Wyman Pond Racing

Ride Report: 3/19/15

Attendees: 2, 3, 5, Bandit/Whistler

Drop Location: Colebrook

Although #5 was once again 15 minutes early to the meeting point, it still turned out that #2 and #3 ended up waiting for him to add air to his tires.  But, he provided warm breakfast and hot coffee with truck side service so all was forgiven.  Just want to point out #5 has made huge strides in this area of being on time, I know the members appreciate it.  It reflects a life lesson taught to me by my fellow riders that has made me a better person.  Thank you guys!

It was a beautiful daybreak over the southern foothills of the Whites, who needs caffeine with that kind of view to get you stoked for a day of riding??  I admit I still look up and behind me when passing that point in the Notch parkway where The Man used to perch up on Cannon Mountain.  #5 needed oil and the others gas so we split and met up at the P lot.

It was cold cold cold and sunny by 9am.  Engines fired up and a quick handshake meeting the fourth rider of the group today.  He was on a Polaris Rush chassis so we had equal brand representation even though, as usual, my representation is that of snowmobile historical perspective.  I like to do my part to have others feel good about their more modern purchase.  Youre welcome boys.

We wanted to ride to the north country up on the west side and loop back south on the east side today expecting the snow to be in better shape to the east from snowfall reports.  It didnt take long before we were stopping at every junction pole, trying to figure out where exactly on the trail we were and how to connect over to 7.  7 had evidently been re-routed but we could not find our way north it was as if all routes led south.  What's the difference, we were riding and the trails were in excellent shape.

Of course it didnt take long for the Trail Boss and the Pres to get us into higher country.  We used Ottos Lane which was a nice tribute to a great pup.  It was one day from the Vernal Equinox and it was so cold I actually had to set my hand warmers to medium, something I had only ever done when riding in Canada in January.  Did not expect that.  No communicators this day either.  No need with all veteran riders.  In stark contrast from the ride that I had an in depth conversation with #10 about the attributes of Mercedes Benz automobiles over the communicators while the other riders (who didnt unplug) had to endure, this was a ride of serene quiet and contemplation.  Which was just what the doc ordered for me.

Whats great about every ride is that there is always one new adventure or memorable moment that we experience each time.  This ride had several.  By the way, no mechanicals.  Yahoo.  The A.M. adventure was a simple little hill climb on the side of the trail.  Oh maybe a football field long and a 250 foot rise.  First #3 wanted to use those extra inches of track to climb to a nice little perch.  #2 followed and then the Bandit.  They all had crossover tracks.  My track had, at one time, not quite an inch of paddle and now with 10,000 miles (yes, turned over on this ride) on it.  But where one WPR rider goes, all must follow.  So up I went.  Yes there was a lot of track spin but she climbed it just fine.  You dont think that was the story do you?

As the riders descended one by one, the Pres turned down just in front of me.  I noticed something peculiar as he began his trip down.  Before he even hit the steep part, his track was locked solid and he was simply sliding straight down the 1 sled wide path, accelerating the whole way.  I sat for a moment and thought, okay, he has 16 more inches of track and like 3/4 more of an inch height on each paddle.  This is not going to be fun for me.  Looking left and right there was only one way down.  Straight down.

Aiming the skis down the hill and immediately locking up this was all going to be on keeping the tail behind the skis and letting her roll.  Clear the landing area!  The clutches were making fantastic sounds as I gripped and released the lever trying to remain on the edge of scrubbing acceleration and keeping steering control.  It worked.  We set off.  We were going to have words with the others later about this..

Having lost time on the trail finding our way up, it was 1:30 and we only had 70 miles so lunch was of the pit stop type in the vestibule of Youngs Store.  With bellies and tanks topped up, we head west and south.  The afternoon ride was faster as we sped towards Magalloway mountain and the fire tower.  Here is where the P.M. extra treat took place.  It also had to do with a hill.  Imagine that.  The access road to the tower trail is not groomed during the season and the boys had, as you recall, just filled our bellies up, so the whoops were not welcome.  Well, for some they werent so bad.  I find that taking whoops motocross style is the best and most fun.  I will fix stuff I break later, it's a long off season in this sport.  So living up to my Blair Morgan standing style, up and at em I went!

