Avenom

Hey guys/gals....I'm a home owner in Webster NY, and am trying to figure out why some of you think it's okay to run through my yard....
In a more general statement for all riders, is it normal to ride through private property, even if it's on a main road?
I'm not here to start an argument, but I'm just trying to understand why I'm going to have to reseed my lawn this spring from snowmobliers ripping up my yard.

Dave

rgoers

Dave, I hate to have to apologize for IDIOTS, but that's what we sometimes have to do (apologize, that is).

Where exactly do you live? Is there a marked trail nearby? How far into your yard are people riding? There’s a easement of about 15 feet along the edge of the road. It is legal in most areas to ride on the non-road side of the snow pile, within that easement space. I have seen some people erect fences or put up tape to block the way. It is actually illegal to do that, and a homeowner can get a visit from the police for doing so.

However, that does NOT make it okay to tear up your lawn. I’d be ticked too, and I’m a snowmobile rider. The best thing to do is to work with the local club. Give the Webster Ridge Runners a call http://www.websterridgerunners.com/main.shtml. Sleds in NY have to be registered! You can get the numbers off the offending sleds, and call the police.

I live in Farmington, but I grew up in Webster. I enjoy riding the Webster trails, when there is snow on them. MOST riders are respectful and considerate individuals. I doubt any club members rode through your yard, since the trails only opened the 26th, and there was no snow on the ground then.

I’m sorry that a few have to make the rest of us look bad in your eyes.


As for riding through private property: Pretty much ALL of the Webster trail system is on private property. There would be NO trails, if it were not for generous landowners who are gracious enough to allow riders on their land. The 40 miles of Webster trails run through the property of some 80+ private landowners.

__________________
2000 ZL 550 (Solar Flare, #045/1000)
2000 440 Panther
1980 Jag 3000 F/C

"If it ain't broke, take it apart and find out why!"

Member: Canaltown Snowmobilers Inc.

dirtrules

Dave

rgoers has very nicely and accurately summed it up, there are a few riders in every group who simply do not respect the privilege you as land-owners have given us.

rgoers is a senior member of this site and his response to your post is accurate and sincere.

Although I am new to this site, I have been riding for about 30 years now. Over time I have seen trails be re-routed endless times, and recently it has happened very frequently as farm land has been sold and developed. I have, on occasion, strayed from the trail missing a marked change, but when doing so always try to make contact with the land/home owner to let him know it was a mistake and to verify the trail had changed. Sometimes this is met with gratitude, sometimes.... well, some people are just not forgiving I guess. My father actually had a hammer tossed his way one time.....

As rgoers said, I also suggest you drop a note to your local club. Let them know what has been happening. They will most likely be very willing to work with you to better mark the trail near your home/land. Perhaps you would be willing to compromise, possibly allow riders access to the main trail (which I assume is nearby) by using a section of your property as long as it is respected.

Again, posting trail markers and 'quiet zone' signs just doesn't mean anything to some people. I believe those are the type of people that are disrespectful to others in all aspects of life, please don't paint all riders with a broad brush stroke.