b'VAST NewsGO NORTHEAST SNOWMOBILING RIDES VERMONTBy Mandy DwinellGo Northeast Snowmobiling (GONE) LLC traveled from Maine to northern Vermont for the Ride for $25 weekend. They reached out to VAST Safety Ambassador Jim Dwinell for assistance in coordinating a ride in the area.Sandy Patrick founded GONE to combine her degree in Travel and Tourism with her passion for snowmobiling. GONE serves as a resource for riders of all experience levels, helping them plan snowmobile trips to new areas they wish to explore. Sandy connects with New England states to provide valuable travel information, points of interest, and guidance for riders visiting those areas.Jim has been part of the VAST Safety Ambassador Program (VSAP) since its inception in 2017. He noted that joining the VSAP was an obvious choice for him because he enjoys interacting with riders on the trails, assisting with route planning, and sharing snowmobiling stories. Participants in the VSAP undergo safety and first-aid training, often provided by volunteer instructor Roger Gosselin, who is also a fellow Safety Ambassador, an Emergency Firstcontacted three Safety Ambassadorsvalleys during their ride.Responder, a VAST County Director,from Orleans County affiliated with and a Club Officer. Jim is grateful forthe Drift Dusters Club. Within anThey ventured to the International the preparation and knowledge hehour, he received an email and twoBoundary Trail along the Canadian has gained for emergencies, although,phone calls, ensuring the programborder, had lunch at the Drift Dusters thankfully, he hasnt had to use it yet. was off to a great start for the ride. Thewarming hut, and stopped for breaks In 2024, while out on a ride, Jim tookSafety Ambassadors offered advice onat the clubs new warming hut and a break in Groton at the intersectionparking, suggested eastern trails, andtheir groomer barn. On the return trip, of the Buzzy Eastman Memorial Trail.provided points of interest. they backtracked on some feeder trails There, he encountered two riders to check out more scenic views. The Sandy and her husband, MikewhoJim and his wife, Terry, plannedgroup appreciated the informative were reviewing a VAST map. Jima trip to Newport, relying on thesignage and the easy accessibility introduced himself and offeredSafety Ambassadors suggestions forto services. The trail traffic was assistance. After discussing theirparking spots: Walts Sales & Servicemanageable and easy to navigate, riding plans for the day, they sharedand Gosselin Incorporated, which isespecially during the Ride for $25 stories and talked about future trips.just across the street. When they metweekend.Sandy expressed interest in returningup with Sandy and Mike, they wereBy the end of the trip, the group agreed to Vermont for the 2025 Ride for $25happily surprised to find plenty ofthat the ride was enjoyable and a weekend. They exchanged contactparking available mid-morning success. Jim and Sandy plan to stay in information, and in January 2025,especially on the busy Ride for $25touch to discuss potential future rides Sandy reached out to Jim for guidanceSaturday, despite the chilly morningin Vermont during the 2026 season.regarding their trip. that delayed their start until 10 a.m. While they initially encountered someFor more information on GONE, visit Sandy expressed a preference forthin trails in town, the conditionstheir website at gonesnowmobiling.the Newport area, as she and Mikeimproved as they climbed to highercom. VSAP information can be found have family connections there. Jimelevations, rewarding the group withon the VAST website: vtvast.org/vsap.reviewed his VSAP directory andbreathtaking views of the expansivehtml8 | Snowmobile VERMONT'