Benzie Visitor Bureau – 02/05

Hi all! We got a few inches of new snow over the last couple days and temps have been below freezing but not that super cold so its looking pretty good. Groomers were out on the south end last night. Should be an ok weekend for riding! Not super cold, but cold enough, not super snowy but snowy enough at least! Might see some snirty spots or coorners by the end of the days but cold is supposed to stay around and at least a chance of snow in the forecast for a few days coming. And mark your next weekends calendar fir our Winterfest 2010 here in Beulah, February 13th! Its a day packed with fun, food, fireworks, chili cook off, snowmobile poker run and lots more! Then the next weekend is the cool Shiver by the River including Sno Cross in Frankfort, February 19th – 21st! Keep up the snow dance! Groomers are out as I said and remember they are volunteers so if ya see one, get outta their way and give them a thumbs up. Hey thanks Fred, & Scott & Steven for the emails! I love hearing everyone’s stories and reports and seeing pics! Remember this report is all of us working it together! BE SAFE, BE SMART, and I’ll SEEYA on the trails! Carol

Benzie-Manistee Snowmobile Club – 02/05

Groomed reports: South & mid groomed wed-night. The whole trail will be groomed on Friday if the weather holds out. Mike (who is in charge of all grooming done) rode the trails and they were smooth; with a few riders out as well. He talked to them and they had said the trails were excellent for the amount of snow we have. Some were from southern states that read our report said lets try it and they truly enjoyed our trails also said they will be back soon for more enjoyment fun. Excellent from Copmish north to Maple City and very good from Copmish south to Highbridge. We have 4-5 inches of snow on the ground now. We are hoping for snow dance to work as you might sing LET IT SNOW** Let It Snow** let it snow** More info on our web about who to contact www.benziemanisteesnowbirds.com

The best two months of winter begins NOW! Season Snowfall to date is 134.6". Looks like this weekend is offering up some great riding.
Gogebic Range Trail Authority: Groomers are out both day and night and all trails are being groomed including 2-8-160-11N and 11S. Overall conditions Good-some very good, some fair. With increased traffic, corners may be icy. Colder temps will improve the trails.
From the Lake Gogebic Area-Groomers are all out double grooming all trails.. trails good to very good.
Watersmeet groomers are out and reporting trails are solid and conditions are fair to good.
And here’s good news for our Trail 2 East riders-the Marenisco Mini Mart is open and gas is again available there.
IN ALL AREAS:
Please slow down when riding through towns. We’re starting to get some complaints so let’s nip it in the bud before it become a problem.
Keep in mind the groomers are out both day and night, so watch for them, and PLEASE pull over or at least slow down and wait for the operator to signal you by whenever you see them.
The time you spend riding in Big Snow Country is all about lots of fun and a great time…therefore, your safety is our #1 priority.

ICE: Let us reiterate, there is no such thing as "safe" ice.
If you choose to ride on a body of water, be sure you check with locals in the specific area you intend to ride and get current information on conditions in that area. When you ride on ice, you are doing so at your own risk.

SIGN VANDALISM RESULTING IN SERIOUS SITUATION
Expect to see more patrols on the trails due to a recent rash of sign vandalism incidents…we’re hearing cameras also may be enlisted in order to apprehend those responsible. If you see any suspicious activity, please call the DNR at 800-292-7800.