JT, The Life and Times of a Rider...

Happy New Year everyone! Sorry it wasn't sooner but with New Years and prepping the sleds to leave I just haven't had anytime to post up. I had a warranty issue with my MXZ600 Rev and ended up spending about 6 hours at the dealership working on it with the 2 techs. We ended up calling Ski Doo and found a certain wire under the speedo that will change it from KHM to MPH. This is only needed if it came from the factory in KHM. If it was MPH originally You can just hook the computer up to it at a Dealer and switch it back and forth. Now that mines plugged in I can do this as well.

On Friday we loaded up about 7:15AM for the Hill. Me Tyler and Rob met up and loaded the trailer while we waited for Lee. After being an hour late we drove to his house and drug him out of bed. he had no idea what time it was and his alarm clock is junk. From there we headed up through Hancock on RT97, took 17 west to Binghampton and then hoped on 81 North to the Adams Center Exit. We came across a Truck Burning and that held us up for a minute.

Truck Burning
Truck on Fire

The entire trip up we didnt have any more snow then we have here and we were kind of worried. I checked the snow cam before we left and there was 3 feet. As soon as we hit the exit it was snowing and there was tons on the ground. We unloaded the truck, unpacked a bit and got ready to ride. The weather said we were in a Lake Effect Warning and 10 - 14 inches could come down at 4 inches per hour.

With this snow coming we knew we would have a blast. We suited up and headed south to the Lake Effect Inn. We figured start at the furthest point from home so if it gets crazy out we can always head back with a bunch of stops along the way. By the Time we rolled into Lake Effect, we already had about 5 inches and we could barely see on the trail. We decided to have some dinner and wait a bit for a break in the snow.

Friday Night @ Lake Effect
Friday Night @ Lake Effect 2

After about an hour it had stopped for a bit so we hit the trail and headed to the Tug Hill Inn. By this time it was coming down hard again so we chilled there for a bit. We ran into a Gentleman and his wife who turned out to be renting the other side of our Cabin from Jim and were promoting a new product he invented. The Trail Alert System is a great idea and he hooked me up with 2 of them for a product review and to use on our sleds this season! The units run about $65 each and can be used on ATV's, Snowmobiles or anything else but are geared mostly toward sleds. I will be installing them Firday and we will let everyone know more details then. If anyone decides to get one please Let them know JT from NYATV told you about them from the Barnes Corners Cabin.

From here, we headed North East to the Flat Rock Inn. We had to go over and see if anyone remembers us from last year and also form Quads in the Summer. Most of the locals did and we had a drink and headed to the Montague. It was snowing crazy again so we layed low in Montague for 2 hours. We ran into Jim our Landlord form up there and his wife and hung out with some 75 year old local who was riding an old school sled. The local (Larry) lived nearby and drank Genesse lol. He was a trip for sure but knew alot about the Hill. After BSing with Larry for way to long we geared up and headed toward Tuggers. I know the Owner Jerry from riding Quads and he was shocked to see us since we were on sleds and no ATV's. The bartenders were the same and really cool people. We ate some food and Jerry bought us a round of shots and we were off.

By the time we got back to the Cabin, we rode a bit over 80 miles and ended up with 14 inches of new snow. By this time it was almost 5am and we turned in for some sleep before waking up to ride again.

Saturday Morning we got up around 9am and Figured we would do a good size loop and then back to the house to head home. We headed South on the secondary trails (5a) down to the Reservior Inn for Lunch. This ride took us about 3 hours. Lee drove into a huge hole and got stuck but otherwise it was a good ride. When we got down there we were filling up at the Gas pumps and Ran into our friend Joey O from the Glamis Trips! They came up 100 miles from Utica on the trail. After the Reservior Inn we headed back towards the cabin and packed up for home.

Riding to Reservior Inn
Trail 5
Lee and Rob
Trail 5A Heading South
Lee and Tyler
Trail 5A heading into Salmon River Reservior
Lee's Snow Angel

We are heading back up to the Hill Friday so stay tuned for more madness - JT

Whats up everyone? We have some snow coming on the way tonight starting around Midnight into tommorrow afternoon. Up here in Sullivan County we can expect 3-6 inches maybe a bit more. It will be a quick storm and a small one. There is some snow heading our way for the weekend as well so we may be good to go sooner than we think for local Snowmobiling.

Last night Tyler, Shawn, Paul and Myself got our Machines ready to go up to Tug Hill for the month. The Sleds stay up there so we had to put our stock exhaust back on, check all our fluids and give them a quick clean up. A little maintenance now goes a long way up there. There is 2 foot at our cabin now with 9 inches coming tonight and another blast this weekend. Ill be sure to take pictures. Me and Tyler are heading up either Thursday Night or Friday Morning. Ill probably be up there until Monday or so.

Pauls Vmax 600 and My MXZ583
Pauls Vmax, My Grizzly, Tylers MXZ, My Rev
Tylers MXZ600 and My MXZ600 REV

Well since there is a Storm coming and I'm in the office this morning I figured to spread another one of my little food recipes with you. This Recipe serves 8- 12 People and is perfect for a party or when your busy. You just let it cook and its good to go. I used a Slow Cooker for this but a 6 - 8 QT Pot is fine as well.

