odot1

1 hour ago, revrnd said:

In light of the news segment of the F150 going thru the 'ice' on Lake Simcoe the other day I got into a discussion w/ a person that really doesn't have any knowledge of the situation.  In a case like this & recovery not possible until after ice out what (if any) charges and/or fines would the owner be liable for?

My friend says the fines would be huge. I didn't want to say if there would be fines if the truck was recovered or how 'huge' they would be. Sean do you (or anyone else) have any knowledge in how the MOE and/or MNR deals w/ these 'episodes'?

In my experience it's always case by case..   Most modern vehicles do not leak much if any fluids any more .  If there is environmental hazards such as fuel or oil spill the owner of the vehicle is responsible for all costs relating to the clean up.   Those costs can be big. We had someone sabotage a fuel line on one of our bigger boats dumping 100 gallons of diesel overboard. Cost about $50k to clean up.  Given that cleanup and recovery are all the owner you don't often see fines for vehicles through the ice.  If there is wilful neglect or criminal intent that's a different situation altogether and fines can go well beyond $25k.  Hope that helps!

3 minutes ago, 1trailmaker said:

 

https://fb.watch/4j1VSqI4HJ/

 

 

Lmfao!   Saw that earlier this year.  Funny AF!!

4 hours ago, Poncho said:

We rode 300 miles in 2 days from my place in Griffith.  Trails good, No stops and no issues.  Plenty of sledders out.  It is sad there was nothing open, completely unnecessary, but we complied.  We saw groups of 10 but, it’s not an issue unless you are a Karen, like Trail and his woke left.

15 minutes ago, Poncho said:

Heading up Feb 22 for another ride when restaurants open. 

That's awesome. Glad to see you out enjoying the trails.  The Mazinaw trails have always been my faves.  Best kept sled secret!!

56 minutes ago, revrnd said:

https://muskoka411.com/snowmobile-rider-charged-after-taking-off-from-opp/

I hope I'm not putting you in a spot asking you about this, but what would've prevented the officers from laying a 'flee from police' charge?

That's a fair question and not putting me on the spot.  Crown attorneys and Justices always want the most applicable charges laid.  In this case the Motorized Snow Vehicle Act has a built in flight/flee offence so it's always best to use that.  Hope that helps...  if not, let me know....

Sean

1 minute ago, Poncho said:

Sean I’m planning to head my place in Griffith for a ride Thursday through Sunday. There are four (total) in my group.  Will we face any police interaction, other than typical, trail pass, ownership, licence checks and/or will there by any travel restrictions fines laid as a result.  Any info would help. Thanks  

Not from he police!!!  So far he only covid charges laid in East Region involved ou of own break and enter suspects!!!!  OPP have NOT been stopping vehicles, trucks/trailers to verify area of residence etc...  On the trail you will only face the usual checks...

Sean

BTW  OFSC A trail Renfrew to Pembroke horrible shape, lots of gravel coming through.  Please avoid until another at least another 6 inches. 

1 minute ago, steve6 said:

Goddammit!  What a handsome copper!!!   🤣🤣🤣

19 hours ago, Frostynuts said:

Hopefully at some point, Sean will be able to respond on behalf of the OPP, who enforce the rules. My thinking is, if sledders are allowed to be out and about, on open trails, it would be nice if sledders could print out a copy stating that, and carry it with them, so if there was a confrontation, the letter could be produced, to help clear things up quickly without having to get into a huge confrontation. It has to be clear to all, so in my books, it,s either yes or no. We all know there are a few good cops, like Sean, but unfortunately, sometimes we do encounter one that isn,t so nice. 

The latest from OFSC

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.ofsc.on.ca/2021/01/13/no-change-for-ofsc-snowmobile-trails-at-this-time/__;!!ABXyrcI!d_5m4cSF8YAk49Aw06fTm6pmiARd2vFlu4Uzm1DN6nRl8b0NZyCJsVhjxOYSj-ogSC_t$

The OPP will continue to treat the trails as normal operations.  There will be scrutiny on groups of more than 5. But expect education, not enforcement. 

Closed trails, helmets, no trail pass and aftermarket exhaust will continue to be high priority items for enforcement. 

Sean

20 minutes ago, Tinker said:

Doesn't look like snowmobiling is the issue, it's the Essential Travel Order. Sled from home but you are only allowed to drive for Food, medication or medical care. No Hotel reservations either. 

https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/59922/ontario-declares-second-provincial-emergency-to-address-covid-19-crisis-and-save-lives

No I do not mean to speak on Sean's behalf or represent this Thread in any way.

