A message to the "Professional Trail Racers"

[sixball]

I think we should all carry paint ball guns. It would be very obvious who is a jerk on the trail. Just think stop for lunch and

1 hit you may have made a stupid mistake.
2 hits you may want to think about your riding stile.
3 hits you are likely not riding with concerns for anyone.
4 hits Just stay at the bar and drink beer maybe talk sledding.
If your dripping the cops just hall you off.

 

[Marty P]

The root of all evil...

"Demographics" of a snowmobiler...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Man-o-pause

A mental condition typically found in men in their early 40’s to late 50's brought on by the realization that old age is just around the corner. Symptoms include: frequent reminiscing about the “good ol’ days”, cranky judgmental attitude and a closed minded approach to anything new. Usually punctuated by the chronic need to play on a snowmobile and vote republican. The condition is difficult to cure and almost always progresses into old-timers disease.

Other symptoms include hatching plans for giving up his sales job, while taking all his savings to move to the U.P. and ride all day. He may have shaved his head, bought a snowmobile and acquired an 18-year old girlfriend?

If asked what's wrong, you will not be enlightened by his replies (remember the cranky judgmental attitude and close minded approach to anything new). He might say he doesn't know, or that he's just not satisfied with his life; now that the kids are grown he wants to toss the 6 passenger vehicle and buy a sports car, a snowmobile and a big truck and trailer to pull around. He doesn't know what's wrong, he just feels different, and only some big dramatic change can fix it.

If he would, or could, tell you what's wrong, you might be able to trace this odd behavior back to a time when he stood in front of a mirror and thought: "I'm 40 (or 45 or 55) and my time is limited. Eventually I'll die, but have I really lived? There are so many things I want to try, to do..." And he decides right there and then that he'll start, right now, he won't let another day slip by without catching up. The next thing you know, he's bought a hairpiece that looks like road kill on him, signed up at the gym, and bought a new snowmobile, truck and trailer.

And you wonder why we all can't get along...

 

[xcr440]

If only 5% of the "Professional Trail Racers" read a post like this, we might, *MIGHT* see some change.

As stated before, it will take one of them taking out someone "innocent" before their behavior will change on the trails.

 

[mulchatna]

"Demographics" of a snowmobiler...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Man-o-pause

A mental condition typically found in men in their early 40’s to late 50's brought on by the realization that old age is just around the corner. Symptoms include: frequent reminiscing about the “good ol’ days”, cranky judgmental attitude and a closed minded approach to anything new. Usually punctuated by the chronic need to play on a snowmobile and vote republican. The condition is difficult to cure and almost always progresses into old-timers disease.

Other symptoms include hatching plans for giving up his sales job, while taking all his savings to move to the U.P. and ride all day. He may have shaved his head, bought a snowmobile and acquired an 18-year old girlfriend?

If asked what's wrong, you will not be enlightened by his replies (remember the cranky judgmental attitude and close minded approach to anything new). He might say he doesn't know, or that he's just not satisfied with his life; now that the kids are grown he wants to toss the 6 passenger vehicle and buy a sports car, a snowmobile and a big truck and trailer to pull around. He doesn't know what's wrong, he just feels different, and only some big dramatic change can fix it.

If he would, or could, tell you what's wrong, you might be able to trace this odd behavior back to a time when he stood in front of a mirror and thought: "I'm 40 (or 45 or 55) and my time is limited. Eventually I'll die, but have I really lived? There are so many things I want to try, to do..." And he decides right there and then that he'll start, right now, he won't let another day slip by without catching up. The next thing you know, he's bought a hairpiece that looks like road kill on him, signed up at the gym, and bought a new snowmobile, truck and trailer.

And you wonder why we all can't get along...

Marty, I was with you until reading this drivel. I hope when you stand in front of the mirror you don't look down to see what you're missing......

 

[Marty P]

Marty, I was with you until reading this drivel...

Nice word...(I mean I really liked it, it was very creative, I plan on using sometime in the near future in my own writtings)

driv•el
   /ˈdrɪv əl/ Show Spelled driv-uh lShow IPA noun, verb, -eled, -el•ing or ( especially British ) -elled, -el•ling.
–noun
1.
saliva flowing from the mouth, or mucus from the nose; slaver.
2.
childish, silly, or meaningless talk or thinking; nonsense; twaddle.

