Snowmobiling 101

[ZR]

How to Prepare for Snowmobiling



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1. Go to your local snowmobile dealer, smile and give the first guy you see $200. This will get you used to spending money there on a regular basis.

2. Fill a 50-gallon barrel with sand. Lower it into a hole. Now lift it out. If you can, add water to the sand and try it again. Do this 5 times per day. This will get your back in shape for lifting your sled out of the
deep snow.

3. Tie a rope to a heavy-duty spring. Pull the rope repeatedly with each arm until the pain in your shoulders meets somewhere in the middle of your back. This will get you in shape for starting your bud’s sled, which he conveniently forgot was out of gas. It's best to do this exercise while someone is spraying starting fluid into your nose and eyes also.

4. Drink four ounces of cod liver oil mixed with a strong laxative. Dress with long underwear, wool pants, snowmobile bibs, insulated boots and heavy coat. Walk far into the woods without any paper products and wait for a personal emergency. This gets you prepared for the Beer shits that come out of nowhere, and at the wrong time.

5. Place your hands in a bucket of ice water for 20 minutes. Put the carburetor from your lawn mower in the bottom of your deep freeze. Now climb in the deep freeze, shut the lid and overhaul it while
holding a pen light in your mouth. This gets you prepared to work on your sled in the freezing cold and black of night. Advanced riders do this with a Leatherman tool.

6. Dress up in your new $1,350 snowmobile bibs. Pour 2 stroke oil down the right leg, gasoline down the other and Peppermint Schnapps and Beer all over the front. Fill your boots with ice cubes and ask your wife or girlfriend to dance. This will prepare her for the stops at the local bar after a ride.

7. Put on a Balaclava and a full-face helmet... Attempt to drink hot chocolate through the opening.
Advanced riders attempt this while riding a lawn tractor over in the nearest farmers' field.

8. Find a place where you can pay $1.50 a litre for regular gas; $19.99 per quart of oil; $16 for a hamburger and frozen French fries; $3 for a coke and $160 to sleep in a cold cabin on a bed with
springs sticking through the mattress. Stay for two nights, minimum. This will prepare you on the high cost of your future winter trip.

9. Practice explaining to your banker why you need another loan for a $70,000 truck to pull the four $20,000 toys, in your $15,000 trailer that you still owe $50,000 on.

Now, you are 50% ready, and somewhat conditioned to head for the trails and ride your sled.


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[Redfire427]

That's reasonably accurate.

[Uncle Buck]

2, 4 and 5 are my favourites but they are all awesome

[ZR]

Figured experienced sledders would get it. Others think, no freakin way thats anywhere close.

[RedSN]

Others think:
Snowmobiling sounds like fun.

[ZR]

It's one hell of a cool sport, especially if your an adrenaline junky.

[Johnny5.0]

It's one hell of a cool sport, especially if your an adrenaline junky.
Agreed 100%....it's also a very dangerous sport. Have fun and ride safe boys!! No better way to enjoy winter!!

[tulowd]

Only thing missing is the old 2 stroke stench, which thankfully is disappearing from most newer sleds......but one whiff and your stuff smells like it forever

[ZR]

Proud to say mine new "two smoker", is keeping said smell alive and well.

[newbiestangowner]

:thumbsup: lol Rick!

too expensive sport for me I'll just stick to Tobogganing ;)

[ZR]

Yes it's spendy on the pocket book but worth every penny.

[baddbullitt]

I see a lot of truth in those... lol..

[the farmer]

Agreed 100%....it's also a very dangerous sport. Have fun and ride safe boys!! No better way to enjoy winter!!7427 dangerous?...what you talking about johnny:drool: lol

[ZR]

Trees jumped out onto the trail I tell you.

[ZR]

One of my favorite sledding shots.

[Johnny5.0]

7427 dangerous?...what you talking about johnny:drool: lol
LOL...classic tight twisties superman seat grab fail. Glad you were able to walk away from that one...it was ugly at the time.

[ZR]

Heart of Ontario club out packing the trails.

http://ontarioconditions.com/forums/uploads/monthly_2016_12/IMG_8519.thumb.JPG.cfb699666f82becacb410002a848e9c 9.JPG

[ZR]

Shots from Haliburton Forest yesterday (no not me riding. :( )

http://www.hardcoresledder.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1758850&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1481764277

[ZR]

http://www.hardcoresledder.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1758842&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1481764256

[98 Snake]

I see that a part of the e108 is open now .
Hopefully they open more by the weekend.

[ZR]

All I can see is rail line north out of Fenelon to Kinmount. Pretty normal for it to go green only to be updated to yellow within a day or so.

[98 Snake]

Yeah it gets beat up and whooped out quickly

[ZR]

Open / yellow south of Lake St Peter as well.

[98 Snake]

yup the B106E, have ridden that trail many times. My boss has a cottage on Benoir lake.

[ZR]

Ton a bunch of miles up there as well.
Love dropping in Fenelon n hitting Whitney / MadMusher for lunchola.

[98 Snake]

Up been there many time time for lunch over the winter but never in the summer

[ZR]

Algonquin cruise lunch spot in the fall.

[98 Snake]

I saw that, I have done the 507 and elephant lake road on 2 wheels but never up to Whitney

[ZR]

Imagine how cool Elephant Rd would be if you knew for sure Bufford T Justice was not sporting a radar gun somewhere.

