Advertisement

The Thumbs Up Snowmobile Club has developed the project, which was open to the public last winter. The Sanilac County trail, which covers over 50 miles, extends from Sandusky, to Deckerville, and finally to Forester.

Galen Faith, club spokesman, said the recent snowfall has activated the riding spirit of snowmobile enthusiasts from in and out of the area.

"The trails are completely open. We've been out grooming the last two days," said Faith in a phone conversation last Wednesday. He added the request for maps of the trail has been astounding. "I could have sold 30-40 yesterday alone. The phone has been ringing off the hook. With this trail being so new, nobody knows where it's at."

Faith said new maps will be out soon. "The maps have been delayed because of a couple changes to our trails. Then, because of the holidays, they'll be a little late."

The club has incurred all expenses involved in the trail so far, but the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be coming to its aid. Richard Kennedy, State Trails Operation Specialist, was in Deckerville last Thursday to inspect the trail and the directional signs.

"We have a grant (from the DNR) that pays $100 per mile for putting up the signs and clearing the trail. The DNR supplied all of the signs," said Faith. "Plus, when we groom we get paid for the miles we groom."

Faith added that the club currently leases two 4WD tractors to pull the drags that the club owns and hopes the DNR might be able to provide the club with equipment.

On Saturday, January 5, the Thumbs Up Snowmobile Club will be holding its 2nd Annual Fun Run, which will be open to the public. A fee of $25 per sled includes dinner at Lake Huron Campground in Forester and prizes.

Trail heads, for easy access, are located in Deckerville at Wilson Park, in Sandusky behind the Firebird Theatre, and in Forester at Lake Huron Campground from Forester Rd.

For more information about the club, the trail, or the Fun Run, contact Galen Faith at 810-376-4909 or go online at www.thumbsupsnowmobileclub.org.