In August 2004 I read in the Savage Pacer, our local newspaper, that in 2 days the City Council was holding a second reading of an ordinance that would have effectively banned snowmobiling within the city limits. A second reading is the final step before an ordinance change. Because my family likes to ride our sleds to access the Scott County trails, I personally wanted to save Savage snowmobiling. I printed up around 50 flyers on my computer and drove around town, distributing them to people that I knew that rode, and those that had sleds and/or trailers in their yards. The flyer had a call for action to come to the city council meeting on Monday to express support to save Savage snowmobiling. That Monday council chambers was packed with snowmobilers; so many that the Mayor moved us up on the agenda. Ultimately council opted to make no changes to the ordinance for 2004-2005, but rather to monitor complaints and consider changes Spring 2005. Over the next couple months those that attended the council meeting formed what is now the Savage Sno-Pacers. We were a start up club with zero funding, but a passion for the sport we love…snowmobiling. We now meet on a monthly basis, are holding youth snowmobile safety training classes, have our 1st club ride scheduled in January, have held sled tune-up classes, have made some great new friendships…and by the way…have installed 24 MILES OF NEW SNOWMOBILE TRAILS IN SAVAGE THIS FALL! I want to thank all of the start up members who helped save Savage snowmobiling.

We welcome anyone who would like to join our club, regardless of where you live. That being said, we support the theory "join and volunteer where you ride". Snowmobile clubs are the ones that make over 18,000 of Minnesota trails happen. Without the clubs and their volunteers we would be riding in the ditches. Many Sno-Pacer members are also members of other clubs throughout the state…"join where you ride". If you don't join the Sno-Pacers, join your local club. And offer to volunteer for the hard work getting trails ready during the summer.

The best way a business owner can support the club is to be snowmobiler friendly…it's good for sledders and good for business. Provide a place for us to put our helmets, coats, and bibs. Be patient as we get the heavy clothing on and off our kids. Hot chocolate makes the kids more patient while we're waiting for our food. Business owners can also join the club; they don't have to ride snowmobiles. Their membership provides funding for trail signs, etc. The Sno-Pacers in conjunction with Scott County Sno-Trails also offer businesses the opportunity to advertise on our trail map. This is an inexpensive way to identify their business to the thousands of Scott County snowmobilers.

MNUSA is the state snowmobile club. They act as the "grand parent" to all clubs in the state. They have many functions, but most importantly they provide a legislative staff that works on a state level to ensure the future of Minnesota snowmobiling. Members also receive a great magazine, as well as the opportunity to socialize with other snowmobilers year-round. EVERY rider should be a member of MNUSA, even if you are not a member of your local club. If you would like more information, please see the MNUSA web site.

If MNUSA is the "grand parent" club, Scott County Sno-Trails is the "parent" club. Sno-Trails serves as the umbrella organization for the Savage Sno-Pacers, the Belle Plaine Borough Riders, the Prior Lake Snowmobile Association, and the River Valley Trail Blazers of Jordan and Shakopee. Members of the above club are members of Sno-Trails. The clubs provide volunteers to Sno-Trails, while they own our 3 rubber track Tucker groomers. Members of all clubs operate the groomers to provide 274 miles of silky smooth trails throughout Scott County. Sno-Trails also is the club that receives partial reimbursement from the MNDNR for volunteer man hours and equipment used to clear, sign, and maintain our trails.

Sno-Pacers is our club name…named after snow (duh) and the famous pacer race horse from Savage, Dan Patch.

We welcome all area businesses to join our club, and by doing so they will be recognized on our website. The other way to be recognized is by the purchase of a map ad.

Complete the membership form on our website and forward it with your dues to Jeff Etten, Treasurer (details are on the form) or you can show up to one of our meetings. We meet on the 2nd monday of the month at American Legion in Savage at 7:00pm.

As stated above, clubs are responsible for 18,000 miles of our 20,000 miles of trails in Minnesota. Not the DNR, not the State, BUT CLUBS! Please join your local club today and get involved. You'll make lots of new friends and riding buddies, and will be an important part of snowmobiling year round!   On the web site, members gain access to post to forums, view the members list and the ability to collaborate with other local snowmobilers.