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12/13/2007 - Special to the OBSERVER
MAYVILLE — The recent "flurry" of lake-effect snowstorm activity across Chautauqua County has many snowmobilers optimistic about the upcoming season. In fact, after several years of below-normal snowfall, many are chomping at the bit to get out and ride. Not so fast, say leaders of the snowmobile clubs of Chautauqua County who urge snowmobilers to wait until the trails are open and ready.
"Snowmobile trails on private land in New York generally can not open until after the end of the Big Game Muzzleloader hunting season," said Ray Head, president of the Federation of Snowmobile Clubs of Chautauqua County, adding that "even then the trails aren't opened until the local clubs complete their preseason preparations."
In Chautauqua County, that means many snowmobile trails won't be open until Dec. 19. Ray Head advises snowmobilers to check with the local clubs to make sure snowmobile trails are open before heading out to ride by calling the Chautauqua County Trail Conditions hotline at 1-800-242-4569, option 2 then 5.
Chris Jaynes, president of Chautauqua Lake Snowmobile Club, agrees. "The trails aren't open until the clubs have removed fallen trees, cleared brush, and installed signs that direct snowmobilers safely along the route and away from hazards." Jaynes adds that with the heavy snow accumulation, snowmobilers should avoid the temptation to ride before the season officially begins.
Jim Zipp, vice president of Ellery Sno Cruisers, also emphasizes that since more than 80 percent of the 11,000-plus miles of snowmobile trails in New York are on private property, riding before the official opening of the trail is trespassing. Many of the private landowners who allow access for snowmobile trails do not want snowmobilers interfering with deer hunting.
Other landowners who have planted winter crops are concerned that early riding, before the ground has had a chance to freeze, will damage the crop and reduce yield come springtime. Respecting the wishes of landowners is critical, according to Zipp. "Landowners are the backbone of the New York snowmobile trail system," he says, adding "without them there would be no trails."
In Chautauqua County, and the rest of New York state, snowmobile trails are maintained by local clubs that use volunteer labor to perform all of the thousands of man-hours necessary to get the trails ready for the season.
Clearing trees that have fallen across the trails, cutting back overgrown brush, and installing trail signs are among the tasks that are under way all over Chautauqua County. Trails are routinely re-routed as changes to the landscape happen during the off-season. For riders thinking of a little pre-season snowmobiling, heading out before the trails open, unsigned trails might be an accident waiting to happen, and jeopardize the use of the trail system for the season.
For in part, the Snowmobile Clubs of Chautauqua County believe that common sense should overcome the snow fever, and offers the following points to help ensure safe snowmobiling:
• All clubs in Chautauqua County do not open their trails until after the end of Muzzleloader Big Game season — that means after sunrise on Dec. 19.
• Even after the "official" start of the season, snowmobilers should always be aware of trail conditions before heading out to ride. Contact the local club where you plan to ride and make sure the trails are open.
• Take it easy while getting back in the swing of snowmobiling after a long summer's wait. Many snowmobilers are anxious to try out newly purchased sleds, and should take time to adjust to handling a new machine.
• Riding before the trails are cleared and signed is risky business.
• Always respect landowners; stay on the trail and stay home if the trail is closed.
• Make sure that youthful operators have completed the required safety classes. In fact, it is a good idea for adult riders to brush up on snowmobile safety as well. Classes are scheduled across the County.
Snowmobilers may visit the Web sites, of the Snowmobile Clubs of Chautauqua County as follows Chautauqua Lake Snowmobile Club www.chautauquasnow.com, Cherry Creek Sno-Goers, www.cherrycreeksnogoers.com , Ellery Sno-Cruisers, www.ellerysnocruisers.com Lake Effect Trail Breakers, www.trailbreakers.com and the Sunset Drifters, www.sunsetdrifters.com for more information on what you could do to help the clubs listed above get the trails ready.
MAYVILLE — The recent "flurry" of lake-effect snowstorm activity across Chautauqua County has many snowmobilers optimistic about the upcoming season. In fact, after several years of below-normal snowfall, many are chomping at the bit to get out and ride. Not so fast, say leaders of the snowmobile clubs of Chautauqua County who urge snowmobilers to wait until the trails are open and ready.
"Snowmobile trails on private land in New York generally can not open until after the end of the Big Game Muzzleloader hunting season," said Ray Head, president of the Federation of Snowmobile Clubs of Chautauqua County, adding that "even then the trails aren't opened until the local clubs complete their preseason preparations."
In Chautauqua County, that means many snowmobile trails won't be open until Dec. 19. Ray Head advises snowmobilers to check with the local clubs to make sure snowmobile trails are open before heading out to ride by calling the Chautauqua County Trail Conditions hotline at 1-800-242-4569, option 2 then 5.
Chris Jaynes, president of Chautauqua Lake Snowmobile Club, agrees. "The trails aren't open until the clubs have removed fallen trees, cleared brush, and installed signs that direct snowmobilers safely along the route and away from hazards." Jaynes adds that with the heavy snow accumulation, snowmobilers should avoid the temptation to ride before the season officially begins.
Jim Zipp, vice president of Ellery Sno Cruisers, also emphasizes that since more than 80 percent of the 11,000-plus miles of snowmobile trails in New York are on private property, riding before the official opening of the trail is trespassing. Many of the private landowners who allow access for snowmobile trails do not want snowmobilers interfering with deer hunting.
Other landowners who have planted winter crops are concerned that early riding, before the ground has had a chance to freeze, will damage the crop and reduce yield come springtime. Respecting the wishes of landowners is critical, according to Zipp. "Landowners are the backbone of the New York snowmobile trail system," he says, adding "without them there would be no trails."
In Chautauqua County, and the rest of New York state, snowmobile trails are maintained by local clubs that use volunteer labor to perform all of the thousands of man-hours necessary to get the trails ready for the season.
Clearing trees that have fallen across the trails, cutting back overgrown brush, and installing trail signs are among the tasks that are under way all over Chautauqua County. Trails are routinely re-routed as changes to the landscape happen during the off-season. For riders thinking of a little pre-season snowmobiling, heading out before the trails open, unsigned trails might be an accident waiting to happen, and jeopardize the use of the trail system for the season.
For in part, the Snowmobile Clubs of Chautauqua County believe that common sense should overcome the snow fever, and offers the following points to help ensure safe snowmobiling:
• All clubs in Chautauqua County do not open their trails until after the end of Muzzleloader Big Game season — that means after sunrise on Dec. 19.
• Even after the "official" start of the season, snowmobilers should always be aware of trail conditions before heading out to ride. Contact the local club where you plan to ride and make sure the trails are open.
• Take it easy while getting back in the swing of snowmobiling after a long summer's wait. Many snowmobilers are anxious to try out newly purchased sleds, and should take time to adjust to handling a new machine.
• Riding before the trails are cleared and signed is risky business.
• Always respect landowners; stay on the trail and stay home if the trail is closed.
• Make sure that youthful operators have completed the required safety classes. In fact, it is a good idea for adult riders to brush up on snowmobile safety as well. Classes are scheduled across the County.
Snowmobilers may visit the Web sites, of the Snowmobile Clubs of Chautauqua County as follows Chautauqua Lake Snowmobile Club www.chautauquasnow.com, Cherry Creek Sno-Goers, www.cherrycreeksnogoers.com , Ellery Sno-Cruisers, www.ellerysnocruisers.com Lake Effect Trail Breakers, www.trailbreakers.com and the Sunset Drifters, www.sunsetdrifters.com for more information on what you could do to help the clubs listed above get the trails ready.
For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com
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