mikerider

Really like the Rupp!!!

This sailed thru town this morning. Or actually out of town. Just built and first voyage. It couldn't make the first curve in the river and a tug had to pull the stern sideways to get thru the curve. Gazillions over budget and way past estimated completion date. It is supposed to be less able to be picked up on radar. It is supposed to look like a fishing trawler from afar. And only takes a small crew to run it. I can't for the life of me figure out how the captain can see his surroundings. And, proudly made in Maine. Not sure if true, but I have heard the billions to build this is nothing compared to the cost of weapons and electronics. It must be stealth, camera wouldn't allow a clear shot of the ship, really bizarre. Seriously, photos are all washed out. It was pretty comical, as for the past year anyone seen taking a picture of this ship, which could be seen from Maine's busiest highway, were reported to the police, who had to tell the people they could not photograph this ship and were asked to delete the picture (with a pretty please and you don't really have to delete it, the police can't force you). Today there were thousands of photos taken! mike But still my favorite way to travel on open waters:

This sailed thru town this morning. Or actually out of town. Just built and first voyage. It couldn't make the first curve in the river and a tug had to pull the stern sideways to get thru the curve. Gazillions over budget and way past estimated completion date. It is supposed to be less able to be picked up on radar. It is supposed to look like a fishing trawler from afar. And only takes a small crew to run it. I can't for the life of me figure out how the captain can see his surroundings. And, proudly made in Maine. Not sure if true, but I have heard the billions to build this is nothing compared to the cost of weapons and electronics. It must be stealth, camera wouldn't allow a clear shot of the ship, really bizarre. Seriously, photos are all washed out. It was pretty comical, as for the past year anyone seen taking a picture of this ship, which could be seen from Maine's busiest highway, were reported to the police, who had to tell the people they could not photograph this ship and were asked to delete the picture (with a pretty please and you don't really have to delete it, the police can't force you). Today there were thousands of photos taken! mike But still my favorite way to travel on open waters:

Okay, the last series of pictures does not look like fun! But then again, I'm at work having zero fun. mike

Really nice. That last picture really defines 'very dry going'. Have fun! mike

I am hoping to be at RDL Jan. 9th for several days. Welcome to come. Day rides out of Universal Hotel, medium plus speeds, 200 to 250 miles a day. mike

Okay, I'll be the optimistic one and say Dec. 18th. mike

Jan 4th! And I better see an 'Iceman' sticker on the groomer when you take the picture!!! mike

If its a new Rene 900, keep me posted on how it goes. I pick up my new one in about two weeks. mike

RR, Would I be guessing right if I said you were on an Expedition Extreme 800??? Always enjoy your early jaunts. mike

Looks some nice, all that powder. mike

You may take up a new sport after watching that video. Maybe knitting!

When I do a search for the Universal Hotel, all the discount sites come up, such as Expedia.com and booking.com. Don't remember which site I got the $70 price off, as I was just playing around with it. mike

Thanks Bill for the info. I was playing around with hotel discount sites and could get a room at the Universal for around $70 US. However, it seemed if I added the package that includes breakfast and dinner, the price really shot up astronomically, especially if two people share a room with the package. Just make sure you play with the numbers if you book via the internet. I believe you can just book the room and then upon arrival sign up for the meal package or pay for meals separately. Also, it appeared the room was $70 US whether one or two people as nowhere did it say per person. mike I went to the Universal's web site and got a price of $94 for the room whether I entered one or two people. However, adding the meal package (breakfast and dinner), upped the price to $177 for one person and $226 for two people. I'm guessing this is $Ca and doesn't include taxes. I may be wrong but I think you will save a lot of money not going with the package. You will still get the same menu and buffet.

Really like that color! mike

Yup, you and I got up early and milked the cows. Rest of those guys are city slickers who slept in.

Hi Steve, the patios attached to the rooms at poolside are very small. Drinks are allowed. There would be enough room for you and I, and whoever is buying the drinks for us. mike

Bill has made an excellent choice for the gathering both in the hotel and in the area to ride. I ride out of the Universal Hotel four or five weeks each winter (as some of you may have suspected). The hotel is top notch. The people in the area are wonderful. The grooming has been outstanding and the trails are very scenic with so many old growth trees lined along the trails. This area has to be the capital of snowmobile club houses with about one every twenty five miles. A few thoughts. The restaurant buffet put out each weekend is very good. I would recommend using that buffet but eating in one of the private rooms next to the buffet. I have also had good luck making reservations on line through the hotel or discount booking sites. It is so much easier than the old phone method. Make your reservations early as many know, if its a hockey weekend the place is sold out months in advance. Some have mentioned low snow possibilities near town in March. Generally it is fine. I hit it bad just once over the years and most of those few miles to the deeper snow felt like grass under the trail and not dirt. Once out of town the snow gets deep quick. The only downside I can think of is the bar at the hotel. It is very, very small. Bill was very generous to set this in motion. Myself, had I taken charge of setting this us, I would be a wreck for the next several months worried whether enough people were going to show, worried about the weather and on and on. So give Bill your support by indicating whether there is a chance you will try to make this event. I have been to some of these gatherings and they are a great time. mike

Leave it to the Iceman to crack the security system!!! mike

I have heard the Universal Hotel has some rooms that are poolside, with a small patio for each room with table and chairs. I heard its almost like sitting on the dock at camp overlooking the lake. Rumor has it one of our members on Quebecrider has skipped a day of riding just to relax in the hot tub, get a massage, and take in a sauna. A heated garage is only $10 a night for your sled. Bring a sleeping bag, cuddle with your sled, and you can stay a month for $300 ca. (so I've heard). Word has it the mayor of Riviere du Loup is also now the Canadian ambassador to Lithuania. Should you do something really foolish and can't go home to your wife, he will sell you a visa and one way ticket to this wonderful country, which I might add, hasn't been invaded by Russia recently. Security at the Universal is said to be so good, that it is the only place in Quebec that Iceman hasn't been able to stick one of his 'Iceman' decals. Word on the street is the Saguenay crowd has heard how good this area is and is making a move on it.

Do you have to figure in the exchange rate on those figures?

Can't be true,,,,,,,no Iceman decal to be seen! mike

I'm assuming Ray and Bill are at the N.H. "Swap Meet" this weekend!

Never seen such a big smile on your face Bill. Is there more to the story? mike

Same clutch on my 900 ACE: 11,000 miles and no rebuild. mike