Sunday, March 15, 2009
Fixed It
We had to leave early today so we didn't make it out on the trails. Bill put the new mirror on my GSX and also put the carburetor sockets on my Legend after we dug it out of the snow. The Legend is now ready to ride again. Bill and I both took it for a spin around the yard and then Bill took it for a test ride around the neighborhood. I'd love to be able to sell the Legend soon. It's sad to see it sitting unused all season. I'm thinking of registering it next year and letting friends ride it but it's a big expense and risky if they crash it up.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Spring Conditions
Riders: MB and Bill
Miles: 55
The trail conditions didn't look too good in our area so we decided to head up to Island Pond. We got to the backside of the pond parking area and it was packed. We went to back the trailer in the last space and some guy pulled up on his sled and said it was taken so we had to turn around and park down the road at the fish and game boat launch.
The pond was complete covered with smooth ice with not a speck of snow for traction so it was a slippery ride onto the trail. Good thing we didn't have to go the whole length across, we just cut around the back corner and got on the trail. My sled kept wanting to spin out and if I slowed down or sped up too much I just spun my track.
The snow was a little thin until we got a few miles up in the higher elevations. We didn't want to do any long road skips so we just circled around the Skidoo trail, the 2000 trail, 114 and 102. I could almost forget it was spring once we go up in the hills but I couldn't stop thinking this could be my last ride.
We didn't stay out very long, only 55 miles, but I'm hoping we'll get another couple of rides in before it turns to mud. We still have snow at the camp but the driveway will be mud by the next time we get up there. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for some heavy spring snowstorms to keep the trails going 'til the end of the riding season. The forecast doesn't look promising. Think snow.
Miles: 55
The trail conditions didn't look too good in our area so we decided to head up to Island Pond. We got to the backside of the pond parking area and it was packed. We went to back the trailer in the last space and some guy pulled up on his sled and said it was taken so we had to turn around and park down the road at the fish and game boat launch.
The pond was complete covered with smooth ice with not a speck of snow for traction so it was a slippery ride onto the trail. Good thing we didn't have to go the whole length across, we just cut around the back corner and got on the trail. My sled kept wanting to spin out and if I slowed down or sped up too much I just spun my track.
The snow was a little thin until we got a few miles up in the higher elevations. We didn't want to do any long road skips so we just circled around the Skidoo trail, the 2000 trail, 114 and 102. I could almost forget it was spring once we go up in the hills but I couldn't stop thinking this could be my last ride.
We didn't stay out very long, only 55 miles, but I'm hoping we'll get another couple of rides in before it turns to mud. We still have snow at the camp but the driveway will be mud by the next time we get up there. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for some heavy spring snowstorms to keep the trails going 'til the end of the riding season. The forecast doesn't look promising. Think snow.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Vacation Recap
We rode more than 760 miles all over the Northeast Kingdom in all sorts of conditions. There was tons of snow, groomed and ungroomed trails, full coverage, bare coverage, slush, ice and a combination of it all. We had frigid cold temperatures and warmer spring-like temperatures.
Thankfully there were minimal damages/injuries. I had to buy a new bracket for my mirror that got broken when the guys took my sled off the bed of the pick-up but the bracket was only $10. The actual mirror was $60 but I don't need it - I just need the bracket.
Bill has a bruise on the side and back of his knee from a spin maneuver gone wrong but it is already turning shades of yellow and doesn't seem to be hurting too much. We both have sore hands from riding so many miles with a series case of "throttle thumb" but it was well worth it.
The cabin we stayed at on Lake Willoughby inspired us to finally put that addition on the Love Shack. We're hoping to get that done in the spring.
I hope the snow holds out until we can get back up north on the 13th. I need to start planning the next vacation so I have something to look forward to and get me through the work weeks.
Thankfully there were minimal damages/injuries. I had to buy a new bracket for my mirror that got broken when the guys took my sled off the bed of the pick-up but the bracket was only $10. The actual mirror was $60 but I don't need it - I just need the bracket.
Bill has a bruise on the side and back of his knee from a spin maneuver gone wrong but it is already turning shades of yellow and doesn't seem to be hurting too much. We both have sore hands from riding so many miles with a series case of "throttle thumb" but it was well worth it.
The cabin we stayed at on Lake Willoughby inspired us to finally put that addition on the Love Shack. We're hoping to get that done in the spring.
I hope the snow holds out until we can get back up north on the 13th. I need to start planning the next vacation so I have something to look forward to and get me through the work weeks.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Crash Site - Before and After
The photo on the left is the ditch Bill hit last year and the photo on the right is what it looks like now. I wonder how many other people broke their back there last year.
I was surprised how far the store was that Bill rode back to with a broken back. Ouch. I thought it was only a couple of miles but it was over 8. It was a much better ride this year.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
VACATION - Day 8
Riders: MB and Bill
Miles: 80
I thought it was going to be too warm to ride today but a cold front must have moved in. It was 19 degrees when we got up so we decided to go for a short ride. Bill cooked me breakfast at the camp and we got out pretty early. We stopped at All Around Power in St. Jay and ordered the screws to fix Bill's belly pan and then stopped at Northeast Ag to pick up the bracket for my mirror.
