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Be Prepared

Every year more snowmobilers are discovering the fun of touring.

An extended trip with an overnight stay in a cozy cabin or lodge along the way can change your view of snowmobiling forever.

If you have been thinking about a trip, here are some things to consider and some practical tips for planning.

When planning your trip there are a few decisions you'll have to make:

1)Are you going with a club or just a few buddies?

Clubs are great for the security of knowing you will have a backup if a problem arises, lodging is prearranged , and the route is known by some, if not all, of the riders. On the flip side, a small group can usually cover ground more quickly and with fewer problems. More importantly a small group has a better chance of finding alternative lodging if plans must change on the fly.

Another consideration is riding styles and general behavior of the people joining the group.They should like to ride together, have the same relative degree of skill, and travel at the same speed. Everyone should have their say in matters, but someone should be the leader for both planning purposes and out on the trail. Someone should be designated for each or both duties.

2)Choosing an area to tour.

Selecting a good area is crucial to having a good experience. Alaska's interior offers a miriad of riding conditions and terrain. Keep in mind that if trails do not exist or are obscure, you will use more gas ,time, and energy, and the going could be much more dangerous. A challenging trip can be exciting and fun, but it can also wear you down. Know your limitations and choose accordingly.

(The Mauricie Region has groomed trails and plenty of gas and food stops everywhere!)

3)Gather information.

Find a map of the area and trace your intended route. Study the trail systems in case of an unforseen detour. Locate landmarks and warmup shacks or cabins on the map as well for easy reference. Talk to other people who know the area and find out about any known hazards or good spots to visit.

4)Scheduling your trip.

Trails are always busier on weekends and holidays, so touring during the week is usually preferable. Lodging is generally much easier to obtain during the week, too.

Avoid major events like dog and snowmobile races, unless you plan to attend them during your trip, because lodging fills up and added traffic degrades the trails. (Not in the Mauricie! All sled trails are ONLY for sleds)

Make lodging reservations in advance reserving them with a credit card, then brace for problems and be prepared to make last minute changes if necessary.

5)Planning your itinerary.

Chart your itinerary on a day-by-day basis. Don't get overly ambitious about daily mileage in areas you haven't ridden before.

Weather, illness, an accident, serious breakdown, or even unexpectedly bad trails can force major changes. Somewhere between 50- 125 miles is a reasonable daily ride plan for most riders on trails unknown to them. (200 miles is simple to do in the Mauricie)

Remember, it is always easier to add extra miles when things are going well than to shorten a leg when things go bad, and you don't want to be groping around on unknown trails after dark trying to find your destination.

Call and verify your accomodations, double checking dates and times for meals and lodging. Most businesses have certain cutoff times for grill shutdown and check-ins. Also confirm that there is fuel and supplies available if you're not taking enough to complete the trip.

6)Snowmobile preparation.

Before setting out on your extended trip, make sure that your sled is in top mechanical condition. A breakdown is almost always a major inconvenience, so take the time at home to do a good once over of your machine a few days before your trip.

Engines, clutches, chaincases, and suspensions are most likely to cuase problems, but don't overlook steering, brakes, throttles, track, and electrical systems either. Worn belts should be replaced and a spare belt and plugs should be standard equipment.

Carry basic tools, but don't overdo it because you probably won't be rebuilding an engine on the trail. If you do carry extras, select items carefully and be sure that no else in the group is carrying duplicate heavy or bulky items.

One rider can carry pliers and screwdrivers, while another is carrying the socket set, a third is carrying the siphon hose, etc. You can also extend this shared inventory to include parts if everyone has similar machines.

Tall windshields, heated visors, grip warmers, and heated seatcovers are some of the products to consider if riding in cold weather. Good rear-view mirrors are a nice addition as well if you ride with groups.

You will probably want to take along some extra oil, as well as some isopropyl gas treatment. Temperature changes can create ice in your tank, leaving you on the side of the trail with little recourse. Remember, not all places will have your certain type of oil, so plan for this as well.

(Also do not forget your chains for each sled, so they will be secured).

7)Luggage

You will probably be carrying all your gear with you. Most snowmobile luggage is light duty and does not hold up well under the stress of serious touring. We suggest installing a cargo rack and then using a bag insert designed for it. If this is not an option, choose saddlebags carefully and attatch them securely. Several small bags are better than one big one.

