100 Mile Snow Safari Forum

I think alot of us are anxious to here about the the trail situation. just seeing what we got to deal with , with the new snow. These nice cold conditions are nice but we could be waiting tell the end of january before we get the next 4 inches.:thinksnow: :thinksnow: :thinksnow: :letitsnow:

In Florence County, we [B][U]MAY[/U][/B] be moving the 4 groomers to their winter homes this week. However, 3-4 inches of light and fluffy snow just is not enough to officially open the trails. It keeps snowing on and off all day, but it isn't adding much if any to the total. If you read Jim's post about moving the Armstrong Creek groomer, that is the same situation we will have in Florence when/if we move the groomers. I am waiting to see the reply from Wabeno after that groomer gets back from their maiden voyage. One more 4" snowfall and we will be set. Let's hope that comes Thursday like predicted.

How come Wabeno is grooming and Armstrong isn't. I notice things like this every year. one area will be out grooming and the other wont, is there that much of a difference in areas or something.

The simple answer is YES. A railroad grade or forest road need less snow to groom then a winding, hilly trail through the woods where there are rocks and ruts. It is very hard on the groomer and drag if you try to go out with a lack of snow. Just remember the last time you hit a rock with your ski and multiply that by 1000. That's how it feels in the groomer and you can only imagine what damage it is probably doing to it. That first time out with the groomer is not fun at all!!

That part slipped my mind.

It slipped my mind as well until I became a groomer operator. I am not sure how it feels in a rubber track Tucker, but I know how it feels in a steal cleat Bombardier. But it is getting late and we may have to take some chances. Florence County has not made a firm decision yet today.

Oh... that's sooo true. Them rubber tracks dont help either. Before I started grooming, I always thought that riding in the groomer was one smooth ride. WRONG! It's only smooth AFTER we groom it. Grooming can be a very bone jarring experience, especially in the rough spots. I've literally been bounced out my seat before. That's one thing that bugs me about the new groomer, there is no ceiling handle for the passenger like on the old one. I think we've got more winding, rocky, and stumpy trails than our counterparts in Wabeno and Laona. Or at least it seems that way, but then again, I've never groomed their trails, I've only rode them. I think most of our trail system here in Armstrong Creek, are more forest trails versus railroad grades and forest roads. And don't forget about all the ATV and Truck traffic we've had on them. The swamp north of Benson Lake will no doubt be one rough cookie. I'll be posting updates and pictures later, when we return from grooming. We've got a club meeting tonight in Lily, but now I'm wondering if Dick and I will make it, or if we'll be out trying to groom instead. Check back later for updates!