December 2013 - New York State Snowmobile Association

Vol.3#2
r m o t i o n + r e v -x s
easily adjustable. highly flexible.
because backs, hips and knees are not.
Burning trails or carving powder, the Ski-Doo renegade ® gives you the
most comfortable ride. adjust the industry-leading travel of the rmotion™
suspension, featuring a 100% progressive motion ratio. adjust to more riding
positions with the versatile reV-XS ™ platform. It’s crossover riding the way
you want it. It’s technology you’ll only find on Ski-Doo sleds.
now on the
2014 SKI-DOO®
renegade ski-doo.com
learn mOre at
©2013 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, TM and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. Always ride safely and responsibly.
2
Vol.3#2
TUG HILL
WINTER 2013 Volume 3 #2
contents
www.nysnowmobiler.com
PUBLISHER • Kent Lester | CO-PUBLISHER • Mark R. Lester | MANAGING EDITOR • Matt Lester | NYSSA EDITOR • Anne
O’Dell | TRAVEL EDITOR • Cathy Light | FEATURE EDITORS • John Arkwright, Matt Lester, Mike Lester, Craig Nicholson,
Jim Elmore, Dom Jacangelo, Jim Rolf | PUBLIC RELATIONS EDITOR • Harold McAdam | ART & PRODUCTION • Andrew
Knor & Emily Schmidt | ADMINISTRATION • Barb Lester, Leslie Austin | CIRCULATION • Matt Lester, Garth Atkinson,
Publication Partners. | MARKETING • Cathy Light, John Hildebrandt, Vern Putzer, Normand Trottier, John Arkwright
columns
TRAVEL
PRESIDENT’S DESK:
Time For Action!
Fulton County
Plenty to Do!
Eye on NYSSA:
Dollars For Development
Delaware County
Adventures in the Catskills
NYSSA NEWS:
Updates on Trails, Programs,
Laws and Events.
To see our SNOWCAM
visit: www.niceneasy.com
A webcam is located at our Constableville, NY
location on the Tug Hill Plateau
FUEL, FRESH FOOD, SNACKS, ATM & More!
We Appreciate Your Business!
Trail Report:
Behind the Scenes Heroism
INFORMATION
Over 85 locations
Proudly Serving
Central NY Snowmobilers
since 1980!
contests or to join the conversation visit
FEATURES
Ski-Doo 900 ACE
Grabbing the Middle of
the Market
like us on facebook
facebook.com/niceneasygroceryshoppes
follow us on twitter
twitter & Instagram @NNEASY
NYSSA Staff
Dominic Jacangelo, Executive Director • [email protected] • 1.888.624.3849 x104
James E. Rolf, Trail Coordinator • [email protected] • 1.888.624.3849 x102
Anne M. O’Dell, General Manager • [email protected] • 1.888.624.3849 x101
Membership Help Line • [email protected] • 1.888.624.3849 x103
WARNING: Some of the action shown in this magazine is potentially dangerous. Almost all riders photographed are professionals,
racers or experienced experts. It is strongly recommended readers do not attempt to duplicate stunts beyond their capabilities. Always
wear a helmet, boots and safety equipment.
NEW YORK STATE SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 1.888.624.3849
Supertrax New York Snowmobiler Magazine is published twice yearly by Supertrax LLC. Mailing address for marketing and editorial
is Dupont Center, Suite 408, 9801 Dupont Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55431. Copyright 2011 Supertrax LLC. All rights reserved. No
part of this publication may be reproduced by analog or digital means without the written consent of the publishers. Publishers are
not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts. Address for subscriptions is: PO Box 197, Niagara Falls, NY 14304-0197. Toll free:
1.800.905.TRAX. US Subscription rate is $11.00 for 4 issues, $19.00 for 8 issues, $25.00 for 12 issues. When paying by US Postal
Money Order, only international Money orders are accepted. Domestic Postal Money Orders are not accepted.
Ethanol FREE Premium GAS now available!
*at many locations; see niceneasy.com for complete list
TOLL-FREE NUMBER FOR ADVERTISING AND SALES ONLY: 1.888.905.TRAX (8729)
CALL TOLL-FREE FOR SUPERTRAX SUBSCRIPTIONS: 1.800.905.TRAX
Subscribe Online at supertraxmag.com
Vol.3#2
3
tug hill
4
Vol.3#2
THE FUN
AROUND EVERY CORNER
Rediscover the thrill of legendary performance.
The 2014 Polaris® INDY ® 800 SP with race-proven
independent front suspension.
See the Ride Like Never Before.
TerrainDomination.com
TERRAIN
DOMINATION
Polaris recommends that all snowmobile riders take a training course. Do not attempt maneuvers beyond your capability. Always wear a helmet and
other safety apparel. Never drink and ride. ©2013 Polaris Industries Inc.
Vol.3#2
5
James Elmore, NYSSA President, [email protected]
Your Attention Is Critical, Right Now!
T U G H ill
Before you start planning a trip like this,
it’s possible it might never happen. Imagine
unloading your snowmobiles and gear for this
ride and leaving on a sunny winter day looking
forward to seeing the Adirondack Park in a day
or two and being turned back. The reason this
ride might not happen is because our State
is being sued by an environmental group,
“Protect”, that wants snowmobile use excluded
forever from the Adirondack Park. They claim
they do not want this but their actions speak
louder than their words.
I’d like to stress to our members that this
could be a reality in the near future. The case
is currently in the New York court system and
litigation will soon be underway. The New York
State Snowmobile Association has filed a
Friend of the Court brief supporting the State
against this case. The case has the potential
to throw out the whole concept of community
connectors and the ability to machine-groom
these park trails. Our involvement in this
lawsuit is in the best interests of our members.
We need to support the State in this case
6
Vol.3#2
to keep the snowmobile trails open in the
Adirondack Park.
Just recently the International Snowmobile
Manufacturers Association provided us with
a grant to assist our Association with the cost
of litigation defending this case. We are very
thankful to ISMA for their help to fight this illconceived lawsuit over the small number of
acres snowmobile trails constitute in the six
million acre Adirondack Park.
I’m worried the tactics we see employed
through the United States court system in the
Western part of the country are now happening
in our State. The legal tactics these groups
use against the Federal Government over
public land is now moving ahead at the State
level. National environmental groups that
want to restrict snowmobile use on Federal
lands now have local activists currently in New
York State copying and employing the same
tactics. These national groups study prior
court cases and employ new legal jargon to
advance their cause to restrict snowmobilers
from public land. They use scientific evidence
that is currently not substantiated or out
of date and they exaggerate findings to fit
their own agenda. One day it could become
a reality for these groups. All it takes is one
judgment in favor of these groups to win their
case and close land off forever.
All snowmobilers and citizens who enjoy
outdoor recreation and respect and enjoy
our Adirondack Park need to stand together
and fight these types of lawsuits. The
pattern has been happening for many years
and the environmental groups have been
challenging issues that affect Federal lands
on a constant basis.
I am personally asking all snowmobilers to
please be aware of this NY-based lawsuit and
the pitfalls that pertain to it if they win their case.
We need our members to donate to our Trail
Defender Fund! This fund was established to
fight legal disputes across the State. Over the
years, the fund has been used by local clubs for
legal expenses they incurred to keep land open
for recreating. The Trail Defender has been a
great tool and a source of support for the clubs
instead of having to use money that was put
aside for maintaining trails. We must stand
together to fight these types of lawsuits.
Please support the trails you ride on! Please
donate to the Trail Defender fund! You can go
on line to the membership system and make a
$20 donation or you can send a check in any
amount made out to NYSSA Trail Defender
Fund, PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566.
