New lodging and outdoor adventure business in Greenland

[lenny]

Howdy folks. I am expanding my horizons here in da UP and am offering up some services to outdoor enthusiasts. Shot me a line if you are interested.


http://northwoodsadventures.info/

[polarisrider1]

lenny, sweet! can you ad a "we are here" map and a how to get to us mapping program to your site. For us who don't really know or remember were Greenland is. This should be simple for your web person to do. I am very interested.

[lenny]

great idea, thanks for that bro!

I'll get on it.

[lenny]

it's done, I am "my web person" lol


Thanks again for a great idea

Lenny

[polarisrider1]

Thank you Lenny! It's the little things in life that I notice. Everytime I have passed thru Greenland it has been deep with snow.

[lenny]

Polarisrider, I moved to this area because of the snow belt and the property value. I was able to buy a updated house for 50,000 and have the winter snow that I so much desired. I still feel like I am living the dream. I just need to make a living now. I have been doing okay in construction and hope to expand. Fishing is in incredible, although better last year than this year but none the less a great time. I really hope to provide memorable times for people, just like I have received, after all, what is life about, friends, family, fun, all from the big GUY above

[harski]

Lenny, when do the trails open in Mi? Have you been able to ride the trails on this date the last few years?

Thanks, Harski

[lenny]

dec 1st, I believe the last 3 seasons we did open on the first. I don't think we groomed on the first last year. I could be wrong, memory is not as good as it used to be

[dhealy8]

Lenny, the website looks excellent!! We look forward to riding with you again this year.

[lenny]

Thanks Dan. I'm gonna post a few pics of the Old Town Hall progress when I get done working tonight. It's gonna be a great lodging unit.

[dhealy8]

Wow, that was a great idea, looking forward to seeing its progress.

[lenny]

here is the pic of the old place last winter in jan
http://www.johndee.com/discuss/messages/5/114676.jpg
here it is now. I removed the nasty entry hall and added a roof over the steps. I am finishing up the exterior before I move into the inside
http://www.johndee.com/discuss/messages/5/114677.jpg
http://www.johndee.com/discuss/messages/5/114678.jpg
http://www.johndee.com/discuss/messages/5/114679.jpg

[lenny]

the old bell tower is not as crooked as the pic appears. It is a bit out of plumb but not what it appears in the pic. I am going to leave the bell tower up there.

[skylar]

You got your work cut out for yourself Lenny! Looking good so far, keep the pictures coming as you progress.

Later, Skylar.

[skylar]

Cool, leaving the bell tower helps preserve some of the history of the place.

Did you tell Bob I said hi?

[lenny]

I told Bob and he chuckeled, he said "skylar's my buddy".

[MR.HAPPY]

Good Luck Lenny. Hope everything works out on your project!

[lenny]

Thanks bud. If it werent for you selling me the building I would have no opportunity to do this project.

[nytro]

lenny, I'm always look for new places for my wife and I to snowmoble. Do I understand you to have lodging, say for a weekend (fri,sat,sun.) nigth. Nytro in Traverse City. Just checked out your web site, answered all my questions, thanks

[lenny]

nytro, that is my plan, I am working 12 hrs a day now to wrap up jobs and stay on top of things. i have a lot to do to get the building ready but I am going to get it done. So yes, I will have lodging and it will be a nice place, 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, kitchen and living room.

Thanks, Lenny

[nytro_rtx]

lenny,
looks great, good luck! i'll be in contact with you a little closer to riding time to get in on a backwoods tour. don't know if i can get four guys together, maybe i can get in with another group or something.
nytro

[lenny]

I am not a stickler on group size. Obviously the more the better but I wouldn't miss out on a trip if the group was smaller and yes, I would reduce the cost. I am not a super extreme rider but can handle my sled well and love to hit the tricky technical terrain more so than the big hill climbing. Get me in the woods with some interesting terrain and some trees and I am like in heaven. I do enjoy launching off anything I can find, specially now I will be running the CAT power claw track, should hook me up nice.