I'm expecting an update at some point this afternoon, but not holding out any hope it will be definitive.  By strictest definition the essential travel order negates any sledding.  But reading further you see where exercise and recreation is allowed.  It will depend on how they define this within the regulations themselves. I've already spoke directly to the OFSC this morning and they are just as confused as anyone about this and awaiting further clarification.  In the meantime, if you need to exercise for physical or mental health, I suggest you do it.  Avoid trails that are red or closed.  Do not stop trailside in large groups and use common sense.  I agree this sucks but we are all in it together....

Sean

30 minutes ago, Frostynuts said:

Hi Sean, what is your take as far as snowmobiling goes, of Doug Fords latest info re lockdown ? Can sledders go sledding for exercise, or only if they are going to pick up groceries ?

We are currently discussing this.  So far nothing is black and white...  I will update you guys as soon as I have a concrete answer.  I can say we are continuing to educate and enforce riding on closed trails.  OFSC is pushing hard for us to deal with this issue.

45 minutes ago, Renegade X said:

Not sure if you wanna touch this one (you can tell me to take a hike..lol) but if it came down to that, would you enforce that because your captain told you to?  

Well.... we don't have captains in the OPP so you're safe!!!   😁

I will say all provincial statues are officer discretion.    

1 hour ago, franks pond said:

we trailered from tweed on sat,did a quick 70 miles and trailered back,passed a couple cruisers no problems

1 hour ago, franks pond said:

got to test out my buddy,s new polaris 850,sweet ride

That's great!  Love hearing this.  

6 hours ago, revrnd said:

 

 

After reading the posts, I was talking to the neighbour at our woodlot on Sat' & said that I'd had the sled out on the property. 

Neighbour: Did you hear what happened in Tweed?

Me (expecting news of a sledding fatality): No was there an accident?

Neighbour: No apparently they're fining and turning people around with snowmobile trailers.

Me: I'm not sure if that's legit or not (and I told him what you had said.

I'm guessing Tweed is in you territory Sean? This is getting really stupid. A lot of these 'I heard it from a cousin who's friend told him he saw it on Faceplant' stories...

Tweed is definitely in my area. I've not heard of this at all. In fact I was working that area on Friday. At no time did we turn anyone around.  Really there's barely any snow anyways.  If we get orders to turn people around, I'll post on here and let you guys know ASAP.  I honestly do NOT expect to make that post.  

Sean

1 minute ago, Stoney said:

This is good info, & question to ask, given the environment right now.

Reading that people are suggesting they have been told to turn around, but as stated, that is not allowed or what has been communicated by the government. 

We have not told anyone to turn around nor have we been directed to do so.  The main covid issues we seem to deal with are "large gatherings"   Many of you will remember several years ago when people were saying charges were being laid for trailer hitches sticking out without trailers attached. Simply not true.  There's always a group that likes to create that divide and spreads misinformation. This is no different.  

2 minutes ago, Blackstar said:

Well Sean, what's the official opinion of traveling to sled during the "Lockdown"?

 

I read stories about OPP pulling trailers over headed north and telling them to go back home.

 

What's the deal?

 

 

 

 

Great question...  we encourage all people to abide by their local health unit and provincial guidelines. While there is a strong encouragement to avoid non essential travel there is no legislation outright banning travel. I've not heard of any checkpoints turning people around nor is there legislation to support that. I know the OFSC has talked about trail closures based on covid numbers but they've yet to implement that.  I can say we will be more strict about laying charges for riding on closed trails this year.  Regardless of the reason for closure the rider will receive  a trespass ticket..  $65.  This was happening with or without covid.  Expect little or no tolerance for trail cans and aftermarket exhaust as well.  Landowners have spoken loud and clear.  Excess noise = no trails.  Regardless of personal thoughts towards the cans...I'd rather have trails to ride on!!  Hopefully this is a safe, fun and long season!  Sadly we already a fatality in Eastern Ontario.  

Sean

8 hours ago, woodyf said:

Happy New Year!

Thank you for all you 2020 Help. We all appreciate it!

I wish you a great 2021!

Thanks!   Always enjoy this group of guys. Looking forward to getting out on the trails!!  All the best to you and your loved ones, hopefully 2021 is a better year for all.   

Sean

1 hour ago, JohnnyB said:

Question came up in a recent conversation. Friend of a friend etc, etc.

Complete drunkard who lost his license thinks he can get a snowmobile license to get around. Possible? What do/can you fellas check for at stops to weed these weasels out??

