Summer 2018 | 23 By William Thomas Sr. Waiting Out The Off Season The time between when the season ends and the season begins again can seem like the longest eight months of a snowmobiler’s life. How you pass the time between the seasons can make the difference in feeling like you’re watching paint dry or just transitioning into the next eight months of your life. For many, counting the days between seasons seems to be a way to whittle the days away. As of today, there are 160 days to go. Just a few months to go! For some, this wait is easy and for others, it seems like a lifetime. Spring is always a good time to go through your sled and make sure you’re storing it the correct way. A little end-of- season maintenance can go a very long way to being ready when December rolls around. There is nothing worse than a fresh new base of groomed trails on opening day when you’re heading to the closest repair shop because your sled will not start. There are several good online videos and articles available on how to store your snowmobile after the season ends. For many, another hobby is needed to stay active and feel alive while waiting for snowmobile season to roll around again. From fishing, hunting, boating, golf, gardening, and traveling, the eight months off season can go quick if you fill that time with an activity that gives you the same “wow factor” as snowmobiling. Finding snowmobile related projects can always be helpful in passing the time between the seasons and it is a great way to help and support your local club and have a voice in what happens in your club. Fall projects are always in order to get the season going statewide. Clubs around the state are always in need of your helping hands to prepare for the upcoming season. This is also a good time to inspect your trailer and make sure your snowmobiles are registered and you have your Early Bird TMA. The time seems to pass better when you’re working towards the upcoming season and not just waiting for it to happen. Lending a hand in the trail work for the upcoming season will for sure help your club and give you a new-found respect for what goes into maintaining our trail system statewide. The need to bring youth volunteers into our sport is long overdue and the summer, while most are out of school, could be a great time for them to help on needed bridge and trail repair projects. We look forward to seeing you all on the trails in just 160 more days! In addition to helping his club, the author chases fish up and down the Northeast coast to pass the time in the off season.