Second Annual Klim The Mine
BY YANNA LANTZ
This weekend, Jan. 28-29, head to Bellevue’s Minnie Moore Mine for the second annual Klim the Mine Snowmobile Hill Climb.
“If you like winter sports and/or snowmobiling, snowmobile hillclimb racing is an event to see,” said Bart Butcher, president and race coordinator of Rocky Mountain States Hillclimb Association (RMSHA). “It is very exhilarating to watch high-horsepower snowmobiles traverse the toughest of hill obstacles through slalom-style gates, trying to be the fastest time through the finish line.”
Last year’s event saw a spectacular turnout of both spectators and racers.
“The general atmosphere is very exciting because of the sound of the engines,” Butcher said. “You feel the energy coming from the racers and all the anticipation. You want to see wrecks, but you also want to see the best ride ever on a tough hill climb.”
“We have no doubt that this year will be an even greater success with the addition of the street party and more vendors on site at the races,” said Melissa Humphreys, sponsorship coordinator. “We’re proud to be part of RMSHA’s circuit.”
Organized by the Sawtooth Snowmobile Club, Klim the Mine is a stop on the Rocky Mountain States Hillclimb Association’s annual race circuit.
“Last year’s event ended up being a great experience for the racers that follow the RMSHA race circuit,” added Humphreys. “The terrain and the steepness of our course had many of the racers last year telling us they’ll be preparing a different plan of attack this year and we’re looking forward to seeing how they approach it at the end of the month.”
A Friday night street party will kick off the Klim the Mine events on Friday, Jan. 27, from 5-9 p.m.
“The City of Bellevue has graciously given the use of West Oak Street for a family-friendly public event,” Humphreys noted. “We’ll have music with a live band and DJ, food vendors and even a couple modified snowmachines for people to look at up close. This is our chance to showcase the Valley’s interest and support of this unique event as well as get outside and celebrate the amazing winter we are having this year. Racers will be there to register for the event and mingle with the community.”
Racing events will begin at 8 a.m. at the Minnie Moore Mine, on Broadford Road west of Bellevue, on Saturday and Sunday morning, ending near sundown. Attendees are encouraged to dress warmly in layers.
“Spectators should bring chairs so they can sit and be comfortable for a long day of racing and get as close to the action as possible,” said Butcher. “Warm clothes and boots are always a necessity. The event venue usually has vendors serving food, beverages and adult beverages, but attendees are welcome to bring their own food.”
“And we’ll have a sledding and tubing area open, compliments of Les Schwab, to keep the kids entertained,” added Humphreys.
For more information about this year’s Kilm the Mine or the Sawtooth Snowmobile Club, visit sawtoothsnowmobileclub.com.
