Because I don’t live where I sled this was a little lost on me, but the sled trails that are such an integral part of my winter alter-ego are great for year-round enjoyment.  I discovered this this past (long) weekend when we took off on an impromptu trip to Maine for the Fouth of July.

What Else Is A Snowmobile Trail Good For?

Maine’s snowmobile trails are places of beauty, serenity (until we get there ), and natural wonder.  I’m sure the same is true of many other trail systems, but many of Maine’s sled trails are so well maintained that they are better than a lot of the roads that I drive on around here in the backwoods of Massachusetts (that’s no lie!).  They’re wide, smooth, and go on forever.  They are excellent for ATV’s, obviously (at least the trails that are open to them) and also for walking, hiking, nature hunting, and biking.

I was so drawn to my winter wonderland that yesterday, when I woke up to a clear, cool, low-humidity morning (something else Mass hasn’t seen in a good while), I decided to take off to our main point of departure.  I grabbed the two older kids on their bikes and two of the dogs (mine and Mom’s)–on their feet, they’re not that talented, and walked up the road and down the trail.  This meant delaying our departure to home by about an hour, and sitting in increasing holiday toll traffic at the Southern Maine tolls for even longer, but it was worth it!

Having easy access to trails must be a real benefit to living near where the riding is great and uninhibited. The best thing is that there was no traffic.  Even if we had met ATV’s (which we didn’t until we were back on the main road) we would have heard them in plenty of time.  I felt much better about having my kids bike there than on the roadside.

I do have pictures of this little adventure to share, but that’ll have to wait until I can find time to unload the old memory card.  For now, I’m chalking this up to reason #456 on the ‘Move to Maine’ side.

If you’re still yearning for this (and I know you are, as I am) you might want to look north.  Maine has had a very long winter with record snowfalls, and many trails are still holding. 

Recent reports on the SledMaine Website list still good riding conditions, with a few caveats.

Shin Pond and Aroostook County reported last April 3rd, and although Shin Pond is listing their last trail report, they do say there is still good riding. 

Kokadjo makes it sound even better…

Date: April 5, 2008

Trail Conditions:

Trails have a great ice base with 4″ new snow…..spring conditions and great off trail riding!

What most are reporting is that there’s still plenty of snow, but because of the much extended riding season (remember it started early, too!) and the increased price of feul, many grooming operations have stopped.  Some clubs say they will groom enough to keep the trails open and others perhaps occassionally if it continues to stay cool.  Some are not grooming at all, but the trails are still open for riding.

Of course, water and opening ice are big factors, so be cautious and stay clear of ice.  The other consideration is that many of the remote gas stations and stops are closing for the season, so you’ll need to check for services before you go; don’t rely on what’s listed on the map unless it’s a roadside stop.

One last caution, too.  The deep snow and long winter are forcing wildlife (deer & moose) onto the trails in increasing numbers.  Keep an extra eye for them!

Although I’m tempted to pack up and go, I’m sure my sledding is done for the year.  I’d be interested to hear if any of you are still riding, though.  Please share with the rest of us where there’s still snow!

We’ve been back for a bit now, and I’ve finally carved a minute to post pics of our ride! 

Last week east-central Maine was covered with about 40 inches of snow.  As Bill found out the hard way, there is no stepping off the trail to read the map.

The weekend started with the potential for disaster (thanks to some shoddy recall work performed at our local snowmobile dealer), ended with a nice scr***ing by the State of Maine (which I’ll be glad to warn you about later, but has little to do sledding), and in between was saved by a really, REALLY great parts and service shop in Medway, Maine (check them out at www.custom-sled-cycle.com —these guys are HIGHLY recommended to anyone needing parts or service in the surrounding Lincoln/Medway/Millinocket region; they deserve their own post, so more on them another day.  Even if you are close to another dealer or service shop, these guys are worth a drive!)

Anyway, here are some pictures from the trail!

  The Long Trail To Freedom!

 Bill And His Baby–His One True Love!

 Brandy Bringing Up The BACK (Not the rear, Joe)

 Pausing To Enjoy The View (the dork in the back is Joe)

 THAT Beautiful View!

Sights to behold, and I can’t wait to get back!

Get Out There And Enjoy The Ride!  EMail some pics to me at sledderchick at gmail dot com and I’ll be happy to share!

Thanks to winter come early (at least earlier than the past few years), many places are riding already that otherwise would not be.  I’d love to know who’s gotten out there! We’ve got readers here from all over, so please do come out of the wood work and share–

Where do you live?  (or) Where do you ride? 

Are You Riding Yet?

I’m in Massachusetts (not really by choice anymore…).  We’ve actually go snow, but we’re just starting to get to the point where you might consider trail riding.

There’s more than enough for the 120’s, though!  The  kids are having a blast carving a ring around my lawn!

   Finally!  Pics of the Pink Ride!  Joss finally saw some daytime action this weekend!

  Of course, Tim couldn’t wait for her to get her picture taken!

Big early snowfalls have parts of Maine riding!  Not all are, though, and some areas are restricted despite a decent base, so read trail conditions before you head out!

Here are a few trails reports, courtesy of SledMaine…

Aroostook County  

Reporting some early riding, but be cautious, the season came early!

“December 4, 2007 Greetings from Aroostook County………

The snow is now distributed better across the Crown of Maine…………nearly 20 inches in southern Aroostook and northern Penobscot and yet another 6-10 throughout central and northern sections. Grooming will be beginning on a limited basis this week but again all sledders are cautioned that signage will not all be up, most logging operations have not moved to their winter harvest so they are active in many areas that would normally be snowmobile trail later in the season and water bodies are truly not safe….” 

Rangeley Lakes Snowmobile Club

Trails closed until December 15

“All I can say is wow!  What a difference between this year and last year.  Today, it is +9 degrees and the ground is snow covered everywhere in the RLSC trail system.  Sorry, there isn’t enough to groom yet but the ground and ponds are freezing and more snow is forecast.  So, please check back often to see if we are going to be able to get an early start on the season….” 

Pathfinder Club, Saco, ME

December 3rd Storm Totals

Can you believe it, yesssssssssssss, we received our first early December snow storm. First one in years. The SACO area received about 10 inches total, and with the forecasted temperatures to be in the teens and 20’s for the next week or so, the trails should freeze fine. We are not grooming yet, but any additional snow should start the grooming process if the base remains frozen. The low lying water areas, streams, creeks, and drainage are not frozen so beware!!!! Hopefully December will be a great month to start riding if we get more snow.”

From Our Friends Up North

Northern SkinnyMoose Bloggers report riding, too.  Bill from Muskoka Outdoors reports feets of snow a couple hours north of Toronto, and the ringing of sweet sled engines out his windows!  Lucky Bill….

As for us here in Mass, only wishful thinking.  The kids did manage a ride on the 120’s the other night. Joss got a ride on her pink one, but it was too dark for pics!  (Soon, I promise, Berleen!).  She is proving to be quite the wiz and took to her sled like an old pro!  Mommy’s little girl…I’m so proud (sniffle, tear rolling down my cheek)! 

With a little luck, maybe we’ll see our share earlier this year and in better quantities than the few years past.  For now, let’s just hope our luck holds out for an extended  great snowmobiling season!