Trail Conditions: Early Season
Snow Cover: Need More!
Date of Report: December 29, 2022
Area Report:
New Years weekend is historically one of the busiest of the season. Extensive traffic and minimal snow conditions are not a combination that bodes well for the trails. It’s been two weeks since we’ve had any wet, heavy snow (dry, fluffy snow does not help us) and it’s becoming obvious. When trails opened we only had a 2″ base to work with.
Most of the Barnstormer trail system has been in fair to good condition. The 2 mile stretch coming into Sayner is always our hardest hit and is in poor condition with deep ruts. I’m told Plum Lake will be marked on Monday, so that will take some pressure off the town trail.
After taking a ride yesterday through three neighboring club systems, it was obvious that other clubs are fighting the same issues. You’ll find a lot of decent riding, but high traffic areas are getting hit hard. Every club is doing what they can, but without some more wet snow to work with, we are grooming with dry, worn out snow that will not pack or stay in place.
The Barnstormers will continue doing the best we can with the conditions Mother Nature is offering. It looks like our best chance for more snow is Tuesday. High temp is forecast at 35, so it hopefully, it will be more snow than rain!
And finally, after seeing some negative posts on social media, I feel like I have to respond. If you have never been a groomer driver, please don’t comment as if you know what it takes maintain the trails. All of the Vilas County clubs are run by people that have been doing this for a very long time. Blaming the clubs for conditions that are outside of their control is uncalled for and not at all helpful.
TRAIL CLOSURE NOTICE: Due to ongoing logging operations, the Barnstormer’s trail #51 is CLOSED between TIN 344 and 353! DO NOT RIDE THIS SECTION OF TRAIL!
Mark your calendars for the following Barnstormer Fundraising Events!
Saturday, January 14, 2023: Brats On The Trail – Join us at Trail Marker #217 for Brats on the trailside! We will have chili, hot dogs, brats, chips and beverages. A small bonfire to sit/stand around.
Saturday, January 21, 2023: Stillwaters Snowmobile Breakfast – 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM.
Saturday, February 4, 2023: Annual Chili Dump – Join us at Murmuring Waters from 2:00 – 5:00 for our Annual Chili Dump.
Sunday, February 19, 2023: Pizza Fundraiser – Join us at The Hillside Tavern and Grill from 4:00 – 8:00 for our Pizza Fundraiser!