5 Things I Wish I'd Known When I Started Snowmobiling!
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- čas přidán 7. 09. 2024
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#6; The sled will start and run no problem in the summer and when you go to check it out in the fall. But as of the first flake of snow hitting the ground, it's going to be broken. And it's like a boat, just get another thousand out.
#7. If your sled is broken in the winter, the dealer will be backed up either 6 weeks, or however long winter is going to last.
#8. Find yourself a good independent sidehustle sled mechanic. He will offer better service than the dealer, at a cheaper price, and will likely be quicker to get it done.
#9. Be careful who you tell your side hustle mechanic about. If you tell too many people, he'll be backed up like the dealer.
#10. The newer and less broken your sled, the less it will snow.
Truth or just force yourself to go out in the cold and figure how to cobble it together yourself. Easier said then done but I just did the chain case oil change and replaced the rotten fuel lines then I went for a 50 mile rip on my 99 Indy 440 totally worth it!
#11 NEVER buy a sled right before winter expecting to get to ride it that winter.
Yep, instead of a hole in the water that you pour money in, it's a lump in the snow that you pile money on.
B.O.A.T = bring out another thousand
@@rykehuss3435
buy good tools , learn how to wrench, all boating costs me is parts, same with sleds.
Just bought my first snowmobile and I’m 62. This is all good info thanks.
Glad to hear that Tim! Enjoy the trails!
Join a local snowmobile club
Ride with 30 yearolds.....
I'm 62 as well , 1st sled , and learning to get out of my comfort zone...
Go figure , 🤔
Rite???
I rode my old Rupp 340 and Arctic Cat 399 Cheetah back when I was about 12 or 13 years old, then no sled until I got back into it at about 50 with a 99 Indy 500. I got paid to ride my sled as I tended gas wells for years and it was the only way to get to them at times. Unload for the day and ride across fields, down pipeline right of ways, packed dirt roads, etc. - whatever it took to get to 40 or 50 wells a day! Now I'm 60 and just ride around the farms for fun.
What did you buy.? Alpha is easy to ride.
#8. Carry basic survival gear such as a space blanket, folding saw, tow strap, heater packs, matches and possibly a simple winch. You may not need them, but sooner or later, you'll come across someone who will. Over the last 35 years, I've used them all.
#9. Don't drink and ride! Sleds have gotten too fast and trails too smooth to drive impaired. Every winter we lose too many comrades who ignored this golden rule.
It's my first year on a snowmobile and I'm working at a ski resort so we ride every night. One big thing thats helped me my coworker told me early on is if in doubt throttle it out. There has a been a few moments going uphill on gnarly terrain where you have to throw all you weight on either side very quickly and if you stop you will tip %100. Just keeping that throttle steady and going both legs on either side of the sled will keep you going upright. I watched a bunch of the jackson hill climb videos and just trying to mimic some of there body movements helped me a ton. It has been an absolute blast and maybe someday I'll have my own snowmobile if I hit the lotto lmao.
Good video. #1 Riding trail is a blast, riding deep powder backcountry is life changing. Go West Son..
Always carry a spare belt and know how to put it on the clutch.
Every year I tow at least one person off the lake that blew a belt without a spare.
Ride safe !
49 years old, live out in the country and randomly bought my first snowmobile a couple weeks ago. Definitely alot harder and more intimating than than I thought lol. Bit it pretty hard a couple times already and questioned if I should be doing this at my age now. But screw it though, decided I'm going to own it instead, which is what brought me to these video's. Thanks for your work. Please feel free to make more beginner video's, I honestly appreciate and need them right now.
I'm really glad to hear that! That's awesome! Your only too old for things that you tell yourself you are! Things like snowmobiling keep us young! If we ever get any snow I'll definitely do that!
Here's me almost 62 and ordered two 850 BackCountry XRS machines (154 × 2")
Like they say, these things keep us young...provided we learn the basics.. including the Safety aspects of the Sport.
For rear skid one of the best things you can buy for preventative maintenance is having a proper track tension tool and following the manual on what it calls for spec. This will reduce the wear on your track, sliders, and bearings in the skid. Another add to that would be burning the little fabric pieces that come out the side of track they can build snow and ice which pulls them out farther and will cause premature wear on track. I used a torch to burn these off. The no turning on pavement is definitely a good tip extra to add to this would be never stop on blacktop, carbides will dog and sled will not have traction to take off again. When you cross commit and straight line .
