The Mad River Ridge Runners monthly meeting will be held on Tuesday April 4 at 7PM at the Fayston Town Hall. All members are encouraged to attend.
The VAST website reports that the VAST trail system is closed for the season.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Canada Trip
Each season the Mad River Ridge Runners spend a long weekend snowmobiling in Quebec. This year we traveled to St Zenon, two hours north of Montreal and stayed at Auberge Le Cabanan. The plan was to leave Waitsfield at 12 noon on Friday and trailer up in a caravan to Quebec.
Several club members including Doug Wilson, Tony Amenta, and Lenny arrived a day early and met up at Real Masse. On Friday they went for a 230 mile loop through St Come and St Donat, it was a beautiful bluebird day.
The two groups met up at Cabanon Friday evening for dinner and turned in early in anticipation of an epic day of snowmobiling. We woke early Saturday morning and warmed up our sleds.
The plan was to loop through the Reserve Mastigouche and Mauricie National Parks, we proceeded north on Trail 345. After crossing over a dam the group stopped by the large hydropower station for a quick pit stop.
We stopped for gas and then headed south on trail 347. Trail 347 runs some 30 miles over a frozen river and we were able to ride side for a time.
It was lunchtime so we stopped for burgers and club sandwiches at Auberge Mekinac. The Auberge is located north of Shawanigan and is the perfect jumping off point for trips to La Tuque, the Ice Hotel and saddlebag trips to Mt Valin and other points north and east.
It had rained hard the week before and the river was glare ice. The lack of snow caused several of the sleds to overheat and a couple of breaks were taken to allow the sleds to cool down.
The next stop was at Auberge du Trappeur which is the gateway back into the park and located on Trail 318. When passing by Trappeur's be sure to check out the live mount Moose in the back room as well as their meatloaf special.
We continued on our way back to Auberge Le Cabanon eventually riding 200 miles. It was dinner time so we quickly changed out of our riding clothes and met in the dining room. Most everyone agreed that the desserts were the highlight of the meal.
Sunday morning we woke up early again and found that it had snowed during the night.
We warmed up our sleds and were ready to ride.
We decided to head over to Real Masse's for breakfast and then onto Koubek's Club for coffee. The conditions on the trail to Koubek's were excellent.
At Koubek's we found that the owner and a friend had recently restored a vintage Bombardier Bus. One club member was heard to offer the owner of Koubek's $8000 for the bus only to be turned down.
Reggie couldn't leave Quebec without saying goodbye to his special friend who lives at the lodge.
Special thanks to all of the club members who were able to attend this years ride and especially to Art Dages and Doug Wilson for their hard work in organizing the trip and making it a success. We all had a blast!
Several club members including Doug Wilson, Tony Amenta, and Lenny arrived a day early and met up at Real Masse. On Friday they went for a 230 mile loop through St Come and St Donat, it was a beautiful bluebird day.
The two groups met up at Cabanon Friday evening for dinner and turned in early in anticipation of an epic day of snowmobiling. We woke early Saturday morning and warmed up our sleds.
The plan was to loop through the Reserve Mastigouche and Mauricie National Parks, we proceeded north on Trail 345. After crossing over a dam the group stopped by the large hydropower station for a quick pit stop.
We stopped for gas and then headed south on trail 347. Trail 347 runs some 30 miles over a frozen river and we were able to ride side for a time.
It was lunchtime so we stopped for burgers and club sandwiches at Auberge Mekinac. The Auberge is located north of Shawanigan and is the perfect jumping off point for trips to La Tuque, the Ice Hotel and saddlebag trips to Mt Valin and other points north and east.
It had rained hard the week before and the river was glare ice. The lack of snow caused several of the sleds to overheat and a couple of breaks were taken to allow the sleds to cool down.
The next stop was at Auberge du Trappeur which is the gateway back into the park and located on Trail 318. When passing by Trappeur's be sure to check out the live mount Moose in the back room as well as their meatloaf special.
