notes from the Geritol Five

On August 31, 2009 five members of the Rapids Riders ATV Club met at Pokegema Lake Store for a late summer ATV ride. The plan was to travel a little-known trail from a gravel pit (N47 07.706 W09342.448) on Blandin Forest Land to the ATV friendly City of Remer, MN. Our group was led by VP Jerry McKnight since he has explored the area many times.

We unloaded our machines around 10am in the area known as 'Shinglemill' near Little Sugar Lake in Itasca County. Jerry took our group though well-marked Blandin Forest trails with several huge stands of Maples, Basswoods, Birch and Oaks. The entire area was populated with very mature forests stands, Blandin foresters have done a wonderful job as stewards of this property. I would love to return to this trail when the fall colors are in full bloom here.

The trails were solid and well marked with just a few water holes to negotiate. We enjoyed lots of ripe raspberries too! When we turned on to the Soo Line Trail our speed increased and as we approached Remer, we got hungry! The five of us entered the Northwoods Cafe only 10 minutes before closing time (2pm on Mondays) and the cook and waitress were thrilled to see us!! We enjoyed a delicious meal but they did cut us off from the coffee!! Ha!

Our return trip was on a new route. That Jerry sure knows his trails, I guess he has been around the block a few times! After a safe and enjoyable ride on some trails that most of us had never traveled before, we made it back to the vehicles around 5pm and played in the sand pit for a while. (some of us more than others!!) It was a great ride with perfect weather to be out!

Come and join us on our next ride! Check the website for time and place or help us plan our next club ride. See you on the trail and remember ride as though everyone is watching!

Larry