We are filled with gratitude towards the donations we have received so far from the Sheridan County community! Being barely a month old, donors have already stepped up to support our small team. During our recent staff meetings, we’ve discussed how great it is that individuals are supporting our passion for giving to outdoor recreation. With feelings of awe and humility, we want to update you on where we are investing donations.
The Problem
You probably know by now who Olaf the groomer is. But if you don’t, Olaf is a Snowdog tracksled that pulls you like sled dogs pulling a driver standing on a grooming implement. But Olaf is not furry and warm like a husky. He is a 300+ pound machine that can pull about 1,100 pounds in perfect conditions. As you could imagine, it’s like wrestling a water buffalo to try to get him on and off the bed of a pickup truck. Also, transport options are limited to trucks with open beds. Even with loading ramps, it’s a bit dicey getting him up and down from the vehicle…due to the angle of the ramp and slick conditions. After transporting Olaf only a few times, it became apparent that we needed a better way to easily on and off-load Olaf in a safe manner that didn’t threaten to run over the operator or damage the machine.
The Plan
We knew we needed a small, low to the ground utility trailer that we could easily transport Olaf to and from grooming sites . The trailer does the following for Active Good’s efficiency:
- Olaf can be stored on the trailer ready to go, so it only takes moments to hitch the trailer to a vehicle instead of the time consuming process of loading and offloading every time grooming was needed.
- The trailer has a fold-out ramp that takes seconds to lower and raise, instead of manipulating heavy wooden or metal ramps onto the tailgate of a truck.
- Easier loading means increased safety for the volunteer operators and to protect the investment in Olaf so that he doesn’t take a header off a loading ramp.
- Increased visibility. We feel that as more people become interested in Active Good, and get to know Olaf, they’ll see him on the trailer around town.
The solution!
We found an incredible deal on a used, but in great condition, utility trailer. Kameron took a day trip to Billings to pick up the trailer and spent some fantastic time listening to stories from the Vietnam War Veteran pilot that sold us the trailer. The few times we have used the trailer has made it a game-changer in how we use Olaf and optimize our workflow getting ready to groom trails.
If you want to be part of helping Active Good continue to volunteer in the Sheridan County Community, please consider donating or sign up to be a part of our volunteer efforts. If you would like to know more, please check out our informational pages within the website. Thank you!
