Wyman Pond Racing

Caboose · Bitch Rider

Spitballing

Caboose · Bitch Rider

I especially liked that picture of the alien space ship. Those dudes came to party, they bought rounds all night!

#7

Johnny Rotten · WPR God

ME 2020_Day 2_lunch moosetracks.jpg ME 2020_Day 2_trail.jpg ME 2020_Day 2_unbroken.jpg Day 2 Lunch : Moosetracks. Luckily #7 remembered this place. It was great. Warm and delicious. Patron if any members go, strongly suggest.

Day 2 : On the trail with snowfall

Day 3: The perfect 17 miles. Note there are no tracks in front of our skis. That was the whole trail.

-- Edited by Johnny Rotten on Thursday 26th of March 2020 05:02:06 PM

-- Edited by Johnny Rotten on Thursday 26th of March 2020 05:02:39 PM

-- Edited by Johnny Rotten on Thursday 26th of March 2020 05:03:33 PM

-- Edited by Pres on Thursday 26th of March 2020 05:09:58 PM

Johnny Rotten · WPR God

#7 is Ready to go Day 1

Ready for lunch at the Bonanza Day 1, we were only a few miles from the destination but it would take a lot of searching to find it. #7 came through!

End of Day 1 at the Presque Isle Inn and Tavern, taken from the Tavern as the sun had already set.

-- Edited by Johnny Rotten on Thursday 26th of March 2020 04:42:41 PM

-- Edited by Johnny Rotten on Thursday 26th of March 2020 04:54:53 PM

-- Edited by Johnny Rotten on Thursday 26th of March 2020 04:55:25 PM

-- Edited by Johnny Rotten on Thursday 26th of March 2020 04:56:52 PM

-- Edited by Johnny Rotten on Thursday 26th of March 2020 04:57:39 PM

-- Edited by Johnny Rotten on Thursday 26th of March 2020 05:06:01 PM

Pres · Tag Hgugr

lets not forget the events page.....for rides and events all year long

http://skidoo900ace.com/WPR_Sandvox/eventsactivities-for2019.html

#2

Johnny Rotten · WPR God

#2, thanks for posting those stats on the annual trip history, there's nothing like data to clear up and confirm what "feelings" do to our memories of things. I apologize for doubting at the end of my day 3 ride report. Those are really interesting stats - I guess we just like to remember the BIG trips. More members is maybe more memorable? It's no less fun and the riding no less great with smaller groups. I'd love to know if I'm in the >70% of trips group. I know I've missed one or two of them.

#388, in terms of communication, this club's central hub has always been the forum. Just about all rides that members are suggesting or posting invitations to are all posted here. It is rare that a ride takes place without a mention on the forum. All members are always welcome to join in and be welcomed to every ride (that's why it's so hard to get into this club - you must be vetted first!). We are WPR. As the Pres says, it is our backbone.

This year for #7 and #5 , we were lucky not to get thwarted from the trip, there were lots of fine tuning and adjustments needed as the departure day approached. We were struggling with logistics to accommodate a rider, not even sure if he is an official member, but a very good asset to any trip IMO. All are welcome and members will typically bend over backwards to accommodate when necessary.

Long live the WPR Annual Trip!!! [spoken with a thick Scottish accent]: They can take our snow, but they can never take our riding!!

#5

okay: that was lame.. MUTE

Caboose · Bitch Rider

#388, let me further reassure you that the club is not in Jeopardy. I have 4K on my sled and plan on another 4K in the coming years. I am not done yet either. I'm registered in NH and would gladly get another 3 day Maine pass if the opportunity arises.

Throw something out there and see if it sticks? I'm busy next Saturday and cannot ride on Wednesdays or the last or first business day of the month.

#7

Pres · Tag Hgugr

#388, i would not worry about the club.....we are as strong as ever.....to bad someone canceled the night before with the sniffles that lasted over 10 days ....basically **** happens

some trip stats over the last 23 years:

there have been 2 trips that 2 members attended
there have been 4 trips that 3 members attended
every other trip has had greater than 4 members in attendance
only 3 members have attended >70% of the trips

So basically as a group we are doing pretty good making this trip happen. unfortunately, Life does get in the way, we all have obsatcles that we try to avoid....Whats great about this club and its members is, we all are super happy when we can get out ride together regardless of who they are.

