VAST News - Late Winter 2014

Groomer RodeoGROOMING SOLUTIONS TO SEE, TOUCH, LEARN, RIDE & DRIVE

Late Winter 2014 Vol. 47 No. 6Ser ving over 24,000 members

S N O W M O B I L E V E R M O N T

The VAST NewsThe O fficial Publication of the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers

Late Winter 2014 Vol. 47 No. 6Ser ving over 24,000 members

The VAST NewsThe O fficial Publication of the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers

P l e a s e c o n t a c t u s i f y o u r a d d r e s s c h a n g e s .

2 Late Winter 2014 The VAST News

Late Winter 2014 3 The VAST News

The snow came and the rain took it away. Hopefully by the time you read this, we will be back up and running again. We were off to such a good start. The reports coming out of Bennington, Essex and Windsor counties were very promising, and even Grand Isle and Chittenden counties were grooming and the trails were shaping up nicely.

In Grand Isle County, I went out on a grooming run with the County Director and riding partner, Dave Ladd. Im sure you all recall an ad-venture the two of us had a year ago involving mud. This one involved snow drifts. A Joe-Venture as my daughter Jean has coined them. (I love you too, Jean). We met some Club members out riding just as we leveled off the drifts that occur on the beach road at the Dunes State park. The riders mentioned there were some huge drifts in the area where all those things are sticking out of the ground. Yup, that would be the local waste water treatment plant. We said our goodbyes and headed out grooming again.

All was going well and we were laying down a smooth trail. When we arrived at the sprinkler heads for the wastewater plant, we could see where people had clearly gone off-trail. I was disappointed to say the least. We have ample NO SNOWMOBILING signs and even some custom signs that we had made up that state SENSITIVE AREA - KEEP OUT to protect the sprinklers. We have worked hard to establish a good relationship with the public and private landowners on our small trail system, and be-

havior like this is sure to shut this trail down. This would sever our trail system in half.

This is just one instance of how poor behaviors can lead to a trail clo-sure that leads to expensive reroutes at best or a closure that leaves no way around and sections of lost trails that provide wonderful riding ex-periences. Ive said it before - please remember that we are guests where ever we go. Respect our landowners, stay on the trail and please do not lit-ter. Ill get off my soapbox now and continue with the story.

We made our way down the ac-cess road and along the side of the field where the sprinklers are and were about to exit the property when we came upon two huge drifts. Well, we had to go on. Over the first drift with no problem and then on to the second. We started sliding off the top of the drift and towards the passengers side. Mr. Ladd was get-ting anxious to say the least. I swear there are still bits of fingernail left in

the groomer from him clawing his way away from the passengers door. We made it through and stopped to take a look at the situation once we were safe. We decided to finish the run, turn around and head home - except the drifts now lay between us and home.

On the way back home, Dave said So what is the plan or is there one? I said, I thought if we hit them straight on we shouldnt have any problem. Dave sheepishly asked, You dont mind if I step out while you cross those drifts, do you? I smiled and told him I didnt.

With Dave watching from the sidelines, I made it over the drifts and worked on leveling them off. With that completed, we finished the run with no further Joe-ven-ture type incidents.

Hopefully, this little tale has brought a smile to your face and that we are all smiling again because the trails are now open and groomed again. Stay safe and remember - make the safe choice. Please dont drink and ride.

INSIDEPresidents Message 3Vice-Presidents Message 4On the LVRT 6VAST Calendar of Events 8Club News 10Trails 16Classified Ads 20VAST Safety Class Information 21

About the coverGrooming solutions to see, touch, learn, ride and drive the 4th Annual Groomer Rodeo was held February 8th in Barre, VT.

It is with great sadness we give notice of the passing of Kathy DuPrey, VAST Administrative AssistantKathleen A. Duprey, 62, died Monday, Jan. 27, 2014, at Fletcher Allen Medical Center in Burlington, surrounded by her family.Her obituary is posted on the Times Argus website. http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/timesargus/obituary.aspx?n=kathleen-a-duprey&pid=169413459

20132014 Season The VAST NewsUSPS018167

The official publication of the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers, Inc.P 802.229.0005 F 802.223.4316 vtvast.orgThe VAST News is published seven times a year Summer, Fall and November to March.Subscription fee is included as part of VAST membership dues. Annual subscription fee is $15 per year for non-members.Postmaster send address changes to: Mailing Address 26 Vast Lane, Barre, VT 05641 VAST News contact 802.229.0005 x16 [email protected] postage paid Barre, VT & additional mailing offices.

President Joe Cicia 174 Poor Farm Rd. Alburg, VT 05440 802.796.3132 [email protected] Mike OHara PO Box 214 St. Johnsbury Ctr, VT 05863 802.748.5856 [email protected] Secretary Lorri LePage 802.673.2310 [email protected] Ann Shangraw [email protected]

Executive Director Matt Tetreault x12 Interim SSTP Trails Administrator Matt Tetreault x12 [email protected] News Manager Kent Gardner x16 [email protected] Receivables/ Payable & Bookkeeping Sheila Fenoff-Willett x14 [email protected] AssistantJessi Hudson x18 [email protected] Clerk Cyndy Jones x10 [email protected]

Printing Schedule Materials due: Ad space Club AdSpring 14 2/24 2/24 3/21

Joe Cicia, VAST PresidentMessage from the President

So, here we are again.



Executive Director SearchThe Vermont Association of Snow Travelers, Inc. (VAST) is seeking an innovative and forward-looking, experienced executive director to advance the mission and strategic objectives of VAST.VAST is a private 501(c)(3) non-profit organization responsible for the management of the statewide snowmobile association in Vermont.

S/he will serve as the chief operations executive of VAST, reporting to and under the direction of the Board of Directors. The Executive Director will provide executive leadership for optimal implementation of VAST policies and bylaws and move the association towards fulfillment of its mission and strategic goals. S/he will possess a track record of demonstrated ability to provide strong executive director leadership, vision and strategic direction in a complex organization. The successful candidate will also have demonstrated experience in working with an Executive Board, expertise in financial and operations oversight, resource and program development, communications, public relations and event and strategic planning.

The position requires exceptional listening and oral and written communications skills and a background that demonstrates progressive management and supervisory competencies.

Motorized recreational experience is a benefit.

To learn more about VAST explore our website at www.VTVAST.org.

For full description and requirements or questions, please email [email protected] or call Bonnie Holbrook at (802) 777-7456.

Please e-mail letter of interest and resume with salary requirements to attention Search Committee at [email protected]. U.S. Postal mail, VAST Search Committee | c/o Bonnie Holbrook | PO Box 1 | E Thetford, VT 05043

Northeast Kingdom CALEDONIA CO.County DirectorKen GammellP.O. Box 34East Haven, VT 05837802.535.4688Co. Trail CoordinatorFrancis PillsburyP.O. Box 1593Lyndonville VT 05851802.535.6802 ESSEX CO.County DirectorStewart AhearnP.O. Box 212 Norton, VT 05907 [email protected]. Trail CoordinatorDavid PageP.O. Box 223Island Pond, VT 05846802.723.5041 ORLEANS CO.County DirectorMilo Day564 VT RTE 101North Troy, VT 05859802.988.1075Trail CoordinatorRaymond Rodrique48 Natural Hill Newport, VT 05855 802.334.6179

Northwest Vermont FRANKLIN CO.County DirectorJohn Ross24 Bluff LaneSt. Albans, VT 05478802.527.7163Co. Trail CoordinatorReal Cyr1245 Lower Newton Rd.St. Albans, VT 05478802.524.4541 GRAND ISLE CO.County DirectorDave LaddN. Hero, VT802.372.5709Co. Trail CoordinatorJP Cicia174 Poor Farm Rd. Alburg, VT 05440 802.796.3132 LAMOILLE CO.County DirectorCarmin Lemery486 Barrows Rd.Stowe VT 05672802.760.8121 [email protected]. Trail CoordinatorDale Allen498 Harrell St.Morrisville, VT 05661802.888.4424Co. Trail CoordinatorRichard Reynolds341 Lazy Lane Morrisville, VT 05661

Champlain Valley ADDISON CO.County DirectorLewis Barnes863 Hardscrabble RdBristol, VT 05443 802.453.3816 [email protected]. Trail CoordinatorConrad J. Stewart350 Monkton Rd.Bristol, VT 05443802.453.2344 CHITTENDEN CO.County DirectorJeff Fay11 Wheeler LaneRichmond, Vt. [email protected]. Trail CoordinatorGreg Lawrence49 Strawberry LaneMilton, VT 05468802.893.7822

