8595-R1_MSA_January2024_Newsletter

Sharing the Sport “No trees in this photo were injured”

By Trudy Van Knowe

S hare your enthusiasm with anyone and everyone. Snowmobilers can come from unexpected places, like Texas! My best friend Kathy, a born and raised Texan, had been listening to my stories for several years. One day, she said she’d love to come to Maine an experience snowmobiling. We were both excited, and made plans to make it happen. Two seasons passed with life getting in the way, but she finally made it last year. I had no idea the level of enthusiasm and excitement she had until we arrived at our camp in Ebeemee Twp. She told me that this trip had long been on her bucket list, and she was glad that it was me, her BFF of 50 years, making it come true. It was quite an emotional moment. Shortly after she and I settled in at camp, it started snowing. Big flakes. Tree branches were get-ting covered. Things to which I had become jaded. She, however, was quite joyful. So, at 70 years old, we dressed and went outside to play. We threw snowballs and caught flakes with our tongues. We wanted to make snow angels, but weren’t sure we could get up!! We couldn’t wait to ride the next day. I would experience winter, and riding, through new eyes. Friday, February 10th, my friend’s dream became a reality. My hus band, Doug, is an excellent, patient teacher. Promising Kathy she would not be cold, we dressed her and Doug sat her on asnowmo bile and began to teach. Our camp is situated on the shore of Ebeemee Lake. We access trails directly from our drive-way. It is the perfect place for a begin ner. She rode around the camp, and onto the lake to get the feel of the machine. Then, we all “saddled up” and headed out onto the trails. Another couple joined us, and keeping another promise, to protect her as much as possible, we put her in the middle position of the group. This girl took to snowmobiling like a fish to water. The first part of the trip, as expected, was a 5-10 mph ride. Her fear and anxi

ety lessened, and she rode 20-25 mph. Our friends were patient and sweet to her. Remember, this is a Texan, not used to snow or how to read conditions. She had never been on a motorized vehicle either. She did remarkably well. There were a few tense moments, and an incident where she went off trail to let someone by, barely hitting a baby pine tree. She was by the way, amazed at all the “Christmas Trees”. How ever, by the third day, she wound up in lead position for a short period. Instead of cautiously riding, she took off! She felt free and exhilarated! I had to go 45 to catch up to her. I was afraid she would hit a rock, or run into soft snow and not know how to correct. I cau tioned her against doing that again. I said that I would experience winter through new eyes. She marveled at the snow-covered trees. She enthusiastically looked for wildlife and enjoyed seeing moose prints and deer prints in the snow. She was amazed at the mountains surrounding us as we rode. Most memorably, she said that she had always sung songs about glistening snow. She couldn’t believe it actually does glisten. Now, I look for the glistening in the snow. I have been reminded of the joy of the sport. Snowmobiling is so much more than riding the machine. It is the breathtaking beauty on the trails. It is the camaraderie with other riders, making new friends along the way. Remembering the joy you had as a child play ing in the snow. Enjoy the ride. Slow down. Stop. Feed the birds. Make a snow angel. Have a picnic trailside. Make a fire and relax. Laugh with friends. Help someone on the trail. Take pictures. Look for wildlife. Share your enthusiasm with anyone and everyone. You never know whose dream you might make come true. Most of all, ride right ride safe.

29

w m o

2 0 2 4 l M a i n e S n o

b i l

e r

J

u a r y

a n