SNOWTRAX TELEVISION CHECKLIST - MEMORABLE trail experienceS BANCROFT TRY OUR TRAILS - OFSC
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UPDATES, INFO & TIPS
for Snowmobile trail riderS
+ inSide
SNOWTRAX
TELEVISION
+ your trailer
CHECKLIST
MEMORABLE
trail experienceS
deStination
BANCROFT
TRY OUR
TRAILS
february
2&3
HERE’S WHY
Volume 11#3
YOU NEED TO
VISIT
SUPERTRAX
MAG.COM
ON A REGULAR BASIS!
columns
Cover Photo courtesy of Wayne Davis Photography.
04 OUTSIDE COMMENTS
The Price to Complain
Awarded to OFSC TOP Trails by the 22 RIDER INSIGHT
Government of Ontario. Getting Real About Trail Mishaps
OFSC LOGO Mission is to:
Provide leadership to member organi-
zations in our commitment to enable
information
exceptional snowmobile trails and 06 VOLTAGE
rider experiences throughout the province. Sledding Info & Updates Insight on
OFSC Vision is that:
Snowmobiling is recognized and celebrated 10 SPECIAL FEATURE THE SLEDS WE RIDE
as Ontario’s premier winter recreation and Watching Ain’t Producing!
tourism experience. You Won’t Find in the Magazine.
The OFSC GO Snowmobiling 14 RIDING TIPS
Ontario Campaign Walk Around Checklist Reduces
The OFSC GO Snowmobiling Ontario Magazine is
the voice for uniting snowmobile clubs, industry
Trailer Breakdowns Some of the
stakeholders and snowbelt communities to promote
the recreational lifestyle, experience and fun that
16 ONTARIO SLED DESTINATIONS BEST ACTION VIDEOS
Bancroft
OFSC trail riding offers Ontarians every winter. Our
goal is to grow snowmobiling by attracting new
You’ll Ever See.
participants, persuading former riders to return, 18 REAL RIDERS
encouraging casual snowmobilers and families to Unexpected Experiences
ride more — and by urging everyone to do their
sledding right here in Ontario!
Up-to-date Info on
Keep Receiving This Magazine! WHAT’S HAPPENING
To keep your name on the mailing list for the OFSC
Go Snowmobiling Ontario Magazine, you must sign
PUBLISHER: Mark R. Lester / CO-PUBLISHER: Kent Lester / MANAGING
EDITOR: Matt Lester / OFSC EDITOR: Craig Nicholson / FEATURE EDITORS:
in the Snowmobile World.
up for OFSC member benefits when you buy your Ryan Hawkins, Phil Molto, Brent Murphy, Paul Murray, Craig Nicholson /
2019 Seasonal or Classic trail permit. If you don’t PUBLIC RELATIONS EDITOR: Lisa Stackhouse / ART & PRODUCTION:
sign up, you won’t get your mags! Andrew Knor, Emily Schmidt / ADMINISTRATION: Barbara Lester, Leslie
Austen / CIRCULATION: Matt Lester / MARKETING: Paul Stewart, Mike
TIPS on Suspension, Chassis,
Canadian Council of
Snowmobile Organizations
Lester, John Arkwright, Vern Putzer, Normand Trottier, Guy Duhaime, Gary
Broderick / TOUR RIDERS: Dan Carty, Al Fletcher, Jim Heintzman, Craig
and Engine Setup.
Irwin, Craig Nicholson, Marsha Nicholson, Frank Mazzuca, Brent Murphy
WARNING: Some of the action shown in this
magazine is potentially dangerous. Almost all
riders photographed are professionals, racers or
ONTARIO FEDERATION OF SNOWMOBILE CLUBS: Links to
experienced experts. It is strongly recommended
readers do not attempt to duplicate stunts beyond Supertrax Go Snowmobiling Ontario magazine is published four times yearly by FACEBOOK and TWITTER
their capabilities. Always wear a helmet, boots and
safety equipment.
SUPERTRAX Publishing Inc. Undeliverable copies and change of address notices:
1025 Rouge Valley Drive, Pickering, ON L1V 4N8. Tel. 705-286-2135. Copyright
that Allow You to Comment.
2018 SUPERTRAX Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
“We acknowledge the financial support reproduced without the written consent of the publishers. Publishers are not responsible
of the Government of Canada through the
Canada Periodical Fund of the Department
for unsolicited manuscripts. Subscription rate is $14.99 for 4 issues / $26.99 for 8 issues Previews and Links to
/ $33.99 for 12 issues (prices include HST in Canada).
of Canadian Heritage”
TOLL-FREE NUMBER FOR ADVERTISING & SALES ONLY:
FULL EPISODES
For Address Changes and Corrections Go To: mross@ofsc.on.ca of SnowTrax TV.
OUTSIDE COMMENTS
Mark Lester, Associate Publisher, Supertrax
The Price to Complain
M
y involvement as a volunteer in snowmobiling dates back to 1980. In those days I cut trails, built bridges, winched groomers, sunk
groomers, trail patrolled and worked to get Land Use Permits signed. When I got my first taste of organized snowmobiling I was
like many others who became involved at that time. I did so because I saw stuff that needed fixing. And yes, I unwisely complained
about the stuff I wanted fixed at the very first club executive meeting I attended.
