yellow light, green light

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lenny

Guest
snake said:
I agree with the notion of the closed fist or green light is not a way of knowing "you are in the clear", but I will say that it is nice to know that there are more sleds coming after the leader.
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that's a good point and brings me back to the premis of this topic. It really is a good attempt and well intentioned to help and for the most part will give piece of mind. I need to remember how many times I have come around a corner and a guy coming at me in the middle of the trail, out of shape sideways just missing me. We all have been there and I have been in a lot of very close calls so maybe that is why I am a bit more stronger of opinion. Now days I ride with my wife and kids on the trail from time to time and I tell you the truth,,,I am never in the other lane or even close to causing an accident so I believe I need no help in staying safe. No boasting or think I am a better rider, I just don't want to wreck, hurt someone or get hurt myself. I do treat each corner as someone may be coming through it.
 
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whitedust

Well-known member
I have no problem with ride lights in Wi Twistys hand signals or lights is good information. Although neither is necessary on trail 3 grade thru Greenland to Hancock on a busy weekend just look down the grade see what you need to see.lol
 
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lenny

Guest
whitedust said:
I have no problem with ride lights in Wi Twistys hand signals or lights is good information. Although neither is necessary on trail 3 grade thru Greenland to Hancock on a busy weekend just look down the grade see what you need to see.lol
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lets talk about what the signals or lights offer. What do you actively do with the info from signals. The grade is not a good example because we have many loop trails that are twisty so this is not a matter of Wis vrs MI trails. Someone please just tell me what do you do differently when you see signals or lights that you would not normally do knowing traffic is out there somewhere. Lets have a good honest respectful debate. Maybe I'll learn something!
 
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whitedust

Well-known member
lenny said:
lets talk about what the signals or lights offer. What do you actively do with the info from signals. The grade is not a good example because we have many loop trails that are twisty so this is not a matter of Wis vrs MI trails. Someone please just tell me what do you do differently when you see signals or lights that you would not normally do knowing traffic is out three somewhere. Lets have a good honest respectful debate. Maybe I'll learn something!
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Cool but I'm out of debate not very important to me either way just don't care.I'll check back in from time to time but riding this afetrnoon. Have fun:) whitedust out
 
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bonnevier

Member
As the lead dog I am always expecting someone or something to be around the next corner and on my side of the trail. Maybe the fact that knowing someone will be coming up ahead I tend to bring the speed down and error on the side of caution. Not becuase of my abilities but I assume that the person coming at me is going too fast for the turn, riding aggressively and doesn't know that I am there. Hey, if I can ensure myself and my seld returns home safe and sound to my wife and 3 kids I am going to do it.

I guess I consider it similar to driving and seeing the flashing lights ahead (either from a cop or someone warning me of a county mountie in the middle). I might only be going 5 over the limit but why not ease off the gas and not take the chance.

I, along with my group give signals but only when safe to do so. If you give em back great, if not no big deal to me. I do get a chickle out of the guy riding solo giving the fist. Here is a dedicated guy who gets to ride while all of his buddies have to work! Wish that was me right now!!!
 
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lenny

Guest
whitedust said:
Cool but I'm out of debate not very important to me either way just don't care.I'll check back in from time to time but riding this afetrnoon. Have fun:) whitedust out
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no problem bud, I can appreciate that. If you do get some time and can think of a good reason, please post. Seriously, I may be wrong and not understand this. I honestly do want opinions, not to try an trap you but to see what we all have to offer concerning signals.

Apples to apples for auto's, we have no means to signal how many or the last car in a group. We don't care there, why again do we care on a sled?

Honestly I believe there is a element of novelty involved, that's not a bad thing. I mean we buy nice sleds, nice gear, we see others signaling so we just do it. I still hand signal more than not, especially by myself so people are not wondering, waiting for another sled but I believe I do it out of obligation rather than a practical sense. I'll change my position in a heart beat given reason. To some it may be a good reason and to some not, so I do not look down on those who signal.
 
