Jordan Valley Ride

We enjoyed a great day yesterday. How could it have been anything else, when it was a day spent riding on the trails?

We headed out mid-morning with Farmer Bob (that's him sitting on his sled). We started on trail 7 out front of the motel, and then onto trail 4 all the way over to Jordan Valley loop, 774.

The trail was covered in snow the entire ride. Closer to Alba it was less, but the trail was still decent. Dirty snow. But snow.

The powerlines and airport run along Lakes of the North was a chance to blow the cobwebs off before slowing down again for a more leisurely pace. Along 131 had a few rough areas, but you could easily find a smoother path just alongside the well worn trail itself.

We headed into the Jordan Valley right there at Alba, south end of the loop. The first several miles were extremely rough. Large holes big enough to swallow a small sled. You don't want to eat before going through those, it may jiggle that food right up. After the first few miles it smoothed and we enjoyed a scenic ride through the valley.

We made a stop into the fish hatchery. There isn't any sign there telling you the fishing hatchery is back there... (although two years ago there was). Its a trail off to the east, very narrow with stream along one side and fence along the other. It goes right to the parking lot of the fish hatchery.

This is a great rest stop. Warm restrooms, the fish hatchery itself, and even coffee, tea and hot chocolate available. They stay open 24 hours. The ladies working in the outer building invited us in to see them at work marking the little trout. They were a friendly bunch and very informative.

We finished up the Jordan Valley loop and then rode onto Larry's, along 131 where we had our lunch.

You know another reason people enjoy snowmobiling? Because you are always meeting new friends! We visited with the fish hatchery workers and learned a little about them. Eleanor has a farm in Curtis, and is a dairy farmer now in East Jordan. Along the trail we stopped and visited a group from Indiana. While at Larry's we met Don and his friends. Don has had a cabin on Otsego Lake for the past 45 years. They were enjoying the mid week quieter trails to ride and catch up with friends.

On the ride back the snow seemed dirtier... more riders had been through since early morning. Over by Alba... alot of the corners showing spots of bare dirt, and icy corners making it a little wicked if they catch you by surprise. So take care.

Just as we were approaching the roller coaster hills (Mancelona Rd) the groomer was topping the last hill. We sat and waited for him to pass. What a great ride over those hills.. the best and easiest its been this year. The ride back home following the freshly groomed trails was great!!! Almost awesome.

Sparky was very wound up when we walked through the door at 5 p.m., after a 100 mile day.

The only thing that could have made it a better day would have been having a cook here that would have had dinner waiting for us. Soup and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches ended the day.