Fairbanks Snow Travelers

anybody up for a ride this weekend?
the earlier the better

I was wondering where to go. I think the Tanana is going to have a bunch of mushiness and possibly more open water.

Besides, the snow is getting pretty thin around town.

I was just asking a guy about North of here. Went on a white mountains trip couple weeks ago and it was still pretty good.

I've rode the White Mountains the past two weekends. Did the 98 mile loop from Wickersham through Windy Gap last weekend with my two sons, and there was overflow in a number of areas, but all navigable. Not sure if I can go this weekend, but could be tempted.

James

I think that the white mountains would be a great ride, I'm up for it
where do you want to start from?

I am up for the White Mountains as well.

I really don't know the White mountains all that well. I've only made one trip from the Wickersham parking area and got up to Windy gap cabins, then turned around and came back.

I'm not an expert in the White Mountains either. Stoney or John or Chuck or someone else are more qualified. See map is at http://www.blm.gov/ak/st/en/prog/nlcs/w ... /maps.html.

One option if we are feeling aggressive, is the 98 mile loop through Windy Gap from Wickersham. It's spectacular scenery. The ice lakes were navigable last weekend - a bit of a white knuckled experience, but possible. If that's what's decided, I would suggest tackling the west side first (Wickersham/Fossil Creek trails) as it seemed most of the overflow was on that side. Start early and make a serious drive to the divide then kick back, as most of the rest is easy going with little overflow. If we left the parking lot at 8-9am, we would finish at 4-5pm. Other than the few spots of overflow, it's a family ride. My 12 year-old son did it last weekend and did fine. But a lot can change in a week.

Another option from Wickersham is Trail Creek/Moose Creek loop - 20 miles or so. But playing in the powder off the Moose Creek trail is fun.

Wickersham is a pain for parking - but you can also park across the road if necessary. It is also a spot that has had a lot of vandalism.

CO Creek and McKay Creek are good places to start too, both of which the club has done.

Whatever we choose, I would suggest we start fairly early, as the overflow gets worse by afternoon.

James

I heard 57 mile nome creek was good
There's playing on the way in
Then take a left to Ophir creek
Then a right up trail to Richards cabin play areas on the way
The turn to Richards is about a mile before Ophir creek it is marked
Once you turn to Richards cabin it's 5.5 miles to cabin

More than 80 miles, I'm hauling fuel. I think I fixed the issue, but my last trip I went through full tank on 80 miles. Figure I can get 100 or more now, but I've not tested it.

I have prior commitment or I'd go, but I'd say either of the two suggestions would be good. Just remember that the trails will be pretty hard, so I'd lean towards Peter's suggestion.

Windy Gap would be beautiful, but I'll bet its going to be hard on the shocks with the way the temps have been.

Any firm plans? Meeting time, place?

Steve

Tony Martin and I are meeting at the Hill Top at 8:00, plan on feeding ourselves and leaving out by 9 to the 28 mile. Join us for chow or be there by 9 if you wish.

I'll be there!

I'm not a morning person, but I'll try to make it on time to have some chow at Hill Top.

I'm driving a maroon Tundra with a 95 Summit 583 on the trailer. My son decided not to go.

Pretty good ride today... Thanks Tony for giving us the tour, we had a lot of fun. Trails were like concrete, but lot's of powder to be found, however there was about a 2" thick crust on top of it all. I think it was between 75-80 miles total. All in all, it was really fun day.