We’ve finally got something close to bona-fide mid winter snowpack here in ilsnow land with snow pack ranging from about 8-12 inches in the “thin spots” to upwards of 18-30 inches.
Any day I can ride from the compound and forget the trailer is a GREAT DAY!
I wasn’t looking for a mega-miler, just looking to have some fun in the snow.
You just know it’s gonna be good when you see fresh groom marks from the get-go:
I headed out of Indian Lake on Trail S84 and was treated to a nice ride all the way though. There were some corners scuffed to snirt, especially under the thick evergreens.
538/Newcomb Trail was mint on the Indian Lake side, which I was enjoying tremendously!
After I crossed the County Line, ole 538/Newcomb trail became a bit bumpy in spots, but still a respectable ride. The wet spots on Joseph Mountain have been combed over to the point they are hardly noticeable.
My trek through the Newcomb trail was a bit of an adventure in which I encountered two snowmobiles in distress, both of which were eventually able to limp away under their their own power. A group of snowmobilers in front of me had encountered a fallen tree, so I took out my handsaw to help cut away and remove.
Onto Long Lake
Trail C7B from Newcomb T over to Long Lake was freshly groomed and one of the best rides I’ve had through that avenue:
I didn’t want any part of riding on Long Lake, so I took the roadside and bump-n-grind woods trail into town. When I passed by Adirondack Hotel, I saw only a few tracks north of the Route 30 bridge, each with deep slush in the tracks. I wouldn’t have been surprised if those riders had to check their underpants for s#it stains after riding that!
Jennings Pond over to Long Lake Diner was rough with frozen slush ruts, but at least it seemed solid.
And of course, breakfast-for-lunch at the Long Lake Diner never disappoints!
The way home
After lunch, I decided not to pursue the loop via Raquette Lake. Sure, I could have avoided Forked Lake by riding North Point Road all the way down. But I just didn’t have it in my heart to try ripping through the slush on Raquette Lake by myself, even though my sled probably had enough ballz to do it.
Sometimes, just because you can do something doesn’t mean that you should. 😉
Thought about running across the Route 30 bridge to continue on C7B up to Grampus Lake, but the sidewalk was bare so I nixed it. Even thought about ripping the short distance across Long Lake from Tarbell Hill Road to rejoin C7B from there. But every track going across had large and long swaths of slush.
So I was content to have a good ride back to home base the way I came out. Here was a nice stop on ole 538/Newcomb trail:
Before heading back to town, I rode S84 out toward Lake Durant and I can tell you we’ve got some S*N*O*W behind the Ranger’s house:
The Old Stage Trail was a tight and twisty goat-path, but it was a fun ride out to the Blue Mountain Rest.
Once I got back to Indian Lake, I ripped the customary celebratory victory loop, which was all aces: S87/42nd and Broadway, S86/Little Canada and S85/Ski Hut Trail. Adirondack Lake was a rough crossing, but the slush has seemed to tighten up somewhat, compared to the mess that nearly swallowed my sled last Friday.
The main arteries through town were chewed up to snirt in places with the mild-ish 33*F afternoon temperatures and modest early week traffic.
Rolled back into the compound with 92 miles. I was looking for a lazy, easy ride and found it! Even crossed paths and met up with the same group of 3 riders, three times. Also had a bit of time just before it got dark to switch out my carbides for the back end of winter…without freezing my fingertips.
Bottom line:
What else can I say? I’m out riding and having a good time…
Another application of snow late Wednesday night into Thursday and some mighty cold air coming down the chute for Friday. Just what the doctor would order for the upcoming weekend, eh?
You can check out some of the February snowmobile events scheduled here:
Indian Lake
Speculator and Lake Pleasant
For the ilsnow nation,
Darrin
This report is brought to you by Steet Ponte Auto Group. Many of the vehicles here in Indian Lake are bought from the Steet Ponte. Co-owner Joe Steet is a huge fan and booster of ilsnow.com. If you’re looking for a new truck, give Steet Ponte a good look.
