Mountain Sledding
Dave Ulmer
Mountain sledding with a modern 'mountain' snowmobile is an experience like
none other. These machines have the ability to climb hills that appear
almost vertical to someone on the flat. The speed at which these machines
can gain altitude is faster than what most airplanes can accomplish. Even
with all this climbing ability there are still distinct point where momentum
is lost and 'true' mountain sledding begins.
Any snowmobile will climb hills on momentum alone. All you do is drive fast
into the base of the hill and let your momentum carry you up. It doesn't
matter much what the snow conditions are, what track you have, or you engine
power, momentum works by itself. Icy hills as high as 300 feet have been
topped by speeding into the base at 90 mph and coasting to the top. Momentum
sledding is not mountain sledding.
True mountain sledding begins up the hill where momentum runs out. At this
point the machine would stop if it were not for a number of things. Snow
conditions, machine design, track length, lug height, engine horsepower, and
rider skill. All these factors go into the equation necessary to true
mountain sledding. Here too is where we separate the men from the boys and
the true mountain sleds from the toys.
On the right slope, on the right machine, on the right day, here is what
mountain sledding is like:
Cruising slowly into the base of a steep mountain you slowly pour on the
power and pick up speed as your machine adjusts to the slope. At full
throttle the machine begins its scream up the mountain. Skis soon rise above
the snow and conventional steering is lost, it is now all a matter of
balance. The rider must aim the machine at the top and constantly adjust
their weight to keep the machine over the power. At full throttle the track
is functioning more like a rocket engine blasting snow out the back for
hundreds of feet. All the time gravity is trying to stop the machine or pull
it off line and back down the hill.
With engine screaming with over a hundred horsepower the smell of burning
drive belt punctuates the experience of mountain sledding. Speed falls off
as the mountain gets steeper towards the top. Twenty, ten, five, four, three
miles per hour as you get near the top of your climb. This is the point of
greatest danger to mountain sledders. If the rider allows the machine to
'spinout' and stop on the hill all hell can break loose. The machine can
flip over backwards and start tumbling out of control down the hill and
destroy itself. If this tumbling 500-pound machine hits the rider, bones can
be broken.
In a 'spinout mistake' the snowmobile stops but the track keeps spinning and
digs a deep trench in the snow. In digging this trench the machine stands up
vertical on the hill and the rider usually falls off and begins their tumble
to the bottom of the mountain. Depending on conditions the machine may stay
stuck at the top or fall over backwards and begins tumbling down. Mountain
sleds are long and heavy and come down a hill more like a log rolling down a
slope. Rolling over sideways usually opens the hood and tears it off and
smashes the handlebars into the tank. Six thousand dollars damage is not
uncommon in these kinds of spinout mistakes.
The secret to avoiding a spinout mistake is to 'turnout' before the machine
stops. When the machine slows to around two or three miles per hour, its
time to turnout. A safe turnout is to make a rounded turn at the top of the
climb so that the turning momentum just cancels the machine's tendency to
roll over sideways. Too slow a turnout and you roll over and the damage
begins. Keeping the power on at full throttle is necessary to begin the
turnout but must be released in the middle of the turn. Now here is where
the next excitement begins.
After the turnout it's all-downhill for the mountain sledder but what a
downhill it can be. On a steep 45 degree or greater slope a 500 pound
machine can pick up speed pretty fast. Snowmobile brakes have some effect
especially at first. Just after the turnout is the best time to try and
control your descent with brakes. Keep your speed down at first will keep
your speed down at the end. No matter what you do your speed will be
increasing going downhill. After about 40 mph brakes become useless and
somewhat dangerous. Locking the track will turn the machine sideways in a
second. Pulsing the brake works and some braking can be accomplished by
steering the skis from side to side. In any case speeds of a hundred miles
per hour are not uncommon when going downhill.
Speeding down a mountain for half a mile can be dangerous. Bumps, trees,
stumps, and rocks can appear in front of you as you careen downhill almost
out of control. Hitting any one of these at high speed can be deadly.
Gravity controls a mountain sled's decent. The rider has a limited ability
to control its direction and speed during this time. The downhill can be the
most exciting part of a climb. On the uphill things look fairly normal all
the way up, but on turnout you then get to see how far up you came. If you
get vertigo or a fear of heights turnout is where this experience happens.
Adrenaline pumps in your veins at the maximum just after turnout. You won't
be safe until back on the flat.
If executed precisely mountain sledding can produce a rush of great joy.
Successfully completing a climb and returning alive with an intact machine
is very rewarding. From balancing on the rocket power, timing the turnout,
to missing the rocks on the way back down, this skill can have you out doing
this over and over again. For beginners just expect a few sled losses and
broken bones to begin with and then with some experience you too will become
a true mountain sledder.
Dave...
Karl Shoemaker
Reminds me when I did the quick demo ride on a new sled with a 159"
track, I turned
out early, but could have gone way further up. And yes, a few times I've
have the
"expirence" of the downhill control thing. At least I over came my fear
of sliding on ice.
Karl
--
for info visit:
Dave Ulmer
Here is an improved version with embellishments that you can post on your
site. Please post the link when you put it up.
Dave...
The Mountain Sledding Experience
By David J. Ulmer
Mountain sledding with a modern 'mountain' snowmobile is an experience like
none other. These machines have the ability to climb hills that appear
almost vertical to someone on the flat. The speed at which these machines
can gain altitude is faster than what most airplanes can accomplish. Even
with all this climbing ability there are still distinct point where momentum
is lost and 'true' mountain sledding begins.
Any snowmobile will climb hills on momentum alone. All you do is drive fast
into the base of the hill and let your momentum carry you up. It doesn't
matter much what the snow conditions are, what track you have, or your
engine power, momentum works by itself. Icy hills as high as 300 feet have
been topped by speeding into the base at 90 mph and coasting to the top.
Momentum sledding is not mountain sledding.
True Mountain sledding begins up the hill where momentum runs out. At this
point the machine would stop if it were not for a number of things. Snow
conditions, machine design, track length, lug height, engine horsepower, and
rider skill. All these factors go into the equation necessary for true
mountain sledding. Here is where we separate the men from the boys and the
true mountain sleds from the toys.
On the right slope, on the right machine, on the right day, here is what
mountain sledding is like:
Cruising slowly into the base of a steep mountain you slowly pour on the
power and pick up speed as your machine adjusts to the slope. At full
throttle the machine begins its scream up the mountain. Skis soon rise above
the snow and conventional steering is lost, it is now all a matter of
balance. The rider must aim the machine at the top and constantly adjust
their weight to keep the machine over the power, this is called 'riding the
rocket'. At full throttle the track is functioning more like a rocket engine
blasting snow out the back for hundreds of feet. All the time gravity is
trying to stop the machine or pull it off line and back down the hill.
