Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray's Retreat - 11/21

Its a beautiful snowy day out there! We are loving it. Trails do not open until December 1st, but conditions are looking good for trails to be ready to ride.

We had to get out and play a bit in the snow with our sleds. We have about 8 inches on the ground right now, so enjoyed a quick ride around on the backroads/two tracks.

It just makes you giddy to see the snow back!

NINE Days until the trails open! Are you ready?

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Sebefus,

Email me at howardsth14@yahoo.com and I'll give you my phone number to call. I live on the east side of Manuka Lake and the trails are close. I can show you how to hop right on and get into town no problem. I take my sled to work quite a few times in the winter (in town).

Gaylord Area Winter Storm Warning - Nov. 30 - Dec. 1

Statement as of 7:50 PM EST on November 30, 2008

… Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 4 PM EST Monday…

A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 4 PM EST Monday.

Snow will become heavy at times tonight through Monday midday…
before gradually diminishing Monday afternoon. Snow accumulations
ranging from 6 to 9 inches are expected by late Monday.

A Winter Storm Warning for heavy snow means severe winter weather
conditions are expected. Significant amounts of snow will make
travel dangerous. If you must travel… use extreme caution.

Thanks Bear.

Hello,
As a property owner on Starvation Lake Road, Mancelona Michigan, we get a large number of recreational snowmobilers. I have one concern with the lack of respect to property owners. I live here year around. It should be noted if snowmobilers are not on a trail, public land, state land, or a road, they are more than likely on private property.

I am handicapped and do not have a snow plow. I use a walk-behind snow blower to keep my drive opened up. In snowblowing my driveway, large snow banks accumulate on either side of my drive. Some snowmobilers find these snow banks as a challenge and enjoy riding up on them. In doing so, snowmobilers pack the snow across the end of my drive. Using a sled and of course the weight of the individual on the sled, this snow packs down as hard as concrete and is impossible for me to remove. THIS IS MY YARD! I would appreciate snowmobilers staying on the road and stay off of my property. Furthermore, I believe there are laws governing snowmobile driving on the roadway. Starvation Lake Road is not for drag-racing at speeds approaching 100 miles per hour!

I would also ask snowmobilers to understand people out here have jobs and must get their sleep. On weekends there are those who get out of the bar at 2 AM closing and find the need to drag-race at dangerous speeds. Some of these sleds have little to no sound abatement. I would guess if I got in my vehicle after being in the bar, and at 2 AM or later, drove through your neighborhood in excess of the posted legal speed limit, drag racing with a vehicle with no muffler, I would be arrested. If I drove my vehicle through your yard, again I would be arrested. All I am asking is have respect for the rules of the road and to have respect for the property owners whose neighborhoods you ride through. Riding down the road against traffic on the wrong side of the road is illegal and dangerous.

I am fully for and support snowmobiling in our area and am not trying to promote a "NO Fun Zone" but it would go a long way with those of us that are fortunate enough to live in the area, that you also promote the legal and courteous use of sleds in the area.

Can someone from the Gaylord area provide me with an honest summary of what is going on with the grooming of the Gaylord trails. I've talked to several friends who rode there last week and they were really disappointed. They are canceling plans for Gaylord.

Don't care much for the politics of the situation, just what I should expect if I bring a large group of people to the area for the first time. I have a rental in the area reserved for late December and am leaning towards going elsewhere based on what I've heard from those who have ridden the Gaylord trails and speculated as to what they will be like the rest of the year.

Thanks.

RAYS RETREAT TRAIL REPORT - December 6, 2008

Gaylord trails have been groomed. Riders went out last night midnight taking trail 4 and report it was good riding. Trail 7 in front of us was groomed about 6 pm last night and its greatly improved.

Sparky and I just watched sledders flying by the motel, and didn't see them bumping along!

More snow.

