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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1972-11-30, Page 21There's nothing quite like it! hit+, i , Merry -- Christmas and a Happy Skiroule Year! Give your family the Super Gift this year a Skiroule by Coleman. If you want to give your family a really beautiful surprise this holiday season give them the Super Gift . a Skiroule snowmobile with reliability in the Coleman tradition. It features dependable power and performance, in addition to its • super good looks. For a beautifully different Christmas ... Skiroule: The beautiful difference . . . eleven models in three series: The spirited •: RT line „ . the hot RTX'S „ . and the new Wankle powered RTW Drop in and see the Super Gift . . the new Skiroule. And make it a Happy Skiroule Year. 1.1 Snowmobiling gains popularity 04 0 .4 a (From The Canadian MOto Snowmobiles appeared on the commercial market in 1959; a measly 300 were produced that first year. Ten years later, over half-a-million of the little snub- nosed vehicles were dotting the snow-covered North American landscape, more than 60,000 of them -right here in Ontario. Snow- mobiling is rapidly becoming the most popular winter family sport in Canada. , Seasoned skilers may sniff at the "motorized laziness" snowmobiling represents to some of them, but enthusiasts of this relatively new sport could well have the last laugh. A' snowmobile will give you plenty of action and thrills, and yet is so easy to handle , the whole family can use it. The controls are simple, much like those on a motorbike - handle bars for steering, and hand brakes for stopping. And snowmobiles have this added advantage: they can 'be used practically anywhere that there is snow. You see them zipping along forest trails, up and down hills and across frozen lakes - no need to travel hundreds of miles to find a "decent" mountain! The snowmobile was invented in 1936 by Joseph Bombardier of Quebec who realized the need for a vehicle that could move over snow after his son died of appendicitis; it was impossible o get him to. a hospital in time rough heavy drifts. Early s swmobiles were big, covered vehicles which were not used for sport, but for vital rescue oper- ations as ambulances and even as hearses, mainly in the snow- bound north. Today's smaller open models, favored mostly by sportsmen, serve useful pur- poses too. Eskimos and mounties are among these who are turning to snowmobiles as a faster, more reliable means of transportation than the traditional dog team. But most of the owners of the half-million snowmobiles swish- ing along trails this winter are out there for the sheer fun of it! Snowmobile racing, jumping and , manoeuvring competitions have become important events at many winter carnivals through out Ontario. Much practice on a snowmobile is needed before enough driving skill and "know- how" can be acquired to succes- sfully compete in these contests. one thing to remember: a snow.- mobile is not a toy! Standard models, used mainly by profes- sionals in competition, can do upwards of 65 mph. All snow- mobiles can be dangerous, if not handled properly. Excessive speed , lack of caution and proper training have caused many acci- dents, some of them fatal. One winter, a Toronto woman, was killed when going at high speed on her borrowed snowmobile. She crashed into a tree on a golf course. Unfortunately, some no- vices get lulled into a false sense of security by the apparent handl- ing ease of the snowrnobile, but are often unfamiliar with their machine and can easily lose control when going too fast. It's important to know the local weather conditions before going snowmobiling. Below freezing tenfOrratures are best, as snowmobiles don't take too kindly to slushy snow. And if crossing a frozen lake on your snowmobile , be sure the ice is thick and safe. It wouldn't be very pleasant to go crashing through thin or "rotten" ice into freezing water, and it could be fatal. -Lt-your appetite has been whetted for snowmobiling, but you're still a bit leery of taking the financial plimge, don't des- pair! Snowmobile rental is a lucrative business mushrooming all over Ontario, and many fully- equipped snowmobile resorts have recently opened as well. Most of these resorts feature Marked trails, banked raceways, congenial clubhouses serving food and beverages, and even weekend accommodation. Snowmobiling is a great sport, and it's growing. More people each year are getting out in the fresh winter air to explore places 3 Ir rA Consider a little 'TLC' As the snowmobiling season begins, it's time for every owner to consider a little "TLC" - tender, loving care - for his machine. As with any mechanical pro- 'duct, just a little simple minor maintenance- often will prevent major expenses for repairs and parts replacement. • Fortunately, minor mainten- ance and 'adjustment of these machines can be accomplished easily by the, average owner - without special tools or skills - according to the recreation ex- perts. For detailed instructions, owners should refer to the manual received with their machine at the time of purchase, but general recommendations can be given here: *Fuel system - clean or re- place any filters in the fuel tank or lines. *Throttle - apply a dry lu- bricant to the cable, and check the system from thumb throttle to carb for proper tightness of all fittings. *Brakes - on most machines there's a simple adjustment to compensate for wear of the brake band. *Drive belt - replace if there is excessive edge wear, or at the first sign of- cracks. *Track - make certain tension is equal on both sides, per your manual's instructions. Of course, if you still suspect you'd be "all thumbs" even after reading your owners manual, fre- quently take your machine back to your dealer for check-ups - he's an expert at "TLC'' for snowmobiles! • Snowm'obiles are,still pretty much the same. The beautiful difference...Skiroule. .Coleman® JOHN ELDER ENTERPRISES ,1 Mile West and 1 Mile South of Hensall Phone 262.5598 • R R 2 Hensall HURON EXPOSITOR SUPPLEMENT, NOV. 30, 1972-9 , ,