Day 4
Rode a few saturdays ago right before 1-2ft of snow was scheduled to fall. Planned on just road riding and getting some more miles on. Was only 6-7" or so down low. We started riding roads and crossing creeks to gain some elevation.
Once we got up to about 11,500ft the snow was not to bad and we got to do a bit of real boondocking for the first time of the year.
We got some good views up top
Day 5
Rode Buffalo Pass in CO, expecting epic powder conditions as it snowed 3ft snow in about 3 days time, and another 1ft+ was expected the night before we rode.
We got to the parking lot in the morning
Only to find out there was freezing rain the night before. Even up top the mtn this is what we found.
That crust was everywhere and really took the fun outta riding, as your skis would break through it driving straight across a meadow, and then your skis would get shot sideways and you were constantly feeling like you could go over the bars at any second.
We hit a different location for a hour or so and found some good snow to salvage the day.
Day 6
Rode the snowies and found the same ice crust there as well, wasnt quite as bad but still not to fun to ride in.
Here is a pic clearly showing the ice pic in a bad area
I have a bit over 100 miles on the T-3 now, I like it more with every ride. With the stock suspension I can pound through bumps on the trail and the ride is very smooth. The stock clutching hold rpm very well and I am pulling 8K everywhere I go. I still want a stronger backshift, and think good clutch kit could maybe make the sled rev up faster (increase throttle response), so I am still planning on the roosterbuilt kit.
I still havent gotten a full on day to push the sled in all conditions, but I will say the sled is very intuitive to ride, and quick to pick up on. I am very happy with the offtrail handling characteristics of the sled so far. I am going to be lowering the bars 3", as I think the stock bars are to high for boondocking. I am 6' tall, and when in a sidehill I feel like the bars are in my chest and want to get them down outta the way.
Overall I am very happy with the sled and have only a few minor issues, like the handle bar height.
I am a bit dissapointed I wasnt able to get out and ride the 2-3ft of powder that fell in CO before it covered up with freezing rain, but hopefully will be able to get out soon on the pow!