December 13, 2003

The ride turned out 42 members who left the North Fork parking lot up to Soapstone. The ride proceeded up to Cold Springs and several bowls in the area until the freezing rain drove the riders back to the grooming shed at North Fork where the Christmas party was held. Members enjoyed Laura's Famous Beef Brisket and other delicious side dishes and deserts. The kids played games and then all opened up the "white elephant" gifts.

January 3, 2004 The ride went as planned and we had 15 members show up.  It was one of those days you really want to forget. Way too much snow for some of us. We left the North Fork trail head and headed to soapstone. George and Ron Honey led the group. At the junction to continue up on top to soapstone or to cold springs we played for a while. Several sleds became stuck and it took some time before we had everyone on the trail again. Six members decided to stay behind and the rest of us headed up to the top of the hill. By the corrals on top, we headed NE towards Cold Springs. The ride was tough going because of all the powder we were pushing. Also, visibility was not good and it continued to snow throughout the day. We never made it all the way over to Cold Springs. It was an interesting day. Everyone got stuck at least once, some several times. We did have one bright moment. John (Borget) got his new Rev stuck at the peak of a hill. The only person who could reach him was Ron (Honey) on his Arctic Cat. Way to go Ron!    January 10, 2004 The Fairview ride started at the skyline parking lot with 17 people showing up. The snow conditions were not the best for deep powder riders but still offered some excitement on North slopes. We had 10 advanced riders and 7 trail riders. Doug Page and Ron Honey led the advanced ride and Kyle Adams and Dave Huntsman led the trail riders. The group started out together riding North to Gooseberry Reservoir for some fun riding. The sleds only sank about 6" to 8" so going wherever you wanted was no problem. After a period of time Doug and Ron took the advanced riders North to the pipeline and worked their way to the top of the ridge.  Kyle and Dave took the trail riders on a Southwestern direction to the road and then headed up the trail to several bowls on top. Both groups met at the warming hut and decided to join together for the ride back. Doug took us down a few hills in a Southeastern direction. After a period of time, several members decided they had had enough and headed back to the parking lot. Those that had enough fuel left in their sleds stayed and played for awhile. It was a fun filled day with plenty of sun and too much warm weather. Ken Cluff took lots of photo's and we will put the best on here soon. Thanks to those members who came out and supported the club! See you at the next ride.  January 24, 2004 Wolf Creek ride. January 30th - 31st Executive Ride The ride Friday (January 30th) starts at Franklin Basin Trailhead and Saturday (January 31st) at Hardware Ranch Trailhead. Don't forget your IDAHO TAGS if you go Friday. For additional information go to the USA website.

February 7, 2004 The ride was Saturday at Strawberry South. We parked at the parking lot south of the Ranger Station. Many of us doubted that we would even ride because of the weather. It was snowing lightly when we arrived and at times became heavy as we were preparing our sleds. We had 15 members show up, 7 for the aggressive ride and 7 for the trail ride (one rider left). The advanced group was led by Bruce and Ron and left about 20 minutes before the trail riders. The advanced group planned on riding over to Willow Creek warming hut but never made it over. Visibility and machine problems prevented them from riding that far and they headed back after their rendezvous with the trail riders. Kyle led this group and Dave made sure we did not leave anyone behind. The trail riders didn't ride the trail much as they headed up the power lines towards Indian Creek. We met up with the advanced group at Squaw Creek and headed over to the meadow between Trail Hollow and Indian Creek. About this time the sun came out and we enjoyed a great time for about and hour or so. After getting several people unstuck the trail riders headed back towards the parking lot at a slow pace. Along the way we had lunch and then made it back to the parking lot just as it began to snow pretty heavy. We had a contest with the trail riders to see who could get stuck the most, Pink or Barbra. It was a tie but Pink entertained us by trying to be a kid again. (I cannot believe he held onto the sled with some of the ditches he went through) Thanks to all who came and participated! February 14, 2004 (Non scheduled Club Ride) Doug and Adrian led a group of us on a great ride that started out on a sour note but finished on a high. Eight club members (Debbie, Adrian, Doug, Bill, Wally, Ron [Wally's brother], Gerry K., and Dave) went to Fish Lake area to play and explore new area. This was a very aggressive ride. We started at the Gooseberry Road trail head and headed South. There was about 5'-6' of snow cover. And plenty of powder. It was great. We went up to this cabin (to locate our guide) about 10 miles from the trail head. We couldn't find the right cabin so we did sprints across vast expanses of snow. We finally gave up and as we were playing in the area we found our guide. He took us on places that were breath taking. Down through trees, up the side of mountains, down the "oh shit" hill (as the locals call it), and many other places.  We drove about 75 miles on this trip. It was a grueling ride up and down hills and through the trees. But it was well worth every minute of it. (except the day after. I didn't know I had that many sore muscles in my body!) But the best part was the beginning of the day. Bill entertained us by totaling his sled. His new Rev had about 800 miles on it. He was adjusting the points and had the throttle wide open. Needless to say, as soon as he pulled the cord the sled took off at 70 miles an hour. Unbelievable! I have never seen anything like it. The sled went about 50 yards, went down into a ditch and hit the other side. It jumped 8' in the air, jumped a 4' fence and came to rest in a concrete covert on the other side. When it went airborne it exploded with parts flying everywhere. (just like the movies)  I am surprised it didn't explode into a fireball. The force crushed the whole front end, busted the clutch, split the gas tank, and everything else you can think of on those sleds. It scattered stuff for 30 yards. It took us a while to get it out. Thank goodness no one was hurt or that the sled did not hit another vehicle. Bill had another sled to ride so we didn't leave him behind.  What a beautiful day. It started to snow as we were leaving so visibility was great! February 21, 2004   This is one of those rides that you wish would never end. It was an absolute great day for riding. There were 8 members who showed up at the Noblett's parking lot. George C. was the trail boss and it was decided to head over to Cold Springs because there would be more powder there. George also told us with the snow conditions, no one would get stuck. Alan Mayo had to prove him wrong. And did he! Alan fell into an unbelievable hole! George took us all over the Cold Springs area. We had so much fun, I forgot to take a lot of pictures. (but I did get pics of Alan's mishap) Thanks George for letting us play in your backyard. It was great! February 27th & 28th (State Ride at Fairview) For more info on the State Ride visit the USA web site.