Since 1984 several simple riding tips have kept me, my longtime riding buddies and many occasional riding companions, safe for over 200,000 kilometers of snowmobiling throughout the Belle Province of Quebec.
Many years ago, in preparation for a long distance trip which was to include a newbie*, we wrote down a short list of what over time had become our informal code of expected riding habits and conduct. We shared these tips with our newbie* over a few beers the night before our trip would begin. It was not our intention to dictate policy or compliance, but only to share what habits had become normal for our close group of experienced riders.
The list was welcomed in fun and comfortably gave our newbie* a good idea of what the members of the group he was riding with were used to while on the trail together. The tips proved helpful and another Quebec adventure went safely and without incident.
* “newbie” newcomer to an established group.
Yes it’s true, I’ve been filled with the passions, people and places of snowmobiling for many years
Over many years the topics of this list have been shared with others as a way of stimulating thoughts of safety and expected trail conduct. While others may have additional, better or varied opinion on some of our particular list, it has successfully endured the test of time and has remained relevant.
THOUGHFUL HAND SIGNALS
- Excessive or countdown hand signals are discouraged. It is preferred that all riders stay on their side of the trail, in control with both hands on the handlebars.
- Hazards, obstacles, grooming equipment or extreme turns. Give a wave to draw greater attention
- Preparing to slow or stop – hand straight up, very important, rider behind may have limited visibility due to snow dust
- Road crossings – No waving the next guy on, every rider should decide a safe crossing for themselves. You can’t take back a bad sign. Pointing to oncoming vehicles or an absolute “must stop, arm straight out” signals are encouraged.
- Significant hand signals only, no unnecessary gestures or count downs.
- Wildlife (optional bounding motion or antler sign all while keeping your speed)
SLOWING OR STOPPING
- Obvious hand signal ALWAYS!
- Pull to extreme right
- No double wide stopping, EVER!
- Visible areas only, think about where you stop, before stopping and how well you can be seen from both directions.
- No surprise slowing or stopping to rubber neck, sight see or adjust you gloves
STAY TO RIGHT
- Oncoming traffic comes surprisingly fast
- A safety margin of maneuverability is a good idea if oncoming sled is in your lane
- If you intentionally crossover the center, have good sight lines and get back quickly
- If you accidentally crossover get back quickly, it’s good to practice
MISHAP AVOIDANCE
- Never lock the brakes; you’re not going to stop. “When in doubt throttle out” “Rule #1 is make all the turns”
- If you go off the trail, “Drive it” look between the trees “not at them”, you generally go where you look.
- If you miss a corner, don’t stop or immediately turn, you may end up wearing the next guy
- If you have an incident in the trail, immediately get out of the way, others are coming
- If you get stuck, don’t have a heart attack trying to get out, take your time, prepare an exit path or wait for help.
- People doing stupid stuff, downed trees, groomers and wildlife happen, expect the unexpected and be prepared.
- If you avoid an obstacle/accident, get out of the way immediately, next guy also needs a place to go.
INTERSECTIONS
- Slow up, if no one is waiting to direct you, always assume the biggest most traveled choice (never take the goat path)
- If there was a rider there for you, make sure the rider after you gets the message as well
- It is not necessary to stop, just make sure the next guy sees which way you are going
- Lost or confused, just sit there and wait, we have only lost one guy in 35 years, he didn’t wait and took the goat path
PASSING SLOWER TRAFFIC
- Get their attention, let them know you are there, put your light in their mirror
- Use patience and good judgment
- Make pass quickly and where you choose, no blind corners, no hill crests, no gambling
- Get back on your side ASAP, like your life depends on it!
- Some people get aggressive, race you in the straights, won’t stay on their side, are oblivious to what is going on, are willing to put you in the bush or all of the above. Be patient and prudent!
BEING PASSED
- Check your mirror frequently for traffic that may want to pass you
- If a rider is there, keep an even speed, give them space and opportunity.
- Don’t get aggressive or speed up in the straights, stay on your side.
- Never wave another rider by, you cannot retract a bad wave. Never hit your brakes, keep a steady speed and let the faster rider decide when it is safe to make a pass.
CHECK THE DISTANCE
- Reaction time, visibility, the unexpected, you choose how fast and close. If you live in the dust, you may die in the dust.
- Every 10 miles or so, make visual contact with the light of the next sled. If no light, slow down or safely pull over until you see the light coming, then take off. The only way to make miles is to keep the group moving.
- If the delay is longer than a pit stop and belt change combined, turn around in a very visible area (use care in turning around outside the trail alone… stuck sucks) and backtrack.
- If the problem is significant , the system will work and sooner than later, everyone in your group will be back
SledMagazine.com encourages all snowmobilers to think safety, talk about safety and to consider sharing some form of common or expected conduct with their fellow riding partners.
Ride smart, Ride right, Ride safe and have your best snowmobile season ever!
