PRESIDENT'S CORNER - March 2008

Hi Snogoers;

HAD ENOUGH SNOW YET?

When was the last time we could ask that question???? After several years of minimal or no snow, we finally have had a banner snow year. There are areas where we have 6ft.+ snow on the ground. After the initial soft snow we had back in December, the snow pack has hardened and we have been able to ride off-trail all season. What a bonus!! The only area of low snow conditions has been both sides of Worster’s Bridge on northbound ITS 85. That area has been mostly dirt and water for the past 2 months. It seems that the wind keeps sweeping the snow off this area and that portion of the ITS trails has been miserable until just recently. With the private contractor grooming the ITS trails 5 nights a week, our big trail system has been good to excellent after each grooming. On days when the groomer has not gone out, the trails have been rough. Remember, as always, the grooming contract is limited and the costs have skyrocketed this year. Many of the clubs and grooming contractors are not able to afford to groom every night and that is making it difficult for these grooming associations to stay afloat and keep grooming during this longer than usual season. The DOC has promised to help as clubs run out of money. We’ll have to see about that!

Our Snowfest activities went very well, with many participants getting involved. We had a 100+ people attend the Chili/Chowder Cookoff and it was standing room only for more than an hour. We had a record 10-chili/chowder taste stations and the BEST CHOWDER went to the Lodge at Moosehead by 1 vote. The BEST CHILI went to Rod and Reel, who has been a perennial favorite each year. The very cold weather on Saturday limited our outdoor activities, but the morning guided ride was spectacular on our new trail in the mountains north of Greenville. We moved our cook-out to a cook-in at the clubhouse and we again had people out the front door waiting for our peanut-oil turkey. That very cold evening, we had about 30 sleds converge on the huge bonfire in the East Cove and after some hot chocolate; the colorfully lit snowmobile parade to the West Cove car races was a treat for the eyes. Thanks to everyone who participated and attended the festivities this year. Come Back Next Year!

We may still be riding in April again this year if the snow keeps coming! March will surely be a great riding month this year and spring riding in the mountains should be as good as it gets. So come out and enjoy the riding on those warm, long days of the end of the season. Don’t put your sleds away yet!!

Tom McCormick
MRSC President
Contact me at   695 - 4543
email:    dtmccormick_20@msn.com