Located on Old 27 South just a few miles south of Gaylord, MI you are at the center of numerous recreational and vacation destinations. The 17-unit motel has clean rooms with in-room refrigerators, coffee, microwaves, cable TV and air conditioning. Non-smoking and smoking rooms available. A hot breakfast featuring Pancakes and Sausage, Biscuits and Gravy is served on the weekends, with a large breakfast buffet bar during the week. The large dining room and kitchen area make it a great meeting place for groups, families, and reunions. The backyard patio area is a quiet secluded spot nestled in the tall oaks. Picnic tables, patio tables, fire pit, horseshoe pit, volleyball and shuffleboard are all available for your enjoyment.

Ray’s Retreat Country Inn
9311 Old 27 South
Gaylord, MI 49735
989.732.4914

Ray’s Retreat Country Inn Website >>>

Special Booking Rates - Pine-cone Accommodations would like to thank everyone who stopped by our booth at the Novi Snowmobiling Show. To show our appreciation we would like to offer the following special rates for rentals booked before December 24.

2 Bedroom Cabins $100.00/Night
3 Bedroom Chalets $225.00/Night
4 Bedroom Homes $300.00/Night

8% tax and cleaning fee will apply.
Not valid with another offer, special, or during the holiday week.

Call & Book Your Stay Today!!! 866-731-1887

Visit Pine Cone Accommodations Website >>>>

Ride The Snow In Northern Michigan

Don’t miss out on the winter fun in Northern Michigan this year. Alpine Snowmobile Rentals can get you out on the 300+ miles of groomed snowmobile trails in the Gaylord area with a high performance Skidoo snowmobile.

Rental Machines Available are 2009 Skidoo 550’s Singles and 2up’s

We are located just feet from the groomed snowmobile trails, so you can rent your sled and go in the snow.

Rental Information | Map & Directions

Call Alpine Snowmobile Rentals at: 989-731-1276

Visit Alpine Snowmobile Rentals Website >>>>

Visit Alpine Snowmobile Rentals Website >>>>

Gaylord Area Featured Snowmobile Lodging

Pine Cone Accommodations
The Gaylord Area boasts countless recreational opportunities, be it golf, skiing, hiking, fly fishing, canoeing, or snowmobiling. When you visit our beautiful north country, why not treat yourself to the comfort and relaxation of one of our vacation rental properties. Pine Cone Accommodations will take care of your exact needs, no matter what size your [...]

Great Northern Rentals
Great Northern Rentals provides high-quality rental properties for those seeking to enjoy the wonders of Northern Michigan’s many seasons. We all remember going “up north” when we were kids ~ Gaylord, Grayling, Petoskey, Traverse City, Otsego Lake. Take this opportunity to make those same memories for your children: The lake, campfires, fishing, skiing, golfing, snowmobiling, [...]

Royal Crest Motel
Experience the best hospitality in the Northern Michigan. Our AAA rated property caters to guests and offers all the amenities of a large property. Relax in our oversized heated indoor pool which is professionally painted for fun complete with fish and palm trees. After that fun filled day of golf, snowmobiling, or skiing; unwind in [...]

Best Western Alpine Lodge
The Best Western Alpine Lodge is within minutes of all the best Northern Michigan has to offer: sprawling forests teeming with wildlife, challenging slopes for the avid skier, and a multitude of clear lakes and streams for swimming, boating or fishing. The 24 beautifully sculpted courses in the area invite both beginning and seasoned golfers [...]

The Waters Inn
Just off I-75 at Exit 270 on Old US-27, the Waters Inn is The Peaceful Alternative, with access to everything the Gaylord area has to offer, without the traffic, noise and neon. On the snowmobile trail, and a nine iron from dozens of lakes and golf courses.Ten Exclusive Themed Rooms, with in room phones, refrigerators, [...]

Ray’s Retreat Country Inn
Ray’s Retreat Country Inn is the perfect spot for your northern Michigan vacation. Located on Old 27 South just a few miles south of Gaylord, MI you are at the center of numerous recreational and vacation destinations. The 17-unit motel has clean rooms with in-room refrigerators, coffee, microwaves, cable TV and air conditioning. Non-smoking and [...]

Hampton Inn - Gaylord
I-75 Exit 282 south on Dickerson Rd. - brand new accommodations in Gaylord - 83 rooms - whirlpool rooms - meeting facility - complimentary continental buffet - indoor pool / whirlpool - exercise/game room - guest laundry - in room movies, coffee maker & blow dryer - access to snowmobile trails - customized golf and [...]

Marsh Ridge Resort
We offer deluxe jacuzzi accommodations, as well as intimate townhouses rentals. No matter what your need, we have the perfect fit for you. Whether you’re planning a package for two, or one hundred and two, we invite you to see what makes Marsh Ridge one of Northern Michigan’s favorite destinations. Marsh Ridge Resort 4815 Old 27 South Gaylord, [...]

Timberly Motel
Make Timberly Motel your home away from home. Our 30 clean comfortable rooms offer King & queen size beds * Color Cable TV with HBO * Full bathrooms with tub showers * Air conditioning * Individually controlled electric heat * Direct dial phones * Fax service available * Private outside entrances * Smoking and non-smoking [...]

