Power Kite Forum

Tug Hill

bobalooie57 - 27-11-2010 at 09:20 AM

At the request of bigben I've started this post so I can let everyone know where/when the loco's(locals) will be meeting up. We expect to meet tomorrow, probably in the morning, but I'm not sure where/when. Jan is supposed to call in the morning, so I will post then.

bigben91682 - 27-11-2010 at 09:27 AM

WOO! Thanks Bob, still not sure I can make it tomorrow, but 2 + feet of freshies is really calling my name, gotta get a lot of things done today to be 'released' tomorrow... Keep me posted, and thanks for starting this thread.

bigben91682 - 27-11-2010 at 11:03 AM

Bob, things are looking better for me to get up there tomorrow, let me know the when & where, and I'll do my best to get my chores done today :-)

Jaymz - 27-11-2010 at 02:57 PM

You guys really have 2+ feet of freshness? Gods Country with a little help from the lakes. :thumbup:
Enjoy!

bobalooie57 - 27-11-2010 at 03:13 PM

Well, I had to do my chores today, too. I had to take my snowboard to the ski center to have it waxed, sharpened, and a minor delam at the front edge taken care of, and when I pulled it out found the ratchet side of the toe strap on the right foot binding was missing. Last session last year was either at Chaumont bay, or at the farmer's field up the road. Either way, I would have strapped my board to my plastic toboggan, along with kites, etc. so the strap must have fallen off somewhere between my set-up and my vehicle, and I never noticed it until now. I won't be getting my board back until next week sometime.:no: Lucky for me I bought a used board from a guy at work, so I have a back-up! Anyway, coming back from the ski-shop I decided to come over the hill, and met Jerry, Christov and (I think)Jennifer from the Albany area, at the Hanno lot, setting up! Lucky I had my camera, and took a short, raw video for your enjoyment.

bigben91682 - 27-11-2010 at 06:26 PM

Hittin the snow tomorrow, be there or be square.

cheezycheese - 28-11-2010 at 01:06 AM

hey Ben, how long of a drive is it for you...?

Kamikuza - 28-11-2010 at 01:16 AM

Me so jealous ... me hate you long time! :lol:

bigben91682 - 28-11-2010 at 05:48 AM

depending on where we end up kiting, anywhere from 2:20 to 2:50 drive. It's a truck but the lakes are still wet and I need a fix....

bobalooie57 - 28-11-2010 at 07:55 AM

I guess the meet up spot is the Rector Road lot, near the Sno-pals snowmobile club. See ya there!

ragden - 2-12-2010 at 09:10 AM

Any updates on conditions up your way bud?
Wind predictions for Sandy Pond area look good, though the Lowville report doesnt look so promising. Any thoughts on a trip this weekend? Was thinking about heading up, but not convinced (also need to tune up my board).

bobalooie57 - 2-12-2010 at 09:23 AM

It's Thursday, and I'm afraid to even speculate. Tuesday and yesterday morning it rained, taking away most of what we had from the weekend. I woke up to about 1-2" this am, the worth webcam shows just under a foot. The montague doppler shows a plume developing off the end of the lake to the NW, just north of me I guess, I just walked the dogs, it's overcast, but not snowing here right now. Jan called this am and was optimistic about getting together this weekend, we can only hope it stays cold! The forecast for today/tomorrow is lake effect bands, with 6-12" from what I've seen, Jan said something about two feet, but I haven't heard that. Wind forecast for the weekend is NW @ about 15, so depending on where the bands develop, that will tell us where we ride!(my board is in the shop right now, hope to have it back by then)

bigben91682 - 2-12-2010 at 09:30 AM

Keep us updated Bob, I may try and make the trip again if conditions warrant....don't want to repeat last weekend though...

ragden - 2-12-2010 at 09:31 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bobalooie57
It's Thursday, and I'm afraid to even speculate. Tuesday and yesterday morning it rained, taking away most of what we had from the weekend. I woke up to about 1-2" this am, the worth webcam shows just under a foot. The montague doppler shows a plume developing off the end of the lake to the NW, just north of me I guess, I just walked the dogs, it's overcast, but not snowing here right now. Jan called this am and was optimistic about getting together this weekend, we can only hope it stays cold! The forecast for today/tomorrow is lake effect bands, with 6-12" from what I've seen, Jan said something about two feet, but I haven't heard that. Wind forecast for the weekend is NW @ about 15, so depending on where the bands develop, that will tell us where we ride!(my board is in the shop right now, hope to have it back by then)


Bobo- Thanks for the update. Please keep us in the loop as things progress this weekend. I would like to make the trip, but I dont really want to drive for 8hrs and find not enough snow, or not enough wind.

