Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/1139140
26 Trail Rider www.TrailRider.com 50 th Anniversary Ridge Run Enduro Deposit, NY By Jim Caramanna "This will be the best Ridge Run you'll ever do; em- brace every moment of it!" These were the open- ing words from Club President and long me Ridge member Aaron Kalisher to riders as they embarked on their journey. Truer words could not have been spoken. Many readers, riders and racers are aware of Ridge Rid- ers' long- me standing and its history, but for those of you who don't or are a sponge for anything motorcycle like myself, here ya go! Ridge Riders was born 50 years ago by a few legendary fami- lies: The Smiths (as in Drew Smith's Works Enduro Rider's Father Jim); the Harris' Family - Norm Sr. Jim Sla ery, and Barry Young). The club was formed as a new club to hold another Enduro. There weren't too many clubs or races back then. These guys were visionaries and through their vision and hard work, which was followed by perseverance, Ridge Riders in Stanhope NJ was born! It was a true off-road Enduro club that had always been noted for pu ng on tough but incredible events. Many genera ons of the founding members are s ll ac ve members. Ridge Riders is more than a club; it is a brother- hood, and in more recent mes, a Family, with all family members par cipa ng in what the club does. Prior to the event it's not uncommon to see kids on bikes in the trail with tools, staples and arrows, or a girlfriend or wife of a club member in the sign-up tent at an Enduro check or just on the course itself for a friendly wave cheering our par cipants. Four-plus years ago, a few club mem- bers and long- me friends, par cularly Drew Smith, said, "Hey, Jim, why don't you join Ridge; I think you would Love it." Boy, were they right. This year I was nominated to be vice-president. To say I was speechless and honored is an understatement. I can tell you this, joining Ridge Riders has been and con nues to be one of the best decisions I've ever made, and I want to thank every Ridge member for all the opportuni es and friendships the club has provided.