7422-R2_MSA_Jan2021_MaineSnowmobiler

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to a road for EMT’s to take over. Enjoy the outdoors, obey the rules, be careful of road and railroad cross- ings, keep your machine in tip top shape, wear the proper clothing, let family and friends know where you’re going, respect the landowners - don’t leave trash. Over 90% of our trails are on private property. Thank a landowner! Thank a supporting busi- ness! And I thank you for being a Safe Snowmobiler!

Check with the locals. The MSA works closely with Brook- field Hydro Power. They control most of the hydro dams in the state. We had a safety meeting with those folks in Greenville and will be attending another in the near future. Another partner is Life Flight. This team has goes above and beyond saving lives. Their choppers are fly- ing hospitals they land in specially designed Landing Zones provided by the snowmobile clubs throughout the state.

The Virtual Snocross Event is in full swing. The year of 2020 hit many businesses and nonprofits hard; the MSA and Local Clubs lost many of our fundraising efforts with the cancellation of live events. The Virtual Snocross Fundraising Event will help with lost revenues to cover the cost of club operations, trail grooming, repairs and safety. All proceeds will be split by MSA affil- iated club keeping 75% and the Maine Snowmobile Association 25%.  If your club hasn’t entered the race it’s not too late to get going! Visit mesnow.com to register.  If you club is racing be sure to share the link to your race page far and wide via social media, text messages and email. Remember to post and repost to keep your page current in everyone’s news feeds. This can be done by copying the link of your race page and pasting it to any of your communication formats.  Ask your favorite local businesses to make a donation. Than support business who support your club by giving them, shout outs on your social media. As of January 10, 2021, racers have collectively already raised over $5,800 for the sport! Donate today to get 2021 back on track!

Most of the snowmobile clubs now have rescue boggins that are essen- tial in getting injured riders out of harm’s way to a landing zone or close

Bridgton Easy Riders – Thinking Out of the Box. Bill Preis, Club Correspondent

This Snowmobile Bridge was constructed entirely with Hemlock wood, which is naturally resistant to rot. No chemicals that might leach into the lake from pressure treated wood. It was made in three sections that are con- nected with pipe hinges. This allows the bridge to conform to the flow of the land. It also makes it possible to trans- port to the site in the bed of a pick-up truck.

There is an “up ramp” built into each end of the bridge to allow safe access for snowmobiles. It took Steve Brill (Trail- master) and Blaine Chapman (President) 5 hours to con- struct the bridge once the plan and materials were on hand. Hats off to these gentlemen and the Bridgton Easy Riders for solving a problem with out of the box thinking.

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