#2

Sarge 388 · Sasquatch

What a great ride report...loved the detail of the best trail! Getting worried about this club...I'm confused, there looked like over a 1/2 dozen were going on the trip and then only 2? I've made phone calls, texts but only get limited text or no response at all...very weird. The days of excitement seem to be lacking here. Anywho...still plugging the miles in. Enjoy your season.

Johnny Rotten · WPR God

Day 3 Ride Report - Presque Isle back to Millinocket

With temps back in the normal range, #7 and #5 had sunny skies and 4-5" of fresh dry powder on their sleds to clean off. This of course made #5 very happy and I dusted and cleaned all the snow off my machine. We topped up and the dealership next door and got clarification that to access 83 south was just across the street from the hotel. It was neat to head out in a new direction from the last two days of riding. As expected, although the trails underneath were hard pack and well established, the new snow was piled heavy on top as we rode on sometimes one, two and maybe three previous sled tracks in the new snow. There was lots of track spin and corners needed to be negotiated rather than attacked.

We were following signs towards Mars Hill, but there was a particular section of trail we both wanted to hit which was 70A. It was a green trail that looped west off the ITS trails and then back again, it just called to us on the map. So we made good time in the bright sunshine piling up the miles southbound on the familiar flat straight superhighways of the red trails. When we got to the 83/81 split it was decision time. We both already knew what we wanted to do but we were trying to determine fuel as the gas stations were not clearly marked on the map, we had to make some assumptions about where we could refuel. Of course we "determined" that we would be okay and headed north on 81 until we got to the trailhead we were looking for. Our dedication would be rewarded.

We had been following a group of about 5 locals out for a day of riding, they were breaking the trail and we were slip sliding around behind, until we got to the 70A junction. They carried on straight away and I came to a full stop. I looked at the trail, unbroken, pristine, virgin, beautiful, perfect. I looked at #7 and made a motion like please don't make me turn away from this. I got the thumbs up. I turned my sled onto the picture perfect trail and began to weep in my helmet. This might just be the most perfect 17 miles of trail I have ever ridden on a snowmobile. I was not riding, I was floating. The earth fell away and I was flying through the wilderness. Billions of sparkling diamonds in the untouched snow, framed by the heavy snow laden branches of the evergreens to the left and right. For a moment I thought of offering #7 to lead but I was too selfish and couldn't give it up. This was pure bliss. Thanks #7 for letting me have that. It made my trip.

When we popped out the other end the trail had been rerouted/detoured so there was some confusion of how to connect back to the route to get gas. I was confident we had enough to get to Houlton so I wasn't concerned there would be fuel there. This would come to haunt us later. Marking the milestones as we neared out target, somehow we arrived and then passed straight through the area where we needed to make. Now we had to figure out where we would head. We found a sign that read Granny's Restaurant and gas ahead 1 mile. We were good. But after 1 mile, then 2 miles, no gas. Pushing a little farther, I looked back at a sign for the other direction and saw it said gas 2 miles ahead. I was miffed. Discussed with #7 and my pride and stubborness got the better of me "hey, we can make to this next place that says there's gas, after several miles of pushing on, I second guessed my decision.

I stopped the sled and walked back to #7 and said brother I am second guessing myself, and I don't want to screw us. He agreed and we heading back towards Granny's/gas. When we came to an intersection "in town" I looked back at him and he shrugged, then he looked up and pointed. Sure enough, there we were, right behind a large commercial building that had an awning out front. It was gas. We weren't really at risk, I put 7.5 gallons in and he put 6.5 gallons in. But our minds were put at ease. I [very politely] told the guy to put an arrow or a cone or anything out on the trail to indicate gas as it was not easy to see, he agreed and said he would get it done. The town was Linneus btw. We were off.

