Snowmobile Message Boards - Michigan Snowmobiling -

surgin

surgin — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 12:08:46 -0700

First report, Snow seen falling by my son'in'law yesterday, not sure if that was ironwood or Porkies, but regardlwess, lets hope it means lots of snow this year!!!

surgin

surgin

surgin — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 18:32:45 -0700

Hey all,

Not sure anyone is going to find this blog anymore, not really quite sure how I got here...

Looks like I am a semi resident of bessemer now... my daughter and her new hubbie have moved into my place there... So now they can leave the lights on, just hope they don't leave the gas tanks on the sleds as empty as they did the cars when they lived at home!

Last week took a drive up the old 11 N (County road 518 north of wakefield off of 29 (also called presque isle road)). Heading north there was one cut after another in the tar where they had put a new culvert under the road. Just wondering if this will drain the area of 11N that is so slow to freeze every December.

also looked closely along boundry road to see if there is a place that might be a natural cut across to white Pine... (gas) and seems like there is spot no where near the white pine campground. It is much closer to lake right by the sign that says to tune to AM channel 1610. It was raining and I was not in a good vehicle for back woods. but after a visit to the porkies, came down 64 from silver city and the GPS found a road just north of white pine that looked promising, except for the chained gate. Need a back woods specialist like Pantera to scope out a trail... I saw the bar/restarant by silver city is for sale and the rest of the residents don't want us up there anyway.... then there would be the issue of the river crossing.. *s*

Sleds are ready to go, tho son-in-law has offered to check the brakes on the crossfire....

Hope you guys had luck in your sled searches.. the wedding put a major crimp in the snowmobile budget for 2012-13.

almanac and catepillars saying lots of snow this year.. won't hold my breath.

til later,

surgin

pantera

pantera — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 10:41:31 -0700

Oh, and regarding new sleds, Jeffro you weren't the only one to jinx it, my buddy at work bought a new one this season as well. If it wasn't for the trip he took with me he wouldn't have gone anywhere to ride it.

As for as our family goes, we'll be looking to upgrade the 2008 T660 Touring as my wife thinks its a dog. She drives that one, its the newest and has 'heated seats' not that they were needed this season but she used to drive the 2002 Pantera 600 which is what I drove this season. T660 has 53 hp as I said earlier and the Pantera has 110 hp, so yah she noticed the difference.

She wants a TZ1, not just for the HP (123 or so) but rather that the higher seat heat to running board will help her since she has had both knees replaced already. No, we are not Senior Citizens, she has some degenerative joint issue along with a couple of accidents (car & sled) that have contributed to the complete loss of cartilage in there, so it had to be done.

The 2008 TZ1 LXR is the one I want which is fully loaded with Cat Comm and all and I like the Black Cherry Red and Black color combo. She on the other hand wants the 2009 TZ1 LXR which is almost equally loaded except the Cat Comm is an option, not standard, but likes the ALL-Black hood with the hint of green in a small decal.

So, I guess I'll be looking for those from now until next season as not too many people sell these sleds right away like other units. They keep them for a long time. I've already done some searching & haven't come up with any of these yet, but I will, just have to have patience.

Take care, pantera

pantera

pantera — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 10:18:07 -0700

Continuation...

Saturday the temps were going up fast as expected so we planned to do some off-trail in the Ottowa forest. Wow, the snow was plenty deep yet & sticky. got the sleds stuck a few times out there on my way to investigate another couple old bridges. Didn't get to the bridges but had a pretty good time none the less. Got out of there & was heading to Bergland down #8 when we came across a couple guys on the trail we recognized. They were the 2 guys we bumped into at the gas station in Ontonogon with a badly bent Polaris Trailing arm & I gave them advice on which route to get back to Bessemer via 101, which I said I should have taken. Bent arm from hitting a major wash-out on the trail. Anyway, we talked to them & they too were ready for lunch so I told them they could follow us thru the logging roads rather then taking the bare trail to Lake Gogebic. #8 was melted back to almost nothing, it was bad. The ride thru the logging road was good, plenty of snow & plenty of fresh tracks that day from other sleds. When we got to the lake it was nothing but slush, period. The snow from friday was gone and I mean gone. The only snow left was just a coating on top of the water & slush. So we took a slush ride to Fishtales & had a bite to eat. After that my wife & I headed back thru the woods towards Wakefield on lots of white stuff & the other guys said they wanted to go to the Root Cellar for supper before heading back to Bessesmer so we said good bye and headed out.

