Snow and Cold!

Winter is here. Finally. I was out walking in the bush yesterday and noticed there is fresh snow everywhere -- even on the boughs of the spruce trees. It all looks very nice and pretty. But we need a couple of more weeks of intense cold and snow to bring our snowmobile trails up to standard. Weather forecast says the cold will continue and three days of snow in the next week.

First Day of Winter

Welcome to the first day of Winter. Winter is no stranger to this part of Canada. But it is indeed odd to see the lack of heavy snowfalls. I was out for a hike in the bush near Timmins Thursday. There is snow in the bush, but not enough to support snowmobiling this week. We are keeping an eye on the weather and drinking a toast to the snow gods.

Winter is almost here

Supertrax: "white gold"

There is a flattering story in the latest issue of Supertrax Magazine, one of the best known international snowmobiling publications. The story refers to the snowmobiling in James Bay Frontier as 'white gold', thanks to the efforts of veteran sledder and writer John Arkwright, who tours this region every winter. Here is the full article: - - Story & Photo by John Arkwright “Welcome my friends to where the snow never ends. We’re so glad you could attend. Come and ride, come and ride.” Just a little ditty I came up with (a little help from Emerson, Lake and Palmer) while riding in Ontario’s James Bay Region in the winter of 1998 on the Gold Rush Tour. The JBF Region is truly a snowmobiler’s paradise offering some of the finest snowmobiling in North America. Over 5,000 kms (3,000 miles) of trails are groomed and maintained smoother than most highways and by the way they, boast the longest grooming season in Ontario. I first rode in this region during the winter of 1996 and since then the Gold Rush Tour, introduced in the fall of 1998, has turned out to be a Grand Slam! Now ten years later, it’s still going strong and is an absolute gem of a tour! This region has some newly discovered gems to enhance the touring snowmobiler’s holiday. In Kirkland Lake there’s the new Hockey Heritage North Museum with many of the same features as the NHL’s Hockey Hall of Fame! In Cochrane, get ready to add another half day because the new Polar Bear Habitat and Heritage Village will require some extra time. Plus, there’s a snowmobile museum as well. Gerry Miller, our village tour guide who owns most of the artifacts here will take you back in time to relive history as you could never imagine. Another must do when you are in Cochrane is a day trip to the Abitibi Canyons. The trip there features powder snow riding and short, steep pulls at sea level. Two great places to visit in Timmins are Cedar Meadows Resort Wildlife Preserve and the Shania Twain Centre. At the Wildlife Reserve you’ll get to observe moose, deer, buffalo and elk up close and personal. Ever fed a moose? We did. The Shania Twain Centre facility will take you from Shania’s early days in Timmins to her present day fame. Nearly forgot to mention we had five days of incredible snowmobiling. We may have sacrificed some miles of riding by taking in these attractions but it was worth it. Do something a little different. Trust me you’ll be glad you did. The JBF Region stretches from the town of Latchford through to Hearst, Ontario. On this trip we only rode the eastern portion of this region and there’s another four days of world class riding through Smooth Rock Falls, Kapuskasing and Hearst.

Weather is crazy!

The December weather in our region is wacky. There seems to be no other good word for it. We've had above freezing temperatures for nearly a week and the snow is melting! Environment Canada says it's a spin off from El Nino with all kinds of talk of warm fronts overtaking jet steams and yada yada yada. Cross country skiing competitions planned for this weekend in Timmins have been cancelled. Environment Canada says its won't last however. It says January will be cold and snowy. Well, let's hope so. We will keep you posted.

Saddle-bagging

Saddlebag sledding is one of the most popular forms of snowmobile touring. You pack up your clothes and other essentials in a couple of saddlebags, strap them onto the back of your sled and ride with the wind. Canada’s Intrepid Snowmobiler, Craig Nicholson, took a tour of Northeastern Ontario and James Bay Frontier last winter. His news article gives great details and great advice for rookie and veteran riders alike. Check out the latest issue of Snow Goer Magazine, or drop by their website to learn more. By the way, he had a great time!

Visit Canada eh!

Visiting Canada is a good thing. Check out one of the newest websites to encourage people from other countries to come here. If you live here... you know how good it is. Or do you? Maybe it's time you check it out. : )

Win The Ride!

Hey sledders here’s your chance to win a big ride in Ontario’s Snowmobile Paradise. You can enter the Win The Ride contest. It’s open to residents of Canada and the United States who want to experience the best snowmobiling you can imagine. Check out the website and enter ... you may find yourself having the ride of a lifetime. Enter now. Deadline is December 31st.