NYSSA Online Magazine - New York State Snowmobile Association

Transcription

Award Nominations ~ p.6 * What does NYSSA do? p.12
Trail Privileges ~ p. 14 * STUD BAN? ~ p. 16
New York
January 2016
SNOWMOBILER
Online
The Official Publication of the New York State Snowmobile Association
The LUCKIEST Family in New York State!
Polaris “Family of Five” Winners Todd and Michelle Pitts!
NYSSA Online Magazine
Lucky!
Lucky!!
Lucky!!!
Lucky Todd with his Pro-X at left, lucky kids Austin, Haleigh and Madison, and lucky wife Michelle with their new Polaris sleds.
Photo provided.
In February of 2015, Todd Pitts bought his wife Michelle a 2015 Switchback, and snow checked a new 2016
ProX. At that time Polaris was running a short, eight-week contest. Little did Todd know when he filled out
an entry blank at his favorite dealer, 3 Seas Recreation in Lakewood, NY, that he would be one of the eight
lucky winners!
The Polaris giveaway was for five sleds to each winner! According to Ken Dubois, Polaris' District Sales Manager, the program ran in January and February 2015, so there were 8 weeks of winners (8 families won) or
40 sleds in total given away, nationwide.
You probably couldn't find a more loyal Polaris family. Todd has been a Polaris fan since his teenage years.
His first sled was a 72 Polaris Colt 340 and he has always owned Polaris sleds since then.
At the time of entering the contest the Pitts family already had 3 Polaris snowmobiles. And then Todd bought
Michelle a 2015 Switchback, and snow checked a new 2016 ProX bringing their sled count to five. It was just
days later that Todd got the call that he had won the drawing for FIVE MORE brand new Polaris Sleds - and
that the family was now the proud owner of TEN Polaris sleds!
The five snowmobiles are valued at about $45,000, and included (2) Pro RMK 800 155; (2) Indy 550 144;
and (1) Youth 120. Polaris even paid the registration fees for all the sleds!
(Continued on page 3)
Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected]
TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 *
www.nysnowmobiler.com
January 2016 - Page 2
(Continued from page 2)
The family is a member of the Lake Effect
Trailbreakers and travel trail systems
throughout Chautauqua and Cattaraugus
counties.
In February, Todd will be headed to Wyoming with the new Polaris RMK for his first
trip snowmobiling out west, something he
had always hoped to do.
Todd tells us, "Since the youth sled was too
small for our children my wife and I decided
to donate it to a local charity called Kallies
Krusade, which assists families dealing with
pediatric cancer and other childhood illnesses.”
No hand-me-down sleds for these kids! They’re riding their brand new Polarises!
And that’s the kind of guy Todd is. Accord- Photo provided.
ing to one of his friends (who originally
contacted NYSSA to tell us about Todd’s win): “He hasn't ridden much for a couple of years because his kids
are young and he was just starting a business... couldn't have happened to a nicer guy..!”
Todd continued "If I had to say anything, I guess it would be Thank You to Polaris for the win and opportunity to be able to share my passion with my family and friends on brand new machines and that it has been
nothing short of a dream come true for this die hard Polaris guy!"
Donating the little Indy to Kallie’s Krusade. Photo provided.
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CONTENTS
New York
SNOWMOBILER
Online
Publisher:
Editor:
The New York State
Snowmobile Association
P. O. Box 1040,
Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040
Anne O’Dell
[email protected]
888-624-3849 x101
President’s Message. ...Jim Elmore
P. 5
From the Desk of the Executive Director ...D. Jacangelo
P. 8
Did you Know? What’s Happening at NYSSA.. R. Warner
P. 10
Riding is a PRIVILEGE
P. 14
Quebec Government Bans Aftermarket Studs!
P. 16
Trail Coordinator Report ...Jim Rolf
P. 18
Take a Friend Snowmobiling Schedule
P. 21
Featured Member Discounts: Wyndham Hotels
P. 23
AD RATES
2015-16 Officers
President
Jim Elmore, 585-813-4610
[email protected]
Vice
President
Craig LaPlante, 315-854-6719
[email protected]
Secretary
Rosanne Warner, 315-697-8130
[email protected]
Treasurer
John Occhino, 845-225-3140
[email protected]
Staff
Executive
Director
Dominic Jacangelo, 888-624-3849 x104
[email protected]
Jim Rolf, 888-624-3849 x102
Trail
Coordinator [email protected]
General
Manager
Anne O’Dell, 888-624-3849 x101
[email protected]
Membership 888-624-3849 x103
[email protected]
Helpline
Join or Renew Membership Online:
Our Website: www.nysnowmobiler.com
New York State Office of Parks,
Recreation & Historic Preservation’s
Website
www.nysparks.com/recreation/snowmobiles
DMV, Register a Sled: NY Resident
DMV, Register a Sled: Out of State
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President’s Message
by Jim Elmore, NYSSA President 585-813-4610 [email protected]
Ride Responsibly Please!
