Monthly Archive for February, 2009

February/March Riding hard to beat

Published
by
Dave Karpik
on February 26, 2009
in Antique Snowmobiles, Events, Grooming Reports, Snowmobile Events, Snowmobling, Spring Snow, Trail Conditions, Uncategorized and Video Podcast
. 3 Comments

Like most of the Midwest we’re getting hit with fresh snow. My comrades tell me it’s been clear sledding all the way up to the border all week.  Trails are groom and a good solid base has been re-established.

Just an FYI: The weekend (Saturday) we have United Way Winter Blast Ride. Starts out at Fortune Bay Casino & Resort and if you depart from Eveleth/Virginia and it makes for an exciting and full day of riding. There will be a few of us from BLADE and TeamFAST up at the Landing (on west end Lake Vermilion) Restaurant cooking up the famous Brats and Polish from Paul’s Market (Eveleth)- so come join the event or just stop by and test ride some of the latest snowmobile products we offer.

Another fun thing we have coming up is PUCK Days in Eveleth, MN on March 14th.  Along with the other happenings in Eveleth we have the 2nd Annual Antique, Vintage and Unique Snowmobile Parade and Show. We have some truly unique vehicles lined up for this year’s event so put that in your plans.

There’s a fresh 3-4″ on the surface as of today that added to the snow from last week. I should be out testing some sleds tomorrow and hope to be back in time for a full report on the trails.

Remember… ride safe, ride right (to the right)

David K.
BLADE Snowmobiles

PS. Any of you guys and gals remember Game 7, probably the greatest Game 7 of all time and Twins came on top (1-0 in the tenth inning) behind ACE Jack Morris.  Well, he was up on Vermilion sledding earlier this week and I bumped into him at the Sawmill Restaurant in Virginia, MN.   I’m twisting his arm to come participate this weekend on the United Way Ride.   Snowmobiling attracts all walks of life… one of those rare forms of fun and camaraderie where the Lumberjack and the Billionaire come together and are equals…. so, so cool.

Daylight’s getting longer…

Published
by
Dave Karpik
on February 20, 2009
in Grooming Reports, Snowmobling, Spring Snow, Trail Conditions and Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

Here it is February 20th and riding is in full swing.   Yes , the weather has played a little havoc with trails here and there, but (by and large) my test rides have been fun and effortless.

But I must say last weekend I was out for a short 75 mile run and it cost me a windshield and some body work on a BLADE 1W-X… as it was, I was tooling along on my side of the trail and entered a section where Line Trucks had plowed a road-like surface on the trail and (in doing so) created a  surprising icy section with nice big, innocent, mushy looking  snow chunks.   As I got sideways and was about to hit the odd-shaped  snow-chunk (approx 18″ around) with the side of the tunnel… and at the time I thought that was a poor idea… so I steered into it instead- it was a solid (ICE) gnarly chunk and it tossed me off and the sled quickly onto the hard-packed surface.  Mind you, this was at no more than 15-20 mph so let this be a warning to you…  they can look soft and mushy but I think not… use my wasted windshield money for gas and food and laughter- that’s a better plan.

So, I picked myself up, checked the sled over, removed what was left of the windshield and resumed riding.   I thought “hey, most sleds don’t  even come with a real windshield nowadays so I could do this”… well when the sun dropped over the edge I knew more and changed my direction for the nearest oasis for a warm cup of Jo…  I now know for sure that am a big fan of the big windshield…

Enough of that now… the trails were excellent during this weeks test sessions.  There are some low-land areas, and areas of great sun-light that suffered but one just needs to slow down here and there and exercise a little common sense.   Also, with the warm-up and cool-down some real fun can be had  in the off-trail areas, “permissible areas please”,  that are normally inaccessible due to light, deep and lofty snow conditions…  so now is the time to come north and TRULY EXPLORE NORTHERN MINNESOTA!

Happy Trails,

Ride safe, ride right (to the right)

David K.

BLADE Snomwobiles

Trail conditions on Iron Range = GOOD!

Published
by
Dave Karpik
on February 19, 2009
in Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

Recent snow (over the course of the past week+) in combination with cooler temps have once again upgraded the snowmobile trails on the Iron Range to GOOD condition.  (Detailed conditions for the main arteries of the Iron Range region follow, below.)

