the indian stream republic

Pittsburg, New Hampshire, offers snowmobilers wide, well groomed trails,plenty of inexpensive accommodations and always a big welcome. It is possiblefor riders to loop through New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont and Quebec allin one day.

Pittsburg was called the Indian Stream Republic when the inhabitantsof the town declared independence, after deciding they no longer wantedto be controlled or taxed by either Britain or the United States.

Pittsburg is the northernmost town in New Hampshire and is bordered onthe east by Maine and on the north and west by Quebec and Vermont. The townis huge- over 360 square miles- making it the largest town in the area.It advertises the best snowmobiling in the "Great North Woods"and their claim is not just hype.

Pittsburg is a mountainous region offering spectacular views, seeminglyendless forests and a multitude of lakes and ponds. Still a favorite retreatfor anglers and hunters, the area is now a four season destination for thosewho appreciate natural beauty and enjoy the outdoors.

Trails

The Pittsburg Ridge Runners Snowmobile Club maintains 210 miles of trails,most of which exist on lands owned by Champion International Corporation.Grooming occurs daily with the assistance of three Piston Bully machines.The tracks the groomers make are ten feet wide, thus allowing plenty ofroom for snowmobilers. The average groomer runs for 12-14 hours before itis returned to "the barn," which is a complete shop owned by theclub where the equipment is maintained.

Next to the barn, the club built a 40 by 60 foot log building that servesas club headquarters. On the weekends, riders are invited to stop in forlunch or to lounge in the comfortable chairs, warm themselves by the fireor swap stories with other snowmobilers. The facility is located on DicksonLane, off Back Lake Road and is accessible by snowmobile from Back Lake.If you make the loop toward Canada, the club also maintains a warming hutjust south of the Canadian border at Deer Mountain Campground.

Enforcement of snowmobile laws in New Hampshire is the responsibilityof the Fish and Game Department. Conservation officers routinely patrolthe trails to keep the sport safe for everyone. Last winter, a pilot programwas conducted in the Pittsburg/ Colebrook area to address riders operatingsnowmobiles under the influence of alcohol. Sobriety checkpoints were widelyadvertised for enforcement and education purposes. Snowmobilers welcomedthe program and most say they are looking forward to more checkpoints inthe future.

Those who have never ridden in this area are reminded that a 45 mph speedlimit exists on all trails unless otherwise posted. A special 35 mph speedlimit exists on Back Lake from a half hour after sunset to a half hour beforesunrise. In the past, this lake has been the site of several fatal accidentsduring the evening hours and this speed limit is enforced in an effort tokeep snowmobilers safe.

Paul Bergeron, president of the Pittsburg Ridge Runners, is one of themost avid promoters of the sport and of the area. He is responsible forcoordinating the efforts of the more than 600 club members and ensuringthat the trails and facilities are in top shape. And he is the first topoint out that he could not do it without the assistance of the club members.

The club created a website last winter (www.ncia.net/ridgerunners/) andit proved to be a big success. Members and visitors can log on and get thelatest trail conditions, events, weather and club news, as well as infoon the local shops and services. The Ridge Runners' website also offerslinks to websites of other snowmobile clubs in the region, as well as theNew Hampshire Snowmobile Association site.

As in most areas, locals say the best time to ride is during the week.There is far less traffic than on the weekends. Those who can get away duringthe week will find many choices for lodging and eating as well as spectacularriding.

Weekends bring the crowds, but with over 200 miles of trails in townand hundreds more nearby, the large numbers of machines can spread out.

Food and Lodging

Those who still have some energy after a day of riding can congregateat the lodges and restaurants to relax, eat and enjoy delicious food andthirst-quenching beverages. Or, you may choose to turn in early and optfor a big breakfast in preparation for an exciting day on the trails.

A great place to stop for breakfast is Moriah's Restaurant in Pittsburg.A local hangout, Moriah's offers friendly service and a nice selection ofvery tasty meals with plentiful portions.

For lunch or dinner, try Nicky's Country Kitchen, Buck Rub Pizza Pub,the North Country Lodge or the Wander Inn. All serve a wide variety of savorygrub in portions large enough to satisfy the hunger of a snowmobiler freshoff a full day of trail riding. The Wander Inn also features dances andlive bands on the weekends.

There are several places to stay that are accessible from the trail system.Ramblewood is located on First Connecticut Lake and features cabins withauto heat, full baths and kitchen facilities. Also on First Connecticutis Magalloway, which offers housekeeping cabins adjacent to the trail.

The Partridge Cabins & Lodge, Spruce Cone Cabins and Mountain ViewCabins are all located along Route 3 and offer comfortable accommodations.Tall Timber Lodge, located on Back Lake, offers a choice of cozy lodge roomsor private cabins and a restaurant which serves great, hearty meals.

A Quick Reminder

Be sure to check registration reciprocity before crossing into Vermont,Maine or Quebec. Also remember that when you cross into Quebec you needto check in at a border station.

Don't ever forget Pittsburg is moose country. Be alert when riding, asmoose often wander out onto the trails. And if you hit a moose, you'll lose.

Pittsburg is a place where the winters are long, the snow is deep andthe sledding is great. So, pick up a snowmobile map, fill up with fuel andexplore the well groomed, well marked trails of this great area.AS

GOODS AND SERVICES
SNOWMOBILE DEALERS, SERVICES & RENTALS

Granite State Power & Equipment (Arctic Cat)
603/538-6349



Northern Enterprises (Polaris)
603/538-6352



Pathfinder Sno-Tours
508/534-7933 or 603/538-6613



Troy Chase Repairs (Snowmobile Rentals)
603/538-7189



RESORTS, MOTELS & CAMPGROUNDS

Lakes Lodge
603/538-6935



Lopstick Lodge & Cabins
800/538-6659 or 603/538-9959



Magalloway on First Connecticut Lake
603/538-6353



Mountain View Cabins & Campground
603/538-6305



Partridge Cabins
603/538-6380



Powder Horn Lodge & Cabins
603/538-6300



Ramblewood Ranch & Campground (Gas)
603/538-6948



Robbins Cabins
603/538-6314



Snowfield Housekeeping Cabins
603/538-7008 or 603/538-6721



Spruce Cone Cabins & Campground
800/538-6361 or 603/538-6572



Tall Timber Lodge
800/83-Lodge or 603/538-6651



Timberland Lodge & Cabins
800/545-6613 or 603/538-6613



MISCELLANEOUS

Pittsburg Trading Post (Groceries, Gas)
603/538-6533



Young's Store (Groceries, Gas & Liquors)
603/538-6616