Even with the extra day, February disappeared almost as quickly as it came. Spending time on the snowmobile trails of northern Ontario as often as you can also tends to make a month fly by.

Power sport Ambassador of the North, Larry Berrio, can attest to that fact.

“We got a ton of riding in and February was way too short, but what a way to wrap up the month!” proclaims Larry. “Our Big Deal Poker Run was…well… kind of a big deal.” 

Georgian Bay was only staked safe the Tuesday before the Poker Run, the source of a huge smile and a small sigh of relief for Larry and organizers. “A huge thank you to the members of the Manitoulin Snowdusters ‎for helping us out! The trails were beautiful, the accommodations and hospitality at the Manitoulin Hotel and Conference Centre was top notch! 

“With our partners of the NOCA (Northeastern Ontario Construction Association), together we raised $12,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sudbury!” Proud to announce that NOCA will be their new partner for The Big Deal, Larry is already looking forward to next year’s event.

A Special Thanks

“I need to list a big time ‘thank you’ to my sled sponsors over the past three years,” Larry adds. “Sudbury Boat and Canoe (Sudbury) and Arctic Cat Snowmobiles have provided me with some amazing machines to ride the trails, explore the wilderness, and help raise funds for some very special causes.”

Speaking of special causes, Maison Vale Hospice in Sudbury was on the receiving end of a generous donation of funds raised for a dear friend of Larry’s and a true Ambassador to the Sudbury Trail Plan and S.T.O.P. Program for snowmobiles. “Many musicians, including myself, hosted a two night concert in Sudbury to raise money for Norm ‘Normie’ Hein as he fought a valiant battle with cancer. Being the kind of guy he was, Normie in turn gave all the money raised to the Maison Vale Hospice.” It turns out that Normie ended up at the Hospice the night before the planned cheque presentation. 

“He was so happy to be part of the presentation where we gave $4,000.00 to the Hospice in his name,” says Larry with a smile.  After a short pause, he continues. “We unfortunately lost Normie two days later. He will be greatly missed.”

The Season Marches On

It came in like a lion, and was welcomed by sledders from all over Northeastern Ontario. “March is already proving to be a great month for snowmobiling. We started off with a two-day photo shoot for KLIM gear and Ontario Tourism here in Sudbury.”

“We rode Ramsey Lake, which happens to be the only lake that is centred in the middle of a City in Canada (Note: Sudbury hosts more than 250 lakes alone out of the 280,000 fresh water lakes in Ontario). Our first day of shooting brought us to Moonlight Beach at the east end of Ramsey Lake for some great trail riding.”

“We ended our day on trail 56 north of Hanmer where I live. This incredible trail gives you windy routes through pines trees, wide open trails which really allow you to open up on your sled, made our way down a closed logging trail, then up in the mountains and crossing the pole line.” With incredible views of Sudbury, Larry insists that this trail is a must on your bucket list if you ride in the Sudbury area.

Larry and KICX ‘Outdoor Explore’ crew (along with some clients and friends) spent some additional time out in the fresh snow early in the month. “We hit the trails from Coniston after breakfast at the Colonial Inn. We rode around Lake Whanapetei and made our way to Rocky’s (offering breathtaking views of the lake) for lunch. 

We crossed east towards the North Shore and up to Moose Mountain (the highest peak in the Sudbury area).”  The one-way route up the mountain is one of the most popular attractions along the Sudbury Trail Plan, and is a definite must-do addition to any time out on the trails in the area.

While he was riding with Hilary Morrison, Mick Weaver from KICX, Kayla Rheaume and Holly Laforest, Larry experienced an adventure of a different kind. “Nothing like meeting a moose along your route,” Larry grins as he talks about the experience. “It was a moment I will always cherish.” ‎Being a hunter education instructor for over 25 years, Larry ‘teaches and preaches’ that whenever you see wildlife on the trails, you MUST stop and let the animal make its way off the trail on its own. “Chasing an animal is against the law, and even more important, due to its lack of nutrition during the winter months, they can often die of a heart attack after a chase.” 

The group’s day ended off at the beautiful log lodge that is part of the Sportsman’s Lodge Wilderness Resort on Lake Kukugami. “If you are riding for a weekend or full week run,” says Larry, “this is the place to stay!”

Be Aware, The Rides of March 

Upcoming during the month of March for Larry:

March 12-13, 2016

Eclipse Financial Snowcross Pro Challenge, Timmins, ON 

Larry will be performing for the ‘Half Time Show’, as well as hitting the trails around Timmins as well. “I’ve heard a lot about the trails around Timmins but I’ve never had the chance to ride up there, so I’m looking forward to both the event and my time on my sled.”

March 15 -18, 2016

“I will be riding with sponsors and friends of mine up in Shining Tree north of Sudbury. We will probably ride to Timmins or Chapleau during the week.” Larry’s pretty stoked for this particular ride as he has never ridden that far north on the trails.

For the next installment of ‘Berrio’s Ontario’, stay tuned for insight and photos from Larry’s time on the trails in Timmins and Shining tree…

Ride safe, everyone!

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