There were tons of snowmobile riders in town over the week, especially on both Saturdays. As a consequence, the trails got beat up badly at times. And yes, I did hear complaints online and in-person.
I rode enough places (over parts of 4 counties and a multitude of snowmobile trail systems) over the past week to know Indian Lake wasn’t the only place with rough trails. Expecting smooth sailing everywhere you ride on heavily traffic-ed trails is not realistic. Adding to that, grooming equipment can have breakdowns from the cumulative trauma accrued during the season.
Back in the “good ole days”, I rode my Moto Ski Mirage I over 3 foot rollers in Moose River Plains and the Fish Mountain-Oxbow trail on winter break and prayed the feeble torsion springs wouldn’t break each time the suspension bottomed out. That REALLY sucked.
If you’re one of those people who “won’t ride to Indian Lake again and spend money here” because you encountered rough trails, that’s your prerogative. But I’m guessing most people were happy just to be riding after what has happened the past few years during Presidents Week:
Fuel Stabilizer Ride – February 24, 2016
Trail Conditions Going Downhill! – February 24, 2017
It’s Over! – February 21, 2018
And most will come back next year and some new ones.
I’m just trying to keep it real…
Looking Ahead
Late Saturday night into early Sunday brought freezing rain. Then we got rain on Sunday: a few heavier bursts, but much of the time was just lighter rain and drizzle. Not warm enough or wet enough, long enough to kill us.
Thankfully, snowmobile traffic on Sunday was basically nil, so that saved the trails from extensive rutting while the trails were soft. And we still have a deep snow pack in ilsnow land:
Much of the central Adirondacks picked up several inches of snow Sunday night into Monday with higher amounts progressing westward from Moose River Plains and Perkins Clearing into the western Adirondacks. But strong winds knocking down branches and trees will probably hamper the groomers as they attempt to whip the trails back into shape.
You can see what I mean about wind, and I didn’t even capture the worst of it Monday morning:
Cold temperatures will close out February with another opportunity for snow Wednesday night.
I know that some people are done with snowmobile riding after Presidents Week. But March can bring a whole lotta winter here in ilsnow land.
I ain’t done yet. 😉
For the ilsnow nation,
Darrin
This report is brought to you by Pilot Knob Marina in Lake George. Just get off Northway I-87 Exit 20, then follow NY Route 149 East until you hit the junction of NY Route 149 and Bay Road. Pilot Knob Marina features a wide selection of new and pre-owned Arctic Cat snowmobiles & ATVs. If you see Nick Barber, tell him that Darrin @ ilsnow.com sent ya!