It looks like we’ll get a little bit more light snowfall tomorrow and early Saturday, accompanied by warmer temps.  It’s gonna be a great weekend to get out on the trails and ride!

A few of the lodging properties up here on the Range are offering some sweet specials in February, so be sure to check ‘em out prior to making reservations at any of the great hotels and resorts here.

Let me know where you’re planning to ride.

As always, Ride Safe.  Ride Right.
Dave K.
BLADE snowmobiles

UPDATED (by the DNR) 2-18-09

Arrowhead State Trail
Condition: Good
Groomed Miles: 128
Snow Depth: 17-22″
Trail Base: 1-6″
Groomed: Yes

Taconite State Trail
Condition: Good
Groomed Miles: 165
Snow Depth: 17-20″
Trail Base: 1-4″
Groomed: Yes

With the recent snowfall and cooler temperatures trails are in good condition. Groomers will be out again this coming weekend, as needed. Riders can expect to encounter some icy stretches. High traffic areas and corners may have bare spots. Riders should beware that mid-season conditions can change day to day. Stay to the right and slow down in the corners. Some trail segments are being used as logging roads. Trail conditions are likely to be very poor where there is active logging. Use extra caution if you see logging activity. Lake conditions are variable with reports of slush, and frozen ruts.

McCarthy Beach State Park
Condition: Good
Groomed Snowmobile Trail Miles: 12
Snow Depth: 11″
Trail Base: 4″
Groomed: No

Snowmobile trails have maintained a good base with the exception of some corners. The trails are hard packed and may be icy in some areas. Use extra caution on the lakes.

A few inches of fluffy snow have filled in the icy tracks on our ski trails, putting them in fair to good condition. We will try grooming a portion of the trails on Wednesday to see if we can improve them. In the meantime, they are still skiable and the woods are pretty with the fresh snow.

The west side of the Red Top trail is not being groomed for skiing, which makes it available for snowshoers this year. The Pickerel Lake area is also good for snowshoeing.

Fair Conditions on Iron Range Trails.

Published
by
Dave Karpik
on February 12, 2009
in Uncategorized
. 3 Comments

Recent warm temps and rain have deteriorated many of the trails in the region.  However, like always, temps will dip below freezing again and March is typically one of the snowiest months of the year (if not THE snowiest).  So, stay tuned for updated reports and let me know if you’re out riding (and where the riding is good or not so good).

Ride safe, ride right.

Later!
Dave - BLADE snowmobiles

UPDATED (by the DNR) 2-11-09

Arrowhead State Trail
Condition: Fair
Groomed Miles: 128
Snow Depth: 17-20″
Trail Base: 1-4″
Groomed: Yes

Taconite State Trail
Condition: Fair
Groomed Miles: 165
Snow Depth: 17-20″
Trail Base: 1-4″
Groomed: Yes

Recent warm temperatures and rainfall have deteriorated trail conditions. As temperatures fall riders can expect icy conditions. Trail grooming will be dependent on the weather. As always, riders should beware that conditions can change and watch for hazards like rocks and stumps, slush and flowing water. Always stay to the right and slow down in the corners. Loggers are active and numerous trail segments are being used as haul roads. Where there is active logging, snowmobilers should stay on marked snowmobile trails only and stay off other roads plowed for logging. Use extra caution where “Trucks Hauling” signs are posted or where there is evidence of truck traffic on trails. Snowmobiles are no match for logging trucks.

Lake conditions are gradually improving, but watch for slush, snow drifts and rough riding, especially if going off trail. LakeVermilion and Ely area ice trails are all signed and staked.

McCarthy Beach State Park
Condition: Poor
Groomed Snowmobile Trail Miles: 12
Snow Depth: 13″
Trail Base: 3″
Groomed: No

Two days of rain and warm weather have severely damaged trail conditions. We will not be able to groom ski trails again until we get a significant amount of fresh snow to work with.

Snowmobile trails are hard and icy with bare spots due to the warmth and rain. Significant snow will also be needed to get these trails back into good riding condition. The lakes currently have standing water on them.

The west side of the Red Top trail is not being groomed for skiing, which makes it available for snowshoers this year. The Pickerel Lake area is also good for snowshoeing.