We continued on our way back to Auberge Le Cabanon eventually riding 200 miles. It was dinner time so we quickly changed out of our riding clothes and met in the dining room. Most everyone agreed that the desserts were the highlight of the meal.
Sunday morning we woke up early again and found that it had snowed during the night.
We warmed up our sleds and were ready to ride.
We decided to head over to Real Masse's for breakfast and then onto Koubek's Club for coffee. The conditions on the trail to Koubek's were excellent.
At Koubek's we found that the owner and a friend had recently restored a vintage Bombardier Bus. One club member was heard to offer the owner of Koubek's $8000 for the bus only to be turned down.
Reggie couldn't leave Quebec without saying goodbye to his special friend who lives at the lodge.
Special thanks to all of the club members who were able to attend this years ride and especially to Art Dages and Doug Wilson for their hard work in organizing the trip and making it a success. We all had a blast!
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
March Newsletter
MARCH NEWSLETTER
We had our March meeting at the Fayston Town Hall on Tuesday, March 14th, 2006. Twelve members attended.
The 2006 season is almost over and it seems that it never really started. We are grateful that there has been good snow in Canada this year. Quite a few of our members went north to St. Donat and St. Zenon this winter for weekend rides and were pleased to find exceptional conditions. A group just got back so check back here in a couple of days for some pictures of the trip.
MRRR blog site is: http://madriverridgerunners.blogspot.com. Please contact Tony ( vastridgerunner@gmail.com ) if you have anything to be posted. This site is updated regularly and provides current information about club happenings.
Turner’s property was opened on February 10th. Unfortunately, there has not been enough snow to ride on it.
Our club membership, along with the overall State membership, is down considerably this year due to lack of snow. Thanks to everyone who purchased a TMA this year. VAST still needs funds to cover trail maintenance.
It is that time of year when we vote for a new slate of officers. At this time, we have the position of secretary open. If you are interested in this or any other position, please Contact Art Dages or come to the April meeting. The nominations will be made at the April meeting and will be voted on at the May meeting.
Next meeting: April 4th, 7:00 PM at the Fayston Town Hall. Hope to see you there!!
We had our March meeting at the Fayston Town Hall on Tuesday, March 14th, 2006. Twelve members attended.
The 2006 season is almost over and it seems that it never really started. We are grateful that there has been good snow in Canada this year. Quite a few of our members went north to St. Donat and St. Zenon this winter for weekend rides and were pleased to find exceptional conditions. A group just got back so check back here in a couple of days for some pictures of the trip.
MRRR blog site is: http://madriverridgerunners.blogspot.com. Please contact Tony ( vastridgerunner@gmail.com ) if you have anything to be posted. This site is updated regularly and provides current information about club happenings.
Turner’s property was opened on February 10th. Unfortunately, there has not been enough snow to ride on it.
Our club membership, along with the overall State membership, is down considerably this year due to lack of snow. Thanks to everyone who purchased a TMA this year. VAST still needs funds to cover trail maintenance.
It is that time of year when we vote for a new slate of officers. At this time, we have the position of secretary open. If you are interested in this or any other position, please Contact Art Dages or come to the April meeting. The nominations will be made at the April meeting and will be voted on at the May meeting.
Next meeting: April 4th, 7:00 PM at the Fayston Town Hall. Hope to see you there!!
Saturday, March 11, 2006
March 11 Update
Trails Closed.
The rain and warm weather during the last week has melted all of the snow we received last weekend.
The rain and warm weather during the last week has melted all of the snow we received last weekend.