Sunday: Yep, I had to go for a spin, just becuase I can't get enough riding in. So I headed from the house to up and out behind Indianhead to run up #11 which I figured wouldn't be too bad since it is well shaded & lesser traveled. I was right, it was pretty good and I took one of the old logging roads which I thought was one of the older routes of #11 over the years and got my way over to 519 like I expected. I cruised up #11 all the way to where it runs along the road & turned around there and headed back. Took a few side roads for fun since I knew this was it for the season and had a blast. Got back to the house & put the sleds away, packed up & headed home. I was sad.

Well that wasn't short, was it?

Not the end of the story either....

Somewhere south of Hayward the car started running crappy & was knocking, it wasn't sounding good. I figured there wasn't anything I could do so I took it real easy & would drive it as far as we could. Stayed off I35 so I could keep the RPM's down & took Hwy 65. Well, we got just about to Cambridge when it locked up & quit and I coasted to a stop on the off-ramp. No oil on the road, still in the pan, that's a good sign. Tried restarting & it struggled to turn over but it did fire up, so I quickly rolled it around and into the Perkins parking lot and shut'er down. Called my dad to grab my car trailer & straps with his pickup and about 3 hrs later he was there. Loaded it up & headed home with a stop by my work to grab my car since my wife met me there on the way up to save time. Got home around midnight or so and took monday off to work on the 'back-up' car for the wife since it was her car that blew. Got it going & while I was doing that she was looking for cars for sale. We looked at a few that afternoon and found once she really liked that we ended up going back on tuesday afternoon to purchase. The car that blew was a 1995 Buick Riviera with only 170K miles (the back-up car is also a 1995 Rivier with 263K miles) and we just picked up a 2002 Buick LeSabre with only 75K miles.

So that was my final weekend of riding.

Now get to either rebuild that engine or find another one to swap back in there. The fun never ends at our house.

Take care guys and again, sorry for the long post.

pantera

pantera

pantera — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 10:17:04 -0700

03/16/12 12:10 pm

Jeffro & Surgin,
Been nice having you guys to talk to on here as well.

I just realized I didn't give my final report and since the season is basically over I'll keep it brief.

Friday was great, temps were good & cool & the trails were beautiful thanks to the great groomer operaters. My wife & I cruised up #8 from Wakefield to Bergland which was smooth & traffic was very quiet, maybe only saw a couple sleds. Ran up #13 to Rockland which was also really sweet however it did get a bit rough on the east side of Norwich road where the groomer crews switch. The usual rough stuff going around Rockland but then nice up to Mass City and onward to Twin Lakes. Stopped for lunch at the Parkview Lodge again. Hopped onto the #13 loop up and around to Greenland which was also very nice. We did run into a few slushy spots before getting to Greenland since it was getting later in the day but nothing too bad. From Greenland we thought we would run to Ontonogan and back over to White Pine rather than take #13 back to Bergland. That was a mistake on my part. #12 to Ontonogon wasn't too bad, lots of melt-off along the roadway that had re-frozen and sometimes you broke thru to the water but not a big deal. Once into the woods it was pretty decent and I did expect it to be a bit bare at the bridge crossing in town so that I have mentally planned for, and it was. Got some gas on the west end by the Cat dealer, $4.04/gallon,, ouch... Didn't fill it needless to say. Leaving town wasn't too pretty either, pretty thin and bare along with some water crossings between fields that the wife was NOT happy about. Probably about 20' across of unknown depth that I told her to pin it to skip across otherwise we would have to head back to Greenland. She did it but didn't like it, she was driving the tank, 2008 T660 Touring, heavy & only 53 hp. Then of course that route runs along the road most of the way and then along the power lines so both were wet & slushy. Should have taken the 101 cut-across back to 13 but we wanted to stop at the Konteka in White Pine since we didn't have the kids with. All the years we have been riding up there we always have the kids with on the loop thru White Pine so we always stop at Antonios and have NEVER been into the Konteka, so this was the time to at least check it out. Another poor choice as that trail was also horrible with running water and hadn't been groomed in quite some time due to the overly warm conditions earlier. So, we got to the Konteka & they were $4.08/gallon for gas, ouch again. Decided I could make it to Bergland for fuel. Had a cold one at the Konteka, nice place & would like to stop there again, then headed to Bergland. Rough as usual leaving White Pine but once on the old Hwy it was great. Nice thru the woods north of Bergland too. Met up with a group of people at the intersection of 1 & 8 who were looking for fuel so I led them into Bergland where I grabbed some as well. We then headed across/down the lake to the Root Cellar for dinner, fish fry. I like the food at the Root Cellar but both my wife & I were not impressed with the Fish Fry, oh well. Headed back up the lake to get off at the Hoop & head back to Wakefield down 8 which wasn't too bad at all, I suspect since not much traffic.

