• February 2009
• January 2009
• December 2008
• November 2008
• October 2008
• September 2008

Like so many other volunteers in SAM, I’m wiped-out! I need a bed with a “Do Not Disturb” sign and a week of sleep. This had to go down as one of the most challenging and rewarding years that we’ve ever had. What started off as a complete disaster (what ice storm?) bloomed into one of our most successful seasons ever! The snow that couldn’t say no, simply stayed put and riders came out of their igloos. We had many snowmobilers from the Greater Boston area join for the first time. Was this a sign of the economy? Could be, but plenty of snow and a short drive was a big attraction, too. One of the most asked questions this year was “Where can I get a map?” While most clubs had a stash of SAM and local maps, new riders had difficulty getting their hands on one. We need to think about having more maps available at the places were riders join clubs and get trail passes. Many asked if the SAM map could be updated. The answer is yes, but I need a small core of volunteers to step forward and run with it. Most of the electronic data we have is still good, it simply needs to be updated and enhanced. Riders want more detail along with locations of services, clubhouses and scenic areas. Please contact me if this project interests you, I will fill you in on the details.

Many clubs experienced record membership numbers, which was a great morale booster after all the work that went into cleaning up the trails. The early snow complicated the effort but who cold complain about that? It seemed as though the groomer operators never got much time to rest: long nights making white pavement, followed by longer days at the job that pays the bills. Is there a correlation between droopy eyes and smooth trails? The phone calls and emails sent to the SAM office and my office were non-stop and it seemed that everything was upbeat. The clubs reported that events were well attended and the two Vintage Rides were big hits. I tip my hat to everyone in the clubs who pitched in this year. There are only a handful of you in each club that make it happen – I recognize that fact – but you do a heck of a job! Get some rest!

The SAM Annual Meeting at the Depot Restaurant in Northampton will be held Thursday, April 9, with a social at 5:30PM, followed by dinner and the meeting. The meal cost for members is $10! That’s a good deal, so you really should consider joining us and sharing some stories from the past season along with paying tribute to the annual award winners. It’s not often that we can all get together and simply relax without worrying about running an event. I would truly like to see all of you at our annual meeting. Yeah, I know, it’s a Thursday night and you might be a bit tired the next day at work, but that’s nothing for the groomer guys, so what’s stopping you?

Dan Gould
President