Thank you! l
Photo: Dave Robbins
A
new year is coming soon and I hope our members will enjoy the Holidays with their families and friends. As the trails open,
snowmobilers across the State will be enjoying the network our local clubs build and maintain. As you know, our trails are
part of a system that allows you to connect to other areas of the State. New York has 10,000 miles of trails available for all
snowmobilers to enjoy. In a good snow year you can ride a snowmobile starting in Lake Findley, New York near the Pennsylvania border
and travel northeast to Champlain, New York just south of the Quebec border. A trip like this would take several days to complete from
start to finish but you’d witness some great scenic areas of our State on this journey. This trip by car would take over nine hours via the
interstate system and local state highways, not counting breaks in drive time; but then you’d miss so many views that can only be seen
from a snowmobile. If you choose to tackle this type of snowmobile trip, you could start from the Western New York area of wide-open
spaces and flat terrain and ride into the mountains in the Adirondack Park. It would be a trip of a lifetime… and don’t forget to bring a
camera along with you.
FREE SHIPPING on u.s. orders
YES! WE SHIP TO CANADA!
(see site for details)
For Everything Snowmobiling, visit www.FirstPlaceParts.com
$339
$289
$279
$329
$379
$279
$309
$419
$319
$379
Pantone
186
$199
$239
®
Pantone
Process Black
$364
$209
$239
$319
Pantone
420
$374
$199
NEW 509 SINISTER X5 GOGGLES
$89
$179
$399
$124
SEE ALL THE NEW 509 HELMETS AND GOGGLES
509 AVIATOR
GOGGLES
MOUNTAIN ADDICTION JUGS & BAGS
$129
$289
$139
Kits starting at just $139
AVALANCHE GEAR
AIRBAG SYSTEMS
$299
$229
$84
$309
$49
RIDING IN THE MOUNTAINS?
BE PREPARED! IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE! SHOVELS
Pantone
186
Pantone
420
Pantone
Process Black
BEACONS
$154
$144
FREE
SHIPPING
$119
ON U.S. ORDERS
(see inside for details)
SNOWMOBI
PROBES
R FREEY!
U
O
Y
T
GE OG TODA
CATAL
LE CLOT
HING, GEAR
, PART S
& ACCE
2014 CATALOG
1.800.396.7034
SSORIES
Photo courtesy of HMK / Richard Hallman
/ FreelanceImaging.com
®
Serving Snowmobilers Throughout The United States, Canada & Across The Globe!
CLOTHING - HELMETS - GOGGLES - PARTS - AVALANCHE GEAR & MORE!
1-800-396-7034
Vol.3#2
7
LOTS MORE MEMBER BENEFITS ON OUR WEB SITE!
Check out the discounts your membership can get you, at
www.nysnowmobiler.com/memberdiscounts
Don’t forget to check out the member benefits page! We’re constantly searching for ways to add value to
your NYSSA membership by bringing you discounts you can use every day. There are local businesses and
national discounts! These are just a FEW of our partners!
Be sure to check out our Business Members!
Our business members also provide valuable goods and services to our members.
Check out the complete list at:
http://www.nysnowmobiler.com/business-members
Support the businesses that support our sport!
A WORD A B O UT
N E W YORK S TAT E S N O W M O B ILE R E G IST R AT IO N:
Please note that for the 2013-14 Snowmobile Season, NYS Department of Motor Vehicles has informed us that the only
acceptable proof of your club membership is your current-season NYSSA Voucher. If computer-generated, the voucher may
be printed either in black and white or color, as long as the NYSSA logo watermark is shown. If you have a printed voucher
with handwritten information filled in, it must be printed in color to be accepted.
For the 2014-15 Snowmobile Season beginning April 1, 2014, only vouchers that are entirely computer-generated will be
accepted. Handwritten vouchers will not be valid.
Membership cards will no longer be provided. Your Voucher is proof of your snowmobile club and NYSSA membership for
registration and for member discounts.
8
Vol.3#2
snow
do
you?
We snowmobile over 20,500 miles of silver trails. We glide through pristine
forests and breathtaking landscapes. Our parties are hot and our ice palaces
are cool. We know where to find the best winter adventure ever. Do you?
North America / Canada /
Québec
1 877 BONJOUR�
QuebecOriginal.com/snowmobile
Vol.3#2
9
NYSSA NEWS
Rosanne Warner, NYSSA Secretary, [email protected]
The NYSSA Forum and Annual Meeting
B
efore I got involved with NYSSA I was
like many of you, a member of a club
where I rode. I bought raffle tickets,
club apparel and helped out with
the inner workings of my club but
really didn’t know much about
NYSSA and what its mission was.
I had heard others in the
snowmobile community talk
about the “Forum” but never
really knew what it was or who
was involved. That all changed
one year when I decided to
finally go check out this Forum
everyone talked about.
Intrigued about the idea of
learning about the issues others
face throughout the state, I
decided to finally go see what
all the hubbub was about. Like
others, I thought it was a big
snowmobile show similar to the Big East
Show. I had been to the Big East several
10
Vol.3#2
times and I wasn’t excited about the idea
of going to a snowmobile show at the end
of the season. However, I was pleasantly
surprised to see that it was nothing like that
and definitely not what I expected.
That first year I was amazed to find the
members of the organization, as well as many
elected officials, were up front and accessible
to all the people in attendance. I spoke
to some state politicians: Roann
Destitio and Bill Magee, officials
from State Parks, and had a long
conversation with NYSSA’s Executive
Director, Dominic Jacangelo, who
was also a newbie to the event.
I attended sessions throughout the
weekend on various topics that spiked
my interest. Sessions like Groomer
Operation, Trail meetings, Membership
information, using social media to your
club’s advantage and the ever-popular
State Parks presentation.
I found myself in discussions with
snowmobilers from all over New
York. We talked about the issues we
all see in different areas of the state.
Who knew that clubs in Western New York
were having the same difficulties as my club
Your snowmobile insurance should be, too.
With Nationwide® Snowmobile
Insurance you can have the kind of
protection a sled like yours deserves:
Discounts up to 35%
Earn Vanishing Deductible®
credit up to $500
Customized equipment protection
up to $3,000 included with
comprehensive coverage
Find out why so many riders are
making the switch to Nationwide.
Call today to Join the Nation.
The Getzoni Agency
Grant L. Getzoni
8427 Main Street
Williamsville, NY 14221
1-866-447-SNOW(7669)
Products underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies. Home Office: Columbus, OH 43215. Subject to underwriting guidelines, review, and approval. Products and discounts
Vol.3#2 framemark and
not available to all persons in all states. Deductible Rewards annual credits subject to eligibility requirements. Max. credit: $500. Details and availability vary by state. Nationwide, the Nationwide
Nationwide Insurance are registered service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. ©2012 Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved. EBRO-3702 (12/10)
11
NYSSA NEWS
in Central New York? Who knew there were
clubs in Western New York and who knew we
had so much in common?
One little known fact is that every year at
the Forum, NYSSA holds a
Vintage Sled Show. Some of
the finest machines to ever
come off a factory floor can
be seen there. This aspect
of the Forum quickly became
my favorite attraction as
the sleds we now consider
vintage are the same sleds I
remember riding as a child.
The only difference is, they
were new back in those days
and there were no “vintage
snowmobiles”.
special events
Forum 2014
This season’s Forum will be
held at the Rochester Hyatt
and Convention Center located in the heart
of downtown Rochester on the beautiful
Genesee River. The Vintage Show will be
12
Vol.3#2
Continued
held indoors and out of any possible April
bad weather. Attendees will have the ability
to park their cars on Friday and never move
them again until we adjourn the annual
meeting on Sunday. There isn’t even a need
to go outside as the hotel is connected to the
convention center by a walk over bridge.
The 2014 Super Raffle winners will be
drawn: 51 chances to win, a great reason to
be there for the drawing. The first prize winner
gets their choice of three sleds or $5,000!
NYSSA’s Events & Promotions Committee has been
busy putting the details together to make this another
great event so even though
we are at the beginning of the
season, I hope you will make
plans to attend the Season
End event April 25, 26 & 27,
2014 in Rochester. Planning
ahead, we’ll return to
Rochester for the 2015 Forum,
April 10, 11, & 12, 2015.
To view videos from last
year’s Forum and other
NYSSA
events,
please
check out our website: www.
N Y s n o w m o b i l e r. c o m .