[98 Snake]

The 507 is even better too
On another note port perry is grooming the E108 east to the ganny and should be limited this weekend
wonder if they will open the ganny also

[ZR]

I saw they have been packing like crazy, same thing on the Island trails.
Their grooming area now extends right to the Ganny. Should make a marked improvement in trail condition over there. Those guys really know their stuff.

[ZR]

Heading out for first ride of the season tomorrow..............bring it.

[98 Snake]

Did 170 Kms yesterday, trails were busy and rough, feeling sore today but was worth it

[ZR]

Ganny?

[98 Snake]

Yeah left from port perry clubhouse rode through the ganny and had lunch at rhynos

[ZR]

Always a great ride through there.

[98 Snake]

Thinking about pulling the trigger on a pro s, I'm gonna go have a look

[ZR]

Liking mine so far, let you know more after tomorrow. Launching outta Barrie.

[98 Snake]

Enjoy I plan on riding somewhere Friday

[Johnny5.0]

Liking mine so far, let you know more after tomorrow. Launching outta Barrie.

I read yesterday that a couple of knuckleheads verbally abused a land owners wife in Barrie on a trail that was on her property...she promptly had her husband shut the trail down. Hope it doesn't affect your ride.

[ZR]

Sadly, saw the same article.
To say they are morons would be an insult to morons.
Did ride by the closed section.

[ZR]

Few pics from todays ride. Launched out of Barrie, lunch in Wasaga then shot up towards Midland n back to Barrie.

[ZR]

Overcast today so pics are lil flat.

[newbiestangowner]

:thumbsup: very nice Rick- looks relaxing

any other riders out or you guys had the whole trail to yourselves? I'm totally clueless re sleds- all that travel (return ) on one tank? or you have loaded containers on board? sorry don't know the range you guys get :shrug:

[ZR]

Very light traffic, saw no more than 8 or 9 other sleds all day (not typical). Range on mine is in about 150 miles or so. Most trails either go by or have access to gas stations.

[ZR]

Trail map, gives you a better idea on number of trails in the area I was today.

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq208/Uber-Moto/OFSCtrailopen.jpg

[ZR]

OFSC map of all Ontario trails. As you can see, possible to travel pretty much the entire province by snowmobile.
Click on link then zoom in.

http://ofsc.mapbase.ca/viewer/

[5.4MarkVIII]

I've heard up my way they are having trouble getting trails. Lots of farmers don't want them on their property. Combination of rider behaviour, riding off trail and riding on the trail when it's suppose to be closed.

[ZR]

Genuine issue everywhere with loud cans leading the loosing trails charge.

[ZR]

Bunch of mods done today........

-stock skis swapped for a set of Pilot 5.9's
-Rox adjustable riser installed
-Acc 12 socket installed
-Tether wired up and functioning
-Helmet / RCA plug moved just behind fuel fill
-figured a way to pick it up with the hoist.

[ZR]

Just like the right wheels n tires on your summer ride, what a difference the new skis made. Darting, thing of the past, much reduced steering effort plus no ill effect on bite in the corners no matter how loose or junked out the corners got.
Launched out of Barrie again Thursday logging another 130 miles for the day. Sorry no pics, heavy overcast with a lil rain / freezing rain tossed in for good measure. Still a grrrrrrrrrrreat day on the snow.

[98 Snake]

Did a ride up to fenelon falls yesturday the trails were great
Put on another 150 Kms
Would like to get another ride in before it warms up and the snow is gone

[ZR]

Lots of yellow popping up.
How were the trails / where did you launch from?

[98 Snake]

We dropped just south of Sunderland on the rail line.
Trail wAs good Far better than port perry or the ganny
Trail was bare where you run the road test was good still
Calling for more snow this week

[98 Snake]

I did some how lose a idler wheel and mount not sure if the bolt backed off or broke

[ZR]

Ok cool, let's hook up for a ride.
As you know, sledding is a high maint sport.

[98 Snake]

Sounds like a plan buddy we will arange something soon
A trip to royal for the pats and I'm good to ride again
The skid sway has been a huge improvement but still nothing like the new sleds
I love my sled but hard to compete with the new sleds

[ZR]

What are you riding?

[98 Snake]

01 Yamaha sxr 700 triple

[ZR]

OMG, love the sound of those triples, like music to the ears. What skid did you put in it?

http://pirogum.com/images/yamaha-srx-700-1.jpg

[98 Snake]

Mono shock skid from a 07 apex

[98 Snake]

Love my sled that triple sounds awesome and is dead nuts reliable, just needs more suspension
Rough trails are really hard the body lol

[ZR]

Yes time passed n left the older suspension behind.

[ZR]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoZBi04afwc

[Old Fart]

Talented driver!!

[ZR]

Ya it's super cool to watch.

[98 Snake]

Was lucky enough to get 75 Kms in today

[ZR]

Nice.

[mavrrrick]

Dollies on sale this week at Princess Auto (snow mobile) $24.99. 3 piece 1500 lbs capacity.http://images.palcdn.com/documents/events/2017/Event0_2017_en.pdf

Sent from my Moto G Play using Tapatalk

[ZR]

Those are a fantastic buy, less than 1/2 price of Royal Dist (where I got mine two weeks ago, darnit) LOL

[ZR]

Spent a couple of hours yesterday am with my brother going over n over the same junked out trail n adjusting the suspension, looks like we've hit a sweet spot. Put about 100 miles on it later n thrashed it hard down the junked out rail line. Similar to my former Cat, the harder you push it in that kinda stuff the better it performs.
Couple on trail shots including one of a new "Castle" being built on the East side of the Island in Port Perry.

