Short Blast: Scouting Report

Published
by
Dave Karpik
on January 31, 2012
in Antique Snowmobiles, Audio Podcast, Contest, Events, Grooming Reports, Hot Spots, Snowmobile Events, Snowmobling, Spring Snow, Trail Conditions and Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

Ok, so Sunday a few friends and I set out to check the very local trail condition starting in Eveleth, MN… the Gateway to the great white north. And, although one of the riders hadn’t been sledding in a number of years it was obvious that snowmobiling is just like bicycling… you never forget.

Anyway, one-track trail out of Eveleth to the Eveleth/Gilbert Spur trail- which was completely un-groomed though pretty darn fun to ride. Just enough character in the trail to get the grin factor going. From there we hit the Moose Trail which was also totally un-groomed and for the most part untouched so we were trail breaking right through to Biwabik. From there we hit the Aurora-Biwabik trail on up to Giants Ridge Ski Resort for a break and bite to eat. I must say… the Iron Range probably has the best selection of Pizzas possibly… just sayin’.

On the return trip we tried a little boondockin’ but having ended up needing to traverse a long recently graded section we turned back working our way as the crow flies to the Moose trail with a slight detour through Mckinley for a little more untouched terrain on back towards Gilbert. Now, you look at this and think we didnt put on many miles- well, we didn’t, but we sure had some fun riding and laughs afterwards. Sometimes less is more.

So as for the scouting report, I am confident you can leave from most any of the Range Cities and head north/north-east. You may encounter some un-groomed or virgin sections until you travel a little further north but its sure broadens your skills, gives you some appreciation for the suspension technology out there, and truly makes you think of all the effort these clubs put in during a good snowy season to keep us all happy.

That said, I say head North!!!

Remember; Ride right… to the right side of the trail (”your” side of the trail), Thanks.

David K.
BLADE Snowmobiles
At Giants Ridge

YAHOOOOO… more snow today…

Published
by
Dave Karpik
on January 27, 2012
in Grooming Reports, Hot Spots, Snowmobling, Trail Conditions and Uncategorized
. 2 Comments

So wait no longer boys and girls its time shed the covers, fill the tanks, and head north as another 4″ fell today. Just sayin’…. Its time to ride!

See you soon,
David K.
BLADE Snowmobiles

Remember… ride right (to the right side of the trail) Thanks.

img_20120127_165929

YES- we’re finally riding up north!!!

Published
by
Dave Karpik
on January 25, 2012
in Grooming Reports, Snowmobile Events, Snowmobling, Trail Conditions and Uncategorized
. 5 Comments

It’s been some time since I last connected but really we haven’t had much to talk about this year other than a forecast that I hope is only “late” not “wrong”. You know- all that snow we were predicted to be wading through.

I have been test riding locally… only when absolutely required though, and I would not and have not advised anyone to head north to try snowmobiling on the Range. Its been “white” here for some time but nothing to grin about… well, my attitude has now changed and a smile is forming as the snow inches its way towards “respectable & rideable” conditions. I’m here to tell YOU- trails are being groomed and conditions are good for most of the Arrowhead trail, and above. More geographically recognizable to our friends from out of town… riding is good just north of Cook, MN and keeps getting better as you near Orr, MN and beyond. And there’s hundreds of miles to cover. Now, that said, I still want you to stop in and if not stay on the Range… at least visit us either on your way up, or your way back down.

It should also be noted that next week the BLACKWOODS BLIZZARD Tour should be rolling through the area bringing in a couple hundred heavy hitter snowmobilers to the Northland. Raise your hands and give them a cheer if you see them as they ride for ALS. If you’re unaware this is an amazing group ride/event that raises over $600K annually to help bring a cure to Lou Gehrig’s disease. Hey, and should you be so lucky to have someone invite you to attend their wrap-up celebration at the Greysolon Ballroom downtown Duluth- do not pass it up- it’s a grand, festive, dress-up, party affair.

Ok, back to the trails… Come north… come north and ride with me, or rather I’ll ride with you if you give me enough notice.

Regards,
David K.
BLADE Snowmobiles

PS. Please be careful for pressure ridges on the lakes. And as always, Ride right- to the right side (your side) of the trail.

Its Not Over- until the Fat Sled Sinks

Published
by
Dave Karpik
on March 21, 2011
in Antique Snowmobiles, Grooming Reports, Snowmobile Events, Snowmobling, Spring Snow, Trail Conditions and Uncategorized
. 5 Comments

Like I said… Ride, ride, ride… word has it 2-Time World Champion snowmobile extraordinaire “Brad Hulings” will be visiting the Range to ride this weekend along with a host of friends.

