Poll Question for the group....

[hparaptor]

Oh yeah!  What a day that was!

[MXZ700RIDER]

Good to know!

[snowfarmer]

To bad things aren't marked as well as this! 

[actionjack]

Well that seems to sum it up

[spanky123]

On Saturday, February 04, 2017 at 4:18 PM, iceman said:

Those of you Familiar I am talking specifically of Lac Edouard. Long lake crossing marked with only 1 stake marking the trail across the lake. Stakes are spaced out nicely very easy to follow.

When we where up there two weeks ago everyone seemed to be staying to the right of the stake, including us.  Last year the gentlemen that owns the store/gas station gave us heads up about the lake trail.  Cant remember how much trail it cuts off, but it was a lot.  And the shape 355 was in that day I didnt mind the shorter route...

[markusvt]

This from Greg a few years back, see #3. They work for us. Your team may use variations of these, or none of them at all,no worries, I am not here to judge one way or another.

 

                                                           CONDENSED SAFETY TIPS 

 

1.       HAND SIGNALS

·         Extreme or surprise turns

·         Slowing or stopping (obvious hand straight up, very important, people behind are usually in dust)

·         Groomer in the area (straight up, circling around like beacon)

·         Wildlife (bounding motion or antler sign)

·         Significant hand signals only, no senseless count downs, both hands on the bars, in control, on the right

 

2.       SLOWING OR STOPPING

·         Obvious hand signal ALWAYS

·         Pull to extreme right

·         No double wide stopping, ever

·         Highly visible areas only, think about where you stop and how safely you can be seen from both directions.

 

3.       STAY TO RIGHT

·         Oncoming traffic comes surprisingly fast

·         A safety margin of maneuverability is a good idea if oncoming sled is in your lane

·         If you intentionally crossover the center, have good sight lines and get back quickly

·         If you accidentally crossover get back quickly, it’s good to practice

 

4.       MISHAP TIPS

·         Keep your hands off the brake, you ain’t gonna stop. Use the throttle and drive it.

·         If you go off the trail, look between the trees “not at them”, you generally go where you look.

·         If you blow a corner, don’t stop or turn immediately, you may end up wearing the next guy

·         If you have an incident in the trail, get out of the way, others are coming

·         If you get stuck, don’t have a heart attack getting out, take your time, prepare exit path, wait.

·         People doing stupid stuff, groomers and wildlife, happen, be prepared

·         If you avoid an obstacle/accident, get out of the way immediately, next guy also needs a place to go.   

 

5.       INTERSECTIONS

·         Slow up, if no one is waiting to direct you, always assume the biggest most traveled choice

·         If there was a guy there for you, make sure the guy after you gets the message as well

·         It is not necessary to stop, just makes sure the next guy sees which way you are going

·         Lost or confused, just sit there and wait, we have only lost one guy in 20 years, he didn’t wait

 

6.       PASSING SLOWER TRAFFIC

·         Let them know you are there by revving engine or putting your light in their mirror

·         Use patience and good judgment

·         Make pass quickly and where you choose, no blind corners, no hill crests, no gambling

·         Get back on your side ASAP, like your life depends on it!

·         Some people get aggressive, race you in the straights, won’t stay on the right side, are oblivious, willing to put you in the bush or all of the above, be patient and prudent.

 

7.       BEING PASSED

·         If the guy is there, be real, keep an even speed, give him space, let him in, there is no rescue crew waiting in turn one.

·         Some people get aggressive, race you in the straights, won’t stay on the right side, are oblivious to their surroundings, are willing to put you in the bush or all of the above.

 

8.       DISTANCE

·         Reaction time, visibility, the unexpected, you choose how fast and how close

·         Every 5-10 miles, try to make visual contact with the next sled. If you do not (probable whiz stop), slow down or pull over, till you see his light coming, blink brake so he sees you and go

·         If the delay is longer than, belt change and whiz stop combined, turn around in a very visible area (be careful about turning around outside the trail alone, stuck sucks) and go looking.

·         If the problem is major, the system will work and sooner than later, everyone will be back