Here’s our version of our snowdance. Apparently, we have some catching up to do, since some of you are already riding! (Look forward to upcoming riding news from Kristy Martin in Wyoming!).

But wait! There’s more!

And more…

And more…

Enough! Use the links and go ElfYourself!

More YouTube. Hey, once you get started it’s hard to stop!

This one is from the Thunderstruck Teaser. Here’s some background info from the YouTube summary:

For over a decade Team Thunderstruck has searched the mountains for the steepest, nastiest, most astonishing riding areas. And now glory has been found… With over 20 death-defying first ascents Thunderstruck 6 makes sure NOTHING is the same in the world of freestyle hill climbing. From The Krazy Canadian’s 2000 foot Ladybird first ascent to Randy Swenson’s amazing Couloir Overhang first ascent, the riders of Thunderstruck prove that there really is nothing that cannot be climbed!

Thunderstruck On YouTube

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In Bill’s opinion, one I share with him, these guys might just be crazier than the Sled Porn boys.

Why My Kids Will Never Skateboard

Frankly because it just scares the crap out of me. The first one is kind of funny, in an “at this guy’s expense” kind of way. The second one is just unbelievable (but don’t worry it has a happy ending).

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Ever wonder how these guys do this stuff? How they learn to flip sled without killing themselves? Where Sled Porn got its name? Watch this video and you’ll find out. Watch around 4:40, too, to find out how these guys have the time to do it. Sounds to me like these guys really have life figured out!

Sled Porn, The ‘How’d They Do That!?’ Version

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Here’s an absolutely insane video from the SledNecks 10 Teaser on YouTube. Some crazy shots and totally unbelievable jumps and stunts.

SledNecks 10 YouTube Teaser

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Bill didn’t know a thing about YouTube until he started following me on my blog. Now he’s an addict. It’s actually a step up since his former evening habit was obsessing over property potentials on Maine real estate websites. But now that that question is basically solved since we intend to buy his Mom’s property, he needed something else to obsess over at night on the net, and YouTube is it. The upside is that he’s found some really good stuff, which you can plan on seeing a lot more of.

Bill’s YouTube Pick of The Day

Okay, he’s not home right now so he can’t confirm for me that this is his exact pick of the day, and he probably has better ones, but he’s been big into the SledPorn videos. They are very cool, with lots of big air and big action, and crazy killer stunts (literally–someone did die making one of these, although I don’t think it was this one).

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We’re not mountain riders in our part of the country, but I do know we have some readers who are, so it seemed appropriate to pass along this update from AmSnow on the production and management of the ABS Avalanche backpacks.

As reported by American Snomobiler, Klim will continue to be the distributor for the packs for North America, Canada included; but major changes have been made that affect you as a consumer.  From AmSnow: “ All warranties will now be handled at Klim, where before, there was a third party handling warranty issues. Another major change is that canisters will now be filled here in North America”.  The latter part is especially important, as it means that the bottles will be easier to find and buy.

You can read the full post by AmSnow here, and you can also access a link there that takes you to a video which details how to use the pack properly.

As AmSnow reports, the increase in incidences of avalanches over the last couple years has made preparedness all the more important, so for you backcountry mountain riders, this post & pack are worth a look!

 Get more snowmobile news and product updates faster; susbscribe to the SledChix snowmobile blog.

Okay I admit I’m still too chicken for this, but this link was passed in the comments a couple weeks back by John Smallwood.  Have fun watching this YouTube snowmobiling video of Katie learning freestyle.  She does look like she’s enjoying herself!

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When he heard I was looking for interesting snowmobile pictures, Ron from gothotrocks.com just knew we’d want to see these.

 These photos cross the nation from the state of Washington, where Ron says, “we manage to run our sleds year round, even in summer.”

In regards to the event in the photos, Ron says,

“This event happens the end of July at Ione, Washington. There are 50+ sleds involved each year.  It is about 1/3 mile across the river and 70+ feet deep. Sleds start with skis almost touching the water, no running start.  Anyone is invited to compete, and Yes, some sleds do sink.”

Sled vs Jet Ski–Sled Wins!

It looks like tons of fun, and Ron assures me your first ride is the most thrilling, so if you’re already longing for white trails again, consider a trip to Ione, Washington in Eastern Washington state in July; or one sooner–last we spoke, Ron said there was still 4 to 6 feet of snow in the mountains where he sleds, with some locations reporting 10 feet!  One year, they were snowmobiling on June 1st!

Ron has a video of last year’s event up on his site.  You can see it here: WaterCross Snowmobile Video

Looks like good times riding in Washington!  And by the way for all of you watercrossers out there, I did find watercross snowmobile shirts at SledderWear the other day (the woman has everything…)

Thanks for the pics and links, Ron!  If you’ve got something worth looking at, send them along to sledderchick@gmail.com.

In closing, I’ll leave you with Ron’s words of wisdom, which I’m taking to heart to get me through the warm months ahead…

“…After all, water is just warm snow.”

The Maine Snowmobile Association, in cooperation with the Maine Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Department, has made available a free snowmobile safety CD.  It’s an interactoive CD aimed at educating snowmobilers to Ride Safe.  It’s being promoted as a tool for sledders new and old, and for snowmobilers looking for tools to help educate their children in regards to safe riding practices.

 The CD itself is free for anyone in the US and Canada, but there is a cost to ship it.  To avoid the measly $5 shipping fee you can pick one up in person at an MSA location or event.

Here’s the low-down from the MSA:

Interactive Snowmobile Safety CD

INTERACTIVE SAFETY CD

Since the MSA and IF&W introduced the Ride Right, Ride Smart interactive snowmobile safety CD several years ago, thousands of snowmobilers have used this fun and innovative product to increase their safety knowledge. The program is designed for use on your personal computer, allowing you, your friends and family to take the course in your own home! Copies of the CD have been supplied to every middle and high school library in the state of Maine for the use of snowmobiling young people state-wide.
The course leads the rider on a virtual snowmobile trip across Maine. Using video and displayed text, the student learns the basics of snowmobile safety along the way. At various times on the trip, the rider must refuel their sled by taking a short quiz. Upon completion of the course, the rider can print out the tests and a completion certificate.
The CD is being distributed free of charge at the MSA office, 7 Noyes Place in Augusta, at the IF&W Info Center on State St. in Augusta, and at MSA meetings and events. If you wish to have a copy of the CD mailed to you (U.S./Canada only, please), we ask that you include $5 to cover postage and packaging. Send your request, mailing address and $5 per CD to: Safety CD, MSA, PO Box 80, Augusta ME 04332. If you require a Mac-compatible version of the CD, please note this on your request. (Fees waived for educators, librarians, youth/scout leaders, corporate safety committees, etc. - contact the MSA with your requests.)
The Ride Right, Ride Smart Safety CD was produced by Ursus Productions. Funding for the $20,000+ project was supplied by the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund, IF&W Dedicated Snowmobile Enforcement Fund and the MSA’s Brian Wass Safety Education Fund.

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 You can also access the safety video directly through the Maine If&W website and view online.

More great and low-cost ways to teach and educate about safe snowmobiling!