On Tue, 20 May 2014 10:55:13 UTC, "repairman54"
Post by repairman54Post by Doug BissettPost by Karl in SpokaneAlways allow time to ride :)
Over the years, it has become more difficult to ride. Age (aches and
pains, at 68) is part of it, but a larger part is that it is no longer
possible to load up, drive for half an hour, and go riding for the
day. To get to some decent riding, i need to drive for about an hour
and a half (one way). Add the price of gas (sled, and car), and the
fact that all of my riding buddies have quit, and the incentive is
gone.
In years past, if we didn't blast on about 100 miles, we figured that
we had a bad day.
--
From the eComStation of Doug Bissett
dougb007 at telus dot net
(Please make the obvious changes, to e-mail me)
I have to travel 4 hr to ride but I managed to get 1350 miles in this year.
My sled clubs core group are all retired guys, the club rides every Tues. &
Wed. weather permitting. I was able to ride with them a few times this
year, one guy with us one day was Eighty !!! That was a 120 mile round trip
ride to lunch day.
Was all groomed trails with some road scrapes but still a good distance.
I'm only 8 yrs behind you but I understand the solo riding cuts down on
where you can safely ride by yourself. I've lost some riding buddies and my
off time limits ride time with the rest of them on the few select days we
can arrange.
When I was riding, about 60% was "bustin powder", 5% mountain, 25%
ungroomed (usually pretty rough) trails. The rest was on various
conditions, with less than 1% on groomed trails. "Bustin powder", in
the early days. tended to cut down on the mileage, because the old
sleds didn't have the power to go fast, but it was still a lot of fun.
Today, our "students" are doing mostly mountain riding, and they have
the hardware to do it. They still do a lot of "bustin powder" in the
home area, between mountain trips. They are also teaching their kids
(now late 20s). I am not too sure how long they will be able to ride.
The area available is being blocked at every turn, and between
machines, fuel, licences, and insurance, it is a sport that is well
beyond the financial capabilities of most younger people. Too bad,
because it is a great way to keep active in the winter. The sad part
is, that a lot of the areas are being blocked by old sledders, who
object to the noise. How soon they forget...
--
From the eComStation of Doug Bissett
dougb007 at telus dot net
(Please make the obvious changes, to e-mail me)