Grooming February 8, 2020
Today’s report is brought to you by Mike Springer and Michelle Moran: Mike and Michelle are trail builders on the Noque’. Without the support of folks like Mike and Michelle 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: Andy Bully groomed all trails from the ponds to Co Rd 510 including the Mead Bypass route. Skiing will be awesome.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TRAIL – First Priority | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Way too Long Grooming Report:
The smart guys and gals got out in the morning. Not being in that group, I had other obligations and found myself in 6” of new snow at Forestville about 1:30. It was quite fluffy so if I was smart enough to keep my classic skis in the car I would have been all set. Skating was possible but not what I was expected given the light dusting just a mile away at lake elevation. I felt badly for wasting fossil fuel but made the long (10 minutes) drive home to get on my new toy, the snow bike. Of course, in less fortunate parts of the world these are called, fat bikes but few north of the 47th parallel would recognize that term. Anyway, I had a wonderful ride starting along the newly carless lake shore. If you have not been along the shore where the road use to be please go down there today; it is beautiful and right in town. The surf had me thinking of turning around yet again; it was head high and glassy. Mid-winter surf has to be quite good to make it worth while due to a fairly high misery factor (combination of air temp, water temp and wind velocity that are beyond the scope of today’s report). Anyway, I arrived at the Tourist Park trail head and proceeded to Forestville via the Cedars and Blue Herron with a return via Collinsville. Look at the snow pillows on the river boulders; look at the over mature timber on the steep hillside trail; look at the snow falling in huge combined flakes. Such optics make one forget your legs are burning. I was lucky to get back before dark. Next time I’ll be sure to have the head lamp regardless the starting time.
Saux Head: Saux Head received 4+ inches of snow late yesterday so Tim will be roll packing first thing this morning. There will be no classic tracks.
.
Big Bay Pathway: The Honey Bear Classic Ski Event is today! The event is held on the scenic Big Bay Pathway located in Big Bay, MI, 25 miles north of Marquette.
Big Bay Pathway is located in Big Bay, MI, 25 miles north of Marquette. This family friendly event will highlight a Fun SKI for youth and adults, prizes, a warming fire and the annual weenie roast. Have your photo taken with the local Honey Bear!
The Fun Ski and snowshoe trek will loop the scenic Hidden Grin trail due to local logging along the upper parts of the Big Bay Pathway. Park and register at the Honey Bear Tent located on Schenk Ave., adjacent to the Powell Township School. Participants will ski/snowshoe on the new connector trail out to the Pathway. A $15 donation is suggested for adults, $10 for teens 13-18, and $5 for kids under 12 years of age.
This event helps support the grooming and maintenance of the Big Bay Pathway Ski Trails, a part of the Noquemanon Trail Network.
Thank You to our event sponsors including Travel Marquette.
For more information, call Kristi at 906-250-3350, find us on facebook or email [email protected].
Fit Strip: Neil groomed the Lit Loop Monday night.
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.
Trails very firm, some icy spots may be under thick pines and hemlocks.
REPORTED 2/6/2020
Both groomers are out of town this weekend, but trails should stay very good despite minor snow. Drift zones may get drifty.
Mt Mqt (East) – firm
Har-Lang (BG Connector) – firm
East Greywalls – firm
Main (Benson/Freak) – firm
West Greywalls – firm
Enchantment – firm
Oak Hill – 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 – firm, plow chunks
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