This made our next stint that much better not having to worry, we knew we had enough for the final push now. A little further along 83 and we picked up 60A around Pleasant Lake. This turned out to be a fun natural area as well on a green trail. Note that we need to target green trails next time we are here. Lots of elevation and switchback through this wonderful area. Back on 83 on the other end we tried a 3rd green trail for the day - I guess we went to the well one too many times. 112 proved to be ungroomed but heavily traveled as the lack of grooming beat us up good on this one. Onto 81 south we decided not to take the 2nd 112 section and just stayed on the freshly groomed ITS superhighway. Boring but we needed to get some miles south at this point. The day was getting long. So 83 to 85 and blasted back to Millinocket. One last stop at a junction close to the hotel to make sure we chose the right way. Once I remembered that I set the gps to "north up" on the display, I apologized to #7 for a stupid moment and agreed he had the right way. Shortly after, we found signs to Baxter Park Inn with miles to go bringing us right back to the truck.

We celebrated with a trip to the Scoodic Inn restaurant highly recommended by the owner, the whiskey and IPA's went down smooth as we toasted another successful annual trip. Many thanks to #7 for his great companionship and teamwork. I will echo his sentiments from the day 2 ride report - many members were thought about and missed on this trip. I don't know if this is a dying tradition, but it sure felt great to me. I'll be in for next year's trip unless circumstances dictate otherwise. Cheers WPR!!!

#5

Caboose · Bitch Rider

Day 2 Presque Isle to Ft Kent

The day began with -15 degrees and two guys stalling and waiting for the temps to rise back to zero. We had a long breakfast and we suitedi up in the room. With the two of us planning on returning to the Presque Isle Inn that night, we did not need backpacks. We set our first destination directly north to the small town of Van Buren. My face was freezing around my rubber mouthpiece in my helmet. We hit some nasty bumps along 88 north and kind of lost the trail as we crossed a paved bridge. We actually drove on the road much further than we planned until we found the trail again. We found a few really fast rail beds along route 83 to 105 to Van Buren clicking off our first 50 miles before 10am. The grooming was not as good as day 1 but the views along route 81 along the St. John River (natural Canadian border) were spectacular. This is where the riding really got great with elevation changes, twists and turns. We took a little time to figure out our route when a group of 6 or so came by and told us the 81 to 83 loop to Madawaska was just ok. It was some of the best riding of the day. We found a gas station in the neighboring town of Frenchville. The owner of the store came out to greet us and tell us how he was requesting more signs at the next town meeting. I found the Aroostock County people to be friendly and glad to provide local information. Riding west with #5 leading the entire day we made our way to Fort Kent. We decided we wanted to get some lunch. When we came into town, I recognized the rail station and rail crossing that we hit 19 short years ago. Its cool how that town has a trail that goes right through all the businesses. I saw a sign for Mooseshack. #5 said do you want to go to some place called the Whistle or the Mooseshack? Easy choice for me. We pushed through the McDonalds parking lot to the rustic Shack. We got in there and unfortunately there were no customers. This place had handmade tables with slabs from giant trees. It was beautiful. We were there an hour and back on the sleds by 2pm with a destination of the Allagash 34 miles away down ITS95 before we would head back to Presque Isle. We did not know if the green local trail 120 was even open. Dusk was upon us as we found that the route was open but not groomed for several days. We were back on 85 south headed for the small town of Portage where we found a general store/gas station. We filled up and spoke to some guys who had come from the direction we were headed. They said it was rough and we should have a beer and wait for the groomer to get 15-20 miles down. No dice. We were headed back looking at an hour and a half ride back to Presque Isle after dark. The bumps and the war of attrition was wearing us out, but this was a great day of riding. We kicked in the afterburners and we were fortunate enough to find a rail bed for some quick miles. It was getting really cold at this point, but with just 2 of us we were making pretty good time. We found route 90 east toward Presque Isle and south on 105 to the intersection of 88. I saw this big sign and said "we were here yesterday". It was dark cold and absolutely delightful to know the way home since we had already ridden for over an hour in the dark with dropping temps. We blasted the last 10 miles back to Presque Isle Inn on a familiar route and we were home. 243 miles of great riding. We were belly up to the bar and pouring beer and margaritas down our throats within 30 minutes. Tremendous day of riding. It was also the day I was looking most forward to. Great job by #5 leading all day. He had the GPS and we used the map as our second source of information. You really need both.