As things progress, please let us know. Thanks!!!
:)

bobalooie57 - 2-12-2010 at 10:06 AM

Yeah, I felt kind of bad for bigben last weekend, though his drive was just 2 1/2 hours, he really didn't have the best of conditions, but I guess any kiting is better than none. After the rain Tuesday, I was thinking I'd be buggying Southwick next weekend! Will update with photo's if possible! Bob

bobalooie57 - 3-12-2010 at 07:21 AM

Latest on the weather, I only got maybe 2" over night, so there isn't much to write about here. Worth web cam showing about a foot of snow. Montague doppler showing a plume to the south, mostly covering Oswego County/NW Oneida County. This lake effect is expected to wind down this afternoon. Gonna take a ride up to Hanno's to see what the snow is like there. Will post pics.

ragden - 3-12-2010 at 07:23 AM

That doesnt sound very promising. I could use a good day of sleep anywys. Curious to see what Hanno's looks like. With the prevailing NW winds this weekend, can you check the honeyville fields as well? Thanks!!

bobalooie57 - 3-12-2010 at 09:08 AM

Well, I got up to Hanno's, and found only about 6" of snow there. I wasn't able to go to Honeyville, but I really would hold off on a long drive up here this weekend. I know you are anxious to get some, but conditions are really not that good, and I'd hate you to come a long way and be disappointed. I'm actually thinking that if there is not much more snow, I may try to buggy the beach at Southwick. It will be cold and raw, but so would snowkiting! I can pretend I'm at Wildwood with Don and Jesse! Here's a pic at Hanno's.

Hanno's 12-3 005.JPG - 72kB

bobalooie57 - 3-12-2010 at 09:09 AM

Another.

Hanno's 12-3 017.JPG - 72kB

bobalooie57 - 3-12-2010 at 09:10 AM

One more, these were all taken as still photo's with the Tachyon helmet cam.

Hanno's 12-3 008.JPG - 71kB

ragden - 3-12-2010 at 09:53 AM

Ouch, that doesnt look like quite enough snow. Thanks for the update will def wait for more snow to hit!!
;)

bobalooie57 - 8-12-2010 at 09:21 AM

Well, snow is starting to pile up on the hill, about 3' on the Worth web-cam.
Now if the wind comes up some for the weekend. Right now it could be better, only about 10 mph(peak) for both days, but we'll see.

Edit: took out the link. dunno?

ragden - 9-12-2010 at 05:47 AM

Sunday forecast is looking good (14-15mph), but Saturday still looks right around 10mph. If the snow is deep, it'll be rough getting going in that amount of wind. Hopefully the forecast picks up just a little bit more...

Curious though, the field on the top of the hill behind Hanno's lot, doesnt that get better wind exposure than some of the lower sites, especially with a south wind? Just wondering...

snowspider - 9-12-2010 at 07:45 AM

Jan and Bob just a thought from ragdens post , would it be possible to put a note on the printed maps indicating "optimum wind direction"for each site. I think it would be very helpful in directing first time and occational visitors to Tug hill.

ragden - 9-12-2010 at 08:27 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by snowspider
Jan and Bob just a thought from ragdens post , would it be possible to put a note on the printed maps indicating "optimum wind direction"for each site. I think it would be very helpful in directing first time and occational visitors to Tug hill.


Thats not a bad idea. Personally, I always advise new folks to just contact someone in the know. Either a local, or someone in touch with the locals... But this could work too..
:)

bobalooie57 - 9-12-2010 at 11:28 AM

Good suggestion ss, I'll pass it along. I was on the hill today and took some pics. Here's one looking at the hill across from the event site at Porterdales.

