Benzie-Manistee Snowmobile Club – 01/20
CAUTION!!!!! Trails are VERY ICY at night due to the daytime melting!!!!!

Snowbirds, Welcome you back and Thank you for your support on our trails and local businesses also for riding through out our little neck of the woods. We do it all for you, with out your consideration and cooperation it couldn’t happen. Start up your snow dance to Let It Snow*** let it snow****WE are having the NW Council starting at 7 pm at the Clubhouse tomorrow. There’s 6-10 inches crusty snow ground cover on north end; very good condition. On the South end we have 2-7 inches crusty snow ground, good condition. Bear Lake loop will NOT be groomed. Will report when that resumes. The trail on Highbridge Rd. from Old House Rd into the woods on River Rd is mogulley. Slow going there. The trails are slushy in the day and icy at night. We had our first casuality. So REMEMBER RIDE FOR THE CONDITIONS, SLOW DOWN!!!! Due to the warm up the lakes are not safe for snowmobiles or vehicles. Weather forecast is overcast all week, warm temps daytime, and possible light dusting tonight of lake effect snow as cooler temps settle in. Ray Bradley is 2009 Groomer of the year. Way to go Ray!! We wish you all a Happy New Year. Ski slopes are open and ready for your arrival. Hope your sleds are tuned up gassed up and ready for the snowmobile season. Support your winter sport don’t forget to buy your trail permit for 2010 season here. We sell permits through our members or at local merchants in this area and remember to get our trail map. More info on our web about who to contact www.benziemanisteesnowbirds.com

BENZIE BUREAU – 01/19
Hi all! Still not the greatest news but hanging on! We have not gotten but a dusting to maybe an inch of snow in the last few days but the trails have held up surprisingly well, but the meltdown continues, so its soft and slushy during the day of late and icy as heck at night. Corners are getting thin and more snirty spots cropping up all the time. The north seems to be in a bit better condition that the south of course and I heard the Bearl Lake loop has been groomed now! The groomers are doing a great job with what they have to work with in weather of late! We need snow! Remember the groomers are volunteers so if ya see one, get outta their way and give them a thumbs up. Grooming is done 4 days a week, by 3 groomers at different parts of the trail every Mon, Wed, Fri, and Sat. nights, plus "as needed". Drop me a note that you are out there! I love hearing everyone’s stories and reports! THANKS TONS Michael & Ed! appreciate the emails! Remember this report is all of us working it together! BE SAFE, BE SMART, and I’ll SEEYA on the trails! Carol — Benzie Bureau

Its been snowing on/off lightly thru the day which has given us at least an inch of fresh color on the grimmy landscape. About a inch at this point. There is a solid base on the trail where it didn’t thin completely down. The areas we rode today was all snow covered base.
We got out for just a short ride to check conditions out and blow the cobwebs from our heads. 25 miles and it was fun.
We started south on trail 7 which was very rough. Slow going and discouraging. Outside of Waters we took off the trails and enjoyed riding the backroads/two tracks which were in good shape. Plenty of fresh snow, good riding. We caught up to Trail 4 and started back onto it. That was a nice surprise-it must have gotten groomed before things froze and set up again Smooth sailing! .. We continued on Trail 4 for awhile enjoying the ride through the pine trees.
Not one other rider did we see.

Overall our ride was good. If you love to ride, we invite you to come to Rays Retreat and enjoy snowmobile hospitality at its best. The Bob’s were here along with Jim-Bob this past weekend keeping thing lively in the dining room. Need any advice on riding, where to ride the’re the guys to help you out.

Snowmobile rentals available