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TERRAIN/RIDING VARIATIONS
GROOMED TRAIL
On a maintained trail, sitting is the most preferred riding position. Do
not race and, above all, keep to the right hand side of the trail. Be
prepared for the unexpected. Observe all trail signs. Do not zigzag
from one side of the trail to the other.
UNGROOMED TRAIL
Unless there has been a fresh snowfall you can expect “washboard”
and snowdrift conditions. Taken at excessive speeds, such condi-
tions can be physically harmful. Slow down. Hold on the handlebar
and assume a posting position. Feet should be under the body as-
suming a crouched position to absorb any jarring effect. On longer
stretches of “washboard” trails, the kneeling position of one knee
on the seat can be adopted. This provides a certain amount of com-
fort, while at the same time keeps the body loose and capable of
vehicle control. Beware of hidden rocks or tree stumps partially hid-
den by a recent snowfall.
DEEP SNOW
In deep “powder” snow, your vehicle could begin to “bog” down. If
this occurs, turn in as wide an arc as possible and look for a firmer
base. If you do get “bogged”, and it happens to everyone, do not
spin your track as this makes the vehicle sink deeper. Instead, turn
the engine off, get off and move the vehicle rear onto new snow.
Then tramp a clear path ahead of the vehicle. A few feet will generally
suffice. Restart the engine. Assume the standing position and rock
the vehicle gently as you steadily and slowly apply the throttle. De-
pending on whether the front or rear end of the vehicle is sinking,
your feet should be placed on the opposing end of the running
boards. Never place foreign material beneath the track for support.
Do not allow anyone to stand in front of, or to the rear of, the snow-
mobile with the engine running. Stay away from the track. Personal
injury will result if contact is made with the revolving track.
MDD2002-001a.FM Page 12 Wednesday, January 3, 2001 9:39 AM
