December 7, 2019 Grooming Report
Forestville: BOMBI GROOMING ON ALL TRAILS TODAY! Following a Herculean trail clearing effort, Andy Bombi groomed and classic tracked the Noque’ from the first pond at 8k to the “Lower Mead Gate” at 23k. Also Bombi groomed and tracked are Animoosh, Chiwagi by pass and Gookookoo. Cold over night temperatures will have the snow set up in race ready conditions. With today’s high temperatures topping out at 30f, skiing will be as good as it gets.
I can’t imagine a better thing to do today other than joining one of the work bees followed by a ski. Having dumbthingsIgoddado, (I may not be able to do either but, more on that below in the WTLGR.). Paid staff and volunteers have been out every day and night this week but more work remains. Now is your chance to put off that nasty drywall project with a better excuse than saying Menards is out of joint compound.
Work Bees:
Saturday, December 7, 10am: Meet at Forestville Trailhead
Saturday, December 7, 11am: Meet at Big Bay Pathway Trailhead
Sunday, December 8, 1pm: Meet at Big Bay Pathway Trailhead
Anytime: Head out and snowshoe pack the singletrack!
Trail Head Building Will be Open this Weekend: We are going to have the Forestville building open limited hours this weekend. It will be staffed by our new intern Ryan on Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10am-4pm. Please pardon our dust. During construction the space inside is very limited for warming so please plan accordingly but rentals will be available as are memberships. Skiers should remember, the building will close at 4PM so plan accordingly (ie, maybe leave your stuff in your car just incase you take an extra loop and return after 4PM).
Saux Head: All trails were groomed and track set Thursday morning. The trail is in very good skiing condition.
Big Bay Pathway: Sven and crew are still working on clearing trails from the storms. See below for how you can help.
Fit Strip: Not groomed yet.
Snow Bike South Trails:
• East of 553
• Mt Mesnard loop (granite/jeep) & chapel spur in good condition, 4-6 psi.
• Cx race course for today 3-5 psi, occasional soft spots.
• West of 553
• Main loop (benson/freak/smiley) groomed and getting good, 3-4.5 psi.
• Other loops remain closed by trees for now, storm recovery continues.
Snow Bike North Trails: Heading into the weekend, most sections of North Trails have been regroomed to pack down the traffic and loose snow, with The Pine – Penstock – BLP Rocks loop firmest for biking and other activities.
Equipment and Facilities Update: If you have been to Forestville for the early November skiing you will have seen lots going on. We are expanding the trail head and will be done soon. We plan to be open before Christmas. New grooming equipment has been purchased for both skiing and snow bike grooming. We will detail equipment and trail head facilities over the next few weeks.
Way to Long Grooming Report: You may both wonder why no pictures or first hand skiing comments over the past few days. I (all too often) feel compelled to explain myself. I was not skiing. What I was doing was kind of like mountain climbing; or, more accurately, ice climbing. You know, when both arms are over head and you are attempting to make a strength move? It is surprising how quickly one’s arms fatigue in that position. I have always treated rock and ice climbing as a means to an end rather than a sport in their own right. You know, like when there is a rock band or an icy top couloir below the summit. As a result, I have never developed the skill (read, strength) to enjoy long periods of work with my hands overhead. So, next time you are struggling, hanging from ice hatchets navigating a cauliflower, remember, it is just like sanding ceiling drywall but without the fun part.
To learn more about the NTN, to join, volunteer, become a sponsor or make a comment, please visit www.noquetrails.org .
Sondo