Snowmobile Message Boards - Michigan Snowmobiling -

siberia087

siberia087 — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:24:28 -0700

Be a Part of the Ride That Changes Lives!
Join the annual Wertz Warriors snowmobile endurance ride on February 5th –February 11th and ride 900 miles in six days across Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. All to raise funds and awareness for people with intellectual disabilities and the programs of Special Olympics Michigan. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be a part of the ride that changes lives. For more information on becoming a member visit www. Somi.org

North Guide

North Guide — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 19:26:00 -0800

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray's Retreat Country Inn - 01/27

Sparky and I were outside tonight enjoying the light snowfall, and we saw the groomer going by Rays Retreat. Always a welcome sight!
Riders are enjoying good rides. We had a room ride over to Lewiston today and they reported they enjoyed the ride, and the Lewiston trail was in decent shape. Earlier this week riders were saying once they got to Lewiston it was rather rough. So things have improved over that way.
Trail 7 running along Old 27 is looking snirty. Especially closer to town. Still very ridable conditions.
Snow is in the forecast for next several days which will help keep the trails freshened.
Some of the best rides are during the week, when you can enjoy groomed trails without all the riders to interfere with your ride.
Call 989-732-2703 or 989-732-4914 if you want to reserve a room or rent a snowmobile.

North Guide

North Guide — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 08:31:45 -0800

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray's Retreat Country Inn - 01/25

Good Snow + Good Trails = Great Ride!
We managed to get out this morning for a ride. We headed south on trail 7 from Rays Retreat. This stretch was a little bumpy - but not bad. From Waters to Frederick trail 7 was excellent. It was as smooth as a newly paved highway - smoother than Old 27 running along that stretch!
In Frederick we picked up trail 679, to trail 79 and then back on trail 7 and home. A round trip just a little over 50 miles. Folks - this was a really good ride. A few rolling bumps, mostly at corners where there were stop signs. We saw only 6 riders thru this entire ride. Although this afternoon we've seen quite a few more riding by the motel. Trail 79 had some icy corners.
Absolutely nothing to complain about if you enjoy getting out and riding good trails. A bit of snirt seen on trail 7 - this trail always shows snirt. It is just too close to the road, and too many little roads cutting thru it.
We require a 2 night minimum stay on the weekends, but this weekend because we have a few folks coming in Thurs and leaving Sat morning - we have two rooms available for Sat. night. So give us a call if you are looking for a room Sat night. 989-732-2703 or 989-732-4914.

flylipsdad

flylipsdad — Thu, 9 Dec 2010 10:33:04 -0800

OK Spotter,Wertz Warriors are a good cause,but don't Spam all the message boards.Nice forum but there aren't as many topics here as Fishwebs.Doesn't matter cause they can't get theirs up and runnin anyways.Real nice website!

spotter

spotter — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 09:48:41 -0700

Be A Part Of The Ride That Changes Lives!
Join the annual Wertz Warriors snowmobile endurance ride on January 30th – February 5th and ride 900 miles in six days across Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. All to raise funds and awareness for the Special Olympics Michigan state winter games. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a difference for more information on becoming a member visit www. Somi.org

snowsoo

snowsoo — Thu, 4 Feb 2010 08:05:22 -0800

Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association is Hosting a Radar Run south of the Soo on trail#49 and 6 mile rd. on Sat Feb. 13, 2010..See how fast your sled really is or just come to watch with free cocao and hot dogs..
go to http://www.sootrails.freeforums.org/radar-...r-2010-t12.html
or log onto www.sootrails.org for info..

bfman

bfman — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:57:26 -0800

when I go to Gaylord I stay at Marsh Ridge resort. Great rooms and location and a fantastic restaurant on site. ck out their web site marshridge.com

bfman

bfman — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:52:06 -0800

If I was going to Gaylord I would check out marsh Ridge Resort, see their web site, marshridge.com They have great accomadations. snowmobile rentals and a great restaurant on site.