Beaver Creek Resort
Beaver Creek Resort opened in 1986 and is one of the highest rated outdoor resorts. Vacationing families enjoy its wooded seclusion, natural terrain and abundance of amenities. Our modern log cabins can facilitate parties of two to ten people; and there is never a dull moment with a 200 foot waterslide, adventure golf course, heated [...]

The Chalet on Lake Louise
This beautiful three bedroom, one-and-a-half bath chalet overlooks Lake Louise in Johannesburg, Michigan with 70 feet of its own private beach frontage. Enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, or just relaxing during the summer months. We have the ability to accomodate up to ten people comfortably. And with thousands of acres of State Land and easy access [...]

Little Bear Beach Cottage
Enjoy an old-fashioned getaway in this private beachfront A-frame cottage on Little Bear Lake in Johannesburg, Michigan, just 30 minutes from Gaylord. This cozy three-bedroom cottage that sleeps eight is clean, modern and comfortable. The master bedroom has a queen size bed, bedroom #2 has a queen size futon, bedroom #3 has two twins and [...]

Antler Acres Cabin
Stay in our beautiful cabin this winter located 5 miles North of Lewiston. Snowmobiles will be on site at the lodge just awaiting your arrival. Ladies while the guys take off snowmobiling you can take it easy and be pampered at the on site “spa”. Relax with a massage, facial, use the sauna or hot [...]

Treetops Resort
5 miles east of Gaylord - 243 luxurious accommodations, including standard rooms, deluxe suites, condominuims and resort homes. Two indoor / two outdoor pools with spas, two restaurants, sports bar, over 20,000 sq. ft. of meeting and banquet space, 81 holes of championship golf including designs by Robert Trent Jones, Tom Fazio, and Rick Smith, [...]

Gaylord Area Featured Snowmobile Dining

La Senorita Mexican Restaurant
La Senorita is the place to go for authentic Mexican food in Gaylord. Enjoy La Senorita1s Famous Sizzling Fajitas and thirst-quenching, ice-cold Jumbo Margaritas along with delicioso Mexican favorites including burritos, enchiladas, chimi chungas, and tacos. American fare is also available for those who prefer food from North-of-the Border. La Senorita is a great family [...]

Big Buck Brewery & Steakhouse
At Big Buck Brewery & Steakhouse, we offer a casual family dining experience with quality food and award-winning brews. Our menu has something for everyone. Start your meal off with a tasty appetizer, like the Buffalo Chicken Tenders or the Portabella Bruschetta. In addition to our wide selection of premium steaks, our chefs offer a variety [...]

Sugar Bowl Restaurant
Welcome to the Sugar Bowl, Gaylord’s Landmark Restaurant located in the heart of the Alpine Village since 1919. The Family Room at the Sugar Bowl features a casual atmosphere, serving breakfast from 7 AM and throughout the day. Lunch is served from 11AM to 4PM, featuring super sandwiches, light lunches and homemade desserts. Nightly dinner [...]

Alpine Oven
Great Food, Fast in downtown Gaylord. Counter Service Restaurant with carryout & in house seating. Specializing in Goumet Pizza, chicken, fish, sandwiches, salads, beef briskets and homemade sundaes and pies. Great Alpine Theme - WiFi - Flat Screen TV - Watch all the games - many original recipes.Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Alpine Oven 20 S. Otsego Gaylord, [...]

Here are some photos from last year. We’ll be posting more as the season approaches. Think snow…… (Click On Photos To Enlarge.)

snowsoo
Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association is Hosting a Radar Run south of the Soo on trail#49 and 6 mile rd. on Sat Feb. 13, 2010..See how fast your sled really is or just come to watch with free cocao and hot dogs..
go to http://www.sootrails.freeforums.org/radar-...r-2010-t12.html
or log onto www.sootrails.org for info..

bfman
when I go to Gaylord I stay at Marsh Ridge resort. Great rooms and location and a fantastic restaurant on site. ck out their web site marshridge.com

bfman
If I was going to Gaylord I would check out marsh Ridge Resort, see their web site, marshridge.com They have great accomadations. snowmobile rentals and a great restaurant on site.

09rene800
* IF GOING TO GAYLORD PLEASE READ* rode 600 miles monday to wednesday left grayling went west up toward alba and and cut over county roads to railroad too wolverine trails for the most part were good for early season riding. rode to U.P. tuesday and trails up there were excellent lots of snow came back wednesday took trail 7 thru Gaylord on way back to Grayling trail 7 JUNK JUNK JUNK JUNK the worst i have ever seen in 5 years of riding NO EXCUSE for that thats bull**** we stopped by a bar on south side of Gaylord and talked to the people there they gave me a phone number to call and complain how bad it was I will never go back thru Gaylord on a snowmobile again that was absolutely terrible everyone else around had good trails with some areas having less snow. Trail permits even went up $10.00 this year so we should have even better trails to ride the price of fuel is down from last year even.

North Guide
Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray's Retreat - 12/16

Good News! We have seen the Gaylord groomer twice today! We saw it this morning approx 10 am running along Old 27, on Trail 7. Again, at 5 pm… out front here. So that is encouraging.

We left for a ride late morning. We started out on trail 7 heading south out of Rays Retreat. This was after seeing the groomer the first time. That trail has been so rough it will take many times before the groomer gets this smooth again. At least we know he went over it twice today, and if this continues the Gaylord trails will get in good riding condition.

