I don’t get the thrill of ATVs or snowmobiles. I think they show a lack of refinement and a disrespect for the out-of-doors. In their defense, I can understand them in some contexts: like long-distance travel for the Inuit. Or when people would rather take the snowmobile to the next town over instead of the truck.
But as simple recreation, I’m not convinced. And it’s especially difficult for me to buy into it when so many ATVers and snowmobilers are unabashed douchebags. Ever talked to one? Then you know what I mean.
So I’m never surprised when these adventure-seekers get themselves in trouble. Thighs clenched tight around their thrumming machines, they seem to think that they have power over nature. Thank goodness Mother Nature sometimes decides to wake up and swat away those annoying flies.
(PS. I don’t actually advocate death. Except, possibly, for ignorance. Which this clip borders on.)
Grant Hamilton
2 Responses to “Dammit, Darwin, we were *this* close”
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Wow man, never have I felt so thoroughly pinioned. Of course I don’t do stupid stuff like cause avalanches, and I happen to love snowshoeing and fishing in the great outdoors. But I have been known to take a spin on an ATV – (hell I still own one) and a snowmobile.
Either machine is a great way to get around in the countryside and explore. Though I would agree that there are more numskulls on these machines than responsible operators, there are idiots in all walks of life. Entertainment is just different for everyone. I think you’re making a rather large generalization.
Well, maybe I am making a huge generalization — and I can see their rural usefulness — but I’ve met too many people who love their ATVs and their snowmobiles and about 90% of them are the same kinds of people who love doing doughnuts with their trucks (dangling truck nutz) and yelling “yee-haw!”
Very, very few of the ATVers/snowmobilers that I’ve met could properly use the word “pinioned,” for instance.
So perhaps I am tarring with too broad a brush. Rest assured that if you’re reading this because you’ve chosen to visit a blog that promotes itself with the word “intellectual,” I’m not talking about you.