09rene800

09rene800 — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:52:58 -0800

* IF GOING TO GAYLORD PLEASE READ* rode 600 miles monday to wednesday left grayling went west up toward alba and and cut over county roads to railroad too wolverine trails for the most part were good for early season riding. rode to U.P. tuesday and trails up there were excellent lots of snow came back wednesday took trail 7 thru Gaylord on way back to Grayling trail 7 JUNK JUNK JUNK JUNK the worst i have ever seen in 5 years of riding NO EXCUSE for that thats bull**** we stopped by a bar on south side of Gaylord and talked to the people there they gave me a phone number to call and complain how bad it was I will never go back thru Gaylord on a snowmobile again that was absolutely terrible everyone else around had good trails with some areas having less snow. Trail permits even went up $10.00 this year so we should have even better trails to ride the price of fuel is down from last year even.

North Guide

North Guide — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:29:28 -0800

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray's Retreat - 12/16

Good News! We have seen the Gaylord groomer twice today! We saw it this morning approx 10 am running along Old 27, on Trail 7. Again, at 5 pm… out front here. So that is encouraging.

We left for a ride late morning. We started out on trail 7 heading south out of Rays Retreat. This was after seeing the groomer the first time. That trail has been so rough it will take many times before the groomer gets this smooth again. At least we know he went over it twice today, and if this continues the Gaylord trails will get in good riding condition.

At Waters, we cut over on back roads/two tracks to pick up the Blue Bear. Trail 679 was fun, but did have ripples thru out the ride. When we hit 76/79 a few more noticiable bumps especially thru the curves. No long stretches of smoothness. Still very ridable and enjoyable.

We had lunch at Starvation Lake. Quite a few riders in there. Coming back home same conditions on 76/79 and then we cut over on Cameron Bridge Rd, Manistee River Rd… and then picked up on trail 4 to check it out. .. Still very rough.

We enjoyed our 79 miles of riding. It was snowing all thru the day, those big beautiful diamond white flakes. Another room from Rays took the Lovells trail and said it was very good riding.

Visit Ray’s Retreat Website >>>

Realtygurl

Realtygurl — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 07:21:30 -0800

See Pete at Sledheads.. www.frederic-mi.com he has sleds, cottage, trail info., video cam, daily reports, parts, helmets, clothing, campfire, close to gas station and food..he knows the area

Traci - from Cleveland

rgfrederick

rgfrederick — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:18:54 -0800

Planning a weekend in Feb to ride in the Gaylord area. There will be two of us. Does anyone have recommendations where to rent and where to stay? We would like machines that are 09 or 10 with reverse, hand warmers, and around 500 cc (give or take). Basically we would like machines that we can have a good time on without breaking the wallet or our backs. We rented from a place a few years ago in the Boyne area and one of the machines suspensions was clearly clapped out and we did not have a good time. They professed to have new, good equipment but when we got there they only had one new machine left and we were stuck with the old piece of crap. We would like to stay where we have access to the trails. Thanks in advance.

North Guide

North Guide — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 11:36:34 -0800

Still looking for verified reports of the Gaylord Groomer grooming the trails....

Post your Gaylord Groomer report here.

Latest report from the council page.....

(Grooming is unknown at this time!)

Gaylord Trail Report
Gaylord Area Snowmobile Trials Council
Updated: 12/15/2009
Base: 0 inches
Snowfall Past 24 hours: 2 inches
Last Grooming: Grooming is unknown at this time!

Current Trail Conditions: Fair

The trails are open. We received 1 - 2 inches of new snow last night. Chance of more snow in the coming week. Snow ranges any where from 10 - 17 inches in and around the Gaylord area!

North Guide

North Guide — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:52:52 -0800

Here is some info from the Hardcore Sledder Forum on the Gaylord Grooming situation:

SLEDCONTACT --- Let me set the record straight here! And I do know what's going on! I am the local contact for the club.

