Either Close or Groom 109 south of Krupps!

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1fujifilm

Well-known member
Had the misfortune of riding 109 north from 12 through Alston, MI and on up to 3.
I am told this trail has not been groomed this winter yet which is fine, but IT TOTALLY SUCKED!
if you rode south from 3 down 109 I would say the first 9 miles are good, then it turns into peeky stutters and moguls all the way to 12.

I saw a man and a woman stopped on 109 (headed north) last night at about 9PM and the Woman was crying as she could not ride the trail anymore, wow so true as I was shot too.

Anyway, CLOSE IT OR GROOM IT PLEASE!

Bear
 
harski

harski

Member
Rode UP this trail in early December and it was BRUTAL! We were one of the first few sleds through and there was a ton of water/ice we had to maneuver around. Just past Alston there was a culvert that was washed out that I nearly dumped the sled on. The span on the outside edge was at least 5 feet wide and went down about 4 feet. Can't imagine a groomer could span that but what do I know? Anyway, I was so torn up that I had to stop at Parkview for a mixer to ease the pain...... So, maybe the local club feels like it's too soft yet to groom? Just a guess. I agree, maybe have a sign posted by 3 that says trail ungroomed due to open water???
 
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Skylar

Super Moderator
Staff member
That trail from the north is groomed to the power lines by the Superior Snowmobile club, after that is is the responsibility of the Baraga club I believe. It sucks, and always has. Way more better to just take the road.

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The road i was talking about is Hazel Swamp road, which tee's into North Laird road.
 
D

Deleted member 10829

Guest
I can feel for that lady and that is what makes people leave the sport. I would guess she has soured on sledding now.
 
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old abe

Well-known member
fuji, the part of the 109 trail you , and others are taking issue with, is Baraga's grooming responsibility, period! I urge everyone to call the Baraga/Lanse tourism counsel and LOUDLY complain of the trail condition due to their groomers turning around at Alston, and not completing the entire route as they should. Also, let the DNR know of the absolutely horrible condition of that trail as being somewhat dangerous to some riders. Baraga's groomers at times due to weather conditions, just can't groom that area, and part of that section has a low snowfall issue for some reason. But it is a short drive for them to inspect the conditions of it. Now more, and more, Baraga's groomers when fully able to groom north of Alston, all the way to the power line, groomer divide/turnaround, they will just simply turn around at Alston, and for no other reason than just plain lack of responsibility to groom what they are paid to do. I to feel really bad for the lady who was in crying! and not wanting to continue. And there is no better way to spoil a ride, a trip, or perhaps, even finish her wanting to snowmobile for good. That sucks! No excuse!
 
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1fujifilm

Well-known member
old abe said:
fuji, the part of the 109 trail you , and others are taking issue with, is Baraga's grooming responsibility, period! I urge everyone to call the Baraga/Lanse tourism counsel and LOUDLY complain of the trail condition due to their groomers turning around at Alston, and not completing the entire route as they should. Also, let the DNR know of the absolutely horrible condition of that trail as being somewhat dangerous to some riders. Baraga's groomers at times due to weather conditions, just can't groom that area, and part of that section has a low snowfall issue for some reason. But it is a short drive for them to inspect the conditions of it. Now more, and more, Baraga's groomers when fully able to groom north of Alston, all the way to the power line, groomer divide/turnaround, they will just simply turn around at Alston, and for no other reason than just plain lack of responsibility to groom what they are paid to do. I to feel really bad for the lady who was in crying! and not wanting to continue. And there is no better way to spoil a ride, a trip, or perhaps, even finish her wanting to snowmobile for good. That sucks! No excuse!
Click to expand...

Good advice.
Before seeing the gal I was chucking to myself (as drove 22 MPH), I was thinking the "Trail Tamer" could handle the twists and turns easily as long as they had this guy operating it..
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?...C49193972739702CD943C49&FORM=VIRE&adlt=strict

Bear

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harski said:
Rode UP this trail in early December and it was BRUTAL! We were one of the first few sleds through and there was a ton of water/ice we had to maneuver around. Just past Alston there was a culvert that was washed out that I nearly dumped the sled on. The span on the outside edge was at least 5 feet wide and went down about 4 feet. Can't imagine a groomer could span that but what do I know? Anyway, I was so torn up that I had to stop at Parkview for a mixer to ease the pain...... So, maybe the local club feels like it's too soft yet to groom? Just a guess. I agree, maybe have a sign posted by 3 that says trail ungroomed due to open water???
Click to expand...

I know the part you speak of, at least it is now frozen up for riding (don't know about grooming) though.

Bear
 
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rich_jelinek

New member
Too bad to hear about 109 in such bad shape, as IMO that is a really fun trail ( as long as its in good shape obviously ) and is also part of a nice connecting loop. I sure hope there is damn good reason ( some were mentioned ) that it's not being taken care of, and not just laziness on the responsible club / groomers part.
We probably wont be in that area til sometime in February, hope it's taken care of soon.
 
indy_500

indy_500

Well-known member
Wow, not much has changed... i rode that trail a handful of times between 2012 and 2014ish and it was a disaster back then...
 
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pyroking

New member
After two decades of riding in the up, two trails you never ride before feb 1st is trail 109 and trail 122 cedar swamps are notorious for thin snow and wet areas. More than once I have been tricked into taking 109 from 3 only to find the southern half of the trail in poor shape. Not even attempting to groom a section seems unacceptable. If there is a section of trail that has damage so severe that grooming can’t be done then the trail should be rerouted or closed.
 
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old abe

Well-known member
Once again, call the Baraga County Convention and Visitors Bureau and LOUDLY voice your complaints. Let them know you will also be calling MI. DNR, and also M.S.A. I agree with Indy, this has been going on too long. And their excuses have been abused way too much. When calling the MI. DNR, ask about this being a safety issue for lower skilled riders. Get this on Facebook, and that should get the attention needed.
 
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red_dog

Member
We took that once 4-5 years ago in Feb. Was never groomed even by Feb. Parts seemed to follow a stream/wet area and there was simply nothing to groom in that area but before and after just wasnt done either. Should just be marked on the map as ungroomed trail so people are not misled.
 
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POLARISDAN

New member
109 n of 12 s of alston is not rideable..never has been..i think its too tight for a groomer..and its all trees so no snow..been warning people for years..-they need to widen
 
legend02

legend02

Active member
We rode 109 from 12 once on the the X-Mas tree about 5 years ago, it looked like we went mudding by the time we got to Twin Lakes. Water hole after water hole / Mud. till we got about 1/2 way where the trail changes to the Superior Club and it was all good then.
 
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russr

Member
are group went through it jan 4 my friends sled was down so i had to 2up on the back of mine. talk about nuts. i cant see why its even open
with the open creeks someone will get killed . worst trail in 20 years that ive ever been on
 
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sweeperguy

Active member
I'll agree when it's bad it sucks to be on. I was with Harski early this season, it was brutal.
But I've ridden that trail many times once its been worked on by groomers (with good operators). When it is frozen and property maintained, it is a very cool trail to ride. It's one of those trails that needs good solid early cold, then good snowall to maintain. Doesn't help matters that LES doesn't set up good when groomed.
 
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