ot: anyone interested in snowmobiling with me Vincent Smith and Durrel Robinson?

Submitted by MrSmith on
Hello everyone Durrel (Denards brother) and I were sitting here thinking that we never been snow mobiling because we are from Florida. We were wondering if anyone would be interested or where to go. On my phone so here's a link to a picture because it wont let me put it direct. http://i.imgur.com/ZAqteGh.jpg Happy New Year Vincent and Durrel

Red_Lee

January 2nd, 2015 at 4:09 PM ^

Come on up to the UP. Munising has a place to rent snowmobiles and there's enough snowmobile trails up here to stretch from LA to Boston. I'd be happy to show you guys around God's country if you need a guide.

Victor Hale II

January 2nd, 2015 at 4:10 PM ^

Conditions aren't the greatest for riding in the eastern UP at the moment. I'd imagine it's like that in most other traditional riding locales. While there are sleds out and about, I would advise waiting a little longer. FWIW, I'm a snowmobiling veteran of 20 years. Got out of it a few years ago, however.

MGomaha

January 2nd, 2015 at 4:11 PM ^

I remember snow mobiling as a kid and feeling cool because I had a helmet with a visor but then it'd fog up so I'd have to move the visor up. Good times.

Victor Hale II

January 2nd, 2015 at 4:24 PM ^

Are you planning to rent sleds? Might I suggest looking for ones with amenities such as a higher windshield and heated grips? Your mention of goggles had me wondering what kind of gear you have, and if you don't have really good gear, the features I mentioned can be lifesavers. I recall riding all night in 40 below zero in 1994, and I didn't get cold at all due to a good helmet, windshield protection and hot grips. Anyway, a good balaclava, full face helmet/shield would be good, although many guys do go with an open face and goggle combo. Goggles are less prone to fogging.

xtramelanin

January 2nd, 2015 at 4:11 PM ^

not a lot of snow right now, though we are expecting 1/2 foot tomorrow.  you may need to head up to the UP to get on a sled.

xtramelanin

January 2nd, 2015 at 4:25 PM ^

head north.  sounds like a very kind offer from that top post. 

the munising idea is the best one.   we used to live in marquette (40 miles west) and munising was under a constant lake effect snow shower most winters.   go to the dog patch restaurant while you're there.    taq falls is nice, lots of snowmobile trails.  and don't go without somebody who knows the area and snowmobiles.   you can get in some real uncomfortable spots if you don't know what you're doing.

Darker Blue

January 2nd, 2015 at 4:12 PM ^

Oh wow, Vincent snowmobiling is a helluva good time (as long as you dress warm. ) I don't know what you had in mind, but the tip of the mitten, the western UP and all along the Lake Superior shoreline are great places to ride. I don't have a sled at the moment but the second this thread went up I hit up a guy I know who may have an extra sled. If you end up going I want in. 

mgobaran

January 2nd, 2015 at 4:20 PM ^

Born and raised up near Traverse City, and as much as I love riding my snowmobile around the trails up there, you just can't beat the U.P. Best place to ride in the world. Go with any one of these guys' suggestions and you will have a blast.

mgobleu

January 2nd, 2015 at 4:44 PM ^

Back when I was young and dumb I used to ride quite a bit. Best ride I ever had was a 4 day backpacking trip where we went from St. Ignace, up to Grand Marais, around to Sault Ste. Marie. Then, the coolest part was in DeTour where we hopped on the last ferry at midnight and rode across to Drummond Island. Drummond Island resort is a really nice place to stay and pretty cheap in the winter. 

All that said, yeah, the eastern U.P. probably isn't that great for snowcover right now. 

Beat_the_Bucks

January 2nd, 2015 at 5:18 PM ^

It has been snowing up here, that last few days. It's ok, but not great right now, in my opinion. There is a storm, suppose to hit in the morning and go through Sunday. The snow situation will be good for snowmobiling after this storm. We are suppose to get 6 plus inches, possibly more. Extended forecast is calling for snow and cold temps all week.




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bcoop713

January 2nd, 2015 at 4:51 PM ^

brimley mi in the up is awesome for that. super tiny town with small town log cabin bar on lake Superior. Indian casinos abound. it's also only 30 mins from Sault st Marie and 5 hours from Ann arbor.

all the bars and restaurants have snow mobile parking and trails are everywhere.

I've never been to taiquamenon falls in the winter, but I'm sure they have something going on, and that's only 40 mins away as well.

kehnonymous

January 2nd, 2015 at 5:02 PM ^

Vince - sorry this is off-topic, but are #eating shirts still available to purchase?  I originally did contribute to the kickstarter but didn't get a shirt at the time.  If they're still available, what's the best channel to get one and make sure my money all goes to your gardens?

maizemama

January 2nd, 2015 at 5:02 PM ^

make sure you have an experienced person take you shopping for the proper warm clothes in advance - it really will make a difference. I used to hate winter, but now that I have proper clothing for cold weather, I love being out in the snow and am quite bummed we don't have good snow yet.

UPMichigan

January 2nd, 2015 at 6:10 PM ^

If you go to Manistique (in the UP) you can stay at Jack Pine Lodge and rent a cabin which is right on the trails for $65 a night. The lodge has food (legitimate meals) and drink literally 100 feet from your cabin. You can rent sleds in Wetmore (right next to Munising) which is about a 30 minute drive from Jack Pine. You can ride the trails all day long and have a blast. But it all depends on what you want to do.

Do you want to cover as much ground as possible and have the peace and quiet? Or do you want to go with a large group and socialize without covering as much ground, but still get the experience?

Chances are, if you go with someone who knows the trails, they may lend you a sled for the day because most people who snowmobile up here usually own more than one. I'm sure someone can provide you a helmet also. I wouldn't ride without one because it's almost a guarantee you'll get frostbite if you don't wear one.