Summer Exploration: Tradition continues

After reading the article below and seeing photographs of three generations of families enjoying the Circle Trail Riders' Annual Trail Ride, Transcript staff decided that this annual tradition was a great summer activity to feature on the Summer Exploration page.

Katie Jorgenson told us that there were 16 children participating in this year's ride, which isn't a record but is an increase from recent years past. In fact, she said that when she and her husband Cory joined Circle Trail Riders there were only a few children. However, according to organizer Ervin Longnecker, there used to be more children than adults!

by Charlotte Koepplin

Here we go again! The headline last year said "Forty-Five and Going Strong." Sorry! My miscalculations, this year is 45, and we continue going strong.

Day one. Letters out, signs up, and biffy in place. Over Father's Day weekend, 99-year-old charter member and host, Ervin Longnecker welcomed all to a well groomed campsite on his farm in Pleasant Prairie Township for the annual summer ride of the Circle Trail Riders Inc.

Friday morning there was a bustle of sorts as 21 riders mounted on horseback and others gathered in three covered wagons with teamsters, Ervin Longnecker, Corey Jorgensen, Dale and Diane Rosenberg, and Bill Ziegler. After currying, brushing, harnessing, saddling and loading coolers, all was a go by 10:30 a.m.

The air wasn't just cool, it was actually cold. The manes and tails were blowing in the swift wind. Riders pulled their caps down tight as we got away from camp under overcast skies. Thanks to the wind, there were no bugs to contend with.

Taking a prairie trail and gravel roads between the growing crops of corn, soybeans and sunflowers, the riders made their way to the Roger Wick farm, where both horses and riders welcomed a rest and lunch break. Here is where we picked up a mascot and Rush Dawg joined the troop and was the center of attention throughout the ride. Rush Dawg has found a new home with Ervin.

Nourished and revitalized, it was back on the trail again. The sun had come out, jackets and sweatshirts off and sunblock on. The horses worked up a sweat as we passed more growing crops. The final three-miles back to camp left hoof and wagon tracks behind us. Day one done, all but the shouting, with nine-and-a-half miles in the saddle.

Day two. The trail ride family grew to 50. Fifteen of which were energetic and excitable kids. Even the youngest were skilled riders.

Wagons loaded to the hilt and the riders were anxious to hit the trail. Youngest on this ride was Harrison, nine-month-old son of Corey and Katie Jorgensen. The overload of coolers were hauled on a ranger by Eric and Lisa Longnecker. The Longneckers spelled horseback riders off and on, also took some awesome pictures in the process.

The riders made their way safely on Saturday's trails, along with a swift cool wind and cloudy skies over the prairie hay land near the James River and across what is known as Rocky Run, where the river trickled over the rocks. The teams showed their strength, muscle and stamina as they pulled the heavy loaded wagons up and down challenging grassy prairie hills and made their way to the Joey Seiler farm, where we were welcomed to stop for a well-earned break, rest and lunch. A peek from the sun gave way to a threat of rain, so after a leisurely rest, it was back on the trail again.

Horses and riders once again rejuvenated, plodded along until they were greeted by Roger and Traci Duda at their farm. All pulled into their yard for a little "shoot the breeze" time. With the weather on our minds and eyes to the skies, we left the hospitality of the Duda's, made our way over the river

bridge and across the railroad tracks, putting the last two miles behind us.

We made it to camp with a total of 10 miles that day.

Teams, horses and riders stationed here and there in camp. One hour back in camp, it did rain, dampening everything but the spirits of the riders as all were fixing for the well-noted potluck supper and the camp prize drawing.

The potluck was assembled by 7 p.m. under the cover of Ervin's shop. The aroma's wafting in the air surely made the riders and guests mouths water.

Hungry folks filled their plates with everything from knoephla and kraut to scalloped spuds. Good cooks! We've got em!

Following supper the camp prize drawings took place, finding the lucky winners to be: hard cooler, Hanna Brandner; soft cooler, Chuck Ludwig; camp chairs, Sandy Settelmeyer and Ken Reis; pillow, Landen Anderson; utility pan, Roger Duda; horn bags, Cade Helseth; small bucket, Ervin Longnecker; big bucket, Abby Nystrom; bug spray, Margie Lies; plush blanket, Harry Jorgensen; saddle blankets, Mark Rue and Kenny Helseth; rug, Jerome Risovi; halters with leads, Sandy Settelmeyer, Paul Saastad and Charlie Jorgensen; nylon lead rope, Harry Jorgensen; barrel reins, Christopher Buck; curry/hoof pick, Paul Saastad; whip, Dustin Nystrom; horse treats, Denise Reis and Ervin Longnecker; saddle bags, Nate Rue and horse play ball, Ervin Longnecker. Happy winners indeed.

During the ride there were several striving to earn a Circle Trail Riders Inc. Teamsters License. Them being Cindy Longnecker (Ervin 's second cousin) and her friend Jim Brown, both from Eagle, Idaho. They traveled here just to be with Ervin on this ride. And Bob Longnecker (second cousin to Ervin) and his wife Sheryl from Mound, Minn., also traveled here to be with Ervin on this ride. They all practiced hard and were all delighted to receive their Teamsters License as they were presented following the prize drawings. 

Bob's wife Sheryl couldn't be persuaded to try for her license but was sent back to Minnesota with a "Back Seat Driver's License." All in good fun. John Topp was presented with a belated 2017 award of a roll of nickels, as he had a pony hitch wagon that could turn on a dime and leave a nickels change. True- True- You had to be there. During Saturday's potluck, we were entertained with music and song by our own Rob and Margie Lies. Their tunes are always enjoyed and appreciated and make for happy feet.

With dusk settling in, a campfire was set ablaze and drew riders and guests to its warmth. Here the kids were challenged to gather tree branches for fire wood and build a tree branch teepee. The challenge was met and the kids were rewarded for their efforts.

Day three. Alas! It was suddenly Sunday morning and a happy Father's Day! A gain of one brought the 2018 trail ride "family" to a total of 51. It was again windy and overcast with a promise of sunshine. All the wagons with still-anxious passengers and a number of horse backers left camp on a six mile ride. They had a little break half way, then onward to camp. It all seemed to end too soon, with thoughts of home and memories made, enough to maybe spark plans for next time. See you then!

This week's Summer Exploration feature is sponsored by Central Pharmacy, Do it Best Hardware/NAPA, Rockford Cafe, Kickin Designs -N- Delights and Rockford Theatre. Please show your appreciation by patronizing their stores this summer and throughout the year!