B:8.75” T:7” S:6.5”
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Always wear a helmet and don’t drink and ride. ©2016 Arctic Cat Sales Inc., Thief River Falls, MN 56701.
SNO160014-2017 ZR Ad_Eng_B.indd 1 11/29/16 5:02 PM
File Name SNO160014-2017 ZR Ad_Eng_B.indd File Saved 11-29-2016 5:02 PM InDesign CC 2015 APPROVALS INITIALS DATE Job No. SNO160014 Date 11-29-2016 5:02 PM Page Artist Giovanni Moreno 2017 ZR Creative Director Brien S. Job Name 2017 ZR Ad AD_ENG_B Fonts: Helvetica Neue LT Std (57 Condensed, 75 Images: Safe Riders_Rev.eps, SNO160014_IL9C3082_retouch.eps Client Arctic Cat Bold), Minion Pro (Regular), DIN OT (Italic, Black (CMYK; 329 ppi), SNO160014_ZR Sno Pro AM6C7969.psd (CMYK; 1368 AD/Designer None Italic, Condensed Medium, Condensed Light Italic, ppi), SnowBrandAds_tracks_single_green.eps (CMYK; 960 ppi, 958 ppi), Media None Condensed Black Italic) AC_1C_368_sopCMYK.ai Copywriter None Live/Safety 0.25” x 0.4375”
ROUND Flat/Trim 7” x 10.375” Layout Designer None Bleed 0.875” x 0.4375” Pubs None Account Manager Dean D.
1 Project Manager Lisa L.
Colors Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black Printed At None Print Producer None FONTS USED WITHIN THIS FILE ARE FOR OUTPUT ONLY BY THE END PRINTER/VENDOR. CHANGES TO COPY MAY REQUIRE FONT LICENSING AND PRINTERS/VENDORS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY LICENSING COSTS REQUIRED. B:2.5” T:2.25” S:2”
WINTER 2017 Volume 6#2
contents www.nysnowmobiler.com
PUBLISHER • Kent Lester | CO-PUBLISHER • Mark R. Lester | MANAGING EDITOR • Matt Lester | NYSSA EDITOR • Anne O’Dell | FEATURE EDITORS • John Arkwright, Matt Lester, Mike Lester, Craig Nicholson, Dom Jacangelo, Jim Rolf | PUBLIC RELATIONS EDITOR • Harold McAdam | ART & PRODUCTION • Andrew Knor | ADMINISTRATION • Barb Lester, Leslie Austen | CIRCULATION T:9.75”
| S:9.5” • Matt Lester, Garth Atkinson, Publication Partners. MARKETING • Vern Putzer, Gary Broderick, John Arkwright, Paul Stewart B:10”
columns INFORMATION NYSSA NEWS: PRESIDENT’S DESK: Updates on Trails, It’s All About Riding! Programs, Laws and Events. Eye on NYSSA: FOGGING: What Really Sells Sleds? Get Rid Of It! FEEL THE LACK OF WIND IN YOUR HAIR. Trail Report: PHOTO TIPS: Don’t Go It Alone This Getting The Winter. Perfect Shot. The comfort of your couch can NYSSA Staff Dominic Jacangelo, Executive Director be an intense place when you • [email protected] • 1.888.624.3849 x104 FEATURES ® James E. Rolf, Trail Coordinator play the Arctic Cat Extreme • [email protected] • 1.888.624.3849 x102 FRANKLIN COUNTY: Anne M. O’Dell, General Manager Ideal Entertainment. Snowmobile Racing game. • [email protected] • 1.888.624.3849 x101 Membership Help Line Travel across snowy landscapes • [email protected] • 1.888.624.3849 x103 BEYOND: with the swipe and tap of your WARNING: Some of the action shown in this magazine is Going Further. potentially dangerous. Almost all riders photographed are finger. Master tricks, unlock professionals, racers or experienced experts. It is strongly MADISON COUNTY: recommended readers do not attempt to duplicate stunts Open Spaces. riders and more. All from beyond their capabilities. Always wear a helmet, boots and safety equipment. wherever you’re sitting. NEW YORK STATE SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 1.888.624.3849 Gloves not required or 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 2016 Supertrax LLC. All rights reserved. No recommended. 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.
