The Hinckley/Pine City Flames Snowmobile Club, along with the Northern Pine Riders, Rush City Sno-Bugs and EC Riders will host a Valentines weekend at the MnUSA (Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association) 2010 Winter Rendezvous Feb. 11-14.

A highlight for many will be the Thursday, Feb. 11 Veterans Ride. Riders will assemble at the Pine City VFW by 8 a.m., and a limited number of helmets and sleds will be available for those veterans who would like to ride but do not have equipment. The Veterans Ride will include a luncheon.

The next day, the eyes of the state will be on Pine County as Governor Pawlenty arrives for the Governor’s Trail Ride. Pawlenty will arrive at Grand Casino Hinckley at 8 a.m., hold a meet-and-greet, and host his weekly radio show. The ride will take the governor and other riders from Hinckley to Pine City, where Pawlenty and others will stop for lunch at the Pine City American Legion.

The event is expected to attract over 300 snowmobilers. The Hinckley/Pine City Flames have been doing extensive trail preparation in anticipation of lots of snow on their over 100 miles of local trails. Neighboring snowmobile clubs – the Rush City Sno-Bugs, EC Riders and the Northern Pine Riders – have additional miles of connecting trails for the enjoyment of those attending the Rendezvous.

Besides the guided trail rides, this event will include a banquet and awards and a silent auction fund raiser. On Thursday there will be a special veteran’s appreciation ride. The MnUSA membership and Board of Directors will conclude the weekend with their quarterly meetings on Sunday morning.

The annual event will be headquartered at Grand Casino Hinckley and lodging at the nearby Grand Northern Inn and Grand Hinckley Inn.

There will be an indoor area at the headquarters to display vintage snowmobiles. If attendees have a vintage machine they would like to display, please contact Harv Lindstrom Hinckley/Pine City Flames at 320-629-2055.

For information about vendor space, contact JoAnn Lindstrom of the Hinckley/Pine City Flames at 320-629-2055.

Event registration is found on the Flames web site, www.flamessnowmobileclub.com.