| Winter is quickly approaching, and thousands of | | | | want to go, you'll eventually want to stop. You will |
| people worldwide are excited about the upcoming | | | | be able to achieve this by using the brake lever, |
| opportunity to go snowmobiling. If you have | | | | located on the left side of the handlebar. |
| never tried this exciting winter sport, perhaps this | | | | It is helpful to know that stopping on hard-packed, |
| is the year that you will. | | | | more solid snow is more difficult than lighter, |
| As with all sports associated with the cold and | | | | softer snow. Just as you do while driving a car on |
| snowy season, there are certain risks involved in | | | | ice, gently pump your brakes. Be sure to give the |
| snowmobiling. But if you take the time to learn | | | | motor a good amount of gas to get moving. |
| how to do it, and are content to gradually master | | | | From that point on, control the snowmobile in |
| it, you will find that it is one of the more | | | | much the same way that you would command a |
| enjoyable activities that take place during this | | | | bicycle. |
| season. | | | | Use your handlebars to move left and right, |
| Riding a snowmobile is no different than riding a | | | | keeping in mind that the ease with which you turn |
| motorcycle - except, of course, you have skis | | | | is based primarily on the speed at which you are |
| instead of wheels. You may think that snow | | | | traveling. Turns are always easier when moving at |
| would be softer than asphalt should you fall off, | | | | a higher speed. Remember to always lean to the |
| but the packed trail and ice can leave you with | | | | inside of a turn, as this will help the sled stay on |
| bruises. Make sure that you wear your helmet | | | | both skis. |
| and always secure the strap under your chin for | | | | There is a saying among bikers: "There are those |
| a snug fit. The helmet shouldn't be so loose that | | | | who have fallen and those who are just waiting |
| you can wiggle it on your head, but it shouldn't be | | | | to take a fall." In other words, everyone, at some |
| so tight that it is comfortable. | | | | point, takes a spill and the same applied to |
| Next, sit down on the sled. The best way to | | | | snowmobilers. Keep in mind that falling off will |
| figure out how far from the handle bars you | | | | happen sooner or later. You shouldn't preoccupy |
| should be is to close your eyes and raise your | | | | yourself with the event of this happening, you |
| hands. Bring them down slowly; if they fall | | | | simply want to be prepared in the event that it |
| naturally onto the grips, then you have the proper | | | | does. |
| distance. You should be comfortable enough that | | | | Don't fight falling; the more relaxed you are, the |
| you are neither over-reaching or feeling cramped. | | | | better your chances are of coming out of the |
| Next, place your feet under the stirrups located | | | | accident uninjured. Take your time and gradually |
| on the lower front section of the vehicle. Having | | | | work up to higher speeds. As with any outdoor |
| your feet in this secured position will allow you | | | | sport, know your limits and don't do more than |
| better control on the turns and help to keep you | | | | you feel you are capable of. |
| on the sled. Now go ahead and turn that engine | | | | Keep your eyes open (and of course alcohol and |
| on! | | | | any motorized vehicle do not mix!) and watch out |
| After you have properly positioned yourself on | | | | for other snowmobilers. Maintain a distance of at |
| the machine, find the throttle. It will be on the | | | | least 150 feet between you and other riders. If |
| right side of the handlebar. You will be able to | | | | you follow these steps, you should have an |
| control the speed of the snowmobile by using the | | | | enjoyable experience this winter. |
| thumb on your right hand. Of course, just as you | | | | |