Very good info, did not know about the little strings. I'll try that out and make I video on it!
Thanks for this comment. I’m new to snowmobiling and love the help.
Nice vid Ben, Wouldn't hurt to remind riders to use your hand signals when meeting other sleds on the trails, if your by yourself or in groups. Really helps other riders know what to expect after you.. Thanks again Pray for Snow!!
We were told not to use them because you could tell someone your by yourself but someone you’re not with coild be behind you and they won’t know then. Some people aren’t careful all the time like they should be. Then they could think nobody is coming and then not be careful to where they coild get into a accident with whoever you didn’t know was behind you
Todd, 100% agree. It is definitely nice to know how many people to watch out for when passing a group, however... Adam brings up an issue I ran into several times just on my last ride. Seems like a lot of people don't look to see if they have another group behind them so they might be giving you bad intel... Technically you should be careful no matter what and always be ready since you never know whose going to be coming the other direction.
I totally understand ...you can never know who or how many are behind you ..its just a real easy way to let the opposing traffic, know. hey its just me for Now or there is a bunch in my group behind me .....I thin I it works pretty well whe the visibility is limited ...just always be prepared
Also, some people are way too overzealous about those hand signs. For example, signalling to me someone is behind them when the other sled is clearly 4 feet behind them in full visibility. Just so stupid sometimes. People need to use common sense.
@@ddg9584 yep. Also when it’s low visibility yiu can see they are using hand signals but yiu can’t see what they are signaling. That sucks as well
#6 Don't be afraid to spend $$$ on quality gear. Quality gear makes all the difference in having a good time and a bad time. If you take good care of your gear and build it up over time, you can use it for many years on end. Quality gear will wick sweat while keeping you warm and dry.
Agreed, just got my first set of purpose built sled stuff and it's awesome!
Thanks for the hints and tips...
Looking forward to our 850 BackCountry 2 strokes I spring checked in April 2024.
Great points man. I wish I had sled so bad right now. We just got back-to-back snow bombs that dropped almost 3 ft of snow combined. There's sleds racing through the fields and it looks like a blast.
Nice! Wish we had that much!
Sir, Credit for putting this video out. Helpful for some, less so for others. Then there is this very important fact. DO NOT wear mittens, wear gloves. Only a matter time that you will F around and find out. There is a lot to learn and know to be a successful, competent snowmobiler.
True, there is a pretty steep learning curve!
I started sledding at 52 and now regret not being more involved earlier...but, family..etc. Great video man.
Thanks! Yeah I feel like I missed out most when I was a kid, wish I could have ridden with the guys in school!
Your never too old to start but I know what you mean.. I started in the early '70s when I was in my teen and instantly couldn't believe how fun it was plus it was all body English to steer back then with the 24" ski stance
My problem is I don't have anyone to ride with. Several of my friends have sleds, but haven't had them out in 20 years. I took my wife out on some groomed trails and she hated it. She's good for a couple of rounds of our hay field a year and that's it.
@@OilHist Do you have a FB Group for your area? That's how I find most of my ride buddies.
@@sethalos thank you. Yes, we have FB groups for several snowmobile trail clubs in our area.
I good trick for getting unstuck after you dig out the machine is to walk 10-15 feet out in front to break a trail so to speak.
I've been riding my own whip since I was 10 and my father stuffed a 300cc rotax into an old 74 Lynx in the 90's😆
I've ridden everything from classic vintage machines and brand new showroom floor sleds and even that one ski Snohawk, but I prefer to ride the old 2002 polaris XCSP. It goes everywhere the new ones go, burns the same amount of fuel and provides better wind protection while as you said stay a bit flatter in the turns than the new sleds.
Good advice! Haha thanks awesome! Yeah newer isn't always better.
My last stuck took a com-a-long and a tree. Luckily the tree was where it was. There was no bottom to that ditch that was drifted over, so no digging out.
I can relate with that reverse story🥲
Well, this is my 4th winter "Sledding", my first was a Engien swapped Arctic Cat ZR 440 snopro with a 600cc EFI from 2000. i changed some stuff for it to work better outside the trail. with wider skiee´s and so on. the old ones is ridden in a simple way. now on new years eve i cracked the engine. so i bought a use Lynx Xterrain 600R e-tec from 2020 now in January 9th 2024. Now THAT is a sled that you almost can ride like a sportsbike or a Motard Husaberg FS650. thanks to it so narrow, the old Arctic Cat is WIIIIDE and you also need to move on it. but it dose not "lay down" the sled.
