December 3rd, 2006
Rode 5 miles today in my driveway, and small field.
I wanted to check, and make sure everything is ready to go for the upcoming snowmobile season. This is the first time the sled has been ridden since being brought out of summer storage.
Everything seems to check good.
Luckily yesterdays 2 1/2 inch snow started with freezing rain which eventually froze, and provided a pretty good base in which to briefly do a check ride.
Much more snow is required for any distance riding, plus the lakes not frozen over yet. The ponds, and lakes in Northern Maine are all connectors to the local club trails, as well as the State ITS system of trails.
The weather service has forecast below freezing temperatures for the entire week. The Tuesday low should be around 0 deg. F.
Rode 5 miles today in my driveway, and small field.
I wanted to check, and make sure everything is ready to go for the upcoming snowmobile season. This is the first time the sled has been ridden since being brought out of summer storage.
Everything seems to check good.
Luckily yesterdays 2 1/2 inch snow started with freezing rain which eventually froze, and provided a pretty good base in which to briefly do a check ride.
Much more snow is required for any distance riding, plus the lakes not frozen over yet. The ponds, and lakes in Northern Maine are all connectors to the local club trails, as well as the State ITS system of trails.
The weather service has forecast below freezing temperatures for the entire week. The Tuesday low should be around 0 deg. F.
Attachments
December 8th, 2006
Well, I officially have 10 miles, and 30 feet of riding in the book now.
We are still waiting for the lakes to freeze over hard. As windy as it was with a few white caps on the lake, it still may take some time for ice to form. Northern Maine also needs much more snow.
So, this ride was what I call a "utility ride". I rode around the property, checked out the perimeter, picked up the mail at the mail box, groomed the drive way, and rode down my own sled trail to the lake, and wondered what if...?
Any day you can ride though, is a real good day!
Well, I officially have 10 miles, and 30 feet of riding in the book now.
We are still waiting for the lakes to freeze over hard. As windy as it was with a few white caps on the lake, it still may take some time for ice to form. Northern Maine also needs much more snow.
So, this ride was what I call a "utility ride". I rode around the property, checked out the perimeter, picked up the mail at the mail box, groomed the drive way, and rode down my own sled trail to the lake, and wondered what if...?
Any day you can ride though, is a real good day!
From page three to page one...
A funny thing happened to me on my way to the "TY Mileage Fun Contest". There was "no snow" to ride in Maine.
Since there was "no snow" in Northern Maine, and didn't have any riding conditions until early January, I went on a "Road Trip" to Europe, for almost a month.
Might as well!
Click on the video below:
http://s90.photobucket.com/albums/k241/ ... 0_0900.flv
My wife and I had a superb Christmas, and New Years while patiently waiting for snow in Northern Maine.
We went to one of the segments of the "4 Hills", World Cup Ski Jumping Tournament in Garmisch, Germany. The winner jumped 124 meters, or 341 feet. It was a pretty cool event.
Notice in the video the surrounding mountains, there was very little snow in the Bavarian Alps.
Click on the video below:
http://s90.photobucket.com/albums/k241/ ... 0_0970.flv
Arrived back home on January 11th, and on January 12th, I started cranking out miles.
Here is the sequence:
Start miles: 12,001
January 19th
January 24th
January 28th
January 28th
To date: January 28th, 2007, In 16 days, I have completed 3,004 miles.
The snowmobile trail condition reports are fairly accurate. In "The County", good to poor conditions are the norm throughout. You can't get to good riding areas without riding through some poor areas. Some areas are quite hazardous because of obstacles such as; washouts, rocks, logs, and limbs snagged by groomers, then deposited in the trails. Low snow, no snow, ice, and snirt conditions are very plentiful as well.
Poor Conditions
The ice on the lakes is not very good this year. Two pickup trucks are on the bottom of Eagle Lake in 56 feet of water. Luckily, all survived. Recovery efforts are under way.
The rail beds are in the best shape. Early and often grooming has really paid off to maintain a pretty good base despite the high volume of traffic.
105 Rail bed North of Washburn, ME
Here is a scenic overlook and view along the 105 rail bed trail heading towards Washburn, ME.