[ZR]

Came up with an idea to mount a GPS (255w) onto the front face of my dash bag. So far only teething problem is 12v plug vibrates n occasionaly works it's way out of the 12v dash plug, will replace with hardwire version. First time using Trakmaps mapping system, works better vs what I expected. While screen is a lil difficult to see in the bright sun, in the woods / shade, it's as visible as in the car.
Very pleased for such a small investment.
(blue / orange lines shown are sled trails)

[ZR]

Couple more.

[ZR]

Pics of other newer mods (yes sled was dirty after riding) :)
12v dash plug
Rox adjustable riser
Tether
Knee pads
Helmet plug relocated

[Johnny5.0]

Damn...pics not working for me?? Would really like to see the GPS setup.

[ZR]

Odd, should be able to see em.

[Suki]

looks good ZR ... was thinking about GPS northern ontario know very well... Quebec trails for sure i would

[ZR]

Quebec map is on my list.

[Ghost Rider]

nice pics!!

[Johnny5.0]

Odd, should be able to see em.

Makes all the difference in the world when you click on "full site" lol
Nice clean looking install, looks great. What are your early season thoughts on the Polaris vs the previous Cats??

[ZR]

No secret as to how much I liked my previous Cats so the Polaris had big shoes to fill. At 500 and something miles on the clock, remain impressed with the sled. Stock clutching and performance is extremely good, gains to be had, for sure but I can't imagine they are very big.
It did dart pretty badly on the stock skis, adjusting toe etc did help but not very much. Saw a dramatic reduction going to Ski Doo Pilot skis.
The more I adjust the suspension the more it impresses. Feel I've found a sweet spot, we'll see how it feels under more varied conditions. Only real gripe, sometimes does not fire up properly. Work around, small tickle of throttle before twisting the key see's it fire first time every time, yes even cold. Not really a big deal though.

[Johnny5.0]

They are a sweet sled for sure. I have buddies with 2012 Pro R, 2014 Pro R and 2016 Pro X. I'm surprised about the darting, pretty sure they all run Shaper bars on theirs. Glad to hear you like it, tough decision sometimes trying a new brand after success with the old.

[ZR]

Skis were a cheap n easy upgrade, found a new take off set on Kijiji cheap as dirt.

[ZR]

https://www.admsport.com/media/catalog/product/cache/4/full/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/s/n/snowmobile_quebec_8.jpg

[ZR]

Trakmaps SD card for Quebec works awesome.
Few shots from today. Arrived late afternoon but still time for a 100 mile tour before dinner.
Started snowing hard as we crossed the river into Quebec and never let up.

[ZR]

Ever seen a sled n ATV dealer this huge? Ski-doo dealer in Mont Laurier

[ZR]

Shots from the trail heading up to Mont Diablo plus one of restaurant up top plus shot off the side. Snowing too hard to give a real idea of height n distance.

[ZR]

/With any luck sun for tomorrow.........fingers crossed.

[Redfire427]

Quebec is a glorious place to ride. It is an experience that every sledder owes it to themselves to try it at least once. Enjoy Rick.

Carmen

[ZR]

Thanks Carmen.
Up and heading out the door now.

[Uncle Buck]

I'm envious.

I've ridden a bunch in northern NB and one time we ventured into Quebec for an over night run. Good times. Be safe ZR

[Ghost Rider]

great pics...looks awesome!!!!

[mavrrrick]

Storm heading to Quebec. Storm warning out. Be careful my friend.😎👦👍

Sent from my Moto G Play using Tapatalk

[ZR]

OMG, what a fantastic day. We headed east then north up in the area of St Anne Du Lac. Trails ranged from 8 or 9 outta 10 to absolutely perfect the further we pushed north. Did about half the trip on smooth groomed snow with several inches of fresh powder, amazing how good a time we had. All in, logged a tic over 300 miles for the day. As it turns out, new ride is stingy on fuel when you cruise seeing a best today of just over 18mpg.
Scenery, words can not describe, epic.

[ZR]

Good number of the trails we rode today, first ones on em since groomed.

[newbiestangowner]

nice pics!! :thumbsup: but don't you guys get cold ? I'm more of a indoor chalet with a drink in hand type lol I'd need a bubble around my sled

[Ghost Rider]

Awesome pics! Great scenery for sure!!

[Johnny5.0]

300 miles of pure bliss by the look of the pics!! Thanks for sharing!

[cf105arrow]

Good number of the trails we rode today, first ones on em since groomed.

Pics are great. Especially love the 2nd.

[Suki]

lucky guy looks awesome .. i so wanna ride warm temps again not helping the trails again

[ZR]

Sorry to see the warm temps as well.
Will post more pics later today.

[bluetoy]

FYI the free weekend in Quebec is Jan 21-22 this year. Get your free pass here. http://portesouvertessurlessentiersdemotoneige.ca/en/obtain-your-free-temporary-trail-permit/

[ZR]

Great time to experience what Quebec has to offer.

[ZR]

More pics from Quebec last week.
We woke up Wed am to 6+ inches of fresh snow and temps right around freezing. Made our way down the club trail to the rail line n headed East to L'Annonciation for brunch. Once a few miles each, accumulation was closer to 8 inches, great ride. As you can see, virgin undisturbed trail for miles n miles n miles.

