MUNISING, MI – On Saturday, February 10th, 2024, the 32nd Annual Relic Ride for charity unfolded at the scenic Jack Pine Lodge on M-94 near Steuben. Despite challenging snow conditions, the event, organized by the Long Riders snowmobile group, successfully brought together vintage snowmobile enthusiasts for a day of camaraderie, contests, and charity.
The Long Riders, an informal club established in 1984, boast 67 members united by their shared passion for snowmobiling, following the motto “run hard run long.” The club’s flagship event, the Relic Ride, originated in 1982, and since 1986, all proceeds from the event have been dedicated to various charities.
Snowmobile aficionados from far and wide were invited to partake in the Relic Ride, with a special focus on a sled judging contest for machines manufactured in 1973 or earlier. Categories ranged from the prestigious “Best of Show” to the lighthearted “Worst pile of sh**”, “Oldest Sled” and “Oldest Rider.”
Event organizer Dave Pipper explained the shift this year due to the lack of snow, “Everybody’s got the same problem. What are you going to do on a Saturday in February when there’s no snow?” Last year’s event boasted over 300 vintage snowmobiles, but this year, the organizers adapted, transforming the ride into a Poker Run.
The snowmobile show and contest persevered, undeterred by the snow conditions. Pipper proudly declared, “We had over 115 registered vintage sleds this year. I’m happy. Happy with what we have.” Despite the scarcity of snow, some participants braved the conditions, driving their sleds on gravel and grass along the road, continuing a tradition decades in the making.
Pipper shared an astonishing tale of dedication, “There is one group of five of our Long Riders who actually rode from Three Island Lake today. I don’t know how they did it, they said they ruined two sleds on the way here, but they did it.”
The Poker Run, a new addition this year, attracted 84 participants who explored local businesses, collecting stamps at each stop. Some of the Alger County destinations included The Bear Trap, The Bear Den, and BuckHorn Lodge.
While most participants hailed from Michigan, the event drew attendees from various parts of the state, including Dearborn, Traverse City, Gwinn, and Iron Mountain.
At The Bear Den in Shingleton, The Munising Beacon caught up with a group of Poker Run participants. Jim from Iron Mountain shared, “We love coming over to this event each year. But this year we brought side-by-sides instead of snowmobiles.”
Despite this year’s challenging snow conditions, Pipper remains optimistic, “I hope we never see these poor snow conditions again, and next year the Relic Ride will continue.”
The Relic Ride, with its unique blend of vintage snowmobile appreciation, charitable spirit, and community camaraderie, stands as a testament to the resilience and passion of the area’s winter enthusiasts.
