sledspace.com - probably the best snowmobile community and forum ever - Blogs http://www.sledspace.com/blog.php sledspace.com - snowmobiling community and forum covering Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming and the rest of the US and Sweden. Providing snowmobile news and information on riding areas, events, tech, trail maps, gps tracks, weather, safety, grooming, classifieds, gear reviews and more. en Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:55:09 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.sledspace.com/images/misc/rss.jpg sledspace.com - probably the best snowmobile community and forum ever - Blogs http://www.sledspace.com/blog.php 11/12 Winter Weather Prediction http://www.sledspace.com/entry.php?34-11-12-Winter-Weather-Prediction Thu, 01 Sep 2011 01:50:41 GMT After the awesome snow we received last season in the west, it almost seems like we are kind of set up for disappointment this year. I am generally... After the awesome snow we received last season in the west, it almost seems like we are kind of set up for disappointment this year. I am generally overly optimistic, but I think there are some things to look forward to.

The big question a lot of forecasters are debating is La Nina or no La Nina. Some models or forecasts are La Nina neutral, while others show a weak to moderate La Nina developing in the fall. If you recall, La Nina typically results in colder than normal winter temperatures in the Northwest.

If you are one that believes in averages; it would seem if you take all the models and predictions and average them out, you end up with a "normal" year, or slightly cooler than normal. However, I would like to introduce some of you to an additional concept - Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO).

In a nutshell, PDO is another sea temperature phenomena, affecting the North Pacific (rather than the tropics like El Nino and La Nina). PDO undergoes two phases, a warm phase (positive) and a cool phase (negative). These warm and cool phases are much longer in duration than El Nino and La Nina, typically lasting 10 to 40 years - with a few shorter intervals occasionally in between. The cool PDO phases have been linked to cooler temperatures, and vice versa. There are some that feel we are at the beginning of a longer cool PDO phase.

Making this even more interesting, there are some links between the cool PDO phase AND more frequent and stronger La Nina events. Those that "believe" in PDO tend to lean towards predicting a La Nina when there are any signals that could indicate such during the cool PDO. What we saw last winter very well could have been the convergence of a very strong La Nina and a negative PDO, kind of a perfect storm of ocean temperature phenomena.

So......For those of you that are winter optimistic like myself, this sounds like a great thing. I am going to put my faith behind the cool PDO cycle and a possible La Nina, and say we are going to have an awesome winter with cooler than normal temperatures and greater than average snowfall in the Northwest. What will be interesting is if we see what I swear is a regular MLK day dry period or rain event. It seems like we always get this 1-3 week warm and/or wet period in January during a great winter – with MLK day being a drencher.

Keep your fingers crossed and pray for a negative PDO.

Ben
Attached Images
]]> ben http://www.sledspace.com/entry.php?34-11-12-Winter-Weather-Prediction 10/11 Winter Stats http://www.sledspace.com/entry.php?33-10-11-Winter-Stats Mon, 30 May 2011 19:43:32 GMT Here is some data and information from Mt. Bachelor showing just how spectacular this winter was. The attached PDF shows the seasonal and monthly... Here is some data and information from Mt. Bachelor showing just how spectacular this winter was. The attached PDF shows the seasonal and monthly snow totals, along with high and low records. To briefly recap the season:

Mt B received 664" of snow during the 2010/2011 season, besting the previous record of 606 inches set during the La Nina winter of 1998-1999.

The longest stretch without any new snow was 17 days - January 19th to February 4th.

From mid-February through the end of March, it snowed 21 feet. There were only four days during this period that it DIDN'T snow!

The 24-hour period when the most new snow fell was 3pm February 14th to 3pm February 15th - 29 inches.

The 153 inches of March snowfall easily bested the previous March snowfall record of 125 inches (08/09).

The maximum wind gust at the top of Summit lift (9,000 feet) was 168 mph.