At Waters, we cut over on back roads/two tracks to pick up the Blue Bear. Trail 679 was fun, but did have ripples thru out the ride. When we hit 76/79 a few more noticiable bumps especially thru the curves. No long stretches of smoothness. Still very ridable and enjoyable.

We had lunch at Starvation Lake. Quite a few riders in there. Coming back home same conditions on 76/79 and then we cut over on Cameron Bridge Rd, Manistee River Rd… and then picked up on trail 4 to check it out. .. Still very rough.

We enjoyed our 79 miles of riding. It was snowing all thru the day, those big beautiful diamond white flakes. Another room from Rays took the Lovells trail and said it was very good riding.

Visit Ray’s Retreat Website >>>

Realtygurl
See Pete at Sledheads.. www.frederic-mi.com he has sleds, cottage, trail info., video cam, daily reports, parts, helmets, clothing, campfire, close to gas station and food..he knows the area

Traci - from Cleveland

rgfrederick
Planning a weekend in Feb to ride in the Gaylord area. There will be two of us. Does anyone have recommendations where to rent and where to stay? We would like machines that are 09 or 10 with reverse, hand warmers, and around 500 cc (give or take). Basically we would like machines that we can have a good time on without breaking the wallet or our backs. We rented from a place a few years ago in the Boyne area and one of the machines suspensions was clearly clapped out and we did not have a good time. They professed to have new, good equipment but when we got there they only had one new machine left and we were stuck with the old piece of crap. We would like to stay where we have access to the trails. Thanks in advance.

North Guide
Still looking for verified reports of the Gaylord Groomer grooming the trails....

Post your Gaylord Groomer report here.

Latest report from the council page.....

(Grooming is unknown at this time!)

Gaylord Trail Report
Gaylord Area Snowmobile Trials Council
Updated: 12/15/2009
Base: 0 inches
Snowfall Past 24 hours: 2 inches
Last Grooming: Grooming is unknown at this time!

Current Trail Conditions: Fair

The trails are open. We received 1 - 2 inches of new snow last night. Chance of more snow in the coming week. Snow ranges any where from 10 - 17 inches in and around the Gaylord area!

North Guide
Here is some info from the Hardcore Sledder Forum on the Gaylord Grooming situation:

SLEDCONTACT --- Let me set the record straight here! And I do know what's going on! I am the local contact for the club.

The "New Club" organized late this past summer. and are truely putting in hours of their own time to make this work. But remember these people all have other jobs and can't do it all. They needed to physically contact every landowner that the trail crosses and get a signed lease, Set up contracts for their equipment, Brush and sign 101 miles of trail, and put together the nessesary paperwork for their grant agreement. This only scratches the surface of what goes on.
Anyways, as the club was getting leases they protect the landowners with insurance and themselves for that matter. Last friday afternoon the Railroad Co. noticed that they had not recieved a insurance binder and said they would call the police for tresspassing if the club groomed.
I had to make a decission to not allow the club to groom due to NO insurance to the land owners. I'm sure this was an oversite on their part, and doesn't help the users of the trail but these guys are truely trying to make it work. The program is set up for reimbursements and not up-front money so they need to take this out of their pocket first and to my understanding didn't have that money to get it last week.
As you can see its not because they haven't been paid, Not equipment, Not because they didn't want too, They just couldn't put it together for this weekend and I am sure they will be up and running this week.

Click Here For Hardcore Sledder Posting

snowsoo
Get a free chance to win an entry to the Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Ascn. Fun Run and Rally Jan 29-30, 2010 at the Don Dee Lanes on Mackinaw Trail Rd. in the Soo.
Send an e-mail subject line RALLY with your Name, Address and Phone number to cgbjake@yahoo.com One entry per e-mail address please
Or send your Name, Address and Phone number to Sault Snowmobile Ascn. P.O. Box 877, Sault Ste. Marie, Mi. 49783 Attention Rally..Please one entry per address
.All entries must be recieved by Jan 18, 2010. Drawing will be held on Jan 20th, 2010
Winner will be notified by phone
For more info on the Rally and Fun Run click http://www.sootrails.freeforums.org/post15.html...
Web site at www.sootrails.org

AHOLAS
Have a 1975 Aloutte children's snowmobile that we would like to sell. No idea how much to ask. Any ideas?

North Guide
Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray's Retreat - 03/11

Trails condition vary... from fair to good. We've gotten another 3 to 4 inches of new snow today, with the blowing ... there's icy spots.

We do have riders our and they enjoyed 80 miles of riding this afternoon. They say decent riding for March.

Rates have been reduced in March so give us a call if you're coming up.

Visit Ray’s Retreat Country Inn Website >>>>

North Guide
Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray's Retreat - 03/09

We got nine inches of new snow overnight.

I can't tell you what the trails are like, until we get a chance to get out on them ourselves. They are definitely snow covered. Sunshine today, and high 30's.

Snow continues to be in the forecast thru the middle of the week and getting back to the colder temps.

You can see the snow from the snow cam at our website: www.raysretreatcountryinn.com

March Midweek Discounts... $10.00/off a night Sunday night thru Thursday.

Visit Ray’s Retreat Country Inn Website >>>>

North Guide
I think Mike and Ann Ray are the only snowmobilers on the Gaylord trails midweek..... here's another ride report...