Registration will open February 3. Watch
www.nyssaforum.com for details.
Think Snow and see you on the trails! l
SNO
THE XF 9000
P RO
PLEDGE
S
E
C
A
L
P
U
O
Y
E
K
.
A
T
O
T
N
L
Y
L
L
T
I
C
E
F
W
I
PER
D
N
A
D
E
M
O
O
GR
PERFECTLY
Want a sled that’s as committed to you as you are to your passion? The 2014 XF Sno Pro® knows no boundaries. With its
137" RipsawTM II track, Arctic Race SuspensionTM and FasTrack® Slide-Action Rear Suspension,TM it’s the one machine that
promises to take you places perfectly groomed and perfectly not. To find your nearest dealer, go to arcticcat.com.
CLUTCH REFINEMENTS
LOWER OPERATING
TEMPS BY 30% FOR
IMPROVED BELT LIFE.
» Improved heat treating process for higher
quality and consistency on both clutches
» Deeper fins for improved cooling
» Improved high temp bearing material for
less friction and extended durability
» Additional body-panel clutch venting
Always wear a helmet and don’t drink and ride. Ripsaw™ is a trademark of Camoplast Inc. Arctic Cat,® Arctic Race Suspension,™ FasTrack,® Share Our Passion,™
Slide-Action Rear SuspensionTM and Sno Pro ® are trademarks of Arctic Cat Inc. ©2013 Arctic Cat Sales Inc., Thief River Falls, MN 56701.
Vol.3#2
13
NYSSA NEWS
Rosanne Warner
DID YOU KNOW?
Find Out About NYSnowmobiler.com and
the Information You Can Find There.
125 East Main Street
Rochester, NY 14604
Phone: 585.794.4812
www.rochester.hyatt.com
Reserve your hotel room online at:
https://resweb.passkey.com/go/
snowmobile2014
Or CALL HOTEL DIRECTLY FOR
RESERVATIONS
& SAY YOU ARE WITH NYSSA TO
OBTAIN THESE RATES!
Two Double Beds: $115 + tax
King: $115 + tax
Other room options are available online.
Must reserve by April 3 for these rates.
Plan to stay an extra day: Room rates are
valid April 23 – 27.
Guarantee Policy: Hotel requires that
all reservations be guaranteed by credit
card or cash/check deposit for one nights’
room and tax.
Hotel Check-In is 3pm and Check-Out is
12 noon.
Parking is in the South Avenue Parking
Garage connected to the Hotel, and is $4
per day. The height of the garage is 7 feet.
No trailers please.
The event will be held at the
Rochester Riverside Convention Center
123 E. Main Street
Rochester, NY
www.rrcc.com
For Tourism information:
www.visitrochester.com
14
Vol.3#2
I
often get asked questions about NYSSA
and where snowmobiling information can
be obtained. My first response is always,
“Have you checked the NYSSA website”?
Many riders across the state send
requests for information and many of those
requests come from people who did not even
think to check what is on NYSSA’s website.
I’m finding it’s a little known secret that a lot
of the information riders and clubs seek can
be found so easily. The NYSSA website is an
up-to-date information base with a vast array
of topics.
For instance: Did you know there’s a
Calendar of Events Page on the website?
Clubs can list their upcoming events on
that part of the site for free. Vintage shows,
chicken BBQ’s, club meetings and any other
club event can be posted on the site with
links to maps and directions. Check out the
Calendar of Events located on the left side
of the home page. By clicking on it you can
see all the upcoming events across the state.
Did you know there’s a special section
for members only?
If members create an account and log on,
a whole new list of options opens up on the
right side of the screen: Trail Information,
Member Discounts, Awards and Scholarship
Applications can be found here as well as
Club Information and NYSSA’s Bulletin
Board. All of these and more can be viewed
from the Members Only section.
Did you know you can easily access your
renewals for membership and snowmobile
registrations from the home page?
On the website there are convenient links to
access your club membership renewal and
register your sled. The links are located on
the left side of the home page and will take
you directly to the sites you need to renew
your sled for the season. It’s a one-stopshop and you can complete your renewals
in less than five minutes without the wait at
the DMV office. There are also instructions
located there for Out-of-State registrations.
AUBERGE LA GLAcièRE
SAINT-ZÉNON
LANAUDIÈRE
450 884-0250 / 1 855 884-0229
laglaciere.com
[email protected]
Under new management since 2012.
Secure parking, newly renovated rooms
and some of the best dining in the region.
whITE gETAwAy PAckAgE
3 nights in standard room
3 American-style breakfasts
■ Access to free services at the inn
(WiFi, spa, games room, etc.)
■
■
Valid December 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014.
Sunday night to Thursday night inclusively.
150$
per pers.,
double occ.,
taxes and service
extra
AUBERGE DU LAc TAUREAU ET SES cONDOS
SAINT-MIchEL-DES-SAINTS
LANAUDIÈRE
450 833-1919 / 1 877 822-2623
lactaureau.com
[email protected]
TAUREAU TOUR PAckAgE
4 nights
4 dinners (4 courses)
■ 4 full buffet breakfasts
■ Gratuities
■
■
Low season : November 2 to December 20, 2013 ;
January 1 to 25, 2014 ; March 9 to July 19, 2014.
High season : December 21 to 31, 2013 ; January 25
to March 8, 2014
AUBERGE LE cABANON
450 884-5762
aubergelecabanon.com
[email protected]
The ride of your life...
Enjoy your stay at Le Cabanon, in the
heart of the snowmobile kingdom.
Ride in the day and relax in the pool
or at the bar in the evening.
2 nights, double occ.
■ 2 table d’hôte dinners
for two (5 courses)
■ 2 full breakfasts for two
■
Low season,
per pers.,
in standard room,
double occ.
590$
High season,
per pers.,
in standard room,
double occ.
Gratuities incl.,
taxes extra
AUBERGE DU ViEUX MOULiN
SAINT-ZÉNON / LANAUDIÈRE
PAckAgE fOR TwO
554$
355$
taxes and service
extra, weekdays
only (Sunday to
Thursday)
FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE REGION, PACKAGES AND TRAIL
CONDITIONS AND TO RECEIvE OUR FREE PUBLICATIONS
LANAUDIèRE > 1 800 363-2788 MAURICIE > 1 800 567-7603
SAINTE-ÉMÉLIE-DE-L’ÉNERgIE
LANAUDIÈRE
450 884-0211 / 1 866 884-0211
auberge-lanaudiere.com
[email protected]
wINTER fUN
1 night in spacious room
1 table d’hôte dinner
(5 courses)
■ 1 hearty breakfast
■ Access to spas, saunas
and indoor pool.
■
■
Valid December 1, 2013
to March 31, 2014.
279$
for two persons,
taxes and service
included, valid
Sunday to Friday
snowmobilecountry.ca
CENTRAL NEW YORK
NYSSA NEWS
Continued
Did you know NYSSA publishes the New
York Snowmobiler online magazine every
month?
Every month NYSSA emails out an online
magazine with up-to-date information
about what is going on in the snowmobile
community. I’ve spoken to a lot of people
who receive the emails but have never really
clicked on the link or realized there’s an
online magazine attached to that email. All
NYSSA members with valid email addresses
lodging, cell phone service, snowmobile
parts and accessories, snowmobile tours and
your gas & electric bill. Other discounts are
available from Snow Trails TV, Tire Buyer,
NYSSA’s Visa Platinum Rewards Card and
of course Supertrax magazine.
Take a minute to check out the discounts
NYSSA works hard to provide for its
members and please take a minute to
check out the NYSSA Business Members
page as well. These businesses donate to
should be receiving a monthly email from
NYSSA with the magazine link included.
From the home page of NYSSA’s site you
can also view the magazines and check out
back issues. Clubs and county associations
are invited and encouraged to submit articles
for the monthly online magazine. If you’re
not receiving these emails, please contact
me with your email address at Secretary@
NYSnomobiler.com and I will make sure you
get on our email list.
snowmobiling and whenever possible, we
ask that you support the businesses that
support us.