Its deep. You do not want to get off trail without being prepared to dig yourself out. One room had to leave early this morning after a trip to the walk in clinic for a wrenched back after digging his sled out.
Drive Safe and Have Fun

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Thanks for creating the second board and your objective reporting of the trail conditions & related issues.

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray's Retreat - 12/10

It was a beautiful day on the trails!
We had snow all day yesterday, another 6-8 inches around us. They got more in surrounding areas. Everyday we seem to get another fresh layer. No stale snow laying around here in Northern Michigan.

We headed north on trail 7/4 into Gaylord. A few bumps, but not much. We still traveled along at a good clip, mostly 40 mph. I really don't like to go much faster than that along here with the railroad tracks, and several narrow areas.

The section running behind Extreme was very rough, but it can't be groomed right there. Crossing over US 27 following trail 4 onto the North Loop. This hasn't been groomed since fresh snow, but it was still good riding. Very few bumps.
We then took 448 to Lewistown. Our first time riding to Lewistown. This was excellent riding. It had been freshly groomed and was pure pleasure.

We stopped for lunch in Lewistown. I found it a little confusing manuevering thru Lewistown itself. Zigs and Zags through the city streets. This was some rough going mainly because every time it crosses a street, the snow banks are so deep from snow plows its some hill climbing to get up and over. I was sure I was going to tip over two different times. Lean and gas got me back onto the straighway before that happened.

448 and 449 were beautiful just iced runways. A little stretch where there is a bridge, and groomer can't get thru was very bumpy but shortlived.

We rode a total of 88 miles. Both of us enjoyed it all the way. No ibuprofen needed.
1-3 inches of snow forecasted for tomorrow, and 3-5 inches Thurs night.

We saw just a few riders, but those few unnerved me enough to be glad I don't have to ride on the weekend when there would be so many more of them to scare me.
Enjoy the snow, but drive safely. When you're coming up on a hill - remember to stay on your side - as you come flying up and over it could be me you're headed right into! ... luckily there were no trees on my side and both Mike and I were able to swerve a sharp right to avoid a head on.

It's always nice to do the hand signals indicating 1 rider, 2, or 5 behind you. But if you're racing 80 mph, riding standing up and can't handle your sled with the one hand... don't bother! I'll understand. A yellow sled came flying by attempting to do just that, lost control and got my pulse jng for a room that starts your day off with a hot breakfastumping again.

If you're able to get away during the week, that's the best time to enjoy good trails with little traffic.

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Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray's Retreat - 12/15

We still have plenty of snow on the ground. Bitter cold, snowing and blowing thru today. Nasty day to be on the roads. The trail looks good and smooth.

We'll find out more when we head out tomorrow for a ride.

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I just sold my two sleds this week. Im glad i did. Just saw on the news that trail permits will go to 35 bucks in 2009 and 45 bucks in 2010. Screw that. When the trail permits started they were 10 bucks. Thank the idiots at MSA for the increase.

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray's Retreat - 12/22

This is a great week to enjoy the trails. They're in excellent condition, very little riders, and fresh snow nearly everyday.

We had riders go south to enjoy the Cranberry Trail (they headed out on trail 7 south, to 6) and then hit the Cranberry Trail around to Bear Lake, Blue Bear Trail. They said it was a fantastic ride. Really enjoyed their day. Grooming was excellent. Scenary just as good. They thought it was one of their favorite trails they've ridden.

It will be busy after Christmas on the trails. If you have time off and are looking for a room this weekend, we have had a cancellation opening up two rooms. You can park your sleds outside your room, enjoy a hot breakfast (included in room price) and be on the trail within a minute after jumping on that sled. (call 989-732-2703 or 989-732-4914 if you're interested in making a reservation).

Here's the report from Sunday nights ride:

We just returned from a great ride heading over to The Settings for a late lunch/early dinner. It was a shorter ride than we normally do, but after cleaning rooms 45 miles was enough to enjoy.

