A DEADLY weekend in Wisconsin!

[groomerdriver]

4 deaths over the weekend including one of the owners of Hayward Power Sports. Partied too hardy celebrating his 56th birthday. Sad that he won't make his 57th. The death toll in Wisconsin now is officially at 22 (!).

Sorry to be on the pulpit but after a long weekend of riding and "taking the point"....I am not surprised one bit. Too many close calls and numerous places where trees were hit and sled parts laying by the trees. I really did not enjoy riding this weekend which I think is a first for me.

Just because riders are aggressive on various sled video's and promo's doesn't mean one can ride like this on the trail! Is it going to take the death of a youngster (i.e. a 3 yr. old sitting in front of Mom or Dad) to have ANY impact on how people ride?

Something like this IS going to happen...it's just a matter of time.

 

[RHFD547]

Well said "groomerdriver"! As a father that rides my daughter in front of me, I have come to close to the "Ricky Racers" that automatically think there is no one around the corner that they are going to take at 60mph. The same thing happens when I ride alone as well. The last I knew, there was no prize for getting from point A topoint b in the least amount of time unless it was a inner group race. I do not wish to get into the, "if you can't ride fast, stay at home" debate. All I'm suggesting is that riders take their own safety and those of others into consideration. I don't care if you kill yourself by your reckless conduct, but if you kill any of my children or family members because of your reckless riding, the hearse may carry you too!

 

[600_RMK_144]

That knot in the pit of my stomach is from reading this post after having just spent the w/e with my boy riding up front with me. Don't think I'll be taking him to any "busy" destinations any time soon. We'll putt-putt around rural IA for now, thank you very much. I know it can happen anywhere, but less traffic = less risk IMO. We saw maybe 15 sleds in our 65 mile loop Saturday. Oh, and my boy waved at every single one

 

[gary_in_neenah]

I've often wondered why on any given day I can encounter responsible riders of all ages and the very next day, same location it's out of control. I like to let the horses run as much as the next guy but I do it when it's safe and when I'm only putting myself at risk. I used to ride with a guy that was your typical Family Man, loved his kids and wife, worked hard to provide for them, a guy you'd consider a good neighbor and friend. But put this guy on a sled and he lost all reason, wide in the corners, had to get there first, etc. He doesn't ride anymore and it's probably best for him, his family, and the rest of us out there. I'm not sure what triggers this in some of us, testosterone, youthful competition, alcohol, or an entitlement mentality i.e. "it's my sled and I'll ride it anyway I like."

The cynics would say it's Nature's way of Thinning the Herd. That may be the case but 22 Empty Chairs (and still counting) is way too many families missing someone special to them. I love this sport and I've been doing it a long time but I too have had encounters where I said to myself, "this is getting out of control and it's a bad place to be." Didn't mean to preach but when it's not fun anymore, it's not fun anymore, know what I mean?

Anyway, judging by the forecast I've probably had my last ride for this year. I had a few close calls but came away unscathed, my wife is happy, I'm happy, and my Insurance Man is happy. What a great year for snowmobiling, one for the record books! Be safe and enjoy the rest of the season out there.

 

[ezra]

my bud drove by that hayward power sports guy wreck. locals calling that one Carma

 

[old abe]

I have to say all of the above posts, very well said. I have a 1 year old grand daughter and already planning on her being part of this winter time enjoyment. I have been sledding for 43 years, and don't have any reason to stop now. But every time I read about one of these, it sure makes one think.

 

[indy_500]

All the corners were blown bad this weekend down here people cutting across fields big time I think everybody had the same idea that itd probably be their last hurrah and made it a free for all hence the ugly weekend. Hope that wasn't the case but from what I saw it seems to be...

 

[teamblue]

For all of us that have been there wouldn't it be nice to go back to the 80's and 90's style of riding.

 

[skutr]

I would like to see some of the ricky racers try to ride one of my "old" sleds (77 Polaris TX, 85 Ski doo Safari, 92 AC Panther, 95 Indy Lite, 2000 AC Pantera, 2001 Ski Doo MXZ 600, 2001 Indy 500).

There's a reason I don't drink when I'm on a sled. I'm dangerous enough without adding liquid courage and liquid stupid to the mix.

 

[G]

Ricky will always find a way to do himself in but unfortunately innocents often get involved. Perhaps a new rule could be made up that designates one day a week - say Thursday - as Ricky Day. Everyone else stay home. Let the Rickys wreck trees and each other. The rest of the week Rickys stay home. I am only half kidding.

 

[russholio]

Ricky will always find a way to do himself in but unfortunately innocents often get involved. Perhaps a new rule could be made up that designates one day a week - say Thursday - as Ricky Day. Everyone else stay home. Let the Rickys wreck trees and each other. The rest of the week Rickys stay home. I am only half kidding.

Not Thursday -- that would ruin my midweek riding!

 

[groomerdriver]

For all of us that have been there wouldn't it be nice to go back to the 80's and 90's style of riding.

