It's a start...

12.31.2015 First day out!

Happy New Year!!!!

Well, this is the first season in memory where we haven't been able to get onto the ice before New Year's. We were worried that this would be the first season that we hadn't been able to ride before January 1st but a brief moment of cold and a little wintry precept manage to get us in just before the new year.  We scouted several locations and found some "rideable" conditions in Maine just over in North Fryeburg on some of the Green Thumb farm's property.  Conditions were about 4-5" of wet snow on top of unfrozen dirt furrows. You had to ski a flat ski and not edge too hard.  Crashing, wear armor and avoid crashing if possible.  Don't bust out the good skis and bring the widest skis you have.

If you have never been to Green Thumb you need to check in at their head office to get permission and sign the waivers.  The owners are very busy but also friendly.  Authorized users are allowed to ride pretty much anywhere and they only parcels they specifically say not to ride in are the tree farms.  Otherwise it's pretty free range.  Be aware of your surroundings.  Make note of farm equipment and know that you are using their land at your own risk. 

You have to have the permission form in your vehicle when accessing the property.  

Most of the fields in North Fryeburg are either owned or leased by GTF.  They have a map that shows where you can and can't go.  Some neighboring land owners are not happy to have visitors so be aware of which fields you are accessing if you happen to venture up here.  

There is now ice yet which is why we are making the rare effort to find good land based riding.  We have a good cold snap coming next week which should get the ice machine kicked into gear.  Small land based areas will do for now but we want room to run!!!