Vintage Riding, Old Forge, NY

[Matt]

Last Thursday, Harleysportster & I made the trip to Old Forge, NY where all the new sleds play. It's a destination for PA/NY/NJ riders. The idea for the trip came from an invite from another friend of mine (Mike), who would be going up with his modern sleds. He knows I only have vintage, but didn't mind. He's been to Old Forge many times, and would be our guide.

After each of us cleared 12"+ of snow that fell Wednesday night at our respective homes, then dug out my trailer together (and drug it & my truck out of the snow with the help of a local farmer's tractor who just happened to be driving by.), we hit the road, and got up there late evening. On our way up, I got a call from Mike, who said he had been plowing from 10am the day before to 10am that morning, and hadn't left yet because he was recuperating. He was leaving then.

So we get there, get dinner, settled in, and go to bed, exhausted from the morning's snow removal. Mike would be there late.

We get up Friday morning, and no sign of Mike. Made a call, left a message. On to breakfast, then get sled registrations and trail maps. Back to unload the sleds. Still no Mike, so we plan a route on the map and head out with just the Sportfire and Cyclone. I really wanted some modern sled support, as you all know the old stuff can be temperamental, but we were there to ride.

By the end of the day Friday we logged about 90 miles. Trails were good, and sled traffic wasn't too bad. I finally hear from Mike late morning, and his truck broke down on the way up. He returned home and would not make the trip, so we were on our own. We got the expected strange looks from the modern sled riders, along with some thumbs up and some friendly comments at the fuel stops about how nice the sleds look, and how our vintage clothing completes the package. I think we were received better then I expected.

Saturday, we went a different direction, and unfortunately a majority of that route was rough. We didn't complete our planned loop as we were getting abused by the trail, but we did get about 50 miles before calling it quits for the day and relaxing in the campground's lounge. Oh, we were staying in a heated "Cottage" at a campground, which was Mike's idea. The cottage was OK, but the mattress's were lacking.

Sunday morning we went out early, but with rough trails and colder temperatures then the previous days, we called it quits after only about 10 miles, and returned to pack up and head home.

The great news was we had no major sled problems, other then some minor mystery issues. My sled doesn't turn past 5500 rpm when at speed on the trails, and Pat's developed a clicking in the drivetrain. With smoother trails we certainly would have covered more mileage on Sat and Sun, and if we had the modern sled support, we probably would have ventured farther away from home base. Overall I definitely enjoyed the trip, and the chance to do some real riding, besides what we did at the HOF the past 2 years (which was great, but required 4 days of travel each time).

Mike suggested possibly trying again in about a month. Pat's not sure if he can go, so if anyone else wants to join in our own little Old Forge vintage ride, please send me a message! A rebuilt, reliable sled is necessary, with carbides and studs highly recommended.

My camera wasn't working. Pat may have got some photos, but I took this one with my cell phone camera.

[Matt]

Another photo, warming up in the morning outside the cottage.

[Norton]

Great story Matt! Wow, you guys have got the white stuff. Looks like West Yellowstone the times we have been there.

kb

[Hoppy]

Awesome guys! id love a trip like that sometime. if you dont mind me asking are the cabins redily available or is this something you booked in advance? cost?

[DeereSledHeadFarmer]

if you guys want to ride some real trails in new york let me know!

[Matt]

I had booked the cottage 2 weeks ahead, it wasn't an issue. It was $125/night, and could sleep 4-6 people with 2 twin beds and 2 single bunks. They had a full bath, and a small kitchen area with table/chairs. My biggest complaint was the thin mattresses they had.

DeereSledHead - I'm listening...