RIDE NY TRAILS ABOUT SAFETY MEMBERSHIP EVENTS FAQ PARTNERS CONTACT New York SNOWMOBILER Online October 2018
The Official Publication of the New York State Snowmobile Association
In this Issue: Fred Carpenter ~ 2 News from the Big East ~ 9 Pre-season checks ~ 16 Connect with us! Snowmobile Events Planned ~ 18 ..and so much moar!! NYSSA Online Magazine
NYSSA Mourns the passing of Frederick C. Carpenter, 1947 - 2018 Most Valuable Snowmobiler of the year for 2015 One of our finest Groomer Instructors for 21 years
SALISBURY - Frederick C. Carpenter, 71, of the Salisbury Ridge Runners Snowmobile Club, passed away on Wednesday, September, 12, 2018 at Faxton-St. Luke's Medical Cen- ter, New Hartford, with his loving family at his side after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on June 30, 1947 in Little Falls, NY, the son of the late Leland A. Carpenter, Sr. and the late Doris (Rockwell) Atkins. He was a graduate of the Oppenheim-Ephratah Central School Class of 1965. On June 14, 2003, he was united in marriage to the former Linda Stallman (Randall) in Salisbury Center. Fred was a veteran of the US Air Force during the Vietnam Era. He entered the service on January 24, 1966 in Albany, NY and was honorably discharged on May 28, 1969 as a Ser- geant from Pope AFB, Fayetteville, NC. After his service to the US Air Force he transferred to the Federal Fire Service beginning his career at the former Griffiss Air Force Base, Rome, in 1973 and in 1995, he transferred to the Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, where he retired as the Asst. Chief of Training in 1997. A 45 year member of the Salisbury Vol. Fire Dept., joining in 1972, he served as Chief of the Department from 1976- 1978, was awarded the department Firefighter of the Year Award in 1984, served as Fire District Commissioner from 1980-1982 and currently served as the department Historian. He served as past President of the Salisbury Ridge Runners Snowmobile Club, was an instructor and member of the NYS Snowmobile Assn. and was honored by that association as the NYS Most Valuable Snowmobiler of the year for 2015. Fred enjoyed camping with his RV in the state parks in the Adirondacks, trips to the casino, enjoyed attending the Great American Irish Festival and taking cruise vacations. He was an avid hunter who enjoyed his time spent with his hunting friends and family at the camp in Noblesboro and New Berlin and was an avid golfer playing in the senior league at LF Municipal Golf Course for many years. He is survived by his wife, Linda; his mother-in-law, Roba Johnson, Salisbury; his son, Damian F. Carpenter and his wife, Stacey, Salisbury; his stepsons, Roderick Nichols and his wife, Pia, Little Falls, David Randall and his wife, Rachael and Jason Randall, both of Salisbury; his stepdaughters, Coreena Ouderkirk and her husband, Jeff, Dolgeville and Crystal Gorinshek and her husband, Joseph, Salisbury; his brother, Conrad Carpenter (Charlene), Dolgeville; his sisters, Donna Baum (William), Dolgeville, Patricia Griffin (Brian), Oppenheim, Sandra Smith (Clark), Richfield Springs, Mary Jane Baldwin, (Greg), Broadalbin, Judy Hayes, Gloversville, Drucilla Lasher (Donald), Oppenheim, Donna Atkins, Dolgeville and Hope Bonafield (Bill), Exeter; his grandchildren, Noah and Bella Nichols, Torrey Wood, Jolene Edick, Natasha and Wade Ostrander, Lindsey and Nathan Randall and Nevaeh Ferguson; and several great- grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Leland A. Carpenter, Jr., 2006; and his sister, Julie Lynch, in 2016. It is the wish of the family that contributions, in memory of Past Chief Carpenter, be considered to the Salisbury Volun- teer Fire Dept., PO Box 65, Salisbury Center, NY 13454. Envelopes are also available at the funeral home for this pur- pose. The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Theresa Gorinshek for all of her kindness, care and com- passion shown to Fred and his family. Online remembrances at www.chapmanmoser.com. Excerpted from the Obituary published in Times Telegram from Sept. 13 to Sept. 14, 2018.
Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] October, 2018 - Page 2 TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com NYSSA Online Magazine
New York CONTENTS SNOWMOBILER Online
Publisher: The New York State Snowmobile Association P. O. Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 President’s Message ..Rosanne Warner 4 Editor: Anne O’Dell [email protected] 6 888-624-3849 x101 From the Desk of the Executive Director ..D.Jacangelo
AD RATES Big East Moves to New Location for 2019! 9 2018-19 Officers Trail Coordinator Report … Jim Rolf 11 President Rosanne Warner, 315-697-8130 [email protected] 16 Vice Craig LaPlante, 315-854-6719 Pre-Season Checks: The Basics President [email protected] Secretary Kelly Grammo, 315-854-7452 2018-19 Snowmobiling Special Events Planned 18 [email protected]
Treasurer John Occhino, 845-225-3140 2018-19 Business Members! 19 [email protected]
Staff Executive Dominic Jacangelo, 888-624-3849 x104 Trick or treating Director [email protected] Trail Jim Rolf, 888-624-3849 x102 time is almost here. Coordinator [email protected] Check out General Anne O’Dell, 888-624-3849 x101 Manager [email protected] Nationwide’s Membership 888-624-3849 x103 Helpline [email protected] Halloween tips Join or Renew Membership Online: to keep your little
monsters safe.
Our Website: www.nysnowmobiler.com
www.nysparks.com/recreation/snowmobiles
DMV, Register a Sled: NY Resident DMV, Register a Sled: Out of State
Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] October, 2018 - Page 3 TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com NYSSA Online Magazine
President’s Message
by Rosanne Warner, NYSSA President 315-697-8130 [email protected]
Happy Fall Everyone! Autumn is finally in the air and the leaves are beginning to peak. With the exception of winter, fall tops my list of favorite seasons. Club memberships are coming in and over 16,000 registrations have already been filed at the DMV. The Farmer’s Almanac is calling for a long, “teeth-chattering” winter and I for one am looking forward to getting my sled out of storage and smelling some Amsoil. This fall also marks the 90th birthday of Mary Brusoe who is considered by some as the “mother of NYSSA”. Mary was instrumental in the development of what was originally called the New York State Coordi- nating Group, later renamed the New York State Snowmobile Association. Although she no longer rides a snowmobile, she is still active in snowmobiling and participates by writing articles and stories of snowmobiling trips she took when she was still able to ride. Everyone at NYSSA wishes Mary a very Happy and Healthy 90th Birthday! With the joy of wishing well to one club member we unfortunately have to say goodbye to another. Fred Carpenter from the Salisbury Ridgerunners Snowmobile Club passed away September 12, 2018 after a long battle with cancer. Fred taught the Snowmobile Groomer Operator Class at the Forum every year and was the 2015 Most Valuable Snowmobiler. Over the years, I had some great opportunities to get to know Fred and he was a man of great character who gave not only to the sport of snowmobiling but to his commu- nity and country. The NYSSA Board of Directors sends our deepest condolences to his wife Linda and his family. With October snowmobiling sees yet another hurdle and re- cent reports from the Adirondack Daily Enterprise on Octo- ber 5th outline letters sent to the New York State Depart- ment of Environmental Conservation by Adirondack Wild and the Adirondack Council opposing the re-construction of a snowmobile bridge over the Cedar River north of Indian Lake. NYSSA fully expected this move and we will continue advocating for community connector trails in the Adirondack Park that will enhance the trail system while bringing much needed economic impact to the communities in the North Country who benefit from snowmobiling. Although these issues are frustrating, we are making pro- gress and I am confident that at some point, the bridge and trails will be built. We snowmobilers are used to fight- ing for our rights as we have all too often been excluded from the equation of uses inside the ‘blue line’. Please help us support the DEC in this initiative of getting the bridge over the Cedar River rebuilt. Have a Happy Halloween and think snow!
Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] October, 2018 - Page 4 TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com
NYSSA Online Magazine
GAMBLE DISTRIBUTORS www.gogambles.com GRIFFIN MOTORSPORTS www.griffinmotorsports.com INGLES PERFORMANCE www.inglesperformance.com JAN-CEN AUTOMOTIVE www.shopjancen.com KUBECKA'S POLARIS www.kubeckas.s5.com LEISURE TIME www.leisuretimepowersports.com MADDIE'S MOTORSPORTS www.maddiesmotorsports.com MATT'S CYCLE CENTER www.mattshonda.com MOODY POLARIS www.moodyspolaris.com PIONEER MOTORSPORTS www.pioneermotorsports.com POLARIS OF RIVERHEAD www.hondaofriverhead.com POWERHOUSE MOTORSPORTS www.powerhousems.com PRECISION POWER www.precisionpowerservices.com PREFERRED POWERSPORTS www.preferredpowersports.com SCHOFF POLARIS www.schoffpolaris.com SLED SHOP RACING www.ssrpowersports.com SPORTLINE POWER ADIRONDACK POWERSPORTS DELLA MOTORSPORTS www.sportlinepower.com www.adirondackpowersports.com www.dellamotorsports.net SPORTS UNLIMITED APPOLSON'S DON'S POLARIS www.sportsunlimited.com www.appolson.com www.donspolaris.com T. NELSON SALES BIBBEN'S SALES EDELMANN SALES, INC www.tnelsonsales.com www.bibbenssales.com www.edelmannsales.com TC SPORTS BOB WEAVER'S MOTORSPORTS EXCELL MOTORSPORTS www.tc-sports.net www.weaverfever.com www.excellmotorsports.com TEIXEIRA'S POLARIS BUCK'S MOTORSPORTS FILER'S POWERSPORTS www.texeiraspolaris.com www.bucksmotorsports.com www.filerspowersports.com WAITE MOTORSPORTS CYCLE SHACK FUN UNLIMITED www.waitemotorsports.com www.cycleshackpolaris.com www.fununlimitedpolaris.com WILDHORSE POWERSPORTS
www.wildhorsepowersports.com
ZAMBRI MOTORSPORTS www.zambrismotorsports.com
Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] October, 2018 - Page 5 TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com NYSSA Online Magazine From the Desk of the Executive Director By Dominic Jacangelo, Executive Director [email protected] 888-624-3849 x 104
Summer has now come and gone. I hope that you man- aged to have a great summer with lots of outdoor recrea- tion. Personally, I spent many a weekend with friends this summer with my toes in the water….! With summer gone, it is now time to plan for this winter. It is time to do two things post haste!
