Snowmobiling
Drew Pieper
History
The first snowmobiles stretch all the way back to the 1920s according “Snowmobiling, Have Fun, Be Safe” (14). It made it easier for people to travel in the snow when we did not have the vehicles we have today. The first snowmobile built was called the motor toboggan from what “Snowmobiling, Have Fun, Be Safe” (15). From what this book says “the first snowmobiles were built for work, not for fun” (Sommer 14). By the 1960s, companies started to notice that snowmobiling was fun so the snowmobiles started to boom. By 1972, there was over 100 snowmobile companies according to “Snowmobiling, Have Fun, Be Safe” (19). After this, snowmobiling boomed and is still a very big hit today for millions of people.
Trails
From what sources say, trail riding is a big deal. There are many techniques you have to follow and also rules. According to my book; “North America has more than 230,000 miles (370,000 kilometers) or snowmobiling trails” (Laura Salas 25). Trails can be windy, straight, and tricky according to “Snowmobiling: The Great Outdoors” (28). There are many signals that you use when riding on the trails, including hand signals for turning, stopping, slowing down, and meeting other riders on the trails. There are also rules for your sleds when riding the trails according to “Snowmobiling: The Great Outdoors” (28). Your sled cannot be too loud and the there is a speed limit of 55 mph at night.
Equipment
While riding on the trails or just for fun, you need to have the right gear and equipment from what “Snowmobiling: The Great Outdoors” (35) says. For clothing, “you want a warm waterproof jacket, waterproof snow pants, warm gloves and proper foot wear” (Salas 35-36). You should also wear a helmet with a shield. If your helmet does not have a shield then you should wear goggles. Also to be safe riders you should bring a first aid kit, repair kit, and a map and compass according to “Snowmobiling: The Great Outdoors” (39). All of these are essential parts of riding no matter where you ride.
Competitions
There are many snowmobiling competitions in the United Sates according to “Snowmobiling Competitions” (1). Like the website says; “Snowmobile racing and free style are the two most popular types of competitions and are in the X-Games” (1). But from what “Snowmobiling Competitions” (1) says that there are many more competitions. They are racing, cross country racing, mountain climbs, free style (tricks), and drags in either grass or in the snow. Snowmobile riding and racing is a huge part of the United States and a huge part of North America according to “Snowmobiling Competitions” (1).
Maintenance
Snowmobile Maintenance is a huge part of snowmobiling according to "Snowmobiling Maintenance” (1). There is a pre-season checkup that you need to do to make sure that everything is intact and running correct. The website directly says; “You have to maintain your sled by checking everything to make sure your sled is performing correctly” (Staff 1). The main things you have to check and maintain on your sled is the oil, spark plugs, skis, carbides, throttle, brakes, belt wear, and the track. A sled or snowmobile is a very fun machine that needs attention and a lot of maintenance too remain the way you want it to be according to “Snowmobiling Maintenance” (1).
Citations
Budd, E. S. Snowmobiles. Chanhassen, MN: Child's World, 2004. Print.
"Google Images." Snowmobiling. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Nov. 2013.
Salas, Laura Purdie. Snowmobiling. Mankato, MN: Capstone High-Interest, 2002. Print.
"Snowmobiling 101." Snowmobiling Maintenance. Vertical Scope Inc., 2005-2013. Web. 06 Nov. 2013.
"Snowmobiling Competitions." Snowmobiling. Internet Marketing Tools, 15 Dec. 2006. Web. 06 Nov. 2013.
Sommers, Michael A. Snowmobiling: Have Fun, Be Smart. New York: Rosen Pub. Group, 2000. Print.