2012 Calendar of Events
Poultney's Calendar of Events for this season.
Poultney Updates
It's hard to believe that it's 2012. It seems like yesterday, Poultney had a group of folks ready to head to Yellowstone for a week of snowmobiling and that was in the year 2000! Where has the time gone?
With that said, this past year has been extremely busy for me. Between my job and keeping a watchful eye on my elderly mother, my time has been spread very, very thin. In attempt to free up some of my time, I've 'semi-retired' from my job. Granted, while I have many years to go before I'm anywhere close to being able to collect social security, I still like to think of it as being semi-retired though trust me, caring for a parent who's a stubborn 95 years old is a job of its own! So, for those of you who have been wondering why the lack of updates on the club website, now you know. We all know, as volunteers, that time is precious. Many of us have active families and responsibilities to go along with that. Some of us have lots of hobbies and things that take our time - whether a job or sometimes 2 jobs, hunting, golf, camping, home upkeep, motorcycling, sporting activities - all these things take up what valuable little time we have. The Poultney club, though we see the same faces meeting after meeting, does have a small core group of people who help out time and time again. While we all have commitments and obligations, it truly makes a difference when people pitch in to help. A couple hours throughout the year goes a long way towards keeping our trail system as one of the best in the state of VT and helps keep the club financially stable.
We have lots of members who because of other obligations can't participate in work days or can't help out at the fund-raising events but they make financial donations. Sure times are tough but think what it takes to keep the trails maintained both during summer and winter. The costs of equipment, fuel, bridge construction materials, etc... adds up in a hurry. The annual club dues are minimal and we want to keep it that way so it's affordable to ride the trails but if your life schedule prevents you from helping out physically maybe you'd consider a small donation to the club. Every little bit helps!
The guys have been out over the past few months working on the trails to be sure that they're passable. We were so lucky in this part of the state. While we did sustain damage from T.S. Irene, we certainly were spared severe devastation. All Poultney trails will be open once we have sufficient snow. One trail in question is of a portion of Corridor 133. Although this questionable area is part of the West Rutland trail system, it does eventually bring you from Junction RD55 south towards Middletown and continues on into Poultney. We believe that 1 to 1-1/2 miles of this trail, south on 133 from the RD55 junction, may have sustained substantial damage from T.S. Irene. Please note, however, that we haven’t heard any reports from West Rutland confirming or denying this potential problem area.
There are some problem areas that have been fixed, some bridges replaced / repaired, and thanks goes out to everyone who took time to help. The photos are from a few of those activities.
While it is officially snowmobiling season in VT, please note that TRAILS ARE CLOSED in Poultney until we have sufficient snow.
November 6th - Updates
Winter in Vermont. The season evokes either hatred of the cold and snow or a child-like enthusiasm at the thought of short days, bitter temperatures, and secret wishes for snow in feet instead of inches. Without having some kind of outdoor enjoyment during this time of year, it must seem like an eternity for people trapped in their homes with nothing to do but stare at the same walls. For those of us that enjoy winter – whether we ice fish, cross country ski, snow shoe, downhill ski, or snowmobile – the time passes way too quickly.
With the first snowfall of the season already behind us, we’re all wondering what this winter will have in store for us. Some say that we’ll have as much precipitation as we did through the spring and summer – if that’s the case, we’ll be buried with snow. Others say that with the abundance of apples, berries, and nuts this year, we’ll have a long winter with a lot of snow. And, those who hate winter all say that we won’t have much snow and the temperatures will be mild. For people who love snowmobiling, I’m pretty sure they’re hoping for snow.
Poultney’s club volunteers have been working on trails over the past few weekends. The Corridor 4 Rail Trail has been debrushed as have many of the other trails in the area. A few of the trails damaged by T.S. Irene have been repaired in our area and there are a couple that haven’t been worked on yet. Those trails will likely be closed this season and as reports come in from our trail coordinator, we’ll be posting the closures on our website. Until we have ample snow and we can determine what areas will be passable, please use extreme caution when riding. Don’t travel alone on trails that haven’t been broken – the trail may be washed out or have dangerous conditions so we’re encouraging riders to use some sense, ride in groups, and use caution during the early season.
Our Annual Meeting was held in October and the slate of officers was uncontested so we thank the following members for another year: Huey Cadieux, President; Barry Bradley, Vice President; Candy Bradley, Secretary; Janet DeMatties, Treasurer; Ernie DeMatties, Trail Coordinator.