The members that could not come on the trip for different and important reasons were sorely missed.

#7

Sarge 388 · Sasquatch

Where is the rest of the crew?

Johnny Rotten · WPR God

Ride report for 2/17/20 Millinocket to Presque Isle. #'s 5&7. 155 miles. Departed Baxter Park Inn on trail @ 8:30am arrived at Presque Isle Inn at 3:15pm with a stop for lunch and the Bonanza for a 3,200 calorie salad bar and beef stew.

#5 averaged just over 14mpg and #7 averaged just over 16mpg. Trail conditions were judged to be 8.5/10 overall. Plenty of snow coverage good traction but loose in some corners from the recent snowfall. We used trails ITS 85 and 114 into Shin Pond just to top up, then onto 81/85, 88 and 83.

3-5" expected in Aroostook County for tomorrow, Tuesday. The plan is use 88, 81, 90, 83, 105 into Van Buren and then see if we can cross to the west.

With the pool calling #7 it was decided to stay in and keep rested for day 2 riding. Who knows what mileage we will make with snowfall expected to be heavy as the day goes on. With any luck we will be riding fresh groomers all the way back on Wed.

Over and out for now.

#5

Sarge 388 · Sasquatch

I can feel your excitement #7 in your posts. Have a great trip and take lots of pics.

Caboose · Bitch Rider

Hotels.com has 2 rooms left at Caribou Convention Center and 2 rooms left at Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center for Monday Night, 2/17.

Can we make it that far on Monday? Or do we have to find something closer?

#7

Caboose · Bitch Rider

Hotels.com has 2 rooms left at Caribou Inn and 2 rooms left at Presque Isle Inn for 2/17 (Monday Night).

Caribou Inn & Convention Center

19 Main St, Caribou, ME, 04736, United States, 866-573-4235

Caribou

6.1 miles to City center
8.8 miles to Presque Isle, ME (PQI-Northern Maine Regional)

Free parking
Pool
Pet-friendly
Gym

Good 7.4108 reviews108 Hotels.com guest reviews

We have 2 left at

$138

($276 for 2 rooms, 4 guests)

Free cancellation

Choose Room

Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center

116 Main St, Presque Isle, ME, 04769, United States, 866-573-4235

Presque Isle

16 miles to Caribou
2.3 miles to Presque Isle, ME (PQI-Northern Maine Regional)

Free parking
Pool
Pet-friendly
Gym
Air Conditioning

Good 6.4143 reviews143 Hotels.com guest reviews

We have 2 left at

$113

($226 for 2 rooms, 4 guests)

Free cancellation

Choose Room

Caboose · Bitch Rider

Is it too early to load up?

-- Edited by Caboose on Friday 14th of February 2020 06:49:46 AM

Caboose · Bitch Rider

I'm seeing 8" of fresh fluff on Tuesday in Millinocket and also the same 8" in Caribou. The snow gods have decided we need fresh snow for half the trip. I'm so ready for 3 good days of riding Aroostock County. It's where is all started for me on a rented fan cooled Yamaha Phazer. #3 let me ride his brand new XC the last day and that sealed the deal for me. I was completely hooked. Really looking forward to some seafood, beer and talking riding all day & all night.

#7

Caboose · Bitch Rider

Weather Underground has some warmer temps in Millinocket Sunday Monday Tuesday with 2", 1" and 1" snow in expected. Then it cools down later in the week and perfect high temps of 26-30 degrees for our arrival next Sunday, Monday, Tuesday. There is no rain in the forecast.

#7

Johnny Rotten · WPR God

I heard a ski report on the radio that said Loon Mtn (Lincoln, NH) got 18" new inches with this storm. We should look for snowfall reports at Sunday River and Saddleback ski areas because that will be the new snowfall received at least at elevation from this storm in the area where we are going, although we will be east and north of those mountains.