The "New Club" organized late this past summer. and are truely putting in hours of their own time to make this work. But remember these people all have other jobs and can't do it all. They needed to physically contact every landowner that the trail crosses and get a signed lease, Set up contracts for their equipment, Brush and sign 101 miles of trail, and put together the nessesary paperwork for their grant agreement. This only scratches the surface of what goes on.
Anyways, as the club was getting leases they protect the landowners with insurance and themselves for that matter. Last friday afternoon the Railroad Co. noticed that they had not recieved a insurance binder and said they would call the police for tresspassing if the club groomed.
I had to make a decission to not allow the club to groom due to NO insurance to the land owners. I'm sure this was an oversite on their part, and doesn't help the users of the trail but these guys are truely trying to make it work. The program is set up for reimbursements and not up-front money so they need to take this out of their pocket first and to my understanding didn't have that money to get it last week.
As you can see its not because they haven't been paid, Not equipment, Not because they didn't want too, They just couldn't put it together for this weekend and I am sure they will be up and running this week.

Click Here For Hardcore Sledder Posting

snowsoo

snowsoo — Sun, 6 Dec 2009 06:07:56 -0800

Get a free chance to win an entry to the Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Ascn. Fun Run and Rally Jan 29-30, 2010 at the Don Dee Lanes on Mackinaw Trail Rd. in the Soo.
Send an e-mail subject line RALLY with your Name, Address and Phone number to cgbjake@yahoo.com One entry per e-mail address please
Or send your Name, Address and Phone number to Sault Snowmobile Ascn. P.O. Box 877, Sault Ste. Marie, Mi. 49783 Attention Rally..Please one entry per address
.All entries must be recieved by Jan 18, 2010. Drawing will be held on Jan 20th, 2010
Winner will be notified by phone
For more info on the Rally and Fun Run click http://www.sootrails.freeforums.org/post15.html...
Web site at www.sootrails.org

AHOLAS

AHOLAS — Thu, 8 Oct 2009 07:45:57 -0700

Have a 1975 Aloutte children's snowmobile that we would like to sell. No idea how much to ask. Any ideas?

North Guide

North Guide — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 19:18:57 -0700

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray's Retreat - 03/11

Trails condition vary... from fair to good. We've gotten another 3 to 4 inches of new snow today, with the blowing ... there's icy spots.

We do have riders our and they enjoyed 80 miles of riding this afternoon. They say decent riding for March.

Rates have been reduced in March so give us a call if you're coming up.

Visit Ray’s Retreat Country Inn Website >>>>

North Guide

North Guide — Mon, 9 Mar 2009 13:58:15 -0700

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray's Retreat - 03/09

We got nine inches of new snow overnight.

I can't tell you what the trails are like, until we get a chance to get out on them ourselves. They are definitely snow covered. Sunshine today, and high 30's.

Snow continues to be in the forecast thru the middle of the week and getting back to the colder temps.

You can see the snow from the snow cam at our website: www.raysretreatcountryinn.com

March Midweek Discounts... $10.00/off a night Sunday night thru Thursday.

Visit Ray’s Retreat Country Inn Website >>>>

North Guide

North Guide — Thu, 5 Mar 2009 21:05:18 -0800

I think Mike and Ann Ray are the only snowmobilers on the Gaylord trails midweek..... here's another ride report...