[ZR]

If you look close in the last two shots, deer on the trail. During our ride, came across 20+ on the trails in different places. Later in the day, one came out of the woods n lept across the trail almost clocking my brother, damm it was close.

[ZR]

Last deer finally gave up the trail n opted for the woods.
In for lunch at the local truck stop, worst food of the trip but at least it didn't make us sick. Normally busy truck stop equals pretty good grub, maybe an off day.
Former rail station, yes those are piles of snow not dirt.

[ZR]

After eating we turned back West opting for a local club trail vs the rail line. Snow depth started off about the same but within a few miles it increased to 14" plus with trail going from flat to nothing but huge rolling hills n narrow. OMG it was fun.

[ZR]

Few miles into it, finally got lucky n had sunshine for a couple of hours. Nothing but virgin trail n deep snow to play in, sledders paradise.

[ZR]

Pics don't do justice of high high you really are, no way you want to loose control of the sled n end up over the edge, amazing scenery.

[ZR]

Loaded up n headed home. Even though only a couple of days riding, packed a ton of miles n fun into the time we had away. All in, logged just over 500 miles on the sleds. My brothers Ram did an impressive job of hauling the sleds n gear all the while just sipping the fuel back.

[Redfire427]

That looks amazing. I wish we could get some conditions like that here in Ontario. This season is quickly disappearing.

[ZR]

As promising as it started out, hasn't been the best thus far.

[Uncle Buck]

Fantastic looking trails. They remind me of the trails near Edmunstun NB. Old logging roads and huge rolling hills.

One time we turned a corner at speed and came up on a moose. She was blocking the trail and wouldn't move. Finally her calf crossed and she walked off. Man those things are big up close. Another time a brush wolf jumped in front of my brother in law. He ran it right over but there was lots of powder so the wolf just stood up shook it off and kept going. Crazy.

[ZR]

Trails in that area offer something for everyone.

[Ghost Rider]

excellent pics!!

[98 Snake]

Awesome , trying to plan a trip for early next month. hope its as good as it looks

[ZR]

I'm planning a week in the same area around third week of Feb. Some fantastic day or overnight loops out of there in every direction.

[98 Snake]

they wanna go feb 10th but i gotta work, the 17 would be perfect.

went out from lindsay on sunday did a 180 kms trip. trails were way better than expected

[83 5.0]

Fantastic looking trails. They remind me of the trails near Edmunstun NB. Old logging roads and huge rolling hills.

One time we turned a corner at speed and came up on a moose. She was blocking the trail and wouldn't move. Finally her calf crossed and she walked off. Man those things are big up close. Another time a brush wolf jumped in front of my brother in law. He ran it right over but there was lots of powder so the wolf just stood up shook it off and kept going. Crazy.

Check this out, moose stares down snowmobilers. Sorry can't seem to set it up to play directly


https://www.facebook.com/BorntobeHunter/videos/vb.917956084960763/1217502911672744/?type=2&theater

[Old Fart]

^^^that's what you get when you chase them!!

[ZR]

What an absolute idiot chasing the moose like that. You stop your sled and wait for it to jump off and into the woods. Good to read local authorities took a dim view of what transpired.

[ZR]

My brother shot some vid with his GoPro. You can see how many deer we came across on the trail. Found it odd how close we got to some before they'd jump off the trail, must be getting too accustomed to sleds n ATV's being in the area.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgTMIwffkFk&feature=em-share_video_user

[ZR]

Just posted on Facebook by the Intrepid Snowmobiler.


BREAKING NEWS - Quebec snowmobile trails may close Feb 1
Word just in from Quebec that a disagreement between their farmers' association and provincial government may result in the closure of many snowmobile trails on farmlands across Quebec after February 1, 2017, the date set by the farmers group when access to their land will be denied unless their concerns with the government, that have nothing to do with snowmobiling, are addressed.
In a release, one Quebec snowmobile club says that without access to trails on farmland, they will have to shut down their entire system since their groomers won't be able to travel from section to section within their area - and its more than possible that this same scenario will happen elsewhere too.
Stay tuned for updates as they become available...

[ZR]

Posted on another forum.


Apparently quebec's dairy farmers have had enough of trudeau. Us is importing milk solids into Canadian market that is being used to make yogurt, cheese etc. These milk solids even come from cows that are fed BSE (been banned in Canada for a decade). Problem is milk solids isn't fluid milk, so it comes in tarrif free. That cheap chocolate milk in the stores comes from the US too. Once you add chocolate to the milk, it isn't pure milk so comes in tarrif free too.
Same thing has been happening in poultry too. They add sauce to the chicken usually separate packags and comes in tarrif free (because it is less then 87 percent chicken).
They also mix spent fowl with good broiler meat and bring it in duty free (a load only has to be 51% spent fowl and can contain up to 49 broiler meet and come into Canada duty free. When I see un labelled ground chicken, I won't buy it.
Government needs to wake up and enforce trade rules and close up the famous loop holes.

[RedSN]

Found it odd how close we got to some before they'd jump off the trail
perceived slow reaction speed might be due to your mach 1 approach speed :D

much like this guy's reaction....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmDMRSLZqNU

[ZR]

I'm dead nuts serious about not chasing any animal on the trail.
The norm, they scatter as soon as they hear the sled. We tried slowing to a crawl / stopping but got no movement, took approaching at a much reduced rate n getting closer vs the norm to see them move off.