–verb (used without object)
3.
to let saliva flow from the mouth or mucus from the nose; slaver.
4.
to talk childishly or idiotically.
5.
Archaic . to issue like spittle.

–verb (used with object)
6.
to utter childishly or idiotically.
7.
to waste foolishly.

As far as the rest...well I'm sure from the sound of it that you must be more of a man than me...holy wah are you 12?

 

[big_motor_guy]

C'mon Marty, very quick to retaliate. if you would look at your keyboard you would see that the "v" is very close to the "b" the word should still be dribble but don't expect everyone to be as great a keyboardist as you are. As far as the rest of your original post I think it's mostly hog wash. yes there are 45-55 yr olds out there riding hard but not nearly as many as 20-35 yr olds (I'm 30 FYI). I think the racing in the trail mentality is fueled by advertising but don't auto manufacturers do the same thing? I don't want to say that a speed limit should be used but it should be discussed. The beating someone with a bat is funny but not realistic, that only leads to more violence. We need to get the DNR out of the trucks at the intersection and into the woods in tight corners. then have another at the next intersection. In my earliery and more stupid years, I'd be the guy everyone is complaining about and I think if some of you think back you might have been too. We all live and learn, and hopefully don't do anything that hurts anyone else. I really think the best way to do this is to require a snowmobile training program for everyone who is registering a snowmobile, it should be done every 3-5 years. Nobody wants to do it but if everyone had to then it would be more accepted. nothing anyone does is going to solve the problem, we can complain which makes us all feel better but doesn't really solve anything. Let's see what other ideas people have to increase the awareness of the dangers of snowmobiling. I'ld like to discuss speed limits, increased DNR enforcement, snowmobile training, and any other good ideas others have.

 

[polarisrider1]

"Demographics" of a snowmobiler...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Man-o-pause

A mental condition typically found in men in their early 40’s to late 50's brought on by the realization that old age is just around the corner. Symptoms include: frequent reminiscing about the “good ol’ days”, cranky judgmental attitude and a closed minded approach to anything new. Usually punctuated by the chronic need to play on a snowmobile and vote republican. The condition is difficult to cure and almost always progresses into old-timers disease.

Other symptoms include hatching plans for giving up his sales job, while taking all his savings to move to the U.P. and ride all day. He may have shaved his head, bought a snowmobile and acquired an 18-year old girlfriend?

If asked what's wrong, you will not be enlightened by his replies (remember the cranky judgmental attitude and close minded approach to anything new). He might say he doesn't know, or that he's just not satisfied with his life; now that the kids are grown he wants to toss the 6 passenger vehicle and buy a sports car, a snowmobile and a big truck and trailer to pull around. He doesn't know what's wrong, he just feels different, and only some big dramatic change can fix it.

If he would, or could, tell you what's wrong, you might be able to trace this odd behavior back to a time when he stood in front of a mirror and thought: "I'm 40 (or 45 or 55) and my time is limited. Eventually I'll die, but have I really lived? There are so many things I want to try, to do..." And he decides right there and then that he'll start, right now, he won't let another day slip by without catching up. The next thing you know, he's bought a hairpiece that looks like road kill on him, signed up at the gym, and bought a new snowmobile, truck and trailer.

And you wonder why we all can't get along...

Marty P, love your view. Most those still in mano-pause will also be in "post" denial. Ignore there attempts at justification. I am glad to be thru it with hair intact.

 

[nic]

wah, wah, wah! What a whiny bunch this is! For everyone who is in fear of their lives on every trail ride, STOP riding! Please- it is not that bad. The trails are narrow. I've been going 15mph and come around a turn to find another guy going 15mph and on my side of the trail. Is he a total jag? No. Did we both have to quickly swerve a little? Sure. I'll agree that there are some yahoos out there. But you guys make it sound like EVERYONE is horrible, Riding the trails on a Fri or Sat is like a death wish, and apparently you all ride around 25mph and NEVER do anything wrong. Get over yourselves. Hopefully it snows soon so everyone will lighten up and stop being so cranky.
If someone comes up behind you, pull to the side and let them go. If they're a jerk and shoot by and spray snow, give 'em the finger (if it makes you feel better) and go on with your day. I think pretty much every other car driver out there has half a brain. But I'm not whining about every occasion where I saw something stupid. It's part of the gig. Just go with it.
And for those of you who jumped down Marty's throat for his most recent post, again- lighten up. I'm pretty sure it was intended to be a joke. Ya know, that's the thing you're supposed to laugh at. Try it some time.

