Don't be THAT guy - 10 common mountain rider mistakes

This week Dan talks through 10 common mistakes mountain riders make and sheds some light on how not to be "that guy" or "gal" that causes issues for the riding group.
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[@manfrommaine1194]

As a Maine guy that doesn’t have the money to travel or snow/terrain of out West, could you do a video on some flat ground techniques that we can practice for when we eventually get to ride the mountains? Love the videos, Dan!

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Awesome idea pal & thanks for watching 🙏🙏🙏

[@actionjack84]

Most of maneuvers translate to flat ground. Flat ground is a good starting place to work on getting on edge and U-turns for complete beginners.

[@doughboy5840]

@@NextLevelRidingClinics this would be a great video

[@mattfox7563]

Ah come on man there’s gotta be a hill SOMEWHERE arround. Even if it’s just a little one. Get a little creative, aren’t there mountains in Maine??

[@ericsweet1515]

@@NextLevelRidingClinics I agree Dan, this would be a great video. Keep up the great content and stay safe!

[@colbywedgworth9676]

Went up for a first ride of the season and I was the only one who brought a shovel.... I was not the main user of the shovel that day either.

[@bentjohnsen8946]

I was that guy yesterday, broke my back axel and had no extra on the trip, so I had to walk back and get some parts and walk back to snowmobile and fix it 😄 Luckily I got a little lift from other riders 😂 Love the videos Dan, keep em coming.

[@G4T_IAN]

All 10 are on point! Great job. I like how you touched on complacency for all of these too. I know I’ve had a few conversations with peers about not being prepared and being okay with it cause nothing had happened for a while.

[@Letsrideadventures]

Great video Dan! Everyone has been and will probably be “that guy” again! Using a check list could be a great way to avoid being “that guy” wether you make your own or use a field book it’s a great way to avoid the mistakes!

[@chadcederlof4295]

I’m new to snowmobiling this year. I have learned so much from your videos. Thanks for helping me not be that guy. I prefer learning from other peoples mistakes.

[@lifestylepowersportspartsa4587]

Awesome video Dan! You're crushing it with great content for the sledding community in general! Keep it up!

[@flyfaster970]

Another great video, thank you! Couple video ideas: 1 - throttle control and usage during jumps - before launch/during launch/while in the air/ and during landing. 2 - any good ideas tips for getting down steep hardback slopes safely. Thanks again!

[@lauraforest1456]

i'm in the southeastern manitoba flats..and i do enjoy these informative vid's ......great job Dan!! should've had this education in high school back in '80.. loving it!

[@johnbaldwin8498]

Thanks so helpful to be prepared and know what a mountain rider needs. Thanks for the great content!

[@thereno1173]

Thank you so much for all the content and informational videos! I've learned a lot in a very short time with there help!

[@AaLl-jw7ci]

Top notch content, as always. 'Hope to attend your clinics next season.

[@klwhitacre]

Great stuff Dan, thanks for sharing.

[@ippielb]

No matter how much you prepare, everyone always ends up being "that guy" for some reason. So don't beat yourself up about it when it happens.

[@32degreesretarded62]

Indeed. Even the most prepared and veteran riders have moments of stupidity. Been riding for 35 years and Ii still have the occasional screw up.

[@backcountryamateurradio]

Pretty neat. The information you share is really valuable to me, personally, in part because I’m new to sleds. I’ve never even heard of a tether. But the idea of having a communication plan hit home as I see a lot of folks in the winter backcountry (skiing) that don’t take communication seriously. They make bird noises and calls, but no serious effort to talk clearly at a distance, ie, radios. Thanks for hitting on it. Hope more people are getting the idea.

[@TheKimmey281]

as always a great video from Dan! keep it up

[@Pottsayy]

With my brother, first ride after he got a tether installed (I was "an idiot" for not following suit!). Innocent small highmark, HE WASNT WEARING IT, rolled and jammed the throttle down. Watched the track shred itself apart at full clip upside down and ended up bending the tunnel on failure. Total loss. WEAR THE TETHER. I got one for the next weekend, and WORE it.

[@clvrswine]

I've never been on a snowmobile, but I still watch these videos. I'm a dual-sport rider and would like to try this sport out some day. I only go to Wyoming / Idaho in Summer. That needs to change!

[@specforged5651]

I can tell you right now that if you do try this....and you sure should, you’ll forget about the bike in the winter and be going to the mountains more in the winter. As a guy who has done the sand dunes thing, the trail riding thing and raced high level competitive off-road and jet skis, there’s truly nothing like riding a sled in the backcountry. Makes all the rest seem blah.

