Tracking up the backcountry

 Why ride? I guarantee, you won't be thinking of your "to do" list or world problems. You might be strategizing how you can climb that hill or concentrating on winding your way through the trees or just following along on the logging road. 

You will see some amazing scenery, get some exercise - YES, exercise. It's more than just sitting on a seat, although if you want to ride that way, you can but you won't make it off the trail or through the deep snow. You will meet some great people who enjoy getting out and exploring. 

The next questions always asked is: "Don't you get cold?" Proper gear keeps you warm and dry and is money well spent. Usually you're removing a layer. 

You will learn skills by watching other riders and learning what NOT to do. Our club members have various skill levels.

 

Miles of scenery

Logging going on ahead - team work!

Fluffy powder

Someone "usually" knows the way, they did on this ride!

Lots of help for those "oops" moments

Jeanne's hill - she should have been here to demonstrate how it's done

Being adventurous

Fun and freedom

And the only way to become a better rider is to ride. 

Pre-Christmas Ride

Great to be out riding so much before Christmas. Seize the opportunity, you never know what's in store for the winter. The Farmers Almanac is predicting a cold January.

Best way to start the morning

Check out the snow. And it gets deeper.

If you're going to get stuck, do it where there's a view

Eyeing up a shortcut

Ditch jumping

Can doo it with a Doo

We saw a flash of red streak by - could it be Santa?

Beautiful view

Never holding anyone up when you ride at the back

 Merry Christmas everyone (if you celebrate). Where's all the women riders? You're missing out on a ton of fun.

Big Tim Ride

You know it's going to be a good day when the road in is like riding into a Christmas card. 10 riders, a few new sleds, a few new riders, some "old" riders, some old sleds wanting to be new, a few cobra bungees working magic and lots of fresh powder.

 

Hendrix Lake greeting committee

Out of bounds

Always a rewarding view

Like dominoes, we all fall down

Waiting a long time for the trail breakers to return

Blue sled, blue sky but not a blue mood

Skis down again

Never did see the top of Big Tim but so much fun anyway. 

First Ride of the Season

First ride was December 4th - earliest we have ever ridden. Not so patiently waiting for more snow.

Sun and snow - perfect combination

Waiting on a woman!!!

More snow than expected for Dec 4th

Breaking in the bodies - gentle first ride

Hoping to ride again before Christmas - snow in the forecast this week....so maybe .....

More sledding fun

Thursday, Feb. 27th ride from Opax north of Highway 24. Logging in this area will be starting soon so that means plowed roads.

8 riders took advantage of the snow. When we started out from Opax, it was like a freeway. So many other riders had been in before us. Lucky for us, we still have some secret trails to areas no other sledders had been into. Another reason to join the club. 

Getting off the sledding freeway and into the snow

Weatherman was wrong about the sun but more snow is always welcome

The 2 J's - red jay and blue jay

This is how to park a sled

Traffic jam in the back country

On the move again to another area

Terrain for everyone - lakes, unplowed roads and logging slashes

Polaris bucks off 1st rider

Same Polaris bucks off 2nd rider

Polaris owner not being bucked off

Stuckfest of the day

Rogue Polaris aka bucking bronco

Catching our breath after working up a sweat

What a fun day! Looks like March might cooperate for us sledders after all.

8200 Road

Met at the junction of 8000 & 8200 Road. Haven't rode out here in ages due to logging.
To our surprise, the road was unplowed right from the junction. Bonus.
We started out with 10 riders - 1 rider on a brand new Polaris!!!

Another beautiful day - 10 riders getting ready to go

Blue sled, blue sky, sparkling snow

If you look close, you will see a commotion on the hill. Some events are better left in the distance.

May as well enjoy the beautiful views while waiting for the guys to deal with the "event" on the hill

Sled repair completed. No injuries to rider. Unfortunately, the end of the riding day for 2 riders.

Pristine when the snow covers the logging debris

Checking out the route - down to 8 riders!!

More views.

Surprising how great the snow was. A really good day for most of us.