The classics were out Saturday in Constance Bay. Owners of vintage snowmobiles brought their aging treasures to the Bay for the annual 12-km. run to Quebec and back. The event got under way from the Legion around 10 a.m. when more than 50 riders mounted their unique sleds to hit the trails.

Led by organizer Mike O'Reilly, the group braved icy conditions and minimal snow cover to make the run to Quyon, Quebec, across the Ottawa River.

"What we lacked in snow, we made up in enthusiasm," said O'Reilly. "We had 51 old snowmobiles entered, which is up on previous years. With weather conditions, it was an icy run, but with the winter we've had we were glad to get the event in. The river was icy and rough. With that number of old machines, we had the expected number of breakdowns, but by the end of the day, everyone was pushed, pulled or dragged back home."

O'Reilly said it was also a good day for Constance Bay Legion Branch 616, which reported a busy breakfast crowd and a lively day throughout the afternoon.

"All proceeds from the event go to the Legion," said O'Reilly. "We would also like to thank our sponsors, Ward 5 Councillor Eli El-Chantiry, and the Constance Bay MacEwen Gas Bar, which provided a pint of Castrol oil for the first 50 registrants. Their ongoing support is much appreciated."

Other than enjoying his ride in the rally, O'Reilly's big job of the day is to judge the prizes.

"Every year the judging gets more and more difficult as people bring out incredibly restored machines as well as some amazing originals that continue to emerge from barns and sheds around the region," he said. "I always enjoy seeing some of the old relics that still have the dealer or club stickers for businesses or clubs that are only a distant memory."

In the spirit of the event, O'Reilly was riding his 1965 Hus-ski Bolens, built in Pointe Claire Quebec. He said he bought the old relic a few years ago in Merrickville.

"There aren't many of these left, and it's even harder to get parts," he said. During the run to Quebec, he had to stop to repair his carburetor, which he said was held on with twist ties. But, at the end of the day, he had to pick the winners.

Award winners were:

• Oldest Machine: Rick Cox, Lanark, Ont. 1964 Hus-ski 200A
• Best of Show: Steve Kelly, Jasper, Ont., 1970 Ski-doo Olympique
• Best Original: Gayle Gilmour, Pakenham, 1970 Boa-ski
• Best Restoration: Dale MacMartin, Kemptville, 1968 Ski-doo Olympique with cutter
• Most Unique: Glenn Vanderbraak, Kemptville, 1972 Boatel Grand Prix
• Best Muscle Machine: Mike Glinski, Constance Bay, 1977 Yamaha 700 SRX Turbo
• Award of Merit: Joe Clarke, North Gower.

"It was a potpourri of classic machines, with early models mixed in with custom sleds prepared to race," said O'Reilly. "Unfortunately, the icy conditions caused the cancellation of the grudge match drag races, which were to take place after the run."

The oldest machine in the event was a 1964 Hus-ski 200A, owned by Rick Cox of Lanark. Unlike modern snowmobiles, the vintage machine featured a front engine mounted on skis and a track while the rider followed behind on a sled outfitted with wooden skis.

"It's all original," said Cox.

With only an eight horsepower engine, the time-honoured snow sled was hardly a match for the newer machines.

Rick's son Ryan Cox was driving another old machine, a 1960's Sno Jet, originally built by the Glastron Boat company. Though the machine belched out blue smoke and barked under throttle, it was a fun ride for Cox.

One of the most impressive restored machines was a 1970 Ski Doo 300 Olympique owned by Terry Herbison of Brockville. Completely refurbished to 'like-new' condition, Herbison has owned the sled since his dad bought it for him when he was only 14 years old in Dorion Quebec, February 1970. "I've kept it up over the years, but I recently restored it to its current condition," said Herbison.

Other participants in the day brought a wide variety of classic machines, many of them from early manufacturers such as Ski Doo, Skiroule, Yamaha and even Chrysler.

Rob Jackson and son Carter, 7, of Stittsville were enjoying the day on their 1972 Ski Whiz, another blast from the past.

But, few of the machines stacked up against the awesome power of Mike Glinski's 1977 Yamaha. Outfitted with a turbo charger, the custom machine has about 200 horsepower under the cowling and can reach speeds of over 100 miles per hour.

"I race it in the area, but most of all I built it for fun," said Glinski, who easily won the trophy for Best Muscle Machine.

Ward 5 Councillor and avid snowmobiler Eli El-Chantiry made an appearance at the event, though he was not able to join the group for the ride. He did, however, select Mark Steward, of Johnstown, Ontario, and his 1980 John Deere Liquifire as the winner of the Councillor's Choice Award.

"It was a great day," said O'Reilly. "The weather was good for the ride even though it would have been nice to have more snow."

David Johnston is a freelance writer currently on assignment for the EMC.