Saturday, March 04, 2006
March 4 Update
We have had over a foot of snow and the trails are opened. ( including Turners Farm) Use caution as there are still open water bars and late season trail conditions exist. Warmer weather is forecast for the upcoming week so get out and enjoy it while you can. We are still grooming. Peanut is going out Monday night.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Saturday, February 18, 2006
St Zenon Trip
Club members Art Dages, Reggie Orr, Skip Wallace, Ward Nebel, and Tony Amenta made the decision to travel north to find snow and spent several days this past week at Real Masse in St Zenon in Quebec. St Zenon is located approximately 2 hours north of Montreal and is a east coast mecca for snowmobiling. Real Masse is a resort that caters to snowmobilers and is one of the most secure places to stay in all of Quebec.
Conditions were excellent and snow depths exceeded 5 feet. Skip Wallace found the snow to be waist deep when he stepped off the groomed trail.
The group went on a couple of long rides including a 235 mile loop to the Maurice region which included 30 mile run on a frozen river.
Conditions were excellent and snow depths exceeded 5 feet. Skip Wallace found the snow to be waist deep when he stepped off the groomed trail.
The group went on a couple of long rides including a 235 mile loop to the Maurice region which included 30 mile run on a frozen river.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
February Newsletter
PROGRESSIVE DINNER: FEBRUARY 25, 2006
This event will take place regardless of snow conditions. There is a limit of 30 people for this event. Please RSVP by February 18th to Art or Cathi Dages at 496-2577. A donation of $5 per person is requested. Participants are asked to meet behind Kenyon’s Store at 5:30pm to begin the ride.
CANADA RIDE
The date of this trip has been changed to the weekend of March 18 and 19th. There is a limit of 20 members for this ride. Spaces are already beginning to fill. Thus, call Doug Wilson at 496-3836 as soon as possible to reserve a spot.
VAST SCHOLARSHIPS
There are two $1500 scholarships available from VAST for members, spouses, or dependents. Contact Art Dages(496-2577) to receive an application. Applications must be postmarked by March 1st.
VAST JOINS 4-H Program
VAST members are working to join the 4-H organization to form a snowmobiling program for kids ages 10-18. If you would like to know more about this endeavor, contact Stacy at 476-4674.
MRRR BLOG SITE
Tony Amenta has been busy posting news and more photos on this site. Please take time to check it out. He has done an incredible job. The site now has other links added such as the VAST web site. The address is: http://madriverridgerunners.blogspot.com
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE
As of February 7th, we have 115 resident memberships, 12 nonresident memberships, and 16 volunteer memberships.
NEXT MEETING will be 7pm March 14th at the Fayston Municipal Building.(NOTE: this is a change to the second Tuesday of the month – due to Town Meeting)
This event will take place regardless of snow conditions. There is a limit of 30 people for this event. Please RSVP by February 18th to Art or Cathi Dages at 496-2577. A donation of $5 per person is requested. Participants are asked to meet behind Kenyon’s Store at 5:30pm to begin the ride.
CANADA RIDE
The date of this trip has been changed to the weekend of March 18 and 19th. There is a limit of 20 members for this ride. Spaces are already beginning to fill. Thus, call Doug Wilson at 496-3836 as soon as possible to reserve a spot.
VAST SCHOLARSHIPS
There are two $1500 scholarships available from VAST for members, spouses, or dependents. Contact Art Dages(496-2577) to receive an application. Applications must be postmarked by March 1st.
VAST JOINS 4-H Program
VAST members are working to join the 4-H organization to form a snowmobiling program for kids ages 10-18. If you would like to know more about this endeavor, contact Stacy at 476-4674.
MRRR BLOG SITE
Tony Amenta has been busy posting news and more photos on this site. Please take time to check it out. He has done an incredible job. The site now has other links added such as the VAST web site. The address is: http://madriverridgerunners.blogspot.com
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE
As of February 7th, we have 115 resident memberships, 12 nonresident memberships, and 16 volunteer memberships.
NEXT MEETING will be 7pm March 14th at the Fayston Municipal Building.(NOTE: this is a change to the second Tuesday of the month – due to Town Meeting)
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
February 7 Update
We received 2-6" of light fluffy snow last night and the weather has finally turned cold. Our trails are still closed and will remain closed until we receive some more much needed snow.