With engine screaming with over a hundred horsepower the smell of burning
drive belt punctuates the experience of mountain sledding. Be sure to check
your belt regularly, for a blown belt on a hill climb can be a problem.
Speed soon falls off as the mountain gets steeper towards the top. Twenty,
ten, five, four, three miles per hour as you get near the top of your climb.
This is the point of greatest danger to mountain sledders. If the rider
allows the machine to 'spinout' and stop on the hill all hell can break
loose. The machine can flip over backwards and start tumbling out of control
down the hill and destroy itself. If this tumbling 500-pound machine hits
the rider, bones can be broken.
In a 'spinout mistake' the snowmobile stops but the track keeps spinning and
digs a deep trench in the snow. In digging this trench the machine stands up
vertical on the hill and the rider usually falls off and begins a 'Raggedy
Anne' tumble to the bottom of the mountain. If you have ever tumbled down a
mountain, the bruises go deeper that just your pride. Depending on
conditions, the machine may stay stuck at the top, or fall over backward
crashing down the hill. Mountain sleds are long and heavy and come down a
hill more like a log rolling down a slope. Rolling over sideways usually
opens the hood and tears it off and smashes the handlebars into the tank. If
you do this, you will witness what is called a 'garage-sale' on the side of
the mountain. Snowmobile parts will be strewn from top of the hill to the
bottom. Six thousand dollars worth of damaged parts can be seen from these
kinds of spinout mistakes.
The secret to avoiding a spinout mistake is to make a 'turnout' before the
machine stops. When the machine slows to around two or three miles per hour,
its time to turnout. A safe turnout is to make a rounded turn at the top of
the climb so that the turning momentum just cancels the machine's tendency
to roll over sideways. Too slow a turnout and you roll over and the damage
begins. Keeping the power on at full throttle is necessary to begin the
turnout but must be released in the middle of the turn. Now here is where
the next excitement begins.
After the turnout it's all-downhill for the mountain sledder but what a
downhill it can be. On a steep 45 degree or greater slope a 500 pound
machine can pick up speed pretty fast. Snowmobile brakes have some effect
especially at first. Just after the turnout is the best time to try and
control your descent with brakes. Keep your speed down at first will keep
your speed down at the end. No matter what you do your speed will be
increasing going downhill. After about 40 mph brakes become useless and
somewhat dangerous. Locking the track will turn the machine sideways in a
second. Pulse braking works and some braking can be accomplished by steering
the skis from lock to lock. With the skis going from lock to lock and
shifting body weight the machine can be 'skied' downhill like a big
snowboard to control descent. In any case speeds of a hundred miles per hour
are not uncommon when going downhill.
Speeding down a mountain for half a mile can be dangerous. Bumps, trees,
stumps, and rocks can appear in front of you as you careen downhill almost
out of control. Hitting any one of these at high speed can be deadly.
Gravity controls a mountain sled's decent. The rider has a limited ability
to control its direction and speed during this time. The downhill can be the
most exciting part of a climb. On the uphill things look fairly normal all
the way up, but on turnout you then get to see how far up you came. If you
get vertigo or a fear of heights turnout is where this experience begins.
Adrenaline pumps in your veins at the maximum just after turnout. You won't
be safe until back on the flat.
Once you have perfected your 'mountain climb' you will be ready to combine
momentum and the mountain to reach for the proverbial 'high mark'. Race into
the base of the mountain at wide-open throttle and keep it on up to the
cornice. As you race up the hill it gets steeper and steeper until you are
at the vertical face just under the overhang of the wind blown cornice at
the top of the mountain. If you still have enough momentum you can execute a
'flying turnout' where you mark the underside of the cornice and execute
your turn in mid-air. Be careful not to trigger an avalanche or you and your
machine may be sorry!
The final feat to accomplish in mountain sledding is 'cornice busting' where
you come up underneath the cornice with such speed as to break through the
lip. If you chop the throttle at just the right moment it will slam the
front end down and leave you sitting quietly on the top of the mountain. If
you keep power on you will sail straight up into the clear air above the
mountain. Once in clear air you can style your flying turnout with a
'superman heel-clicker' and head right down the slot in the cornice you just
created.
If executed precisely mountain sledding can produce a rush of great joy.
Successfully completing a climb and returning alive with an intact machine
is very rewarding. From riding the rocket, to a flying turnout, to missing
the rocks on the way back down, this skill can have you out doing this over
and over again. For beginners just expect a few sled losses and broken bones
to begin with and then with some experience you too will become a true
mountain sledder. You too can mark the mountain with the famed 'high-mark'.
Enjoy Mountain Sledding!
Dave.
"Karl Shoemaker" <wa7...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:3CCCCF3D...@yahoo.com...
mixgreg
Most great mountain riders carve up the slope, serpentining as he climbs up the
mountain . A mountain rider will as he loses momentum will turn out a bit,
reducing the angle of attack. He will continue carving switchbacks, using body
english jumping from one side of his sled to the other, as he continues climbing
higher and higher. This is a difficult maneuver to master like the cornice
turn. I've have watch as some novice riders try to imitate us after they have
watched us carve up the mountain, only to see a yard sale in the making.
Now coming down is also an art to be learned. Locking up the track and slide
cutting back and forth like a skier cutting the edges of his skis as he comes
down the steep slope. Making the slide cuts will help reduce your speed on your
trip down, but cutting or sliding too far can initiate a death roll or yard
sale.
It's amazing to watch a seasoned mountain sled acrobat as he attacks a
mountain. But to participate in conquering the great white mountain can be a
great adrenalin rush not easily for gotten. And like a drug rush, it becomes
additive, once tried you just can't stop. My last good mountain ride was a week
ago Saturday, and I can feel the withdrawal symptoms starting already. I hope
November hurries back............... my thumb is twitching still ...............
sled800rmk
Alan Burgher
Groomed trails with the odd 5 mile lake run do it just fine for me.
