MORAVIA - Snowmobiling can be an enjoyable winter sport to share with family and friends, and with the proper safety measures taken, it can be a safe form of fun for everyone.
Photo provided
Fingerlakes Trail Runners Snowmobile Club takes a rest after a day of riding at Fillmore Glen State Park in Moravia.
Fingerlakes Trail Runners Snowmobile Club takes a rest after a day of riding at Fillmore Glen State Park in Moravia.
Joining a local snowmobile riding club is the surest way to keep up to date on the latest locations, organized group rides, and laws.
This year, the Sarah bill was passed to encourage snowmobile riders to join local clubs.
According to Kevin Davis, owner of Big Boy's Toys in Moravia, and president of The Fingerlakes Trail Runners Snowmobile Club of Moravia, the Sarah bill entitles club members to a decrease on their monthly snowmobile registrations with the Department of Motor Vehicles.
“The normal registration fee in $100,” he said. “With the club membership the fee is reduced to $45.”
Although membership is not a requirement for snowmobile owners, Davis highly recommends joining a local club.
“Club membership offers many opportunities for making good friends and other family opportunities,” he said.
Designated trails throughout the county are maintained for the purpose of snowmobile use, and should be used with caution as other riders may be using them as well.
Bob Eshlemen, co-founder of the Fingerlakes Trail Runners, said that riders should always operate their sled on the right-hand side of the trail to ensure all riders a safe passing.
Making sure to read and abide by all trail signs and hand signals, will help other riders know your intentions upon the trail.
Eshlemen said that group riders should always ride in a line, and that night riding speeds should never exceed the limit of your headlight.
“Driving too fast at night will limit your ability to see ahead of you,” he said. “Night riding is always a cautious thing.”
According to Eshlemen, no trails within Cayuga County will pass over water.
“Riding over water (ice) is extremely dangerous,” he said. “Even small creeks and ponds should be avoided.”
Though snowmobiles are extremely stable machines, in certain circumstances they can flip. Therefore ditches and other areas that create a possible instability, should be avoided as well.
“Speed, alcohol and ice are just dangerous things for a snowmobiler,” Eshlemen said. “We have a zero tolerance rule within the club.”
Driving while under the influence carries the same fines as they do for automobile offenses.
Today's technology can produce snowmobiles that can have speeds in excess of 100 mph, therefore speed is a risk that snowmobilers often face when on the trails.
“My kids are out there on the trails, club members are often riding with their families,” Davis said. “People really need to know that the speed limit for snowmobiling is 55 mph.”
Davis said that speeding tickets can be issued to riders exceeding the speed limits.
Though a drivers license is not required to operate a snowmobile, children ages 10 to 16, must attend a New York state certified safety course.
Parents should monitor a young child's use of the machine.
“My kids have been riding since they were 4 years old,” Davis said. “They took the certification course when they were 10 years. If they are taught right about safety and always with their parents, kids can learn the sport.”
The Fingerlakes Trail Runners club meets the first Tuesday of every month, and is open to the public. Currently, the club boasts 243 families members, Davis said, and more are welcome.
This year, the Sarah bill was passed to encourage snowmobile riders to join local clubs.
According to Kevin Davis, owner of Big Boy's Toys in Moravia, and president of The Fingerlakes Trail Runners Snowmobile Club of Moravia, the Sarah bill entitles club members to a decrease on their monthly snowmobile registrations with the Department of Motor Vehicles.
“The normal registration fee in $100,” he said. “With the club membership the fee is reduced to $45.”
Although membership is not a requirement for snowmobile owners, Davis highly recommends joining a local club.
“Club membership offers many opportunities for making good friends and other family opportunities,” he said.
Designated trails throughout the county are maintained for the purpose of snowmobile use, and should be used with caution as other riders may be using them as well.
Bob Eshlemen, co-founder of the Fingerlakes Trail Runners, said that riders should always operate their sled on the right-hand side of the trail to ensure all riders a safe passing.
Making sure to read and abide by all trail signs and hand signals, will help other riders know your intentions upon the trail.
Eshlemen said that group riders should always ride in a line, and that night riding speeds should never exceed the limit of your headlight.
“Driving too fast at night will limit your ability to see ahead of you,” he said. “Night riding is always a cautious thing.”
According to Eshlemen, no trails within Cayuga County will pass over water.
“Riding over water (ice) is extremely dangerous,” he said. “Even small creeks and ponds should be avoided.”
Though snowmobiles are extremely stable machines, in certain circumstances they can flip. Therefore ditches and other areas that create a possible instability, should be avoided as well.
“Speed, alcohol and ice are just dangerous things for a snowmobiler,” Eshlemen said. “We have a zero tolerance rule within the club.”
Driving while under the influence carries the same fines as they do for automobile offenses.
Today's technology can produce snowmobiles that can have speeds in excess of 100 mph, therefore speed is a risk that snowmobilers often face when on the trails.
“My kids are out there on the trails, club members are often riding with their families,” Davis said. “People really need to know that the speed limit for snowmobiling is 55 mph.”
Davis said that speeding tickets can be issued to riders exceeding the speed limits.
Though a drivers license is not required to operate a snowmobile, children ages 10 to 16, must attend a New York state certified safety course.
Parents should monitor a young child's use of the machine.
“My kids have been riding since they were 4 years old,” Davis said. “They took the certification course when they were 10 years. If they are taught right about safety and always with their parents, kids can learn the sport.”
The Fingerlakes Trail Runners club meets the first Tuesday of every month, and is open to the public. Currently, the club boasts 243 families members, Davis said, and more are welcome.