1. Join your club. Clubs need your membership fee now to get trails prepared for the winter. Most clubs have not received all their Trail Fund money from the work they did last season. They need your membership dues now to make up for what the municipal sponsor has not yet sent to them. Terri Jacangelo, John Occhino (NYSSA Treasurer), and Linda Occhino in the NYSSA Booth at the Big East 2. Make a plan now to assist your club. The lifeblood Powersports Show. Photo by Dom Jacangelo. of any snowmobile club is its volunteers. While at the Big East Snow Show, my wife Terri, who was volunteering at the NYSSA booth at the Big East Powersports Show, asked someone if they had joined their club and volunteered to help. The answer she got shocked her! His comment was that since he paid his membership he did not need to volunteer! OMG! He actu- ally thought that his membership fee supported folks to work on the trails. Clubs that pay for trail maintenance are the exception, not the rule. One county association and a few mu- nicipalities support some paid workers, but for the most part everyone who prepares trails, builds bridges and runs grooming equipment are volunteers. Volunteers organize club activities such as fund raisers and manage the club’s affairs. When I asked the question last year in a survey, 50% of respondents said JOIN NOW AND VOLUNTEER! they never volunteered at their club. The excuses ran the gamut of rea- sons, but the most common one was that they lived too far away from the club to volunteer. If you can find the time to snowmobile, you should be able to find the time to put in a few hours to help out your club. I know you are busy! That is why I say “make a plan.” Pick those couple of weekends this fall when you will be in the area and send an email to the club asking what work may be going when you are there. Then make it your goal to go out and help with the work that needs to get done. Don’t wait for the club to ask, ask the club. Still can’t find the time? Then sit down and write your club a big fat donation check with a letter of apology for not being able to get there. Remember that club membership dues are set fairly low, presuming that the club will get some volunteer time out of you. If your club is a 501(c)(3) not for profit, your donation may be tax deductible, and in fact that travel to and from your club volunteer activity may also be deductible.
(Continued on page 8)
Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] October, 2018 - Page 6 TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com NYSSA Online Magazine
Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] October, 2018 - Page 7 TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com NYSSA Online Magazine
(Continued from page 6) Time to Get Ready! For many of us who trailer, it is not all about the sled. It is also about being sure that trailer is ready to go and in good shape for the winter months. As much as I love the winter, I hate it for working on stuff with frozen tools which usually leads to frozen hands. Fall is the perfect time to get the trailer ready. This past weekend I put a new coupler, bolts and chains on the trailer to ensure that I don’t drop the trailer along the interstate. With the help of some good size wrenches it is one of the easiest maintenance New straight coupler, two heavy gauge chains, $8.50 items on the trailer. Just be sure to adjust the nut at the bottom worth of brass bolts and nuts, and two carabiners of the locking mechanism to get a tight fit on your draw bar ball. rated at 2k kilos each. The bucket in the background As soon as I pull the trailer out of its parking space I will grease covers the coupler in the winter to prevent ice cover. the wheel bearings and make sure all the wiring has not been Ed: In the summer it is home to local bees... eaten away by critters.