[@kelson_ridez_600]

thanks for the help, i am going to get to go to the mountains for the first time this spring!

[@treebashers5767]

Straight 🔥🔥🔥 Great video. Love all the pointers you gave. One of the biggest take-aways from this is that the goal is to be an asset to your riding group, not a liability.

[@garryshupe28]

Just want to say thanks all your help is really appreciated

[@alissiaw]

Love that video! Totally been that gal and havet had my tether on- rolled my sled, and spend next hour looking for my key in the snow...lesson learned!

[@gkassociates7112]

Great video! I can't count how many times I've encountered 'That Guy' I've gotten razzed for being over prepared over the years. Right up until 'That Guy' needs a helping hand. This applies to nearly every outdoor adventure, hiking, riding Sx's, boating, camping, whatever. It seems to be more evident today or I'm just getting old, which I am. I don't mind helping people but there have been times I thought this would be a great time for a lesson, but I just think it and help the idiot anyway. Once again, Good Stuff!!

[@motorsportsguy5120]

Great video !! Great advice seen lots guys not prepare and ruined someone’s day

[@Quartzteamrealty]

Thanks for all your videos I just started snowmobiling this year and have no clue what I’m doing lol!

[@Rossi543]

Your the man , thank you so much for the very important and possibly life saving information . Cheers m8

[@wyo-chance9753]

Dan, great videos, thanks. An idea for future video might be a few techniques on older sleds. See a lot of comments about how people are getting in to the sport but feel they can not enjoy becuase they are not on a new sled. Maybe an old retro ride on an 97 RMK?

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

I like it and thanks for watching 👊

[@onedisasterattatime9116]

Thx dan....always helpful

[@murrat]

Great video. You have some amazing training skills I can see.

[@joelricheme]

6:26, im totally with you. "pure sign of weakness" 😅😅 agreed

[@GameOvrMan]

Hey Dan! Thank you for your content! Amazing job! Could you please make a video about sled recovery out of the mountains? What equipment do you use and what technics. Thanks again!

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Great Idea ✅

[@wyo-chance9753]

Tip number one. Carry small tarp to wrap around track to pull out if you have locked up track. Super handy, have to use for overnight shelter!!! Bonus.

[@wyo-chance9753]

Sorry for comment number two, but I have been that guy on several of these, forgot Xtra belt, forgot to charge radio, etc. Love getting new riders in to sport, my number one pet peeve is not working on getting your self out of a stuck. Hahaha, love the pull rope section.

[@claytonmichael5237]

I am new and have experienced some of these issues. Roosted for example, my buddy NEVER wearing his tether, myself not having everything I need in my pack. Thanks a lot, this was very informative.

[@spaceman-hh2lq]

It's weird seeing people not wearing their tethers. It's not difficult to put on and could save you if anything happens.

[@claytonmichael5237]

@@spaceman-hh2lq seriously, I don't know why they don't, I have 2 buddies that don't wear it. I've watched both of them lose their sled.

[@coldsmoker9387]

Worst rookie mistake, follow the best guy in your group through the trees and try to navigate 5 ft trenches LoL

[@OGDragonflare]

Thats how you learn the fastest tho

[@waynepriest7099]

Excellent. This is practical truth abt riding in the back country ! Yes, yes, yes

[@gagecook6918]

I've been riding hilly areas for awhile but not the mountains that I live close to and I plan on going this year still. The only thing holding me back is a tether for my axys, so what tether do you recommend? Thank you and keep up the informational videos!

[@michaelwalters5421]

Great information I'd like to add to Two of your points... 1. The releasing of the pull start doesn't ONLY damage the body/graphics. Releasing the handle at full pull Also GREATLY increases the wear on both the recoil and pull chords which In turn greatly REDUCES the life of your Recoil and Pull Chords. You're basically slamming your Recoil spring against the end of it's stop AND greatly increasing friction and fray of pull chords as it's binding against itself on its rapid return. 2. Also would like to stress importance of the tether. NEVER think that the tether isn't necessary. Long story short...When I was 15yrs old, My uncle told me to try out his new Artic Cat, I was about to attach the tether and he said don't worry about that you're only going across the field and back. Well at the other end of the field when I released the throttle, it was frozen open. I hit the kill switch also frozen. With no time left I had to jump off before I went off the ravine at the other end of the field. His sled hit a tree in the ravine half way up. The tether would have saved his sled.