The season has started up with several areas of the State receiving snow. Many clubs were able to open their trails up
for snowmobiling over the past 10 days. With the trails opening later this year than usual, there have been several
safety concerns pertaining to our sport. There have been a few accidents involving snowmobilers on the trail or private
property. Recently a couple of young ladies in Western New York were air-lifted to a Buffalo area hospital. They were
injured riding in their own yard. Inexperience and age seemed to have played a role in this accident. There have been
other accidents involving snowmobiles and other vehicles on the trails. Snowmobilers, please remember you are not
the only traffic on private or public trails. There are snow groomers, motor vehicles, wildlife, and other recreational
activities occurring on the trails. Please stay alert and ride responsibly.
Gas is Cheaper than Bottled Water!
The good news for consumers lately? Gasoline
prices are the lowest in years. I`m sure we are
thankful we are no longer paying $4.00 or more a
gallon like we were a couple of winters ago. With
lower gas prices, we can take this opportunity to
ride our snowmobiles more this season and trailer to
where the snow is. The economists are concern
that the price of oil will affect our economy with the
current free fall from $100 a barrel a year ago to its
current price of $29. For the time being, we just
have to take advantage of the low price and ride
more. We have been punished enough, so buy
gasoline, it is cheaper than bottled water right now.
Youth Snowmobilers at the SLEDNY Forum
The State of Wisconsin several years ago thought of
a program to introduce children into snowmobiling.
Their program started in one county and after several years expanded to include the majority of their
State. They currently are enjoying the fruits of their
hard labor in this program. They have a very strong Gas prices were a lot higher in 2008! Photo by Anne O’Dell
youth program and hundreds of young people are
volunteering to build trails and help bring more youth into the program. There happens to be a couple of these young
people that went through this program who are now 21 or older. A few have gone on to be presidents of their local
clubs or strong volunteers to the sport. This program did not happen in one season., It took many years of hard work
for this program to develop. They are now producing the next generation of club officers and trail volunteers.
For the 2016 SLEDNY Educational Forum being held April 29-30 in Lake Placid, we are offering free registration to any
youth 17 and under (they must be preregistered.) NYSSA directors and officers feel we can accomplish what Wisconsin
is doing with their snowmobile youth program. The future of snowmobiling will be in great hands if we take the time
now to educate our young riders before they lose interest in the sport. Please review our Forum schedule of classes
when you register for the Forum this April. The early registration discount price of $50 for adults ends on February 29,
then it will increase to $80. Details are at www.nyssaforum.com. Our guest speaker this year is ESPN’s X-Games Gold
medalist winner Levi LaVallee. He is looking forward to visiting our Forum and meeting our members.
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Award Nomination Time!
I would like to remind all of our members to
please take the time to nominate your fellow
club members that go above and beyond for
our sport. We all know that snowmobiler that
always is ready to help out or always answer
the call when the club or fellow snowmobilers
need assistance. All the forms can be printed
off via our NYSnowmobiler.com webpage.
Please send these in before March 1st so our
awards committee can review each nominee.
The awards are presented at the Awards Banquet held in conjunction with the NYSSA Annual Meeting and Forum at the end of each
season.
Click each award title for an award application
form. For the President's Award (criteria to be
determined by the President) email the president: [email protected]
Snowmobiler of the Year (PDF)
-- MS Word version
Snowmobile Family of the Year (PDF)
-- MS Word version
Snowmobile Dealership of the Year (PDF)
-- MS Word version
Groomer of the Year (PDF)
-- MS Word version
Club of the Year (PDF)
-- MS Word version
Youth Snowmobiler of the Year (PDF)
-- MS Word version
Award History may be viewed here
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Adirondack Powersports
Appolson’s
Bibben’s Sales
Bob Weaver’s Motorsports
Buck’s Motorsports
Caprara’s Outdoor World
Cycle Motion
Cycle Shack
Della Motorsports
Don’s Polaris
Edelmann Sales, Inc
Excell Motorsports
Fun Unlimited
Gamble Distributors
Griffin Motorsports
Hermans Performance
Ingles Performance
Ithaca Recreation
Jan-cen Automotive
K&H Kawasaki
Kubecka’s Polaris
Leisure Time
Maddie’s
Matt’s Cycle Center
Menneto Powersports
Moody Polaris
O’Neil Sales
Pioneer Motorsports
Polaris of Riverhead
Powerhouse Motorsports
Precision Power
Preferred Powersports
Schoff Polaris
Sled Shop Racing
Sportline Power
Sports Unlimited
T. Nelson Sales
TC Sports
Teixeira’s Polaris
Waite Motorsports
Zahm & Matson, Inc.
