mustardbucket2
Member
Was in Minocqua this weekend for Cruiserfest and it was crowded as expected. While trail riding Saturday afternoon, my wife and I saw some unbelievable behavior from some riders. We were riding south on the Bearskin behind a large group of 10 or so that were going 35 - 40 mph. Riders in the middle of that group were riding on the LEFT (oncoming) edge of the trail. At a stop sign, the sweeper for the group waved us by, and I thought GREAT! - we can get by these unsafe idiots. WRONG - we went around the last 2 or 3 sleds and the group takes off. The leader never looked back to check on his group or to see that the sweeper waved us around them. We were stuck in the middle of this group for about 4 - 5 miles until they turned off - no way we could pass the rest of the group with them riding on the wrong side of the trail.
Later in Lake Tomahawk came to intersection of 47/17 and tried to turn onto 17. Had to wait since there was a large oncoming group at the stop sign waiting and they were stopped 3 sleds wide blocking the trail.
A few miles later we came up behind a group of 4 sleds going up the RR grade. When they came upon the intersection to turn left off the RR grade to go towards Lake Minocqua, they all stopped staggered across the trail, blocking the entire trail. We waited until they made up their minds on what they were going to do, but oncoming riders may not have been able to.
I don't know if some people are that oblivious to their surroundings, don't care, or what, but any of these three incidents could have resulted in crashes and someone getting hurt. Everyone - be aware of what's going on around you and stay on your side of the trail. When you need to stop - pull over to the side and don't block the trail.
On a positive note - the trails were surprisingly good considering the amount of traffic this weekend and the low amount of new snow in the past couple of weeks. The Ski-Doo demo rides were a good addition to the event.
Ride Safe!
Later in Lake Tomahawk came to intersection of 47/17 and tried to turn onto 17. Had to wait since there was a large oncoming group at the stop sign waiting and they were stopped 3 sleds wide blocking the trail.
A few miles later we came up behind a group of 4 sleds going up the RR grade. When they came upon the intersection to turn left off the RR grade to go towards Lake Minocqua, they all stopped staggered across the trail, blocking the entire trail. We waited until they made up their minds on what they were going to do, but oncoming riders may not have been able to.
I don't know if some people are that oblivious to their surroundings, don't care, or what, but any of these three incidents could have resulted in crashes and someone getting hurt. Everyone - be aware of what's going on around you and stay on your side of the trail. When you need to stop - pull over to the side and don't block the trail.
On a positive note - the trails were surprisingly good considering the amount of traffic this weekend and the low amount of new snow in the past couple of weeks. The Ski-Doo demo rides were a good addition to the event.
Ride Safe!