How to lead a group of snowmobiles: essential tips for effective rides. Traditionally, group rides involve two crucial players: a leader who takes the front position and a leader at the rear. They are usually experienced snowmobilers and exceptional navigators. Their sense of other riders within the pack is equally important. Understanding the skills, habits, and limitations of each person makes for a smoother and safer ride.
As the leader, you’re constantly scanning the trail for potential hazards like wildlife, pedestrians, groomers, and general trail junk. Sometimes signals can be misinterpreted. For instance, you might see a freshly groomed trail in the middle of the day or early evening. New riders are tempted to let it rip. Seasoned riders know darn well the next corner is likely blocked by a slow-moving Wooley Mammoth. Also known as a groomer.
Oncoming Sleds
Typically, the priority tends to be oncoming sleds. The old adage dictates that you should “ride like you are the person coming from the opposite direction.” However, that advice seems to be more theory than universally accepted. Even under ideal conditions, the first oncoming sled can appear unexpectedly. If everyone stays to the right side of the trail, an oncoming rider becomes just one of many sleds encountered that day. It is no longer a journey into the pucker brush.
Unbelievably, it’s usually the second or third sled that often pose the highest risk. Those riders mistakenly believe the leader has cut a clear, safe path. This false sense of security leaves them with little or no concern for oncoming traffic. Trying to keep up, inexperienced sledders ride over their heads. They don’t want to be left behind, become lost, or have someone question their heroic skills.
How to Lead a Group of Snowmobiles: Essential Tips for Effective Rides
Good leaders are attuned to the abilities of snowmobilers within their group. A leader adjust the pace accordingly to boost the confidence of riders rather than putting them at risk. It’s especially important to make sure less experienced riders are always in sight and slow down to accommodate them. Mirrors are a valuable tool, an absolute must, and helmet communicators are a bonus.
Having experienced both sides of the equation, I can relate to the dynamics involved. On one hand, I’ve led multiple rides for family guests from overseas. They had never even seen snow, let alone imagined the concept of riding a snow-contraption.
These rides required preparation and patience from everyone in the group. As the ride progressed, their confidence and pace picked up. That was an experience they will remember for the rest of their lives… and they’ll tell everyone about it!
Uncomfortable Sensation of Inexperience
On the flip side, I’ve been thrust back into that uncomfortable sensation of inexperience a few times. One such episode occurred in the deep and steep of Denali National Park. Another was in the desolate back-country of Eastern Europe along the Siberian border. Despite logging tens of thousands of miles over multiple decades, flashbacks uncertainty and being lost flooded my helmet. Without highly skilled leaders, those adventures could have been outright nightmares.
As trail ambassadors, we need to take care of our snowmobile friends, regardless of their skill level. Leading by example insures the continued growth of our recreation and outdoor lifestyle. It all leads to miles of smiles.
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