Me, and my shadow heading North on the 105 to Van Buren, ME
Van Buren, ME is also a border crossing point into New Brunswick, Canada
US Customs, Van Buren, ME
Tulsa Station, Van Buren, ME
If you stop in Eagle Lake, ME for gas, The Bald Eagle, Irving Station, or the Gulf Station across the street are your only choices.
On ITS 85, roughly half way between Eagle Lake, ME and Fort Kent, ME is the Carter Brook "Sno-Birds" Snowmobile Club House and warming shelter. The club house has a wood burning stove that makes a very pleasant stop nice and warm. There is a lot of history with the club and its location. If the walls could talk! Last years Club President was our very own TY member, "Highmiler"
Carter Brook "Sno-Birds" Snowmobile Club
In the North Maine Woods it is what it is...
Most trails are marked well. Here are some examples.
Intersection of ITS 85 and "The Heritage Trail" through Fort Kent.
Marker on rail bed 105 showing the turn to Portage, ME using ITS 90
In Fort Kent, you have several choices. Just enter the downtown trail, ride the levy along the St John River and then turn into the town for fuel food, lodging, banking and most any other needs you may have. Just ask.
Riding on the levy into Fort Kent, ME
Fort Kent is very "snowmobile friendly".
Key Bank, Fort Kent, ME USD, and Canada Currency Exchange
US Customs Fort Kent, ME
Bridge to Clair, NB Canada
Fort Kent, ME Groomers
Fort Kent, ME Ski Slope
Those coming to ride in "The County," treat yourself to a ride to Escourt, ME, the "pointy tip" of Northern Maine. Plan your trip well. Gas is not available anymore in Dickey, ME. You will need to fuel up at Johns Store, in St Francis, ME, or Chamberlians Store, in Allagash, ME. The gaz bar in Escourt is available during the day, Monday - Saturday. Escourt is also a Canada border crossing point to Quebec. The Escourt trail was in excellent shape.
Trail to Escourt, ME
My brother and our buddy "TJ" on the old Irving airstrip approximately 4 miles south of Escourt, ME.
This is the end of the airstrip. A stop sign is placed here because two snowmobilers were racing on the airstrip about six years ago in low visibility conditions. Both riders failed to stop. One rider plunged to his death, and the other survived with injuries. Moral: Ride safely, and maintain your own situational awareness.
Here would be the "normal" St John River crossing point to get to the Escourt trail, and back, but not this year. Ice flows, and jams will not allow it. Cross the river using the bridge in the photo.
More Ice flows, and jams
"The Posse" returning from Escourt, ME
RS Venture has been running flawlessly.
A belt finally came apart that had over 9,000 miles on it.
Marginal snow wheel bearings are the only issue. The bearings need to be replaced due to wear.
More to follow on the next post.
Again, 3,004 miles completed.
I am having fun riding my red, three holed, iron pony.
A funny thing happened to me on my way to the "TY Mileage Fun Contest". There was "no snow" to ride in Maine.
Since there was "no snow" in Northern Maine, and didn't have any riding conditions until early January, I went on a "Road Trip" to Europe, for almost a month.
Might as well!
Click on the video below:
http://s90.photobucket.com/albums/k241/ ... 0_0900.flv
My wife and I had a superb Christmas, and New Years while patiently waiting for snow in Northern Maine.
We went to one of the segments of the "4 Hills", World Cup Ski Jumping Tournament in Garmisch, Germany. The winner jumped 124 meters, or 341 feet. It was a pretty cool event.
Notice in the video the surrounding mountains, there was very little snow in the Bavarian Alps.
Click on the video below:
http://s90.photobucket.com/albums/k241/ ... 0_0970.flv
Arrived back home on January 11th, and on January 12th, I started cranking out miles.
Here is the sequence:
Start miles: 12,001
January 19th
January 24th
January 28th
January 28th
To date: January 28th, 2007, In 16 days, I have completed 3,004 miles.
The snowmobile trail condition reports are fairly accurate. In "The County", good to poor conditions are the norm throughout. You can't get to good riding areas without riding through some poor areas. Some areas are quite hazardous because of obstacles such as; washouts, rocks, logs, and limbs snagged by groomers, then deposited in the trails. Low snow, no snow, ice, and snirt conditions are very plentiful as well.
Poor Conditions
The ice on the lakes is not very good this year. Two pickup trucks are on the bottom of Eagle Lake in 56 feet of water. Luckily, all survived. Recovery efforts are under way.
