About Us - Stoney Keppel Riders History

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The Stoney Keppel Riders Snowmobile Club was initially formed in 1972.   It is to this day one of the oldest organized snowmobile clubs in Ontario.   2007 was the 35th Anniversary of this storied snowmobile club.   The formation of the Stoney Keppel Riders occurred as a result of several people coming together with an idea and passion to open organized trails for the snowmobiling community in the Shallow Lake area.    During that year, a trail was developed that ran from Owen Sound to Red Bay, with the hub being the Stoney Keppel Riders Snowmobile Club's shack.

This shack was built and constructed by the same group on the property of Barry Howey in the Shallow Lake area.   To this day, Mr. Howey is an ardent club supporter and community resident.   The club's shack was initially constructed as a lean to, built to keep cold snowmobiler's out of the snow & wind, serve warm drinks and cook light meals.

In 1992, the Stoney Keppel Riders Snowmobile Club had  groomer operator Dan Tolhurst design a new logo, this being the "Swamp Rat".   This logo remains the club identifier to this date.  

On January 8, 1997, the club suffered a tragic loss when their president Bob Brady  lost his life in a snowmobiling accident.  The club nearly folded as membership declined following this horrible accident.  

New Club House Today, the Stoney Keppel Riders are an affiliated "Club" within the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC - District #9) and the Grey/Bruce Snowmobile Trails (GBST).   It's members, now numbering approximately 25, maintain approximately 150 km's of groomed trails in the Shallow Lake/Hepworth/Kemble area.   Supporting a TOP "B" main trail through our area.

Without the support of the current and past landowners, this system would not exist.    It is a relationship the club has had for numerous years.   These trails encompass a vast variety of riding for the snowmobiling enthusiast, some through rolling fields, thick cedar and hardwood bush with majestic views over Georgian Bay.   Some trails have a special co-existence with other outdoor enthusiasts including horseback riders, cross country skiers, snowshoer's, hikers and walkers, all working with a cohesive existence.

Throughout the years as a "Chapter", under GBST; the Stoney Keppel Riders have been second in total permit sales, averaging more than 200 permits prior to the December 1 deadline.   Therefore actual members number in excess of 200.   Now recognized as a "Club", we are the number one club for total permit sales within GBST.

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Community support for this club has been strong since its inception, ranging from local snowmobile/ATV dealerships, Service stations, and Corner variety stores to Pre-Cast Stone suppliers.   Club members annually organize and support local charity events, including Winterama/Easter Seal Snowmobile rides.   Stoney Keppel members also support neighbouring clubs by participating in their events as well, assisting in their need for community involvement.

The Stoney Keppel Riders are a well-organized and efficient Club, supporting their own existence through community involvement and local donors.   Proud of their past and assisting with snowmobiling education and safety for the future; our children will maintain the trail system of the future.