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| CLUB UPDATE by Bob Smith – TTF Vice President Tollgate Friends Hello snowmobile friends. December 1st marks the official beginning of the snowmobile season where the forest service roadways convert from over the road by wheel to over the road and snow by tracked vehicles. We’re off to a bit of a slow start on snow arriving. We currently have around 10” of snow at the clubhouse and 15” in the higher elevations. That can change quickly with a good snow dump. The grooming department needs about 18” to begin grooming so things are on hold for a while. However, this would not preclude anyone from riding the roadways to Chapman Bone Springs to get the snow machines warmed up and ready to rock…. Just be aware of downed trees that may be lying across the roadways. Thank you to all that turned out last weekend to put the ropes and poles up at Mud Flats and the crew that cut the downed trees on Jubilee Lake Rd. Logging along Jubilee Lake Road Be aware that the US Forest Service has extended a permit for logging operations to continue on Jubilee Lake Road until mid-December. The activity will be along Jubilee Lake Road approximately ½ mile past the Forest Service Work Center. Road closed signage will be posted at Hwy 204 as well as the intersection of Jubilee Lake Road at the logging site. The south lane of the paved roadway will be plowed as needed to allow log trucks access to and from the site. Most of the activity will occur between midnight and 7am but please be aware if you are riding in the area. TTF leadership was consulted before the logging permit was extended. We had discussions with US Forest Service leadership from the Walla Walla Ranger Station planning for the added activity on one of our most popular snowmobile routes. Our number one priority is safety for the public and Forest Service leadership made adjustments to the plan to ensure public safety would not be compromised. Please respect the logging operation and road closed signage. As always on December 1st, Jubilee Lake Road will be closed to all wheeled vehicles. Only log trucks and support vehicles will be allowed during the closure. Grooming Report – Jess Thompson, Grooming Chairman As we approach December 1, it is no surprise we don’t have enough snow to begin grooming. It is reported 4-6 inches at Tollgate area and up to 12 inches in the high country. There are no big storms in the forecast for the coming week. We will have another late start to the snowmobile grooming season. We must have 18 inches of snow to cover stumps, rocks, tree roots, etc… There is a small logging operation using Jubilee Rd right now, and expected to finish around the 13th of December, earlier if we get enough snow to force them to quit. We have trees across roads and our trails in places from the October windstorm. Watch out for those if you do start to ride early. Thanks to Cecil and crew for the work they have done so far to clear these trees from our trails, and to the Forest Service for their work clearing trees on Jubilee Rd. Also, many thanks go out to the Forest Service fire crew that helped this summer with trail work. We have been doing odds and ends at the groomer shed getting supplies in before the snow gets deep.Think snow! Upcoming events Kids Snowmobile Safety Course – Dec 7th 9am-2pm – TTF Clubhouse Taught by Andy MillarTo sign up your youth ages 8-18, email Brandon at brandon@christensenusa.com to sign up. Send the child’s name, age, contact phone number and mailing address.The class is offered free of charge by Tollgate Trailfinders Snowmobile Club, however, membership ($60) is encouraged and can be purchased the day of class. Food provided for attendees. General Membership Meeting and Potluck – Dec 7th – 5pm Make plans to attend our first general TTF club meeting followed by a potluck dinner. Come say hi to your snowmobile friends, see what’s happening with the Trailfinders and enjoy a fun potluck. Bring a salad, main dish or dessert! Bluewood Ride – Dec 14th, 8am Meet at clubhouse 8amLed by Glenn and BrandonExpert Riders only, this is an extreme ride i. Bring avalanche pack, beacon, shovel, probe ii. Dress for extreme weather conditions Participants must be at least 18 years old Pack Gas!, over 90 miles round trip Pack plenty of food in case we don’t make it to Godman Shelter for Burgers provided by Blue Mtn. Snowmobilers (by donation) Pack plenty of waterCome have fun! Holiday Party – Dec 28th – TTF Clubhouse Poker Draw 9am to noon (or until hands run out) at ClubhouseSwing by the TTF Clubhouse to purchase poker hands before they run out (we’ve sold out last 2 years in a row)Poker Drawing Fun RunOver $1,000 in cash and prizesHoliday Party – 12-28-18 6pm to ???Chili and Loaded Potato BarFOOD CASH AND PRIZESFun for all ages! OSSA Winter Convention – Jan 14th thru Jan 18th Joseph, OregonGuided beginner to advanced rides Tuesday thru Friday, socializing every evening, Poker night after dinner Thursday, Pizza night on Friday, Poker Run on Saturday, delicious banquet on SaturdayBook early, rooms are limited in the Joseph/Enterprise areaRegistration Due December 21st.http://oregonsnow.org/convention/ WSSA – Winter Rendezvous – Feb 14th thru Feb 17th Campbells Resort on Lake ChelanJoin us for four days of fun in Chelan. Experienced off-trail riding groups as well as family-friendly trail rides. WSSA and the local clubs will set up rides you’ll LOVE! Dinner on Friday and Saturday as well as some type of entertainment. Plenty to do in Chelan and a casino is nearby if you want to take a break from sledding. Join us!https://www.wssa.us/content.aspx?page_id=4002&club_id=431529&item_id=1086105 McCall Winter Getaway The Club is planning a winter getaway to McCall Idaho in mid-February. This was a great success last year and it included UTVs as well as snowmobiles. Plan to attend it should be a great time as McCall is a beautiful winter wonderland. Watch www.tollgatetrailfinders.org or our Facebook page for the latest updates. The TTF is looking forward to another great season of snowmobiling. The grooming team is ready to rock and roll when the snow arrives. Come and be a part of our TTF Snowmobile club and enjoy the weekend rides that usually originate at our club house Saturdays around 9:00 am. Think Snow and have a great year of sledding Your friends from the Tollgate Trail Finders Snowmobile Club. |