Flame me if you will but I kind of have a small issue with non-snowmobilers using the trails that clubs and volunteers have worked so hard to build over all the years. How many, if any at all, help or donate to the maintenance of the trails? With that said, I do snowmobile alone sometimes (not too far from home) and do like that somebody may come along that can offer help for any reason. OK, get the wet noodle out on me for riding alone but none of my friends or family sled. I have to link up with a neighbor or something like that usually.
Please don't overreact to or overestimate my position on this issue. It's pretty small in the overall big picture. I have come across hikers and dog walkers who really did not seem all that friendly towards me as a snowmobiler even as I passed them while going very slow and taking obvious due caution for them. I find that odd seeing as how they are enjoying the use of a trail that wouldn't be there if it weren't for us sledders. The state makes snowmobilers contribute financially to the trails in the extra registration fee or the choice to join a club. Of course, Joining a club is more fun.
Would it be out of line and absurd to think that these bikers might need to contribute financially or join a sled club with no intention of sledding? I learned a lot during my groomer ride last weekend about how the funding works for our trails. In my mind it's only fair for everyone to chip in to enjoy the trails. No, I'm not advocating that somebody who wants to take their dog for a walk on the trail be required to pay for it. I would like a friendly wave though when we pass each other.
