Toby Cartwright has been snowmobiling for 14 years, and he took the time to answer our questions about his experiences in Prince George.
What was your first machine?
A Polaris 500 RMK. That was my first real mountain machine. I had little 340s when I was a kid. When I was 13 or 14, that's when I started mountain riding and got my first mountain-capable thread.
What's the riding like around Prince George?
There's some pretty epic riding around here. You've got the best of both worlds—you've got backcountry boondocking and big open bowls to play in, too.
How often do you get out in the winter?
Probably more than my wife would like me to. I try to ride every weekend or every other weekend. I've got a pretty good group of about seven or eight guys that I commonly ride with.
How long have you been involved with the PG Snowmobile Club?
Ten or 12 years. They do lots of fundraising—usually two or three poker rides a year. The club has a great trail system and they do a lot of rides out there—family rides and the like. The club has been around as long as I can remember.
Is Prince George a snowmobiling community?
In winter, if you're in this town, every other truck has a flatdeck on it. There are lots of groups that get together. Prince George is a pretty small town yet, and pretty much everyone who rides sleds knows another sledder. It's a pretty community-oriented thing here. The meeting spot to go riding is probably the Eastway Esso or the Chevron.
Where's your favourite place to sled?
The Torpe winter recreation area. They maintain the trails all season long for the sledders to use. There's tons of backcountry alpine riding there. It's about 45 minutes outside of Prince George—a great ride.