I am a old biker, been riding my Yamaha R6 and Husaberg FS650 from 2003 sense 2003.
Snowmobiling have always felt hard for me. but with my new sled, things changed to the better, if i ride it like how i ride my bikes :) BUT i still have a LOOOOOOOOOOOONG way to go regarding my sled skillz. counter steering and so on i can do in deep snow on a big open field, not in tight spaces 😂
When stuck, grab the tunnel and roll the sled on its side, kick snow into the trench you made and pack it down. Roll the sled back upright and off you go.
Good tip!
I'm leaning toward 4 stroke when I upgrade my trail sleds. good choice
4 strokes are so much better (in my opinion)
They are quieter (especially ski doos 900 ace) and they are extremely reliable. Also they have really good fuel economy
5 things to know about snowmobiling...
1. Get good gear including protective. Warmer, drier happier rider.
2. Loud pipes ruin it for everyone
3. Stay on the trail
4. Its expensive. Not boat bucks, but close.
5. 2 ups are for losers. Buy your gal HER own sled. Makes it way easier to justify YOUR next new sled.
Loud cans make sledding better idk what you’re talking about lmao
@@Froggies505 yeah they are so awesome they are illegal in most states. But dont worry people like me work hard to keep trails open for idiots like you can think you are cool
Loud pipes are a must unless you’re wearing a pink monosuit. Trails are boring and are for losers.
You must be from Ontario. 😆
2 UP doesn't make you a loser. You just spend a grand to get the attachment seat. Take her skipping through the moguls for the last 20 miles of the ride, about 45 MPH, and you'll be back to a 1 UP sled and save yourself $15,000 on buying her a sled.
@@mn260legend7 oh Jesus, if you need help wave the group down. There's not many people who wouldn't stop and help. But when you have a whole group and one person is broke down hopefully someone is capable of towing a sled out. Put ear plugs in and make sure you let everyone know how many sleds are down with your hand signals. Im sure no ones feelings are hurt with your perceptions. They all have helmets on. Just stay right and let groups pass when you guys are doing 15 down the trail.
Once when I was 15-ish (snowmobiling since I was 8-9yo), I crested a small hill and went into small water retention pond before they were really a thing yet in modern landscapes.
Sled stuck/sliding and I realized in horror when I stepped out, I was standing on ice of unknown depth or thickness, 9pm pitchblack, 2-3F, not visible from the road and barely visible behind a thick stand of trees in any direction.
Like an idiot, I turned sled around (lift and turn in those days….) and I got myself the F out of there. God knows what would have happened if I fell through - parents sort of knew that I was within 10 mile radius of house, but decades before cellphones, etc).
Safety first: Learn the terrain (and always respect it!), use a tether all the time, use helmet/goggles, watch your surroundings (in front, sides). Ensure lights work, carry basic supplies (water, signaling/phone). Travel with others and/or let others know your plans.
I did all of that then but like an idiot, I went into an isolated area that I hadnt been to before. Wires/fences, culverts, boulders were always a very very real fear, but didn’t consider ponding of water.
Been driving snowmobile more or less since I was 12 or so (39 now). But only old men's snowmobiles. A few days ago I got myself an early present and it was a Summit 800r. Thanks for your tips. The best one was lunch under the jacket and now I have to get fatter. :) Warm greetings from northern Sweden.
That's awesome! Congratulations on the new sled! Haha it works really well until you stand up, helps keep you warm too!
ROFL shredding the drive thru again. I'm like you, I didn't get my first snowmobile until like 03. Alot of my friends rode all of their lives. Prior to that the only motorized recreation I did was with Jeeps.
My Crossfire doesn't have reverse. It would be really nice to have. I also Carry a shovel. I bought it when I went out west. It is very nice to have.
I agree, quads are way more practical, but I don't think there is anything like a snowmobile for acceleration on such a weird surface. I think it's cool.
Great points sir! My sled was put back together today. So one of these days if it ever snows again I may have to put together some videos around here. Happy riding!
Nice! Yeah I need a bigger bag so I can actually carry my shovel... Ooopss lol
Another cool video to do. Is picking out the right sled for new buyers. Long track, short track, lug depth, 4 stroke, 2 stroke, brand and year reliability, even comfortably with newer 2010+ sled, ski stance and ski width. All important things to consider when buying a sled that I didn’t learn tell I did some serious investigating and after riding some sled gaining experience. Making the right sled choice from the start saves your bank account big time.
