Sunday, May 12/2013

Jace and Kimmy arrived her at the farm early.  Jace had loaded the quads onto the trailer last evening so it was just a matter of hooking up and heading out.
We arrived at the trails, unloaded and had a total of nine quads on today's ride.  It should be an interesting ride.  Hopefully, there is not too much in the way of water and mud.
I was surprised at how little snow remained, even in the trees.  The trails we rode today were actually quite dusty and I was forced at one point to actually put on my goggles.
We had to turn around on one of the trails as we were blocked by large quantities of water so had to take a detour.
We crossed one beaver damn that was easily traversed along the side but for the more adventurous souls, it could be crossed through the middle in the much deeper water.  Several of the guys chose the middle.  I actually was able to get some good pics of that!!
The weather was fully cooperative and many of us commented on how beautiful it was.  It was a perfect day for quadding.
When we took Elk Trail (the one that eventually spits us out onto the Steep Creek Trail) we encountered more water and mud.  The guys enjoyed playing in it and again, when we hit the trail above the river, we encountered more mud and water.
Jace was the only brave one to go down the trail to the river and ended up having to be winched back up.  This trail had eroded to such an extent that huge furrows had formed making the quad high centered.  I am afraid that the trail to the river may have just  been reclaimed by mother nature.
On the way to "the lookout" along the steep creek trail, the winches were needed for a few that chose not to go around the mud holes.  The guys seemed to have fun though.
Once at the lookout, which displays a panoramic view of the river and its far bank, a bonfire was started and those wishing to, cooked hot dogs.  This was our turnaround point.  It was time to head back to the trucks.
When we went to leave, one of the quads had totally blown its belt apart and now needed to be towed home.  This fellow had just had some work done to his machine by the dealership and it looked as if they may have failed to tighten all of the bolts and "whatevers" causing the belt to have issues.  It was a good thing that we were almost at the end of the "trail" for the return home could be made on much wider roads.  Ones that would easily accommodate a rescue vehicle without scratching the hell out of it.
Being that I had not been on my own quad for several years, I was most definitely feeling the effects of it.  Fortunately, Miss Maddy had joined us for today's ride and was able to take over on my quad.  I got into the side by side with Chris for the ride home.  Maddy is a very experienced rider (she rides better than me!!) so I had no trouble relinquishing the reins to her.

Getting unloaded

John's new MXR

Beverage

Another shot of John's MXR

Lots of water

Waiting for the boys to come through. Videos on Johns Facebook

Kimmy and Jace

Crocuses

John

Maddy

Chris at the overlook

Maddy and Jeff

Weaner roast

Going down to steep creek

The trail home

Another great day

Once we got to the wider trails, Jeff (who was towing the broken quad) decided to leave it on the trail and continue on without it to get his truck and trailer, then make the trip back to pick it up.  The owner decide to stay with the quad.  He had smokes and his vodka so was "good to go"!!
The rest of us carried on and at one point, the lead quads saw a Mom black bear and two cubs with her.  Chris and I were dragging trail so we did not get to see them.  The other side by side was having trouble with overheating so Chris and I decide to bring up the rear, that way, no one was left alone on the trail with "issues".  Well, except for the guy with the belt issue ( but he had his smokes and vodka!!).
We made it back to the truck in about an hour and Jeff then got into his truck and headed back to pick up the stranded quad.  Everyone then loaded up and headed for Saskatoon with the exception of us.  Jace told Jeff he would wait for him as this was the first trip out to these trails and he was unsure of the directions.  It took Jeff about and hour to get to the quad and when he finally did arrive, he found the owner passed out drunk and not much of a help in loading the disabled machine.  Needless to say, he was a little upset by this.  I am thinking that Jeff is not likely to invite this guy back out to the trails anytime soon!!
Eventually, we saw Jeff's headlights coming (it was now pitch black out).  Jace and him had a short chat and then we both headed back to Saskatoon.
It was way after midnight (probably closer to 1) by the time we arrived back at the farm and we were all very tired.  It had been a good day but, a very long day!!
Jace unhooked the trailer then him and Kimmy headed right back to the city.  Kimmy had to work in the morning - that sucks!!
I made John and I a grilled cheese sandwich then, we both crashed into the bed.  OH, Sweet Jesus, it was good to finally lay down.......Goodnight.......Zzzzzzzzz