Another great weekend on the “continues to impress” Polaris 800HO Switchback LE. This trip was particularly memorable as SledMagazine.com was asked to introduce 2 snowmobilers from Colorado to our Northeast trail riding experience. We showed them how the Polaris AXYS chassis tames the trails like their Polaris RMK’s handle the mountains of Colorado.
They personally experienced the passion and camaraderie of the Northeast, as well as the volunteer efforts, quality and pride of the planet’s best trail system. Through their wide eyes and smiles we ourselves were renewed by being brought back to the very basic pleasures of our sport and the realities of just how incredible the Northeast trail experience really is. I think that it is very safe to say that our guests made new memories that will last their lifetimes.
The SledMagazine.com Switchback LE will not see you on the trails this coming weekend. I have a Southern friend with a terminal illness who was recently re-diagnosed with a much too short timeline. I want and need to see him before his remaining time here on earth is gone. In 1988 his professional life brought him to Vermont and in his mid 30’s was introduced to me, cold, snow, ice and snowmobiling. Nineteen years later he returned to the South. Some of the memories we will relive and the stories we share will be adventures shared on snowmobiles. A southern gentleman on a snowmobile at super sub zero, there was nothing quite like it, for him or me!
Snowmobiling is the people, times, trails, places, machines and memories that provide us pleasure until our final days. This is what snowmobiling is and what snowmobiles should always be about.
Have a great ride this weekend and make some memories.
Editor note: After a very short but courageous battle with cancer, my "Southern Gentleman" friend Rick passed away on Saturday March 14th. He died in the same way he lived, with grace, dignity, positive spirit, love of life and a sincere love of others. "Rest well my friend, may your memory bring a smile to your family and friends forever."