TOLL-FREE NUMBER FOR ADVERTISING AND SALES ONLY: 1.888.905.TRAX (8729) © 2016 Arctic Cat Sales Inc. NYSSA promotes safe and responsible trail riding. All riders should stay on designated trails and have full control of their sled at all times. Some advertisements in this publication may not represent this policy.
Vol.6#2 3
SNO160036_Arctic_Extreme_Third_Pager_EN_2.25x9.75.indd 10/12/16 1 2:53 PM
File Name SNO160036_Arctic_Extreme_Third_Pager_EN_2.25x9.75.indd File Saved 10-12-2016 2:53 PM InDesign CC 2015 APPROVALS INITIALS DATE Job No. SNO160036 Date 10-12-2016 2:53 PM Page Artist Katy Coombe EXTREME THIRD Creative Director Brien S. Job Name None PAGER EN Fonts: DIN OT (Condensed Medium, Italic, Images: SNO160036_AC_SplashPart.psd (CMYK; 674 ppi), SNO160036_ Client Arctic Cat Bold Italic) AC_SplashPartguy.psd (CMYK; 1240 ppi), SNO160036iphoneMockupv2. AD/Designer None psd (CMYK; 558 ppi), Download_on_the_App_Store_Badge_US- Media None UK_135x40.psd (Gray; 2202 ppi), SNO160036_GooglePlayStore_Icon. psd (CMYK; 566 ppi), AC_Extreme_BlkGrn.ai Copywriter None Live/Safety 0.125” x 0.125”
ROUND Flat/Trim 2.25” x 9.75” Layout Designer None Bleed 0.125” x 0.125” Pubs None Account Manager None
1 Project Manager Lisa L.
Colors Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black Printed At None Print Producer None FONTS USED WITHIN THIS FILE ARE FOR OUTPUT ONLY BY THE END PRINTER/VENDOR. CHANGES TO COPY MAY REQUIRE FONT LICENSING AND PRINTERS/VENDORS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY LICENSING COSTS REQUIRED. By Rosanne Warner, [email protected] Happy New Year! Let’s Ride!
e at NYSSA are certainly hoping With the New Year and the new season in that 2017 brings us a Year of full swing, I’d like to take a minute to remind WRecovery after last year’s fiasco. everyone to RIDE SAFE. Good snow al- Please do your duty and snow dance from ways brings a smile to our faces, but please now until April. remember that there are dangers hiding un- As the season ramps up, I would like to der the snow, and it’s important to STAY ON take a minute to thank all of the landown- THE TRAIL. We all know that early season ers who make our sport possible and a big riding has its fair share of rocks, sticks and thanks to all of the club members who wet holes to contend with, so when you’re joined their clubs and registered their sleds out on the trails, please keep this in mind early. Club support is much needed, espe- and ride accordingly. cially this year, and key to a successful trail Over the summer, you may have seen system. The earlier you do it, the better it is some surveys from NYSSA as we try to for clubs who do not see their trail funding gather information on our sport, our mem- until late in the season and in some cases bers and our clubs. One thing that has been across the state, not until after the season found over the years is that snowmobiling is over. in New York State has steadily been chang- If you are out and about this year, please ing more into a family sport. With that said, keep in mind that our clubs are hurting as a please be mindful of that fact, and always result of last year’s dismal snow totals and ride as if someone’s child, father or mother if you see that groomer donation box at is just around that corner. the local restaurant, please consider throw- Let’s all continue to do our part to ing a buck or two in it as every little bit make the sport safer for all who enjoy it helps keep those groomers running. and see you on the trails!! l
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COE Polaris_2016_Single2.indd 5 2016-09-07 12:04 PM EYE ON NYSSA By Dominic Jacangelo, NYSSA Executive Director, [email protected] Sled Makers, Sled Riders and Sled Associations: What Sells Sleds?
dition…but then reality sets in. “I will buy the affordable sled that is comfortable to ride and allows me to enjoy a day with our friends and family.” Let’s face it, the manufacturers do a lot to support snowmobiling. In NY three of them donate sleds and others parts and acces- sories to support our collective fund rais- ing efforts. Unfortunately we are too often faced with advertisements from sled manu- facturers and aftermarket part manufactur- ers which don’t always match the mission of the organization. Sleds flying through the air…skis off the ground…. barreling off trail through heavily wooded terrain. Not the type of riding that we endorse at NYSSA.
