Across The Country

Christine Jourdain
American Council of Snowmobile Clubs
www.snowmobilers.org/

With the dog days of summer upon us, we are still thinking about snowmobiling.  Are we normal??  Of course we are – and we are in good company!!  The tens of thousands of us – snowmobilers --  thinking snow when its sunny, green and 80-90 degrees outside. Yes – we are normal!

 This is the time of year many clubs and state associations are putting the agendas together for upcoming meetings and events.  This is a good time to remember why we got into snowmobiles, why we put out the money for our “habit”, why we continue to head for the woods every chance we get in the winter.  FUN. 

 We all remember our first few exposures to snowmobiling – it was with friends and/or family.  It was generally in a group setting.  It was fun.  It was exhilarating.  It was an adrenaline rush.  It was beautiful and exciting.  It was fun.

 Fun is the key word.  We bought snowmobiles because they were fun and they promised many fun times to come.

 We did not buy snowmobiles because of the challenges and obstacles that would face us.  We didn’t know about those challenges and obstacles, we only knew the outdoor winter experience that we were looking forward to with friends and family.

 We did not buy snowmobiles because we were committed to battles that would face snowmobiles and other forms of recreation.  We bought them because we knew we would start looking at the winter storms headed our way in a different light – time to head for the trails rather than hunkering down at home.

For most of us, we were quickly drawn to the sport, and slowly drawn into the challenges we face.  It’s so easy for us to defend snowmobiling and fight for the continued privilege to ride.

 We are passionate.  We are enthusiastic.  We are committed to protecting the future of snowmobiling.  Why?

 Because of the memories we have made over the years.  Because of the trails we have helped create.  Because of the friendships we have created.  Because snowmobiling is fun.

 As leaders in snowmobiling, we must remember to keep things moving in the right direction, it’s our job to set the agenda.  Meetings are most often long on budgets and bylaws (boring!) and short on fun.  Shame on us.  We need to mix it up a little!

 If we want to attract new members, new supporters, we must remember what initially drew us into snowmobiling.  It was fun – and snowmobiling is still fun.  While meetings may never be fun, we need to make them something to look forward to rather than to dread.

 If we want to attract new snowmobilers or non-snowmobilers, we need to inviting, we need to optimistic and positive.  Sure, there are plenty of battles to fight, but we’re fun people and we’re involved in the best winter recreation there is – snowmobiling.

 New snowmobilers, whether they are young or old, bought snowmobiles because of the fun.  They didn’t buy tickets to a fight, just like you and I didn’t  --  we bought promises of excitement ahead. 

Sure, there are plenty of battles to fight, but we need to focus on the positives.  When we talk about snowmobiling, we need to talk about the greatest riding area, the greatest group to ride with, the greatest ride you’ve ever had rather than the current challenges we’re facing.

 As leaders in snowmobiling, we must generate enthusiasm.  We must remember our many accomplishments and celebrate them.   

So, while you are planning meetings and conventions – remember to add the most important element…..FUN!

 Summer will soon fade to fall and snow shows, and winter will be here before we know it!  Keep up the good work!

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The American Council of Snowmobile Associations (ACSA) is a national organization that was formed to unite the snowmobile community. Because snowmobiling is enjoyed by millions of individuals across the United States, it was imperative that a strong national organization be formed. ACSA is that organization.

ACSA is your voice for snowmobiling on national issues. Many snowmobilers are mistaken when they think national issues have no impact on their snowmobiling. Across the United States there are thousands and thousands of miles of snowmobile trails on public and private lands. Will these lands remain open for snowmobiling in the future? Long term use of the lands is no longer certain. Only the unified voice of the entire snowmobile community will help to guarantee the continuation of our sport.