2026 Ride with the Champs! February 20 - 21

[400brian]

Just thought I would give a heads up on what is being planned, as we started talking about it today.

The unofficial events us Deere guys are planning for Wed Feb 18, and Thurs Feb 19:

On Wednesday is the UP Ride. We want to ride up to Lake Gogebic in the UP, have lunch at the Root Cellar, then ride back. This is a 150 mile round trip, and you need to have your sled in very good running condition to do this. We will have to start fairly early in the morning, and we consider it a victory if we can get back before dark. You buy your own lunch.

Thursday we plan to do the Bogie Bash. This will be 50 -60 miles at a little more relaxed pace. You buy your own lunch.

The Official events, Friday the 20th and Sat the 21st:

Friday morning we will assemble at the Museum for the Deere Legends Ride. It will conclude with lunch, $40. Brian Nelson is supposed to be riding with us. For the Deere faithful, this could be the big event of the week. Dick Teal is supposed to speak after lunch.
Friday evening is the Fish Fry at the Whitetail Inn, $40.

Saturday is the Ride with the Champs - Vintage Challenge ride among others. It includes breakfast, lunch, and the evening Banquet, $200 You do not have to do the Banquet, ( for a little less money ). I don't know where they are going to ride to yet.

Some of the Deere crew will be arriving early in the week to get the party started. Right now we are assuming we will have good snow conditions, all planning is contingent on that.

Make your plans, and get your machines ready.

[400brian]

The season is getting closer. There seems to be more anticipation building for this year's RWTC than I have felt since the build up to the first Vintage Challenge in 2009. The Deere crew is pumped!

[jep_800]

Getting excited. Lots to do, as I got a long list to accomplish on the JDX8. But hopefully I can find the time to get wrenching done.

[ihengineer76]

One month out! I have a Liquidator ready to go, but unfortunately my ‘78 Liquifire is out of commission so I’m working on a backup.

[BU1]

I hope the snow holds up there and they can get some more in the next few weeks. May be my only chance at riding this year. Snow conditions "here" are abysmal.

So, what are the plans for the Vintage Challenge group this year. Has an itinerary been decided on yet?

[400brian]

Scott, we have been keeping our options open for Saturday. I believe the modern group plans to ride down to Craig's. We may ride over to Manitowish Waters ( Rustic Roadhaus ) . We shall see how things go.

[BU1]

[400brian]

Watching the weather forecast carefully. The predicted temps for the week of 15-22 have been rising, and the predicted snow has been changed to rain/freezing rain. At the moment, Thursday thru Saturday is looking better, but we shall see if that holds.

Plans for early in the week could be subject to change.

[400brian]

The weather in St Germain is going to be well above freezing until at least Wednesday.

The problem I am seeing is that there are Radar Runs in both St Germain and at Bent's Camp this weekend. The resulting traffic will have the trails trashed, and the warm temps will prevent grooming until at least Wednesday.

Until we are up there and can assess the conditions first hand, I can't say for sure what we are going to do.

My understanding is that the Reunion Ride on Friday is shooting for 25 miles, and 100+ riders have signed up to ride with Brian Nelson! Big Day!

[400brian]

We are loaded and heading north Sunday. We should be at the Whitetail Lodge by late afternoon.

In a text exchange I had with Jamie Saturday night, she reported that they were out grooming in St Germain. The temps earlier in the day had been mid-40s, and at 10 pm when we were texting the national weather service was reporting 25 degrees in St Germain.

We are not out of the woods yet. They are predicting very warm temps through Tuesday. Some snow or freezing rain could fall Wed -Sat.

At the moment we are planning to ride Friday and Saturday, earlier in the week depends on what we see and what happens.

[BU1]

Snowmobile Hall of Fame
2h
·
Here is a revised itinerary for Friday, February 20th.
John Deere Reunion Ride 2/20/26 Itinerary
• The Reunion Ride will form at the Snowmobile Hall of Fame
• The ride will be guided by Luke Abitz and others
• Brian Nelson and other JD Dignitaries will be on the ride
• The ride will leave the SHOF at 9:00 am
• If you have a Dator for show only, it should be at the Hall of Fame by 8:00am
• The reunion ride will take about 30-40 miles
• It will end at the Whitetail Inn at 11:30am
• Lunch will be Cheeseburgers and Chicken Sandwiches with sides
• A John Deere “Best Dressed” competition will be held before Dick Teal speaks
• The winner will receive a $100.00 Hall of Fame gift card
• Dick Teal, co-author of the “John Deere Snowmobile” book will be the speaker
• Everyone is welcome to stay and visit but keep in mind that the Whitetail Inn will be preparing for the Friday Night Fish Fry.
• After lunch, feel free to take your Dator from the ride to the Hall of Fame where they will be displayed until 4:00pm.
• Friday night Fish Fry starts at 5:00pm at the Whitetail Inn

[400brian]

The weather in St Germain is still uncooperative.

We are hoping for snow and cooler temps that will allow the Tribute Ride with Brian Nelson to happen on Friday.

We will be in attendence, no matter what, but it would be nice to be able to do what we came to do.

[400brian]

We got a couple inches of heavy wet snow overnight. Hoping for more and cold temps.

[nick80lf]

[BU1]

Brian, can you give us any inside scoop on the status of the reunion ride and the Saturday rides? We are coming regardless, but no point hooking the trailer up if the rides don't happen. HOF doesn't seem to post timely updates. Thanks!!!