I believe Mt B had a snowpack of approximately 130" at the base and 175" mid-mountain as of the close of operations on 5/29/11.
Attached Images
]]> ben http://www.sledspace.com/entry.php?33-10-11-Winter-Stats La Nina Delivers http://www.sledspace.com/entry.php?32-La-Nina-Delivers Thu, 28 Apr 2011 03:12:51 GMT I was looking back at my blog post on August 8th, speculating that this La Nina year was going to be a good one for snow. While I really can't take any credit for this prediction, it looks like I was right. Mt Bachelor received 17" of new snow in the last 72 hours, bumping them to a total of 616" for the season. According to the record keepers at Mt. B, this eclipses their previous season record of 606". While we did have a few weeks of dry weather in January, the storms seemed to dump huge amounts as they passed through. A few of these storms were legendary in stature. Who can forget the five feet we received in less than a week in February? Not only did the snow pile up during that epic dump, it was light blower powder as well. Just a week or so before that we had crusty rain snow, and I was worried about conditions for the an upcoming avy class - La Nina delivered. If current weather trends are any indication, we will continue to see the record Bachelor snowfall increase by a few more inches before the end of the season.
Attached Images
]]> ben http://www.sledspace.com/entry.php?32-La-Nina-Delivers The Noob thread got me thinking http://www.sledspace.com/entry.php?31-The-Noob-thread-got-me-thinking Mon, 27 Dec 2010 21:57:04 GMT The recent "Just for Noobs" thread as well as the upcoming Level 1 Avalanche training class got me thinking, and what better way to sort out your thoughts than put them down for all to see.
There has been some recent talk about obstacles to keep an eye on, for example the vent holes, cornices, "land mines", etc. ALL very good information. But lets take a look at another side of rider safety, and that is Avalanche gear and training. All of this equipment is extremely important and useful, hopefully NEVER under any other circumstance other than "Practice".

What gear is he talking about you may ask, and some of you already know what gear that is but here is a list for the "Noobs".
1. Shovel
2. Probe
3. Avalanche Beacon (Pay attention, that's Beacon, not Bacon:rolleyes:)

These items should be the BARE minimum that you care in your pack fr any Backcountry adventure. Two of these items are fairly inexpensive and easy to locate, the third item on that list is not so inexpensive. But here is one way to look at it, if you have a $50 head, buy a $50 helmet. (Yes, that was laced with sarcasm:D) Now, I want to remind you that this is only the bare minimum of AVALANCHE gear that you should carry. Medical supplies etc are for another entry.

Now, on top of those items there are a couple that I carry beyond that minimum list:
4. Personal Locator Beacon
5. Avalanche Slope Angle/Identifier Card

Plus what I would like to add to my arsenal:
Avalanche Air Bag

Along with all of these items that are designed to help you identify avalanche terrain and increse your chance of survival after an avalanche, none will you do you any good with Practice and Training.
The first thing you can do once you have all the tools is to practice, practice, practice. This is an area that I personally can say I am a little lacking in. We have hidden a beacon on a few occasions and gone out in search of it, but not nearly enough. SO I am making a vow this season to PRACTICE a LOT more.
The second thing that you can do is to sign up for an AIARE certified training course, and thanks to Ben as well as Sisters Backcountry, this is becoming easier to obtain by us Oregonians. Of which I will be attending the upcoming Level 1 class on January 7th-9th along with a few others on this forum. I am very excited for this class, and look forward tot eh knowledge we will all gain during this session.

Now, I have ridden with a few folks that believe that we never ride in avalanche terrain and refuse to spend the money on this safety equipment. To each there own i suppose.
But let me remind you of the season we had LATE last year where we saw areas that had NEVER slid before, slide. Now, I am not talking about all the areas that slid, but a select few that from recent history no one had seen slide. So can you really say that you NEVER ride in avalanche terrain?

This year is likely to be a high avalanche danger year, and I would like to know that all of you are at the bare minimum THINKING about acquiring this gear, ESPECIALLY if you plan to venture into the backcountry. I never want to see one of my riding partners not come home because they/I did not have the proper gear. ]]> Tedd http://www.sledspace.com/entry.php?31-The-Noob-thread-got-me-thinking Off season - SUMMER SUCKS! http://www.sledspace.com/entry.php?30-Off-season-SUMMER-SUCKS! Wed, 11 Aug 2010 02:18:40 GMT Well, not entirely, but close. There is really only one month where I don't spend very much time thinking about sledding, and that would be June. School is ending and for whatever reason, the administrators/teachers feel some sort of obligation to cram a whole bunch of stuff into the last couple of weeks. Plus, there's the final planning for family vacations, the kid's schedule, etc. June just flies by in a flurry most years. Seems like the shortest month on the calendar!

Then rolls in July and August. Two of the l~o~n~g~e~s~t months on the calendar!! It gets hot. YUCK. The sunshines...a lot. Which for me means sunscreen, and since it's hot, it means more than just sunscreen on my face (which is all that I need in the winter....the BEST season of the year!). We have to water the yard, run the air conditioner, plant flowers, water said flowers, and who can get enough sleep when it's light out until 10pm?