I’ll never forget the reaction from the feisty vocabulary. It was this: (certain expletives An increasing lack of volunteers in a
club president I (thought) I had effectively deleted!) “The price to complain and be listened wide range of worthy community and
expressed my gripes to. What he said has to requires the complainer to work up to the level charitable activities has been going on for
never left me – and in fact is now part of my of the rest of the club volunteers. There’s lots of more than ten years – and the OFSC and
complainers but not nearly enough doers”. its member clubs are not exempt from this
9 1
Fast-forward to today and this advice is trend. Trail permit sales have remained
735
still relevant. There’s a ton of work to be done strong and even increased the past four
BY THE NUMBERS by every OFSC member club across Ontario. seasons, proving there’s still a healthy
The work is well known, understood and demand for groomed trails in Ontario.
TRAILERING DISTANCE what needs to be accomplished is crystal Balancing these opposing realities - a
842
HOW LONG WILL ONTARIO clear to everyone involved. What these clubs decrease in volunteers with growth in
RIDERS TRAILER TO THE SNOW? will tell you after you’ve unloaded your ridership - is among the most pressing
1 HOUR FROM HOME personal wisdom on their volunteers is that big-picture issues the OFSC faces. Our
22% they need help to get the work done. I am challenge as riders is to make sure we
6
including myself in this picture because I become part of the answer – even if all that
2 - 4 HOURS FROM HOME too get frustrated when I see a trail needing means is upholding 100-percent permit
45.4% grooming or a re-route needing signage. compliance among our riding friends.
1597
When this happens I usually end up reciting On a slightly unrelated note we would
5 – 7 HOURS FROM HOME to myself the aforementioned advice I like to express our appreciation for those
18.3% received 35 years ago.
The OFSC is being stunningly transparent
who let us know how much they enjoy
receiving the Go Snowmobiling Ontario
these days in regard to fixing problems magazine with Supertrax as a benefit of
3
8 – 9 HOURS FROM HOME
6.6%
they’ve had the past couple years. Of purchasing their Snowmobile Trail Permits.
8
246
particular note was new OFSC Prez Paul It’s our goal here to express relevant
Murray’s editorial in this magazine earlier opinions and communicate accurate
10 OR MORE HOURS FROM HOME
7.7%
this fall. Paul did the hard thing, the right information regarding the OFSC and its
thing and the best thing when he got in front member clubs’ activities. Like the content of
of the issues, admitted they were real and this editorial, we know when there’s trouble
[ see Trailer Checklist article on page 14 ] then covered off the fix for each problem. I brewing and we know you want answers
like that kind of leadership and it bodes well and clarification for what your permit
for the future when it’s combined with new dollars are doing to make your favorite
transparency at the OFSC. Take note of the winter activity better. We can identify
published OFSC contact info on their website with your concerns because we’re permit
for everyone to see, and the timely replies to purchasers ourselves and to this end we
your Facebook comments we’ve been seeing deliberately position Go Snowmobiling
from the OFSC throughout the fall Ontario’s editorial content for the benefit of
What’s my point here? The issues facing Snowmobile Trail Permit purchasers.
volunteer-run clubs are myriad and pressing. Keep this in mind when you’re tempted
Your local club knows what isn’t right – and to complain about the trails – nobody is
for that matter what is. What they would like deliberately trying to not groom trails. OFSC
all of us who purchase permits to understand volunteers are avid snowmobilers just like
is simple: If you would like to help we can you and me. As we head full speed into
collectively fix a ton of problems. If we simply the best season of the year, let’s give them
continue to complain, don’t expect everything the support they deserve and the respect
to be great as often as you’d like. they’ve earned. GSOM
4
Respect Our Landowners – Stay On The Trail or Stay Home!
GSOM
Vol11#3
Experience Winter At Its Best
FOR AS LOW AS $35 A DAY*
*$35/day rate, minimum 2 consecutive day purchase required. All permits available online ony.
Permit terms and conditions available at www.ofsc.on.ca
Ontario law requires a 2019 Snowmobile Trail Permit to access OFSC Prescribed Trails.
voltage Sledding Info & Updates
OFSC Launches “Go Safe with BITEHARDER” Program
The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs is pleased to announce a new safety partnership with BITEHARDER Products, manufacturers
of do-it-yourself snowmobile traction sharpening tools. Both organizations advocate for safe snowmobiling and as such, BITEHARDER is
now the official sponsor of the OFSC “Go Safe” program for the upcoming season.
“This program will help save lives and significantly reduce the number The Go Safe With BITEHARDER program not only promotes the
of accidents seen on the trails, as the ability to ride continually with safety aspects of improved traction, but also contributes 10% of all
better traction results in a much safer riding experience,” says Glenn BITEHARDER sales from Ontario residents direct to the Federation, in
Welch, President of BITEHARDER Products. support of its efforts to provide more than 30,000 kilometers of the best
groomed trails in Canada.
“It is a win-win scenario for both parties,” says Lisa Stackhouse,
Manager, Marketing, Communications & Partners at the OFSC. “This
money will go a long way in delivering snowmobilers the best riding
experience every time they head out on the trail, not only through
better traction but better conditions as well.”
The program kicked off recently with an OFSC volunteer receiving a
BITEHARDER carbide runner sharpening tool for Safety Ambassador in
recognition for their hard work and dedication to providing safe on trail
snowmobiling experiences in Ontario.
