A good read is the DNR snowmobile regulations. [url]http://dnr.wi.gov/org/es/enforcement/DO ... e_regs.pdf[/url]
I took snowmobile safety with my son earlier last month. Even though I have been snowmobiling for a number of years I learned a lot from the class. One of the newer requirements is anybody, regardless of age, born after 12/31/1984 is required to take snowmobile safety.
And yes, attending club meetings, functions, brushing, etc. is also a great way to meet new friends, learn more about snowmobiling, and help maintain the trails we all use.
Got stoped this weekend by the DNR
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BackRoads Pub
- Posts: 59
- Joined: Tue Feb 24, 2009 1:12 pm
HOT TOPIC!!
In my opinion you have a good case, I know if Kennedy was still judge here he would throw it out! As far as Leon goes I haven't had the luxury of his presence but I know he is a fair man and knowing that "I" would take it to him and fight it. Mind you that is my own opinion!! Keep us informed as to the out come if you do decide to fight it!!
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FormulaZ583
- Posts: 51
- Joined: Wed Jan 10, 2007 10:29 pm
Like I said in the beginning of my first post I understand I was in the wrong but what I was trying to get at and make a point of was they had me stopped in the middle of a road/trail which is unsafe and the second thing is a 100+ dollar fine is a little steep considering the trail was not exactly marked the greatest where I got on the road. And in no way am I blaming anyone for not marking the trails good enough because I love this trail system and think its the best in the state hands down and have been riding it for years. So no one is to blame but myself for taking that gamble but like I've stated all things considered I feel what I got is to stiff of a penalty.
Oh and yes I took my snowmobile safety when I was 12
Oh and yes I took my snowmobile safety when I was 12
[QUOTE=FormulaZ583;10420]Like I said in the beginning of my first post I understand I was in the wrong but what I was trying to get at and make a point of was they had me stopped in the middle of a road/trail which is unsafe and the second thing is a 100+ dollar fine is a little steep considering the trail was not exactly marked the greatest where I got on the road. And in no way am I blaming anyone for not marking the trails good enough because I love this trail system and think its the best in the state hands down and have been riding it for years. So no one is to blame but myself for taking that gamble but like I've stated all things considered I feel what I got is to stiff of a penalty.
Oh and yes I took my snowmobile safety when I was 12[/QUOTE]
Just curious, did the warden ask to see your safety card if you are born after 1985?
Oh and yes I took my snowmobile safety when I was 12[/QUOTE]
Just curious, did the warden ask to see your safety card if you are born after 1985?
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FormulaZ583
- Posts: 51
- Joined: Wed Jan 10, 2007 10:29 pm
This is another case where ,IMO, it was a simple money grab. Unless there is a history of major problems on that 1 mile stretch of Roberts Lk. Rd. then why the need for ruining someones weekend? Certainly a warning would have had the same effect as an actual ticket.
Especially in such a questionable part of the trail. I personnally got separated from the trail at that very spot a couple times when 1st riding the area.
This kind of thing really sticks in my craw, as does the phrase "rules are rules"....I prefer to think beyond the "rule" and try to understand "the spirit of the law",...in other words "whats the problem?" Was there a recent incident in this area?, are sleds running cars off the road????, I doubt it,...there are only a few homes on the entire stretch of Roberts lake road!!
And how many are unoccupied all winter?
I hope this occupation by Johnny law certainly DOES NOT become the "norm" in what I consider the best kept trails in the state....if it does, it will definately result in LESS revenue for local business owners as ppl will eventually avoid the area.
Especially in such a questionable part of the trail. I personnally got separated from the trail at that very spot a couple times when 1st riding the area.
This kind of thing really sticks in my craw, as does the phrase "rules are rules"....I prefer to think beyond the "rule" and try to understand "the spirit of the law",...in other words "whats the problem?" Was there a recent incident in this area?, are sleds running cars off the road????, I doubt it,...there are only a few homes on the entire stretch of Roberts lake road!!
And how many are unoccupied all winter?
I hope this occupation by Johnny law certainly DOES NOT become the "norm" in what I consider the best kept trails in the state....if it does, it will definately result in LESS revenue for local business owners as ppl will eventually avoid the area.