Does It Sell Sleds? Someone Must Think So. This past month NYSSA officially adopted an advertisement policy. You will see on he New York State Snowmobile Association takes the safe operation of snow- the masthead page a disclaimer regard- Tmobiles very seriously. A rider should be in control of the sled at all times, and ing some advertising in the magazine and operate on designated snowmobile trails. It is the way to ensure that one returns a clear statement regarding what we think from a ride, safe and in one piece. In NY, snowmobiling is a family oriented sport with is appropriate riding behavior. Hopefully, many families riding together and the average rider being north of 50 years of age. the manufacturers will adjust their adver- tising to the market they are in and depict What do these riders want from the manu- there. Yes they would love that new rocket fun family riding. Boring yes, but the world facturers? I have no data on this but I guess of a sled, with every bell and whistle on it, buys many more Honda Accords than ZL1 it is much like you hear from folks here and capable of going through any snow con- Camaros. l
6 Vol.6#2 MY FORMS MAY CHANGE, BUT I ALWAYS REMAIN BRILLIANT.
#DISCOVERON Discover your ride at ontariotravel.net/goride NYSSA NEWS By Dominic Jacangelo, NYSSA Executive Director Getting Stuff Ready
Now for those who know me they know I was not born on a sled. I have not torn down any engines or rebuilt a clutch on a sled. But my youth put me many times under the hood of a SS Nova or my own beloved Firebird so I truly enjoy getting my hands dirty. You experts are more than wel- come to tell me what I did wrong.
Trailer First! The getting ready starts with the trailer. I gave it the good once over. Made sure the tongue lock was working properly and giving it a few spurts of WD-40. Both the ball and the lock are getting kind of rusty. They’ll make my short list of replacement parts for next sea- son. Hook up my tow vehicle and checked the lights. All good this time around and ack in mid-November I gave up on trying to stay ahead of the leaves in the yard and moved the trailer to the driveway for wheel Bdid some work on the sled and trailer to get ready for the season. I also decided work. Jacked her up and spun the wheels this fall that I would install track studs on the old Dragon with the hope of getting it to and gave them a good shake. No wobble, handle more safely on the trail. There is also a selfish motivation here… my wife bought check! No funny noise coming from the bear- a new snowmobile jacket and bib at the Big East Powersports Show. I am sure if I can ings, check! Grab the grease gun and give get her to drive my 2016 Switchback she won’t give it up and I’ll be riding the old sled. the wheels a few shots through the grease buddies. I listen for grease being pushed out the other side. If you do not run covered lug nuts this is the time to remove each lug, clean them up and put them back with a little WD- 40 to ensure that when you are stuck on the side of the road with a flat you can get the wheel off. Lastly check and adjust the PSI in all trailer tires. Don’t forget the spare.
The “Old” Sled Gets An Upgrade! Time to take the 2008 Dragon off the trailer and set her up for some work. Turn the key…. Nothing! Hmmm? A few pulls and she started right up. Back her off and notice a few slides are catching the skis. More trailer work. I put the sled on a set of dollies from my favorite cheapo hardware store and got her set up in the garage to stud out the track. Lifted her up on some jack stands and wood blocks and I was able to get to work. Here is my first piece of advice; if you don’t have lots of tools or a comfortable place to
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SMB_NY_Snowmobiler_Page_1216_1b.indd 1 11/30/16 5:22 PM NYSSA NEWS Continued
work you may want to reconsider doing this found when putting things back together wrench. Don’t forget to hit them with a yourself. You’ll need many standard tools that it was more secure to remove all the riv- torque wrench when you are done to the plus a special track drill bit, star bits, Allen ets and use stainless machine screws to re- specified ft/lbs the manufacturer suggests. wrenches, a high speed kick butt drill, low fasten the flap. Save time and just drill them 15 ft/lbs in this case. speed drill, impact wrench, deep socket out! Installing the tunnel protectors could not So time to get the belt back on. Give the set and a torque wrench. My next piece be easier. They just slide in and you cut them sled a shot of grease at various locations of advice is that, “YouTube” is a wonder- to length with a hack saw. and get things back on the trailer. Remem- ful thing. There are lots of postings on site Decide on a stud pattern and lay it out on ber the sled is not going anywhere until you about studding out your sled and it is likely your track with a paint marker. The manu- drive it forward and get the clutch and belt that you will find one that matches to your facturers have patterns and numbers to to engage. sled. My next piece of advice is patience! suggest for your sled. I was installing 96 So it ended up costing me about $350 in Anything that can go wrong will. If you are Gold Diggers from Woody’s which works parts and several hours of my time. Was it apt to express your frustration with throw- out to two to a track set out in a “V” pat- worth it? The winter will tell the whole story ing things across the garage, maybe you tern. A