Snowmobiling In the Midwest

[glwilson]

Who snowmobiles? I thought that maybe some of us do since we are located in the snowbelt of the U.S.

I just went out this afternoon for a sixty-mile ride.

We had a foot of snow dumped on us overnight; so it was a good day to skip work and go snowmobiling.

Up here in the northern part of Illinois and on into Wisconsin there are literally thousands of miles of snowmobile trails -- complete with traffic signs. I know in some parts of our region trails such as these don't exist. It must be a "northern-thing".

Had a great ride and snowmobiling is a great placebo for "biking" in the winter.

Hope some of you get a chance to do it also. :)

[ponch]

I don't snowmobile, but a guy that runs the church riding group I ride with runs the snowmobile association in Iowa. Too many toys for me and I don't like snow much anymore. It gets in the way of motorcycle riding.

[pirate]

I'm not a snowmobiler either. I've done it a couple of times, but it's not something that appeals to me. For one, I'm not big on cold weather. Two, they are a big investment that hinges on the gamble of whether we get enough snow to ride them. The past several winters we haven't had enough snow here to make them feasible, so guys end up trailering them 600 miles to West Yellowstone in order to ride. I'd much rather spend that money on a sweet Nomad that I can ride anywhere in the country.

[glwilson]

I would agree that snowmobiles are an expensive investment for something you are not sure you will get to ride. It has only been since last year that we have had consistent weather to ride -- which is why I don't own a snowmobile.

I am fortunate that a friend of mine bought two sleds and is always asking me to go -- thus I just pay for gas. A sweet deal. Kind-of like knowing someone that owns a boat; or a pool -- you get to enjoy them without having to own them!! Ha!

Regarding staying warm. This day and age; the cold isn't a factor on snowmobiles. Besides wearing a snowsuit (which is extremely warm); the snowmobiles of today have handle-grip warmers; and feet warmers (engine exhaust pipes near the feet).

All in all; cold isn't a factor any longer. If either of you get a chance to ride; you should try to do so -- it is a great way to "ride" during the winter months.

[scion0]

I've never been on one.

[stretch]

I had one when I was kid but have not been on one in years. Although my boys would love it.

[glwilson]

If you like riding your bike; then there's a good chance you'll like snowmobiling.

I have to admit; it helps up here because of the endless trails to ride on -- but none the less -- it is still a lot of fun.

[roadman]

Sounds like fun

[ells]

I grew up in northern Iowa before there were snowmobiles as we know know them. As kids we talked about and dreamed about powered sleds and tracked vehicles for snow riding. Every winter seemed like it would have been good for the sport. Shortly after I left the area they caught on big and I felt like I had missed out. I've since had the opportunity to try them out and while a lot of fun, still is a lot different than MCs. I'd compare SMs more to boating where where the location and conditions are right you get to do it (yes, up north bike riding is similar) but the bike can be not only fun but practical local and long distance routine transportation, not much chance for SMs there. I have visited and worked in Barrow, Alaska and there they are practical, routine, and necessary transportation but ccccccooooooollllddd.

[rksaw]

Guys, I'm jealous!!! Can I ride over on the Nomad and rent a snowmobile for a day?!?
I got to ride once when I was thirteen or fourteen and have always wanted to try it again.

Originally Posted by prairie cruiser

The past several winters we haven't had enough snow here to make them feasible...

As someone who grew up in AZ, that's hard to fathom there not being enough good snow in North Dakota for people to enjoy snowmobiling all winter. But then again 20 years ago when I left Tucson to go to college in Portland, I figured that since I was moving 1500 miles north that there would be snow on the ground during the winter and didn't take into account the fact that I was going from 2500 ft above sea level to only 80 ft.

[pirate]

Yes, it's true about our recent winters. This year is going to be the exception. We've already had over a foot of snow, so the ditches and fields are all white. The past few years, the only places you could ride a snowmobile at were in some of the ditches after the wind blew the snow into them. The fields would be brown because there wasn't enough snow. We're in the midst of our second blizzard in two weekends now, and there was a story on the news tonight about how the stores can't keep snowblowers in stock. Mine has been getting a good workout this month!