7854-R1_MSA_Jan2022_MaineSnowmobiler

From The Executive Board

Lakeside Riders. I believe these three clubs were the third, fourth and fifth top selling clubs in the state. As I have said many, many times the eastern region clubs come through when needed. As I write this it is the end of December and the temperatures are slowly beginning to fall. There is even some snow on the ground, which sure is nice to see other than rain! If all goes well it looks like there will be more snow before the first of January. By the time you read this I am sure there will be people riding somewhere in the state. Everything is ready to go at our house, just waiting for the ground to freeze and snow to cover it. Please make sure you stay safe and watch for trail -routes and changes. Clubs have done a great job signing and letting people know about the changes, but there is always someone who doesn’t hear about it and tries to go where the trail has always been. Respect the landowners and their wishes and ride where it is marked. or a snowstorm comes up on you. These are all challenges that are out there while we’re riding. Don’t drink and drive. It can quickly turn a great day into a bad day. Alcohol fogs your ability to make good decisions, It’s not worth the risk Maine has some stiff laws while drinking and driving, don’t do it your future will be a dark one. Be careful when crossing roads, any road, woods roads, state highways and

Here’s your chance to take a ride in a groomer and learn what they can do. Head to the East Branch Sno-Rovers in Medway on Jan.29th. There are holding a Groomer Rodeo, doing a trail signing workshop and a trail safety presentation as well as cooking up some great food. Look for more details in this paper and mark it on your calendar. Here’s another chance to mark your cal- endar- Feb.12 th ! This is the day there will be an Eastern Region Showcase ride starting at the Northern Timber Cruisers clubhouse in Millinocket. Please gather there by 8:30 AM. The route will be determined as we get closer and depending on snow conditions. We will return the Timber Cruisers and that night, the February MSA Directors meeting will be held at the same location. For more information as the day gets closer, please contact Eileen at llafland@midmaine.com or (207)843-7813. That’s all for this month. Until February, stay healthy and ride safely. Eileen some snacks, flashlight and fire starting material and don’t forget a compass! This new space age clothing material is lite weight, windproof, waterproof along with a good helmet and gloves or mittens. Layering is the new way to dress! Register your sled and join a club, support the sport we all have a deep passion for. Stay on marked trails, do not modify your exhaust system its illegal in Maine, ride right, ride within your experience and the conditions. Stay alert watch out for others on the trail. Pick up you trash or any you may see. Ice - if you don’t knowdon’t go! Respect property, we ride on over 90% private land. If you see wildlife on the trail back off, keep a safe distance between you and them do not chase wildlife. They will get off the trail when they can. Also Take a snowmobile training course. IF&W has dates available starting in January. Check their website. Here are twelve codes to live by! 1. Never consume alcohol or drugs before or during snowmobiling 2. Become familiar with the sled you ride 3. Operate at safe and reasonable speeds 4. Stay on marked trails 5. Avoid travel on unfamiliar frozen bodies of water 6. Use caution at night 7. Keep your snowmobile properly maintained 8. 8. Become familiar with the terrain you will ride on 9. Listen to the weather forecast 10.Always wear a helmet and proper clothing 11. Never ride alone; always let someone know where and how long you are going and when you return 12.Carry emergency supplies and a survival kit 13.Ride Right Be safe out there

derful holiday and were able to gather with your families and friends safely. We sure have had a rough time with this virus and it doesn’t seem to want to go away. I guess we just need to stay as positive as possible and look for- ward to the day when we don’t have to hear Covid updates daily. The Super Raffle wrapped in December and what a success it was! There were so many tickets in the drum, it had a hard time turning. Actually, at times it did need a little help to move. Eastern region clubs you all did a great job selling tickets. Hats off the Bowlin/ Matt- agamon/Shin Pond for being the highest sell- ing club in the Eastern region. This was the first year Les Hill took on the challenge to sell tickets and did he ever along with help from his wife and others. Moosehead Riders from Greenville also did a wonderful job, coming in second in the Eastern region. This year we added a third club from each region to the Lucky Draw and that club was the Glenburn

Eastern Region VP

Eileen Lafland, 207-843-7813 PO Box 733, Holden ME 04429 llafland@midmaine.com

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appy 2022 to all MSAmembers and your families. Hopefully you all had a won-

January is Snowmobile Safety Month By Al Swett

Our favorite season has arrived! As we kick off 2022 let’s make a goal, nobody dies on our trails. We lost six fellow riders last year and had many accidents that could have been prevented. January is usually a bad start for us, many accidents occur in the days ahead. Why? Because people have not been on their sleds since last season and in some areas last year was a quick season due to lack of snow. We’re all a little “rusty sort of speak at the start” we need to slow down and remember what our snowmobiles are capable of doing.

bearings. Other items, seat, handlebars, dimmer switches emergency or kill button work like its suppose too? Any leaks in the engine compartment? Oil tank ok, gas tank good, chain case fluid been changed and drive chain adjusted? Yeah, It sounds like a big project but get it done before you head out on your first trip. It will make your season a lot easier with peace of mind that you’re all up to date! Take it easy, watch your speed, enjoy the beauty of our spectacular trail system. Watch out for animals, people, trees and other objects on the trail. You may be coming back on a trail you went on in the morning and in the afternoon, a windstorm has blown down a pine tree blocking the ride home.

when using railroad crossings. Look both ways proceed with caution. We are all suited up and it is hard to hear and sometimes see other vehicles. Be careful. Stay alert, be careful at night. It’s another obstacle you have to beware of. Slow down don’t over drive your head lights. Large fields may become hard to figure which way you’re going and you could get turned around and lost.

Get to know your sled again after the long off season. Go through your owner’s manual most have a checklist to go by before, during and after riding. Consult your dealer if you have questions. Keep your machine in great condition to avoid trouble on the trail. Make sure the headlights, tail light and brake light all work. Check the brake lever, before starting push the throttle check for free and easy movement. How’s your skis? Carbides worn out from last year? Any cracks in either ski? Change, replace and or repair. The track?Any cracks or rips? If you have studs are they all there? Slide’s or hyfax are they worn enough to replace? Boogie wheels need to be changed out? While your down there check the wheel

Accidents on lakes are sometimes deadly. Just because you’re on a lake does not mean it all flat. Pressure ridges, ice shacks, broken down sleds and other obstacles can lead to tragedy. Know how thick the ice is before you go. Check with the local business’s and snowmobile clubs. Just because there is a snowmobile track on the ice does not means it’s safe to go on. Please use caution. Drowning is the leading cause of snowmobile deaths. Don’t ride alone, take a friend with you, it’s safer! Join a club we have 100’s of clubs associated with the MSA. Join and help out too. Make sure you have a first aid kit, tool kit, survival kit, with

Riding a snowmobile is a lot of fun. Be responsible. Ride Smart, Ride Safe. Be aware of the changing conditions while you’re out, sunshine, cold, wind

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