There is some reprieve this year as Thunderstruck is having the premier for TS9 in August this year. In Boise, Idaho. Actually, it's this Saturday (August 14) and we are lucky enough to be attending. YIPPEE!!!

But, then there's still September and October to get through. Luckily September is busy with back-to-school, and October is the start of snow show season. All the while, my anticipation for the sweet sound of falling snow (ya know - silence!) will be mounting. I'll pray to the snow goddess and dance to the snow god, whatever the heck it takes for that base to start building!!!

Winter Rules! Summer Sucks! Thems the facts, as I see it. ]]> Oregongirl http://www.sledspace.com/entry.php?30-Off-season-SUMMER-SUCKS! La Nina http://www.sledspace.com/entry.php?29-La-Nina Sun, 08 Aug 2010 23:48:30 GMT It looks like the forecasters are calling for a La Nina year this winter. In fact, it appears that the data already supports a La Nina pattern and... It looks like the forecasters are calling for a La Nina year this winter. In fact, it appears that the data already supports a La Nina pattern and it is likely to strengthen further. Given that last year was a classic El Nino year, as predicted with a warmer and drier winter and wet spring/early summer, I think we would all welcome La Nina.

According to NOAA data, past Strong La Nina years have seen snowfalls 20%-40% above average in the Oregon/Washington Cascades and 15%-30% in the Southern Cascades. For example, in neutral years Government Camp sees 260" of snow. In a weak La Nina year this increases to 268". However, in strong La Nina years the annual average is 370". Move down south to Crater lake and these averages work out to 470", 510" and 615" respectively. Keep in mind that these are averages, so they could be on the plus or minus side, if we even have a typical La Nina.

To throw a wrench in this - when looking at the data, past weak El Nino years have also seen large snowfalls as well. However, my own interpretation is that La Nina is a little more reliable in bringing the moisture in, and is typically better for lower elevations. While there may be decent precipitation during an El Nino year, it is often found in the form of snow only at higher elevations.

Ultimately none of this matters, as the snow will either come or it won't. We will be throwing snowballs in our Halloween costumes, or barely seeing white when Santa comes to town. However, if you believe in trends, long-term forecasts and data - there is hope.

For those of you that want to reminisce a little - Recent La Nina years include:
1988-1989 (An awesome ski season that still sticks out in my mind)
1995-1996 (Who can forget the storms of 1996)
1998-1999 (Mt. Baker recorded a record setting 1,140" annual snowfall)
2000-2001
2006
2007-2008

Here are some La Nina facts from NOAA:

What is La Niña?
La Niña is defined as cooler than normal sea-surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific ocean that impact global weather patterns. La Niña conditions recur every few years and can persist for as long as two years.

What is the difference between La Niña and El Niño?
El Niño and La Niña are extreme phases of a naturally occurring climate cycle referred to as El Niño/Southern Oscillation. Both terms refer to large-scale changes in sea-surface temperature across the eastern tropical Pacific. Usually, sea-surface readings off South America's west coast range from the 60s to 70s F, while they exceed 80 degrees F in the "warm pool" located in the central and western Pacific. This warm pool expands to cover the tropics during El Niño, but during La Niña, the easterly trade winds strengthen and cold upwelling along the equator and the West coast of South America intensifies. Sea-surface temperatures along the equator can fall as much as 7 degrees F below normal.

Why do El Niño and La Niña occur?
El Niño and La Niña result from interaction between the surface of the ocean and the atmosphere in the tropical Pacific. Changes in the ocean impact the atmosphere and climate patterns around the globe. In turn, changes in the atmosphere impact the ocean temperatures and currents. The system oscillates between warm (El Niño) to neutral (or cold La Niña) conditions with an on average every 3-4 years.

What causes La Niña?
Typically, a La Niña is preceded by a buildup of cooler-than-normal subsurface waters in the tropical Pacific. Eastward-moving atmospheric and oceanic waves help bring the cold water to the surface through a complex series of events still being studied. In time, the easterly trade winds strengthen, cold upwelling off Peru and Ecuador intensifies, and sea-surface temperatures (SSTs) drop below normal. During the 1988- 89 La Niña, SSTs fell to as much as 4 degrees C (7 degrees F) below normal. Both La Niña and El Niño tend to peak during the Northern Hemisphere winter.