[newbiestangowner]

Rick - just read this dealing with a trail groomer

https://ca.yahoo.com/news/man-plunges-under-ice-3-053312627.html

[ZR]

That could have had a totally different outcome, good to hear they are safe. On the flip side, gotta wonder how he ended up on the lake in the first place.

[newbiestangowner]

That could have had a totally different outcome, good to hear they are safe. On the flip side, gotta wonder how he ended up on the lake in the first place.

was wondering the same thing - after watching your brothers go pro footage- everything is so white ( what's still trail/ no longer trail type thing)- easy to lose your bearings especially if new to the trails heck I even lose bearings during fresh snow till the blower starts spitting up grass lol - ooops

[ZR]

Biggest challenge to see the trail, open areas when it's cloudy / overcast. Makes it hard to see the trails, almost impossible to see bumps n dangerous spots on the trail.

[Screw]

That GoPro vid was crazy , can't imagine flying at those speeds guessing when the next deer/s gonna want to cross

[Screw]

perceived slow reaction speed might be due to your mach 1 approach speed :D

much like this guy's reaction....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmDMRSLZqNU

Fk me is an understatement lol

[ZR]

That GoPro vid was crazy , can't imagine flying at those speeds guessing when the next deer/s gonna want to cross

If your like an adrenaline rush or fifty every mile, sledding fits the bill nicely. Also just as much fun if your a more laid back cruiser type, something for everyone kinda deal.

[83 5.0]

I'm in Campbellton NB this weekend, there must be 50 or 60 sleds from all over the Maritimes at the Comfort Inn. Conditions look Awesome.

[ZR]

^ I wish.

[ZR]

Heading to Coe Hill for a ride tomorrow.

[83 5.0]

Heading to Coe Hill for a ride tomorrow.
If you get near Bancroft, stop in at the The Granite to eat. Right on the heritage trail as you come in to town at 62 and 28. Sled friendly too.

[ZR]

Thanks for the tip but heading north then east for a loop.
Next time.

[98 Snake]

Stopped at the granite for lunch on Friday we were the only 2 sleds there

[83 5.0]

Stopped at the granite for lunch on Friday we were the only 2 sleds there
How were the trails?

[98 Snake]

How were the trails?

Trails were decent we rode from buckhorn up there for for lunch

was a pretty long ride but totally worth it

[ZR]

Just got in, did a 250+km pull today. Trails ranged from OMG they are rough to pretty darn good. Great day out on the snow.
Will post pics in the am.

[ZR]

Thick fog as I pulled out at 6am n headed east on the 401 n up the 115. The fog cleared just south of Peterborough but no signs of snow until I was about 20 minutes north.

[ZR]

The players, my buddy Gerard on his '14 Cat 7000 4 stroke n me on the 800 Poo.

[ZR]

The area was hard hit with high winds during the ice storm resulting in a huge clean up for the local sled clubs. While they've done an amazing job mother nature needs to back off with the rain n well above freezing temps. Even with lots of grooming, smooth trails don't last more than a few hours when it's not cold enough for them to properly set up.

[ZR]

Few more shots from on the trail.

[ZR]

Wish I had done GPS on the sled years ago. Nice at the end of the day when your heading back to the launch point.

[ZR]

http://www.district2ofsc.ca/images/snow%20tours/BonEchoLoop16LoRes.jpg

[ZR]

Map of the area.
Our route for the day from Coe Hill

E trail to E106N
south on 1009 to E101S
Lunch at Mazinaw Lake then south on E101 a few clicks to Cloyne for fuel
1009 W to 962
next was 961 but after encountering a couple of substantial wash outs we backtracked to a road n road the frozen shoulder for a few miles before hooking into E106N. This is where the combo of having a paper maps plus GPS really came in handy, knew exactly how to make the detour without traveling miles out of our way.
So up the 106 to the E trail n back to our launching point.
Great day.

[ZR]

Just worked out my fuel mileage for yesterday, in spite of warm temps n loose sticky snow, just a hair under 18mpg.

[Johnny5.0]

Pretty decent mileage for an 800 two smoke. What kind of temps did you see on your frozen shoulder detour??

[ZR]

Temps normally stay in the low 120s, never went over mid / high 150s on the road.

[mavrrrick]

http://eflyer.princessauto.com/h/m/princessauto/item/172761246?flyer_run_id=206414&locale=en&type=1

Sent from my Moto G Play using Tapatalk

[ZR]

Great deal, they previously had an even nicer set on for very cheap.

[ZR]

Stop sign on the snowmobile trail does in fact mean STOP!!!

http://ontarioconditions.com/forums/uploads/monthly_2017_01/5886505970725_LSPSledAccident-Copy.thumb.jpg.dc774cc5c1493cc09594d59a05730714.jp g

[98 Snake]

I've seen guys blast through them without a second thought. Wonder if it was a driveway or road crossing

[98 Snake]

Hopefully we get a good amount of snow again and it sticks around this time

[ZR]

Sounds like a road crossing.

[ZR]

+1 on need some cold n snow and soon. Still managing a few miles but wish I had a bunch more in the books. Have a trip planned for later in Feb, should be good for another 1000 to 1500 miles.

