Tis The Season For Snowmobiling
Winter is quickly approaching, and thousands of people worldwide are excited about the upcoming opportunity to go snowmobiling
. If you have never tried this exciting winter sport, perhaps this is the year that you will.
As with all sports associated with the cold and snowy season, there are certain risks involved in snowmobiling. But if you take the time to learn how to do it, and are content to gradually master it, you will find that it is one of the more enjoyable activities that take place during this season.
Before you go and fire up that machine, there are a few things you have to do to ensure you have a safe ride.
The first item on this checklist is your helmet. Secure it on your head by tightening the chin-strap under your chin. The helmet should fit snugly; if it's too loose, it's too big and may not protect you well should you have an accident. If your helmet is too tight, you'll end up with a headache before the day is out. Sometimes, with a too-large helmet, a bandana or a cap underneath will help to take up the extra space in a pinch, but it's still a good idea to have a helmet that fits properly.
Now, take a seat on that sled. Set your hands comfortably on the handlebars. Make sure that your arms are neither cramped, nor over extended. You want to be comfortable.
Your feet should go under the stirrups located on the lower front section of the sled. As with stirrups on a horse, or floorboards on a motorcycle, these will help with your cornering and balance. Above all else, they'll help keep you on the vehicle and not face-planted into a snow bank.
Now that you've got all this done you can start the engine.
After you have properly positioned yourself on the machine, find the throttle. It will be on the right side of the handlebar. You will be able to control the speed of the snowmobile by using the thumb on your right hand.
Of course, just as you want to go, you'll eventually want to stop. You will be able to achieve this by using the brake lever, located on the left side of the handlebar.
It is helpful to know that stopping on hard-packed, more solid snow is more difficult than lighter, softer snow. Just as you do while driving a car on ice, gently pump your brakes. Be sure to give the motor a good amount of gas to get moving.
From that point on, control the snowmobile in much the same way that you would command a bicycle. Use your handlebars to move left and right, keeping in mind that the ease with which you turn is based primarily on the speed at which you are traveling. Turns are always easier when moving at a higher speed.
Remember to always lean to the inside of a turn, as this will help the sled stay on both skis.
Ever hear the expression you have to learn to walk before you run? You were probably too young to remember how many times you fell when learning to walk, or maybe you remember the first time you fell when trying to learn how to ride your bike. Falls happen, and riding a snowmobile is no different.
If you do find yourself in a situation where you know you are going to fall, let go and let it happen. Fighting the sled could only make things worse. Most of the time, accidents happen when people try to go faster than they should be.
Take your time and gradually work up to those higher speeds. Never bite off more than you can chew and stay within your own personal limits. Be aware of other riders, too, and be sure to keep a distance of at least 150 feet between you and other snowmobilers.
If you follow these simple precautions, you should ride away with a memorable and enjoyable experience.
by: Lee Hagan
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