 

[skidooguymxz600]

All i have to say is that i have not been passed in 4 years, and have only ran one man off the trail. He deserved it. He saw i was behind him and would not let me pass, just pathetically attempted to go faster. I took him on the inside of a turn and ran him into the woods.


moral of the story: don't be the douche who doesn't let people pass you, it can be hazardous to your health

 

[AnnaWL]

Wow. I'm almost scared to comment, hopefully I won't feel like I should have kept my big mouth shut.
I'm awfully new to the sport and am very comfortable topping out around 40-50 mph when the trail permits. Plus, Polly (my sled), purrs like a kitten at those speeds (it's a beautiful sound). Perhaps one day I'll want to go faster, perhaps.
So far I've not had any faster riders shaking a fist or sending snow into my face as they've passed. I'm pretty careful about staying to the right when I ride.
Is this too slow? Am I considered a problem or dangerous because I don't go faster or am new to it all?
I'm not trying to be facetious, I really want to know. I look to more experienced riders to learn.

It's snowing here. Finally.

 

[kamikaze_bros]

C'mon Marty, very quick to retaliate. if you would look at your keyboard you would see that the "v" is very close to the "b" the word should still be dribble but don't expect everyone to be as great a keyboardist as you are. As far as the rest of your original post I think it's mostly hog wash. yes there are 45-55 yr olds out there riding hard but not nearly as many as 20-35 yr olds (I'm 30 FYI). I think the racing in the trail mentality is fueled by advertising but don't auto manufacturers do the same thing? I don't want to say that a speed limit should be used but it should be discussed. The beating someone with a bat is funny but not realistic, that only leads to more violence. We need to get the DNR out of the trucks at the intersection and into the woods in tight corners. then have another at the next intersection. In my earliery and more stupid years, I'd be the guy everyone is complaining about and I think if some of you think back you might have been too. We all live and learn, and hopefully don't do anything that hurts anyone else. I really think the best way to do this is to require a snowmobile training program for everyone who is registering a snowmobile, it should be done every 3-5 years. Nobody wants to do it but if everyone had to then it would be more accepted. nothing anyone does is going to solve the problem, we can complain which makes us all feel better but doesn't really solve anything. Let's see what other ideas people have to increase the awareness of the dangers of snowmobiling. I'ld like to discuss speed limits, increased DNR enforcement, snowmobile training, and any other good ideas others have.

big_motor_guy,

Just like guns, snowmobiles aren't dangerous until there put into the hands of a dim witted clown who lacks the experience, skills and common sense to operate one. Anybody that truly thinks the equipment and advertising is at the root of this issue and not the operator's mentality is very naive.

If you ask a casual snowmobiler what they enjoy most about the sport, you'll get a lot of folks that will give a generic reason ranging from scenery to the camaraderie. This type of response is just fine and dandy but I don't think it's very truthful. I believe these folks refer to this stuff because they believe it's what other people want to hear. I'll grant you that some of the scenery I've seen snowmobiling has been some of the most spectacular of my life and the times I've spent with my close friends and family while snowmobiling are some of my most memorable but they were all a secondary result of why I was there in the first place. The number one reasons I've enjoyed snowmobiling for over 40 years is because of nothing more than the shear thrill of it. When it comes down to it, the scenery rarely changes that much, nothing but a big white stripe through a bunch of trees mile after mile. You get out to the mountains and the only real change to the scenery is the terrain. I know I'm being a bit facetious, particularly about the serenity of the mountain scenery which by the way is still awe inspiring to me. However, at least in my case snowmobiling is and has always been about the trill. If the "Thrill is Gone", I'll be gone as well.

