Circle Trail Riders: The Ride Goes On

June 19,20 and 21, 2020 found the Circle Trail Riders Inc. about to embark on their 48th annual Summer ride - A ride that was to have the coolest, most comfortable, bug-free weather in the history of all their rides.

The eve before their ride (June 18) found camp just west of Sheyenne at Hendrickson Park beginning to come alive as teammates pulled in with their wagons and teams. Them being Ervin Longnecker with team Bud and Beauty and helper Dale Rosenberg, Cory Jorgensen was sporting a newly built wagon for his team, Waylyn and Willy. Then came Bill Ziegler and team Babe and Betsey. The first day Bill pulled a “Sunday go to meeting” fancy rig - the rest of the ride he pulled his covered wagon. It seemed the teammates moved in “lock, stock and barrel,” to be sure they had what they might need.

Day one arrived. Trailers were loaded with horses and riders and campers pulled into camp right and left. Tents were set up, awnings rolled out, camp chairs out on the shady ride and a rug by the door.

Before long riders were saddled up and taking the kinks out of their horses and themselves. Teams were soon harnessed and hooked to the wagons. The anxious butterflies were busy, knowing it’s about time to roll.

Things were going good, the clock said 10:30 a.m. as trail base Brent Helseth and his sidekicks Joie, Kenny, Cade and Broc say “Ready, Set, Let’s Go!”

What an awesome ride as we traveled gravel roads, prairie roads, and prairie pastures, stopping for a rest and lunch at Grandfield Lutheran Church. Here the riders felt thankful for such a beautiful day for a trail rider, and that Sandy Settlemeyer was okay after her horse reared and off she went.

The ride continued on, teams plodded on. Riders side by side shooting the breeze, first ahead and then dropping back, wagon riders changing positions and chatting on. I wonder how many yarns were spun? All enjoyed the great outdoors and one of their favorite past times, riding horses.

All too soon the 12 mile ride or so, found the riders back at camp, none the worse for wear. Just a bunch of smiling faces. The clock said 4:15 p.m. 

A little rest and refreshment took place after horses were taken care of first. With supper over, all congregated by Kim Brown’s camper, at her invite, to enjoy a warm campfire and of course, s’mores galore. Kim had the ride doing hula hoops and games with prizes. Fun and laughter filled the night air.

Sundown came and went, soon quiet set in over camp except for a nicker here and a nicker there. Little flashes of lightning lit up the sky and a little rain shower drifted through. The riders were headed down for a good night’s rest.

Next thing the riders knew, Old Sol is coming up over the trees. Rise and shine cowboys and cowgirls, day two is about to happen! Wake up, freshen up and get breakfast taken care of.

Saddle up, harness up, hitch up, mount up. More trailers and riders coming in. By the time we are ready to roll (10 a.m.) our members have grown to 80. Liabilities, waivers signed, wagons loaded to the hilt with cousins, kids, grandkids, in-laws, and outlaws and next of kin, all friends, one big trail riding family, all smiles as to “Wagon Ho” with horseback riders following. Bringing up the trail were two side by sides and one 4 wheeler carrying lunch coolers, and Snicker and Lily, our four-legged friends.

The precession made its way to Hwy 281 north of Sheyenne and east into acres and acres of prairie pasture. God’s Country. Safe trails for both wagons and riders. Content cattle graze in the distance. Another cool day was drifting by as riders made their way up and down pasture hills and cow paths, with black-eyed susans and bluebells here and there. The prairie pastures were well-seasoned with those things called cow patties. The teams with wagons loaded to the max and the other riders, for sure earned several rest stops and took advantage of an extra lunch break.

The riders trekked on and soon were leaving the pasture behind as they traveled gravel and some pavement and found themselves almost to Sheyenne and then on to camp with yet one mile to go smoking the day’s ride, some 17 miles or so. 4:30 PM - Supper at 7 PM.

Oh boy! It’s Saturday night. Potluck supper time. Holy jumping Josephat, the Circle Trail Riders had food of every sort and kind coming from every corner of the camp. Wow! It was a potluck to end all potlucks. If potlucks were to win an award, this one, sure enough would have gotten a blue ribbon.

Following supper, President Corey Jorgensen got everyone’s attention with a big thank you to all riders for coming and helping the ride be a big success despite COVID-19 virus. Corey, then with the help of secretary Charlotte Koepplin, presented the annual Horse’s Rear and Special Recognition Awards for 2019 - both to Brent Helseth for a tumble from his horse due to a gopher mound and for an exceptional job as both host and trail boss on the 2019 trail ride.

By this time, all, especially the kids, were getting over-anxious for the camp prize drawing. The passel of prizes included camp chairs, pommel bags, lead ropes, feed buckets, coolers, holsters, saddle blanket, reins, outdoor blanket, T-shirt, bucket seat, grooming brushes, hoof picks and curry combs. Each item went to a happy winner.

Next on Saturday night’s agenda was the Circle Trail Riders annual fundraiser raffle. Was the first time holding it in conjunction with a trail ride. President Cory manned the ticket bucket, finding the winners to be: saddle to Matt Ziegler of Sheyenne; quilt to Dusty Benson of Sheyenne; rifle to Gene Kaul of New Rockford and the grill to Jay Cudworth of Sheyenne. Thanks to all who helped make the raffle a success. Your support is truly appreciated.

Back to Saturday night, with Old Sol dropping and dusk setting in, visitors thinned. Kim Brown and Snickers was the “to go” spot once again. A toasty campfire was aglow. Toasted marshmallows and smores made the rounds. What a great day it has been. Soon the sandman made a sneaky appearance and most hit the hay thinking, tomorrow is another day.

Oh my, it was suddenly Sunday morning - Happy Father’s Day! A leisurely morning found Cory Jorgensen and Bill Ziegler hitching up their teams and heading out of camp with passengers and riders in a short but sweet ride around the country ride and returning to an already but empty camp. Packing up, not a word spoken, But silently thinking, “it’s been fun,” see ya next time. OK?

Post Script: The eve prior to the first day of this ride, we by chance had a special couple drive into camp. Their names were Bob and Cathy Anderson. They were en route to their home in Minot going through Sheyenne, they saw the Trail Ride signs and after a short way down the highway, decided to turn around, come back and check it out. They were familiar with the Circle Trail Riders, so all exchanged conversation. They purchased a raffle ticket for each of their five children and were off into the sunset.

Cathy is the daughter of the founder of the Circle Trail Riders, the late Bart Ludwig and wife Joanie The whole “by chance” thing was a fun, happy coincidence.

Yet more: Not forgotten is our own Rob and Marjorie Lies. They never fail to check on us, especially on Saturday nights. They brought their instruments of choice and voices and entertained us with their western tunes. They take requests and it has been known, some hearing the music, have picked up a little prairie dust.