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray's Retreat - 03/05

We just got back from another great ride. Such fun! ... Its been cloudy all day, although it has warmed up. Still a great base on the trails especially through the wooded areas.
We headed out this morning 9 am. It was 32 degrees. Took a left out of the motel, on trail 7 (south). It had been groomed. Was that icing smooth. So pretty. That continued until we hit Crawford County, just south of Waters. There their county crews had decided to plow another lane in the old highway and thrown hugh chunks of hard frozen snow and ice all over the trail. This continued all the way to Frederick. Major boulder obstacles and dangerous! What a shame to ruin such a beautiful run of trail.
Then we headed to Lovells. Great trail riding all the way there. Lots of icy corners, so beware. From Lovells we went to Lewistown. Again, loved this ride. Great smooth trails. No problems. Just the one stretch over the little bridge (where they do not groom) that was rough, but their trails were awesome. When we stopped on the trail just in Lovells for a break, another rider stopped and said he had started that way and turned around because a group of riders told him it was mud and bad. He should not have listened to them. Don't know where they had been riding... but we never saw it.
Fun, Fun, Fun! Stopped for lunch in Lewistown and then onto Gaylord. More great riding.
As we were heading home, south of trail 7 it was wet as you came up to the crossroads, but trail still holding up. Won't take much sun or more warmth and this part of the trail will be the first to go. Still smooth sailing on home.
Good riding for the rest of today, should be able to get in a decent ride tomorrow even...and then it'll be wait and see if we get rain, freezing rain or snow. hmmmmm

Visit Ray’s Retreat Country Inn Website >>>>

North Guide
Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray's Retreat - 03/03

Just returned from a fantastic 97 mile ride on the trails. Excellent riding! We jumped on the trail right here in front of the motel (Trail 7) and headed north. Smooth sailing!

Unbelieveably smooth. The entire trail up to Indian River. That distance we only saw two other riders, and one of them was a DNR officer. Who did check our trail passes. (had to justify his great day of riding on the trails).

We then went west and enjoy more great riding on the Indian River trails that direction. Chandler Hills, Weber Lake... again it was all awesome conditions.

The day started out very cold and my face finally warmed up about an hour before returning. Morning started out at -10 here and warmed up to 20 at this time.

Mike enjoyed good riding yesterday when he did the Lovells route with Mark. Very few bumps down that way either.

Great trails! Great conditions!

Visit Ray’s Retreat Country Inn Website >>>>

North Guide
Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray's Retreat - 12/27

We didn't get the big snow they were calling for last night, which is a disappointment. But, we didn't get the rain they got further south of us. Some freezing rain, and about an inch/two of snow.
Which means, Gaylord trails are in good riding shape. As are the surround trails. Riders enjoyed their riders north to Indian River, the Bridge, over to the Jordan Valley. Everyone said the trails were in good shape.
The time to ride without the traffic is during the week. Hope you'll get a chance to get up this week and enjoy northern Michigans great trails.

Visit Ray’s Retreat Country Inn Website >>>>

STEVO68
Just got back from riding the Gaylord trails Monday thru Wed. Monday we rode from Mancelona to Frederic to Lovells and back. Great trails!!! We tried the new trail that is not marked on most maps from Mancelona to the trail just about one mile north of Starvation Lake. Great Trail!!! This summer they might want to take out a few more trees on the sides though. Tuesday we left Mancelona and did the loop up to the Bridge and back. Plenty of snow!!! Even the roads thru Alanson were not too scraped. Remember to maintain the posted 35 mph for the stretch by Mullet Lake. We did pass a sheriff so they do patrol it!! Total miles Tuesday of 200. Great job groomers!! the trails were awesome . Now if we could get some of those county workers not to scrape the roads so much where the trails are. (I know some of them do it on purpose because there is spots were they only scrape down to the pavement and sand where the trail is) The rain Wednesday morning changed to snow as we were headed back home. Big storm coming Thursday!! Get up and ride there is a ton of snow up here!!!

snowsoo
two great events at the same weekend in the Soo Sat Feb 21
Mike bertram memorial fun run
http://www.sootrails.freeforums.org/bertram-memorila-run-feb-21-2009-t36.html
and the Soo Radar Run sat feb 21
http://www.sootrails.freeforums.org/radar-runs-for-2009-t12.html

www.sootrails.org click forum then events

North Guide
We grabbed this from Ray's Retreat Blog in Gaylord... thanks Mike and Ann...

Gaylord, February 10 -- The Good, The Bad and The Ugly -- todays ride

http://www.raysretreatcountryinn.com/blog

No problems keeping warm today. We (Mike, I and Terry) headed out this morning shortly after 9 am. Already 40 degrees. Cloudy ... Lots of snow through the woods trails.

We ran into a variety of trail conditions. We managed to get in 70 miles. Headed south on 7, along Old 27. Not bad, a little ripply. Then to 679, 79 and 76 ... heading around Starvation Lake, and then onto Lakes of the North where we stopped for lunch.

Any roads, two tracks were either bare, muddy, icy or watery. Lots of ice on the trail where its been in the sun.

Some water, not as much as any of us expected.
Couple muddy sections, but we were able to navigate around the worst of it.

Went through a stretch of pine trees with fog.... spooooky.

By noon the sun was out, and skies were cleared. I have to say it... it was a pretty spring like day!

We shed clothes and stuffed them in our seats. Mike was down to a t shirt, under his coat. I had taken my sweat shirt off... and was riding with my coat open. I had a long sleeve shirt under the sweatshirt.

Visors up, light weight gloves.

