Smolen, the TMR raised $18,000 for NAMI Montana in 2021. While the TMR is the largest charitable event supported by Montana's snowmobile clubs, individual clubs give back to their own communities as well. Seaman shares that the Great Falls club typically holds a Toys for Tots toy drive to benefit local kids during the holiday season. They also support the local food bank. According to Bailey, the Helena Snowdrifters and Lincoln Ponderosa Snow Warriors are two clubs out of several that actively participate in noxious weed spraying and highway cleanup programs in the off season. "We use the outdoors and highways, so it's our way to be re-

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