With the fresh couple inches of snow we got Tuesday night, I wanted to go for another ride before conditions deteriorate. Couldn’t get out until afternoon, so I opted for an easy ride.
The closest I have to an easy button snowmobile ride is taking a run to Perkins Clearing and booking it back to Indian Lake. Based on Tuesday’s ride, I knew the only bad stretch I’d encounter was C8/Two Miles of Hell.
Heading out
Fresh groom on C8 trail through Bear Trap Swamp as the groomer was returning from its run. Always a good omen!
C8/Sabael trail was groomed also. Besides a few bony spots in the swamps and a water bar, most of the riding looked like this.
New snow made Indian Lake and Lewey Lake crossings feel velvety. Campsites trail in between was still pretty good riding from a recent groom.
C8/2 Miles of Hell was a bony at times, bump-n-grind-athon. But then again, there’s a reason for the name.
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Perkins Clearing
By the time I got to Perkins Clearing, sprinkles and drizzle had given way to steady rain. Oh well, I was here to ride!
Perkins Clearing Road was a fun rip to Perkins-T. Hung the right and took Jessup River Road to the back; lumpy in places, but 2-3 inches of new snow cushioned the bumps.
C4/C8 Big Brook trail didn’t look fun to ride, so I didn’t.
Doubled back to hit Carpenter Hill Road for a great run down to Mossy Vly.
Then I hit…
Mud Lake Road!
Yeah, bro!! Didn’t mind rolling this in the rain.
Rolled up Perkins Clearing Road to hit LP9/Nichol Vly trail. A bit lumpy a times, but new snow cushioned the ride. I only encountered one water bar.
Then I hit…
Mud Lake Road again!
Twice as nice! By the time I made my second pass through Mud Lake Road, my snowmobiling gear had gotten soaked through, at least several places. It was time to make the bad dash to the compound.
During my time in Perkins Clearing, I encountered the same pair of snowmobilers three times. I guess they were doing what I was doing, in reverse.
Back to Indian Lake
Banged out the customary Victory Lap. C8/S86 main artery had some scuff, but was holding up well otherwise.
S87/42nd and Broadway and Lake Adirondack were a fun rip! After a refuel at One Stop, I made the final dash to the compound and called it an afternoon after 70 miles.
Ride map
Click here for ride stats and 3D Flyover!
Lake riding disclaimer
Lakes cannot be called “safe riding”. I only testify to conditions of lakes that I decide to cross, at my own risk. I’m trusting we can all use sound judgement to make good decisions on whether to ride any lake.
Weekend outlook
Barring an unforeseen 50*F and 2-inch rain blowout, snowmobiling will be had in ilsnow land this weekend. Seasonal road snowmobile trails should hold up well. Narrow woods trails would hold early spring riding conditions, with rain and melt water trying to reopen water bars. Some trails will be worse than others.
Modelology is unclear on snow potential for Sunday. But EPS and other ensembles show shortwave (SW) energy approaching from Ohio Valley. Something to watch as we head toward the weekend. You can also notice Pacific flow underneath the Polar Vortex (PV), shutting off our Arctic tap line.
At bit later than usual, but the ole’ January thaw finally hit us.
For the ilsnow nation,
Darrin
