January 22, 2011 1:22:24 AM CST
its late i know. but i spent the last two weekends in Eagle river wi for the races. didnt see much of any of the races, i spent the time on the trails. I had a better time during the first weekend, jan 6th - 9th. the trails due to weather were not a highway of snow, but for the most part not bad at all.... no other sled traffic to deal with. we went hours with out passing another sled. as for weather , you could have not asked for better, not to cold and not to warm. and that first weekend, every morning almost 2 new inches of powder on the trails.
As for the next weekend jan 13th -16th, with the main races going on, the trails took a beating. any and all corners down to ice. str8 a ways also getting a little bear. and then all the traffic of other sledders, and large groups. not a fun time during the day light hours. cant see on coming traffic around corners. and then all the newbies that dont understand simple hand signlies. i did have a good time durng that weekend, all the new sleds everywhere you look, if your looking for a new sled, and you wanted to talk to people about what thay are riding, thats the weekend to go.
If you want to ride and get miles on, think about coming up during the classic races, less traffic, less crouds, no waiting any where you stop. If your looking to party and have a one heck of a time, then come up for the main races. lots of people, lots of talk, you will meet people from all over this world. and i do mean this world. and nothing beats walking around and watching the races. its like going to a good old fashon packers game and tail gate party. for all you hardcore guys, that cant make up your mind when to come up, during the main races i was still talking to guys that did 3 and 400 miles days. thay were making big lops into michigan and comeing back south at the end of the day to end the night with a few beers and alot of stories. and thay did say that once thay got out of the area of eagle river wi, the traffic wasnt bad,thay were alble to realy hammer on the miles.
the first weekend was with the girlfriend and kids, ages 10 and 12, i would recomend the classic weekend for young families. traffic not as bad, no waiting anywhere. u can get miles on, and also you dont have to worry that much about speed freaks coming around every corner.
Next year the oldest will be able to drive by herself on the sled on the trails. Safty first. The first weekend will be good for us, she will be able to get her own miles on, and i wont have to worry about on comming traffic around every corner. And if you happen to have a break down, all the local sled shops(thay are busy) but thay can fit you in and get you back on the trail. As for the main second weekend races, well good luck. Getting a hotel much easier during the first weekend.
Well I hope this helps someone.