I don't believe I'm that much different then most folks when it comes to dealing with mindless, brain dead, inconsiderate, incoherent, obnoxious, self righteous knuckleheads that feel that they have the right to impose their will as they see fit. There is nothing worst than a guy that refuses to move out of the hammer lane on the freeway even though he's got cars stacked up behind him 15 deep. Chances are that this is the same guy that's running down the middle of the trail and refuses to acknowledge that the 10 sleds that have stacked up behind him aren't on the same page as he is when it comes to trail use. This is referred to as the "Frustrated Hall Monitor Mentality". This guy feels that it's his responsibility to for enforce the rules as he understands them and if he's following the rules than he's going to make sure you're going to follow them as well, damn it. Keep in mind that as frustrating as this guy has been, he's not going to be the one that kills you. It's going to be the suicidal Tucker Hibbert want-to-be.

I don't have the slightest idea what it's going to take to compel folks to wake up and extend some common courtesy to others. I just know that until that time comes I'm just going to have to accept the fact that I can only be responsible for my own actions and anticipate that around every corner or over every hill there's going to be knucklehead coming the other way riding like his A$$ is on fire.

 

[russholio]

All i have to say is that i have not been passed in 4 years, and have only ran one man off the trail. He deserved it. He saw i was behind him and would not let me pass, just pathetically attempted to go faster. I took him on the inside of a turn and ran him into the woods.


moral of the story: don't be the douche who doesn't let people pass you, it can be hazardous to your health

Wow....the guy may have been a douche, but running him into the woods and possibly into a tree is justified for that?

I'd hate to think that anybody would run anybody off the trail intentionally. A fleeing criminal maybe, but I don't think this qualifies for such an extreme measure.

 

[jd]

AnnaWL-

Welcome to the world of snowmobiling. First thing to know is that there is no such thing as "being too slow". Most folks ride at the speed at which they are comfortable and know they are in control. A small fraction don't. Unfortunately a large portion of that small percentage of folks that ride beyond their capabilities bring harm to themselves and even worse, others.

Because everyone rides at different speeds, we all need to be aware of what is going on around us, including anyone that may have caught up to us from behind. There are no rules or laws that say a slower rider must let faster riders pass, but it is an act of courtesy that keeps everyone happy.

So never be concerned you are riding too slow, only too fast. Pay attention to everything around you and anyone that might be wanting to pass.

To all-

I must say that I think things have gotten better in the past year or two than they were several years ago- at least in my neck of the woods. Maybe I have just been lucky, but I used to cringe having to get out on the trail on a weekend and lately have not had one single bad incident. I have encountered riders coming from the other direction that slow down a bit and make the passing more safe. I have encountered folks that wanted to pass, but waited patiently until I could pull off in a safe area to let them pass and I have encountered folks that pulled over for me to let me by when it was safe.

We all ride for different reasons. Some to sight see, some to get some fresh air and just get away from the every day rigors of life, some to travel from point A to point B and some to push the envelope for that adrenaline rush. I think Lenny said it best that more consideration for others is the key. Some slow riders need to be more aware that there are others behind them that want to pass (especially the leader of the slow group) and the trail racers need to slow it down when in the presence of other riders and be patient to get by those riding slower than they are.

I think the one common thread that WE all have is to be out there having fun. What fun is it if you let a situation frustrate you and ruin your day? Have a little more patience, consideration for others and learn to forgive and forget those that are trying to ruin your day.

-John

 

[russholio]

wah, wah, wah! What a whiny bunch this is! For everyone who is in fear of their lives on every trail ride, STOP riding! Please- it is not that bad. The trails are narrow. I've been going 15mph and come around a turn to find another guy going 15mph and on my side of the trail. Is he a total jag? No. Did we both have to quickly swerve a little? Sure. I'll agree that there are some yahoos out there. But you guys make it sound like EVERYONE is horrible, Riding the trails on a Fri or Sat is like a death wish, and apparently you all ride around 25mph and NEVER do anything wrong. Get over yourselves. Hopefully it snows soon so everyone will lighten up and stop being so cranky.
If someone comes up behind you, pull to the side and let them go. If they're a jerk and shoot by and spray snow, give 'em the finger (if it makes you feel better) and go on with your day. I think pretty much every other car driver out there has half a brain. But I'm not whining about every occasion where I saw something stupid. It's part of the gig. Just go with it.
And for those of you who jumped down Marty's throat for his most recent post, again- lighten up. I'm pretty sure it was intended to be a joke. Ya know, that's the thing you're supposed to laugh at. Try it some time.

