diamond pond is no longer updating there trail report page but mentioned no more grooming as of 3/31
this is pittsburgs report as of 4/7....Winter is still here in Pittsburg. We picked up another 3+ inches of snow last night. The Burg still has lots of snow for all of you diehards out there that don't want winter to end. The trails east of First Connecticut Lake are in great shape and with this fresh snow, the riding will be fantastic. The groomers are scheduled to be on the trails again tonight and Friday night weather permitting. The only trail that has been closed is the trail from Dorman's Gas to Young's Store.
So there. Is still some hope.... I could go Sunday or Thursday is best for me next week
-- Edited by Pres on Friday 10th of April 2015 07:34:43 PM
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member # 2, Club Founder, Director, 2003.Dash For Cash Club Champion, 2001 Pole position Dash for cash, 2000 Dash for Cash Champion
You know what a good ride report does? It makes you regret you missed the ride and also makes you want to go get another ride in! So #3 that was a good ride report because it accomplished both. I guess my report wasn't because it got no replies at all. I think the key of a good ride report is like telling a good story, nobody cares about all the gory details, just pick out a few key moments and make the reader able to envision being there. What it felt like, smelt like, sounded like. Were my hands cold? Was I hungry? Was I worried or scared? Do I feel the wind on my face shield? The bumps under my feet? Yeah, good stuff.
I popped new trailer lights in yesterday. Oil is topped up. Hmmm. Will the trails hold up for a ride next week? It is supposed to be rainy in the next couple days and very warm this weekend. If there is interest in going - I'd give it good consideration.
It is getting late in the season. Many have packed it in. Maybe you have had enough? You've ridden 2000+ miles already this season, more than expected due to the abundant snow fall and it has been a good year. A really good year for snow. Maybe your sled in down and you don't want to spend the money to fix it until the fall. Or perhaps you have one on order and you don't want to take the chance of crashing your trade in? Maybe you don't like the guys you were riding with? Or maybe you significant other won't let you go. Maybe the trailer has a flat tire? Maybe the guys leave too early in the morning? Maybe they get back too late? Maybe your too busy at work? They can't get along with out you. Your too important. (As if your name is going to be mentioned in the company's history, Right.) Maybe technology has passed you by? (NEVER.) Maybe you don't like your sled? Maybe you realize you don't like to ride. I don't know.
What I do know is that this time of year offers the best riding. I mean the BEST! Break them back out boys. Lets go back up the week of the 6th. Lets go!
I met 2 at the Pearl Hill parking lot at 5:45 am to load for Groveton, NH. Off to Brookline for coffee and gas by 6:05. Nash Stream by 9:05. 19 degrees. 19 positive degrees.
Unloaded and prepared to ride North. Destination today, East side of Pittsburgh. While packing up, I did notice that we both packed snacks and drinks. I thought this was very interesting. Made a mental note.
The Afternoon promised to warm up. There was talk of a brief shower in the lower elevations. I thought we might see snow because of the elevations we were expected to be at by 1:00 pm. Humm, what to wear? I am so used to dressing for the Arctic. Will I be too warm with the usual? Toady I will dress down. A thin pair of sweats covered by a shell, one sweater and a heavy coat, thin balaclava and the wedge. Sounds interesting. I left a full two layers of cold gear in the truck. After all, it was going to warm up.
Off and into the woods. Up towards Mugalaway and beyond. The Nash Stream groomers always does a nice job. The trails were excellent. The grip was excellent. Frozen tracks from the night before, We had to have been the 6th and 7th sleds out on these freshly groomed trails. Awesome.
With in 20 miles, the Pes shedded a layer. Hand warmers were not going to be necessary today. Can you imagine?
We decided to stay away from Errol. Due to past april history and all. While zipping along the trails I thought about lunch. Not going to Errol translates to no barbecue for lunch. It would be too earlyanyway. I wondered whether we would stop at Youngs for a Sandwich or maybe the Cozy Corners? What did the Pes have planned? Miles passed and while I contemplated this question. We traveled up past the back side of Dixville. It started snowing hard. These are very good trails and would have been enjoyable if not for the lack of grooming. This lasted 20 plus miles or so. Nothing too crazy. Mostly washboard action which taken at speed do not affect the ride significantly. They do make you appreciate the groomers and soon we were back on freshly groomed trails. Wow, what a pleasure. The miles clicked off. The speed increased. Nice pace.
While deciding which of the hundred Route 110s we were going to take, we set our destination towards Moose Hollow. Here we enjoyed a slight detour to investigate a trail into Maine. Several small risky bridges to cross. One river crossing which was so picturesque. Some single track. Great scenery. All in good fun, following the path while looking for a pot of gold. Ten miles in before we turned around to come back. Maybe we will finish this one another day?
Did I mention that there is a lot of snow up there. A lot of snow.
Back to MooseHollow. Up the side of the hill. This was very exciting. We followed a few fresh tracks. We made a bunch of our own. This was the highlight of the day. By now it was after two. Snack time, why not. We never discussed getting lunch, just gas. I clearly remember a time some years back when the Pes scolded me in angry tone, "If you are not going to stop for lunch, then I am not riding with you anymore." This was while he was tapping his finger on my helmet shield. Today was a milestone. A turning point if you will. Since that day, I have always worried not to missed lunch. Today was different. Just bring trail mix. That is the secret ticket.
With 110 plus miles on the tank and due to the time, we decide to head for gas at Diamond Pond. An additional 45 miles. Still good trails. Clear skies. Warming up. 150 plus miles, so I am told, 7 gallons + or - of gas. Not bad.
Shedding additional layers. It was soo nice and warm. What a difference. You can have the -20 days. I realized I like riding in March and April.
Pont of interest, We rode on 4-2 last year as well.
Home over Dixville Peak. Just south of this showing a little brown and the occasional rock in the trail. Just enough to keep you paying attention.
Back the the trucks by 6 or so. We should go back.