We tempted fate again by parking in the lot on Rt. 114 in Burke where the tailgate got stolen. Luckily everything was still there when we got back. We rode Rt. 5N to Rt. 114 up to Island Pond. Leaving Burke was icy and slushy but the conditions got better in the higher elevations. We hit quite a few mud patches and icy spots but it wasn't too bad.
I spun my sled around again on Island Pond. The pond was totally iced over with no snow on top for lubrication and my sled loves to spin on that ice. I thought it was going to flip if I tried going over 35-40 miles per hour so I had to take it slow.
We got gas, a quick bite to eat and a hot drink at the Mobil. It was much colder today so we didn't want to take too many breaks out on the trail. We rode behind the pond and came back down through the power line (Rt. 102S). It was hard and flat but sections were so icy in the corners with lots of "surprises" on the trail. The steep parts of the power line were mud and ice. The pipeline was in much better shape so we were able to pick up the speed coming back down into Burke.
We definitely had variable riding conditions all week. I'm glad we were able to ride every day, even in the rain. I wish I had another week to ride. We're not going to be able to come back up for two weeks so hopefully they will get more snow and the conditions will improve.
We got back to the camp early, started packing the truck and getting things straightened so we can head back to the city first thing in the morning. I don't want to leave but I need to go collect those paychecks. I'll have to start planning the next vacation so I have something to look forward to.
Thanks for coming along for the ride. I'll post some vacation pictures soon.
Miles: 80
I thought it was going to be too warm to ride today but a cold front must have moved in. It was 19 degrees when we got up so we decided to go for a short ride. Bill cooked me breakfast at the camp and we got out pretty early. We stopped at All Around Power in St. Jay and ordered the screws to fix Bill's belly pan and then stopped at Northeast Ag to pick up the bracket for my mirror.
We tempted fate again by parking in the lot on Rt. 114 in Burke where the tailgate got stolen. Luckily everything was still there when we got back. We rode Rt. 5N to Rt. 114 up to Island Pond. Leaving Burke was icy and slushy but the conditions got better in the higher elevations. We hit quite a few mud patches and icy spots but it wasn't too bad.
I spun my sled around again on Island Pond. The pond was totally iced over with no snow on top for lubrication and my sled loves to spin on that ice. I thought it was going to flip if I tried going over 35-40 miles per hour so I had to take it slow.
We got gas, a quick bite to eat and a hot drink at the Mobil. It was much colder today so we didn't want to take too many breaks out on the trail. We rode behind the pond and came back down through the power line (Rt. 102S). It was hard and flat but sections were so icy in the corners with lots of "surprises" on the trail. The steep parts of the power line were mud and ice. The pipeline was in much better shape so we were able to pick up the speed coming back down into Burke.
We definitely had variable riding conditions all week. I'm glad we were able to ride every day, even in the rain. I wish I had another week to ride. We're not going to be able to come back up for two weeks so hopefully they will get more snow and the conditions will improve.
We got back to the camp early, started packing the truck and getting things straightened so we can head back to the city first thing in the morning. I don't want to leave but I need to go collect those paychecks. I'll have to start planning the next vacation so I have something to look forward to.
Thanks for coming along for the ride. I'll post some vacation pictures soon.
Friday, February 27, 2009
VACATION - Day 7
Riders: MB and Bill
Miles: 98
I can't believe it is Friday already. The week went by so fast. The forecast is calling for warm temps and rain this afternoon so we got out on the trails early. We had breakfast at the Grill and rode from Groton, all the way up the railroad bed, through Cabot, into Walden. It must have been really windy last night because there were lots of downed branches and debries in the trail. We even had to ride over a 40" tree that was at least 10" round that was down across the trail. We rode over the top side of it on the side of the trail.
We were almost into Danville when Bill lost the underbelly cover off his sled. He knew he was missing a bolt under there and it probably would have been ok if he didn't try to back up on the trail. Snow got pushed up under the cover and it got ripped off. Bill spent about a 1/2 hour taking it off and putting the front plastic piece back on. Good thing it was really warm on the trail so we weren't cold standing around fixing his sled. Bill rigged the plastic piece under my storage bag on my sled so it looked like I had a racing fin on it but it was the only place it would fit.
It was 34 degrees when we got on the trail with the sun trying to peak out but it stayed overcast most of the day and the trails were surprisingly firm considering the temperatures. We did hit a few water bars and a couple of mud patches around the tight corners. The coverage was a little thin in the deep woods but overall the conditions were decent.
We finally swung around to Marty's in Danville to pick up some steaks for tonight and get gas. As soon as we left Marty's it got extremely windy and started to rain heavily. The first 70 miles of the ride were like good spring conditions and the last part was the bad side of spring conditions - rain.
