Mark Rohrer

Mark Rohrer
Goshen, IN

In 1990 while at a snowmobile show in Michigan, my friend and I were looking for new and out of the way Places to snowmobile. At one of the booths, I signed up for literature from Come Play In The Snow. I was one of seven to win a free trip to experience snowmobiling in Canada. I also took a friend and fellow snowmobile enthusiast along with me. It was a four day and three night trip. We were uncertain about customs, but the police just asked the normal questions they ask people travelling for several days in Canada. After 11 hours of travelling, or 400 miles, we were in Canada. The first order of business was to change our currency. With the exchange rate we were able to stretch our American dollars. We met the rest of the group, and they were all complete strangers. After conversing together the first night we got to know everybody. This group was very diverse. Most were Canadians, one couple rode tandem, several had high powered machines. Some were aggressive riders, others were more conservative and less experienced. My friend and I were aggressive riders. We had both completed a 24 hour, 400 mile endurance the year before and usually put 2,000 miles a year on a sled.

In the morning we place our luggage on a covered trailer, and it was available at the next nights stay. Brian's driver is available to retrieve disabled sleds and they will do everything to get you back on the trail as soon as possible. It is comforting to know that you can cover a large area and each night your luggage will already be available at your nights lodging. You don't have to pull a trailer behind you to bring all you will need.

The accommodations were very favorable, up to AAA's qualifications. Hot tubs and saunas were sometimes available and very inviting. Food was plentiful and if you left the table hungry it was your fault.

Brian leads the pack and Judy, his wife, brings up the rear. You were given the opportunity to ride at your own pace. The slower riders usually left early and the faster riders caught up with the pack. During the trip we had big water ice riding, tundra swamp type riding, large hills with point A to point B. Some of these old trails were old trappers trails, more narrow with a lot of curves. During the first trip we saw about 10 sleds going the other direction. The townspeople were awed with our 11 sled group. The first day you were held to a tight group until Brian knew your capabilities and knew you were able to find the group. After that you were given more freedom and could stop to take pictures, etc. You knew you would be able to catch up to the group. Overall the first trip was a wonderful experience.

I have repeated the experience every year since. Brian now tries to balance the group. Example. Expert drivers, camera buffs, etc. Thus your group has like interests. I would never think twice about joining a group of strangers for some white fun. I know we'll have a great time. The trails have improved over the years. Ranging from trapper trails to two trail groomers wide.

The first year I rode in an already planned tour. Now I'm able to specialize my trip. Example. Number of miles we'll cover, type of riding, unique sights, and the area we want to ride in. I call Brian early and the trip is specialized to my own preferences and tailored to my needs. We presently only see about 30 - 40 other riders. I feel safer than I do riding in Michigan.

I have taken groups from 2 to 18 and then several have followed with groups of their own the following year. If you have a group of snowmobilers that are planning a trip give Brian a call. He will be glad to help you. If you alone want to experience a great trip give Brian a call also.

I will be happy to correspond with any of you who has questions. If you would like to join any of the trips I have planned just give me a call. You will have a great time!