GET AWAY TO
Explore
See Oneida County from
a whole new perspective
With more than 540 miles of wellgroomed trails, snowmobiling in Oneida
County is the perfect way to enjoy the
outdoors. Take a ride around Oneida Lake,
tour the Tug Hill Region, ride through the
North Country to the Tug Hill Plateau and
the world-famous Adirondack Park trails.
Add variety to winter when you…
get away to it all in Oneida County!
TheGetawayRegion.com/snowmobiling
800.426.3132 | #OneidaCountyNY
®
NYSDED, used with permission
16
Vol.3#2
Did you know NYSSA members receive
discounts for things ranging from tires to
hotel accommodations?
On the left side of the home page you can
click on the Member Discounts link that will
take you to a page where you can take a
discounted driver’s education class to reduce
points on your license or reduce the costs
you pay for auto insurance.
Other discounts offered exclusively to
NYSSA members include discounts on: Car
rentals, cruises and vacations, insurance,
... and one last Did You Know for the road.
Did you Know that other useful and
interesting things are available from
NYSSA’s site?
Videos, online trail maps and phone apps
can be found on the NYSSA site as well as
riding information and a Fun for Kids page
with printable craft projects for the kids.
This month there’s a snowmobile project
online provided by the Take a Friend Riding
campaign and it looks like a good one.
The NYSSA website is
www.NYSnomobiler.com
We hope you’ll check it out and see what
information we have for our members. Be
sure to click on the video link to see what
NYSSA is all about. l
LOCATED DIRECTLY ON OUR 52 ACRE PROPERTY!
r of
Proud sponso ty
oun
Oneida C ing
il
Snowmob
Inn
Beeches
at the
Rt. 26 North, Turin Road, Rome, NY
Ride up to the Inn at the Beeches ...
PARK YOUR SLED DIRECTLY
IN FRONT OF YOUR ROOM!
79
$
95
CENTRAL NEW YORK
MAIN ARTERY of one of NYS’s Snowmobile Trail System is
per night
Deluxe Snowmobile Package includes…
Lodging for Two • Full American
Breakfast • Plenty of Parking for your Trailer
FOR THIS OFFER PLEASE CALL
1–800–765–7251
Fireside Restaurant
& Lounge on premises!
Rome’s Only Three Diamond
Full Service Lodging!
Vol.3#2
17
ACSA NEWS
Bob Kirchner, American Council of Snowmobile Associations Vice President
Friends of ACSA
G
reetings from the American Council
of Snowmobile Associations!
Snowmobilers nationwide are checking
the forecasts and counting down the
days to the start of the greatest
recreational activity ever invented
(well, pretty close anyway)…
snowmobile season!
I’d like to beg your indulgence
for just a few moments, and then
we can all get back to enjoying the
anticipation of the sport we love.
After all that’s why we’re here, right?
I want to introduce you to the
American Council of Snowmobile
Associations, ACSA for short,
and ask for your help. Although
not widely known to the general
snowmobiling public, ACSA plays an
integral role in protecting your right to pursue
your favorite form of winter recreation.
ACSA is the voice of snowmobiling at the
national level. A majority of state snowmobile
associations belong to ACSA (like NYSSA and
20-plus state associations across the snowbelt).
They rely on ACSA’s efforts to address myriad
issues with the potential to adversely impact
our winter fun. Those issues range from
land access to potential restrictive federal
regulations to the E15 ethanol
market placement situation
that can render our machines
inoperable… or worse. Like
so many things today, our
issues are often not simply
and cooperatively solved; they
require vigilance on the national
level so snowmobilers’ rights
can be maintained and maybe
even enhanced.
As with most issues, and
sometimes battles, of this type,
funding is critical to assure
snowmobilers have a reputable
organization in their corner,
monitoring and addressing snowmobile issues across the snowbelt.
Become a Friend of ACSA
Contribution Levels
Please indicate the level of contribution you would like to make
Individual
Club
Bronze Level · $10-24____________
Bronze Level · $50_______________
Silver Level · $25-49______________
Silver Level · $100________________
Gold Level · $50-99______________
Gold Level · $150________________
Platium Level · $100-up___________
Platium Level · $200+_____________
Remit to ACSA:
271 Woodland Pass, Suit 216
East Lansing, MI 48823
Family
Business Contributor · $100_______
Phone: 517 351.4362
Fax: 517 351.1363
Email: [email protected]
Silver Level · $50-74______________
Bronze Level · $20-49____________
Gold Level · $75-99______________
Business Partner · $250___________
Associate · $1000________________
Platium Level · $100-up___________
Thank you
for your
support!
18
Vol.3#2
Total Contribution:____________________________________________
Name:_____________________________________________________________ Phone:____________________________________________________________
Address:___________________________________________________________
Email Address:_____________________________________________________
ADIRONDACKS
ACSA’s reach isn’t limited to these issues. ACSA
promotes safe, sensible riding and encourages
family participation in our sport. ACSA also
produces educational materials. If you’ve seen
the Safe Riders campaign, think ACSA. If you
haven’t, go to www.snowmobilers.org and then
on to www.snowmobileinfo.org for even more “in
depth” safety and access information.
Will you consider becoming a “Friend of ACSA”?
The Friends program isn’t a membership, though
we certainly welcome those at www.snowmobilers.
org. Rather, it’s a request to band together to
provide some additional funding to your national
voice. We won’t hound you in the future and your
“Friendship” doesn’t expire. Your donation just
helps ACSA improve and protect our sport. In
today’s environment, it is critically important we,
as snowmobilers are at the table. After all, as most
club volunteers know, the world is run by those who
show up!
Please take a look at the Friends of ACSA form
that accompanies this article and consider making
a tax deductible donation today.
Cool…now with that necessary item out of the
way, let’s get back to anticipating a great snow
season! l
Get the Adirondacks
FOR FREE.
FREE SNOWMOBILE MAP showing:
• More than 2500 miles of groomed trails
• 95% free trail access
• Lodging, dining and service locations
Great sled and stay packages available!
Click or call now!
FreeSledMap.com
518.846.8016
Vol.3#2
19
ADIRONDACKS
Come Join Us...
Re-Opening Sat., January 4
Cocktails & Dinner
Live Entertainment - Every Saturday Night!
Enjoy Dinner Saturdays 4-11pm
Snowmobilers Welcome!!!
177 Hudson Street, Warrensburg • 518-623-5599 • www.thelodgeonecholake.com
20
Vol.3#2
ADIRONDACKS
21
Vol.3#2
ADIRONDACKS
EYE ON NYSSA
Dominic Jacangelo, NYSSA Executive Director, [email protected]
The Trail Development and
Maintenance Fund, Sled Registration
Dollars, Snowmobile Clubs, and NYSSA
B
ack in the 1970s and 1980s, before some of
you were born (I promise to never say that
again), the NY Snowmobile Coordinating
Group (the predecessor of NYSSA) had been
hard at work educating the political leadership of
New York that if they were smart enough to create
at the time of your registration, to be dedicated
to the fund for the purpose of trail development
and maintenance. Initially this user fee generated
around $300,000 per year, barely enough to fund a
single county’s program today. The $5 is now $35
for club members and $90 for non club members.
a dedicated fund to support snowmobiling, the
sport could grow significantly in our State as an
economic engine. State Senator Ron Stafford, “Mr.
Adirondacks” as he was known, sponsored the
bill, and it became law in 1985. With the signing of
this law, the organized NY snowmobile program
was born. The program was primarily supported
by the registration fees paid by snowmobilers.
At the time the sponsors wrote that: “The
bill is to the benefit of all parties concerned.
The snowmobilers will for the first time have a
comprehensive program for the development
of a statewide trail system, something they
have sought for years. Local economics will be
bolstered by increased tourism and trade for small
business in a traditionally slow period of the year.”
Each year, approximately $5 million is generated
and dedicated to the Trail Development and
Maintenance Fund to support about 10,000 miles
of trail, as well as for the State’s administration of
the program. That $5 million supports an industry
worth $868 million to New York’s economy.