The Mad River Ridge Runners February Meeting will be held tonight at the Fayston Town Hall on North Fayston Road at 7PM . Both new and old members are encouraged to attend.
The Mad River Ridge Runners February Meeting will be held tonight at the Fayston Town Hall on North Fayston Road at 7PM . Both new and old members are encouraged to attend.
Monday, January 30, 2006
January 27 Update
The weather gods were not on our side this past weekend and the snow we received last week has melted. The anticipated Noreaster is going out to sea and the next week may be difficult with temps above freezing and rain in the forecast for next weekend. Please stay off the trails until we get some much needed cold weather and snow.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
January 26 Grooming Report
We have some excellent news to report this evening. The Mad River Valley received steady snow showers all week long and the snow has piled up 12" or more at higher elevations in the mountains.
Doug Wilson went out grooming earlier today in the Log Job and reports that conditions were much better than he had expected. The groomed trails at higher elevations are powdery with a firm base underneath. Doug plans on going out again during the next couple of days and grooming the trails through Camel's Hump State Park.
Keep in mind that the snow is still too thin to groom in town and that getting up to the groomers may be a challenge. Be very careful as early season conditions do exist and you should expect open waterbars, exposed rocks, and icy corners.
There are rumors of a possible coastal storm early next week so keep thinking snow. The season is still young and if all goes well we will have a banner February and March.
Doug Wilson went out grooming earlier today in the Log Job and reports that conditions were much better than he had expected. The groomed trails at higher elevations are powdery with a firm base underneath. Doug plans on going out again during the next couple of days and grooming the trails through Camel's Hump State Park.
Keep in mind that the snow is still too thin to groom in town and that getting up to the groomers may be a challenge. Be very careful as early season conditions do exist and you should expect open waterbars, exposed rocks, and icy corners.
There are rumors of a possible coastal storm early next week so keep thinking snow. The season is still young and if all goes well we will have a banner February and March.
Saturday, January 21, 2006
January Thaw Comes To An End
Hopefully the January Thaw has finally come to an end. Earlier today the air temperatures were in the 50's with sunny skies. Later in the day a front came thru with thunder, lightning and hail. The temperatures dropped 20 degrees in less than an hour and we received a dusting of snow.
The forecast for next week is for a return to cold temps and possibly some snow. Don't forget to check the weather links on this page for the latest forecasts.
Fletcher checks out Helen's Bridge on Saturday 1/21.
The forecast for next week is for a return to cold temps and possibly some snow. Don't forget to check the weather links on this page for the latest forecasts.
Fletcher checks out Helen's Bridge on Saturday 1/21.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
St. Johnsbury Trip Canceled
It is with deep regret we report that this years overnight trip to St Johnsbury has been canceled. The hotel in St J contacted club officials earlier today and asked that we commit to our reservations. Given the fact that VAST trails are closed across the state and no big storms are in sight, the decision was made to cancel the overnight trip for this year. Hopefully the current weather will change and we will get a big dump next week. If everything goes well we might even be able to put together a club ride on Saturday January 28th. We will keep you posted.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Trails Closed
The unseasonably warm weather last week followed by heavy rains on Saturday devastated our trail system.
The trails are closed until we get some more snow.
Think Snow!
The trails are closed until we get some more snow.
Think Snow!
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
January Thaw
Wednesday 1/11/06 Mid-Afternoon Report.
We wish we had better news to report today. The current air temperatures are in the mid 40's and the snowpack is melting rapidly. There is more rain, above freezing temperatures and strong southerly winds in the forecast. The next few days are going to take their toll on our trails. Please do not ride until it gets cold again and we receive more snow. You will only wreck your sled and wipe out what remaining snow we may have.
There is the possibility of snow this weekend so cross your fingers.
The national weather service has an excellent site for those that are interested in a detailed look at the weather.
http://iwin.nws.noaa.gov/iwin/vt/vt.html.
