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Reflection from an older rider for you new riders

5K views 16 replies 12 participants last post by  aliurtuq907 
#1 ·
I dropped in to browse around today. I'm waiting for snow to fly.

This is a great sport, but it has some inherent hazards that are slightly different than a lot of others.

I see some posts by new riders. It made me think. I'm still learning every time I go out. I've had a lot of different sleds in different states of aging machinery. Take a safety course... ....ride with a buddy.

I was just reflecting that some of you new people may not be considering some of the personal safety issues involved with going miles into the woods in the middle of winter.

Prepare more than just getting a good set of warm clothes. Take a safety course. Pay extra attention when they are talking about breaking ice on lake and rivers.

Getting stranded. Listen when they are discussing staying put so rescuers may know a general area where to find you. Find an emergency kit list and pack one. A fifteen minute ride - what, you could be 7~15 miles into the woods in some parts. Short ride - long time waiting for help.

Tell someone where you are headed. If the plan changes, update whomever you've told. Even if nothing is wrong, they may worry if you don't show uip on time.

Thank you all for listening. May the powder pile up under you track.
 
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#2 ·
excellent advise. just never know when things are gonna happen. its always in the back of my mind as i ride alone. i like to have a charged cell,rope,fire starting supplies,tools for simple repairs, spare wire, even a few fasteners and a few tools. can't have everything but i may save the day or end a long walk.
 
#3 ·
I have and do ride alone on occasion but it's more fun for me with a buddy. And a cell phone to update and txt someone my plans is a must. Good advice silversurfe!
 
#5 ·
Thanks! It's a beast for sure! Got an xtra 12 in back and a modded xtra 12 upfront. 8k+ untouched miles on the motor except for jetting and a rebuilt clutch and a stator
 
#6 ·
I remind people that 10 minutes on a snowmachine can mean an hour walk back.
 
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#9 ·
I dropped in to browse around today. I'm waiting for snow to fly.

This is a great sport, but it has some inherent hazards that are slightly different than a lot of others.

I see some posts by new riders. It made me think. I'm still learning every time I go out. I've had a lot of different sleds in different states of aging machinery. Take a safety course... ....ride with a buddy.

I was just reflecting that some of you new people may not be considering some of the personal safety issues involved with going miles into the woods in the middle of winter.

Prepare more than just getting a good set of warm clothes. Take a safety course. Pay extra attention when they are talking about breaking ice on lake and rivers.

Getting stranded. Listen when they are discussing staying put so rescuers may know a general area where to find you. Find an emergency kit list and pack one. A fifteen minute ride - what, you could be 7~15 miles into the woods in some parts. Short ride - long time waiting for help.

Tell someone where you are headed. If the plan changes, update whomever you've told. Even if nothing is wrong, they may worry if you don't show uip on time.

Thank you all for listening. May the powder pile up under you track.
This is my first season, so I will definitely be taking it slow & easy! I have my property of 66 acres so I won't be venturing off that and go on any club trails until next year for sure! Thanks for the advice....I'll keep that in mind!
 
#11 ·
I dropped in to browse around today. I'm waiting for snow to fly.

This is a great sport, but it has some inherent hazards that are slightly different than a lot of others.

I see some posts by new riders. It made me think. I'm still learning every time I go out. I've had a lot of different sleds in different states of aging machinery. Take a safety course... ....ride with a buddy.

I was just reflecting that some of you new people may not be considering some of the personal safety issues involved with going miles into the woods in the middle of winter.

Prepare more than just getting a good set of warm clothes. Take a safety course. Pay extra attention when they are talking about breaking ice on lake and rivers.

Getting stranded. Listen when they are discussing staying put so rescuers may know a general area where to find you. Find an emergency kit list and pack one. A fifteen minute ride - what, you could be 7~15 miles into the woods in some parts. Short ride - long time waiting for help.

Tell someone where you are headed. If the plan changes, update whomever you've told. Even if nothing is wrong, they may worry if you don't show uip on time.

Thank you all for listening. May the powder pile up under you track.
 
#12 ·
Silversurfer, thank you for the advice, its ambassadors of the sport like you who will help make the sport safer and more enjoyable for novices like myself. I've spent a tremendous amount of time in the back country over my 60 years hunting and fishing usually on foot or horseback. The time I've spent in snow has been on skies or snow shoes. Alas, my age has made the idea of sledding very attractive. I am always willing to learn from those more knowledgeable than myself. Most of what you stated is common sense, but common sense isn't very common these days. I look forward to learning the ins and outs of the sport from enthusiasts like yourself. Thanks for sharing.
 
#14 ·
ALWAYS take a fully charged cell phone these days. And a good app to have on that phone is Polaris Rides or Ride Command I think its called. It will show all trails in your area and where you are at via GPS if you have it activated. Love that app and it is a free app as well from Polaris to help protect people out on the trails. Has fuel, food, repair shops and other sites of interest built in as well.
 
#16 ·
I am brand new to sled ownership and you can take this advise for whatever it's worth to you. I am in my mid 50's and have ridden adventure motorcycles deep into the wilds of North America for many, many years. One item I have taken with me on these adventures has given me peace of mind. It's called a SPOT. In recent years I "upgraded" and now I carry a Garmin INREACH. With that device I can use satellites to exchange text messages without any cell coverage, use it as a backup GPS and get real time weather reports and other important functions. Over all the years I only needed to use it one time. That one time made a big difference to me and my peace of mind. Ride smart, arrive alive tell a trusted friend where you're going and make sure you update them if your plan changes like the OP said. Oh and check out a spot or inreach. They are worth the extra weight in my opinion. GunSmoke.
 
#17 ·
Most def great advice. Had a guy here in rural Alaska, hit his head on a crash, didn’t knock him out, but definitely knocked his senses out. He was maybe 5 miles from the nearest town, searched with 5 different groups being out, and a 207 circling the area. Took 3 days to find his machine, and another day to find him hunkered down in the brush trying to keep warm.
 
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