To get into it further if you like to ride off trail or if it appeals to new buys getting a longer track sled with deeper lugs make a big difference and won’t get stuck as easily. From a 1 1/4” lug 144” track to a 2” lug 155”. Huge difference. If you staying on the trail & hard pack 90%, short track is the way to go. Example I am so glad I bought my 2014 pro RMK 155”. I ride 50/50 trail and into so deep powder. But compared to my fathers 13 switchback assault 144 with 1-1/4 lugs It weighs 80 lbs more and have gotten stuck a few times and it’s a pain to constantly get out. Also 2 strokes with pull start will be a life saver if you live anywhere where it get -30 to -40. Won’t leave you stranded 4 strokes are all electric start but batteries die in the cold and 4 strokes struggle starting that cold. If warmer temps and or heated garage kept then go for the 4 strokes, long lasting motor as long as you keep with the maintenance like you said.
All very good info! I'm looking to get into a crossover sled myself. I'll have to do some videos on that process!
@@SwankyCatProductions yah man looking forward to see that video and to what your findings are. Personally if I had a choose I would’ve gotten a 800 - 850 Sks 155”x 2” lug, or the new 850 switchback assault with the 146”x 2” lug w/ wider skis to stay afloat better. The wider stance is better on trail then the skinner Pro RMK Mountain sled I bought. But can’t complain $4k CAD for the 2014 w/ 2k miles.
@@SwankyCatProductions I have also heard the 1.75 - 1.6” lug ice cobra is decent because it has/you can add studs to it to make it better on the lake.
I just went snowmobiling yesterday it’s April 7 2023. I am in Utah. It really depends on the snowmobile I’ve been snowmobiling since I was five. There’s nothing you can teach me but it’s pretty interesting to watch you I would be hauling ass on what you’re on! Me and my sisters would make jumps between these big trees when we were young fly and hit them and I mean I don’t even know how high we went 6 feet in the air! We were nuts and I’m surprised we didn’t hurt ourselves but we knew we were doing that only that we did break some thing I can’t remember what it was but my dad was like I can’t even believe this happened or how it happened we were like oh we didn’t do anything he didn’t know what we were doing. We were crazy. I am 47 now so I don’t do that. I’m a lot more careful now. I still go fast because I can and on a trail I know how to turn correctly I know how to do it quickly I mean I’ve never tipped over on a sled not ever!
Going from dual wear bars to single u may see darting. If that happens u might have to add a wege on the back side of the rubber block on the ski. It will pick the front of the ski up to make it run level.
You can also buy a product that goes in front of carbide that flattens the path before the carbide ride over it, the darting is like a train on tracks once you get into someone else's ski track. I can't remember the brand they are but any catalog would have them . I personally sell more dual carbides for trail riding as guys like the less darting they do .
There called woodies navigator protectors .
I'm all to familiar with darting and that train track feeling, drove me nuts on my last sled. This one seems to have very little ski pressure though and with the studs it seems like the track tells the sled where to go more than the carbides haha. So I'm hoping the singles and possibly some adjustments will fix things up so I'm somewhere between floating skis and darting.
@@SwankyCatProductions I’m sure you know this but depending on number of studs I’d go with at least 6 inch carbides. Stud boy makes some very good ones.
@@SwankyCatProductions 2 runners = less carbide pressure. But with all that 4 stroke weight, that should corner on rails. I'd check your front arm of suspension or make sure your front preload is set correctly.
I've never lacked ski pressure on any of my Cats
3 years ago I bought my first sled , a used skidoo 380,, I'll be taking my first ride this morning, I rebuilt the engine , it was cheap, installed used piston/cyl/ new rings , new crankcase seals. New starter/battery and redid the elec system, everything works.
There is very little on this sled I don't know and I haven't even ridden one yet.
I live on the trails in northern Maine, the trail goes by the house. If I had to drag this onto a trailer and drive to snow I wouldn't bother.
That's awesome! How did the first ride go???