friend suggested that not being but I do know this. Doing a job like this gets should not take this on yourself. overly precise with the pattern, will result in you up close and personal with your sled. The job starts with removing your drive better hook up. So I made my own jig and It gives you a better understanding of what belt and the snow guard from the rear so marked out the pattern favoring the lead- condition your sled is in and gives you a bet- that you can get the tunnel protectors in; an ing edge of the track. A good high speed ter understanding of how it works. Many will expensive simple item that will save you ma- drill was a great benefit in drilling out the pay the $100 plus and get the studs installed. jor coin if you bottom out the sled and tear holes. Getting the specialized hole bit good That is your choice but I enjoyed doing this the tunnel. The manufacturer says you can and hot made the task much easier. If your time consuming but relatively easy task and knock out the rivets of the snow guard with a knees are not in great shape a sled lift will sharing my experience with you. hole punch. The first two went easy, the next be needed. My knees certainly complained PS. After charging the battery I still had two I spent too much time trying to get them to the boss by the time I finished the holes to pull start the sled! (Item across the ga- out and ended up drilling them out. I also and putting the studs in with an impact rage!!) Any suggestions? l
10 Vol.6#2
ranklin County is one of the northern most counties in New York State and adjoins RIDE NEW YORK: FClinton County to the east as well as St. Lawrence County to the west and south. Corridor trail C7, which originates south of ing on the riders! Trails travel through NYS Franklin Remsen and travels through the Old Forge Wild Forest lands, over recreation and travel region, Big Moose Station, Stillwater Res- corridor easements on privately managed ervoir /Norridgewock, Sabattis, and Child- lands, both the historic D&H and Adiron- county wold, allows riders to enter the southern dack Railroad beds, all primarily within the border of Franklin County in Tupper Lake. Adirondack Park along with private wood C7 then continues north all the way to the and farmlands to the west. Note that from The Great Unknown Constable near the Canadian border. Trail Remsen, through Lake Clear and on to C8 turns off C7 and heads west to connect Lake Placid, C7 and C7B travel over ex- into St. Lawrence County. C8A turns off C7 isting railroad and the hazards that come and heads east towards Clinton County with the rails, ties, switches etc. Condi- and eventually via C8C, will bring riders tions can change quickly along the route back onto C7 in the north in Malone. In and riders should use caution! Lake Clear, north of Tupper Lake, trail C7B This being the North Country, travel ame- will take riders through Saranac Lake and nities are spread thin! Tupper Lake and Lake on to Lake Placid. Unfortunately neither of Clear can provide food, gas and accommo- these to towns is as snowmobile friendly as dations. Mountain View would be the next Tupper Lake or Old Forge. Access to food stop along C7 north for similar accommo- and gas can be a challenge. dations, which is nearly 30 miles. Heading With adequate snow conditions, the NYS west towards St. Lawrence County, food, Snowmobile Trail System which has over gas and lodging can be found at Deer Val- 200 miles of funded trail within Franklin ley Trails in St. Regis Falls, which can be County, provides a number of day-length in excess of 50 miles from Lake Clear de- Story and Photos by David Knapp, loops and well as multi-days loops rang- pending on the route traveled. Please plan Franklin County NYSSA Director ing for 100, 200 or more miles depend- your route carefully.
12 Vol.6#2 NYSSA Member Clubs within Franklin County include:
Adirondack Snowdrifters PO Box 435 Malone, NY. 12953 • 518 483 5760 • [email protected]
Can/Am Border Riders PO Box 153 Bombay, NY. 12914 • 518 358 2706 • [email protected]
Friendly Snowmobile Club 16962 State Route 30 Additional information regarding trails, Constable, NY. 12926 accommodations, recreation, etc. can • 518 483 0483 be found through the following sources: • [email protected] Mohawk Valley GIS provides apps for your Moira Trail Breakers mobile device that can help you navigate PO Box 583 Brushton, NY. 12916 New York’s trails. • 315 420 8216 • [email protected] A paper guide to the entire New York Snowmobile Trail System is available from Tri-Lakes Snowmobilers, Inc. the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and PO Box 55 Lake Clear, NY. 12945 Historic Preservation, Snowmobile Unit. • 518 524 6020 • 518 474 0446 • [email protected] • [email protected]
Tupper Lake Snowmobile Club www.tupperlake.com/recreation/ 58 Main St. Tupper Lake, NY. 12986 snowmobiling • 518 359 8747 • [email protected] New York State Snowmobile www.adirondackmachines.com/ Association: www.nysnowmobiler.com trailconditions.html www.visitmalone.com/recreation/snowmobiling l
Vol.6#2 13 By Catherine Light, w w w . M ohawkValleyG i s . c o m
Oh, the places in Franklin County, you’ll go and beyond! Riders Increasingly Employ Modern Technology to Explore New Routes. ears ago, Theodore Geisel began his book, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” with this advice: “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” Dr. Seuss must have had David Knapp in mind Ywhen writing this favorite children’s book.