It was my pleasure to meet the Clarkson Clean Sled Team at the Big East Snowmobile show. They are a great group of young engineers who are almost ready to have at it. They represented Clarkson very well with lots of folks stopping them to ask questions. How could you miss them in their classy green shirts. Via SLEDNY, NYSSA supports all three Clean Sled teams with annual donations. The other two teams are Uni- versity of Buffalo and Rochester Institute of Technology. First row left to right: Keenan Lynch, Ryan Phillips, Anne O’Dell (NYSSA). Back row left to right: Dom Jacangelo (NYSSA), Jake Wood, Billy Windsor, Mike Lucyk, Austin Pase, Clayton Lyon, Shawn Schneider.
Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] October, 2018 - Page 8 TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com NYSSA Online Magazine
THE BIG EAST SHOW … moving to a new location next year!
The 2018 Big East Show was a fairly good success, if one viewed the number of attendees who left with bags and bags of new snowmobile product. But after many years at the OnCenter in Syracuse, for 2019 the Big East Show will be moving to the newly built Exposition Center at The NYS Fair in Syracuse! This is the location where the NYSSA/SLEDNY SkiDoo sled was seen at The Fair this year. The facility is HUGE…which should be a great thing…the parking is easily accessible and the opportunity exists for outside vendors like grooming vendors to bring their products. If they want, they may even be able to host outside events like the Toronto Show does, such as sno-cross exhibitions on a hay track and mini-sled races.
More News from the Big East!
SLEDNY Auctioned off its 2009 Yamaha RS Vector at the Big East Snowmobile Show to the highest bidder. The sled brought $3,001 for the organization. Thank you to all who placed bids!!
WINNER: TC RIDERS!!! (The winner was drawn live on Facebook, from all entries deposited in the box over the three-day event). Hi John, Anne & Dominic, Wow, what a surprise and honor for TC Riders Snowmobile Club to have been drawn to receive Snow Goer Mag's prize. Thank You for giving back to the clubs and all you do for the sport of snowmobiling year round. We eagerly look forward to next years Big East Show at the State Fairgrounds with better accommo- dations and parking! Thanks again to all of you. May our season be plentiful with snow this year. . . as the old sayings go... 'Bountiful apple crop predicts a long hard winter' and 'It can't snow until the swamps are full'. Well the amount of rain CNY and PA have gotten the past few months should be evidence enough ! Darlene Haflett TC Riders Snowmobile Club
Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] October, 2018 - Page 9 TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com NYSSA Online Magazine
Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] October, 2018 - Page 10 TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com NYSSA Online Magazine
Trail Coordinator Report by Jim Rolf, NYSSA Trail Coordinator 888-624-3849 x 102 [email protected]
NYSSA/SLEDNY INTERACTIVE WEBMAP As announced last month, NYSSA voted to develop an Interactive Webmap with an experienced vendor which will showcase all NYS snowmobile trails and who maintains them. This interactive map will allow all Trail Maintenance Entities (TMEs, mostly Clubs) to update trail status as OPEN, CLOSED, or NOT REPORTED. Points of Interest (POIs) as well as trail reroutes and club unfunded trails will also be able to be input by the TMEs themselves. We are excited about this project and expect a draft product to be available soon for the NYSSA Trails Commit- tee to review, prior to the anticipated release on Dec 1st. Stay tuned for more on this new venture which should help alleviate riders’ concerns about which trails are officially open or closed. Only TMEs can deem trails open or closed, but the opening dates are generally based upon hunting season dates. Download the Hunting Season Summary (pdf)
Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] October, 2018 - Page 11 TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com NYSSA Online Magazine
TRAIL SIGNAGE 55 MPH Speed Limit MAXIMUM on Snowmobile Trails OPRHP Snowmobile Trail Signing Handbook I once again want to remind riders of the safety signs they will see and make aware of their meanings within the NYS Parks Snowmobile Trails Signing Guidelines Handbook, which was updated in 2017. This handbook is used by clubs’ volunteers who hang safety signs along their snowmobile trail systems, but it is also meant for riders to be aware of what signs will be viewed and what they mean. It is impor- tant for all riders and volunteers to recognize the safety signs so we all can try to adhere to them when they indicate a trail characteristic change or potential hazard to watch out for. Please check the book out at the link below. This is an excerpt directly taken from the NYS Parks Snow- mobile Trails Signing Handbook guidelines, and covers some of the reasons for the book: “Objectives, Purposes, and Roles Recognizing the objectives and purposes of signing and the role of the participants will help provide the guidance for a well signed trail. In 2006, NYS Law was updated to include a maximum speed limit on public lands and trails, “unless TRAIL SIGNING OBJECTIVE: It is the goal of Parks to achieve posted lower”. In recent years, I have had law enforce- a comprehensive and uniform system of trail signing across ment officers and even a Judge tell me that some snow- the state. The objective of trail signing is to: mobilers who were stopped and received a speeding • enhance the safety of persons, vehicles, and property, ticket claim that they did not know there was a speed limit on the trails. While that is most likely just a wild • improve travel within and between