Grooming January 3, 2020
Today’s report is brought to you by The Turner Family: The Turner Family sponsor the Animoosh intersection on the Noque’. Without the support of folks like the Turners we would not have the great 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 ran the Ginzu on skate lanes of Animoosh and Noque’ inside 14k along with Gookookoo and Migizi. Then he will be working to open Bagwagi for a BOMBI GROOM TONIGHT!
TRAIL – First Priority
Forestville to 14K
Lower Animoosh Ginzu skate lane 1/3 Bombi Groomed and tracked 1/1
Ginzu skate lane 1/3 Bombi Groomed and tracked 1/1
Upper Animoosh Ginzu skate lane 1/2 Bombi Groomed and tracked 1/1
Boozoo Bombi Groomed and tracked 1/1
Zhing Bombi Groomed and tracked 1/1
Papasay Deep snow
Gookookoo Bombi Groomed and tracked 1/3
Bagwagi Deep snow
Chiwagi by pass Ginzu skate lane 1/3 Bombi Groomed and tracked 1/1
Chiwagi Hills Deep snow
Migizi Ginzu skate lane 1/3 Bombi Groomed and tracked 1/1
Waaban Deep snow
Mukwa Bombi Groomed and tracked 1/1
Connectors Deep snow
TRAIL 2nd Priority
Noque from Pines to 510 Bombi Groomed and tracked 1/1
Yesterday looking at Hogback from Chiwagi
Way too Long Grooming Report:
Comments on yesterday’s conditions and the “age of snow”: A letter poured in asking what I was talking about the other day. By the “age of snow” I don’t mean anything like “The Age of Reason” or “The Post Modern Age”. No, I am referring to the snow crystal transformation process. I know you are both looking for the roller on your mouse to avoid this nonsense but bear with me; there will be a test later. For down hill skiing, the younger the better. One can not beat newly fallen powder that has yet to even settle. If either of you have dropped into a bowl of over head Champaign powder you will know what I mean. However, cross country skiers want a hard, firm base. One day old machine (ie, Bombi or similar equipment) groomed trails are ideal. If grooming is with a “drag” such as our Ginzu, it will take a few days to get the air out of the trails before the track and pole plant provide the proper surface. New Year’s day skiing was ideal. The snow crystals were one day old and the base was hard, wide and smooth. If the temperature had remained below freezing the snow would have taken days to show any ageing whatsoever. However, I am reminded of my own, what can only be described as, a mis-spent youth. If you don’t take care of yourself you tend to age more quickly. One gets the face one deserves by 40. Yesterday’s thaw has given some blemishes to an otherwise pristine youthful skin. It will likely be but a faint scar that only an in-law would notice but if the thaw had continued over night or was combined with rain it could have been like that kid we knew in school that turned grey before 30. Today’s Ginzu clean up will have trails inside 14k in excellent shape but the ungroomed areas may be a little crunchy on the top few millimeters. As snow ages one must shift the kick wax scale to provide more grip and skate skiers will see less of that mesmerizing uniform corduroy. Eventually, (in April or May) the snow will become quite old. Warn, icy classic tracks with dirt and twigs are kind of like that grumpy old guy that doesn’t like kids or dogs. I should add, very old snow can be quite nice. We all know the 80 or 90 something guy or gal that is jolly and fun to be with. I am reminded of beautiful spring corn snow on a sunny spring day. So, today’s snow may have taken a hit but I expect it is not even middle aged yet. Enjoy. See you out there.
Saux Head: All trails were groomed and track set New Year’s Day. Tim warns skiers to look for low branches due to deep snow and heavy snow on trees. We did have warm weather on the 2nd followed by last night’s freeze so snow will have transformed somewhat.
Big Bay Pathway: The Big Bay Pathway was groomed on Tuesday night, 12/31. The Hidden Grin Loop has a firm base, with nice classic tracks. There are a few sections that are a bit bumpy, however all downhill sections are in very good condition. We did have warm weather on the 2nd followed by last night’s freeze so snow will have transformed somewhat.
Fit Strip: Neil groomed all trails New Year’s Day. I have not heard about the effect of yesterday’s thaw. Foot traffic is a problem at the Fit Strip so you may see foot prints in the now hard snow
Snow Bike South Trails: Main loop and enchantment are open, “probably” firm. Please be attentive to what your tire pressure leaves behind you.
East side (mt mqt/blue loop) is open, with some drifted areas on north side and some water hazards on jeep trail descent.
Trail opening and grooming is ongoing during the day Friday and Saturday, thanks for your patience!
Snow Bike North Trails: The North Trails main loop from BLP Trail Head along the Pine, Penstock, Blue Heron to the Forestville Trail Head and back down along Rambling Man, Silverlead and Collinsville have been groomed to pack down traffic Thursday night prior to the temperature drop, and are expected to be in very good riding condition through the weekend and into the next week. The Wildcat is not ridable as of now.
THE FORESTVILLE TRAIL HEAD CHALET IS OPEN! Chalet hours are 7 AM to 10 PM and rental equipment is available between 10 and 4. Space is still limited during construction but 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