We have the Annual Christmas Party planned for December – please check our website for details. We’ll also hold our annual Safety Course on the first Saturday in December as well. As everyone knows, December 15th is the last day to buy an Early Bird TMA and despite the fact that the price has increased this year, make sure you’re riding legally with a TMA, valid registration, and insurance.
See you on the trails!
I think the seaon may be over
The temperature has dropped 4 degrees in the past hour here in East Poultney but despite some possible wet, heavy snow in the forecast for the next 24 hours, I think with the 'heat wave' and pouring rain this weekend, the season may be over. While trails can stay open until April 15th, conditions pending, it's pretty certain that pending isn't even a option.
While Tom and I did manage to ride more this year than the past couple years, now that the end is in sight, I keep wishing we'd gone more often. But, life as the wife of a groomer doesn't always lend itself to saying "hey, let's go for a short ride after dinner". And that's for a couple reasons.
One reason is for the fact that most nights during the season, there is no after dinner. Once Tom would get home from work, he'd start up the groomer, let it warm up and off he'd go to keep the trails in shape. Sometimes he'd be home at 8 p.m. and sometimes at 11 p.m. depending on which route he'd take and what the conditions were. So dinner wasn't even had. He'd stick a plate of food into the microwave whenever he got home and that was the extent of it.
The second reason was because after grooming the trails all week long, he got tired of looking at them. Can't say as I blame him either. Anyway, we did at least enjoy some fantastic riding when we did go. Still, if only...
We didn't do the trip to Chelsea this year either. While there had been some initial interest for people to join in, we decided to forego it this year. We know that people are watching their money and with the current spike in gas prices, we didn't want to have to spend a small fortune either. I will say that if you ever have the chance to ride or trailer to the area, you will not be disappointed.
Sadly, we also had to postpone the Yellowstone trip. We had a couple people question about it but we just couldn't muster enough interest to warrant moving ahead with the plans. We will definitely keep it open as an option over the next couple years as I really do want to go back again.
The Poultney club will be working on putting together their list of summer events so stay tuned to communication either directly from the club or here on the site.
Hope everyone had some great riding this year. It was a winter to remember.
Trail Update 1:00 p.m.
Hi all - hopefully you've been enjoying the trails? The guys have been out grooming and keeping them in great shape - the cold weather has helped out a lot and even though yesterday and today were warmer than we'd like, still, the the riding should be just about perfect.
Tom, Dan, and Gary did a 210 mile ride yesterday. They trailered to Pittsfield and headed northwest. They hit Middlebury, Ferrisburgh, Waitsfield, Northfield, and plenty of places in between and Tom said he's never seen such horrible riding as he did in Middlebury and Ferrisburgh. Save yourself the aggrevation and don't go any where near there on sleds unless you want a really bad day of riding. Otherwise, they had great trails - well groomed and well worth it.
A few other Poultney riders trailered to Orwell area and they said the riding in the Champlain Valley was really good. They don't usually get a lot of snow cover in that area of the state so take advantage of it while you can.
As a note, the orange Tucker - used on the eastern side of town - will be out of service for a few days. This past week, after some of the heavy snow we had, Tom ended up with a limb smashing through the windsheild while he was out grooming. While the windsheild's being replaced, we won't be out grooming with it so help keep the trails in good shape, until he's able to get back out there, and keep off the throttle. The guys work too hard to keep the trails maintained, it takes them HOURS to groom but it only takes a matter of seconds for idiots to ruin them.
The next scheduled club event will be on Saturday the 19th. A moonlight ride is planned and for information about the time and meeting place for the trip, give Ernie DeMaties a call @ 287-9755.
Stay safe and ride smart.
Trail Report / February 13th:
Trails are between an 8 & 10. Ride responsibly, stay on the trails, and remember - we're riding trails because landowners allow us to.
Photos from the club's Pankcake Breakfast & trails
The photos are from our Pancake Breakfast which was held Sunday, February 6th, 2011 and there are some of riders enjoying our local trails.
Trail Update 12 Noon
While the recent snowstorms have helped conditions, the rain and thunderstorm last night certainly wasn't welcome! Tom and I rode yesterday morning and it was nice to get out onto the trails he had groomed Friday night - not a sled had been on them so it was a nice treat. Trails towards Castleton area, though in good shape had been ridden a lot so not sure how they held up with last night's weather. We groomed Corridor 133 late yesterday afternoon / early last evening but while we were out the temperature rose and Tom couldn't do much with the snow but at least got it packed down.
