Grooming February 5, 2020
Today’s report is brought to you by Blackrocks Brewery: Blackrocks Brewery is a trail builder on the Noque’. Without the support of folks like Blackrocks 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: Yesterday’s Bully groom has trails in excellent shape. Continued cold temperatures will mean the surface will still be quite nice even in high traffic areas. Low traffic areas such as beyond 17k will be race ready. Late yesterday afternoon I could still count the number of skier tracks on one hand.
| TRAIL – First Priority | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Way too Long Grooming Report:
Skiing was the right choice yesterday. I undersold conditions by saying it would be “excellent”. Typically conditions have some aspect that is less than ideal. When conditions are lightning fast the surface is likely crystalline. When trails are silky smooth the pole plant and skate stride is typically a bit soft. You know, there is always something less than ideal; not yesterday. You would never have guessed it was the first day after a thaw. The mini-climate between Forestville and Co Rd 510 must have remained below freezing Monday. The surface was silky smooth as if new snow. It was fast even though my skies haven’t seen the hot side of an iron since the NSM. The weather couldn’t have been better. It was in the mid-teens at “game time” and I nailed the clothing. The corduroy laid out in mesmerizing uniformity meaning there was zero wasted energy maintaining balance. The firm base meant every bit of energy in pole plant and skate stride was translated into forward momentum. And then there was the optics; bonus lighting and scenery to boot. I rang the bell at 510 and returned via the new Mead Bypass route. If you have not been on this new (as of 2018) section please get out there as soon as possible. It is a roller coaster with dramatic rock outcrops and mature timber. Then the last down hill shoots you like a rocket onto the Noque just below the lower “Mead” gate. You will only see two or three tracks on the upper sections of trail so expect fabulous skiing again today.
Saux Head: All trails were groomed and track set Tuesday, the 4th. Expect very good skiing conditions.
.
Big Bay Pathway: The Big Bay Pathway was groomed on Monday, February 3rd. Hidden Grin is in Excellent Condition and preparations are underway for the Honey Bear this coming weekend.
Fit Strip: Neil groomed the Lit Loop Monday night. Skiing should be good but sections under the hemlocks are thin.
Snow Bike South Trails:
One note, that section from under 553 up to the snowmobile trail is NOT OPEN. It will be open for the Polar Roll Race. It is not good for riding yet and it is dangerous as it crosses the snowmobile trail. Please do not ride this section.
AS OF Monday February 3:
All south was groomed Sunday during the heat wave. Heavy wet snow packed well to a firm base, trails are in great shape. 4-5psi, some areas firmer.
Mt Mqt (East) – firm
Har-Lang (BG Connector) – firm
East Greywalls – firm
Main (Benson/Freak) – firm
West Greywalls – mostly firm
Enchantment – firm
Oak Hill – mostly firm
Old Camp Ridge – closed (trees)
PPP – packed, technical
Seppi – packed, technical
Bob’s Sled – closed (trees)
Eh Line – closed (trees)
Shirley’s – closed (high water)
IOHT to South Beach – plowed, chunky
Polar Roll Climb – mostly firm
Snow Bike North Trails: As of last Wednesday night all North Trails in the system are rideable and firm. I do trust riders used proper tire pressure during the mini thaw. If you do ride today let us know what you find.
THE FORESTVILLE TRAIL HEAD CHALET IS OPEN! Chalet hours are 7 AM to 10 PM and rental equipment is available between 10 and 4. 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