[@glennlevisson]

As usual, great vid Dan. I'm still mindboggled that you need a primaryspring! Have never need one riding other brands (10yr backconytry riding) but now 3 seasons of polaris it's part of my toolkit. Fingers crossed never broke one yet 😁

[@wyo-chance9753]

Lucky!!! I used to carry one for my dad's Yamaha Mountain Max, and my buddies Skidoo.

[@swoop-it4621]

Damn really?? Guess I better grab one

[@glennlevisson]

Yeah maybe I'm lucky. I know there is a shim kit that you can put on between the spring and clutch to make the spring more smooth 🤔

[@B.C.EpicExplorer]

Always down to lend a guy some oil if needed, for the other things nice when everyone is safe and prepared as possible. Hope for the best! plan for the worst. Secondary drive belt for the polaris belt drive guys as well is a good one to have . Primary spring is a great one also!!! Great video as usual!!

[@whiskeyplz4891]

I had a problem with a guy I rode with just taking off and not looking back when he was leading us around the area the rest of us had never riden the area. While we had radios he would end up a half mile plus away on the trail or over another ridge. Dunno if you covered that issue in a video, it should definitely be a #1

[@wyo-chance9753]

AGREE!!!!!

[@michaelhansen7516]

yep

[@Herbertalfredvideos]

Being the guy that’s always ending up as the leader. Also, could you cover about how to stay with the group and keeping up. don’t be that guy in the group that wanted to go hit that hill or that ditch or not ready to ride and the whole group ends up waiting for you to get your joy ride done Or when everyone else is putting their helmets, gloves and goggles on get yours on at the same time. Don’t be that guy. When the group says they want to get to point B, then get to point B!:)

[@whiskeyplz4891]

@@Herbertalfredvideos I agree but on this particular day we had one sled break down between point a and b and we didnt hear or see from the guy "leading" us for over 15 minutes. I was 3rd in line and he was 4th and last in line and had the least amount of riding experience. The guy leading the group knew his ability and just assumed he could just use the radio to keep tabs on people. Remember its not always people not putting gloves and gear on fast that separates groups. Breakdowns, wrecks and people in a rush do a better and more frequent job at it

[@specforged5651]

@@Herbertalfredvideos Totally agree. There is a huge safety factor to that as well. I occasionally ride with a guy who will just disappear and not respond on the radio (sorry I didn’t hear ya). I finally let him have it earlier this year (after bringing it up who knows how many times). I said we don’t know if you’re rolled over hurt, stuck too bad to get out yourself, in the bottom of a ditch or very worst have been caught in a slide and/or been hurt badly. Plus we’re missing out on riding because we’re always waiting or looking for you. I told him he wasn’t invited anymore unless he can stick with the group. He’s been much better since. Remember the majority of people lack in common sense and it needs to be pointed out because they’re too dumb to think about it. Frustrates the hell out of me.

[@reinforcedpower5406]

Hi Dan, on #10 of "don't be that guy" , you have some type of GPS tracker. I would like to get one. What brand/ type is the one that you're holding? Thanks for all the great videos!!

[@brekkenschlichting5569]

Do you think you could give tips on where to ride this year? The snow is hard to chase this year, if you could that would be greats and thanks so the great vid!

[@joel387ktm]

I always get shit from my riding buddies having to much extra shit but over the years I or someone in the group needed damn near everything I pack

[@shanemayers777]

I've seen it happen in Wyoming where a guy in our group had his sticker with him but not on the sled and they almost gave him a ticket. They said they have been having issues with people buying them and not putting them on sleds and giving to buddies when they go out. So not having the sticker on the sled is the same as not buying one. That's what the officer that stopped our group told us 2 years ago.

[@goonridingupnorth1382]

I’ve been yelled at for not having it on the sled too, and yet every time I put one on when the sled is cold it falls off. So I keep my receipts all year.

[@tobiasholst8946]

I just drive a 2012 ski-doo renegade 600 h.o e-tec and omg what a nice sled to drive realy stable and easy to drive and the power is amazing

[@Icutmetal]

Thanks for letting us know.

[@billywalker7462]

Number 11 take the time to let your motor get to proper temperature prior to taking off

[@djg1028]

Right on 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@Fatonzzz]

"Don't be that guy" #11.....don't just blow past people who are stopped on the trail. Even if things appear good, stop quickly and ensure they're OK.

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Like that one too!!!

[@wyo-chance9753]

Greatest advice out of all!!!!! For example, I lost stator on Grey's river, was on side of trail tinkering, riding double with niece, Dan stopped with clients, just to double check. Way cool on his part. He was working and still took time to stop. Best advice, always stop and see if they need help.