Central Vermont ORANGE CO.County DirectorMark Richardson6 Upper Village Rd.Chelsea, VT 05038Day 802.685.3885 Eves 802.685.4349 [email protected] CoordinatorTim MillsP.O. Box 39Bethel, VT 05032802.234.5000 [email protected]

WASHINGTON CO.County DirectorJim Morrill60 Westwood PkwyBarre, VT 05641Work: M-F 802.434.7818 [email protected] Co-County Trail CoordinatorDoug WilsonP.O. Box 324Waitsfield, VT 05673802.496.3836Co-County Trail CoordinatorTed Domey2781 Cabot Plains Rd.Cabot, VT 05647802.563.3147

Southeast VermontWINDHAM CO.County DirectorTom BaltrusPO Box 707W. Dover VT [email protected] 802.464.8211Co. Trail CoordinatorRoone Gibbs1390 Wright Orchard Rd.Grafton, VT 05146802.843.2486 WINDSOR CO.County DirectorDick Jewett140 Thompson Rd.Chester, VT 05143 802.875.3063Co. Trail CoordinatorGordon Holmes2801 Westerdale CutoffWoodstock, VT 05091802.457.5155

Southwest Vermont BENNINGTON CO.County DirectorScott Daniels887 Hidden Valley Rd.Shaftsbury, VT 05262802.447.2449 [email protected]. Trail CoordinatorScott Daniels887 Hidden Valley RdShaftsbury, VT 05262802.447.2449 RUTLAND CO.County DirectorMerritt Budd806 Main St.W. Rutland, VT 05777802.438.5180Co. Trail CoordinatorGary Stanley1232 #3 VT Rte 3Pittsford, VT 05763802.342.0147


Board of Directors Trail Coordinators

Mike OHara, VAST Vice-PresidentVice-President Message

In my first message a few months back, I tried to convey the notion that we are all ambassadors to our sport. Our actions reflect back on us in either a positive or negative fashion. There never seems to be neutral ground when it comes to snowmobiling and the people that participate. Passion is a word often overused but in the case of snow-mobiling it fits perfectly. Speaking personally, I am passionate about riding. I am also passionate about VAST as an organization because it has allowed me a platform to pro-mote my obsession.

Some people do not share my passion and thats OK. I dont like when someone tries to leverage their position on any subject based on friendship. Or more simply, agree

with me or I wont talk to you any-more. I am of the opinion that there is room in this world for different points of view. I dont like when battle lines are drawn over passion-ate topics. I strive in my day to day duties to find that scarce ground that is right in the middle of Passionately For or Positively Against- Its called understanding.

Recent headlines point to a pas-sionate argument over the hot topic of Industrial Wind. The conse-quence from some heated debates is trail closures. I have heard the talking points on all sides of the issue and I stand firm on my neutral ground called Understanding. I just wish there could be discourse without losing sight of the right for anyone to have a differing opinion. I really do

not like when passionate discussions turn personal. Name calling and ver-bal (or written) attacks do not help deliver the point of view. Instead, the delivery of the message is the lasting impression rather than the point of view.

Now for the record- I am no saint. I am passionate about my New Eng-land Patriots and will defend them to my last breath. But I will not hold

the passion for another team against anyone. This is America, where you have the right to be wrong! Seriously though, I try to exercise understand-ing with anyone who has a point of view that may conflict with mine. I hope I am judged by my friends and peers to be open minded and respectful. I also hope that anything Im connected with- whether it is work or play- reflects that fairness.

I ask all of our members to be aware as they enter into a tempest, that your understanding and fair-ness will be reflected positively on our sport.

Switching gears a little bit, it is with great sadness that we are los-ing Jessi Hudson in March. She has been a valuable asset to VAST in her multiple roles. Her recent work with the U.S. Forest Service and her continued work with the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail Project have been exemplary. Jessi is moving on to pur-

sue another career opportunity and if she applies the determination and attention to detail she exhibited with VAST, she will find nothing but suc-cess. I will miss her upbeat person-ality. I had the privilege of working with her on the revised edition of the LVRT Management plan- as dry a document as you can imagine- and she (along with Franklin County Director John Ross) made the chore a lot more fun than it should have been. Her interactions with our partners in Federal and State agencies along with our engineer-ing firm have reflected positively on our organization. I want to thank her very much for her efforts during her tenure with VAST and wish her the very best in her endeavors.

Mike OHara, VAST Vice-President

6 Late Winter 2014 The VAST NewsC O N T I N U E D O N P A G E 8

The Three Rivers Trail in St. John-sbury has been groomed for the first time ever! The Danville S-Ski-Mos took full advantage of the snow-storm at the beginning of the sea-son and groomed the LVRT from Danville straight through to South Main Street in St. Johnsbury. The Club and Town officials are optimis-

ary: Phase 1A, a 15+ mile stretch from Mount Vernon Street in St. Johnsbury to Channel Drive in West Danville, and Phase 1B, nearly 17.5 miles from Route 15A in Morrisville to Cambridge Junction. Interested contractors must submit their bids no later than 11:00 am, February 28, 2014. Contractors are required to be pre-qualified with the VTrans in Road and Highway Construction, and the project is bonded. Informa-tion regarding both construction

projects, along with the construc-tion plans, can be found on the VAST website: www.vtvastorg.

Please help make the rail trail a real trail! If you would like to help support the project, or would like more information, please visit the LVRT website at www.lvrt.org, or contact Jessi Hudson at the VAST office at 802-229-0005, ext. 18.

Jessi Hudson, LVRT Technical Coordinator

And meanwhile, back on the LVRT

tic that a route into down-town will be created in the near future so that VAST members will be able to ac-cess the local amenities. Ted Chase of Danville and Chair of the LVRTC, along with his wife Barbara, enjoyed a late December ride along this long-awaited snowmobile route.

Laird MacDowell, former Chair-

man of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail Committee, was awarded, on December 11th, a plaque from the members of the LVRTC and VAST for his service, leadership & loyalty to the committee and to the proj-ect. Laird served many years on the committee, through some of the projects most trying times. He was instrumental in the launch of the project. We wish Laird all the best.

Two construction projects were put out for bid at the end of Janu-

Laird MacDowell, former Chairman of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail Committee, with a plaque from the members of the LVRTC and VAST for his service, leadership & loy-alty to the committee and to the project.

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CalendarS N O W M O B I L E V E R M O N TFor a current list go to the events

section of our website.Submit Events Online!

http://www.vtvast.org/VAST/Events/Submit-an-Event.html Simply fill in the blanks.

Pig RoastC E N T R A L V T C LU B E V E N T S

Feb 15 20142nd Annual Long Hill Snowmobile Club Pig RoastSouth Woodstock Fire Station11:00 AMLong Hill snowmobile club 2nd Annual Pig Roast to be held at the South Wood-stock Fire Station (right on corridor trail) drive in or ride in. More details soon.

CHARITY HOT DOG ROASTS O U T H W E S T C LU B E V E N T S

Feb 15 2014Woodford SnoBusters Annual Char-ity Hot Dog RoastAirport Rd. Somerset, VT 12:00 PMCome join us for the Woodford SnoBusters Annual Charity Hot Dog Roast. For an $8 donation you get hot dogs, chips, baked beans, soda, hot chocolate, coffee, cookies and a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors with snowmobilers of all ages. Come by sled or car and join the fun. All proceeds to be donated to local charities. For more information contact [email protected]

POKER RUNS O U T H E A S T C LU B E V E N T S

Feb 16 2014Poker RunChester VT, Lovers Lane 9:00 AMChester Snowmobile Clubs annual poker run. Fun family event starting at 9 am from Chester Rec Field on Lovers Lane.

Vermont ElksC E N T R A L V T C LU B E V E N T S

Feb 22 2014Benefit for Vermont Elks Silver Towers CampBetween Trail Markers CA109 & CA19 in Peacham on the trail 10:00 AMBarre Elks Lodge is sponsoring a Benefit for Silver Towers Camp! Stop and see us for lunch. Well have Hotdogs, Soup, Hot Chocolate, Coffee and Water. There will also be a bonfire!Donations Accepted.Silver Towers Camp is an extraordinary resi-dential camp for people with disabilities ages six to seventy-five who are physically and mentally challenged. It is situated on 26 acres in Ripton, VT, the camp gives campers the so-cial skills and personal enrichment they seek - not to mention a world of adventures!

