Second annual women-only snowmobile rally scheduled for March 16
When Zarla Gorton, a prominent member of her local snowmobile club, the Northern Lights Trail Blazers, noticed the lack of women in snowmobiling, she knew she had to do something.
That’s why, in 2023, she and others from her club put on New Brunswick’s first ladies-only snowmobile rally.
The first rally also acted as a food drive for the Valley Food Bank, leading it to be called The Grocery Run, with all 50 participants donating either money or non-perishable food as an entry fee.
The Run raised 163 pounds of food and over $1,200.
This year, however, with 36 women already registered, Gorton hopes to surpass last year’s total participants and the amount donated.
This year’s proceeds will go to Hartland Helpers, a local charity that feeds over 50 families in Hartland.
Participants will go on an 85-kilometre ride starting in Waterville, with Hartland serving as a short stop before looping back to the beginning, with other 85-kilometre loops being considered in case of bad weather. Throughout the loop, participants will occasionally stop and have a quick snack alongside other participants.
Drivers will stop at various other snowmobile clubs, with the Hartland stop staffed by Hartland Helpers to show thanks for the donations. The Grocery Run will be held on March 16, and people are encouraged to register on their Facebook page.
