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By
Managing editor
Steve
Small |
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A
beautiful white scene quickly grew throughout the Allegheny National
Forest |
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Snowbound
in the ANF |
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Getting
an invitation to play in the snow made it easy to load up and head
for the mountains. As a group of 14 riders converge on the little
town of Marienville from all different directions, the snow decided
to unload out of the heavens. Route 66 became pretty hazardous to
drive on but the anticipation of a good day's riding kept the foot
to the floor! A beautiful white scene quickly grew throughout the
Allegheny National Forest. |
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Several
riders began to pour into the Timberline trailhead for a day of cold
fun. There were a few snowmobiles too |
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Among
us, were members of PaAtving and the Pittsburgh Trail runners. Everyone
exchanged greetings, friends or strangers, and wondered if we were
really making the right decision on this blustery day |
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The
snow began to increase as the minutes ticked by. The parking lot seemed
to be the place to relieve some stress after a long drive. |
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The
snow covered gravel made for some great 360's and Glamis-like rooster
tails. Our own "Westco Fred's" new 700 Sportsman and "Prairie
1776's" new 650 V-twin got elected as official pulling machines
for those of us who had two wheel drive and faced a day of snow and
ice. |
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One
rider had some bad misfortune with his Trailblazer and could not
get it to start. Repeated efforts were made, but no luck was found.
The bitter cold had a good bite on the engine and needless to say.....he
was done for the day before it began. Meanwhile, the rest of us
mounted up and headed for the trails. Playground areas were especially
fun in the snow.
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The
trails were packed and groomed from the other riders and made their
way through the beautiful snow covered mountains.
The famous Marienville hill climb proved to be a major challenge again.
The entire hill was covered with an inch of ice, all hidden beneath
8 inches of snow. ATV' that had chains were the only thin making it
up the hill. The way back to the Timberline was also tricky coming
out of Pigs Ear. A couple of fellows needed a tow strap to get up
the hill. From there, it was Westco Fred to the rescue!
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Once
we all got loaded and ready for the ride home, our host "jcv400ex"
took us to a local restaurant in Kane for some good eats. Still
snowing after dinner, we each left at our own risk to tackle
a tough ride home. The snow total for the day was about 6-8
inches in the mountains, but made for some awesome riding and
companionship! |
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