mikerider

Happy birthday Ray.

A very happy birthday. mike

That is some sharp! Love the color. Did BJ get one also? mike

So Phil, don't keep us guessing! I'm guessing an 850 SkiDoo X Renegade. mike

The past couple years some of you have mentioned interest in a Maine gathering and most seemed to prefer September, so I am putting this out there to see if there is enough interest September 15th thru the 18th, 2016, which is a Thursday-Sunday. This would be held at Bald Mountain Camps/Resort in Rangeley (actually Oquossoc, a section of Rangeley), on Mooselookmeguntic Lake. The camps were built in the late 1800's and have been updated and most cabins are just feet from the water and beach. Many have a full kitchen and some a kitchenette (everything minus a stove). I believe there are TV's in all the cabins with satellite reception. Cabins have a front porch with rocking chairs and cabins are only a few feet apart. Wifi at the main lodge. The main lodge next to the cabins has a bar and a stunning dining area, the chef is renowned in Maine. (meals are separate). Rates are per cabin $145 to 210 a night. Access is on a tarred road, no problem for the Harleys and antique car owners. I believe the camps are dog friendly. The lake is about 12 miles long, and 2/3's of the lake looks wilderness with no camps. Boat rentals at the camps include aluminum fishing boats, ski boat, and pontoon boats, along with canoes and kayaks, as well as the newest fad, paddleboards. Rangeley is a mountainous wilderness area. The town of Oquossoc has a general store, marina, garage and is about two miles from the camp. Rangeley is less than ten miles from the camp and has a small downtown area with some unique shops that my wife loves. There are 3 museums in town, two I am familiar with, an outdoor sporting museum and another of a world renowned scientist, and the third a logging museum. There is a myriad of things to do in this area. Rangeley is famous for its fishing of trout and salmon, with some famous rivers and ponds world renowned for fly fishing. Or just troll a lure from the boat and catch 3 to 5 lbs. brook trout right on Mooselook Lake. Being mountainous, the area has great hiking trails to the top of mountains with spectacular views, or walk into Angel Falls, you won't be disappointed. There is a seaplane service in Rangeley and its a great way to see all the lakes, mountains and sporting camps of the area. Also bring your bicycle as traffic is light on the roads. Bring your canoe or kayak, The area is full of rivers, lakes and ponds. The fall leaf colors should be 50 to 70%. Nice scenic car rides nearby,. While I have wined and dined several times at the restaurant at Bald Mountain Camps, just this past weekend I vacationed there for five days. It is now my favorite place in Maine. Nothing like drinking wine on the open porch til late at night, and being in the kayak on a remote pond at 6 AM fly fishing for brook trout There are a couple downsides. Rangeley is a long drive for some of you. There is a border crossing in New Hampshire and another south of Lac Megantic, QC which is about an hour and a half drive to Rangeley for our Quebec friends. You can fly into Portland and rent a car and drive 3 hours to the camp. And, the resort has only 14 cabins, all but a couple are waterfront. Most of the cabins have at least two or three bedrooms and small sleeping lofts so might want to share rooms with your QR friends. When I was at the camps this past weekend, all the cabins were available for Sept. 15-18 but the place is popular for weddings and can book overnight. Lets see over the next couple days if there is enough interest to do this, and if so we'll all have to book quick. (I would probably stay the entire week). mike

Condolences to you and Lisa. mike

Rob, through this site I have made so many good friends and those friends introduced me to even more good friends. I thank you. And most importantly, thank you for our friendship. Those rides together will always be special. mike

Happy birthday Iceman!

Happy birthday Jack! Have a great day. mike

Happy birthday Bill. mike

Amazing! Enjoy it guys. mike

Nice!

Nice find!

Ginger and I had a his and hers sleds. Ginger will have to ride your orange X when I'm around just to keep up the tradition. In reality, Ginger is safe, I'm keeping the 900 another year. Unless the lotto is good to me.

Ray, I'm getting the orange 850, so pick another color. I have been waiting for a Moto Ski revival sled now for like 45 years. mike

For those of us done for the winter, it is good to hear the stories of those still riding. Thanks! mike

Beautiful pictures and what a big mile day on a two up sled. The rivers look like they are capturing the melting snow. Thank you for posting your trip. mike

And a great job you did with the reports. Lots of snow. All depends on the weather, which isn't looking promising. Personally, I would not chance it with the couple days of rain and showers in the forecast. But I am just guessing. Did half day today and trails were outstanding. Group just back from Amqui said it was amazing. mike

When BJ goes to Quebec and gets to the border, he could show her picture instead of a passport!

So another season ends and home tomorrow. Riviere du Loup treated me to another season of great trails. And so many stopped by to say hi, or have a drink or meal together, or a ride together. I enjoyed every minute. The province and its people pulled through again as a warm inviting place with such citizens that I wish they were my neighbors. Their laughter and love of life makes for loud festive and welcoming visits to their club houses. Regardless of politics, the Quebec people are so excited their premier is meeting this week with our president. It is much talked about with great hope for our two countries. And lastly, at la Cage au Sports a few nights ago for supper, the Canadian anthem was sung on TV prior to the start of a hockey game. The very large crowd at the restaurant all joined singing loudly and with great spirit. They truly know they live in a special place. Mike

Was great getting to spend time with you too, Tom. Quite a few people I know were at the hotel this week. A few of us Quebecriders had dinner and drinks together Thursday night and are doing the same again tonight. Valarie is off to Mexico so haven't seen her this week. Another bartender just returned from Nicaragua and another I think from Cuba. They get a good chuckle when I tell them I like vacationing in Quebec.

Half the fun of winter is reading everyone's trip stories. Yours, Tom, are always great. mike

Snow is unreal and lots of it. It was tough trying to stay with those 'youngsters' on the trail. I may be better off seeing if they can keep up with me at the bar. Heading home Sunday, hope to meet up with both of you more next year. mike

Easterly loop today, 250 miles of perfect trails and midwinter conditions. Rode part way with legends of the trails, EddieSkiDoo, SkiDoo421 and Curtis.

That is good to know that there is hope. I went through there in 2010 and it still looks like it hasn't changed at all six years later. mike