Whenever a winter storm rolls in, many people dust off their shovels and snowblowers and begin removing the snow that can easily send cars skidding along roads and driveways. For snowmobilers, heavy storms present an opportunity to pull their sleds out, get together, and enjoy a day on the trails.

Geoff Van Hise, a member of the Big Mack Pack snowmobile club of Naubinway, never experienced winter recreation before he moved to the Upper Peninsula from Florida about 20 years ago. He was attracted to snowmobiling when he heard about it from customers at a restaurant and bar where he worked. Once he tried it, he quickly became hooked.

"I never thought I would do something like that," he said.

Besides the power and speed of the snowmobiles, Mr. Van Hise greatly enjoys the winter scenery while buzzing about on his machine with his friends.

"I really enjoy being out in the woods and the camaraderie," he said. "It's the euphoria of being out in the fresh air and [enjoying] the ride."

As a member of the Big Mack Pack, Mr. Van Hise of Naubinway has ridden for up to three days at a time. Each year the club selects a destination and travels together for about 100 miles each day. The ride normally consists of 20 to 25 people, split into three groups. Some travel faster, while other groups take the trip slowly and enjoy the scenery, like Mr. Van Hise. On some trails, he has enjoyed the view over the tops of trees and across the U.P. landscape to Lake Superior.

The club is planning a trip from Grand Marais to Bark River this year. In previous years, he has traveled with the club to Baraga, Big Bay, and Negaunee.

Jim Oven of Naubinway , trail boss of the Big Mac Pack, also loves the scenery offered by snowmobile trips. He's seen fox and deer on the trails that he would have missed while traveling by any other method of transportation.

"It's just an adventure," he said. "It's just like getting in your car and going someplace you've never seen before. You don't know what to expect."

Unusual experiences can happen on the trail. While his group was sledding toward Baraga, Mr. Oven said, some local children had moved trail signs around, and many people in the group got lost while following the altered signs.

On another trip, one of the group members was using an older snowmobile and its belt broke, setting it on fire. The driver was uninjured, Mr. Oven said, and was assisted by others in the group.

Games along the ride are also fun. For example, whenever the group stops, each rider will pay a dollar and draw a card from a deck. By the end of the trip, the person with the best hand dealt wins the money.

For riders new to snowmobiling, Mr. Van Hise suggests sledding during the club's veterans ride, or the Trent Shrontz memorial ride, because both rides offer the camaraderie and scenery that makes snowmobiling enjoyable.

"If anybody would like to see what U.P. riding is all about, they should go on one of those rides," Mr. Van Hise said.

The Trent Schrontz memorial ride will be Saturday, January 30, iatn Seney, beginning at the Fox River Motel at 9 a.m. There is no registration fee, but donations are accepted. A pig roast at the Seney Township hall will follow, and is also free.

The veterans memorial ride will take place March 13 at the Fox River Motel. Registration begins at 9 a.m., and a ceremony will be at 10 a.m. The ride begins after the ceremony. Registration is $20 but is free to veterans.