It was at last Saturday's KATV Club Picnic that many rode their side-by-sides to help celebrate the KATV Club's 20th Anniversary. Image Courtesy of KATV Club

Last Saturday, the Keweenaw ATV Club celebrated its 20th Anniversary. Off-road vehicle riders rode their side-by-sides and all-terrain vehicles for the club picnic. The picnic took place at the Gabriel Chopp Park, known as the Ahmeek Park.

About 100 people opened the picnic with the club’s July meeting and enjoyed the camaraderie with a picnic lunch.

“Over 65 businesses donated prizes. We gave all the prizes away,” KATV Club’s Kitty Beleck explained. “We really appreciate their support!”

While the weather was “crappy,” according to Daryl St. John of the KATV Club, “the weather didn’t discourage the tenacity of the ORV community. I would like to thank the Ahmeek Fire and Rescue for their assistance. Not sure how to describe it, but most stayed for the entire day. They didn’t just stop for a few minutes and leave.”

Beleck stated her thanks by commenting as to how the community rallies together for the club.

It was more than 20 years ago that businesses throughout the Copper Country talked about the increasing interest in ORV riders to enjoy the multiuse trails and the snowmobile trails. The ORV riders, along with the Copper Country business community, knew that ORV riders could bring in dollars in the summer and fall, like snowmobiling does in the winter.

ORV enthusiasts, Don Kauppi of the Mariner in Copper Harbor and other business owners recognized the need for an ATV club, and the Keweenaw ATV Club was born.

The KATV Club volunteers worked with Michigan DNR, area landowners, snowmobile club members and businesses in developing an ORV Trail System that brings in thousands of riders every year. The club played an integral part in rebuilding miles of trails that were destroyed in the Father’s Day Weekend Flood of 2018.

In a flood that was described as the flood of 1,000 years, over 6 inches of rain fell in only a few hours. The rushing waters destroyed major sections of multiuse trails and took around $20 million to rebuild or re-route trails. The KATV Club worked with local and state government and other organizations in finding the equipment and material to rebuild trails, or move trails.

Six years after the flood, the KATV Club continues to maintain ORV trails. It was 20 years ago that the KATV Club brought ORV riders together to enjoy trails from Toivola to Copper Harbor.

“We’re planning a Fall Ride,” commented both Beleck and St. John. St. John goes on to say, “We’re also planning a few other club rides later in the season. Rylan’s ride to fight childhood cancer is Aug. 3 and Nathan’s Ride for suicide prevention is in September.”

Those interested in being a part of those rides or finding out about the KATV Club can go to their website or Facebook page. The club holds monthly meetings. The next meeting is Aug. 4 at the Hubbell VFW. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. and is open to all current and future members.

Beleck concludes, “Our picnic last Saturday was to show our members how much we appreciate all that they do.”

Let’s Ride appreciates and congratulates the KATV Club on their 20th birthday!