Had to split this up... too long, go figure I got long-winded again...

pantera

Jeffro

Jeffro — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 08:28:29 -0700

Hey guys,

Well, looks like we have to call it a day on this abbreviated season. . . . Just wanted to say thanks again to pantera and surgin for the great postings you guys do, been a pleasure following you when I couldn't be up there - and am also looking forward to a better season next winter.
BTW, you asked about new sleds, well I'm guessing I'm to blame for the lack of snow this year as I had just bought a new Rush Pro-R 800 w/retro. . . . . sorry, guess I jinxed it!
Also about retiring up there - we've already got plans to do so - fortunate to have picked up some land on Porcupine Point of Lake Gogebic where in 9 years, 3 months and 1 day I'll be retired there! (I'm originally from Bessemer so that's still home for me)

Thanks again - have a great summer.
Jeffro

surgin

surgin — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 11:47:17 -0800

jeffro and pantera
great reports from you guys. WORK would not let me come up this weekend, and next weekend a challenge too..
don't know why they make this page so hard to get to, as well as the trail blogs for the other areas.. John Dee has some , but the format here is better for following your excellent reports. Just wish Michigan would have ATV trail systems like WI and MN... but understand the reasons why...

anyway... fair season this year.. thanks again to the groomers... without you here I would just be another west MN ditchbanger... and UP Mich would lose out on alot of revenue... Unless we are on the trail, we gas up EXCLUSIVELY at the BP in Bessemer cause they let us park in their lot at nights when we have more vehicles than driveway.. Wish all their gas was ethanol free, but the regular not bothering my fourstroke yet...

To be honest I am still thinking retiring up here would not be bad year round... and without snowmobiling not sure what else in life is as much fun... wonder if they would let me groom trails...

I do belong to MSA, and should join the groomer clubs.. but I do support the local advertisers...

good years guys... post if you pick up new sleds off season.... looking forward to cold cold winter next year...

surgin

pantera

pantera — Wed, 7 Mar 2012 09:53:43 -0800

03/07/12 12:00 pm

Jeffro, you missed a weekend of absolutely awesome conditions. We too are watching the forecast closely and firming up our plans to head up again tomorrow night. Friday's forecast looks real good but unfortunately saturday is a bit on the toasty side, damn that Fat Lady, why can't she wait a couple more weeks to tune-up her voice.... Guess we will plan to stay out deep in the Ottowa forest in the deep snow on saturday & just head in to town for food & fuel.

Surgin, you get'in in one more ride???

pantera

Jeffro

Jeffro — Wed, 7 Mar 2012 07:17:09 -0800

Hey Pantera, thanks for the excellent-as-usual trail report - I'm envious but just couldn't make it up this past weekend! Also can't make this weekend, have to start the process of switching my barn over from winter to spring mode. We will be watching the weather closely and bugging the folks up in Bessemer to keep us posted - hopefully they'll get one of late March 2-footers!
Good hooking up with you and Surgin on this board - thanks again to you both, and hope to be back posting in a couple of weeks!
Jeffro

North Guide

North Guide — Wed, 7 Mar 2012 06:58:25 -0800

Hello Everyone - Due to security breaches in the back end of the message board, we are going to have to shut down this system later today. We do have a Western U.P. message board at:

http://www.thetrailblog.com/?p=660

Thanks, pantera, Jeffro, surgin, for all of you postings.