“This season we are developing the specifics of the “Go Safe with
BITEHARDER” program and are excited to be working with The Ontario
Federation of Snowmobile Clubs to help finalize various details of the
program,” said Welch.
BITEHARDER makes both carbide runner and stud sharpening tools
that a snowmobiler can use to easily and effectively maintain their
Buy BITEHARDER at: www.ofsc.on.ca/experience/rider-cafe traction products to improve steering, stopping and control, for the
safest ride possible every time you’re out on the trail.
On the Airwaves
The OFSC reaches out to snowmobilers in many ways. Through our website, regular enewsletter, on social media, media releases and in this
magazine, we endeavour to inform, educate and advocate for organized snowmobiling in Ontario.
But that’s not all. We also hit the airwaves on various radio stations in specifically targeted Ontario markets. In cooperation with Skywords Media,
we communicate a variety of messages every fall and throughout the winter, including about buying a permit, safe snowmobiling and respect for
landowners. We appreciate the participation of the following stations in helping us reach not only snowmobilers, but also in keeping the general
public aware of Ontario snowmobiling.
PRIMARY RADIO STATIONS MY FM RADIO NETWORK
[ OFSC Permit Ads & Public Service [ OFSC Permit Ads & Public Service Napanee/Kingston // MY FM 88.7
Announcements ] Announcements ] Norfolk/Simcoe // MY FM 98.9
Barrie // ROCK 95 Alliston // MY FM 92.1 Pembroke // MY FM 104.9
Kitchener // COUNTRY 106.5 Arnprior // MY FM 107.7 Peterborough // 90.5 Extra talkSPORTS
London // News Talk 1290 CJBK Brighton // MY FM 100.9 Peterborough // MAJIC 96.7
London // FM 86 Cobourg // The BREEZE 107.9 Port Elgin // MY FM 90.9
North Bay // The MOOSE 106.3 Exeter/Grand Bend // MY FM 90.5 Renfrew // MY FM 96.1
Ottawa // REBEL 101.7 Gananoque // MY FM 99.9 St. Thomas // MY FM 94.1
Ottawa // TSN 1200 Kincardine // MY FM 95.5 Strathroy // MY FM 105.7
Owen Sound // COUNTRY 93.5
St Catharines/Golden Horseshoe // GIANT 91.7 SKYWORDS AFFILIATE RADIO STATIONS
St Catharines/Golden Horseshoe // COUNTRY 89 [ OFSC Radio Tags on Traffic & Weather Reports ]
Sudbury // Q92 36 stations covering Belleville, Brantford, Cobourg, Cornwall, Hamilton, Hearst,
Toronto/GTA // INDIE 88.1 Lindsay, London, Kitchener/Waterloo, Orillia, Ottawa, Owen Sound, Peterborough,
Toronto/GTA // FAN 590 Smooth Rock Falls, Sudbury, Temagami, Timmins & Toronto.
6
Do Your Part To Keep Trails Open, Follow The Stakes Across Farmer’s Fields.
GSOM
Vol11#3
Thanks to Royal Distributing
OFSC district booths to talk trails and pick
a 2019 trail guide. What you may not know
is that this strong district presence is made
possible in part by a generous donation to each
participating district from Royal Distributing.
This behind-the-scenes way of giving back to
organized snowmobiling has been going on
Anyone who visited the Toronto International for years and both the OFSC and its districts
Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports Show in are grateful to Royal Distributing for their
Toronto last October likely stopped by many continuing support.
Try Our Trails Returns on
Feb. 2 & 3, 2019
Many snowmobilers have wondered about the results of Try
Our Trails. So here’s what you should know…
After five very successful years, the date for sleds for the no cost Try Our Trails Weekend.
the OFSC’s Try Our Trails Weekend switched So from the perspective of attracting new
last winter to the 1st weekend in February. or returning participants, Try Our Trails is a
Rationales for the date change included major success, with many folks registering
moving Try Our Trails off Ontario’s Family Day multiple sleds for family riding.
long weekend to spread trail traffic out more. What’s more, of these registrants, less than
Separating the two events also guarantees 2% are now repeat participants – the other
snowmobile-friendly businesses an additional 98% either did not come back for more or
busy weekend if Old Man Winter cooperates were hooked and subsequently bought trail
as happened last season in may areas. Finally, permits. In fact, people who participated
welcoming new participants to Try Our in Try Our Trails over the past six years have
Trails earlier in the season provides a better since purchased more than $6 million of
opportunity for them to buy a permit to ride other types of permits. These bonus revenues
again that same winter than the later date did. have helped improve the operation of the
So has Try Our Trails been good for Ontario trails we all ride!
snowmobiling? Try Our Trails Permits are available online
You bet. Since its launch six seasons ago in only now – so why not introduce some or your
2013, 49,000 people have registered 72,014 friends to snowmobiling this winter?
Everything You Need To Know About Rides, Itineraries, Destinations and Gear
Discover Canada’s most popular site for touring riders! Visit www.ofsc.on.ca for more info
7
GSOM
Vol11#3
voltage Sledding Info & Updates
Stay On Trail or Stay Home
We’re losing far too many trails due to lack of respect for landowners. Simply put, the trespass behaviour of some riders is causing
unnecessary trail closures as landowners get fed up and revoke land use permission. Riding across private property on a designated trail
is a privilege that every snowmobiler must respect and protect on every ride to keep trails open and connected.
