slomo Posted February 5, 2012 Share Posted February 5, 2012 After having seen all the green trails in the area over the past couple of weeks, while other areas didn't look so good, decided to visit Port Loring for a weekend- February 4 & 5 -and see if we couldn't get some day tours in. We choose a good time - the Argyle Riders club was holding a poker run in association with several other winter events conducted by the local Lion's Club. The route for the run was a perfect introductory tour of the type of trails found in this region. The map below outlines a trip of between 65-70 kilometers of leisurely riding. Conditions were very good with the occasional hiccup caused by a lack of snow for the groomers. We had such a good ride that if for some reason I didn't go another 10 yards on the sled this year, my season was still pretty good. Scenary was absolutely stunning and trail 'types' would accomodate the wishes of any rider. Of all the groups we encountered on the trail, not one failed to give hand signals! Weather was excellent with temps being around 0 degrees or so - definitely visor up weather and no 'no fog' mask needed. While ms slomo slumbered for a bit, headed out at sunrise. All lakes in the area were frozen with very little snow cover. Lakes were spaced well between land trails so that lube and cooling wasn't a problem. A wide variety of trails in the area.. The poker run was pretty well attended. Here ms. slomo, the navigator, checks the route on the map - She was working on a pair of kings and wanted to make sure we got back by the required time - Most drivers just followed the signs on the well marked route.... And got to the Lions Community Center for other events.... Thanks to the hard working Argyle Club for the great trails and for showcasing their area through organizing this event! -Some notes - the trail from Port Loring to the bridges at Pickeral / French River is in good shape with some problem areas due to lack of snow for the groomer. Be cautious as good sections of the trail are excellent, then suddenly you'll find an icy section or wash out. -report from those who rode to Ardbeg and back - land trail very rough and took quite a bit of time - lake trail quicker, but glare ice. -there is no cell phone service in the corridor of highway 522 between highway 69 and highway 11. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
couchrocket500 Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 Great report and pics Slomo, Thanks! Port Loring is indeed a great area, spent a lot of time there though never in the winter. Have to do that, hopefully soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harris Lake Cat Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 Missed you again Slomo! Wife and I rode from our place up the Dun-Ahmic 805 (quite nice) and then made the mistake of taking the 605 'shortcut' to Wawashkesh Lake in the hopes of getting to Jakes in Port Loring for lunch. Trail 605 was 16 km long and took us over and hour. I'll be removing mud, grass and who knows what else I'll find from the sled for weeks. Messed up wife's snow suit pretty good as well. She was not impressed with my route choice! The C102D north from Wawashkesh was also pretty rough in spots due to lack of snow and water holes opening up and was very slow going. It was a godsend to hit the wide, smooth trails of the Near North Trail Association. Did get to lunch at Jakes but not till 2:30. Saw several of the Poker Runs signs. Our destination was North Bay so we had to scoot. All the trails from Port Loring and further north were great. Came back today via D trail and Seguin. D trail from North Bay to Kearney was good to very good. From Kearney to the Seguin was only fair showing a lot of use late on a Sunday afternoon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sledjunk Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 Another great report! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SlowTouringGuy Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 Great trail(s) report and I loved the pictures ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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