pantera

pantera — Tue, 6 Mar 2012 12:28:31 -0800

03/06/12 02:15 pm

surgin & jeffro,
Well, Friday was a bit warm with sticky snow but Saturday the temps were in the 20's so it was fan-flipin-tastic!!! So Saturday I took the family & neighbor kid up 11N which was in the process of being groomed. We met the groomer on the way down within 10 miles of Indianhead village area so therefore it was a sweet ride up. Plenty of sleds coming down already, we didn't get going till after 12 pm taking care of a few things around the house. The groomer did go beyond the 'groomer turn-around' which the sign was now gone. However it appears that he only made one pass and took the road back so maybe was playing it safe to not break the ice where ever this 'wet' area was. I did not see it so it was good. That section, only a few miles not smooth as glass since it only had one pass over the prevous huge moguls but was nothing to slow our pace down with even the family 2-ups and a leaf-springer in the group. It was good.

South Boundary unfortunately is plowed about the first 6 miles in so it was hard-show shoulder & road bed until the logging entrance. Sure would be nice if they would groom the shoulder since it is loaded with packed snow anyway.
The rest of South Boundary was like dieing & going to heaven, wide, smooth & plenty of soft snow all the way to the lake. Even the route to Lake of the Clouds had good snow cover and not that tore up either. Across to Silver City was definately one of the best that I've run it. It had white snow instead of snirt & dirt. A little wet at the east-end turn to head south & a few wet/slushy spots for the first few miles. Around White Pine it was tore up like usual on both the north & south but once you got past the intersection for 12 going east it got better. The old road the rest of the way south was very nice, lots of snow. The short run after crossing Hwy 64 was pretty nice as well, we cruised right along and this was late in the day after stopping to eat at Antonio's in White Pine. We stayed on #8 the rest of the way back to Wakefield which wasn't in too bad of shape either for that late in the day.

Sunday the boys & I went for a spin after fixing the heat tape on the roof of the house and headed towards Bingo's but unfortunately the old logging road heading north just east of Bingo's was freshly plowed & a new 'No Snowmobiling' sign had be put up. So, since we don't ignore those signs we turned around & headed towards Marenisco to do a little riding in that area of the Ottowa National Forest. We just went down a couple of old logging roads so they could drive in the deeper powder and played around in that for a while & then headed back to the house in order to load up & head home.

Summary:
The absolute best riding of the season, bar none. Would have loved to stay for a few more days, even though the temps are going to be rising today. We are planning to head right back up again thursday night, but without the kids, just the Mrs. & I to do some more riding. Gotta ride before the season is over & although the fat lady is clearing her throat a bit there is still going to be some great riding up there for quite a while yet, in my opinion.

BTW: I did see the remains of that Cat that burned by the Tula tracks. Too bad, I wonder what happened...

Hope you guys got some good riding in too or are planning to.

pantera

Jeffro

Jeffro — Mon, 5 Mar 2012 11:30:43 -0800

So guys, how was the rest of the weekend sledding? Looking at this week's forecast, the fat lady may be warming up. . . .
Jeffro

pantera

pantera — Sat, 3 Mar 2012 06:19:51 -0800

Surgin,
We didnt get going till afternoon since I had to finish plowing driveway & take care of other stuff. The kids ran around yard and got the sleds stuck many times, me too.

We then rode to marenisco and back. Trails had plenty of snow but had seen a bit of traffic but still a comfortable ride. Planning to run 11n and around to white pine to lunch. Then see where we go from there. Have the kid on the 79 jag again which did complete the 'Ride with the Champs' run with me.

Today should be much better with colder temps & hopefully they groomed 11N last night.

Have a good one.

Pantera

surgin

surgin — Fri, 2 Mar 2012 17:35:57 -0800

oops
13 from 101 to northern lights junction fair after that is was great til the big downhill to the river. got soft and snirty after that until rockland
same on 3 from rockland to junction with 12 near mass city.. 3 north to twin lakes very good at speed.
Lunch at twin lakes good crowd there...
down bill nichols... soft in a few spots but mostly great...
3 down to 8 mixed. soft with snirt top half, faster and cleaner afrer crossing into the park until 8
8 from ewen to gogebic had no bare patches.. it was soft but groomer was doing a good job of smoothing
no slush on lake to the hoop, eight from hoop to the crossing of 28 was smooth and fast. from there on it was tough.. and moguls big enuff to swallow cars..
at the rail road cross where the dnr likes to hide a turbo cat went poof.. at first the driver was engulfed in a flame ball, then just little flames under the hood.. we tried throwing snow at it.. but there was a steady flame in the belly pan.. it was weird.. the headlight was turning themsleves on and off.. and the smoke got thicker and thicker til it lit up. all the plastic started to burn, but the gas tank never went off....