"Dave Ulmer" <dave...@ccwebster.net> wrote in message
news:uco2hdm...@corp.supernews.com...
mixgreg
handle bar, two trailing arms, ripped one pair of snow pants and scratched one
helmet. I've collected insurance once when my son had an 800 rmk yard sale on
the mountain this year, but fixed everything in a
day for a total cost of $900.00 including a new hood......... still using old
hood, saving new hood until we sell the sled. Don't take me wrong, it is
dangerous, but man is it fun. Most say we are crazy, we prefer "altitude
challenged". I ride with about a dozen mountain riders and the worst wreck in
several years was loading the sleds, when the ramp fail off and he ran into the
back of the trailer. ouch.....
We are a religious group and our protecting angles do work overtime most days.
But at ten thousand feet we are riding in heaven or pretty dam close to it.
Let's compare it to down hill skiing and XC skiing. Both fun but, which would
you choose?? Try it once and you'll join us.............
Dave Ulmer
I totaled my 2000 Mountain Max the first year. $5800 in damage rolling down
Mt. St. Helens, Wa. without me. I only bruised my butt that time. Insurance
paid me $6400 for the machine which was exactly what I paid for it on snow
check. I then bought the wreck back from them for $600 which my mechanic
said it was worth. Put $400 in it in new parts and lots of duct tape and
epoxy and have been riding it ever since. No speedomter or tach but then you
don't need to read the things anyway when climbing a hill.
Today the damn thing is needing new clutch bushings and I won't be riding
again until Thursday, assuming the UPS Second Day Air works for me on the
bushings. There is still 20 feet of snow on the hills around here in
Oregon!! and it is freezing every night!!
Dave...
REM7600
just you with a personalized response. Not because
I'm afraid of the group, but because it was a bit long
winded.
I didn't get a reply on either the address posted or
the address minus the second iteration of the ckfink
If you don't want to play... Don't play... Glad I
wasted the time to reply with what I feel to be a
completely valid and helpful response. Anyone else
care to see my ramblings to alan, feel free to e-mail my
"junk mail" (Hotmail) account.
Pissed off in Idaho... And to think that work even went
well today... hmmm must be doing something wrong.
Good luck alan with your trail riding.
REM7600
PS: If for some reason I made a mistake and either address
is your valid address, I'll retract my "pissed off nature", apologize
and make the post to the group.
REM7600
Addresses that cannot be deciphered by human
eyes shouldn't be allowed. Again IMHO!
Maybe it's just my eyes or maybe it's just a real
pet PEEVE of mine. Either way... Sorry to be
venting here.
A humble REM7600
tYLER tINGLE
Go ahead and post it here anyway. People dont have to download it if they
dont want. There isnt much goin on here anyway, well except brand bashing
and who gives a shit about that anyway.
Tyler T
"REM7600" <rem...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:rvmz8.20757$Yb1....@sea-read.news.verio.net...
Karl Shoemaker
html doc, and
will finish it up tomorrow or so.
thanks !
Karl
--
for info visit:
Karl Shoemaker
spam mail to a trash account.
My Yahoo account does filter out about 90% or I'd say I'd be going nuts.
arctic_front
> How many broken bones and sled write offs before this is not fun anymore?
> Groomed trails with the odd 5 mile lake run do it just fine for me.
>
Hi Alan,
just read your comments to this thread, and I would have endorsed your
opinion 100% not three yrs ago.....but I was taken up to the mountains
locally, and they are really BIG mountains here, shortly after I
bought my '00 MXZ 700.
I decided that when I bought my sled, I wanted to do some serious
trail riding. I wanted a "dirt-bike" for winter....and I am an
agressive rider, but because I was affraid of the big
mountains....avalanches, roll-overs, damage to rider and machine, I
chose a short track machine with lots of jam, thinking I would be
happy to ride the trails around here. As it turned out, I couldn't
find anyone around here that wanted to trail ride except Granny and
Grampy. So, I ended up going up into the mountains.........Well, I
never had so much fun in my life! I have to say that I'm almost 40,
and had been riding dirtbikes for 20 or more years, but I thought I'd
died and gone to heaven. I was thinking about the possibility of
getting into the deep powder before I bought the sled so I had a inch
and three-quarter paddle track put on....and that was what allowed me
to go into the deep and steep.....to a point. I had to work at riding
in the deep stuff alot more than those riding the long track sleds,
but I managed. But I came to a watershed moment this winter....I was
in some really deep snow, but not steep terrain and found myself stuck
way too often, and decided enough of this stuck crap!...I just
sno-checked a new Summit 800 151". My point of all this rambling is
that mountain riding is not always about high-marking. In fact, only
the foolish or those with way too much $$$ can go out and play that
game without worrying about broken bones and sleds, but the sheer joy
of getting up into the high country, way, way above the clouds is not
to be missed, by anybody! If you live in an area that is way far from
the mountains then that is just a cruel joke of geography. The real
thrill of mountain riding is not to see who can go further up a
rediculously steep slope to the point of danger, but to be ABLE to go
up into the high country, to see the sights and to be able to enjoy
the trip without getting stuck on every small incline. I have been to
the tops of some of the biggest peaks in all of north america that are
accesable by snowmobile, again a geography thing. I live where the
Province of BC, Yukon and Alaska all converge and we have the two
tallest mountains in north america visible from from where we ride.
There is no need to fear the mountains....just the jack-asses you
might be riding with. The originator of this thread is not
nessesarily a jack-ass....but he is describing the rush that goes with
the high-marking thing....I have participated in high-marking....it IS
a rush, but it not something to take lightly, but to be worked up to,
after the avalanche danger is assesed, your skill-level and the
experience of your fellow riders to coach you, and their ability to
dig your ass out of an avalanche. To be honest, you can go there, do
that, and have a really good time, but you must be aware of the
inherant dangers, and decide for your self if it's worth the risk. To
be clear, however, anyone can climb up into the mountains, enjoy the
scenery, see the world from the top down and never be at risk if you
stay within your skill level, avoid the steep side-hills, stick to the
natural mountain passes, and don't hot-dog. Some of the best powder
riding is on relatively flat ground, but quite high up the mountains,
but to get there you follow the 'lay of the land' to get up there,
then play in virgin powder on horizontal surfaces far removed from
avalanches and steep slopes. Trail riding is paled in comparison.
Give it a go! No need to kill yourself.
Karl Shoemaker
had a bad crash for me
or my sled. I guess I'm a controlled maniac. lol
Besides climbing, two other maneuvers I like to do, is, while ruing down
the trail
(on the way to the powder) with my buds, I either bang up the bank (I
guess that's what
you call it) scream up and back down. The other one is find a bank off
the trail and hit it
right on (using the mountain bar) and scream up over the top, and keep
on going, up into the
trees and carve back and around them.