Here are five key tips for showing respect for the stakes or follow the stake line that 5. Be respectful and friendly to any non-
our landowners. So please memorize them, marks the designated trail corridor. snowmobilers you meet on the trail, as
teach them to your kids, remind your group 4. Slow down near houses, buildings, they may be landowners or connected
before each ride, paste them on the inside of driveways, people, pets and livestock. to landowners.
your helmet visor, plaster them on Facebook.
Do whatever it takes to make them part of
your regular riding habit – and if you can’t do
this, then please stay home!
1. Check the Interactive Trail Guide before
heading out and never enter any trail that
shows red online or has a “Trail Closed”
sign in place on the snow.
2. When entering any trail that shows Yellow
or Green on the Interactive Trail Guide,
always STAY ON THE TRAIL.
3. Always obey trail signs and ride between
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7351
BY THE NUMBERS
TRAILER OWNERSHIP
842
HOW MANY ONTARIO RIDERS
OWN A SNOWMOBILE TRAILER?
78.3% SAY THEY
OWN ONE.
6
[ see Trailer Checklist article on page 14 ]
8
Respect Our Landowners – Stay On The Trail or Stay Home!
GSOM
Vol11#3
AS A SNOWMOBILER, YOU CAN HELP KEEP NATURE BEAUTIFUL, SO...
STAY ON MARKED TRAILS OR STAY HOME
VISIT OFSC.ON.CA FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO GET YOUR PERMIT TODAY!
WATCHING AIN’T
PRODUCING!
THERE’S MORE TO A TV SHOW
THAN MEETS THE EYE – LITERALLY.
FROM THE PRODUCERS OF
SNOWTRAX TELEVISION.
PHOTOS: MIKE LESTER
Savvy snowmobilers know how much work goes on behind the scenes to make a groomed From the initial conceptualization of a story,
trail happen. The same goes for making a powersports TV show, so the folks at SnowTrax the planning involved to gather the best
agreed to give us the inside scoop… shots, to the writing of a script, to the actual
shooting of the video and then to the hours
Anyone under 75-years-of-age has spent a documentaries and whatever else is airing. of work sitting in an editing suite to build the
large part of their life watching TV. Hours Television is an interesting medium. You can final product, it’s a mammoth job.
and hours as a child watching cartoons, then watch it for hours and never be aware of what
growing up and viewing televised movies went into creating the show. The truth is, there LET’S START AT THE BEGINNING
and serialized shows, then as an adult are several hours of work involved to produce No TV show, including powersports shows
watching game shows, reality shows, soaps, every minute of TV viewing. like SnowTrax, are produced without a lot of
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Do Your Part To Keep Trails Open, Follow The Stakes Across Farmer’s Fields.
GSOM
Vol11#3
Weather is a big variable with any
shoot, making it more or less difficult
for videographers to get the best shots
and for editors to match up B-reel
footage taken on different days.
It also eliminates duplication of subject matter
and helps the production team find location
commonality so different shows can be shot
in the most economical way. A “backboard”
of show themes is created and a schedule is
prepared complete with deadlines for each
show. This is only the beginning.
STAYING WITH THE PLAN
Once the backboard schedule is nailed down,
arrangements are started for shooting on
location for each show. Snowtrax and its
companion TV show, DirtTrax, produce 39
shows per year.
This means arranging meals, hotels, border
crossings, car rentals – and acquiring a long list
of vehicles either for shooting a destination-
style story or for producing the test ride of a
new snowmobile.
A script is written and edited and then
adjustments to the script are made once the
location and story theme are nailed down.
The narrator or host, Mark, Luke or AJ Lester,
are hugely involved creating the storyline and
putting their personal twist on it.
The backboard is the master and
the whole crew are slaves to it.
Any variation to the original
plan has to be agreed upon
and adjustments made as
quickly as possible.
pre-planning. Each season, the
production staff meets together
and plans out the content for the
as-yet-unaired programs for the
year and decides when those
shows will air. This is extremely
important as it narrows down
the topics and creates a
blueprint for what vehicles and
locations will need to be shot.
11
GSOM
Vol11#3ON LOCATION
Once the crew has arrived at the location of the shoot, a
secondary plan goes into effect. This plan is called a “shot
list” and it simply means, after observing the setting of the
shoot, the videographers and producers decide what video
is going to look best in the story.
The video crew, usually consisting of two camera
people and one host per location, are extremely talented
and artistic and blend both those assets with incredible
patience. Patience? Yes, it takes a lot of waiting to get the
perfect shot and to give the
producers what they need to tell the
story their way. Videographers have
to do this all the time and have to do
it quickly, making micro-decisions
hundreds of times every shoot.
Further to this, a videographer has to
be able to visualize the finished product as shot
selections are made. It’s extremely complicated and
requires a huge dose of talent.
ROUGH CUTS
The outcome of an on-location shoot is hours of video
called “B-Reel”. This rough footage is what is used to
prepare that final edited segment of the show that may
only be a few minutes in total. Some of this footage is
archived for future shows and may not necessarily
relate directly to the current show beingproduced. The rest of it is never used. B-Reel and choosing the segments that match and then back to his face. That process can use
Each segment of B-Reel is time-coded the narration or sound track most suitably. up less than twenty seconds.
