Wyman Pond Racing

WPR10 · Senior WPR Member

RE: Meeting Proposal

WPR10 · Senior WPR Member

#2 has hit the other points.    Please see below...

Decision to stay around the Forks area is based on this map.  See link below.

http://ahps.erh.noaa.gov/nerfc/graphics/snowmaps/html/snow_depth.html

The best snow depth shows to be Jackman/Forks area and we can ride in all directions from there making several loops depending on local talk from other riders.   If we were to drive to Millinocket we would likely find good riding in Baxter Park but then seem more limitted on trails for other days since Caribou and Ft. Kent seem to have 1/2 the snow mass as Jackman area.

Hey boys it's like old times!   Jackman and Open trailers - WPR goes Retro!

Meal Plan Ideas:
a) If we can book and stay at the Cabin the entire time we pack a few meals, use the Restaurant any other nights if we want.
b) If we decide to do an overnight packing trip to another destination we would not pack meals and rather eat at the resturant in The Forks and another night we could end our ride in Jackman at Dinner time hit a resurant there and ride back to The Forks for the end of the day.

Weather:
Looks like Great weater Tue & Wed with possible (30%) rain/snow mix Thur. & Fri.
Thus, again we either stay local to the cabin doing different loops out of the cabin or if members prefer to do a pack trip to another destination one night best best is ...   Mon. Drive up to The Forks, stay Monday noght; Tuesday Snowmobile to our other destination and stay there (Millinocket as a suggestion)Tue. night; Wednesday ride around the alternate destimnation area leaving enough time to get back to The Forks that(Wed.) evening.   Thursday we would plan to do local riding incase inclimate weather should come in we would not be stranded far away with miserable weather and a long ride.

AGAIN,   If #3 & #5 agree with The Forks Cabin let me know asap and I'll try to book it as there were only 2 cabins left on Tuesday.

Also please let me know if you are choosing to stay at The Forks cabin the entire time or want to plan the pack trip to an alternate destination for Tue. night.

#10

Pres · Tag Hgugr

MEETING MINUTES: attendee's # 2, # 3, # 10

departure 9:45 am Monday Morning @ DD on rt38 exit 38

Heavily learning @ staying in Forks Me (based on the most snow), # 3 and # 5 if you confirm this is ok # 10 will book asap, other wise we will call on the drive up to secure accommodations.
Bring saddle bags just incase we do an overnight
meal Plan to be determine based booking a cabin or not

# 2

Pres · Tag Hgugr

# 5 have you ever be called a procrastinator? Your new stickers are on order.....

# 7 stop fueling this fire

# 2

Johnny Rotten · WPR God

You see how important this time is. It may turn out that it is best to drive up Sun, ride M-W, and drive home Thurs.

The call should be made by Friday. My opinion.

#5

Caboose · Bitch Rider

The weather report has improved a little bit. Don't forget the call in Thursday.

10-Day Forecast for
Millinocket, ME

High °F
Low °F

Precip.
Chance

Today
Mar 2

Snow Shower

34°
-3°

70%

34°F

Thu
Mar 3

Mostly Sunny

14°
-9°

0%

14°F

Fri
Mar 4

Mostly Cloudy

24°
20°

10%

24°F

Sat
Mar 5

Snow Shower

36°
34°

50%

36°F

Sun
Mar 6

Rain / Snow

41°
23°

60%

41°F

Mon
Mar 7

Snow

26°
19°

70%

26°F

Tue
Mar 8

Partly Cloudy

28°
13°

20%

28°F

Wed
Mar 9

Partly Cloudy

34°
23°

20%

34°F

Thu
Mar 10

Rain / Snow

40°
23°

30%

40°F

Fri
Mar 11

Showers

39°
20°

60%

39°F

WPR10 · Senior WPR Member

Ok, I spoke to Northern Ooutdoors in The Forks today.

