Land O' Lakes - Conover - Phelps

[Winter Warlock]

Got to ride locally Saturday before we leave this morning to "head east" to try and find "Christmas" in January. Took a lunch, late afternoon ride to some of our favorite places and put on like....60 miles. When I left Lando Monday, was a little worried about launching out of here for our trip Sunday morning. Looks like we got around 3" of new snow since then.

LAND O' LAKES:
Got our first taste of the trails after the meltdown, Saturday, around noon. 3" fresh, there was enough lube. Now I've been hearing alot of "smack" about the Frosty Trails all this winter and for a few years now. Seeing that its our club, you take offense to that kinda thing. BUT, if the shoe fits wear it! Landos trails, once again were TERRIBLE !!!!!! moguls, moguls and more moguls. We didn't have to ride long to get to Conover's trails was the best thing I've gotta say.

5 years ago Lando had the best trails in the Northwoods. Now we cringe everytime we start a saddlebag trip and end one here.

GRADE: "D"

CONOVER:

Trails got better in Conover. Had a great lunch at Club 45 and then rode over to Twin Lake to the Twin Haven for the "Chilli cookoff". This is the 3rd time we've rode Conover's trails this winter and you can tell they are doing a good job and have pride in their trails!

GRADE: "C" "A" for effort!!!!!

PHELPS:

Much like Conover, Phelps has done a good job. Rode from Twin Haven to Thunder bay. Had a good reunion with Jim & Rochelle and met some crazy sledders from Eau Claire led by the "Salty Dog"!

GRADE "C" "A" for effort!!!!!!!!

 

[Clintondf]

Well that is discouraging about Lando....supposed to head there Wednesday for a couple days. Still haven't decided if I will cancel.

 

[JimAndros]

We have snow forecast for the next day 1/2. All told, 6 inches. I'd be happy if 3 really happened. It is snowing this morning as of 8AM just turning driveway white.

Jeb, thanks for the report. I have been parked for 2 weeks now. Regarding Lando, each time I've been thru this year conditions varied from good to fair but never saw what you reported. BJ has been chronically bad this season & late last. And that is not just my opinion.

 

[Yukon Cornelius]

Had the pleasure of riding with the Winter Warlock and his bride. An accurate write up of the local trail conditions, I must say, most of it was better than you would expect. As mentioned a great time at the Thunder Bay. Salty Dog and Torque, what a crew! Yesterday Sonny and I we were able to meet Twin Haven's new owners, Tony and Julie for a Sunday chicken dinner....very good!
Thinking of running up to Big Bay out of Lando on Thursday or Friday. Does anyone have any updates on that trip?

Yukon Out!

 

[flybyu]

I have a house in Lando and I also agree that they take terrible care of their trails. Conover trails are way better

 

[bladeguy]

I have a house in Lando and I also agree that they take terrible care of their trails. Conover trails are way better

I cannot speak for Lando but I do know that if you complained about our club's trails they would respond that they will be happy to train to drive the groomer. ...And they mean it - if you will drive it they will train you!

 

[flybyu]

That's just a sad state of affairs. If I was retired and lived up there that wouldn't be a bad job to have. It's probably the case but I can't believe they can't find enough people that live up there to run the groomer

 

[goofy600]

That's just a sad state of affairs. If I was retired and lived up there that wouldn't be a bad job to have. It's probably the case but I can't believe they can't find enough people that live up there to run the groomer

You have a house up there how much time do you volunteer to the trail system? Are they paying their help? There a lot of different answers to all the questions that can be asked or answered if you love the snowmobile culture ya great job if you like north woods not not snowmobiles why help? If your not a business owner what is the benefit? I do agree if I was retired I would groom on the weekends and ride during the week, but until then I will do what I can and donate money where deserved.

 

[chop]

Why do these threads always devolve into accusations of people not doing their part for the trails?

I think it is odd that Eagle River, Conover, & Lando all seem to groom on similar schedules but Conover's trails are in consistently better condition. You can visibly see the change in trail conditions at the transition from on club to the next. At least that was the case the last 2 times I was in that area.

 

[old abe]

You have groom to have a groomed trail. Frosty's always do a good job!!!!!!!!!

 

[flybyu]

Wow I'm simply saying the trails in Lando aren't groomed enough or rather the timing of grooming. Lando is a busy hub and I understand why it's rough. It's all in the timing of when it's groomed so the trail has time to setup. Sorry for stating what I observe only to be ribbed for my opinion

 

[dfattack]

Why do these threads always devolve into accusations of people not doing their part for the trails?

I think it is odd that Eagle River, Conover, & Lando all seem to groom on similar schedules but Conover's trails are in consistently better condition. You can visibly see the change in trail conditions at the transition from on club to the next. At least that was the case the last 2 times I was in that area.

I agree. Giving your opinion doesn't mean you aren't sympathetic to the clubs issues or reasons why they are under performing compared to neighboring clubs. I don't agree with the theory that unless you are a groomer operator or a club volunteer you can't state an opinion on trail conditions. It's a comment about the trail conditions, not against any one individual or individuals. I rode two weeks ago and put on almost 600 miles in two days and rode in roughly 5 or 6 different clubs trails. ALL the trails were excellent EXCEPT for my friend's club. Him and his dad are groomer operators for that club. I was disappointed to say the least since they are usually the best trails I ride, but not this time. I know they are good people and care about their responsibilities for the club...just didn't get out soon enough after we received the large amount of snow. I did not tell him about it but if someone on JD commented about the trails I wouldn't get on them for calling out the less than acceptable trails. It's a fact...they weren't good. No big deal.

 

[venturenorth]

well said....df.......i have always felt the same...... being a member of a couple clubs, I also attend other club meetings, too.....
I am just as quick to commend good trails, as commenting on poor ones.......timing is key, but yes, it seems Lando has had some difficulites this season.

 

[JimAndros]

I think it is odd that Eagle River, Conover, & Lando all seem to groom on similar schedules but Conover's trails are in consistently better condition. You can visibly see the change in trail conditions at the transition from on club to the next. At least that was the case the last 2 times I was in that area.

How good the trails are depends on lots of things.
1) How flat is the terrain? Can change quickly but some clubs inherently have more poor areas than others.
2) Quantity & quality of snow. Can't change at a Club intersection.
3) Grooming schedule. Later the better so trail can set up with minimal traffic levels.
4) Operator skill.
5) Traffic levels thru the day.
6) Temperatures during the day.
7) More?

 

[chop]

How good the trails are depends on lots of things.
1) How flat is the terrain? Can change quickly but some clubs inherently have more poor areas than others.
2) Quantity & quality of snow. Can't change at a Club intersection.
3) Grooming schedule. Later the better so trail can set up with minimal traffic levels.
4) Operator skill.
5) Traffic levels thru the day.
6) Temperatures during the day.
7) More?

Yea, I get that there are a bunch of factors. I was just saying that it seemed more like a operational or timing factor as opposed to a lack of effort. I know everybody is putting in the labor.