It is just a few days before the ATV trails open. I think everyone is ready to get back on the trails for another season.
As I sit and watch the rain falling and drink my hot chocolate, I think back to last season and the great bumbles we took. The one that quickly comes to mind as one of our most memorable is a trip we took on October 4,2025.
It was a beautiful, crisp morning, with the vivid colours – orange, red, bronze, and gold – showing a true transformation from summer to autumn.
On that day, we rode in memory of Marilyn White of East Coldstream, who passed away Aug. 23, 2025.
We gathered at the Sugar Moon Cookhouse in Divide, where we unloaded our side-by-sides. It seemed like a never-ending line of ATVs arriving. What a joy it was to see so much laughter and chatting going on amongst the group, wow! We had 110 registered ATVs and approximately 250 people on this trek. Marilyn would have been proud. On that day, I met and talked to so many people I hadn’t seen in a while.
We left Sugar Moon, rode towards Kenneth, and then took a bumble towards Bell Lake. The trails were covered with a carpet of fallen leaves, and the sun shone through the tree branches. I think of the miles that Marilyn would have put on, travelling these same trails, often helping with the grooming alongside Alex.
The hills and valleys were beautiful with their fall colours. Those folks who enjoy mud and water on the trails were not disappointed. It would not be a bumble without some water and mud.
As we bumbled along, groups would stop to stretch their legs and have a snack. The laughter made me smile, and I wondered what stories were being told.
As we arrived in Juniper, we were greeted by the Juniper Fire Department, who were putting on a barbecue. Thank you to the members for doing this. People gathered in groups, enjoying their lunch. Lots of laughter and stories about Marilyn were shared, and there were plenty to go around.
We had lunch and rested a bit before hitting the trails again, which took us to Golden Ridge and back to Sugar Moon. We said our goodbyes to everyone, loaded up, and headed home.
What a great day it was. I am sure Marilyn was looking down on us with that smile of hers and saying, “Another great run.”
Marilyn was an icon to the Skedaddle Ridge Trails People #51 Club. Sarah Pellitier has this to say about her-
“She was a valued and devoted member of our club for many years, along with Alex,” said club member Sarah Pellitier. “She spent a great deal of time volunteering with trail work and events and making sure Alex stayed on the right trail during our many group rides,” she added with a laugh.
Fly high, Marilyn. You are missed!
Happy trails.
See you all soon….
Linda McHatten (aka The Bumble Lady)
