During our May 13th meeting, the Hodag 4-Wheelers ATV-UTV Club recognized John Knudsen for his service to our club with a wood sign that will be attached to our shelter on the Enterprise Trail. John has decided to “pass the torch” this past year after serving at least 12 years as Trail Coordinator. Over these years, John, often with his wife Roylene, has routinely ridden the Enterprise trails looking for anything that may impose a safety hazard to the thousands of riders who have traveled there. When issues arise, John quickly assembled a team of club volunteers to resolve the issue. Perhaps the fix was manning a team with chainsaws or string trimmers. Other times, the fix required a contractor and a load or two of gravel. John worked closely with the County Forester on any work that was planned. John and Roylene have spent countless hours keeping the shelter in tip-top shape, including staining the picnic tables and benches.

John is the longest serving current member of our club. As Trail Coordinator, John has been an executive committee member. He may also be recognized by some as the face of the Hodag 4-Wheelers ATV-UTV Club, seen annually representing our club at various Rhinelander City events, planning and leading club group rides, planning and executing many other club events, either for fun or to fundraise. John has been responsible for gathering and selling club merchandise like t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats and flags to publicize our club and fundraise. John also has helped solicit map sponsors, associate sponsors and regular memberships. He helps maintain map boxes positioned about the community. John and his wife Roylene, also will be seen on the trails working as Trail Ambassadors for our sport, keeping riders aware of ATV-UTV safety concerns.

For these reasons, we honor John with the shelter dedication. Congratulations John.