Plans got foiled for a ride together last winter.
ALMOST didn’t happen this winter either. But “almost” only counts in horseshoes and grenades.
On Thursday it HAPPENED!
I trucked it to a buddy of Zack’s place in Mapledale to meet up with Zack. Rolled out from there by 9:30am.
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Heading out
C7R into Deerfield led to plenty of wind-blown powder chowder!
Zack had started with a half tank of gas, so we diverted to Poland Stewarts for a top up for his sled.
C7C and S44 connection into Poland was somewhat beaten up in the usual places.
Then it was back to Deerfield! I think Zack was having a good time.
Crumbs Along the Mohawk
C7A through Deerfield was great riding. After crossing into Herkimer County, C7A became lumpy and bumpy at times to Herk 6 intersection.
Turned onto C4A with improved ride quality, especially on the power line sections!
Whilst enjoying the amazing open scenery, I failed to notice that Zack had fallen off the pace. After a stop to further soak in the scenery, it was apparent that SOMETHING happened.
Backtracked and found Zack stuck in a snowdrift after sliding into the soft stuff.
Remember the old rule: Take the picture first, then help!
After we popped Zack’s sled onto the trail, we pressed on! C4A was lumpy and bumpy at times descending into Kast Bridge, then became good riding again on top of the hill.
In a bit of humor, we saw the same garbage truck at 4 road crossings. By the second or third crossing, the driver recognized us and waved.
We hit a fresh groom on C4D for an AWESOME RIDE! Good riding through S81 and S45B into Dolgeville.
C8C northward from Dolgeville was soft studder-ripply at times. We picked up a fresh groom near Salisbury Center and rolled that through C8C and C4A to Salisbury Ridge Riders Clubhouse for a refuel.
C4 through Military Road was loose and wavy, a fun ride.
Hit a nearly fresh groom on C4 through Norway for the WIN!
C4 to Herk 124 intersection was terrific! C4G was pretty good, then we hit a newly minted groom on C4B and followed that to Ohio Tavern for lunch.
Lunch
As long as Ohio Tavern is serving up the Smokehouse burger on special, I’ll keep ordering it! Goes great with a side of pierogis.
Before we headed back out, I stuck my head in the kitchen to say HI to Dan and Becky. They were cooking up a storm!
Return to Mapledale
We rolled through Poland back to Deerfield.
C7C and C7A to Hajdasz Bridge were GREAT!
Had some lengthy stretches of roadside riding on S75B.
Then it was a loop through Holland Patent via S75A and C7A. Beautiful combination of power lines, open fields and wooded riding through that stretch.
Entering C7R for the home stretch to Mapledale to complete the ride.
Back to the truck shortly after 4:30pm with 125 miles for the day.
Ride map
Click here for ride stats, larger map and 3D Flyover
Bottom line
This is a fun place to ride! Wide open trails and views are a contrast from the mostly closed quarters riding found in ilsnow land all winter.
I’ve ridden into this area from Indian Lake in various big mile rides over the years. But every once in a while, it’s nice to truck it there and leisurely enjoy it.
Had an awesome day with Zack. So glad we got this ride in! A nice collaboration between Upstatesnow.com and ilsnow.com
Check out Upstatesnow.com for Zack’s rides this week, as told by his proud dad, Rich Lupia. They are a great father and son team.
For the ilsnow nation,
Darrin
