Click here for digital edition

Reichlin Family Racers Ready for Action

Sienna Reichlin and Kevin Reichlin sit next to their father, Rick Reichlin, by their 1972 Kitty Cat, Old Reliable," Tuesday, January 26. The Reichlin children plan to compete in the Kitty Cat races at Les Cheneaux Snowsfest in Hessel next weekend. Kevin won last year's race on "Old Reliable." The Rick Reichlin family's "Old Reliable" Kitty Cat snowmobile will return to race at Les Cheneaux Snowsfest in Hessel this month, the same race where it finished first last year. The race will take place in Hessel Saturday, February 13, at 10:30 a.m.

Mr. Reichlin of Cedarville passed his old 1972 Kitty Cat snowmobile to his children several years ago. The snowmobile, which Mr. Reichlin fondly calls "Old Reliable," was a Christmas gift when he was about five years old. The Kitty Cat was lovingly used for half a decade before it was retired and placed into storage for more than 20 years.

After hauling it from his parents' house in Indian River to Cedarville, Mr. Reichlin discovered Old Reliable had aged quite well. Most of the decals were still intact, with only the Kitty Cat sticker at the head of the snowmobile faded. Many of the reflectors remained on the machine, and there was no sign of rust on the shiny handlebars. The leopard-patterned seat showed little sign of wear.

After popping the vintage sled open, replacing a gas line and spark plug, and thoroughly cleaning out the carburetor, Mr. Reichlin was able to resurrect the old vehicle.

His children, already accomplished riders, took to the Kitty Cat quickly. Kevin, 10, and Sienna, 7, often rode snowmobiles while visiting their grandparents, who had a large field perfect for riding.

Mr. Reichlin has considered selling the old Kitty Cat from time to time, but he always reconsidered, believing if the machine was properly maintained it could eventually be passed on to his grandchildren, as well.

Mr. Reichlin also owns a 1976 Ski-Doo that the family uses for leisurely rides. The newer snowmobile models are nice, Mr. Reichlin said, but he prefers the vintage ones. The older models tend to be easier to maintain, he added.

Like last year, Kevin plans to race his father's Kitty Cat for another win at Snowsfest, but he is willing to let his younger sister give the competition a shot if she wants to. Mr. Reichlin will also volunteer his time to help during the event.

Les Cheneaux Snowsfest will begin Friday, February 12, with cardboard box sled races at Les Cheneaux Community Schools in Cedarville and snow statue judging in the community. The festival will continue through Sunday, February 14, with many of the events taking place in Hessel. Other events at Snowsfest include a paper mache snowman burning, a chili cook-off, and a dog trick contest. A full schedule of Snowsfest events will be published in The St. Ignace News next week.