Tug hill 12-9-10 015.JPG - 69kB

bobalooie57 - 9-12-2010 at 11:30 AM

I walked out into that field a little way to check snow depth, this gives an idea.edit: rt foot shows about knee deep.

Tug hill 12-9-10 019.JPG - 70kB

bobalooie57 - 9-12-2010 at 11:33 AM

Here's one of my favorite spots on 177, just entering Lewis County.

Tug hill 12-9-10 028.JPG - 72kB

bobalooie57 - 9-12-2010 at 11:35 AM

One on the fly past the deer ranch!

Tug hill 12-9-10 035.JPG - 72kB

bobalooie57 - 9-12-2010 at 11:36 AM

And finally at Hanno's. A snowmobile made the tracks so I didn't have to!

Tug hill 12-9-10 055.JPG - 71kB

bobalooie57 - 9-12-2010 at 11:38 AM

Another from Hanno's.

Tug hill 12-9-10 054.JPG - 71kB

bigben91682 - 9-12-2010 at 11:40 AM

Looks like plenty of snow!

As for a map I can put something together in google if people familiar with the area send me the info on spots and good wind directions.

I know of Hanno lot ( best wind directions?) I know there's something on rector rd, and some sites near Adams center. Bob, if you and Jan put together a list of sites I can put them on a map for the community to use....That way come January everyone can find everyone else, it's a pretty massive area of good kiting..

bobalooie57 - 9-12-2010 at 11:40 AM

So, plenty of snow, it's all up to the wind now. I guess it always comes down to that. If we could only convince the wind farm guys to reverse a couple of those turbines, and turn them into giant wind machines....:lol:

bobalooie57 - 9-12-2010 at 11:47 AM

Thanks for that bigben, I will be getting with Jan this weekend regardless of wind conditions. We will see what we can come up with. I like N or NE wind for Hanno's, just because it blows you toward the back of the lot, away from the road. (for us that still struggle with that sort of thing.)

ragden - 9-12-2010 at 11:49 AM

Snow looks good... now, as Bob said, we just need wind...
:)

ragden - 9-12-2010 at 11:54 AM

I think Hanno's also works on a West.. Ridden there in that direction as well. Gets bouncy as you work up the hill, but riding down the hill with the wind at your back, means nice jumps... :)

The Honeyville field works on either west or south winds. Tree line on the north side kind of precludes wind from that direction. Some of the other fields just up the road from there are good on north and west directions as well. There is also the field on the other side of the road from the Honeyville site that would probably work on a North as well...

bigben91682 - 9-12-2010 at 02:28 PM

edit - removed link

ragden - 10-12-2010 at 07:17 AM

The map doesnt seem to display properly. I think that field you have it coming up on is Hanno's lot. Good place to ride, nice hill, etc. I'll u2u my e-mail address and add some stuff there...

snowspider - 10-12-2010 at 07:49 AM

Perfect!!

bigben91682 - 10-12-2010 at 07:57 AM

@ ragden, just sent an invite to edit the map so please have at it. As for displaying hanno's lot, that's not an error, I put that in, I also put in rector rd but I'm not sure of the limits of the lot....

bobalooie57 - 10-12-2010 at 08:14 AM

Hey bb, great idea! Add me and I will add what-ever mike doesn't. edit: rector rd looks fine. there's usually a stretch along the road by the snowmobile crossing you can park along, but the shoulders of the road could be soft.

bigben91682 - 10-12-2010 at 08:28 AM

Bob, just send an invite to give you access to the map.

bobalooie57 - 10-12-2010 at 09:26 AM

I added a pinpoint on the general location of the "new lot" in Evans Mills that we rode on Sunday. Wind was kind of light(for my weight/kite,lol) but working from the WNW.

bobalooie57 - 10-12-2010 at 09:32 AM

Now when I click the map link, I don't get the site locations?

bigben91682 - 10-12-2010 at 02:31 PM

Edit - Removed Link

ragden - 13-12-2010 at 06:29 AM

Awesome. That actually shows up properly for me now.. Thanks bud!

bobalooie57 - 13-12-2010 at 07:49 AM

That map is shaping up nicely! Now if we get the snow back, we'll be ready!