(minutes and seconds shown directly on- The editor then places them digitally in their Video editing is tedious, difficult, complex
screen) so the video editors back in the optimum order so the story is told clearly, work – but it is literally everything when you’re
studio looking at computer screens can find concisely and according to plan. producing a TV show! The people who work
the precise shot or group of shots they need At this point it should be made clear that in the SnowTrax video lab are patient (there’s
and coordinate it with the sound track and television is not one, long, continuous run of the that word again) and are artists of the highest
narration produced on site at the shoot. same video shot. Each minute is composed of degree. We’re extremely proud of them and
dozens – even hundreds of quick-paced shots – the incredible quality they produce every day!
EDITING melded together to tell the editor’s story. So, next time you’re watching SnowTrax
Usually the videographers who were present For example: If there’s an interview being TV, try to keep track of how many camera-
at the time of the original shoot are involved in conducted, the subject may be shot in a close- switches there are every minute and if the
the editing process back in the lab. This saves up, full face; then side view of his face, then narration matches up with the video content
time looking at B-Reel and allows the camera the camera moves back to show more of the perfectly. We’re guessing you’ll last about two
people to put their unique twist on the story. subject and then there’s an action shot of the minutes and then you’ll be tired of it.
Just to be clear, the editing process means vehicle the person is talking about and then a At that point just sit back and enjoy the
the editor is watching the many minutes of technical shot of the sled, a full view of the sled show like everybody else. GSOM
13
GSOM
Vol11#3RIDING TIPS:
WALK AROUND CHECKLIST
REDUCES TRAILER BREAKDOWNS
B Y C R A I G N I C H O L S O N W I T H PA U L M C N I C H O L
With the advent of winter, the steady stream of snowmobile trailers headed to the snow is and can be cut out to keep in your tow vehicle
underway. But a few don’t make it and have to pull off on the roadside while frustrated for reference.
snowmobilers try to get it mobile again. Sometimes a breakdown happens by sheer chance. Using it religiously can go a long way to
But more often, it’s a result of some avoidable failure… saving you the considerable hassle (to say
nothing of expense and disappointment) of
Prevention starts with buying a good quality Murphy’s Law says that things can still go a trailer breakdown on route. The checklist
trailer with built in reliability and durability. wrong. Remember that every time you tow any assumes that you’ve properly loaded and
It continues with proper and regular distance, your fully loaded trailer is exposed secured your sleds on the trailer, so that
maintenance (including trailer brakes if so to the worst driving conditions of the year, nothing comes loose to cause a weight shift
equipped) to keep it in great shape. This including snow, ice, slush, extreme cold and that could result in trailer damage or loss of
includes proper summerizing and off-season all kinds of salty, sandy road crud. What’s more, driving control.
storage to avoid premature structural or most highways are frost heaved, pot-holed
mechanical deterioration. At the same time, and irregular, while secondary roads can be BREAKDOWN TOOLS
it’s also important never to exceed a trailer’s even worse. So there is plenty of opportunity But even this checklist is no absolute
weight capacity while towing as that places to aggravate any pre-existing mechanical guarantee of a trouble-free tow. So if you
undue stress on critical components that can trailer issues or even to start new ones. do breakdown, your ability to remedy the
affect its reliability. That’s why it makes sense to do a quick situation easily may depend on having a few
walk around inspection of your loaded trailer items handy. These include a good pair of
WHY A CHECKLIST before embarking on a road trip. To make work gloves to protect your hands, a tarp or
However, assuming that these this as easy as possible, we’ve created a Walk ground sheet to keep you clean and dry if you
considerations aren’t at issue, Around Checklist that accompanies this article have to kneel or lie down on the ground, a
14
GSOM
Vol11#3lug or socket wrench properly sized for your
WALK AROUND
trailer’s wheel lugs, wood blocks to chock
the trailer wheels from moving, and a basic
TRAILER CHECKLIST
toolkit that includes a pry bar and hammer,
plus heavy duty zip ties, wire and duct tape.
Be sure to have a tire pressure gauge on board
and for hassle-free roadside tire inflation, get Before hooking up, grip the tow vehicle hitch to make sure it feels solid and secure.
a Jump Starter 400 made by Powercases that Use automotive grease to lightly coat the tow vehicle ball before coupling the
has a handy air pump attachment. I also carry trailer to it.
a shovel, broom and snow rake inside my
Before plugging in, apply a water-resistant electrical grease to the male electrical
trailer so I can dig out, keep the trailer bed
connector from the trailer.
clean, and remove snow load from the roof
that can make the rig overweight. When hooking up, ensure that the trailer coupler is fully down over the tow vehicle
If worst comes to worst, it pays to have ball and properly secured with the pin.
a roadside assistance plan that specifically Make sure the safety chains are in good condition, criss-crossed and properly
includes transporting your trailer on a flatbed fastened to the brackets on the tow vehicle hitch.
to a repair location. This may not save your
snowmobile trip, but at least you’ll be able to Check that the electrical plug is securely connected to the outlet provided on the
go another day! GSOM tow vehicle and that the wire from the trailer tongue won’t drag on the road or get
pinched in transit.
