Marshbank Groomer Down with Transmission Problems
You Can Help!
Thu, Dec 15, 2005 - By Mike Muha
Marshbank Park was a gem in the middle West Bloomfield last year - one of the few trails in southeast Michigan groomed for skating. The trail was groomed by Team NordicSkiRacer.com member Ryan Robinson who lives just a couple blocks away. Ryan purchased a used Honda 4-wheel drive ATV dedicated to grooming the park, then built his own grooming sled out of 2x4’s and plywood.
Several few skiers have wondered why the Marshbank trails have not been groomed yet this winter given the early season blessing of snow. The reason: transmission problems.
Ryan has already replaced the Honda’s transmission once, but the transmission has failed again. The Honda dealer claims the last transmission is not under warranty. The repair bill for the new transmission is estimated to be $3,000. Two transmissions in one year are too expensive for one family to pay.
Ryan contacted West Bloomfield Parks & Recreation to see if they could provide assistance. The staff was very supportive of his efforts and have suggested they may be able to help in some way. Ryan has been waiting for an additional update.
How can you help?
There are a couple ways you might be able to help:
- Contact the West Bloomfield Parks & Recreation Center and ask if they are going groom Marshbank Park or provide support to Ryan so that he can continue grooming. Ryan has been working with Dan Navarre of Bloomfield Parks & Recreation. Call 248.451.1900 or send an e-mail to [email protected] .
- Do you have a 4-wheel drive ATV or snowmobile with towing capacity that Ryan can borrow? Although West Bloomfield is supportive, budget issues or timing could prevent them from helping. It would be nice to have an interim or Plan B solution.
Hopefully, Marshbank will continue to be a destination for groomed cross country skiing in Oakland County.