3-Events 1-LocationC E N T R A L V T C LU B E V E N T S

Feb 22 2014VAST Winterfest - Barre Thunder Chickens Freestyle Jump Event - Times Argus SnoQuestWilson Industrial Park - 81 Parker Road, Barre 12:00 PMThis is a ride-in event for all VAST members to participate in some fun on the snow.VAST is partnering up with the Barre Town Thunder Chickens Snowmobile Club and will be hosting VAST Winter-fest with the Barre Town Thunder Chick-ens Snowmobile Freestyle Jump Show and Times Argus SnoQuest.VAST WinterfestKiddie Snowmobile Track and moreHOT FOOD by Jockey Hollow CateringBarre Thunder Chickens Snowmobile Freestyle Jump Show Two Freestyle Jumping Shows 4:00 and 6:00 featuring TreeLineSled Riders in-cluding local performers Jesse Mastine and Jesse Moran.Fireworks! to follow the 6:00 show.Mark your calendar - ride in - have a great time.Visit the website for more details.

RESCUE RIDE INS O U T H E A S T C LU B E V E N T S

Mar 1 2014Wardsboro Pathfinders Rescue Ride-InStratton Rec Area, 4 miles down the 710 trail from C7 junction (WM10)11:00 AMGREAT food and GREAT fun for GREAT cause! Burgers, hot dogs, pulled pork, chowder, chili, meatballs, mac & cheese, plus great desserts and, hot and cold beverages. Only $10 per person! We always have fantastic raffle prizes (gas cards, winter gear, even a 2015 TMA!) and a 50/50 CASH raffle, too! Proceeds benefit Wardsboro Rescue and Rescue, Inc. These are the fine folks who will come out on the trail if you need help! For more information, please visit http://www.wardsboropathfinders.com or email us at [email protected]

Annual MeetingC LU B E V E N T S

Sep 6 2014VAST Annual Meeting 2014 - Save the DateLake Morey Inn9:00 AMSave the date:2014 VAST Annual MeetingHosted by Orange County Snowmobile ClubsDraft Agenda with times coming soon.For more information contact Committee Chair, Bonnie Holbrook 802-777-7456 or [email protected]

Poker RunS O U T H E A S T C LU B E V E N T S

Feb 16 2014Poker Run Chester Snowmobile ClubChester Vermont Rec Field on Lovers Lane 9:00 AMJoin the Chester Snowmobile Club for their Annual Poker Run.Registration starts at 9 am.Great family fun, lots of prizes.

Sour-dough Pancake BrunchN O R T H E A S T K I N G D O M C LU B E V E N T S

Feb 16 2014Annual Sourdough Pancake BrunchWalden Methodist Church, Noyestar RD.10:00 AMEvent will be held rain or shine, plenty of parking for sleds and cars.By Coles Pond Sledders

Poker RideC E N T R A L V T C LU B E V E N T S

Feb 16 20145th Annual Poker RideState Garage Rd, Rochester, VT 10:00 AMRegistration 10 till noon. Ride starts and ends at Bowens. Plenty of space for trailer parking or follow the signs on the trail and ride in. Cost $15 for 5-card hand. Cost includes lunch - passenger not playing a hand can eat for $5. Come see our new groomer, ride our ap-proximate 30 mile poker ride loop, and visit with friends - old and new. www.route100snowtravelers.com

Vintage RendezvousC E N T R A L V T C LU B E V E N T S

Feb 22 2014Vermont Vintage Rendezvous2660 Pleasant St. Bethel VT 050329:00 AMThe Vermont Vintage Rendezvous vintage snowmobile show. Open to all vintage/ antique snow going vehicles. Come show and ride your Old Iron, or come check out the machines that started it all. You can ride in from the VAST trails (corridor 12, signs at inter-sections) or come by car. Hot food and beverages available. Come have lunch and check out the past. Last year we had 110 different machines on display. Take Exit 3 off of I-89 and follow the orange signs. Contact Alex at 802-234-5274 with any questions.


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2014 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved, , and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its aiatesIn the U.S.A., products are distributed by BRP US, Inc. Always ride responsibly and safely. Always observe aplicable local laws and regulations. Always wear appropriate clothing, including a helmet.

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We Support VT Snowmobiling

Dealers EquipmentEnfield Motor Sports Enfield, CT Polaris, Ski-Doo Snowmobile sales & services 860-741-2173Edelmann Sales & Service Troy, NY Polaris, www.edelmannsales.com 518-663-5573Garganos Sales & Service East Haven, CT Ski-Doo and Arctic Cat sales & services 203-467-5903Hunters Recreational Products Yalesville, CT Ski-Doo snowmobiles, new / used, parts & accessories, 203-269-2183Orchard Hill Farm Equipment & Trailer Sales Rt. 9 Belchertown, MA 413-253-5456 www.orchardhillsales.comLand NSea Waterbury, CT Yamaha, Arctic Cat, Ski-Doo Snowmobiles, 203-755-2682 www.landnseamarine.com

OtherAlways On Time Signs Barre, VT Signage 802-223-8948 www.alwaysontimesigns.comRonnies Mail Order 43 Ingraham Rd New Ashford, MA Ph. 800-253-7667 - www.ronniesmailorder.comSureTrac Systems, LLC Secure your snowmobile 603-382-1170 81 Smith Corner Rd., Newton, NH

GroomersKassbohrer All Terrain Vehicles, Inc. Lewiston, ME Trail Grooming Equipment 207-777-7300Prinoth Gilmanton, NH 603-267-7840 Snow Grooming VehiclesMountain Grooming Equipment Waitsfield, VT 802-496-3836 www.mountaingrooming.com

Caledonia CountySnowmobile Trail Club

C A L E D O N I A C O U N T Y

Northeast Kingdom

I am challenged to describe this winter without resorting to words not fit for print. I am typing this as a light snow is falling. Its a tease since it will not be enough to let us ven-ture out on the trails. I am like many others watching another weekend pass unable to ride. Thank goodness there is (Patriot) football to divert the frustration.

As the 2014 season rolls into February, I have more miles on the 4-wheeler that I use for trail work than on my Snowmobile. We have speculated at Club meetings that the season will get better during the late winter and will provide excellent spring riding. We can only hope.

January brought more trail work with the ice storms and rain. At a re-cent work detail, we piled brush on top of the two piles of brush from other work details. It never ceases to amaze me how trees can find their way into the traveled path. The upside to all this work is a trail system that de-livers 60 miles of fabulous riding.

We are the gateway to the North-east Kingdom. From St. Johnsbury, you can start your journey north towards the wide open trails of Es-sex and Orleans counties. Or you can head west to Central Vermont using the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail.

NortheastKingdom

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LodgingWilloughVale Inn Westmore, VT Lodging and Dining on Lake Willoughby 800-594-9102

Real EstateCentury 21 Farm & Forest Derby, VT, Real Estate 800-273-5371 www.farmandforest.comThibeault Real Estate Canaan, VT Real Estate 802-266-8602. www.thibeaultrealestate.com

If you choose a Southerly direction, the trails of Groton State Forest are an excellent destination. All these options provide an endless loop of trail riding that brings you back to the excellent services found trail side here in greater St. Johnsbury.

We have parking areas right off of State Rt. 5 that will get you directly onto the VAST Corridors. Again this year, we have Porta-Potties at our parking area next to our storage con-tainer located at the intersection of Corridor 2-5 and 5F4 (CA47 on your map) for your traveling convenience.

I hope this edition of the VAST News finds everyone with adequate snow cover and endless riding op-portunities. Get out and ride if you have the chance! Mike OHara

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WaterfordRidge Runners

C A L E D O N I A C O U N T Y

Northeast Kingdom

Our Annual Ham Dinner will probably be in the history books by the time you read this. I hope the weather cooperates better than it has during the month of January.

We started the season well enough, but we quickly lost our trail base with the multiple ice and rain storms. Its back to square one as I type this. I can only hope that the spring will bring extended snow and cold to prolong our riding time through April 15. This is now the

third year to play this cycle game of good snow followed by bad rain. I think thats three years too many!

Soon after our trails opened, we received word from a couple of our landowners that they were closing their land to snowmobiles. We man-aged to find some reroutes and some negotiating to improve signs, but the problem we keep hearing is 4 wheelers. I dont understand why the RidgeRunners lose permission to travel across land for something we cant control. There are no 4 wheel-er trails in Waterford and they are not permitted to operate on Town roads, but they somehow find their way onto the snowmobile trails. Our landowner relations are very good in Waterford, and we do what we can to help the situation while trying to preserve our 31 miles of Class 4 Cor-ridor. We can operate this year, but next year could see some re-routes.

Help us continue to enjoy the sport of snowmobiling by thanking a landowner face to face if you meet one. If you can help curb the unau-thorized use of snowmobile trails by ATVs using positive peer pressure, please do so. Let anyone who thinks there are no repercussions to unau-thorized use of peoples land know that there can be huge consequenc-es. No lectures or heavy handed con-versations, just a friendly suggestion to touch base with the owner to pre-vent hard feelings.

