MTR Upper Peninsula Hulbert, MI snowmobile trip 2010

Many miles of riding was to be had in the UP, and it really was a free for all when it came to racking up the mileage on our sleds. A new MTR riding distance record was made when a few folks crossed the 500mile mark. While most of the group put in a not too shabby 300miles of almost non stop morning till night riding. The weather was perfect on this outing with the only wish of a little more snow on the trails. Most of trails where well groomed with some rough riding near towns and some icy patches in the corners per the lack of a good snow base. Despite a few tumbles(Evans, Ang, and Jana), a broken sign (Jessica), one broken tail light (Jenni), and one lucky day dreamer (Scott) No one was hurt and everyone had fun, even our first time renters and riders are up to riding again.

A few of the destinations visited where Whitefish Point, Tahquamenon Falls, and the Soo locks in Sault Ste Marie as well as others.

As you can see some of us where more excited then others during the trip.

MTR Riders: Jana, Sean, Jenni, Dan, Scott, Nina, Evans, Jessica, Brandon, Lisa, Larry, Ang, and Nicole.

MTR Upper Peninsula Hulbert, MI Trail slideshow

http://s840.photobucket.com/albums/zz324/mtrclub/UP%20Trip%202010/

MTR Upper Peninsula Hulbert, MI Tahquamenon Falls slideshow

http://s840.photobucket.com/albums/zz324/mtrclub/UP%20Trip%202010/

MTR Upper Peninsula Hulbert, MI The Sno-Shu Inn Cabin slideshow

http://s840.photobucket.com/albums/zz324/mtrclub/UP%20Trip%202010/

MTR Upper Peninsula Hulbert, MI Whitefish Point slideshow

http://s840.photobucket.com/albums/zz324/mtrclub/UP%20Trip%202010/

NYE Ride

Base camp was Gravel Lake in Lawton, MI. New year's day we rode from Gravel Lake to Paw Paw, we stopped in Lawton for gas and a break at Decoy Duck's. Larry got ice cream (?). The trails were ok and the traffic was pretty decent too.

Saturday night we decided to head west toward Glenwood and Keeler. We stopped in Keeler Keg for dinner. Food was decent and the pizza looked good. We'll be trying there again. It took us about 1 hour and 15 minutes to get there from Gravel Lake. We saw heavier traffic this route. Good news is, we are getting more snow.

On the way back we detoured to Sister Lakes for gas and a visit to the Lakeview Inn. Bad fog and low temperatures rolled in during the ride back. Visibility was really badHopefully Larry has some pictures to add.

Looking to ride again January 22-24th weekend, anyone interested?

NYE Ride Slideshow

MTR Riders: Jana, Jenni, Dan, Sean, Larry, and Mike

Mancelona, MI - Dec 12, 2009

Taking advantage of the early snowfall, a small group of us went up to Mancelona, MI this past weekend. We started at the Mancelona Motel and covered over 70 miles - hitting up the Jordan Valley, Lakes of the North and Blue Bear trails. It was a beautiful day and the trails were pretty good, except for a few rough patches (woopdees) between Larry's Seven-Ski and The Hideaway (just outside Starvation Lake). Over all a great weekend and an early treat to the snowmobile season.

Being goofy.First stop.

Waiting for the groomer. Tons of snow!!

Turning around on the Jordan Valley Trails - oops

Waiting for the groomer.




p.s. I'm back!!!!!! :)

Mancelona, MI - Dec 12, 2009 (continued)

Hulbert, MI (UP) - Jan 29-Feb 1, 2009 Day 1

The majority of us drove up Thursday morning. We decided on a Thursday evening ride.Here we are trying to decide on the best route to Strongs, MI.Evans ready to ride!Nina ready for her first ride: Here's where we ate (the best fried Mac and Cheese)

Deer we saw in the woods on the way to Strongs, MI:

Hulbert, MI (UP) - Jan 29-Feb 1, 2009 Day 2

Today's pics are courtesy of the Jana Helmut Cam. We went out for a brief 2 hour trip.

The lodge:

The boys pulling Nina's machine out of the ditch.

Dan & Jen looking out at Lake Superior:

Sean and Brandon :

Evans and Jessica:

And here is Sean and I at Taquamenon Falls State Park and Brewery & Pub.

I still say the walk in all our snowmobile clothes was NOT worth it....but we got a good pic.. :)

ETA:

This picture was taken before climbing down 8 million stairs. I believe this was a better view...

Lastly, we met up at the this Tavern in Trout Lake. The boys want to go back for the upcoming festivities:

Our brief 2 hour trip turned into a 12 hour trip once we made it from Hulbert to Paradise to the Falls to Newberry to Trout Lake and then back to Hulbert... Yikes Tomorrow we are taking just a 1 hour trip!!!

Hulbert, MI (UP) - Jan 29-Feb 1, 2009 Day 3 and home

Pancakes for breakfast!! Evans:

Sean playing around off the trail:

Rockbottom Tavern in Moran, MI

Another bar in Trout Lake, we had to stop to dethaw our helmets....

And ourselves:

And here's the Mackinaw Bridge on the way home....High Wind Advisory!!

Snowmobiling - 17-19 January - Paw Paw/Lawton Trails

We had sooooo much snow this weekend. Since the snow blower did NOT work Friday night, we had to dig ourselves and our vehicles into the parking area and into the cottage. there was a few feet of snow. Yikes!!!

Saturday am, Sean and I rode to Lawton for Breakfast. The trails were fairly empty at 9am, but rough!!!!! We added gas in Lawton...approx. 10 gallons total. Trails were poorly marked and there were a lot of blind turns. Saw a groomer on the way home.

Saturday afternoon, Mike and Sean rode south toward Cassopolis ( these trails are not marked on the Fishweb website). According to our NEW trail maps there isn't a whole along these trails. Trail conditions have not improved.

Snow Blower started working again! Whoo Hoooo

Saturday PM, Sean and I rode to Decatur. These trails had more straight aways. Decatur is much closer than Lawton. Not a bad ride. Got Gas in Decatur... approx 8 gallons.

Sunday PM, Sean and I rode to Lawton again. Trails are the worst I've seen out here(Not quite on par with Grayling trails last year but close). We saw a couple with a kid who had to have some one go get their trailer to pick them up. The trails were really busy!!!

Monday AM, Sean and I rode to Decatur for breakfast. Nice ride, trails must have gotten groomed.

Overall, we had a great weekend for snowmobiling. We put over 100 miles this past weekend. Both sleds are over their 10 hours break in and are already getting checked out.

Looks like we might be riding with Larry this upcoming weekend. And we are preparing for the big weekend at the end of the month!!!! It's getting closer!

Lessons learned:
Speed is crucial when encountering whoopdees.
Maintain speed in fresh powder or start carrying a shovel.
Need to figure out a better way to connect camera to helmet. ( no pictures:( )
Not so angry with Scott over last years snowmobiling trip. :)
Still not ready to go up ditch where Dan dumped me last year.