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Snowmobile Ride Aims to Break Record, Raise Cash
 Ironwood - February 4, 2010

A Richmond Minnesota man and part time Ironwood resident is in the middle of his world record snowmobile run that is raising money for people and family members dealing with cancer. At the age of 55 Nick Keller is attempting to break the world record of 12,163 miles traveled on a snowmobile in 60 consecutive days.

Keller's trip is dedicated to the 20th Anniversary of his mother's death from cancer. Mary Jane was only 56.
Keller travels more than 300 miles in a day and sometimes, as was the case Wednesday, is joined by others on the trails. Among yesterdays  entourage was Nick's Great Nephew, Jon Kaelke. Jon was eager to join Nick on this trip and was given an excused absence from school.

Nick arrived at Hiawatha at 9 am escorted by Ironwood Safety. Nick had his odometer read then drove around the block to confirm that the odometer was functioning. He was greeted by Ironwood residents who shared a photo op with Nick.

Keller told the a well wishers he was surprised by how many of them turned out to greet him. Nick is a part time Ironwood resident. He and several of his friends have purchased homes in Norrie to be close to the Snowmobile Trails.

Keller’s daughter Julie works in the intensive care unit at a St. Cloud hospital and she sees firsthand the effect on the cancer survivors.
Out of that was born the Keller Family Community Foundation.
Keller’s world-record attempt is aptly named the Snowball Cancer Challenge, because he has been amazed at how the interest in his journey has snowballed.

Yamaha Motor Corp. was awarded the sled sponsorship, and many other companies have stepped up to sponsor the trip.

In addition to sponsorships, Keller and the foundation are accepting donations from individuals.

So far, Keller has traveled more than 9,000 miles.

His trip is scheduled to end February 23rd. At that time the new $15,000 sled that Keller is riding, will be raffled off.

Visit Nick's Website