Heres to a great 2014 season!Mike OHara

501 Wahconah Street Pittsfield MA (413) 443-0638 ronniesharleydavidson.com

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BrightonSnowmobile Club

E S S E X C O U N T Y

Northeast Kingdom

Another January thaw! But now the Polar Vortex has hit with some snow and our groomers are

Winners of the 2014 Grand Prize - Anita and Marcel Gervais and their excited family.


Northeast Kingdom

Connecticut ValleySno-Riders

Like most clubs, we are sitting around waiting for Mother Nature to deliver the snow that we so des-perately need. We have a good base - a bit icy, but solid. We just need some quality snow.

Our groomer and operators stand ready to groom once the weather cooperates. In the mean time, we continue our monthly meetings and planning for our Club cookout at the Roost on the Rte 1 trail which is scheduled for February 8.

We also expect traffic in our area with the reciprocity weekend com-ing up at the end of January. The other big event in our area will be the Lancaster, NH Grand Prix 50th An-niversary Celebration which is also occurring on reciprocity weekend. Lancaster is preparing for this event by making snow to be sure there is adequate snow for the Grand Prix oval races. This event marks the 50th anniversary of the event that was an annual event from the 70s until 1984. In the meantime, think snow!

Mary Stewart

Northeast KingdomSnow Blasters


Northeast Kingdom

We are FINALLY starting to get some of the white gold along with an arctic blast. As I write this, its 20 degrees below zero. The trails are set up and looking good. Route 105 to Derby should be a pleasant ride.

When the trails are open, come out and enjoy them. Riders can fuel up their snowmachines at the Norton Store and dine at Chez Pidgeon - the Norton Restaurant.

All are welcome to attend our meetings at the Norton Town Hall the second Tuesday of each month at 4:00 pm. Follow us on Face-book since information and trail conditions are frequently updated. You may also call Club President, Stewart Ahearn at (802) 822-5353 or Ed Cunningham at (802) 266-3073.

Leah Cunningham

out again. Currently, the trails are groomed but icy underneath, so caution is advised.

January, as always, is a busy month for our Club. Our annual fundraiser and raffle was a huge success. It was one of the best ones yet. Thanks to the committee for their hard work. This years win-

ning ticket was purchased by Mar-cel and Anita Gervais, long time supporters of our club. Congratu-lations to the proud owners of the 2014 Ski-Doo MXZ (E) Sport 550 fan Rev XP.

At our Club meeting, Janet Selby reported our memberships are going well, but slightly lower than last year - most likely due to weather conditions.

Island Pond is looking forward to the winter carnival activities the weekend of February 14 through 16. Come to join us.

Our Club is continuing to re-route trails to accommodate con-ditions and landowners. All the feedback is positive.

The Welcome Center is open for TMAs and maps, as well as information and local crafts. As always, we urge riders looking for up-to-date trail conditions to call our snow phone at (802) 723-4316. Consult our website at: www.brightonsnowmobile.org or like us on Facebook.

We continue to hope for snow! Susan Pedersen, Club Reporter

Brighton Snowmobile Club


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Northeast Kingdom

GloverTrailwinders

O R L E A N S C O U N T Y

Another tough season for snowmo-biling in the Kingdom. We are trying to keep a positive outlook considering that the rides are few and far between. Perhaps a trip to NH or Maine at the end of the month will help during the Reciprocal Weekend. Chasing the snow and trying something new sounds intriguing, but this year even the usually heavy snowbelt regions are lacking snow. A lot can change in two weeks. We actually had to plow over MLK weekend, so well see.

The Trailwinders 29th Annual Poker Ride will take place on Feb-ruary 15, 2014. Prizes for the top 3 hands will be awarded that evening at Brewskis Pub. The $500 first prize isnt a bad return on the $5 per hand investment. Watch for flyers while youre on the trails for more infor-mation on how to join in the fun.

The date for our annual Spring Raffle has been set for May 3, 2014. We look forward to trying a new venue this year: Pauls Sugarhouse in Derby. Watch for ticket availabil-ity in April and get your ticket early. Only 123 tickets will be sold. May all your trails be soft, safe and white.

The Epinettes

... approximately 105 man hours and 16 tractor hours were used just to get the railbed open from St. Albans to the dairy center in Enosburg...

Northwest Riders


NorthwestVermont


LodgingThe Black Lantern Inn and Village Tap Room Montgomery, VT 802.326.3269 www.theblack-lanterninn.com

d tNorthwest Riders

F R A N K L I N C O U N T Y

Northwest Vermont

A challenging beginning to the 2013/14 snowmobile season. Our Groomer Opera-tors: (L to R) Todd Warren, Dan Favreau, Dave Naef, Bruce King, Mark Bushey and Andy Gagne. Missing from picture is Eric Favreau.

Happy New Year from North-west Riders! The first few weeks of the snowmobile season have been a challenging one for our Club. The ice storm closed all trails with downed

trees, limbs and brush. Weeks of hard work, blood and sweat by our volunteers has made us proud to say that the trails are all open and just awaiting for proper snow cover-age. We are very lucky to have such a great crew of volunteers that came together in the face of a disaster.

We even had wonderful help-ers from other clubs donating their time and labor. To put things into perspective, we calculated approxi-mately 105 man hours and 16 trac-tor hours were used just to get the railbed open from St. Albans to the dairy center in Enosburg at a cost of $1,000.

As of January 14, we have 148 members. All of these members have the same goal in mind - to en-joy snowmobiling and ride on good groomed trails. This would not be possible if not for our groomer op-erators.

This month, we would like to shine a spotlight on our Trails Co-ordinator, Andy Gagne. Andy has been snowmobiling since he was 16 years old. He has been a member of the Sheldon Jack-o-lopes, Cold Hol-low Snow Barons and now has been an active member with the North-west Riders for 15+ years. Andy is a big asset to our Club, bringing his love and heart for the sport, as well as his hard work, dedication, skills and knowledge of tractors.

For club updates, news and trail conditions, please join us on Face-book and now on TrailHUB.org

Jennifer Baker

Northwest Riders

Northwest Riders


I have only a few items to mention in my article this month and then I am going to fill the remainder of the pages with some excellent photos from the 4th Annual Groomer Rodeo that was held on February 8th at the Bee Hive in Barre Town. The snow came just in time for the event. Thanks to the Barre Sno Bees for all of their help once again. I hope you enjoy the photos!

We are now in the 8th week of the 16 week grooming season which means we are halfway through. To date the VAST grooming fleet has traveled a total of around 25,000

miles. When I looked back at last years article from this time period I had noted that the VAST groom-ing fleet had logged approximately 40,000 miles. This season has un-doubtedly gotten off to a slower start than usual but fear not as we are headed into the most enjoyable part of the winter. February and March can certainly deliver the snow and I have a feeling that these two months will not let us down this winter. After all the days are longer and the sun is a bit warmer so what better time to get out and ride!

One of the big items I wish to mention this month is the Press Release from the Forest Service that recently hit the news. Over

Snow Vehicle Speed on the GMNF Restricted In Ex-

cess of 35 Miles Per Hour. This order took effect on January 10th, 2014. This

ordinance is in effect on all VAST trails within the

400,000 acre Green Mountain Na-tional Forest. Experts feel that exces-sive and unsafe speeds are a major factor in snow vehicle accidents and injury. So please be aware of this the next time you head out on a ride in the Green Mountain National Forest.

I also want to share another photo with you that I think sums things up pretty well out there on the trail system. This was sent to me by one of our hard working volunteers from Orleans County. You know who you are so Thank You! This photo may have originally come from a trail system in New York State.

All clubs could use help so please if you see something wrong or feel the need to criticize, hold off a bit, and when you are ready, pick up the phone and offer a helping hand.

Matt Tetreault, Trails Administrator

Be a part of the solution, not the problem.

That is all I have for now, so please get out there and enjoy the Vermont Winter!

Pioneer RT 1200 SG UTV International, Montreal, Canada

Trail width: 8 to 10 When width is a consideration can go on an 8 ft. trail, has the power to pull a 10 ft. drag.

Engine parts are available at any Case/New Holland dealer.

