Snowmobilers haven’t had a chance to get out on Dane County trails this winter until this weekend, but the opening of some area trails is benefiting snowmobilers as well as area businesses.
Wayne Enloe is used to riding with his family as early as December. But this year, the Paoli resident couldn’t start riding until this Saturday, when he hit the Military Ridge Trail in Verona.
"It’s frustrating at times because we sit all year with our snowmobiles," said Enloe. "(They’re) sitting at home and they don’t get the chance to get out and run."
Karen Cox with the Speedway Snowmobile Club said the mist in the air is not ideal for riding, but will do for now.
"You have to have like an 8-inch base of snow to ride on so you don’t wreck the crops out there," said Cox. "We’ll just take what you get."
The lack of snow has not only affected snowmobilers but also businesses along the trail like Riley Tavern.
"It’s a great help for our business in the winter time absolutely," said tavern owner Jim Murphy. "Our business was probably three or four times better than it would’ve been on a normal Saturday without the snowmobiling."
Trails may not stay open for long. People wanting to ride snowmobile can check countyofdane.com for the latest updates on which trails are open.