It have been nice to have a picnic lunch.

Now, we're waiting and watching the skies. Right now I see a big beautiful full moon and stars. We're watching for the cold winds to come blowing in and bringing snow with it. Its in the forecast.

North Guide
Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray's Retreat - 02/02

What could be more fun than being out on a snowmobile on a great winter trail? I just can't think of one thing I would rather be doing.

Another great day of riding. 90 miles, with only about 10-15 miles of riding with some bumps, dips and ripples. We headed south on trail 7 along Old 27. Sweet............freshly groomed, sweet smooth riding.

When we crossed over 27 down at Frederick, then trail 7 was a little rough. We soon came head to head with the groomer. This gets a bit tricky when its curvy, woody and high snowbanks. Its nice to have reverse. From then on trail 7 south to Grayling and south of Grayling was awesome. We started down the trail to Roscommon but turned around when we got to Four Mile Road it was all dry pavement over the interstate so we turned around and got back on the groomed trail. Then tried turning down to the Cranberry/Houghton Lake, but it was extremely bumpy. Went about 3 miles before turning around to get back on the groomed trail. Took it along to the Blue Bear. The first half of the Blue Bear was great. Ran into another groomer. The second half of the Blue Bear hadn't been groomed and had some good some bumps for a short distance.
Good riding from Lakes of the North to home.

Fun Day. Hope you'll get a chance to get up and enjoy these great trail conditions. Give us a call if you're looking for a place to stay. 989-732-4914

Visit Ray’s Retreat Country Inn Website >>>>

North Guide
Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray's Retreat - 01/27

Excellent, Excellent!!!

Great riding for all of the 115 miles we rode today. We enjoyed Gaylord trails, Indian River, and Jordan Valley trails. They were all in excellent shape. No reason for anyone to complain. It was a fabulous day on the trails. Enjoyed every mile of it.

We headed north on trail 7 up to Indian River where we caught 765 west thru Chandler Hills. This is the first time we have ever been through Chandler Hills (except for spring time when we're hunting for mushrooms). I've heard many people talk about their rides through the Hills so I was looking forward to riding somewhere I've never been.

What fun! I love the hills, the swooping valleys with trees lining you on either side. They were groomed perfectly too. I would not care to ride them on a weekend with alot of traffic because it is narrow with many curves.

From Chandler Hills we entered Jordan Valley and enjoyed this scenic ride for the second time this season. Even prettier today with the sunshine shining so bright.

Chandlers Hills thru Lakes of the North to home.

Only one small section - the very northern part of Lakes of the North had a short rough bumpy section.

I'll be posting pictures late tonight from todays ride on our blog: www.raysretreatcountryinn.com/blog

Visit Ray’s Retreat Country Inn Website >>>>

North Guide
Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray's Retreat - 01/25

Great riding continues here in the Gaylord area.

Yesterday was a mixed bag with trails getting rough later in the day, but then groomers were out and evening riders were pleased with their rides.

Today everyone has returned saying pretty much every mile of their ride was a real joy. We had one guy say that it was time to pack up all his riding gear/sled... it couldn't get any better so time to end on a perfect note.

It was a very busy day on the trails yesterday but groomers were out last night, and again tonight so they're in fine shape for the more peaceful weekday riding.

Visit Ray’s Retreat Country Inn Website >>>>

North Guide
Here is a photo from Ray's Retreat taken on their ride from Gaylord to the Mackinac Bridge....



Gaylord - January 21, 2009 -- I love to ride! Yesterdays 155 mile ride to the bridge yesterday was a great day spent on the trails. We had a group of six of us that left the motel at 9:30. Bob led us all the way. Here it is the bridge in the winter. The Might Mac is beautiful any and every season.

www.raysretreatcountryinn.com/blog

North Guide
Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray's Retreat - 01/21

Beautiful Day on the trails. Enjoyed an all day ride up to the bridge. Total of 155 miles (Bob's sled had 154 miles, my sled showed 156, so I took the middle!)..
Bob was our leader for our group of 6 that headed out this morning after breakfast heading north on trail 7. Great shape. Still don't like having to cross Main Street in Gaylord. Can't believe there hasn't been a sled/car accident there.

Some bouncing on the trail north of Gaylord to south of Wolverine. Not bad.

Mostly excellent trails thru out the day.

Burt Lake is huge when you're riding around it, 35 mph and stopping every few feet. This section is clearly labeled 35 mph, and no riding on this part of the trail from 12 am to 8 am so those home owners can enjoy thier beauty sleep.
I still enjoyed this section of ride. Gives you a chance to see the lake homes up close. One homeowner had their own little sign by the drive that read : Quiet Zone. Accelerate Slowly.
Duh? .............how can you accelerate fast when you're only accelerating to 35 mph???

Enjoyed lunch at Mackinac City, and then the ride along the Mighty Mac. She's always beautiful. Spring/Summer/Fall/Winter.

We took trail 7 north thru Indian River, Cheyboygan and then Mackinac City. From there we headed down through Pellston, Alanson, Wolverine, and back on trail 7 heading home.

The trail coming out of Alanson south was rough for a little bit.

Everyone enjoyed the ride through the woods past Weber Lake.

155 miles of great riding. This has been a great year on the trails anytime we've went out. Hope you'll get a chance to come north and enjoy them.

