Goodrich – When the work week’s done, Bill Lowe’s thoughts often turn to a favorite winter sport: snowmobiling.
Lowe, a former trophy-winning snowmobile racer, doesn’t fear waist-deep snow, 40 mph winds, nor Code Red advisories warning snowmobilers to stay put.
‘It said to stay off the roads or trails. Of course we couldn’t believe that, we were too smart,? he said with a laugh.
‘We took off from the hotel,? said Lowe. ‘Snow was coming over the windshield. People were coming back saying, ‘We tried it, you can’t make it, you’ll run out of gas.??
In a Canadian snowstorm so blinding ‘you can’t see your buddies,? Lowe’s group set out. Four hours after expected, they returned.
Lowe, 56, started riding as a youngster at his uncle’s in Cheboygan.
He bought his first sled in 1969, a fire engine-red Rupp 440 Sport.
‘I thought I was something.?
‘I still ride a lot,? said Lowe. ‘We go all over.?
Proper equipment to stay warm is most important, he says.
‘Don’t use ski equipment. You need something that’s sealed.?
A seasoned sledder, surrounded by racks of snowmobile clothing at Jan’s Sport Shop in Goodrich where he works as a marine sales consultant, Lowe leaves finding the proper gear to professionals he works with, ‘somebody who knows thermal layers?.
Jan’s sells one and two-piece snowsuits, boots, and accessories, along with open-face, full-face, and modular helmets that flip up, says owner Brad Hempton, for whom Hadley Hills was formerly a favorite snowmobiling destination.
Brett Parent, owner of M-15 Moto-Sports in Ortonville, is well acquainted with the Hadley Hills recreation area near Fox Lake and Washburn roads.
‘It’s about 4,000 acres of state land, most people trailer (snowmobiles) into it,? Parent said.
Holly Recreation Area near Grange Hall Road in Groveland Township, also offers snowmobile trails.
M-15 Moto-Sports sells snowmobile apparel for men, women, and youth.
Snowmobiling’s appeal is widespread in Michigan, says Parent, who’s been riding sleds since he was 5 or 6.
‘It’s like a whole other world,? he said. ‘If you’re not part of it or know snowmobilers, you don’t really realize how huge the sport is.?
Parent finds the thrill of riding trails with friends addictive.
‘Once you do it you’re kind of hooked on it.?
Riding with friends is another rule of the trail.
‘I don’t recommend you go alone,? Lowe said. ‘There’s things like creeks to go through. As long as you’ve got two sleds together, you’re okay.?
If friends and family don’t care for sledding, search the Web for Michigan snowmobile clubs like the Snowmads, says Lowe.
A youth permit or proper knowledge of snowmobiling regulations is also essential.
Although the Michigan Department of Natural Resources often holds snowmobile safety classes, in Genesee County the sheriff’s department holds classes, often at a low cost. Call Sgt. Rod Hunt, supervisor of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department Marine Division at (810) 257-3176 to learn more.
To review Michigan’s snowmobile laws, go to http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10365_14824-32293?,00.html