For some riding has ended, for others its just prelude to the end. I was out with my brother Gerard for a quick 75-80 mile jaunt Saturday leaving Eveleth towards Giants Ridge (Biwabik), back and forth on the Moose and Aurora/Biwabik Trails wherever we found bumps, with a short layover at the Ridge to witness a little little Spring Carnival action and a bite, then west across the Laurentian Trail down through Virginia and back to the Shop. Yes, it was tough getting through some parts of Virginia and earth showing here and there- as expected… but this is still far better than riding in early winter with limited snow.

After riding a couple hours on the modern technology I took up with “the Bruce” otherwise known as “Golden-boy”… a dirt bikin’ Pal from one of the tough Twin City neighborhoods (Mahtomedi, MN)- he rides KTM’s by the way, and he rides quickly I might add. Anyway, we laid down our goal and took to the back-country behind the Eveleth-Virginia regional international airport… an area very difficult to travel almost any time of the year, even by foot, though Spring sledding is thee exception (not always)… and its modern sleds be damned. Our trusty steeds were old Elans (don’t tell my daughters I was on their sled) and I have no idea what model years they were (mid 80’s - early 90’s… doesnt matter) but they worked beautifully none-the-less and in harmony whilst weaving through tamarack after tamarrack and through all the natural moguls. It was a blast! Its been a number of years and its nice to know the big ole marsh is still in tack.

Now, we have new SNOW on the way for those of you that care, if you’re reading this then you might care. Predictions vary but as little as 4” and as much as 14” so I’ve been told- I’m going with the latter cause its just to early to quit sledding- this year anyway and more is better for sledders. And, we have a couple of crews, one from lower Michigan (the Brad Hulings gang) and another from Indiana planning to darken the doors of the Range. So lets roll out the welcome mat and make sure these guys/gals learn why the Range is a great snowmobiling destination. I know we will here at TeamFAST and BLADE with a short enlightening tour of the facilities and then out for some fine dining.

Ride, ride, ride… while we can.
And, ride safe, ride right (to the right)

Regards,
David K.
BLADE Snowmobiles

PS. Ohh yeah, almost forgot… don’t forget about the water-skips on Vermilion
elans-2

March Madness - Round II

Published
by
Dave Karpik
on March 17, 2011
in Antique Snowmobiles, Grooming Reports, Snowmobile Events, Snowmobling, Spring Snow, Trail Conditions and Uncategorized
. 3 Comments

Its Friday and who’s going to let a little warm weather and a little light rain earlier this week stop you from taking one of your last snowmobile rides of the year… I’m not!!! Besides it warms up nicely to 30+ and drop below freezing every night… liken’ it.

In fact, a Pal and I took off around 11AM Tuesday and road till’ about 3… never had an issue with the trails, never met another rider… and never thought about tomorrow. Don’t take it for granted, once in the woods the trail are excellent even though conditions are softer than desired… the road approaches were bearing a little earth here and there but still very, very ride-able conditions… OK, maybe I’m a die-hard.. maybe not… maybe I just like the freedom I get when I’m sledding. Quite frankly there seems hardly anything free er’ (bad English- I know) these days… heck even V-twining (more bad English), cruising on your Glide… doesn’t get you this close to elements in northern Minnesota, nor this in-tune with your ride…

Heading out today to do some more test riding and should be able to report back again on up-to-date/hour/minute conditions… though I remain confident that conditions will hold.

So for you Sledders out there that didn’t get enough… cant get enough- I say “go north”, north to the Iron Range and even a bit further if you so desire… go to Orr, go to Ely, just get out and take advantage of the offerings. Conditions are not perfect but the trails have plenty of character left in them. And take everyday in as if its the last sledding day you can for the year!!!

Ride north or south of the “Divide” (few miles north of Virginia, MN) and you’ll get plenty of fun-filled miles in.

Ride safe, right right (to the right)

PS. The Bayview is hosting Radar Runs on Lake Vermilion, I was just informed they are ON!!! And like many of the establishments on the Iron Range other facilities around Lake Vermilion will be dolling out the green beads as well. picture-1880

March is HERE…and we’re riding strong!

Published
by
Dave Karpik
on March 4, 2011
in Uncategorized
. 5 Comments

As you all know it doesn’t get much better than Spring riding with warmer daytime temps, extended daylight hours, and a dense snow covered trail system.

We have SNOW, we have plenty of it, and the trails are being groomed and cared for like it was the beginning of the year. The clubs and agencies are in full swing. They’re proud of their work and proud to have done it… so let them know you support them by getting out and enjoying the fruits of their labor. RIDE… RIDE… RIDE.