What are the global impacts of La Niña?
Both El Niño and La Niña impact global and U.S. climate patterns. In many locations, especially in the tropics, La Niña (or cold episodes) produces the opposite climate variations from El Niño. For instance, parts of Australia and Indonesia are prone to drought during El Niño, but are typically wetter than normal during La Niña.

What are the U.S. impacts of La Niña?
La Niña often features drier than normal conditions in the Southwest in late summer through the subsequent winter. Drier than normal conditions also typically occur in the Central Plains in the fall and in the Southeast in the winter. In contrast, the Pacific Northwest is more likely to be wetter than normal in the late fall and early winter with the presence of a well-established La Niña. Additionally, on average La Niña winters are warmer than normal in the Southeast and colder than normal in the Northwest. ]]> ben http://www.sledspace.com/entry.php?29-La-Nina Summer Fun http://www.sledspace.com/entry.php?28-Summer-Fun Sun, 01 Aug 2010 17:57:12 GMT Well we are well into summer. It seems all I do is work lately. Fortunately I get to work double time so I can play hard in the winter. I am... Well we are well into summer. It seems all I do is work lately. Fortunately I get to work double time so I can play hard in the winter. I am almost done with my engine swap in my Rhino (want to keep up with Tedd if I get to ride with him). Any fun I start to have is over whelmed by the thought of sledding again. I am already excited thinking of the WSSA expo. I love it so much that it almost excites me more than the thought of ridding right now. However the expo is too early in the year for me. It is held sometime in October. That is way too early to expect snow. It is certainly going to put me into snowmobile mode. The expo makes me want to ride so bad that it is all I can think after it. Right after the expo I go in search of snow. I am looking for good snow anywhere from mid-West to the West. It seems we get snow about the same time as most places. I have chased early snows before and most of the time it is a waste of a trip. Anyway I try to stay busy with summer projects and work to avoid the torchers that thinking of sledding may bring. ]]> master http://www.sledspace.com/entry.php?28-Summer-Fun Gratitude! http://www.sledspace.com/entry.php?27-Gratitude! Thu, 18 Mar 2010 03:04:15 GMT I just want to thank everyone for their support and for sending my commentary to others. I had no idea that when I decided to do this that the... I just want to thank everyone for their support and for sending my commentary to others. I had no idea that when I decided to do this that the responses would be so overwhelming.

As I've written previously (although I cannot remember WHERE I wrote it!) I simply sat down with my heart - which was breaking and with great anger and wrote down what I was feeling. I wrote without stopping really, I'd been reading forums and news stories for two days, I knew what I wanted/needed to say. What I published was primarily unedited from it's original content. (Funny how no one that "proofed" the draft caught that I spelled heroes incorrectly!)

Then I took a deep breath and began posting it online. I think after that, I shut down my laptop and went to bed. I was emotionally spent!

I began getting positive feedback from snowmobilers from both countries, coast to coast, almost immediately. There were a dozen or so requests for the pdf version in my email the next morning. I've since lost count of how many pdf versions I've emailed. Requests to add people as FB friends were coming in every couple of hours or so. I got to the point that if we had a few mutual friends that were from my sledding "community", I would just accept them.

Because each of you have been key to ensuring that this message is distributed, I want to share some of the comments I've received.

"I take my hat of to you. Tears were flowing."

"Great work. Brought tears to my eyes."

"we are all thankful for your message"

"Thank you for putting into words what so many of us are thinking."

"Your words echo the thoughts and feelings of all of us."

"you have put down on paper exactly how if feel and what I believe"

"I just wanted to say you rock"

"you nailed it with this article."

"Amen! Well said."

My biggest concern was how the people who were there that day...the survivors...would respond to my words. And when they started to respond - well they were the most meaningful thanks I could have ever received!

"Thank-you for your understanding, please know how much your words mean to us."

"you've touched my heart in a troubled time."

"I’d like to thank you for writing that very good article."

"thank you for posting those words,because it is very truthful and real."

And of course, there has been some negativity, but out of the 100s of responses they have been limited to TWO. Yes, I said.....I've only received TWO negative responses. WOW!! I am not going to give them any further acknowledgment than that.

The window to have the major media pick up this story I think has probably passed. BUT - I know that it's going to be published by clubs, associations and some magazines in the coming weeks.

I have noticed that some of the mainstream media in CN have begun to soften there stories a bit. I sit with held breath to see what legislative and/or liability rulings this will have for the future of sledding in BC.

