December 8, 2018 Grooming Report;
Forestville Real Grooming Report: Yesterday’s tracks are in great shape still so Andy groomed skate lanes out to 17 on noque, Animoosh, Bhiwaji, Muckwa, Migizi. Then he took the roller out on Gookookoo, Bagwaji, Boozhoo and down to the ponds. The ponds are not safe to cross yet but the ski down to the ponds is wonderful and you should be sure to take in this gem.
. As always, your feedback is appreciated. Send in pictures and you too can get your K marker moved to the front of the line.
Saux Head: Tim and John will roll as soon as their schedule permits.
Fit Strip: Trails were groomed Thursday and are in very good shape.
Big Bay Pathway: Too little snow in the woods so trails are closed. The Big Bay Trails are groomed for classic skiing and are through the rugged hills south of Big Bay. They are spectacular but need ample snow to cover the rugged terrain. We groom as weather permits so think cold and snow. Trails are just off Co Rd 550 in Big Bay.
Way Too Long Grooming Report: As mentioned yesterday, today we will list equipment used. I know the grooming report and especially, the WTLGR often sound like “Buzz Word Bingo”. Buzz Word Bingo, you know, you are in a meeting and the cynics in the office surreptitiously circulate bingo cards. Then, when the word nerds in the meeting completes a set of words like “thinking outside the box” or “empower” or some other such jargon, the first cynic to notice the full set jumps up and yells “Bingo”; just like in church basements in the ‘90s. See the equipment list below followed by a trail name list with comments. Sorry, this is also waaay too long.
Grooming Equipment Decoder Ring:
Understanding our grooming equipment will help readers understand what to expect on the trails.
Bombi: With unlimited funds we would groom all trails every day with the Bombardier (the Bombi). It is a large heavy piece of equipment with a power tiller and 12’ wide set of combs with two classic track setters for the right and left side of a trail. The Bombi needs a good deal of snow to operate as well as a good deal of money. The Bombi leaves race ready skiing even after a heavy snow.
Ginzu: We have two Ginzu groomers, one is 84” and the other 108”. The Ginzu groomers are aluminum frames with hydraulic actuators that raise and lower teeth that tenderize hard packed snow. In addition, there are hydraulic actuators to raise and lower the track setter so as to allow the groomer to lift the track on hills per FIS specifications. The 108” Ginzu is heaver and wider so it leaves a better skate and classic track generally speaking. The 108” Ginzu typically requires more power than a normal snowmobile can provide so we use the Gator (see Gator below).
Gator: We have a John Deer “Gator” side by side “4 wheeler” outfitted with tracks rather than wheels. It has tremendous power and can pull the heavy 108” Ginzu.
Snowmobiles: We have a number of snowmobiles for grooming. All are 4 stroke machines specially outfitted with special lights and power for operating the Ginzu equipment. The snowmobiles are 600 cc to 900 cc long super long track machines.
Rollers: We have a number of rollers for packing new snow over about 3”. Grooming typically needs packed snow and we use the snowmobiles and rollers for this. The rollers have spring loaded “combs” behind the roller to leave a skiable surface.
General comments: We are continually looking at how to optimize your grooming funds and new equipment is purchased each year. I do hope this list helps with your skiing enjoyment.
Trail Decoder Ring:
A word about the trails, their names and which to ski:
With over 50 km of groomed trails one needs to keep them straight. So, following you will find such a decoder device. I recommend reading this section with the map page open (please follow the link on the “Trails” page. There is an “interactive map” that will actually bring up a movie clip of folks skiing on that exact spot.
Noque’: This one is easy. The Noquemanon Ski Marathon’s last 20k run from Co Rd 550 to the log yard 4k from the Dome. Our Forestville trail head is at the 10k mark. From the trail head to 18k the trail is mostly gently rolling terrain. There is a gentle climb to the power lines at 11k and then a hill by pass via Animoosh to avoid a nice set of hills between 11k and 12k. From 19k to 24k at Co Rd 510 you will find a nice series of long hills. We typically can’t groom beyond the bridges at 16k before several significant snow events due to rough terrain in the swamp past the bridge.
Animoosh: Animoosh runs roughly parallel to the Noque’ and is the route where skiers may run their dogs. It is similar terrain to the Noque’ but has more turns and a few nice hills. In addition, it passes some beautiful rock outcrops and over mature hemlock groves. Animoosh has been extended several times so now dogs can be kept separate all the way to the hill at 14k. Animoosh then continues as the South fork at the Pine Plantation re-joining the Noque’ at 18k.
The “Wajis”: The advanced and expert skiing are on Bagwaji and Chiwaji to the North East of the Noque’. To ski the “Wajis” one typically leaves the trail head on the Noque and takes the first right on Papasay less than 1k from the stadium. Take the first left on Gookookoo and cross the power lines to Hemlock Junction. Following a gradual climb keep right where Migizi joins. The Wajis are one way (counter clock wise) due to the steep and winding trails. There are two cut offs before reaching the Noque at the 14k mark. The Waji skier returns from 14k via Mukwa for .5k to the Chiwaji intersection. Follow Chiwaji 3k going up and down a series of hills (with by passes available) to Waban.
Waaban is a nice winding flat loop off the Noque’. Follow Waaban to the Noque’ at Grand Central and then Migizi back to Gookookoo and home.
Inner Loops: There are a number of loops close to the trail head. Collectively I tend to call them the “Inner Loops”. Papasay, Zhing and Boozhoo provide skiers with trails within sight of the trail head. There is a FIS quality “sprint” loop for sprint events.
Grooming Priority: Given unlimited money and man power we would groom all trails every night. Given limited resources we typically need to make grooming decisions. We will always plan on keeping the Noque to 17k and Animoosh groomed every day. Then, time permitting we will work on Bagwagi and Chiwagi (collectively, the Wagis). Following the Wajgi loop we will run to Co Rd 510. .
Sondo