From Your Sled Registration To The Fund
The legislation set up the Snowmobile Trail Fund
and imposed a new $5 assessment, collected
22
Vol.3#2
From The Fund To The Clubs
Through an application by local sponsors
(municipalities), money is dispersed that reaches
the clubs who do the vast majority of work on
our trail network. Most of this work is done by
volunteers. While the trail fund is able to provide up
to $500 per mile (on average) for trail maintenance
and development, that money is easily consumed
by the cost of grooming and the construction of
structures (bridges and culverts) on the trails. A
new large groomer with drag can easily exceed
$200,000.
The difference between what it costs to
Purchase a new Yamaha snowmobile and get:
Purchase a new Yamaha snowmobile and get:
A
FREE
A
FREE
CONTOUR
CONTOUR+2
+2
®
®
IN ADDITION TO OTHER GREAT YAMAHA INCENTIVES, LIKE:
IN ADDITION TO OTHER GREAT YAMAHA INCENTIVES, LIKE:
up to $
SPECIAL
up to $1,000 CUSTOMER CASH,
1
SPECIAL
$ ,000 CUSTOMER CASH, AND
350 TRADE-MY-SLED
FINANCING
350
TRADE-MY-SLED
BONUS
ALLOWANCE
BONUS ALLOWANCE
$
AND
FINANCING
OFFERS
OFFERS
YamahaFallFocus.com
* Available while supplies last.
** On approved credit. See dealer for details. © 2013 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved.
™
Visit your nearest Yamaha dealer or PRO Yamaha dealer today. For more on PRO Yamaha dealers, visit yamaha-snowmobiles.com.
PRO YAMAHA DEALERS
BROWNELL’S SALES & SERVICE
11541 STATE ROUTE 40
SCHAGHTICOKE, NY
BROWNELLSMOTORSPORTS.COM
SPORTLINE POWER PRODUCTS
38 E QUAKER SERVICE RD
QUEENSBURY, NY
SPORTLINEPOWER.COM
CAPRARA’S OUTDOOR WORLD
OF PULASKI
3872 STATE ROUTE 13
PULASKI, NY
CAPRARAOUTDOOR.COM
DUTCHESS RECREATIONAL
VEHICLES
737 FREEDOM PLAINS RD
POUGHKEEPSIE, NY
DUTCHESSREC.COM
ALPIN HAUS SKI SHOP
4850 STATE HIGHWAY 30
AMSTERDAM, NY
ALPINHAUS.COM
CLAYTON MARINA SALES
& SERVICE, INC.
50 STATE ST
CLAYTON, NY
CLAYTONMARINA.COM
BIG MOOSE YAMAHA
ROUTE 28
EAGLE BAY, NY
BIGMOOSEONLINE.COM
CNY POWER SPORTS, LLC
3871 ROUTE 11
CORTLAND, NY
CNYPOWERSPORTS.COM
BLEVINS BROS., INC.
7384 STATE HIGHWAY 68
OGDENSBURG, NY
BLEVINSYAMAHA.COM
D & D POWER SPORTS, LLC
4527 STATE ROUTE 410
LOWVILLE, NY
DDRACING.COM
BLEVINS MOTORS, INC.
POTSDAM NORWOOD ROAD
POTSDAM, NY
BLEVINSYAMAHA.COM
DELAWARE SPORT CENTER
30104 STATE HIGHWAY 10
WALTON, NY
DELAWARESPORTCENTER.NET
EXCELL MOTORSPORTS, LLC
2292 STATE ROUTE 12
HUBBARDSVILLE, NY
EXCELLMOTORSPORTS.COM
PREFERRED POWERSPORTS
OF SYRACUSE, LLC
8932 BREWERTON RD
BREWERTON, NY
PREFERREDPOWERSPORTS.COM
E3655_YMC_FALL_FOCUS_NY_Snowmobiler_FA.indd 1
EAST SIDE YAMAHA
1 MILTON ST
BELMONT, NY
EASTSIDEGARAGE.COM
LONG ISLAND YAMAHA
67 N BROADWAY
HICKSVILLE, NY
LIKAWASAKI.COM
SNUG HARBOR MARINA
2374 W LAKE RD
ASHVILLE, NY
SNUGHARBORMARINE.COM
EDINBURG MARINA, INC.
140 N SHORE RD
NORTHVILLE, NY
EDINBURGMARINA.COM
M & R SPORTS AND
MOWER, INC.
2014 CRANE BROOK DR
AUBURN, NY
MANDRSPORTS.NET
SOVIES CYCLE SHOP
590 AMES RD
POTSDAM, NY
SOVIESCYCLESHOP.COM
GOWANDA STARCRAFT
11147 STAFFORD RD
GOWANDA, NY
GOWANDASTARCRAFT.COM
HOLLINK MOTOR SPORTS
386 S UNION ST
SPENCERPORT, NY
HOLLINKMOTORSPORTS.COM
LAKE CITY CHOPPERS, INC.
568 STATE ROUTE 3
PLATTSBURGH, NY
LAKECITYCHOPPERS.COM
MENNETO POWERSPORTS, INC.
1757 ROUTE 9
CLIFTON PARK, NY
MENNETO.COM
SPORTS UNLIMITED, INC.
5654 HORATIO ST
UTICA, NY
SPORTSUNLIMITEDNY.COM
MIKE’S CYCLE & SPORTS SHOP
MOUNTED RTE 26 TURIN RD
ROME, NY
STONE’S SNOW SLED
4386 MAPLE RIDGE RD
NEWARK, NY
STONESSNOWSLEDS.COM
SLED SHOP RACING, LLC
233 EAST HILL RD
BINGHAMTON, NY
SSRPOWERSPORTS.COM
VILLAGE MOTOR SPORTS, INC.
2886 STATE ROUTE 8
SPECULATOR, NY
VILLAGEMOTORSPORTS.COM
8/27/13 12:59 PM
EYE ON NYSSA
develop and maintain the trail and what the
state provides from the trail fund is made up
by the clubs. When you join your club, all the
money goes to the club except
the $5 that goes to NYSSA to
support statewide activities that
we frequently write about on
these pages. Without your club
membership most clubs could
not pay their bills.
By Comparison…
Vermont has a significantly
different approach to its
snowmobile program. The state
does everything through the
Vermont Association of Snow
Travelers, NYSSA’s counterpart
in Vermont. On average VAST
provides its clubs with $1000.00
per mile. Trail passes in Vermont
cost more than twice the $35
you pay in NY plus, you still need to have
a valid registration and a club membership.
There is no doubt that their trails are well
Continued
maintained. I guess you get what you pay for.
NYSSA Is NOT Part Of State Government!
NYSSA is a 501(c)(4) not-for-profit organization
that is dedicated to the welfare of the sport in
the state. We support a professionally staffed
office; fight anti snowmobiling legislation;
advocate for increased snowmobile access
to public land; fight for the recognition our
sport deserves as an economic contributor
to the NY economy; promote
snowmobile safety; answer
questions from landowners;
assist our members with
their problems and concerns;
ensure that a general liability
policy is in place that protects
all our generous landowners;
and assemble a package
of benefits for our members
that is worth far more than
their membership fee as well
as engage in many other
activities to promote the sport.
NYSSA is the largest
snowmobile association in
North America. We speak
as one voice for the entire
sport across the state. The
power of the association is in the collective
membership of the clubs and the many
individuals who make up those clubs.
chautau q ua
Next time you go for a ride, remember
that you are part of a community with a deep
heritage and a solid foundation in the state.
You are never riding alone, but are supported
by the many volunteers and clubs who make
it all work as one seamless network. l
REGISTER ONLINE
AND SAVE TIME!
To renew your snowmobile
registration with DMV Online,
go to
www.transact.dmv.ny.gov/
registrationrenew/?stype=s
(for NY Residents)
OR
www.dmv.ny.gov/OOSNO/
default.html
(if you live in another state)
Print your temporary
registration and you can ride
the same day!
