The weather may not have been an accurate reflection of what late February in Northern Manitoba is usually like, but the Thompson Trailbreakers couldn't have asked for a better weekend to hold the 2010 Northern Snowmobile Rally Feb. 26-28.

"They were super, super impressed with the trails," said Michele Lothier, one of the rally organizers, speaking about Marty Convery and Don Campbell from Snowgoer Magazine and Snowmobiler TV, who came up for the event to film a segment for the Outdoor Life Network TV series. "They played in the deeper powder at Mystery Lake. Other than steep mountain riding, there's something for everyone."

They did, however, ask her where the weather was she had warned them about, and put some local riders through the paces on a trip out to Mystery Mountain.

"They got some great shots off the top of the Sunshine [lift]," said Lothier, who went through a few re-shoots as the cameraman went for the perfect shot, at a certain speed, equal sled lengths apart.

Media exposure aside, the event was successful in helping introduce local riders who aren't involved with the Trailbreakers to the organization.

"We had six groups go out [on guided rides]," said Lothier, comprising over 90 riders.

One group did the Mystery Mountain and Nickel Loop, while three groups did the 100-mile loop, which included all the trails - Mystery Mountain, the Nickel Loop, Paint Lake and Ospwagan. "Two groups went on what we called our renegade ride to Wabowden and back by two different routes, mostly off the groomed system."

The Saturday night social was also a hit, bringing out more than 250 people.

"We're more than pleased," said Lothier. "It exceeded our expectations."

Other out-of-town guests were also impressed, including a group from The Pas, which hosted the rally the previous two years.

"They were just totally blown away," said Lothier, noting that it was the experience some of the Trailbreakers had last year in The Pas that convinced them to try hosting the rally this year.

"We had so much fun when we were there," she said.

The hope is that Flin Flon snowmobilers will get on board so each community will host the event once every three years.

Participants who went away with more than just fond memories included Rob Thompson, who picked up the $2,000 first prize in the Feb. 28 poker derby, second-place Jim Bulloch who got $1,000 and third-place finisher Nina Van Drunen, who picked up $500.

The rally was held to raise money for the Thompson Trailbreakers to purchase a new groomer, which has a price tag of $200,000, for maintaining the 350 kilometres of trail they already groom and for new trails that will be developed with help from grants received through the National Trails Coalition.

"All the money we raised this weekend is going towards that," said Lothier.

The club also hopes it will raise their profile locally.

"Hopefully, it'll get people involved," said Lothier. "I'm not sure as a community what people understand about the club as a whole. It's really important that people buy the trail passes. If people don't buy trail passes, then the club doesn't get money."