Grizzly Riders International

2007 GRIZZLY RIDE

The Trail Boss' Report

Forty two Riders and guests gathered at the E Bar L Ranch at Greenough, Montana for the 42nd gathering of the Grizzly Riders International.  Clear skies and warm weather complemented an outstanding week of outdoor activities, great conversation and memorable evenings by the fireplace.

Eighty two riders, their spouses and guests kicked off the Ride with annual Friday evening BBQ at the Prescott House Pavilion on the University of Montana campus.  We were honored to have His Excellency, Sudjadnan Parnohadiningrat, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the United States as our special guest and featured speaker.  His Excellency, Mr. Parnohadiningrat spoke to the Riders on the history and economic growth of Indonesia and its relationship with the United States.

After breakfast at the Doubletree Hotel Saturday morning, some of our Riders moved on to Washington Grizzly Stadium to cheer on the UM Grizzly football team's victory over Fort Lewis College.  Others grabbed fly rods to make their first casts for Rainbows, settled into their cabins or headed to the corrals to set out on trail rides with the E Bar L wranglers.

As usual, Riders and guests found plenty of activities to occupy each day.  President Dennison led a dedicated group of hearty souls on to the trail each morning for a "Long Ride" while others opted for short morning rides followed by golf or Skeet shooting in the afternoon. 

The fishing enthusiasts had plenty of tales to share.  A dedicated group of early morning risers had exceptional luck on the upper Blackfoot River.  Their efforts were rewarded with large catches and record sized fish.

The Riders inducted three new members into the Grizzly Riders International in 2007: Joel Diner, Bill Johnston and Paul Thomas.  Each is an excellent addition to our organization.  

I had the pleasure of fishing with Joel and admired his skills with a fly rod, his easy going charm and the warmth he extended to all Riders. 

Paul Thomas quickly rose to the challenge of some Grizzly Rider humor and showed he is a true gentleman and worthy Rider.

I have had the privilege of knowing Bill Johnston since he first joined the University of Montana twenty seven years ago.  After following his successful career at UM these many years and admiring his work as Alumni Director, I look forward to Bill's company on future Rides.

All three candidates are exceptional individuals and gentlemen in the truest sense.  I join all our members in welcoming them as fellow Grizzly Riders.

The Riders extend a special thanks to The University of Montana guests who accompanied us this year.  President George Dennison's comments were insightful and well received.  The University has grown and prospered both academically and financially under his able leadership.   Jim Foley, The University of Montana Executive Vice President, took time out of his busy schedule to share his comments on the University's on-going success and accomplishments.

Royce Engstrom, The University of Montana's new Provost and President for Academic Affairs showed his skill as an experienced horseman and eagerly set out on the long rides each morning with President Dennison.  Through his comments and interactions with our Riders, he demonstrated that he is an engaging academic who brings tremendous background, experience and seasoned expertise to the University.

Peggy Kuhr, Dean of the School of Journalism, embodied the spirit of the Ride by tackling new adventures with enthusiasm, determination and grace.  We welcome the impressive journalism background, insights and extraordinary skills she brings to the School of Journalism.

The 2007 Grizzly Rider Endowment Fund Grant recipients, Dr. Lisa Eby and Ph.D. candidate Magnus McCaffery joined the Riders for a day on the trail and then shared information on their research project on the linkages associated with beaver and invasive species impacts and cross-system nutrient subsidies.  The Trail Boss is still in search of a promised bottle of Mortlach as a reward to honor Scotland born Magnus for being the first person to ever wear a Kilt to a Grizzly Rider Event.  “Móran taing !”

We have to take a moment to thank some of the people who helped make the Ride successful.  First, a sincere thank you to Zella Erickson, Juanita Vero, Andy and Connie Erickson, Chef Pascal and all of the E Bar L staff for bringing us into your home and taking such good care of us. 

President Earl Morgenroth, past President Roy Moline and Lew Keim each provided help, encouragement and wise counsel that were always greatly appreciated.

We look forward to seeing Riders next year who were not able to attend the 2007 Ride due to scheduling conflicts.  We are reserving bunks for all of you for the 2008 Ride.

Finally, we always look back and remember the many dedicated Riders who are no longer with us.  You rewarded us with friendship, fond memories and cherished stories that shall never be forgotten.  We will meet again further down the trail.

In closing, set your calendars for the 2008 Grizzly Ride.  The BBQ is September 5 and the Ride is September 6 through 10 at the E Bar L Ranch.

Check the Grizzly Rider web site at grizzlyridersinternationa.org for news, updates and contact information.

I hope to see all of you on the trail next year.

Jim Royan                                                                Trail Boss

2007 Grizzly Ride 

Group Picture

E Bar L Ranch

2007 GRIZZLY RIDE PHOTOS

Juanita Vero, granddaughter to Bill Potter, has spent her entire life on the E Bar L Ranch.  Her great grandfather settled in the Blackfoot valley in 1913.  Juanita, her family and fellow members of the E Bar L are working with the Blackfoot Challenge, a landowner-based group, to restore and conserve the Blackfoot River corridor. 

Earl Morgenroth, Trail Boss Jim Royan and Peggy Kuhr, Dean of The University of Montana School of Journalism  fishing the  Blackfoot River.

  Andy Erickson of the E Bar L Ranch giving Grizzly Rider Gary Palm some expert Skeet shooting advice.

Grizzly Riders on the trail at the E Bar L Ranch. 

Relaxing on the cabin porch after a day of fishing, riding and golf.