It was too much to hope that we would emerge this spring
unscathed, untrampled and unviolated by skidoos. We have long ago struck an
agreement for clear passage across the quarter-section with our neighbours and
the Edgebrook crew. East to West or vice versa, no playing on the hills – the
hills belong to cross-country skis.
Some rude and irresponsible people came down from the North
right next our house and proceeded to break up the snow cover with giant whoops
and gouges – Elizabeth’s feeble attempt at a ski trail was soon long gone – and so,
for the rest of the season, is the ability to forge new trails. They announce
themselves with huge roars and signal their exit with the scent of gasoline
heavy in the air. The antithesis of an environmentally friendly sport.
This letter is not merely about the right to pursue their sport against the right to pursue mine – albeit I think that I should set the
terms for our property. This letter is about trespassing. A sign is not necessary for you to be told
that if you don’t have permission to be on that land, you should not be there. Furthermore, if you don’t know where you are, you should not be there.
This letter could also be about property destruction because
we’ve experienced it: several years ago, skidoo shenanigans ruined our alfalfa
by pounding the snow into it and exposing it to brutally cold
temperatures. What about the injury to
winter wheat or rye otherwise safely tucked under snow cover?
I know that most responsible riders ride where they know that they should and could - but these rotten eggs spoil it for everyone. Other riders should not make excuses for them.
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