Finally! We got a chance to get out (and as my grandmother would say) blow the stink off us. It felt good to fire up the sleds and head out on the trail. We rode 44 miles heading out late this afternoon we took trail 7 just a short distance to where trail 4 turns off to go to Lakes of the North. This front section of 4 had some bumps in it. Once we reached Lynn Lake Rd it was smooth riding out to where the trail takes a turn west along Mancelona Road. This was mostly good riding, maybe a bump where it goes down in the gully and back up.
The Mancelona Hills were decent. Alot of snirt along the way there. Surprisely where the trail starts to run directly alongside the road it was fairly smooth riding. And plenty of snow along there. As the trail turns north towards Lakes of the North you can notice the depth of snow is better. Trail from here has plenty of snow. Slightly bumpy as it winds thru the woods with the twists and turns.
And here is where our ride got interuppted. This part of the trail is narrow with thick woods on either side. With blind curves. Which means that you need to ride carefully and stay on your side of the trail. Mike was leading. He was on his side of the trail. Just as he approached the curve a blue sled came flying around, directly on our side of the trail. I am glad I wasn’t riding as close behind as I sometimes do. His sled careened along the side of Mikes, clipping the front panel… the sled was on two skis and flipped upside down. The kid went flying down the trail towards me while his sled went flying upside down through the smaller trees stopping to rest at the bsae of a tree. That will get your heart pumping. Luckily no one was hurt, although I am sure he’ll be taking some ibuprofen tonight. At least he’s young and probably will bounch back quicker than we would. After talking with them, we then continued our ride to The Settings for our supper. The powerline riding was good to great. Always fun being able to let loose with no objects to worry about. Enjoyed a sandwich and then headed back home.
Snow will improve things and it is in the forecast.