Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/19781
Now that we’ve published our exclusive Top 15 Trails in the West, where we ask hundreds of readers to tell us where they like to ride, we went a little deeper and asked a couple dozen sledders to be even more specific about where they like to ride. You might know some of those we’ve queried, some you won’t but they all have one thing in common: they love to snowmobile. Admittedly, the areas listed might not be these riders’ ab- solute favorites. We couldn’t pry their private little play areas out of them, but they did share where they like to ride. ANGELYN DYER play and the snow is usually endlessly deep and fluffy. I can still manage to get myself into places I shouldn’t be and can find a climb or two that challenges me every time. Throughout the years it has become more popular, but when we first started there in the late 80s we were often the only people around for miles and miles. It says freedom and always guarantees a good ride. How Long Have You Been Riding? Twenty-three years, which makes me feel really old. Your Current Ride: My sled is the pink M8 you can see ripping around with Thunderstruck or on a Monday in the eastern Idaho/western Wyoming area. It is the 2007 model, which means its time for me to upgrade. It has a clutch kit, lightweight rear bumper and some cosmetic upgrades (it used to be a green machine) but still has the stock engine. Some- times when I ride with the turbos of Thunderstruck I feel as though I am on a little kitty cat, wishing I had a real machine that would make it where the boys go. Ultimately, however, I have loved this sled. Photo by Thunderstruck Films www.bigskyx.com rexburg, id, rider for team thunderstruck (thunder- struck movies), currently in graduate school to become a speech and language therapist Favorite Riding Area: While it is true that I like to ride just about anywhere as long as it is on snow, a few of my favorite riding areas are close to home. I love the chutes at Mt. Jefferson, and the technical riding at Indian Creek, WY, or Bedford, WY (all just a couple hours from home), but I would have to admit that my all-time favorite area is where I grew up riding. The Big Hole Mountains area, just outside of Driggs, ID, was where my dad put me on my first sled (at age 6) and told me to “keep up or you won’t be able to come anymore.” I spent many years chasing my brother Geoff “Phatty” (from Boondockers Films) up and down the terrain and as teenagers we often loaded up and went there by our- selves. We taught Ryan Nelson (also of Boondockers) how to ride in that area after he bought his first sled in 2003. Why There? I like the area because it provides fun for all. There are groomed trails to race down, tight corners through the trees, technical climbs, open meadows to boon- dock in, cornices, natural jumps and spectacular views from the top of some of the peaks. It is not the most majestic of areas but it is my playground. I know many hidden places to 32 SNOWEST DECEMBER 2010 BOB BLOOM anchorage, aK Favorite Riding Areas: My favorite is a secret area. My second favorite area is Petersville as it gets great snow. It has it all from just right amount of woods, open meadows and lakes to the steep and deep. I like the Bunco Lake and Alder Mountain areas the best because on clear days you get great view of Mount McKinley. This area is getting more popular so one must get there early or parking is an issue. How Long Have You Been Riding? I have been at this game for a little while. I guess my first ride was in 1968 on a Wards Snow Traveler (rebadged a Polaris Mustang). It had a monster 8-horsepower Kohler and a killer 25 mph top end. But I have worked my way up to a 2011 800 Pro-RMK. As soon as I get it, I will be adding a gas can rack and a little storage box. My last sled was a 2009 700 RMK. BRETT JENSEN Preston, id Favorite Riding Areas: I have been lucky enough to ride in some pretty amazing places and I always smile because “everyone has the best riding spot.” For sure they do because they always take you to their “honey hole.” Through all of the fun spots I have two favorites, Pinedale, WY, and Mc- Call, ID. Ok, you’re going to force me to pick one aren’t you? McCall, ID is it. Why There? I have been there on the deepest snow day I have ever experienced in my LIFE. It was amazing. The country is just plain big. It’s pretty easy to get away from crowds to enjoy whatever type riding is your favorite, tight trees, full days of sidehills, big bowls with long pulls, beautiful groomed trails, it has it all.