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Our first snowmobile adventure
Since years, I wanted to try snowmobiling. I am from old Europe and this sport is banned in most countries. It is very popular in North America an many families own a snowmobile. Especially, if they have a cottage as a retreat. Whenever, we traveled through Ontario, we failed to experience this adventure.
End of March, 2003 when we visited the "Humber Valley Resort" in Newfoundland we finally had a chance. We became a marketing partner for this resort and a free tour was offered to us and a group of people who were interested in purchasing one of the chalets in this wonderful area.
 One of the snowmobiles |
A snowmobile provides normally seating for two people. However, the real fun is when everybody can drive his own machine. Most snowmobiles are still powered by powerful two stroke engines. The reason is less weight. However, four stroke engines seem to be the future, because of less noise and environmental reasons. Most of the snowmobiles are manufactured by experienced North American companies, but there are also high quality Japanese products available. We use skidoos made in Canada by Bombardier. According to our tour guide they were less powerfull models with approximately 60 horsepower. As a beginner, I was cautious and never reached the maximum speed which should be over 100 km/h or 60 miles/hour. I believe that would be good enough for me to enjoy this sport. |
The controls are very simple and almost self explaining.
They consisted of an electrical and a mechanical starter, a power control lever on the right handle which reduces the engine rpm to idle if you do not press it. This is a safety feature in case you fall off the sled or have an accident. On the left handle was a lever to operate the brake. A speedometer, a fuel gauge, switches for the electrical heated handles and a switch to go in reverse, completed the controls on our snowmobiles. Unfortunately, I never tried that last feature.
Later, on the bumpy trail we learned how important a good suspension is when you drive slowly what you should do as a beginner.
Warm clothing, boots, gloves and helmets were also provided for free. We arrived an day before the group which was nice because we received all the attention. Please use the installed links to to learn more about the Humber Valley Resort and contact us if you are interested in a low risk investment and visit to see what you can get. A great free program (like snowmobiling) and free accommodation
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As already said - our snowmobile tour was part of a program to convince potential buyers of a chalet in the Humber Valley Resort of the activities which are offered in this area. Being the first time on a "Skidoo" we decided that Elizabeth, my wife, was safer to ride with our tour guide. I followed them. Soon I got familiar with this kind of transportation and slowed down to increase the distance to our guide with Elizabeth on his back seat. As an old biker, I was surprised about the acceleration of the "not so powerful" vehicle. I was flying over all the bumps in the trail and in a few seconds I was on tail of our guide again. Only in the curves I was cautious because I did not want to end in the ditch or on a tree. It takes more time to be familiar with the steering. |
 Our friendly guide made several stops - to have a cigarette and to show or explain something |
 Despite the not very pleasant weather we enjoyed the scenery |
The scenery reminded me on the "Bavarian Forest" in old Europe. We stopped frequently to take pictures, to ask questions and to allow our friendly guide to smoke. Our guide was a land surveyor. He carried his own much more powerful snowmobile on his truck. It had at least twice the horsepower of those which we used. Snowmobiling was his hobby. He told us about the good fishing in the Humber River and the salmons he had caught there. Unfortunately, we had no sunshine during our tour. Normally the weather changed within hours during our visit - no luck this time. I was feeling like a huge sausage in my suit and did not feel cold. Not so Elizabeth. Se was shivering and had ice cold hands. But she feels always cold. She is too thin. |
As soon as Elizabeth learned about the electrical heated handles, she removed her gloves to warm her hands. It took only a few words and she stated to move the snowmobile. I was a little bit anxious but she did very well. She mastered an u-turn, returned smiling and told me that we have to move to Newfoundland and purchase two snowmobiles. I agreed. She even became more exited when our guide told her that heated boots are also offered for snowmobilers.
We proceeded with our adventurously tour and climbed even on a mountain top. On our way we met an other group of snowmobile fanatics. They waved us friendly We learned that approximately 1200 kilometers or 750 miles groomed trails are available in the Humber Valley for snowmobiling. When we returned there was no need to remove the ignition keys. Newfoundland is almost free of crime. Houses and cars must also not be locked. |  Elizabeth's first trial |
After our first visit of Newfoundland, we were so excited that we are seriously thinking to move. We do not see any problem with our business, only Elizabeth's parents who are already over 80 years old have to asked to come with us. We were told that presently each buyer of a chalet will receive one free snowmobile.