One other maneuver is is spinning circles in the deep powder. I learned
this year, from a
group of guys I was with (Ted) , showed me. Stand on the running board
(back aways), on the same side that you will turn, punch it and zip
around and around circles. I got to be able to stand
with one leg-the other either "drags" in the powder or is a stabilizer
in case I turn to deep.
Works great. This is done on the flats, of course. Relatively safe, too
!
Karl
--
for info visit:
Karl Shoemaker
discussion on my site,
so if your'e bookmarking it, you might start back at the main page.
(Icon at the bottom of
your article).
http://www.dalek.org/kshoe/mountain-story.html
Karl
REM7600
Originally posted for Alan...
Good judgment is part of it too. What the article
refers to is "on the edge" mountain riding. A lot of
guys out this way forget about limits at the risk of
"falling off the edge". I prefer to keep my machine
intact as do most of the people I ride with. That
doesn't mean that no accidents ever happen in our
"wussy non mountain group" (as the article would imply).
The article is correct in the adrenaline rush felt from taking a sled,
and challenging/balancing it to the top of a hill, turning
out if necessary. "Hill" being a relative term to the rider.
When those skis leave the ground and you've got your
lower chest near the mountain bar doing a balancing act,
it IS an adrenaline rush... More so than I've ever felt on
groomed stuff and I ride more trails than "play areas".
I figure I'm a 75/25 rider... 75% is on trails even if
they're unkept (ie unmarked) and 25% hillclimb adrenaline.
If you're an "on the edge" rider, you don't mind wrecking
a sled. If you're an enthusiast, you still care about your
equipment and want to come home intact.
IMHO, riding TO your abilities and improving upon those
abilities is the important thing. The new 800 MC I have
now has power to be respected. Not AWED, but respected.
Whether on the trail or hill.
FWIW, I remember watching in AWE as a kid while Dad
sped his 77 Cheetah 5000(or 500) toward the 50ft incline on the
powerline and sometimes made it and sometimes not. When I
brought him out here to ride, he was in AWE :-) As was I
when I started in this part of the country.
Bottom line, if you ever have the opportunity to make it to the West
for a true mountain ride, don't let it go by without some thought. Rent
a 600 with a long track and paddles and see what happens.
REM7600
"tYLER tINGLE" <housema...@mail.ocis.net> wrote in message
news:ucrtlhl...@corp.supernews.com...
REM7600
provided not one, but 3 addresses. He was very cordial,
I wasn't in my post. I'm jumping down off my soapbox now.
For those that care... Find a free e-mail service out there
even if it does have advertisements and use it as your return
address. Check it once a month. Delete anything you don't
recognize. It's that simple. Keeps your real address hidden
even when ordering products on the web. Check that via web
browser after you place the order and then forward receipt/serial
number/whatever to your real account. Reduces junk mail to your
real address big time.
Just a thought. And once again, my apologies to Alan...
REM7600
"REM7600" <rem...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:rvmz8.20757$Yb1....@sea-read.news.verio.net...
Doug Miller
I'm really glad you had a great time riding out west.
If you are ever in south west idaho, or want to come out and ride,
drop me a line.
I've got to take exception to your post in the meantime.
My comments will be intersperced throughout.....
"Dave Ulmer" <dave...@ccwebster.net> wrote in message news:<uco2hdm...@corp.supernews.com>...
> Mountain sledding with a modern 'mountain' snowmobile is an experience like
> none other. These machines have the ability to climb hills that appear
> almost vertical to someone on the flat. The speed at which these machines
> can gain altitude is faster than what most airplanes can accomplish. Even
> with all this climbing ability there are still distinct point where momentum
> is lost and 'true' mountain sledding begins.
As you get better, you will focus more on starting out with more
ground speed, preserving what ground speed you have on the hill, and
then using that ground speed effectively.
Difference between good showmen and GREAT riders is often the
conservation of ground speed.
> Any snowmobile will climb hills on momentum alone. All you do is drive fast
> into the base of the hill and let your momentum carry you up. It doesn't
Man, you must have been riding in some hard packed conditions. Spring,
or ice conditions. In those conditions, it is very easy to hurt
yourself.
I have a LOT more fun in fluffier snow where no one can climb most of
the hills you encounter.
> With engine screaming with over a hundred horsepower
Most everyone is 140 plus. 100 horsepower is your basic 440 these
days.
>the smell of burning
> drive belt punctuates the experience of mountain sledding
Your belt burning is like smoke pouring out from under the hood of
your grandmas cadillac. Probably reason enough to stop and figure out
why. If you get your clutches right, you can make 5 hard pulls in a
row, stop, and put your hands on the clutches. Burning means slipping
and super super short belt longeviity.
> greatest danger to mountain sledders. If the rider allows the machine to
> 'spinout' and stop on the hill all hell can break loose. The machine can
> flip over backwards and start tumbling out of control down the hill and
> destroy itself. If this tumbling 500-pound machine hits the rider, bones can
> be broken.
Not where I ride. MANY MANY times I got confused, slow, timing off,
whatever. Safest thing to do, if it is not icey, is to stick the sled.
To stick it, leave it pointed straight uphill with the throttle
pinned, let the track auger in still WOT until it comes to a stop,
then let off the throttle. Take your time, figure out a plan, and hope
someone comes and helps you.
Turn out is the most dangerous part.
> In a 'spinout mistake' the snowmobile stops but the track keeps spinning and
> digs a deep trench in the snow. In digging this trench the machine stands up
> vertical on the hill and the rider usually falls off and begins their tumble
> to the bottom of the mountain.
NOW THAT IS FUNNY!!!!!!! You've been watching too many videos.
>Depending on conditions the machine may stay
> stuck at the top or fall over backwards and begins tumbling down. Mountain
I've never seen a buggy that was stuck come over backwards except at
professional level hillclimbs or on a cornice.
> The secret to avoiding a spinout mistake is to 'turnout' before the machine
> stops. When the machine slows to around two or three miles per hour, its
> time to turnout. A safe turnout is to make a rounded turn at the top of the
> climb so that the turning momentum just cancels the machine's tendency to
> roll over sideways.
Wrong. You jump on hte highside, let it trench as you eke out the
final 5 feet necessary to show brand X who is king.
>Too slow a turnout and you roll over and the damage
> begins. Keeping the power on at full throttle is necessary to begin the
> turnout but must be released in the middle of the turn.
Wrong. You let off the throttle so the nose of the sled comes down and
proceeds down the hill.