got some vid and pics will try to post later...

day and trails would have been perfect a few degrees colder, but hoping they groom tonight. forcast sat cooler and then cold sunday...

on traffic.. a few families.. mostly guy groups lot of them heading off trail..

enjoy the end of the season!!!

surgin

surgin — Fri, 2 Mar 2012 17:19:25 -0800

pantera...
long day, no break downs.. trail report....
11 N from 2 thru the woods not groomed, but not bad. same with the part that paralleled the road til the turn at the bridge...
did not see the groomer turn around sigh... and did not see much water hazard either..
first 5 miles of the road into the park past the bridge plowed, some cover, but melting fast.
one past the logging it was wide open highway to the lake.. 102 looked good as we passed...
1 thru silver city was not bad but also melting. trail 1 to white pine good.
12 from 1 to 101 good with brake bumps at the bridges...
101 to 13 very good.. park service was taking a survey of sledders heading north.

North Guide

North Guide — Fri, 2 Mar 2012 07:29:48 -0800

Western U.P. Trail Report - Western U.P. Bureau - 03/02

With all the new snow we have gotten this past week don't miss the opportunity for some great riding. Snow showers are in the forecast through Sunday. Temps will be in the 20's with lows in the teens and 20's.

GOGEBIC RANGE TRAIL AUTHORITY - Overall conditions are good to very good with all trails being groomed. There is a small detour on 160 that is marked. You have to ride the side of the road on VanDerHagen from Sunset Road to the railroad tracks. On 11N, use caution around the water spot, signs are posted.
LOGGING IS PLANNED OFF OF SOUTH BOUNDARY ROAD SO WATCH FOR SIGNS AND PLOWED AREAS.

LAKE GOGEBIC AREA GROOMERS - They are packing the fresh snow and grooming all trails and all are in good condition. Logging has not started on Trail 1 going south yet, but watch for signs. Remember to watch out for the groomers.

U.P.THUNDER RIDERS OF WATERSMEET - With all the fresh new snow all trails are being groomed and are in good condition. Still use caution on corners as they maybe icy.

Keep in mind the groomers will be out day and night, so watch for them and PLEASE slow down and wait for the operator to signal you by whenever you see them.

ABOUT THE ICE: There is no such thing as "safe ice" due to underwater currents. If you choose to go out, be sure you talk to locals where you intend to ride for specific information about the ice depth and other factors...be aware you will be riding at your own risk.

Here are a few gas station updates. The gas station in Paulding is closed, so plan ahead for filling up. On the up side the gas station in Marenisco is now open.

pantera

pantera — Thu, 1 Mar 2012 13:41:24 -0800

03/01/12 03:35 pm

surgin,
My schedule just freed up at work!! The guy I work with who was going to be out of town friday night, is not. Therefore he offered to do what I needed to do since he still can't come with snowmobiling since he has commitments on saturday. Therefore: I CAN COME UP THIS WEEKEND!!!! WHOOOOOO HOOOOOOO!!!!

Heading out of work a little early so I can hook up the trailer & head out tonight!!

However, when I get up there I will have to plow about 2 1/2 feet of snow out of the driveway before I will be able to get my truck & trailer up the driveway. Oh well, the price ya gotta pay to play. :-)

Hope you have a good one up there.

pantera

North Guide

North Guide — Thu, 1 Mar 2012 09:30:15 -0800

Western U.P. Trail Report - Western U.P. Bureau - 03/01

We have received 13.8 inches of new snow in the Ironwood area,with snow showers in the forecast through Sunday. Temps will be in the 20's and 30's with lows in the teens and 20's. The fresh snow has helped to make for a fun experience snowmobiling.

GOGEBIC RANGE TRAIL AUTHORITY - Overall conditions are good with all trails being groomed. There is a small detour on 160 that is marked. You have to ride the side of the road on VanDerHagen from Sunset Road to the railroad tracks. On 11N, use caution around the water spot, signs are posted.
LOGGING IS PLANNED OFF OF SOUTH BOUNDARY ROAD SO WATCH FOR SIGNS AND PLOWED AREAS.

