Spectra Power Sports is hosting its annual open house today until 5 p.m. Joining them are Central Cariboo Search and Rescue, Williams Lake Sportsmen’s Association and Williams Lake Powder Kings Snowmobile Club.
The event is a great way for people to support a local business, enjoy a hot dog with the Spectra team and have fun, said Gilbert Rich, noting a bunch of deals are taking place today. Rich has been working at Spectra Power Sports for 17 years. He wouldn’t share his title at the company, stating that everyone there is a team who works together.
Central Cariboo Search and Rescue (CCSR) was there to share winter sports safety, whether for those on frozen lakes, in avalanche areas or participating in other snow sports and backcountry explorations, said Debra Bortolussi, the public relations coordinator for CCSR. She was joined by Kevin Unruh, the assistant land search and rescue chief, and other search and rescue crew.
Bortolussi shared three safety tips for snowmobilers, known as the three Ts.
Trip plan, which includes telling people where you’re going, when you’ll be back, what machine you’re riding and its colour. If an accident occurs, this will help search and rescue know what your machine is capable of and, therefore, where you might be located.
Train, which means knowing what you’re getting into, being prepared for the terrain, and knowing your machine’s limitations, as well as your own.
Take the essentials. Ensure that you’re mountain-ready and able to self or companion-rescue. Pack your avalanche equipment with you: a shovel and probe, stuck straps, extra layers, gloves, a helmet, an emergency blanket, a first aid kid, a whistle and a reflector.
As well, wear your avalanche beacon, said Unruh, noting it can make the difference between a rescue and a recovery.
An avalanche beacon should be tested before you leave, ensuring it works so that you can be located if needed when you’re out on a trail or mountain. Make sure the batteries are working, you have an extra set, and you are familiar with how to use the device.
The Williams Lake Powder Kings Snowmobile Club has an avalanche beacon checker, and some of the directors were at the open house.
Laurie Snowball, the treasurer of the club and the director of the British Columbia Snowmobile Federation, was there helping people sign up for club memberships. Along with camaraderie and the club being an excellent way for new snowmobilers to meet people and get into the sport, a membership with the club also includes discounts around town, snowmobile insurance, accidental death or dismemberment insurance and promotes the trails and mountains.
Laurie and her husband, Mark, the club president, have been with the Powder Kings since 2013. They got involved after their kids took an interest in snowmobiling.
Laurie mentioned their annual general meeting is coming up on Dec. 13 at 6 p.m. at the building behind the Laughing Loon.
Mark thanked all the incredible sponsors they’ve had over the years.
“Our sponsorship is phenomenal.”
Ted Matogo represented the Williams Lake Sportsmen’s Association, promoting the ATV draw on Feb. 3 at their Wild Game Banquet, which has sold out the last three years.
Those attending the open house today can purchase raffle tickets for the ATV draw and tickets to the banquet. Spectra purchased the ATV, and all proceeds from the raffle go toward the Sportsmen’s Association.
Matogo said the association has seven firearm ranges, two indoor archery ranges, one outdoor archery field and one outdoor archery bush. He was also excited about the upcoming banquet in February, noting the wild game that members and attendees provide.
The event is today until 5 p.m. and is well worth a visit, with lots of the Spectra team available to assist others.
