Crystal springs: any advice for first time riders?

[bigcrash24]

Hey all,
Looking to ride Crystal Springs sometime this weekend. Understand that it can get busy.
Any useful tips/hints for first time riders just looking to ride trails?
Probably looking at doing the 5480/lost lake trail.

Do we need the 'special groomed permit' in addition to the snowmobile pass we get with annual sled registration?

Thanks!

 

[xpspenziv]

61 people read this and not 1 has anything to say to help these folks. You can see who has read this and those are the peeps you probably shouldn't ride with. hehehe. I got my wooden spoon in the pot.


Sno park permit is fine. Bring food and water,extra gloves,goggles,sox, shovel, saw,rope, fire starter, tampon,divvy bag or emergency blanket, first aid kit. think of what you may need to stay the night out there.. Map and gps to find your way back. Knowledge and ability to use your safety equipment is key. UHF 2 WAY radio. Scan channels for help if needed. 4.5-5.5-7.5 are usually used by many. Cell phone service is hit and miss. If you get on a peek you should have service.

 

[xpspenziv]

Don't hesitate to stop and ask people for directions. You may try asking a group in the park getting ready if your group can tag along. If your new look for a group with kids.

 

[bigcrash24]

Cool, thanks & appreciate it. I might be bringing kids too, so that's mostly why asking. Hope the snow is goooood this weekend!

 

[Vincenthdfan]

shovel, saw,rope, fire starter, tampon,divvy bag or emergency blanket, first aid kit. think of what you may need to stay the night out there.. Map and gps to find your way back.

I'm so glad to see someone bring this up...when my wife and I go out we're always prepared for the "What If's?".

It's some remote country out there and if the fog or blizzards come in on you, it's really easy to lose your sense of direction...goodness knows, the roads are certainly not well marked everywhere we go!

I often stop and think, wow, what would it be like if we were stuck out here for a night or longer...do we have what it takes?

Hopefully, we'll never have to find out, but it's certainly best to be prepared for it just in case.

Thanks Xpsenziv for sharing your advise with them and for the reminder to the rest of us.

 

[eddy]

Tampon?

Now before you give him to much credit: The tampon is for the fire starter and not the wife.
Crystal Springs: Beware the drag racers in the mud in that parking lot

 

[xpspenziv]

Now before you give him to much credit: The tampon is for the fire starter and not the wife.
Crystal Springs: Beware the drag racers in the mud in that parking lot

Bahahaha. I was waiting for that.


Fire starter is a key element. Dip tampon in gas tank or oil tank. Dura flame fire starter blocks, cotton balls smothered in vasoline, water proof matches, Aflint and stricker, cut yourself a couple presto logs into 1inch thick pieces, I make my own with wax, used oil, sawdust, tranny fluid with a 3inch pipe. Cap 1 end fill with concoction after using the wifes crock pot to heat and mix. Put it in a press and squish. Let it sit till cool. Take cap off. Apply pressure and heat pipe with propane torch and it slides right out. cut into 1inch thick pieces. Super ez to light and burns like a candle for a while.

 

[Vincenthdfan]

Yep, I know the tampon firestarter trick too...I keep a whole ziplock bag full of em with us.

 

[dbone5803]

I would consider going to evergreen for trail riding. It's not much further and we found the trails are in much better shape than crystal springs.

 

[Vincenthdfan]

I would consider going to evergreen for trail riding. It's not much further and we found the trails are in much better shape than crystal springs.

Yeah, Woods & Steele as it used to be called was a best kept secret...not anymore.

Last time we went it was friggin packed, couldn't hardly find a parking spot.

 

[bigcrash24]

Hey, thanks.
We had a good ride today there.
Parking lot is mud, trails are slush.

We did lose a red 1gallon gas can somewhere
On the way to/from lost lake trail. Might have a blue strap that was supposed to hold it on.
If found, reward of beer

 

[xpspenziv]

Hey, thanks.
We had a good ride today there.
Parking lot is mud, trails are slush.

We did lose a red 1gallon gas can somewhere
On the way to/from lost lake trail. Might have a blue strap that was supposed to hold it on.
If found, reward of beer

Lets go find it. Im an hr from there.

 

[bigcrash24]

Cool. Heading back today, should be there around 1:30-2pm with another rider.

 

[bigcrash24]

Went again today, didnt find it.
Good riding today, we were first behind the groomer going up stampede pass trail about 3pm.