The rail beds are in the best shape. Early and often grooming has really paid off to maintain a pretty good base despite the high volume of traffic.
105 Rail bed North of Washburn, ME
Here is a scenic overlook and view along the 105 rail bed trail heading towards Washburn, ME.
Me, and my shadow heading North on the 105 to Van Buren, ME
Van Buren, ME is also a border crossing point into New Brunswick, Canada
US Customs, Van Buren, ME
Tulsa Station, Van Buren, ME
If you stop in Eagle Lake, ME for gas, The Bald Eagle, Irving Station, or the Gulf Station across the street are your only choices.
On ITS 85, roughly half way between Eagle Lake, ME and Fort Kent, ME is the Carter Brook "Sno-Birds" Snowmobile Club House and warming shelter. The club house has a wood burning stove that makes a very pleasant stop nice and warm. There is a lot of history with the club and its location. If the walls could talk! Last years Club President was our very own TY member, "Highmiler"
Carter Brook "Sno-Birds" Snowmobile Club
In the North Maine Woods it is what it is...
Most trails are marked well. Here are some examples.
Intersection of ITS 85 and "The Heritage Trail" through Fort Kent.
Marker on rail bed 105 showing the turn to Portage, ME using ITS 90
In Fort Kent, you have several choices. Just enter the downtown trail, ride the levy along the St John River and then turn into the town for fuel food, lodging, banking and most any other needs you may have. Just ask.
Riding on the levy into Fort Kent, ME
Fort Kent is very "snowmobile friendly".
Key Bank, Fort Kent, ME USD, and Canada Currency Exchange
US Customs Fort Kent, ME
Bridge to Clair, NB Canada
Fort Kent, ME Groomers
Fort Kent, ME Ski Slope
Those coming to ride in "The County," treat yourself to a ride to Escourt, ME, the "pointy tip" of Northern Maine. Plan your trip well. Gas is not available anymore in Dickey, ME. You will need to fuel up at Johns Store, in St Francis, ME, or Chamberlians Store, in Allagash, ME. The gaz bar in Escourt is available during the day, Monday - Saturday. Escourt is also a Canada border crossing point to Quebec. The Escourt trail was in excellent shape.
Trail to Escourt, ME
My brother and our buddy "TJ" on the old Irving airstrip approximately 4 miles south of Escourt, ME.
This is the end of the airstrip. A stop sign is placed here because two snowmobilers were racing on the airstrip about six years ago in low visibility conditions. Both riders failed to stop. One rider plunged to his death, and the other survived with injuries. Moral: Ride safely, and maintain your own situational awareness.
Here would be the "normal" St John River crossing point to get to the Escourt trail, and back, but not this year. Ice flows, and jams will not allow it. Cross the river using the bridge in the photo.
More Ice flows, and jams
"The Posse" returning from Escourt, ME
RS Venture has been running flawlessly.
A belt finally came apart that had over 9,000 miles on it.
Marginal snow wheel bearings are the only issue. The bearings need to be replaced due to wear.
More to follow on the next post.
Again, 3,004 miles completed.
I am having fun riding my red, three holed, iron pony.
Another day at the office. Throw me in that briar patch.
We continue to be plagued with deteriorating snow conditions. The high use connector trails and many main ITS trials are down to dirt. The rail beds continue to be groomed very well. We need snow.
Today it stayed around 10 deg F. Tonight and tomorrow is forecast to be colder.
Rode a little over 250 miles today.
To date, total miles completed: 3,258 miles
I decided to stop and take a few photos of a couple of recognizable places for those the have visited "The County" before, and introduce these land marks to those that may want to visit in the future. The area is St Agatha, ME and Long Lake.
The Lake View Restaurant is a well known land mark which is a popular place to stop. The Lake View sits on top of a hill with a perfect view of the area. The trails go through the property that virtually can take you in any direction. There is designated sled parking behind the white fence next to the restaurant with overflow parking utilizing the vehicle parking lot. Due to the centralized location for sledders many Yamaha demo rides have been held here on site, as well as many other activities.
Some sledders departing from the Lake View.
Several miles down the lake the Long Lake Sporting Club is another popular place to stop and meet, or to join an activity. From fishing tournaments, to the annual 50 mile cross country snowmobile race, it all begins here at the Long Lake Sporting Club.