We took trail 7 (in front of us) to 4, and traveled that over to Lakes of the North. Very good riding. We've had light snow all day with wind gusts. We knew the groomer was ahead of us as we got off the Mancelona Hills thru the Camper Valley. We caught up with him just at the powerlines, when we had to pass him. Trails were still in decent shape except for some corners and bottoms of hills. The curves and hills had bumps in them just to wake you up in case you were getting complacent enjoying the good ride.

We enjoyed sandwiches inside. When we headed out, there was the groomer coming in. The return trip was a great ride on the newly groomed trail. We made excellent time enjoying the time out on the trail.

All our rooms enjoyed good riding this today and yesterday. Trails are in overall good to great shape. Fresh snow continues to fall and be in the forecast thru this week.

I'll be posting pictures from todays ride on the blog later this evening. www.raysretreatcountryinn.com/blog

Hope to see you on the trail, or even better at Rays Retreat.

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Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray's Retreat - 01/04

After everyone left today, and we had cleaned rooms and resting a bit. We had to get out on our sleds ourselves.. its been almost TWO weeks. It was the perfect time to get out Trails had been groomed, and there was barely anyone out. We rode trails 7 and 4. Both were absolutly great! and many times perfectly excellent. If you could have seen Mike flying, then you would know absolutely without a doubt those trails were in top shape.

If you're looking for good trail conditions now is the time to come out now that all the holiday riders have left to go home. This week will be great riding.

Enjoy being able to jump on the trail directly from your room. No exaggeration, from your room onto the trail in one minute! Can't get any easier than that when you stay at Ray's Retreat. You can also start your day on the trails with a hot breakfast included in your room price. Give us a call to make your reservation. 989-732-2703 or 989-732-4914

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Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray's Retreat - 01/12

We enjoyed our ride today. We headed south out of the motel, on trail 7. Great riding. When we crossed over Old 27 at Frederick it got rough through the first stretch of woods. Once we crossed Wilcox Bridge road, on trail 47 it was excellent. Could not have been any better. The corners were icier in a few spots and I also tipped over more than once. The smooth ride continued into Lovells. We gassed up, and then continued on trail 47 heading back into Gaylord. It was not as smooth but still a very good ride. A few rolling bumps here and there, but overall a great ride.

Lunched at Mama Leones and then flew back on trail 7 to home. Trail 7 along the highway was excellent. Took a short detour back onto trail 4, and it was in great shape too.

A total of 77 miles and enjoyed it immensely.

Again, I repeat, the best riding is during the week.

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Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray's Retreat - 01/14

Riders continue to enjoy good trail conditions along with the frigid cold temps. The ride north to the bridge continues to be a beautiful ride all the way. Lovells and Starvation Lake, along with Jordan Valley are in great shape. Several rooms rode The Blue Bear and Cranberry stating it was an enjoyable ride.

2-4 inches of new snow is in the forecast for tomorrow. One more night and day of the fridge artic temps before things get more comfortable in the low 20s for the weekend.

THIS weekend is Houghton Lakes Tip Up Town, and the Snow Cross Races in Gaylord.

Tuesdays Ride:

We enjoyed our ride today. We headed south out of the motel, on trail 7. Great riding. When we crossed over Old 27 at Frederick it got rough through the first stretch of woods. Once we crossed Wilcox Bridge road, on trail 47 it was excellent. Could not have been any better. The corners were icier in a few spots and I also tipped over more than once. The smooth ride continued into Lovells. We gassed up, and then continued on trail 47 heading back into Gaylord. It was not as smooth but still a very good ride. A few rolling bumps here and there, but overall a great ride.

Lunched at Mama Leones and then flew back on trail 7 to home. Trail 7 along the highway was excellent. Took a short detour back onto trail 4, and it was in great shape too.

A total of 77 miles and enjoyed it imensely.

Again, I repeat, the best riding is during the week.

