Grooming January 8, 2020
Today’s report is brought to you by Matthew and Laura Songer: The Songers are trail builder sponsors on the Noque’. Without the support of folks like Matthew and Laura, 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: Groomers are busy running “sea” trials with our new Piston Bully. No word on exactly what is being covered.
TRAIL – First Priority
Ponds to pines
Lower Animoosh Bombi groomed and tracked 1/7
Bombi groomed and tracked 1/7
Upper Animoosh Bombi groomed and tracked 1/7
Boozoo Bombi groomed and tracked 1/6
Zhing Bombi groomed and tracked 1/6
Papasay 2” new snow
Gookookoo Bombi groomed and tracked 1/6
Bagwagi to 2nd cut off 2” new snow
Chiwagi by pass Bombi groomed and tracked 1/6
Chiwagi Hills 2” new snow
Migizi Bombi groomed and tracked 1/6
Waaban 2” new snow
Mukwa 2” new snow
Connectors 2” new snow
TRAIL 2nd Priority
Noque from Pines to 510 2” new snow
Way too Long Grooming Report:
pine plantation yesterday
Yesterday’s Skiing: If alive today Odysseus would have been an out and back skier. I am reminded a two lap ski Marathon from a life time ago. It had been snowing all night and we began the race in shin deep snow. We skied in a blizzard all day. Under trained I looked longingly at my car parked right next to the start/finish at the end of lap one. Knowing a DNF would necessitate moving out of town, I soldiered on. On a “fun” ski, there is no such public shame associated with getting in the car so for an over distance ski I prefer going out and back. Yesterday’s ski included ignoring the fact grooming ended at 18k on the way to the 24k mark at co rd 510. The 2” of fluff was still light enough to allow a pleasant skate in the snow showers. Only the final climb at 510 held wind packed crust. After a quick drink and donning a wind breaker, I began the odyssey where in Homer’s time, one would have been lashed to the mast and the crew’s ears packed with wax. Turning on the seat heater made for a joyous ride home.
Saux Head: Tim groomed and reset the track, Saturday, 1/4/2020. I expect Saux Head also received about 2”+ new so expect some new snow on the trail.
Big Bay Pathway: The Hidden Grin Loop was groomed on Saturday morning, January 4th. I have not heard how much snow fell Sunday but expect you will find several inches of fresh snow on the trails. Some sections do have uneven areas as the Big Bay trails do require a good deal of snow. If you do ski please be aware, this is classic only and you may find rough areas. Please let us know what you find. I have not been on the Big Bay trails yet (bad dog).
Fit Strip: Neil groomed Monday and reports very good skiing.
Snow Bike South Trails: Main loop and enchantment are open, “probably” firm except for the 3”+ from Sunday.
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 weekend, thanks for your patience!
Snow Bike North Trails: North Trails remain in very good riding condition. Wildcat is snowshoe packed and hard enough to ride on (please stay in the singletrack avoiding ski trails). You will find several inches of fresh snow from Sunday.
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