After a slow start to the season, snowmobile trails in
Marathon and Lincoln
Counties are finally open
again.
"That's pretty exciting," said
Allan Zahrt. "We've had some pretty slow years here the last few years, as
far as the trail system being open. So we're glad to get them open now and we
want to keep them that way."
Allan Zahrt is a member of the Trailmates Snowmobile Club. He
says he stayed up until 1 a.m. Friday morning to get the trails ready.
"I would say 90% are very good," said Zahrt. "I
would say there are a few plowed fields and rough spots that people have to be
careful of."
In addition to being an avid snowmobiler, Zahrt owns a
snowmobile accessory and repair shop. He says business has been slow, until the snow finally
started falling.
"The phone's ringing; the customers are coming in," said Zahrt. "It's
what we need to keep things going."
Winter sports provide a boost for many businesses, like Zahrt's,
cross the area. but some are still waiting for the snowmobilers to arrive.
Traci Fick owns Dat Bar in Merrill. It's located next to a
trail, with a parking lot for trailers and snowmobiles. But because the weather
has been hit-and-miss, the bar hasn't
seen as many snowmobilers. Fick's hoping more snow is in the forecast.
Riders like Zahrt agree.
"I always say I want to be able
ride more than I'm working on the trails," said Zahrt.
The trails re-opened Friday at noon.
