Apologies for such a delay in getting a post up about the Jackman trip, it just goes to show how busy everyone is and I'm glad we made such an effort to showhorn this getaway into the winter. I have to put on the record, it was absolutely recognized that #7 was given props for keeping the whole thing on track. With #2 and #5 on the phone for an hour the night before departure, looking for the best snow conditions, it could have all gone awry. But #7 was tele-conferenced in and he laid down the law, which kept us focused, or rather, unfocused on trying to plan ourselves away from our planned destination.
It may be true that there was better conditions somewhere in Quebec, but I will whole-heartedly second the previous report that the conditions FAR exceeded my expectations. I had a blast. After installing some scratchers purchased at the end of day 1 at Jackman Powersports, the conditions just kept getting better all weekend long - to culminate on Sunday with near ideal trail conditions for 90% of the ride through the sunny countryside. We explored, gained some elevation, and superb switchback. As you can see from the video there was plenty of snow dust to keep the machines in the proper operating temperature range.
We had a nice conversation with the proprietors of Pittston Farm at the northern most point of Moosehead. Love that place. And rode with a Mainer up for the day staying at Bishop's that let us know of a band playing down the street that night. The Resistance. They weren't bad for a bunch of Maine teens trying to fight the good fight. Ask #2 and I about the almost brawl we got into because The Pres hates Bernie Sanders so much - or was it that he loved him so much??! I don't think it mattered to Napa-know-how man, he just wanted to fight someone.
Couldn't agree w/ #7 any more, it was great to ride 3 days continuous, with no drive time in between. Just hot food, cold beers, and rockin tunes. I can appreciate that it is still a good trip with 3 WPR members - but I can also appreciate it would have been fun with some of the other core members in attendance. #3 and #10 and others were missed. By the way, I am passing a new club ordinance, if you use a C-PAP machine, you MUST bring it on club trips. The hotel room was as peaceful as wooded forest or an open desert at night. Everyone slept wonderfully, with the exception of the occasional re-dosing of muscle relaxers.
It was great to revive the WPR Annual Trip in 2016 - but standby, there are other members north riding now...
#5
-- Edited by Johnny Rotten on Sunday 28th of February 2016 06:34:20 PM
-- Edited by Johnny Rotten on Sunday 28th of February 2016 06:44:15 PM
#2 Nice pictures and movie. Did you ever take a full inventory of your electronics that jumped ship out behind Bishops? I'm still a little tired from our trip. I'm glad we went and found some the nicely groomed trails. I'd be willing to take another weekend trip somewhere before the season is over. Watch the trail reports and maybe we can do a Saturday /Sunday ride somewhere when the conditions are decent.
We did not make it across the border to the Great White North. We were able to stick around the Jackman area and ride all around the area. We took similar routes that we found to be in good shape. The small snow storms on Friday night and Sunday morning helped conditions improve throughout the weekend. Conditions, by the way, far exceeded our expectations. We spoke to two older guys at the bar and told them we rode 160 on Saturday. They went on to tell us they trailered up to Lac'Etchemin, Quebec for 260 miles of great riding on Saturday. Maybe we should have tried that. Anyway, it was great to get on a sled again for 3 days in a row. I can't say I've done that since our trip to the Northern Outdoors a few years back.
Serving a variety of tasty foods, we cater to families and individuals of all ages. Try some of our Friday and Saturday night prime rib, or satisfy your taste buds with rib eye, swordfish, sirloin sizzler, Sally Mountain oysters, or our mouth-watering Surf & Turf.
We serve burgers, steaks, pizzas, pasta, chicken, seafood, calamari, soups, sandwiches, and many other items! Dine in or order to go. And don't forget dessert! Whether you snowmobile the trails, or snowshoe over white, glistening terrain, come on in, get warmed up, and re-energize without having to lift a finger to cook. You'll feel right at home with our friendly and courteous staff, who are ready to serve up your meals and drinks while you socialize, rest, or put coins in the juke box.
Don't worry about what to wear ~ the attire is casual, so come as you are. We open at 11:30 a.m. for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. A children's menu is available. See page two (2) for information on food and pub specials.
To find us, travel up the spectacular 78.2 mile Maine Scenic Byway known as theOld Canada Road and enjoy the beautiful views of mountains, rivers, and rolling hills. You may even see a moose or other area wildlife before arriving at the town that has been dubbed "The Switzerland of Maine" otherwise known as Jackman, Maine. From Greenville, take Route 15/6 through Rockwood to Jackman. By snowmobile, just follow the signs off ITS 89 to the large, oversized parking lot behind Schmooses.
Jackman Ice Fishing Derby Jan 17 & 18! USCC East Snowmobile Race Jan 24 on Long Pond! Things are happening in Jackman, Maine!
Jackman is a fantastic area for avid sportsmen who enjoy ice fishing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing, so bring your families and come to "Maine's Winter Paradise" to see what you can do in the snow! It's a beautiful area for photography, so don't forget your cameras!
In the summer and fall, enjoy hiking trails, rafting, moose watching, leaf-peeping, biking, ATV'ing, bird watching, and many other fun activities during your stay. Stop in at 513 Main Street for a refreshing and satisfying meal while in town. Doyou like to sing? Join us on Thursdays for Karaoke Fun beginning at 6:30 p.m.Show off your singing skills, or listen to others while they perform. See page 3 for more information. Are you planning a party? No Problem!A dining area is available for Group Parties, so make your reservations now and have a festive atmosphere for your next one!
And don't forget each Friday and Saturday night is PRIME RIB Special!