Conversely, why should those of us who try to ride responsibly give it up because there are a few that don't? If the racers feel the need to race, why don't they take it to a track instead of the trails? There's a time and a place for everything, and there's room for everybody.

I can't speak for everybody, but with all due respect, Nic, it's not the rider who's going 15 mph through the turn on my side that worries me as much as the who's going three or four times that, can't stay to the right, and barely misses me while I'm hugging my right side as close as I can. Or is so far into my path that he has to go OUTSIDE of me to avoid the collision. Yeah, it has happened.

 

[rsvectordude]

AnnaWL-

Welcome to the world of snowmobiling. First thing to know is that there is no such thing as "being too slow". Most folks ride at the speed at which they are comfortable and know they are in control. A small fraction don't. Unfortunately a large portion of that small percentage of folks that ride beyond their capabilities bring harm to themselves and even worse, others.

Because everyone rides at different speeds, we all need to be aware of what is going on around us, including anyone that may have caught up to us from behind. There are no rules or laws that say a slower rider must let faster riders pass, but it is an act of courtesy that keeps everyone happy.

So never be concerned you are riding too slow, only too fast. Pay attention to everything around you and anyone that might be wanting to pass.

To all-

I must say that I think things have gotten better in the past year or two than they were several years ago- at least in my neck of the woods. Maybe I have just been lucky, but I used to cringe having to get out on the trail on a weekend and lately have not had one single bad incident. I have encountered riders coming from the other direction that slow down a bit and make the passing more safe. I have encountered folks that wanted to pass, but waited patiently until I could pull off in a safe area to let them pass and I have encountered folks that pulled over for me to let me by when it was safe.

We all ride for different reasons. Some to sight see, some to get some fresh air and just get away from the every day rigors of life, some to travel from point A to point B and some to push the envelope for that adrenaline rush. I think Lenny said it best that more consideration for others is the key. Some slow riders need to be more aware that there are others behind them that want to pass (especially the leader of the slow group) and the trail racers need to slow it down when in the presence of other riders and be patient to get by those riding slower than they are.

I think the one common thread that WE all have is to be out there having fun. What fun is it if you let a situation frustrate you and ruin your day? Have a little more patience, consideration for others and learn to forgive and forget those that are trying to ruin your day.

-John

Well said John!!

 

[nic]

That's just it, I'm not suggesting anyone give it up. But if you are that scared and think it's truly that dangerous, then yeah- you should park it. And the way most people are talking, that's what they sound like. My point is, I don't think it's that bad out there. People just come on this site to whine about their one crazy day out on the trails. The way it sounds- like to Anna- it's a free for all out there with people getting run down at every corner. I just disagree. Personally, I ride pretty fast. I've never been passed on a trail, and generally our group rides up to another, and passes. We do this after they pull to the side. I've never blown by someone on a narrow trail, in a corner, or even while they were still cruising along. I don't think I'm a jerk. Maybe some people do. I've passed people going the other direction at 50mph. This is the exception and only happens on the rail road grades in the UP where we were just cruising at about 80+. 50 on those freeways seems slow (to me at least). So to some on here, I guess I'm a 'professional trail racer'. However I don't think so. I'm not unsafe. I ride to my abilities. I slow down when there is oncoming traffic. I pass when it's safe. But I'm sure someone would think I'm being a jerk. How many people do you pass or see on the roads that are doing something ridiculous- and they're totally unaware of it? Just b/c you're moving slow, doesn't mean you're perfect.
Anna- you can ride as fast or as slow as your heart desires. Just be aware of your surroundings. If a group comes up behind. Pull to the side and wave them by. Don't cruise along at your speed for the next 5 miles and not allow them to pass. Or worse- I love it most when the 'leader' doesn't pay attention at stops or intersections. He can see that there are now 5 more headlights behind his group, but instead of letting us go, he keeps going. However some of the more considerate riders in his group let us go. Now we're caught in the middle- which I think is more dangerous. The guy in front of us might just see a headlight and not realize I'm not his wife, or whoever should be behind him.
Anyway- point is- this is supposed to be FUN. Everyone needs to stop being so dramatic and have fun out there. If fun is blazing new trails in the powder, go for it. If fun is a slower trail cruise and in before dark, great. Maybe you like to put on 200 miles and ride until midnight. Have fun. Just enjoy and stop worrying so much about the other guy. If you are in control of yourself and your machine- majority of the time, you'll be just fine. And for everyone's great fear of being run down- does anyone- ANYONE have an example (of their own, not their brother's, girlfriend's, cousin's.... where a totally innocent snowmobiler was hit and injured by one of these racers on the trail? I'm not trying to be a jerk, but I honestly never hear about it. Just about everyone's 'close calls'. Those, there are many. It's part of a sport that involves driving through winding woods on sometimes icy corners. Quit whining about it.

