b'VAST NewsA message from VAST Vice President Mark Reavesbit of a challenge. Ive kept an eye on my sleds during the offseason, thankfully avoiding any mouse mishaps, but the batteries werent as lucky. First step: See if theyll hold a charge. Nope, looks like its time for new batteries for both.No worries, Ive changed batteries before! Theres not a lot of space in my enclosed trailer, but I managed to wiggle the back end of the What gets you excited aboutfirst sled over enough to get snowmobiling? Is it the thrill ofthe side panel off and reach the cruising through a picturesquebattery. Now, where did I put that (Tom Potanovic Graphic) winter wonderland? The rushnut driver? Aha! Found it! After a of adrenaline from twistingcouple of skinned knuckles and the throttle? Or maybe its thea quick trip to the parts store, I wonderful sense of communityfinally got the sled fired up and that comes with working onwas ready to back it out of the trail projects and enjoying ridestrailer!with friends and fellow clubOf course, the tie-down bar on members. Whatever it is, theresthe skis was super tight and took something special about ridinga bit of coaxing with a hammer. that keeps drawing us backIt felt like an eternity, but after Snowmobiling on theyear after year. Sometimes, alla few more skinned knuckles we need is a little reminder. I(who knew prep could be such a property of others is a privilegeexperienced that reminder justworkout?), I finally succeeded! that can be revoked at any time. the other day. The sled was free, and I could Dedicated Club volunteers work year The season started off a bitback it out of the trailer! And round to obtainslowly, and with several workthats where I got hooked all permission fromprojects keeping me on myover again. Making laps around almost 10,000toes, I hadnt had much timemine and my neighbors yard gracious landowners who are kindto prep my sleds. But withreminded me of how much I enough to allow thethe temperatures droppingenjoy riding. Its a feeling that is use of their land forand the snow piling up, thehard to explain to anyone who snowmobiling. trails are finally beginning tohasnt been on a snowmobile. Maintaining these permissions and the future of the VAST trail system dependsopen! Watching the VAST mapIts a feeling thats worth all the on your actions. transform from red to yellowblood, sweat, swearing, and Please respect landowners by: and then green was my wake-uptears that come along with ridingStaying on marked trails callits time to get ready! and one that every year keepsProperly disposing of trash Now, as many of you know,me coming back. So, lets hopeObeying signage Im not the most mechanicallyfor a good season, and I hope toKeeping noise and speedinclined person out there.see many of you out on the trailsto a minimum So, when I decided to get mywhere you can share what keeps snowmobiles ready for theyou coming back year after year.Respect the landownersseason, I knew I was in for aMark Reaves, and ride responsibly! VAST Vice PresidentWinter 2025 | 5'