They still have plenty accomodations available, but only two of the Cabins I mentioned left.   Each 2-bedroom cabin has a full kitchen, two sepparate bedrooms and a loft with individual beds that will sleep 6-8 individualy.

Cabin is $255 + taxes/nite for Four (4) people (that's $63.75 +taxes per-person per nite for those math wizards out there).

Only $19 + taxes per person additional per nite.

Thus for 5 people it would be: $48.48 / nite + taxes
and for 6 people it would be: $54.80 / nite + taxes

There is Wifi only in the main lodge and there is a community PC available if we don't want to carry a computer.

They can be flexible with us staying one-two nights leaving for a night and returning for 1-2 more nites.

We can leave trucks and trailers no problem and no cost.

I did not book, but of course she says they are selling out fast... What a salesman or saleswoman in this case.

#10

WPR10 · Senior WPR Member

#7, I agree with #5, if you are itching to spend money the dealers will always find a reason to convince you to give them some $doe$ with these sort of vehicles. I have over 7k miles and my ball joints are fine. I wouldn;t consider replacing mine even if they were to only cost me $15 ... no need! I'd rather spend that on 3 beers on the trip!

I just replaced my slides this year too, but even in my heavier riding years once per year is redonkulous!

Suggestion:
Save money on the sled and dont fix what aint broke and buy more beers for the club with your savings!

#10

Pres · Tag Hgugr

# 5 I am not the source of 16 " base, But that seems to be allot of packed snow

here is the link for there conditions (hyperlink included0

http://www.mesnow.com/WherestheSnow.html

http://www.rangeleysnowmobile.com/conditions.htm

http://www.sledmaine.com/trail/trail.html

-- Edited by Pres on Tuesday 1st of March 2011 06:41:49 PM

Johnny Rotten · WPR God

Here's my God's honest perception of your relationship with Bob's Ski-Doo #7.

- he knows you don't want any problems on your annual trip
- he knows you are not afraid to spend $ on your sled every year
- he understands that you expect he will determine any possible issue that may come up and to proactively take care of it

Your sled had never had an issue (to my recollection) that would have been an issue on your trip. But since he is expected to go through the sled and look for anything, he just finds any maintenance items he can to work on.

Your tie rod ends are probably fine, but maybe they have some play in them. I know mine have a ton. But they won't fail any time soon.

The question really is are you surprised each year? There is always $ that can be spent on a machine if you want to.

#5

Johnny Rotten · WPR God

What's the diff between western Maine (The Forks) and Millinocket? They are less than 90 miles apart as the crow flies. What's not to be excited about? It's the same trip. We need to go where we know there is snow on the trails, that was the only reason for the suggested change.

#7, will you do research on trail conditions between Millinocket and Ft. Kent (the original trip plan)? I am fine with that if we have some confidence there is rideable terrain.

#5

Caboose · Bitch Rider

I am expected to be home on Saturday, March 12th for my son's birthday party. I should have mentioned this last night, but until my wife reminded me, I had forgot.

I'm not terribly excited about a trip to western Maine. I imagine it will be like Pittsburg, but with less grooming.

Is there any chance that 99 will clear his work schedule and join us?

I just got off the phone with Bob's Ski Doo. I'm getting new ball joints on the front end (never replaced 7k miles), a couple new track clips (bent) and new slides for the 3rd year in a row. Apparently the bent clips f up the slides.

Does this sound unusual? Bob & Co. must love it when I come in.

#7

WPR10 · Senior WPR Member

If we stay at The Forks we have Crabapple and Northern Outdoors as two options for staying, both with plenty location for tuck storage as well.   Both have sevral cabins and such so I suspect vacancy will not be a problem.

I can make calls to both to see about internat access and such.

If Northern Outdoors is still renting the Lakeside Cabins down the street this would be my preference.   They have full kitchens in them also so bringing meals would be doable.   I will investigate this option first.