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray's Retreat - 03/05

We just got back from another great ride. Such fun! ... Its been cloudy all day, although it has warmed up. Still a great base on the trails especially through the wooded areas.
We headed out this morning 9 am. It was 32 degrees. Took a left out of the motel, on trail 7 (south). It had been groomed. Was that icing smooth. So pretty. That continued until we hit Crawford County, just south of Waters. There their county crews had decided to plow another lane in the old highway and thrown hugh chunks of hard frozen snow and ice all over the trail. This continued all the way to Frederick. Major boulder obstacles and dangerous! What a shame to ruin such a beautiful run of trail.
Then we headed to Lovells. Great trail riding all the way there. Lots of icy corners, so beware. From Lovells we went to Lewistown. Again, loved this ride. Great smooth trails. No problems. Just the one stretch over the little bridge (where they do not groom) that was rough, but their trails were awesome. When we stopped on the trail just in Lovells for a break, another rider stopped and said he had started that way and turned around because a group of riders told him it was mud and bad. He should not have listened to them. Don't know where they had been riding... but we never saw it.
Fun, Fun, Fun! Stopped for lunch in Lewistown and then onto Gaylord. More great riding.
As we were heading home, south of trail 7 it was wet as you came up to the crossroads, but trail still holding up. Won't take much sun or more warmth and this part of the trail will be the first to go. Still smooth sailing on home.
Good riding for the rest of today, should be able to get in a decent ride tomorrow even...and then it'll be wait and see if we get rain, freezing rain or snow. hmmmmm

Visit Ray’s Retreat Country Inn Website >>>>

North Guide

North Guide — Tue, 3 Mar 2009 13:26:58 -0800

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray's Retreat - 03/03

Just returned from a fantastic 97 mile ride on the trails. Excellent riding! We jumped on the trail right here in front of the motel (Trail 7) and headed north. Smooth sailing!

Unbelieveably smooth. The entire trail up to Indian River. That distance we only saw two other riders, and one of them was a DNR officer. Who did check our trail passes. (had to justify his great day of riding on the trails).

We then went west and enjoy more great riding on the Indian River trails that direction. Chandler Hills, Weber Lake... again it was all awesome conditions.

The day started out very cold and my face finally warmed up about an hour before returning. Morning started out at -10 here and warmed up to 20 at this time.

Mike enjoyed good riding yesterday when he did the Lovells route with Mark. Very few bumps down that way either.

Great trails! Great conditions!

Visit Ray’s Retreat Country Inn Website >>>>

North Guide

North Guide — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 17:49:32 -0800

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray's Retreat - 12/27

We didn't get the big snow they were calling for last night, which is a disappointment. But, we didn't get the rain they got further south of us. Some freezing rain, and about an inch/two of snow.
Which means, Gaylord trails are in good riding shape. As are the surround trails. Riders enjoyed their riders north to Indian River, the Bridge, over to the Jordan Valley. Everyone said the trails were in good shape.
The time to ride without the traffic is during the week. Hope you'll get a chance to get up this week and enjoy northern Michigans great trails.

Visit Ray’s Retreat Country Inn Website >>>>

STEVO68

STEVO68 — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:27:16 -0800

Just got back from riding the Gaylord trails Monday thru Wed. Monday we rode from Mancelona to Frederic to Lovells and back. Great trails!!! We tried the new trail that is not marked on most maps from Mancelona to the trail just about one mile north of Starvation Lake. Great Trail!!! This summer they might want to take out a few more trees on the sides though. Tuesday we left Mancelona and did the loop up to the Bridge and back. Plenty of snow!!! Even the roads thru Alanson were not too scraped. Remember to maintain the posted 35 mph for the stretch by Mullet Lake. We did pass a sheriff so they do patrol it!! Total miles Tuesday of 200. Great job groomers!! the trails were awesome . Now if we could get some of those county workers not to scrape the roads so much where the trails are. (I know some of them do it on purpose because there is spots were they only scrape down to the pavement and sand where the trail is) The rain Wednesday morning changed to snow as we were headed back home. Big storm coming Thursday!! Get up and ride there is a ton of snow up here!!!

snowsoo

snowsoo — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:06:56 -0800

two great events at the same weekend in the Soo Sat Feb 21
Mike bertram memorial fun run
http://www.sootrails.freeforums.org/bertram-memorila-run-feb-21-2009-t36.html
and the Soo Radar Run sat feb 21
http://www.sootrails.freeforums.org/radar-runs-for-2009-t12.html

www.sootrails.org click forum then events

North Guide

North Guide — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 08:12:59 -0800

We grabbed this from Ray's Retreat Blog in Gaylord... thanks Mike and Ann...