Paul McNichol is the owner of Alumite After hooking up, eyeball your trailer tongue to make sure its sitting level (parallel)
Enterprises, distributor of Triton Trailers. with the ground to help achieve optimum tongue weight (approx. 10% of gross
trailer weight).
If you have a tongue jack, make sure it’s raised and secure so it doesn’t drag.
Check the trailer tires for proper inflation, undue tread wear and sidewall cracks
(including on the inner side).
Check that the wheel lugs are all in place and tight.
Check the spare tire for proper inflation and good condition and that it’s securely
fastened on its carrying bracket.
Eyeball the springs and axle for any signs of undue wear or damage.
Eyeball all the trailer lights to make sure each is functioning properly.
Periodically, lube any trailer hinges or locks with a water-disbursing oil spray.
Double check that all trailer doors and ramps are securely fastened.
15
GSOM
Vol11#3ONTDAESRTIINOATION
SLEDDING
T
BANCROF
IG
OTOS BY CRA
STORY & PH E IN TR EP ID
, TH
NICHOLSON LE R
SNOWMOBI
As a gateway to Eastern Ontario, Bancroft is a popular staging location for area day tripping and to
launch saddlebag tours, so check out what it has to offer…
STAGING LOCATION to Bancroft after work for a two or three-day Trail via the snowmobile bridge over the York
The Algonquin, Haliburton and Madawaska weekend of sledding and still be home for River. If you’re trailering in for the day, launch
Highlands are positioned between the dinner Sunday night. from either the Old Hastings S. C. clubhouse
Kawartha Lakes and Algonquin Park. This Bancroft is also the meeting point for at L’Amable on Highway 62 south of Bancroft
terrain runs from Haliburton in the west to the two strong OFSC districts (2 & 6), where or the parking lot on Highway 62 just north
Ottawa River in the east. With overall elevations the grooming operations of three active of town at Bird’s Creek. Both provide direct
in the 500-metre plus range, this high country snowmobile clubs converge. So from there, snowmobile access to the Hastings Heritage
sits as far north in Southern Ontario as you can snowmobilers can ride three different trail Trail. Of course, you can also reach Bancroft by
get and for the past several years has delivered systems, each with more than enough trails sled from all four major points of the compass.
more reliable snow than many other areas. for a great day’s ride.
Meanwhile, the Hastings Heritage Trail DAY RIDES
WHY BANCROFT (TOP Trail E106) is a 156-kilometre rail trail BON ECHO LOOP (OFSC DISTRICT 2)
With a year-round population of about 3,500, that runs north from Glen Ross through As one of the Snow Tours promoted by the
the town of Bancroft is ideally situated in these Bancroft to Lake St Peter and enables easy Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs
snowy highlands. The snowmobile-friendly snowmobile access to town from the south. (OFSC) this winter, the 232-km Bon Echo
town is located at the juncture of Highways 28 Loop circles south and east of Bancroft to the
and 62, an hour’s drive north of the 401 and STAGING OPTIONS Mazinaw area. From Bancroft, you’ll do about
less than two hours from eastern periphery If you’re staying overnight, try The Sword Inn, 257 kilometres total. Try the Bon Echo Loop
of the Greater Toronto Area. This proximity located at the north end of the main drag, clockwise from Bancroft because that puts
means many snowmobilers can easily trailer with trail access to the Hastings Heritage the last 50 kilometres or so at the end of the
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Respect Our Landowners – Stay On The Trail or Stay Home!
GSOM
Vol11#3day on TOP Trail E106 & TOP B106E (Hastings
Heritage Trail), so if you’re running late or
tired, it’s very easy going back to Bancroft.
MADAWASKA HIGHLAND LOOP (OFSC
DISTRICT 6)
Starting about 40 kilometres north of
Bancroft, the Madawaska Highlands Loop is
listed officially at about 180 kilometres and
includes (counter clockwise) Lake St Peter,
Combermere, Barry’s Bay and Whitney.
VARIOUS SOUTHWESTERN LOOPS (OFSC
DISTRICTS 2 & 6)
“Southwestern Loops” includes several day
rides heading south and west from Bancroft
where there are two unofficial and one official
loop options. Depending on your time, you
can ride 150 (unofficial) kilometres to Tory Hill
and Wilberforce, then back up toward Lake
St Peter (fuel) on TOP E109. Or you can ride
a longer unofficial loop into the Haliburton
area and then up TOP E to Whitney and
south to Bancroft. Or to ride another good Everything You Need To Know About Rides, Itineraries, Destinations and Gear
promoted OFSC loop that’s as official as it
gets, check out the Hastings Highland Tour, a
240-kilometre ride south from Bancroft.
GET MORE INFO
Bancroft & District: bancroftdistrict.com
Ontario’s Highlands Tourism:
ontarioshighlands.ca
Ontario Tourism: ontariotravel.net/en/play/
powersports-touring/snowmobiles
OFSC District 2: district2ofsc.ca Discover Canada’s most popular site for touring riders!
OFSC District 6: snowcountryscsa.ca GSOM
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GSOM
Vol11#3REAL RIDERS
UNEXPECTED
EXPERIENCES
STORY & PHOTOS BY CRAIG NICHOLSON,
THE INTREPID SNOWMOBILER
I’ve snowmobiled tens of thousands of kilometres over the years in search of great stories for various snowmobiling magazines.