> After the turnout it's all-downhill for the mountain sledder but what a
> downhill it can be. On a steep 45 degree or greater slope a 500 pound
A true 45 is steep. I think Jackson is a 45. Most of us ameteur dudes
don't go up that kind of stuff.
My sled weighs a lot more then 500 pounds wet with a half tank of gas,
but then I'm not riding a 440 either.
> machine can pick up speed pretty fast. Snowmobile brakes have some effect
> especially at first. Just after the turnout is the best time to try and
> control your descent with brakes. Keep your speed down at first will keep
> your speed down at the end. No matter what you do your speed will be
> increasing going downhill. After about 40 mph brakes become useless and
> somewhat dangerous. Locking the track will turn the machine sideways in a
> second. Pulsing the brake works and some braking can be accomplished by
so far, ok, on a spring day where you have totally screwed the pooch
on a hill you have no business being on.
For us mortals over 30, we turn down the hill and use the brakes to
slow down.
> steering the skis from side to side.
I'd like to see this.
> In any case speeds of a hundred miles
> per hour are not uncommon when going downhill.
Now that is total and utter balogna. My buggy will not go that fast.
> Speeding down a mountain for half a mile can be dangerous. Bumps, trees,
> stumps, and rocks can appear in front of you as you careen downhill almost
> out of control. Hitting any one of these at high speed can be deadly.
Hmmmm. 100 mph (more likely 40) and you hit a tree headon would be
bad. Please refer to my comments about you shouldn't have been on this
hill in the first place, and if you are on it twice, Darwin will
intervene.
> Gravity controls a mountain sled's decent. The rider has a limited ability
> to control its direction and speed during this time. The downhill can be the
More bs. You can't always go where you want, but you do have
influence.
> most exciting part of a climb. On the uphill things look fairly normal all
> the way up, but on turnout you then get to see how far up you came. If you
Now that is for sure true!!!
> get vertigo or a fear of heights turnout is where this experience happens.
It happens to me!!!!
> If executed precisely mountain sledding can produce a rush of great joy.
> Successfully completing a climb and returning alive with an intact machine
> is very rewarding. From balancing on the rocket power, timing the turnout,
> to missing the rocks on the way back down, this skill can have you out doing
So far, i'm with you.
> this over and over again. For beginners just expect a few sled losses and
> broken bones to begin with and then with some experience you too will become
> a true mountain sledder.
I take back my offer. If you crash a sled, you have ruined your day of
riding and mine.
I much prefer you take your time, play on hills you are somewhat
comfortable on, and don't crash. Crashing sucks.
You do NOT have to crash a sled to ride out west. You do NOT have to
crash a sled to become a good western rider. Crashed sleds happen.
First rule of Snowmobiling out west: Do Not Let your body contact a
tree or rock.
Second rule: Try not to let your snowmobile contact trees or rocks.
Third Rule: The throttle is your friend.
When in doubt, refer to rule one, and use the magic Western words:
see ya' bitch!
-Doug Miller
dmi...@foresightpartners.com
Dave Ulmer
opinions are just that. BTW do you ride a Polaris? On Mt St. Helens we
rarely see them above 6000 feet. We know who is who and what is what above
8000 feet. Polaris riders are the only ones I have ever seen who take pride
in sticking a sled high up on a hill and expecting us to come up and help
them out...
Dave...
"Doug Miller" <dmi...@foresightpartners.com> wrote in message
news:32b6c9cc.02050...@posting.google.com...
1100 RMK
Polaris..............
Mark
1100 RMK (polaris)
Ps I ride St. Helens all the time.
"Dave Ulmer" <daveulmerATccwebsterDOTnet@NOSPAM> wrote in message
news:ud0vck1...@corp.supernews.com...
Dave Ulmer
"1100 RMK" <Str...@Coho.net> wrote in message
news:s12A8.9968$JZ6.2...@dfw-read.news.verio.net...
> Dave, What sled do u ride? It must be very powerful to out do a
> Polaris..............
>
> Mark
> 1100 RMK (polaris)
> Ps I ride St. Helens all the time.
Mark,
I checked a picture I took last year of about 20 sleds parked near the top
of St Helens and not one of them was a Polaris!
I ride a beat up and officially totaled stock 2000 Yammie Mtn Max 700 and I
can beat almost any high mark I can see. I've been down most of this season
with a broken collar bone but last year I compared the 800 RMK with my MM700
and the RMK felt like it rode about 4 inches deeper in the snow. It made a
lot more noise and vibrations but just felt stuck to me. I won't ride with
my Polaris buddies anymore because they spend most of the day being stuck. I
think Polaris has too much torque or poor clutching or something that keeps
getting them stuck. Gee even after I dig them out they just spin the track
and get stuck again.. whew... If I get my MM stuck (rarely) I just step off
the seat, gently add power, and it pulls itself out.
I really don't know what is with the Polaris's. Last time I almost ran over
a modified 800 Edge when we were racing and his pistons seized right in
front of me on the flat.
Oh well maybe the 2003 RMK's are fixed. I'll ride with them next year and
find out.
Dave...
Karl Shoemaker
around Spokane, and
North Idaho do fine. One of my bud's picked up a '01 800 RMK. I got a
chance to ride it,
made 2-3 climbs in powder and did real fine. I think they climb real
good, but question
curving and sidehilling. I didn't give it enough chance, but what little
I did seemed
a little harder than my Cat. But that's a not fair comparison much
bigger sled than mine.
Of course, I'm still hooked/and obsessed with the 1M Cat I tested at
Priest.
We'll see next season.
PS... I've seen some MM's around Mt. Spokane and Calispell and they rock
as well. The one guy
at Calispell was jumping (uphill) OVER the road and up on to the next
cornice. Amazzing.
I think they are a triple engine, eh? Anyway they sound like it.
Karl in Spokane
--
M Rosenau
is probably you don't have any in your group. I kick stock 700
Mountain Max butt all day long on my 99 700 Polaris RMK (a bit
modified but not really any better than stock 800's), expecially in
powder... unless you weight about 120 lbs. Yes, the twins have a lot
of torque and can auger in easily if the rider is not a bit careful
with the throttle (they need more track too), but that tub-of-lard
stock mountain max is not even in the ballpark when stock for HP or
weight or climbing ability. Don't just take my word for it - read the
reviews for these sleds by snowest etc... maybe you just needed to
give those Polaris riders a few riding lessons.
All just my humble opinion and observations of course. ;-)
Change "dot com" to .com to email me.