Zambri Motorsports
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From the Desk of the Executive Director
By Dominic Jacangelo, Executive Director
[email protected] 888-624-3849 x104
A problem for clubs, landowners and riders: the first snows!
It has finally gotten cold enough around the state for it to snow. The Lake Effect snow is certainly kicking into high gear
around Tug Hill and Chautauqua. It started to crank up just after New Year’s Day but it had been way too warm to be
sustained and with it came many problems. The small area it covered was the only area in the state to ride, so it got
hammered both in the places that were open to riding and the areas which were still closed.
I know you spend a lot of money on your sleds and you want to grab every opportunity to ride, but you have no choice
but to obey the clubs’ and the landowners’ wishes. All the Tug Hill Clubs as well as every club around the state, work
very hard on delivering you a great ride. Don’t mess it up by riding on trails which have not been opened by either the
club or the land owner. That is simply selfish and inconsiderate of everyone who has put their blood, sweat and tears
into getting land owner permission and preparing that trail for a season of use, not just a day. It only takes one or two
individuals to have a trail closed to the many. As a general guide the upper trails around the Tug Hill which are seasonal roads are usually the first to open with the lower trails opening later requiring sustained periods of cold to have a
hard surface. Check the clubs’ website before you head out!
Lake Effect Snow means high winds and “high winds” means downed trees and branches. All the clubs will do the best
they can to keep trails clear. You need to do the best you can to keep you and those you ride with safe. I know you
don’t want to hear this, but this is the time of the year to ride conservatively. There are a lot of unknowns buried under
that snow. Give the groomers a chance to get that “out of place” hidden rock or branch off the trail. Remember it is
your thumb that pushes that throttle.
The RUSSH Campaign
There is a pretty good Facebook Page out there. https://www.facebook.com/RUSSH-502460256597919/ The page,
started by a group of riders concerned with riding issues, focuses on riders having Respect, Understanding, Safety,
Stewardship and Honor. It is worth the trip to the page to see how these five words should fit into your riding experience. Personally, I like this page and I like what these folks are trying to get across to all riders.
I read it on the Web… it must be true!
The New York State Snowmobile Association is a large organization
with a great diversity of clubs, members and opinions. It is that diversity that gives the organization its broad reach and ability to influence government policies on both the state and local level. As a
large organization we take our share of shots from both the
informed and uninformed. We will always strive to communicate with
our members as best we can, but reasoned and timely communication just does not seem possible on blogs and some bulletin boards.
We just don’t have the time to monitor every board out there and
respond to some of the most ill-informed comments posted.
If you have a question or a suggestion regarding NYSSA policies or
operations, I recommend that you send me an e-mail and I will
turn around a response ASAP. Old school but it still works!
Don’t forget to “Like” the NYSSA Facebook page. The most
current information and news is always posted there.
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Adirondack Park Rule Making: Bicycles on former all-season
roads and non-natural materials for construction projects!
Are you real busy? Most of us are, but please take two minutes to send a short e-mail to
[email protected] that says “ I support the APA plan to amend the SLMP to allow the use of nonnatural materials in the construction of bridges (Alternative 3) and I support allowing bicycles on former all
season roads in primitive areas (Alternative 3a and 3b) .”
So why? Last Wednesday I attended an Adirondack Park Agency public hearing on changes to the Adirondack State Land Master Plan (SLMP). The SLMP guides most action in the Park and defines which activities
can be conducted in which land classifications in the park. For instance snowmobiling can take place in Wild
Forest but not in Wilderness classified lands. During the planning for the Essex Tract it became apparent that
a bridge over the Cedar River constructed of just natural materials would be enormous and enormously expensive. I will not apologize for the fact that we want access to this bridge but that decision will be made
independent of what the bridge is constructed of. The APA should be in a position that allows them to allow
the Department of Environmental Conservation to use those construction materials which makes the best
sense from both an ecological view as well as a cost benefit view.