And while every tour’s an adventure, I’ve also had my share of unexpected experiences, including trails blocked by snow!
BIRD BRAINS SWAMP WOMAN in a slow motion spill, tumbling her butt first
The trail north of Bancroft runs straight as a die Our group were riding a beautifully groomed into brackish, foul-smelling mire. Fortunately,
along an abandoned railway bed. On one ride, trail in the Kawarthas. Cresting a hill, we could only ankle-deep.
I saw a flash of movement out of the corner see our route extended far ahead. But in a After hauling her out, everyone was standing
of my eye. Suddenly, a startled partridge flew valley immediately below, the trail narrowed to around enjoying the odour at her expense. But
straight in front of my moving sled. cross a partially broken-through swampy area. I made the mistake of commenting: “Better
With a sickening thwump, blood, guts Our leader proceeded cautiously, keeping to you than me.” She smiled sweetly and replied
and feathers splattered across my hood and the intact snow on the extreme right side. with frigid diction: “Then it’s a lucky thing I’m
windshield, spraying my visor and chest like My wife was next in line. I encouraged her wearing your good jacket today, honey!” Yuck.
special effects in a cheesy horror flick. The to take it slow and follow the leader’s tracks.
viscera froze immediately, so I miserably Unfortunately, the first sled had weakened the MIGHTY MOOSE
displayed the gory evidence of this untimely snow cover. So her machine tipped sideways Higher life forms than partridges and husbands
demise for the rest of that day.
TREE TROUBLE
We had snowmobiled to a Muskoka restaurant
for lunch, returning several hours later along the
same trail. Cruising in the lead, I was confident
the way back would be as clear as before.
But rounding a corner, an irregularity
suddenly caught my eye. A large birch tree had
fallen across the trail since our last passage!
With hard braking and dexterous steering, I
avoided a bark face transplant. The tree was
too heavy to move, so we made a detour,
marking the trail in both directions with
branches to warn other riders.
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Do Your Part To Keep Trails Open, Follow The Stakes Across Farmer’s Fields.
GSOM
Vol11#3frequent our trails. I’ve had several close
encounters with moose. North of Hearst on the
Missinaibi Expedition Tour, one of them came
out of nowhere and a churning wall of snow
and rawhide crossed so close in front of me that
I could have touched it.
Another time, our group was at the twilight
end of a hard day’s ride, when we came upon
an immense cow moose and her large calf
ensconced on a trail. I couldn’t judge their size
exactly. But from my sled I could see under
Mom’s belly, which is more than I can do with
mine. Not wanting to disturb these shaggy
giants, or reprise my partridge encounter
either, I stopped – but every time we did, so
did they. Then the cow would make charging
motions. Maybe she didn’t like the swampy
smell of my jacket. Or perhaps word had
spread about my partridge encounter.
We made lots of noise, edged our sleds
closer and hung back, stopped and started, all
to no avail. This was their trail, period. Finally, GOING NOWHERE large jugs. I tied them to every part of my sled,
three of us tried to zip by between them while They say groomed trails always lead like a bag lady of the trails. Three hours later,
the cow was distracted. Two made it, but I was somewhere. But I’ve followed groomer tracks we made it home. But only after refilling the
cut off by the calf and trapped within arm’s to a maintenance garage, to an operator’s reservoir countless times and consuming all
reach of that intimidating mother. house, and to a dead end where the groomer but a half jug of washer fluid. I didn’t even get
As she moved aggressively toward my turned around and came back again. a chance to clean my windshield!
sled, I leapt assertively to my feet on the I’ve even followed one track that led right
running boards, waving my arms, and ready down the middle of someone’s driveway, PIPE DREAM
to bale out. Startled, she backed off the past a dog house and under a clothesline Another time, we were travelling a pipeline
trail momentarily. Seizing that chance, the resplendent with freshly hung laundry. A wet trail through a remote area of Northern Ontario
remaining riders and I whipped by the calf. sheet dragging across my visor reminded when I spotted heavy machinery ahead. Turns
Looking back, we observed the two indignant me of driving through a car wash. I never out it was excavating a huge hole across the
behemoths guarding their trail again. Pity the did discover whether this was really the trail, trail in both directions for as far as we could
next snowmobilers they met! but I can attest that their whites were whiter see. With no way around and not enough fuel
than white – about the same colour as that to go back, our options were limited. But the
operator’s face when I kissed his blade. Or operator gave us a friendly wave and promptly
mine when I gave that partridge something to proceeded to fill in and pack a narrow earth
grouse about. bridge for us to get across. Talk about service!