Price: $100,000 $130,000 depending on options

Equipment details gathered at the Groomer Rodeo by Kent Gardner, VAST News Manager

Pisten Bully Kssbohrer Trail width: 7 to 12 100 HP to 400 HP Track: Rubber or Steel Philosophy of reducing operating costs

via high quality partsRun efficiently through gear reductions

Tucker Tier 3 / 4 machines were at the Rodeo 160 HP / 173 HP Track: Rubber, Rubber Bar, Steel Drives like a car if you can drive a pick-

up truck you can drive a Tucker Five man cab

Mercedes & Cummins engines Good for all terrains, flat to hilly Built with operator ergonomics in mind Intuitive controls Will hook up to any dragPrice: $140,000 $220,000 depending on options

12-way blade Dana Spicer Differential Parts: 85% of parts are available

at regular auto parts storesPrice: $165,000 $200,000 depending on options


Soucy Full track systems or track Trail width: 66 to 10 Fits most tractors / bolts on

existing carriage

Arctic Bear Cat Groomer Special For secondary trails Light bar, additional radiator, winch,

groomer control switches 4x8 Drag with trip blades / gooseneck Price: $19,000 w/drag

Key selling point: Versatility Groom in the winter and use to maintain the trail the rest of the year.

Service at local tractor dealer Price (Tractor & Track): $70,000 $200,000 depending on options

Groomer RodeoGROOMING SOLUTIONS TO SEE, TOUCH, LEARN, RIDE & DRIVE


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Franklin CountySnow Raiders

F R A N K L I N C O U N T Y

The January meeting was held on January 7 with about 10 mem-bers present. There is not a lot hap-pening this month since our trail system is closed because lack of suf-ficient snow cover. Unfortunately, what snow we had has been washed away with the recent warm spell and heavy rain. The prospects for any sufficient amounts of snow do not look good for the immediate future. Seems this is the case most years re-cently - we get some snow and then the next thing is that it warms up and rains!

The radar run that we had tenta-tively scheduled for February 2 was cancelled. The lake conditions were not favorable for building a track, etc. Maybe next year!

There are not any problems with the trail system this year. No major re-routes or land closures. The only area of concern is on the south side

of St. Albans where the trail is near the VT Gas System pipeline. This is ongoing construction and there may be issues near the construction sites.At this time, I believe the trail is pass-able. Use caution near the construc-tion site.

We also have an issue with the Georgia section of trail. The Georgia trail is a short stub about 8 miles long that originates just west of the Rail-road Crossing near Conger Road in St. Albans and heads south. The trail is not a through trail and it deadends in the area of Dead Mans Curve in Georgia. There is not a direct access to the trail from the south. We have had a few complaints about snow-mobiles crossing private land from the south to get to the trail.

The club does not have any land-owner permissions beyond where the trail ends. Unfortunately, two years ago, we lost a large portion of this trail near Ballard Road because 4-wheelers were riding on landown-er property. The landowner shut down everything to everyone. As a result, our trail now ends near their property.

Keep in mind - if you access the

Georgia trail from the south, you are trespassing on private property and may jeopardize more sections of this trail.

Be respectful of the landowners because this is how we lose access to trails - the lack of respect from riders who cross landowners land without permission. Please stay on Marked Trails. Failure to do so could cause us to lose access to a trail.

The trail markers are in place for a reason - to mark the area where snowmobiles are supposed to travel. A large, snow covered field looks so inviting, but that venture outside the markers could lead to the trail being shut down to all.

As I write this, its snowing light-ly, but with less than an inch of snow on the ground from this most recent snow event, trails are not going to be opened anytime soon. Hopefully, there will be a return to more favor-able riding conditions.

Ken Stockwell

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Alburg Sno SpringersG R A N D I S L E C O U N T Y

Northwest Vermont

After a great start to the season (like most clubs), we are back to square one because of the rain, ice and warm weather. Currently, our trails are a combination of glare ice and mud. Many snow dances are be-ing done throughout Alburg.

The drags on the groomers have needed some welding and the 20+ year old groomers have needed some repairs, but theyre all ready to go as soon as we are blessed with snow.

We were proud to have our very own Club President and County Di-rector, Dave Ladd, interviewed on Fox 44 News. He gave the reporter a good look at our trails and a clear view of the many benefits of snow-mobiling, both to the individual and the local economy. Great job, Dave!

The Sno Springers are proud to support the Vermont Traditions Co-alition and VAST Winterfest with donations this year.

Last but not least, trail condi-

tions are being posted on http://alburgsnospringers.com/, trailhub.org and the VAST website.

Lorri LePage

ChamplainValley


Dealers EquipmentChamplain Valley Motorsports Cornwall, VT Arctic Cat Snowmobiles & ATV sales and services 802-462-2468Franks Motorcycle Essex Center, VT Yamaha Snowmobiles & Motorcycles 802-878-3930

Champlain Valley

C H I T T E N D E N C O U N T Y

Williston Hill Hawks

WOW! I have not been this ex-cited about the start of a snowmo-bile season in a while. Cold temps, a little snow and some December riding. Of course, rain, warm temps and utter snowmobiler depression followed my excitement.

Nothing depresses a snowmobil-


er more than making the trip to the hardware store for painting supplies because you know a week ahead that there is no chance of a decent ride during the weekend. Hopefully, the white stuff starts to fall and we can enjoy great trails on the VT/NH/ME Reciprocal Weekend. We plan on going anywhere there is snow - just like we have done for the last two years. Gotta love to ride!

Why am I anxious to ride? I bought a new yellow machine from my local dealer and my riding part-ner has a new Yamacat. Another buddy bought a new machine from his favorite Ski Doo dealer in the NEK. We have all invested big dol-lars from our budgets to enjoy rid-ing and participating in our favorite sport.

After our big dollars were laid down for the machine, we still have studs, carbides, a spare belt and a taller windshield to buy. This was a real financial pain, but I hope this machine lasts a long time. With only a few miles that we have ridden so far this season, it should!

During these purchases, I wit-nessed how dealers are so different. My buddies got hats or shirts and great advice on their machines. I got a five minute explanation on how to start it. I tried asking a couple ques-tions, but they referred me to the internet forums.

My job is in customer service and I usually make purchases based on the value of the Service Depart-ment. I never had much faith in the

local dealer, but I thought I would give them a chance since they had the sled I wanted and its only 6 miles away rather than 60 miles away. I hoped that if I needed any warranty service, I could get immediate re-pairs.

My buddys dealers have bent over backwards for all their needs and this is what our sport needs. Dealers need to help keep the sport alive by getting customers engaged, informed and excited. My dealer would not even help me on a simple problem. It should have been a quick stop last week to get a replacement shock since the one on my sled does not work when its really cold. Instead, I got a run around on how they would not warranty it, and I would have to buy a replacement for $200 or an upgrade for $700.

Really? If I were new to the sport, this type of service would just drive me away. If the dealer is unwilling to help after the sale, you probably wont buy another. You wont get your family involved and the sport loses a potential supporter.

Each club does its part to provide the best product for our customers. Our customers, the TMA holders, deserve the best trails we can pro-vide. Nothing is more criticized than trail conditions and TMA prices in VT. But I know each club is do-ing the best they can with limited resources. When the snow falls and the groomers get out, everyone is happy. Weather conditions we can-not control.

Please support businesses who support snowmobiling, recognize the dealers who treat you right, and give a thumbs up to the groomer operators.

Rich Spitzer, Club President

CentralVermont


Dealers EquipmentAbsolute PowerSports VT Wells River, VT 802-429-2500 www.absolutepowersportsvt.comLW Greenwood & Sons Randolph, VT Polaris Snowmobiles sales & service 802-728-5453 www.lwgreenwood.com

Central Vermont

O R A N G E C O U N T Y

Tri-TownTrail Travelers

Long-time member , Baxter Doty, help-ing build a bridge on our trails.

As I was driving early one morn-ing recently, I noticed a bright or-ange sky towards the east signaling yet another storm on its way. How thankful we are that the snow has finally come in abundance this year. We look forward to riding across the

fields and through the woods on our snowmobiles.

Members of the TTTT club have been busy getting the trails ready for your travel and what a wonderful job they have done. The photo above is our most recent bridge built by our handy builders within our Club - one of the members being Baxter Doty, a longtime member who has dedicated many hours of his time and energy to make our trails what they are today.

Which brings me to another top-ic that is very important. If it wasnt for all the hard work that our mem-bers have contributed, we wouldnt have a trail, much less a club. We wel-come any folks who are interested in joining our snowmobile club or any snowmobile club in your area.

There is always something you can contribute to better the club and any help would be so appreciated.