 

[cat_man_mike]

All i have to say is that i have not been passed in 4 years, and have only ran one man off the trail. He deserved it. He saw i was behind him and would not let me pass, just pathetically attempted to go faster. I took him on the inside of a turn and ran him into the woods.


moral of the story: don't be the douche who doesn't let people pass you, it can be hazardous to your health

Do you realise what you did was techically assault? It is no different that running someone off of the road, other than on the road you have a 3000lb shell and a seatbelt to protect you. You should be prosecuted and in jail for your actions! Running someone off of the trail for any reason is dispicable, but to ditch the guy just because he sped up to try not to hold you up? What if in your haste to get wherever you where going you failed to see the guy was riding with his kid in front of him????? Now that turns into a very dangerous and potentaly fatal situation. But it sounds like you are the kind of self centered person who does not really care about potental harm to others. Paybacks always happen and I have no doubt you will get yours someday.

 

[skidooguymxz600]

Do you realise what you did was techically assault? It is no different that running someone off of the road, other than on the road you have a 3000lb shell and a seatbelt to protect you. You should be prosecuted and in jail for your actions! Running someone off of the trail for any reason is dispicable, but to ditch the guy just because he sped up to try not to hold you up? What if in your haste to get wherever you where going you failed to see the guy was riding with his kid in front of him????? Now that turns into a very dangerous and potentaly fatal situation. But it sounds like you are the kind of self centered person who does not really care about potental harm to others. Paybacks always happen and I have no doubt you will get yours someday.

There was no kid in front of him, he was trying not to be passed (weaving back and forth on the straights) and he didnt know how to go through a corner fast enuff to be hurt. it probally wasnt the best desicion ive ever made but it happens. and i wasn't trying to put him in the woods, i just wasnt giving up my line and he wouldnt let his ego be passed and he "got his" for it

I ride fast, very fast but were i ride traffic is low and i stay to my side of the corner 75% of the time and when i don't i can see through it.

All i'm saying is dont police me and dont mess with me, i don't stop for the sherrif so what makes me think i'm gonna slow down for you.

this doesnt make me a ******* though, i never fly by a group unless they won't let me pass and i always slow way down when going by others and have always stopped to help when others have needed it.

so many people think just because someone rides fast that they are buttheads.

totally not true

 

[racerxnet]

All i'm saying is dont police me and dont mess with me, i don't stop for the sherrif so what makes me think i'm gonna slow down for you. so many people think just because someone rides fast that they are buttheads.

If the shoe fits, wear it. I've considered the source.

MAK

 

[cat_man_mike]

"Didn't know how to get through a corner fast enough to get hurt"? Really???? How fast do you have to be going to be imapiled by a tree branch???? My guess is not very fast. "Don't mess with me. I don't stop for the Sherriff so what makes you think I am going to slow down for you"? Really???? Wow, I am sure everyone here is impressed. I believe that kida does make you a a*****e I do agree on one point though, just because someone rides fast, that does not make them buttheads. In my younger days I would ride faster, but I always waited for a safe place to pass, stayed on my side of the trail no matter what, and never tried to outride my ability. If I had to wait and extra 10-15 min untill we came to an open field or a stop sign, what's the big deal? My destination will still be there when I get there and what is so bad about being on the trail for a little longer???? Now that I ride with my wife and son I do ride at a slower pace and allow the faster groups to go by. 99.9% of the time they are respectfull and I get a wave and a nod "thank you" as they go by, but there is that .1% that think they have to prove a point by showing you just what their machine can do on their way by.

Keep riding like a jerk my friend. Some day you will walk into a rest stop and meet up with one of your trail victims. Just hope they are not one of the baseball bat riders like in some of the earlier posts on this thread.