If there’s a moral to this story, it’s that anything
HOLED HEAT EXCHANGER can happen at any time while snowmobiling,
Another unexpected experience resulted on so ride with care and control – and as they say,
an Algoma Country ride when I simultaneously “always expect the unexpected”! GSOM
tried a pre-studded prototype track and a new
951
aftermarket suspension. We were far from
73
civilization when my engine warning light
flashed on. BY THE NUMBERS
Turns out missing tunnel protectors had
holed my tunnel heat exchanger, allowing TRAILER USAGE
842
BLADE RUNNER coolant to escape. So we started towing my HOW OFTEN DO ONTARIO
I’ve always dreaded the thought of a head RIDERS TRAILER TO THE SNOW?
sled back on a Krazy Karpet. Like dog paws
on meeting with an oncoming groomer. On
one occasion, my wife and I had slowed to
slipping on a vinyl floor, the back end of my
machine careened from side to side, despite
50% OF
THE TIME 21.5%
6
negotiate a blind hairpin turn – and I was
shocked to find an enormous wall of yellow
my best efforts to steer a straight line. Two
hours of terror later, we found a country store. ALWAYS 31.5%
blocking the entire trail. I barely had time to
take in the operator’s wide-eyed face before
I figured buying extra antifreeze to keep
topping up my coolant might enable me to
OCCA-
SIONALLY 38.2%
1597
my hydraulic brakes brought me to rest just
as my ski tips kissed the groomer blade. While
she helped put my heart back into my throat,
ride my sled back without overheating. Except
none was available… NEVER 8.8%
Just as I’d resigned myself to being towing [ see Trailer Checklist article on page 14 ]
my wife quipped: “You could have been the again, I noticed a large display of window
partridge this time, dear.” washer fluid. Aha, I thought and bought 12
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GSOM
Vol11#3RIDER INSiGHT
Craig Nicholson, The Intreprid Snowmobiler
Getting Real About Trail Mishaps
S
ince the inception of snowmobiling, Canada has become increasingly urbanized. Today, If the victim’s not breathing, then it’s time for
well over 80% of us live urbanely. Consequently, most of us don’t have as much experience mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. On the snow,
or skill in the great outdoors as our forbearers. City dwellers also take it for granted that this assumes no helmets in the way, especially
emergency services are just a phone call away. full face ones. So do I remove the victim’s helmet
for mouth to mouth and possibly aggravate
a neck injury, or not start resuscitation? To
say nothing of taking off my own helmet and
starting to lose my own body heat.
If artificial resuscitation doesn’t work, the
course said to start CPR. This process requires
the opening and loosening of the victim’s
clothing for chest access. So CPR becomes a
race against hypothermia. And not just for the
exposed victim…I worked up a good sweat
doing vigorous CPR on a training dummy. So
how do I stay dry and ward off hypothermia in
real life?
And now the surprising kicker. I also learned
that CPR only succeeds about 3% of the time.
Now I’m picturing myself in the freezing cold,
with 100% chance of getting hypothermia
versus a 3% chance of saving someone. And
let’s not forget that once started, I’m supposed
to continue CPR until relieved. What are the
odds that anyone is going to show up before I
succumb to CPR-induced exhaustion and cold?
So giving first aid is still a quandary to me,
Then we blithely head off into the wilderness on witness. What scares me is the possibility that even though I do carry a decent first aid kit. That’s
our snowmobiles with that same expectation. an injured rider would reply, “Yes”, imagining why I take three smart precautions while riding.
Instead, odds are high that if a mishap occurs, my qualifications to be everything short of a One, I wear a TekVest (tekrider.com) to protect
help could be far away and a long time medical degree. When in fact, I may know only my upper body while riding. This body armour
coming. Obviously, the best way to avoid such slightly more about 1st aid than the nearest tree. can significantly reduce serious core injury. Two, I
misadventure is to ride defensively, with care If the victim replies “No”, do I just breathe affix a Medical Data Carrier (medicaldatacarrier.
and control. But sometimes, things go wrong a sigh of relief and watch him or her morph com) to my helmet. Its protective sleeve holds
no matter how careful we are, so then what? into a Popsicle? What’s more, leaving anyone my medical info so first responders know of
Very likely, it’s up to those on scene to injured alone isn’t recommended. But what if special needs before treating me, especially if
do basic fist aid and find help. With that in there are only two of us and no cell service? I’m unconscious. And three, I bring a Globalstar
mind, I took a one-day first aid course for the Moving a person with undetermined Satellite Phone (globalstar.com) that connects
outdoors. Unfortunately, it provoked more injuries isn’t recommended either. Besides, virtually everywhere, providing additional
questions than answers… the course taught not to move victims with assurance of the quickest possible response time
Every procedure in the course began with possible head, neck or spine injuries, all for all in my group.
the reminder, “Call 911 and then…” Even if I common in snow machine crashes. And what Short of having a medevac helicopter
had cell service, how am I supposed to give if my choices are leaving the victim alone to accompany every ride, this may be as good as
directions? And even then, what are the get help or risking greater injury by riding the gets. All the more reason for each of us to get real
chances of emergency responders arriving person out on my sled? about the false urban assumption that “Nothing’s
quickly? Meanwhile, what am I supposed do The course also recommended opening and ever gonna happen to me.” Because when it does,
and are there any liability concerns? loosening victim clothing for greater comfort. don’t expect any magical evasions or providential
Ontario has Good Samaritan legislation that Would an injured buddy really appreciate body escapes from whatever fate awaits you on the
protects anyone trying to help. Regardless, our heat escaping and the cold rushing in? And trail when your number’s up.
course instructor stressed that the first thing to if I did remove some clothing to assess and The opinions expressed in this column are
do is to tell the injured person: “I know first aid”, deal with injuries, how do I keep the injured those of the author and not necessarily those of
and ask permission to help. Preferably with a snowmobiler warm? the OFSC. GSOM
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Respect Our Landowners – Stay On The Trail or Stay Home!
GSOM
Vol11#3You can also read
