OK folks. I'm thinking about makin' it "to the Top" on 4/6.
and I have a question but first some background info on me. I'm new to ATV'ing, just got a Polaris Sportsman 400 with a plow (gawd I wish it would snow!!!) Never been on a trail ride before.
So....what kind of gear should I have with me for a day at the Red Top?

The only dumb question is the un-asked one !

 

the gear all depends on the weather conditions. Last year I was there on April 8th and wore chest waders. The snow was melting and it was cold and very wet getting back there. If the weather continues with the trend of no snow, just jeans, boots, gloves, and a skull bucket would be recommended. The trails are real easy for first time riders and some trails get more technical, but can be done.

 

I forgot to add that there are a couple areas that are fairly deep with either mud or water. The best known is called the "Sink Hole" which has about 3 1/2 feet of muddy water. There really isn't anything there that doesn't have a "chicken trail" around it. So if you chose not to go through, you can go around.

 

Sounds like good advice on the "gear to wear" I'll also heed your recommendations on the "chicken trails" ....guess I don't want to be wet and cold for the rest of the ride but...I'll cross that bridge when I get there.

How about "support gear" strapped, taped, bungee'd, bolted, whatever to the machine. Do I need a six-pack...twelve pack...sodas....sammies.....lunch on the trail???? bow saw? other trail maintainence items.....just trying to be prepared....

 

kitguru,

if you want to bring something to eat, that's up to you. But there is a couple restaraunts in Isle that I intend to ride back out to for lunch and then back into Red Top. Gas stations are also next to the trail head so if you need fuel, it's a short trip back. If you'd like refreshments on the trail such as a soda or 2, you could pack some of that as long as you pack it back out and not leave your trash on the trail. I saw enough of that last weekend on the Gandy Dancer. It's a fast way to get trails closed. The trails are maintained really good so there is no need for saws or other items like that. The trails are actually pretty open and most of them you can get 3-4 machines wide in some areas.

 

At the rate we are getting precipitation here, the "sinkhole" will have to be renamed THE HOLE. We gotta get some moisture here or dust masks will be needed.

 

the sinkhole will be known as a dustbowl by then. The "BIG" storm we were supposed to get only amounted to 1/2 inch of wet snow. Hopefully everyone will be wise enough to bring some goggles.