So, my wife and I used to stay on the lake and ride the "big snow country" yearly, until kids showed up and then we became resident sledders downstate. I want to plan a trip for her and I this Feb. and go back to where we started our UP riding, last time I rode that area was 3 years ago, the trails were horrible (there was lots of snow at the time) and it seemed like the couple of local establishments we stopped in had given up, has the grooming and maintenance program around there gotten any better? I'd love to come back, have things gotten any better/worse?
Gogebic are trails question
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snobuilder
Well-known member
In on pg.1.
Not any better, maybe worse. Bad area.
New year who knows until the snow Flies? Wasn’t good last season but maybe they can turn it around. I pretty much stay east of Bergland so the good stuff not that far from LG both north, south and east of there. You might want to try the Running Bear Resort in Paulding good trails all around there for at least 75 miles north, south and east.
D
Deleted member 10829
Guest
I've been going there a few times a year since 1993. I haven't had bad trail conditions up there in years for the most part. Be sure to avoid Saturdays and get out early in the morning to get the best trails.
Interceptor
Member
I have received reliable information that the trail boss in the Gogebic area has been replaced with someone who cares.
After snowmobiling in that area for many many years, I like most of those who traveled the area have avoided the area of late because of "poor condition". I temper that response because the last few years have found an abundance riders heading north because conditions in northern Wisconsin have not held up (lack of snow, thaws,etc).
I'm hoping with adequate snow the trails will be maintained as best as possible given all considerations. I agree with mspease that even in a good year, your best riding conditions will be Sun-Thu to avoid high traffic conditions.
After snowmobiling in that area for many many years, I like most of those who traveled the area have avoided the area of late because of "poor condition". I temper that response because the last few years have found an abundance riders heading north because conditions in northern Wisconsin have not held up (lack of snow, thaws,etc).
I'm hoping with adequate snow the trails will be maintained as best as possible given all considerations. I agree with mspease that even in a good year, your best riding conditions will be Sun-Thu to avoid high traffic conditions.
Snowbandit
New member
Interceptor I hope you're right about the trail boss change. The last ten years in a ten mile radius around the lake has been a total disaster. The complete lack of effort was noticed. We are a northern wi based group but like to run up to the lake for a day for lunch or something different. I too experienced that area as a kid in the 80s and 90s and it was def the best in the country for trail riding. Very sad to see its demise. At the end of the day its all about money and that area has missed a bunch. We haven't bought stickers for MI in couple years because without a trailer we can never get to the good stuff without having our brains beat in going through Gogebic area.
Snowbandit, that is our exact experience also. We too have been riding there for many years, and know it doesn't have to be that way. Surrounding clubs will tell you the same. Worst is they let their trail conditions get so bad that you can't groom and do a good job of restoring the trails condition to what it should be. We do remain hopeful.
This is what I have been wondering, from what I had heard the folks that used to run the grooming program were ready to retire and when they did things came to somewhat of a stop. Was in the one of the older lakeside establishments last time up and after hearing that guy rant about it, was hoping for some change.
Gogebic Area Grooming is raising money to help build a shed down in Marenisco to keep one of their Groomers down there this winter. The south end of Lake Gogebic was in a lot better shape last year after keeping one of the Groomers down there last year. But leaving a Groomer outside in the winter takes its toll on the machines. A new groomer shed is going to help out greatly. See below to help out and contribute.
https://fundly.com/marenisco-groomer-shed
Clearly the new club members and trail boss are trying their best and I suspect we will see a change for the better!
https://fundly.com/marenisco-groomer-shed
Clearly the new club members and trail boss are trying their best and I suspect we will see a change for the better!
madmansports
New member
the Gogebic range trail authority has gone through a tough time and now has new leaders who are passionate about the clubs future. Big blue is running good and the tucker just got new driveline. they are looking for and training groomer operators in november. they need help with two bridge decks and some reroutes. we look forward to a great winter this year.
T
Tracker
Guest
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Sturgis Michigan
Last year we stayed at Silver City, heading there from Mercer was not a fun ride, but Silver City trails were great, I dont know if they are always like that but while we were there they were flat and fast.. Grooming did take place in the evening down at LG, so the next day we were up early and they trails around Gogebic were great also. Just my opinion, find out the grooming schedule and hope they stick to it.
favoritos
Well-known member
You bring up an interesting point that many might not realize.
That trip likely traveled through trails managed by four or more different clubs. There has been a big variation between clubs and subsequent trail conditions recently. Last season was much improved especially the GRTA. The GA group started a bit late last year. Their trails were good if you rode later in the season. North Country was good again and they had much better early snow last year. Wiscony, Iron Co, usually does quite well with snow. It was hit and miss last year.
Trail conditions can vary a lot from club to club. Conditions obviously play a big factor. This winter will be a challenge with all the water. Getting trails open and frozen will likely be a key factor early season. Terrain can be a big part of that issue along with snowfall and temps.
Quick summary for the OP: Trails can be really good or really bad. I know it doesn't help much. I will say that I saw a much larger effort put into the trails last season. The results were quite noticeable. The early season riding was a bit of a challenge because of terrain/water issues. I saw the efforts to overcome some of those problems. It was not easy.
Best solution. Freeze baby Freeze. The clubs will get the job done.
have been staying in Gogebic area for last 10-12 years and up until last few years have not had much complaint about the trails around the lake and I would have to put less blame on groomers and more on the less than perfect weather we have had and I don't care how good or committed of a groomer he or she may be, pretty tough to work when you have less than ideal to work with. Wont be up there until mid February and already counting!
harvest1121
Well-known member
I rode 5500 miles last year all over the UP. Gogebic did have issues on grooming but did get better as the year went on. It did change but with curvy and hilly trails they take a beating on the busy weekends, We stayed super bowl weekend and in good shape.
Go Fast or Go Home
Active member
Our group has stopped going to Gogebic and we have no intentions of returning,
Don~
Don~
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