It fires me up to read everyone's reasoning for snowbiking.
I was just turned onto it last year, in fact I never really heard of any legit design for riding in powder. I'm a flatlander in Michigan who seeks as much off trail, boondocking riding as possible in MI and I take a couple trips a year out west to do some more 'extreme' riding. I've been fortunate enough to have some great rides all over the US; from Idaho, WY, MI, Wisconsin, New York, etc. Basically, just chasing the best snow that we can find. I love riding out west, but MI actually has some pretty intense riding by me (big hills, river bottoms, powerlines, gas lines, etc)
I would typically buy a new sled every year; usually Ski-doo 800 shorties with 2" paddle tracks, but I've owned Gades and Summits as well. Last year while in Idaho we saw a couple Timbersled tracks so we tried to follow them to see where they were at. This lasted about 10 minutes and then the tracks started going into places where a sled would only dream of. It wasn't a lack of skill, ability, effort, or balls on our part.........there was just know way we can do the side hills and tight riding where they went. And then we went to the Jackson Hole Hillclimb and watched the guys climb the hill and thought, we need a couple of those
I agree with Allen's comment of been there, done that. That was one of the biggest reasons for me to take the plunge. I've raced sleds & bikes, mastered a lot of big drops and climbs out west, hit freestyle ramps, wrecked a bunch of sleds, etc. But, never ridden a bike with a snowmobile track through sick terrain that we only dream about going. The risk and anticipation of something new is overwhelming. I'm seriously hoping that we are not dissappointed! Some would call making a $13,000 investment into something that you've never done before STUPID; I would call it ground breaking...........and a little stupid
So, here we are waiting for snow, with the kits installed...planning trips, and watching Youtube vids. I'm looking forward to an epic season!!
Ryan