Overnight trip from Phelps/Conover, where to?

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mjw66

New member
My wife and I along with 3 other couples would like to plan an overnight trip from out cottage on North Twin in Conover.

Thinking about a trip in Feb.

Looking for advice on where to go, places to eat and where to stay. One idea was to head up to the Porkies?

We are beginners and two of the couples will be renting sleds. Not sure about how many hours to ride each day.

Thanks.
 
pclark

pclark

Well-known member
I would say either go north to Copper Harbor or west toward Hayward, WI. As far as miles to ride per day you might want to keep it at around 100-150 miles if you are beginners. A shorter trip would be the Casino in Lac Du Flambeau and you could stay in Minocqua or at the Casino.The earlier you get going in the morning the better so you can put on a good 50-60 miles before lunch. As far as riding in February I wouldn't go any later than the 3rd week in February because you never know when the warm-up comes. I'm sure others will give you plenty of ideas to plan your trip. Riding during the week is preferable if you can do it.
 
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wiscrev

Well-known member
Ages would help. Younger newbees can go farther than older ones, usually. Either way, it will be an experience. Where to stay maybe challenging as many places fill up way in advance.,
 
W

WorkHardPlayHrd

Active member
Okay quick questions regarding the ladies in the group. Just so you know I'm a mother of 5 and have been snowmobiling my whole life. The more we know, the better we can help you all enjoy your experience.

Have they ever been snowmobiling before?
Have you all taken the Snowmobile Safety Course?
How are they with cold weather?
What do they like in a place to stay?
Have they ever been Atv or Utving?
How old?
Can you go during the week? (weekends bring out way more riders and trails will be in best shape early to mid week).
The scarry question, whose idea was it? For a first true time snowmobiling I would not do an overnight trip. I would try a day trip and keep it under 100 miles. This way if things aren't going well you are not 100 miles from the cabin with someone who refuses to get back on a sled because the trails were rough the day before.

I'm not trying to scare you away from snowmobiling, I think it's wonderful, but I'm not the Norm for women. Of women who go snowmobiling for the first time 50 percent don't go again because something in the experience was unpleasant.

You have made a great first move by asking people on here what we think. There is an amazing amount of knowledge on this forum. Now please answer the questions and we will proceed to dump even more knowledge your way.

WHPH.
 
pclark

pclark

Well-known member
WorkHardPlayHrd said:
Okay quick questions regarding the ladies in the group. Just so you know I'm a mother of 5 and have been snowmobiling my whole life. The more we know, the better we can help you all enjoy your experience.

Have they ever been snowmobiling before?
Have you all taken the Snowmobile Safety Course?
How are they with cold weather?
What do they like in a place to stay?
Have they ever been Atv or Utving?
How old?
Can you go during the week? (weekends bring out way more riders and trails will be in best shape early to mid week).
The scarry question, whose idea was it? For a first true time snowmobiling I would not do an overnight trip. I would try a day trip and keep it under 100 miles. This way if things aren't going well you are not 100 miles from the cabin with someone who refuses to get back on a sled because the trails were rough the day before.

I'm not trying to scare you away from snowmobiling, I think it's wonderful, but I'm not the Norm for women. Of women who go snowmobiling for the first time 50 percent don't go again because something in the experience was unpleasant.

You have made a great first move by asking people on here what we think. There is an amazing amount of knowledge on this forum. Now please answer the questions and we will proceed to dump even more knowledge your way.

WHPH.
Click to expand...
WHPH, thanks for the great perspective from a womans view. You are spot on and I agree that many more women would enjoy the sport if they eased into it like you suggested. I have ridden with guys that want to call it a day because the trails are too rough or it's too cold so it's important to know who you are riding with.
 
dfattack

dfattack

Well-known member
WorkHardPlayHrd said:
Okay quick questions regarding the ladies in the group. Just so you know I'm a mother of 5 and have been snowmobiling my whole life. The more we know, the better we can help you all enjoy your experience.

