Good area for a new rider

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fusionrider600

Member
My son is 13 and has taken the snowmobile certification course and has his certificate. Obviously this year the snow has been very scarce in most places except for the UP and even there less than usual. I'm looking for a place to ride on the weekend other than the UP with my son that's not so busy. Since he is a new trail rider I would be a nervous wreck riding in the UP with him and all of the traffic. I'm open to WI or lower MI. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
 
mezz

mezz

Well-known member
fusion, I thoroughly understand your concern with traffic, the issue at this point would be where are you not going to find heavy traffic. Anywhere there is consistant rideable snow will most likely be heavily ridden. Perhaps consider a mid-week get away, though, I realize that means missing work & school, so that may be out of the question. Nonetheless, there are trails up here that are not as heavily traveled as others. Pick a good start time & try to plan a sled route accordingly. This also maybe a good time for him to learn to be constantly aware of trail traffic. Congratulations & good luck in your planning.-Mezz
 
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fredster

New member
My cabin is in the Baldwin, MI area and my son started riding there around age 12 and it worked very well. There are good trails in the area, some tighter trails to the SW and NW of Baldwin, and a railroad grade that runs due east about 20 miles to another RR grade, so if you have your choice of slower or faster trails. Just don't go too far north to Cadillac, you'll find a lot more traffic and faster/more agressive riders as you work your way north. We don't tend to have the johnny rocket issues like they do up north.

In a normal year (not this year!) we have good snow from mid/early Dec until late Feb. My club's website is http://baldwinsnowmobiling.com and the links include a trail map of the area and some of the events we have going on.

The scenary in the UP is certainly better but if you like forest road and woods riding the Baldwin area is pretty decent.

If you want more info please PM me.
 
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alwaysright

New member
We rode in Cable Wi, this last weekend, just north of Hayward. Hayward didn't have much snow but cable definitly had enough to ride on and with more coming this week things should get better. We rode alot of fire roads, as the groomers haven't been on the trails in a few weeks but the roads had plenty and not much in the way of bumps or brown spots. Also this area can get alot of traffic but I think we saw maybe 10-15 sleds on the trails all weekend. I think alot of people have just given up this year.
 
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whitedust

Well-known member
I had same concerns with #4 daughter just told her stay close to me & always stay right & took her on Phelps trails after setting up trail course on my property with twists & turns. She was riding 2up with me on sled & PWC since she was 4 so just a matter of turning her loose on trails. She never really got into it on her own but I tried. I would think Eagle River 1way trails would be a good place to start when they get snow then the regular 2way trails the next day. They learn quickly so just make sure you are on point with hand signals & all will be fine. Don't be over protective as I have seen Aholes force on coming traffic to the berm thinking they are protecting their pack but they are only causing an unsafe condition for everyone. Best placee for him is #2 spot in 3 sled pack so protected front & back.
 
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timo

Well-known member
daughter # 4?? How many you got whitedust? Man I got my hands full with 2. 4?? holy crippies!!


whitedust said:
I had same concerns with #4 daughter just told her stay close to me & always stay right & took her on Phelps trails after setting up trail course on my property with twists & turns. She was riding 2up with me on sled & PWC since she was 4 so just a matter of turning her loose on trails. She never really got into it on her own but I tried. I would think Eagle River 1way trails would be a good place to start when they get snow then the regular 2way trails the next day. They learn quickly so just make sure you are on point with hand signals & all will be fine. Don't be over protective as I have seen Aholes force on coming traffic to the berm thinking they are protecting their pack but they are only causing an unsafe condition for everyone. Best placee for him is #2 spot in 3 sled pack so protected front & back.
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fusionfool

New member
Bayfield/Valhalla

fusionrider600 said:
My son is 13 and has taken the snowmobile certification course and has his certificate. Obviously this year the snow has been very scarce in most places except for the UP and even there less than usual. I'm looking for a place to ride on the weekend other than the UP with my son that's not so busy. Since he is a new trail rider I would be a nervous wreck riding in the UP with him and all of the traffic. I'm open to WI or lower MI. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
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Go to Area Conditions / info on this site: Look for Bayfield/Valhalla
Posted by Woodside cottages (Gary can help you out I am sure) He will even take you and the boy out riding to show you the best time possible.
 
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ezra

Well-known member
clam LK right at the short cut intersection of77and Gg lots of fire roads decent snow and kind of off the beaten path for namakagon and hayward riders there is a motel attached to the gas station in clam with the bar/restarant accross the street
 
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hoosierblizzard

New member
The Buffalo Run Trail in Northern Indiana(South Bend) would be a good beginners/practice trail. Has a good amount of one way trails, marked good, places to stop(eat), and usually less traffic!! I plan on taking new riders there to get them to feel comfortable and confident on a sled. Check out their site: www.gomtrc.com. Might not be that far for you either. No snow there now, but maybe LES will come into play!!
 
chords

chords

Active member
Not sure what level said son is at as a "new trail rider" w certificate. Take a short drive and trip to N Lower. Some areas got 5-7" couple days ago and ice is good for cars. Drop in at a boat launch. Do some shoreline hugging miles darting in and out along with lots of open lake area for him to have fun, ride safe and learn.
 
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