Gaylord, February 10 -- The Good, The Bad and The Ugly -- todays ride

http://www.raysretreatcountryinn.com/blog

No problems keeping warm today. We (Mike, I and Terry) headed out this morning shortly after 9 am. Already 40 degrees. Cloudy ... Lots of snow through the woods trails.

We ran into a variety of trail conditions. We managed to get in 70 miles. Headed south on 7, along Old 27. Not bad, a little ripply. Then to 679, 79 and 76 ... heading around Starvation Lake, and then onto Lakes of the North where we stopped for lunch.

Any roads, two tracks were either bare, muddy, icy or watery. Lots of ice on the trail where its been in the sun.

Some water, not as much as any of us expected.
Couple muddy sections, but we were able to navigate around the worst of it.

Went through a stretch of pine trees with fog.... spooooky.

By noon the sun was out, and skies were cleared. I have to say it... it was a pretty spring like day!

We shed clothes and stuffed them in our seats. Mike was down to a t shirt, under his coat. I had taken my sweat shirt off... and was riding with my coat open. I had a long sleeve shirt under the sweatshirt.

Visors up, light weight gloves.

It have been nice to have a picnic lunch.

Now, we're waiting and watching the skies. Right now I see a big beautiful full moon and stars. We're watching for the cold winds to come blowing in and bringing snow with it. Its in the forecast.

North Guide

North Guide — Mon, 2 Feb 2009 18:42:18 -0800

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray's Retreat - 02/02

What could be more fun than being out on a snowmobile on a great winter trail? I just can't think of one thing I would rather be doing.

Another great day of riding. 90 miles, with only about 10-15 miles of riding with some bumps, dips and ripples. We headed south on trail 7 along Old 27. Sweet............freshly groomed, sweet smooth riding.

When we crossed over 27 down at Frederick, then trail 7 was a little rough. We soon came head to head with the groomer. This gets a bit tricky when its curvy, woody and high snowbanks. Its nice to have reverse. From then on trail 7 south to Grayling and south of Grayling was awesome. We started down the trail to Roscommon but turned around when we got to Four Mile Road it was all dry pavement over the interstate so we turned around and got back on the groomed trail. Then tried turning down to the Cranberry/Houghton Lake, but it was extremely bumpy. Went about 3 miles before turning around to get back on the groomed trail. Took it along to the Blue Bear. The first half of the Blue Bear was great. Ran into another groomer. The second half of the Blue Bear hadn't been groomed and had some good some bumps for a short distance.
Good riding from Lakes of the North to home.

Fun Day. Hope you'll get a chance to get up and enjoy these great trail conditions. Give us a call if you're looking for a place to stay. 989-732-4914

Visit Ray’s Retreat Country Inn Website >>>>

North Guide

North Guide — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 07:43:56 -0800

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray's Retreat - 01/27

Excellent, Excellent!!!

Great riding for all of the 115 miles we rode today. We enjoyed Gaylord trails, Indian River, and Jordan Valley trails. They were all in excellent shape. No reason for anyone to complain. It was a fabulous day on the trails. Enjoyed every mile of it.

We headed north on trail 7 up to Indian River where we caught 765 west thru Chandler Hills. This is the first time we have ever been through Chandler Hills (except for spring time when we're hunting for mushrooms). I've heard many people talk about their rides through the Hills so I was looking forward to riding somewhere I've never been.

What fun! I love the hills, the swooping valleys with trees lining you on either side. They were groomed perfectly too. I would not care to ride them on a weekend with alot of traffic because it is narrow with many curves.

From Chandler Hills we entered Jordan Valley and enjoyed this scenic ride for the second time this season. Even prettier today with the sunshine shining so bright.

Chandlers Hills thru Lakes of the North to home.

Only one small section - the very northern part of Lakes of the North had a short rough bumpy section.