We could also stay in the Greenville area as a last alternative.   Good access to trails for Moosehead area and on the way to Millinocket. However from past experience if we are to have poor snow conditions the area around Rockwood is typically first to turn muddy.

Sounds like things are formulating....Let's watch the weather!

#10

Johnny Rotten · WPR God

With so little confirmed, a lot was discussed. I will provide minutes, although, it looks like all members that still plan to go were in attendance.

Snowfall on Sunday and rain/warm temps on Monday are forecast for Maine, so it was proposed that we drive up on Monday in the rain and begin riding on Tuesday where the skies look clear. We will all watch if this forecast timing shifts and react accordingly. Everyone should still leave a Sunday mid-day departure open.

Great conditions in the Gaspe was mentioned but there are several large negatives (this year) for going here: 1 - must be progressive ride and several members don't want this this year; 2 - it would be minimum 2 days (1 day ride back to truck, 1 day drive home) to return home if necessary; 3 - there is no reliable internet or way to carry laptop if some members need to do work in the morning/evenings. For these reasons, Canada has been ruled out this year.

Since #2 can confirm that northern NH is in excellent condition and reports are that Millinocket has only a 16" base with rain and warm temps on the way, it was proposed that we shift home base to western ME. This way we can still access Baxter State Park which is a goal for this year's trip. It is possible this will require an overnight in the Millinocket area or somewhere along the way. Research on this option should be done.

Homework must be done for identifying a home base in the Jackman/Rangely/Forks area. There is 1 day of riding in Pittsburg - 1.5/2 days of riding to/from/in Baxter S.P. and 1 day of riding Moosehead/Forks trails. This gives us maximum flexibility, in an area we believe there are good enough snow conditions.

All in all, a good and worthwhile meeting even though it was unnervingly stated that we actually undid what little plans we had during this meeting by putting the departure date into question. This is true. But thanks to #7 for organizing and pushing attendance.

Finally, there are two open questions leading up to departure. 1 - are members still interested in preparing a dinner? This will depend on what we get for accommodations. 2 - where/when will we load sleds to trailers? #5's truck will tow the 4-place; #7's truck will tow his brand new 2-place w/ shiny salt shield. All sleds have covers. I can pick up 4-place from #3 on Saturday and test brakes/lights. I can pick up #2 and #3 machines on the day of departure. #7 can pick up #10 and meet us at a location east of us and on the way north.

Shall we take Rt. 16 to Conway, NH and bang a right on Rt. 302 into ME? Or shall we take I-95 to Rt. 201 thru ME? These are last minute decisions that will not impact our progress to riding on Tuesday.

Enough for now. Everyone has research to do. The more info we have the better our decisions will be. Remember: this is part of the fun!!

#5

WPR10 · Senior WPR Member

I can make it. See you around 7:30 at the Wild!
#7 happy to drive if you would like.

#10

Caboose · Bitch Rider

I texted #10 and #5. Any chance #3 and #4 can make it?

#7

Caboose · Bitch Rider

It's looking like Buffalo Wild Wings at Fitchburg K-Mart tonight at 7:30pm. I hear they have a terrific vegan menu. I'm probably out of there by 10:30pm.

Bring your maps, ideas and suggestions.

See you tonight.

MMMMMMMMMMM.

#7

WPR10 · Senior WPR Member

Mon. 28th is good for me in the evening. I'll be in Boston all day, but free after about 6-6:30

#10

Johnny Rotten · WPR God

I can do Monday Feb 28 meeting in the evening. I also have a conference number we can use if needed.

#5

Caboose · Bitch Rider

I think #2 and #5 are off with families somewhere for vacation week. We should try to have an actual meeting and use the conference call as a back up to that perhaps early next week.

How's Monday, Feb 28th for a meeting?

#7

WPR10 · Senior WPR Member

I do have a Toll Free Meeting number we can use anytime, just let me know when and I'll send out the digits.

#10

Caboose · Bitch Rider

Domaine Valga was fine. Everyone enjoyed the place. No one believed your prices in the first place.

