b'SNOWMOBILES: The Platypus of VehiclesBy Tom Potanovic about it, the snowmobile may seemless design is exceptionally perfect. Ah, the Snowmobile. Let me startto be more at home in a Dr. SeussEvery time I ride Im amazed that by saying there is simply no vehicleBook instead of the real world. But itthis thing is gliding over the snow that gets me excited as a snowmobileexists in the real world (thank God),on skis and being propelled by a (aside from maybe a 71 Plymouthand it is the real world of winterrubber track! Look Ma, no wheels! 426 Hemi Cuda or a Rebel Alliancethat it transforms for so many. OnceSo friggin cool! The pioneers design T-47 Snowspeeder). And if yourea dreaded season of my discontent,still impresses today. Its uniqueness reading this I think you will agree.winter, thanks to the snowmobile, hasis matched only by the level of joy The Snowmobile. What is it aboutbecome the happiest time of the year! it brings its operator. The happiness this rather odd piece of engineeringThis creations collective efforts,generated by the snowmobile cannot brilliance that gets us so fired upnotably of visionaries Edgar and Allenbe adequately conveyed in words, every year? Its modern form has beenHeteen, David Johnson and Armandtherefore to fully appreciate its around for 65+ years in basically theBombardier, has become the perennialwonders, one must experience riding same fundamental design, albeit withgift to those who enjoy outdoors offor him or herself. What other vehicle major improvements along the way. snowy-filled winters everywhere.allows the operator to smoothly Lets break it down, shall we? cruise through snow-covered wooded It has many wheels but no tires,But, getting back to its design, theforests, over rolling fields, hills, and skis but no poles, a belt you dontsnowmobile, when compared to a car,mountains? The snowmobile is also wear that wears, engines of differentmotorcycle, or other land vehicles,the only known vehicle that has the strokes for blokes who prefer twocould be called a misfit in the world ofinexplicable ability to lure its owners or folks who prefer four, rides on amotorized conveyance, the platypusaway from what they are doing, large conveyor belt of rubber whichof vehicles.Made of different, odd- whatever that may be (eating, reading, resembles a bed of nails, a seat whichlooking parts, as mentioned earlier, itsleeping, performing neurosurgery, you straddle, a throttle thumb paddle,bears little if any resemblance to otheretc) and uh, wow, well would ya heated grips on a bar for steering andmethods of transportation. And forlook at the time! I have been inside for a finger brake for when objects aregood reason. While the snowmobilethe past 20 minutes writing this. Sorry, nearing. When you stop and thinkmay be a platypus, it is certainlygotta go ride!no misfit. Its unconventional tire-Winter 2021 | 13'