Arrowhead ACMU

Four ACMU snowmobilers hit the trails on February 6 – 9 as part of the Black Woods Blizzard "Never Surrender" snowmobile tour. Tom and Kathy Bernier of Grand Marais, Tad McDonnell of Grand Marais, and Ron “Carbine” Carlson of Hovland, rode 372 miles, from the Black Woods restaurant in Proctor to Fortune Bay Resort in Tower, to Two Harbors and back to Proctor. The three-day ride is a fundraiser for the fight against Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. All of the riders know of someone affected by this devastating disease.

Kathy Bernier said she rode in memory of a friend who died last April from complications of ALS. Carbine Carlson, an ACMU board member, and Tad McDonnell rode in memory of the late Gene Nelson of Grand Marais, who also died of ALS. They also raised a phenomenal amount of money for the ALS Association. Berniers raised $2,900. Carlson and McDonnell contributed $3,753.99. The money was raised by Carbine’s wife, Gale Carlson, who was unable to take part in the ride due to shoulder surgery. McDonnell was her ‘designated driver,’ lending his assistance, along with his wife, Diane McDonnell, who also served as ‘support crew.’ The Black Woods Blizzard Tour raised a total of $505,000 to help those afflicted with ALS.

The riders had a good time, missing the frigid temperatures and high winds that hit on the last day of the ride by just a half hour. Kathy Bernier said the trails were in pretty good shape for most of the ride

The riders and support crew all attended the wrap-up dinner at Black Woods in Proctor . Gale Carlson said she was amazed at how well-organized and enjoyable the event was. She added thanks to all who contributed to her fundraising.

At the end of Tour dinner, participants heard about people who benefit from their efforts. Kathy Bernier said they heard about one ALS patient who needed a special computer that enabled her to speak. The cost of the special speech-assistance device, activated by the blink of an eye, is $6,000. Bernier said, “When I realized that was almost exactly what we had raised, it gave me chills. The fundraiser is an amazing thing to be a part of.”