Rally Time; Swan Hills vs. Athabasca

meierjn

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Good day... We're thinking of heading to a rally this weekend. Both Athabasca and Swan Hills will be hosting event son Saturday, Feb 24th. My wife and son (15) will be going with another couple and their son of the same age. None of us have rode at either of these locations before and their both a bit of a drive so that is not an issue. As for skill level we don't want anything too challenging and yet not too boring. For those of you that have rode at these locations before what are the differences between the two? Is there one that you would recommend over the other? Any input greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
 

TylerG

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Athabasca this year only has 1 route, about 75 km, and is just the rally with some hot dogs on the trail.

Swan Hills is a longer ride, beautiful trails, and includes a dinner afterwards (ham, potatoes, salads, devilled eggs).

I've done both, and I prefer Swan Hills Rally.
 

meierjn

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Athabasca this year only has 1 route, about 75 km, and is just the rally with some hot dogs on the trail.

Swan Hills is a longer ride, beautiful trails, and includes a dinner afterwards (ham, potatoes, salads, devilled eggs).

I've done both, and I prefer Swan Hills Rally.

I think I'm being swayed toward Swan Hills. If it gets late it may even be worth spending the night! Will you be attending this year?
 

TylerG

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I think I'm being swayed toward Swan Hills. If it gets late it may even be worth spending the night! Will you be attending this year?
I'm not 100% sure yet. Depends on how the week goes. We have an 8 week old baby at home. Momma said I can go but we will see if that permission still stands Friday!

If I'm going I'll post Friday
 

Chronic Cat

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I've heard rumours of 3-5ft of snow in places around swan hills out in the bush. Sounds crazy, but with the elevation there it might surprise a guy.
 

TylerG

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I've heard rumours of 3-5ft of snow in places around swan hills out in the bush. Sounds crazy, but with the elevation there it might surprise a guy.

that's not crazy..... Swan Hills gets major snow.....


swan hills 2016.jpg

This was in Swan Hills in February of 2016.
 

DDrake

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I have ridden in both rally's. Swan hills does tend to get more snow than Athabasca, the scenery is better in my opinion and the dinner afterwards is awesome. Great food with some great people and they also have some pretty sweet prizes to be won. Our boy(14) won an Eskimo 8" ice auger a couple yrs ago. We will be going to Swan Hills for this one again.It is on our must do list every season now.
 

TylerG

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I have ridden in both rally's. Swan hills does tend to get more snow than Athabasca, the scenery is better in my opinion and the dinner afterwards is awesome. Great food with some great people and they also have some pretty sweet prizes to be won. Our boy(14) won an Eskimo 8" ice auger a couple yrs ago. We will be going to Swan Hills for this one again.It is on our must do list every season now.
Has he caught you dinner using that auger yet Derek?
 

DDrake

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Has he caught you dinner using that auger yet Derek?

He has Tyler, several times. But sadly Lake Isle is a catch and release lake only so dropping them back down the hole doesn't do much to curb the appetite.
 

meierjn

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I'm not 100% sure yet. Depends on how the week goes. We have an 8 week old baby at home. Momma said I can go but we will see if that permission still stands Friday!

If I'm going I'll post Friday

I hear you! Family first. Hope to see you there.
 
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