SnomadS Presidents Message

Yeehaa. That’s the only way to describe my excitement as I look at the winter storm forecast while making last minute preparations for the Shakedown Ride. The moment us snowmobile enthusiasts wait for all summer and fall is about to arrive and I’m relieved that I still feel just as giddy about the first big storm of the year as I did 40 some years ago. It means I’m still a “Snow Lover.” Yes, I’m proud to say I love snow and I don’t care how many dirty or confused looks I get from neighbors or co-workers, I can no longer deny my love for the heavy, deep, fluffy white stuff that seems to give fits to so many others.

I actually get dismayed when I listen to TV, radio and weather reporters talk about how bad the pending snow storm will be, as if that’s a bad thing, and I get downright angry when they gleefully exclaim that the temperatures will be high enough to make the precipitation come down as rain. For crying out loud, what good is 40 degrees and rain? I’ve always been of the mindset that if you’re going to live in an area that gets snow, you should find a way to enjoy it.

But it’s not simply for its physical features that I love snow, although one can argue that a fresh, fluffy snow covered landscape is hard to beat when it comes to scenery shots. Instead, I love snow because of the many opportunities and activities it provides. My memories of winter include the joys of skiing, ice fishing, sledding, making snow forts, snowball fights, and a biggie - the cancellation of school. They never cancel school because it’s too hot. But the most enjoyable winter activity for me, and most of you, is snowmobiling.

We’ll drive hours, even a full day if necessary, just for the opportunity to ride. The news reports might say don’t venture onto the roads unless it’s absolutely necessary. But here we are, zipping up snow covered I-75 because, well, it’s absolutely necessary. We gotta ride.

Snowmobiling offers a freedom that is unmatched. The relaxation of riding through snow covered forests, walking along the shores of the Great Lakes, or standing at an overlook with a grand snowscaped vista is something I wish we could show all those winter skeptics. Maybe then they would understand.
Until then, I look forward to seeing all you Snow Lovers on the trails in the coming months. And don’t deny it. I know you too are a Snow Lover. It’s a common bond we Snomads have. Be safe.

Bill Chatfield
President
SnomadS Snofari Club

The nights are starting to dip below the freezing mark, the first flurries of the year have been spotted and before you know it, the brown landscape will be covered with a soft, deep blanket of white gold. White Gold, you ask? That’s right. It wasn’t too many years ago that most up north resorts, lodges and restaurants would close their doors after deer season or even Labor Day because they couldn’t afford to stay open all winter for only a handful of local customers. Nowadays, many northern destinations see their business increase during the winter due to the influx of snowmobilers who flock to the snow belts to enjoy their favorite winter activity. When it snows snowmobilers go to the snow and spend lots of cash. Hence, snow equals white gold.

Several of your fellow Snomads recently attended the MSA Annual Convention in Lansing where we were the host club (which you’ll read about later). We got to hear from a number of industry leaders about the status of the snowmobile industry. One of the featured speakers was Ed Klim, Executive Director of the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA). He always provides a great insider’s perspective and mesmerizes you with facts and figures along with stories of his snowmobiling exploits around the world.

According to ISMA the snowmobiling industry pumps more than $20 billion into the US economy with more than $1 billion in Michigan alone. Snowmobile registrations in Michigan remain around 350,000 despite the faltering economy. Even though new snowmobile sales are falling, the number of people keeping their old sleds and continuing to enjoy the sport remains extremely high. Snowmobiling continues to be the second largest recreational activity revenue generator in the state (behind golf).

So everything is rosy, right? Not exactly. The Governor recently abolished the Snowmobile Advisory Committee (SAC) and replaced it with a new Michigan Trails Advisory Council (MTAC). While the SAC had their disagreements about what was best for the snowmobiling community, at least they focused solely on snowmobiling issues. The MTAC will be a seven member board that will consist of representatives from various recreational groups including non motorized trail users. Only one snowmobile representative – and it may not even be somebody who rides a snowmobile – will be on the MTAC. This is bad news. Snowmobilers have been solely responsible for the development and financing of Michigan’s 6000 mile snowmobile trail system, which benefits many other outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year at no cost to them. To put the decision making process of our trail system in the hands of some folks who have stated their desire to abolish the use of snowmobiles on state land is outrageous. This would be like making laws to prohibit the use of snow machines in national parks due to their global warming CO2 production without considering the input of scientists who present evidence with a differing point of view. Wait, they’re doing that too. Never mind.

If you want more information you can visit our own message board or the MSA website at msasnow.org.

Enough of the bad news. We’ve got an exciting KOP coming up on November 21st, the trails open December first, and the Shakedown Ride starts December 11th. Don’t forget to submit your Ski-Doo club promotion form to get $10 for the Snomads. Hurry, it ends on November 15th. See you on the trails soon.

Bill Chatfield
President
SnomadS Snofari Club