I started in Randolph and drove past the main trail on my way. Conditions looked fairly decent from the cab of my truck. However, appearances can be deceiving. I unloaded and realized this was not going to be an early spring ride. Temps were in the 20's and the wind was gusting from the north. I was dressed for the conditions and my grips get way hot so I was not concerned. What I was concerned about was the trail. To say it was hard would be an understatement. There was very little snow and ice chips to keep the radiators and hyfax cool. I stopped to see if I had snow and ice melting from the heat exchangers. Well, there was some melting but only time would tell. I was also concerned about the track seizing on the hyfax due to little or no lubrication. Trails out of Randolph headed south towards Bethel were hard as a rock and no grooming so my kidney belt was hard at work.



Met two riders headed north while I was coming down to Rt 110.



The last rider gave a wave instead of the clenched fist. Must be a newbie I figured. It always amazes me when that happens.

Got up into the junction that goes to Fairlee and the trail to Chelsea and Rt 113. I stopped here to take a break. I looked down and said yo what's this? I'm glad no one is drinking and riding. Ya right!





Now, all the while I'm riding my temp light keeps coming on. I'm not one to stray off the main trail but I had to today to keep the machine from pucking it's coolant. I have to tell you I wasn't the only one having problems keeping the motor cool as I saw lots of fresh tracks off to the side of the main trail.



From here I headed toward Chelsea. Trails still in need of attention.



Dark clouds were beginning to move in.



Down to the Rt 113 road crossing.



The streams are full this time of year.



Further up the trail I came upon a deer yard.



Nice view of the Chelsea valley from the summit.





The downhill sections were a little hairy because of the ice. Hit the brakes and you become a passenger along for the ride. No control.

Down to the Rt 110 road crossing.



This is a new trail this year and is a bit longer to get to Chelsea but I was heading north so it is as scenic as it gets.









Once on the trail headed towards Williamstown I was pleasantly surprised to find groomed trails. I knew it could be better if there had been some grooming despite the concrete like conditions due to the rain.





The bus graveyard is still there in it's winter repose.



Continued at part II.

the views up that way look awesome, i have never ridden in that area but it looks like i will have to someday.
thanks for the report.
how do you like that yamaha? i have an 07 apex er and except for the darting i love it.

It's perfect for an old guy like me. 150 hp? yikes!