[98 Snake]

I will be up riding around lake St. Peter this weekend

should be a 500 Kms plus weekend

[ZR]

^ Nice.

[Ghost Rider]

nice pics Rick and the new GPS looks great, too bad they don't have a snowmobile icon hahha, that's still sweet though, Machines looks great too!!

[ZR]

Be great if we could get a sunny day on the trails, brings out way more detail but it is what it is. Icon, I remember seeing a download for one somewhere, gotta look into that. Sled n set up are working well.

[ZR]

Now this is how a community gets it done. Epic cool read + be sure to click on the vid.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/groomer-haul-ice-cartwright-1.3949226


https://i.cbc.ca/1.3949016.1485212272!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_620/bombardier-groomer-rescue-through-the-ice-near-cartwright.jpg

[ZR]

https://i.cbc.ca/1.3948952.1485210429!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/original_620/tug-team-groomer-cartwright-rescue.jpg

[ZR]

https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/16114485_10208465709016578_4033777424282262318_n.j pg?oh=5968837f8d8630bfaf9bd683cd38ec6f&oe=59016B1A

[ZR]

Snuck away for a lil riding out of the Dufferin Forest late last week. Trails ranged from fair in spots to excellent in others, still a great day out with friends. Still really enjoying the new ride.

Unloaded n ready to roll.

[ZR]

Lil shy on snow for a couple or three miles but trail at the next junction was freshly groomed n smoooooooooooooooooooth.

[ZR]

Made a pit stop in Singhampton on the way towards Blue Mountain, way more snow.
Great day with Suki and his brothers.

[ZR]

Crazy high winds n blowing snow as we headed home.

[ZR]

Been chasing a bit of a darting issue, assured when I picked up the sled and again when it was in for service, alignment had been confirmed correct. Well it was great of them to say they had but in reality they had not. Instead of being toed out between 1/8 to 1/4" it was toed in almost an 1/8". Set it at a full 1/4" out n we'll see if that settles it down. I'm also going back to the stock skis, current Ski Doo pilot skis made a night n day difference in darting and are excellent on firm or hard packed they push hard once the snow gets soft.
Ski alignment is part of the dealer PDI procedure. :(
Spindles being machined parallel made it easy to make up a quick n dirty alignment jig out of two sections of curtain track (confirmed straight via ruller first).

[Uncle Buck]

Hope that sorts it. Nothing wears out the arms like a machine that likes to dance about.

[ZR]

If the Pilot skis worked out better under all conditions, was satisfied with how it feels as is. Going back to stock skis meant I had to dig into it deeper. Irritated at myself for trusting the dealer and not checking from the get go. Given it was toed in that far instead of at least a hair out, should feel much better next time out.

[Screw]

Made a pit stop in Singhampton on the way towards Blue Mountain, way more snow.
Great day with Suki and his brothers.

Nice just discovered all those little towns this summer on my cruises up north , some nice scenery up there luv it

[ZR]

Super nice places up n around that area

[98 Snake]

Picked up a 2012 rush 800 this week with 5800 Kms. The price was a really good deal
Was told sled needed nothing. Took it out for the first ride this weekend .
Sled would constantly bog and cut out could not hold it wot .
Found that the wiring pin was broken in the tps connector.
Stole a pin out of old neon engine harness inhad laying around
Sled now pulls like a raped ape and didn't cost a penny to fix

[98 Snake]

Snowtrackers on my rush have 0 darting but it pushes like a pig. I would rather some darting for more corner bite

[ZR]

My brother had an 11 n now has a 13, great sled.
Yes I'm in the same situation, need way more bite. Suspect it's going to be a ton better now.
Congrats on your new ride.

[ZR]

Riding outta north end of Barrie tomorrow.

[Suki]

good day riding ZR .. whos the good looking guy in the orange suit!

[ZR]

good day riding ZR .. whos the good looking guy in the orange suit!

Not sure, good thing he had a helmet on most of the day though. :)

[ZR]

Been chasing a bit of a darting issue, assured when I picked up the sled and again when it was in for service, alignment had been confirmed correct. Well it was great of them to say they had but in reality they had not. Instead of being toed out between 1/8 to 1/4" it was toed in almost an 1/8". Set it at a full 1/4" out n we'll see if that settles it down. I'm also going back to the stock skis, current Ski Doo pilot skis made a night n day difference in darting and are excellent on firm or hard packed they push hard once the snow gets soft.
Ski alignment is part of the dealer PDI procedure. :(
Spindles being machined parallel made it easy to make up a quick n dirty alignment jig out of two sections of curtain track (confirmed straight via ruller first).

Can you say entirely different sled? Yup, between alignment and shimming the skis, darting is gonzo, lovin it even more.

[ZR]

Snowtrackers on my rush have 0 darting but it pushes like a pig. I would rather some darting for more corner bite

Several wild / did not end well stories out there on Snowtrackers under certain conditions.
How you liking the sled so far?

[Suki]

Very funny

[ZR]

Had an awesome day out riding with you guys.

http://www.torontomustangclub.ca/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=7892&stc=1&d=1486386072

[Suki]

Hope to get out soon again

[ZR]

Me to.

[ZR]

Fridays ride took me to the Sno Voyagers clubhouse in the North end of Barrie. Some snow on the 400 heading north turned into a ton of fresh snow as I came into Barrie. Lot at the Voyagers clubhouse had 6+ inches of fresh stuff.