Bicycles? Listening to several of the other speakers I could have sworn they were referring to motorcycles.
It is the first time I heard a bicycle ever referred to as “mechanized” recreation! The APA is proposing to
allow the use of bicycles on former all season roads in the park within Primitive classified land units. This is
not mountain biking but rather most of it will be family oriented recreation. An activity which we at NYSSA
very much support. I think our friends in the bike community could use our active support.
“It is just bicycling!”
New technology for sleds doesn’t just happen. It starts with training the right engineers in college who have
some experience working on snowmobiles. SLEDNY is proud to be a sponsor of three clean sled teams from NY
colleges and universities. These teams compete each year in a national competition featuring the latest in
snowmobile technologies.
Pictured at right:
The 2016 Rochester
Institute of Technology
Clean Sled Team!
Good Luck RIT!
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Did You Know?? What’s Been Happening at NYSSA.
From the Desk of the New York State Snowmobile Association Secretary
By: Rosanne Warner, NYSSA Secretary, [email protected]
The New York State Snowmobile Association is working to keep its members better informed of the issues
that NYSSA faces on a daily basis. Hot off the presses here is a re-cap of what happened at the January
2016 NYSSA Board of Directors meeting.
Remsen-Lake Placid Line
No decision or contact on the issue of removing the rails has been received.
DEC Rule Making on Easements
NYSSA is reviewing the rule making to see what impact it possibly may have on snowmobiling .
High Peaks Wilderness area
The state has proposed buying a tract of land sometime this year. The area that will be affected is north of the Essex
Chain of Lakes. NYSSA will reach out to other user groups for input and continue to monitor this issue.
Parks/NYSSA Quarterly Meeting
An online education program was discussed and NYSSA has made it clear that they are requesting that if Parks makes
changes to the Snowmobile Safety program, the incorporate a hybrid class with an online portion as well as a required
in-person portion. Parks would like more feedback from the clubs on the proposal.
Groomer Classifications
The Trails & Funding Committee has been working on updating
the classification of groomers. Four classes were proposed. New
machines must be sent into Parks. Parks needs to know the
make, model, serial number of new machine needed and what
older machine should be removed from the list. If the machine
was purchased from another club, Parks will need to know so it
can be removed from that old club’s equipment list.
Timber matting
National Grid has timber matting for sale to clubs for $35 each.
A Tucker hard at work. Photo by Mike Blance.
Each mat weighs about 2000 pounds each. They can be
purchased at several locations including; Selkirk, Frankfort, Rochester and Brewerton. The matting are 2x8 in size and
are made of pressure treated wood. They have 3 layers of wood, criss- crossed. Arrangements can be made for an
additional fee to have them shipped.
Super Raffle Tickets
83,000 tickets have been distributed to clubs. Clubs mailing tickets out to members need to instruct people to mail the
tickets and money back to the clubs and not to Onondaga County Snowmobile Association. Clubs can submit the ticket
stubs and money to the OCSA PO Box ONCE a month or bring the tickets and money to the Forum in April.
Forum Registration
The Forum registration has opened. For registration and information go to: www.nyssaforum.com
Club Membership
Club membership has been very slow this year due to the poor snow conditions. There are 36,899 club members
throughout the state.
Trailer Schedule
NYSSA trailers are available to clubs for their events. To schedule one, please contact General Manager, Anne O’Dell at:
[email protected].
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NYSSA Business Membership
NYSSA Business Membership forms are available to clubs on NYSSA’s website on the Business Membership page. Clubs
who participate and sign their local businesses up will receive half of the $100 membership fee. Businesses will receive a
door sticker, advertisement space in the monthly Online Magazine and will be listed on the NYSSA website.
Facebook Boost
Clubs have asked how to increase the hits on their Facebook posts. Gramercy Communications has developed a one
page document on how to increase Facebook exposure. Clubs interested in this material can email a request to Kristen
Murphy at: [email protected].
Free Weekend
Free weekend will be held for registered Out of State riders on January 16 – 18, 2016. Riders will also be able to access
the Old Forge trails without paying for the Town of Webb permit.
Automated Trail Grant Program
Parks has distributed the majority of the 70% vouchers. Five or six counties have not received their vouchers pending
additional information.
Automated Trail Grant Program 60-day window
The window has been put in place. Parks has changed the window to 120-days out for the month of January and the
60-day requirement will completely go into effect on March 1 st. The online tutorials have been updated and Parks will
begin scheduling the classes for instruction.