Your official NYS DMV sled
stickers and registration
document will arrive via
US Mail within ten days.
24
Vol.3#2
clss-6th-page-v3_vert.pdf
8/26/13
12:01:22 PM
chautau q ua
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CMY
K
c h autau q ua
CY
Vol.3#2
25
Ski-Doo’s 900 ACE
Opens a New Market... Or Does It?
T
st. lawrence & jefferson
his year’s biggest news is Arctic Cat and Yamaha’s blending of their engineering talents to come up with an exciting line of hybrid
4-strokes. These similar yet different sleds, based on Cat’s ProCross platform, merged with Yamaha’s 1049cc triple, are both
exciting and revolutionary. Along the way, it’s taken the spotlight off the market leader.
26
Vol.3#2
Ski-Doo outsells any of its competition
and its success has been founded on the
amazingly light XP platform (now called the
XS) and a collection of super-clean, powerful
direct-injection 2-strokes. Ski-Doo’s 4-strokes
aren’t too shabby, either. The tiny 600 ACE
twin, rated at 60-hp, is an overachiever
and gets very high kudos for incredible gas
mileage. It’s not everyone’s power choice but
it serves a very important role at the bottom of
Ski-Doo’s engine line-up.
Ski-Doo’s 1200 4-TEC triple is growing
in popularity with the long distance and
high performance crew. Its bulletproof
reliability and impressive power right up
into hypersled territory makes it a very
appealing alternative to 2-stroke power for
performance-minded riders.
We were a bit puzzled last January
when Ski-Doo’s new ACE 900 triple was
introduced. Was this an answer to a question
no one was asking? Is a 90-hp 4-stroke
what the market wants? We’ve ridden this
sled on several different occasions and
actually had a press unit for about a month
last winter. We’ll fill you in on the details and
let you be the judge of whether or not it fits
the current marketplace.
Engine + Chassis = Still Light
It’s difficult to judge an engine on its pure
engineering merits without talking about
the chassis it sits in. In our experience, the
two most appealing versions of the 900 are
The new 900 ACE triple is extremely
compact in its design and may be one of
the lightest snowmobile 4-strokes ever in
this power range.
when it’s under the hood of this year’s 120inch MX-Z TNT or the 137-inch Renegade
Adrenaline. These two lightweights respond
beautifully to the extra mass of the 900 ACE
S AV E
63
%
3 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION
(12 issues delivered to your home)
NEWSSTAND PRICE
$
59.88
YOU SAVE
$
36.89
YOU PAY ONLY
22.99
$
SUBSCRIBE ONLINE NOW
supertraxmag.com
OR CALL TOLL-FREE
1.800.905.TRAX (8729)
Vol.3#2
27
There’s barely any difference in handling with this low-mass 4-stroke compared to a 2-stroke.
4-stroke, which in reality is extremely light.
This year’s TNT comes with the warmer XS
bodywork and Ski-Doo’s incredible rMotion
skid. In this report we’ll focus specifically on
the MX-Z because it is slightly lighter than
its Renny sibling. The truth is, the 900 TNT
at 485 lbs. dry, only weighs about 29 pounds
more than the same sled equipped with a 600
E-TEC 2-stroke.
After trail riding it we can honestly declare
you can barely feel the difference. What you
do feel is a drop-off at top end - and why not?
This sled makes easily 30-hp less than the
2-stroke. However, balancing this off is a huge
dose of 4-stroke bottom-end pull that, certainly
from the rider’s seat-of-the-pants intuition,
matches the 600’s. This is particularly nice
at low and medium trail speeds where the
sled pulls up to speed briskly and then has
plenty of mid-range to zap you out of corners.
It will break the track loose at sensible trail
speeds and put the sled into a very pleasing
oversteer situation with the tail out and speed
accumulating. Try this at higher speeds and
there isn’t sufficient power to do the same
thing. At this point, you rely on the great
handling characteristics of the XS platform.
Power Is Relative
We need to talk about horsepower. Yes, the
900 ACE falls into a horsepower range no
one else is playing in. It’s interesting, in this
power-obsessed activity, that Ski-Doo would
target an audience that appears to be almost
invisible. However, go back a few years and
check out the horsepower range of some of
the most popular sleds ever made and you’ll
find a long list that generated ponies in the 90
to 100 range. We’re thinking Polaris XLTs, Cat
ZR 600s and S-bodied MX-Zs from the 1990s.
Guaranteed, these sleds weighed as much
or more than the 2013 TNT with a 90-hp mill.
Then you can make comparisons between
this sled and a longer list of 500-classers, past
and present. Cat’s F-bodied 500 (F-5) makes
85 hp, Yamaha’s Phazer GT makes 80. Both
these sleds outweigh Ski-Doo’s package.
So, in relative terms, the power-to-weight
mathematics makes sense. Of course, riding
the sled is the biggest influencer of all. SkiDoo has changed-up the rules with the
900 ACE by including drive-by-wire (DBW)
technology. You can look at this two ways.
You can stomp your foot and say Ski-Doo is
guilty of “over-teching” or you can embrace
this as ground-breaking technology with some
distinct advantages.
Drive-by-wire or non-mechanical throttle
tech is something nearly every auto
manufacturer is currently using. Instead of
cables, levers, linkages and brackets, the
drive-by-wire uses simple electrical wire,
servos and sensors to convey the driver’s
intentions to the single throttle valve. This is
extremely light on the thumb and, as Ski-Doo
demonstrated to us, works without hesitation
or lag. Squeeze the flipper and the throttle
body’s butterfly moves appropriately.
There are three modes, or engine settings,
you can select with a handlebar switch:
Eco, for maximum gas mileage; Regular,
for normal trail riding; and Sport, for more
aggressive riding. We found that Eco is a
setting that works best when you’re riding
long distances only at a very consistent (and
slower) pace and want the very best fuel
economy at even throttle settings, otherwise
it’s pretty boring. Regular mode is fairly
mushy but would probably be a good setting
for a conservative or novice rider. Sport
mode delivers everything the 900 can offer
and is likely where most snowmobilers will
leave the switch dialed. It’s at this pace you
can fully appreciate the balance between fuel
economy and trail performance this engine is
capable of delivering.
Ski-Doo’s Magic Recipe
Throttle effort is so light with DBW it takes
some getting used to. The net result is way
less hand fatigue, especially for women and
teenaged riders. Since the basic electronics
are already in place with the sled’s EFI system
(processor, sensors, battery) why not add this
hi-tech feature? We think you’ll be seeing it on
more Ski-Doo 4-strokes down the road.
In typical Ski-Doo fashion, the 900 ACE engine
has had every gram of excess weight shaved off
to make it as light as possible. In fact, the engine
is one and a half 600 ACEs. The same twin-cam
cylinder head design is used and the rod lengths,
28
Vol.3#2
S P E C U L AT O R
(518) 548-4521
WARM UP. GEAR UP.
• General Store
• Hot Food & Drinks
• Full Grocery Store
(518) 548-7451
• Name Brand Outerwear
• Adirondack Gifts
• Outdoor Sports Gear
(518) 548-6123
THE FOUR CORNERS, SPECULATOR, NY
Vol.3#2
29
fulton
When packaged with the fluffy-light XS platform, the ACE 900 engine-chassis combo is
lighter than many of the most popular performance sleds of the past.
30
Vol.3#2
crank throws and pretty much everything else internally
is the same, except for the extra cylinder. This is a really
good strategy because the 600 ACE, now going into its
third year of production, is proving to be stone reliable
and very fuel-efficient.
It must be interesting to sit in on some of Ski-Doo’s
product planning meetings. The company already
makes a couple of incredibly miserly 2-strokes engines that match and exceed all or any (including
their own) 4-stroke’s gas consumption. Could SkiDoo have achieved the same result with a 500
E-TEC? Good question, but the point is there’s
a growing segment of buyers who want 4-stroke
snowmobiles and this power range may well be a
bulls-eye for them. l
Vol.3#2
31
Photo: Melinda Van Patten
e Marina
Photo: Caroga Lak
Photo: Caroga
RIDE NEW YORK:
Fulton
county
Plenty to Do!