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Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray's Retreat - 01/21

Beautiful Day on the trails. Enjoyed an all day ride up to the bridge. Total of 155 miles (Bob's sled had 154 miles, my sled showed 156, so I took the middle!)..
Bob was our leader for our group of 6 that headed out this morning after breakfast heading north on trail 7. Great shape. Still don't like having to cross Main Street in Gaylord. Can't believe there hasn't been a sled/car accident there.

Some bouncing on the trail north of Gaylord to south of Wolverine. Not bad.

Mostly excellent trails thru out the day.

Burt Lake is huge when you're riding around it, 35 mph and stopping every few feet. This section is clearly labeled 35 mph, and no riding on this part of the trail from 12 am to 8 am so those home owners can enjoy thier beauty sleep.
I still enjoyed this section of ride. Gives you a chance to see the lake homes up close. One homeowner had their own little sign by the drive that read : Quiet Zone. Accelerate Slowly.
Duh? .............how can you accelerate fast when you're only accelerating to 35 mph???

Enjoyed lunch at Mackinac City, and then the ride along the Mighty Mac. She's always beautiful. Spring/Summer/Fall/Winter.

We took trail 7 north thru Indian River, Cheyboygan and then Mackinac City. From there we headed down through Pellston, Alanson, Wolverine, and back on trail 7 heading home.

The trail coming out of Alanson south was rough for a little bit.

Everyone enjoyed the ride through the woods past Weber Lake.

155 miles of great riding. This has been a great year on the trails anytime we've went out. Hope you'll get a chance to come north and enjoy them.

You can stay at Rays Retreat where you can enjoy a hot breakfast (included in room price) before starting your day on the trail while talking with other riders and finding the best rides. Jump on our sled and be on the trail in one minute. We are located directly on the trail. Cable tv, in room refrigerators, microwaves, wifi. All you need to enjoy your winter vacation.
989-732-2703 or 989-732-4914.

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Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray's Retreat - 01/25

Great riding continues here in the Gaylord area.

Yesterday was a mixed bag with trails getting rough later in the day, but then groomers were out and evening riders were pleased with their rides.

Today everyone has returned saying pretty much every mile of their ride was a real joy. We had one guy say that it was time to pack up all his riding gear/sled... it couldn't get any better so time to end on a perfect note.

It was a very busy day on the trails yesterday but groomers were out last night, and again tonight so they're in fine shape for the more peaceful weekday riding.

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Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray's Retreat - 02/02

What could be more fun than being out on a snowmobile on a great winter trail? I just can't think of one thing I would rather be doing.

Another great day of riding. 90 miles, with only about 10-15 miles of riding with some bumps, dips and ripples. We headed south on trail 7 along Old 27. Sweet............freshly groomed, sweet smooth riding.

When we crossed over 27 down at Frederick, then trail 7 was a little rough. We soon came head to head with the groomer. This gets a bit tricky when its curvy, woody and high snowbanks. Its nice to have reverse. From then on trail 7 south to Grayling and south of Grayling was awesome. We started down the trail to Roscommon but turned around when we got to Four Mile Road it was all dry pavement over the interstate so we turned around and got back on the groomed trail. Then tried turning down to the Cranberry/Houghton Lake, but it was extremely bumpy. Went about 3 miles before turning around to get back on the groomed trail. Took it along to the Blue Bear. The first half of the Blue Bear was great. Ran into another groomer. The second half of the Blue Bear hadn't been groomed and had some good some bumps for a short distance.
Good riding from Lakes of the North to home.

Fun Day. Hope you'll get a chance to get up and enjoy these great trail conditions. Give us a call if you're looking for a place to stay. 989-732-4914

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two great events at the same weekend in the Soo Sat Feb 21
Mike bertram memorial fun run
http://www.sootrails.freeforums.org/bertram-memorila-run-feb-21-2009-t36.html
and the Soo Radar Run sat feb 21
http://www.sootrails.freeforums.org/radar-runs-for-2009-t12.html

www.sootrails.org click forum then events

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray's Retreat - 12/27

We didn't get the big snow they were calling for last night, which is a disappointment. But, we didn't get the rain they got further south of us. Some freezing rain, and about an inch/two of snow.
Which means, Gaylord trails are in good riding shape. As are the surround trails. Riders enjoyed their riders north to Indian River, the Bridge, over to the Jordan Valley. Everyone said the trails were in good shape.
The time to ride without the traffic is during the week. Hope you'll get a chance to get up this week and enjoy northern Michigans great trails.

