SENNETT - While cold weather and snow may keep some people inside, the ninth annual Weedsport Winter Wanderers antique snowmobile show gave several residents a reason to break out their gear and drive out to Owen Orchards.
Jill Connor / The Citizen
Colin Wolff and his wife, Dawn, of Auburn, try to fix their Ski-Doo MXZ's broken choke lever that Colin hit with his knee while the two were riding double at an antique snowmobile show organized by the Weedsport Winter Wanderers at Owen Orchards in Sennett, Sunday.
Colin Wolff and his wife, Dawn, of Auburn, try to fix their Ski-Doo MXZ's broken choke lever that Colin hit with his knee while the two were riding double at an antique snowmobile show organized by the Weedsport Winter Wanderers at Owen Orchards in Sennett, Sunday.
As the putt-putt-putt of 40-year-old snowmobile engines filled the air, the sound of newer snowmobiles could be heard as visitors pulled into the parking lot after making the trip from towns and villages as far away as Moravia.
Dave Samons, treasurer for the Wanderers, said part of the event's appeal for visitors is that they can see how the industry has changed throughout the past five decades by comparing the boxy angles and the four horsepower engine of a 1963 Fox Trac to the sleek curves and 110 horsepower engines of modern-day sleds.
“I would say that the history of snowmobiling is all right here,” Samons said, as he pointed to the rows of antique snowmobiles. “The way the industry is now, you can see how we got here by looking all of these sleds. It shows how this industry has evolved.”
One of the biggest differences Samons pointed out was driver comfort. When Samons tested the suspension capability of a 1976 Scorpion Whip, the machine barely sank two inches compared to the eight inches of leeway provided by a brand new Arctic Cat.
“One of the first sleds I had, it looked pretty good and it was a lot of fun, but boy did it beat you up,” Samons said. “It was one rough ride. And in the old days you were lucky to go 25 miles without breaking down, and now people can go on 200 mile trips without having to worry.”
Waterville resident Scott Bullock, who owns the 1963 Fox Trac, said that with the way technology has progressed, many people often believe his sled is a lawn tractor when they first see it.
“That seat is the only thing there is for suspension on this machine,” said Bullock. “When I was a kid it was probably a blast, but it was a rough ride. It's nothing like modern sleds.”
While some of the participants showing antique sleds have been lifelong enthusiast, Yardley Burgess, of Union Springs, said that his 1969 Ski Doo Nordic, which he bought two months ago, is the first snowmobile he has ever owned. Burgess' prior experience with snowmobiling had come from riding with his wife, Debbie, and her brothers.
After experiencing the rough ride of his Ski Doo, Burgess said he could appreciate the evolution of snowmobiling equipment and that he planned to buy a newer sled when he sells his current one.
But even without a high-tech suspension system, cargo space, and a seat and handlebar warmers, Burgess still enjoyed every ride through the fields near his house.
“I love snowmobiling so much,” Burgess said. “I have never had so much fun in my entire life. With this machine, you feel every bump, but it just slides right through the corners.”
Staff writer Nate Robson can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or nathan.robson@lee.net
Dave Samons, treasurer for the Wanderers, said part of the event's appeal for visitors is that they can see how the industry has changed throughout the past five decades by comparing the boxy angles and the four horsepower engine of a 1963 Fox Trac to the sleek curves and 110 horsepower engines of modern-day sleds.
“I would say that the history of snowmobiling is all right here,” Samons said, as he pointed to the rows of antique snowmobiles. “The way the industry is now, you can see how we got here by looking all of these sleds. It shows how this industry has evolved.”
One of the biggest differences Samons pointed out was driver comfort. When Samons tested the suspension capability of a 1976 Scorpion Whip, the machine barely sank two inches compared to the eight inches of leeway provided by a brand new Arctic Cat.
“One of the first sleds I had, it looked pretty good and it was a lot of fun, but boy did it beat you up,” Samons said. “It was one rough ride. And in the old days you were lucky to go 25 miles without breaking down, and now people can go on 200 mile trips without having to worry.”
Waterville resident Scott Bullock, who owns the 1963 Fox Trac, said that with the way technology has progressed, many people often believe his sled is a lawn tractor when they first see it.
“That seat is the only thing there is for suspension on this machine,” said Bullock. “When I was a kid it was probably a blast, but it was a rough ride. It's nothing like modern sleds.”
While some of the participants showing antique sleds have been lifelong enthusiast, Yardley Burgess, of Union Springs, said that his 1969 Ski Doo Nordic, which he bought two months ago, is the first snowmobile he has ever owned. Burgess' prior experience with snowmobiling had come from riding with his wife, Debbie, and her brothers.
After experiencing the rough ride of his Ski Doo, Burgess said he could appreciate the evolution of snowmobiling equipment and that he planned to buy a newer sled when he sells his current one.
But even without a high-tech suspension system, cargo space, and a seat and handlebar warmers, Burgess still enjoyed every ride through the fields near his house.
“I love snowmobiling so much,” Burgess said. “I have never had so much fun in my entire life. With this machine, you feel every bump, but it just slides right through the corners.”
Staff writer Nate Robson can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or nathan.robson@lee.net
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