Riding With A Passenger On A Snowmobile 8 Helpful Tips

---

Snow-packed trails are calling, but bringing another person along presents additional considerations and new obstacles. You’re responsible for your passenger’s health and well-being in wintry conditions, which can bring the fun to a halt if either of you comes unprepared. Learn how to transport two people on a snowmobile.
Table of Contents Use the Proper Equipment Bundle Up Stay Connected Drive with Care Get into Position Plan for Emergencies Prepare for a Changing Climate Know Their Limits Riding a Snowmobile with a Passenger Use the Proper Equipment You should only ride with another person if your sled is designed for two people. Known as a double or 2-up sled, these machines have a second seat and two pairs of handlebars and footrests to accommodate passengers, increasing the length, weight, and capacity. Squeezing two people onto a single sled increases the risk of accidents. Your companion can easily fall off the back without something to grab onto.
Original equipment manufacturers offer upgrades that turn your sled into a double, but the additional weight can reduce performance. Double sleds typically distribute the weight better to keep you from sinking. They also have larger engines to compensate for the drag and reinforced shocks to reduce vibrations.
Source: Parilov/Shutterstock.com
Bundle Up Once your sled is up to par, ensure you’re both wearing protective gear, including a helmet, goggles, pads and a waterproof winter ensemble to stay warm and dry. Help your fellow traveler choose moisture-wicking underlayers and insulating inserts that can be added or removed based on the temperature. Show them how to tuck layers into one another to create a foolproof barrier.
Stay Connected You and your companion should be in each other’s ear to coordinate your experiences. Pair your helmets with wireless off-road headsets to communicate clearly over the rush of the wind. You can check on them without looking away from the road or taking your hands off the throttle. The wireless connection won’t get lost when riding two-to-a-sled, and the device connects automatically to up to 15 riders when in range to help you sync up with everyone in your party.
Drive with Care Adding another person to the equation raises the stakes. You could be held liable for any injuries they incur while you’re at the helm. Don’t exceed the mph limit. Stick to groomed trails with several inches of snow and give yourself more room and time to turn to keep your passenger onboard. Keep your eyes on the road to avoid obstacles and reduce speed in low visibility. Most accidents are caused by riders colliding with natural and human-made objects.
Now’s a good time to refresh your skills. If you don’t ride regularly, use these snowmobile riding tips to instill confidence in your companion.
Source: Altrendo Images/Shutterstock.com
Get into Position Adding a hundred-plus pounds affects handling and acceleration by pushing the center of gravity to the rear. You’ll need more time to accelerate and may have trouble ascending steep inclines than when riding solo. Sudden movements on their end can also dramatically shift your balance. Encourage them to shift their weight into each turn and stay still with their feet flat on the pegs and hands on the bars.
Plan for Emergencies You’ll also be responsible for getting you and your companion out of a jam should things go south, which means dealing with mechanical issues and navigating, all while keeping your companion safe and comfortable. Bring a repair kit, recovery tools, snacks, water and personal warming pads to keep your body temperature up when stopped. Use a radio to contact the authorities and survival gear to await your rescue.
Prepare for a Changing Climate Average temperatures are warming across the U.S., turning what would be mountains of snow into steady rain. These long-term trends limit trail access during peak riding season. Aside from the occasional superstorm, expect less snow in the years ahead. Monitor real-time density where you plan on sledding to ensure it’s safe to ride. Ride early in the morning to catch powder before it melts. Thinner layers of snow lead to bumpier rides, bringing rocks and tree roots closer to the surface.
Know Their Limits Your buddy may be surprised at how physically demanding snowmobiling can be. The sport works your muscles in subtle ways, which can leave you both exhausted after a few hours of riding. Use snowmobile helmet communication to check on each other throughout the trip without pulling over. Encourage them to speak up if they need a break or the vibrations become too much. Break up longer trips into hour-long increments to give them a chance to stretch their legs and refuel.
Riding a Snowmobile with a Passenger Snowmobiles are the best way to get around the wilderness when the ground turns white. Eighty percent of riders use their equipment for trail riding, with the rest supporting commercial purposes like fishing, hunting, and transportation. You can share your love of snowmobiling to turn your companion into a winter sports fan or give a co-worker a lift to the job site when the roads are impassable. Introducing someone you love to a new activity can put them out of their comfort zone. Be patient and receptive to their needs as they tackle this adventurous task.


from Auto Blog | Latest Car News and Reviews, Trucks, Bikes, and Motorcycles https://ift.tt/3XjPolF

---