Riding solo?

[coldbrewzz]

Ok would like some input......I have had a trip planned for my sons first UP trip....he is 8......was going with a buddy and his son but do to some hard luck he backed out last minute.........I know the rule is dont ride solo but planning on still going based out of munising and staying close.........bear trap....buckhorn....christmas....etc........obviously no off trail riding.....Bad idea?

 

[upbarleyboy]

Not a bad idea as long as you play it safe and stay close to town as you mentioned . Nothing better than creating memories with the kids. Seems not long ago I was riding double with my oldest. Now he's 14, running his own sled, and keeps up with me like a savvy veteran. Keep in mind. when they're young, they tend to tire quickly, so if you take it at his pace (get his input on stops, etc...) so he enjoys it to the fullest, you'll both have memories that will last a life time.

Enjoy your father/son bonding time. There is nothing better!!

 

[snobuilder]

if i was riding the area and saw you and your son with the hood up ,I'd stop to be sure you was OK, as most would.

 

[dblshock]

I do solo, sled grenaded on the trail a month ago, I was lucky to have cell service and a bud who answered, walked a block but blew a whole day with recovery.
.. if you stay close to civilization, confirm cell service along your route, have a person to call for help, popular route, reliable equipment, choose reasonable weather, reasonable speeds..these minimize risk, I'd also consider the sprout probably needs 3 steps to your 1 ro cover ground.

 

[xcsp]

I'd still go on the trip, may want to let someone know at the place your staying where you plan to go each day and approx. return time-wouldn't hurt to let a friend or family member know too even if you are miles away from home.

 

[coldbrewzz]

upbarleyboy that was my thoughts exactly his excitement leval and the memories will be treasure.....not taking my sled and renting a 2up from cherrywood which are 2014 hopefully a breakdown wont happen but i definately plan to stay as close to cell service as possible and from my years riding the UP i would have to say most riders are like snobuilder and stop and help if needed..............and as xcsp said i definately will be leting someone know my route and approx return time each day and not gonna stray far from cherrywood after dark.....and i am sure that he will be ready for the pool and hot tub by 6 7 oclock.........

 

[snobuilder]

cherrywood....breakfast buffet......MMMMMMMMMM

 

[heckler56]

upbarleyboy that was my thoughts exactly his excitement leval and the memories will be treasure.....not taking my sled and renting a 2up from cherrywood which are 2014 hopefully a breakdown wont happen but i definately plan to stay as close to cell service as possible and from my years riding the UP i would have to say most riders are like snobuilder and stop and help if needed..............and as xcsp said i definately will be leting someone know my route and approx return time each day and not gonna stray far from cherrywood after dark.....and i am sure that he will be ready for the pool and hot tub by 6 7 oclock.........

The owner of Cherrywood, Bill, really caters to sledders and I am sure if you let the staff know where you will be and plan to return they will lookout for you. He enjoys knowing he is building family memories!

 

[SPOR]

Definitely go!!! As long as you stay on the trails (which you said you would be)and aren't out too late, no worries. Most anybody would stop if you had troubles, and the memories will be forever. I took my son out this year for the first time (right before Christmas), he had an absolute ball, and so did I. He's still wanting to know when we can go again. I wish I would have done it years ago. Everyone's comments on here are right on, go enjoy yourself! Wish I could take him again this year, epic conditions just about everywhere.

 

[MZEMS2]

I agree, make the trip. If you're close to "civilization" there should be help around in the event you need it. Certainly ride with a little more caution and planning. Take it easy and enjoy!

 

[dblshock]

When my son was 14/15 we jetski toured 2up the kewaunee, lance, portage waterway, lac labelle/copper, skanee@ huron bay/ big bay, munising and green bay/sturgeon bay..over 1000 mi. priceless, but I really had to pay attention.

 

[srobak]

You'll be fine - take the trails to loop through MQT & KI/Gwinn or east to PR/GM and you will come across plenty of traffic & friendly folks in case of a breakdown or problem.

 

[snobuilder]

As far as breakdowns go, play it safe....rent a Yamaha.

 

[coldbrewzz]

thanks for all the input....definately gonna keep trip planned as scheduled.......play it safe and create some great memories.....hopefully he will love the UP as much as i do

 

[POLARISDAN]

Remember to be super careful up north with an child on a sled..read these posts and expect fast sleds coming at u all the time..just have ur head up

 

[anonomoose]

Remember this trip is all about your son. Just going and coming back is fun, and all the fun with his Dad. It isn't necessary to go many miles, and take the courses that are most likely to be safe and in contact with a cell tower. You don't need to go more than twenty miles to have a good time, and I would stay away from night riding as it is much more dangerous doing that. As long as it is safe and fun he will remember it and so will you. Save the long miler for going with the guys. This one is all about him, safety and having fun.

If you do that, then there isn't much that you have to worry about. And you will have a riding buddy for as long as you want one.