#5

Pres · Tag Hgugr

Pittsburg got 9 inch this week......so there is hope

Link To Maine Trail conditions : http://mesnow.com/WherestheSnow.html

# 2

Johnny Rotten · WPR God

I think that's it #7, riders are getting things buttoned up to be ready for the trip. This week I have been busy with stuff so I feel a little behind actually in getting all my ducks in a row. Although, I did make a day trip this week with another member of somewhat local riding which turned out to be fun. It was a bit of a chore to ride extremely conservatively so as not to bust the equipment up with little to no time for repairs. But we found snow and kept the machines safe.

I will do a thorough comb over the trailer as well, speaking of which, would it be a good idea to finalize trailering up? Has anyone confirmed #10? I will reach out I have not done that yet. I guess I'm stalling because I don't want to hear any bad news. I think there was a text out with suggested pairings and I offered to do 3 machines. My truck is still in the shop but I plan to do 3 machines in March so I am up for giving it a trial run.

I have last minute preparations to do as well so next week will be ramping up. The ride reports you found below are encouraging to read, I hope they get one more round before President's Day. In that spirit, maybe the NH primary's will throw some northeast white confetti down for the occasion.

#5

ps> oh I almost forgot! I am all for the convention center #7, it looks like we can't miss there.

-- Edited by Johnny Rotten on Friday 7th of February 2020 11:11:45 AM

Caboose · Bitch Rider

Ok so no one is warming up to TACO night at the Presque Isle Convention Center? The bar/restaurant looks good for sitting around and talking about the day's events.

It's very quiet for the week before a trip. I hope that's because everyone is getting their $hit together a week or so before the trip.

I purchased 3 quarts of oil to take in my luggage, a new balaclava that is supposed to make me no longer need a neck warmer.

I'm ready to roll.

#7

Caboose · Bitch Rider

Any chance we can stay at the Presque Isle Convention Center on Tuesday Night? It would certainly be worth it. I got all of this off of https://www.presqueisleinn.com/

Time Out Sports Bar, Presque Isle's newest dining establishment, is sure to please all, with a great selection of appetizers, sandwiches, and meal combos to suit every palate. With ten large HD televisions, plus a 10-foot projection screen, you can watch the game in style while enjoying one of our ten drafts beers, featuring a superb selection of Maine craft brewing, as well as bottle beer, wine by the bottle or glass, and mixed drinks. Don't miss Taco Tuesday and Friday All-You-Can-Eat wings. Feeling up to a challenge? Why not try to get on our Wall of Flame, every Friday night, with some of the hottest wings you'll ever tast! We also feature seasonal entertainment on Saturdays, with Aroostook's best live bands and DJs. With plenty of room for any size group, we are happy to have you as a our guest for a great Time Out!

Complement your stay at the Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center with an authentic meal in Gram Russo's Italian Restaurant, one of Northern Maine's finest eating establishments. Enjoy a superb casual fine-dining experience, in a comfortable atmosphere, surrounded by breathtaking views of Presque Isle & the surrounding countryside. Gram Russo's exceptional dinner menu offers a diverse selection of home-made International and American items, from traditional & contemporary Italian cuisine to fresh Maine seafood. Our cooks create unique seasonal, hand-crafted specials, so we invite you to check back with us often! We stock an extensive array of wines to complement any entree. Finish off your meal with one of our featured decadent desserts.

AROOSTOOK COUNTY TRAIL REPORT UPDATED 01/30/2020

The Official Snowmobile Trail Report
From the desk of: Gary Marquis
Caribou Parks & Recreation Department
55 Bennett Dr.
Caribou, Me. 04736
207-493-4224

Aroostook County ITS Trail

The County is the place to be this weekend not only do we have good snow and trail conditions, we are the best in the Northeast.

The week has been great for snowmobiling and the weekend is looking great as well. Cold temps are certainly helping. All projects have been working around the clock making the trails awesome.

There are some reports of ice in areas from the past weekends rain and warm weather. These areas would be in spots low in fields, where diversion ditches are in crop grounds. They are now frozen so please use caution when seeing these areas.

This weekend is looking like it will be another very busy weekend as it is the free weekend for Maine. So, we will see a lot of snowmobilers from different areas. Here is a bit of helpful advice for the weekend. Try and exploring some of the green trails on the map, they are just as good if not better than some of the ITS trails. They still will get you where you need to go, these trails are just a bit less traveled.

