An Iron Range Snowmobiling Blog by Dave Karpik
Here are some of the photos taken as part of the photoshoot of the trails here on the Iron Range. There are a few of me and the Blade snowmobile….other photos include photos of the rest of the group. It was a beautiful day for a ride.
Much thanks to Justin Carasquillo for the photos, too!
Just the other day on 12/31/09 my oldest daughter (11) tipped me off on a Dahlai moment… his words were … “if you have a problem and know there is a solution- why worry, and if you have a problem and know there is no solution- why worry”. I think I am going to take her advice and run with that one as a resolution for 2010… kids ehh.
With the Dahlai moment in mind we have been wishing for more snow to get things rolling… well that didn’t stop me this weekend- its was cold, and snow conditions varied but the groomers were out doing what they can to make it better for all of us. Granted some trails could have more snow to work with but the trails are ridable and if you start here on the Range you can ride in any direction as far as you like. Ok there’s a bump, lump, slump here or there but modern marvels take care of most of these little disorders.
Ride safe…ride right (to the right)
Come snowmobile the Iron Range and take in our hospitality,
Happy New Year
David K.
BLADE Snowmobiles
There has been numerous calls and inquiries surrounding “guide” services to explore the northern Minnesota region. To many of us we just take it for granted that everyone else knows the trails, lakes, rivers, short-cuts, etc… but that’s because we’re so used to riding from our back door to explore.
I know the past two season I’ve tried to guide you on conditions and such, especially those late season opportunities like we’ve enjoyed the last couple of years… but it seems there’s need for so much more. So, I have been speaking with a number well seasoned snowmobilers from the area about providing such daily and overnight “Guide” services and I’m pleased to report I think we can get this done. Shortly we will be firming up plans and tuning this website so those of you looking to get the most from your well deserved winter outing can make plans.
I am excited about this… so please stay tuned we hope to be back with more details in about 7-10 days.
Regards,
David K.
BLADE Snowmobiles
I really don’t know if anyone has tagged this site lately, if so, my apologies for being absent… been off dirt biking, alpine sliding, pulling my kids knee-boarding, bicycling, hiking, pontooning, power-boating, sailing, etc.
However, if you are getting a little excited for snowmobiling and no outlet in reach you may try living vicariously through the likes of Edgar Hetteen (Arctic cat and Polaris), Richard Harris (Scorpion), the Plaisted Expedition (north pole), and others at the MN Discovery Center (Ironworld) located in Chisholm, MN. They have a display of their early equipment, sleds, video, etc and you learn about the birthing of snowmobiling right on up to modern day sleds- including the very first (serial No. 001) production BLADE snowmobile- hey… I have to fire a few shots across the bow now and then.
In fact, coming up is the foremost authority on the history of Rotax engines, and very likely Ski-doo snowmobiles, Phil Mickelson, he will be enlightening us all at 6PM, this Thursday (9/24), and Phil will have on hand some rare engines for our viewing pleasure. I’ve known Phil for a long time and HE knows his stuff- hope to see you there.
So for now… go.. be well, and think lots and lots of snow. Ciao
David K.
BLADE Snowmobiles
Looks like I was right after all…I knew it wasn’t my last ride of the season!
In April ‘08 , we got dumped on with a ton of snow and it looks like ‘09 will be no exception. Six to 10″ of snow is expected to hit the Iron Range tonight and tomorrow!
I expect to see some sledheads (myself included) out on the trails in the next few days. Let me know if you are planning one last “hurrah” on the Iron Range trails, too.
Don’t forget about the WSA Hill Cross at Giants Ridge this coming weekend, too! Giants Ridge season pass holders get in FREE! For everyone else, there’s great two-day admission rates, too. Click here for details.
Now, let it snow!
Snowmobile trail conditions in northern Minnesota are very good; we were hit the other day with 6-14″ of fresh snow. Its absolutely a beautiful thing. Grooming is still happening so there shouldn’t be any issues.