That's good you're trying to point things out for people very important tips there's all kinds of tips I've learned riding alone since I was 7 years old I'm 31 now I've had over 50 snowmobiles there's always things to learn with different places that you would be riding one of the biggest things is having your brakes go out out of nowhere Jack your brakes a few times before you start doing anything crazy make sure they're going to work even if they are working great last year I was doing stand-up wheelies through my yard went to hit the brake and for some reason all of a sudden didn't work I almost shot in front of a car doing about 50 I stopped a foot before the car somehow got the sled to stop whipping it back and forth I had great breaks they just all of a sudden went out by the way bring a bottle of water with you and at least like a 4-ft piece of rope just in case you need to tie anything back together there was one time on my edge x800 my shock blew out underneath an the only reason I got home is because I had a piece of rope that I tied the shock back to where it went drink a good big glass of water before you go riding the worst thing is to get stranded and become dehydrated
Good info thanks! I'm actually planning on doing a "Things To Check Before Your Ride" and brakes is definitely high on the list! Water has saved me several times on the trail, being hydrated makes everything easier!
That rope can also be an emergency pull cord if wrapped around the primary clutch and yanked. Just make sure to use a stick or something as a handle...DO NOT WRAP IT AROUND YOUR HAND!
Absolutely. I was on a sled once and brakes cut out when giving a ride to a non-snowmobiler. We were both leaning but not able to blimp brakes to cause backend to slide to get around turn.
Over about 15 seconds, tried everything. Couldnt use emergency shutoff, key didn’t work. No tether (arctic cat) since was decades older than me. We ditched and sled slide into boxwire fence.
Your area looks wonderful for snowmobiling.
It really is! I like the trails here better than the UP!
One life-long riders 2 cents... IF you know someone getting into the hobby, do NOT encourage them to buy newer used sleds. Encourage them to buy an old 440 fanner or something along those lines. Its gonna be a couple hundred bucks and need the same kind of work. One guy tried to get into it this year and bought a 2006 Fushion 700 and a single place aluminum trailer for about $4k all in. Electric starter motor went bad, tore several lugs out of the track(studded), did head o-rings and jug gaskets. He has only been out twice and doesnt think its for him. Dude couldve spent WAY less to find out the same thing.
GREASY TRIPLE FOR LIFE!!
Great video. Great camera angles, audio quality, etc. It makes for more enjoyable videos than most pros. Subscribed and looking forward to more.
That's Ryan, I really appreciate that!!! Welcome to the channel, glad to have you watching!
😂😂 you're buzzing through my backyard and my hometown. So cool to see on CZcams. Hope to catch up to you someday!! 😁😁😁
Make sure you stop me and say hi!!!
Reverse in not useless in soft snow if you have a real utility sled. My sled has a the rear section on the skid that lifts itself some degrees upward while going in reverse to prevent it from digging itself straight down for no reason. I can go in reverse where my old sled would struggle to go forward.
I think I've heard that before, that's awesome!
Great gopro angle from your front bumper. Also beautiful conditions. Something I learned was that you have to be committed to trailering your sled when local conditions dont allow a long riding season.
Thanks! Yep, that's the hard truth. More often than not if I want to ride a lot I need to trailer a lot, oh well!
Good tips, I would be very careful in the ditch unless you know there's nothing in there.
As someone else mentioned it's not a cheap hobby so be prepared for maintenance costs and repairs.
And there's no need to be what I call a braaap guy. I see them around here on the weekends, northern Oneida and Southern Vilas counties big time tourist area. They put loud aftermarket pipes on to get that extra 5hp and then proceed to tear the hell out of the trails by accelerating as hard as they can at every opportunity. I won't ride around here during the day on the weekends, there's been to many big freaky eyes as they come around the corner at break neck speed thinking they own trail and then have to take evasive action. At least at night you know they're coming. Don't be a braaap guy LOL.
Haha yeah night riding is definitely safer when it comes to incoming traffic! As long as they didn't come from the bar lol
True that. Learn and know surroundings is absolutely critical. Beware any area that doesnt have path that you havent seen what it’s like without snow or experienced before.
Accidents happen with unknown terrain and/or other riders.
You broke one of the golden rules: leaving the groomed trails. Rights of passage are being withdrawn everywhere due to damage to crops, etc. Sure it was a ditch but it’s a bad example.
Ditch riding is legal where he is. Nothing wrong with that
Doughboy58 is correct. County owns the ditches and they are open to sled traffic.
Another suggestion, especially to new sled riders. Don’t go out and purchase the biggest sled, big CC’s without any experience can be a recipe for disaster, and injuries.
Very good point!
Great points. Like you I came from dirtbikes...body English is way different... Along with maintenance too! Stay safe
i love snowmobilin, grew up doing it.. But ive never been able to afford to go and own my own sled as an adult..
Mistake #1. Worrying about keeping up with your buddies...