I keep checking the 10 day forecast and it looks pretty good for Millinocket.

If someone has a dial in conference number we could use, that could get the job done for a meeting.

#7

Johnny Rotten · WPR God

I am not available to meet tonite, sorry. In fact, turns out I won't be around for the band in Clinton on the 26th either - I will be away satisfying my other winter habit.

I am sorry I haven't added much value in the way of researching cabins this trip, I guess I am still gun shy after the Domain Valga fiasco. Not that the cabin wasn't excellent, the food scrumptuous, and the hosts gracious, but that I claimed it was all only $30/night was quite a miss, even by my poor Johnny-quick-math standards. I hope the grudges and whispers have all died down by now.

I am not worried at all about what city night life is accessible nearby, that's just my 2 cents. I know others feel differently, I don't mind either way. Except please don't hit me with the "you have to indulge at least a little so that you are not in the clear bullcrap". What happens on the trip, stays on the trip. That falls under the general man code.

Since L-Rod has miraculously provided a first hand golden trail report for the general area, that should give us high confidence we are headed to good riding. This little heat wave is another story. We'll know the damage after we're back to normal seasonal temps.

There is still time to make our arrangements. No need to panic, there will be time for that later.

#5

Lightning Rod · WPR Newbie

Well the best place we rode was.........everywhere
The worst place we rode was..............loading back on the trailer

All the trails were perfect, traffic was very light, had 1 Ski Doo break (go figure) fixed on trail, no prob.

Maybe if you guys are gonna come down to the lake come on by and I can show you the maps for the area

Patten is actually just South of Shin Pond

#95

Caboose · Bitch Rider

L-Rod,

Can we get some more details....

like the best and worst spots you found?
Busiest and least traffic spots?

We were planning on staying near Shin Pond in a town called Patten.
Any information could be very useful to us.

Your post seemed pretty positive about the area.

#7

Lightning Rod · WPR Newbie

Three Plug Doug, Dock killer, Tim and I just got back from Shin Pond on Sunday, conditions were perfect, freshly groomed. Got rides to Millinocket, Matagamon, Bolin Camps, Oxbow, and Ashland. Put on 400 miles from Thursday evening to Sunday morning.

http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=963080
http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=962689
http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=964091
http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=964489

I have some maps if you guys want them.

Let me know...

Hopefully heading up to Moosehead area this weekend

Just turned 6000 miles on the Dragon

Rodney AKA Dragon Man
#95

-- Edited by Lightning Rod on Wednesday 16th of February 2011 10:19:27 PM

-- Edited by Lightning Rod on Wednesday 16th of February 2011 10:23:41 PM

-- Edited by Lightning Rod on Wednesday 16th of February 2011 10:28:21 PM

-- Edited by Pres on Friday 18th of February 2011 06:37:58 PM

Caboose · Bitch Rider

Here are the latest conditions from Maine:

http://www.mesnow.com/WherestheSnow.html

GREATER KATAHDIN REGION

Bowlin-Matagamon-Shin Pond:2/15: "12 above zero this morning but very windy! 5 inches of new snow from yesterday's storm. Trails are being groomed from this latest snow. Our snow base is over 4 ft with great riding conditions. Some warm weather predicted for Thursday will not hurt us! It will help to settle this base and allow for late season riding.
As always feel free to call or email me anytime. Terry 207-528-2900, or shinpondvillage@fairpoint.net, Bowlin-Matagamon-Shin Pond SC. P.S. Check out our live webcam at shinpond.com

