Hello we have had a couple very warm and sunny days and it has taken a toll on the snow conditions in the area. Temps reached mid forty’s yesterday and close to that on Tuesday. The trails are still in fairly decent shape the corners and open areas are suffering a bit. I was out and about yesterday and the trails appear to be in good shape especially in the Paul Bunyan Forest where it is mostly wooded. All of the trails continue to be groomed and our trails are beautiful. We could use another shot of snow to freshen things up though.
Just to let everyone know the USXC Cross Country Snowmobile Race is this weekend in the Park Rapids area. I have spoke to the Race Director and he is expecting around 120 racers this weekend and a lot of spectators. On Saturday March 2nd the race will be south and east of Park Rapids running on and around Long Lake with the Start and Finish on the East edge of Park Rapids.
On Sunday March 3 the race course with Start and Finish on the East edge of Park Rapids again and be running the trail along Hubbard County Road 4 North to Emmaville making a loop and coming back South again on the trail along County Road 4 again back to Park Rapids. I would suggest avoiding the Emmaville area and south if you are out trail riding as it will be busy and the trail will be blocked off on Sunday only in that area. The race route will be marked and race officials will be out directing sleds and trying to keep things organized. The Heartland Trail will be open but it will be busy and the race will be crossing the Heartland Trail at Hubbard County Road 4, so be alert and aware of crossing sleds.
You can check out the USXC website, they have the race route maps on there and all the race times. It should be a good time and if interested in getting out and watching the race. Weekend temperatures are suppose to be sunny and 28 to 30 degrees so it should be nice weekend to be outdoors and enjoy the race or a nice ride in the Nevis Area.
