Indian Lake picked up an inch-and-a-half of powder fluff snow into Friday morning. That set me in the mood for another afternoon of snowmobiling fun.
I’ve ridden a lot this week, but hadn’t headed north. So I decided that January 28, 2022 would be henceforth, Newcomb Day.
The Indian Lake local trails were in pretty good shape after their morning groom. Embarking on S84 out toward Blue Mountain Lake found considerable scuffing on hill climbs and corners.
But there were also stretches of good riding prior to reaching Rock Lake Marsh.
After Rock Lake Marsh, S84 become more of a chore to avoid rocks under the tall evergreen sections. Riding became tedious at times, because I didn’t want to bash into rocks. But at least the trail wasn’t bumpy or that would have been absolutely miserable.
On to Newcomb!
538/Newcomb Trail was worthwhile. Aside from some thin spots, it was good to occasionally excellent riding from bottom to top. Even Joseph Mountain wasn’t really bad.
After crossing Essex County Line, I saw some really nice mountain views opened up by this year’s logging. I say there’s more than enough trees here. Doesn’t hurt to cut down some of them so we can see more of this marvelous place.
At the Newcomb-T, I turned right onto C8A. That wasn’t as good as 538. More pebbles, thin spots and rocks to beware of. There is also a 1.5 mile section of trail being plowed for logging – with enough loose snow to slither by.
I felt compelled to stop and remove this heavy tabletop rock from the trail before it ruined someone’s day.
After crossing Goodnow Flow Road, C8A became a better ride. You’ll just need to watch the low spot where a brook is eating the trail from underneath. You don’t want to hit that at speed.
Once I got to Camp Santanoni Historic Area I ran the trail around the north side of Lake Harris. Interesting twisty riding through the woods and pretty as a post card.
After a while, the trail dumped onto Lake Harris Campground and it became a race track compared to the herd path before. Then I headed for the High Peaks Scenic Overlook. The view was obscured by flurries, so I didn’t bother taking a picture of that.
On the way home
I ripped across Lake Harris and took the trail passing by Newcomb Cafe and Campground. That needed more snow, but was groomed for a reasonably enjoyable ride.
On the Indian Lake side of 538, I found freshly groomed white ribbon waiting for me. Sometimes, it’s better to be lucky than good.
Took the turn onto S84 and headed toward Blue Mountain Lake. There were some ice and frozen slush spots until I crossed Route 28/30 to Lake Durant Campsite. Then I hit more freshly groomed white ribbon on the Old Stage Trail. Aside from that twisty quarter-mile stretch under the evergreens which almost never gets enough snow to cover the rocks, it was a great ride.
Once I got to Chef Darrell’s Mountain Diner, I felt that a stack of banana pancakes would hit the spot. But they had no bananas today, so I opted for large blueberry pancakes. I’m always game for breakfast all day. To reach the diner on snowmobile, just head toward Blue Mountain Lake from any direction and look for the Chef Darrell’s signs. The diner is near the end of the Old Stage Trail.
It’s great to have a eating destination in Blue Mountain Lake open for the winter: Thursday 8am – 2pm. Friday & Saturday 8am – 6pm. Sunday 8am – 3pm.
FYI – Chef Darrell has recruited ME to be guest chef at the diner on Tuesday, March 8th. My menu will include baked ham, Boston baked beans, cole slaw, garlic parm wings, cornbread and apple cobbler. It’s a private dinner, so be sure to call in advance at 518-352-9044 to make reservations. There will be a 4:30PM seating and 6:15PM seating. It’s gonna be fun!
S84 on the way back was worn and tattered from the day’s traffic, but still a serviceable ride aside from the rock gardens under the evergreen trees. I think I’ll wait for more snow before I traverse that avenue again.
I took my customary victory lap to end the ride. Here’s a shot of S86A/Little Canada.
The main arteries in town had soft shredder bumps and icy turns, but nothing back breaking. Bear Trap Swamp had a couple of water holes. Rolled into the compound with 85 miles, even after a late morning start and taking my sweet time riding.
Spun off 535 miles this week in 5 riding days to break in my new iron. I wouldn’t have done all of that riding if it was mostly garbage. Ride safely and take it easy when you hit the marginal stuff. Most people are coming away happy with their decision to ride here. For a s#itty winter, that’s all you can ask for.
For the ilsnow nation,
Darrin
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