This is also Moose stompers weekend in Houlton so if you are down that way please stop by and enjoy some of the activities.

Use caution if you venture out onto lakes as this past weekend created a lot of slush and you want to stay where it is marked. Portage lake has signs up where there is thin ice, again please stay on the marked trail.

Deer are all over the place, trail 83B, ITS 83 in the Caribou and Washburn area have deer travelling the trail. ITS 85 in the Ashland area are reporting several sightings. So please use caution.

TRAIL INFORMATION:

Soldier Pond is reporting great conditions on 96 and 73. These are some of those green trails I mentioned above. They are a quick connection to Eagle Lake, Fort Kent, and St. Agatha.

Walker siding is reporting that they will be all groomed by Friday and are reporting trails to be in good shape.

Washburn is reporting that their trails are holding up well and the guys are liking the new drag. Trail 61 is still closed. Nordic Lakers reporting that 105 and 81 are in good shape. Trail 81 is one of those nice quiet trails and does have gas right on it.

Portage Lakers are reporting that they are working around the clock and reporting trails in good conditions.

Caribou is reporting good conditions. There is ice off the Lombard road, the groomers have been over it, but caution is advised. Also, there is ice heading down to the Railbed near the underpass. The extension of ITS 88 on the East side of the Aroostook river has been groomed to Fort bridge and the connection has also been completely signed and groomed from Lower Washington Ave over to Broadway street and up through to the park and ride. Remember that this is an alternate trail. The trail to Leoâs and Frederickâs restaurant will not be open this year.

Fort Kent is reporting that trails are in excellent shape and could use a little more snow in the open fields but is still good.

Eagle Lake is reporting excellent conditions. There is logging on 85 and caution should be used in these areas. There are several sections of plowed roads so please use caution. They are marked very well. Trail 120 is another one of the trails that doesnât get a lot of traffic, but it is one of the most scenic trails in the County. Make sure to top off in Eagle lake and head West towards Allagash. Make sure to stop by Two Rivers Restaurant and fuel yourselves.

Fort Fairfield is reporting good conditions. They do have a few sections of water and it has now refrozen so please use caution.

St. Francis Sno-Angels reporting they have been over their whole trail system and reporting smooth conditions. 92 and 92A are all groomed. They are reporting a lot of moose activity near Chamberlainâs store so please use caution. This is another club that does lunch on Saturday at the clubhouse, so stop in and support this great club.

Central Aroostook Snowmobile club reporting ITS 83 and 81 are in great shape. #9 trail to Monticello and #9 Lake will be most likely closed all winter due to logging. Signs are being knocked down by Moose in the T10R3 area on ITS 81 and trail 70A

Ashland is reporting they have been over all their trails and reporting good conditions. 71A is now open and signed, it is different than years past so please follow signs. They are reporting a few icy sections so please use caution. If you want to see deer this is the town and trail system to do so. Use caution.

Allagash is reporting that ITS 120 and 92 are in great shape. They have added extra caution signs on the St. Francis road where they cross an active logging area. The Estcourt trail is in great shape and is getting quite a bit of traffic. Please know before you go. Check out the Moosetown Facebook page and they have all the information that you need.

Frenchville is reporting all trails groomed and in great shape.

Red Arrow is reporting excellent conditions and signs are all up. A few corners are a little icy as ITS 85 is one of the busiest trails in the County.

Chapman Ridge Runners are reporting full speed ahead, all their trails held up well after the warm spell. They had a few wet holes but are now frozen, so please use caution.

Aroostook River Snowmobile club is that the trails are holding up well. They are reporting a washout on trail 81A it is located about 5 miles from ITS 88 intersection. This is a substantial hazard and they are advising people to not use this section of trail. The plan is to install a culvert over the weekend.

Easton has been out and are reporting very good conditions. All signs and markers are in place.

Madawaska is reporting all trails are in good condition. Check out the great snowmobile deal that Big Rickâs in Madawaska is doing. Check out their Facebook page.

Grand Isle is reporting their trails are in tip top shop. Get out and enjoy.

Presque Isle Snowmobile club is reporting good conditions.

Van Buren is reporting good conditions with all trails open. Logging operation on trail 94 in the Cyr Plantation area, it is signed, please use caution.