The entrance to the Long Lake Sporting Club
Long Lake like many other lakes in Maine, they are connectors to many snowmobile trails.
My destination today was Caribou, ME. While traveling down the lake towards Van Buren cove, I noticed some ice fishermen were walking over to one of their "tip-ups". The flag was on alert, and the line was going out. "Fish on!"
Ice fisherman reeling in a fish.
This Silver Salmon is a "keepah".
While on Connector Trail 79, I spotted this Red Fox hunting for its next meal.
Arriving in Caribou, ME on ITS 83, will turn into the in town services trail.
This photo was taken at the Mobil Station and shows some of the other services available.
To date, 3,258 miles completed.
Another great day at the office, and looking forward to another one tomorrow.
We continue to be plagued with deteriorating snow conditions. The high use connector trails and many main ITS trials are down to dirt. The rail beds continue to be groomed very well. We need snow.
Today it stayed around 10 deg F. Tonight and tomorrow is forecast to be colder.
Rode a little over 250 miles today.
To date, total miles completed: 3,258 miles
I decided to stop and take a few photos of a couple of recognizable places for those the have visited "The County" before, and introduce these land marks to those that may want to visit in the future. The area is St Agatha, ME and Long Lake.
The Lake View Restaurant is a well known land mark which is a popular place to stop. The Lake View sits on top of a hill with a perfect view of the area. The trails go through the property that virtually can take you in any direction. There is designated sled parking behind the white fence next to the restaurant with overflow parking utilizing the vehicle parking lot. Due to the centralized location for sledders many Yamaha demo rides have been held here on site, as well as many other activities.
Some sledders departing from the Lake View.
Several miles down the lake the Long Lake Sporting Club is another popular place to stop and meet, or to join an activity. From fishing tournaments, to the annual 50 mile cross country snowmobile race, it all begins here at the Long Lake Sporting Club.
The entrance to the Long Lake Sporting Club
Long Lake like many other lakes in Maine, they are connectors to many snowmobile trails.
My destination today was Caribou, ME. While traveling down the lake towards Van Buren cove, I noticed some ice fishermen were walking over to one of their "tip-ups". The flag was on alert, and the line was going out. "Fish on!"
Ice fisherman reeling in a fish.
This Silver Salmon is a "keepah".
While on Connector Trail 79, I spotted this Red Fox hunting for its next meal.
Arriving in Caribou, ME on ITS 83, will turn into the in town services trail.
This photo was taken at the Mobil Station and shows some of the other services available.
To date, 3,258 miles completed.
Another great day at the office, and looking forward to another one tomorrow.
Yesterday was not a good at the office. I did ride a little over 100 miles, but due to the bitter sub zero cold temperatures throughout the day, I didn't even break out the camera.
Today however, the tour of "The County" continues. I decided to take a trip to Presque Isle, ME. today. The shortest route from Eagle Lake, ME to Presque Isle, ME by sled, is about 75 miles one way. So, I decided to take the long route.
Todays trip was much more comfortable around 15 degrees F, and completed 230 miles.
To date, I have completed 3,588 miles.
From the end of New Canada Road, I went via the old tote road to Square Lake, just to enjoy the wooded scenery.
Road to Square Lake
Once back on track on ITS 83 south, near Presque Isle, ME is a neat recreational vehicle bridge crossing the Aroostook River.
The Aroostook River looking North.
Some old trail signs and some new trail signs are neatly presented.
Presque Isle, Maine has a population around 8,000. Services are plentiful with easy access for snowmobiles.
Here, I am in Presque Isle, Maine, at the Intersection of Route 1, looking South. This is the same Route 1, that ends in Key West, Florida. Route 1, begins, and ends in Fort Kent, Maine, as well as Key West, Florida. Route 1, is 2,209 miles long.
I decided to make a loop and get some gas in Caribou, ME. Although the trails are poor to good, the club groomers are doing a great job keeping the trails in shape, with very little snow to work with.
On my way home via 83, 105,79, to Long Lake, the sunset was magnificent.
With 3,588 miles complete, it was another great day at the office.
Today however, the tour of "The County" continues. I decided to take a trip to Presque Isle, ME. today. The shortest route from Eagle Lake, ME to Presque Isle, ME by sled, is about 75 miles one way. So, I decided to take the long route.