W
hat is it that makes sledding in Fulton County a great way to “Relax, Play,
Wander and Discover? Known as the land of 44 lakes, the county boasts over
170 miles of groomed trails linking the Mohawk Valley of Central New York to
the southern Adirondacks. Saratoga, Montgomery, Herkimer, and Hamilton counties are
all interconnected to the Fulton County Trails. In fact, just as the New York State Thruway
system makes highway travel easy for the state’s motorists‚ snowmobiling corridors allow
riders to traverse all over the Empire State. Several of those corridors run right through Fulton
County‚ allowing both local and visiting riders access to all parts of the state and beyond.
Since the early seventies, the county
has been developing a multi-use trail
system available for hiking, mountain
biking, horseback riding, and snowmobiling.
The region’s four-season approach to
outdoor recreation has helped snowmobile
enthusiasts, and the businesses that support
them, sing “Happy Trails.” The county’s
website even features a map of the region,
with links to active clubs and dealerships
offering sleds, equipment and servicing.
http://www.44lakes.com/map/Snowmobiling/
Fulton_County_Snowmobiling.
Plenty of Snow!
A typical Fulton County winter drops over
100 inches of snow in the region. Fulton
folks can’t bear to spend the winters indoors.
Should snow conditions prove marginal,
their creative juices flow! With an average
temperature of 19 degrees in the month
of January, sledders often join local ice
32
Vol.3#2
Lake Marina
fisherman, taking advantage of the many
stocked lakes and ponds. The Sacandaga
Lake boasts its own walleye competition
every year. Snowmobilers on Canada Lake
have been seen taking their favorite yellow
labs out for a quick sled. Nearby Caroga
Lake (www.carogalakeny.com) is home to
the Royal Mountain Motocross and Ski Area.
It transforms the hills and trails used by
motorcycles during the summer into downhill
ski courses in the winter. Caroga also hosts
an annual New Year’s polar plunge, and
outhouse races are held each January on
its frozen shores. Several cross country ski
areas provide other opportunities for outdoor
relaxation, by Nordic ski or snowshoe, and
three state parks boast groomed trails as
well. Just hanging out at the local clubhouse
is a favorite pastime: the Oppenheim
Trailblazers of Dolgeville have one of the
prettiest Adirondack-style clubhouses ever
seen, sporting an inviting bar and decorated
Photo: Jerry Rasiak
Photo: Je
rry Rasiak
Photo: Jerry Rasia
k
with a vintage sled in the overhead beams.
The widest part of The Great Sacandaga
Lake, formerly known as the Sacandaga
Reservoir, is located north of Fulton County’s
two cities, Johnstown and Gloversville. Information about weekly benefit charity
runs, the annual Snow Rally Scavenger Hunt,
as well as their winter Walleye Ice Fishing
Contest, can be found here: http://www.
visitsacandaga.com/winter.htm. Voted as the
2nd hottest area in the country for nightlife
for snowmobile enthusiasts, make sure to
visit this website for listings of entertainment
options. It’s not uncommon to find 300 to 400
sleds parked outside the Sport Island Pub or
Lanzi’s on the Lake.
You’ll find a wide variety of ways to relax
and play. You’ll discover that each small
town and village along the trails offers many
choices for food and fun throughout Fulton,
with names as colorful as the patrons who
frequent them: Vrooman’s, The Maple Tree
Knoll, The Outlet, Robin’s Nest, Mary Anne’s,
Lanza’s on the Lake, and the Timeless
Tavern. Each place will be full of people who
love snowmobiles and the people who ride
them. These patrons love to party, but are
also available in a heartbeat to help out in
emergency situations, too.
So, come to our county. Ride for miles
beside the rivers and streams, discover our
many lakes, and enjoy the 74,832 acres of
wild forests of Fulton. Panoramic vistas of
this gateway to the southern Adirondacks
appear at every turn, and a welcome smile
greets every newcomer! NYSSA’s website,
www.nysnowmobiler.com, has links to the
various clubs in the region, who provide trail
maps to help you find your way. For further
information, call the Fulton County Chamber
at 800-676-3858 or stop by and visit them at
2 N. Main Street in Gloversville, NY 12078.
Their website, boasting an interactive map,
can be found at www.44lakes.com. l
C l u bs in F u lton
Bleecker Snow Rovers
bleeckersnowrovers.com
Charlton Snowmobile Club
charltonsnowmobileclub.com
Ful-Mont Snow Travelers
fulmontsnowtravelers.com
Nick Stoner Trailers
nickstonertrailers.com
Oppenheim Trail Blazers
freewebs.com/oppenheim_trailblazers/
Royal Mountain Moonlighters
royalmountainmoonlighters.com
Southern Adirondack Snowmobile Assoc.
soadsnow.com
Snowdrifters of Stratford
2013-14 nyssa officers
President: James Elmore, [email protected]
Vice President: Randall Phillips, [email protected]
Treasurer: John Occhino, [email protected]
Secretary: Rosanne Warner, [email protected]
Vol.3#2
33
Photos by Anne O’Dell
RIDE NEW YORK:
DelawarE
county
Great Western Catskill
Beauty!
Submitted by Mary Beth Silano, Executive
Director, Delaware County Chamber of
Commerce, and Dave Sprague, Delaware
County Director for NYSSA.
34
Vol.3#2
W
hy should you visit Delaware County, NY…the Great Western Catskills? Our
mountains roll gently, and are cut with river valleys, dotted with farmland,
forests and charming Main Streets. You’re guaranteed to have one of those
moments where the vista is so breathtaking; you just stop and take it in.
The Great Western Catskills has over 200
miles of marked and groomed trails. Contact
one of our local clubs for access points, trail
conditions and a copy of our “Get out and
Ride the Great Western Catskills Snowmobile
Trail Map.”
Riding – up and down!
If you are used to riding the wide open, rolling
fields of western New York, or the relatively
flat land on Tug Hill, you may find riding
Delaware County much more of a challenge.
You’ll be traversing trails through the Catskill
Mountains. While the mountain peaks are
not as high here as to the north, you’ll still be
going up and down much more than you’ll be
riding on flat land. Old logging roads twist and
turn down the slopes, and are an exercise in
speed and steering control.
A good place to start
If you’ve never visited this area before,
a good place to start is the Bear Spring
Mountain Wildlife Management Area. There
are several parking areas for trucks and
trailers. Truck trails provide some flatter,
open riding, and multi use trails provide the
hill climbs and some fabulous vistas. From
here, you can get to Downsville for lunch,
and then head north toward Delancey and
Hamden. Trails in the northern part of the
county connect to our neighbors to the west
in Otsego and to the north in Schoharie. Due
to the restrictive nature of land classification
in the Catskill Park, some connections to the
east have been lost.
Go North from here…
And one of the first sights you will see when
you arrive is the spectacular mountains and
valleys dotted with farm lands. You will find
a wide array of terrain, from the old railroad
beds to the wide open fields and then to
the mountains. Some of the mountain trails
can be challenging to say the least, however
once you have made it to the top of these
mountains you will find the most breathtaking
view. Many of the trails have areas to pull off
the trail to enjoy the view. The trail system
is one that will challenge you and your
machine. All trails are well signed and will
lead you food, fuel and lodging, with a wide
array of food to chose from. You are sure
to get filled up after the ups and downs of
our trails. Once you come and snowmobile
in Delaware County, you will make it one of
your favorite snowmobile destinations.
After Snowmobile Season
After snowmobile season ends, you can
grab your fishing pole, hiking boots, or take
a back road motorcycle ride to welcome the
warming months of spring time! As summer
begins, farmer’s markets and festivals,
back road antiquing, weekend auctions,
community theater performances and art
workshops are in full swing. Kayakers are
on the rivers and reservoirs, cyclists on the
roads, horses are saddled up and golfers are
yelling “fore!” When the evenings cool down,
campfires are blazing and harvest is coming
off the farm, fall is on the way. Jump on board
a scenic train or take a chair lift up a ski slope
for the most colorful spectacle of Mother
Nature. When the leaves are down and the
mountains are covered in a blanket of white,
we are still the best place to be. Ski or tube
down our slopes, snowmobile through our
delaware
Vol.3#2
35
woods on over 200 miles of trails, or for a
slower pace slip on snowshoes or cross
country skis for a nice trek.
