I made it out again today! It still was not a very long ride...but I did make it over toward Indian River. Here is my analysis of the trails. I was met with some of the worst conditions I have seen all winter. All this new snow and horrible trails? What gives? Atleast I have an answer. I visited the HSSC website and found that the crew was in the Soo for some kind of groomer show. They did not have enough people to man the groomers when they got back...so the trails were left unattended. The area East of Alanson was probably the worst. There were a LOT of bumps...and often some ice underneath a little bit of snow. The areas West of Alanson were still quite bad. The bumps were almost obnoxious...even on the 
Renegade. I am not supposed to complain though...I do not volunteer with HSSC and I do not donate to HSSC. That may change...since even one extra groomer could have done the rest of the trails east of Pleasantview last night. I might get involved and train to be a groomer in the '09-'10 winter. So I took off from up toward Harbor Springs and shot down to Alanson. That was a bumpy ride but there was plenty of snow. I got behind two sleds on my way off the hills and they gladly pulled off and let me pass. That is awesome. I do not drive fast but I 
go a bit faster than the "Sunday Drivers". I got to Alanson and shot over to trail 76 toward Indian River. The swamp was in TERRIBLE shape. The first picture above is along Banwell Rd. You cannot really see how bad it is...but you had better be prepared to drive SLOW if you are going that way. It is REALLY rough. In the swamp there is little snow and lots of ice. The corners are built up so if you ride the outside they would be fine. The side of the road on Lakeview was not horrible but there is not a ton of snow to ride on. Once I got to Coors Rd. things improved and I was able to enjoy the ride a bit more. Winding through the trails I got close to Indian River and decided to turn around and head home before it got dark. I had to stock the basement with wood for the
night...we are possibly going to be in the -20s tonight! Anyway, on the way back home I was facing the sun (West) and I got to experience what the sport is all about. Enjoying the outdoors...and going places that you might not be able to get on foot with ease. Just down the trail from where you can head toward Webber Lake or Indian River I stopped for a second too enjoy the scenery. I took a picture of a small hill leading down into the woods. It is not an incredible picture...but it is something that most people probably would not take the time to enjoy. I think it is a beautiful spot on the trail system.
go a bit faster than the "Sunday Drivers". I got to Alanson and shot over to trail 76 toward Indian River. The swamp was in TERRIBLE shape. The first picture above is along Banwell Rd. You cannot really see how bad it is...but you had better be prepared to drive SLOW if you are going that way. It is REALLY rough. In the swamp there is little snow and lots of ice. The corners are built up so if you ride the outside they would be fine. The side of the road on Lakeview was not horrible but there is not a ton of snow to ride on. Once I got to Coors Rd. things improved and I was able to enjoy the ride a bit more. Winding through the trails I got close to Indian River and decided to turn around and head home before it got dark. I had to stock the basement with wood for the
night...we are possibly going to be in the -20s tonight! Anyway, on the way back home I was facing the sun (West) and I got to experience what the sport is all about. Enjoying the outdoors...and going places that you might not be able to get on foot with ease. Just down the trail from where you can head toward Webber Lake or Indian River I stopped for a second too enjoy the scenery. I took a picture of a small hill leading down into the woods. It is not an incredible picture...but it is something that most people probably would not take the time to enjoy. I think it is a beautiful spot on the trail system. I think I am about done for now...it is seriously time for some dinner. :P I am going to upload ALL of my pictures to my Picasa site for you to view. http://picasaweb.google.com/dallerding.
Goodnight from Northern Michigan!
-Derek
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