Trail Fund
The Trail Fund will be $4.3 million in fund this year. If we do not get snow, some clubs will not make their funding.
Clubs will not receive the 30% funds if they do not meet their funding.
NYS Trail Maps
The new state trail maps have been printed are ready for distribution. Copies of the maps can
be requested through the Snowmobile Unit at NYS Parks, [email protected].
Federal Mileage Reimbursement Rate
Clubs using the Federal mileage reimbursement rate should be aware that as of January 1,
2016 the rate was set at $ .54/mile.
Loud Pipes/Stay on Trails Poster
A new poster will be available to clubs. The posters are designed to be placed in bars, gas
stations, etc. They will promote education on the negative effect loud pipes have on the trail
system as well as riders who do not stay on the marked trail.
Safety Instructor’s Recommendations
Certified safety instructors are being asked review the current training manuals and provide
feedback and recommendations on the issues that can be placed in the online classes. What
should be included in the hands on portion should also be recommended. Please respond back
to the Safety and Education Committee with recommendations at: [email protected].
7th Annual Vintage Show
Directors are encouraged to request a donation for the Vintage Show from their local clubs and associations. The donations will be used to fund cash prizes for winners. Pre-registration for the Vintage Show can be completed at:
www.nyssaforum.com
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NYSSA Officer Nominations
Nominations for the 2016 Election are being sought. Interested parties can download a
nomination form at right.
NYSSA Bylaw Changes – Proposed
Three bylaw changes have been proposed by Joel Munson of the Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club.
Proposed changes included a change in the term of office for NYSSA officers and Directors and
the number of Club Delegates allotted at the Annual Meeting. All proposals are under review by
the NYSSA Bylaw Committee. Committee recommendations will be presented to the Board of Directors at the February meeting in Rome, New York.
“WHAT DOES NYSSA DO?”
www.nysnowmobiler.com/about-nyssa
Statewide advocacy for the sport ** Research and develop information on issues relating to
the sport ** Research, identify and acquire general liability insurance to cover all TME’s involved in trail maintenance ** Develop information on best management practices for the
clubs. ** Seek out sources for club insurance at affordable prices (D&O) ** Develop legislative
proposals for the benefit of the sport** Seek out and communicate with members of the legislature supportive of NYSSA issues ** Advise State Parks on issues important to snowmobilers**
Intervene with State Parks and sponsors when they are in conflict with the club ** Developed
comprehensive information on the economics of snowmobiling ** Developed comprehensive
information on the demographics of snowmobilers ** Developed comprehensive information
on snowmobiler attitudes towards trail issues ** Interact with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) on snowmobile program information ** Advise DMV on the on-line registration
system **Work with the Department of Environmental Conservation on ensuring snowmobiling issues are considered in Unit Management Plans ** Work with corporate sponsors to acquire benefits for association members ** Investigate snowmobile accidents and provides information to specialized counsel ** Teach proper trail signage ** Investigate member complaints regarding the condition of trails ** Report to clubs and Parks the absence of trail maintenance and signage ** Seek ways to improve safety on our trails ** Act as a statewide
spokesperson for snowmobile related issues ** Ensure that snowmobile related businesses are
given credit for the jobs they support ** Organize and hold an annual Educational Forum for all
snowmobilers (18th Educational Forum) ** Provide specialized training for snowmobile club
volunteers ** Assist the clubs with meeting state mandates ** Provide GPS training for club
members ** Provide an online system for club membership ** Formally respond to government reports regarding the snowmobile community ** Oppose legislation that threatens the
viability of the sport ** Recognize and call attention to those public officials who have supported the sport ** Represent the sport on the State Trails Council and the Forest Preserve
Advisory Committee ** Ensure that snowmobiling receives it fair share of federal RTP grants
** Provides through partners, a $4000 accidental death and dismemberment insurance policy
** Provide two college scholarships for NYSSA members ** Coordinate with other state, Regional and National Snowmobile Associations on issues of importance to snowmobilers **
Provide research grants to support NY university participation in the Clean Sled Challenge **
Produce 12 issues of the New York Snowmobiler Online Magazine ** Produce two additional
print issues of the New York Snowmobiler magazine in partnership with Supertrax Magazine **
Raise money for charitable organizations; Easter Seals, Pink Ribbon Riders and USO
** CoordiContact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected]
TOLLnate
FREE:the
(888)
TRP
624-3849
for the
* FAX:
Adirondack
(888) 317-2441
Travel
*
Corridor for snowmobile clubs.
