Howdy again. It’s been a while since the last Vintage Side of the Trail appeared. Even though I wasn’t making an appearance in the magazine, I was still out there working the trails, tinkering with my vintage Cats and supporting the sport. I would like to thank Bob Dodge for stepping up while I was taking some time off. He continued to keep the ship moving forward.
Well, here we are moving into the nice fall days and cool nights, marking the arrival of the sport we all love. So be a part of the helping force this year and get involved with preparing the trail systems for the upcoming snow. Who knows, it might be your club that is hosting a sanctioned vintage ride on your trails this year.
Speaking of which, if your club is interested in hosting a vintage ride make sure you submit the application to the Mass Vintage Committee on or before October 31. Your club delegate has the application. Contact your SAM delegate ASAP. The rides are a great way to see the old sleds of the past out there using the trails again.
On the show front, we are now one month into vintage shows, like the Old Iron Dogs Vintage Show, which was hosted by the Snowbirds of Spencer in early September. This show, like others, has grown the last few years. The Sled Expo will again feature a display of old iron vintage sleds. Get in touch with me if you would like to bring one out to the show for display. There will also be a giant swap meet to sell used parts, so clean out the garage.
The VSCA show was hosted out at Booneville, NY. Hats off to Ed Stabb, Bob Dodge and their crew for another great show. As for other happenings, keep an eye on the vintage forums and calendar of events at sledmass.com. Submit events as you find them.
As everyone is aware, we have an antique snowmobile registration bill filed in the State House again. Last year it made it through the system and missed passing by three votes! The SAM Legislative Committee has resubmitted the bill, so if you are interested in seeing it pass contact your state representative and state senator and ask for their support. The more calls and emails they get, the better chance it will pass.
As always, we keep working to preserve our past history on snowmobiling. If any clubs are interested in hosting a vintage event (swap meet, vintage ride or show) contact us. The committee is available to lend advice or assist with functions. If you have an idea for a vintage story or a vintage photo for the magazine let us know.
Photo by Dan Gould
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