Gary Marquis
First of all I apologize for not getting this out earlier. I was busy with opening up a few sections of our trails in the Caribou area. Most and all clubs are reporting very good conditions with most trails have been signed.
Eagle Lake is reporting logging operations on the Red River road and at mile 16 for about a mile so please use caution. In the Oxbow area they are reporting ok conditions but are warning snowmobilers to use caution as there still is some branches in the trail. They are reporting a shared use with a logging operation on ITS 85 5 miles north of Oxbow and 10 miles south of Oxbow, they are anticipating on being done by the first of the year.
With this first week of potentially a very busy one with school vacation our trails can be very busy so please remember that there may be some low hanging branches, some water holes so please ride with caution.
Remember, the “County” is home to some of Maine’s best restaurants, they are ready to accommodate the snowmobiling community so come on up as the region is open for business.
This year is certainly looking a lot better than last. With this being said, clubs can still use help with clearing branches and most importantly joining a club. The other thing that has been occurring all over Aroostook County and other places that have snow is the disrespect of trail users towards landowners, remember the only way that we can enjoy our sport is with them.
Ashland is reporting that there is a mud hole going south to Masardis it is marked so please use caution. They are also reporting that ITS 88 heading towards Castle Hill has a water hole and has been repaired by an excavator and can be crossed by snowmobile but not by groomer.
Fort Kent is reporting very good conditions and trails are marked. They are reporting logging operations on ITS 85 south of the Violette Settlement please pay attention to signs. The other trail that has a logging operation is on 73B south of the Little Black Lake area, again please use CAUTION.
The Red Arrow Club Is reporting great conditions on their trails with no areas of trouble.
Caribou has not opened all of their trail 89 which meets up with Caswell on trail 100 and trail 94. So the best way to get to Van Buren from the South is ITS 81 or ITS 83/105 as these trails are in good condition.
Trail 81 (Swedes trail) is open in its entirety, but please use caution as there are a few wet areas that are marked.
The lakes, ponds and rivers are still not safe for crossing so please stay off any body of water until officials make sure that they are safe to be on.
ITS 90 Fort Fairfield has come through to behind Dodo’s Market and Caribou has been through there is a small detour on Fort’s end but it is groomed. Caribou has opened to trail 88 but has not opened the rest of their section. Caribou is reporting a small wet area that is marked, with a few inches of snow this area should be fine. Portage has come down all the way through to 105 and reporting this section in good shape.
105 trail from Van Buren through Stockholm and South to Mapleton is in good shape.
Trail 81 (Swedes Trail) is open and reported to have a few water holes watch for signs.
So what I am trying to report is that most clubs have been out making great progress but there is still a lot of work that needs to be accomplished. So if you are planning on riding stay on what has been groomed and check with local clubs and their Facebook pages.
On the social side
Friday, Jan. 13, 2017 – The Pleasant Ridge Riders will be having a Chicken Stew/Chili dinner fundraiser at the Clubhouse located on 17 Pleasant Ridge Road in Caswell. The supper will be from 4 to 7 p.m. All proceeds will be going to the groomer fund.
Washburn Trail Runners club will officially open for business on Saturday, January 7. Saturday hours will be 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday 7 a.m. to noon.