We gather on the first Wednes-day of every month to catch up on VAST news, local trail conditions for the area and any other snowmobile topics that might need discussion. Most of the time, refreshments are

C O N T I N U E D O N P A G E 2 4

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CLASSIFIEDSTHE CLASSIFIEDSTHECost of Classified Ads (per issue):Sleds and Groomers: $5 first 25 words .15 for each addl word.Real Estate for Sale/Rent and Misc. $30 first 25 words .25 for each addl word.Email: [email protected]

VAST Sled/ATV Sale2008 Polaris FST 4 Stroke Snowmobile 2,954 Miles, Studded Track, Good Condition Estimated Value: $4,750.001998 Polaris Sportsman 500 ATV Good Condition Estimated Value: $1,000Both vehicles can be viewed at the VAST office at 26 VAST Lane in Barre, VT by appointment. Call 802-229-0005 x12 to make an appointment.Anyone wishing to purchase the equipment must submit a sealed bid to 26 VAST Lane, Barre, VT 05641 by Monday, March 17th 2014 at 12:00 (noon). At 4:00 P.M. on March 17th, 2014 the sealed bids will be opened in the Board Room at the VAST office. Equip-ment will be sold to the highest bidder per VAST policy (see below).Bidders are welcome to attend in person.Priority for sale of equipment will be given to VAST affiliated Snowmobile Clubs.Policy Manual - Section 12.E Disposition of Equipment: Prior to offering any VAST equipment and/or property for sale to the general public, the item and/or items shall be first offered to VAST Clubs by notification in VAST News.VAST News notification shall be at least 60 days prior to the date that sealed bids are to be accepted.Sealed bids shall be publicly opened and read aloud at the time and place indicated in the request for bids. There shall be at least two people present when bids are opened and an effort shall be made to have a non-staff person present when major equipment is being disposed of. At that time the item and/or items will be sold to the highest bidder. However, VAST has the right to accept and/or reject any and/or all bids.

J14Sleds2013 ARCTIC CAT BEARCAT Z1 XT. Stored in a heated garage with only 30 miles on it. 1100cc 4 stroke engine. $10,500. Contact Chuck at [email protected]

FM14

J14InsuranceTHE COBURN AGENCY - Williston, VT 05495. Policies starting at $75/year! Available for the whole state of VT. Ask for Mayhem Mike 802-658-7800. [email protected].

FNDJFMSFN14

Real Estate Lease/RentWESTMORE, NEK new log cabin on pond/mtn views. 30 Yards to VAST trail. 1BR, 1BA, sleeps 8. Radiant heat, loft, fireplace, cathedral ceilings. Monthly or seasonal rental. Call Mike 978-815-9460. D14Beautiful 3 bedroom house (sleeps 10) with 2 1/2 bath, all utilities included lots of parking, private trail to VAST trail. Located between Island Pond & Derby, Vermont $2,500.00 per month. 802-754-2828 or 802-673-9955.

NDJFMSF14

3 Bedroom double wide sleeps 8 1 bath, all utilities in-cluded. Private access to VAST trail in Northeast Kingdom. $1,500.00 per month. 802-754-2828 or 802-673-9955. NDJFMSF14ISLAND POND, VT 1, 2, or 3 bedroom rental unit, trail in backyard, close to town. Call Bob 203-417-3188 NDJFMSF14ISLAND Seasonal Rentals, House #1 Lakefront proper-ty, beautiful private beach sleeps 10 on VAST trail, Hse #2 Lrg 5 bedroom home, 3 full bath, 2 living rooms, fireplace ,wrap around deck with amazing views, ac-cess to VAST, VASA & horse trails, 2 miles to village. Hse #3 Villiage home on Mt Street. For more info Please call 802-673-8050 Katherine FNDJFMS14

NORTH CONCORD VT - 2 bedroom camp on RTE 2 side of Miles Pond. Access 102 corridor trail. Weekend $250, All Week $500. Call Fred at 802-274-4728.

NDJFMSF14

ISLAND POND Lake House on VAST trail. Quiet, end of the road location on Island Pond. (4) Bedroom, (2) Bath, (2) Living Rooms, attached (2.5) car garage. Cable TV, phone, and high speed wireless internet. Wood stove, gas grill, fully applianced including washer & dryer. Fif-teen minutes to Burke Mountain, Forty minutes to Jay Peak, VAST trail at driveway. Rent by the week, month or season, winter & summer rates available. For more info, (802) 723-4065 or [email protected]. NDJFMSF14ISLAND POND Lovely vacation home in beautiful Island Pond, Vermont. House is furnished and kitchen is ready for use, you provide the food. There are 2 bedrooms, with 4 twin and 1 full beds. Close to local restaurants and VAST trail. Plenty of room to park snowmobile trailers. Call John or Susan @ 802-525-4737FNDJFMS14

Real Estate SaleHUBBARDTON VT - Truly an outdoor paradise - 76 acres, 1650 of frontage on the south end of Lake Hortonia, plus a camp on the waters edge. Call Tom for your personal tour 802-558-9861 F14HOLLAND VT - Five miles to VAST trail. Year round 2 BR, 2 bath home on 194 open/wooded acres. Pine interior; oil heat/hot water; 3 garages, tack room, stall. $269,000. 802-895-4284. DJF14

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Any person 12 yrs of age or older, born after July 1, 1983 must take and pass a snowmobile safety course before operating a snowmobile on the VAST trail system.Persons wishing to attend a course must register as early as possible as class size is limited. PRE-REGISTRATION IS A MUST.

Children who are 8, 9, 10 or 11 years of age are not required to take the snowmobile safety education course. They may attend the course, but they will not be certified. Safety classes are sponsored by local snowmobile clubs, taught by club volunteers and are usually held in the fall and early winter. For further information and to register for a course, please call the telephone number provided. If you have any questions about snowmobile safety education, please contact the Vermont State Police Recreational Enforcement & Education Unit at 802-878-7111, ext. 2211

A Vermont Snowmobile Safety Certificate or equivalent MUST be carried when riding.ON THE WEBTodays Snowmobile Rider Course Vermont is available on-line.This on-line coursewas not designed as a replacement for the classroom course but as an alternative for those persons who must be certified by law (Any person born after July 1, 1983, who is 12 years of age or older) and are not able to attend or find a course in their area. The link to the course can be found on the Vermont State Police web site: www.snowmobile-ed.com Click on Choose Your State link, choose State from below, start the course.CAUTION: All material should be thoroughly studied and practice exams taken before attempting the final exam. Studying the material and taking practice exams will insure successful completion of the course.NOTE: The provider (Kalkomey Enterprises, Inc.) has assessed a $29.50 fee to complete the final exam. Upon successful completion students may print out a temporary certification certificate until their permanent certificate is produced and mailed. The State of Vermont does not profit in any way from this course. The course was created to allow those that cannot attend one of the regularly scheduled courses the opportunity to take the course at their convenience. The fee is to allow the creator of the internet course to recoup the costs of doing business. Please check on VASTs website on the calendar for a safety course that is offered near you that would be less expensive. Safety courses are provided by volunteers and there may be a nominal fee to defray location expenses.

All students must pre-register

for the course.

Safety ClassesS N O W M O B I L E V E R M O N TOur Club Members are out ridingCheck vtvast.org Safety Class calendar to see if any courses have been added. See below for the online alternative.

Clubs throughout the state need your help.

If you have even half a day to spare that is all that is needed in some cases. Not every club needs laborers out on the trail yielding a chain saw. If you are good with books, numbers or are organized with paperwork etc, many clubs can use help with that sort of thing as well. They all need minute takers for meetings, membership chairs, presidents, trail masters and folks to coordinate efforts. Let the clubs know what your strong suit is and I am sure they can find something for you.

Matt Tetreault, Trails Administrator

* A v a i l a b l e t h r o u g h y o u r c l u b .

All the best sleds will be wearing one.*

2014

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Tri-Town (Con't. from pg. 16)provided which makes for a more informal and fun meeting.

There are many young riders out there reading this and we need YOU. The more help we have the better our trails will be. We always wel-come new ideas. The more young people who get involved in the club, the longer the club will exist and the longer the club exists, the longer the trails will stay open for riding.

Last but not least, THANK YOU to all the landowners who al-low us to travel across your fields and woods. Your generosity and kindness allow us to have so much fun riding our snowmobiles! When we all work together, we make this a great sport.

Karen Welch, Secretary

Central Vermont

W A S H I N G T O N C O U N T Y

Green MountainRoamers

The Green Mountain Roamers have had their hands full recovering from the ice storm that hit us last

month. A lot of trail work is being done to get the trails back into prime riding condition. We are definitely keeping our spirits up though, and we are hoping for a good Noreaster this month!

Our Club is very busy planning for our annual raffle and we expect an excellent turnout like last year. Club volunteers are gathering prizes from generous local Waterbury & Stowe businesses so that every ticket holder wins a prize. For our grand prize this year, we are raffling off a 2013 Polaris Shift with electric start & reverse.

Our Facebook page is going strong and we are always looking for new likes and pictures of the trails. Please share our page and feel free to leave a note when you stop by.

As always, thank you to our land-owners who generously allow us to utilize their land for this great sport! Think snow!