I only had to wear one layer and no neck gator, it was nice not to have to bundle up so much. The last 28 miles of the ride were rainy, wet and slushy. It was a little better riding back through the state park but the trails will be done if we have another couple of warm days without more snow.
We lucked with the big storm the beginning of the week but it is melting just as fast as it came down. I was hoping to get a short ride in tomorrow before we head back to the city but it may be too warm and rainy.
I wish I had another week off to ride. I can't believe it is Friday already. This week went by so fast. I don't want to go back to work .... The worst thing about a great snowmobiling vacation is you never want it to end.
I still want to ride ...
Miles: 98
I can't believe it is Friday already. The week went by so fast. The forecast is calling for warm temps and rain this afternoon so we got out on the trails early. We had breakfast at the Grill and rode from Groton, all the way up the railroad bed, through Cabot, into Walden. It must have been really windy last night because there were lots of downed branches and debries in the trail. We even had to ride over a 40" tree that was at least 10" round that was down across the trail. We rode over the top side of it on the side of the trail.
We were almost into Danville when Bill lost the underbelly cover off his sled. He knew he was missing a bolt under there and it probably would have been ok if he didn't try to back up on the trail. Snow got pushed up under the cover and it got ripped off. Bill spent about a 1/2 hour taking it off and putting the front plastic piece back on. Good thing it was really warm on the trail so we weren't cold standing around fixing his sled. Bill rigged the plastic piece under my storage bag on my sled so it looked like I had a racing fin on it but it was the only place it would fit.
It was 34 degrees when we got on the trail with the sun trying to peak out but it stayed overcast most of the day and the trails were surprisingly firm considering the temperatures. We did hit a few water bars and a couple of mud patches around the tight corners. The coverage was a little thin in the deep woods but overall the conditions were decent.
We finally swung around to Marty's in Danville to pick up some steaks for tonight and get gas. As soon as we left Marty's it got extremely windy and started to rain heavily. The first 70 miles of the ride were like good spring conditions and the last part was the bad side of spring conditions - rain.
I only had to wear one layer and no neck gator, it was nice not to have to bundle up so much. The last 28 miles of the ride were rainy, wet and slushy. It was a little better riding back through the state park but the trails will be done if we have another couple of warm days without more snow.
We lucked with the big storm the beginning of the week but it is melting just as fast as it came down. I was hoping to get a short ride in tomorrow before we head back to the city but it may be too warm and rainy.
I wish I had another week off to ride. I can't believe it is Friday already. This week went by so fast. I don't want to go back to work .... The worst thing about a great snowmobiling vacation is you never want it to end.
I still want to ride ...
Thursday, February 26, 2009
VACATION - Day 6
Riders: MB and Bill
Miles: 110
So far it has been a great week for snowmobiling. The trails were in near perfect condition today. We parked at the Grill and had a quick breakfast before heading out on the trails. The railroad bed through the park was freshly groomed so it was flat and fast. We headed out towards Barre-Montpelier on the 302 trails, Rt. 2, and Rt. 14 towards Hardwick and circled back around into the park after hitting a few loops.
The temps were in the 30s so we didn't have to gear up with lots of layers and could break without being cold. Some trails were a little bumpy but for the most part we were on flat groomed trails the whole day. We went back to the Grill around noon to have a hot drink and then down Rt. 5 south, stopped at Christie's lean-to and around into Topsham and back down to 302. We stopped in the campground on the way back and hit the loop and the 2004 trail before heading back to the truck.
The few road skips we had were rough as the snow on the side of the road had melted off but we stayed around the park and the higher elevations where the cover was excellent. I hope it doesn't warm up too much. They are forecasting rain tomorrow so I'm not sure if we're going to be able to get out. I think we're going to try to get out early and get a few miles in before the rain starts.
I can't believe it's Thursday already. The week never goes by this quickly when I have to work. I hope we can get one more ride in tomorrow or Saturday.
Miles: 110
So far it has been a great week for snowmobiling. The trails were in near perfect condition today. We parked at the Grill and had a quick breakfast before heading out on the trails. The railroad bed through the park was freshly groomed so it was flat and fast. We headed out towards Barre-Montpelier on the 302 trails, Rt. 2, and Rt. 14 towards Hardwick and circled back around into the park after hitting a few loops.
The temps were in the 30s so we didn't have to gear up with lots of layers and could break without being cold. Some trails were a little bumpy but for the most part we were on flat groomed trails the whole day. We went back to the Grill around noon to have a hot drink and then down Rt. 5 south, stopped at Christie's lean-to and around into Topsham and back down to 302. We stopped in the campground on the way back and hit the loop and the 2004 trail before heading back to the truck.
The few road skips we had were rough as the snow on the side of the road had melted off but we stayed around the park and the higher elevations where the cover was excellent. I hope it doesn't warm up too much. They are forecasting rain tomorrow so I'm not sure if we're going to be able to get out. I think we're going to try to get out early and get a few miles in before the rain starts.
I can't believe it's Thursday already. The week never goes by this quickly when I have to work. I hope we can get one more ride in tomorrow or Saturday.
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