Have they ever been snowmobiling before?
Have you all taken the Snowmobile Safety Course?
How are they with cold weather?
What do they like in a place to stay?
Have they ever been Atv or Utving?
How old?
Can you go during the week? (weekends bring out way more riders and trails will be in best shape early to mid week).
The scarry question, whose idea was it? For a first true time snowmobiling I would not do an overnight trip. I would try a day trip and keep it under 100 miles. This way if things aren't going well you are not 100 miles from the cabin with someone who refuses to get back on a sled because the trails were rough the day before.

I'm not trying to scare you away from snowmobiling, I think it's wonderful, but I'm not the Norm for women. Of women who go snowmobiling for the first time 50 percent don't go again because something in the experience was unpleasant.

You have made a great first move by asking people on here what we think. There is an amazing amount of knowledge on this forum. Now please answer the questions and we will proceed to dump even more knowledge your way.

WHPH.
Click to expand...
Excellent post. I hope the OP is paying attention to this.
 
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whitedust

Well-known member
I would suggest your first timers stay at the Lakeview Motel in Phelps since they have rooms packaged with snowmobile rentals. Since you are on North Twin just the lake between you and your friends and the ice is marked but safe everywhere in that area. From Phelps ride north south east or west plenty of amenities west ,few riding east of Phelps but few amenities means less traffic as well. First time on a snowmobile there probably will be a love hate relationship the haters will be one and done. If your still going to bag it to LOC I do have recommendations of routes and motels. For me that was a RT day ride but we could fly along if you take grade route which ain’t that much fun imo. There are twisty routes but a lot for beginners RT or 1 way. I lived in Phelps for 16 years so know the trails well and unplowed FRs too.
 
M

mjw66

New member
WorkHardPlayHrd said:
Okay quick questions regarding the ladies in the group. Just so you know I'm a mother of 5 and have been snowmobiling my whole life. The more we know, the better we can help you all enjoy your experience.

Have they ever been snowmobiling before?
Have you all taken the Snowmobile Safety Course?
How are they with cold weather?
What do they like in a place to stay?
Have they ever been Atv or Utving?
How old?
Can you go during the week? (weekends bring out way more riders and trails will be in best shape early to mid week).
The scarry question, whose idea was it? For a first true time snowmobiling I would not do an overnight trip. I would try a day trip and keep it under 100 miles. This way if things aren't going well you are not 100 miles from the cabin with someone who refuses to get back on a sled because the trails were rough the day before.

I'm not trying to scare you away from snowmobiling, I think it's wonderful, but I'm not the Norm for women. Of women who go snowmobiling for the first time 50 percent don't go again because something in the experience was unpleasant.

You have made a great first move by asking people on here what we think. There is an amazing amount of knowledge on this forum. Now please answer the questions and we will proceed to dump even more knowledge your way.

WHPH.
Click to expand...


THANKS FOR THE GREAT QUESTIONS - I AM USING CAPS TO SHOW MY ANSWERES NOT YELL...LOL!


Have they ever been snowmobiling before? YES WE ALL HAVE.

AGREED WITH YOUR THOUGHTS, WE ARE BEGINNERS, BUT NOT FIRST TIMMERS.


Have you all taken the Snowmobile Safety Course? YES
How are they with cold weather? OVERALL GOOD
What do they like in a place to stay? RESORT TYPE, SO WE CAN WALK INTO A BAR OR REST. AT THE END OF THE DAY
Have they ever been Atv or Utving? YES
How old? ALL IN 50'S
Can you go during the week? (weekends bring out way more riders and trails will be in best shape early to mid week). WE PLAN TO START FRIDAY AM AND BE BACK TO NORTH TWIN SAT. NIGHTDRIVE HOME SUNDAY AM.
The scarry question, whose idea was it? SEVERAL OF THE HUSBANDS

For a first true time snowmobiling I would not do an overnight trip. I would try a day trip and keep it under 100 miles. This way if things aren't going well you are not 100 miles from the cabin with someone who refuses to get back on a sled because the trails were rough the day before.

