2-13-2011 - Maine- NV-Berkshire-WP

[emtp579 (Dan)]

I did a quick 75 mile solo loop today dropping at 8AM and picking up at 1130. It was cold and snowing when I dropped at Maine Elementary school. I hopped on the trail and rode up to Newark Valley. I darted off to try to ride the trail to Endicott, but once I got off of the main trail onto the secondary the conditions were not good, so I turned around back onto the corridor trails. I rode from NV to Berkshire - trails still good except for one section in the woods on a huge hill that was complete ice. I made it up on the 4th try, Berkshire to the WP trails - the WP trails were freshly groomed and I was the first sled through. In fact I rode 35 miles before I saw even one sled and in the whole ride probably saw 30. I rode to Killowag and then up to Upper Lisle. I took the high road down to Dorchester and then through WP. All the trails to this point were good or great. Once I got past the junction that cuts off to Castle Creek, conditions were not good. I'd suggest avoiding the section between Glen Aubry and Maine, although it wont be an issue because a few warm days and that section is shot.

I had a great time on a solo power ride - wanted to get some riding in before the melting started. When I loaded up the truck the temp crossed 32.

[evilstevie]

Sounds like a nice ride. We did a similar loop on Friday and trails on both sides of Maine were perfect. We hit it again on Sun afternoon, and things were getting bad, especially up by WP. I think they had their poker run that day. That trail to Endicott was actually groomed early last week, and it smooths out once you get past the initial woods trail. It's not my favorite trail, but you do have a nice view of the Endicott valley about halfway down the trail.

[emtp579 (Dan)]

Ugh, I wish I had continued down further then. I'd love to be able to drive 5 miles and drop!