Trails Update -- Gentlemen, (and Ladies!) Start your Engines!

 The Algonquin Snowmobile Club has had a slow start to the season. The snow was just not as co-operative as we had hoped.  You need a decent base to handle the big grooming equipment!  One look at this big groomer explains not only why the ASC trails are considered among the best in the Province, but also why they require a certain depth of snow, and well frozen ponds and boggy bits!

Add to that an electrical 'gremlin' in the groomer's inner depths, and it has been 'tear out the hair' time for the gang of dedicated volunteers that get the trails ready.

But be of good cheer, oh dearly beloved, the season is brimming with hope. And open trails.  The ASC is opening trails 74, 73, D101B from the Shelter to Oxbow Lake Rd. and 77 east to Dwight as limited. There are still a couple spots that need another 6" of snow due to the rocks on D101B but other than that its pretty good. Trail 76 will be fully open and is in great shape as usual. Remember, this takes you to the Lake of Bays which is no where ready to be on so its just a nice 12km trail that you can turn around and double back to D101B.

Other Clubs, such as the Happy Wanderers, and the Tall Pines are all out grooming, and there are lots of places now open to ride.  Tall Pines has a great little up-to-the-minute video on trail conditions. It's well worth the watch -- you get a good look at the groomers, for those of you who may not be sledders and therefore unfamiliar with this equipment. 

Stay off any lakes unless you have checked that they are staked and have sufficient ice. Don't take any chances out there troops... that water is just too cold and unforgiving this time of year.

And yes, it snowed all day up here... more in the forecast, too!