PolarisCobra

It is that time. Breaking them seems to bring snow. Or at least we are all a little less stressed.

OK - So its that time again. See above, I won't bother to copy and paste everything. If you are interested in having a sure way to contact other from this site for sled related stuff, this is a great way to do it. Over the years, I have met and rode with several people this way. If you are interested, or need to update your contact info, send me a Private Message.

Whatever it takes to accomplish the task at hand. But - I will never understand why people go out knowing it will be really cold, without the proper warm weather gear. Maybe it's a lesson from the Blizzard of '78, where lots of people got stranded in their cars overnight, but I always have the right gear in case I need to change a tire, or walk a mile or two. You just never know...

Yup, that's a problem, they will have to find a way to assure a good range, and we would need some infrastructure for charging. time will tell.

You can get tremendous performance from some of the electric cars. But, just like with a gas powered car, using that performance puts a real limit on driving range. some of them are advertising 300 mile plus ranges, but if you are pulling away from stop lights at 0-60 times under 4 seconds, you are not going to get 300 miles on a charge. My truck can squeeze 450 miles out of a tank of gas if I go easy. But I bet I can get that down to about 200 miles if I wear my lead shoes. I am sure the same will go for sleds. 88 miles is a decent range, but most of us will be too hard on the flipper to get that far. But, if they can sell some of these, and work to improve the technology, we could be at a real life 200 mile range in 10 years I bet.

This technology has come a long way, especially batteries. They charge faster, pack more power, and are smaller. I could see this for short tours, places like ski areas, and that sort of thing. As range improves, who knows? I have read stories about people travelling cross country with electric cars. It takes a bit of patience because charging takes longer than filling a gas tank, but it can be done. Ten years ago it would not have been possible, so who is to say the could not get there?

I have these, and like them very much. Very warm. Have had them for several seasons, will have them for several more.

Well I guess I know what to go shopping for when its time to replace my truck. No more traffic jams on 93 or 495, or full parking lots at a trailhead. Lots of parking (landing) options.

My favorite is 'was my wifes sled'.

Let's hope you're right!

OK - Thanks.

Sorry if I mis-interpreted some of your posts over the past months. My impression is that you want to be able to do some off trail riding (led me to the assumption that you already do some, maybe I was incorrect about that), think that the speed limit is too low (others agree, but don't seem to see a clear path to changing it), and that the registration increase will drive many riders to other states, notably Maine. This is because of lower registration and housing costs, lack of speed limits, and off trail opportunities in Maine. I will be the first to say that I don't understand all the ins and outs of the things that go into changing any of this. From where I live in Mass, it's difficult to get more involved, although I do understand that isn't a great excuse. For me, given that I cannot get more involved in the inner workings of things, I'm willing to accept what is available. I do understand that Maine is fundamentally different than NH. Much more space, the land is more open, much more of it is logging or farms, or just forest when there is no snow on the ground. Therefore, winter use permissions are different. There are probably other laws that are different that I know I don't fully understand. The laws, customs and rules have evolved differently for a number of reasons, and I don't think its likely that they will converge any time soon. I think that part of the housing price difference has to do with lower economic opportunists in Maine, I have relatives there who struggle to find work. Some towns are really struggling there compared to years past for sure. That issue exists in NH as well, but I believe to a lesser extent. When there is no work, housing prices are lower (I think you can buy an abandoned house in the area around Detroit for nearly nothing these days.) Not a big problem if you are buying a vacation home, and don't plan to work there. But - homes out of the towns, with trail access and more space tend to be somewhat more expensive, if they have comparable square footage and amenities. Bottom line, if there is no concerted effort in NH, by people who want to do some off trail riding, to open up some areas, nothing will change. The people and clubs maintaining trails today don't seem to have much incentive to do the work to create off trail areas, and when people go off trail, causing trouble between the landowners and club, you can't really blame them for being frustrated with people going off trail, and getting land closed off. As for speed limits, if no one steps up with a strong argument and lobbies the NHSA, BOT, and whoever else in in the decision paths to get support for changing the rules, they are not going to change. I keep reading that younger people generally are not getting involved with clubs. (Not meaning you specifically, I clearly don't know what your involvement is.) Maybe its a generational thing, maybe they don't feel welcome, there are probably lots of reasons. What I am pretty sure of is that people posting on Facebook (or wherever) (again, not pointing at you specifically) that they will ride where they want, don't care about the rules, and have no intention of getting involved isn't going to help get anything changed.

Its probably a good thing that the sport is dying... Otherwise you would need to wait in line without standing in a line two miles long. I don't think the sport is in as tough shape as you think it is. I do agree there are challenges. There are many reasons why off trail works better in Maine than in NH, space is one, landowners are another, evolution of regulations in each state play a part. I like riding in NH for the infrastructure, relative closeness of things, and I think better views/vistas compared to the places I have ridden in Maine. I have ridden in the Forks area, and Millinocket areas on Maine for reference.I like the tighter, twisty trails in NH more for the most part, I am not a fan of running at 60 plus MPH for long distances. I often ride two-up with my wife, that makes a difference for me for sure. My sled has rarely (not never) gone faster than 55, but I know it can do 90. We each have different desires for our riding style, and it may not be reasonable to expect that all styles can be accommodated in a given area. The houses you posted are surely affordable. But - I am not sure that those examples have direct trail access (this would be a deal breaker for me), or enough space to park multiple trucks and trailers. If those areas were really desirable, my guess is that the properties would be more expensive. They are offered at the price they are because no one will pay more for them. $50 per sled per yea would not entice me to drive, an extra 75+ miles each way every weekend to get to a vacation home, that's just bad economics. A lower price for a home may make that a better move. Either way, you have woken this place up, and generated some lively discussion - thanks for that. I hope you find a place that suits your needs, wherever it may be.

Thanks, might become part of an evening ride this winter.

Would be fun to visit that place some evening by sled. Looks like 156 gets close, but is it possible to get to the parking lot by sled?