Circle Trail Riders gearing up for annual spring ride

It's time again to hit the trails.

Beginning on Friday, June 14 and ending on Father's Day, this year's Circle Trail Riders' spring ride promises to be another enjoyable weekend of horseback riding and fun activities.

Base camp will be at Hendrickson Park just west of Sheyenne, N.D., with trail rides taking place all three days beginning at approximately 10 a.m.

All are welcome to attend and enjoy an activity that's become increasingly rare in recent years.

The Circle Trail Riders have been around for several decades organizing this unique opportunity, which riders and families from all over the state, and as far away as Minnesota, have come to enjoy.

Cory Jorgensen, president of the Circle Trail Riders, said their annual rides are a great way for the entire family to enjoy the outdoors.

"Everybody gets to visit and the kids love the horses of course, and it's just a good time," he said. "There's a lot of people that had never done it before, and then they come out and do it and end up coming back every year."

This spring, Jorgensen said they'll largely be riding along the scenic Sheyenne River bottom.

Weather permitting, riders can expect Friday's ride to last around 14-15 miles, with Saturday's between five and 10 miles in length, followed by an easy Sunday ride of four or five miles.

Those interested in horseback riding should be sure to bring their own horse. Any families with little ones who aren't yet old enough to ride horseback need not worry, as there are always a few horse-drawn wagons for them to ride in.

Of course, each ride will have a few breaks, including one for lunch, and more fun awaits once the riders make it back to camp.

Jorgensen said many families bring their campers and tents to stay in throughout the weekend, and enjoy each other's company often alongside a nice bonfire in the evenings.

Saturday night will also feature a 7 p.m. potluck followed by a raffle drawing at 8 p.m.

Raffle prizes include a Henry .22 rifle with an engraved Circle Trail Riders logo, several cash prizes of $100 or more, handmade quilts, Vortex binoculars and more.

Raffle tickets are available at several local businesses – such as Buck-It's Bar, the Rockford Café and CenDak Cooperative in New Rockford – until this Wednesday. They'll also be available to purchase at Hendrickson Park up until the drawings are made on Saturday.

The cost to participate in this year's spring ride is just $5 per person or $10 for the whole family, which won't just get you into the spring ride, but also a year-long membership in the Circle Trail Riders, which means getting into their annual fall ride free of charge.

Riders can pay when they arrive at Hendrickson Park, and anyone with questions can give Cory Jorgensen a call at (701) 391-9754.