Monday brought a general 1-3 inches of white paint to ilsnow land. It’s not enough to kick things off, but the north end of Perkins Clearing Road had a thick icy base to it when I passed by on Saturday to watch the Oak Mountain Hill Climbs in Speculator. It wouldn’t take a tremendous snow to make it ride-able. The really good news is that Perkins Clearing will be free of logging this winter!
In case you are wondering about hunting season, it is DONE for ilsnow land (Hamilton & Northern Herkimer counties). For places along the periphery of the Adirondacks and in the southern zone, the hunting misery continues into mid-December with late bow hunting season. If you are not sure as to when the trails re-open in your favorite area, you best bet is to contact the local snowmobile club.
Weekend Outlook:
If the major lake effect snows occur as expected mid-week, lots of places should be open for business this weekend, including: Old Forge/Inlet area, Moose River Plains and probably Perkins Clearing. Powley Road could be game as well. The narrow woods trails around Indian Lake and Speculator would still need much more snow to make them any good, but the locals would start poking around.
Obviously, this would be awesome for Shootout in Woodgate on Friday and Snodeo in Old Forge this weekend! I will be at the Ride Clean NY booth at the Shootout near the clubhouse. Be sure to stop by and say “Hello!” 🙂
Safety tips for the 1st Ride:
- Have your sled in top mechanical condition. Having your ride break down on Day 1 is an awful way to kick off your winter!
- Remember that you are not in mid-winter riding form. Take it easy on your first ride and especially easy on the turns.
- Beware of early season hazards! Chances are that local clubs and municipalities may not have had the chance to complete bridge work or remove fallen trees from autumn and early winter blow downs. This double whammy happened last winter on Tug Hill after the first big lake-effect snow storm. Don’t let this happen to you:
- Many of the Adirondack snowmobile trails go through wetlands (used to be called SWAMPS before the APA came to town). Expect early season water holes and muck holes, no matter how cold it has been.
- Lakes: Stay off them, PLEASE!
No doubt about it, winter is here way ahead of last year’s schedule. We’ve waited a long time for this, but let’s be careful and safe. NEVER DRINK AND RIDE.
Darrin @ ilsnow.com