You can stay at Rays Retreat where you can enjoy a hot breakfast (included in room price) before starting your day on the trail while talking with other riders and finding the best rides. Jump on our sled and be on the trail in one minute. We are located directly on the trail. Cable tv, in room refrigerators, microwaves, wifi. All you need to enjoy your winter vacation.
989-732-2703 or 989-732-4914.

Visit Ray’s Retreat Country Inn Website >>>>

North Guide
Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray's Retreat - 01/19

Everyone's been coming in telling what good rides they've enjoyed. One older fella said its the best he's enjoyed in many years... even yesterday was good riding with all the weekend traffic.

We took a quick ride this evening on trail 7 north into Gaylord, then 774 out by the airport. We rode up to eat supper at Applebee's. When we came back home, the groomer had been thru and that is always such fun being the first on a groomed trail.

We got 8 - 10 inches of new snow over the weekend. There's plenty of snow for everyone to enjoy, and saw and heard many people getting stuck by getting off trail.

Visit Ray’s Retreat Country Inn Website >>>>

North Guide
Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray's Retreat - 01/14

Riders continue to enjoy good trail conditions along with the frigid cold temps. The ride north to the bridge continues to be a beautiful ride all the way. Lovells and Starvation Lake, along with Jordan Valley are in great shape. Several rooms rode The Blue Bear and Cranberry stating it was an enjoyable ride.

2-4 inches of new snow is in the forecast for tomorrow. One more night and day of the fridge artic temps before things get more comfortable in the low 20s for the weekend.

THIS weekend is Houghton Lakes Tip Up Town, and the Snow Cross Races in Gaylord.

Tuesdays Ride:

We enjoyed our ride today. We headed south out of the motel, on trail 7. Great riding. When we crossed over Old 27 at Frederick it got rough through the first stretch of woods. Once we crossed Wilcox Bridge road, on trail 47 it was excellent. Could not have been any better. The corners were icier in a few spots and I also tipped over more than once. The smooth ride continued into Lovells. We gassed up, and then continued on trail 47 heading back into Gaylord. It was not as smooth but still a very good ride. A few rolling bumps here and there, but overall a great ride.

Lunched at Mama Leones and then flew back on trail 7 to home. Trail 7 along the highway was excellent. Took a short detour back onto trail 4, and it was in great shape too.

A total of 77 miles and enjoyed it imensely.

Again, I repeat, the best riding is during the week.

Visit Ray’s Retreat Country Inn Website >>>>

North Guide
Found this while surfing.... on the Ray's Retreat Blog... I guess folks are braving the cold after all....

BRRRRR.... HOPE YOU LIKE THE COLD

The day started out at 11 degrees, and by the time I returned home from work it was 3 degrees. Its now (at 7 pm) below zero. We show -3. We never got the brutal winds they had predicted, but it was still blowing thru the day. Only about 2-3 inches of new snow.

I am amazed at peoples determination to ride. Everyone of the 6 rooms went out riding today. Dave and Becky enjoyed the ride around Starvation Lake. We have a group of older riders in, three rooms. All in their late 60's, with the oldest one 70. They rode 153 miles yesterday. Today, with those cold temps they still rode 107 miles.....

More from the blog here....

North Guide
Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray's Retreat - 01/12

We enjoyed our ride today. We headed south out of the motel, on trail 7. Great riding. When we crossed over Old 27 at Frederick it got rough through the first stretch of woods. Once we crossed Wilcox Bridge road, on trail 47 it was excellent. Could not have been any better. The corners were icier in a few spots and I also tipped over more than once. The smooth ride continued into Lovells. We gassed up, and then continued on trail 47 heading back into Gaylord. It was not as smooth but still a very good ride. A few rolling bumps here and there, but overall a great ride.

Lunched at Mama Leones and then flew back on trail 7 to home. Trail 7 along the highway was excellent. Took a short detour back onto trail 4, and it was in great shape too.

A total of 77 miles and enjoyed it immensely.

Again, I repeat, the best riding is during the week.

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North Guide
Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray's Retreat - 01/06

105 miles of pure fun!

We got out today and enjoyed a great ride. Gordy you should have stayed here in Northern Michigan thru the week. You missed the best.

We left this morning taking trail 4 (right off of 7, along Old 27). This entire ride including over the Mancelona Hills and just starting into the 'camper alley' was a snowmobilers dream. Not a bump. I can't believe how great this was, even up and down the hills.
Through Camper Alley there were a few ripples on the downsides of hills. Still a great ride through these woods.
Powerlines were flat and white.

We continued all the way along trail 4 until it turns into Antrim County and is 4/76. At the very outer edge of the Lakes of the North in Antrim County there are a few 2-3 big rollers before it flattens out again and smooth sailing resumes.

Along 131 it was rough, but it doesn't last long and you're crossing over to head into the Jordan Valley. I recommend anyone who is up riding these trails to make this trip. The Jordan Valley is a beautiful ride. We rode around it. While going thru you can always stop at the fish hatchery. They stay open and have warm restrooms, coffee, tea and hot chocolate.

Trails 76, 766 were in good condition also.

When we came out of the Valley, then we stopped at The Green Lantern for lunch before heading for home.
To be exact we rode 105.5 miles, and out of that many miles there was maybe a total of 2 miles that was bumpy. All the rest was just pure winter fun!

We saw a few other riders, perhaps 15 the entire ride. If you are able to get up north during the week I recommend it! You will not be disappointed.