Whether you are looking for outdoor
adventure, or looking for that relaxing break
without all the “stuff” you’re looking to take a
break from, experience it all in the Great Western
Catskills of Delaware County New York.
Places to Rest
Choose from our small style family resorts,
one of our many B & B’s, under the stars in
our campgrounds, thematic contemporary
lodging or experience life on a farm.
Whether you’re looking for a quaint country
inn, a bed & breakfast nestled on a treelined Main Street, fishing or family resort, a
convenient motel, a summer campground,
a personal cabin or a vacation rental for a
family reunion, or a simply a just “rest your
head” kind of place, you’ll find the full array
of lodging options in the Great Western
Catskills. Check out our “Stay and Play
Packages” on-line!
Eateries
When you’ve worked up a hunger with all
there is to do here, we’ve got soul satisfying
food from classic country BBQ to just off the
farm fresh fare to recharge you. Ask for local
product as more and more restaurants are
offering it! Check out a nearby tavern, café
or restaurant and you just might get some
local music with your meal too. Hours vary,
so call ahead. l
schoharie
Clubs in Delaware
For more info:
Delaware County Chamber of Commerce
1-607-746-2281
Toll-Free: 1-866-775-4425
www.delawarecounty.org
www.greatwesterncatskills.com
36
Vol.3#2
Central Catskill Trail Association • centralcatskilltrail.com
D & D Snow Diggers • danddsnowdiggers.com
Delaware, Otsego, Chenango Snow Riders • docsnowriders.com
Delaware Valley Ridge Riders • delawarevalleyridgeriders.com
Hamden Hill Ridge Riders • hamdenhillridgeriders.com
Maywood Snow Riders • maywoodsnowriders.com
Otego Sno-Goers • otegosnowgoers.com
Delaware County Federation of Snowmobile Clubs ….Like us on Facebook.
Jim Rolf, NYSSA Trails Coordinator, [email protected]
Making Trails Happen
T
his time of year, much discussion takes place regarding how those people undertaking most of the workload on the snowmobile
trails (that we all get to enjoy) are getting older and more tired each year. Most of the people doing the work are longstanding club
members who voluntarily joined their clubs years ago. Their goal was to open up trails to be able to ride in their local areas and
legally access businesses while connecting to neighboring clubs. There was no incentive back then for those people to support a club
but they did it because it was the right thing to do.
Many of the trails that were goat-paths in
the beginning, with no funding at all coming
in, are now approved trails and funded
through the NYS Parks snowmobile unit
which administers the Trail Fund Program that
reimburses the expense of maintaining these
trails. Countless hours of work have gone into
transforming those single-width goat trails to
what we see today.
The snowmobile trail system in this State
has morphed over the past 30 years into
a vast network of funded trails across 47
counties where over 225 snowmobile clubs
and some ten towns maintain over 10,000
miles of those Park’s-approved trails. Trail
mileage and trail classification dictate what a
responsible Trail Maintenance Entity (TME)
receives in reimbursement funding each
season (based on snowmobile registration
revenue). The rate-per-mile and classification
is set by the Parks snowmobile unit. TMEs
must provide proof they actually performed
the work required and spent at least the
amount their respective trail miles totaled in
order to be reimbursed for their efforts. That’s
a lot of volunteer work being performed and
then entered, with millions of dollars being
accounted for, on average above what the
Trail Fund Program can reimburse. The pie
just isn’t big enough!
The volunteers who perform the “work” on
the trails: Groomers, bridges, culverts, signs,
and anything else that would be considered
“trail maintenance”, keep record of their hours
worked and what equipment is used. Data for
that work and equipment used is then entered
into a State online system where it can be
audited. Trails are mandated to be GPSed
in order to remain being funded. Those clubs
that have gone out and GPSed their trails and
then had to go back to translate the data from
the receiver to software that is compatible
with Parks’ software, are finding that task a bit
overwhelming in some cases. Re-routes have
to be re-GPSed and all new trails have to be
GPSed before being considered for approval.
These volunteers are dedicated to providing
safe trails for all to ride.
TMEs purchase groomers for wintertime
work on the trails. Many also purchase other
equipment such as tractors, ATVs, brush hogs,
chainsaws, UTVs, and utility trailers to haul
everything around to the trailhead locations.
The use of equipment can be reimbursed
Vol.3#2
37
Continued
at set rates. As I pointed out above, the
volunteers’ work-hours while using these
pieces of equipment all need to be tallied and
entered into the Parks online database. The
hours entering this data are not reimbursable,
as they are considered “administrative”. This
is just another example of the volunteer work
performed by a small percentage of people
who maintain the whole NYS Snowmobile
Trail System for everyone.
Snowmobile clubs usually receive around
60-percent of their expenditures in actual
costs, labor, equipment usage, and any other
qualifying expenses. Some are closer to
100-percent funding, while many are even
farther apart. Fundraisers can help make
up their differences in order to survive like a
business. Guess who works those events as
well? More volunteers, that’s who, and usually
they’re the same ones referred to above.
In case you haven’t gotten my point yet,
it’s this: There’s a lot that goes into providing
open, safe snowmobile trails in NYS each
and every season. An educated guess would
be that less than 5-percent of the registered
snowmobilers in NYS are responsible for
volunteering for the “trail work”, grooming, and/
or other club functions. You might be asking:
Why do they do all that work voluntarily? Not
for the paychecks, obviously! Then is it solely
for the benefit of their club, their community,
and the local businesses? I hear that a lot.
How about for the fun of it, and to meet people
with the same passion as them? I’ve heard
that some too… but not much. Because “no
one else will do it”? BINGO! I hear that one
the most. l
We Need New Blood!
Chenango County Trails
DON’T PASS US BY!
®NYSDED
• 300 miles of funded trails
• 180” annual snowfall
• 112,000 acres state land
Visit www.chenangoNY.org or call 1-877-CHENANGO
Like us on facebook! www.facebook.com/ChenangoTourism
38
Vol.3#2
These generous volunteers are getting
tired and aren’t getting younger. They
need help from some “new blood”.
Without this new help, the trails will
ultimately suffer. TMEs will be forced to
give up miles that they can’t handle safely
and responsibly. We’ll have fewer trails to
ride, and they’ll be poorly groomed due to
fewer groomer operators.
So, I’m hoping this article is read by
those who aren’t “fully in the loop” yet
with their local clubs or where they ride
the most. Our hope is this information will
lead to a better understanding of what it
takes for the snowmobile clubs to build
and maintain the trails we all ride. You
know who you are.
Yes, we’re all busy, but these TMEs
need your help. Please think hard about
stepping up and getting involved in any of
the above-mentioned volunteer activities.
Everyone has a skill that can be utilized,
no matter what it is. From the fundraisers,
to the data entry, to the club newsletter
mailings, to the trail work, to groomer
maintenance, to grooming… WE NEED
YOUR HELP! And for those few who
just can’t find the time or make the effort,
clubs certainly appreciate and accept
monetary donations too! STAY RIGHT
AND BETWEEN THE STAKES!!!
3
Vol.3#2
39
HIDDEN
ROCKS
ARE MAYHEM
The cost of fixing a snowmobile can end your season early.
So get an Allstate Agent. They’ll help make sure you’re
protected all season long.
LOCAL AGENT I 866-678-1101 I ALLSTATE.COM
BUNDLE
Actual costs will vary and may depend on coverages selected. Coverage and discounts subject to terms, availability and qualifications and may not be available in all states. Allstate Indemnity Company,
Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Northbrook, IL and Allstate New Jersey Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Bridgewater, NJ. © 2013 Allstate Insurance Company
40
Vol.3#2