Liquid Duloid - 13-12-2010 at 07:49 AM

very nice guys.. ... this is gonna help to all of us...thanks

well done

bobalooie57 - 15-12-2010 at 08:27 AM

I see in a couple of other threads there might be travel for the weekend being planned. After last weekends rain took most of our snow away here in the valley, I'm not too sure what is left for snow on the hill. I'm gonna get at least to Hanno's tomorrow morning, I'll go right across the hill and check Honeyville, too, if I can swing it. Wind looks to be W to WSW on Sat. @ 10-15, and same direction Sun. @ ~10. Will post pics tomorrow.

bigben91682 - 15-12-2010 at 08:53 AM

Good deal Bob, thanks for the update. May try and get up there Saturday if conditions are good enough. The MIL will be in town so it's a perfect excuse to get out of the house for the day.

Who else was comin up?

ragden - 15-12-2010 at 09:00 AM

If there is snow and wind, I might come up. Would prefer riding conditions both days to make the 7.5hr drive worthwhile...

bobalooie57 - 16-12-2010 at 09:28 AM

This doesn't look like the weekend for the Tug, guys. I just did a circuit from the new lot in Evans Mills through Honeyville and back across to Hanno's, and the Hanno lot looked deepest with about 6" Pics to follow.

bobalooie57 - 16-12-2010 at 09:29 AM

Here's the new lot in Evans Mills.

12-16-10 Kite spot circuit 004.JPG - 70kB

bobalooie57 - 16-12-2010 at 09:31 AM

Fassett Rd. South.

12-16-10 Kite spot circuit 009.JPG - 70kB

bobalooie57 - 16-12-2010 at 09:33 AM

Fassett North EDIT: oops! that's the corner at Honeyville.

12-16-10 Kite spot circuit 021.JPG - 71kB

bobalooie57 - 16-12-2010 at 09:35 AM

Hanno lot.

12-16-10 Kite spot circuit 042.JPG - 69kB

ragden - 16-12-2010 at 09:58 AM

That does NOT look promising. Bummer.
Maybe next weekend.
Guess its off to The Bowl on Sunday (if winds hold enough northerly..)
Thanks Bob, really appreciate the update!!!

snowspider - 16-12-2010 at 10:29 AM

Lake effect snow is shifting to the north of Syracuse , so keep a close eye on Tug Hill the site conditions could change overnight.

ragden - 16-12-2010 at 10:49 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by snowspider
Lake effect snow is shifting to the north of Syracuse , so keep a close eye on Tug Hill the site conditions could change overnight.


While this is definitely a possibility.. Wind predictions for Sunday still dont look too hot... Hopefully that changes, but hard to plan a trip when the wind doesnt look like it will be there...
:(

bobalooie57 - 16-12-2010 at 11:01 AM

Yeh, it's been snowing here all day, but not piling up. Wind predictions have changed 3 times since yesterday, up a little, down a little. I thought it looked like you folks down DC way might get some weather this weekend? Snow and cold? Here's hoping for ya!:bigok:

ragden - 16-12-2010 at 11:27 AM

Oh... its snowing right now.. I've heard the side streets are gone in downtown DC, and the main roads look crummy (havent been outside myself). People are already panicking and trying to get home before it gets "bad".
:rolleyes:

Maven454 - 16-12-2010 at 12:44 PM

It's pretty sh-T out there right now. Mostly because they didn't treat the roads ahead of time, so the cars driving over it are causing melt and then refreeze.

bigben91682 - 17-12-2010 at 06:26 AM

Unless things change dramatically, both wind and snow, doesn't look like I'm gonna make the trip this weekend. I'm on the road the next 2 weekends, but may be able to make it up on the 1st - if there's snow and wind..

bobalooie57 - 17-12-2010 at 08:01 AM

Well, we got about 4" in the valley overnight. Wind on the NOAA site for Sat. is predicted from the SSW @ 14-20 at noon dropping off from there. Watertown Aviation site calls for a peak of 10 mph around 1:00 pm. Sunday not so good, peaking at less than 10. Could really use more of both, but we'll probably try to make the best of it on Saturday.

bobalooie57 - 19-12-2010 at 06:41 AM

Yesterday I met up with Jan and Jackie in Honeyville, and there were some kiters from the Syracuse area, and also the NYC/CT area. Wind was SW at about 10, and I got a first flight of the Pansh Flux proto being sent by WG.(see review thread) Jan was on his new 2011 Frenzy 11M, the Syr. crew had a 13M LEI they were sharing, then Jan loaned his 'old' 9M Frenzy to one of the guys so both could ride. Started out on the South side of 177, ended up across the road, behind the cornfield. Rolling terrain, there's a wind suckhole in the NW corner that caused the guy on the 13M LEI to post hole back from. Got some(500+!) pics on the helmet cam, which I have to sort through, and will post some shortly.