It is my hope that, in both countries, we are forever able to exercise free will when it comes to our personal recreation, safety and risk choices. The backcountry needs to remain free from liability suits. IMO.

Anyway - thanks again for stepping up to the plate!! Turns out that I was the voice (who knew!), but you all were the inspiration and the "choir" (so to speak).

Oh - and this level of individual advocacy for snowmobiling needs to continue. Assuming that someone else is protecting your right to ride is a fallacy. It's going to take everyones INVOLVEMENT!! A few individuals cannot do it alone. (that's me wearing my SAWS hat) :p ]]> Oregongirl http://www.sledspace.com/entry.php?27-Gratitude! <![CDATA[It's time to honor the heroes!]]> http://www.sledspace.com/entry.php?26-It-s-time-to-honor-the-heroes! Tue, 16 Mar 2010 04:20:53 GMT Please feel free to distribute this message on forums, to the media, etc. If you want a pdf copy to distribute send me an email at... Please feel free to distribute this message on forums, to the media, etc. If you want a pdf copy to distribute send me an email at susie.rainsberry@comcast.net

It’s time to honor the heros.
Written by Susie Rainsberry
March 15, 2010

It’s been several days now since the tragic avalanche at Turbo Hill. The latest reports are that two are deceased and three are still hospitalized. The media is also reporting that there were 200 snowmobilers at Turbo at the time of the slide. The avalanche is reported to have been up to 150 meters wide and 10 meters deep. That, my friends, is a BIG avalanche!

I’d like to put some perspective on this – a snowmobiler’s perspective. Apparently no one in the media is a snowmobiler or is concerned about taking the time to gather the facts – not just the bad, but the good as well. And there is good to be heard in this story. If you ask a snowmobiler – they’d be able to tell you what that is. But either the media isn’t asking, or has heard it and doesn’t feel that the facts are newsworthy.

However, I feel these facts are the MOST newsworthy topic of this entire tragedy.

Saturday afternoon, following the close of the events for the annual Big Iron Shootout, a large group of snowmobilers headed to Turbo Bowl to make a run at the hill. As the riders lined up at the bottom of the hill, the mass of spectators parked their sleds and prepared to enjoy the show. As one of the sleds turned out towards the top, the hillside gave way. Thundering down the mountain it came – taking sleds and riders with it. This powerful act of nature happens in a split second. There is no time to react.

The time to react is as soon as it stops. And react – with speed and knowledge – in the midst of chaos – is what those sledders did. There were no typical first responders to this catastrophe in the immediate moments following the avalanche. Only snowmobilers. Those same snowmobilers that the media is painting with a broad stroke as crazy, ignorant, thrill-seekers.

As a back country snowmobiler myself, I can tell you that ignorant is not a word that I would use to describe those survivors. I would call them heroes! And justly so. In the midst of what may have been the most terrifying minutes of their lives, they turned their avalanche beacons to search, they got out their probes and their shovels and they started rescue protocols IMMEDIATELY – likely while in a state of shock. They dug out those that were buried, they triaged the injured, they administered first aid, they built fires to keep them warm until the helicopters arrived. These people were heroic!! Without their quick and educated responses, many more people would have died.

I am angered that the media is so eager to report this story that they are being so disgraceful to the victims and survivors. These people need support and compassion. They do not need to be stereotyped and degraded in the media or by anyone else. Shame on you!! Didn’t your mother teach you better manners than that?

I’m not done though – there is way more information about snowmobilers in respect to the Big Iron Shootout and Revelstoke that the media hasn’t covered yet. While they gleefully report that this is an unsanctioned (I’ll get to that in a moment) event drew 200 sledders (despite the grave warnings from the avalanche center), what they aren’t telling you is that there are likely double that number of snowmobilers who DIDN’T attend this year’s event – because of the conditions. Snowmobilers who DID heed the warnings.

As I was reading the snowmobiling forums and Facebook on Saturday evening, the same story continued to repeat itself – people concerned about friends who generally attend the BIS, those friends checking in and saying they didn’t go this year, or they were in the area but avoided Turbo Bowl because of the warnings and the conditions they were already aware of. You see, back country snowmobilers are often in the back country two or more days a week and already have first hand insight to the conditions.

Regarding the word being used in almost every story – unsanctioned. It is true that there is no sanctioning organization for this event. Not the town of Revelstoke nor the Revelstoke Snowmobile Club. However, just because it’s not sanctioned does not mean that it is illegal.

