Yesterday, much of northern Michigan welcomed the first flakes of 2018-2019! While it may be a few weeks away, we’re ready to groom the trails.
We still have the Iceman Cometh Challenge on the horizon, but after that, mountain bikers from all over northern Michigan turn into fat bikers almost overnight! We’re excited to transition to the next season; a few feet of freshly fallen snow turn trails we’ve ridden for the last eight months into something totally new! There’s something pretty special about winter riding and skiing, and while we’re okay with a few more weeks of autumn weather; but when the switch flips, you know we’ll be out there!
Of course, the key to offering a truly great winter recreational experience is a dedicated grooming program, and we’re proud to offer groomed trails for this season. This year’s Winter Sports Trail will stick to the same beloved route as last year. Our volunteers have already been out in the woods cleaning up branches and downed trees to protect our equipment from damage, as well as to have markings ready so we can easily stick to the trail. Our use permit allows us to offer groomed trails from December 1 to April 1, on the condition that there is at least six inches of snow present.
We’ll again be offering two separate trails, one dedicated to cross-country skiing, and the other groomed for snowshoeing and fat biking. Having these two trails allows us to offer the very best experience for both user groups, with a special request that walkers or hikers refrain from these trails due to the damage from footprints. If you’d like to explore by foot, make sure those feet have snowshoes strapped on!
Of course, all of this comes down to the hard work of our volunteer groomers and to your support. By purchasing a grooming badge, you help us put gas in the tank, make repairs, and keep our machines and equipment running for what could be an especially long winter. The 2018-2019 grooming program is already fired up; you can purchase your Cadillac Pathway grooming badge, as well as badges for other NMMBA and TART trails, all right here.
It’s only a matter of time until the snow sticks; grab your badge, wax your skis, or break out your fat bike, and let’s get ready for the next fun season of outdoor enjoyment!