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Sleeping Lady Mountain |
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Updated on 02/05/10
It's been 10 Years since the Club has been on top of Sleeping Lady and it's time to pay a visit. This will be an Intermediate Ride. With some swamps, some river riding, oh yea some hills nothing to technical though. The distance will be 100+ miles, to include, depending on our departure from the mountain there will be some night time riding.
Ride UPDATE As of 2/5/10 We will be departing from Deshka Landing at 10 AM. They are located at the end of the road with a large gate. Plan on being there around 9:30 AM They have set up a large area for the club, check in at the office and let them you are with the club. Temperature wise Deshka is 5-10 cooler than Willow's temperature on the internet. Once on the river it drops another 5-10 degrees. Scatter snow is predicted so there will be some flat lighting. Orange or Rose goggles will help out and you'll need clear for night riding. Extra fuel is required we be riding about 100 miles. If Luce's is open we can get fuel there so bring some cash just in case.
Last Saturday, six of us ventured towards Sleeping Lady to see what the trail conditions were like, and to report back to those that are thinking about doing this ride. If you haven't seeing the picture posted in the Club Photos take a look. We left Deshka Landing and the temperature was -14F, once on the river it dropped another good 10 degrees. After a couple hours we got to the Sleeping Lady Trail head and proceeded on down the trail. Which is a single, hard packed trail that snaked around the trees. This did cause some problems with the sleds overheating, but ice scratchers helped out. About 10 miles down the trail we encounter the show stopper. At the base of Sleeping Lady is a "Wall of Alders" there just hasn't been enough snow this year to get over the Alders. There needs to be another 6-8 feet of snow to make a run for the top. We tried both southern and northern routes and could not find a way through or around the Alders. After 9 hours of banging brush and bouncing on the river we returning back to Deshka to a balmy -6F There will still be a ride on Feb 6th but we won't be able to make it to the top of Sleeping Lady, so I'll go to "Plan B". Head down the Susitna and show you where the trail head is and then go cross country over to the Yentna River and back up river to Deshka Landing. This will be 100+ mile trip with river riding, some trail riding. whole lot of open riding, and probably toss in some night riding. I anticipate a fairly large group to show up. Deshka Landing will have a parking section reserved for us and will also give us reduce parking rates from $10.00 to $7.00. A couple of other items you might want to consider bring along. If it is as cold as it was last Saturday. you might want to bring gauntlets. If the lighting is overcast and flat, rose or orange goggles to compensate for the flat lighting on the river. For those that are still interested in the ride check back for further updates and listen to the hotline.
Check List Make sure you sled is in good operating condition, check for loose bolts, worn item and make sure the oil reservoir is full and fuel tank topped off. This ride will be 100 plus miles over various types of terrain and conditions. You
and your riding buddy should have at least one: You should have: 1. Extra Fuel Other Items to Consider but are not required 1. Extra goggles
with clear lens for night riding The take off point has yet to be determined but it looks like we will be leaving from Riverside Launch at Deshka Landing this will be confirmed later. So check the Web Site and Hotline for updates. Be ready to ride at 9:30 AM. We will have a safety briefing and trail condition report at 9:45 AM. Departure will be at 10 AM.
Check back later as we work the logistics and more details develop As always check the ASC hot line 566-0272 for latest updates before departing for the ride.
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