EDITOR’S NOTES
Midwest Rider
The snowmobiling community is becoming more divided. When our area of the snowbelt was hit with rideable snow in early December, riders were out in force, and it was a beautiful sight. It wasn’t the best riding conditions, those come later, but there’s nothing like satisfying the anticipation of the season’s first ride. And for the first time in decades, we have more new riders and many more who have decided to return after a long hiatus, all enjoying the magic of snowmobiling. Unfortunately, there’s a divide amongst us. Online, I read countless threads of riders arguing, accusing and in some instances flat out telling others to leave the sport. At the heart of the issue was trespassing. The “old guard” was all too eager to call out these “criminals” and belittle them as they sat comfortably behind their keyboards presumably somewhere in their mother’s basement. Most posts seldom contained helpful suggestions as to where to ride, when to ride, and the reasons why. Even when they did, the tone (if it’s possible to discern tone in a post) came across as they know better, so don’t ask questions. My mother always told me you attract more bees with honey, so Midwest Rider will be creating an on-trail and off-trail riding guide for a future issue. A few of us here love to ride off-trail, and there are plenty of places to do it right in our backyard. We also love snow bikes (gasp) and think they represent a great opportunity to attract new riders to the sport (something everyone agrees needs to happen). For now, stay off the chat rooms, respect other riders and property, and most of all enjoy the ride. Pat Bourgeois
8 Midwest Rider 2022