LAKE GOGEBIC AREA GROOMERS - They are packing the fresh snow and grooming all trails and all are in good condition. Logging has not started on Trail 1 going south yet, but watch for signs. Remember to watch out for the groomers.

U.P.THUNDER RIDERS OF WATERSMEET - They received 8 inches of new snow. All trails are being groomed and are in good condition. Still use caution on corners as they maybe icy.

Keep in mind the groomers will be out day and night, so watch for them and PLEASE slow down and wait for the operator to signal you by whenever you see them.

ABOUT THE ICE: There is no such thing as "safe ice" due to underwater currents. If you choose to go out, be sure you talk to locals where you intend to ride for specific information about the ice depth and other factors...be aware you will be riding at your own risk.

Here are a few gas station updates. The gas station in Paulding is closed, so plan ahead for filling up. On the up side the gas station in Marenisco is now open.

surgin

surgin — Thu, 1 Mar 2012 05:13:45 -0800

hey all,

wow... nohrsc snow depth maxed over whole UP!! heading up this PM hoping groomers smooth it all out for a great couple of days.... pantera hope you can get up this weekend.. 40s next week would be bad for us trail folk....

ride safe everyone..

surgin

pantera

pantera — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 15:03:22 -0800

Jeffro,
Even though I gotta work friday night I'm still trying to work something out to get up there to ride Saturday and Sunday. My dealer wants to come up & ride with me too, but this week he is out of town learning about the new 2013 Cats so he is hard to get a hold of. But maybe him & I can sneak up there for a 2-day weekend rather that a 3-day weekend with the family & get in some riding while the conditions are at their peak!!

I too will be watching the forecast & actuals next week since I have the weekend of the 10-12th open to go up yet again...

pantera

Jeffro

Jeffro — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 11:46:27 -0800

Agree with you Pantera, sucks as we're not able to get back up this weekend either. Have a long weekend open for next weekend, but I think the warm up is going to take care of that - will be watching closely though!
Bessemer got a foot+ today already, and it's still coming down. With all of the snow last weekend and now this, the next few days could be some of the best riding of the year - figures!!!

Jeffro

pantera

pantera — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:03:19 -0800

02/29/12 12:00

This sucks, the U.P. is getting hammered with new snow & I have to work this weekend!! I can come up the following weekend but I see some temps forecasted in the mid 40's, which isn't any good.

Hopefully it won't get that warm & the new snow will hold up well.

pantera

pantera

pantera — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 10:31:28 -0800

02/27/12 12:30

GOOD NEWS!! SNOWWWW!!!

I've been watching the forecasts & hoping things would get whiter.

Jeffro,
If you haven't done the Freda loop, do it. Most people don't so it is usually quiet & smooth. Go all the way to the end & check out the old Dam built back around 1904. You can also take a little spin around the back side of the dam to see the other side. (SE side)

Glad you got some new snow for your riding.

surgin,
Ok, so the water spot they keep talking about is up past the groomer turn around, makes sense, just haven't cruised up there this season yet. As for South Boundary I have always wondered too why they need to plow it wide for those couple miles. It has been that way since we have been going up there, 1996. If they could just leave the snow on the side so the groomer could pack & groom that we wouldn't have to run the carbides on the tar when the sun melts things back. Going down from the Black Jack entrance to behind Indianhead is sometimes the same bare road but it looked like the groomer ran along the shoulder this year. Its trail conditions like that they make me pick & choose my routes depending on whether or not there was 'fresh' snow becuase I know if there isn't those places are usually bad.

As for the off-trail stuff, I hear ya, lots of people don't want to venture off the groomed trail especially with kids. I on the other hand have been running them for so many years that it's not a big deal to me anymore. Just make sure you have enough fuel, food (snacks), water and more than 1 machine in case you have issues. (and a tow rope) Our kids love it out back in the deep stuff, my wife not so much but she will do it especially when the trails are in tough shape from heavy daytime traffic or just plain melted away.