In the Franklin County Snowmobile Get- Lake Clear toward Mountain View. This is away Guide, one of ten similar publications possible in a number of ways depending available on NYsnowmobileWebMap.com, on snow cover, trail conditions, riding time, David has put his brains (and experience) and destination.” He cautions, “Note that to good use. An avid rider, he shares perti- from Remsen, through Lake Clear and on nent information about what makes riding to Lake Placid, the C7 and C7B trails travel in Franklin County unique. Using the helpful over existing railroad and there are hazards tools found in the online interactive map, Da- that come with the rails, ties, switches, etc. vid has made his favorite routes available as Conditions can change quickly along these downloadable kml or gpx files that can be route and riders should use caution.” transferred to the Snowmobiling New York A few years ago, David used the trail app Trail App or to a GPS receiver. The app works on an epic journey to snowmobile from his without cell phone service: riders can safely home in Franklin County, through “white- and enjoyably know where to go in Franklin out” conditions in Tug Hill in order to attend County or anywhere in New York State. a NYSSA meeting in Rome, NY. Oh, and David is particularly fond of routes that back, of course. One of the settings in the provide views of nearby Whiteface Moun- app, “breadcrumbing”, allows you to track tain in Lake Placid. “Although I live along and save your route, to follow back or save Riders urged to check trail conditions the C7 trail corridor, regardless of their abil- for future use. As an alternative, riders can and use caution. Larger photo by David ities or trail conditions, I encourage local use “turn-by-turn navigation,” to enter a Knapp, smaller photos of Lewis County and visiting snowmobilers alike to travel al- destination and then follow the trail direc- by Bernie Walker ternate routes to the C7 corridor route from tions or use blue-tooth enabled headphones
14 Vol.6#2 the impetus to offer the app for free to take advantage of various crowd-sourcing technologies that will help promote safe riding conditions. Sean is a member of the Turin Ridge Riders, one of many clubs who maintain trails in the Tug Hill region. They have committed to sharing time-delayed GPS groomer tracking data to be used as one of the new Trail Condition display fea- tures this year. Riders will be able to see trails that have been groomed within the last 8 hours, 24 hours and 48 hours (or similar timeframes). Being able to check these and other types of trail condition displays will require reception within the Sean’s Favorite Tug Hill Route, and David’s Favorite Franklin County Route, found app along with an in-app purchase to en- under “Public Routes” in interactive webmap, NYSnowmobileWebMap.com able this new feature. A full 45% of the profits from this purchase will go directly or earbuds to hear where to turn, before back to member clubs as profit sharing at each intersection. the end of the season. From Franklin County, riders can easily In a similar manner, riders will be able to reach Lewis County and the Tug Hill Pla- see where other snowmobilers are riding, all teau. “You can reach Lewis County from across New York State. This will be a great many trail systems. Connections to Red- way to find less-travelled trails while in Tug field, Oswego, Plattsburgh, Old Forge, Hill or elsewhere. This crowd-sourced data Tupper Lake, Saranac Lake, the Champlain will be collected anonymously from those Valley and New York and Quebec corridor using the phone app, with permission. trails may allow you to travel here entirely Knowing that the most trusted sources by snowmobile,” writes Anne Merrill, Ex- for information about area trails are the ac- ecutive Director of Lewis County Tourism. tive members of clubs across New York, With over 700 miles of trails, it is important these riders are encouraged to create and to choose your route carefully, especially