When we were brushing last month we saw several cars go by.
In the defense of the law, there clearly was a sign stating no snowmobiles, at least where the ticket was written. It is the officer's job to enforce the law. If there is a reasonable reason as to why someone may have been driving on the road anyway (missed the turn as the trail went back into the woods/no sign there) then you can take it up in court. Most likely, with a few pictures and a map, you can get this one overturned. And based on the amount of attention this thread has generated, perhaps there should be a no snowmobiling sign put up on that corner.
There must be a reason why the no snowmobiling sign is posted on that road. Maybe there are local residents who don't want the sleds going by there house, maybe too many people went flying down the road and upset the locals, maybe there was an accident or near accident there, I don't know. Regardless, it is now a no snowmobiling zone and we have to honor it or face the consequences. Continuing to violate the law (by driving on the road) will do nothing but draw more attention to that area and put a bad name on our sport.
When I was a kid (16 years old with a valid motorcycle license) I drove my motorcycle thru a park. I got pulled over as I was leaving the park. There was a sign there that said no motorized vehicles. When I told the officer the route I had taken into the park and that there was no sign he let me go. I was lucky. So I can totally relate to the frustration of getting a ticket for doing something you didn't know was wrong.
In the defense of the law, there clearly was a sign stating no snowmobiles, at least where the ticket was written. It is the officer's job to enforce the law. If there is a reasonable reason as to why someone may have been driving on the road anyway (missed the turn as the trail went back into the woods/no sign there) then you can take it up in court. Most likely, with a few pictures and a map, you can get this one overturned. And based on the amount of attention this thread has generated, perhaps there should be a no snowmobiling sign put up on that corner.
There must be a reason why the no snowmobiling sign is posted on that road. Maybe there are local residents who don't want the sleds going by there house, maybe too many people went flying down the road and upset the locals, maybe there was an accident or near accident there, I don't know. Regardless, it is now a no snowmobiling zone and we have to honor it or face the consequences. Continuing to violate the law (by driving on the road) will do nothing but draw more attention to that area and put a bad name on our sport.
When I was a kid (16 years old with a valid motorcycle license) I drove my motorcycle thru a park. I got pulled over as I was leaving the park. There was a sign there that said no motorized vehicles. When I told the officer the route I had taken into the park and that there was no sign he let me go. I was lucky. So I can totally relate to the frustration of getting a ticket for doing something you didn't know was wrong.
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robertslakekidrev600ho
- Posts: 78
- Joined: Wed Aug 02, 2006 10:59 am
I know the exact position you are talking about. We have a place on roberts lake and we never take that trail because it is ALWAYS the worst trail ever, narrow, tight and twisty and never good snow.
I know I am in the wrong here but I take that road instead of the trail because IMO the trail is dangerous. that and it is easier to just take the road (and faster). Also there are NO houses on that section of the road between the trails crossings. And also there IS a no snowmobile sign at the intersection by the camping area, but at the spot you took a picture of there is no sign.
Now onto the snowmobile safety card..... I took it when I was 12 (23 now). I don't even know where the card is, they honestly give you a ticket if you dont have that card??? I now know why I don't support trail riding. I'll stick to sno-x racing. No DNR BS there. The area is getting more and more heavily patrolled and that it NOT good for the area. It is the hidden gem of the state that is getting more popular and soon it will be extinct.
I know I am in the wrong here but I take that road instead of the trail because IMO the trail is dangerous. that and it is easier to just take the road (and faster). Also there are NO houses on that section of the road between the trails crossings. And also there IS a no snowmobile sign at the intersection by the camping area, but at the spot you took a picture of there is no sign.
Now onto the snowmobile safety card..... I took it when I was 12 (23 now). I don't even know where the card is, they honestly give you a ticket if you dont have that card??? I now know why I don't support trail riding. I'll stick to sno-x racing. No DNR BS there. The area is getting more and more heavily patrolled and that it NOT good for the area. It is the hidden gem of the state that is getting more popular and soon it will be extinct.
2005 Ski-Doo REV adrenaline 600HO SDI...blingin'
2006 Ski-Doo REV 440x...for this race season!!!
2006 Ski-Doo REV 440x...for this race season!!!