Man. You got some nice riding where you are!!! Great video!!! 👍👍👍
Agreed, definitely a nice sport for trails!
On the turning I had a 1100 turn Xf. It turned like a truck plus I’m 300lbs but my buddys renegade turned way easier he says from the engine weight
Always carry an extra set of spark plugs yea just never know and make sure you have your tool kit with you too
Excellent advice!
1. Let us know if the machine "darts" when you change the runners. 2. Turn on black top with "Biteharder" 3. Grease where needed.
Will do in this weekends video actually!
about turning on pavement, get off your ass, stand as far forward as you can on the side you want to turn and then lean over the bars (kinda) and to the inside a bit. if your going slow you will be able to turn, maybe not like if your on snow but it will turn. the difference between that and just sitting on the seat on any sled ive ridden is dramatically different.
Bro I saw the tracks coming from that taco johns coming back from a snowmobileing trip up north and I was like no way someone actually crossed the road to get taco johns
Lmao that's awesome! I think that's my third time through there lol.
Now get on a mtn. Sled, and come play with us in the mountains, and you gotta whole lot more to learn. Also grease your suspension everywhere there's a zerk fitting, at least every other ride, and you need to service your clutches.
Haha maybe some day! Yep grease is definitely important! What do you do for your clutches?
Rode right through my home town love to see trail I ride all the time
Nice, that's awesome!
Hey Swanky…nice video..love the new jacket..better then your old camo one…lol..I grew up in Marathon county..love the trails there..I need to come back and visit more often with trails like that..
Haha thanks Dean, agreed. Looks like I know what I'm doing now haha. It is definitely a special place!
I just ran across your site.. What state are you in?
Nice HiViz jacket to match the new helmet.
Looks like you were first on some of the trails.
I haven't been out yet. Looks like Monday will be the day.
Thanks! Yeah somebody set me me up with all of it, nicest hear I've ever owned for sure lol. It was an awesome day, I put first tracks on most of the trails I was on actually. Let me know how you like that new sled!
plus there is 3 more that you forgot..
Spare plugs , Spare belt, An the biggest TOW ROPES OR BELT
Very good things to have along, I pack all of them!
beautiful groomed trail your on. nice and smooth
Indeed!
Always watch out for burried stumps or culverts in the ditches. Ive seen some pretty smashed up sleds over the last 25 years.
Very true! Lol I've been through this one before but obviously found a bit of a surprise there haha.
im 31 and just getting my first snowmobiles tho they are from the 90s i rode a tiny bit when i was 14 but that was just kinda around the yard never got to go hit ditches or trails by myself so im looking forward to riding and will be filming and putting content on my channel so hopefully youll check it out maybe leave a comment
#6. Aside from being an astronaut or racing of any kind, it’s the most expensive Motorsport on the planet…but worth every penny!
Very very very true lol
Just a heads-up. Most of the point of dual runner carbides is to stop darting. If you switch to single, and you really don't like darting, you're not going to like them. If you want to ride more aggressive and still don't want darting, you're going to need some Snow Tracker carbides. BE WARNED. These things really bite a TON. It doesn't matter the speed, if you turn, it's going there.
Haha that's what I'm looking for! Might have to give those a try!
It's called "hanging ham" when you counterbalance the weight of the sled in the corners!!!
Haha good name for it
Aye, that's Wittenberg. I go to school there.
Sure is!
i go 60 around corners and i don’t have sway bars so it gets sketchy
Love your vids man, you seem to ride solo a lot? I just put a deposit on a sled and should get it soon. I wanna go on weekdays and I don’t have friends that ride who are close by. Any advice for a new rider? Thanks!
Thanks! I've actually got a video from last year or the year before about riding alone but should update it... I do it a lot and while it's not really a good idea there are definitely some things you can do that will make you a little safer.
1. Tell someone where your going and when you should be back. You can also share your location with someone on Google maps (only works if you have cell coverage).
2. Drink water before and bring water for during.
3. Ride well within your abilities, riding solo is no time to test the limits.
4. Ride during the day in well traveled area's near roads if you can but also bring a flash light.
5. Bring a shovel.
6. Learn to change your belt and make sure you have the tools and a headlamp to change it on the trails at night (been there).
7. Bring a rope just in case your lucky enough to have someone pass you if your stuck or broke down.
8. Bring a snack
9. Bring a lighter
10. Check your sled over before you go, oil levels, fuel, brakes, track skid. You don't need to be a mechanic, just make sure there's nothing obviously out of place.