Club supporters, Mad River Glen have a weather page with specific forecasts for on our local mountains.
http://madriverglen.com/?Page=weatherx.php
We will keep you posted.
Think Snow!!!!
We wish we had better news to report today. The current air temperatures are in the mid 40's and the snowpack is melting rapidly. There is more rain, above freezing temperatures and strong southerly winds in the forecast. The next few days are going to take their toll on our trails. Please do not ride until it gets cold again and we receive more snow. You will only wreck your sled and wipe out what remaining snow we may have.
There is the possibility of snow this weekend so cross your fingers.
The national weather service has an excellent site for those that are interested in a detailed look at the weather.
http://iwin.nws.noaa.gov/iwin/vt/vt.html.
Club supporters, Mad River Glen have a weather page with specific forecasts for on our local mountains.
http://madriverglen.com/?Page=weatherx.php
We will keep you posted.
Think Snow!!!!
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Hot Dog Roast & Ride
The club's annual Hot Dog Roast and Ride was held today on the trail above Beaver Meadows. Club members rode in from various parts of the valley and met in the parking lot near the gravel pit. We then rode up past the top of Paul's Trail, thru the Log Job and up to Beaver Meadows. Riding conditions up above the gravel pit were excellent. Club members did a fine job of finishing off several packs of hot dogs and other assorted goodies.
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Huntington Trail
Our trail crew was out early this morning clearing the last section of trail damaged by the heavy wet snowstorm in late October.
Special thanks to Reggie, Nicholas, Skip, Franz, and Paul for giving up a day of riding in order to make the riding better for the rest of us. Thanks to their hard work, trail 17 is now open to the top of the Huntington ridge.
The 4-8" of snow we received early in the week made a huge difference and our trails have recovered considerably from the rain and warm temps during Christmas week. Lower elevation trails still have open waterbars and other wet sections. Conditions up top in the Log Job and Camel's Hump Park are good to excellent.
Special thanks to Reggie, Nicholas, Skip, Franz, and Paul for giving up a day of riding in order to make the riding better for the rest of us. Thanks to their hard work, trail 17 is now open to the top of the Huntington ridge.
The 4-8" of snow we received early in the week made a huge difference and our trails have recovered considerably from the rain and warm temps during Christmas week. Lower elevation trails still have open waterbars and other wet sections. Conditions up top in the Log Job and Camel's Hump Park are good to excellent.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Hot Dog Roast (Sunday January 8)
Our annual Hot Dog Roast and Ride is scheduled for this Sunday (1/8). We plan on meeting at the gravel pit at the top of Sharpshooters Road (near intersection #55) at 11AM. We will ride as a group from there.
Everyone is encouraged to bring something tasty to grill over a crackling wood fire.
Everyone is encouraged to bring something tasty to grill over a crackling wood fire.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
January Newsletter
Happy New Year everyone. 2006 is upon us and the trails are open. We need snow badly, so please, PRAY FOR SNOW !!!
We had our January meeting at the Fayston Town Hall on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2006. Fourteen members attended. Please join us at the next meeting. We love to see new faces.
MRRR blog site is http://madriverridgerunners.blogspot.com. Please contact Tony at vastridgerunner@gmail.com if you have anything to be posted. This site is updated regularly and provides current information about club happenings.
Turner’s property is still closed. Please abide by the CLOSED TRAIL signs.
The St. Johnsbury Overnight Ride is scheduled for January 28th and 29th. All rooms are presently booked. The trip is subject to weather and trail conditions. A final decision about the trip will be made on January 24th.
The Canada trip is scheduled for March 10, 11 and 12th. More information will be provided in the next newsletter.
Our annual Progressive Dinner is scheduled for February 25th. We still need volunteers for our three stops; Appetizers, Dinner and Dessert. We also need volunteers for food for the stops. Please let us know if you are interested in hosting a stop or helping out with the food. More information next month.