proudly post a favorite route from their trail on busy weekends after one of the frequent system. Clubs are welcome to post events Lake Effect storms that regularly blanket in the interactive map, which will also show the region. up in the app when riders are on the trails. Sean Leahy, founder of RUSSH (www. Ideas are always welcome from clubs and russh.org), an organization whose mission riders for ways to get helpful information is to help promote Respect, Understand, Page from “Oh, The Places You’ll Go!” out and available in a timely manner, to Safety, Stewardship and Honor among by Dr. Seuss have the safest and most enjoyable experi- the snowmobiling community, has shared ence on the trails. his favorite Tug Hill route in the guide. He Favorite Tug Hill Loop, found under Public Again, as Dr. Seuss reminds us… “With writes, “After a fuel check, we pick up C5 Routes in the interactive map. your head full of brains and your shoes full though Barnes Corners on the way to Co- Knowing where to go, and when, is an of feet, you’re too smart to go down any penhagen where we will finally start head- important aspect of safe riding, and was not-so-good street!” Happy trails! l ing back south towards Lowville on C5B. This is where you begin to see some of the 195 wind turbines that make up the Maple Ridge Wind Farm. After crossing State Route 177, we will keep heading south on Mud Creek Road to Rector Road over to Rowson Road and eventually back to Flat Rock Road. On the way back home I will usually take the group over to Whetstone Gulf (on the Gorge Trail) via Fykes Road to Corrigan Hill Road. It offers some breath- taking vistas and is a must stop if you have never been there. It is legal to ride into the pine forest off Corrigan Hill Road but please be cautious of the very steep cliffs.” After reading the Lewis County Getaway Guide, click on the link to view and print Sean’s
Vol.6#2 15 Photo Credit: Jim Petreszyn
estled in the heart of New York State, just off NYS Thruway Exit 34, is a quiet RIDE NEW YORK: county rich in history and luscious farm land. From the shores of Oneida Lake toN the hills of the Charles Baker State Forest, Madison County is a playground for Madison snowmobilers of all ages. Madison County boasts 326 miles of fund- ed trails and countless club trails that pro- county vide riders with the opportunity to explore its scenic vistas and natural beauty. Snow... South of Park and ride from the Erie Canal trail head in Wampsville and travel the most fa- the Thruway mous man made canal in the world, the his- toric Old Erie Canal (trail C7G) where mules once pulled canal boats filled with textiles and supplies through Madison County heading from Albany to Buffalo. Families will love making stops at the two canal mu- trails in the hills or enjoy the long stretches seums located in Chittenango and Canas- of open trails located across the thousands tota which are dedicated to the history of of acres of farmland throughout Madison the canal and the people who built it. County. Stop to see the stunning views of You can also park and ride from the Chit- Oneida Lake and beyond to the shores of tenango Falls State Park located just south Lake Ontario from “Burback Overlook” or of the Village of Chittenango on State Route travel south to the Fenner Windmill Farm to 13. Be sure to take in the breathtaking maj- view the 200 foot modern marvels up close. esty of the falls and the splendor of the Chit- Please use caution as ice sometimes forms By Rosanne Warner, tenango Creek. on the blades, and if it melts and lets go, can NYSSA President Riders can travel along winding woodland be a real hazard!
16 Vol.6#2 YOURSELF SEE IN THE LEAD
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Professional rider on a closed course. 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. ©2016 Polaris Industries Inc.
POL_MY17_RUSH_Brand_Ad_NYSSA_Keyline.indd 1 12/1/16 3:42 PM redit: Rosanne Warner Photo C redit:
Looking north from the Lehigh Railbed.