If you're a new inexperienced riding i would highly suggest not riding alone. If you do cover all the basics. 1. Know how to change your belt, not just youtube it and see how it's done but physically do it and make sure you can do it by yourself. Also have a spare most new sleds don't. 2. Know where the tools are that came from factory, those are usually in hidden spots in newer sleds. 3. Always get gas when available. 4. Study your maps and check often if unfamiliar with the area. You can cover a lot of ground on smooth flat trails. 5. Physically write down phone numbers of bars or gas stations or people you know in the area and put them in your wallet. Those are usually locations open the latest if you're in desperate need of help. 7. Do not rely on cell phone. Batteries to crazy things in the cold. 8. Maybe the most important! ALWAYS CARRY CASH!!!! At least $500. If you can afford a new sled, $500 is a drop in the bucket when you're stranded and desperate with no ATM around. Just a little advice from someone who's been in your situation and rodes 1000's of miles single. Also better to get up early and be the first on the trail than the last person off......
Wish we had rideable snow here in east central wi. There's not much in Fond Du Lac county
It's pretty thin here too lol
9:28 my snowmobile soul died a little bit there xD
You should come up to the U.P. and go out sledding with us!!
Might have too, all our snow is like concrete now!
Hey could you repeat that?? I’m sorry I was so caught up in that gorgeous scenery I think I missed most of it!! HAHA Wow what a perfect day it appears you had there!!!
Aww man it sure was, one of the best first rides I've ever had I think. Snow in the trees, freshly groomed, empty trails. Can't beat it!
@@SwankyCatProductions wow! WOW!!!! Just watched a vid from last year and then came back to this one. WOOOOWWWW!!! What a difference!! Can’t thank you enough for the time and effort you put into these vids. Being able to hop on here for a ride when I can’t be there in person is almost literally my sanity!!! Currently sitting in a shop in Kingdom City, MO watching the money fly out the window!! No clue what the final bill is gonna be but right around $5,500 already and they’re NOT done. UGH!!! THANKS MAN!!!
Any recommendations on trailers? I don’t want to pay a fortune but rather something simple that does the job.
I've never had a real sled trailer, but I can tell you that an enclosed trailer with a ramp is THE ONLY way to go. Makes loading and unloading so much faster and you don't end up with a huge salty mess when the roads are slushy or wet. I currently use a 6x14 for both hauling bikes and my sled. Supposedly you can back one in and then pull another in frontwards and they'll fit side by side... I haven't tried it, but I do like how thin the trailer is, makes seeing around it much easier. The longer the trailer the more stable it will be as well.
If your stuck roll your sled over onto fresh snow. It's easier than digging it out.
your pappy still buying windshields for you then?
Also when buying a sled try not to buy the heaviest thing on the market
great footage
Thanks!
when finding a groomed trail with no tracks on it. Stop, take your glove off and push down on the snow.
If its hard then its good to ride on and go fast and rail
If you can put an ident and your finger goes down the snow is still setting up and not hard. Take your time and don't wreck it.
Huh never heard that, good info thanks!
@@SwankyCatProductions most of the good groomers will do it at night, 11-12 start time and finish at 2 or 3 and some go till 6am. On woods it's hard to avoid but if you run into a trail that is a bit wider than what is groomed stay on the ungroomed stuff.
Hard pack trails are awesome when they are flat.
Please stay on the trail
Miss riding I haven't taken my sled out in 6 years
Now's definitely not the time to buy but you can always rent for a few hours!!!
What kinda camera are you using there?
put your back into it? must be a shi**ty kitty! hahaha
Great vid. How is your mic set up? Which one are you using? Mine sounded like crap. Maybe it’s placement
I actually just tried a few that did not work near as well. There should be a link to the one I use in the description of this video and I posted one a few weeks ago showing where everything is mounted. Don't wrap the cable around itself like I did in that video though, create a delay.
So the counter steering is the same concept of counter steering on a motorcycle but it appears to be more extreme??
Exactly, just takes a lot more work to get it leaned over to the point where you can "carve" with it.
trails are looking good, what gps are u running and how did u mount it have a good one
Hey Jeff! It's actually the one I had on my Tenere and then my TW. Garmin 60LM. It's VHB taped to an action camera mount like I use to do on my bikes. And I have a clip mount stuck to the inside of the windshield.
You're not old to start. I just bought my first snowmobile, a 97 Yamaha triple and I'm 40😅
Your never to old to start!!! It's an awesome thing to do in the winter!