I wish I could go up this weekend, but have things to do for work on friday night. But planning for the following weekend (10-12th) which if the snow stays & they continue to get more that should be awesome!!

pantera

Jeffro

Jeffro — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 10:24:49 -0800

Our sledding on Sunday, in a word, AWESOME! They did get the continual lake effect snow, pretty much non-stop. Was still snowing when we left for home this morning at 8:00 a.m. Wife is driving so I decided to get on-line and give you the latest.
Sunday we left Lake Gogebic and took 8E to 3N up to Mass City, and then on up to Twin Lakes. The one gas station there is closed, but there is gas available at that Mom and Pop place; we opted to use the BP in Mass City knowing for sure they have no ethanol premium - not sure about Twin Lakes. Anyway, the trails really befitted from all the snow - 6" on Friday, 6" on Saturday, another 4-5" on Sunday. The next big one is supposed to hit them starting Wednesday, and with temps staying low at night (low teens or lower) the trails should stay good for awhile yet. As always the Bill Nichols section of trail 3 was just incredibly good - lots of new snow up that way as well. Up to just south of Houghton and then turned around and back down the same rout. Houghton was getting pounded by lake effect yesterday mid-day, visibility was really limited.
You can sure tell how far the lake effect goes before it drops off on the Western end of the U.P. - once again 8 from Ewen west 8 miles or so had a thin (but very ridable) base, with only a couple of really short spots of near bare. Also the area on 3 for a couple of miles on both sides of the firestell tressles was really humpy but still lots of snow. Other than that like I said we really hit it right! Hopefully everything will continue so we can make another run in two weeks. For those of you going up next week/weekend it should be great still.

Till next time,
Jeffro

North Guide

North Guide — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 07:55:22 -0800

Western U.P. Trail Report - Western U.P. Bureau - 02/27

We have received 6-8 inches of new snow and it is still snowing. Snow is in the forecast through Wednesday. Temps will be in the 20's and 30's with lows in the teens and 20's. The fresh snow has helped to make for a fun experience snowmobiling.

GOGEBIC RANGE TRAIL AUTHORITY - Overall conditions are good with all trails being groomed. There is a small detour on 160 that is marked. You have to ride the side of the road on VanDerHagen from Sunset Road to the railroad tracks. On 11N, use caution around the water spot, signs are posted.
LOGGING IS PLANNED OFF OF SOUTH BOUNDARY ROAD SO WATCH FOR SIGNS AND PLOWED AREAS.

LAKE GOGEBIC AREA GROOMERS - They are packing the fresh snow and grooming all trails and all are in good condition. Logging has not started on Trail 1 going south yet, but watch for signs. Remember to watch out for the groomers.

U.P.THUNDER RIDERS OF WATERSMEET - They received 8 inches of new snow and it is still coming down. All trails are being groomed and are in good condition. Still use caution on corners as they maybe icy.

Keep in mind the groomers will be out day and night, so watch for them and PLEASE slow down and wait for the operator to signal you by whenever you see them.

ABOUT THE ICE: There is no such thing as "safe ice" due to underwater currents. If you choose to go out, be sure you talk to locals where you intend to ride for specific information about the ice depth and other factors...be aware you will be riding at your own risk.

Here are a few gas station updates. The gas station in Paulding is closed, so plan ahead for filling up. On the up side the gas station in Marenisco is now open.

surgin

surgin — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 09:36:52 -0800

that is just the report we hoped to hear. now the question is the 0 to 20 inches on tuesday...

Jeffro

Jeffro — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 06:19:08 -0800

Hey guys - short trip yesterday; decided to trailer from Bessemer to Lake Gogebic - won't get into it here but TONS of problems getting the trailer out and ready to go. Friday they got 5 - 6 inches of snow and then another 6 Friday night through Saturday morning so lots of new white stuff. Got friends on the east shore of the lake that built a house last year, so we parked there. Took 13 up to Bergland and then on to Rockland; some really good and some not so good. The area through the power lines in particular was great, but then about 2 miles out of Rockland turned to snirt. Took 3 back down, which is in awesome shape! Right after we crossed the river at the bottom of Military Hill we saw a black wolf hot on the trail of a fox - looked like the fox was winning but who knows! Couldn't get the camera out in time but what a sight! Anyway 3 really was in great shape all the way to Ewen. Of course around town the trails thin out some, but not horrible. Then 8 back to Bergland; on the Ewen end there were a couple of short bare spots, but the rest of the way lots of snow and good running - pretty amazing, you can pretty much tell where the lake effect zone stops! Finally met up with my first groomer of the year on 8 in Topaz - yeah! Gassed up in Bergland, hardly any sleds around, usually have to wait in line at Nordines but we just pulled right up. Then putted around the lake for awhile, then back down 13 south along East Shore road and back to the trailer. Had dinner and a few beverages and games with our friends at the lake, and are headed back out there in a few to hook up with them. Back to Rockland and then up into the Bill Nichols trail and then Houghton. Just checked the weather and another warning, 4-7 between today and tomorrow, starting to snow already. Not alot of traffic, expect even less today. With the new snow there's only a few icy corners here and there. Temps last night were down near zero so the trails should hold up still.
Jeffro