Kelly Ainsworth

SoutheastVermont


Deereld ValleyStump Jumpers

W I N D H A M C O U N T Y

Southeast Vermont

The season is not off to a good start. All the great snow was washed away by torrential rain. When it does snow again, the groomers need at least 10 to 12 inches to pack it down to establish a base. Lets all pray for snow and do whatever dance moves you have developed to bring it on!

Monthly meetings are held the first Saturday of each month going forward for the upcoming season. Meetings are held at the Matterhorn Inn conference room beginning at 7:00 pm. All members are welcome.

The DVSJ trailer is open again at the Flea Market field on the corner of RT. 9 & 100. TMAs will be avail-able, as well as DVSJ attire, trail maps and information. TMAs are also available at the Matterhorn Inn (Joe

prove the site by: adding passwords, managing updates, improving access and fixing general computer glitch-es. If any members wish to help in the development of the DVSJ com-munications program, contact the Board President at our club meet-ings first Saturday of the month or e-mail him. Like us on Facebook for more info.

The decking on our bridges is wearing poorly due to excessive spin-ning of tracks on the bridges. We, as Board Members, and the few volun-teers that help us maintain the bridg-es are asking the general membership to be aware of the bridges. Please re-frain from full power on the bridges - DONT SPIN TRACKS - to help get longevity from our decking efforts.

Also, please remember to remind your guests that the trails are on loan from private property owners who can pull their permission anytime. Follow the rules, stay on the trails, respect that the owners pets or children may be on the trail and thank them if you come upon them on the trails. The only land that is not private is the National For-est land. We have to keep reminding our riders because there are several trails that are in danger of being closed.

Hope to see you at our annual Pig Roast at the Matterhorn in Feb-ruary and lets hope that Mother Na-ture brings it on!

Gail S Kotowski, Media Director

& Wanda), Fat City Motor Worx (Paul & Barbara), Triple Tree Lodg-ing (Gary & Mary), Hermitage Inn, Mt. Snow Power Sports (Frank), C&S Grocery, Horizon Inn on Rt. 9 and the Nutmeg Inn on Rt. 9.

There are many access areas to our trail system. The parking area at Hog Back Mtn, Horizon Inn, Vin-tage Motel on Rt. 9 all offer rooms & parking. The Matterhorn Inn & Triple Tree Inn on Rt. 100 also offer parking and rooms to rent. The Her-mitage Inn & Sitzmark Golf course offer parking, access and rooms to rent. Chimney Hill offers parking and access to its 600+ owners and seasonal rentals. Where applicable, call ahead for info and reservations.

At the end of Presidents Week, on Saturday, February 22, 2014 at approximately 12:00 noon, the Mat-terhorn Inn will host our 9th annual BBQ/ Pig Roast. Meals and drink will be available - its another great way to meet people in the sport and those involved with our Club.

Our website administrator is changing again this season. The site is being overhauled and brought up-to-date, and hopefully, we will have blanket e-mail capabilities this season to get information out to everyone.

As with any computer applica-tions, there are hurdles. With a great coordinating effort, we hope to im-


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Children examine the remains of Route 100B just south of Moretown onMondaymorning, where theMad Rivers oodwaters washed away the road.

Vermont devastated

Communities destroyed by oodingBy THATCHER MOATS

VERMONT PRESS BUREAUMONTPELIER Three of Ver-

monts top officials took to the airMonday to view the historic damageVermont sustained as Tropical StormIrene quickly dumped several inchesof rain on the state Sunday, ravagingroads and bridges, swamping homesand businesses, leaving thousandswithout power and killing at leastthree people.Gov. Peter Shumlin, Sen. Patrick

Leahy and Adjutant General MichaelDubie, the head of the Vermont Na-tional Guard, boarded a Guard heli-copter at about 9 a.m. at the airportin Berlin, according to Susan Allen,a spokeswoman for Shumlin.The three ofcials viewed the dam-

age from above and made stops inseveral cities and towns in southernVermont that saw some of the worstooding.Leahy said it was heartbreaking to

see hardworking Vermonters reelingfrom the effects of the ooding.I was almost in tears looking at

some of these things, when someoneshows me their business they spentdecades building up and its wipedout in 20 minutes, Leahy said viatelephone as he prepared to get back

By DAVID DELCORESTAFF WRITER

BERLIN Ten days afterlosing her husband, MelanieByrd may have lost her home.Byrd waded through chest-

high oodwaters to get to highground late Sunday afternoonand was eventually carted outof Westons Mobile Home Parkon Route 12 in the bucket of a

front-end loader later that eve-ning. She spent this morningsurveying the damage to hersoggy double-wide.Byrds home, like dozens

of others around it, took onnearly 2 feet of water whenthe Dog River ran wild Sunday washing across a now-closedsection of Route 12 and, in astartlingly short period of time,

transforming the 83-lot mobilehome park into ground zero inBerlins latest flood recoveryefforts.It happened so fast, Byrd

said. All of a sudden there waswater everywhere, you couldsmell oil and propane, garbagecans were floating and decks

It hasnt been thisbad since 1927.

Waterbury Town Manager Bill Shepeluk

Its devastation likeIve never seen before.Billy Bauer, manager of The Summit Lodge on Killington Road

TimesArgusdelivery stillon schedule

See Rescue, Page A7

MARK COLLIER / STAFF PHOTO

Residents in Berlin survey the damage at Westons Mobile Home Park.

Harrowing rescues, then heartbreak

BATAVIA, N.Y. AMassachusetts man whosecolorful golf attire was brieymistaken for a clown outthas been charged in NewYork with driving a golf cartwhile drunk. The GeneseeCounty sheriff says theygot a report that someonedressed as a clown wasoperating a stolen golf cartin the western New Yorktown of Batavia on Sundaynight. Deputies found37-year-old James Straub,of Stoneham, Mass., drivingalong a road. He wasntdressed as a clown justwearing some colorfulclothing after an outingat Terry Hills Golf Course.But deputies say he wasintoxicated. Straub pleadednot guilty in town court toa misdemeanor count ofdriving while intoxicated anda lesser charge of refusing totake a breath test. He didnthave a lawyer at his initialappearance.

The Associated Press

Massivedamage inVt.s south

See Flood, Page A7

Tuesday, August 30, 2011TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2011

Nation A2Local A3Editorial A4Letters A4Obituaries A5World A8Weather A8Lotteries A8Sports B2-3Scoreboard B3Abby B4Horoscope B4Comics B4Movies B5TV Listings B5Classied B6-7

InsideCollege facilitydamaged. B2

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In-depth news fromthe damage dealt toarea towns. A3-7, B1

IRENE

SAY WHAT?

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Our website, www.sidehillcron-chers.com, has some great stuff! Here are a few things:

We opened an on-line store! If you always felt like you needed a great new sweatshirt or t-shirt with our clubs name on it; nows your chance. Go to our website www.sidehillcronchers.com and click on Club Store or you can email [email protected]. Our volunteers will help you.

Do you still need a TMA? TMA forms can be downloaded from our website or purchased at these locations in Ludlow: Cool Moose Cafe, Ludlow NAPA, Lud-low Country Store, Ludlow Insur-ance, Benson Chevrolet, Finn & Stone Insurance and in Clarendon at Dan Turco & Sons. County maps are available at our TMA outlets.

Ever wonder what a Croncher is? Check out our site for Joe Citros version of the legend.

Please make sure to mark your calendars and join us on Sunday, February 16 for our annual Poker Run. Its scheduled to start at 9:00 am from the Chester Recreation Field on Lovers Lane. This will be a very fun event with lots of prizes.

Not much more to say. Remem-ber ride right, have fun and watch our website for news at: www.ches-tersnowmobileclub.com. Our snow phone number is (802) 875-6550.

Joan Choiniere, Club Secretary

W I N D S O R C O U N T Y

Southeast Vermont

Side HillCronchers

The Ludlow Side Hill Cronchers had a good January despite the flakey well, actually not flakey enough weather. We hosted a Snowmobile Safety Check on January 4 and our

the groomer. Hows it look in the picture?

On January 18, we had a pot-luck dinner and meeting at John and Wanda Murphys house. It was a good time with a great bunch of people. We even got to try bear meat with biscuits and gravy! Thanks to John and Wanda for hosting.

To continue in the spirit of giv-ing back to the community, the club is planning to donate to the Vermont Arbor Foundation to help our for-ests that we love to ride in. Our Club is also going to purchase a member-ship to the Vermont Sheriffs Asso-ciation since we appreciate all they do to keep us safe.

A couple of our members went to the Windsor County meeting where they learned that Alexis Nel-son would be leaving the Executive Director position at VAST. Our club will miss her and wishes her all the best!