Todays trip was much more comfortable around 15 degrees F, and completed 230 miles.
To date, I have completed 3,588 miles.
From the end of New Canada Road, I went via the old tote road to Square Lake, just to enjoy the wooded scenery.
Road to Square Lake
Once back on track on ITS 83 south, near Presque Isle, ME is a neat recreational vehicle bridge crossing the Aroostook River.
The Aroostook River looking North.
Some old trail signs and some new trail signs are neatly presented.
Presque Isle, Maine has a population around 8,000. Services are plentiful with easy access for snowmobiles.
Here, I am in Presque Isle, Maine, at the Intersection of Route 1, looking South. This is the same Route 1, that ends in Key West, Florida. Route 1, begins, and ends in Fort Kent, Maine, as well as Key West, Florida. Route 1, is 2,209 miles long.
I decided to make a loop and get some gas in Caribou, ME. Although the trails are poor to good, the club groomers are doing a great job keeping the trails in shape, with very little snow to work with.
On my way home via 83, 105,79, to Long Lake, the sunset was magnificent.
With 3,588 miles complete, it was another great day at the office.
maddogjeff
Expert
Good stuff Hondo, keep it up.
Thanks Jeff,
Very well done 
First time I've ever seen a trail sign for a Walmart LOL
First time I've ever seen a trail sign for a Walmart LOL
Today was another pretty day at the office. The days would be looking a lot better with another foot of snow on the ground, if not more. The forecast for more snow is not good.
To date, I have focused on Northern Maine, and Aroostook "The County".
With the low snow conditions it is hard to get around without creating a "maintenance horror package" for yourself, and your sled.
Basically we have covered from the "pointy tip" (the far top left of the map) of Northern Maine, (Escourt) and the Eastern one third. With more snow, my hope is to cover a couple more areas down the middle of the map.
Tomorrow, I am riding back to Escourt, ME for some additonal photos of US, Canada Customs, the Gaz Bar, and show where you can buy Quebec Trail Permits, at the Auberg Inn.
I took the opportunity today to ride, and gather some fuel mileage data vis-a-vis, rpm ranges, and endurance profiles on RS Venture.
This data will be used for the next two features of my theme; riding in New Brunswick, and Quebec Canada. In Quebec, we will ride the Gaspesie Region, called "Gaspe'".
My friend, who has ridden Gaspe' many times before and I are planning a 6 day, 2,400 mile trip through New Brunswick, and also loop Gaspe'.
In a basic description; we plan to depart Eagle Lake, ME ride to Madawaska, ME and cross into Edmunston, NB Canada. Then ride up through Cambellton, NB Canada, and then enter Quebec, Canada. On the map, we plan to loop Gaspe' counter clockwise, and cross parts of the middle to tour some scenic landmarks. Then we plan to proceed West along the St Lawrence Seaway, and enter the US through Escourt, Maine.
My fun meter is already pegged!
Lets hope all goes well, and without a major glich...
Today, the temperature was in the high teen's and sunny. I rode 288 miles.
Another beautiful sunset...
and "Sledder's Moon Rise".
RS Venture miles
To date, I have completed 3,877 miles.
Tomorrow, RS Venture should roll 16,000 miles, and I should pass 4,000 miles for the season.
Venture has been running flawlessly.
The only issue is marginal snow wheels. It's hard to keep the wheels from wearing, tearing, and also keep bearings in them. Conditions have been pretty brutal on the wheels.
I have some Wahl Bros. rubber snow wheels that I'm going to try next.
After tomorrows ride, Venture gets an oil change, grease, and a good looking over before the next couple of riding segments.
To date, I have focused on Northern Maine, and Aroostook "The County".
With the low snow conditions it is hard to get around without creating a "maintenance horror package" for yourself, and your sled.
Basically we have covered from the "pointy tip" (the far top left of the map) of Northern Maine, (Escourt) and the Eastern one third. With more snow, my hope is to cover a couple more areas down the middle of the map.
Tomorrow, I am riding back to Escourt, ME for some additonal photos of US, Canada Customs, the Gaz Bar, and show where you can buy Quebec Trail Permits, at the Auberg Inn.
I took the opportunity today to ride, and gather some fuel mileage data vis-a-vis, rpm ranges, and endurance profiles on RS Venture.