[@xKinseh]

Question on Tethers: Not gonna be backcountry shredding on my 04 Pantera, but is adding a tether a lot of work for someone with limited mechanical knowhow? I'm asking here because some days I don't wanna read 2009 forums for hours. TIA

[@tylervrbas]

Let’s talk about belts, plugs and tools. These sleds are at a premium price which you do receive a lot for that but these new sleds come with a shock tool and a small piece of webbing that’s it. It’s like buying a new truck without a jack and spare tire right? Why doesn’t Polaris provide them with the sled?

[@user-fx3pv6mw5v]

Great video! But you didn’t mention what that device is for your number 10

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Hey bud thanks for watching. It’s called a Spot which I do say in the number 10. Spot is the company name for the satellite tracker I’m holding. Ride safe!

[@kirkwhite4458]

What's the model of the GPS tracker at the end? Thanks!

[@charles6726]

Ugh that pull rope slap sent chills up my spine I hate that !

[@akkenai417]

Such a great video! I made like 3 of my friends watch this, because they were being “that guy.” Lol

[@JaxonKeller-wo5jy]

hay Dan I was just wondering if it would be easier to get a carving position for when you get stuck like on #7 so just wondering if that would be easier for me

[@nickschauer8368]

What app do you use for the avalanche forecast?

[@shredforeffect]

#7, holy cow, man. Some rookies are just the worst for waiting for a vet to pull up and yank em out. I actually prefer getting myself unstuck, people just pull up with bad ideas and make things worse 🤣.

[@philliprebrovich2669]

I’m very curious on why letting go of the pull chord is a big deal? I’ve just never heard/thought of it haha

[@J0jj3m]

A friend did it the other day after bein exhausted.. and the handle hit the light switch in the middle and broke it:)

[@wyo-chance9753]

Hahaha, done that crap two weeks ago. Rope, obviously week at handle, broke after letting go at end of pull. Rode rest of day on starting off of clutch. No fing fun

[@eastcoastcarpenterofalaska5073]

I wanna add know when your tired, things get dangerous when you want more but your body is toast

[@mr68camero1]

What brand and model of radios do you use? Thanks

[@drewemery5734]

What GPS or satellite phone device do you recommend? I’d appreciate a direction to go looking. Thanks man.

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

I use the Spot X & Spot Global Phone. Thanks for watching!!

[@userunknown303]

What's that orange tool on your chest Dan? It's orange & it's on your chest so it must be common enough & easily lost enough to be easy-access but also be orange. Not for sparkplugs right? I ride Polaris

[@CooterScooters]

9:49 being that pull cord guy…😁

[@jonsoderkvist]

I need to stop letting go of the starter chord.

[@HenkeEdge]

9:20 a Pro-RMK in that position is not stuck. You probably just have to pin the throttle and wiggle side to side to get unstuck. 😋 And if you are stuck in that position "trenching" just stomp down the snow infront of the sledge and stand beside it, blip the throttle and it gonna jump up on the snow. 👍🏻 Love my Pro-RMK. 😍

[@HenkeEdge]

@@Joesucks6969 sure. 👍🏻 But some newbie that might see this video may have use for some pointers.

[@austin6608]

What are you running for comms, and do you run them through your helmet?

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

We just use the Oxbow radios. 👍

[@joshkoltes]

Your letting go of the pull start handle needs to be a two parter! Also the guy that just rips the cord out without it engaging the starter cup

[@LegLake]

I bet Dan has an old lawn mower at the shop where he has his clients practice not letting go of the rope. I know he is meticulous about the condition of his sleds.

[@enduroisland4202]

Great vid Dan, stupid question but when ur not riding what do you clip your tether to under your bars?

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

We just clip the carabiner back to the throttle cable behind the throttle block. Thanks for watching 🤘

[@LegLake]

Don't be the guy that is more concerned about his day of riding rather than rider safety. Was in a group of 4 and we were having radio problems, one guy says "we going to sit on the trail all day and screw with radios?" Well I guess if 5 minutes worth of a group members time isn't worth their safety, find someone else to ride with. Turned a good day into a bad day.

[@Alaskaguys]

Lol I live in Alaska we do not have a trail sticker. We can ride wherever we want other then anchorage or eagle river.

[@johnnyvivic8730]

just don't go to Hatcher Pass without your registration. lol

[@mikecarney6141]

What kind of radio do you use?

[@huyck21]

New Oxbow radio?

