Haslett, MI - The Go Snowmobiling campaign has been a great success over the years. Clubs, groups and associations across North America have taken military personnel snowmobiling, enlightenment rides with land managers and often just have fun sponsoring snowmobile rides with friends and family.
Winter is starting strong, and it feels like this will be a great winter for snowmobiling. The trails and riding areas in many parts of North America are in great shape.
The Go Snowmobiling rides I have participated in underscores for me the “wow-factor” and the pure enjoyment that people have when they first ride a snowmobile. I have ridden a number of times with first-time snowmobilers and they couldn’t quit talking about how much fun it was and how they couldn’t wait to do it again. Thankfully I was well prepared for the ride and made sure that my guests were well dressed and comfortable.
I have been fortunate enough to also snowmobile with many individuals who have much more experience than myself. I have learned that with a little prior planning, we can guarantee our friends’ experience in snowmobiling will be a great one. When you take a friend snowmobiling, remember this may very well be their first time on a snowmobile. Keep the ride slow, short and simple. Chances are that your normal ride would seem like a marathon to an uninitiated friend. Don’t show off or push the envelope or challenge your friends to ride beyond their capabilities or their comfort zone. Remember, you are the one who snowmobiles a lot and understands your machine. Let your friend enjoy that first day of snowmobiling. Again, go slow, make it short, make it simple, and remember that it is always a good idea to feed them well.
The Go Snowmobiling campaign is also joined with the Safe Riders! Campaign. Remember that ISMA has a 22 minute safety video that can be found on its website at http://www.snowmobile.org/snowmobile-videos.html or http://www.gosnowmobiling.org/snowmobiling-resources.html
The video is a great tool when introducing a friend to snowmobiling and will help make the ride more enjoyable for everyone.
You should also visit and “Like” the ISMA Facebook page before participating in a Go Snowmobiling campaign. Our Facebook page is www.Facebook.com/GoSnowmobiling . When looking at the page you will notice that many snowmobilers are posting pictures and their experiences on the page. ISMA now has close to 10,000 friends who visit regularly and it is common for snowmobilers to send out informative posts that are forwarded to hundreds and thousands of snowmobile enthusiasts worldwide. There is also a short general survey on the Facebook page, so when you visit the page, consider answering a few simple survey questions. ISMA is constantly surveying snowmobile customers to see how it can better serve you and how we can help you enjoy your snowmobiling activity.
When you consider putting together a Go Snowmobiling ride, just remember that individuals who don’t own a snowmobile have a high interest in going snowmobiling. People that you know, who don’t snowmobile, want to snowmobile. They also want to go snowmobiling for the same reasons you do:
- To enjoy the scenery
- To get outdoors to have fun with family and friends
- To go to unique places that they can’t reach any other way to see amazing sights
- To have fun in the winter outdoors and be able to go home tired and be ready for a good night’s sleep.
So please, go out and have fun, take a friend snowmobiling, and enjoy this wonderful winter.