This data will be used for the next two features of my theme; riding in New Brunswick, and Quebec Canada. In Quebec, we will ride the Gaspesie Region, called "Gaspe'".
My friend, who has ridden Gaspe' many times before and I are planning a 6 day, 2,400 mile trip through New Brunswick, and also loop Gaspe'.
In a basic description; we plan to depart Eagle Lake, ME ride to Madawaska, ME and cross into Edmunston, NB Canada. Then ride up through Cambellton, NB Canada, and then enter Quebec, Canada. On the map, we plan to loop Gaspe' counter clockwise, and cross parts of the middle to tour some scenic landmarks. Then we plan to proceed West along the St Lawrence Seaway, and enter the US through Escourt, Maine.
My fun meter is already pegged!
Lets hope all goes well, and without a major glich...
Today, the temperature was in the high teen's and sunny. I rode 288 miles.
Another beautiful sunset...
and "Sledder's Moon Rise".
RS Venture miles
To date, I have completed 3,877 miles.
Tomorrow, RS Venture should roll 16,000 miles, and I should pass 4,000 miles for the season.
Venture has been running flawlessly.
The only issue is marginal snow wheels. It's hard to keep the wheels from wearing, tearing, and also keep bearings in them. Conditions have been pretty brutal on the wheels.
I have some Wahl Bros. rubber snow wheels that I'm going to try next.
After tomorrows ride, Venture gets an oil change, grease, and a good looking over before the next couple of riding segments.
Friday started out to be a great day. It was one of the warmest days ( mid 20's) in quite awhile.
My buddy Phil, enjoys riding the back country. So we departed using a couple of local "rabbit trails" and headed for the Allagash.
One of our local "Rabbit Trails".
Frosty mountains!
Back country riding in Northern Maine.
Riding through the Allagash.
We need more snow. This was a pretty bad washout.
As we had planned, we were cutting through the Allagash, to hit the trail to Escourt, ME, and have lunch at a little restaurant across the border in Quebec, Canada.
We got delayed, because it was very slow going.
So, we decided to stop and have lunch at the Twin Rivers Restaurant, also known as "Kelly's" located in Allagash, ME. Kelly's started as a little hot dog stand in the summer and has grown over the years to provide food service throughout the seasons.
Always a friendly greeter!
Kelly's is also known for their back country hunting guide services
Allagash Trophies
Cute Novelty
After lunch, we socialized with a few sledders, and proceeded towards Escourt, ME.
About 8 miles up the trail I started to hear noises, and started feeling some vibrations in the handle bars.
This was not a good sign. I discussed the situation with my buddy. We decided to turn around and head back towards "Kelly's".
The "out of round" metal growl, continued to get worse. But RS Venture made it. I knew I had a bearing problem but didn't know which one.
My buddy Phil rode back home to get my truck, and his sled trailer. I started to make arrangements by phone to drop the sled off at my dealer in Fort Kent, ME about 40 miles away.
When my buddy returned, we loaded the sled, and headed towards Fort Kent, ME. We dropped off the sled Friday evening, and knew I would have to wait until Monday morning to find out what was wrong. This allowed me to re-group, visit with some friends, and watch a soggy Superbowl.
Monday morning rolled around, and my dealers mechanic was all-over my sled. A lower chaincase bearing went bad. So I had bearings on both sides replaced.
A left slide rail was found cracked which was covered under warranty. This is the second slide rail that cracked in two years, and don't know why.
In addition, I had my track replaced.
After 15,953 miles the track was showing too much wear for my comfort level. Some of the track lugs were chunked, and some were totally missing. The track was delaminating in numerous spots, it had signs of bubbling, splitting, and there were areas where the inner cord was showing. It was time for a new one!
Oddly enough, but good for me, the new track is much quieter than the original. I don't know why, but it is.
I was hoping to pass 16,000 miles on Friday, but that milestone would just have to wait until today.
I am in the process of putting a few miles on the track, let it stretch, and conform to the skid. Tomorrow, I'll re-adjust the track after 100 miles, and again after 200.
To date, I have 16,030 miles on RS Venture, which gives me 4,029 miles complete for the season, and the TY Mileage Fun Contest.
The sled is now greased, the oil, and filter changed. I am looking forward to the next riding segments.
