The Proper Use of Hand Signals is Important to the Groomer Operators, too!

Proper Etiquette when Encountering a Groomer:

Oncoming Sleds:

• · Pull off or stay to the extreme right of the trail.
• · Come to a complete stop!
• · Do Not Pass until the groomer has come to a complete stop and you are signaled to do so! Otherwise, you risk being injured by the drag which may slide.
• · Pass slowly!
• · As you pass, signal the Operator using the same hand signals that you use while riding.
• · Once you have passed, stay on your side of the trail - no matter how tempting it may be to ride the ribbon! On narrow sections of trail it is unavoidable; do your best not to brake hard, or jump on the throttle. A freshly groomed trail needs time to freeze in!

• Following Sleds:

• · Remain behind the groomer until it comes to a complete stop.
• · Do Not Pass until the groomer has come to a complete stop and you are signaled to do so! Otherwise, you risk being injured by the drag which may slide.
• · Don't rev and spin your track on the freshly groomed trail.
• · When signaled that it is clear to pass, proceed slowly around the groomer and return to your side of the trail.
• · As you pass, signal the Operator using the same hand signals.

• Don't forget to let the operator(s) know you appreciate their efforts! Most are volunteers and are out there because they care about our sport!. A thumbs up in appreciation goes a long way. If you see a groomer stopped take a minute to thank the operators.

NOTES:

• In the Colden Trail Riders system; as with all areas of New York State it is the law to yield to the groomer..
• The operator will flash their lights or use hand signals to signal riders when they reach an area with adequate room and visibility to allow riders to pass safely.
• Wait for the operators signal!
• Freshly groomed trails need minimum 2 to 6 hours of time to setup, depending on snow conditions, and air temperature it could take as long as 10 hours of time to setup to create a durable riding surface.
• Grooming generally takes place at night, you may never see a groomer but that doesn’t mean it isn’t taking place.
• If you encounter freshly groomed trail, please don’t ride the ribbon; no matter how tempting it seems; it immediately ruins the hard work of the volunteer operators.
• Lastly, please recognize that aggressive riding styles can impact the smoothness of the trails you ride on.  Fast starts and stops, powering through curves, paddle tracks and very powerful machines can directly impact the smoothness of the trail . Next time you hit the throttle or brake hard, think about what impact you might have on the trail .