The details...

Well, those of us that braved the elements and battled the slippery roads had a great day with almost 74 miles ridden on knee deep fields, unplowed roads, beautiful snow covered, tree-lined trails, and light traffic. Not to mention a great meal at Geno's for lunch. Overnights 6-15" of fresh, heavy, wet snow brought tons of trees down, and made for some interesting times getting down a few of the trails, but thankfully good maps and county roads allowed us to put on the miles and though a shorter day then planned, we still made it a memorable one for Jerry. And shoot, I didn't hit a tree this time out either! Good times! Already looking forward to next year!

OK, swing and a miss... Wellston got a whole whopping 1" of snow topped with ice. Yippee flippin' skippee. Friday's "snow" storm is our only hope- and it's predicted to be rain/snow. Certainly nothing to get too excited about. Things are looking pretty grim. Stay tuned...

Scott

UPDATE

The ride is set for March 3rd @ 11am. We'll meet at the High Bridge staging area just north and west of Wellston and ride north on Trail #3 to Geno's Sports Bar & Grill in Thompsonville. For those who need fuel, we can ride a short distance backtracking into Copemish. From there we'll ride "the loop" up around and back down through Thompsonville and to the trucks again on Trail #3.

It'll cost $5 to park at this staging area (honor system). It's the launch ramp & parking lot for the Manistee River, and it's about 2.8 miles north of M55 on High Bridge Road. Come early and be ready for a group picture and prayer prior to departure at 11am sharp.

Think Snow!

Hi Everyone,

Wow, what a terrible winter to plan a snowmobile trip! Don't get me wrong, I like the clean roads and a clean truck as bad as the next guy, but sheesh, where the heck is Old Man Winter this year?! Have no fear, Jerry's up there with JC looking down at all those idle sleds thinking of a way for us to pull off this ride, I just know it!

OK, I had a brief conversation with Rod, and we're still looking for some feedback from you Cadillac area folks for some suggestions on what might be a good day trip for us. I don't trust the on-line maps at Fishweb enough to plan a trip from them, so I'm wondering if any of you can suggest a route for us to take to switch things up a bit. I called Betsie Valley Sales & Service in Benzonia and the gentlemen there suggested we park in Wellston, ride Trail 36/368/3 up to Thompsonville for lunch & fuel, and then either head straight back, or ride the 40 mile loop (3/39) around Thompsonville and then head back. Anyone else have any input on this suggestion?? Rod and I are planning to drive up and ride this on Sunday 2/5 weather permitting. We just want to be sure we don't lead 25+ riders on a wild goose chase!

Have a great week and I'll be in touch! Think Snow!!

Scott

2012 Ride Update

I'm getting a good bit of feedback for driving a bit further north (Cadillac?) and heading out for a day ride- stopping to eat somewhere along the way of course. I'd love to hear some suggestions for trails and possible times/distances. It seems like we rode about 50-60 miles last year from Baldwin up to Cadillac, LeRoy, and back to Baldwin. It was a fair run with fair trails, and we're hoping for more snow, and maybe a bit smoother! I can be reached of at scott.bennink@att.net or (616) 401-4688 and would love to hear some thoughts! Think Snow!!

We'll be mimicking last years loop and lunch stop again this year to keep things simple. However, this year we'll be collecting your donations for West Michigan Christian. No set amount, just give whatever you're comfortable giving. We'll be taking your mailing information so that we can send you a receipt for tax purposes. I believe Scott Pell has decals for us this year too; just a nice, commemorative sticker for your truck, sled, or trailer. We'll meet at 10am, and be taking a group picture again, with plans to roll out in smaller groups at 10:30am.

Well, we're getting closer, and the snow is getting deeper! Let's continue our snow dance rituals!! We've got a couple new things this year in the works, and as we get closer, I'll be getting back in touch with you all to keep you up-to-date on the happenings.

Our original intent was always to have this Ride on the Friday closest to JP's birthday, falling on the 11th this year. However, we have had a few responses that have asked if we could move the date BACK one week to the 18th this year.

Is this OK with everyone??? I hate to rock the boat this late in the game, but it's only fair to at least ask the question.

So, let me know your thoughts and check with the bosses to see if you can flip-flop a Friday last minute.

This by no means is a CHANGE at this point, just let me know your feedback. NO feedback tells me that you're able to make either date work. Rod & I will review your responses and have to make a decision based on them! So, let us know this week please.