Ray’s Retreat – January 30
Beautiful trails.

So Happy! We got out for a second day in a row (!) and enjoyed a great 56 mile ride. It snowed most of the day giving us at least 3 inches of fresh snow. It was a BEAUTIFUL ride! It was so much more fun that last night’s ride. There weren’t as many icy corners to slide around or hills to slide on the ice which made it more fun. More smooth straightaways, and just fun riding.
We headed north on Trail 7 crossing (at Extreme Sports) Old 27 and following the trail along the powerlines. This part had some ripples in it, but easy to skim over the top. It was smooth sailing for the rest of the trail. We did the south loop, and then the north loop (404). 404 is one of my favorite trails. Its less traveled so stays in good condition normally. It has hills, open spaces, beautiful snow covered fir trees. Easy fun ride with just a touch of thrill.
When we were heading back to the motel, south on 7 we were on freshly groomed trail. We were the first tracks – Sweet.

Ray’s Retreat – January 29
Thru the Woods. Smoooooth — There was a good mix of smooth riding, and rough areas. Gaylord has been grooming every day and its appreciated.

We had a full house thru the weekend. Everyone enjoyed their rides, not anyone complaining about the trails. Gaylord Groomers were out daily grooming. Everyone had good rides going north and west.
Once we got all the rooms cleaned we decided to get out for a quick ride. We rode 44 miles round trip, taking trail 7 just a short ways north and then going along trail 4 to Lakes of the North, The Settings restaurant where we enjoyed a pizza before heading back for home.
Icy. The base is ice. Caution needs to be taken especially in the corners, corners in the woods where it is very narrow, and caution along the Roller Coaster hills along Mancelona Road.
Those hills have never intimidated me but when we crossed them on our way over I was nervous due to the ice, and the slant of that first hill. I was leaning, leaning and just hoping I wouldn’t slide.
It was rough along Mancelona Road west of the hills. Once we made the turn north back into the woods things improved.
Overall, it was a good ride. It was just fun to get out and enjoy the trails. We’re hoping to get out again soon!!!!