Curry Ridge Riders focus on trails

TRAPPER CREEK -- In 1995, a group of Trapper Creek residents gained the attention of many Alaskans as they battled to stop the closure of Curry Ridge and other trails in Denali State Park to motorized activity. The group banded together to form the Curry Ridge Riders snowmobile club, and kept their access to winter trails.

Randy Crosby and his sister Linnea are founding members of the nonprofit group, and they both remain active in the organization. Crosby says the group's primary goals are the same. "We work to define and designate snowmachine trails in the area," he said, "and to protect our ability to enjoy them in the future."

Working with the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, members of the group plod through the steps of getting the trails designated. "Last year, we surveyed about 100 miles of trail," Crosby said recently. "The year before, we surveyed some of the old historical trails in the Peters Creek area." It's just one of the steps to creating dedicated recreational trails, Crosby said. "It's a pretty drawn-out process."

While the Curry Ridge Riders continue to work for trail access, they have another important priority -- enjoying those trails. Not only does the group have members dedicated to trail clearing and grooming, they also have members who organize guided trail rides every year.

According to board member Joe Gauna, the Saturday trips range in rider skill level from novice to expert, and usually draw 15 to 30 snowmachiners to the trail.

"This year, we've had four or five rides and the weather has been good, and we've had a good turnout for each trip," Gauna said. The group has planned two more rides before breakup: a family fun day on March 20, and a barbecue at the Curry Lookout on April 10.

Bill Hansen of Anchorage recently came to help groom the trail. He talked about one of the events, a couples' ride dubbed the "sweetheart ride."

"We had a really nice trip," he said of the Feb. 14 outing. "Thirty-six people." Many of the riders stopped along the trail for a romantic Valentine's dinner at Tokositna Lodge.

Newcomers often accompany the group because they are not familiar with the trails in the area.

"Many people have told us they would never have used these trails if we hadn't been there to ride with them the first few times," Gauna said. "It's one of the reasons we have these rides … for the folks who aren't sure where to go, or if their skills are going to let them do it. This way, everybody gets to see the trail, everybody gets to enjoy the country," Gauna said, "and everybody gets home."

Today, the group is more than 100 members strong. Do they worry about introducing more riders to such a pristine area? The way Gauna sees it, the more people who come to enjoy the trails, the more people who come to clear the trails, and the more people who might speak up when issues relative to the trails arise.

Crosby said the riders bring a boost to businesses in the Susitna Valley. "There's gas to be bought on the way up, and snacks," he said, "and dinner or pizza on the way home." Crosby lives in the Trapper Creek area, and said the merchants depend on the snowmachiners for winter revenue.

The Curry Ridge Riders are paying close attention to development around Trapper Creek.

"We are real concerned about what they are planning for Petersville Road," said Crosby, explaining that the area provides winter trail access now which may not be available if a proposed visitors center is built. Members of the group have attended the recent South Denali Implementation Plan meetings. "The documents they are presenting really don't recognize and embrace snowmachining." Crosby said.

When asked why he is involved in the group, Bill Hansen answered cooly, "Me? I do it to ride!" But as he walked back to his machine he stopped, turned, and made a correction. "The real reason we do this is for our kids," he said. "So they will be able to ride here when they're grown."