trail systems, maneuver to get out of the ticket or have the Judge • increase comfort and confidence in navigating the state- give them leniency, I searched around to see how easy wide trail system, it was to find that law…and found that it was not that • standardize and promote recreational snowmobiling. prevalent out there in public for all riders to see. Work- ing with the NYSSA Trails Committee and Voss Signs of THE PURPOSE OF TRAIL SIGNS: The purpose of snowmobile Manlius, I designed a new “sign” that clubs can pur- trail signs is to: chase and place as reminders on their trails systems. It • regulate the flow of traffic along the trails, is suggested that clubs place these signs on kiosks and at trails which may be long and straight, enticing a rider • warn riders of trail characteristics and potential hazards, to unwittingly go over that maximum speed limit. • provide information necessary to the enjoyment of the rec- Riders need to know the laws of the jurisdiction reation. they are riding in. In NYS, the maximum speed limit as ROLES: The responsibility of Parks is to set guidance for the well as the “imprudent speed” law needs to be recog- signing of state funded recreational snowmobile trails and nized, understood, and adhered to for all riders’ safety. provide a model for local trails. Responsibility for installing, Just as STAY RIGHT is always implied while riding on the maintaining, and removing trail signage rests with the local trails, so is the fact that “speed not reasonable or pru- snowmobile program administrator (Local Sponsor) and/or dent for trail conditions” is the operator’s responsibil- Trail Maintenance Entity (TME).” (NOTE, TME is the entity ity. This sign is the one which clubs should be purchas- that maintains official snowmobile trails) ing and hanging along their trail system, and which all riders should comprehend. (Continued on page 13)
Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] October, 2018 - Page 12 TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com NYSSA Online Magazine
(Continued from page 12) CLUB NEWS To reiterate NYS Law, all snowmobilers need to be cog- Fall Trail Work is Upon Us nizant of the fact that they are responsible for their To stay on a topic which many clubs ask NYSSA to own actions while operating a snowmobile, and that continue promoting…many clubs are posting trail-work days “the rules of the roads” are the same as the “rules of and projects on their social media sites already this summer the trails” in regards to adhering to signage, staying AND are in need of help. The main point of most of those right, yielding to others who have the right-of-way, and announcements seems to be the lack of new volunteers. I to drive defensively. Signs are great, but it is every realize that this is an issue every season and many riders snowmobilers’ responsibility for their own actions: “… don’t appreciate seeing those postings, but the fact remains snowmobiling is a voluntary activity that may be haz- that without enough volunteers clubs simply cannot build, ardous…”. sign, and maintain the trails that they have. This means that This updated handbook addresses the minimum sign- they are either going to allow them to go into disrepair or age which riders should expect to be seen on snowmo- close them down altogether. Please take the opportunity to bile trails, with their intended purpose and meaning. help YOUR SPORT and get involved. Fundraisers, trail pro- Click the link and save it: https://parks.ny.gov/ jects, signing, grooming, groomer maintenance, and the pa- recreation/snowmobiles/ perwork clubs must file with NYS Parks is all open for more documents/2017NYSSnowmobileSignHandbook.pdf help. PLEASE… Safety on Snowmobile Trails NYSSA’s STEP signing classes (Safe Trails Educa- Super Raffle Tickets tion Program) will continue again this year. These train- Another great way to help out the clubs is to buy the ing classes are held to help those hanging signs better Super Raffle tickets they will be able to begin selling later comprehend the handbook and to train advisers to go this month until April. Volunteers that offer to sell these to other clubs to inspect signs that may not be in accor- tickets, $5.00 each, bring the opportunity to their club of dance with the guidelines. Any club volunteer is able to 50% of their total sales going back to their club in exchange attend the STEP classes, dates and locations of upcom- for a chance at a slew of prizes that purchasers can win. ing classes will soon be posted within the NYSSA Calen- Help out the clubs by supporting their fundraisers, and this dar of Events page on our website, at: http:// raffle is a “NO COST TO THE CLUBS” benefit thanks to the nysnowmobiler.com/events/. If you are interested in folks at the Onondaga County Snowmobile Association and attending but don’t see a class scheduled near you, NYSSA. contact your local club to express your desire to go to one of these educational classes or email me for more information who then should contact me.
Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] October, 2018 - Page 13 TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com NYSSA Online Magazine
State Land News There are a few DEC Unit Management Plans (UMPs) which will be open for draft review and public comments, or will give the opportunity for final plan review. Clubs who may be affected in those areas are notified to allow them to pass on the announcement to their club membership, attend any meetings, and to submit local comments on the plan. Clubs are always asked to give NYSSA their experienced input so that we can submit comments to that same point of view. Club members are urged to submit comments on what they want to see in regards to access for snow- mobile use too. Thank you for being involved.
