"A" Doesn't always stand for something good......

[toolman]

We had an excellent ride today on the 100 miler leaving from the Valley Inn heading up to Wabeno on the grade and then leaving Wabeno on the 100 miler around through Armstrong Creek, to the Grade, down to Cavour, on to Roberts Lake, Windfall and back to the Valley Inn. 125 miles and I would have to rate the system as an B+ only because some more snow would be very helpful, but overall things are very very good. South of Armstrong Creek in the middle of no where we caught up to three riders whom I am giving them an A. Well in this case the "A" is not because they were such a nice bunch of riders, rather the "A" is for A**ho*e's! Yeah Mr Ski Doo, Mr Artic Cat and Mr Polaris in that order from start to finish, if your reading this you know who you are....I live by some simple guidelines, one of which is if someone catches up to you, they obviously are riding faster then you and instead of holding them up I pull over and let them go past! Seems to be a simple thing to follow, and all three of you knew we were behind you, I know this because Mr A and Mr P both tried to wave us on after looking back at us around some sharp corners, and of course you could see us in your mirrors. Had you pulled over we would have passed you and I do appreciate your efforts, however neither of you could keep your sled on your side of the trail and passing you didn't appear to be a safe situation. After 10 miles we finally came to a stop sign which your fearless leader didn't bother to stop for, but was the perfect opportunity for us to go around which we did. Two down one to go, not quite that easy, the head "A" felt that a drag race was now in order to go past him, which I won, but as my wife came up you pulled over on her trying to force her off the trail! She out menuvered you and sped past to catch up with me, no damage done, but I give you the "A" of the weekend!

[snoway]

I hear ya,... we, fortunately ,found the exact opposite this weekend in the forest, florence and u.p. areas we rode in, which was somewhat unusual during the course of a weekend ride.
we came up on at least 4 groups that were aware of us quickly and yeilded to us when the time was right.
maybe these types of posts are being read more than you think.....but sometimes ya just gotta take a deep breath, think positive and rise above the situation at hand, and yes, i have had trail rage too...more than i care to think about, so i guess i'm writing to myself here too.

[snohawk]

[QUOTE=toolman;9180] however neither of you could keep your sled on your side of the trail ![/QUOTE]

This could also go for the riders coming head on, trying to count the number of sleds behind them selfs. As I lead most I the time it would be nice to see a signal from the leader, sleds behind and then the last sled showing the signal for last sled and everyone in the middle try to hold on to the handle bars and keep the sled on their side of the trail

[Johnnie]

Couple of weeks ago, The Red Baron was riding with a group of 12. The lead machine had a bright lime green piece of cardboard behind the windshield which said something like "12 snowmobiles". I thought it was a great idea, and everyone could keep both hands on the controls.

[snoway]

Yea, but when ya be ridin with 12 skidooskis ya gotta bring da revision marker to lower da # as they break:D

[Jim]

[quote=toolman;9180]I live by some simple guidelines, one of which is if someone catches up to you, they obviously are riding faster then you and instead of holding them up I pull over and let them go past![/quote]Me too. The Golden Rule:[quote][COLOR=black][B]Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.[/B][/COLOR][/quote]
If that doesn't work, try envisioning the other sled as a person (someone whom you like), and not just as an object of hostility.
All of us are doing what we love, and are bound by a common thread: [B]Snowmobiling[/B].

A little respect and common courtesy will go a long way. Sometimes things may not be what they seem.
Some riders, may ride too aggressively or beyond their skill level.

But other riders may make mistakes by accident, whether it's because they are newbies (like me), or because they hit a patch of ice.
It can be a very precarious sport with constantly changing conditions.

From what I've seen, most snowmobilers are respectful and courteous, and are more than willing to help a fellow snowmobiler in need.
It's like we have a special bond, and connect with each other on a [I]higher[/I] [I]plane[/I].

It's a select group of individuals that I'm proud to be associated with. Don't let a couple of bad apples spoil the whole bunch!

Here's to US!
The Snowmobiler.
:cheers:

[Red Baron]

Just a note to my old good buddy Snoway. We had a group of 12 ride 500 miles, 6000 total cumulative miles. Not so much as a fouled plug, belt break, nothing! Oh yeah, they were all ski-doo's except for 1 yammy. I will get a photo of the windshield sign Johnnie discusses, it was a real conversation piece on the trail. Many thought it was a great idea, even the Deckers in Eagle River who give tours!

[Jim]

You might be on to something, and may be setting a new standard.

I can see it now... same thing. Flip cards. Where you can can flip the sled number on the card to match those in your groups. :thumbup:

Perhaps these cards are put out by a sponsor/club/organization with their ad on it. It would be a great PR tool. :thebomb:

And maybe a sign for the last sled too.

[toolman]

Oh know! You have stolen my idea! I already have a prototype that has a flip chart that is made to attach over your windshield! It has numbers 1 - 15 on it and each sled can have their own number based on where they are! Damn I guess I better get working on this a bit harder!

[I Doo]

[QUOTE=Red Baron;9236]Just a note to my old good buddy Snoway. We had a group of 12 ride 500 miles, 6000 total cumulative miles. Not so much as a fouled plug, belt break, nothing! Oh yeah, they were all ski-doo's except for 1 yammy. I will get a photo of the windshield sign Johnnie discusses, it was a real conversation piece on the trail. Many thought it was a great idea, even the Deckers in Eagle River who give tours![/QUOTE]

We were in Laona Last week and the week before. 7 Ski-Doos and one Yamaha and the only one to give us minor problems was the Yamaha. It wasn't much of a problem however not enough to turn back. Great riding both extended weekends. This weekend is our club trip to Eagle River. Could be the last weekend if we don't get more SNOW!! Happy Trails!!