C Bay’s Old Sled Run back Feb. 16 honouring Skiroule
By Jake Davies - West Carleton Online
CONSTANCE BAY – The Old Sled Run roars in to Constance Bay for an 18th time Sunday, Feb. 16, and organizers and sled heads alike hope this time the snow stays.
Last year it wasn’t the age of the machines that kept the popular Old Sled Run close to the Legion, but the lack of snow.
Despite the mild weather, the turnout was excellent as always as 85 registered riders from all over the Ottawa Valley and points much farther away attended.
Lanark’s Gary Whyte is a regular to the event, who always brings a pretty interesting sled to the show (last year a 1962 Polaris Autoboggan which won oldest machine in 2024).
“What I enjoy is the history of them and digging that history up,” Whyte told West Carleton Online last year.
As is tradition, sleds and sled heads will gather at the West Carleton Royal Canadian Legion in Constance Bay (377 Allbirch Rd.) starting at 8 a.m. for breakfast (available for $10) and to register (registration for the run is $15, $20 for the whole family). Registration also includes chili and hot dogs after the run, back at the branch.
The official run starts at 10 a.m.
“An off-trail parade to Quyon,” organizers released in a statement Jan. 11.
This year’s featured sled is the Skiroule Snowmobile “in honour of Gilles Villeneuve, Jacques Villeneuve and Rick Charlebois.”
The Skiroule was produced in Quebec from 1966 to 1977 and named after founder Rejean Houle. The Skiroule was known for its stylish designs and enclosed engine compartments with handlebar mounted instruments.
Following the run, the Old Sled Run will hand out its usual array of awards for both sleds, riders and rider outfits including youngest and oldest rider, oldest machine, best rare iron, best original, best restoration, best rat sled, best vintage suit and loudest muscle sled as well as the coveted Spirit of Vintage Snowmobiling award.
“A true test of men, women and machines,” organizer Mike O’Reilly said. “All proceeds benefit Branch 616.”
For more information, contact O’Reilly at mikeor.cbay@gmail.com.