The photo is on Corridor 4 East, in East Poultney, looking towards Birdeye Mountain. The movie - hopefully you'll all be able to access it (Quick Time formatted) - is from the groomer. We were grooming towards Spruce Knob in Middletown on Corridor 133.
We're still trying to pull together a ride and hot dog roast - just trying to find the time, place, and a cooperative weather day. Tom will probably mention it at the monthly meeting, which is on Wednesday night.
Trail Report / February 6th:
10, 'nuf said. Get out and ride, you won't be disappointed!
(download)
Trail Update 8:00 p.m.
Trail grooming is a really boring thing to have to do. But, we have a couple guys in Poultney who take on the challenge each winter - God bless them! This past Sunday, I spent most of the day with Tom in the groomer, despite it being my birthday. I figured it beat staying at home cleaning and doing laundry. It was a beautiful sunny day, a little cold, but at least I was able to enjoy being on the trails.
It's now Thursday and since Sunday I've only had dinner with Tom once this week and that was Monday. He's spent the last 3 nights grooming and will need to go out tomorrow night too. I remember I used to be a hunting 'widow' but now it seems I'm a grooming 'widow'! I mention this because I'm sure most riders don't realize the amount of time the guys put in to keeping the trails in good shape. When you're out enjoying the ride, keep in mind that someone's worked really hard to get, and keep, the trails in shape. There are countless boring hours that the groomers put up with to make sure you have a sweet ride.
I've posted some photos of riding and grooming in East Poultney and also posted a video clip of Sunday's ride in the Tucker.
We heard from one of the West Rutland guys earlier this week and they are trying to do some grooming and work on the Corridor 4 trail between RD55 & RD56.
TRAIL CLOSURE EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY: Wagner Forest Management has closed the trail, on the west side, to Herrick Mountain, off Corridor 4 - near Junction RD56. Logging is taking place and sleds will not be permitted to access the area. The mountain can be accessed on the eastern side via Corridor 133 but plan to go back the same way.
Trail Report / January 27th:
Trails have been groomed and will continue to be groomed as conditions allow. Ride responsibly so they stay in great shape. There may still be areas of open water so use caution. On a scale of 1 - 10, conditions are definitely rated 8 to 10. Due to a slight rise in temperatures over the past couple days any trails with excessive use may deteriorate somewhat. You can help keep them from getting worse by staying off the throttle.
Trail Update 7:00 a.m.
The riding over the weekend was great so hope you had a chance to get out and enjoy it. Trail conditions are certainly at an 8 - 10 but still use caution as there are still areas with some running water in spots. Tom and I groomed from about 7a.m. yesterday morning until 1 p.m. and we were surprised to only see 3 sleds out.
On Saturday, Tom, Dan F., Gary F. and I rode to Chittenden. We stopped for a quick break at Grandpa's Knob and for lunch at JR's Eatery in Pittsford on the way there and after a short ride on some of Chittenden's trails, we headed back to Poultney. We couldn't have asked for better weather or conditions.
Pictures have been sent in from the Winter Carnival and they're attached to this link.
Our next planned event will be the Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, February 6th. If you need further information or if you want to help out please call Harry at 287-9855.
We are thinking about putting together an impromptu ride and trailside hot dog roast for this coming weekend so check back for an update this week.
Trail Report / January 24th:
Trails have been groomed and will continue to be groomed as conditions allow. Ride responsibly so they stay in great shape. There may still be areas of open water so use caution. On a scale of 1 - 10, conditions are definitely rated 8 to 10.
Trail Update - 7:30 a.m.
A couple inches of snow each day and cold temperatures are welcomed by all snowmobilers. Sound like we may be getting more snow over the next day or two followed by more cold weather.
Last night, Corridor 313, 314, and Corridor 4 between Jct RD315 and RD56 were groomed. Corridor 30 and 133 will be groomed tonight so trails in the East Poultney area should be in really great shape for the weekend. I haven't received an update from the western / northern Corridors so if anyone wants to send me information, I'll post it.
Trail Report / January 20th:
Riding conditions should be great. There may still be areas of open water so use caution. Grooming is being done and trails, on a scale of 1 - 10, conditions are between 6 & 8.