Mountain snowmobiling pics at:
http://www.bigfoot.com/~rosenau
mixgreg
This last year I rode a Polaris '01 800 RMK 151, a very nice sled. Doesn't
ride as good as a Cat but it's still a very good sled. We have three in our
group riding '01 MM700's all piped and ported with 144" tracks. They can't come
close to the Mcat's or RMK's 700's or 800's, 144" or 151". They come "near the
top" too, but not to the top, unless they're in a track. They can almost
compete on the flats but not in the mountains. We ride from 6,000 to 10,000
feet and ride in deep fresh snow mostly. Not so fresh last week. Two of the
three MM700's are for sale, if anyone wants one. In the words of their owners,
"I'm not riding this heavy pig another year". Also had to pull all three out,
at one time or another this year, one broke his handle bars off and two broke
piston skirts. The one not selling his MM700 is the parts man at Yamaha, he has
to stay loyal. The snow must be different on St Helens than in Idaho. I can't
resist, you said - near the top, did you ever see who or what was at the top??
Before the flames start I have to say that I'm not a brand bigot, (I hate brand
bigots) I've owned them all over the years, my wife rode a Vmax last year. I
buy what ever has the Power, Handling and Climbing ability. Ride isn't so
important, my butt isn't on the seat much, mountain riders do it standing!!
Mountain riders know what I mean.
PS. On a fun day in great snow we all get stuck a couple times a day. What
sucks is when you're stuck too high and too steep for anyone to come help you
get out.
Dave Ulmer
I know my MM is obsolete.. in 2000 it was tops but that just set up the
other manufacturers to beat them. Now I may be interested in a MRX-1 but
want to see if they make it through the first year.
I'm grudgingly rebuilding the clutch in my MM today. Got about 6000 miles on
the machine but the speedo has been gone since 2700 so I'm not sure. After
the insurance totaled it, I only got $1000 in the complete machine and it is
hard to give up such a good deal.
Will be looking for a new sled soon, the MM has been fun, but then so was my
first Phazer! I do Yammies because I have a dealer close by that gives me
good deals.
Enjoy!!
Dave...
"mixgreg" <mix...@isu.edu> wrote in message
news:3CD15732...@isu.edu...
Doug Miller
No one takes pride in getting stuck. Sometimes getting stuck is the
smart thing to do if things are kinda goin wrong at that particular
moment.
Yup, I ride an ole wored out polaris.
If you really think your sled runs as good as your mouth, I could hook
you up with a cuppla buddies that live over yur way that also run some
ole wored out poo equipment.... Hillboy, Jammer, and Rodger are always
willin' to ride with a yammer that thinks they can keep up for a bit.
Iffen ya can himark them on yur stock yammie, ya really otta plan to
go win Jackson next year.......
-doug miller
"Dave Ulmer" <daveulmerATccwebsterDOTnet@NOSPAM> wrote in message news:<ud0vck1...@corp.supernews.com>...
Dave Ulmer
Naw, can't ride Jackson... too rough for me...
Yep, I met some boys on top of St. Helens on mod sleds that can get up the
hill twice as fast as my MM. But, usually with a couple of tries I figure a
way up to where they are.
I ride with a couple of racers Him and Her that ride short paddled moded
Vipers and they can run circles around me anytime in any conditions. The gal
wins all the hillclimbs around here even against the guys. But then she only
weighs about 90 lbs.
Its the old Turtle and Hare thing... I get up there eventually.
Dave...
"Doug Miller" <dmi...@foresightpartners.com> wrote in message
news:32b6c9cc.02050...@posting.google.com...
Doug Bissett
Miller) wrote:
> Howdy!!!!
> I'm really glad you had a great time riding out west.
>
> If you are ever in south west idaho, or want to come out and ride,
> drop me a line.
>
> I've got to take exception to your post in the meantime.
>
> My comments will be intersperced throughout.....
>
> "Dave Ulmer" <dave...@ccwebster.net> wrote in message news:<uco2hdm...@corp.supernews.com>...
>
> > Mountain sledding with a modern 'mountain' snowmobile is an experience like
> > none other. These machines have the ability to climb hills that appear
> > almost vertical to someone on the flat. The speed at which these machines
> > can gain altitude is faster than what most airplanes can accomplish. Even
> > with all this climbing ability there are still distinct point where momentum
> > is lost and 'true' mountain sledding begins.
>
> As you get better, you will focus more on starting out with more
> ground speed, preserving what ground speed you have on the hill, and
> then using that ground speed effectively.
> Difference between good showmen and GREAT riders is often the
> conservation of ground speed.
And, knowing the difference between showmen, and GREAT riders...
> > Any snowmobile will climb hills on momentum alone. All you do is drive fast
> > into the base of the hill and let your momentum carry you up. It doesn't
>
> Man, you must have been riding in some hard packed conditions. Spring,
> or ice conditions. In those conditions, it is very easy to hurt
> yourself.
> I have a LOT more fun in fluffier snow where no one can climb most of
> the hills you encounter.
But it is so much EASIER to avoid getting stuck, when the conditions
are hardpack...
> > With engine screaming with over a hundred horsepower
>
> Most everyone is 140 plus. 100 horsepower is your basic 440 these
> days.
Nothing like big horsepower, to get you to where you REALLY DON'T want
to be...
> >the smell of burning
> > drive belt punctuates the experience of mountain sledding
>
> Your belt burning is like smoke pouring out from under the hood of
> your grandmas cadillac. Probably reason enough to stop and figure out
> why. If you get your clutches right, you can make 5 hard pulls in a
> row, stop, and put your hands on the clutches. Burning means slipping
> and super super short belt longeviity.
Yeah. burning belts is a sign of incorrect setup. Even the 280 HP
sleds don't burn belts, when they are set up properly (but you should
see what happens when the belt breaks, near the top of the hill, that
they would have gone over. Nothing like looking at a $40,000 sled,
that is spread all over the mountain side).
> > greatest danger to mountain sledders. If the rider allows the machine to
> > 'spinout' and stop on the hill all hell can break loose. The machine can
> > flip over backwards and start tumbling out of control down the hill and
> > destroy itself. If this tumbling 500-pound machine hits the rider, bones can
> > be broken.
>
> Not where I ride. MANY MANY times I got confused, slow, timing off,
> whatever. Safest thing to do, if it is not icey, is to stick the sled.
> To stick it, leave it pointed straight uphill with the throttle
> pinned, let the track auger in still WOT until it comes to a stop,
> then let off the throttle. Take your time, figure out a plan, and hope
> someone comes and helps you.
