In the March Edition of the Keystone Snowmobiler there was an article entitled “PA Riding Still Exists”. The article points out that sometimes you have to make an extra effort to find riding in PA. What the article doesn’t point out is that sometimes there are extra tools or equipment needed too.
Before 
After 
At times, when searching for PA snow, it means that you’re the first one out, the first one down a trail. And as awesome as that may be at times, with the fresh unbroken snow, there are also risks involved. On one of those risks include the possibility that a trail may be blocked. And the most often found situation is a tree over the trail. With a little luck you and your riding partners can simply skid the tree off the trail. Sometimes it takes more than that, cutting is required. That’s when a foldable bow saw comes in handy. See the example of before and after of what a bow saw can do.
Attached are pictures of what a foldable bow saw looks like open and closed. Closed it easily fits into a backpack or storage on you sled. Open it’s a pretty effective tool for clearing the trail. It’s not readily apparent from the trail pictures, but a foldable bow saw cut thru a 1 ½ foot in diameter tree to open up this bridge. This bridge blocked the whole northern section of the trail system and there was no way around it. Problem solved with some elbow grease and this saw. There are several brands out there and different quality levels. When you come to that bigger tree, you’re going to want a better saw. The pictured saw includes a bowed handle for a better grip. It’s a nice feature, but that handle when folded doesn’t cover the blade as well as some might like. If you don’t already have one, put a good foldable bow saw on your Christmas list for next year.
Hopefully this tip can help you better enjoy, and help extend, your snowmobiling season.
Do you have a suggestion for “Tools for PA Riding”? Share your sledding know how and knowledge with your fellow sledders by sending your article and pictures to member@pasnow.org . Be sure to put “Keystone Snowmobiler” in the subject line.
