Update: We were able to work out the financing, sell our older machine and purchase this newer groomer and drag!!
We are excited at the opportunity to get some new equipment to replace the aging equipment we have been using. Our Piston Bully (groomer) is a 1998 and the drag is about a 2000, and both have been showing their age the last few years. Last year alone we spend nearly $20,000 on repairs to keep the machine going. We had our best year in recent history as far as miles groomed, but still lost money due to the repairs that we had to make. For those that don’t know, the Gully Jumpers get to keep $12, of the $15 club membership that anyone buys. The money for the TMA that you buy for your machine goes to VAST, we don’t get any of that money. VAST uses that money to pay the clubs to groom the trails, so that is our primary source of income. With the contract we currently have with VAST we get paid $12 a mile to groom, with a set cap on mileage, meaning in a very good year, like last year, we have a limit that we can groom and expect to be paid for it. The money VAST collects from TMA’s is also used for construction grants, equipment grants, etc.
We decided it was time to upgrade our equipment, so we started looking around, talking with VAST as well as other clubs. We found a few used machines, but one we really liked. It is a 2012 Piston Bully that comes with a 2012 goose neck drag. While there was still snow, we traveled to this machine and were able to test drive it. We have all the paperwork submitted, we received an equipment grant from VAST covering about 30% of the cost, and are just waiting on the approval of a loan from the bank for the balance. We are not super excited to have a payment again, but it was time to upgrade, so that is what we have to do.
With that said, any and all donations would be greatly appreciated.
Checks can be made out to:
East Montpelier Gully Jumpers
And mailed to:
East Montpelier Gully Jumpers
P.O. Box 75
East Montpelier
Thank you very much, we are looking forward to another great season of smooth trails for riding and skiing!!
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