Club really lucked out that it was one of the weekends when riding was good. We inspected over 80 sleds. There was a lot of food and it was enjoyed by all. A big Thanks to the Windsor County Sheriff Mike Chamberlain, and Deputies Tom and Tabatha, for enduring the very cold weather. Thanks to all for stop-ping by to make this event a success! Go to www.sidehillcronchers.com for pictures. Maybe we got a picture of you.

Our new groomer has been out a few times. We are still in a learn-ing curve to adjust to its size, and we realize that we have more trail maintenance to do to accommodate it - especially on the back of Okemo. Let us know if youd like to help out.

The groomer looks great with the new lettering. A big Thanks goes to Pete Rappoccio of Sign Pro in New Britain, CT for generously donating his services to customize

ChesterSnowmobile Club

W I N D S O R C O U N T Y

Southeast Vermont

As I write this during the third week of January, there is little snow for riding in the Chester area. What a disappointment after having an abundance of snow for opening day. We have had plenty of cold includ-ing frigid temperatures, but also a few warm days with rain, and as everyone knows, rain is bad for us snowmobilers.

There is still a lot of snowmobile season ahead of us, but waiting for snow is no fun. Speaking for fun, we are hoping for snow soon for every-one. It would be very sad if we had to cancel our annual Poker Run for this reason. Details for this event are on the VAST website, as well as below. We would love to see you there.

Make a Difference Nominate SomeoneNOMINATIONS ARE DUE APRIL 1, 2014


Vermont Association of Snow Travelers, Inc. 26 Vast Lane, Barre, VT 05641 T 802.229.0005 F 802.223.4316

Go to: vtvast.org/VAST/Resources/Forms/Nomination today !

Snowmobiler of the Year Snowmobile Family of the Year Jr. Snowmobiler of the Year (age limit 15) Dealer of the Year Snowmobile Club of the Year

Awards for Clubs Trail Related Most Improved Trails Best Signed Trails Best Groomed Trails Trail Project of the Year


We are tweeting! Our website will help you to remember to fol-low us on Twitter @CroncherNews. You can get news on trail conditions and events.

As always, a million thanks goes to the volunteers, landowners, individu-

als and businesses that support us.Be safe out there and always re-

spect landowner property. It has a direct impact on keeping our trails open.

Think snow, we need it! Tina

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All applications must be postmarked or faxed NO later than March 1, 2014. Applications received after that date will not be considered.To obtain an application: Online http://vtvast.org/VAST/News/scholarship.html Through the VAST Office by mail or email ([email protected]) or by phone. (802) 229-0005 ext. 14.Please send all applications to:VAST Scholarship Award26 Vast LaneBarre, VT 05641

VAST awards two $1,500 scholarships annually.VAST Scholarship Awards are open to VAST members, their spouses and/or dependents of all ages to help you further your education in any post secondary school, including vocational/technical education.Two Chances to Win!The applications of the top five finalists will also be submit-ted for consideration to the Northeast Chapter of the Inter-national Snowmobile Councils (NEISC) Scholarship Awards program. The NEISC awards two $500 scholarship awards annually. So, you have two chances to win!

Two $1500 SCHOLARSHIPSAPPLICATIONS ARE DUE MARCH 1, 2014


Vermont Association of Snow Travelers, Inc. 26 Vast Lane, Barre, VT 05641 T 802.229.0005



Woodford SnoBustersB E N N I N G T O N C O U N T Y

Southwest Vermont

Hello SnoBusters. I was hop-ing that by the time I had to write the January newsletter, we would be deep in snow and racking up the miles on our sleds. It hasnt worked out that way, but with a little luck, we will still be able to salvage the rest of the season. Cabin fever is setting in, and when the cold breaks and the snow comes, it will be time to get out and make up for lost miles.

I would like to thank all our members who have joined this sea-son and want to remind everyone who has not (because of the weath-er) considered keeping your club dues up to date. You can still join your local club (through the web-site) without purchasing a TMA. It is your club dues that will help keep us going next season when we start up again.

We are still holding the Special People Ride at the McKennas barn on February 8, so come join the fun and see what a great day it is for all who participate.

The Annual Charity Hot Dog Roast is still on for February 15, and if snow is a factor, we will be hold-ing an open house at the groomer barn as an alternative. Please keep in touch with our website to stay updated.

This letter will be short this time,

but hopefully I will have only good news to write about in the next one. Time to pull out all the stops and start doing the SNOW DANCE!

See you on the trails! Mark Tilley, President

SouthwestVermont


Dealers EquipmentCentral Vermont Motorcycle Rutland, VT Arctic Cat and Ski Doo snowmobiles, ATV sales & service 802-773-4533. www.centralvermontmotorcycles.com.Dan Turco & Sons Yamaha snowmobiles 802-773-8650 www.turcosyamaha.com

Lodging/DiningThe Mountain Top Inn & Resort 195 Mountain Top Rd., Chittenden, VT 802-483-2311 or www.mountaintopinn.com

Ray Duquett, Alexis Nelson and Dave Fucci at the Clement Shelter in Shrewsbury 2011.

Shrewsbury Sno-BirdsR U T L A N D C O U N T Y

Southwest Vermont

Another month has gone by and we still dont see good snow in the forecast! We started out so well, but as you know, Mother Nature has not been so kind this year so far. We have been out packing a couple of times when we had snow and then the rain and warmer temps came and took it away.

The reason we used the compac-tor bar and not the drag was because we didnt have enough snow. If we had used the drag, we would have had bare spots and dug out rocks and


possibly damaged the equipment. Most of our trails are not roads, just trails thru the woods. If we had more roads, we would have used the drag in those areas. Lets pray that we get some good snow soon. We are ready and waiting.

At our last club meeting, we discussed the lack of snow. A few of our members have gone to Canada a couple of times. They say its mid winter conditions up there. Its nice to see some place that has good rid-ing conditions. We also talked about one of our bridges that will probably have to be replaced this year.

It was another monthly meeting that we could not ride to because of the weather. We also have some

other trail issues that we need to look at shortly. All in all, it seems to be a quiet time because of the weather. Our next club meeting will be on March 11, 2014 at the Snow Angel on Route 4 in Mendon, starting at 7:00 pm. We hope to see you there. Its also on Corridors 4&7 if the snow is good!

The Shrewsbury Sno-Birds want to wish Alexis and her family the best; she will be missed. We had several conversations about trails and family over the years. Our big-gest accomplishment which started before Alexis was at VAST, was the completion of Corridors 4&7 in the Rutland City water shed in 2010.

The first walk was 12.5 miles and when that fell through, we changed

to a different area and that was about half the miles. With Alexis and Matt and several of our club members, we finished it at the last minute. We were sorry that none of our mem-bers were able to get to the open house! We do hope to see and talk to her some time along the way, maybe on trails or at a VAST meeting. We do wish her the best and her family which comes first.

Check out our website at: ShrewsburySnoBirds.org, you can see more photos and add some of your own! We are also on Facebook. We try to keep it up-to-date on trail conditions. You can subscribe and get our updates instantly. Hope to see you on the trails!

Any season. Any reason.

Sno-Birds (Con't. from pg. 27)

Over Snow Vehicle Speed on the Green Mountain National Forest Restricted In Excess of 35 Miles Per HourRUTLAND, VT. (January 31, 2014) U.S. Forest Service officials in Vermont announced Friday that they will be implement-ing and enforcing a closure order limiting over snow vehicle (OSV) speed on the more than 400,000 acre Green Mountain National Forest (GMNF). The new order was signed and took effect on Friday, January 10, 2014. The order states that the maximum speed allowed for an OSV within the Green Mountain National Forest is 35 miles per hour. This regula-tory measure is consistent with Vermont state law and speed regulations for OSV travel on Vermont state lands.

All snowmobile trails within the Green Mountain National Forest are multiple-use trails open to such activities as cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, and dog sledding, and excessive OSV speed is an increased risk to other forest users. The Forest Service also stated that the severity of injuries (including death) as a result of OSV accidents has a direct correlation with higher speed.

The GMNF and Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST) work together to maintain more than 400 miles of national forest system trails that are part of the statewide snowmobile trail system. Citing excessive and unsafe speeds as being a frequent and contributing factor to OSV accidents and injury in Vermont and on the GMNF, Forest Service officials say that the following issues were identified and prompted the order which is geared toward promoting recreation safety for all users on the National Forest.

Most of the OSV trails on the GMNF are winding, narrow, mountainous, and non-linear by nature and thereby have limited sight-lines resulting in reduced reaction times.

U.S. Forest Service Press Release

OSV trails attract users of all abilities from novice to ex-pert, and children as young as 8 years of age are lawfully permitted to operate OSVs on VAST trails.

In recent years snowmobiles have gotten more powerful an

Documents

VAST News - Late Winter 2014