With the lack of snowfall these past few winters, many outdoor hounds have had to keep their skis, snowshoes, and snowmobiles in storage, praying that in nine months we’ll see powder again. But one group you won’t hear complaining is the Chippewa Valley ATVers. This ridiculously active group has been even more so these past few years, and with the spring erosion protections on the trails now lifted, they’re revving up for another great year. 

The 25+ year-old organization, with about 100 active members, is a family-oriented group that not only hosts monthly events and rides, but also focuses on safety, education, and trail maintenance. 

Some club members are trained and certified by the DNR as ATV Safety Instructors and Trail Patrol Ambassadors, and they provide classroom as well as hands-on training for safe and proper operation of ATVs and respect for the trails. They make sure every rider is a responsible one, and considers the fact that they share many of the trails with walkers, joggers, cyclists, and horse riders.

They hold monthly meetings as an ongoing effort to educate members on trail conditions and safe riding. They encourage safe and proper riding gear, and maintaining ATVs mechanically to be safe – just as you would want your car to be with proper tire pressure and brakes, fluid levels, and controls.

Though some may question their use of gas-powered vehicles, they’re very cognizant of the natural environment and continually strive to maintain and improve the trails. The group works with state and local officials regularly, and even gives registration fees to the DNR with hopes to expand public riding opportunities. They’ve also used said funds to afford new signs and posts on the Chippewa County Trail. They also take part in annual clean-ups along trails and in forests.

The community-minded organization also assists with events like United Cerebral Palsy’s annual “Sno Biz” fundraiser at Brackett Bar, not to mention the financial support their rides bring to area lodging and food industries. Said events involve hitting the trails, exploring the areas around them, and sometimes have picnics, camping, and/or geocaching involved. It’s brought them to such spots as Buffalo Trail (Fairchild to Mondovi), Fairchild Trail (connects to Clark and Jackson county trails), the Tuscobia State Trail (Rice Lake to Superior), and of course Chippewa County Trail (Bloomer to Rusk County).

Chippewa Valley ATVers meet the second Monday of each month, at 7pm, at Eagles Club in Hallie. They welcome anyone and everyone to their rides, and if you’re interested, call 864-3553. They have rides scheduled for May 19, June 1, and June 13. To find out about events, or more about the club in general, visit chippewavalleyatvers.com.