Last month, as I watched the new 2013 snowmobiles roll into the parking lot of Main Jet Motorsports in Nelson, B.C., my inner “whoohooness” became an outward display of whoops, hollers and clumsy happy dancing.
My happiness, however, is not always welcomed by the people around me. I am surrounded by moto people at my work—they are dirt bikers who are not yet ready to admit the snow season is upon us. They glare, and curse my happiness—but there is no denying it, the season has started to change.
I am kind of like a little alien to them. I mean, sure, I’m growing to love moto. This past season of single-track and motocross track time brought fun and laughter to my life. Although it was fun, it’s just not the same to me as sledding. If you are a sledder, then you know what I’m talking about. Sledding is more of an obsession, or an addiction, than a hobby. It’s complete and utter devotion of mind, body and soul to the sport we live and breathe. We all share an unspoken bond—something that just links all of our pow-loving hearts together. To an outsider, we are odd, annoying even. But to each other, we are family.
Our computer screensavers and cellphone displays always have a photo on the display screen of epic pow shredding. I was one proud mama when I noticed my oldest daughter Brook’s computer displaying a moment of our mother and daughter shred time together. She is on the right track—phew!
The snowmobile season is upon us
Each year, around August 17, 2012, we notice the shift of seasons and start planning for winter. The brappin’ bros and shred sisters have started coming into Main Jet lately, wondering if the latest sled DVDs have arrived. We all share big smiles, hugs and high fives. The season of preparation has begun and some may be out there, buying a can, new boards or a new ride.
August is the beginning of our sled season—no matter what others may think. Many purchases are done when retailers are willing to display their snow stuff early. I remember one dealership lost out on my snowmobile sale when they told me to come back in the “winter” to buy the used sled they had on their website. In a sledder's mind, it is either winter or almost winter. Retailers know this—if you snooze you’ll lose, most definitely.
We can and will talk for hours about our sled and the many adventures we’ve shared because somehow it takes the sting out of the summer months. How often have you congregated in random parking lots and grocery stores to talk pow? Winter is permanently etched on our minds. If there is any excuse to talk pow, we’re there.
On the hottest days of summer, irritation runs rampant on a sledder’s Facebook timeline as they suffer in the sweltering heat. You’ll frequently read status updates pertaining to the number of estimated days until the first snowfall as well as prayers for white gold. Shredders will “like,” agree and chime in. There are some who don’t understand and curse our prayers for snow.
Then comes the season to be happy, which is right now. Sled shows and video premieres are the precursor to our snowfall.
A breakdown of the sledding season
So for those who say, “It’s not winter,” here is a breakdown of the snowmobile season and what is involved:
Month 1: August, the beginning of it all
- Sled preparation and research into our new purchases
Month 2: September
- Snowchecks arrive, shred flicks are released, haydays and movie premieres take place
Month 3: October
- Snow show time
This year, I will be in Edmonton, Alberta, for the Alberta Snowmobile Association’s 25th Annual Snowmobile and Powersports Show, to be held October 26 to 28.
Month 4: November, the beginning of braap time
- It is the “gotta be careful time”
- Mostly road rides take place and those who are too adventurous will be the ones repairing A-arms
Month 5: December, the season is in full swing
- December often brings deep, bottomless pow
- We still have to be careful based upon snowfall as land mines are still out there
Month 6: January
- There is great snow
- The land mines should all be gone
Month 7: February
- There are many fun events, such as Meteor Mine Hill Climb and International Take a Newbie Shredding Day (February 23, 2013), taking place
Month 8: March
- More fun events
- Ladies rides and snowmobile club poker rides are often held in March
Month 9: April, bluebird time
- The days of clear blue skies and deep pow
Month 10: May
- Spring riding under bluebird skies and warmer temperatures bring T-shirt, tank top and sunscreen weather
- Often, those who enjoy climbing chutes, jumping and dropping see May as their go-time
Month 11: June, stretching till the very end
- Often shredding on concrete hero snow, it is nice to say we’ve been out
- It is a good time to remember what goes up, must come down
Month 12: July, relax and recuperate
- Some of us will ride into July just to say, “I rode in July”
- The remaining snow is red-tinged and rotten but diehards will hit it, just because
So hopefully, for all you non-riders out there, this article will bring some insight into how a sledder’s brain functions. Basically, the sledding season is always on our minds.
