Any advice...

B

booondocker

New member
I would agree completely about the mirrors...unless you are always Johny rocket....everyone needs them to see riders overtaking you. And if you don't have them then you have to crane your neck back and then who is looking forward??

Train her to use those mirrors.

I would also disagree with being the trail boss. In hilly country, the next curve could be one where some likely yo-yo is trying to be the first one to the bar so he won't have to buy drinks...or worse yet, the trailing guy with the slowest sled will be coming around that corner as fast as he can go and then his eyes are so big when he sees someone he is in big trouble. That is why someone with lots of experience in roundin the bend needs to be in the lead so that evasive action can be taken. Once one sled goes by the rest of the group will likely be watching for the others if you hand signal or have time for it. Nothing like seeing your life pass before you to slow you down a bit and remind others that guess what...you aren't the only sled on the trail.

Lastly I would add to the other suggestions here in that be sure the sled she is on she can control completely. Practice those quick stops, or maneuvers that could save her life....because someday it might just do that. Practice and then practice even more. I think statistically more accidents happen on sleds right at the beginning of a ride or right at the end of the ride...when fatigue enters the equation.
 
Y

yamahauler

Active member
Mirrors would be good as long as they are used properly, meaning a quick glance to check them, not stare at them.

Stay on your own side of the trail

Give the person in front of you plenty of room

ALWAYS stop at stop signs and slow way down for the yield signs

My dad always said to always ride within your ability and comfort zone. He told me that if I can't see him doesn't mean to ride fast to catch up. He always waited at every stop sign for the whole group to catch up.

If for some reason there is an intersection in the trail and your group didn't wait or whatever it may be, don't just keep driving, stop and wait, someone will come back to find you

Just be smart, be safe, and enjoy the awesome sport.
 
M

mjkaliszak

New member
1) Have "Respect" for the machine
1A) It's all fun until someone gets hurt, machines can be replaced.
2) Wave at everyone, snowmobiliers are friendly people
3) Respect other peoples property, don't throw your trash around
4) Don't stop in the middle of the trail, even if it is your side, try to pull over a little.
5) If you see a down sled or group always stop to offer help or at least a thumb's up
6) IF the time comes, get comfortable with the fact that you may have to bail out, do not ride the machine into the trees , a tree, ect.... That is hard to learn, hard to teach , but I thought I would throw it " out there ". VERY IMPORTANT ( IMO of course )

Have fun, be safe, promote the sport, have DAD... bring other kids, ride with other groups that have kids. Be grateful for the opportunity. As a parent, Few things are as rewarding as sharing your passion with your kids.
 
J

just_ride

Member
I always say to the Family
1) Respect the machine
2) Keep it tight to the right
3) Don't try to keep up, ride at your own pace
4) I will always be waiting at next stop or fork in the trail

Ride em if you Got em

Just_Ride
 
X

xcsp

Member
Mirrors-as mentioned are a great addition to a sled, and as was stated, you shouldn't or have to stare at them, but a quick glance is as all you need to notice if there are sleds coming up behind you-easy as most have a working headlight.

Another thing is to remember - Look where you want to go! Look ahead, look through the turns. It really works.

Target fixation can be a dangerous, even fatal problem. Look/fixate at an object, and you will most likely hit it, example is how many times have you seen a pothole in a road, looked at it and ended up going right over it?
 
I

ill marty

New member
One time up at our camp , i was leading in my 4 wheeler my daughter was following me on a sled her friend was behind her and my wife was on her 4 wheeler . The snow was about a foot deep . I turned around to check on them my 4 wheeler caught the edge of the snow i flipped the 4 wheeler over the bars i go . My daughter was following a safe distance behind me and avoided hitting me. LEAVE A SAFE DISTANCE BETWEEN SLEDS ALWAYS. Have your kids train her friends and family when at camp that seems to help also . Never ride alone and always wear your helmet. Things will happen even when your carefule . I never let my family out of sight when we ride , be extremely carefule riding road side. Most of all have fun , and watch each others back.
 
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