This is the stuff that gets me going
http://www.johndee.com/discuss/messages/5/115237.jpg

[lenny]

http://www.johndee.com/discuss/messages/5/115239.jpg
http://www.johndee.com/discuss/messages/5/115240.jpg

[lenny]

that phazer mtn lite took all the abuse I could give it. I know lots of people didn't like that machine, and I cant say I think it was a great boon-docker but it was a reliable SOB, took me lots of places I would have not been able to get to, didn't like climbing because of the power to weight ratio was bad. It was a high quality machine.
http://www.johndee.com/discuss/messages/5/115242.jpg

[nytro_rtx]

sounds good to me, i'll ride any type of terrain. great pics, that's the kinda stuff i'm lookin to do. can't wait for the snow to start fallin. hopefully i can get hooked up with you more than once, i have a place in white pine and am up pretty much every weekend from x-mas on.
talk to ya soon, nytro

[local897]

pick me pick me I want to go!!! over here I am right here pick me pick me!!
http://www.johndee.com/discuss/messages/5/115324.jpg
Lenny knows where to take you for the good stuff. This was on a ridge top of a well spaced out play ground lenny took us too.

[lenny]

I remember that, that day was a blast. I am looking forward to another great riding season

[m8man]

Looks great Lenny and I hope the venture works out well..It sure looks like you've been working hard... Keep us posted with pic's ... Maybe this year we'll get to hook up for a ride either here or there.

m8man

[nytro_rtx]

local, i'll let you know when i'm going & hopefully you can go up also. hopefully we can get together and ride a few times.
nytro

[MR.HAPPY]

Get'r sided yet Lenny?

[lenny]

coldone, nope, havnt worked a day there since the last pic. Probably not for another 2 weeks still before I make it back there. Lots to do with little time.

[docbubba]

hey Lenny,
thanks for the great posts. Team ManBearPig is on its way to rent from Matt for the winter, possibly summer as well. we were in white pine last year, back to mass city. matt says hot dinner and cold beer will get your guide service, true?
have a great fall, we will be up oct 24 for move in and some wheeling.
doc

[lenny]

lol, I know Matt a little better than that

[thebluff]

told him you will work for food.....just kidding!!!

Good try though, Doc

[local897]

I have heard Lenny will work for fresh pasties from Krupp's mini mart?!?

Doc see you in 2010! Sheena says HI too!!!!

[dhealy8]

Hey Lenny, Matt and I will be up this weekend. If your gonna be working on your new place, let us know and maybe we'll stop by and say hi for a few mins and check it out.

[lenny]

Dan- just got in and read the post you'll be up. I haven't been working on building for weeks now and I am worried if i'll git-er-done. Have been working on Mr.Freeze's house and will all the rain we have had I am way behind. Still gotta get wood cut for next season, tomorrow is cutting day so I won't have time for much else.

[whitedust]

Lenny,
Outstanding idea & I hope you can make some money doing what you like to dohttp://www.johndee.com/discuss/clipart/happy.gif You might want to consider renting a few used powder sleds as well so you can offer the complete package guide, lodging & sled rental. Single source turnkey package is what people want.
All the best to ya,
Whitedust

[dhealy8]

Hi Lenny, holy cow, you are right, you've got a lot of work to get done before winter sets in. Sounds good and good luck with it all, we'll catch up with you another time.

[lenny]

starting back to work today on the old town hall. Gonna be putting serious hrs to get er done

[MR.HAPPY]

Wish I had a couple weeks to just come up there & help you out Lenny! Good Luck! Hope everything goes good & fast!

[lenny]

whitedust, very good idea there. Maybe that will be a goal I'll be striving for, Thanks!