Passing each of the riders safely, by first showing them a ski, then revving the motor, then on by at the next straight with good visibility down trail clear of oncoming.  When we hit the trail entrance that rose straight up the side of the mountain, there were 3 young lads pulled to the side.  They were dressed in aggressive riding gear and had the machines to match.  Save one.  The first said to me, you wont make it on that, pointing to my beloved antique.  Then he quickly amended saying well, youll need momentum.  Lots of it.  And then added he couldnt make it pointing to his buddy, on the same machine as me.  Ok.  Well, I had never been to the fire tower on Magalloway but had heard of its legendary status so I guess I didnt really think about it much.  Just hit the happy paddle as #388 used to call it, and spun up the mill.

It was fun, big whoops, switchback single track, and then the first of what he warned about.  Momentum he said I know this lesson because the Pres has taught me well over the many years of riding with him.  I lined up the skis up on the left and right channels and put it to the bars.  I love this sport, the little XC clawed and scratched and we made quick work of all the bottomless pits.  After arriving at the top I sat for a while, then a little more.  Theyll be along, so I climbed up the tower stairs almost to the top.  The wind gusted up a few times.  What a view.  360 degrees all around northern NH, western Maine, and southern Quebec.  Gorgeous.

After a while I figured maybe they decided otherwise so I began my trip back.  And there they were heading towards me so I pulled over to give them room and hopped on with #2 and hitched a ride back to the top.  After a silly conversation about unlimited data plans, we got ready to head back down.  Thats when the Pres looked at me and said, hey remember that earlier hill climb?  Remember what you did because this ones worse.  Ugh.  I hadnt thought of that.  The new snow was loose and puffy.  It offered no traction.  This is what Im talking about, always an adventure.  I crawled down because if speed got away from you on this trip down, it wasnt straight, not at all straight.  Hey, straight would be boring, lets keep things interesting here!  Better for the ride report.  And here I am to tell about it.

It was great riding in the afternoon, not sure if the air warmed up or we just raised the riding a notch or two because I was hot and working hard.  It was another absolutely fantastic rip down 112 and 143 those trails are amazing and never fail to deliver.  Great job to the groomers and the clubs who deliver such a wonderful experience for those who love our sport.  Thank you!!

We stopped at what used to be the grand sight of The Balsams to view the carnage.  It is amazing to see what has become of such a once spectacular compound.  I hear the investors have mighty plans to rebuild, we will see.  I hope so, it would be a shame to see it stay this way.

Back to the trucks down 139 and 5.  We arrived back at 6 but because this is a spring ride, the sun was still bright as we loaded up.  We said good ride and farewell to our fourth he was a ton of fun to ride with, keeping pace and ready to ride any direction glad we added another guest to the WPR roster.  Well done Bandit/Whistler!

I thought I would have no more to write about, but alas, my mind was in neutral when it came time for the 293/101 split in Manchester, I failed to get over to the right, no worries, Ill jump back on the Merritt and oops missed that too, ok, over to 93 and Ill just grab 495 a little farther north.  Its longer but not by much, that is, unless you take another exit first that says 495 in, I dont know, Haverhill maybe?  WTF, now I was getting mad.  Driving on some connector, then in traffic, then in construction.  I just gave up and closed my eyes and put my right foot down.  I wish.  Anyway, I made it home with a time penalty.  Never did that before.

Ill wrap it up, thanks to all for another great ride.  Might be my last north for the season.  I need new brake lights on my trailer.  But the sled will be put away knowing it is ready for another season.  Having ridden #2 and #3 machines, it is getting harder to ignore the difference in ride.  Those machines are amazing.  Someday Ill pull the trigger.  Until then, even though my riding seasons are smaller now, they are absolutely just as enjoyable!

Over and out, see you on the dirt or trackside I hope!  The sportscars are back in Limerock this year boys..  And don't forget Davy Knowles in Cambridge on May 19.  As #3 says: Let's go!

#5