2026 Clunker Sled Classic
By the time the gates opened at 7:00 a.m., folks were already rolling in with coffee in hand, bundled up, and ready to make a morning of it. Families got a front-row seat to one of those true North Country events where the laughs come easy, the stories get better every time they’re told, and the excitement builds with every sled that fired up in the pits.
By Joshua Smith
Ready for the green flag is the 120 champ kids heat race at Bear Ridge Speedway in Bradford last Saturday February 21, 2026. (Courtesy Photo)
Bradford VT - With an extra seven inches of snow falling the night before, winter showed up right on cue for this year’s Clunker Sled Classic at Bear Ridge Speedway on February 21—and it made for just about perfect track conditions.
By the time the gates opened at 7:00 a.m., folks were already rolling in with coffee in hand, bundled up, and ready to make a morning of it. Families got a front-row seat to one of those true North Country events where the laughs come easy, the stories get better every time they’re told, and the excitement builds with every sled that fired up in the pits.
A big tip of the cap goes to the organizers from the Connecticut Valley Snowmobile Club, who kept the day running smooth. Dan Ingerson led the charge, and the volunteer effort behind the scenes was a big part of why everything worked so well. Thanks to Butch and April May for the use of Bear Ridge Speedway, Woodsville Bobcat for the skidsteer (run by Derek Graham), Jason Fornwell for two loaders with pushers to open parking areas, and Ryan for bringing over a PistenBully 100 to get the track in shape. Credit also goes to Paul, Jackson, and Alex for snow blowing, shoveling, and setting up safety fence, and to Todd Dunham for keeping the road plowed so everyone could get in and out without trouble.
When the 10:30 a.m. green flag dropped, Bear Ridge turned into a snow-dusted playground of roaring engines and hometown cheering. It wasn’t just racing—it was community, plain and simple, and a family-friendly winter day that reminded everyone why events like this matter around here.
Ready for the 200 Stock Class at the 2026 Clunker Classic at Bear Ridge Speedway in Bradford are :(L - R) Emery, Owen Patenaude, and William Morse.
(Courtesy Photo)
Steve Batchelder and Tonya Palmer of Batchelder Carpentry are shown enjoying the races from the sponsor’s booth at Bear Ridge Speedway in Bradford. on Saturday February 21, 2026 (Courtesy Photo)
Riding Strong: How Local Snowmobile Clubs Keep Outdoor Recreation Alive in Our Region
Across the Vermont and New Hampshire borderlands, snowmobile clubs like the Buckaroos of 302 and the Connecticut Valley Snowmobile Club are working tirelessly to maintain trail systems, adapt to weather conditions, and bring communities together through winter recreation.
By Joshua Smith
Locals enjoying the Groton forest trails maintained by the Buckaroos of 302 (photo by Jared Mclure)
In the heart of winter, while much of the region settles in under heavy coats and warm fires, a dedicated network of volunteers and outdoor enthusiasts revs up to keep the spirit of outdoor adventure alive. Across the Vermont and New Hampshire borderlands, snowmobile clubs like the Buckaroos of 302 and the Connecticut Valley Snowmobile Club are working tirelessly to maintain trail systems, adapt to weather conditions, and bring communities together through winter recreation.
These clubs, powered almost entirely by volunteers, represent the best of our region’s outdoor tradition — combining land stewardship, collaboration, and a deep love of snowmobiling.
Buckaroos of 302: Trails in Top Condition
In Groton, Vermont, the Buckaroos of 302 have hit peak season stride. According to Trail Master Gary Lamberton, trail conditions are better than ever.
“All our surrounding clubs are now open up,” said Lamberton in a recent interview. “Bailey Hazen Club, Twinfield, The Tops, Ridge Runners, Snow Bees — they’re all open. You can now ride to all destinations right from Groton, Vermont.”
Using a color-coded trail map system, the Buckaroos identify trail status with green (open), yellow (caution), and red (closed). Right now, nearly the entire map is green.
“Everything that’s green is a 10,” Lamberton said proudly. “Jesse Lambert from Lambert Farm's Grooming has put over 1,000 miles on the groomer this season, making sure trails are perfect.”