Snowmobilers often gather in large groups to ride with friends who are generally dispersed all over Canada and the United States. I personally rode with a group of 30 riders at an “unsanctioned” event in Wyoming. Oops! I also rode at another “unsanctioned” event, ummm, better make that two, here in Oregon. Rest assured, I am not a criminal nor are any of the snowmobilers that I know.

The internet keeps the snowmobiling community connected. There are 1,000s of unsanctioned events that simply start by someone saying, “hey – who wants to ride this weekend?” Next thing ya know, word spreads about how much fun everyone had and it snowballs from there (pun intended). They grow into these annual events…”same date next year?”

So, here’s what happens next – the date is set. Motel rooms are reserved. Trucks and sleds are fueled. Vacation time is requested. Then individuals, families and social groups all head into a remote mountain town. They buy. They buy. They buy a lot!! They spend money – because they can.

It is with great sadness that I have to dispel the myth that mountain snowmobilers are a bunch of rednecks. All you really need to do is add up the costs to outfit an individual – much less an entire family – with a sled and the proper safety gear. Since this article is really targeted at those individuals who are not mountain sledders, I will point out that everything – got that?…EVERYTHING, on your person and on your sled is part and parcel of your survival gear. From your gloves, to your coat, to the sunglasses in your backpack. Trying to save a dime in buying a coat is really not advised, when that coat may be the only thing protecting you from the elements if you have to stay overnight. With all that said, here’s a run down of estimated costs of the primary accessories needed to sled in the back country.

• Sled $6,000-$14,000 USD
• Clothes (including base, mid and outer layers – top & bottom) $800-$1,200 USD
• Boots/gloves/helmet $245-$800 USD
• Backpack (non-avy) $60-$120 USD
• Backpack (avy) $1,000-$1,200 USD
• Body armor (tek vest, knee pads, etc) $60-$300 USD
• Beacon, probe, shovel $250-$400 USD

This doesn’t include a lot of items, such as matches, radios, compass, fire starter, flashlight, and the list goes on, and the costs add up. It would be GREATLY appreciated if the media would STOP perpetuating the myths that sledders are ignorant, beer-swilling, couch-potatoes. Because it’s simply not true.

The fact is that mountain sledders do not fit a stereotypical mold. They come from all areas of the business world…from CEOs to millworkers. They have families and they are single. They are old and they are young. They are world-class athletes and they are physically handicapped. They survive corporate down-sizing, cancer, divorces, etc….just like everyone else.

The thing that binds us together is our great love for the back country in the winter. We are modern day adventurers. We want to get out there – in the mountains. We want to explore and play and wonder at the beauty. We love the snow! When it covers the trees, when it flies up in our faces, when it gives us a playground of vast proportions. That is when we are in heaven. That is when our souls glow.

We are not anything that the media will have tried to make us out to be in the last couple of days. We are so much more. It’s truly a pity that the media isn’t interested in shining any light on the truth.

The truth is - the Turbo Bowl avy survivors are HEROES. We in the snowmobiling communities – far and wide – are praying for the full recovery of those injured, in body and in spirit. And finally, with great compassion and sympathy we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who perished.

