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By Sue Cartwright of the MooseheadNews.com - GREENVILLE - On a very cold Saturday morning, teams of snowmobilers congregated at the Greenville High School sports field. Included in the mix was a lineup of brightly-colored orange and green Arctic Cat sleds, boldly sticking out against the white snow and clear blue sky. This would be the starting point for the10th annual Ricky Craven Snowmobile Ride for Charity; and even though it was a particularly cold morning, it looked like it was going to be another good day for the event made popular by NASCAR driver and part-time Greenville resident Ricky Craven. Early morning arrivals had no idea that by the end of the day they would have helped to raise $110,000 for Craven's favorite charities. Warmly-dressed snowmobilers and others who wanted to participate without going on the ride gathered in the high school cafeteria for coffee, donuts and pre-ride chat around 8 a.m. Craven, his family and the group of volunteers who helped put things together, spoke with the participants who happily snapped a few pictures while getting ready for the morning ride. Some participants had been there since the very beginning and others were taking part for the first time. John Owens (J.O. to his friends) of Greenville has been to every event in the 10 year span but has never gone on the ride. "I like to hang out and sometimes take home a hunk of metal," said Owens, referring to door prizes available at the end of the day to participants. One year Owens won a race tire, but when he got it home his wife wasn't all that impressed. He decided to give the tire to Woody's Bar and Grill in Greenville Junction, where it could be appreciated by other race fans. Owens also has another hobby, of sorts, where he collects racing items from Craven and other drivers, has them autographed, and then donates them as raffle items to his favorites charities - his own sort of "pay it forward" charity operation. Geno Murray, C.A. Dean Hospital Administrator was also on hand for the 10th year in a row. He and other members of the EMS crew were ready with two ambulances on standby and two snowmobiles which would be placed amongst group. Although the ride has never had a serious accident, Murray and his crew have been available for every event. As 8:30 a.m. approached, ride participants started putting on their gear and heading for their sleds. Longtime sportscaster Dale Duff of Bangor was the emcee, introducing Craven to the crowd. The group, moving along quickly after the singing of the National Anthem by Molly Luce, started their engines and lined up for their ride. The ride itself was set to go from Greenville High School by woods trail to Greenville Junction where they would head on the trail laid out the day before by members of the Moosehead Riders Snowmobile club and thoroughly groomed by George Lavigne. They would travel down the Brochu Road, taking the Connector Road to Shirley where they would go on to West Bog and the Clause Allen Road before returning to Greenville. Back at GHS, volunteers busily prepared lunch and packed up the goodie bags that are given to each person who attends the event. Molly Luce, who did a beautiful job singing in the sub-zero weather, helped pack the bags and explained how she became involved with the event. Luce said this was her 6th year at the event and she came into the job because her husband had been buying snowmobile parts and accessories from Ricky Craven's sister at their shop in Belfast. When he heard them say they couldn't find anyone who could sing the National Anthem, Luce's husband jumped in and volunteered his wife. Her audition was held in a grocery store and she's been with them ever since. "I'm really a gospel singer and sing for veterans events." "I also operate a transportation business that involves working with Special Ed kids, so I'm very aware of the charities Ricky supports." said Luce. The red-cheeked riders returned for a hearty lunch of chili, hot dogs, salads, and lots of other good food. Greg Hutspeth of Hampden, who was went on the ride for the first time, enjoyed the ride. He was convinced by a friend who has been a volunteer for years, to come along with a small group of his friends. After lunch, all participants slowly gathered in the High School Auditorium for the final part of the event that included awarding checks
to the charities, Craven's autograph session, the raffle winners announcement and door prizes.
For more photos, click here. |