Back during the Blizzard of '95 in New York City there was a news story about a guy who rode his snowmobile from somewhere up in Westchester all the way down to Battery Park before getting pulled over and ticketed. As we were out West at the time, I can only imagine what it was like to be in the city when it's completely snowed-in: quiet, peaceful, as if the entire Metro area was sleeping-in under a soft white blanket. Why would anyone want to ruin that special moment with one of those obnoxious snowmobiles? Could it be thrills?
For the most part, those noisy smog-spewing contraptions aren't a problem in the City, but up here in the hills of Western Massachusetts we are plagued with them every winter. All they require is snow and some peace and quiet to disturb. The other day some snowmobile crossing signs appeared on the roadside where we live. Why they picked that particular stretch of road to cross, one that periodically claims a life or maims some driver, is beyond me. Perhaps it has something to do with convenience. That is what snowmobiles are about, after all. Unlike the snowbound far North, where other modes of transportation are less feasible, the use of snowmobiles in our region is simply for something called sport. Whoopie. I thought people were supposed to exert themselves when doing sports! What typical self-indulgent excess! Why snowshoe, ski or hike in the woods when you can sit on your lazy ass and drive through it!
But, beyond the conspicuous consumption, the peace shattering noise, and the physical danger of crossing deadly stretches of road (or half-frozen lakes, for that matter), snowmobiles also manage to leave behind a legacy unknown to non-motorized sports. According to analysis of the industry's own data, one hour on a single snowmobile emits as much hydrocarbon pollution as driving a late model car for ONE WHOLE YEAR. Furthermore, studies confirm that these machines discharge about one-third of their fuel UNBURNED into the surrounding environment. Nation-wide that's millions of gallons of wasted fuel and associated pollution. You probably won't be surprised to learn that such discharges cause both air and water pollution. In fact, studies show most accumulated pollutants are released during the initial snowmelt, opening the door for toxic shock among aquatic species and greatly increased acidity levels in nearby streams and lakes. Add to that the threat to small mammals that live and forage under the snow; the danger or trauma for larger mammals, birds, and yes, people encountered on the trail by these loud, fast-moving machines; as well as trail damage on unfrozen areas. All of that in the name of thrills and convenience. Fun for the rider perhaps, but not much fun for the rest of us.