surgin

surgin — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 05:14:28 -0800

Pantera,

you are right, our Jag was a 1975... the first sled we got when Dad moved us to MN was a red Scorpion Stingeroo... 293 cc's I believe... fun on the lake... could not climb a hill.

on 11N.. after running that a couple of times this year it seems there was that one water area that the groomer did not want to tackle, it is just turned around... it was a little shy of where the snow cover usually seems to thin as you get closer to the lake with the river on the east side of the trail...

It seems that the last year or two the first part of the road that becomes the boundry road in the park was blocked at the bridge right at the turn. That road got paved and the guard rails put in just a few years ago... This year it appears that the road was left open to the park entrance to allow logging. What still baffles me is the need for the county or state plows to plow that road to bare road bed from edge to edge for loggers who could easily drive on hard pack snow... saw it this year on 11 S near WI and on the south end of Bill Nichols trail! Sledders bring in so much revenue to this State and county. leave some snow on part of the road and groom the trail to the top of 11N! and get gas back near the Porkies so people don't run out! Who will come back after encountering those situations?

I know.. I know.. stick to back roads... but some of us like to bring up family and friends, who like trails groomed and marked and close to gas and grub... Over and over I promote the superiority of western UP trails over those in WI and MN, even in years like this... but if you are going to have trail maps... then have groomed snowcovered trails when the snow gods allow!!!

Jeffro, looking forward to your report and hoping you get snow sunday night... 20+ inches midweek would be better!! we are coming up Thursday, and maybe even Wednesday night... so post it here when you can....

surgin

Jeffro

Jeffro — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 10:31:30 -0800

Thanks for the feedback Pantera.

Has anybody been on the trails lately from Rockland up to the Keeweenaw, Freda Loop, etc? Is there a message board for that area, or trail reports?

Thanks again.

Jeffro

pantera

pantera — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 09:47:21 -0800

02/24/12 11:45 am

surgin,
yes it was a bit difficult to find this board again & log in. I called the U.P. visitors buruea a couple of time to finally get here, and Donna was very nice & helpful.

Yes our ride was filled with adventure & reminded me of the days too when I drove my 1972 Puma that I bought from my dad. Do you have a 1972 Puma/Cheetah/Panther or a 1975 or newer Jag? (1975 was the first year of the Jag.)

The forecast for the area is a bit up & down as it has been all season. Snow coming, at least a little at a time, but then a bit of a warm up again which never helps.

jeffro,
If you have also been reading their trail reports you will no doubt have seen that the better conditions will be on the trails in the woods. #13 from Bergland to Rockland and beyond should be pretty good but you want to get up & back earlier rather than later as it does see a lot of use & will deteriorate as the day goes one. Bessemer to Wakefield might not be too good but probably better than we ran last weekend coming out of St. Germain, WI on our way up to Lake Gogebic. I would also suspect that #8 east of Bergland will not be too good as that RR grade is quite open & exposed to the sun. #1 up to White Pine should be pretty good as well as #102 which is buried deep in the woods but I wouldn't want to go across the top by Silver City as that isn't too good on a good snow year so I can only imagine how bad it is this year. #11 was great up to the groomer turn-around so you might run up that & back too.

The guys are definately doing the best they can with these poor conditions.

Speaking of #11 & the groomer turn-around, does anyone know why they are doing that this season rather than heading all the way up to south boundary? Due to time constraints we didn't go up any farther a couple of weeks ago but there was plenty of snow at that time. South Boundary is usually plowed the first 5-7 miles in for logging so that isn't 'groomed' but once you get past that it is usually beautiful from there up to the lake.

pantera