I wrote this and I am Susie Rainsberry, Oregon resident, back-country snowmobiler. I provide free and complete liberty for others to share and disperse this message. The time has come to stop the slandering of good individuals just because they ride snowmobiles. ]]> Oregongirl http://www.sledspace.com/entry.php?26-It-s-time-to-honor-the-heroes! No Snow http://www.sledspace.com/entry.php?25-No-Snow Fri, 26 Feb 2010 21:29:26 GMT The tree huggers are going to have a heyday this year. I am sure it will be tied to global warming. What else can I say? No snow, hardly got the... The tree huggers are going to have a heyday this year. I am sure it will be tied to global warming. What else can I say? No snow, hardly got the dust knocked off my sled. At this rate even March isn't looking good. :( ]]> master http://www.sledspace.com/entry.php?25-No-Snow Great Trip http://www.sledspace.com/entry.php?24-Great-Trip Mon, 01 Feb 2010 04:38:24 GMT My wife (Kathee)and I took a week long trip around Oregon. We have been to different parts but not to some so we decided to check it out. We went... My wife (Kathee)and I took a week long trip around Oregon. We have been to different parts but not to some so we decided to check it out. We went to Halfway and drove to the snow park. I will be organizing a trip to there with my buddies of my wife this year. The best part of the trip was spending a couple days visiting my baby at OIT. While there I got to meet BCDan and Sildoc's Dad. I don't know what all the talk is about BCDan. He seemed like a nice guy to me. Just kidding he is a very nice guy and I enjoyed talking with him. While talking to Dan if I remember right Ed (sorry if I got it wrong) was in the camper with my wife. Hmmmm. I didn't get to talk to him much but she said he was very nice and she enjoyed talking to him. I understand he gave his time and a piece of his life for us serving in Vietnam. Kathee and I want to thank him for that we owe those people everything we have. Sorry don't mean to get all fuzzy on you. After saying good bye to my baby which is still very hard for Dad. We headed up to Bend to visit Ben again he is much nicer than you guys make him out to be. If you haven't been to Ben's house it is immaculate I think you could actually eat off of his garage floor. Anyway always nice to visit with you Ben. Now we are home and regretting that we didn't bring our sleds. Oh well at least we got to meet BCDan and Sildoc"s Dad. Not to mention chat with Ben ya the real Ben. I know this is probably boring to most but we had fun.
Thanks for listening,
Tim and Kathee ]]> master http://www.sledspace.com/entry.php?24-Great-Trip Land Use Fights http://www.sledspace.com/entry.php?23-Land-Use-Fights Tue, 12 Jan 2010 04:06:01 GMT I have spent much time thinking about this subject and I continually come back to the same thing. We as a forest user group as well as the many other... I have spent much time thinking about this subject and I continually come back to the same thing. We as a forest user group as well as the many other user groups are fighting to be able to recreate how they feel fit on our public lands.

The unfortunate part of this fact is that some of these user groups are louder than others. No, I am not talking about loud pipes on a Snowmobile, Dirt bike, ATV, or PWC. I am talking about how loud their voices are in protecting, locking down, or otherwise taking what they want for themselves.

Now some of you will simply say that I am talking about people who enjoy Cross country skiing, Snow shoeing, Dog sledding, etc. But to the contrary, I am not talking about ALL of these people. To group the people that enjoy these winter sports together does them an injustice, just like saying that the one or two snowmobilers in the snow park that rip through the lot as fast as they can with the loudest pipe that they can buy are what ALL snowmobilers are like. We simply know that this is NOT TRUE.

Case in point. Oregongirl and I arrived at the Waldo Lake snow park on the Sunday after New Years for a ride by ourselves. We unloaded and headed up the trail with the courtesy we give to ALL people that enjoy the outdoors in winter. We passed a family that was out for a hike in the snow and a cross country skier on the way in. They all waved with a smile as we passed. On our way back to the snow park, we passed a cross country skier( a different one than we saw on the way in)and a couple that were out snow shoeing, again they all waved with a smile as we passed.

These are just a couple of examples of the why we as a user group should not group all non-motorized user groups into the same groups as the ones that are pushing to close everything to motorized user groups. These folks are but a small number of these groups that just happen to know how to make the most noise and get the general publics attention as well as the Forest Service and members of Congress and other appointed government officials.

So, my message here is two fold. Let's all think about how we want to be categorized before we categorize other groups, and if we are going to be heard, we need to be a lot noisier.

When you see/hear something that you do not agree with, take a moment to write a quick email to the Forest Service or your elected official. It only takes a few seconds to tell them that you don't agree with the direction they are going. A letter to the Forest Service or elected official does not have to be 2 pages long, a couple of sentences can relay your message. For example:

Dear Senator Wyden,
I do not agree with the Forest Service spending tax dollars to remove degrading roads. The Forest Service has better things to spend valuable man hours and tax dollars on. Managing our forests by selective thinning and keeping them open for all of the public to enjoy is more important and a better use of Forest Service resources.
Thank you for your time,

If we want to win any of these fights, we need to get louder. ]]> Tedd http://www.sledspace.com/entry.php?23-Land-Use-Fights How costly can it be?? http://www.sledspace.com/entry.php?22-How-costly-can-it-be Wed, 23 Dec 2009 19:36:08 GMT So I was thinking that this season we won’t need much as in spending, as we all know that sledding can be expensive; gear, rig, trailer, sleds, and... So I was thinking that this season we won’t need much as in spending, as we all know that sledding can be expensive; gear, rig, trailer, sleds, and the accessories. We have been set now with everything till this season…. First trip out my sled burned down a cylinder, and then the next day Jim’s sled quits on us, and so we rented a sled for 2 days. WOW! An expensive trip, good thing we brought JUST enough to cost everything. I came home with $6.00 and Jim none. At least Jim’s was under warranty and to find it was only a bolt that backed out, but still do u still trust that since u are on a 2008 800 Dragon that has a reputation? Find out that mine was mechanical error, oil line not attached to oil pump.