@@SwankyCatProductions it sure is! Went for another rip today.
try some snowtracker carbides...made my cat so much nicer
Nice!
Wish I could even start snowmobiles seem to be for the rich now.
Yeah it's not a good year to get into it that's for sure. End of the season you might find some deals though!
I'm selling my homes down here in Louisiana I am looking for property to buy up north where I can snowmobile. "where are you located ? those trails are beautiful that you're on. Thank you😊
Haha well unfortunately I think I'd have to sell my home and move farther north this year too. In fact, I'm not sure they even have snow up in the UP of Michigan, but in the past Eagle River area or anything around it is usually the hot spot with the longest season without all the wilderness aspects of the UP.
As someone who is normally leading my group, hand signals from other groups drive me crazy. I can't tell you how many close calls I've had with peoe more concerned with telling me how many people are behind them than navigatinging the trail with 2 hands on the grips!!! Also if you're on a 3 mile straightaway I can see everyone behind you. Just focus on what you're doing and don't hit me. I hate this trend especially in twisty trails and stay to the right. If you can't ride the right side of every corner then you're going to fast. Also you don't have at least 5,000 miles of trail experience with a experienced leader in your group, you should not be riding any sled over 600cc. If someone crashes every time or every other time or at least once a season, you go riding, that means you don't have a experienced leader. He is riding to fast for the groups experience.
Agreed, hand signals can be way more dangerous than helpful. I put my sled in the ditch several times trying to keep up with friends when I started riding, not a good situation lol.
WHAT he said bring a shovel?🤔
First thing I learned was don’t eat the yellow snow
I had no idea Wittenberg had a taco johns!!! ha
Haha yeah I was a little surprised when they built it there a few years ago, but I'm sure glad they did!
where is this?
Where exactly was this video? I'm goin up to that area tomorrow to ride
Marathon / Shawano county boarder, nice!
Hi can u give some info on your garmin gps and how it works in cd
Here's a video on it, works awesome! czcams.com/video/bsID8Lr0TZo/video.html
It's not snowmobiling if your coat doesn't smell like gas! I stole that one from powemodz
Hahahaha
Dude you just have to adjust the front shock on your rear suspension softer for more ski pressure, they are all the same that way
Mines all the way down already, well down too the 1/8th minimum they recommend. I think without the studs that would be enough but they make the sled harder to turn so the dual runners just don't cut it.
Which part of Wisconsin are you from
Dang Swanky, those trails look pretty nice! What day were you on them?
This was the first day the opened, first hour too actually. A week and a half ago now I think. Wish they still looked like this....
@@SwankyCatProductions So not holding up after the warm weather??? I was thinking of heading over they way this weekend from Abbotsford but I guess will need to go further north.
Nice groomed trail
It was! Now it's all hard as a rock :/
What happened to the short hair? 😂
Haha actually had to cut it off after this ride since my new helmet was squeezing my head the whole time!
what is the setup that you have for the GPS?
This shows how I mounted it. czcams.com/video/bsID8Lr0TZo/video.html
dual runners bite more than single runners
What kind of mitts you rocking?
They're actually ice fishing mittens, I have a set of Castle X to match my coat now but these are awesome too. Got them at Gander Mountain or fleet farm haha.
try mountain sledding. you'll forget all about trail riding after that.
Sure, I'll just head to my local mountain once a week for a quick ride 🤣
@@SwankyCatProductions head out west and rent a sled like many flatlanders do.
we trail riders don't give a flying flip about tearing up 3' deep powder. the point of riding for us is to tour around and see different places, support local mom&pop shops for lunch, then tour around back home again and cover 100-200 miles a day. mountain/deep snow riding = fail
@@keemez sounds incredibly exciting but not til i'm fat and old.
and until your IQ tops 75 either
Good video Swankycat… I’ll be up your way starting Monday Jan 17th. Let me know if you want to meet up.
Where are you riding? Trails are pretty hard and dirty here after a warm day yesterday...
@@SwankyCatProductions I’m already up in Boulder Junction. I was only down by you Monday and Tuesday. Trails look good up here so far
Hows that $400 helmet workin i just bought the same one havent used it yet hope its worth the $$
I think it is yeah, definitely feels better and is warmer than my GMAX for sure. Heated shield works awesome!
The whole point of this video should be 5 things you should have known before buying an arctic cat
But I learned all of it on a Polaris...