[@cnc336]

What's the orange device on his harness?

[@rabbithazen1]

@9:50 youuu! let the pull start go!

[@Dyneemadrone]

Are you carrying a Sat phone? Often ride by myself on mountain with radio / Cel /GPS but not a Sat phone. Wife monitors radio at home and we check in.

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Yes I carry a Sat phone with me as well as a Spot tracking device 🤙

[@johnnnny]

I ride Skidoo, my sleds have just come with a tether since 1980. LOL. I just assumed they all did - Polaris doesn't ship with a tether?

[@darksydcustoms4195]

Polaris just started coming stock with them on the matryx chassis

[@johnnnny]

@@darksydcustoms4195 Funny it took so long. I watch PowerModz, I remember a couple years ago he got a new RMK and had to install his own, I thought that was a rather odd feature to leave off. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@byggloket2590]

I think a good exercise to start digging and get unstuck is to go out there alone. You get some panic/anxius feelings but when you get the sled unstuck, its a really good feeling.

[@traceanderson4010]

I live in thane Wyoming and trying to fix my sled lol

[@gagerollings2105]

New oxbow radio??

[@thomaslyden6831]

Lol Dan, Shawn is always “that guy”. Get some snow out there

[@h3lzb3lz1]

What is that device in # 10 ??

[@andytranter]

9:50, did you start and let go of the pull start? :P

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Hehe looks that way with the Timelapse but no I didn’t 😉

[@patiodw]

You slapped the pull core! 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@jomeniallafall7481]

Don´t be that guy riding a sled with loud aftermarket cans that annoy everyone around you ;-) This should be No:1 on the list

[@mattsiepmann]

What is the sos thing you have

[@Kersomatic]

I use a dog tracker so my parents can see me, easy to just put in the bag. mostly because if something happens they know where I am

[@Icutmetal]

Why not get a SPOT tracker instead and have the option for the SOS “oh shit” button?

[@Kersomatic]

@@Icutmetal since we have hunting dogs so not its not worth spending that kind of money when you already have a tracking system, just without the sos, instead a mobile phone could be used

[@Icutmetal]

@@Kersomatic Totally understood. I carry a phone while snowmobiling too, which is nice for taking pictures, but that’s where it stops for me. You can’t count on a phone in very cold temps or when there’s no cell service- which isn’t an issue with a sat device.

[@Kersomatic]

@@Icutmetal I always have my phone in my front pocket where it stays warm, and Im rarely driving in those temps, but yes, its better to have a tracker with an SOS button

[@Lazzoboy]

9:51.. did you let go of that handle?? :D

[@kevingilchrist8736]

I know who you were talking about. Every person and group has that one person who has a wind tunnel between their eyes. It's not fun covering for that guy.

[@roberthonstrom9648]

Love #5 👍 …I’m the guy who loves and lives for snowmobiling and I love taking people out that have never had the chance to experience snowmobiling.. But I hate!!! When they drop the the starter cord 😂😂😂😂😂 Why do people do ?? Lol

[@Akhazmat907]

??? People do this??? I grew up riding in Valdez AK. Always keep tools and parts and all gear set right. Don't sit around when you get stuck lol I ride alone in the mountains here in AK all the time and I don't have and never had someone to help me get unstuck. Always check for avalanches in a area your going to ride. Only 2 thing I don't have on my sleds is the GPS tracking stuff that I will never have and never have gotten a tether, I have been riding for 30 years never needed one.

[@tomwalz8619]

Don't be the guy that doesn't help pay for fuel and travel costs for the guy that's hauling your stuff!

[@CorbinLefebvre]

Im always gonna let go of my pull cord way back. deal with it

[@Icutmetal]

You tell ‘em!

[@Prormkkk]

11# the guy that gets stuck and holds it wide open, blowing belts ripping lugs and throwing rocks threw the cooler.

[@darksydcustoms4195]

In the intro of the tree riding vid you were that guy and pulled the cord and let it slam back in 🤭

[@waderobbins4914]

Better to be an asset than a liability

[@backcountryshitok]

Rope over pet peeve. Pulling on the rope hard without Pawls engaged. Way worse than just letting go of rope full pull.

[@whatsit2ya247]

I have a twenty year old sled, same with my gear and truck, satellite phone?? 😂

[@joshkoltes]

I am the ten minute guy

[@brierhussong9283]

I love the variation in your videos! Never gets boring on your channel :D! Don't miss out - P r o m o s m !

[@byggloket2590]

Wow. Okay. So i will stop drop the pullie 1 m from host👍