Limestone Snow Hawks have been out and are reporting that their trails are in good shape. They have also been out signing. Trail 89 is another trail that is less traveled and has a great County restaurant located on it, which is the Rendezvous. They also have a Hotel that is located on the trail. Check out the Bunker Inn. Caution is advised as there is a logging operation on trail 100A. The trail is signed

Caswell is reporting that all trails are going to be all groomed by the weekend and all signing has been installed. Trail 100 and 102 are trails that if you havenât tried you have to.

Southern Aroostook:

Benedicta Snow gang reports that there are some low snow conditions, but trails are still very rideable. The club continues to groom and says that the further north you go, the better the snow but starting in Benedicta is a great idea. All trails are fast and flat

Molunkus Valley Snow Drifters covering the Sherman area, 83A, 83, Bible Point, and 3A to meet the Eastern Maine Snow Riders is groomed and ready. The Trail master cautions that there are a lot of moose on 83 North and 3 so ride with caution.

Rockabema Snow Rangers groomed their regular routes yesterday 81 North to Shin Pond 112E to Island Falls and Katahdin Lodge 62 to 81 South.

The Eastern Maine Snow Riders say that their trails have held up well despite the warm weather last weekend. The trails Macwahoc South are going to be icy with some water in low spots. On trail 1 North it is possible to go around the plowed road by going out Trail 3 and taking a right on 3A and then to trail 1. Itâs 10 miles out of the way but some prefer to avoid that plowed road. Reverse going south, take 3A then stay left to trail 3 then back to 1.

Smoki-Haulers report that someone has been using their groomed trails for a side-by-side. Itâs illegal unless there are tracks installed and the machine is registered as a snowmobile! Overall the trails are good and the club has been grooming.

Linneus Snow Sports says all 83 and 105 are ready. Trail 8 over Drew Mountain is groomed and the trees that came down in the ice storm last weekend are being removed today

#7

Pres · Tag Hgugr

Pretty sure 99% of the 3 days of riding will be in the County.....see the link below

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?msa=0&mid=1VTkQHsIEYqhQ1gUYpbJpVUYVdhw&ll=46.52435869568595%2C-68.88684850000004&z=8

follow this link to see stats from our 2017 trip.....there are 3 pictures with the stats and maps

https://www.flickr.com/photos/wymanpondracing/albums/72157663043541293

2

-- Edited by Pres on Wednesday 29th of January 2020 05:27:57 PM

Caboose · Bitch Rider

Excellent question, here are my thoughts:

200 mile days with a large group will be tough on this terrain
It will take a day to get to where we want to ride and a day to get back, so only 1 day of riding Aroostock County
I'd prefer to ride as little as possible after dark
Accommodations might be hard to come by on short notice
Trucks would be close by if there is a breakdown, how do we get a sled home from Van Buren to Millinocket?
We could bring more clothes, tools and supplies if we had one base cabin/hotel
Less luggage, I'd prefer not to carry my CPAP, admittedly only applies to me
What if weather makes it impossible to ride one day

I'm going on this trip whether it's progressive or standard. You asked and those are my concerns.

#7

Johnny Rotten · WPR God

#7, may I ask why you prefer not to do progressive ride? This group will surely shrink, we list one today in fact. I think we are 7 now but I'll reach out to ashburnham contingency.

Pres · Tag Hgugr

I am fine with either approach...but would just like to point out there was a lot of excitement bringing back the progressive ride.

lets book something soon or at least get everyone back on the same page

# 2

Caboose · Bitch Rider

There are 3 Hotels right next to each other in Millinocket. Baxter Inn, Pamela Motor Lodge and Katahdin inn are right on the main road and right on the trail with Gas Stations nearby.

I stayed at Katahdin Inn last winter. A no frills type of hotel, with some parking, but not a lot and right on the trail.

With a group this large, I'd prefer to drive a little further and get a cabin for 4 nights, non progressive ride and spend more days riding in Madawaska, Ft Kent and Van Buren.

#7

Pres · Tag Hgugr

Is it time to book some rooms? We are a pretty big group this year....we are 21 days away......#2