‘Snowmobile races recognized by magazine’
Plans are being finalized in preparation for the annual snowmobile races to be held Feb. 20, sponsored by the Mancos Snowmobile Club. Much work and many contacts have been made throughout the year for the 100-150 mile race and other events including the second Woman’s Powder Puff race. $3,000 of prize money will be given away with four classes for men and an open class and the Powder Puff race. Entry fee for the 100-150 mile race which is governed by the WFRC rules is $50 with registration and happy hour to be held at the Millwood Junction Restaurant on Feb. 19. Entry fee for the Powder Puff race is $25 with the race to be 50 miles long. All racers are required to be registered by 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
The Mancos Snowmobile Club and the races have received national recognition as the Competition 1983 issue of “Snowmobile” carried an article on the events. The events also will be carried on the calendar of events of the magazine until its happening. the article that appeared is as follows:
“Endurance Race Tests Skills at Mancos, CO”
A majority of the top snowmobile racing, be it oval or cross-county, is done in the midwest and eastern regions of the snowbelt. The folks out west are more noted for their long tours and guided mountain rides.
There’s a group of active sledders in Colorado, however, who incorporate racing as part of their seasonal activities. It’s a unique “fun” style of racing, but it’s also serious considering there’s trophies and prize money.
The Mancos Snowmobile Club will host the sixth annual Mancos Cross-Country Endurance race on Sunday, Feb. 20. The event has grown in popularity over the years, with competitors coming from New Mexico, Arizona, Wyoming and all parts of Colorado.
The 150-mile track is laid out over a variety of terrain conditions. There are portions of the track where pure speed will get you through. On the other hand, there are sections where a racer’s ability to maneuver his machine through winding canyons and thick brush is more important than horsepower. As one racer put it, “It is mostly man and machine against the mountain.”
The sixth annual Mancos Cross-Country Race will include a $3,000 guaranteed purse. Entry fee is $50, and there will be A, B, C and D classes. A special Powder Puff race will also be held in Open and D classes. Fee for the ladies is $25.
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The flu and a series of bad colds have had a number of Mancos people confined to their homes for the past two weeks.
The Mancos Ambulance was called out twice during the day New Year’s Eve. Rick Spalding was taken to the Cortez hospital after a fall down some stairs. He is being treated for a back injury and is still hospitalized. That evening, Margaret Stevenson was taken to the Mancos Medical Clinic, where she was treated for chest pains and released.
Mr. and Mrs. William Whatley (Lori) returned to their home in Colorado Springs last Sunday after spending the holiday here with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Gilmer Pickens and with his parents in Cortez.
The United Methodist Women will be meeting on Monday evening, Jan. 10 at 7:30 in the Fellowship Hall. Betty Dillon will be serving as hostess. Blanche Ahrens is in charge of the program which will include installation of the new officers.
Nearly 50 snowmobilers gathered at the Spring Creek cabins over the New Year’s weekend. The snowmobile club members took advantage of the long weekend and of the excellent snow conditions to have fun in the snow. Part of the group gathered on Friday evening, returning home sunday.
Mancos Public Librarian Joan Southcotte has started the Headstart Story Hour at the library.
Ther program is held twice a month with the youngsters allowed to look through books, learn how to check out books and listen to stories read by Mrs. Southcotte. This week, the books read were “That’s What a Friend Is,” “I’m Thankful Each Day,” and “Wise Owl’s Days of the Week.”