Motels and restaurants are abundant. There should be a good guide on this site explaining rooms and dining. You can also find more information at RangeBuzz.com; this site will get you up to speed on all the above as well as entertainment when you’re off the trails.
Give us a call when you’re in the area we’ll be happy to give you a tour of where the BLADE snowmobile and the famed m-10 suspension are developed and built.
Ride safe, ride right (to the right)
Regards,
David Karpik
Your Iron Range Getway Guide
Well, folks, I was right. Like every other year, we tend to get some measurable snowfall in March, here on the Iron Range. It’s like winter isn’t ready to give up just yet. Which of course, benefits the sled heads like myself! Check out this forecast! Up to a foot of snow (maybe more) is on it’s way to the Iron Range now!
The meteorologists are predicting that up to a foot of snow will fall on the Iron Range over the course of the next few days. (They’re even talking blizzard-like conditions between Tuesday and Wednesday! Yikes!) I know many of you are ready for the snow to melt, but March makes for some really great riding! The trails are packed and groomed from past snowfalls, melting, grooming, etc., and when you add a fresh coat of the white stuff, it can make for some really great “Spring” riding! Plus, temps tend to warm up a bit (they’re forecasting temps to be in the 30s again by next weekend)!
Now is the time to plan for a mid-week or weekend getaway to the Range! Be one of the first to take advantage of the new powder! Make your lodging reservations (and lodging specials) early this week and be sure to stay tuned for updated trail conditions throughout the course of the week.
Ciao.
Remember, ride safe. Ride right (to the right).
David K.
BLADE snowmobiles
Be the FIRST person to catch me on the trail and mention the #8 and I’ll give you a free one night’s stay at the Super 8 in Eveleth! (Folks, you’ve gotta be on your sled or trailering your sleds…)
The Iron Range has several great places to stay when you’re riding. One of the places I like to refer to riders is the Super 8 in Eveleth.
Here are the top “8” reasons why you should stay at the Super 8 in Eveleth on your next Iron Range snowmobile getaway.
8. Free Wireless Internet – this keeps you in contact with friends and family (and me – catch me here) while you’re riding the Range
7. The Super 8 is an “Award Winning” property, assuring you that your accommodations with be clean and comfortable! If you know “Bill” (proprietor) you know how impeccable his properties are.
6. A “SuperStart” breakfast – the Super 8 hits a home run in this area offering fresh Belgian waffles, hard boiled eggs, hot & cool cereal, fresh fruit, milk, juice, a hot cup of fresh brewed coffee and more!
5. Dining options within minutes of the Super 8 – including Goodfella’s (right across the street), the Whistling Bird (Gilbert), Wandering Pines (Gilbert), Grandma’s (Virginia), Adventures (Virginia), Sawmill (Virginia), LaCocina & Cantina (Virginia), and several others, all just minutes away.
4. When you come back from a day on the trails, the Super 8 has a gigantic spa complete with foot massage jets, guaranteed to warm you up after riding! Their unique barrel sauna is another great option after a day of riding the Range!
3. The Super 8 is located just across the highway from Five Seasons Sports Center, where you can find snowmobile spare parts and service, apparel and more…
2. Easy to find (located right on Hwy 53) & the Super 8 has a substantial parking area with space for several snowmobile trailers – making your trip a little less cumbersome
And, the #1 reason the Super 8 in Eveleth is a great place to stay –
1. Direct access to more than 2,000 miles of groomed snowmobile trails!!! Seriously, folks, how much better does it get?
So here’s my plug for our friends the Super 8 in Eveleth, call 866-611-1661 or make your reservations online here.
Ride safe… ride right.
David K.
There are a TON of places to stop for a bite to eat along the snowmobile trails on the Iron Range.
Check out my top 11 places to eat when you’re on the Iron Range snowmobile trails… Continue reading ‘Iron Range Dining’