[whitedust]

Lenny,
Happy to help. Pat's always has some good used long tracks if you can get them before they turn around or part them out. My buddy traded in a 02 Renegade 800 & Kip parted it out the next week. That sled was a good runner & you could have cut a good deal with Kip. Let Kip know you are interested in iron like that & you would have the sled paid for in a couple of rental days then all profit. This could be good income for ya & people luv turnkey deals. You could also pick up a few used helmets, bibs, boots, gloves, coats & rent those too. Maybe Klim or someone would sponsor you. At least ask they might say yes if it promotes their software. Best proof statement in the world is to use brand stuff then you know it is good & makes it easy to decide what to purchase. You want customers that want YOU as a guide to take total care of them single source & no worries just good times with their private guide. Those people will come back to you for repeat biz & are the big buck big spenders that know other big buck big spender referrals. Try to avoid the guys that want to pick your brain for powder locations & leave you flat once they have the information...no repeat biz there just using you for locations. There is a motel in Eagle River,WI that takes anybody including magazine people to pristine Fire Roads & wrecked the powder for everyone. I felt like what the heck I found those FRs on my own by riding & using FR maps much like you did during the last year or so now they are never untracked due to over use. Turnkey guys are dependent on you & won't go without you & wreck the powder for everyone & your other customers. Those people are the key to your success. Good luck & I hope this helps so you can prosper in the UP.
Whitedust

[local897]

Lenny, you just cant win if it isnt snowing its raining. I hope your maken head way with everything you have to have done by the time the snow realy starts flying. Do you have an new pictures of the Town Hall??

Dont forget to do the snow dance.

Andrew out

[dwz]

Lenny, will you have one of the rooms ready by Dec.8-10 for our first trip? Thanks Dan

[lenny]

Dan.

I wish I could say yes at this point but very possible. If I can wrap up the outside by next weekend odds are very good. I know it's not a good answer but right now I am to far away to give a good answer. I'll post updates in a few days.


Lenny

[kip]

Lenny, I commend you for bringing some more business to our small town and I know the snowmobilers will appreciate it very much. We need more lodging in Greenland. It's a great place to ride out of because you can go in any direction from here as it is a busy trail hub. Good Luck and we'll help you here any way we can. Kip

Pat's Motorsports, INC
Greenland, MI

[lenny]

here's an idea. I'm looking for manpower to get this job moving along fast. If some guys wanna come up and work some days on this building I will give them free lodging. Depending on the hrs worked, it could give many nights. I already have asked a few of my old Illinois buddies to see if they can come up and bail me out. If someone is interested let me know. The work will be mainly the exterior. I do have 25% sided now but have to tear off old wood siding on 1 side, still replace 3 windows and reside 3 sides. It's a 24' tall building to the eves in front and back so if your scared of heights I wouldn't recommend it. Also, would be best if you were somewhat experienced in const.

Anyways, it's been raining all night and just turned to snow so I am heading over there to work some more.

Kip, Thanks for the kind words, I appreciate it very much. I hope I can get it ready for this season as many would benefit from this location as you said.

[local897]

I wish you whould have asked sooner I am having my baby anyday now and going back to work the 5th of nov from shutdown. Sorry man I hope there is someone out there to help out Lenny is a great guy on and off the trail he will take care of you! So dont be shy. SORRY agan i would have help a month ago! Andrew

[dhealy8]

Lenny, wish we could make it up and help you out, but just too busy at work down here and still healin up from shoulder surgery 6 weeks ago. Good luck and hope the rain holds off for you so you can get it finished up.

[brad]

Hey Lenny,

Best check out the insurance aspect of renting sleds to your clients before you bite off that hunk! I've heard it's astronomical.....don't mean to be a kill joy......just I'm involved with the insurance industry now and in the past, and these things occur to me. Liability is a real, clear and present danger.

[whitedust]

Brad: You can waiver out somethings & hope for the best. I trust people.... teach show water-skiing & no one sued or even got pissed at me & we have had some bell ringers, stiched up faces & what not. The sport is dangerous & my students & their parents know that & deal with it. I'm not anti insurance just too expensive for startup biz & blocks what could be. You are not wrong in your view but some things will never get off the ground if you don't take a risk. Lenny I can email you waiver language if you need it.