AGREED WITH YOUR THOUGHTS, WE ARE BEGINNERS, BUT NOT FIRST TIMMERS.

I'm not trying to scare you away from snowmobiling, I think it's wonderful, but I'm not the Norm for women. Of women who go snowmobiling for the first time 50 percent don't go again because something in the experience was unpleasant. I APPRECIATE IT. WE WOULD LIKE THIS NOT BE A ONE AND DONE.

You have made a great first move by asking people on here what we think. There is an amazing amount of knowledge on this forum. Now please answer the questions and we will proceed to dump even more knowledge your way.
 
M

mjw66

New member
pclark said:
I would say either go north to Copper Harbor or west toward Hayward, WI. As far as miles to ride per day you might want to keep it at around 100-150 miles if you are beginners. A shorter trip would be the Casino in Lac Du Flambeau and you could stay in Minocqua or at the Casino.The earlier you get going in the morning the better so you can put on a good 50-60 miles before lunch. As far as riding in February I wouldn't go any later than the 3rd week in February because you never know when the warm-up comes. I'm sure others will give you plenty of ideas to plan your trip. Riding during the week is preferable if you can do it.
Click to expand...
HOW MANY MILES TO COPPER HARBOR?
\\
THANKS
 
M

mjw66

New member
pclark said:
I would say either go north to Copper Harbor or west toward Hayward, WI. As far as miles to ride per day you might want to keep it at around 100-150 miles if you are beginners. A shorter trip would be the Casino in Lac Du Flambeau and you could stay in Minocqua or at the Casino.The earlier you get going in the morning the better so you can put on a good 50-60 miles before lunch. As far as riding in February I wouldn't go any later than the 3rd week in February because you never know when the warm-up comes. I'm sure others will give you plenty of ideas to plan your trip. Riding during the week is preferable if you can do it.
Click to expand...
I WAS ALSO THINKING THE UP. MORE SNOW LESS PEOPLE- HOPEFULLY.

HOW MANY MILES/HOURS TO COPPER HARBOR?
 
M

mjw66

New member
whitedust said:
I would suggest your first timers stay at the Lakeview Motel in Phelps since they have rooms packaged with snowmobile rentals. Since you are on North Twin just the lake between you and your friends and the ice is marked but safe everywhere in that area. From Phelps ride north south east or west plenty of amenities west ,few riding east of Phelps but few amenities means less traffic as well. First time on a snowmobile there probably will be a love hate relationship the haters will be one and done. If your still going to bag it to LOC I do have recommendations of routes and motels. For me that was a RT day ride but we could fly along if you take grade route which ain’t that much fun imo. There are twisty routes but a lot for beginners RT or 1 way. I lived in Phelps for 16 years so know the trails well and unplowed FRs too.
Click to expand...

THANKS. I WOULD LIKE TO DO CIRCLE IF POSSIBLE. CAN YOU PLEASE SHARE YOUR FAVORITE TRAILS ROUTES ETCC....
 
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WorkHardPlayHrd

Active member
I would approximate Copper Harbor to be around 200 miles 1 way, 400 miles round trip. I will admit it can be beautiful, but here is why I unfortunately do not recommend it.

The last 3 times we have been up to Twin Lakes north the Bill Nicholas Trail from approximately 5 miles north of Twin Lakes to Houghton has been a disaster. These were all on the weekend. I'm talking 20 miles 1 way of 2 to 3 foot deep moguls. There is no other route which is a big part of the problem. 1 way in, 1 way out. I am not blaming the groomers. Twin Lakes south is usually in better shape because sleds have other options heading south.

