For Wednesday’s ride, I did something a bit unusual and trailered to the Route 8 parking lot in Ohio. I did this so I could fully explore areas that I don’t usually get to ride.
I also thought it would be nice to enjoy a warm truck ride home – instead of a long, dark and frigid trip back to ilsnow land on a snowmobile by myself.
Getting started…
The stretch of C4B down through the Ohio Tavern was bumpy, tattered and rough. Then I found the goodness that kicked off a great day of riding!
The narrow woods trails had some bumps and worn spots. Seasonal roads were fun and fast riding. Of course, I hit the awesome open field riding that I’ve become addicted to.
On to Deerfield
I rolled through C4G, C4 and S44 down into Poland. The C7C gateway into Deerfield was tattered and bumpy. But I knew my patience would be rewarded once I hit the open fields. Then I hit a fresh groom on C7A and rolled it down to Hajdasz Covered Bridge.
I turned tail back up C7A and followed the fresh groom over to S75. Most of that was very fun riding! I overcame the groomer whilst descending Smith Hill down to Eagles. The steep descent was worn and haggard from heavy traffic before the groomer had worked its magic.
Crossing into new territory
After a short rest at the bottom, I scooted back up Smith Hill and saw brand new fresh groomer tracks on C7A heading into West Canada Trail Riders territory. And it was looking great!
In hindsight, I could have taken C4I where the groomer tracks had originated from and made a run through Newport. But C7A was good enough to keep going with it, especially through the open fields.
Eventually, the trail became thin and stubbly, and there weren’t many snowmobile tracks to define the trail. Occasionally, I would hit a directional trail sign. Several miles into this, I considered turning around. But the GPS on my phone assured me I was headed in the right direction.
Eventually, I did hit C4A in Schuyler and riding conditions improved into Herkimer. The power lines sections were particularly fun. Descending down the hill down to West Canada Creek provided amazing views across the valley to the hills beyond. I wish I had taken a picture of that – but I’ll show a fantastic stretch along the power lines. Looks great, eh?
Heading back to the familiar
There were times I needed to check the GPS to make sure I remained on track. Snow conditions were getting sparse in the valley. Once I hit Herkimer County Intersection 10, I turned north and continued along C4A to get back into the snow.
That turned out to be the right call with fun riding through the open fields. The snow got deeper as I gained elevation. By the time I hit C4 in Salisbury Ridge Runners land, it was back to winter wonderland.
Mad dash to the truck!
C4/Military Road was a fast and fun rip over the seasonal road. Once I got Norway General Store, I needed a break and get something warm to eat. Ended up with the hot roast beef sandwich and potatoes, heavy on the gravy! It did the trick for me.
Leaving Norway on C4 had the usual bumpy and thin sections in the woods, interspersed with fun open field and seasonal road riding. The plowed section of Hall Road didn’t have much loose snow, which had the temp gauge creeping upward until I hit trail again.
Then it was straight back the gut on C4G and C4B back to the truck. I encountered a groomer coming back from Haskells, so the woods section north of Ohio Tavern was much flatter – but still brown.
Loaded the snowmobile onto the trailer about 15 minutes before dark with 96 miles for the day. I was very happy to be warming up the truck with it getting colder outside by the minute.
Got to enjoy this blue bird day in the best way. Interesting riding for sure! I would love to hit those trails near the Mohawk River when they have better snow.
Stop waiting for perfect and get out there. I see trouble brewing on the weather horizon for next week. You’ll see that on my upcoming weather forecasts.
One more thing….
Unfortunately, I saw this trail closure sign on S75B just past the Covered Bridge junction in Deerfield. I was told that a few rotten apples have ruined it for everybody. What a shame! How difficult can it be to STAY ON THE TRAIL and ride with respect for the property owners?
For the ilsnow nation,
Darrin
This report is brought to you by Pine’s Country Store. Their motto says it all: “A little bit of everything…” Conveniently located in downtown Indian Lake, NY at the corner of Routes 28 & 30 and proud home of the Pine’s Cam.