Register today @ www.nyssaforum.com
Levi on TV: ESPN Jan. 28 - 29
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Please keep in mind as the riding season gets off to a late start:
that the use of most trails across New York State are a
‘privilege & NOT a right’!
This applies to the various easement agreements established by
the DEC across timber properties that often have lease agreements
with private user groups.

This applies to the farmers who have agreed to travel corridors
through their croplands - which are their livelihoods.

This applies to the vast number of private landowners with whom
Clubs work diligently to secure their consent.

This applies to municipalities who grant permission for
snowmobilers to travel over seasonal roadways.

Etc., etc., etc….
Submitted by David Knapp, NYSSA Director for Franklin County
New Business Members !!
Attention students and parents!
Application Deadline for NYSSA Scholarships is February 29, 2016!
2016 NYSSA Application and Instructions:
PDF
MS Word
Each year, NYSSA awards two $500 scholarships:


Norris Brusoe NYSSA Scholarship
Joan & Digger Vriessen NYSSA Scholarship
Only members of NYS Snowmobile Clubs as of January 1, 2016 will be eligible for these Scholarships.
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ATTENTION RIDERS:
DO YOU RIDE IN CANADA?
Submitted by Dennis Burns, CCSO Executive Director
Quebec Government Bans After Market Studs
for Snowmobiles
The Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations (CCSO) and the Federation des clubs de motoneigistes du Québec
(FCMQ) need your assistance to alert the Quebec Government on how your travel plans will be impacted if they do not
change the recently announced ban on aftermarket studding of a snowmobile
track. The Quebec Provincial Police (QPP) are charging snowmobilers with
aftermarket studs in their snowmobile tracks when they travel along or cross
a roadway – this is a brand new law on the books and just went active.
Full details below in the FCMQ press release. Please send a quick email to
the Quebec Minister of Transportation, the Honourable Robert Poëti. Email:
[email protected]. expressing your concerns and how much Quebec
will lose if your party of 4 travel somewhere other than Quebec and leave
your tourism dollars in a jurisdiction that is much friendlier to snowmobilers.
Pilot project concerning the use of non-skid devices
on the tires or tracks of off-highway vehicles
Montreal, January 13th, 2016 – The Quebec government recently presented a pilot project whose purpose is to
regulate the use of traction products on off-highway vehicles : Publication. More specifically, the Order of the Minister,
in its current form and interpretation, makes all aftermarket track studs illegal at road crossing and on portions of trail
which utilise road right-of-ways. Pre-studded tracks (which feature an integrally moulded stud) are, however, tolerated
at this time.
The Federation des clubs de motoneigistes du Québec (FCMQ) wishes to inform its members that its recommendations in regards to this project were not retained and, as such, the FCMQ was not, and is not, a party to this project.
The FCMQ is of the opinion that track studs are a proven safety device whose merit has been proven not only in numerous specialized studies, but also by thousands of snowmobilers over many years.
The FCMQ met with representatives of the Ministère des Transports du Québec (MTQ) yesterday in order to
discuss this matter. We will continue to work on the file until such time as we obtain what we consider to be an outcome
that is reflective of the proven safety attributes of traction products.
For additional information related to the pilot project and its application, you are asked to contact the MTQ directly at [email protected]
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Trail Coordinator Report
by Jim Rolf, NYSSA Trail Coordinator
888-624-3849 x 102
[email protected]
The colder temperatures and lake effect snow has started to make things whiter for some areas of NYS.
And as I write this, the threat of a “nor’easter storm” hitting this weekend looks like its become more of a reality. Let’s continue to hope winter is here to stay and gets better!
DON’T JEOPARDIZE LAND ACCESS!
It seems this message never gets to the ones that need to
read it! Each year many landowners require clubs to delay opening
the trails. This is mostly due to hunting season, but also due to livestock still in the fields, or crops that still need to be harvested. NYSSA
publishes the dates when hunting seasons end throughout the state,
but the landowners and clubs together decide when trails officially
open…not over-anxious riders!
This year, more than any I can remember, there are many
disrespectful and/or uneducated-to-the-facts riders deciding for themselves that when there is some snow on the ground and they want to
ride, they just ride. They ride past signs that read TRAIL CLOSED;
they ride right past the ribbons or gates blocking the trails; they ride
through muddy fields and open swamps; they ride wherever they feel
like it! THIS HAS TO END! It’s all about RESPECTING the landowners
and the club volunteers who are providing the privilege of having a
snowmobile trail network here in NYS. What is so hard about comprehending that? Yes, we are all anxious to ride our snowmobiles and get
the most out of our hard-earned money spent on sleds, gear, and registrations/club memberships. But at what cost? Losing trails due to
disrespect means a trail is lost forever!
