No... It's not mine...
Posted on 05/20/2005 10:43:32 AM PDT by A. Linsley
(A.J. Marden is from Vermont. He competes in winter sports and especially enjoys snowboarding and snowmobiling.)
Cadet Sgt. A.J. Marden Millersburg Military Institute Creative Writing Class
There’s nothing like a ride over new snow in the rolling trails of beautiful Vermont! I take every opportunity to snowmobile in my home state or in Alaska, Michigan or Montana. I just don't take risks that might cost a limb or my life, and I don't destroy animal habitats. And, contrary to conservationists' complaints, I don't leave litter.
Serious snowmobile enthusiasts are generally non-interfering. Noise from snowmobiles isn’t a factor when the sport is done on trails in non-residential areas. A greater concern is safety because accidents, often occurring in isolated areas, can be fatal. Helmets, proven chest protectors such as the Tek Vest, hard shell boots, and shin pads can minimize injuries. Whether you’re out for a nice slow cruise or pushing it to the limit, safety must be top priority.
As with all winter sports, precautions must be taken against the cold. Wear layers to maintain body temperature. A good base layer should be absorbent to prevent sweat from cooling the body. Over this wear warm clothing and a water resistant quality winter jacket. Make sure you’re completely covered to avoid frostbite, windburn and the risk of hypothermia.
When pushing it to the limit, remember braking at higher speeds is risky. Adjust your speed according to trail and weather conditions. Avoid snowmobiling alone, or if alone, remember to inform someone of your route and destination. Be aware of your surroundings. Slow down on ice, and maintain a safe speed on a fresh groomed trail.
A friend left a Vermont pub late one night to go home on his snowmobile. He wasn’t dressed properly and he was drunk. Heading home, he missed a corner and crashed into the woods and remained there unable to move until he was found hours later. He developed hypothermia, fractured some bones and punctured a lung. Luckily he made a full recovery and hopefully learned an important lesson.
Snowmobiling involves risks, but common sense and taking precautions can prevent serious injury or death. Dress properly and use the right protective gear. Adjust your speed according to trail and weather conditions. Never drink and ride, don’t litter, and most importantly, have fun!
Nice to see something about Vermont that doesn't involve homosexuality.
YEEEEEARRRRRRRGGGGHHHH!
WRT the article, all I have to say is - Tek Vest?
How is the snow cover in Vermont right now?
I wear a Tek and hockey shin pads when i ride.
I haven't ridden a snowmobile in about 20 years, seems things have changed some. Usually wore a helmet when I rode, but that was about it for protection from anything other than the cold. Used to get dumped off a lot back then too, but never got hurt. Not much snowmobiling now that I live in Texas...
Snowmobile racing is dominated by Moto-X racers.
Perfect time of year for a snowmobiling article.
No... It's not mine...
I'm interested,but because I am at work all I see is the dreaded red-x
grass drag,water skipping and swap meet season is just starting! for some of us nuts,the season never ends ;-)
"Nice to see something about Vermont that doesn't involve homosexuality."
I thought it was about homosexual snowmobilers...
It's a beauty - especially if you like Cats. Have to check it at home.
I do,I do! um,King Cat? or,a 634 Hirth Panther with Montana Pipes? or maybe a nice little ElTigre' Z?????..... but,one thing i will probably never do while I work behind a computer all day is have one at home ;-)
Just a very well restored 1971 EXT 440 Special. From Don McLennan's vintage cat page at http://www.donsvintagecats.com I grew up riding mid-late 70s Cats and they remain my favorite. We had a wankle-powered Cheetah, a Puma, and a Panther. Nice rides, tho' I kept shredding belts on the Panther...
Is a "snowmobling" a young, cold, white creature trying to become a wiseguy? ;-)
Don't these things smell and make a lot of noise?
Not to mention waste gasoline?
Don't forget folks, same applies to moto bikes and quads.
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