Right now there is one "show stopper" in play. The temperature needs to warm up before we can begin our trip to Gaspe'. Sub zero temperatures are forecast for most of the week.
My buddy Phil, enjoys riding the back country. So we departed using a couple of local "rabbit trails" and headed for the Allagash.
One of our local "Rabbit Trails".
Frosty mountains!
Back country riding in Northern Maine.
Riding through the Allagash.
We need more snow. This was a pretty bad washout.
As we had planned, we were cutting through the Allagash, to hit the trail to Escourt, ME, and have lunch at a little restaurant across the border in Quebec, Canada.
We got delayed, because it was very slow going.
So, we decided to stop and have lunch at the Twin Rivers Restaurant, also known as "Kelly's" located in Allagash, ME. Kelly's started as a little hot dog stand in the summer and has grown over the years to provide food service throughout the seasons.
Always a friendly greeter!
Kelly's is also known for their back country hunting guide services
Allagash Trophies
Cute Novelty
After lunch, we socialized with a few sledders, and proceeded towards Escourt, ME.
About 8 miles up the trail I started to hear noises, and started feeling some vibrations in the handle bars.
This was not a good sign. I discussed the situation with my buddy. We decided to turn around and head back towards "Kelly's".
The "out of round" metal growl, continued to get worse. But RS Venture made it. I knew I had a bearing problem but didn't know which one.
My buddy Phil rode back home to get my truck, and his sled trailer. I started to make arrangements by phone to drop the sled off at my dealer in Fort Kent, ME about 40 miles away.
When my buddy returned, we loaded the sled, and headed towards Fort Kent, ME. We dropped off the sled Friday evening, and knew I would have to wait until Monday morning to find out what was wrong. This allowed me to re-group, visit with some friends, and watch a soggy Superbowl.
Monday morning rolled around, and my dealers mechanic was all-over my sled. A lower chaincase bearing went bad. So I had bearings on both sides replaced.
A left slide rail was found cracked which was covered under warranty. This is the second slide rail that cracked in two years, and don't know why.
In addition, I had my track replaced.
After 15,953 miles the track was showing too much wear for my comfort level. Some of the track lugs were chunked, and some were totally missing. The track was delaminating in numerous spots, it had signs of bubbling, splitting, and there were areas where the inner cord was showing. It was time for a new one!
Oddly enough, but good for me, the new track is much quieter than the original. I don't know why, but it is.
I was hoping to pass 16,000 miles on Friday, but that milestone would just have to wait until today.
I am in the process of putting a few miles on the track, let it stretch, and conform to the skid. Tomorrow, I'll re-adjust the track after 100 miles, and again after 200.
To date, I have 16,030 miles on RS Venture, which gives me 4,029 miles complete for the season, and the TY Mileage Fun Contest.
The sled is now greased, the oil, and filter changed. I am looking forward to the next riding segments.
Right now there is one "show stopper" in play. The temperature needs to warm up before we can begin our trip to Gaspe'. Sub zero temperatures are forecast for most of the week.
Steely Dan
Extreme
Hondo,
I really enjoy reading your posts since I rode a lot of the same trails last year and the year before. Great pictures!!
I really enjoy reading your posts since I rode a lot of the same trails last year and the year before. Great pictures!!
maddogjeff
Expert
Bob, where are the rails cracking? No warranty issues because of the Poo wheels and mods? Or just a great dealer?
Jeff,
The left slide rail is cracking at the bolt hole where the pivot arm attaches. Looks like a flimsy spot to me.
No warranty issues. They replaced it with an 06 slide rail, so on that side I had them also put on a normal wheel. They are ordering another 06 rail for me.
The left slide rail is cracking at the bolt hole where the pivot arm attaches. Looks like a flimsy spot to me.
No warranty issues. They replaced it with an 06 slide rail, so on that side I had them also put on a normal wheel. They are ordering another 06 rail for me.
maddogjeff
Expert
The front axle with the front idlers and shock pivot mount on it, has it bent on you? When I did the idler wheel mods, it was bent (bowed), not much, but bent and I replaced it. Without going into a long story why, I have that out again and sure enough it's bent again. It looks like a downward pressure bend from the shock mount. That has to put a lot of stress on the rail at that point that could cause the rail to crack. My rail still looks good but flex aluminum enough or repeatedly and it will fail. Is the '06 rail stronger at that point?
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