I'll be posting pictures late tonight from todays ride on our blog: www.raysretreatcountryinn.com/blog

Visit Ray’s Retreat Country Inn Website >>>>

North Guide

North Guide — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 18:43:56 -0800

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray's Retreat - 01/25

Great riding continues here in the Gaylord area.

Yesterday was a mixed bag with trails getting rough later in the day, but then groomers were out and evening riders were pleased with their rides.

Today everyone has returned saying pretty much every mile of their ride was a real joy. We had one guy say that it was time to pack up all his riding gear/sled... it couldn't get any better so time to end on a perfect note.

It was a very busy day on the trails yesterday but groomers were out last night, and again tonight so they're in fine shape for the more peaceful weekday riding.

Visit Ray’s Retreat Country Inn Website >>>>

North Guide

North Guide — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 10:59:30 -0800

Here is a photo from Ray's Retreat taken on their ride from Gaylord to the Mackinac Bridge....

Gaylord - January 21, 2009 -- I love to ride! Yesterdays 155 mile ride to the bridge yesterday was a great day spent on the trails. We had a group of six of us that left the motel at 9:30. Bob led us all the way. Here it is the bridge in the winter. The Might Mac is beautiful any and every season.

www.raysretreatcountryinn.com/blog

North Guide

North Guide — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 17:40:44 -0800

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray's Retreat - 01/21

Beautiful Day on the trails. Enjoyed an all day ride up to the bridge. Total of 155 miles (Bob's sled had 154 miles, my sled showed 156, so I took the middle!)..
Bob was our leader for our group of 6 that headed out this morning after breakfast heading north on trail 7. Great shape. Still don't like having to cross Main Street in Gaylord. Can't believe there hasn't been a sled/car accident there.

Some bouncing on the trail north of Gaylord to south of Wolverine. Not bad.

Mostly excellent trails thru out the day.

Burt Lake is huge when you're riding around it, 35 mph and stopping every few feet. This section is clearly labeled 35 mph, and no riding on this part of the trail from 12 am to 8 am so those home owners can enjoy thier beauty sleep.
I still enjoyed this section of ride. Gives you a chance to see the lake homes up close. One homeowner had their own little sign by the drive that read : Quiet Zone. Accelerate Slowly.
Duh? .............how can you accelerate fast when you're only accelerating to 35 mph???

Enjoyed lunch at Mackinac City, and then the ride along the Mighty Mac. She's always beautiful. Spring/Summer/Fall/Winter.

We took trail 7 north thru Indian River, Cheyboygan and then Mackinac City. From there we headed down through Pellston, Alanson, Wolverine, and back on trail 7 heading home.

The trail coming out of Alanson south was rough for a little bit.

Everyone enjoyed the ride through the woods past Weber Lake.

155 miles of great riding. This has been a great year on the trails anytime we've went out. Hope you'll get a chance to come north and enjoy them.

You can stay at Rays Retreat where you can enjoy a hot breakfast (included in room price) before starting your day on the trail while talking with other riders and finding the best rides. Jump on our sled and be on the trail in one minute. We are located directly on the trail. Cable tv, in room refrigerators, microwaves, wifi. All you need to enjoy your winter vacation.
989-732-2703 or 989-732-4914.

Visit Ray’s Retreat Country Inn Website >>>>

North Guide

North Guide — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 17:51:43 -0800

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray's Retreat - 01/19

Everyone's been coming in telling what good rides they've enjoyed. One older fella said its the best he's enjoyed in many years... even yesterday was good riding with all the weekend traffic.

We took a quick ride this evening on trail 7 north into Gaylord, then 774 out by the airport. We rode up to eat supper at Applebee's. When we came back home, the groomer had been thru and that is always such fun being the first on a groomed trail.

We got 8 - 10 inches of new snow over the weekend. There's plenty of snow for everyone to enjoy, and saw and heard many people getting stuck by getting off trail.

Visit Ray’s Retreat Country Inn Website >>>>