:::::: Trail Report ::::::
Monday, March 17, 2008
Mother Nature has blessed us with snow about every week during the months of February and March. Our groomer has been out steady to make
sure that our trails are the best for you.
February has been a busy time for our club. Not only for grooming, but we hosted along with the Town of Dexter the 8th Annual Dexter Winter
Fest. Activities for the Club started out with a supper and a snowmobile ride-in which proceeds went for the Hal Wilkins Memorial Scholarship Fund. On Saturday, the Club sponsored the Radar Run with the fastest speed of 138.3 by Robert Bower. There were many incredible snow sculptures (1st Place Business/Organizations: Alice in Wonderland by Dexter HealthCare and 1st Place Family/Individual: Pinocchio by Calhoun Family). The Dance and the Maine Military Silent Auction Saturday night was a big success again this year. Sunday was our annual snowmobile parade. Many surrounding Clubs participated either by bring their grooming equipment or dressed up in a storybook character. The winners of the parade are 1st Place Business/Organization - Ripley Trail Riders (Storybook Characters); 1st Place Family/Individual - Martha Jennings & Family (Charlotte's Web); 1st Place Best Costume - Martha Jennings & Family (Charlotte's Web), and Youngest Operator - Tucker Mowers. Then the following week-end the Club sponsored a Drag race with many who participated. The Club would like to thank everyone who made the Winter Fest a fun time for our families and a great success again this year.
Our Club Kitchen has been opened all season by the Browns. They have again made it possible to provide a place for our passing snowmobilers
to take a rest and get something to eat.
Plans are on the agenda for the Landowners and Volunteers Appreciation Dinner and Awards that will be coming up in April or May.
Come to Dexter and enjoy our trails. Take our club trails that connect to our surrounding towns of Cambridge and Ripley and you will find the
finest trails around.
See you on the trails.
Amanda Sherburne Club Reporter
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Snowmobilers: Ride Safely
These following tips will contribute to a safe and enjoyable ride.
* Ride Sober -- A high percentage of snowmobile fatalities and injuries are the direct result of someone's irresponsible use of alcohol. Don't drink and ride. Don't let anyone else in your group drink and ride.
* Ride At A Reasonable Speed -- Speed limits are determined by existing conditions. If you can't control your sled safely at the speed you are going, you are going too fast. You are not only threatening your safety, but the safety of others around you. Slow down.
* Be Aware Of Conditions -- Early season riding often means little snow or poor cover. Objects that are covered later in the season are now exposed or barely hidden. Ride accordingly.
* Be Aware Of Darkness -- Low-light and darkness require special care. The flat lighting that is present in December can alter depth perception and the ability to see. Slower speeds ensure a safer ride.
* Travel Together -- Don't ride alone, and let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back.
* Use Hand Signals -- The use of a simple set of hand signals on the trails keeps traffic orderly and predictable. These signals inform other sledders of your actions. Know them and use them.
* Ride Defensively -- You can do everything right, but still encounter a rider who is doing everything wrong. By riding defensively, you will be prepared to respond and avoid a dangerous situation.
For more info on snowmobiling safely contact the Recreational Safety Division of the Maine Inland Fisheries
and Wildlife Department at (207) 287-5220. Snowmobile Safety courses are offered in all 16 Maine counties.
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