Update 2-8-2010
I haven't rode much to the south...but I've heard conditions are fair at best. We haven't got any real warm temps lately but we haven't got any snow either in a while either. I've seen a fair amount of sleds around lately and the trail to the falls is pretty full of rollers that the groomer couldn't knock down (hard as a rock). I can only imagine the south trails are as bad or worse. Oh and one last heads up the corners are really icy!!!
I haven't rode much to the south...but I've heard conditions are fair at best. We haven't got any real warm temps lately but we haven't got any snow either in a while either. I've seen a fair amount of sleds around lately and the trail to the falls is pretty full of rollers that the groomer couldn't knock down (hard as a rock). I can only imagine the south trails are as bad or worse. Oh and one last heads up the corners are really icy!!!
HRD2PLZ
Expert
my take: we stayed in Newberry last weekend and went to Curtis on Thurs and the trails were fine til about 3 miles out of Curtis (throught the swamp) and it turned to sh!t, then rode about a mile or so of side road (pavement) to Tally Ho for dinner, took soem back trails given by locals (and across a lake) to get back and bypass the swamp (thanks guys) was fun, and didn't even get lost!! Rode to the falls on Friday but had an accident within the group (she's ok, sled....not so much), but those trails were pretty good. Rode to Grand Marais on Saturday and then over to Pine Stump Junction and back down to Newberry on Saturday and those trails were pretty good, a few icy corners, but otherwise, more snow than we have in Gaylord by far. Overall great weekend, blue skies, decent temps and only one wrecked sled but no injuries (other than a few brusies). Just a note....if you insure your sleds make sure you have changed over from just comprehensive from the summer, check twice, get my drift.Looks like they will be paying for a wrecked sled for a few years. BTW....thanks to all the sleds and people that stopped for that accident, it was awesome to see that many (about 20-30 sleds) there to help within just minutes. I was leading the group that day and went back first only to find many people already there helping, got love the snowmobiling community. She is ok, just a few bruises and soreness, but ok. Thanks again (she was on the F5). My wife almost followed her into that creek and trees. Be careful, some corners are icy.
well we are going to be in stongs and going all over west probably...maybe a little east to the casino in brimley but the plan is to stay north of m-28. Going tomorrow through Sunday so should be fun...
HRD2PLZ
Expert
poleclimber said:
thought I saw your sled for sale, what's up? have fun, definitely stay north or go west. careful on the corners.
Update 2-11-2010
We got a "dusting" of snow from that big storm that they were worried about downstate. 2" to the south and around an 1" as you get further north. There is no talk of any warmer temps but there is snow in the forecast. Its gunna be tough to get the ice out of the corners without getting a little above freezing so that condition will probably persist for quite some time. The trails aren't terrible but we sure could use some snow.
We got a "dusting" of snow from that big storm that they were worried about downstate. 2" to the south and around an 1" as you get further north. There is no talk of any warmer temps but there is snow in the forecast. Its gunna be tough to get the ice out of the corners without getting a little above freezing so that condition will probably persist for quite some time. The trails aren't terrible but we sure could use some snow.
HEAVYD
Extreme
STU, I know why you guys dont have any snow!
its all down here 500 miles south. getting another
3 inches today, 6 yesterday, 12 last week. I'm
trying to send it north it just wont leave! Been
riding but no trail system makes for a boring day.
did have an interesting crash! RX1's are really
HEAVY when there on top of you!!!!!!
its all down here 500 miles south. getting another
3 inches today, 6 yesterday, 12 last week. I'm
trying to send it north it just wont leave! Been
riding but no trail system makes for a boring day.
did have an interesting crash! RX1's are really
HEAVY when there on top of you!!!!!!
Well we did get some snow but we sure could use more. Still working on some way to ship that snow our direction, HEAVYD? What's the story behind dropping the RX-Ton on top of you? Bang the ditch and the ditch banged back?
Update 2-22-2010
Well I put about 90-100 miles on my sled this weekend but only about 3/4 of a mile was on the trail system. There is only one word to describe the marked trails right now....UCK. They're almost as bare as the plowed gravel roads in the county. Right now trail riding is probably better in downtown Lansing. However, the snow OFF trail in the vast backwoods trails, open plains and hills is more respectable. Mind, you CANNOT get stuck unless you try climbing a 30 foot high, snow drifted hill at a 60 degree angle with no momentum (yep that's what it took to get stuck but made it up on the second try). You can run pretty much anywhere and there is good foot of snow in the woods; no bare ground where sleds haven't been. Unless you're feeling adventureous and like to just explore around with no particular destination...I'd hold off on any long trail excursions until (if) we get at least another 6" of snow fall. I'll post if/when conditions worsen/improve.
