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NEWS & OPINION
Across the Country, October 2008
Posted: 10/21/2008
Hats Off to the Volunteers!
As we wind up the last of the Fall Snow Shows, do you ever wonder who does the majority of the work? In most cases, it's the volunteers.
Have you ever taken the time to stop by the State Snowmobile Association's booth at the snow show or grass drags? If so, you know, it's the volunteers putting in tireless hours talking with riders, often explaining the challenges we face, the ever-increasing costs in the trail systems.
Have you ever had the opportunity to wander the halls of your Capitol? Chances are you'd bump into, you guessed it, a snowmobile volunteering to keep their eyes and ears open -- all in an effort to maintain snowmobiling in your state.
It's fall, and while most of us wrapping up the last of the summer projects and/or getting our "stuff" together for the quickly-approaching winter season, guess where many of the snowmobile volunteers are hanging out? The groomer sheds.
This is the time of the year that many of the volunteers are tinkering and wrenching on the groomers, making sure everything is in tip-top shape for the first trip out on the trails.
Other volunteers are out brushing and signing the trails.
Unfortunately, many riders never take the time to recognize or acknowledge how the trails come to be snowmobile trails.
It's the volunteers that talk to the many private landowners and secure their approval to have a snowmobile trail cross their property. Thank you to the landowners and the volunteers that have taken the time to go door to door.
It's the volunteers that conceive and begin the initial designing of new or rerouted trails. This is a very long process, with many stops, starts, changes, and discussions. A process that often outlasts many of the decision makers - decades!
It's the snowmobile community that scouts out the locations for trailheads and parking lots.
It's the snowmobile community that worries about the costs of building, maintaining and replacing bridges.
It's the volunteers that really make the trail system!! Without them, there would be no trails to brush, sign and groom. There would be no place to park your trucks and trailers. There would be no signs.
And that's all before the first snowfall. This essential work must be accomplished before the first groomer hits the trails.
Why do the volunteers do it? For the love of the sport. For the passion. For the friendships that have been forged through the years. For the economic benefit it brings to rural America.
This is the time of year that the clubs can always use new blood, new ideas, new enthusiasm. If you have not renewed your club or state association membership - do so now. If you are not a member, by all means, join! You will be welcomed with open arms.
The next time a snowmobile volunteer approaches you, don't blow them off -- listen to what they have to say, take the time to ask the questions or share your concerns with them.
The next time you meet a groomer on the trails -- be considerate. They have taken many hours to groom just a few miles of trail, a smile and a wave would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you to all of the volunteers. Snowmobile volunteers are the best of the best!! You are the very best and your hard work an d many hours are greatly appreciated!!
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