Take a Friend for a Ride

[toolman]

I believe "Take a Friend for a Ride" has been a theme this year to get people that haven't ever been, or haven't been out riding for a while to get them out to see how things have changed, and hopefully get them interested in riding again. I'm wondering how many of you did this this year? I took several people out riding this year, one who had never been before and two who hadn't since the late 70's. I ask this because I was quite surprised, I had a friend of mine from MN join my group who was out riding for 5 days this past week. I put him on my 2-up machine, gave him some basic instruction, took him for some short rides to get use to things and off we went as a group. He kept up to us quite well untill at one point he hit some ice on a road and rolled the machine. Other than some bruises, perhaps to his ego and body everything was ok, and the machine being a Ski-doo has a break away windshield so no harm done there either. Unfortunalty after that, his speed decreased quite a bit and we spent a lot time waiting at stop signs and intersections for him and the person at the end for the rest of the day, but no harm in that either. So why was I surprised? He called me today asking me questions about sleds that he was looking at that are for sale! He said he had such a great time with us he wants to buy a sled so he can go riding! I thought that was pretty cool, and not what I expected at all. If you haven't taken anyone and you can, do it!

[Av25842]

My group took out our friend and his wife this year for their first time. He crashed into a tree on the first trail. There was minor front end damage, mainly bent supports. Then later that day his wife was riding that sled and rear ended another one of our sleds causing a busted tail light and more front end damage to that sled. But on a plus note we did get my friends cousin back out and he has been riding with us for the past month after not riding for 2 years. And he is already planning on brushing with us next year.

[toolman]

Yeah I had somewhat of a similar experience with someone who had never rode before, didn't want to bring it up, might discourge others!

[Av25842]

I just look at it as it happens. I've done it and I know many people who havein their first year. Thats why we keep a couple of older sleds around because the parts are easy to find and they are easy to fix.

[Roger]

I talked to one rider that took a friend riding that hadn't been out in 10 years and he didnt remember the trails being so nice. Great to see this happening.:thumbup:

[johnr75]

I was introduced to sledding when i was about 10 as my father and cousin bought 2 mercs,a scorpion and then a ski-doo. All beaters but then when i bought my own sled at 17( a late 80's srv) i rode that thing till everything except the motor broke on it! Then after a few years i dumped it off as i didnt have time to play with it. A few years ago(now im 32) came up here to my friends to do some ice fishing and went home with a 92 safari,which we still keep as a backup for anyone who wants to come up and join us.

Im glad to be back in the sport and [U]with that purchase of the safari about 5 years ago it prompted my friends to buy three new cats ,1 used cat,1 used yam, a polaris ultra for me and now my newest trade was for an 01 MXZ 800 [/U]which i love!!!!! Another friend is on tap for next season as hes already looking for a good deal! My friends brother in law came up and after learning to turn when you see the arrow signs instead of going off trail he loves it, even though he cant afford one right now thats what spares are for, right????:thumbup:

Sorry to be longwinded but yes this year i think i contributed to the cause so to speak. Sitting here wiped out from a great ride today and going to get some rest to do it again for a few tomorrow before i have to head back to work monday.