Darrell Tuss
Lewistown, MT
My first trip was 11 years ago. I was interested in this ride for several years before I actually followed through with registration. I had two reasons for going: First-my interest in snowmobiling some say is a “sickness”. Second-my sister Julie Deegan is a MS survivor. I couldn’t believe I had the opportunity to ride my sled from border to border and at the same time support a cause that is very close to home. So 11 rides later-here I am!
This is not a function but an event. Every year the people, places, weather and functions are the same – but different. This diverse group of people has to be able to adjust to a new challenge every day. Weather can be 28 below zero, low snow conditions, closed travel areas or equipment failure. This group of travelers is a large family, sharing everything from stories, food, bungee straps, clothes, gas, and sleds.
Then, one has to remember what the purpose of this event is. The contributions and pledges raised are directly linked to Montana MS survivors. There is no other event of this magnitude anywhere in the national organization.
This trip is a vacation of sorts for me, basically a week of perpetual motion and memories. As any sledder knows, when the motor is running you are absolutely focused on the surroundings; no time for distractions. Then comes time for relaxing. The banquets and auctions are close to phenomenal. If you haven’t experienced a Seeley Lake dinner auction, you haven’t begun to live. When you see and experience the drive that MS survivors have, you grow to appreciate what you yourself can’t possibly understand. The daily routine things of life can become so difficult for those that fight the curse of MS; yet they come to work and play next to you.
As for my snowmobiling sickness-I have probably traveled around 5,000 miles (or is that smiles) throughout the years.
Matt Helm
Lewistown, MT
. . . As snowmobilers, I believe we make an easy target for environmentalists and I see the TransMontana ride as a great advertisement in our fight to keep this opportunity alive for our children and grand-children to cherish.
I can’t come up with the words to express my gratitude to the wonderful people and their hard work and dedication that it takes to make this ride a reality. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for making this experience possible.
. . . As the week progressed, the camaraderie among all members of the group grew. . . . The general consensus among all is that we did this for such a wonderful cause – to benefit those afflicted with multiple sclerosis. Char Kaber has had MS for over 40 years and has never missed a TransMontana MSAA ride. She is an inspiration to us all with her positive attitude and graciousness. This was a trip of a lifetime for me and I had a wonderful vacation – one that cannot be forgotten. Montana had it’s sub-zero temperatures but was never cold because of the kind people with such warm and genuine hearts.
Jeri Canter
Florida
I have been involved with
Trans-Montana since the
first ride, 20 years ago. I
have been amazed time after
time by the effort the riders
put forth, not only on the
ride, but before and
afterwards, to raise money
for the Multiple Sclerosis
Association of America.
As a person with MS, I know first-hand the value of the programs which are made possible through Trans-Montana funds. I have never considered myself a "fundraiser" however it's easy to ask for money for something you know is really important. As a TransMontana Sno-Pal I have asked friends and family for years to help support TransMontana and I have never been disappointed in their response. I hope this year will be an even better year-after all it's # 20! And just like all of us - we aren't just 20 years older-we're 20 years better.
Please send donations to Sno Pals c/o Char Kaber to the MSAA office at 600 Central Plaza, Suite 13, Great Falls, Montana 59401.
Your support means so much to me.
Char
