7881-R1_MSA_Feb2022_MaineSnowmobiler

Baby It’s Cold Outside

By: Bill Preis Bridgton Easy Riders Club Correspondent.

S nowmobilers who may be new to the sport may not realize that extreme low temperatures can cause unexpected problems. For example, there is increased risk that their water cooled sled will over- heat while riding on the trails. You may wonder— How can that be? Answer: The cold temperatures can make the snow so hard, (like concrete) that there is not enough loose snow to cool the sled, and keep the sliders from getting so hot that they might actually seize. It is possible to purchase a pair of “Scratchers” - metal rods or cables that attach to the sled and drag on the hard packed snow, scratch the surface of the snow or ice, and kick up the cool- ing snow or ice particles to cool the track. This goes a long way toward solving the problem of the sled overheating. There are many electric accessories available that can make your cold weather riding safer and more comfortable: Electric face shield prevents your breath from fogging or freezing your face screen; Electric Vest, Gloves, or Boot Liners, whichmay have a dial that goes from warm to very warm; GPS with the trail system on it, for your sled, shows exactly where you are on the trails. Most of the trails on the new snowmobile map, as well as trails in the entire State of Maine have been GPS’d. Most sleds come with hand grip warmers, but if your hands are in the wind you can still get cold hands and fingers. A pair of “Gauntlets” mounted on your handle bars may be what you need. These are fabric pockets that shield your hands from the wind. A taller and wider windshield would also help.

“Picks” or “Studs” can be installed on your sleds track which will provide better traction and braking, especially in icy conditions. Your sled’s battery has become much more import- ant in running all these accessories, as well as start- ing the engine. Many of today’s sleds, like your car, don’t offer a pull starter rope. Therefore, you must pay attention to the condition of your battery. It must be charged or replaced at the first sign of slow cranking speeds when starting the engine. If the battery is 5 years old it is already questionable. Well, we finally got about 6 inches of fresh snow this week, on my snow stick in the front yard. Last week we took a tune up ride and found the trails in Bridgton to be EXCELLENT. The Bridgton Easy Rider Snowmobile Cub’s trail crew can make great trails with little snow. They are truly magicians! The trail crew has 3 Tucker Groomers ready to lay down some really flat and wide trails, so you and your family can enjoy getting outdoors to see the winter scenery and nature. (Photo below) The new trail maps are available at local busi- nesses around town. A few have also been printed on a plastic backers, and been placed at several trail intersections around town, on new Kiosks. We should have another 6 or 8 weeks of riding this season, so join, and support, the snowmobile club of your choice. Think Snow! Keep doing your snow dance, and remember to keep the rubber side down.

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2021 Groomer of the Year - Travis Roderick