The inaugural Snowmobile Ride for Autism takes place over the February 26 weekend from the main starting point at the Place 1967 Restaurant in Plantagenet. The rally is part of the Rides for Autuism series of events launched by ASD Prescott-Russell United with last year’s ATV Ride for Autism event.
“With growing interest in our Summer Flotilla and Fall off-road rides, we were asked if we could do something during the winter,” stated Nicole Taylor, one of the co-organizers. “Adding the snowmobile ride was the easy and popular choice.”
The inaugural snowmobile event was supposed to take place over the February 20 weekend but the mild weather that characterized the first half of February resulted in a great deal of snow melt, leaving some trails in uncertain condition. Recent forecasts for heavy snowfall prompted organizers to reschedule the event to the last weekend of February in anticipation of better trail conditions.
The recent heavy snowfall prior to the February 20 weekend has created optimism among organizers for the success of their event as work begins on trail grooming in anticipation of this weekend’s influx of riders.
Details on the ride, including final date and start time is the website, www.RidesforAutism.ca, which will also have information on other events taking place during the ride, such as a scavenger hunt for landmarks and “bonus items” hidden along the trails for riders to find. Start time for the event is 9 a.m. from the Place 1967 Restaurant and the end-of-ride awards ceremony will take place at 3 p.m. at that same location.
Participants in the event are encouraged to raise donations for Autism Ontario for support of its East Region programs for children and youth with autism. Participants are also encouraged to post photos on social media of their riding group and adventures on the trails to help promote public aweareness of autism.
“As we’re organizing these events,” stated Paul Taylor Sr., co-organizer, “we find great support in the business community, which is sponsoring great prizes to be won and valuable (support) services.”
He noted that Maximum Powersports and Sylmar Auto Ville are two key sponsors for the Ride for Autism series.
Riders who wish to take part in this weekend’s event can contact the Taylors at 613-371-4440 for information or go the Snowmobile Ride for Autism Facebook page.
