Trail News...

SIGNS, SIGNS, FEWER SIGNS

In an effort to provide our members with up to date information we are posting this message on our web site.  This year you will see fewer signs on our trails.  This change has been the result of input from the DNR, Snowmobile Advisory Workgroup and ORV organizations.  Signs on all motorized trails will be standardized and whether you are snowmobiling or riding a marked ATV trail you will see the same signs. 
The Chippewa Snowchasers have always been proud of our trail signage, which always was “by the book” and our trails were the standard by which others were measured!  We drilled hundreds of post holes and installed signs where we felt they were needed and required.  This year “the book” has been rewritten and we have changed our signs to conform to the new standards.

The following signs have been eliminated:
            Bridge Ahead                          Narrow Trail                           Deer Crossing
            Drift Area                              Narrow Bridge                       Crossing
            Truck Traffic                          Two Way Trail (all trails are two way)
            Chevron                                 Winding Trail                        Hill

Because Snowchaser trails have lots of winding areas, in past years we made liberal use of the old winding trail signs.  We also placed chevrons at certain corners, not just at 90 degree turns.  This year all of the “winding trail” signs are gone and so are the chevrons.  On 90 degree turns there is a curve sign at least 350 feet before the turn and we will be using a 10” X 20” large arrow sign to indicate the change in direction.  All other curves are unmarked by any sign whatsoever.  Stop signs and stop ahead signs will still be on the trails.  The orange diamonds are still there to mark the trail as well as the striped object markers to indicate the edge of a bridge or culvert.  Blue and white signs indicating “food, fuel and lodging will still be used.  “Stay on Trail” signs are still used where the trail crosses private property.  While it is tempting to take a run across an open field in these areas, consider the fact that the property owner has generously allowed us to run our trail across his/her land and such forays may lead to loss of that property for our trails. 
Will these changes lead to safer snowmobile trails?  Time and the 2012-2013 season coming up will tell.  The message to all riders should be: “Slow down and enjoy the wonderful winter scenery provided by Mother Nature.”  Make sure those little ones have their moms, dads, grandmas and grandpas returning home to take care of them!”  Remember trees don’t move when they are hit by a snowmobile! 
Let’s hope that this upcoming season starts with riding on December 1 and ends with the last ride on March 31. 

General News...

FUN RUN

Fun Run:  Game On !!!  Our annual Fun Run is up and running.  Tickets have been distributed to the sponsors and are ready for purchase and obtaining stamps.  We have 18 stops this year and we want to give everyone plenty of time to make the sponsor visits.  This year the event concludes Saturday March 2, 2013 at the Strongs groomer barn- -just South of Strongs Corner.  All contestants need to be back March 2, 2013 by 6:00pm- -doors open at 4:00pm for those early returns.  Cost of the event is $20/Ticket and includes a light meal after all the poker hands dealt.  Everyone is to bring their beverage of choice as only coffee can be served at the Club facility. 

Tickets and Stamps can be obtained at:

BRIMLEY:
Bay Mills Back Bay Grill and Games
Bay Mart Gas Station (BP Next to the Cozy Inn)
Cozy Inn

RUDYARD:
Dan's Place
Joe's Bar and Grill
Pure Country
Shute Oil - BP Station

TROUT LAKE:
Trout Lake Corner Market
The Buckhorn
Trout Lake Tavern
Trout Lake Mini Mart
Mark's Trading Post

HULBERT:
Hulbert Happy Hour

STRONGS:
Lumberjack Tavern
Strongs Motel and Tavern
Roxane's Smoke House Restaurant

ECKERMAN:
Maple Ridge Restaurant
Silver Creek Grill and Pub

Tidbits...

SNOWCHASERS MEETINGS

“Our Club meetings have been suspended for the summer.  The meetings will resume starting August 14, 2012

“Attendees of December Meeting in front of New Pisten Bully”

"A Few Random Pics"