It depends on how his license was lost.  But generally, no he can not just get a sled licence and go on his merry way.  And yes we can check the validity of his licence trail side.  

7 minutes ago, Sksman said:

Thank you for the reply.

When you look online and see buckles from 3 or 5 for $15 up to $50 for one I worry about quality and or durability.  

If your subjected to enough force in a crash to have your helmet fly off I wonder how strong of a buckle is required to hold the helmet in place  

 

 

This is similar to what is supplied with our FXR helmets...  https://www.amazon.ca/Helmet-Buckle-Release-Motorcycle-Disconnect/dp/B07GFCMJMQ/ref=pd_sbs_263_1/144-7221595-0800522?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07GFCMJMQ&pd_rd_r=92a363b0-0246-46f7-a757-dc3829d50983&pd_rd_w=MLuI4&pd_rd_wg=egyiH&pf_rd_p=3885b243-7797-4c4b-b0ae-97ca9ec36283&pf_rd_r=6TV1VQ3M7HPRFRPRRF69&psc=1&refRID=6TV1VQ3M7HPRFRPRRF69

1 minute ago, odot1 said:

All the helmet losses I've seen (and I've seen way too many) were the result of no strap, or the strap being way too loose.  I've noticed many times this year people using the small plastic snap to "buckle" their helmet on.  The snap that is used to secure the access strap out of the way.  Not caring or noticing the strap dangling easily 2 inches under their chin.  I've yet to see a quick release fail.  Having said that, I'd probably go for the more expensive ones.  Ours are a combination of metal and plastic.  They are hard to manipulate with gloves and even bare hands at times.  But they work well.  

This is the one we use...  https://www.amazon.ca/Echo-Quick-Release-Black-Size/dp/B002MQCY7C/ref=pd_lpo_263_t_1/144-7221595-0800522?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B002MQCY7C&pd_rd_r=f0966f8f-dae5-4158-aa55-f7455ad16f11&pd_rd_w=6gw7c&pd_rd_wg=nJxT3&pf_rd_p=256a14b6-93bc-4bcd-9f68-aea60d2878b9&pf_rd_r=PMQ5C3FTXYYB97VK4SAH&psc=1&refRID=PMQ5C3FTXYYB97VK4SAH

Just now, Sksman said:

Thank you for the reply.

When you look online and see buckles from 3 or 5 for $15 up to $50 for one I worry about quality and or durability.  

If your subjected to enough force in a crash to have your helmet fly off I wonder how strong of a buckle is required to hold the helmet in place  

 

 

All the helmet losses I've seen (and I've seen way too many) were the result of no strap, or the strap being way too loose.  I've noticed many times this year people using the small plastic snap to "buckle" their helmet on.  The snap that is used to secure the access strap out of the way.  Not caring or noticing the strap dangling easily 2 inches under their chin.  I've yet to see a quick release fail.  Having said that, I'd probably go for the more expensive ones.  Ours are a combination of metal and plastic.  They are hard to manipulate with gloves and even bare hands at times.  But they work well.  

1 hour ago, Sksman said:

Hi Odot,

As you are regularly on trails and taking helmets off and on I have a few helmet strap related questions.

 

I have seen many different brands of helmet quick release buckles for sale.  Are these legal to add to your helmet?

Have you seen any cases where these buckles fail in a crash resulting in or potentially result in more severe injury?

Would you or do you use a quick release and if so any recommendations on brand?

 

thank you

dave 

Hey Dave, great questions!!!  We do use quick release buckles on all our helmets.  I honestly can't tell you what brand as our equipment is supplied to us and comes ready to wear out of the box.  I've never seen any failures bot personally and in a collision. When helmets fail in collisions it's because they weren't buckled tight enough or not at all.  There are no regulations against the buckles 

Go to your local powersports store and check out what they have.  I find some are more of a pain to use than others.  

Sesn

13 hours ago, steve6 said:

 

All because of you guys!!

Just now, irv said:

It worked this time, Sean. Must have been a glitch or needed time to update my new card info?

Good luck with reaching your goal. 

Thank you so much Irv!   Ever the generous gentleman!

3 minutes ago, irv said:

Forgot about PP? That's another site I will have to update with my new info with. Thanks for the reminder. 

Lol!  Welcome!!

Just now, irv said:

I'll try to get it straightened out for sure, and if my CC no longer works, I'll just use my debit card if I have too? 

I use my Visa Debit more often than not. I think they also take PayPal?