Also, some of the advantages are;
1. This time of year some sledders are already packing it in so the trails are used by less sledders.
2. You can sleep in and let the morning come to you with a nice cup of Jo… instead of you rushing out to capture some daytime riding.
3. Boondockin in the Northland is far easier as the snow is now compacted. NOTE: Remember to stay on the trail system unless you are absolutely sure off-trail is permissible as much of the land is private property and we do NOT want to lose the valuable friendships we have made over the many years.
4. This time of year more people are climbing out of hibernation and the night life is ramping up as the Spring weather rejuvenates those that draw their Vitamin D from some other source than “snow”.

If weather remains as is we should have a few more good weeks though I am not going to advise anyone to wait. Take advantage of what we have , while we have it. That said, I packin’ it in for the day to do a little boondockin and then hit the trails.

Respectfully,
David K.

Ride safe, ride right (to the right side of the trail) picture-2049

PUCK Days Update & February Riding

Published
by
Dave Karpik
on February 23, 2011
in Events and Uncategorized
. 3 Comments

Before I start rambling…. YOU should know- the EG HOCKEY GIRLS ROCK. Ok, I’m better now… its getting to be one of my favorite times of the year- late winter…. warmer, increased daylight for those that need their vitamin D fix,  great sledding and closing in on PUCK DAYS.

Bad news first- as we entered the 4th year of PUCK Days which was largely becoming an antique, vintage, modern sled parade and show right downtown Hockey-Town… Eveleth, MN has been postponed to next year.

THIS IS AN OFFICIAL STATEMENT that follows:

PUCK Days 2011
March 12-13, 2011
Eveleth, MN

STATUS: POSTPONED to 2012

The hosting organization that promoted PUCK Days in Eveleth, MN the last three years disbanded this January. The Laurentian Chamber of Commerce, representing the Quad Cities of Eveleth, Virginia, Mountain Iron and Gilbert has recently agreed to come on-board as the new host organization. Due to the short lead time to the event date, our remaining organization members have collectively decided to postpone this years’ PUCK Days and focus on next year to ensure a successful and well participated event.

We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused you. We are confident moving forward that with our new hosting organization and additional resources we can coordinate an even bigger event and make next year’s PUCK Days a grand and “can’t miss” weekend.

PUCK Days Committee,

Well I’m disappointed about that but riding continues to be spectacular up here in the Northland.   Conditions today were fresh snow and freshly groomed trails which will make for great riding all weekend.

Remember, right right (to the right) and ride safe.
Regards,
David K.

picture-422

Start riding NOW!

Published
by
Dave Karpik
on January 26, 2011
in Antique Snowmobiles, Events, Grooming Reports, Hot Spots, Snowmobile Events, Snowmobling, Spring Snow, Trail Conditions, Uncategorized and Video Podcast
. 9 Comments

Ok, so here it was the coldest weekend of the year (last weekend), actually not nearly as cold as it could be this time of year… Is that any reason to hibernate- heck no… as the trails were in near perfect condition and almost no signs of fellow sledders.

In any case, my two kids (12 & 9) and I settled into the weekend with a few rented movies and frozen pizzas.  One movie in particular was “Iron Will” which I later learned was largely filmed in Two harbors and Duluth (I thought I recognized some local architecture) and based loosely on a true story from the early 1900’s.   The movie soon progressed from enduring the weather and modes of travel  during that era to a “dog sled race” which was promoted as the first International race of that type in North America running from Winnipeg, Manitoba to St Paul, MN and with a $10,000 purse- huge money for the times- still huge in my book.  As the movie progressed about this young man trying to compete with the seasoned veterans my kids, and I, became caught up in the theme and spirit of competition.  About half way through the movie I mentioned to my girls that their Uncle Gerard placed 2nd in this race some years ago… both quite amused by the statement and now staring at me as if I just fibbed…  my youngest then queried me (still with disbelief)… “he raced dog sleds Papa”… I said- No… this race in later years was accomplished on snowmobiles… they were quickly proud of their Uncle I could tell.  The funny thing is that this last weekend was also the running of the I-500 (in the frigid temps no less) and their cousins Ryan Greening and Luc Karpik were both competing in it.  Well, their cousin Ryan went on to win the Semi-Pro class… and his overall time posted would have landed him in the Top-Ten of the Pro class.  Big Congrats to Ryan, his sponsors and crew. Pictures are of Ryan, Ryan and one of his sponsors Steve Vandeputte, and Luc on the Yamaha (just their proud Uncle braggin’ a bit here- sorry) .

So that’s my story for the weekend and I’m sticking to it!  Now with the weather in the teens we have no excuses to stay in doors.  So start riding NOW because before you know it winter will be gone….