Please be aware that clubs often have land use agreements with their landowners outlining specific dates the
trails must remain closed until in addition to the weather-related issue like open water and mud, some based on the
snow on the ground allowing our farming landowners’ livestock still out in THEIR fields. If in doubt, contact the club(s)
in the area that you want to ride IF there is sufficient snow cover to allow riding before the date above. Please don’t
jeopardize land access because you want to ride before our season begins by opening gates that are closed. Yes, it is a
short season for us, but landowners are the ones who generously allow for the snowmobile trails to be allowed in the
first place. Again…it’s about RESPECT!
Trail Safety
When the trails do officially open and the snow depth is sufficient to ride, please be safe out there! Many reports of accidents have come in to the office and have been passed on to our insurance company already this very short
season. A couple were on CLOSED TRAILS! (SEE ABOVE^^^). Stay right and on the marked trails adhering to the
signs, thinking about everyone else on the trails at the same time. It’s about enjoying the ride and getting home each
time…not about getting to your destination as fast as you can, out of control.
NYSSA staff, Directors, and Officers write articles here and in the print magazine as well about Trail Safety REMINDERS every year prior to the start of the season in hopes of reaching the right people. We place messages on
TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 *
NYSSA’s Facebook page, on SLEDNY’s Facebook page, and on our website, www.nysnowmobiler.com. To those of you
that read this all the time and think that we harp on the same subjects too much, please understand that we take the
accident reports and complaints from landowners and clubs as an indication that we haven’t yet reached those that we
need to, so we keep preaching safety over and over in hopes to. We could also use every other snowmobiler’s help
too…if you ride with an out-of-control friend or one who rides too fast on the trails or runs loud exhausts, as an advocate of our sport continuing YOU can help with these specific issues. If your friend doesn’t care what you have to say in
that regard, maybe they aren’t a true friend? We need to police ourselves if we plan to keep this sport safer and going
strong into the future.
Volunteering
One area that will never get addressed too much is the need for
more volunteer help building the trails, signing the trails, working/planning
club fundraising events, filling out the required paperwork, entering the
required trail work data, GPSing trails, and also grooming (to name some
things clubs do). All clubs are in need of additional help! Over the past
couple of years during the STEP signing and grooming instructor classes
that I have taught, I’ve notice a positive as I looked out into the attendees
that there are many younger people there than in recent years. That’s a
great sign to me that some of the younger crowd is interesting in continuing their clubs moving forward. Some clubs do a great job of including the
younger crowd. And reading stories of such new youth involvement and
seeing the younger attendees is such a positive note!
I’ve read and heard about some great news in this regard where
longstanding club members couldn’t help out due to serious injuries or
health issues where other club members stepped up to accomplish the trail
work that needed to get done. These success stories with new volunteers
getting involved are what we love to see. I suggest that every rider that is
NOT currently helping out a club here in NY think about one thing as they
are out enjoying a ride on a snowmobile trail this season…what would
happen if all of the volunteers doing all of the work right now couldn’t do it
Could you spare a few hours to help with signs?
anymore? Know that every little bit of volunteering does help!
Photo courtesy Tri-Valley Trail Riders.
Take A Friend Snowmobiling Events
The TAFS events in Wyoming and Erie Counties were cancelled due to the lack of snow at the time. The rest of
the schedule published in this issue is currently still on, and we certainly hope that each of them will get to be hosted.
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These events are meant to generate interest in
snowmobiling by those that have never been a sled
owner, or to those that were sled owners but got
out of the sport for whatever reason, and also to
those that are looking to take a vacation in the
winter to Upstate NY and rent a snowmobile to
ride. If we can get more new riders involved it
could drive up the revenue to clubs from the Trail
Fund as well as club memberships. This is a positive program…if you are near an area that is hosting a TAFS event and know of a friend that is interested or know of someone that lives near one of
the events that would like to find out what snowmobiling is all about, let them know of the event
and have them attend. What a better way to get
someone into the sport than to have them ride a
sled themselves. Of course you could let them ride
your sled to find that out too!
Let’s spread the word about how much we love
snowmobiling to our friends that don’t already
know about it firsthand… get them involved and
loving snowmobiling too!