I'll be posting pictures from our ride on the blog late tonight. www.raysretreatcountryinn.com/blog

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North Guide
Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray's Retreat - 01/04

After everyone left today, and we had cleaned rooms and resting a bit. We had to get out on our sleds ourselves.. its been almost TWO weeks. It was the perfect time to get out Trails had been groomed, and there was barely anyone out. We rode trails 7 and 4. Both were absolutly great! and many times perfectly excellent. If you could have seen Mike flying, then you would know absolutely without a doubt those trails were in top shape.

If you're looking for good trail conditions now is the time to come out now that all the holiday riders have left to go home. This week will be great riding.

Enjoy being able to jump on the trail directly from your room. No exaggeration, from your room onto the trail in one minute! Can't get any easier than that when you stay at Ray's Retreat. You can also start your day on the trails with a hot breakfast included in your room price. Give us a call to make your reservation. 989-732-2703 or 989-732-4914

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Above are the latest postings from the Cadillac Message Board. To add a post to the board click through to the message board page, where you can post as a guest or sign up for a username and contribute to the conversation.

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray’s Retreat Country Inn - 02/28
Its sad looking… most of the trail. Right out in front of us, is a nice stretch of snow covered trail. And you can still find snow to ride in, its just much harder and you have to be willing to go thru alot of dirt, mud, and rough conditions to get to it! Its [...]

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray’s Retreat Country Inn - 02/24
We just returned from 45 miles of riding. Had a good time, just because we love getting out and being able to ride! Conditions were not the best. If you’re not afraid to get off trail and enjoy the two tracks/trails you can enjoy some fun riding. Still plenty of snow on those. Trail [...]

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray’s Retreat Country Inn - 02/21
The trail is not looking so good. At least the sunshine is behind clouds right now. Trail 7 is a mess… lots of waterholes, down to dirt/mud. Ice along other sections. We desperately need snow. It is in the forecast, but will it be enough? The DNR was active yesterday along the railroad tracks. Several of [...]

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray’s Retreat Country Inn - 02/19
Trail conditions vary greatly and will be deterioting more today as we have temps in the low 30 and sunshine in the forecast. Trail 7 is not looking good. Very dirty, especially closer to the road and closer to town. Down thru Waters muddy areas. Saying that…….you can also find good riding. Riders are in [...]

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray’s Retreat Country Inn - 02/17
There is still good riding. Gaylord trails were groomed earlier today. By afternoon with a temp of 31 and more riders than normally seen midweek today, they were soft. Very dirty where it is narrow and close to the highway. Get away from town and trails improve immensely. Riders are still coming in and saying they [...]

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray’s Retreat Country Inn - 02/16
We got approx. 4 inches of new snow during the day Tuesday. Riders enjoyed a good ride heading from Gaylord over to Lewistown and taking the Red Bud. They said alot of the trail they were the first riders on this morning with the fresh snow. Others enjoyed going south and enjoying Grayling trails. We have [...]

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray’s Retreat Country Inn - 02/15
The trails were busy all weekend. Traffic has thinned down alot today. Conditions today continue to vary from fair to good, and very good. Corners are icy around the Lakes of the North Area. You can enjoy rides in any direction with enough snow to enjoy those rides. Snow is in the forecast. Several inches [...]

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray’s Retreat Country Inn - 02/10
Just got back from a 77 mile ride. BEAUTIFUL! … the worst of it was right at the start when we headed down trail 7 to Waters to get gas, and then to Frederick. The trail from here to Waters marginal. Icy, frozen dirt, and snow. Waters to Frederick conditions improved with more snow on [...]

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray’s Retreat Country Inn - 02/06
Colder temps this weekend. Just a brisk 12 degrees this early morning. Trails have been groomed and trail 7 out front here is looking great. Riders are reporting good rides.. with more riding you are going to see more icy corners so slow down. A stretch north of Gaylord around Vanderbilt is down to the [...]

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray’s Retreat Country Inn - 02/03
Its been two weeks since we’ve been out on the trails ourselves. Definite withdrawal starting in, so once I got home from my day job we were ready to saddle up. The trail has looked so great whenever I come home from town, it physically hurts to see it looking so darn smooth and not [...]

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray’s Retreat Country Inn - 02/02
beautiful! Freshly groomed, looks like frosting on a cake. Cold. Riders enjoying their rides. Snow is in the forecast for later today/tonight so that will keep things good. Give us a call if you’re interested in rooms or snowmobile rentals. Enjoy the hospitality at the Snowmobilers First Choice, Rays Retreat. 989-732-2703 or 989-732-4914

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray’s Retreat Country Inn - 01/31
The snow we got on Thursday gave riders a chance to get out this weekend and enjoy the trails. Groomers got the trails in good shape. Gaylord and Indian Rivers got a thumbs up from our guests. Everyone enjoyed their rides north and to the west. There were alot of riders out there yesterday and [...]

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray’s Retreat Country Inn - 01/28
We got snow! We still want more, is there such a thing as too much snow? Its hard to tell exactly how much snow with all the blowing, but between 5-7 inches. The Gaylord groomers were out today and trail 7 is in good shape. We haven’t had a chance to get out to ride [...]

