|
Originally Submitted: October 14, 2007
A day on the Paudash trails wearing the Trail Patroller
vest can be one of the most rewarding parts of
volunteering in the Trail Patrol Program. I would like
to take a few moments to share with you a “typical” day
and to offer some insight into the kinds of experiences
that a trail patroller might face on a busy weekend so
that the next time you see a patroller, you might have a
deeper appreciation for the people who wear the vests,
the program itself, and hopefully you might even
consider joining the program and riding with us for a
few weekends a year!
I have been a patroller now for about 4 years but I
would certainly still be considered a “newbie” compared
to some of our experienced veterans here at the Paudash
Club. It is our core of veterans that make the program
run so well and offers to the Club that critical
continuity we need from year to year.
Most patrol mornings start early, loading up the
saddlebags with extra gear that I might need during the
day… rope, spare fuel, some basic tools, some snacks,
all my trail permit information and of course lots of
maps to hand out. Patrollers usually ride in pairs, but
sometimes a large group of us will get together and that
can be a lot of fun. It is impressive when a line of 10
or 15 vests wind through the forest in a big group.
I like to think of myself as a big mileage rider and,
unless there is a stop zone planned somewhere, I usually
try and plan a route that will cover 200-300kms on the
trails and still get me home before nightfall. Depending
on the day, that can change in a heartbeat. There have
been more days than I care to admit when I have ended up
towing a sled out of the bush and will lose a couple
hours of riding time which means either cutting the
distance short or else riding into the night to get
home. It sure gets cold when that sun goes down!
Most days are pleasantly uneventful. I’m out to ride
like everyone else and, since I volunteer and have a
real job as well, I am like you in the sense that my
only riding days are weekends. With that in mind, I
prefer to stay mobile during the day and cover my
planned route rather than doing stop zones. In fact,
most of the time I will only stop to hand out maps, give
some directions, and check for the “thumbs up” from
groups pulled over at the side of the trail. Sometimes
there is minor on-trail maintenance as situations arise
during the day including picking up brush, branches or
stones. In some cases, I may need to report missing
signs that have been damaged or stolen (sadly, it
happens often!) or major trail problems that require
after-action from the heavy grooming equipment such as
washouts or fallen trees.
It is rare that I come into non-permit situations,
especially in the Paudash Club, which is a big relief. I
wear the vest to help riders, not because I want the
power-trip of enforcing the user-pay system. To be
completely honest, the potential confrontation involved
when I come across a sled without a sticker is the worst
part of the program. I know it ruins your day slapping a
full season sticker on your sled, and it certainly ruins mine.
Well, let me rephrase that… there is a very small
percentage of people who try and push the envelope and
take the chance of riding without getting caught. A
brand new $12,000 sled kitted out with all the gear and
yet not spending the cash for a permit, even just a
3-day permit? C’mon. And here's another good one:
a current sticker, but in the pocket and not attached to
the windshield so that it can be "shared" between a few
riders. Not cool. And did you know that,
without it placed correctly on your windshield, and
without proof of matching registration, that sticker is
not valid and we can actually make you buy another on
the spot - even though you have one in your hand?
The point is, we see you out there and we know all the
tricks, but sometimes we also know full-well that the
best thing we can do is shake our heads and watch you
go. Personally, I ride a big sled and the chances
of me chasing you down are pretty good, but it's just
not worth the risk to you, me or anyone else riding the
trails. And besides, I like to think that karma
will catch up to you one day, or perhaps an OPP STOP
ride. And they will be a lot harder on you than I would!
The sticker violations that really hurt are the family
groups. They always have a bunch of really sweet
machines, shiny with new permits located perfectly on
the front for easy visibility, and then there is that
one sled in the group of ten or twelve without a permit.
It’s usually loaded down with a ton of kids, obviously
used only once or twice a year, and the odds of that
sled even making it home that night are slim to none.
Not that I will admit to turning a blind eye ever, but
let’s just say that patrollers do have hearts and we
feel your pain. Thankfully, we now have the 3-day
permits and Classic Permits which give families options for these rarely
used sleds. The frustration for patrollers is that the OFSC has mandated that we can only sell FULL-SEASON
passes on the trails for the full amount. So, if you are
going to need a 7-day, 3-day, special event or Classic permit, please be sure and get it
before you ride.
Anyways, I don’t want to talk about permits anymore. And
thankfully, in my 4 years, I am personally very pleased
to say that I have only ever had to enforce one permit
sale. Most people are genuinely appreciative and
pleased when they see the vest. And most buy permits, no
questions asked.
The reason I wear the vest is for times like these…
• Late evening, night is falling, 2 riders lost and low
on gas. They were visitors to the Paudash area and were
trying to find their hotel. We had maps, gas, and got
them headed in the right direction. We also gave them a
cell number in case they had more problems so we could
come back and get them if needed.
• 8PM, pitch black, -15°C and falling fast. A Dad
and his 2 kids on 2 sleds were out riding. Dad had
fallen behind and was having machine problems when our
patrollers caught up to him. His young sons had
kept going and didn’t know he had even stopped. One of
our patrollers stayed behind to help get the sled going
again, the other went on ahead to chase down the boys
(miles ahead!) and then lead everyone back to a
restaurant next to the highway where they could get warm
while waiting for a truck and trailer.
Knowing that we are able to help a rider in distress get
home safe and sound provides such a good feeling that it
offsets any of the possible frustrations to the program.
It keeps me warm all the way home, even on late nights,
and all throughout the season.
So next time you see a vest, give us a wave and a nod.
Like you, we are snowmobile nuts and we are here to help
when you need it.
See you on the trails!!
Submitted by Cullen Hawken
• Back to
Programs - Main Index |
I like to wear the vest to help riders, not because I want
the "power-trip" of enforcing the user-pay system. To
be completely honest, the confrontation involved
when I come across a sled without a sticker can be the
worst part of the program and it can ruin a day,
both yours and mine.
Do us both a favour, and please get your permit before your ride!!
The challenging area for patrollers is that the OFSC has
mandated that we can only sell FULL-SEASON passes on
the trails. So, if you need a 7-day, 3-day, Special Event or Classic permit,
please be sure and get it before you ride because I can only sell you a full-season
pass on the trail.
Knowing that we are able to help a rider in
distress get home safe and sound provides such a
good feeling that it offsets any of the possible
frustrations to the program. It keeps me warm all
the way home, even on late nights, and all
throughout the season.
Being a Patroller has enhanced the time I spend on
the snow. I've met some great people and now I
always have riders I can call when I have a few
hours to spend on the trails. If you think
this is something that might interest you as well,
give us a call and we'll set up a ride-along for
you to see if it is something you'd like to
pursue!
Interested in becoming
a Trail Patroller?
Contact: Bill Ripley
(705) 745-8466
Coordinator/Instructor
|