The days of the Lehigh Railroad travers- ing the countryside may be long passed but you can park and ride from the New York State owned trailhead just south of Canastota on Oxbow Road and travel the same historic path the Lehigh train once followed. This scenic trail showcases one of Madison County’s most beautiful wooded trails that overlooks the Canas- tota Creek and passes the remains of an old water tower that once filled the steam Looking south from engine trains that passed it daily. the Lehigh Railbed. Plan your weekend trip and stay at one of our many hotels, bed & breakfasts or rental homes and enjoy the trail system that is impeccably maintained by the eight clubs Your Madison County Trail Cazenovia who call Madison County their home. Bring Information Guide! Trails: S56A your snowmobile or rent one from Rasmus- Club: Snow Valley SC sen Snowmobile Rentals in Earlville, NY. Any DeRuyter/New Woodstock Gas: Tops Gas way you choose to visit, there are endless Trails: C5C, C5E and club trails Food: Caz Sports Bowl opportunities to see all of the beauty that Club(s): Trail Hounds Snowmobile Club Lodging: Hampton Inn & Suites Madison County has to offer. “SC” and Snow Valley SC Cazenovia (not accessible by trail) While in the area, snowmobilers can en- Gas: DeRuyter Big M on C5C Parking: Caz Sports Bowl, Rt. 20, joy their meals at any of the many trail side Food: Rainbow’s Coalyard, New Cazenovia, NY restaurants conveniently located throughout Woodstock Station the county. Riders can dine on the phenom- Lodging: DeRuyter Lake Cottages Chittenango enal BBQ at the Ray Brothers BBQ, delight (not accessible by trail) Trails: C7H, C7E, C7K, S53, S52, in Italian cuisine at Micieli’s Roadhouse Points of Interest: Ride through DeRuyter S53A, and club trails Inn and Comfort Dining or sample classic State Forest Club: Chittenango Polar Bears SC American dishes at one of the many trailside Gas: Nice N Easy Grocery Shoppe, establishments that dot the countryside. Re- Erieville/ Georgetown/Nelson SavOn Gas gardless of your choice, we promise you will Trails: S51, and club trails Parking: Chittenango Falls State Park, not leave hungry. Club: Snow Valley SC and NYS Old Erie Canal State Park Madison County is a hidden gem and a Food: The Blue Canoe (Erieville Lake) Food: Tops Supermarket, Dunkin snowmobiler’s paradise. Please come join Points of Interest: Ice fishing on Donuts, and Turning Stone Yellow us once and we promise you will come back Erieville Lake, Ride through Stoney Brick Road Casino year after year!! l Pond State Forest Points of Interest: Chittenango Falls
18 Vol.6#2 State Park, and Old Erie Canal State Points of Interest: Excell Raceway Gas: Mirabito Convenience (Earlville) Park & Canal Boat Museum hosts the Northeast Snowmobile Drag Food: Ye Olde Pizza Pub Races (March 2017) Lodging: Colgate Inn, Wendt University Bridgeport/Lakeport Inn, Hamilton Farmhouse B&B, and Trails: C7L Hamilton/Earlville/Brookfield Drover Hill B&B (not assessable by trail) Club: South Shore Trailblazers SC Trail: C7, S73, S73A, S74, S75, and Points of Interest: Ride through; Gas: Sunoco club trails Earlville State Forest, Brookfield Food: Dunkin Donuts, and Club: Moonlight Riders SC, SHASTA Railroad Forest, and the Charles Hometown Diner SC and CNY Snow Travelers SC Baker State Forest Points of Interest: Oneida Lake
Canastota Trails: C7E, C7L, C7G, S79, S71, and club trails MAIN ARTERY of one of Club: Tri-Valley Trail Riders SC Gas: Nice N Easy Sunoco, and NYS’s Snowmobile Trail System is Savon Gas LOCATED DIRECTLY ON OUR 52 ACRE PROPERTY! Food: Three Pines, The Toast, The Raider, Micieli’s Roadhouse Inn, Tops Supermarket, Jreck Subs, Subway, Proud sponsor of The Highway Bowl, Nice N Easy Oneida County Snowmobiling Grocery Shoppe, and Whitewater Inn Lodging: Graziano’s Casa Mia, and Super 8 (not accessible by trail) Parking: Oxbow Road Lehigh Trail Head (Canastota), and Old Erie Canal Trail Head (Wampsville) Points of Interest: Old Erie Canal Museum, Old Erie Canal murals (Main St. Bridge and X-ing at Peterboro St.) Caters To and Oneida Lake Groups Oneida Trails: C7E, C7G, C7Q, C7, C7L, S71, Weekend Fireside Dining and S59, and clubs trails Complimentary Transportation Club: Tri-Valley Trail Riders SC Rome’s Only Three Diamond to The Savoy our Gas: Nice N Easy, and Savon Gas Full Service Lodging! 100 year old Family Restaurant Food: Little Caesar’s Pizza, and Nice N Easy Grocery Shoppe Ride up to the Inn at the Beeches ... Lodging: Super 8 (not accessible by trail) PARK YOUR SLED DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF YOUR ROOM! Morrisville/Eaton Trails: C5C, C7D, S50, S51, S54, • Keep us in mind S59, S70D, S74, S75, S76, S77, and for meeting and club trails $ 00 Conferences Club: Moonlight Riders SC Starting At per night Gas: Express Mart, and Volero 95 year Round! Deluxe Snowmobile Package includes… Food: The Fort, Copper Turret, and the Free Chef-Prepared Breakfast • We honor Roadside Inn (West Eaton) Plenty of Parking for your Trailer Federal and State Points of InterestRide through; Texas Hill State Forest, Miller Hill State Forest, FOR THIS OFFER PLEASE CALL 1–800–765–7251 Per Diem rates and the Three Springs State Forest