2006 VAST maps are now out. They can be purchased at Kenyons or the Duxbury Store. You can also buy one at our monthly meeting at a discounted price.
A big thank you goes out to the Albin Family Foundation for their generous donation to the Ridge Runners Club for trail and bridge maintenance. The check was sent to us by Barclay and Josh Rappeport.
There are two VAST Scholarships available in the amount of $1,500 each. These are limited to VAST members, spouses and/or dependents. Please contact Art Dages for an application. Must be submitted by March 1, 2006.
Next meeting: February 7th, 7:00 PM at the Fayston Town Hall.
We had our January meeting at the Fayston Town Hall on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2006. Fourteen members attended. Please join us at the next meeting. We love to see new faces.
MRRR blog site is http://madriverridgerunners.blogspot.com. Please contact Tony at vastridgerunner@gmail.com if you have anything to be posted. This site is updated regularly and provides current information about club happenings.
Turner’s property is still closed. Please abide by the CLOSED TRAIL signs.
The St. Johnsbury Overnight Ride is scheduled for January 28th and 29th. All rooms are presently booked. The trip is subject to weather and trail conditions. A final decision about the trip will be made on January 24th.
The Canada trip is scheduled for March 10, 11 and 12th. More information will be provided in the next newsletter.
Our annual Progressive Dinner is scheduled for February 25th. We still need volunteers for our three stops; Appetizers, Dinner and Dessert. We also need volunteers for food for the stops. Please let us know if you are interested in hosting a stop or helping out with the food. More information next month.
2006 VAST maps are now out. They can be purchased at Kenyons or the Duxbury Store. You can also buy one at our monthly meeting at a discounted price.
A big thank you goes out to the Albin Family Foundation for their generous donation to the Ridge Runners Club for trail and bridge maintenance. The check was sent to us by Barclay and Josh Rappeport.
There are two VAST Scholarships available in the amount of $1,500 each. These are limited to VAST members, spouses and/or dependents. Please contact Art Dages for an application. Must be submitted by March 1, 2006.
Next meeting: February 7th, 7:00 PM at the Fayston Town Hall.
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Paul's Trail Completed!!!!
We have some great news to pass on! The final section of "Paul's Trail" was cut and cleared earlier this morning!
This new 6 mile of section will allow us quick access from the valley floor to the log job. It has numerous scenic views and is sure to offer us excellent riding possibilities.
Several members of the club met on this cold sub zero morning to help out with the finishing touches.
Our friend Norm also joined us with his John Deer 450H bulldozer. Norm has done a wonderful job excavating the new trail.
None of this would have been possible without the hardwork and perserverance of our assistant trail master Paul Pizzale.
Club vice president, Tony Amenta showed up to discuss plans for next weeks Hot Dog Roast with Paul and Nicholas. If all goes well; we will receive some much needed snow this week and next Sunday's Annual Hot Dog Roast will be held on a upper section of "Paul's Trail".
We would like to thank all of those who pitched in to make this new trail a possibility. Special thanks also go out to our landowners who have agreed to share their land with us and make our wonderful trail system possible.
This new 6 mile of section will allow us quick access from the valley floor to the log job. It has numerous scenic views and is sure to offer us excellent riding possibilities.
Several members of the club met on this cold sub zero morning to help out with the finishing touches.
Our friend Norm also joined us with his John Deer 450H bulldozer. Norm has done a wonderful job excavating the new trail.
None of this would have been possible without the hardwork and perserverance of our assistant trail master Paul Pizzale.
Club vice president, Tony Amenta showed up to discuss plans for next weeks Hot Dog Roast with Paul and Nicholas. If all goes well; we will receive some much needed snow this week and next Sunday's Annual Hot Dog Roast will be held on a upper section of "Paul's Trail".
We would like to thank all of those who pitched in to make this new trail a possibility. Special thanks also go out to our landowners who have agreed to share their land with us and make our wonderful trail system possible.
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