Elk County Riders Host Event For Local And State Officials
Members of the Elk County Riders group recently hosted a ride for various local and state officials. The group is shown at the start of their ride at Spring Run Lookout in Benezette.
Photo by Amy Cherry
The Elk County Riders are working to expand their Trail of Dreams by working with partners in Clearfield County. Recently the organization hosted a small group ride with Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Motorized Recreation Specialist Troy Withers, State Rep. Mike Armanini (R-Elk/Clearfield), Landscape Architect John Buerkle of Pashek MTR based in Pittsburgh who wrote grants and helped with the group’s feasibility study and Elk County Commissioner Fritz Lecker.
Numerous members of the Elk County Riders also participated in the ride which started at the Spring Run Lookout in Benezette to Cayman Landing in Treasure Lake.
Elk Co. Riders Director and Treasurer Cheryl Ruffner said the ride followed the main corridor of the Trail of Dreams which runs about 50 miles and takes nearly five hours to complete. There are also various other routes running off the main corridor. Ruffner added the complete trail is not yet officially open to the public as there remains work to be completed including constructing a bridge in Jay Township along with other projects.
The Elk Co. Riders main goal is to provide ATV-friendly trails while showcasing the beautiful scenery of Elk County and the surrounding areas. The goal of the ride was to show areas of the entire southern tier of the trail running from Benezette to Treasure Lake, which encompasses nearly 24 miles. Burkle also helped write the $86,510 DCNR grant request for the Cayman Landing Campgrounds ATV Trailhead, which is part of the overall Trail of Dreams project to connect to Cayman Landing which offers various types of lodging including cabins, recreational activities, shopping and dining.
While there Ed Clark, Treasure Lake general manager, showed the Cayman Landing campground and discussed future plans for developing an ATV trailhead on site.
During the ride, the group stopped at various landmarks including the Elk County visitor center in Benezette, the Mt Zion Veterans Memorial, the chapel in the woods, the cross on the hill, and a meal at the Weedville Hotel. They passed through areas of Devils Elbow, Grant, Grayhill, Spring Run, Boone Mountain, Fire Tower Road, and more.
Ruffner Said they are also hoping to start promoting the trail as an artisan trail highlighting local residents’ talents at woodworking, glass etching, homemade food products, and more. She added the trails bring significant economic benefits and outdoor recreational activities for both residents of the area as well as visitors.
Their most recent ride included 608 riders in about 350 vehicles, a majority of which were side by sides. The event raised just over $21,000 for the organization. Ruffner Said their first-year event had about 454 riders followed by 542 riders the following year.
Don Ruffner, Elk County Riders vice president, Said the rides attract participants of all ages from all backgrounds. Their events always have someone on call to assist with any towing needs. They also inform area ambulance services of their events. Additionally, Don is a local firefighter, and several firefighters often go along on rides.
The Elk County Riders next project involves the construction of a bridge in Jay Township to connect portions of the trail. Ruffner said the project is ready to go as they have already secured funding from DCNR and obtained the proper permitting. They are hoping to complete the bridge next year. Cheryl noted they also have developed partnerships with several landowners who allow the group to utilize their property for one day event rides.
Article by Amy Cherry of the St. Marys Daily Press. Source: https://www.smdailypress.com/news/elk-co-riders-host-event-for-local-and-state-officials/article_d6afe5a0-59f5-11ed-b1f5-ff878c0f430f.html