[ZR]

Ok so we launched out of Barrie n headed up towards Orillia / Coldwater then north a lil more before stopping for lunch. Fueled up the riders and the sleds n carried on north to Midland, toured the trail that loops around the waters edge then shot over to Thunder Beach where the ferry docks. It's a one way trail so we backtracked for a few miles before turning south then turned West over towards Wasaga Beach. Next was South East where we hooked up with the south bound trail back to the trucks. Trail conditions ranged from a perfect 10 to about a 7 around Wasaga. All in we logged just hair under 300km for the day.

[ZR]

On trail shots.

[ZR]

Shots in Midland where the trail passes through the park.

[ZR]

Perfectly groomed smaller club trail that runs from Midland over to Thunder Beach. I'd be lying if I said I hit even two small bumps on that entire trail, damm it was fun with so much fresh snow on top. Local rider stopped n chatted with us for a few minutes.

[ZR]

Last stop on the trail outside Wasaga before heading back to the truck. Only downside to the day, three hours it took in traffic to get home. :facepalm:

[98 Snake]

Jealous I was stuck working today will head out tnrw.
The snow hopefully coming will help with the trails

[98 Snake]

I haven't had a chance to work on the setup. I've loosed the preload on the track front shock should help with ski pressure
I also have a set up CA pro razor skis that I will try if i can't get them to work

[ZR]

Suspension set up is a lil different vs conventional style skid but once you hit the sweet spot it'll reward you in spades.

[ZR]

Vid shot by a sledding forum member of the Orillia area trails yesterday. On the fence about how much fun it is, check this out, tunes are killer as well.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xSlQvPs7aM

[RedSN]

http://www.torontomustangclub.ca/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=7948&stc=1&d=1486859926
Photoshop the stop sign and hydro wires out and that is one great looking pic. Forest beyond looks eerie.

[Intmdtr]

Last stop on the trail outside Wasaga before heading back to the truck. Only downside to the day, three hours it took in traffic to get home. :facepalm:
in Wasaga and you couldn't even shoot me a text...hahaha

[ZR]

Just on outskirts shooting on by.

[ZR]

Heading up to Orillia in the am for a days riding before trucking out to Quebec next week for 5 or 6 days more. :)

[mavrrrick]

Have fun and play safe!!! 😎

Sent from my Moto G Play using Tapatalk

[Suki]

where yah going mr ZR??????

[ZR]

No firm plan for today, wandering till the sled needs gas n the rider needs food.
Next week, riding out of Mont Laurier. :)

[Redfire427]

I ended my season last Friday with a blown engine in Matawa.

Carmen

[98 Snake]

I just got in from some night riding in the ganaraska forest.

[ZR]

I ended my season last Friday with a blown engine in Matawa.

Carmen

Hate to hear news like that, no chance you'll have it fixed n back out this season?

[ZR]

I just got in from some night riding in the ganaraska forest.

How was it?

[98 Snake]

How was it?

Trails were in good shape with lots of snow. Best its been in a while.

Sucks that this warm up is gonna set us back yet again.

[ZR]

Yes temps will be another huge set back. :(

[Redfire427]

I put a hole in the side of a piston and it wasted the cylinder for good measure. I have most of the parts on order, but the damn cylinder is $830 so I am trying to source a used one. If all goes well and the weather holds up, I might get out for one final ride for the year.

[ZR]

Did you try Jim at ORPS parts for an exchange cylinder?
Sorry to hear about the carnage.

[ZR]

Did another loop out of Orillia on Wed, conditions were fantastic.
Decent snow south of Barrie, lil more as I went north, mega snow on Hwy 12 at Orillia.

[ZR]

On trail shots from in the bush.

[ZR]

Scenery shots from the lookout, man you can see a long way.

[Redfire427]

Did you try Jim at ORPS parts for an exchange cylinder?
Sorry to hear about the carnage.

Yes I spoke with him, but, because my cylinder is cracked through the ports, they will not take it as a core. The only thing he could do is sell me an aftermarket cylinder. I want to keep it OEM so I had no choice and ordered a new one from BRP. This was a very costly meltdown.

[ZR]

Sorry to hear. No help from BMP on it?

[ZR]

I made some suspensions changes to the sled n wanted a lil test n tune session before heading to Quebec next week, got a few miles in today around Port Perry. Finally a day with a lil sunshine, trails were smooth n fast.

Island trail just north of the Casino.

[ZR]

Lake is pretty smooth.

[ZR]

E108 north of Port Perry. Only rough section was closer to the river crossing where they can't get a groomer through. Rest of the trail, seldom would you drive on a highway as smooth, yea that good. ;)

[ZR]

Front track spring change = nice improvement in ride quality plus sled feels considerably better balanced.

[bluetoy]

Front track spring change = nice improvement in ride quality plus sled feels considerably better balanced.

What did you change? Nevermind I just read it on the other forum.

Whats the FTS spring out of? Pro-x?

[ZR]

Not exact one from Pro X but same specs. Difference in the sled is substantial with none of the downsides some have complained about.

[98 Snake]

Ride to rinos for lunch yesturday trails were great. Came up on a accident where a guy had hit the groomer
Rider was ok but sled was wrecked

[ZR]

That could have ended badly.

[ZR]

In Mont Laurier now, hoping weather co operates n rain holds off.
Good snow on the way up.

