Northwest Illinois trails

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egras

New member
For anyone in Wisconsin looking for a weekend or day trip to ride, the Northwest corner of IL received 10-13 inches in some areas and trails are open. I am no longer a snowmobiler, but used to ride a lot. I currently live right on the snowmobile trail in Lena, IL and have seen a steady stream of sleds rolling by the last 2 days. The groomer just went by about 15 minutes ago and there looks to be plenty of snow to set up some nice trails for a few days. Also, the local forecast calls for another 1-2" tomorrow. I cannot speak for what towns/clubs are marked and open but while at the local bar yesterday a lot of out-of-towners were riding in so I am assuming all area clubs are marked and open. Some of the other clubs have groomers as well. Contrary to popular belief, almost all of the area bars and restaurants have refused to close to the Gov's orders so I'm sure they would appreciate your business.

Snowfall totals: (per the local news)
Lena 10"
Winslow 11"
Warren 13"

If you want to ride, and don't have a place because WI is still closed, give it a shot. I know some others on this forum in the past have taken my recommendations and have not been disappointed.
 
E

egras

New member
fishcrib said:
Do you know a good place to park a trailer?
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A great place to park a trailer is Coach's Golf and Grill. Call them first but I'm 100% sure they will allow you to park there-----just give them some business before or after. Great place for cocktails and bar food. 815-369-2222
 
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egras

New member
hurst09 said:
How r the trails holding up?
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I haven't talked to anyone. Some areas near the roads look a little thin. However, we just drove home this morning from North East Iowa and saw a lot of sleds out and much of the trails we saw looked to be very good yet. I know some of the chisel-plowed areas in open fields are snirty. The nice thing about open field riding is you can generally move over 6 feet and have fresh snow. If I still had a sled, I would be out riding today and tomorrow night for sure. I saw a lot of my friends posting pictures of their rides yesterday on Facebook. In all of the pictures the trails looked awesome. Then, supposed to be low to mid-30's by Tuesday/Wednesday. That will likely do them in where they will need more snow as it only usually takes one day of sun and 30 to thin out the trails fast in corners and corn fields. JMO though.

Hope that helps.

Also, besides Coach's Golf and Grill in Lena, I saw a lot of trailers parked at the Citgo station in Stockton, IL.
 
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dooski_dan

Member
Will these trails still be rideable for this weekend? Thinking about coming out there Saturday. Looks like it’s staying cold there but no new snow and a lot of traffic. Any info is appreciated.
 
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jknoup

Member
dooski_dan said:
Will these trails still be rideable for this weekend? Thinking about coming out there Saturday. Looks like it’s staying cold there but no new snow and a lot of traffic. Any info is appreciated.
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If they get out and groom it might be ok, but to my knowledge nobody has been out grooming yet. Most were waiting to see what happened with the warmer temps predicted Tues - Thurs. So far it has been colder than originally predicted.

If they groom the trails should be in fair condition. I can't imagine rating them any better than fair.
 
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egras

New member
I took a drive today over to Apple Canyon Lake. (25 miles west of Lena) As I drove over, I followed a lot of the snowmobile trails. Trails were surprisingly holding up very well. They are taking on a snirty appearance, but for the most part are snow covered with the exception of some areas near roads and some chiseled fields. I also noticed some grooming was done between Lena and Warren. Other than that, I don't know where the groomer has been. Quite a few sleds have passed my house today and if I still had a sled, I would be out riding 100%. With a temp right now of 29 degrees and a predicted high of 25 tomorrow, they should hold up through the day tomorrow for sure. As jknoup pointed out, un-groomed they are fair. Where I saw groomed trails, I would say good and if you can handle a little snirt, even very-good. So, if you are looking for a ride, I would not hesitate to give it a shot. Better than sitting in the garage looking all shiny------especially with no snow in the forecast anywhere.
 
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jknoup

Member
Update Friday 1/15: Approximately 2" of wet snow last night in western Stephenson County. It will melt / settle today and tomorrow with the warm temps. However, we could have decent riding next week if people stay off the trails and allow this snow to freeze up Sat night into Sunday. Everything will be down to mud if people go out and pound the trails today and tomorrow with the warm temps.
 
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egras

New member
I have to say, I took a drive today about 20 miles East of Lena and about 30 West of Lena and the trails are holding up exceptionally well. Does this mean they are all frosty white with 4 inches of powder on top? No. Some are snirty and some road crossings and corners are burnt out. However, the overwhelming majority are still fully snow-covered and look good. I don't ride anymore, so it's a report from the road. If anyone else can chime in, I'm sure it would be appreciated by anyone considering coming this way.
 
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egras

New member
(I've been told today the trails west of Lena are the best towards the Warren, Apple River, Scales Mound areas------FYI. Another inch of snow possible today and tonight.)
 
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dawolf

New member
Green diamonds on the Polaris map last night all across northern Illinois and southern wisconsin. I’m going to take a rip saturday.
 
E

egras

New member
kentamyus said:
Any good riding here this weekend
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They look fantastic! I just saw a picture from the groomer this morning. Trails every direction from Lena are great the way it looks. Snow has set up and snowmobiles have been buzzing by. As I stated in a couple of previous posts, you can park at Coach's Golf and Grill in Lena (Just contact the owners first for permission at 815-369-2222) or you can park in Stockton, IL at the Citgo. I have heard since this snow there are no bad directions to head out of town. However, I have been told heading west over towards Nora, Warren, Apple Canyon Lake, and Scales Mound has been the best. Don't know if still true since the recent snows.

Also, we are to receive even more snow this weekend. I would say trails are good for the next week for sure. Get up/down here and ride!
 
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jknoup

Member
Most trails were good last weekend around Lena and Warren. We got 2" Sat night and 4-5" Mon night. We're supposed to get more this Sat with possibility of 3"-6".

I rode last night around Lena and over towards Warren. Everything groomed was awesome. The ones that weren't groomed had all kinds of snow on them, but they were just a bit bumpy with the drifting in the fields. As far where to ride..........Winnebago Co should be fine. I went to Rockford yesterday by car and their trails look good from the road. I can say for sure that N. Western Stephenson Co. and Jo Daviess Co. are good. Both Lena and Warren clubs are grooming. I'm not sure about Pearl City club. Currently they don't have a tractor, but they still have the drag. Their is a guy that will get out his own tractor to groom the trails. Hopefully he will be doing that before this weekend. If so, all of western Stephenson and Jo Daviess will be good.

Feel free to contact me if you need advice about our area. 815-238-3985.
 
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confusion_900

Member
Guys
I can’t say enough about the trail system in this area , what a GREAT job and GREAT riding we had on Fri !! We will be coming back maybe even this coming week

We parked the trucks at the Lockwood Park in Rockford and took off from there , we headed towards Durand and then towards Freeport , it was Me my B-in-law and are 2 Daughters , we left at 9:45 am from Lockwood and had everything loaded up by 4:30 with 120mil on and with stopping for lunch and gas , what a blast
Thanks to all the Snowmobile Clubs and the Groomer drivers for there efforts !!!!
 
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