only a RANT- snowmobiles

[martianone]

just about a perfect winter afternoon-
temp had risen to positive single numbers,
sun was shining brightly,
wind had tapered off,
roads (usually gravel/dirt/mud where i live) have finally
developed a nice fairly smooth layer of packed snow and ice.
hopped on the bike for a gently ride around the block.
well a couple miles from the house i get blown off the road
by a pack of snowmobiles flying by, zig zagging all over the
place, noise so loud- i almost didn't hear a car behind me
and i couldn't get the stink of their exhaust out of my
nostrils for about 5 min.
thanks.

[jjvw]

I love how some snowmobilers think they are communing with nature and enjoying the great outdoors even thought they scare away every living thing for miles around. I grew up in Minnesota next to a 40 mile park reserve trail and developed a strong dislike for snowmobiles every winter.

[oldokie]

I disagree. If the snowmobiliers were operating legally, then they were entitled to the road as much as you were. Same for paths shared by bikes and horses. (who leave their calling cards behind them). I also do not LIKE to share my space with them but that is the price using multi-use trails and roads.

[flipped4bikes]

Snowmobilers can use roads Oklahoma? I know that it's illegal to do so in Maine and Vermont (right?)...I had a friend given a ticket in VT a few years back for snowmobiling home using roads after the bars closed. They just followed his tracks right to his house.

[CBBaron]

Snowmobilers can use roads Oklahoma? I know that it's illegal to do so in Maine and Vermont (right?)...I had a friend given a ticket in VT a few years back for snowmobiling home using roads after the bars closed. They just followed his tracks right to his house.
I believe this is also true in Ohio. Off road recreational vehicles are not legal on public roads. Some how they distinguish between recreational vehicles like snowmobiles and ATVs and farm equipment which is legal users of the road.
I very much understand the dislike of most snowmobile users as the machines are noisy and the users are often reckless and drive erratically. I was once a regular ATV rider and while I respected people I encountered I can now understand why the machines are despised by others.
Craig

[vtjim]

It's illegal to ride on a road in Vermont if the road is maintained for automotive use. (Plowed, etc.)

Vermont has a huge network of snowmobile trails though. There are hotels and restaurants that only stay open in the winter because of all the snowmobile business they get. Like, the parking lots are full of snowmobiles and no cars. It's funny. This winter has been terrible for them. Hardly any snow!

[vger285]

My local LBS also works on snowmobiles and chainsaws! what do you think? I think i need a tune up??? http://luckypuppy.bravehost.com/images/WARNpics/chainsaw.gif
"Do not attempt to stop chainsaw with your hands or genitals."

[Gojohnnygo.]

Not all groups of snowmobile riders are bad. But I will say I was run right off a trail a few years ago by at least a dozen or so in loon lake NY. So I do feel for you. I was also surprised about a year later when I had a large group of snowmobiles cheering me on just west of Plattsburgh, NY go figure?

This snowmobile club in VT "The country rider snowmobile club" is actually providing trails/grooming use for a winter bike race. http://www.jaychallenge.com/winter/intro.htm

[BIG-E]

Snowmobiles and ATVs make some kick-ass trails that I love to ride.

Yeah it's annoying when they're around. Many hikers are annoyed by bikes. But we have to share public land.

[vtjim]

I wish they'd ride my MUP in the winter. :D Pack that white stuff right down for me!