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towtruck

New member
lenny I happen to agree with you and I have written to MN USA and stated much of what you have said -
in addition , when I am about to meet a sled on the trial , I am focused on my skis being on my side of the trial and my sled under control - I hope that is what the other guy is focused on but often what I see is his skis bouncing around and his hand waving two fingers or something --If he hits a little rut or rock it will jar his steering and with only one hand on the bars he may send his sled over to my side - I really can't believe this is still being promoted - I ride with two hands on the bars for saftey and control- why would I take my hand off the bar during the most dangerous seconds of my ride ?(on coming traffic)
 
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Firecatguy

New member
hand signals where taught in basic sled saftey by the state of mn and it still is today...seems they know a thing or 2 about saftey....I have been on a sled 37 years and never seen so many people not understand saftey I would like to see the number of people who took a basic sled saftey course?
 
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ajscam

Member
I see the hand thing 2 ways. First; I'm usually the leader, and as others have said, I'm expecting to see a sled around every corner. However, it is nice to know that there are 4 mores sleds coming at me. I see it as a courtesy. Second, and probably more important to me; I want riders going in the opposite direction to know that there are 1,2,3 (whatever) less experienced riders behind me, so don't tear it up as soon as you pass me.
 
uncle_ed

uncle_ed

Active member
A lot of good insight here in regards to this safety issue. I am in agreement that knowing there is more traffic up ahead would be helpful but weighing it against a guy driving a snowmobile one handed being kind of a scary thing sometimes. I was in the u.p. with the wife a few weeks back and a fellow came in hot around a corner at me and it was obvious he didn't expect me but as soon as he saw me he signaled 2 fingers and all I could think to myself was gawd man keep your hands on the bars and stay on your side! If the colored signal lights are bright enough and effective they would get my vote.
 
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agriffinjd

New member
lenny said:
lets talk about what the signals or lights offer. What do you actively do with the info from signals. The grade is not a good example because we have many loop trails that are twisty so this is not a matter of Wis vrs MI trails. Someone please just tell me what do you do differently when you see signals or lights that you would not normally do knowing traffic is out there somewhere. Lets have a good honest respectful debate. Maybe I'll learn something!
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I like seeing a lone snowmobiler hold up a number on a twisty trail. I slow way down because I assume the next guy in line is flying out of control trying to catch up to his buddy, or it's a novice who can't keep up and may not do to well around corners. So I do prefer to get the hand signals, just not on clear days on straight-stretches where you can see for yourself who's coming. But, err on the side of caution.

I do think it's funny to have a group coming single file, 10 feet apart from each other, doing about 35 mph, and every one of them holds up a number. No kidding! I can see you all!
 
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craigrev

Member
I agree with Bonnevier and Ajscam. I also lead the pack most of the time. Always watching for the next sled coming around the corner, and staying on my side. If I know that more sleds are coming,(especially in the twistys), I proceed very slowly(or sometimes stop if nearing a blind corner). This may sound extreme, but I've seen too many reckless riders trying to keep up with their leader sliding half sideways around corners. Knowing that I have passed the last oncoming sled is a courtesy which allows me to resume an enjoyable pace. All riders have to ride on faith that the first(or solo) rider in a group is alert, aware, and able to stay in control and on their side of the trail. There is no need for signaling on long straight trails or at night, when riders can clearly see traffic. I do not think it is fair to compare cars on a highway with painted lines and reflectors to a twisty trail that offers a foot or two between sleds traveling in opposite directions. Hand signals don't hurt people, careless riders hurt people. My $.02
 
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towtruck

New member
the most dangerous sled is the first one you see - who is going to warn you about that one? after that you assume more are coming anyway regardless of how many fingers and then there is the group behind him and he may not have 17 fingers or know about the group behind him - I have seen the lead dog flash a 5 then a four -
I think he ment 9 riders but maybe he was having a stroke I'm not sure but when I realized I was focused on this hand waving and counting I decided I better just focus on controling my sled and know that more sleds could be coming at any time -all day
 
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