How to handle my sled at 71 year of age!!

[helmic]

This guy in a good sledding buddy of mine for the pass 20 years and he is 72 years old his heart and soul is snowmobiling. He as been at it for 50 years and is first sled was a ski-doo 1965 and had all the brands since. But the one he like the most to ride is the 2011 Apex XTX that his riding in the video. One nee and hip replacement and look at him go. He is a inspiration to us all. He averages about 3000mile a year. Now I hope I can do that at his age.
Last year we had some guys up in this area from the A/C race team for a trail ride and they had a hell of a time with him they had 1100 turbos and could not keep up with him at any speeds or in the twisties what a guy!!! They could not believe it when they stop and he took his helmet off. The boys were expecting a young wiper snapper but no it was me old buddy beatting the piss out of some one again..loll

JUST CLIC ON THE PIC TO SEE THE VIDEO

 

[CaptCaper]

I ride sometimes with a couple that age. And their friend a gal who's 73 and trailers herself to the trail head as well. They have been riding for 35 years.
They do lot's of mileage as well. She is somewhat of a "girlie" as she doesn't like steep hills any more. But rides 2 times a week at least with 80 to 125 mile days.

 

[Viper_Dave]

My long time riding partner is 77 . Ask anyone who's been to a Munising TY ride how fast he is LOL!! Unfortunately, he had a little oopsie in January. Missed an unmarked off camber corner after a sharp drop, and hit a tree .Broken ankle and a cracked vertebrae.$4200 in damage to the sled. BUT, he rode it 60 mi. back to the truck. Did I mention he's pretty tough too?

 

[tomanytoyz]

Is his name Ken ! ?

Rode with a guy once a few years ago that describes exactly him ,,here in the U.P! Very fast had all leather Arctic cat gear on with Mickey Mouse boots and a wife that was much younger then him he said haha ,and i believe it!

Cannot believe how fast he was!

Sorry could be someone else..

 

[CaptCaper]

My long time riding partner is 77 . Ask anyone who's been to a Munising TY ride how fast he is LOL!! Unfortunately, he had a little oopsie in January. Missed an unmarked off camber corner after a sharp drop, and hit a tree .Broken ankle and a cracked vertebrae.$4200 in damage to the sled. BUT, he rode it 60 mi. back to the truck. Did I mention he's pretty tough too?

Maybe if he had Yami's power steering? ....II need as I find I'm struggling with corners as I have Arthritis developing in my arms etc.. but I'm in no position to get into one with it for now. Maybe if I could sell my sled for a decent price instead of getting low balled and found a deal on a new Apex XTX.

 

[maim]

the sled he was on did have power steering. viperdave told us that grandpas rage (partner) was actually complaining the steering was light before the oopsie.

as a guy who has tried to catch grandpas rage, I have a lot of respect for the riders of his age. I know I can barely keep up with him never mind catch him when he is in the mood to ride hard. you can tell witch ones have sledded most of their lives

 

[helmic]

Sleddind

the sled he was on did have power steering. viperdave told us that grandpas rage (partner) was actually complaining the steering was light before the oopsie.

as a guy who has tried to catch grandpas rage, I have a lot of respect for the riders of his age. I know I can barely keep up with him never mind catch him when he is in the mood to ride hard. you can tell witch ones have sledded most of their lives

X2

 

[blade072]

I am 72 and have been riding since 1968. First sled was a Boa Ski. I have had several sleds since. My current sleds are a 2011 Yamaha XTX and a Blade. I usually ride with younger guys and can ride with the best of them. I have done a 1400 mile trip in 6 days and have filmed a Snow Trails TV program with Video Mike. Last week I spent a week in Sudbury Canada riding the wonderful trails.
I get the comments of " I can't believe an old guy like you rides a sled like that". They believe it when we run them off and they get beat. I have seen it all and done it all.
I have raced super late model dirt cars, motorcycles, open wheel cars etc. I just love the competition and going fast.
Snowmobiling has been a big part of my life and I will continue to do it as long as I am able.
Jim

 

[helmic]

I am 72 and have been riding since 1968. First sled was a Boa Ski. I have had several sleds since. My current sleds are a 2011 Yamaha XTX and a Blade. I usually ride with younger guys and can ride with the best of them. I have done a 1400 mile trip in 6 days and have filmed a Snow Trails TV program with Video Mike. Last week I spent a week in Sudbury Canada riding the wonderful trails.
I get the comments of " I can't believe an old guy like you rides a sled like that". They believe it when we run them off and they get beat. I have seen it all and done it all.
I have raced super late model dirt cars, motorcycles, open wheel cars etc. I just love the competition and going fast.
Snowmobiling has been a big part of my life and I will continue to do it as long as I am able.
Jim