I went snowshoeing up the Notch Rd. today..........tons of snow and lots of people out enjoying the trail.........

The snowmobilers were the worst of the bunch.............the ambassadors of our sport don't want to wait until the VAST trails are open so they do the shared Notch road between Stowe and Smuggs. What a nightmare..........I was so embarrased to be a snowmobiler.............They used that road like a race track.........3 miles up and back over and over and over again, annoying everyone.......blipping the throttles.......They have a right to be there, but that REALLY makes everyone hate us and puts us on the front page. One guy had a Can and people were holding there ears everytime he went by...........including me...........It was bad

I wish people would exercise patience and wait till the trails open. Everyone I met along the way was concerned about the sleds.............

It looks to me like some of our fellow Vermont snowmobilers don't want us to have a trail system at all!!!!!!!!! Especially in an area like that. Alot of money up there and those folks will go right to the authorities and shut us down. And after things like what you saw, who can blame them. USE YOUR HEAD PEOPLE OR OUR SPORT IS DONE!!!!!!

I am so sorry to read this. No one else cares, I've said it before I'll say it as long as I can ride. SNOWMOBILERS ARE THEIR OWN WORST ENEMY.

This problem is not just with the snowmobiles. Same goes for quads, dirt bikes, jetskis, jeeps, just about anything with a motor, even mountain bikes are getting a bad rap from irresponsible riders. What has worked in my area with quads is, your ride is impounded and you have to go to court, pay impound fees and a fine to get it back, this is if your quad is not on your own property or on your truck or trailer, it does not even need to be warm. Not many guys do that more than once. Don't think it can't happen with sleds too. When jet skis came out you could ride then anywhere, look what happened. DT

Jesus, wft are we supposed to do. I was heading home from Burlington to Derby. I took route 100 heading east. There was a sled driving down the road heading west around Morrisville. It was dark, hardly any snow and his trail went all the way past Jay. All my girlfriend and I said is this guy isn't gonna have any ski's left. I just couldn't believe someone would ride like that. Just like the yahoo's in Stowe there's no need for it. I have a feeling that with the low snow conditions this year that theres gonna be alot of stories like this.

Yo Mamma, is Notch Road Federal land. You said they had a right to be there.

I always wanted to sled in Stowe but guess I waited too long, now that they banned sleds from town not sure if it is still worth the visit. Figure with sledders like that wont be able to ride in that county soon.

KR

I'm not sure who has jurisdiction but Snowmobilers are legally allowed on that road.


I will sometimes sled to the parking lot somewhat near the road that goes behind the Waterhole Pool/Gym and walk from there 1/4 - 1/2 mile to go to dinner or lunch in town. Nice walk, good exercise. Lots of good restaurants in the area within walking distance.

Just be sure to lock your sled up.

Good thread, glad you posted this.

Stowe area trails are very good..we ride over that way often.

The locals I was talking too in the parking lot were saying it's like this every year before the VAST trails open. When the VAST trails do open everyone else is pretty much soured on the Notch road and have moved elsewhere to hike and ski, determined to go to town meeting and the legislature and protest snowmobiles everywhere. It consolidates and fuels their drive to close trails.

If we stayed on our own dedicated trails it would decrease our exposure and lighten the bad sentiment and resistance. Sucking fumes hiking up that trail was NO fun!

None of the skiers or hikers said a word about the TONS of fuel and resources to make snow on a warm mountain and drive the chairlifts.............out of site out of mind. Some of us put snowmobilers front and center by riding these areas.

How is the ride from Lyndonville to Stowe? Have only ventured as far West as
the line between say Danville north to maybe Lowell. Thinking the spouses would like a ride out, stay over, ride back next day. Definately want to branch out from
the Lyndonville hub this year


KR

It's very good all the way, as long as the groomer is working. Once in a while Hardwick club has problems, but mostly very good riding. Shoot me an email when you are coming and if I'm available I can show you the way.

Rob, I'm sure Snowcrazed and I will take you up on that this winter, thanks.

KR

I beg the few reckless sledders i know to cool it....the trail system is so important and a few knuckleheads can screw it up any time. I don't want to be an old fart...but unmuffled cans are exactly what the lifestyle nazis are looking to complain about. This being the best country in the world....we have a right to ride...but they have a right to complain....a happy medium and common sense is all I ask. :beerchug:

I will only add to this topic because I am pissed off. On my way home tonight from Killington I see 3 trucks and trailers, (two 4 ups), parked at the bottom of the CCC road in Plymouth. I know that this is an easy, early season access point but THE TRAILS ARE NOT OPEN YET!!! If you are reading this and were one of the riders on that trail tonight FU!! I really enjoy snowmobiling and want it to continue well into the future but your actions will not help it in any way. I apologize to the rest of you who may read this post but to those who insist on wrecking the sport for the rest of us, STAY OFF OF THE TRAILS UNTIL THEY ARE OPEN!! THAT WOULD BE DECEMBER 20, 2004 IN VERMONT. I would like to apologize for my outburst to the rest of you.

AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You couldn't be more right!

Maybe a little fine would help refresh their memory of the opening date. :frech32:

I know some people who go up to the Notch to ride before the season starts. They normally go at night, so I don't think they were the ones who are pointed to in this thread. The riding in Stowe has always been subject to the views of the second home owners and stoweites, who in my opinion, don't like the snowmobile image. I think the local business people (restraunts, resorts) would say otherwise however. IMO, I can understand how the riding in the village was stopped, you literally had to ride on some persons front yard (about 5 feet from their kitchen window) as well as passing within 10 feet of the elementary school. I wouldn't want that hapenning if I lived there with my kids. You can still access the downtown area easily enough, you can't get to the gas station very easily. What once took 5 minutes will take 30. Overall the Stowe loop...up over sterling ridge and either into Johnson, or morrisville is a fun family ride through the sugarbush.