Remember, ride safe… ride right (to the right- because you don’t own the left side of the trail- not any part of it)

PS. I realize this site is about trail riding and one point I’d like to make is racin’ is fun and kool and I’m all for it- on the track or sanctioned course.

luc0102101

179458_731707046611_56007334_40323039_1264200_n1

Ryan Greening

Winter Wonderland

Published
by
Dave Karpik
on January 3, 2011
in Antique Snowmobiles, Events, Hot Spots, Snowmobling, Trail Conditions and Uncategorized
. 5 Comments

Well, I tell ya my first overnight-er of the year went well. And although I reserve the word “Awesome” for that which is extremely special and uniquely qualified … be it person, or place or thing, in my life… I would have to say the New Year’s Eve ride was simply that- AWESOME!

We left Eveleth right on schedule- 2 1/2 hours late… and came out of the bush near Giants Ridge Ski Lodge for a quick bite.  While there we had a friendly visit from our local DNR officer making sure things were in order- alls well, both sides cordial and helpful to one another.

Shortly thereafter we made tracks again as Dinner was being served at 7PM. As we were pressed for time we threw out the “by the crow flies & GPS” route plan and ran the following trails; Laurentian (5 miles of it) to the Taconite Spur W, to Stoney Spur, to the Tomahawk on up to our desitination.  Every trail had more than enough snow and the recent thick, heavy snowfall clung tightly to the trees turning every trail into a hollow… it was like snowmobiling on a luge run in a snow-globe… it was like perfect… pristine, peaceful, colorful (if that possible with everything white) and every turn you looked ahead for more.  Now, honestly I snowmobile more for the effect than the scenery but I would say this was over-the-top for here in Minnesota.   So now with our sleds parked for the evening and now only being about 2 hours late we join the soiree fashionably late… but hey when you like your Prime rare its usually cold anyway so it to was near perfect.

I am blessed with great friends (I truly am grateful for them) as they are always willing to expound upon ones New Year’s eve blunders and/or miscues (referring to the dinner table that late evening- these happen)… as the next day started with heady early morning laughter throughout breakfast and perhaps way too much coffee… but once back in the saddle we made quick tracks to Ely and fueled up… hit the Taconite, to the Taconite Spur, to Giants Ridge again for a quick bite, and on back to the Moose trail on into Eveleth.

Now far as a Trail Condition Report- we only came upon one freshly groomed trail on the way up, though started catching groomers out on the way back. Every trail had “character” (my word for multitude of bump types) to one degree or another but there was literally no stutter bumps which are repetitious, boring and bothersome to most… so all in all great fun riding. By now the clubs and so forth have been out smoothing the way to another week in this Winter Wonderland.

In close, it did pay to have the latest in suspension technology but that wouldn’t have deterred us from riding- not one bit… And everyone I’ve spoken with that was riding this last weekend grinned with the same glee because the riding and scenery was AWESOME!!!

So pack your gear and head north and RIDE THE RANGE… enjoy scenery, the food, the entertainment, the people, and our miles upon miles of trail system.

Regards,
David K.

PS. Ride safe, ride- right (to the right side of the trail)

1293919641763112939195916441

2011 Welcomes Snowmobilers

Published
by
Dave Karpik
on December 31, 2010
in Antique Snowmobiles, Grooming Reports, Hot Spots, Snowmobile Events, Snowmobling, Trail Conditions and Uncategorized
. 2 Comments

Well, hello fellow sledders, its been some time since we last communicated, and looks as though we’re off to a great winter- I just LOVE it!

It is New years Eve and though I’ve been testing sleds now and then I am about to take my first pleasure cruise and over-nighter for the year.  Its perfect conditions with lots of snow and though I plan on celebrating the passing of last year and welcoming the new- I will be engaging friends and all to save your spirits until you reach final destination and then enjoy the company on-hand and stay put, or call a friend for a little curb service.

Now, my first pleasure cruise will not involve much of the trail system as my riding partner Marvin and I are leaving Eveleth (on sleds) and look to arrive at Garden lake (near Ely) via as the crow flies with a little help from GPS.  I love boondockin style riding… love the adventure. We’re departing Eveleth around 2PM and should arrive in time for a rare slice of Chef Collie Prime at 7PM.  Yes, its taking a little time to get there as by the trail system its about 2- 2.5 hours normally- but getting back to some sledding roots and breaking trail. Ill let you know how it worked out next week.

So for now fellow sledders- be safe, and right right (to the right side of the trail)- lets all do our best to welcome more sledders and newcomers to the recreation and area and have them leave with a smile on their faces craving more snowmobile ride time on the Range.

Ride safe, ride right.

David K.

BLADE Snowmobiles

picture-2012