Pay special attention to the design of the clips. Bags with plastic clips can get very brittle in overnight subzero temperatures, and can rattle loose bouncing down the trail, especially when holding heavily laden bags. Warm the clips in your hand before snapping them in to reduce the chance of breakage. You won't like the sinking feeling when you arrive at your destination only to find you've lost some of your gear down the trail somewhere.

Help support the bags with a bungee cord or net. These will help minimize the bounce and stress on the bag attatching system. An alternative to saddlebags is a backpack. This eleminates sled attatchment problems, but some riders prefer not to be encumbered by them.

Buy yourself a TOUR BUDDY extra gas tank if you are going to do long treck. See www.tourbuddy.com )

8)Clothing and personal gear.

Our first point here may seem obvious, but apparently it isn't to everyone. Make sure that you have clothing with adequate warmth for several days on the trail in very cold weather. You can always shed some clothes in warmer weather, and it is almost impossible to knit yourself a sweater on the trail.

Gear you wear riding on your short, high energy rides around town might not be warm enough for an extended ride where you can travel fast and with little effort for hours on end without going indoors to warm up.

A good no-fog breathe deflector is an excellent investment for cold weather touring. You should also carry an extra pair of riding gloves, a pair of light work gloves that can double as liners in an emergency, and a pair of sunglasses, in an easy to get to location. A windshield, tank cover, or handlebar bag is great for this. You should also stock your bag with tissues, navigation equipment, trail snacks, and a water bottle.

If your lodging has a pool or hot tub, you may decide to take a bathing suit, and don't forget some shoes for indoor wear. You may also want to take an alarm clock, a small radio, and don't forget your camera.

9)Emergency equipment.

Traveling far from home makes it even more important to be prepared for emergencies.

A multitool, such as a leatherman, goes in a jacket pocket and can be handy for quick repairs. A flashlight should be standard equipment and a spare set of batteries is a good idea.

A small first aid kit can deal with burns, cuts, abrasions, headaches, and upset stomaches. Start with a general outdoors kit ,then modify it for snow touring.

Snowmobilers aren't likely to raise foot blisters, so lose the moleskin. Unless you ride among snakes or insects, you can probably lose the snake and insect remedies.

Chemical heat packs can be a finger saver while working on you sled on the side of the trail. you can also use these to warm other areas, sush as your toes. Another heat source is a common butane lighter. Pack an extra in your "quick bag" as well.

The final emergency equipment is a high limit credit card. This can bail you out of a tight spot quite often. (Like if you blow the engine!)

10)Final preparations.

Prepare your gear well in advance, review it carefully and frequently, and use it for the final load-up, and don't forget to do a final weather and snow cover check just before you leave.

Leave a "sled" plan with someone that can send a search party if you don't arrive at your destination in a reasonable amount of time.

(In the Mauricie, be sure you have the numbers for the Mauricie Tourism office with you, (they are on the Mauricie snowmobile map) so you can call to ask for info during office hours.

Personal items checklist

Toothbrush and toothpaste
Shampoo soap and deodorant
Eye drops, lip balm, and hand lotion
Aspirin and other pain relievers
Antiacid tablets (for the hangovers!)
Grooming aids (comb, nail tool, razor, hair dryer)
Special needs such as reading glasses or medication
Camera and film
Registration and insurance documents (YES! do not leave these in your glove box of your truck... keep them all in your wallet. Worst case senario, if your truck or trailer disapears... you will need your documents.)
Trail snacks and water bottle
Notebook and pencil
Tissues
Wind proof lighter
Sunglasses
Alarm clock

Snowmobile mechanical checklist

Inspect skis and track for alignment and tension.

Look over engine, clutches, chaincase, steering, snow flap, and accessories.

Check throttle cables for free movement.

Check brake lights, headlight, kill switch, and any warmers for proper operation.

Ensure chassis is lubricated with low temp grease.

Make sure all fluids are topped off including chaincase oil, engine coolant, 2-stroke oil, and battery electrolyte.

Bring spare spark plugs, drive belts, fuses, fuel filters, exhuast springs, tool kit, duct tape, and a tow rope.

Ensure you have your registration decal affixed to the sled in a proper location and have your paperwork onboard.

(Also: have your Quebec Trail Pass sticker on the sled!)