[local897]

Lenny, Hope the warm wather has help you and everyone in the area a good jump on geting all your big jobs near the end or to the point that the wather doesnt matter! Cant wait to see the hall in person and stay there someday. I will be in the area the end of dec or the first of the year and we will have to ride. Agan best of luck on the hall. Andrew Out!!

[lenny]

Andrew, the weather has been better but still not great. Yesterday was almost 60 but high gusts of wind. I am still siding the town hall and had my scaffolding at 19' and the gusts made me stop after just a few hrs yesterday. I will finish the outside this next week 100% for sure and than inside I go. I may just get er ready. still early to say if I get it ready for the opener but once I am inside I can work with lights and get some serious hr with no excuses. I was going to snap a few pics tonight but I didn't get done till the sun was setting and the pics would have been poor.

[skidoodragon]

Lenny: I wish that I could have made it up there to help out! Just that one of my best friends was in dire need of help also with his lawn care service . Seeing there has been many early rainy days. Leaves Leaves ect!!! May the sun be with you!! Hope to check out some of your services in the future.

[lenny]

skidoodragon, thanks my friend

here are few few pixs from today. Nice and sunny today but the winds picked up again, didnt stop me though. I need to finish off the gable side and siding will be done. Still gonna do the front entry way handrail. Electrician is coming tomorrow to update service. New meter socket and mast wires, new breaker box and breakers.

http://www.johndee.com/discuss/messages/5/119247.jpg
http://www.johndee.com/discuss/messages/5/119248.jpg
http://www.johndee.com/discuss/messages/5/119249.jpg

[skylar]

Looking good Lenny, dang, I can smell a belly buster just by looking at your pictures!

[local897]

Looken Good!! Keep up the good work going to side the bell tower two? Cant wait to see the inside too. Andrew Out!

[lenny]

I'm not gonna side the bell tower but I am going to clearn er up and paint it. There is alot of trim detail on it so I may as well just paint the entire thing. Gonna be 54 and sunny today, calm wind, YEA BABY!!

[lenny]

exterior is complete and interior is gutted. My camera took a dump so be a few day before I get the replacement on da bay. Look for new pics soon.

[skylar]

TTT

[lenny]

thanks big S.

I have had some set backs concerning permits. Since property will be "commercial" I had to hire licensed electricians and plumbers. Interior is framed, electric started, shower and plumbing starting Fri. I didn't get stopped, just needed to satisfy the local gov and that takes time.

[lenny]

I've been wanting to post pics but the camera I bought on the bay 2 weeks ago has not arrived, that person is getting a neg, RAT!

[lenny]

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss65/raceincdude/townhallupdate004.jpg

[lenny]

rough inspections next week and than drywall

[Skylar]

The place looks awesome Lenny!

[frnash]

Looks great, lenny, you sure do nice work!

[maddog24]

Looks fantastic! Will be up a week from Monday, might swing by??

[lenny]

dog, if you do, just go to the side door and come up, people have come by and I havnt heard them out there knocking

[lenny]

howdy folks, it's been a discouraging few weeks but I finally am at the drywall stage. The plumbing, electrical permits and inspections turned out to be a real fiasco. I passed them all and are now putting the place together and should have no more hangups. I was a drywall installer and finisher in Illinois by trade so I am home free now. This place has the exterior wrapped in foam board and all joints taped. New windows and siding. i have been working there 12 hrs a day and noticed I do not get drafts coming in which will be great for heating. Hanging ceilings tomorrow and maybe a bit of wall. I'll be able to post more frequently now that I have nothing preventing me from producing work the way I like to. Still have not fired up the sled and probably will not for a while. I have no income till this project is complete so I am hustling to "get er done".

[lenny]

Howdy folks, the project is near complete. I have an official opening date of Feb 1st. It may be ready sooner but I do need to give myself some room for minor setbacks. If you need a place to stay close to trail and in a Lake effect snow belt, this just may be it

[raysxc700]

where in illinois were you from lenny?

[lenny]

Aurora
where in illinois were you from lenny?

[raysxc700]

iam not to far from there my girl friend works in oswego 7 of us are headed up
to rockland on the 21st maybe well catchup

take it easy