Off-roading group impresses local gal, lives up to motto
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You probably saw the green “Divide Ride” signs around Polson last week. I was curious, so I approached their camp headquarters at the fairgrounds to inquire. I was warmly greeted by Rob and Cindy St. Clair of Skyliners 4x4 Club. This local club co-hosted, along with Montana 4x4 Association Inc., 68 4-wheel drive vehicles, each outfitted for serious off-highway trails. There were families, grandkids, and even great-grand kids. The oldest driver was in his 80s. The folks arrived in Polson for a welcoming event last Saturday in time to enjoy the Cherry Festival. They stayed the entire week, fraternizing for their final evening Saturday. Rob called me a “dignitary” and graciously invited me to join them on their day rides. I met folks from as far away as Michigan and Missouri, some of whom had visited here before.
Mike and Nancy Hines helped organize the logistics and handed out descriptions of eight local routes on established 4x4 trails around Polson. Local trail leaders took small groups out on a choice of the day’s trails. I rode with Mike, who served as one of the Trail Leaders. He gathered drivers amiably chatting over go-mugs of coffee to verify each participant had a current Tribal permit. He stated how important it is to respect the Tribes’ land – that means stay on the main road to prevent erosion and weed propagation.
Our caravan headed out Irvine Flats road under the bright morning sunshine for Angus Trail. At Buffalo Bridge we wended downriver on a wooded back road. We brought picnic lunches and sat in the shade of huge pine trees overlooking the racing Flathead River, its deep green torrent almost hypnotic.
The next ride I joined was Upper Dayton, rated “2-5” on a scale of 5. It is part of the Blacktail/Wild Bill National Off Highway Vehicle trail system. Mike and our small group trekked over club-created obstacles with names like “busted axle ridge” and “Snyder Bridge”, consisting of two parallel logs. You must keep your vehicle lined up precisely on the lateral logs. There’s nothing else between you and the gully below. Each obstacle has a go-around, explaining the “2” in the rating.
The club partnered with the U.S. Forest Service to construct the Blacktail/WildBill National OHV trail. The club continues to maintain and improve this trail system. In 2008, BF Goodrich recognized the club as the Outstanding Trails Recipient.
The organization is highly conscious of backcountry ethics, and I was impressed with their custom of picking up trash anywhere they go. The top trash-getter gets a prize at the end of the day. They leave a place better than they find it.
And I was left with awe for the skill and fraternity of the diverse group. Their T-shirt states the Montana 4x4 Association motto, “Friendship and Unity,” and they live up to it.
