Grooming February 21, 2020
Today’s report is brought to you by the VanderSchaaf Family : The VanderSchaaf Family are Trail Builders on the Noque’. Without the support of folks like the VanderSchaafs we would not have the excellent trails we have come to expect. If you see them, say thanks.
Trail Builder sections and Snow Bike trail sections are available. Please visit www.noquetrails.org and follow the links. You too can be feted in an up coming grooming report.
| Forestville: We are Ginzu grooming the skate lanes on the high traffic areas of the Noque’ and Animoosh and then down to the Tourist Park and NMU. Yesterday’s Bully groom will mean all classic tracks are still race ready on all trails and light traffic on the side trails will mean they are excellent as well.
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Way too Long Grooming Report:
Did either of you look at yesterday’s sub-zero morning temperature and think of the stand up comic’s bit on what is wrong with living in Minnesota? By the time I got to the trail head at the crack of noon the temperature has soared into the double digits. The dead air and full sun was intoxicating. The race ready Bully grooming hadn’t been touched on the best trails so I felt guilty being first. Check out the mesmerizing perfection of the corduroy on the way out Gookookoo. It was just like this on all of Bagwagi and Chiwagi hills. The severe clear visibility was distracting. Check out the view of Hogback just north of Chiwagi. That snowfield near the summit is as good for powder skiing as it looks but take care because it cliffs out at the end. With a thaw coming later today one should get out the climbing skins and powder skis. I would love to take the same picture tomorrow with the snow field shredded. The worm will have turned in 24 hours so bottomless back woods powder will be over. Winter is short when there are so many things to do. I trust you won’t let this last day of winter pass you by. Astronomers define spring as beginning with the vernal equinox while meteorologist use March 1st. Every season has this astronomical, meteorological and emotional marker. For example, everyone knows U.P. summer ends August 15th. For back country powder skiers in the U.P. spring begins with the first real thaw after February 20. March April and May are spring skiing months. I plan to enjoy the last day of winter today.
Saux Head: All trails were groomed and track set Tuesday the 18th. Saux Head is groomed about weekly. Please let us know what it is like today.
Big Bay Pathway: Denis groomed Monday the 17th. Some snow will have fallen so if you do ski Big Bay please let us know how you found the trails.
Fit Strip: Neil groomed all trails the morning of the 19th and the lighted loop the 20th. If you do ski the Fit Strip please let us know what you found.
Snow bike trails format comments:
Comments below show how we found the trails at last report. Snow Monday the 17th, will have added an inch or two of new snow. I expect this will improve the trails in that lower areas that have become slick will be more grippy. However, the higher elevations in open areas may be drifted over. Let us know what you find.
Snow Bike North Trails: Last 1st ridden Comment:
Lower Trails
The Pines 2/14 Solid; a few slick spots
Penstock 2/14 Solid Excellent
Blue Herron 2/14 Solid Excellent
BLP Rocks 2/14 Solid Excellent
Collinsville 2/14 Solid Excellent
Upper Trail
Upper Blue Herron 2/14 Solid but a few drifts hid any soft edge and snow snakes
Silver Lead 2/14 Solid but a few drifts hid any soft edge and snow snakes
Peter’s Sandbox 2/14 Solid Excellent
Ramblin Man 2/10 Excellent as of the 10th
Wildcat 2/10 Excellent as of the 10th
South Trails: Plowed the system the 18th. Some gnarly drifting in the usual areas made for an interesting time. Trails are firm to very firm, with some soft spots where the drifting has been worst. Go ride before this weekend’s meltdown!
Trail Segment Last Report Comments:
Mt Mqt (East) 2/18 Firm
Har-Lang (BG Connector) 2/18 Firm, drift zones
East Greywalls 2/18 Firm, small drift zones
Main (Benson/Freak) 2/18 Firm
West Greywalls 2/18 Mostly Firm
Enchantment 2/18 Firm
Oak Hill 2/18 Firm
Old Camp Ridge 2/18 Closed due to down trees
Shirleys 2/18 windblown in open areas and tough biking
PPP – 2/18 Soft
Seppi – 2/18 Soft
Bob’s Sled – closed (trees)
Eh Line – closed (trees)
Shirley’s – 2/18 High Water
IOHT to South Beach – UP 200 start Not Plowed
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