The Ride That Exposes Hidden Sites
By Joyce Wiswell, Contributing Writer
The chance to experience sites and trails that are usually off limits is one of the big draws to the annual ATV Wilderness Adventure on October 3. The Baraga County Chamber of Commerce sponsors the event, which explores the scenic forest of the Huron Mountains.
Another highlight of the day comes at the halfway point, when riders stop to enjoy freshly made pasties atop Mt. Arvon, Michigan’s highest point, in L’Anse.
This is the seventh year for the guided ride, which by special permission traverses private land that is owned by Lyme Great Lakes Timberlands and The Nature Conservancy. Riders travel on two-tracks, railroad grades, and unimproved trails.
“Everyone is always very excited and think it’s way cool,” said Mary Mervar, associate executive director of the Baraga County Chamber. “People come from different states and come back year after year.”
In fact, the event – which is limited to 75 machines – typically sells out by mid to late August, so don’t delay buying tickets if you want to ride along. Groups of 25 machines depart at 8:30, 9:30, and 10:30 am at the Roland Lake gravel pit in Arvon Township. The later start time is recommended for less-experienced drivers or those who prefer a slower-paced ride.
The day includes much of the gorgeous scenery for which the Upper Peninsula is rightly famous. Expect some steep terrain, deep forests, dramatic waterfalls, and an old slate quarry.
The Rock Cut is a particular standout. This man-made gorge was created in the 1890s to build a train to haul iron ore from a nearby mine. Two million dollars and the sweat of 1,500 workers later, the mine stopped producing by the time the project was completed. The tracks were ripped up and shipped downstate, and the land was sold for $500,000. The picturesque spot is normally not publicly accessible.
You never quite know what to expect. Two single people met during the event, sparked up a romance, and were married a year later. The couple came back for the ride the next year.
Wilderness Adventure occurs rain or shine – or snow, Mervar added, since you never know what to expect in the Western UP.
Mervar especially enjoyed last year’s outing, which came after a few days of rain. She, her husband, and their 15-year-old daughter joined the fun on their side-by-side. Mervar hopped off to take pictures while her daughter, a lifelong rider, gleefully took the controls to plow through giant mudholes.
The ride concludes between 4 and 6 pm, depending on the start time, and one tank of gas is sufficient. The rest is self-explanatory – though the chamber has learned to tell attendees to wear sturdy shoes. “Some,” Mervar said, “were showing up in flip-flops.”
Tickets are $40 per machine and driver and $10 per passenger. Visit www.eventbrite.com/e/1986902366464?aff=oddtdtcreator to purchase. Pasties, $10 each, must be ordered in advance by emailing baragachamberoffice@gmail.com. Questions? Call the chamber at (906) 353-8808 Monday-Wednesday. •