b'VAST NEWSTRAIL TIPS: TACKLING SOME TRAIL TRAFFICBy Mike MutascioThose of us in the emergency services know what its like. The 911 call comes in and away you go. Operating an emergency vehicle requires considerable skill and experience. I recall saying to myself once at the end of a shift, Wow, ya know what? Kinda like snowmobiling.Managing oncoming snowmobile traffic requires the same skill and experience. There is a reason all the tracks on the blind hill are as far right as possible. I call it smart sledding that makes stories we share with others.Once, on an incline while riding theplenty of frustrating reports of near- apply some controlled braking. Powerlines, an oncoming rider sensedmiss incidents elsewhere. Yes, theseMaintain the safest line. Increase I had to sustain my momentum toincidents are dangerous and oftendistance. Yes, I might take the leaner-climb the hill. The approaching sledavoidableand, reminder to all, theybranch in the visor to avoid a sled. But stopped and ensured safe clearance asmight even result in a ticket from lawits better than an impact.I passed. The same thing happened onenforcement. Execution - Respond quickly with that steep, winding drop on 114 nextSo what works? I borrow atactics and physical action. After the to Island Pond. Some riders waited atprofessional hockey catch-phrase:pass, reassess and correct any possible the bottom of the hill for my convoy toTime, space and execution areerrors.clear. It seems patience can be a greatimportant.virtue! There are thousands of miles of Basic concepts we practice every dayTime - Anticipate oncoming sleds. Plantrails enjoyed by thousands of in our cars can work on the trails too.on defensive tactics. Apply the samesnowmobilers. We always need to Flashing your high beams can informforesight when vision is limited, likeconsider our role in safely managing an oncoming snowmobiler, Goon blind hills and curves in the trail.trail traffic. Its a shared responsibility. ahead, the bridge (crossing) is yours.Sometimes riders have seconds toToday, we are faced with many Tapping your brake lights can warnrespond. Sometimes it is less. Time ischallenges both on and off the trail. traffic behind you of approachingvaluable. We must use it wisely. Thus, we must all do our part to ensure sleds. Sometimes I even direct otherSpace - Release the throttle. If needed,these challenges pass safely.riders, like a police officer at a busy street intersection. Remember to always control your sled first, then communicate if possible. Simple works.Technology can help, too. Radio communication definitely helps me inform other riders in my group that sleds are approaching. I do wish manufacturers would add a beacon- 2974 E MAIN ST, WATERBURY, CT203-755-2682receiver option for my sled. CollettWWW.LANDNSEAPOWERSPORTS.NETdid this with the groomers to warn oncoming snowmobile traffic.NEWEST DEALER IN CT!Happy to say that, amongst my stories this season, the trail traffic interactions were good. But yes, there were still 2 | Snowmobile VERMONT'