JT's PRE-STORM SPLIT PEA SOUP

2 lbs Dry Green Split Peas
2 Chicken Bullion Cubes
2 Packets of Sazon Goya w/ Annatto (little orange box in Spanish Food Section)
1/2 LB Smoked Ham, Cubed
1 Onion, Chopped
2 Cloves of Garlic, Minced
2 Medium Carrots, Diced
12 Cups of Water
Add Salt and Pepper to Taste

1. Sort and Rinse Peas
2. Add your Bullion Cubes and Water to Pot
3. Add the 2 Packets of Sazon Goya and Stir
4. Lay out your slices of Ham
5. Cube Ham and Add to Pot
6. Take your Large Onion and peel it
7. Then Slice and Chop it up. Now Add it to the Pot
8. Now get your Carrots ready
9. Slice carrots and add to the Pot.
10. Now add 2 TSP's of Minced Garlic or 2 Freshly Minced Cloves
11. Now add your Peas to the Pot
12. Stir Peas and everything else
13. Now your done adding everything so you have to bring it to a boil.
14. Once it Boils, Reduce Heat, Cover and Simmer until Peas are Tender. In a slow cooker about 6 hours in a pot about 1. If you need to, add more Hot Water.
15. Top with Croutons and Serve!

Hope you enjoy, we here at the NYATV Office sure will. Peace! - JT

How was everyones Christmas? Mine was great. We spent Eve in Jersey and then Christmas day up here. Its warm and been raing alot over the last few days and the snowmobile trails are shot. This is a perfect time to get out and do the trail arrows and things we needed to do. I have been busy finishing the map of the sled trails and will have it ready soon.

My brother flew back to Florida today and we had a blast while he was home. We got to rip the sleds and hang out since I havent seen him since March.

Last night Me, Rebecca, John, Lee, there Girls, Paul and Wayne, went out for Timmys Birthday. There was a ton of food and the band was sick. Definetly the best band that ever played in this area, ever.

Today I'm off to PA and then coming home to work on the website.

For New Years we are just winging it. I haven't heard of anything happening and We really have no plans except go to Tug Hill that weekend to open up the house and get it going.

There may be some snow in the Forecast this week but we will see how it panes out - JT

Whats up! Sorry for the no update in a while. i had to mount the plow on the Grizzly and then get to work. I've been plowing for the last week it feels like.

Grizzly on the Lift
Mounting the Plow
All Mounted and ready to Work
Just got done plowing
Defrosting Time

The snow has finally come. We received at least 12 - 14 inches Friday and we had a chance to get our snowmobiles out and make sure everything is good to go. Austins sled runs good after he did the motor and installed it last week. We rode the fields for a good 2 hours and then hung out and defrosted them in the shop.

Ramp to Shed
Facing the Lot
Looking beside the Shop
Lees Sled
My Mxz 583
Austins ZR500 and My Rev 600
Austins ZR500

Saturday we went out at about 4pm and rode breaking trail from Fosterdale to the Stone Arch. The area had gotten another 2 inches throughout the day so riding was good. We then picked up a great packed trail past Jeffersonville and over the floo toward Youngsville. I left Austin and Adam and headed back home to Fosterdale by myself. There are a few areas that are changed and need work. One bridge is washed out heading down the trail toward Welsh Road and the Stone Arch. Another is there is a fence up near the Log Cabin on the Trail heading from Fosterdale to Fulton Hill Road. I never take fences down etc. so we backtracked and ditch banged up Mesmer Hill Road then to Fulton Hill back up to the Trail.

Sunday we met at 10am at the Lodge to ride again. We headed up toward the cabin and then explored some other trails in the area that are packed already. The weather was calling for 8 - 10 inches and we got it! Lees sled had soem jetting issues so that is going over to BIG TEX CYCLES to get done and back to us for Saturdays ride.

Snowmobiling near the Floo
Tylers Sled
Fixing Lees Sled
Johns F7
Putting Lees Hood back on the Sled

Monday we took a break from riding as it was about 13 degrees and with the windchill way below zero.

Tuesday we headed out at about 6pm for a quick ride. We did the back Ruff Cut loop and then headed to the Stone Arch. From there we went over to Mullaly's and then to the Clair. I ended up getting us lost and coming out on top of Shandelle Road somewhere. Austin and Adam came out to find us and we got back on track. Usually we ride past the cabin to the Clair but this other way i have no idea how to go yet. On the way back we decided to swing in and play on Campinellis Drift for abit. The drift was huge and we spent about an hour in the deep blown powder. Our short ride turned into us getting home at 2:30am.

Well its raining out now and im sure the trails will be destroyed. If this happens we will get out there and do some signs and cut some branches down. I'm off to NJ for Christmas eve dinner at my Aunts. I hope everyone has a safe and happy Holiday. - JT

Yesterday we awoke to an icy powder snow mix with about 2 inches on the ground. It was just enough for us to have to plow here at the lot in order for it stay safe and cleaned up. Austin @ BIG TEX CYCLES did the wheel bearings and a full service for us and everything is good to go. We mounted the plow on our Grizzly and finished up the clean up.