Also the massive amount of traffic on the weekends is also what contributes to the deteriation of this section of trail. It can be a trail you can do 100+ mph on or 15 mph. If you were looking at midweek I would tell you to go for it, the weekend I don't know.

Whitedust has a great idea, and knows every circle day trip in that area. No carrying overnight stuff. I would recommend this idea for your couples trip. That way if after the first day a couple of the ladies don't want to ride the second day they can hang out together and the rest can ride. Also it will be very hard to get a room overnight on the weekend in Copper Harbor, especially a good one. I have only ever stayed at The Waters in Minocqua on that side of the state. Hot tub, pool, very comfortable beds, restaurant, bar, but I don't believe they rent out sleds. Also even though there are lots of day trips in all directions from Minocqua the trails get rough coming back because lots of sleders stay there.
 
pclark

pclark

Well-known member
Looking at where you are basing out of and that you are traveling with wives a good trip might be to leave Conover and head south through Eagle River down through Sugar Camp, west toward Newbold and then up 47 toward Lake Tomahawk, from there its just a short ride up to Minocqua where you can stay at the Waters, or I prefer the Point as its right on the lake. They do have uber and lyft in Minocqua if you don't want to ride for dinner. On Saturday you can take a more northern route back but being the weekend it's going to be crowded. Keep in mind that you will average about 25 MPH at best, not speed but actual time and miles to get from point A to point B.
 
W

whitedust

Well-known member
mjw66 said:
THANKS. I WOULD LIKE TO DO CIRCLE IF POSSIBLE. CAN YOU PLEASE SHARE YOUR FAVORITE TRAILS ROUTES ETCC....
Click to expand...
First of all get some maps. Generally ride east and south of Phelps on the weekends less traffic greater chance of good groom. If friends from Conover meet at Great Escape or the Convenience Center. Since you like the UP you can back door Iron River from WI 6e to 15 take MI trail 2 west lunch at the Wooden Nickle off trail 2. Gas up in IR. Continue thru Watersmeet take 3 south to Lando 6 back to Phelps or friends go south to Conover in Lando. This route will give a mix of Twistys and grades some very easy other parts of this route in WI somewhat demanding lots of hills in MI as you leave WI. Nice view as you break out of Twistys in IR. This should be a sane ride for beginners. You guys aren’t ready for unplowed FRs all types of bad things can happen especially getting stuck is unpleasant to say the least and no one around to help no cell signal either.

Phelps to 3 lakes is a fun ride I recommend the Kimball trail route that route takes you east and south lots of amenities in 3 lakes so lunch and gas there. How you return to Phelps is your choice many options but I usually back tracked to avoid Eagle River traffic especially on a weekend but the Kimball Trail well worth the ride both ways anyway. Most don’t know this but if things not going well you can bail out 10 w to Kentuck Lake Road to St Louis back to Downtown Phelps. Always look for bail out points as weekend riding had its deterrents.
 
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dothedoo

Member
I’d recommend a trip to LDF and stay at the casino, if this is a one nighter with relative new riders.

I’m sure that’s not much more than 100 miles by trail, with at least 1 million great places to stop along the way. You could take a route through ER to the South on the way there, and north through Boulder and Lando on the way back.

My experience with the newer riders I’ve been with in the past, is that they liked being around the crowds, and stopping at the popular places.

That’s not my thing when I ride, but can tell you those times me and my buddies would maybe do 125 miles and stop at a bunch of crowded places were way more fun then the times we did 300 miles and they would barely talk to me after. Lol
 
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euphoric1

Well-known member
Ditto on the Bill Nichols, even during the week, may be fine going up but can be real hell coming back, even for the most experienced rider or nicest suspension. Ride through Porkies has always been good for us, Lake of the Clouds overlook well worth the stop, a little further north the Fire Steel bridges are cool if haven't seen them. Agree with other posts as well not to wait for overnight destination reservations as I'm sure they are already starting to be become scarce.
 
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