By Melissa Wynn
In 1996 when the Chester Snowmobile Club disbanded, Janice Brinkman and her husband Richard, along with Dick and Patty Caywood, took the reins and formed what is now the Lake Almanor Snowmobile Club (LASC) and a new adventure began.
More than just a group that like to ride snow machines together, LASC is comprised of kind, fundraising people looking to give back to their community while promoting winter sport activities. This 501(c)(4) non-profit has generously donated locally to schools to support the youth, the Lake Almanor West Fire Association that so bravely protect and Long-Term Care at Seneca Hospital to support the elderly.
On a national level, Eagle Lake Camp Hug, a partner of Ronald McDonald House, Habitat for Humanity®, the National Seizure Foundation as well as the Wildlife Conservancy top the list of recipients of funds raised by LASC.
Playing in the snow is the name of the game, and LASC enjoys riding the beautiful Lake Almanor Snowmobile Park located at the junction of County Road A-13 and California State Highway 36. Boasting over 50 miles of groomed trails, this public access park offers endless rides through the stunning forested hills of Plumas County. The Park has a clean and maintained restrooms, both obtained by a grant written by Pat Roarty and makes a great spot to meet for weekend club rides.
Lake Almanor Snowmobile Club proudly belongs to the BlueRibbon Coalition, a non-profit organization that continually fights to ensure our right to ride responsibly on public lands.
The annual poker run is their fundraiser of the year, and February 17 is the projected date for 2018. Registration begins at 8:30am at the Lake Almanor Snowmobile Park. Snowmobilers are always at the mercy of Mother Nature so each year an alternate date is set in March just in case it doesn’t snow.
The more the merrier, so the saying goes, and new members are always needed and welcome at Lake Almanor Snowmobile Club. An entire family can join for only $25 per year. All funds raised through the Poker Run, less expenses, go back into the community. Everyone is welcome, and a snowmobile is NOT required to join. Anyone interested in joining should contact LASC President, Tom Gaither, at (530)259-5025 or Secretary, Janice Brinkman, at (530)596-3810, or send them a message. Learn more about this group and their great works on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/LakeAlmanorSnowmobileClub/. Brochures are available at Cravings in Chester and at the kiosk located at the Lake Almanor Snowmobile Park.