South side 177, Honeyville

bobalooie57 - 19-12-2010 at 07:15 AM



12-18-10 Honeyville 149.JPG - 70kB

North side 177, behind cornfield, Honeyville

bobalooie57 - 19-12-2010 at 07:23 AM

Wind was kind of light at this point. I tried Jan's 11M long enough to get pulled over forwards(face first) kind of stretching me out a little, and tweaking my already painful hip, so I gave up early and just watched, with helmet cam snapping pics from time to time. Some follow.

12-18-10 Honeyville 332.JPG - 72kB

bobalooie57 - 19-12-2010 at 07:26 AM

Gotta learn to be a little more conservative with the helmet cam in photo mode, 500+ pics to screen through is a ton!:ticking:

12-18-10 Honeyville 405.JPG - 71kB

bobalooie57 - 19-12-2010 at 07:29 AM

One more, then I'll see if I got any video worth watching.

12-18-10 Honeyville 425.JPG - 70kB

rocfighter - 19-12-2010 at 08:43 AM

I wish it would be cold and stay cold here. Every time the ponds freeze enough to skate on it warms up just enough to wreck it. Last 2 days highs in the 20's next two days mid to high 30's. Getting annoying! Oh and no snow either.:(

bobalooie57 - 19-12-2010 at 10:15 AM

Well, I just had a discussion regarding our Tug Hill Map project with Jan. He told me that it was nice that we are consolidating this information, but as access to these lots has to be reconfirmed every year, then this map will have to be taken down, or revised each year, and that all of this should be controlled by the chamber of commerce, as they are footing the bill for site signage, and hopefully flags that mark each site. I told him that this is a difficult subject, because many already know which sites have been used in the past and could therfore show up at any time and throw up a kite, not even having looked at a map, current or not. He is quite concerned about the public nature of this map, and how any one person or group could come here and destroy in one afternoon what we have taken 5 years to develop. I tried to point out that this is a dilemma any community faces, but the fact that most of these lots are privately owned certainly complicates things. In a perfect world, we would all know each land-owner, stop in and say hey, etc.before accessing their property, etc. I'm thinking that if each designated site has a sign/flag, why not also a sign in box like they have at trailheads, etc., with liability release forms protecting the landowner, and reminding each kiter of their responsibility to take with them what they brought, respecting private property, etc.
I know this is long, but it is an important subject that needs to be discussed, so that we can keep good rapport with landowners that have been gracious enough to let us use their land, as well as potential new ones. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

bobalooie57 - 19-12-2010 at 10:20 AM

My first thought, make Jan, local organizer, and Bob D., local trail coordinator, collaborator status on the map, I think they just need to e-mail bigben. Is that right bb?

bobalooie57 - 19-12-2010 at 10:34 AM

Here's a link to Jan's posting on kiteforum. http://www.kiteforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2368009&...

bigben91682 - 19-12-2010 at 02:35 PM

Bob, while it's a bummer to take down the map I definitely understand where Jan is coming from. He and others have put in a ton of work as ambassadors to the sport, last thing we want to do is lose the benefits of their efforts or enable a few to ruin it for a lot, that's the last thing I want. I hope he knows, and I think he does, that our intentions were good with putting the map together.

Anyway, I removed the link from my previous posts on this thread and made the map "unlisted" so only collaborators are able to view it at this time, which is Me, you and Ragden.

