ISLAND PARK, ID. Æ The snowmobiling community in this gateway to Yellowstone and Grand Teton is providing creative alternatives to oversnow travel to the parks with great riding on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.

The Saturday, Feb. 21 Village Crossroads ïOl MenÍs Cross-Country Snowmobile Rendezvous and the PondÍs Lodge Co-ed Cross Country Rally, set for Saturday, March 13, are attracting riders of all ages and abilities, says organizer Bill Smith.

Both events are competitive rides for three-member teams, on trails groomed by the Fremont County Parks and Recreation DepartmentÍs snowmobile program. Registration fee for both events is $175 per team. Organizations and businesses are encouraged to sponsor teams and riders.

The ïOl MenÍs Rendezvous starts at 10 a. m. a few yards west of the SportsmenÍs Lodge on Lodgepole Lane west of U. S. 20. It has four divisions for men whose ages total 90, 120, 150, or 180 years. The 90- and 120- year teams ride 60 miles and the older guys go 40.

Winning teams receives cash prizes and silver belt buckles. The buckles are collectorÍs items donated by Dale Nelson of Nelson International Trucks in Wilma, Minnesota, known the world over for his custom racing snowmobiles. He vacations at his condo at the Island Park Village Resort. The ïOl MenÍs event includes a raffle and awards banquet at the TimberÍs Edge on Lodgepole Lane. People who sign up at the Island Park Lodge between 9 a. m. and 2 p. m. Friday, Feb. 20 will be eligible for a $50 early bird prize. Or, register from 8 to 9 a. m. Saturday at the SportsmenÍs Lodge. The ridersÍ meeting follows the close of registration Saturday. For more information, call Race Director Bill Smith at (208) 558-7015.

The PondÍs Lodge Co-ed Cross Country Rally starts at 2 p. m. in front of PondÍs Lodge on U. S. 20 just north of the Buffalo River. The course is 45-miles long on groomed trails. It returns to PondÍs for a 5 p. m. party that includes cash awards to winners and a raffle. A dance follows with the popular band, Sawtell, starring John and Helen.

Register for the rally from 9 a. m. to 1 p. m. Saturday. Each team must have a member of both sexes. There are two divisions„ ages totaling 120 years or ages totaling 121 years and more. The ridersÍ meeting is at 1:30 p. m. sharp. For more information or early registration, call Race Director Bill Smith, (208) 558-7015; Louise or Shawn at PondÍs Lodge, (208) 558-7221; or Island Park Polaris, (208) 558-7390.