Cyber Max

Just imagine racing down a snow-covered hill, cold wind blowing in your face, your warm, wool scarf fluttering behind you. You are bouncing up and down, trying to keep yourself on course, but occasionally drifting off to the side. You feel like flying. Sledding is one of the best forms of recreation for a snowy day.

Sledding has been around for hundreds of years and is one of the oldest winter sports. Descriptions of sledding can be found dating back to the 1500s. But it was not until 1885 that the first official sledding race, the Grand National, was held in Switzerland.

Sleds come in all sizes and shapes and are made from a variety of materials, including metal, plastic, wood, and even rubber. A straight running sled is the most basic kind of modern-day sled. Most are made of plastic and are fast and easy to steer. Some even come with their own brakes and steering wheels. The most recognized kind of sled is a steel runner sled. These are the wood and metal sleds that you usually see in pictures and have been around for a long period of time.

Another type of sled is round, and its name sounds like it could be found in outer space. It’s called a saucer sled. Saucer sleds let you spin and turn. But you better be careful. Since they do not let you steer, you might just be going backwards, sideways, or off the path altogether before you realize it. Also, snow tubes are round. They are filled with air and can also be used for floating in a pool or lake. Snow tubes let you bounce as you go over bumps, but they do not give you much control. When filling these kinds of sleds with air, remember not to fill them too full. If you do, there is the risk of them bursting in front of your eyes!

Remember that not all sheds can be bought in stores. A flattened cardboard box or garbage can lid can work just as well. Take your kids, your friends or just yourself and sled away when you have a chance. The feeling of being back to nature can be better conceptualized when experienced, so do not waste time or procrastinate. Sledding is one of the best exercises you body and mind can enjoy. The best part of sledding is that you can watch your friends and family smiling at your or their snow adventures!

Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles on many topics including Sports, Education, and Arts

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This year, as with the previous 4 years, snowmobiling has gained the dubious honor of being the most dangerous Winter Sport. Ten tips to help put safety and fun into your snowmobile rides.

The increased awareness and education on Snowmobile Safety by Snowmobile Clubs and Governments has emphasized a greater respect for riding safety, wide use of hand signals and overall snowmobiling etiquette. As an advocate of ’safety first’ when is comes to motorized vehicles, especially snowmobiles, respect for this winter activity is key to snowmobiling enjoyment. Experience as a snowmobile rider has made me even more vigilant about safety.

Here are 10 tips for snowmobiling safety that will put the fun into your next ride:

1)Wear a helmet. Always. Even if you are just making a quick 2 minute trip to get supplies from your vehicle. No exceptions accepted.

2)Emergency ‘OFF’ button. The most important feature on the snowmobile is the emergency OFF button located next to the throttle. Make sure the rider knows where it is. Hitting the emergency OFF button instantly shuts off the engine.

3)No alcohol. You need to be at your peak of attention and alertness. With both the thrill of the run, and the sled exercising (’sledder-cise’) you will sweat, and you will become dehydrated. Take water, or other non-alcoholic beverages along with you for drinking on the trails. Save the alcohol for when you stop for the day (no more driving of any kind) and just want to sit around and talk about the day’s ride.

4)Check your rear view mirrors. Like driving an automobile, look ahead and check behind every 15-45 seconds. I consider rear view mirrors a must have on snowmobiles. Watch for more aggressive riders that speed up behind you. Let them pass - pull over, slow down, stop - let them pass.

5)Don’t override your lights, or your comfort level. Ride your sled to your level of comfort and ability. There will always be other riders who speed ahead of you. What you will find is that you will catch up to them at the next intersection, juncture, or rest stop. Remember: “It’s how you pace yourself, not how you race your sled.”

6)Use the buddy system. Watch for other riders in your group. Your sleddin’ group is like any effective team: the group “lead-dog” and “trailing sledder” must ensure everyone is together, accounted for, and safe.

7)Never kick your foot toward the ground. Keep your feet and legs safe. Never use your feet or legs to counter a tipping sled. Putting your foot down to the ground, or your leg out to stop a tip, is a good way to twist your ankle, or have your leg yanked back or grabbed by snowmobile track. Painful!

8)Never place anything between you and the throttle. Not a person or a thing (sleeping bag, bag of groceries). Nothing. Persons or things between you and the throttle can make situations happen where the throttle gets jammed down hard and the snowmobile quickly accelerates (uncontrolled) forward.

9) Sit down when reversing your machine. Don’t stand up. Remember the laws of physics and inertia - if you stand, the reverse motion will cause your unstable standing body to lurch forward, likely jamming your body against the throttle.

10) Stop often. Enjoy the scenery, nature and the wildlife. Ride for 30-60 minute segments with 5 minute breaks. Ride with sledders that like to stop and “smell the flowers” - not just “pound on the miles”. Sleddin’ gives you access to locations, sights, and scenery only afforded you in winter, when waters are frozen and landowners grant access to their properties. Stay on the trails. Respect the signs.

For every snowmobile trip you take
“It’s all about the smiles, not the number of miles.”

Copyright - Carl Chesal, Bizfare Enterprise Inc & Foursight Marketing

Carl Chesal is a business development consultant, trainer, photographer, and avid snowmobiler. He owns Bizfare Enterprise Inc.(http://www.bizfare.ca) and Foursight Marketing and Consulting (http://www.foursight.on.ca)providing business, marketing, and internet marketing consulting services. He also owns a number of e-commerce web-sites, CoolComfortWear and PewterExpressions, which sell apparel and pewter collectibles.

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