Archive

1st weekend of deer hunting behind us now, so…

Published
by
Dave Karpik
on November 8, 2009
in Antique Snowmobiles, Events, Grooming Reports, Snowmobile Events, Snowmobling and Trail Conditions
. 8 Comments

…so lets start preparing for an action packed season of snowmobiling.  As a teaser we’ve had snow and lost it several times now though fully expected that this time of year…  unfortunately we don’t seem to have winter 7 months out of the year here though I am thankful signs of greater precipitation are on the way.

In my last note to you I mentioned about “Guide” services coming on line this season…  I am getting more and more enthused about this service as the ground works being laid so you’ll be able to navigate on this site and book your good times ahead.  That said we will need a little more prep time before launch so please bear with us for bit longer.  Just an FYI, it looks like we’ll be able to lock in a full-day, extended days, and even over-night if needed.   With over 2000 miles of groomed trails just in St Louis County we”ll need more than a few days to cover just a portion or two..

So, again… lets move out of the reactionary mode and get our equipment prepped and ready to roll… and plan some long weekends trips up north.

See you soon,

David Karpik,

BLADE snowmobiles

Actual “Guiding” coming on line this season…

Published
by
Dave Karpik
on October 20, 2009
in Antique Snowmobiles, Events, Grooming Reports, Hot Spots, Snowmobile Events, Snowmobling, Spring Snow, Trail Conditions and Uncategorized
. 9 Comments

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

Now this is talent!

Published
by
Dave Karpik
on September 30, 2009
in Antique Snowmobiles, Events, Snowmobile Events, Snowmobling, Trail Conditions, Uncategorized and Video Podcast
. 0 Comments

Check out this Danny Macaskil video - this is sheer joy to watch. No its not snowmobiling but thought some of you would appreciate  skill and grace.

Enjoy
dk

A warm-up to winter 2010

Published
by
Dave Karpik
on September 21, 2009
in Antique Snowmobiles, Events, Grooming Reports, Hot Spots, Snowmobile Events, Snowmobling, Trail Conditions and Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

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 SnowmobilesPlaisted Expedition display

There’s more sledding to be done…

Published
by
Dave Karpik
on April 6, 2009
in Grooming Reports, Snowmobling, Spring Snow, Trail Conditions and Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

Well, as you likely know sledding on the trail system in most of northern Minnesota is over.   You can still enjoy some of the lakes… like Vermillion and such, and you can still take in the waterskips up there each weekend.  Its amazing how many people show to test their skipping skills and to spectate… and you also have the enterprising crew from the Vermilion Club up there supplying pizza on site.   I know this type of sledding its not what most of us want but we have to take what we can get.

I took in the Giants Ridge Hill Cross this past weekend.  It was good participation and some high flyin’ action.   No sledding involved for me- just spectating as these young up and coming stars took the hill.

Now for the good news… there is plenty of snow up in the Gunflint area, there is also snow in the Finland area but some trees down from the ice storm that came thorugh a while back.    A crew was just up in the Gunflint area on Sunday and said riding was excellent and should hold out for some time 1 - 2 weeks and even more if we don’t get a heat wave and/or a load of rain.   So give that some consideration and head north for your final days of sledding in Minnesota.

Ride now…

David Karpik

BLADE Snowmobiles

12″ of new snow!

Published
by
Dave Karpik
on April 1, 2009
in Events, Grooming Reports, Spring Snow and Trail Conditions
. 2 Comments

Just a quick blog to let you know the Range got 12″ of new snow between Tuesday morning and this morning (Wednesday).

No update on the trails from the DNR just yet, maybe tomorrow…Regardless, I think I’ve still got a ride or two left in me.

Reminder, the WSA HillCross is at Giants Ridge this weekend.  Season pass holders get in FREE, while there’s a really reasonable charge for two-day admission tickets.

Winter ain’t over ’til it’s over! 6-10″ expected on the Iron Range.

Published
by
Dave Karpik
on March 30, 2009
in Contest, Events, Grooming Reports, Hot Spots, Snowmobile Events, Snowmobling, Spring Snow and Trail Conditions
. 0 Comments

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!

Warmer weather wreaking a little havoc on trails…

Published
by
Dave Karpik
on March 19, 2009
in Grooming Reports, Snowmobling, Spring Snow and Trail Conditions
. 2 Comments

Well, the warmer weather has wreaked a little havoc on the trails on the Iron Range.  Here’s a little update for you.  (Of course the meteorologists are predicting a little bit of rain mixed with snow prior to and after the weekend, so here’s hoping it’s all snow! (I’m not ready for the season to be done just yet….)

Arrowhead State Trail
Condition: Poor
Groomed Miles: 128
Snow Depth: 10-20″
Trail Base: 0-4″
Groomed: Yes

Taconite State Trail
Condition: Poor
Groomed Miles: 165
Snow Depth: 10-18″
Trail Base: 0-5″
Groomed: Yes

Due to the warm weather and forecast for more, grooming has likely ceased for this season. Trails remain open but are deteriorating rapidly.

McCarthy Beach State Park (3-11-09)
Condition: Fair
Groomed Snowmobile Trail Miles: 12
Snow Depth: 16″
Trail Base: 4″
Groomed: Yes

Ski trail conditions are changing daily due to the weather. Trails will be groomed on March 12. and will be in very good condition with the fresh snow. There’s still lots of snow on the ground, so enjoy it while winter lasts!

Snowmobile trails have maintained a base in most locations, and the riding is still good. Trails are hard packed and may be icy in some areas. Use extra caution on the lakes.

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. Crust conditions make for great snowshoeing almost anywhere in the park. Backcountry skiers are exploring new paths on the top of the crust also.

IT’S NOT MY LAST RIDE 3-16-9

Published
by
Dave Karpik
on March 16, 2009
in Grooming Reports, Snowmobling, Spring Snow, Trail Conditions and Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

Well, we rode yesterday and a fine day it was. Yes, it was a little wet here and there, minimum of clothing needed- NO gloves. Started out just northeast of Orr, MN at the VRT (Buyck, MN) and rode north towards the border (mostly lakes and rivers on the way up and back down on the trail system. Had lunch at the Voyagaire on Crane lake and dinner at DAM in Orr that night- the food was excellent at both places.

The trails were not groomed- however, all but one of the group had M-10 suspensions so when the the going gets rough- we get going. I would say 60% of the trails were bumpy and 98% of the trails were snow covered. I do not know how long this will last but I will be back up this week for more.

So if you’re a sledder still needing more sledding head north to the Range and if you like touch base I may be able to ride with you.

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

Regards,
David Karpik
BLADE Snowmobiles

Make the most of winter on the Iron Range

Published
by
Dave Karpik
on March 12, 2009
in Antique Snowmobiles, Events, Grooming Reports, Hot Spots, Snowmobile Events, Snowmobling, Trail Conditions and Uncategorized
. 1 Comment

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