Grooming January 24, 2020
Today’s report is brought to you by Marc, Kate & Madigon Labeau: Marc, Kate & Madigon Labeau are trail builder sponsors on the Noque’. Without the support of folks like Marc, Kate & Madigon Labeau we would not have the excellent trails we have come to expect. If you see them, say thanks.
Trail Builder sections are available. Please visit www.noquetrails.org and follow the links. You too can be feted in an up coming grooming report.
Forestville: Groomers are focused upon Noquemanon Ski Marathon race preparation. (virtually) All trails were groomed wednesday morning and light traffic will mean they will still be in great shape. You may see groomers on the trails today so please give them room to pass.
| TRAIL – First Priority | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
T.P. to NMU Ginzu groomed 1/22
Way too Long Grooming Report:
We enjoyed a beautiful walk through steady snow to last night’s Marquette County History Center’s event at Kaufman Auditorium; it was packed as always, regardless the fact it was a heavy snow fall; just likeeach of the past eight years. Yoopers are a tough lot and only use weather to avoid attending undesirable events. Anyway, I saw Don and he asked if I was ready for 50k on Saturday. Of course I have him the standard answer used each of the last 22 years; “Oh gosh no, I’m at least two months short.”. I was shocked then to hear him say, “I’ve been following you and you have in quite a few K this year.”. I always try to get in secret k; you know, early or late so you are un-seen. It is just like when you would hide the fact you spent a lot of time studying. You would always want the A but in the days before grade inflation the class would only get two or three so it was competitive. I don’t want anyone to think I have been getting in regular skis this year so I hope neither of you said anything.
A Note on Race Trail Conditions: Yesterday I did get to enjoy the run from the Superior Dome to Forestville. The section from the Dome to Forestville has never been better. The last five K and especially the last three K have always been problematic. Many a year volunteer crews are out every night this week getting more snow on thin spots. There is not a single spot on the entire trail that is short snow; even on the rail road grade last two K before the Dome. The picture above is from the hill just west of the big pond looking west. Skiing through the mature red and white pine forest in a 30f steady snow and no wind; it was magical. Race day snow conditions and weather look to be most enjoyable with a little new snow each day and temperatures near freezing. The precipitation looks to be right on the boarder of “wintery mix” but on the “wintery” side of the boarder. I mention this weather commentary because I don’t want either of you to see the prognostication as anything less than ideal. I assure you, I am stoked. The snow should be fairly fast; a big plus for the under trained, and the temperature indicates no need for boot covers and maybe even sans balaclava! See you out there.
The race site has real information on the trail and events; https://www.noquemanon.com/ It is a wonderful event and we are so blessed to live in such an area. I am still a few months short of where I want to be but next year…
Saux Head: All trails groomed and track set Monday the 20th. After an inch of overnight snow the trails should be in very good shape.
Big Bay Pathway: The big bay pathway, was groomed Monday (1/20). After an inch of overnight snow the trails should be in very good shape. Big Bay Pathway should be in excellent condition given the extremely deep snow pack.
Fit Strip: Fit Strip was groomed Wednesday. After an inch of overnight snow the trails should be in very good shape. Fit Strip is groomed weekly or as conditions warrant.
Snow Bike South Trails: Trails were plowed Saturday and again Sunday. Trails will be firm with some loose snow in small areas. After an inch of overnight snow the trails should be in very good shape.
Snow Bike North Trails: As of Tuesday night all North Trails in the system are rideable and firm. Riding will be great today. After an inch of overnight snow the trails should be in very good shape.
THE FORESTVILLE TRAIL HEAD CHALET IS OPEN! Chalet hours are 7 AM to 10 PM and rental equipment is available between 10 and 4. Space is still limited during construction but come in and enjoy the fire and company.
To learn more about the NTN, to join, volunteer, become a sponsor or make a comment, please visit www.noquetrails.org .
Sondo