As seasoned snowmobilers, we have
forgotten our first snowmobile experience,our first ride. I take new
people snowmobiling every year, yet year after year I forget what their
reactions will be. I forget the twinkle they will have in their eyes
and the grin of anticipation.
I have just returned from what we
call an Enlightenment Ride – where we take land managers out
snowmobiling. And yes – for many of them it’s their first experience
out snowmobiling even though they technically manage the snowmobile
program. These rides always re-energize me from the excitement of the
attendees.
As snowmobilers, we know there is
something special about bundling up to brave the cold and set out for
our favorite trails and riding areas. We know the beauty of mother
nature with her winter coat -- we know the smile that crosses our face
when we see deer and elk along the trails. Non-snowmobilers do not
understand, and it is hard to paint a picture.
The sub-zero temperatures did not
scare off the two dozen non-snowmobilers that were with us. They were
enthusiastic and excited for the adventure. Their enthusiasm lasted the
entire two days – when they all vowed to come back out with their
families.
We had grown men tackling each
other in the snow. We had grown women making snow angels. And we had
two dozen non-snowmobilers with cameras – all posing to have their
picture taken with a particular snowmobile or in front of snow-covered
trees or bridges or rivers or canyons. They wanted to be sure they
could take the memories home with them.
We stopped along the trails often
to talk about snowmobiling, from funding to safety to private and
public land owners to economic impacts. Every time we stopped to talk,
everyone took the opportunity to enjoy the scenery, the animals
scampering around, the full moon rising in the background. The simple
sights and surroundings that often escape us during our fast-paced,
over-scheduled lives. As snowmobilers, we almost take the scenery for
granted, knowing it will be there. Take a non-snowmobiler out for a
ride and they will gladly remind you.
As you know, snowmobiling is often
the target for sound and emissions. We all know the advances that have
been made in the snowmobiles, but people that are only exposed to what
they read and what they hear have no idea. They do not realize their
vacuum cleaner is louder than a snowmobile. They are looking for the
blue haze they read about, but can’t figure out where it is. Many times
the snowmobiling is running and they do not even realize it because it
is so clean and quiet.
Non-snowmobilers do not realize
that we enjoy the peace and quiet we find in the middle of nowhere, when
all you hear is the sounds of nature. We are often painted to be speed
demons, snowmobiling anywhere and everywhere. It is sometimes shocking
when they realize some of the reasons we snowmobiling are for the
beauty, the serenity, and for quality time with our families.
The land managers we had out
snowmobiling had a wonderful time, enjoying for the first time the
winter beauty of the lands they manage. It was exciting for them to see
the fruits of their labor, the projects that were completed, the
projects that have just begun, and envisioning projects they now see the
need for.
They also saw the time and effort
that goes into snowmobiling and the economic importance to the rural
communities. They were amazed at the beauty, but they were also amazed
to how businesses and communities rely on snowmobiling – on the lands
they manage.
Is it worthwhile to take a non-snowmobiler
out for the day? Absolutely. The dividends a day out snowmobiling pays
off cannot be measured.
Who can you take? Anyone – it
does not have to be an elected official, a member of the media or a
landowner/manager. Anyone who has not experienced the thrill of
snowmobiling will become an instant advocate when given the
opportunity. It’s up to us snowmobilers to give them the chance.
Enjoy the rest of winter!!
February 12, 2007