Wanted to get out there another time to make the run up to Newcomb today.
But first, I sniffed the other main arteries entering and leaving Indian Lake.
C8/Sabael trail was my first look-see. As expected, it got messy past Pashley Road crossing. Indian Lake Parks and Rec was out there, trying to make the trail passable by snowmobile.
I bowled over a swampy crossing which was just too big to really do anything with, aside from picking a good angle, then ripping through it.
After that, I encountered NUMEROUS places where water had eaten away the trail from underneath. I negotiated the water crossings, almost all the way through. But the last water hole I encountered just killed my appetite to keep going. I wasn’t going to rip Indian Lake to make the Speculator run anyway. So, I just turned tail to bang out my planned ride to Newcomb.
If you ride through C8/Sabael trail this weekend, expect a steamy mess. Or just avoid it. Water is flowing under the trail in almost every direction imaginable.
This report is brought to you by Mangino Chevrolet Buick GMC in Amsterdam, NY & Ballston Spa, NY. We know that you have high expectations, and as a car dealer we enjoy the challenge of meeting and exceeding those standards each and every time. Allow us to demonstrate our commitment to excellence! Our experienced sales staff is eager to share its knowledge and enthusiasm with you. We encourage you to browse our online inventory, schedule a test drive and investigate financing options.
Sniffing C8 to Cedar River Headquarters
Whoomp there it was! A fresh groom on C8 heading out to Cedar River Headquarters from Indian Lake. So, I’m certain the ride out there would have been better than I reported on Tuesday’s Ole Barn run.
On to Newcomb! (OR NOT…)
C8A/Old S84 heading out of Indian Lake was chewed up/snirty in places with some water spots. But the trail was groomed for an enjoyable ride and trail conditions improved when I got over the top.
Good times continued until I encountered a flowing stream crossing near Rock Lake with an assortment of large rocks. Some had gone through it, others had turned around. Looks like one guy found a way around it, but that looked like too much work in the soft snow and thick woods for me whilst riding solo.
Even had a few yahoos shame me on Facebook for turning around. But hey, I doubt anyone would compensate me for money or lost riding time if I had bashed my ACE Turbo tank broken on the rocks.
Back to Indian Lake
I wasn’t in the mood to ride it out to Moose River Plains/Inlet since I already did that Tuesday. Didn’t want to fart around with the truck and trailer to go somewhere either. So, I tooled around town when I got back.
S87/42nd and Broadway seldom disappoints!
Messed around on Adirondack Lake for a bit before I stopped at my friends’ house on the lake. Turns out my timing was perfect: They were having a late breakfast and offered me coffee, an omelette and bacon. Of course, I accepted! Great times with great people.
After my visit, I banged out some local “off grid” riding to places I don’t get to as much as I did in my early riding days. Some good nostalgia there!
Ripped off a Victory lap before calling it an afternoon. S85/Ski Hut trail was holding up for now, but mud holes were emerging there.
C8/S86 main drag was chewed up and snirty by Bear Trap Swamp, but still pretty decent elsewhere.
Was sure to rip Adirondack Lake a couple of times for helmet-whipping booty call before rolling back to the compound with 40 miles.
Ride map
A shortie around Indian Lake. Click here for ride stats, 3D Flyover and larger map.
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. Don’t ask me whether (fill in the blank) lake is safe/rideable. I probably won’t reply.
Bottom line
Snowmobile trails are OPEN here! Most trails in ilsnow land have been groomed this week. Many of the trails are pretty good riding. But streams and swamps are huge BIG problem for some narrow woods trails.
As for our friends to the south: DRAG of Speculator has groomed their trails this week. I’m assuming that Town of Lake Pleasant is grooming Perkins Clearing. Pleasant Riders is trying their best to keep C8/Spy Lake trail rideable.
Those who come up here with reasonable expectations, pick their spots and ride a bit more carefully than usual can have a good time this weekend. I only request that you ride in a way that leaves the trail enjoyable for those who follow.
For those who skip this weekend, they will likely have to skip next weekend too (barring unforeseen help from the weather).
Whatever decision you make, I’m good with it! I’m here to gather intel and present it in a way for you to make the best decision for YOU. But telling people on Facebook that snowmobiling here is completely shot from the comfort of your faraway home will just out you as a Johnny Couch Banger.
Quite a write-up from a short jaunt around town. But I report on all of my rides with high effort and energy.
For the ilsnow nation,
Darrin
Thank you for your report, as always!!!