only a RANT- snowmobiles
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
only a RANT- snowmobiles
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.
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.
#2
MFA
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Denver
Posts: 1,186
Bikes: 1973 Italvega Nouvo Record; 1965 Hercules; 1982-83 Schwinn Mystery MTB
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 411
Bikes: Bianchi San Remo, Cannondale SR500
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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.
#4
ROM 6:23
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Coastal Maine
Posts: 1,713
Bikes: Specialized Tricross Comp, Lemond Tourmalet, Bridgestone MB-5
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Cleveland
Posts: 1,602
Bikes: Pugsley, fixie commuter, track bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by 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.
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
#6
Belt drive!
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Burlington, Vermont
Posts: 2,614
Bikes: 2011 Trek Soho DLX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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!
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!
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: ohio
Posts: 379
Bikes: Van Dessel CRB, Giant ATX 880,Footbike track
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
My local LBS also works on snowmobiles and chainsaws! what do you think? I think i need a tune up???
"Do not attempt to stop chainsaw with your hands or genitals."
"Do not attempt to stop chainsaw with your hands or genitals."
#8
Burn-em Upus Icephaltus
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,357
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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. https://www.jaychallenge.com/winter/intro.htm
This snowmobile club in VT "The country rider snowmobile club" is actually providing trails/grooming use for a winter bike race. https://www.jaychallenge.com/winter/intro.htm
__________________
Sick BubbleGum
Sick BubbleGum
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Vermont
Posts: 170
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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.
Yeah it's annoying when they're around. Many hikers are annoyed by bikes. But we have to share public land.
#10
Belt drive!
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Burlington, Vermont
Posts: 2,614
Bikes: 2011 Trek Soho DLX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I wish they'd ride my MUP in the winter. Pack that white stuff right down for me!