HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Brussels Post, 1972-11-22, Page 27114.1110.1 I • ,
Snowmobiling gains popularity.
(From The Canadian. Motorist)
Snowmobiles appeared, on the
coMtnerCial market in 1959; a
measly 300 were prothiced that
first Year. Ten years later, over
half-a-million Of the little snub-
nosed vehicles were dotting the
snow.covered North Artierlean
landscape, more than 60,000 of
them right here inOntario, Snow-
mobiling Is rapidly becoming the
most popular winter family sport
in Canada.
Seasoned skiiers 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
to get to a hP$Pital in time
through heavy drifts. Early
snowmobiles Were big, covered
vehicles which, were not used for
!port, but .for vital rescue open
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 those 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.
PR her borrowed snowmobile, She.
crashed: into a tree on a golf
course, Vnfortnnateib FOnie no-
vices get ,lulled Into a false sense:
of security by the apparent handl-
ing ease of the snowmobile, but
are, often unfamiliar with heir
machine and can easily lose
control When going too fast.
It's important to know the
local weather conditions before
going snowmobiling, Below
freezing temperatures are best,
as snowmobiles don't take too
kindly to slushy snow. And if
crossing a frozen lake on your
snowmobile , be sure the lce 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.
tryour appetite has been
whetted for= snowmobiling, but
you're still a bit leery of taking
the financial plunge,, 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
Merry
Christmas
and a Happy
Skiroule Year.
if t441,,
'dot •
. j
•
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
There's nothing
quite like it!
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.
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, 2 nd
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!
Snowmobiles are still pretty much the same.
The beautiful difference...Skiroule.
Sk//'OIdes
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