Join a club, wherever you ride!
SLOW DOWN! Enjoy the ride…safely!
TRAIL VOLUNTEERS…NEVER ENOUGH OF THEM!
THINK! You are an ambassador of this sport
Snowmobile Trail Snafu!
Northern Warren Trailblazers (Warren County) had a woman drive her vehicle down one of theirtrails, and attempt to drive off a bridge (snowmobile bridge - part of the trail). Fortunately, or unfor- tunately, depending on how you look at it, she didn't make it all the way over/off the bridge. So her vehicle was partly on the bridge and partly in the creek underneath.
Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] October, 2018 - Page 14 TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com NYSSA Online Magazine
Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] October, 2018 - Page 15 TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com NYSSA Online Magazine
Pre-Season Checks – The Basics All Riders Should Know Submitted by Rosanne Warner, NYSSA President Pre-season checks are essential to keeping your sled running and on the trail this winter.
Carburetors, slides, shocks, tracks, belts………they should all have your atten- tion before the season begins. No one likes to be out on that first ride and breakdown so here are a few tips for get- ting your sled ready for the great year we are going to have. *If you are not mechanically inclined, you will want to find a snowmobile repair shop to help you with some basic items of pre-season checks and repairs. There are also some great instructional videos on YouTube for proper snowmobile mainte- nance. Carburetors Carburetors are essential to keeping fuel running through your sled. With the intro- duction of the E-85 fuel, many snowmo- bilers are having trouble with excessive amounts of water in the fuel, increased fuel separation, less fuel economy and failures of plastic parts. Carburetor diaphragms (boots) tend to dry out causing them to crack or develop pin holes. Ethanol is an alcohol based product which will also dry out fuel lines after just 2 or 3 seasons so you should check all of these components thoroughly before the season begins. It is highly rec- ommended that any last season fuel be drained and replaced with fresh fuel. Clutch and Belt At the end of every season you should remove your clutch belt to release any tension on the clutch. Clean the clutch plates with a dry green scotch pad to make sure you remove any rubber and debris that may have coated the plates. Inspect your belt before reinstalling in the fall. Make sure it is free of any burns or cracks and that all of the fins are in good condition with no tears. Substandard belts can cause bigger, more expen- sive problems with your clutch if left unattended. If you install a new belt, make sure it is installed in the cor- rect direction! Most clutch units have 2 grease fittings so they should be filled as well. Your clutch runs up to 9000 rpm’s, grease is your friend, use it. Shocks Shocks are located on the front arms of the snowmobile as well as under the seat. They should have flex to them when pressure is applied. If you sit on your seat and it compresses, that’s a good thing. If you sit on your seat and it does not spring up when you get off, you may want to look into having your shocks re- charged, rebuilt or replaced. The same is so for the front shocks. Check for compression and release. If they release slowly or not at all, you need to service them. Check them for any leaks. If you see any fluid leaking, it’s time to address them. (Continued on page 17)
Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] October, 2018 - Page 16 TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com NYSSA Online Magazine
(Continued from page 16)
Slides Slides (aka “Hi-fax”) are located in the bottom of the track area of your snowmobile. They are plastic run- ners that guide your track and are found in between the slide rail and track. Excessive riding in low snow conditions on along roadsides can cause the slides to burn and wear over time. In some instances, burning plastic can even be smelled indicating that you need to lubricate your slides (Get back into some snow). The easiest way to check your slides is to remove pressure from the track by jacking up the back end of the sled. Pull the track down and inspect the plas- tic slide at the point where the track bends on the rail which is the most common place for slide wear. If you see that it is thin or worn through, it is time to re- place both sides. It is common to find that the left side is more worn than the right as when riding alongside a road, your right side is more likely to be in some snow than the left. Track Track inspection is fairly simple but track replacement is rather costly and labor intensive. Assure that your track lasts as long as possible by storing it away in the spring with the back end up on a jack stand. Leaving the track directly on the ground during storage months, whether concrete, stone or dirt floor will only contrib- ute to dry rot of the track. At the beginning of the season do a visual inspection of the track to check for cracks, torn rubber, missing studs, missing bolts and broken track bands. It is recommended to replace any missing or loose studs if found as empty holes and loose studs can contribute to track failure and heat ex- changer damage. There are several grease fittings located in the track frame. Once again, grease is your friend. Carbides Carbides are located on the bottom of your skis and act as the steering mechanism for your sled. Depending on your sled and rid- ing needs, the carbides you will need run in different sizes. The most common size of carbide for trail riding needs is 6 inch. In- spect the carbides for wear. Carbides, like slides commonly wear from the bend back. If you run a lot of roads expect your carbides to wear quicker and dull even faster. Sharp carbides make a dif- ference so you may want to consider sharpening them up using a tool such as those offered by Bite Harder. Based on the number of miles and areas of riding, you should expect to replace your car- bides every couple of years. Fluids Chain Case Oil – Your chain case cap is usually yellow and should be checked regularly. Failure to make sure your chain case oil is full will cause gear damage which leads to big repair bills. Oil – For obvious reason, check your oil EVERY TIME you ride. Oil in snowmobiles does not last as long as oil in your car. Failing to check your oil every time you ride will only lead to being stuck on the side of the trail with serious engine damage.