This level of grooming requires both dedication and endurance. Volunteers spend countless hours navigating snowy forests in heavy equipment to keep trails smooth and safe for riders. “It’s a labor of love,” Lamberton said. “We do it for the riders and for the region.”
Adapting on the Fly
Snowmobiling depends not only on weather but also on landowner cooperation. When a section of corridor 232 between Peacham Pond and Cabot was temporarily closed due to a landownership transition, the Buckaroos didn’t waste time.
“I worked closely with Ross Page of the Bailey Hazen Club,” said Lamberton. “We rerouted the trail through old logging roads and fields. We just cut it out and signed it yesterday.”
These quick pivots are only possible thanks to strong partnerships among clubs and a mutual respect between snowmobilers and landowners. It’s a testament to the cooperative spirit that keeps the VAST (Vermont Association of Snow Travelers) system running smoothly across the state.
Upcoming Event: A Buckaroo Tradition
The Buckaroos are also gearing up for their 47th Annual Dick Page Ride-In, a long-standing community tradition scheduled for Saturday, February 14, starting at 11:00 a.m. at the Groton Highway Garage, near Upper Valley Grill.
“It’s my kind of date,” joked Lamberton, referring to the Valentine’s Day timing. The Groton Fire Department will be serving chicken, and riders from across the region are expected to attend. It’s a time for camaraderie, great food, and celebrating a deep love of the sport.
Connecticut Valley Snowmobile Club: Making the Most of Every Inch
Just across the border in Haverhill, New Hampshire, the Connecticut Valley Snowmobile Club (CVSC) is also working hard — despite challenging snowfall this season.
“We’ve got 65 miles of trails,” said Vice President Dan Ingerson, who helps oversee operations stretching from Bath to Glencliff and over toward Landaff. “It’s been thin in places, but we’re hoping the next storm delivers.”
CVSC trails remain open, though grooming has been paused due to a lack of snow depth. “We need eight inches to start grooming again,” Ingerson explained. “That’s also the state minimum for funding eligibility.”
Despite equipment challenges — including a groomer that recently broke down — spirits remain high. “We got it out of the woods,” Ingerson said, laughing. “Still waiting on parts, though.”
Events that Bring Riders Together
CVSC is also looking forward to two signature winter events.
First up is their Annual Poker Run and Radar Run, taking place Sunday, February 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event offers a special New Hampshire permit allowing non-residents and unregistered machines to join the loop trail and radar run — a fun way to experience the club’s territory and test your sled’s speed.
The following weekend, on February 21, the club hosts the beloved Clunker Sled Classic, a celebration of vintage and quirky snow machines. “Gates open at 7:00 a.m., green flag drops at 10:30,” Ingerson said. The event includes nine different classes, from juniors to women’s races and the ever-popular “Double Clunker” challenge.
A Region Rooted in Outdoor Tradition
Both of these clubs demonstrate what makes our region so unique: a deep-rooted passion for the outdoors, a commitment to preserving trail systems for future generations, and the kind of volunteer spirit that brings communities together.
Snowmobiling, for many, is more than recreation — it’s a lifestyle, a family tradition, and a powerful connection to the land. Without the dedication of volunteers like Gary Lamberton and Dan Ingerson, or the hard work of groomers like Jesse Lambert, this vital piece of our winter culture would be at risk.
Get Involved
If you're a snowmobiler, landowner, or simply someone who loves winter and wants to support local outdoor initiatives, consider joining a club, volunteering, or donating. Trail maintenance is expensive and labor-intensive, and every bit of support helps.
You can learn more about these clubs or become a member through their websites:
Buckaroos of 302: buckaroosof302.com
Connecticut Valley Snowmobile Club: ctvalleysnowmobileclub.com
Or follow them on Facebook for trail conditions and event updates.
As winter continues, these local snowmobile clubs will be out there — in the cold, in the woods, and on the trails — ensuring that snowmobiling in our region remains as strong and thrilling as ever.
On the New Hampshire side, the groomer worked the trails on January 7th (photo courtesy of the Connecticut Valley Snowmobile Club)
Safety is important, but does not distract from the beautiful trails in the evening in Groton State Forest (photo by Jared Mclure)
Day or night, the groomers are out maintaining the trails in Vermont and New Hampshire. (Courtesy Photo)