Well I put about 90-100 miles on my sled this weekend but only about 3/4 of a mile was on the trail system. There is only one word to describe the marked trails right now....UCK. They're almost as bare as the plowed gravel roads in the county. Right now trail riding is probably better in downtown Lansing. However, the snow OFF trail in the vast backwoods trails, open plains and hills is more respectable. Mind, you CANNOT get stuck unless you try climbing a 30 foot high, snow drifted hill at a 60 degree angle with no momentum (yep that's what it took to get stuck but made it up on the second try). You can run pretty much anywhere and there is good foot of snow in the woods; no bare ground where sleds haven't been. Unless you're feeling adventureous and like to just explore around with no particular destination...I'd hold off on any long trail excursions until (if) we get at least another 6" of snow fall. I'll post if/when conditions worsen/improve.
HEAVYD
Extreme
RX TON IS CORRECT!! climbed a snow bank( man made of course) about 12 feet high. when I crested it I was between snow piles, my right ski caught the right pile and WAH LA there I lay upside down in
the middle of 2 frozen icebergs! the only good part
about this(yes there is a good part) is between my legs holding the rear of the sled up and my face and
chest keeping the hood from contacting the snow, my new paint job didnt even get scratched!!! it took
2 people and a small boy to get it off, Thank GOD
for the small boy because he was the only one not laughing!!!
the middle of 2 frozen icebergs! the only good part
about this(yes there is a good part) is between my legs holding the rear of the sled up and my face and
chest keeping the hood from contacting the snow, my new paint job didnt even get scratched!!! it took
2 people and a small boy to get it off, Thank GOD
for the small boy because he was the only one not laughing!!!
That'll learn ya....naw probably just keep you a little leary for a couple weeks... 
snowracer1000
Extreme
I just got back from Gran Marais, we went up Sunday through Thursday first day we rode to wetmore trails sucked. second day to Marquette trail sucked again thank god for the groomer. Third day Kingston plains then to pine stump good trails. Last day to the falls great trails other than a few spots. The only real complaint i have is the disrespect that people show the trail i have never picked up so many burnt belts and beer cans in one day.
Frustrating ain't it? Ya packed it in, why the hell can't ya pack it out? We got 3" of wet heavy on Friday but looking at the forecast, for the first week of March here...it ain't gunna be pretty. The snow is really soft as it is and they are talking for temps around freezing and above with no snow in sight.
Update 03-08-10
Well the trails are in tough shape now. It still gets below freezing at night but daily highs have been in the hi 40s and low 50s (degrees F). To find any snow that isn't snirt, you'll have to get off the main trails now. We may have another surprise storm before this winter is done but not anytime soon and most of the base will be gone.
Well the trails are in tough shape now. It still gets below freezing at night but daily highs have been in the hi 40s and low 50s (degrees F). To find any snow that isn't snirt, you'll have to get off the main trails now. We may have another surprise storm before this winter is done but not anytime soon and most of the base will be gone.
I just got back from a trip up there. We dropped at Seney. Pretty bad going out for about 5-7 miles. Lots of dodging dirt and grass on the trail. Once you get out aways from town.. awesome. We rode from Seney to Munising on friday, trails were just fine. Booked a room in Munising, rode back to get the trailer at Seney. The 5-7 miles of bad stuff had increased maybe a mile or so. Rode south from Munising to Shingleton, only bad spot was right behind the BP station in Munising (maybe it's Whetmore.. I never pay attention). Maybe 1/2 mile of really poor trail once you head into the woods, then fine after that. Not much snow around the town of Shingleton, but out on the trails it was good. We rode south from there.. NOBODY out there. Trails were killer. Went to Big Springs and only part of that trail that was bad was right near the springs. Rode from there to Midway to get gas. Rode to the Buckhorn for some food and stuff. Trails were fine. How to get there I have no idea. All trails look the same to me.. snow with trees on either side.. I just follow whoever is leading. Rode towards Cooks (where that is again.. no idea) trails were fine for the most part, but then lack of snow made us turn around. Everyone we had talked to at the hotels and gas stations were all headed north.. which is why we didn't go that way 
In 380 miles of riding, probably saw 40 total sleds. Kept passing the same groups of people.
Overall WAY more snow out on the trails than I expected once you got away from towns or stayed away from the usual places people go.
In 380 miles of riding, probably saw 40 total sleds. Kept passing the same groups of people.Overall WAY more snow out on the trails than I expected once you got away from towns or stayed away from the usual places people go.
RunninRX1 said:
That pretty much says it all. Thanks for the update Runnin!