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray’s Retreat Country Inn - 01/27
LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING!!!!!!!!!! Looking good. If it comes like they are predicting we will be in great shape for the weekend.Lots of the trail has an ice base. Snow flurries thru last night and today have given us a beautiful white landscape again.Frigid cold and windy. Let it Snow, Let it Snow!Any lodging facility [...]

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray’s Retreat Country Inn - 01/25
It has turned cold, turning everything to ice. Difficult to walk in the yard, drive or parking lot. Trail looks like ice too. Snow is in the forecast but just not sure if we’re going to get enough to turn things around quickly. Please start your chants and keep it up. Snowmobiler’s First Choice is always Rays [...]

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray’s Retreat Country Inn - 01/24
So sad………warmer temps and light drizzle through most of the day. Trail is fading away. We were able to get away yesterday and spent most of the day on the trails. 120 miles. That doesn’t mean anything now…….cold air is moving in later tonight. We’re waiting for it! and cold air brings in snow.

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray’s Retreat Country Inn - 01/22
The Moody’s from Toledo are glad they came up yesterday afternoon. Father and Daughter enjoyed a great ride late afternoon/evening on trail 4 over to Lakes to North and around. They enjoyed the good trails and headed out early this morning to get in some riding before the warmth of this afternoon.Sunshine and temps in [...]

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray’s Retreat Country Inn - 01/20
Just got back from another great ride - two afternoons in a row! Those that cancelled coming up to ride today made a poor decision. The trails were groomed today giving us an awesome ride. Yesterday we saw no one while we rode, today we saw 4 other riders. We did 40 miles tonight. Heading down [...]

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray’s Retreat Country Inn - 01/19
Its been snowing on/off lightly thru the day which has given us at least an inch of fresh color on the grimmy landscape. About a inch at this point. There is a solid base on the trail where it didn’t thin completely down. The areas we rode today was all snow covered base.We got out [...]

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray’s Retreat Country Inn - 01/17
The trail was not pretty yesterday. Lots of riders and lots of snirt. I was very surprised when the dogs and I walked over this morning - its been groomed! It got much colder last night too - right now we show 18 degrees. So it looks good. for now… can’t say what will happen [...]

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray’s Retreat Country Inn - 01/15
At least we haven’t seen any sunshine, and that’s been helpful. Riders have been out all day, and have had decent rides. Trails are looking very dirty… but still ridable in alot of areas. Can’t predict the future. We’ll watch the skies and the trails

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray’s Retreat Country Inn - 01/13
We enjoyed a great 70 mile ride today. Headed north on trail 7 into Gaylord. A few small ripples along the lake and closer to town. We stopped at Extreme so Mike could pick up a taller windshield. Then on across 27 and rode on to Lovells. Overall the trails are in good riding shape. After [...]

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray’s Retreat Country Inn - 01/10
After cleaning 14 rooms, we got out for a ride. 30 miles of pure fun. First we rode down to Waters for some lunch and then headed out into the woods. We did alot of off trail riding on the two tracks and back roads. Up/Down Hills. Lots of snow out there and its plenty [...]

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray’s Retreat Country Inn - 01/07
After starting the day out taking Sparky to the vet for surgery, we finished breakfast and finally got out on the trail! Fun. We headed out on trail 7 down to Waters to get gassed up. Trail 7 was good, a little rough spots right along where the sledding hill is just before Waters. Then we [...]

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray’s Retreat Country Inn - 01/02
Bitter cold temps throughout the day. We had 3 inches of fresh snow yesterday which freshened the trails up again. We haven’t gotten alot of snow last few days but always just a few inches to give it a coat of white. Trails have been busy all week. Even with the cold temps there have [...]

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray’s Retreat Country Inn - 12/29
Six inches of new snow yesterday really helped trail conditions. Groomers have been out and busy. Riders enjoyed their rides in any direction today. Although all noted there are many many riders. So please ride safely and watch your speed. Four deaths in northern Michigan while riding snowmobiles in the past few weeks. Its no [...]

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray’s Retreat Country Inn - 12/28
We got about an inch of fresh snow yesterday. Snowing this morning with temps dropping thru the day and 3-5 inches predicted. Riders report that when they rode north to Mackinaw snow got very thin. Others rode to East Jordan and report the same. The ‘best’ snow right now seems to be right around Gaylord/Grayling/Blue [...]

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray’s Retreat Country Inn - 12/27
We got just about an inch of fresh snow overnight. Trails are packed and in good shape. Corners are icy, and a few bare spots on hilltops but otherwise everyone enjoying their rides. Over by Lovells riders report some four-wheelers had tore up the trail and left nasty ruts. Warning - do not take a [...]

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray’s Retreat Country Inn - 12/26
We got some drizzle yesterday, and some snow. The trail looks in decent shape. Hilltops along Mancelona Rd showed dirt in spots when we drove along it yesterday. As riders return from their rides today we’ll update.

Gaylord Area Trail Report - Ray’s Retreat Country Inn - 12/23
We’ve been busy all week, but were determined to get out for some kind of a ride! So tonight we took the trail out to Big Boys. What a fun ride!!!! The trails had been groomed today, and we could fly right along. Its always great fun when you can pick up speed along the powerlines [...]

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Big Buck Brewery & Steakhouse
550 South Wisconsin Avenue
Gaylord, MI 49735
989-732-5781

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Gaylord, MI 49734
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9311 Old 27 South
Gaylord, MI 49735
989.732.4914

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