Joined: Jan 2007 Gender: Male Posts: 117 Location: GFW
Exploits Volunteers « Result #1 Today at 6:42pm »
To the Volunteers of the Exploits Snowmobile Association:
You folks should pat yourselves on the back as the efforts put forth by all have been unbelievable. You are out clearing alders, replacing culverts, building bridges and making the trails in this region second to none...and all on your own personal time!
I have been part of the ESA for a few years and have never seen a more committed and motivated group of people who have a genuine concern regarding the trail system and safe passage throughout. Since a little over a year ago, you set goals to make this happen and have been working together to meets these goals.
I would also like to congratulate Dave Noel for his time and commitment for leading this great group during times when the challenges and frustrations sometimes can be overbearing but he has risen far beyond the challenges.
Although we don’t have much snow as of yet, I am sure that once we do, those who use the trails in Central will recognize what an outstanding effort has been ongoing by members of the Exploits Snowmobile Association.
Joined: Jan 2007 Gender: Male Posts: 117 Location: GFW
TRAIL PASSES NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE « Result #2 on Nov 9, 2009, 5:51pm »
Folks,
In the next few days we will be trying to get trail passes out to vendors once they become available to the NLSF. In the meantime those getting excited to obtain theirs before then can do so online via the following URL:
Snowmobile Rentals in Central « Result #3 on Oct 24, 2009, 8:06am »
RiverFront Chalets is renting snowmobiles in Central! We are located just 20 km West of Grand Falls-Windsor right on the Trans Canada Trail. Come up anytime and see these new 4.5 star chalets or check them out at www.riverfrontchalets.com. We also offer snowmobile tours to Hodges Hill and the Gaff Topsails. Check out this testimonial by Sledworthy Mag!
Paul and Joy were our hosts for a most enjoyable weekend snowmobiling in Central Newfoundland. The first day we conquered Hodges Hills and day two was a tour across the Gaff Topsails. We were pleased to get great snow conditions for the end of March and even saw a caribou herd on the Gaff. Paul showed us some great riding places such as Mary March Brook that could be a very interesting play spot for next season. The accommodations were 10 out of 10. The new chalets are warm and welcoming with all you need for a perfect stay. From the Jacuzzi tub to the relaxing sofas and a fully equipped kitchen and BBQ, each chalet is ideal to prepare a great meal. And to top is all off, the hot tub overlooking the Exploits River is an amazing way to unwind after a day of great snowmobiling. Paul and Joy’s tours and accommodation are second to none. The tour to Hodges Hills and the Gaff topsails is definitely one of the top three snowmobile destinations in Central NL. I can’t wait to go back. Thanks Paul and Joy for a great trip. Jonathan Simon Sledworthy Magazine
Re: Snowmobile rentals in Central « Result #4 on Oct 24, 2009, 7:50am »
Hi, Yes there certainly is! We have GTX 500s for rent at Riverfront Chalets. We are located just 20 West of Grand Falls-Windsor...right on the Trans-Canada Trail. See www.riverfrontchalets.com
Polaris Frontier Touring « Result #5 on Oct 21, 2009, 8:04pm »
I'm looking for information of the Polaris Frontier 4-stroke Snowmobiles. My father is considering buying one, and asked me what I thought. I've only ever driven Yamahas and none of my buddies drive Polarises. Does anyone have any pertinent information? Or anything at all to say about these machines? Any comment would be greatly appreciated.
Joined: Jan 2007 Gender: Male Posts: 117 Location: GFW
Re: GROOMER UPDATE MAR 13 « Result #7 on Mar 13, 2009, 1:27pm »
Very Wise decision on the Safety concern in my opinion.
I was up around the Badger Lake area earlier today and the trails are smoother than I have ever seen them before and covered with a cm or 2 of powder. A big thanks to all the guys grooming all this week after such an extended mild spell.
GROOMER UPDATE MAR 13 « Result #8 on Mar 13, 2009, 11:47am »
The groomer left Badger this morning bound for Millertown. There are a couple of shallow rivers that it has to cross above the Junction. While attempting to transit over 4 mile river, she did break through and the operators had to cut her out using axes. They did get clear and continued on.
Once they reached 6 mile river, the operators determined that it would be likely that the groomer would again break through, and that a wall on the opposite side of the river was an obstacle that the groomer with the drag couldn't get over. It was too much of a risk for the operators and the equipment and they decided to turn around and head back to Badger.
The Association intends to survey the area this summer to determine our options for making the trail more accessible.
We apologize that we couldn't make it to our Millertown destination but understandably our priority are the safety of the operators and the equipment.
GROOMER UPDATE MAR 11 « Result #10 on Mar 11, 2009, 11:53am »
Apologies for the late update.
Monday MAR 9: ROUTE 4
Tuesday MAR 10: ROUTE 5
Wednesday MAR 11: ROUTE 3
Thursday MAR 12: ROUTE 2
Friday MAR 13 Rocky Brook Camps, Cornfield Lake, to Badger
Weekend MAR 14-15: Leave Badger and run right up to Millertown, and back to Grand Falls.
According to operators, the trails are good considering the recent mile spell. Reports indicate that there is enough "sugar" to keep the "sliders" cool.
Peters River on the New Bay trail remains flooded out and probably won't be crossed by the groomer for the remainder of the year. However, during the return trip from the New Bay Causeway yesterday, the operator did groom the original trail, then pulled a left onto the road just north of Peters River, went out to the highway, crossed the road bridge, and came back in on the road just south of Peters River, where he met up with the original trail towards the railbed.
GROOMER UPDATE MAR 6 « Result #11 on Mar 6, 2009, 9:34pm »
After checking the railbed in either direction, it was decided to hold off on grooming operations to await another snowfall. Most trails in the vicinity are as close to ice as you're going to get.
They are however forecasting light accumulations over the next 4 or 5 days. Once we get a dusting, the plan is to attempt ROUTES 4 and 5. Once complete, it will head out towards Badger to start a new cycle.
If we don't get any snow over the next couple of days, we will do what we can to get the groomer to places were snow conditions are suitable for grooming.
GROOMER UPDATE MAR 5 « Result #12 on Mar 5, 2009, 9:56pm »
One mild day would of been perfect.
Two mild days ended up being too much of a good thing.
Conditions in the Exploits region were great before the mild weather struck. Before last week, we had great snow with no bottom. Now we have a great bottom with little snow. A few reports indicate that conditions get better the further you travel in the country and away from the communities. However, that second mild day really got the water moving on bogs and rivers. Peter's River on the New Bay trail is flooded about 200ft across and is currently not a recommended route. Bogs have opened up and getting across them can be tricky. Ponds are completely full of slush and slob, all riders should stay clear.
ESA will attempt to run the groomer on the rough railbed between the towns tomorrow. If little progress is made, the groomer will head back and await for a snowfall.
Speaking of snowfalls, Weather Network is calling for 20-30cm on Monday and another 10cm on Tuesday.
Quit thinking about the bike and let's keep our fingers crossed!
Joined: Jan 2007 Gender: Male Posts: 117 Location: GFW
Re: GROOMER SCHEDULE FEB 24-28 « Result #15 on Feb 25, 2009, 2:26pm »
Please note that due to the upcomming Rendezvous this weekend in Stephenville, we are trying to set the primary trail from Jumpers Brook to Millertown Jct a priority as many people will be travelling from east to west on Friday and west to east on Sunday. This has been requested by the NLSF as is every year.