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I think Mike and Ann Ray are the only snowmobilers on the Gaylord trails midweek..... here's another ride report...

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray's Retreat - 03/05

We just got back from another great ride. Such fun! ... Its been cloudy all day, although it has warmed up. Still a great base on the trails especially through the wooded areas.
We headed out this morning 9 am. It was 32 degrees. Took a left out of the motel, on trail 7 (south). It had been groomed. Was that icing smooth. So pretty. That continued until we hit Crawford County, just south of Waters. There their county crews had decided to plow another lane in the old highway and thrown hugh chunks of hard frozen snow and ice all over the trail. This continued all the way to Frederick. Major boulder obstacles and dangerous! What a shame to ruin such a beautiful run of trail.
Then we headed to Lovells. Great trail riding all the way there. Lots of icy corners, so beware. From Lovells we went to Lewistown. Again, loved this ride. Great smooth trails. No problems. Just the one stretch over the little bridge (where they do not groom) that was rough, but their trails were awesome. When we stopped on the trail just in Lovells for a break, another rider stopped and said he had started that way and turned around because a group of riders told him it was mud and bad. He should not have listened to them. Don't know where they had been riding... but we never saw it.
Fun, Fun, Fun! Stopped for lunch in Lewistown and then onto Gaylord. More great riding.
As we were heading home, south of trail 7 it was wet as you came up to the crossroads, but trail still holding up. Won't take much sun or more warmth and this part of the trail will be the first to go. Still smooth sailing on home.
Good riding for the rest of today, should be able to get in a decent ride tomorrow even...and then it'll be wait and see if we get rain, freezing rain or snow. hmmmmm

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Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray's Retreat - 03/11

Trails condition vary... from fair to good. We've gotten another 3 to 4 inches of new snow today, with the blowing ... there's icy spots.

We do have riders our and they enjoyed 80 miles of riding this afternoon. They say decent riding for March.

Rates have been reduced in March so give us a call if you're coming up.

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Get a free chance to win an entry to the Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Ascn. Fun Run and Rally Jan 29-30, 2010 at the Don Dee Lanes on Mackinaw Trail Rd. in the Soo.
Send an e-mail subject line RALLY with your Name, Address and Phone number to cgbjake@yahoo.com One entry per e-mail address please
Or send your Name, Address and Phone number to Sault Snowmobile Ascn. P.O. Box 877, Sault Ste. Marie, Mi. 49783 Attention Rally..Please one entry per address
.All entries must be recieved by Jan 18, 2010. Drawing will be held on Jan 20th, 2010
Winner will be notified by phone
For more info on the Rally and Fun Run click http://www.sootrails.freeforums.org/post15.html...
Web site at www.sootrails.org

Still looking for verified reports of the Gaylord Groomer grooming the trails....

Post your Gaylord Groomer report here.

Latest report from the council page.....

(Grooming is unknown at this time!)

Gaylord Trail Report
Gaylord Area Snowmobile Trials Council
Updated: 12/15/2009
Base: 0 inches
Snowfall Past 24 hours: 2 inches
Last Grooming: Grooming is unknown at this time!

Current Trail Conditions: Fair

The trails are open. We received 1 - 2 inches of new snow last night. Chance of more snow in the coming week. Snow ranges any where from 10 - 17 inches in and around the Gaylord area!

See Pete at Sledheads.. www.frederic-mi.com he has sleds, cottage, trail info., video cam, daily reports, parts, helmets, clothing, campfire, close to gas station and food..he knows the area

Traci - from Cleveland