With the early winter that we have been in for the past few weeks, Mother Nature is not going to be giving us a very nice present for Christmas. Maybe because we are early this might be our January thaw; one can only hope.
All clubs have been busy packing down the trails since the snow and wind earlier this week and all projects are reporting very good conditions.
ATTENTION SLEDDERS: THE COUNTY CLUBS ARE ASKING THAT YOU TRY AND NOT RIDE DURING THE WARM SPELL THAT WE WILL BE EXPERIENCING ON FRIDAY NIGHT AND SATURDAY. The reason for this is that when out riding on trails when soft it can make it difficult to ride once it freezes up. So, we are just asking for a little patience on everyone’s part and hold off until clubs have a chance to assess what the trails will look like after the rain and wind that they are predicting.
Fort Fairfield is reporting that their entire system has been groomed in the past few days. Caution is to be used near lake Christina on trail 116, as there is a culvert issue that they hope will be resolved soon.
Fort Kent is reporting that all their trails are signed and marked and have also been out grooming this week. Caution is to be used on ITS 85 just South of the Frenchville turnaround there are a few water holes. Also, water holes on trail 73 just before the crossing of the Strip road.
Washburn is reporting that they will be out grooming 12-20-18, trails are in good condition.
Cold Mountain snowmobile club is reporting that their trails are all signed and in good condition, they too will resume grooming once the temps freeze. They have a few minor trail changes so please make sure you follow the signage.
Madawaska is reporting all trails are open and marked. The Fournier road is still being plowed on ITS 81. Please use caution when on this section.
Easton is reporting that they are out trying to flatten everything out before the warm-up. They traverse over many open terrain, so they have been fighting a lot of drifts.
Caribou is reporting that all of their trails are groomed and signed. Deer are still being reported on trail 83B.
Moosetown Riders (Allagash) are reporting trails are groomed and in great shape. All signage should be installed by the end of the weekend. They will be out to assess once temps drop.
Portage Lakers are all groomed and waiting to see what happens with the storm.
Presque Isle is reporting most trails opened. Have not been out towards Easton. Will be out on 12-20-18. Signage is all up and marked.
Ashland is reporting ITS 88 to Castle Hill is open. Logging operation is half between towards the turnaround. ITS 85 is opened and signed towards Portage. ITS 85 South is closed due a bridge issue. Please use trail 71 as the detour, they hope to have this situation resolved soon.
Red Arrow is reporting good conditions and will be out on 12-20-18
Nordic Lakers (New Sweden, Stockholm, Westmanland) are reporting that their trail 105 is in great shape. Trail 81 has been opened and caution is advised as this is their first pass and open water is prevalent. This trail will be affected quite hard during the warm spell, so please seek alternate route if out riding Saturday or Sunday.
Pleasant Ridge Riders (Caswell) are reporting most trails open but still has not connected with Caribou on trail 102 and 89. Trail 100 in the Cyr Plantation area is closed and off limits to riders due to logging. Trail 89 North to trail 94 will be opened this year but will wait until colder weather. Riders need to stay off plowed logging roads in this area.
Limestone is reporting good conditions and like everyone else waiting for the cold temps to return.
Central Aroostook has groomed to the turnaround with Presque Isle, ITS 83. ITS 81 North to Easton has also been groomed. ITS 81 South and #9 lake trail, and trail 70A will not be done until the rain event.
Aroostook River Snowmobile Club has also been out and reporting nice trails.
Gateway Snowmobile Club (Van Buren) is reporting that their entire system is open and in good condition. They are reporting that caution must be used on trail 94 as there is a beaver dam issue.
St. Francis Sno-Angels are reporting that their trails are all groomed.
Chapman Ridge Runners are reporting trails groomed. Trail 105 south is not open yet due to a logging operation, also 74 is still closed.
Meduxnekeag Ramblers are reporting that ITS 83 has been groomed and fingers crossed that it will hold up to the rain.
Oxbow-Masardis Snowmobile Club is reporting that they are very concerned about the river crossing on 71A in Oxbow. ITS 85 North of Masardis is still closed at the bridge at Scopan. They are asking that no riding is recommended on their trails until this event is over.
This event could certainly change the trails dramatically and we wish that if you do venture out please use extreme caution and remember that it takes water, a few days to find the low spots and this is where you can get into trouble.
The best way to keep informed is to check the clubs’ Facebook pages.
ON THE SOCIAL SIDE:
Washburn Trail Runners clubhouse will be open for the season on Jan. 4.
Season opener for RMR XC is going to be on January 12 in Sherman. Gates open at 6AM.
Gary Marquis is the superintendent of the Caribou Parks & Recreation Department.