So this last weekend we go for a test ride, on the sleds that were running at the shop. At the sno-park one sled doesn’t even makes it out the trailer, pulled corded sucked down into the recoil, second sled quits; about a mile on the trail, and the one I was riding quits on the trail heading back. (Manage to get a soaked ride in) So the first sled was an easy fix but soon we found another problem, fuel pump, the other two sleds well we are still scratching our heads why they quit? The one sled cylinder looks good while I was there in the shop, and as for the one I rode, the antifreeze wasn’t circulating, but the water pump moves, and the thermostat looks good?

So, as it turns out for us this season is going to be expensive season or do I have that kind of luck this year? I’m actually afraid to go out and ride, believe it or not. :eek: ]]> foxyrmk http://www.sledspace.com/entry.php?22-How-costly-can-it-be <![CDATA[This is $%^#!*&@]]> http://www.sledspace.com/entry.php?21-This-is-!*-amp Mon, 21 Dec 2009 22:37:56 GMT Talk about the mid winter doldrums. It think this is what you get when you purchase two new sleds in one year trying to do your part to stimulate the... Talk about the mid winter doldrums. It think this is what you get when you purchase two new sleds in one year trying to do your part to stimulate the economy.
We had a great start to what is turning out to be a not so great year. Early snow led to getting things ready to go and getting sleds broke in before Thanksgiving, and then someone had a really bad sense of humor kick in and here we are. Christmas week and most of the areas we ride have little to no coverage. We have no children after Christmas morning, and no place to go so far. Decisions, Decisions. Do we head north into Washington, or do we chance it and head for Hoodoo for the days after Christmas? The snow goods need to get rid of this WARM sense of humor and get back to business.

I hope you all are well, have a chance to spend the holidays with friends and family, and I wish you all a wonderful Christmas.


(This was written to hopefully wake up whomever controls the snow levels, as they are obviously off in la la land and are paying attention to the time of year. I am really not this pessimistic most of the time, thanks to Oregongirl) ]]> Tedd http://www.sledspace.com/entry.php?21-This-is-!*-amp Go Snow! http://www.sledspace.com/entry.php?20-Go-Snow! Mon, 07 Dec 2009 04:45:29 GMT It has been snowing all day in Bend and is still coming down lightly. I have had to shovel 4 times today. I would say that we have 10-12 inches,... It has been snowing all day in Bend and is still coming down lightly. I have had to shovel 4 times today. I would say that we have 10-12 inches, conservatively, although it is hard to gauge as it has blown around some. Bend can be funny though. You will get a bunch of snow on one side of town and hardly anything just a mile or two away.

It is 9 degrees right now, and I don't think it got much above the teens all day. This is the lightest crystally snow you can get. Totally impossible to pack into a snowball. It really is the stuff you live for if you are into any kind of snow sport. Unfortunately, the mountains seemed to have missed out, at least the ones around here. The higher you go, the less snow this storm deposited. In the same timeframe that we saw around a foot, Mt Bachelor only saw 1 inch.

These micro-climates and snow areas/zones in the region are actually pretty cool. This is why you can start out at Wanoga in the bright sun and no snow, ride up to Kwolh in 16 inches of fresh and a blizzard, then cruise out to moon to enjoy super deep powder fields and sunshine. All within the same few hours. You can find pockets of insane powder in places that are surrounded by average snowfall.

Anyway, it looks like it is going to dry out this week and we will be getting more weather starting next weekend or so. Hopefully this will be the start of a more reliable weather pattern. My recollections of El Nino years in the past seem to follow one of two scenarios:

1) Late snow, sometimes really late, but a good base later in the year.
2) Infrequent big dumps followed by extended dry periods.

I am not totally sure about this, and I am not even certain we are in an El Nino year. However, what we have seen so far may be more like scenario #2. Although if you can sled before Thanksgiving you are doing pretty good. Let’s just hope it’s even better around Christmas.

Ben ]]> ben http://www.sledspace.com/entry.php?20-Go-Snow!