Riding is FANTASTIC

Published
by
Dave Karpik
on February 6, 2009
in Grooming Reports, Snowmobling and Trail Conditions
. 0 Comments

Ok, today’s 2/5/09 observations… I went east and my Pal went north and we swung back and met in Virginia, MN for a late breakfast.  The trails on tha Range were just Awesome… that’s right AWESOME!  All freshly groomed and weather that’s so easy, so comfortable, so pleasant to ride in.   So if you have snow, which we do, and you have +15F plus temps how could you not enjoy yourself???

I attended the Waconia Vintage Sled Rally this last weekend; It was my first time, and boy was that a hoot  [See photos below- that #1 ski-doo is a one-of-kind- built for Brad Hulings]. Do not be afraid to load up and head north!  I can only imagine that sledders from down south are thinking the snow is gone or going up here- it’s not.    Yes, in Waconia you could tell the sun and wind were taking its toll. However, that didn’t discourage Vintage sledders: There were 653 Vintage sleds participating in the 4 mile long exhibition trail ride. The lead sled almost caught the tail sled leaving the Waconia Lakeside ballroom.   I have to say, the work and restoration some of these guys and gals have done is just breathtaking.   Of course, the value of these sleds are reflective of that work.   I remember when we were just happy to get half our sled cost back after a year of competition.  Some of these sleds are now worth 10-15 times the original cost!   Anyway, that’s why I was absent info for this last weekend and why i took a run this AM.

Now, back to sledding up north, do not waste time thinking about 3-4 weeks from now- lets ride now.   I’ll be looking for you on the trails trying give away more swag.. dinners, room nights, etc…

Ride safe- ride right (to the right)

Ciao

David K.

BLADE Snowmobiles

1096-crated_amf ski-doo-collection

Yes, we’ve still got snow & the best riding in years!!!!

Published
by
Dave Karpik
on February 5, 2009
in Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

Greetings from the Iron Range, where we’ve got PLENTY of snow on the trails and are experiencing some of the best riding in years!

The trails have more than a foot and-a-half of snow, and, in some places close to two feet!  So, even if you don’t have any snow in your backyard, I PROMISE, there is plenty up here on the Iron Range.

Last weekend I saw a ton of sleds out riding in the Virginia/Mt. Iron area and this weekend promises to be another perfect weekend to hit the trails on the Iron Range, with great winter temps (not to mention great snow conditions, to boot!)

UPDATED (by the DNR) 2-5-09

Arrowhead State Trail
Condition: Good to Excellent
Groomed Miles: 128
Snow Depth: 18-23″
Trail Base: 1-4″
Groomed: Yes

Taconite State Trail
Condition: Good to Excellent
Groomed Miles: 165
Snow Depth: 18-23″
Trail Base: 1-4″
Groomed: Yes

The Taconite & Arrowhead State Trails and local snowmobile trails are all being groomed regularly and are in good to excellent condition. Snow is plentiful and trail conditions are holding up well. The state trails are being groomed as needed depending on weather, trail conditions and traffic. As always, riders should beware that conditions can change and watch for hazards like rocks and stumps, slush and flowing water. Always stay to the right and slow down in the corners. Loggers are active and numerous trail segments are being used as haul roads. Where there is active logging, snowmobilers should stay on marked snowmobile trails only and stay off other roads plowed for logging. Use extra caution where “Trucks Hauling” signs are posted or where there is evidence of truck traffic on trails. Snowmobiles are no match for logging trucks. Lake conditions are gradually improving, but watch for slush, snow drifts and rough riding, especially if going off trail. Lake Vermilion, Ely area and most Voyageurs National Park ice trails are signed and staked.

McCarthy Beach State Park
Condition: Good
Groomed Snowmobile Trail Miles: 12
Snow Depth: 15″
Trail Base: 6″
Groomed: Yes

A few more inches of fresh snow would help improve the trails. Most of the pine needles from the strong winds on 1/31 are now covered by a dusting of snow, however, making for decent skiing. The tracks held up okay to the warm temperatures and are in good shape.

The west side of the Red Top trail is not being groomed for skiing, which makes it available for snowshoers this year. The Pickerel Lake area is also good for snowshoeing. The Taconite State Trail held up well during the warm spell and is in good snowmobiling condition, as are other local trails.