Crazy Cal blew off work Thursday and wanted to truck it up to Charlie’s Inn to relive the glory days.
I had ridden from there the day before, but he didn’t have to twist my arm. I was more than thrilled to make the return trip!
By the time we got our collective act together and made the trip, we were ready to roll from Charlie’s Inn at 11am.
We wanted to cross Lake Placid off our bucket list, so we headed there straightaway. C7C & C7B along the old railroad bed was studdery under new snow. Lake Colby causeway was pebbly where wind had stripped off the snow.
But we gave the ride a chance to develop. Bumps became lower as we entered Saranac Lake and rode through the city.
After Saranac Lake, C7B became a really fast ride and we got to Lake Placid before we knew it! There was a pebbly stretch near Raybrook where wind had stripped the snow off. Here was a scenic, straight arrow stretch of fun.
After we talked to some people who were starting their cross-county ski trek, we zipped back Charlie’s Inn and turned our skis northward onto C7, which I knew would not disappoint. This was miles and miles of blissful cloud riding!
We encountered studderbumps around Mountain View. Then we picked up a fresh groom that stamped them out for more fun under the C7 power lines.
Smooth sailing continued onto Malone. I led us on a great rip through C8C until we got out several miles past Burke. We were hunting for Jenn’s Smokin’ Hot and Frosty Lounge based on multiple recommendations. But when I finally found Jenn’s on a map, it looked like we would have to bang through the thin and occasionally rocky conditions I found Wednesday along the route to get there. So we turned tail back to Malone for Mo’s Pub and placed Jenn’s on the bucket list for another trip.
The cold wind was blowing hard and drifting snow across the fields. Cal and I were thumbs up on the riding, but more than ready to get inside to eat and warm up.
Trail through Malone toward Mo’s was bumpy at times. But the fields were fast and flat. I ordered the Juicy Lucy Burger with a side of sweet potato fries, which turned out to be the right call. That was a big mouth burger!!
C7 back to Charlie’s Inn
We didn’t want to play Frogger on Route 11 to reach Mobil for gas in late afternoon rush hour traffic. So we headed over to Roberts Sports of Malone to fill up for the return trip. The gas pump rejected my credit card. But I had cash on hand to pay. When I gave them $20, the owner (Wayne) came out and filled the tank with $27 worth and refused to take the $7 difference from me. Very generous of him. Wasn’t necessary but totally appreciated. So I just want to give Roberts Sports a shout out for that. They have a nice store and Cal purchased new gloves that he had sorely needed.
We followed the fresh groom from Roberts Sports leading southward from Malone. Here was a picture of Cal taking a picture of fresh white carpet.
After miles and mile of great riding, the trail became tattered a bit from the day’s traffic on approach to Charlie’s Inn. But it was still plenty good enough to end the ride on a high note.
We got back to the truck with 145 easy miles just before dark, even with starting later at 11am. If you’ve never done it before, you need to put C7 from Charlie’s Inn to Malone on your bucket list. As I make more trips to this area, I’m sure I’ll explore and discover more trails to expand my playbook. But that stretch of C7 is more addictive than crack.
Closer to home
People have been asking me whether it’s worth it to come up and ride ilsnow land on Friday or Saturday.
Let me make the decision easy:
- It has snowed a foot-and-a-half during the past week
- Trails are being groomed
- Temperature will hit 50*F or worse on Sunday
Don’t over think this… Go for it!! It’s March, we don’t have many “next weekends” remaining.
I haven’t ridden on Indian Lake this week, but I can say the lake is leveling off after rising over 4 feet. Cold weather has probably skim-iced the open water spots near shore. If you chose to ride on Indian Lake, don’t linger near shore. Stay away from inlets and outlets.
I’ve got one more shot at it Friday before I run and hide from the weekenders. After hitting the road for most of my rides lately, I look forward to hitting the trails from the compound.
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.
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