STAY RIGHT, …And BETWEEN the Stakes!
THINK!
You are an ambassador of this sport.
Member Discounts, such as the insurance discounts at
left and Driver Ed course below, are available 24/7 at
www.nysnowmobiler.com/memberdiscounts.
Online Driver Ed..
Just $22
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Take A Friend
Date
Location
Sponsoring Club & Contact
January 23, 2016
Grafton Lakes State Park
100 Grafton Lakes State Park Way
(off NYS Route 2)
Grafton, NY 12052
Grafton Trail Blazers
Ray Buchholz
518-258-0465
[email protected]
January 30, 2016
HoBeau’s
10 S. West Street (Rte 281)
Homer, NY 13077
Seven Valley Sno Goers
Melissa Burt - [email protected]
607-756-9137
Randy Wheelock - [email protected]
January 31, 2016
Selkirk Shores State Park
7101 NYS Route 3
Pulaski, NY 13142
Pulaski-Boylston Snowmobile Club
Christine Gross
315-430-1754
[email protected]
February 13, 2016
Broome Tioga Motor Sports Club
50 Schafer Road
Richford, NY
Whitney Point Ridge Riders
Josh Braman - 607 422-6079
Mike Blance - 607-648-4564
February 20, 2016
Hudson Crossings Park
County Road 42,
Schuylerville, NY 12871
Saratoga & Washington County Clubs,
in partnership with NYS Canal Corporation
Bill Cook - 518-669-7628
[email protected]
February 20, 2016
Genesee Sno Packers Clubhouse
102 S. Pearl Street
Oakfield, NY
Genesee Sno Packers
Jane Chaddock - 716-432-9175
[email protected]
TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 *
Planning Ahead?
The Pink Ribbon Riders 2016 New York Snow Run
February 19-20, 2016 ~ Old Forge, NY
http://www.pinkribbonriders.com/wp/snow-run-tour-usa
Safety Question:
Answer: A
Q: Why should you never*
transport a snowmobile backward
on a trailer?
A)It is against the law
B) It changes the balance of the
trailer and can cause fishtailing on the road
C) It looks silly
* The exception to this rule are some en-
closed “inline” trailers that are specifically
designed and balanced from the factory,
such as the one at left, to carry the weight of
rearward facing sleds.
Note: we don’t make these questions up - they’re
right out of the Safety Program workbook!
Safety Courses are listed at
http://www.nysparks.com/recreation/snowmobiles/safety-courses.aspx
-- find one in a County near you!
TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 *
Featured NYSSA Discount:
TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 *
As the unified voice for NY Snowmobiling, NYSSA works year-round to promote
the sport and protect the trails needed for winter enjoyment. NYSSA is recognized
and accepted in Albany, across the state, and nationally as the organization that
represents the rights and needs of New York’s snowmobilers.
Season 2015-16 NY Snowmobiler Publication Dates:
NEW YORK STATE
S N O W M OB I L E A S S O C I A T I O N
(11 days after each BOD Meeting).
May 31, 2016
February 18, 2016
July 27, 2016
March 16, 2016
September 21, 2016
April 13, 2016
AD RATES
May 12, 2016
PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040
888-624-3849 / Fax 888-317-2441
E-mail: [email protected]
NYSSA Calendar of Events
February 6, 2016
NYSSA Board of Directors Meeting
Committees meet at 10 am. Board meeting at 1 pm.
The Beeches, 7900 Turin Road,
Rome, NY
March 5, 2016
Tailwater Lodge, 52 Pulaski St
Altmar, NY
April 2, 2016
1000 Islands Harbor Hotel,
200 Riverside Drive, Clayton NY
April 29, 30,
and May 1, 2016
SLEDNY Educational Forum and
NYSSA Annual Meeting
Featuring Levi LeVallee - Registration IS OPEN!
Lake Placid Conference Center
Main Street, Lake Placid, NY
Hotel Reservations are open!
May 21, 2016
Rusty Rail, 3231 Seneca Turnpike,
Canastota, NY 13032
July 16, 2016
Canastota, NY 13032
September 10, 2016
Canastota, NY 13032
October 1, 2016
TBD - in conjunction with the Big
East Powersports Show - Syracuse
Club Events are listed on our website: www.nysnowmobiler.com
Safety Courses are listed at
http://www.nysparks.com/recreation/snowmobiles/safety-courses.aspx

NYSSA Online Magazine - New York State Snowmobile Association

Transcription

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