Madison/Bouckville Trails: C7, C5C, S75 and club trails e Club: CN Y Snow Travelers SC Gas: A&W EZ Mart at the Food: Quack’s Village Inn, Ray Brothers BBQ, and Hotel Solsville eeches Lodging: Country Hearts B&B (not B Rt. 26 North, Turin Road, Rome, NY accessible by trail) Inn Vol.6#2 19 The last Hurrah By Mary Brusoe - NYSSA 40th Anniversary Award Winner redit: Jane C haddock Photo C redit:
he latch of the mail slot snapped shut with an air of finality. Delivery was early today, pretty close to 11:00 and we decided we Tprobably due to the forecast of another scorcher with high humidity. I rose from the had better get with it if we intended to do chaise to investigate. Great! Only the local community college’s back-to-school flyer. any serious riding that day. The trails were good but the lake was even greater and Flipping casually through its pages, I was us to join them in exploring the widely ac- we spent the better part of an hour fooling spellbound by some interesting courses claimed trail system recently developed in around, racing one another across the slick offered in the semester’s evening adult the Speculator-Lake Pleasant area and we ice, and watching with envy those who had division. One could study Beginning Arabic, looked forward with enthusiasm to really let- souped-up machines with double carbs. Af- master Lip Reading, or dabble in Snowmobile ting out our Panther on the ice of Lake Pleas- ter a quick lunch, which we had to eat stand- Engine Repair. Snowmobile Engine Repair! ant. ing up because of the mob in the tiny pitstop, My pulse beat faster. We had contacted The trip northward on Route 8 from Utica we set off through a thick stand of trees on dozens of mechanics in our area and no to Speculator seemed interminable, broken a trail, apparently little used that day, and one would touch a snowmobile with a rotary only by a scattering of sleepy hamlets and which progressed into a never-ending pat- engine. Maybe, just maybe, this was the villages, truly unruffled ghosts of a bustling tern of lumps and bumps. Riding double answer to our prayers. past. Myriad bridges spanned a series of on the pink Panther, Bruce and I picked our My husband, Bruce, had fiddled around gurgling streams, with the village of Cold way carefully over the snowy washboard and with our Arctic Cat Panther a bit but it’s Brook claiming first prize for construction of gradually fell far behind the others. shocking-pink metal-flake cowl continued seven bridges in a space of only 2.5 miles. Coming out into a small clearing, Bruce to conceal a host of complex ailments, baf- Long gone were the water wheels of the assessed the straight and moderately fling to those untrained in the mysteries of the early 1800’s, which industrialized the region smooth downgrade before him and saw a Wankel engine. by helping to produce wagon bodies, whis- chance to catch up. As he clamped down The pink Panther wasn’t always thus. In ky, and caskets – but not necessarily in that on the throttle, the machine sprang to life. its heyday it sparkled with the best of them, order. Digging into the snow in a furious burst of climbing hills with a tenacity all its own and Word of the trail system had spread and it speed, the Panther whipped down the hill providing us with many hours of carefree appeared as if Speculator was having a fire and tried to negotiate the unexpected 90 de- snowmobiling, little realizing that a number sale. Vehicles and trailers filled every avail- gree turn at the bottom. of bizarre occurrences would silence its roar able nook and cranny and the roar of the The resulting scene was one of amazing forever. snowmobile was heard in the land. By the grace. The Adirondack Park Agency would Four snowmobiling friends had invited time we had parked and unloaded, it was have taken a dim view of the fact that one
20 Vol.6#2 expensive, with a capital V. The pink Panther languished under a cov- erlet of cobwebs in the corner of our shed for several years before we found a snow- mobiler anxious to buy her for parts and for her slightly dented pink cowl. There was a definite lump in my throat as I watched her leave in the back of the purchaser’s pickup truck, for now there was no doubt, at least for this particular pink Panther, that there would be no return. l
The winner