Mountain snowmobilers are facing a crossroad in the sport we cherish and love. Pressure from special interest groups threatens to close even more areas while villainizing the sport of snowmobiling altogether.
We can be our own worst enemies, dividing voices based upon federations, clubs, organizations and even brand preference. This does absolutely nothing to support our cause, further diluting the efforts of those trying to make a difference.
In order to have a voice, we must stand together and grow—grow in a way that adds credibility, excitement and power. We need a voice that profiles the real sledder of today—the rider who is not only responsible, but educated, the type of rider who betters the sport and dispels the old stereotype of the reckless “here, hold my beer and watch this” kind of rider. Today’s rider is a positive role model and an environmental steward.
International Take a Newbie Shredding Day, to be held February 23, 2013, is a movement reaching out to new riders worldwide. Dealers are jumping on board, wholeheartedly offering demo rides in various locations around North America.
The Betties Powersports Network and Team Thunderstruck will be in Golden, B.C., on February 23, to reach out and lend a hand, actively supporting newbies from all around. While the Betties Powersports Network members are not new to introducing new riders to the sport, they are thrilled to participate in such a huge movement. It’s all about paying it forward. Many of them remember the patience bestowed upon them as they were learning to ride. They are determined to make a difference.
Tina Thomas from Team Thunderstruck is more than thrilled. She and her trusty sidekick, Clark, plan on bettering the world one newbie at a time. Thomas believes that empowering and supporting new riders is the key to developing skills in a new rider. I am looking forward to February 23 with my shred sister Thomas. Ski pulls and some digging will be part of the fun when we take our newbies out to shred. You can be certain dorky antics will be plentiful—that is how we roll, literally.
We aren’t the only ones who see the importance of new riders. I had an interesting discussion with Ski-Doo-sponsored rider Bret Rasmussen in September 2012. He too believes that new riders are vital for the survival of our sport. With new riders comes the boost the industry needs to stay alive. More riders means more sleds being manufactured and thus stimulating the sale of accessories and clothing. Winter tourism, an industry many small towns rely upon, will also be stimulated.
What does Rasmussen classify as a newbie? He laughed when I asked him this question.
“I see myself as a student every time I go out,” he said. “The mountains can teach you something every time you go out.”
He looks forward to this season’s opportunities and all that he has to bring to the table. Newbies, both seasoned and green, are what makes Ride Rasmussen-style Ride Clinics a success.
Dan Adams of Next Level Ride clinics firmly believes that the industry will be propelled forward by the youth generation of newbies.
“I feel like the new or next generations of any sport are necessary for eternal growth,” said Adams. “We oftentimes take valuable things like this for granted and it should be made more of a priority each and every year. Recognizing talent has been something I have played witness to throughout my career as a rider and now through my riding clinics, I see it even more. As I continue to reach out to so many ability levels and different age groups, I am so stoked to see the youth of snowmobiling creating such a charge in the industry.”
There are many ways to define a newbie. Marion Hoevers from Alberta has never had the opportunity to shred in the mountains. This is her chance! While she may not be a newbie to sledding, she has reached out to us and plans to make the trip into B.C. to fulfill a bucket list dream of hers.
Motorfist LLC, the manufacturers of some of the most epic snowmobile wear on the planet, embrace this movement.
“We at Motorfist are excited to see the sport grow, and believe that it is important to reach out to new riders world wide,” said Motorfist spokesperson Tait Tolley. “Seasoned, educated riders reaching out to new inexperienced riders will help grow the sport in a positive, responsible way. International Take a Newbie Shredding Day is a step in the right direction for everyone who rides.”
This is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to reach out and unite and build strength for our industry. The stronger the industry, the larger the voice and the less likely random special interest groups will try to push their species of convenience on the unsuspecting public. We become the voice. We become the media and we become the face of today’s sledder.
If the industry is strong, the more purchasing power consumers and dealers have, resulting in very competitive pricing. Dwindling numbers can spark an epidemic of dealerships closing their doors. Less dealers means the average consumer has to travel farther or pay for shipping. With such a global market, many purchase online already, but what about for those parts you need at the spur of a moment, or warranty and service work requiring an actual dealership? Part of the fun of sledding is stopping by your local dealership to shoot the breeze or rehash the day’s storm of comical moments encountered by your crew.
There are so many people and industry members involved in this movement. Thank you everyone for your support. This will be an amazing season of fresh pow and new friends. I, for one, can’t wait! Thank you for taking this day to reach out to a new rider. It means so much to everyone who loves to shred—whether they know it or not.
For more information on International Take a Newbie Shredding Day, go to the Facebook page or contact Trish Drinkle at Main Jet Motorsports in Nelson, B.C., for more information.