[ZR]

Had a good ride this afternoon. Buddy is up from Penn for the week, hoping couple of others are able to join us on Wed.
Yea dinner at St Huberts. :)
Just like last time here, have already seen well over a dozen deer on the trail.

[bluetoy]

Looking pretty bleak!

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h302/Bluetoy/trails_zps0ch7ozpk.png

[Snaketamer]

It's pouring rain and 6*C in North Bay...Winter's on it's way out!

[ZR]

I'll post more pics tomorrow. We rode Wednesday but woke up to a summertime type downpour on Thurs am so we headed home. :( All in, logged around 900km's on mostly 10/10 trails.
Looks like we are about to a fork in this winter.

[98 Snake]

There is still snow but they closed the trails to save the base.
Calling for cold weather and snow next week so hopefully the trails reopen and are still decent

[ZR]

While it's a hit or miss on enforcement re mandatory LH mirror in Quebec, thought it best not to flirt with disaster n went with a small convex on the hood. Nope can't see a thing out of it but satisfies the spirit of the law.

[ZR]

Lots of snow after we crossed into Quebec at Ottawa then started our hump north towards Mont Laurier.

[ZR]

We arrived in Lac Des Ecorces (just east of Mont Laurier) with enough time to make a tour up and around Devils Mountain then into town for dinner at St Huberts. Trails were frozen granular n groomed to perfection. My buddy Pat came up from Pennsylvania with his F8. Original plan was for my brother and another buddy to join us late Wed for riding Friday and into the weekend but weather took a dump n we headed home Thurs am.

[ZR]

Woke up Tues am to a brisk -12, lots of snow at n around the motel in spite of them having seen a melt down a couple weeks back.

[ZR]

Day started off fantastic, cold temps along with smoooooooth rock hard trails. Passed maybe a half dozen sleds all day.

[ZR]

We headed to St Anne Du Lac for brunch and fuel. After lunch pointed north on a smaller club trail for another 80 or so miles before swinging around n coming south n back into town. As you can see, signage in Quebec is second to none on their sled trails.

[ZR]

Thought we were going to miss the rain / freezing rain but about 3 hours north of the motel we ran into a mixture of both then about an hour out it turned into a summer time downpour. OMG the trails got icey quick, thankfully both of us are studded but a group staying beside us must have had one hell of a ride in with no studs in any of the six sleds.
Still a great day out but damm my jacket got heavy with all the water it soaked up. Make shift drying rack had everything good for the next day.

[ZR]

We woke up Wed am expecting our trip was over, after all, rained much of the night. Parking lot you could barely walk on the night before was well sanded n it looked like we still had a fair bit of snow. OK so we geared up n headed towards the rain line that had been oh so smooth the day before. Only took a look down it to see ruts, ruts n more ruts, not overly fun so let's turn north n see what we can find. Turns out, as it was raining some clubs were out packing the trails flat, with temps dropping to just below zero just north of us, we were again treated to rock hard n fast fast fast.

[ZR]

Plan was now, follow the groomed trails, OMG they did an amazing job, best day of riding yet.
As you can see, far more serious about modded exhausts vs Ontario. Really nice riding without hearing those flipping Braaap Braaap cans that are all too common here.

[ZR]

Few on trail shots.

[ZR]

Just check out the scenery. For a change of pace, turned off main trail n took a small local / club trail for about 20 miles, nice.
Cool lil bridge heading out of St Anne Du Lac.

[ZR]

As we continued south towards the motel, came across this beautiful spot. By now temps were back into the +10 / + 12 range. Sadly, started to rain again as we pulled into the motel then poured all night. AM saw temps hovering at +12 with heavy rain still coming down. While we'd planned to be there for at least a week, no upside to sledding in the mud n rain so we packed up n headed home. Lil disappointed but damm we had two killer days of riding on virtually perfect trails logging a lil over 900kms.
Looking forward to next year, please mother nature get your shiat together.
Sled to date has been awesome, kudo's to Polaris on the quality. :) Pretty sure Pat is going to show up with one the same for next year.

[ZR]

Anyone else want to share their own sledding shots...................add away.

[ZR]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QktIxkO5wsg

[98 Snake]

I don't have many pics this season as my phone kept dying

[ZR]

I took very few pics in the past, did better this season at least shooting a few with my phone.

[G-ForceJunkie]

Went up to Haliburton area for Family Day weekend. Temps were insane, but trails were ok until Saturday evening - still snow, but choppy as hell. Sunday afternoon went out and found a whole lot of brown, didn't do much sledding that day - quite a few guys doing some water crossings in downtown Haliburton though - neat to watch - not going as far as that video above though!

[ZR]

What you riding this year Andy?

[G-ForceJunkie]

'09 MXZ 600 E-TEC. Same sled for the past few years. Past couple years have done about 500km total, so its hard to justify an upgrade. Since I sold the truck it's a pain in the butt getting it anywhere, so don't see myself doing a whole lot of riding until I get back into a truck (or something with a hitch).

It's no 800, but in 2 out of 2 races on the weekend I had the holeshot on a 1200 and an 800 E-TEC. 1200 pulls me slowly, but the 800 eats me up after a couple hundred feet. The high temps made me want for more power even in the twisty's....first time I can say that.

New style Polaris' might be in my future, but the Doo has been pretty good to me, so it will be hard to leave the brand.

Thanks for posting the pics Rick...nice to know someone is enjoying their sled!