Longtime snowmobile instructor honored with trail dedication

(ABC 6 News) – Members of the snowmobiling club, “Good time riders” gathered at the snowmobiling trails in Mower County Saturday, to honor the life of a longtime snowmobiling instructor.

Now, his name stands proud at the trail he loved so much.

A member of the club and a mentor to young snowmobilers for over 40 years, a trail dedicated to Larry Smith runs 8 miles here through the county.

He was a trail blazer, testing out new trails and making sure they were safe for everyone. For decades he rode alongside his close friend, Denny Lewison.

“I remember how we would carry everything from steel posts, to signs, to sledgehammers, and walk across fields to mark trails and then take them down in the spring when it was still muddy out for the farmers growing there,” said Lewison.

Larry passed away October, 2021, but the snowmobiling community knew they had to do something to honor him and the trails he helped establish and maintain throughout Mower County.

“Larry was there every snowmobile season to help mark and clean up trails and monitor and repair signs when needed,” Lewison added.

Friends say he was always there to lend a helping hand.

“Larry was an awesome guy I got to work with him for 30 years as a snowmobile instructor,” said Al Mullenbach. “Just all of the extracurricular things we did for fundraisers and things, Larry was always at helping with. He had a unique sense of humor and he was really fun to be around.”

Club members and Larry’s family gathered near the end of the “Larry Smith Memorial Trail” to unveil the new sign.

Now, when riders pass by, they will think of Larry Smith and everything he left in his path.

If you are interested in joining the Good Time Riders club, click here for more information.