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12-19-2008, 06:48 PM | #1 |
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: North Central Illinois
Posts: 8,575
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Snowmobiling In the Midwest
Who snowmobiles? I thought that maybe some of us do since we are located in the snowbelt of the U.S.
I just went out this afternoon for a sixty-mile ride. We had a foot of snow dumped on us overnight; so it was a good day to skip work and go snowmobiling. Up here in the northern part of Illinois and on into Wisconsin there are literally thousands of miles of snowmobile trails -- complete with traffic signs. I know in some parts of our region trails such as these don't exist. It must be a "northern-thing". Had a great ride and snowmobiling is a great placebo for "biking" in the winter. Hope some of you get a chance to do it also. :)
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"During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." "You can have your own opinion, but not your own facts." Former VBA NCR Assist Regional Leader Formerly: 2004 1500FI Bronze Nomad: 2009 & 2014 HD Ultra Current Rides: 2017 HD Ultra Limited & 2011 Can Am Spyder RTS-SE Attended: VBA National Rallies 2009, 2011, 2015; VBA/NCR Regional Rally 2010, 12, 14, 16 and several rides throughout with regional members. VBA Member #652 HOG Member #3935417 Login or Register to Remove Ads |
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12-19-2008, 09:37 PM | #2 |
Sr. Contributor
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Way East Valley
Posts: 12,017
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Snowmobiling In the Midwest
I don't snowmobile, but a guy that runs the church riding group I ride with runs the snowmobile association in Iowa. Too many toys for me and I don't like snow much anymore. It gets in the way of motorcycle riding.
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Ponch VBA 0019 VROC 8109-R BMWMOA 162849 BMWRA 41335 BMW: When you care enough to ride the very best. My Motorrad Blog My Motorrad YouTube 2009 BMW R1200RT Previous bikes:2007 Nomad | 2001 Vulcan 800 Classic | 1984 GPz750 | 1978 KZ1000A2 Rallies: Custer '09|Prairie Du Chien '10|Crescent City '11 |
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12-20-2008, 12:37 AM | #3 |
Sr. Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: North Dakota
Posts: 1,865
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Snowmobiling In the Midwest
I'm not a snowmobiler either. I've done it a couple of times, but it's not something that appeals to me. For one, I'm not big on cold weather. Two, they are a big investment that hinges on the gamble of whether we get enough snow to ride them. The past several winters we haven't had enough snow here to make them feasible, so guys end up trailering them 600 miles to West Yellowstone in order to ride. I'd much rather spend that money on a sweet Nomad that I can ride anywhere in the country.
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12-20-2008, 07:59 AM | #4 |
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: North Central Illinois
Posts: 8,575
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Snowmobiling In the Midwest
I would agree that snowmobiles are an expensive investment for something you are not sure you will get to ride. It has only been since last year that we have had consistent weather to ride -- which is why I don't own a snowmobile.
I am fortunate that a friend of mine bought two sleds and is always asking me to go -- thus I just pay for gas. A sweet deal. Kind-of like knowing someone that owns a boat; or a pool -- you get to enjoy them without having to own them!! Ha! Regarding staying warm. This day and age; the cold isn't a factor on snowmobiles. Besides wearing a snowsuit (which is extremely warm); the snowmobiles of today have handle-grip warmers; and feet warmers (engine exhaust pipes near the feet). All in all; cold isn't a factor any longer. If either of you get a chance to ride; you should try to do so -- it is a great way to "ride" during the winter months.
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"During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." "You can have your own opinion, but not your own facts." Former VBA NCR Assist Regional Leader Formerly: 2004 1500FI Bronze Nomad: 2009 & 2014 HD Ultra Current Rides: 2017 HD Ultra Limited & 2011 Can Am Spyder RTS-SE Attended: VBA National Rallies 2009, 2011, 2015; VBA/NCR Regional Rally 2010, 12, 14, 16 and several rides throughout with regional members. VBA Member #652 HOG Member #3935417 |
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12-20-2008, 09:55 AM | #5 |
Snowmobiling In the Midwest
I've never been on one.
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___________________ Mike "Scion0" VBA#: 0097Current ride: 2012 H-D Ultra FLHTCU (Black) Past ride: 2007 Black Nomad Login or Register to Remove Ads |
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12-20-2008, 10:31 AM | #6 |
Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Fairbury, IL
Posts: 309
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Snowmobiling In the Midwest
I had one when I was kid but have not been on one in years. Although my boys would love it.
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12-20-2008, 05:34 PM | #7 |
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: North Central Illinois
Posts: 8,575
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Snowmobiling In the Midwest
If you like riding your bike; then there's a good chance you'll like snowmobiling.
I have to admit; it helps up here because of the endless trails to ride on -- but none the less -- it is still a lot of fun.
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"During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." "You can have your own opinion, but not your own facts." Former VBA NCR Assist Regional Leader Formerly: 2004 1500FI Bronze Nomad: 2009 & 2014 HD Ultra Current Rides: 2017 HD Ultra Limited & 2011 Can Am Spyder RTS-SE Attended: VBA National Rallies 2009, 2011, 2015; VBA/NCR Regional Rally 2010, 12, 14, 16 and several rides throughout with regional members. VBA Member #652 HOG Member #3935417 |
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12-20-2008, 07:31 PM | #8 |
Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Washington Illinois
Posts: 307
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Snowmobiling In the Midwest
Sounds like fun
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12-20-2008, 10:10 PM | #9 |
Sr. Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Boulder County, Colorado
Posts: 2,014
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Snowmobiling In the Midwest
I grew up in northern Iowa before there were snowmobiles as we know know them. As kids we talked about and dreamed about powered sleds and tracked vehicles for snow riding. Every winter seemed like it would have been good for the sport. Shortly after I left the area they caught on big and I felt like I had missed out. I've since had the opportunity to try them out and while a lot of fun, still is a lot different than MCs. I'd compare SMs more to boating where where the location and conditions are right you get to do it (yes, up north bike riding is similar) but the bike can be not only fun but practical local and long distance routine transportation, not much chance for SMs there. I have visited and worked in Barrow, Alaska and there they are practical, routine, and necessary transportation but ccccccooooooollllddd.
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12-20-2008, 10:30 PM | #10 | |
Sr. Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Damascus, OR
Posts: 1,430
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Snowmobiling In the Midwest
Guys, I'm jealous!!! Can I ride over on the Nomad and rent a snowmobile for a day?!?
I got to ride once when I was thirteen or fourteen and have always wanted to try it again. Quote:
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12-20-2008, 11:54 PM | #11 |
Sr. Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: North Dakota
Posts: 1,865
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Snowmobiling In the Midwest
Yes, it's true about our recent winters. This year is going to be the exception. We've already had over a foot of snow, so the ditches and fields are all white. The past few years, the only places you could ride a snowmobile at were in some of the ditches after the wind blew the snow into them. The fields would be brown because there wasn't enough snow. We're in the midst of our second blizzard in two weekends now, and there was a story on the news tonight about how the stores can't keep snowblowers in stock. Mine has been getting a good workout this month!
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