X2 but wishful thinking I'm afraid. If this is the way snowmobiling is going to be (trail racing) I think my volunteering days are over. Let the people who hit the trees or pass me at 40 mph on an 8' wide trail do the work. I know of many others who feel the same way.

Another quick story from this weekend. Was stopped at an intersection taking a break. I could hear a sled getting closer to us from a LONG way off. I mean this sled was loud. Sled was in the middle of a group...rider was standing up....and when they went down the trail this rider gunned it lifting the skis for a good 30 yards before he/she let off. I walked down to inspect the damage and the trench (snow was soft) left by this rider was at least 10" deep.

Why should I go out there and volunteer my time to groom trails? So this idiot and other like them can trash the trail? No 'effin thanks!

 

[Hoosier]

X2 but wishful thinking I'm afraid. If this is the way snowmobiling is going to be (trail racing) I think my volunteering days are over. Let the people who hit the trees or pass me at 40 mph on an 8' wide trail do the work. I know of many others who feel the same way.

Another quick story from this weekend. Was stopped at an intersection taking a break. I could hear a sled getting closer to us from a LONG way off. I mean this sled was loud. Sled was in the middle of a group...rider was standing up....and when they went down the trail this rider gunned it lifting the skis for a good 30 yards before he/she let off. I walked down to inspect the damage and the trench (snow was soft) left by this rider was at least 10" deep.

Why should I go out there and volunteer my time to groom trails? So this idiot and other like them can trash the trail? No 'effin thanks!

Crazy, isn't it? The week we were up this year, the one thing I really noticed was how many people don't bother to slow down at all when you are coming at each other on straight-aways. Do you have to pass someone at 70, or does it really hurt to slow down to 30 and make sure your skis don't hit? How much time do you lose? I don't know what the answer is, but Ricky needs to be slowed down. The weekends are much worse - obviously there are more people out, but I also think there is a different mentality out there for the type of people who are able to get out during the week than the weekend warriors. Maybe the midweek riders are older on average, who knows.

We're generally all preaching to the choir on this site, but the sport does need to find a way to self-police itself. The sleds keep getting faster and more capable, the trails keep getting better groomed and smoother. Speed + stupid = death

I did see that Michigan's fatalities are down this year, which is surprising I think given the snow coverage this season:

2013-14 10 (through 2/24)
2012-13 23
2011-12 16
2010-11 13
2009-10 26
2008-09 25
2007-08 24
2005-06 20

The highest number I saw was 2002-03, which was 46.

 

[snowdance]

I did see that Michigan's fatalities are down this year, which is surprising I think given the snow coverage this season:

I think this in part has a lot to do with how widespread the snow was and I think a lot people who normally travel to the UP didn't, because they could ride close to home. There's been many comments on here about how traffic has been low in the UP.

 

[ajscam]

Why should I go out there and volunteer my time to groom trails? So this idiot and other like them can trash the trail? No 'effin thanks!

Cuz the vast majority of us, who aren't idiots, really appreciate your time & effort!!! Don't let one bad apple spoil the bunch.

Thank you to all the groomer drivers and volunteers. It's been a great (long) season.

 

[elf]

That knot in the pit of my stomach is from reading this post after having just spent the w/e with my boy riding up front with me. Don't think I'll be taking him to any "busy" destinations any time soon. We'll putt-putt around rural IA for now, thank you very much. I know it can happen anywhere, but less traffic = less risk IMO. We saw maybe 15 sleds in our 65 mile loop Saturday. Oh, and my boy waved at every single one

I think about this all the time also.My son rode in front of me for 8 yrs, 1000+ miles/year. I feel so much better now that he and my daughter are on their own sleds tucked in between my wife and I. There are times I feel like I'm the sacrificial lamb out front. But if it means they stay safe, then I'm good!

 

[momoney2123]

Cuz the vast majority of us, who aren't idiots, really appreciate your time & effort!!! Don't let one bad apple spoil the bunch.

Thank you to all the groomer drivers and volunteers. It's been a great (long) season.

x2, dont let ricky racer and Joe Snow Pro ruin it for all who do appreciate the efforts.

 

[Pizza Man]

I just check the Wi DNR site and 18,19,20, 21, 22 are from March 6th to March 9th.
So sad.

 

[Hoosier]

I think this in part has a lot to do with how widespread the snow was and I think a lot people who normally travel to the UP didn't, because they could ride close to home. There's been many comments on here about how traffic has been low in the UP.

You might be right - it would make sense that less traffic would lead to fewer accidents.

Wisconsin's so far are about the same as last year. Historical data is on the below:

http://dnr.wi.gov/files/pdf/pubs/le/LE0203_2013.pdf

 

[yamahauler]

Agree with all as well.

I think that maybe when there is a fatality, they should put the sled back out into the woods were it happened and put a big sign that reads someone died here because they were going to fast, or were killed by someone who was drinking or whatever. Maybe seeing the wreck and knowing the outcome would make some think twice. Or put it at a part in the trail where you could pull off and read what happened. Maybe a sign would say that this happened one mile down the trail, etc...