Witnessed the Unbelievable in Minocqua

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!
 

cdsprague

New member
I see that all the time! People don't really have a clue out there! Makes me wonder how they've made it this far in life? SAME RULES APPLY ON THE TRAIL WITH YOUR SLED AS ON THE ROAD WITH YOUR CAR! Pretty easy concept, but for some so hard to grasp!!
 

rp7x

Well-known member
lost in space

see it all the time first timers ,with a long track thier easy to pass
 

jhsledhed

New member
What?

What? they are not the only ones out riding? Come on, they are the only people out there.
Drives me CRAZY!!!!!!!!! Just have to think for a split second, but they just don't. Frustrating, but never gonna change.
 

yamahauler

Active member
Was riding south of Prior Lake and couldn't believe what I saw. I was almost certain if I followed these two people (because they wouldn't let me pass) that the women in the back was going to be killed because she kept going up the hills on the left....I couldn't believe my eyes as I seen another person in a different group do it as well.
 

ragex2

Member
I seldom see this stuff cuz I almost NEVER ride on weekends. mid-week must have less inexperienced? riders. gotta look out for them, sucks tho. be safe
 

nhra1000

Member
I see it all the time. Group blocking the WHOLE trail and then offended when they have to move. Ive seen more goofy sh$$ this year than ever before. Example(getting gas in my car in PI. Two guys pull up on brand new 800 Renegades. They pull nose to nose presumably so they can gas up togther. Guy hops off and starts filling his. His buddy or whoever says "hey how do you put gas in this thing...other guy walks over and shows him where the cap is..few seconds later...."how does this thing open"....Guy says "lefty loosey righty tighty" I almost **** myself. Riding a brand new 800 renegade and this knob doesnt know how to open a gas cap. Is this really who you want coming at you down the trail!!!!!) Real close to pulling the plug on the whole sport. Just not interested in dealing with this stuff anymore. Will take the money I spend(average 3-4K miles per year, oil, new sled or sleds every other year, trail permits) and build a couple more race sleds. At least that is a controlled enviornment..oh wait that isnt true either....getting ready to make a pass at Minocqua this weekend..happened to look up and some **** knob was drivng across the track. Yes driving across the track. Good thing we didnt pull the trigger at that point or it would have been ugly. Wore out. You guys have fun.
 

snobuilder

Well-known member
I call the imediate 30 mile radius that surrounds Minocqua the poser triangle,....wait ,...I guess that would be poser circle.....LOL....Getting around Rhinelander is also a real treat,....not so much for the sledders but for the trails and highways they cross.

I generally stop and kiss da trails once back in Fo.Co.
 
I expected the Minocqua area to be crowded Saturday and likely see some crazy stuff. It just was nuts how much crazy, unsafe stuff we came across in an afternoon. On Friday we rode to Boulder Junction, Manitowish Waters, Mercer, Minocqua and everything was good. It was less crowded, and other riders were great. Ran across DNR doing registration checks Friday by Manitowish Waters and Saturday south of Minocqua on the Bearskin too. Unfortunately, having a registration sticker doesn't necessarily mean you're a safe rider out there!
 

whitedust

Well-known member
You got to ride during week & stay away from towns as much as you can to avoid some of this. Most group leaders have no idea that they are responsible for an organized pass by faster sleds. If you end up in middle of mixed groups it is because the leader did not allow time & place for the pass & ends up everybody for themselves trying to regroup pass or whatever to stay part of their group. I really dislike this. What the heck if you have faster sled or sleds coming from behind pull over to right in a safe area wave them by & faster sleds are gone out of your hair good for them & good for you. I can't tell you the number of times riding alone I hang back waiting for the wave & never get it after knocking on the door many times & leader has no clue at all so sweeper knows he has been holding me for too long waves me by & I have to pick off each sled in group 1 at a time. Absolutely hate doing that but happens every ride during week or weekends. Leaders please get you act together.
 

polaris62

New member
I've seen all the things that have been mentioned and as been said it seems to happen more and more. Yes it can be very frustrating but is also sometimes very scary. More than once this year I have been met in a corner by a sled on my side. Luckily I was able to take their side to avoid hitting them ,but another sled following on the right side it could of been a bad day.None of us started as experts but it does seem common sense is dead. Perhaps a bad idea to stop in the middle of the trail at the bottom of a hill after a 90 degree turn, this happened to me. And yes the group looked at me like I was bothering them,sorry just want around once my heart starts again. My quess is maybe these riders are not learning from seasoned rider they just buy a sled and hit the trail. Maybe a course in trail saftey as a mandorty requirement to get your registration? We need to encourage all the people to join our sport however all of our saftey should be a concern. And as for the gas cap guy shame on a dealer for sending someone out that unprepared.
 

luv2sledd

New member
I have been there for several cruiser fest weekends and I firmly believe that that weekend event brings out many older and younger sledders. Many may be newbies to the sport others while others may just not think about the fact that they are out on a public trail. If you are there that weekend you need to venture away from Lake Minocqua and the immediate area - otherwise you are going to run into this situation.
 

attack_06

New member
there is a very good reason why one sees someone riding wrong side of trail on occasion but those of u that r not seasoned veterans will never ever understand why those of u that r know what im talking about it has alot to do with how tracks contour bumps on the trail
 
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