The "best" sled, on the hill, is the "worst" when it comes to getting
help. Nobody else can get anywhere near you. best to carry a shovel
(also useful for digging your buddies out of an avalanche), so you can
dig a big hole to drop the sled into (so it doesn't proceed down the
hill without you).
> Turn out is the most dangerous part.
AHMEN!
> > In a 'spinout mistake' the snowmobile stops but the track keeps spinning and
> > digs a deep trench in the snow. In digging this trench the machine stands up
> > vertical on the hill and the rider usually falls off and begins their tumble
> > to the bottom of the mountain.
>
> NOW THAT IS FUNNY!!!!!!! You've been watching too many videos.
>
> >Depending on conditions the machine may stay
> > stuck at the top or fall over backwards and begins tumbling down. Mountain
>
> I've never seen a buggy that was stuck come over backwards except at
> professional level hillclimbs or on a cornice.
A buddy of mine came close, last weekend. the guy who was going to
help him said he stood at the bottom of the hill, stuck his arm
straight out, and could touch the snow. He couldn't even climb it,
without digging steps. About a half hour later, the guy up the hill,
got a big enough hole dug, to be able to get the sled turned around,
and headed in the right direction. Once he got the sled stabilized, he
said he could not reach the top of the cut, with the end of the
shovel, over his head.
> > The secret to avoiding a spinout mistake is to 'turnout' before the machine
> > stops. When the machine slows to around two or three miles per hour, its
> > time to turnout. A safe turnout is to make a rounded turn at the top of the
> > climb so that the turning momentum just cancels the machine's tendency to
> > roll over sideways.
>
> Wrong. You jump on hte highside, let it trench as you eke out the
> final 5 feet necessary to show brand X who is king.
>
> >Too slow a turnout and you roll over and the damage
> > begins. Keeping the power on at full throttle is necessary to begin the
> > turnout but must be released in the middle of the turn.
>
> Wrong. You let off the throttle so the nose of the sled comes down and
> proceeds down the hill.
>
> > After the turnout it's all-downhill for the mountain sledder but what a
> > downhill it can be. On a steep 45 degree or greater slope a 500 pound
>
> A true 45 is steep. I think Jackson is a 45. Most of us ameteur dudes
> don't go up that kind of stuff.
Some do... Once. Then, they go and find a hill where they can learn
how to do it, if they survive the first attempt. It is pretty
impressive to see somebody who really does have the equipment, and the
know how, to negotiate the really steep hills (and I have seen a guy
go about 200 yards up a hill that was significantly steeper than 45
degrees).
> My sled weighs a lot more then 500 pounds wet with a half tank of gas,
> but then I'm not riding a 440 either.
>
> > machine can pick up speed pretty fast. Snowmobile brakes have some effect
> > especially at first. Just after the turnout is the best time to try and
> > control your descent with brakes. Keep your speed down at first will keep
> > your speed down at the end. No matter what you do your speed will be
> > increasing going downhill. After about 40 mph brakes become useless and
> > somewhat dangerous. Locking the track will turn the machine sideways in a
> > second. Pulsing the brake works and some braking can be accomplished by
>
> so far, ok, on a spring day where you have totally screwed the pooch
> on a hill you have no business being on.
> For us mortals over 30, we turn down the hill and use the brakes to
> slow down.
>
> > steering the skis from side to side.
>
> I'd like to see this.
I have seen that. That is a sure way to end up rolling a sled down the
hill, with the appropriate amount of damage being done, to body, and
sled.
> > In any case speeds of a hundred miles
> > per hour are not uncommon when going downhill.
>
> Now that is total and utter balogna. My buggy will not go that fast.
Sure it will. Just get hard on the throttle, as you are coming down
the hill. Just make sure you have enough run out room at the bottom. I
disagree that it is "common".
> > Speeding down a mountain for half a mile can be dangerous. Bumps, trees,
> > stumps, and rocks can appear in front of you as you careen downhill almost
> > out of control. Hitting any one of these at high speed can be deadly.
>
> Hmmmm. 100 mph (more likely 40) and you hit a tree headon would be
> bad. Please refer to my comments about you shouldn't have been on this
> hill in the first place, and if you are on it twice, Darwin will
> intervene.
>
> > Gravity controls a mountain sled's decent. The rider has a limited ability
> > to control its direction and speed during this time. The downhill can be the
>
> More bs. You can't always go where you want, but you do have
> influence.
True. A few years ago, I got a long way up a hill, and got turned
around okay, but then I realized that there was a layer of about 2
inches of "slush" on top of hard pack (it was a late spring trip).
Well, there was no slowing down, and all I could do was pick my spot.
I got it between a couple of trees, but those two 6 foot high, very
hard, snow drifts just about launched me into orbit. I tore up a few
muscles, and was sore for a month, but the machine came out okay.
> > most exciting part of a climb. On the uphill things look fairly normal all
> > the way up, but on turnout you then get to see how far up you came. If you
>
> Now that is for sure true!!!
Why is it that a sled can "climb forever", but you have no hope of
doing more than slowing it down, while on the downhill run???
> > get vertigo or a fear of heights turnout is where this experience happens.
>
> It happens to me!!!!
Me too, and I am old enough to stay off of the BIG hills.
> > If executed precisely mountain sledding can produce a rush of great joy.
> > Successfully completing a climb and returning alive with an intact machine
> > is very rewarding. From balancing on the rocket power, timing the turnout,
> > to missing the rocks on the way back down, this skill can have you out doing
>
> So far, i'm with you.
Yeah, but what is this part about "coming back down"??? I thought the
idea was to get to the top, and stay there <G>...
> > this over and over again. For beginners just expect a few sled losses and
> > broken bones to begin with and then with some experience you too will become
> > a true mountain sledder.
>
> I take back my offer. If you crash a sled, you have ruined your day of
> riding and mine.
It happens, but 98% of the time, it is because the rider wasn't using
his/her head, for anything but a helmet rack.
> I much prefer you take your time, play on hills you are somewhat
> comfortable on, and don't crash. Crashing sucks.
> You do NOT have to crash a sled to ride out west. You do NOT have to
> crash a sled to become a good western rider. Crashed sleds happen.
>
> First rule of Snowmobiling out west: Do Not Let your body contact a
> tree or rock.
> Second rule: Try not to let your snowmobile contact trees or rocks.
> Third Rule: The throttle is your friend.
> When in doubt, refer to rule one, and use the magic Western words:
> see ya' bitch!
