OFF ROAD ADVENTURE
Off-road group explores remote trails together, welcomes new members
Beau Biggs photo
Beau Biggs photos An aerial view from a mountain road shows the area where the Boulder Fire burned in the summer of 2021.
Beau Biggs photo
Beau Biggs photo
A tire hub problem, lower right, proved too difficult to repair on the mountainside so one off-roader had to turn back for the day.
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POLSON — The Skyliners four-wheel club met Saturday, Nov. 11 to ride over scenic mountain trails on the east shore of Flathead Lake.
An off-road club that started in 1974, Skyliners is now a 501c nonprofit organization whose members enjoy exploring off-road trails together.
One of the organization’s goals is to take people out and introduce them to off-roading in a safe and respectful way. Group members teach new off-roading drivers how to safely maneuver trails and pick a good line. “We are a very fun, family friendly group that works on teamwork and teaches about keeping trails safe and well maintained for future use,” said member Kiwi Winger. Skyliners members are intentional about their respectful approach to nature. They don’t rush through trails to test their vehicles’ performance, they take their time to enjoy the beauty of their natural surroundings while exploring new and old trails together. The group is open to any new members who have an off-road capable vehicle.
On Nov. 11, members met first at Safeway before heading to the trails. Winger, one of the main group coordinators, was pleased with number of people who attended the Nov. 11 ride. “I am so happy to see all of these Jeeps here,” she said while looking around those gathered in the parking lot. “I wasn’t expecting to have so many people show up.”
She walked among the vehicles handing out her business card to new participants with a welcoming smile.
The group headed out, and once they’d made it a couple miles up the trailhead stopped to appreciate the view. Radios were handed out so everyone could communicate and stay together.
The group then traveled further up the trail until one of the vehicles broke down. The right tire hub came off of the axle and couldn’t be fixed on the trail so the driver had to limp it back down the trail. Before the driver left, they had the full group’s support in trying to fix the vehicle.
The group continued up the trail making their way into the snow. During stops to enjoy the view, members checked in with each other to make sure everyone was doing well.
At the lunch spot, vehicles parked in a semi-circle, while members chatted over the mid-day meal.
“I was going to lead today’s outing but I haven’t finished fixing the front end of my Jeep so I am just riding along today,” said member and event coordinator Mike Hines.
Once lunch was over, the group headed back onto the trail and out for more expansive mountain views. Winger stopped to take photos of group members driving through puddles and to document how thick the ice was – about five inches thick – in some locations.
Further up the trail, puddles with less ice made for plenty of mud and dirt caked vehicles.
On the trip back out, Winger and Hines stopped along the way to answer questions and explain a bit more about the club.
“The group isn’t hard to get into,” Hines said. “You just have to come to three events, which could either be our off-road event or to our meetings, but either way, you only have to come to three, and then you are officially part of the group.”
“We love to explore and have fun while going out on the trail,” Winger said. She added that one of the events was a camping trip.
Those interested in learning more about the Skyliners club can reach out to them via Facebook.
