Well we really don’t pay attention to Puxatauney Phil because no matter what that little guy says we always will have six more weeks of winter…..and with some measurable precipitation due in Thursday into Friday we are smiling thinking we will have awesome sledding until March!!!
But more important than the snow is the fact that it is Moosestompers Weekend in Houlton and it is packed full of fun activities for indoor and outdoor enthusiasts. With the 1st Annual Snowdance (I think it already is working !!), a giant bonfire, a snowmobile parade, a crafts fair and of course the Moosestompers Ball you can be sure a little snow won’t dampen anyone’s spirits ! Now if you haven’t been to the Moosestompers Ball don’t be misled…..no ties nor tuxes ……no frills…..just good food, good old foot stomping music and of course lots of folks to just jaw with. So put on your Sorrel boots or whatever and get to Houlton.
And Saturday you should stop by Fort Kent for the USCC cross country racing series. It will be held off ITS 85 between Frenchville and Ft Kent with racing beginning at 9:30 a.m. The United States Cross Country Racing Series holds races annually in five states including Maine. Based out of Minto, North Dakota, the USCC Snowmobile Racing Association draws hundreds of professional and amateur drivers who compete on terrain type courses with a variety of dips, jumps, wooded windy trails…..and well you get the picture. All we ask is that if you feel the need for speed go watch the USCC racing but please don’t try it on the trails.
And speaking of trails…….seems we had a bad weekend last weekend….kept the Warden Service busy cleaning up from fender benders……most of which were the result of just a bit too much pressure on the throttle…..so please let’s improve our safety record and ride right, reduce speeds and pay attention to signage.
So if you are thinking of sledding this weekend here are some updates:
ITS 85 Everyone was out this week and the trail was excellent. Rt 92A between 85 and 92 is open and further south great reports are coming in on 71A which is now open.
ITS 83 We still have a reroute in the Oakfield area. Watch for Trail 64, Trail 61 and the Town Trail as that will be the new reroute for now. From there north the route is in excellent condition but remember there is a significant reroute between Bridgewater and Mars Hill…..please watch for signs.
ITS 81 From the St John Valley south to Mars Hill everyone has been out except the portion heading west of the ITS 105 intersection near Squa Pan is not open so plan ahead…ITS 105 and Rt 75 have been opened.
ITS 92 No problems here as everyone has been out. And yes the trail does connect to the Glazier Lake Loop beyond Allagash. Also 92A is open and groomed between 92 and 85.
ITS 90 Everyone has been out and the trail was seeing good traffic volume and a great surface.
ITS 88 Good reports and no problems reported on this one and traffic is relatively light.
ITS 86 Houlton and Ox Bow have been out. 71D is groomed into Grand Seboeis Lake complete with solar lights….nice touch!!!! Ox Bow is noting that riders need to stay on marked river crossing on 71A as there is some slush starting to show up, the ice has been dropping and there is water starting to flow on top of the river so again just stay on the marked reiver crossing.
ITS 105 From Van Buren to the ITS 81 intersection is open and groomed.
ITS 120 Just plain fantastic……..
Rt 100 REROUTED FURTHER NORTH……now the trail comes out about 1 mile south of Rt 94 out of Van Buren. Signage isn’t perfect so pay attention.
Rt 89 Now open between ITS 83/90 in Caribou north to Rt 94. PLEASE NOTE that Rt 100 now intersects further north about 1 mile south of the Rt 94 intersection. Pay attention.
Rt 94 NOW OPEN.
Rt 79 to Long Lake off ITS 105 has been groomed. The lake is marked and there is plenty of ice but please when night riding pay attention and look for vehicles and ice shacks. Grand Isle has groomed 98B toward the Country Club.
Daigle and Soldier Pond both projects have been out on their connector trails.
On The Social Side
Meduxneakeag Ramblers Breakfast Saturdays 6-9 a.m. at the clubhouse
Washburn Trailrunners Breakfast /Lunch Saturdays 7 a.m.-3p.m. Sunday 7 a.m.-noon at the clubhouse
Presque Isle Snowmobile Club Stew Nights Fridays 5-7 p.m. at the clubhouse
St Francis Sno Angels Saturday Meals …homecooked meals….stop by off ITS 92
February 14-16 Moosestompers Weekend in Houlton with outdoor activities for the whole family. There will be a bonfire on Friday night and a snowmobile parade in the park that same night and don’t forget the Moosestompers Ball Saturday.
February 15 Caribou Snowmobile Club Hot Dog Roast ITS 105 Stockholm starting 10 a.m.
February 15 USCC Cross Country Racing Series assessable off ITS 85 between Ft Kent & Frenchville Racing starts at 9:30 a.m. and will run through late afternoon.
February 15 Portage Lakers Pie Auction 7 p.m. at Deans
February 28-March 7 Youth/Junior World Championship Biathalon Nordic Heritage Ctr., Presque Isle