Northern Katahdin/Patten:2/11: "All trails in the Rockabema system are groomed and ready to ride. ITS 81 from Sherman Station to Patten and Shin Pond is great riding. Scenic trail 81 and the Pub trail are groomed and offer nice views of Mt Chase and the Katahdin range.
ITS 81 beyond Shin Pond to the Camp Violet road was groomed last night. Caution; there is heavy logging on this trail from the Weeks Brook road north for approximately three miles. Connector trail 112 from Patten east to the 62 turnoff is flat as a flounder.
Club trail 62 through the Pleasent lake area to ITS 81 north of Shin Pond is groomed with logging ongoing on both sides of route 11. Please note; trail 62 riders wishing to continue north towards Oxbow will have to travel south in order to access ITS 81/85 on the snowshoe road. The same goes for riders on Smoki Haulers trail 114.
No snowmobiling on the Weeks Brook road. Big Sebois connector (114) from Patten west to ITS 85 and 85A has been groomed and is a nice ride. Logging is ongoing near the junction with ITS 85A.ITS 85 and 85A are ready for the weekend and will be done again saturday.
Slow down and please be careful, especially on the plowed roads where logging is ongoing." - Steve Crouse/Trailmaster, Rockabema Sno Rangers

AROOSTOOK COUNTY

Madawaska/St John Valley: 2/16: "With an additional foot of the white stuff out of this past storm, extreme Northern Maine has plenty of snow and the groomers have been out in force to bring most trails to excellent riding condition. The below zero F. temperatures will be breaking today and the coming President's Day week-end promises to be a great one. Trails from Hamlin to Van Buren, Grand Isle, St. Agatha, Sinclair, Madawaska, Frenchville, Fort Kent, St. John, St. Francis and Allagash are excellent. Trails to Wallagrass, New Canada, Eagle Lake and on to Portage are great as well. Eagle Lake, Square Lake, Cross Lake, Mud Lake and Long Lake provide some great perimeter rides, but always stay away from and give a wide berth to the Thoroughfares which do not freeze. This week-end features a USCC sanctioned Sno-Cross cross-country race in Madawaska on the Albert Farm River Flats (corner of Gagnon Road and U.S. Route One). The race course is a 5 mile loop with about 85% of the race course viewable from the spectator area. Racers from all over the Northeastern U.S. and Canada are expected with registrations to be made at the American Legion on Main Street in Madawaska. Ride safe and to the right. That seamless ribbon of white gold is for everyone to respect and enjoy." -Mike Cyr, Madawaska SC

Oxbow-Masardis:2/15: Oxbow-Masardis SC web site reports: "ITS 85 - Trail packed and in good shape. ITS 86 - Trail packed and in good shape. Club Trail - All Club trails are open and being groomed on a 'as needed' basis. Another big snowfall! We have been working around the clock to get the powder packed. All trails will be groomed by the weekend."

Benedicta:2/14: "Hey Gang, All trails in the Snowgang system are groomed and very ridable at this time. Had another 3-5" of new 'white gold' today which will only make conditions better. That being said, my report is as follows:
ITS#83 --Sherman/Whetstone Falls --- groomed with good/excellent conditions!!**
ITS#81 --Sherman/Benedicta/Mattawamkeag --- groomed, with excellent conditions!!**
Municipal Trail #70 --Benedicta/Whetstone Falls -- groomed with excellent conditons!!**
All Snowgang Club Trails are groomed with good/excellent conditions!!**

Caboose · Bitch Rider

The Camp Wapiti (the proposed cabin site) is 27 miles northeast of Millinocket. It would take a long drive just to get there.

What is this information?

What are you suggesting?

We are 18 days from the trip.

More and more I firmly believe we need to:

1. further research the area
2. communicate on what we've found
3. what we think our needs are
4. possible contingencies that each of us is willing to accept
5. contenders and pretenders-who's really going?
6. How are we going to communicate if the only meeting is scheduled at a loud bar with a live band playing a week before our trip?

Anyone

Mini Member # 3

new research suggests that millinocket may not be interesting enough of a town to stay in for a few days or more.

Mini Member # 3

I like the sounds of the 18th.

Wyman Pond Racing

10-Day Forecast for Millinocket, ME

#95

10-Day Forecast for
Millinocket, ME