It was a search six years ago for the perfect snowmobile club what led Bob and Michelle Denbow to find and join the Wauconda Snowmobile Club, one of the oldest in Illinois, now celebrating its 45th year.
"We wanted to get into a club that was small enough where we wouldn’t be just a number," Bob Denbow said.
Today, Bob, the club’s trail coordinator, and his wife, enjoy spending time with the little more than 20 club members at monthly club meetings, held October through March, and at events such as this past Sunday’s annual Vintage Snowmobile Ride & Show, where unique vintage sleds, as well as major brand snowmobiles were on display to the public.
The club gives snowmobile aficionados around the Lake County and McHenry area an opportunity to connect with others who have the same interest.
"In the local area, the way the winters are around here, not much can be done as groups in the snow. It’s all based on the snowfall and if it doesn’t snow then people don’t get out," Bob Denbow said.
Wauconda Snowmobile Club members admire one of the vintage snowmobiles seen at an event on Feb.3 (Photo : Candace H.Johnson)
The Wauconda Snowmobile Club no doubt gets its members out. Snow or no snow on the ground, the group plans outings to areas such as the trip’s last to Yellowstone Park, where club president John Lindberg said he experienced some of the most beautiful sights he’s ever seen along with his wife and 17-year-old and 22-year-old sons, who are also members of the club.
"We try to take at least one trip every season," Lindberg of Wauconda said. "It’s a great adventure to ride all day, stop and eat and maybe take a photo of something you see."
And you can see plenty, Lindberg said. Riding in a snowmobile gives riders access through trails where "you can see stuff in a way you never get to see — trees, rivers, streams, birds, deer," Lindberg said.
During their latest Yellowstone Park stay, bison, bald eagles and swans in a river were just some of what they experienced along with their club friends.
For him, being a member has provided a setting where he can get together with people who have become his friends, may they have many other things in common with him or only the love for riding in the snow.
t’s also been a bonding experience for his family.
"Family outings are dying, I think," Lindberg said."Kids are more high tech and want to spend their time indoors with their gadgets. A lot of of snowmobilers are in their 40s and older but a lot of us bring in our family with us [to the club]," Lindberg said.
The club also gives some of its members a sense of community.
During the Wauconda Fest event, club members have manned the beer tent and during the Memorial Day parade, they bring out the trial groomer to ride in the parade.
"It gets our name out there and it shows our support of the community," Lindberg said.
Club members also volunteer their time and effort painting hydrants bright red when the Village of Wauconda’s Adopt-A-Hydrant program rolls around.
For the program, the group get their painting rags on and have painted many dozens of hydrants.
"We feel this is a great community club and that’s why we joined it six years ago," Michelle Denbow said. "It does a lot in the community and it helps people come together."
To be part of the Waconda Snowmobile Club, you have to follow the club’s rules, such as: Be a good sports enthusiast and recognize that people judge all snowmobilers by your actions. And do not litter trails or trailhead.
But members don’t need to have a snowmobile.
Lindberg said it obviously helps, but when the members meet it’s just to have a good time and when taking trips, there’s never a shortage of pals willing to give a ride to their next adventure.
For more information, visit www.waucondasnowmobileclub.comi…
