March 2016 SnowGoer editor comments

Not sure if anyone read the "Breaking Trail" article by SnowGoer Editor John Prusak but in it he makes an excellent point, in my opinion. He states, "I think all forms of snowmobiling are fun, but there's gotten to be too much snobbery by those who favor off-trail riding. It's OK to admit that you like trail riding. I sure do."

I too have noticed this, whether on the boards here and other websites or even in person talking to fellow sled heads in the UP and other places. It seems with some (not all) if you're "just a trail rider" than you're not a real sled head. That is all...I just liked his comment in the article and thought I'd share.
 

Swampy

Member
Oooo ... I bet you're gonna hear it for that one. lol I say, to each their own. Gotta love smooth trails and all the work put in to make them that way.
 

whitedust

Well-known member
I have not read it but I like all sledders don't care about their preference it's all sleddin to me & people are people imo no difference how they ride.. really don't care how or where just have fun anyway you can.
 

Sledhead!

Member
Agreed, if it is powered by a track and has skis, you're a snowmobiler, respect you just the same. Doesn't matter if it is a short track, or a 174 with 3' paddles, still a snowmobiler to me....
 

szotty

Member
I don't have a problem with trail riding or off trail both have there time and place and I enjoy both. Just hate when I take the wife on the mountain sleds for a trail ride cus that's how she rides and all the comments or stares. I grew up trail riding and will ride my sks the same way I use to ride my trail sleds ( quickly) just hate when people judge u when ur helmet is still on and it comes from both sides of the snowmobile world. Me I don't care if it involves a sled I'm pumped to talk to them or about them I live for snowmobiling.
 

snobuilder

Well-known member
You need to be in shape to go off rail...there is the rub. and one day you realize its time to get back into shape or stay on trail.
 

dickmsp

New member
All snowmobiles are way cool!! I appreciate the specialty of sleds, all different aspects of this oddball hobby!! Light, long track mountain sleds can go anywhere, heavy mod turbo racing sleds at hey daze, comfy trail sleds, gas mileage from 8 mpg a few years ago to 25 + mpg 4 strokes. We are so lucky to be snowmobiling now!! Too bad we didn't have John Dee site back in 1969, we could dog each others Herters, or Mercury, or marvel that Evinrude and Johnson had reverse. I could just see the threads-- stock clutch on my Evinrude I get 16 mph top speed, when I put the Cudney clutch on I get 18 mph!!!
 

groomerdriver

New member
I've never been into the off trail thing and it's OK by me if others do it as long as where they are riding is legal and they are running stock or legal db exhaust.

(do not mean to start a pizzing contest)

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snobuilder

Well-known member
All snowmobiles are way cool!! I appreciate the specialty of sleds, all different aspects of this oddball hobby!! Light, long track mountain sleds can go anywhere, heavy mod turbo racing sleds at hey daze, comfy trail sleds, gas mileage from 8 mpg a few years ago to 25 + mpg 4 strokes. We are so lucky to be snowmobiling now!! Too bad we didn't have John Dee site back in 1969, we could dog each others Herters, or Mercury, or marvel that Evinrude and Johnson had reverse. I could just see the threads-- stock clutch on my Evinrude I get 16 mph top speed, when I put the Cudney clutch on I get 18 mph!!!

Yep!
 

indy_500

Well-known member
I spend my entire winter chasing fresh powder to ride my mountain sled in the backcountry. Yet last week, the trails around home opened up for the first time in 2 years. I put 75 miles on Wednesday before work, and 205 miles Friday with 2 buddys. Even did 165 miles back in mid December after the first dump in the yoop. All of those miles were done on an 02 xc sp 500 or 04 xc sp 600 and yet you still couldn't wipe the grin off my face under my helmet.
 

Skylar

Super Moderator
Staff member
First and foremost, I'm a snowmobiler, period. I don't care where, on trail, off trail, snirt, mud, rocks, it does not matter. It's in my blood, and I will do it till the day I cant, end of story. Right now at 48 years old, I absolutely love off trail, my passion is exploring creek bottoms, ravines, anywhere that presents a challenge. I have nothing but respect for anybody that snowmobiles, it's a passion we all have, regardless if it's on the trail or off.
 

groomerdriver

New member
I have not read it but I like all sledders don't care about their preference it's all sleddin to me & people are people imo no difference how they ride.. really don't care how or where just have fun anyway you can.

I like all snowmobilers too...regardless of age or state of mind. EXCEPT when they turn into backstabbers if they don't agree with what they say and go crying to others...."boo hoo..he doesn't agree with me."

Those are the people that eventually will get there's.
 

timo

Well-known member
I like all snowmobilers too...regardless of age or state of mind. EXCEPT when they turn into backstabbers if they don't agree with what they say and go crying to others...."boo hoo..he doesn't agree with me."

Those are the people that eventually will get there's.

dang dude,,,,good morning to you too.
 
G

G

Guest
If I were younger I would probably be an off trail guy. As was said a person has to be strong and in shape to do off trail riding. Right now if I buried a 162 incher out in the sticks I would surely perish. They would find me in the spring with my face half chewed off by a porcupine. So I am a groomed trail rider. In my humble opinion we trail riders have never had it better. I can ride out of my shop and ride groomed trails all the way to Mich if I want to. Snow permitting of course. There is something for everybody in this sport. It is all good.
 

durphee

Well-known member
Yeah I agree with most posts on here. I am a trail rider, who would enjoy off trail riding, but I don't have the equipment or knowledge to do so. I enjoy listening to trail and off trail riders share their experience. I guess I am just a junkie of sleddin. In a perfect world I could afford 2 sleds, one for each type of riding but that isn't the case so I had to choose. Maybe my next sled will be more of a crossover type, Ill let ya know in the spring!
 
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