I'd be happy to add Bob D. and Jan as collaborators, all they have to do is email me. If and when they are comfortable with making it public we'll open it back up at that time.

snowspider - 19-12-2010 at 09:11 PM

As an infrequent flyer on Tug Hill I want a web site or a printed map of the available sites and some indication as to what wind direction works best at each site. Everyone involved in trying to create "the Skyline of the east" needs to understand that as things are now the Tug is not as convenient as it could be. I have yet to see on the two major forums a link (other than BB's)to maps of this years available sites.
What I am looking for is a way to save time and money , daylight is short and gas is not $1.50 any more. I want to be able to arrive at a site and have half a chance of having a good day.
While most everyone who posts on PKF may feel comfortable calling Jan for updates the other 90% who just like to look may like some thing more formal.
With all that said , if any one sees a guy in a grey van , two kids ,and a bunch of kite gear . please just point me in the right direction. THANKS

bobalooie57 - 20-12-2010 at 12:14 AM

Well ss, you know that the Hanno lot has been open for snowkiting since the start of the Tug Hill fest, might not always have the best wind, but snow, almost always the most. What you may not know, is last year someone decided to try to drive out on to one of the sites, in knee deep snow, taking out a road sign in the process, in an attempt to retrieve a kite? I wasn't there, only heard about it, but more clown like acts like that and the county will likely not be so welcoming to any of us. We are trying to come to grips with issues like this, and as simple as it seems to post a map, would you want any clown in the world to google snowkite spots in the N.E. and come up with your address? I try to do my best to help by posting conditions as close to the weekend as possible, but as you said, gas is not 1.50 any more, and the 100+ miles I put on each week trying to help out comes out of my pocket. That being said, the best link for county right now is the one on the Tug Hill Festival thread, the adirondacktughillregion or whatever, but I see they haven't updated their festival info yet. We have talked about a public map, and signs and flags at permitted spots(I'll tell you that a major concern is theft of these items) and we have another meeting scheduled for mon after Christmas, and all of this will be brought up again. Doing my best, b

snowspider - 20-12-2010 at 08:03 AM

My post should be taken to the meeting as "consumer feed back."
If it were not for you and everyone else posting where to go and what to do I'd still be sliding in the back yard, a pretty cool place but it aint Tug Hill.
See you at the festival if not sooner.

bobalooie57 - 20-12-2010 at 09:01 AM

Will do, and thanks for your feed back, it should help to illustrate the need for such a resource to be available.

bigben91682 - 21-12-2010 at 06:54 PM

I talked with Jan this morning. He's meeting with the chamber of commerce on Monday and after that I'm going to work with him get 2010 map of the authorized sites. Once that's done we'll post it up for everyone to see.

bobalooie57 - 22-12-2010 at 07:03 AM

It looks to be shaping up for a great day for the Hanno lot on Friday, wind 10-15 from the North, Ptly sunny, low to mid 20's. Santa's bringing me an early present! :thumbup:

bobalooie57 - 22-12-2010 at 07:22 AM

Darn, I just realised I was looking at the NOAA prediction for Southwick Beach, which being on the lake is always somewhat windier, and a little warmer. :embarrased: Forecast for the hill is not so good. wind WNW @ 10, temps mid to upper teens. :Ange09: Maybe if I flap my arms...

bobalooie57 - 9-1-2011 at 07:28 PM

Met up with Jan, his son Mike, Jackie, and Mike H. for a session at the new Porterdale site on the Killenbeck Rd., in Honeyville. I could have used more wind, what with my fat a$$ and riding a snowboard, but those on skis fared a little better. Here's a short, raw vid of the fun!

ragden - 10-1-2011 at 09:45 AM

Looked like conditions are halfway decent! Hope it just gets better between now and this weekend.

Bob- You need a bigger kite dude.. What size were you flying there?

bobalooie57 - 10-1-2011 at 10:00 AM

Agreed, that was my 8M Access II, prolly only 25-30 hrs on it, I bought it new in the bag, but 2yrs old model. Got a good deal, but wish I'd gone for the 10M, now. It was my first depower, and I didn't want to go too big. haha It works well in 15mph+ and steady, I need steady wind to make up for my poor board skills, but I'm still having fun, so I'll keep trying! Now if I could just get far enough ahead to get Brad's 11M Neo, I could use it in the snow, and I might be able to get out on the Lake in the summer, too! Hmmmmm.....