HP Conditions, 2/15/09

[mtbikerejg]

HP West from the large parking lot, main fire roads were packed hard enough to ride, although very bumpy from all the foot traffice. Could only ride 30 mins worth of trails. All singletracks were unridable, but so many people on the pond across street, including ice fishing parties, I toured the perimeter of the pond a few times at very high speeds (studs required). According to the ice fisherman, ice is 8 inches thick (4 needed to be safe)! Very refreshing, easy to ride fast (with studs) but sure nicer than riding the road with studs or the small amount of ridable trail in HP west. Riding on the islands (snow free) in the middle of the pond was sureal. It will good remembering them in the spring when the ice is gone! Great alternative to snowbiking with snow softening up and receeding everywhere.

[mad4mtnbike]

Any later updates on HP (after the heavy rain and ice)? Thinking of heading there with studs this coming weekend.

Mark

[digger]

Stopped at Jenkins today for a walk just to scope conditions. Blowdown trail was unridden and postholed, snow is firm. Didn't look pleasant. On the other side of the lot, the fire road was solid as was Border, the first singletrack on the right. A number of bike tracks made me think it was worth it. There is a crust of frozen snow so studs don't look mandatory, but I'm sure there are some spots you might have to be on the lookout for. May give it a go if I can catch it when it's frozen.

[ridefaster]

I rode an area near Harold Parker and it was about 2/3 rideable, although it wasn't easy. Some spots are very firm while others are still 3-4" of soft snow.

Again, not HP, but not too far away either. (Not Ward Hill either...)

Thursday's high temps should help melt the remaining snow.

[Auger King]

I'm sold. Anyone up for exploring with lights tomorrow or Friday around 6p? Worst case we get an hour of bad riding, which is better than 10 hours of no riding.