
Today, 70 snowmobile riders from the Brantford area will be arriving in Timmins on a leg of a six-day 1,600 km ride through Northern Ontario in support of a number of local charities including Lansdowne Children’s Centre. This is the 14th year that this event, The Great Northern Ride, is taking place.
It all started in February of 2001 when thirteen riders rode from Huntsville to Sudbury and back – a trip of about 500 kilometers. It originated when a group of Rotarians, led by Bob Caissie were looking for another way to raise money and deliver on the Rotarian mission to help local youth. It was a great combination of a love for snowmobiling, the outdoors and fellowship. It has grown, from the first year when an amazing $32,000 was raised to the most recently completed 2011 ride that travelled to Newfoundland and generated an amazing $166,000. It has grown because it is truly a unique experience.” Riders return with a friend because they were looking for and received the sledding trip of a lifetime” says Bob Caissie who still takes a leadership role in making the ride a reality.
Over its 12 year history the Great Northern Ride has covered over 20,000 kilometers of snowmobile terrain. The participants have seen almost all of Northern Ontario including James Bay, the Abitibi River, and Timmins Kapuskasing and Hearst. They have traveled through Northern Quebec including the Gaspé Peninsula and Rimouski. They have met and experienced the very finest Native Guides to help them enjoy the terrain and seen gas dropped off in the middle of nowhere to keep their sleds running. They have had the times of their lives; in fact some of them have had the times of their lives – seven times over. More importantly they have raised over $1,250,000 which is an incredible sum of money. The success of this event is due to the dedication of a wonderful group of men and the support of the Rotary Club of Brantford. The funds from this event are kept within Brantford and Brant County for the benefit of young people who need the support.
This year’s big ride is just under 2000km – leaving from Sudbury through the vast North all the way to Wawa on Lake Superior and back!
Itinerary/ Route
Sunday, Feb 23rd: (Evening) Kick-Off in Sudbury
Monday Feb 24th: Ride all day to Timmins (350 Km)
Tuesday, Feb 25th: Ride to Hearst (360 Km)
Wednesday, Feb 26th: Ride to Wawa (400Km)
Thursday, Feb 27th: Ride to Elliott Lake (490KM)
Friday, Feb 28th: Ride back to Sudbury for Wrap-Up (210Km)
If you see a long line of sleds coming into Timmins, stop and give them a wave!!
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