(Continued on page 18)
Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] October, 2018 - Page 17 TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com NYSSA Online Magazine
(Continued from page 17)
Antifreeze – Like all fluids, antifreeze should be checked EVERY TIME you ride. Low levels of antifreeze will cause your sled to overheat and overheating can cause serious engine damage. Grease – As noted previously above, snowmobiles have many grease fittings, mostly in the rear suspension frame. These grease fitting should be checked and filled before you even begin the season. Fuel: If you used an fuel that is 10% Ethanol to put the sled away and did not use a storage agent, drain the fuel and put it in your car. The car will run fine but the fuel loses significant Octane over the summer and gains moisture, and the sled may not run well. Refueling with ethanol-free fuel is recommended whenever possible (check Stewarts gas stations, for example) and be sure to put a storage agent in it.
Of the many things to be had at the Big East Powersports Show, this young man got a GREAT T-shirt!
Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] October, 2018 - Page 18 TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com NYSSA Online Magazine
Snowmobiling 2018-2019 Special Events Planned Submitted by Ed Klim, President, International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association
HASLETT, MI, September 20, 2018: There have been a few nips in the air and snow in the Rockies, so that can only mean that winter is on its way - hopefully bringing lots of snow, cold weather and great snowmobiling. On behalf of the In- ternational Snowmobile Manufacturers Association members – Arctic Cat, BRP, Polaris and Yamaha Motor Corporation, we are excited to announce the continua- tion and expansion of the Safe Riders! You Make Snowmobiling Safe safety cam- paign. The Safe Riders! materials include our updated snowmobiling fact book, brochures, posters, A NEW SAFETY VIDEO SERIES (Coming in October 2018), and decals for snowmobilers to use in supporting their safety campaign activities. We invite all snowmobilers to participate in the International Snowmobile Safety week – January 19-27, 2019. This is a great time for clubs and associations, safety trainers, etc. to take time to teach snowmobilers about safe riding. Many dealerships also support and help by putting on seminars, showing customers how to maintain their sleds to keep them running in top condition, and also promoting safety related activities. Visit the www.snowmobile.org website and download the Safety Week Campaign Action Manual which contains ideas on how to pro- mote safety week and gives ideas for putting on safe events throughout the winter. Also, if you hold a Safe Riders! event during International Snowmobile Safety Week, let us know by placing it on our Facebook Page at www.Facebook.com/GoSnowmobiling. We will send one Safe Riders! long sleeve shirt per event posted. Please provide us with your mailing address and shirt size. The Go Snowmobiling/Take a Friend Snowmobiling Campaign continues to grow as more people visit the website www.gosnowmobiling.org for information on how to get started in snowmobiling. The website is a great information source for all snowmobilers with links to other snowmobile related websites, state and provincial associations, and more. We encourage you to check out the www.gosnowmobiling.org site. You may wish to join in the Go Snowmobiling ef- fort and ask some friends to go snowmobiling. Many people have tried snowmobiling for the first time with the experi- ence resulting in the purchase of a snowmobile. That new snowmobiler can then become a club member, an association member, and expand your friendship – all because you asked them to come along and try out your winter recreation of choice. The 10th Annual Take a Friend Snowmobiling Week is scheduled for February 9-18, 2019. You can grow your organization by partnering with local businesses and Chambers of Commerce to encourage your non-snowmobiling friends to join us for a time of fun. For information and ideas on holding a Take a Friend Snowmobiling event, visit www.gosnowmobiling.org . The Campaign Guide contains many great ideas. We are looking forward to a great year and thank you for your support. If you have any questions or need any additional information, please visit our two websites: www.snowmobile.org and www.gosnowmobiling.org You can send us an email message and check out our latest releases. We also encourage you to “Like” our Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/GoSnowmobiling We are expanding our Social Network and our Facebook page is grow- ing! We hope you join us for fun snowmobiling interaction. We will be recognizing individuals and clubs who hold Go Snowmobiling/ Take a Friend Snowmobiling events by sending a Go Snowmobiling long sleeve shirt to those who post their event on our Facebook page and then send us their mailing address. We will send one shirt per event posted so include your shirt size.
Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] October, 2018 - Page 19 TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com NYSSA Online Magazine
New Business Members!! THANK YOU to these businesses who continue to support our sport!!
Fun Unlimited 2068 STATE HWY 812 GOUVERNEUR, NY 13642 161 Daikers Circle (315) 369-6954 (315) 287-4144 www.fununlimitedpolaris.com Old Forge, NY 13420 www.daikers.com
Become a NYSSA Business Member! Application here … we’ll donate $50 back to your Club … we’ll list your business on our Gone coastal website … we’ll give you one FREE business card sized ad
5345 Lee Center Taberg Rd., Lee Center, NY 13363 315-533-7229 www.gonecoastalrestaurant.com You’ll reach 60,000 snowmobilers and their families!
Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] October, 2018 - Page 20 TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com NYSSA Online Magazine
More New Business Members!!
413 Besaw Road | Phoenix | NY 13135 Jackie Macaluso [email protected] www.inglesperformance.com www.herron-realty.com 315-598-7422
Honda/Suzuki 729 East Columbus Avenue Corry, PA 16407 814-664-4606 www.leisuretimepowersports.com
The Lanterns Where the good times and snowmobile trails meet!
275 Rasbach Rd Clayville, NY 13322 ph: 315-839-6282 www.thelanterns.cc [email protected]
Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] October, 2018 - Page 21 TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com NYSSA Online Magazine
More New Business Members!!
Jeff Lascar * www.whitelakesnowtours.com * 315-927-9000
THINK
SNOW!
Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] October, 2018 - Page 22 TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com NYSSA Online Magazine
Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] October, 2018 - Page 23 TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com NYSSA Online Magazine
SNOWMOBILE REGISTRATION RENEWALS
Emailed snowmobile registration renewal re- minders have been sent out by the NYS Depart- ment of Motor Vehicles. We expect hard copy renewal forms will be mailed in late June/early July.
All Sled registrations expire on August 31, 2018.
The NYSSA Online Membership System is open for the 2018-2019 registration season, for those that want to be ready to renew.
Why not take care of this detail now, and get your registration voucher, so that when the snow comes, you’re not borrowing from the Christmas Club money to register your sled?
NYSSA Club members pay just $45 per sled to register. Non-Club members pay $100 per sled.
BE PREPARED WITH YOUR DMV VOUCHER AND SUPPORT YOUR CLUB(S) EARLY! Re- new your club membership directly with your club early, or join online.
Membership Help Line: 888-624-3849 x103 [email protected] Join Online at https://membership.nysnowmobiler.com/
Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] October, 2018 - Page 24 TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com As the unified voice for NY Snowmobiling, NYSSA works year-round to pro- mote the sport and protect the trails needed for winter enjoyment. NYSSA is recognized and accepted in Albany, across the state, and nationally as the or- ganization that represents the rights and needs of New York’s snowmobilers.
NY Snowmobiler Publication Dates:
(11 days after each BOD Meet- Jan 16, 2019 ing). Feb 13, 2019 Nov 15, 2018 Mar 13, 2019 Dec 12, 2018 NYSSA VINTAGE SHOW
PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 888-624-3849 / Fax 888-317-2441 E-mail: [email protected] www.nysnowmobiler.com
NYSSA Calendar of Events
Nov 3, 2018 NYSSA Board of Directors Meeting Theodore’s, 3231 Seneca Turnpike, Board meeting at 1 pm. Canastota, NY Dec 1, 2018 NYSSA Board of Directors Meeting Theodore’s, 3231 Seneca Turnpike, Board meeting at 1 pm. Canastota, NY Jan 5, 2019 NYSSA Board of Directors Meeting Theodore’s, 3231 Seneca Turnpike, Board meeting at 1 pm. Canastota, NY Feb 2, 2019 NYSSA Board of Directors Meeting Beeches Inn & Conference Center Board meeting at 1 pm. 7900 Turin Rd, Rome, NY 13440 Mar 2, 2019 NYSSA Board of Directors Meeting Theodore’s, 3231 Seneca Turnpike, Board meeting at 1 pm. Canastota, NY April 2, 2019 NYSSA Board of Directors Meeting TBD Board meeting at 1 pm.
Save the Date! SLEDNY Educational Forum & Annual Meeting April 26 - 27 - 28, 2019 Niagara Falls Conference Center Sheraton at the Falls - Hotel Reservations may be made now!
Club Events are listed on our website: www.nysnowmobiler.com/events Safety Courses are listed at http://www.nysparks.com/recreation/snowmobiles/safety-courses.aspx