Hehe. One other rule, that applies to more than just mountain riding:
"NEVER say WHOA in a tight spot". If in doubt, hit the throttle, but
make sure YOU don't hit something while you are doing it. Better to
lose a machine, than to hurt yourself.
PS. carry an extra pair of shorts with you, you might need them <G>...
--
Doug Bissett - doug,bis...@attglobal.net
Polaris 2000 500RMK
Polaris 1997 XLT RMK (for sale)
MDMead
<daveulmerATccwebsterDOTnet@NOSPAM> writes:
>If I get my MM stuck (rarely) I just step off
>the seat, gently add power, and it pulls itself out.
Damn, I knew I needed to buy another Yamaha!! This would sure be easier than
having to dig out my Summit!
:)
Matt
Doo owner (stuck more times than I prefer)
Manta owner (never stuck, but for good reason!!!)
1100 RMK
Who do u ride with? I might know them.
--
Mark
1100RMK (235hp!)
www.coho.net/~strapit
Ps we are riding next week at the first sunny day.
pps trust me, you wont even come close to me! (highmarking)
Dave Ulmer
"1100 RMK" <Str...@Coho.net> wrote in message
news:dZmA8.10166$JZ6.2...@dfw-read.news.verio.net...
> Dave,
> Who do u ride with? I might know them.
> --
Al, and Terrilynn?
Dave..
Jim Piwniuk
"Dave Ulmer" <dave...@ccwebster.net> wrote in message
news:uco2hdm...@corp.supernews.com...
> Mountain Sledding ..... just my urge to write...
>
>
> Mountain sledding with a modern 'mountain' snowmobile is an experience
like
> none other. These machines have the ability to climb hills that appear
> almost vertical to someone on the flat. The speed at which these machines
> can gain altitude is faster than what most airplanes can accomplish. Even
> with all this climbing ability there are still distinct point where
momentum
> is lost and 'true' mountain sledding begins.
>
> Any snowmobile will climb hills on momentum alone. All you do is drive
fast
> into the base of the hill and let your momentum carry you up. It doesn't
> matter much what the snow conditions are, what track you have, or you
engine
> power, momentum works by itself. Icy hills as high as 300 feet have been
> topped by speeding into the base at 90 mph and coasting to the top.
Momentum
> sledding is not mountain sledding.
>
> True mountain sledding begins up the hill where momentum runs out. At this
> point the machine would stop if it were not for a number of things. Snow
> conditions, machine design, track length, lug height, engine horsepower,
and
> rider skill. All these factors go into the equation necessary to true
> mountain sledding. Here too is where we separate the men from the boys and
> the true mountain sleds from the toys.
>
> On the right slope, on the right machine, on the right day, here is what
> mountain sledding is like:
>
> Cruising slowly into the base of a steep mountain you slowly pour on the
> power and pick up speed as your machine adjusts to the slope. At full
> throttle the machine begins its scream up the mountain. Skis soon rise
above
> the snow and conventional steering is lost, it is now all a matter of
> balance. The rider must aim the machine at the top and constantly adjust
> their weight to keep the machine over the power. At full throttle the
track
> is functioning more like a rocket engine blasting snow out the back for
> hundreds of feet. All the time gravity is trying to stop the machine or
pull
> it off line and back down the hill.
>
> With engine screaming with over a hundred horsepower the smell of burning
> drive belt punctuates the experience of mountain sledding. Speed falls off
> as the mountain gets steeper towards the top. Twenty, ten, five, four,
three
> miles per hour as you get near the top of your climb. This is the point of
> greatest danger to mountain sledders. If the rider allows the machine to
> 'spinout' and stop on the hill all hell can break loose. The machine can
> flip over backwards and start tumbling out of control down the hill and
> destroy itself. If this tumbling 500-pound machine hits the rider, bones
can
> be broken.
>
> In a 'spinout mistake' the snowmobile stops but the track keeps spinning
and
> digs a deep trench in the snow. In digging this trench the machine stands
up
> vertical on the hill and the rider usually falls off and begins their
tumble
> to the bottom of the mountain. Depending on conditions the machine may
stay
> stuck at the top or fall over backwards and begins tumbling down. Mountain
> sleds are long and heavy and come down a hill more like a log rolling down
a
> slope. Rolling over sideways usually opens the hood and tears it off and
> smashes the handlebars into the tank. Six thousand dollars damage is not
> uncommon in these kinds of spinout mistakes.
>
> The secret to avoiding a spinout mistake is to 'turnout' before the
machine
> stops. When the machine slows to around two or three miles per hour, its
> time to turnout. A safe turnout is to make a rounded turn at the top of
the
> climb so that the turning momentum just cancels the machine's tendency to
> roll over sideways. Too slow a turnout and you roll over and the damage
> begins. Keeping the power on at full throttle is necessary to begin the
> turnout but must be released in the middle of the turn. Now here is where
> the next excitement begins.
>
> After the turnout it's all-downhill for the mountain sledder but what a
> downhill it can be. On a steep 45 degree or greater slope a 500 pound
> machine can pick up speed pretty fast. Snowmobile brakes have some effect
> especially at first. Just after the turnout is the best time to try and
> control your descent with brakes. Keep your speed down at first will keep
> your speed down at the end. No matter what you do your speed will be
> increasing going downhill. After about 40 mph brakes become useless and
> somewhat dangerous. Locking the track will turn the machine sideways in a
> second. Pulsing the brake works and some braking can be accomplished by
> steering the skis from side to side. In any case speeds of a hundred miles
> per hour are not uncommon when going downhill.
>
> Speeding down a mountain for half a mile can be dangerous. Bumps, trees,
> stumps, and rocks can appear in front of you as you careen downhill almost
> out of control. Hitting any one of these at high speed can be deadly.
> Gravity controls a mountain sled's decent. The rider has a limited ability
> to control its direction and speed during this time. The downhill can be
the
> most exciting part of a climb. On the uphill things look fairly normal all
> the way up, but on turnout you then get to see how far up you came. If you
> get vertigo or a fear of heights turnout is where this experience happens.
> Adrenaline pumps in your veins at the maximum just after turnout. You
won't
> be safe until back on the flat.
>
> If executed precisely mountain sledding can produce a rush of great joy.
> Successfully completing a climb and returning alive with an intact machine
> is very rewarding. From balancing on the rocket power, timing the turnout,
> to missing the rocks on the way back down, this skill can have you out
doing
> this over and over again. For beginners just expect a few sled losses and
> broken bones to begin with and then with some experience you too will
become
> a true mountain sledder.
>
>
> Dave...
>
>
>
>
>