By Lorraine Glowczak
No one will deny that a snowmobiling trip or a snowshoe
hike in the northern and western areas of Maine makes for an exciting weekend
getaway for all who favor winter leisure sports. But family duties and the
costs involved for these adventures make it is impossible to get away every
weekend from the Lakes Region and greater Windham areas.
But do not despair if you need to get your winter sports
fix in just a couple of hours without spending tons of money and time. There is
everything you need right here
in our own backyard. The Windham Drifters Snowmobile Club (WDSC), a group made
up of families and businesses that enjoy the fellowship of others who share
enthusiasm for the sport of snowmobiling, makes sure you have access to 36
miles of groomed trails that are safe for daytime, evening and weekend
explorations.
Whether you are a snowmobiler, snow shoer, winter hiker,
cross-country skier or a fat tire bike rider – you have plenty of trails to
choose from and is it all is available at no cost.
But where are these trails? “We have Windham trails that
connect systems in Gray, Falmouth,
Raymond, Gorham and Westbrook,” stated treasurer and groomer operator for WDSC, Barry Bernard.
Raymond, Gorham and Westbrook,” stated treasurer and groomer operator for WDSC, Barry Bernard.
For more detailed knowledge and experience of the trails,
join WDSC on Saturday, February 16th for a community group
snowmobiling ride that will provide an opportunity for local residents to
familiarize themselves of the trails available through fields and forest – FOR
FREE.
For those interested, WDSC invites you to meet and gather
at the Mountain Division parking lot at Gambo Road at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday,
February 16 for this amazing exploration. There will be stops along the way
including a buffet style lunch at Binga’s, in Windham on the outdoor deck – all
with an outdoor heating fireplace and all you can eat for $15, payable the day
of the event. Up-to-date details and
sign-up for the ride and lunch events are available on the club’s Facebook
page.
There are also trail maps available at your convenience.
“Trail maps are available for $5 at Windham
Town Hall, Richardson's Annex,
Windham Powersports, Binga's Windham and Westport Motor Sports.” Bernard said. “For
$6, you can order one from our website at wwww.windhamdrifters.com.” However,
if you participate in February 16th ride, you will receive a map for free.
As of this writing, there are over 50 interested
individuals who hope to participate in this riding event, including people new
to the Windham area. “I've had conversations with two families that have
recently moved to the area and have little knowledge of our system,” explained
Bernard.
“They are both looking forward to bringing their families
out the day of our February 16th event.
WDSC has been a dedicated part of the Windham area winter
sport staple providing trails since 1977.
“We love what we do, and we work hard
at maintaining these trails,” stated Bernard. “WDSC includes a group of
dedicated individuals, but we are always looking for new members whose passion
includes the great outdoors – especially winter.
If maintaining winter trails for the activities you enjoy
and deem an important part of the Maine experience, WDSC is always seeking new
members. Whether you are a snowmobiler, snow shoer, or a fat tire bike rider –
you most likely want groomed and safe trails available for you, free of charge.
To become a part of the club or to help maintain these trails that are a part
of “way life should be” in Maine, considering joining WDSC through their
website at www.windhamdrifters.com.
Or, perhaps, more importantly, join a group of
like-minded individuals for free on Saturday February 16th and have
the time of your life. Right here – in your own backyard.
