Forest preserve district reminds snowmobilers to be safe, sober on the trails

Geneva—With winter officially here and snow sure to follow, the Kane County Forest Preserve District released a statement reminding snowmobilers to stay safe and follow the law.

“Snowmobiling is great exercise that brings people outdoors to interact with nature and each other. It is great for stress release and good mental health,” said Forest Preserve Officer Rick Splittgerber. “But it’s so important to be safe, use common sense, and follow all laws while riding.”

Splittgerber suggests the following safety tips before every trip:

• Point your snowmobile in a safe direction.
• Check the steering system. Does it move easily?
• Check the throttle. Does it move easily? Press in and release. Make sure it is not frozen in the “on” position.
• Check the brakes. Do they stick or bind?
• Check the headlights and taillights. Do they both work?
• Check the fuel level. Is it enough for the return trip?
• Check the oil injection. Is the oil well full?
• Check the emergency stop switch. Does it work?
• Is the track clear of snow and ice?
• Are you dressed properly?
• Always tell someone where you are going and approximately when you expect to be back.
• Never go alone. Always use the buddy system. Your life may depend on it.

In additional to regular trail signage, this year, “You drink, you ride, you lose” signs have been posted along the trail. The district said it hopes the signs will discourage riders from being under the influence of alcohol while operating a snowmobile.

Trails are patrolled by the Forest Preserve District police, the Kane County Mounted Rangers, and the Snowmobile Safety Patrol.

In the Kane County forest preserves, snowmobiling is only allowed on trails marked specifically for this purpose, including:

• Campton Forest Preserve (on internal, marked trails only)
• Great Western Trail (west of Wasco, only)
• Hampshire Forest Preserve (on internal trails only)
• Snowmobiling is also allowed for transit only through the following:
• Burlington Prairie Forest Preserve (transit through preserve only on marked trail)
• Glenwood Park Forest Preserve (on the Batavia Branch of the Illinois Prairie Path)
• Rutland Forest Preserve (parking only)
• Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve (transit through preserve only on marked trail)

There must be 4 inches of snow, and the ground must be frozen. Snowmobiling hours are sunrise to sunset, except on the Great Western Trail, west of Wasco, where it is permitted from sunrise to 11 p.m. The speed limit in all preserves and on all trails is 15 mph, except the Great Western Trail west of Wasco, where it is 35 mph. Riders must stay on trails as marked.

The district also wants riders to be aware of recent changes made to the Illinois Snowmobile Registration and Safety Act, in April 2011. Snowmobiles must now be covered by liability insurance (unless riders stay exclusively on private property not denoted as a snowmobile trail). Proof of insurance is required. Additionally, non-Illinois residents are required to purchase a yearly snowmobile trail use sticker, if the vehicle is not registered in Illinois.

For more information on snowmobiling in the Kane County forest preserves, visit kaneforest.com/publications/brochures/winterActivities.pdf.

Article source: http://elburnherald.com/22430/2012/01/09/forest-preserve-district-reminds-snowmobilers-to-be-safe-sober-on-the-trails/

Why snowmobile clubs are a good idea

Should you join a snowmobile club?

I think the number one reason anyone should join a snowmobile club is simply the love of snowmobiling. If you really love the sport and riding the groomed trails, being part of a club helps to keep the sport alive.

Without all the clubs creating and clearing the trails, there would be nowhere to ride. But first clubs are responsible for gaining land access and securing insurance so snowmobilers can cross private property. Without clubs doing this, the sport would not exist.

After gaining land access, clubs clear the trails, smooth the base of the trails, build bridges when needed, clean up garbage, put up all the signs to mark the trails and after the snow gets here, they groom the trails so they are usable. This takes time, money and people to do it.

Speaking of money, where does it come from? Some if it comes from club dues and some from  events that clubs hold, to help pay for the groomers they own and the fuel to run them.

Article source: http://postbulletin.com/news/stories/display.php?id=1481580

Snowmobiling Vacations in Alberta, Canada

Snowmobiling is a winter activity that can be enjoyed by friends and households in the two the United States and Canada. Alberta, Canada is one particular of the premier Canadian provinces exactly where snowmobiling is a significant pastime of resident and vacationers alike. The country’s consistently snowy weather and frigid situations make for the landscape staying almost continually covered with perfect powder for snowmobiling and other winter actions for these who value the winter season. With thousands of miles of groomed and ungroomed trails mixed with incredible scenery along the way, snowmobilers who choose Alberta as their snowmobiling vacation spot will undoubtedly discover what they are looking for.

For an best snowmobiling getaway, Toby Creek Adventuress in Alberta gives vacationers with breathtaking tours to match the varied skills of any snowmobiler. With above 10 many years of knowledge and outstanding customer service, the facilities at Toby Creek Adventuress will meet the specific wants of households, groups, or men and women who want to have a thrilling snowmobile holiday in Canada.

The guides have researched the greatest and most scenic landscape of the surrounding locations and they normally program their tours through the most alluring areas. Near the Panorama Mountain Village and the Kootenay National Park, guided snowmobile tours along the winding groomed trails through the plethora of trees will offer you breathtaking scenery and views.

A Toby Creek Adventures snowmobiling vacation does not quit with experiencing some of the very best scenery that the Alberta landscape has to supply. Vacationers can add to the enjoyment of their experience by renting and riding the very best new snowmobiles accessible on the industry.

This saves vacationers the time and trouble of bringing along or shipping their snowmobile and equipment to their location resort. With the rental of a snowmobile, guests also get important safety equipment, like boots, a helmet, and top quality snowmobile suits that will assist make sure the enjoyment of the already thrilling expertise. In addition, riders can be assured that these snowmobiles are excellent for the surroundings as they are specially designed with emission-decreasing engines and exhaust systems.

The Toby Creek Adventures facilities are devoted to supplying the best snowmobiling experiences feasible. They strive to obtain these targets in numerous methods. For instance, they regularly re-invest a large percentage of the revenue that they obtain from vacationers and snowmobilers into their company, equipment, and trails. They make particular that their trails are continually groomed and updated to provide sightseers snowmobile rides with the ideal views obtainable. The Toby Creek Adventures organization also strives to update their rental equipment so guests can be assured that they have access to leading-notch snowmobiles and winter gear. The tour guides also claim to be some of the greatest in the industry. Most of them are workers that have worked for the organization prolonged-phrase and enjoy returning in order to aid guests have the ideal achievable snowmobiling knowledge. The Toby Creek Adventures is also a founding member of the British Columbia Commercial Snowmobile Association (BCCSA) – an organization whose members actively attempt to boost the snowmobiling sector.

For a snowmobile holiday that can be each relaxing and thrilling, Albert’s Toby Creek Adventuress is 1 of the greater facilities accessible for winter vacationers who want to visit Canada’s breathtaking winter landscape. Snowmobilers have a assortment of choices that they can take benefit of, like snowmobiling Adventuress that final for a couple of hours or multi-day trips with professional tour guides at reasonably priced rates. They have even extra a new “Ladies Only Tour” solution to further cater to the various demands of their guests. Evenings can be utilized for relaxing in a single of the rustic and at ease resorts in the place after a prolonged day of activities and snowmobiling. Couples will value snuggling up in front of the crackling fire while families and close friends will take pleasure in gathering about the tv accessible in the individual rooms of the resorts or the common places. What ever the scenario, Toby Creek Adventuress will have customized services to match the distinct needs of any winter vacationer in Alberta.

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