Grayling Visitors Bureau

AuSable Valley Snowmobile Association
February 2011 Newsletter

Groomer vs. Snowmobile who wins?  The short answer NOBODY!  February 11th was possible the worst day two groomer drivers and three snowmobiler’s could have ever imagined.  In the state of Maine a snowmobiler was killed  when he hit a groomer that had broken down on the trail, police reports indicates the groomer driver had taken the proper precautions by putting out warning signs.  On that same day just west of Grayling in Kalkaska County on the Blue Bear trail #79 a father and son riding together hit a groomer head-on, both were air flighted to a Traverse City hospital.  Both incidents remain under investigation.  Groomers are large pieces of equipment that move slow, roughly 8 mph and take up most of the trail; snowmobiles as we all know are more maneuverable and can travel much faster.  Most clubs prefer to groom at night however day time grooming is required to maintain the trails in good shape especially on weekends.  We want to remind all snowmobilers to drive at a reasonable speed according to conditions and to have enough room to brake if obstacles appear on the trails.  Neither of these accidents involved AVSA groomers.

Trail Updates – AVSA has been grooming on regular bases and to date our drivers have groomed 1345 miles of trail requiring 198 volunteer hours for an average of 6.75 miles per hour.  Keith said, the crew of drivers has been dong an excellent job this season despite the lack of a good base on the trails.  During this resent thaw the crew has been smoothing out corners in anticipation of more snow in our future.  Those warm temps have done a number on the groomed trails however the Grayling area offers ample off trail riding on state land and seasonal roads, come visit Crawford County.

Arctic Cat, Polaris and Yamaha “Sneak Peek” schedule announced – 22 locations across the Snowbelt will get their Sneak Peek of the 2012 sleds, in Michigan that opportunity will be March 22 in Grand Rapids at the Delta Plex.  On display will be 15-18 sleds from each of the above manufacturers.  Snowmobilers can see, touch, sit on and inspect the sleds that will be at the dealers in the fall.  For more information on the Sneak Peek tour call 800-746-8963

General Membership Meetings– Our next General Membership Meeting will be on Thursday, March 3rd at the Ramada Inn of Grayling starting at 7: pm.  Our meetings are open to anyone who wishes to attend.

We also would like to thank – all of you who have sent in your memberships to join the AuSable Valley Snowmobile Association. Whether you are a family or a business, we appreciate having you as members of our club.

Email – Help AVSA reduce operating cost if you are receiving the monthly newsletter via US mail and have an email address and would like to receive future newsletters or other correspondence electronically.  Go to www.gosledgrayling.org and click on contact to send AVSA your email address.  AVSA will not sell or share any personal information with any other organization without your written permission.

Safe Riding – remember safe riding starts with you!  Ride sober!

AVSA Board of Directors
Pres.-Rich Filley    V.P.-Tom Everly    Secretary-Mike Miller    Grooming-Keith Miles
Safety-Art Fisette    Web & Treas.-Rob Tomlinson    B.O.D.-Bob Smith
B.O.D.-Bill Weaver   B.O.D.-Mike Brown

Contact via US mail at: AVSA, PO Box 1176, Grayling, MI 49738
Or visit us at: www.GoSledGrayling.org

Frequent our Business Sponsors Whenever Possible!!

Airway Automation
Fay’s Motel & Cottages
Grayling Generating Station
Grayling Visitors Bureau
Jack Millikin, Inc. Excavating
McLean’s Ace Hardware
Pointe North Motel
Ramada Inn
Rich’s Cycle Service
Woodland Motor Lodge