Grizzly on the Lift
Mounting the Plow
Ready to go to Work

Today Austin is helping me layout our snowmobile trail map for this year. Once completed, I will be able to label trails, gas stations, restaurants and other stops. I can also figure out what signage is needed where and get it finished. Maps are simple and color coded but will work perfect.

We are expected to get 6-14 inches of snow on Friday making this the first really rideable storm of the 2008 - 2009 Sled season in our area. If anyone wants to ride we will be going about 1pm on Saturday afternoon.

Another storm is expected to drop moderate amounts of snow again on Sunday. We will ride Monday night if the conditions are good. If anyone wants to go let me know: jtquad@nyatvonline.com

Well today we finished our first car out of the new shop. We had the motor in, running and all codes cleared by 3pm. Tommorrow we are starting on a Cherokee providing we arent cleaning up snow all morning. If it snows bad out then we have to get the plow on the quad first thing then start cleaning up the lot etc.

I just about finished up all my Holiday shopping today and I think i nailed every gift perfect. Fox racing had some awesome deals going and I lucked out with sizes.

If you have subscribed to this blog, you will have to click the activation email that may have ended up in your junk folder so check there. Talk soon - JT

This weekend we had our NYATV Holiday party. It was hosted by John and Shelley and we had about 35 members attend. It was a great time. TomD took some pics as well as Rebecca. Ill have them up in a day or so. Sunday i took a quick ride with Austin and my wrist / hand is fine. This sunday Im trying to head up to tug hill for some early season sledding with Tyler, Scott and Lou. If anyone wants to join us for a daytrip let me know - JT

Sorry I haven't updated in awhile, we have been busy finishing the new shop so we can get back to cars and business. We have like 10 things piled up that need to get in there and now we have heat and are finally almost finished. We have to get some cars done then we can insulate the final walls etc.

Well last Sunday was the Holiday Party with the Chamber of Commerce. I haven't had time to upload the photos so here ya go better late than never. It was a great time! :

Our Table, Mom, Rebecca, Tyler, Catie, Shelley, John, Paul, Adam, Austin, and Jeff
John and Rebecca Dancing
John and Paul
Tyler and My drinks starting to Pile up
Our Empty Drink Pile about half way through the day
Austin, Tyler and Catie

This week many parts of NY were hit by a storm causing snow, ice, floods and power outages. My parents road was flooded and I had to pick them up with the truck. Fulton Bridge where we have our Geocache and also where the trail goes up to the Chicken Farm was very close to going over the bridge. The same at the Stone Arch Park. Our Jeffersonville Building was very close to being evacuated as the river rose 6 foot higher than normal. :

My Parents House and Driveway
My Parents Road
My Parents Road and the Field on Mesmer Hill
Fulton Bridge Geocache and Trail
52A near Fulton Bridge Trail
Looking Toward Trail Across River
The Stone Arch Bridge
The Stone Arch Bridge where 52 and 52A Meet
The River behind our Jeff Building
The River behind our Building in Jeff
The River stopped rising about 1 foot from flooding into our Yard

Here is some updated pics of our new shop. It was nice and warm in there and I decided to do a quick photo update.

Looking toward heater and Far Wall
Another Look at Far Wall
Our Workbench and one of Pauls Tool Boxes
My roller Carts and Toolbox

Tonight is the NYATV Holiday Party. ill see most of you there and Thanks to John and Shelley for Hosting it again! It is always a great time and nice to get so many of our members together. - JT

Well they finally finished my shop last night. After not showing up until 2:30 PM then working in the rain till about 7 PM its finally done. I left for the Dinner at the Villa Roma at 5:30 PM and Paul stayed and finished up with the installers. I came back around 8 and all was done. Its a huge improvement and will def make life easier. The shop was originally 20 x 20 and now it is 31 x 20. Today me and Paul will run some more interior shop lights and then finish installing the insulation to the ceilings. Once done with that the Heater will be installed hopefully tomorrow and I am good to go. Besides being able to work on our Cars for the lot and all our toys etc, we will have a good warm place to film Roost TV when we get around to doing full episodes in the future here.

For any NYSORVA Board members that read my blog, There is a planned meeting Sunday night at 7:30 PM in case you missed the email. I wont be able to attend since I will be at the Annual Holiday Truck Load of Cash party!

As of last night it is Tyler, Austin, Adam, Paul, John, Shelley, Paul and Koren, and Me and Rebecca. It will be great and we will have our own Table. The food is awesome and its open bar. There is a live band etc. The Villa Roma did an amazing job rebuilding the Resort and its a great spot to have the event. I hope everyone can attend and will try to come if they are thinking about it. It will be a Pre-Holiday Party for us NYATVers as ours is at John and Shelleys house next week!(Click this link for the Post in the Fourms for Party) The Flyer for the Truck Load of Cash Holiday Party is below as well: