Snowmobiling 2011

2 | BANGOR DAILY NEWS | Friday | October 28, 2011

Snowmobilers enjoy “luxury in the rough” at Lake Parlin Lodge

By David M. Fitzpatrick CUSTOM PUBLICATIONS WRITER

With the recent opening of the newly redeveloped Lake Parlin Lodge & Cabins, the Kruse family is ready for plenty of visitors, from those staying at the spectacular facility to those wayward backwoods sledders just stopping by for a bit of culinary heaven.

The Lodge opened on Jan. 8, 2011 with four lodge rooms and a fivebedroom, five-bath mini-lodge. At the time, the six cabins were unfinished shells, but now are ready for the 2011-2012 winter season. The cabins feature full kitchens and flat-screen TVs and high-speed internet access, and one cabin is ADA-compliant. This is why the Lodge’s Web site bills it as “luxury in the rough.”

The Lodge sees loads of snowmobile traffic. “We had a great winter last year, real positive,” said Joe Kruse. “A lot of people stumbled upon us that didn’t know we were there.”

Kruse’s family has deep roots in the region. His parents built the Briarwood Mountain Lodge in Jackman, now the Mountainview Resort, in the early 1970s. Kruse lived in Jackman until 1977, when the family returned to his parents’ native Florida. But they spent summers and Christmases at the family camp on Lake Parlin, which abuts the current lodge property.

“In 2006, we decided we wanted to get out of south Florida,” he said. “I love hunting and fishing and the outdoors and wanted to go back to Maine to raise our kids. We never looked back.”

Snowmobiling has long been a part of the Kruse family. Kruse’s father had once worked with local folks to start the first groomed snowmobile trail in the area and helped to get a grant to build the first snowmobile bridge across the Moose River. Recently, Kruse has been part of a dedicated group that recently merged the Forks Area Recreation Club and the Bulldog Summit Riders into one club, the Coburn Summit Riders.

“We have an awesome trail system,” Kruse said. “We have the highest groomed point in the state, Coburn Mountain. We plan to groom the trail to the summit on a regular basis to make it accessible for all riding levels.

“It will be done now and will easily be one of the key attractions to anyone on a sled,” Kruse said. “It’s easy with the great board and array

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAKE PARLIN LODGE

Snowmobilers speed away from Lake Parlin Lodge & Cabins, located on ITS 89 just 10 miles south of Jackman. of eager volunteers. “There’s a lot of positive energy for the club, and everyone’s real excited,” he said.

The Lake Parlin Lodge is an ideal jumping-off spot for sledders with its location at a major nexus on the Interconnected Trail System.

Located 10 miles south of Jackman on Route 201, the Lodge is situated on ITS 89 and just three miles from ITS 87 using the Lake Parlin Connector Trail. Best of all, it’s in a region that could have two feet of snow on the ground; “we get a lot of snow at our elevation,” Kruse said.

And in the works: a USCC snow race on Jan. 28, 2012, starting at the Lodge. This will be a 100-mile race with approximately 20 5-mile laps.Anyone with a 600cc or less can enter. You can find rules on the USCC site, and information about the race will soon be posted on the Lodge’s Web site.

Whether running a race, cruising the trails, or gunning it up Coburn Mountain, there’s always good food waiting for you. The Lodge features a bevy of talented chefs — including 2011 Maine Lobster Chef of the Year finalist Ryan Campbell. Campbell, originally from Winslow, trained at the Culinary Institute of America and worked at prestigious eateries around the nation before returning to

The interior view of a new cabin at Lake Parlin Lodge & Cabins reveals all the “comforts of home” that snowmobilers can experience this coming winter.

On a sunny day during winter 2010-11, snowmobiles are lined up outside the Lake Parlin Lodge.

Maine.

“We’re really fortunate to have that kind of food in the middle of nowhere,” said Kruse.

To learn more, visit www.LakeParlinLodge.com.

Snowmobile clubs schedule meals, rides that are open to public During winter, Maine snowmobile clubs schedule regular meetings. People interested in joining a particular club are always invited to attend such a meeting, of course.

Some clubs also host events open to the public, too. Among such activities slated for winter 2011-12 are: • Nov. 5, 4:30-8:30 a.m.: The Dixmont Gold Crest Riders will sponsor a hunters’ breakfast and raffle drawing at the clubhouse on the Cates Road, Dixmont; • Nov. 5, 4:40-8:30 a.m.: The Eastern Maine Snowmobilers will sponsor a hunters’ breakfast at

the clubhouse at 263 Levenseller Road, Holden; • Nov. 5, 5-10 a.m.: The Pushaw Lake will host a hunters’ breakfast and a rifle raffle at the clubhouse in Hudson; • The Moosehead Riders Snowmobile Club of Greenville will sponsor a Family Movie and Popcorn Night at the clubhouse; • Nov. 7, 4-6 p.m.: The Readfield Blizzard Busters will sponsor a public supper and fund raiser at the Red Barn on Bangor Street in Augusta; • Nov. 12, 5:30 p.m.: The Narraguagus Snowmobile Club will host a public supper at the clubhouse on the Ridge Road in Cherryfield;

THE CROWN OF MAINE

• Nov. 19-20: The Dixmont Gold Crest Riders will sponsor a Christmas fair and bake sale at the clubhouse on the Cates Road, Dixmont; • Jan. 7, 5:30 p.m.: The Narraguagus Snowmobile Club will host a public supper at the clubhouse on the Ridge Road in Cherryfield; • Jan. 8, 7:30-11 a.m.: The Pine Tree Snowmobile Club will host a public breakfast at the clubhouse on the Outer Call Road, Milford; • Jan. 8, 9 a.m.: Registration will begin for a poker run sponsored by the Narraguagus Snowmobile Club, with riders departing the clubhouse on the Ridge Road in Cherryfield;

• Jan. 15, 7:30-11 a.m.: The Pine Tree Snowmobile Club will host a public breakfast at the clubhouse on the Outer Call Road, Milford; • Jan. 15, 9 a.m.: Registration will begin for radar-run races hosted by the Portage Lakers Snowmobile Club in Portage Lake. Races will start at 10 a.m.; • Jan. 19-21: Snodeo 2012 will take place in Rangeley. For more information, log onto www.rangeleysnowmobile.com; • Jan. 21, 1 p.m.: The B-52 Commemorative Ride will depart the Moosehead Riders snowmobile club

See CALENDAR, Page 4

BANGOR DAILY NEWS | Friday | October 28, 2011 | 3

New Arctic Cat sleds showcase lessons learned in past 50 years

By Jerry Bassett

tive, yet light feel with exceptional steering angles compared to Cat’s Twin Spar models, many of which will continue into 2012.

SNOWMOBILE.COM

New nomenclature

A couple of years after leaving Polaris behind, Edgar Hetteen moved 90 minutes south of his native Roseau, Minn. to Thief River Falls where he introduced a new line of Arctic Cat snowmobiles. His 1962 launch built on principles learned as president and co-founder of Polaris. Now 50 years later, Arctic Cat engineers launch another significant set of snowmobiles built from scratch but showcasing lessons learned from parts of six decades of on-snow knowledge and experience.

The latest 2012 Arctic Cat models cover the top tier of today’s performance spectrum: trail performance, crossover, and deep powder.

The more casual models for touring and utility are pretty much the same as before. But it’s this top tier of performance Cats that will carry the load for 2012.

Right away you recognize these are not your everyday pre-2012 Arctic Cats. The styling is aggressively pointed with sharp angles. And, as if you could miss it, the newest Arctic Wishbone Suspension showcases tall spindles and skinny A-arms that sit further apart than any other set of upper and lower pieces in snowmobiling history. The front suspension shocks angle back slightly to maximize stroke to aggressively absorb bumps. As a result the steering feels light while lock-tolock action is incredibly sharp. This Arctic Cat series carries shapely bodywork that belies clever engineering touches underneath.

The Torque Control Link is a plate that connects the power take-off side of the engine to the bearing housing of the jackshaft and is designed to keep consistent center-to-center distance and alignment.

Incorporated into the design of the new ProCross chassis, the TCL helps improve belt life, allows quicker acceleration and more consistent overall performance.

2012 Arctic Cat F Turbo MTS As with many things in these new sleds, one change begat another.

The torque linkage could only be used because Cat engineers went away from the planetary Arctic Cat “diamond” drive and replaced it with a more conventional, but lightweight magnesium chaincase with changeable gears. The outer case cover houses the oil reservoir for twostroke models and fits the oil tank for 4-stroke engined sleds.

Just as Polaris brought more of its race-sled front suspension technology to the latest Rush-based Switchbacks, Arctic Cat borrows ideas gleaned from its racers.

The new lower A-arms mount at a 30-degree angle from the chassis centerline, which provides optimal angles for cornering traction and a reduction in bump steer. The new A-arms are both thinner and lighter and made in one piece with ball joints to free up their movement.

You’ll notice this change as a signature design of the top of the line 2012 Arctic Cats. As we discovered in test rides, the result is an effec-

Arctic Cat comes to 2012 with a new fleet of trail sports models and crossers. The short track ProCross models retain the “F” designation, while the stretch track models will carry the “XF” designation. The mountain units with the ProClimb chassis will remain “M” models.

In addition to revised chassis and model designations, Arctic Cat’s newest models come with only three engine choices. Deep snow riders lose the one-liter two-stroke, but gain the 177-hp turbocharged 1100cc four-stroke in the new lightweight chassis.

The 600cc two-stroker disappears to be replaced with the nonturbo 1100cc four-stroke twin, which develops more than 125-hp and 78-ft/lbs of torque. The popular and potent 800cc two-stroke remains and we’d imagine will be Cat’s most in demand powerplant.

For 2012 there will a series of F-models using the ProCross chassis and available in Sno Pro performance or LXR sport/luxury attire. The stretch series of XF models and M-series will also offer Sno Pro packages as well. The powder set will get an aggressive HCR (hill climb racer) model with the 160-hp 800cc twin and Fox Float shock package front and rear. In addition to the new for 2012 ProClimb and ProCross models, you can still find 2012 versions of the popular twin spar sleds such as the easy to afford and fun to ride fan-cooled F570.

To learn more about the 2012 Arctic Cats, visit these Maine ’Cat dealers: • Bangor Motor Sports, Bangor; • Cat Trax, Lagrange; • Huff Forest Products, Pittsfield; • Jackman Powersports; • Kramer’s, Sidney.

4 | BANGOR DAILY NEWS | Friday | October 28, 2011

Polaris introduces new Switchback and Pro-RMK models for 2012

sized, hard-side saddlebags that mount behind the seat on each side of the machine, utilizing the Lock & Ride fastening system found on the company’s ATV racks.

The sled also has electric start, reverse, mirrors, power outlets, a tall windshield, and special wind deflectors that protect the driver’s legs.

The bags and general design make the machine look like something a motivated rider may use to try to cross the Snowbelt.

The 136-inch track with 1.35-inch lugs gives it off-trail capabilities. It’s a mold-breaking machine that Polaris hopes will becomes the preferred alternative for high-mile riders who want a full-featured sled but without a geezer-sled stigma.

By Snow Goer Polaris’ rush into the future continues, as the factory that debuted the Pro-Ride chassis on the 2010 600 Rush and then expanded parts of it with the 2011 800 Pro-RMK is bringing its light weight and handling benefits to three new 2012 models.

The Roseau, Minnesota-based manufacturer announced the 2012 800 Switchback Pro-R, the 600 Switchback Adventure, and the 600 Pro-RMK 155, each in a Pro-Ride chassis.

800 Switchback Pro-R

After introducing the Pro-Ride setup on shorttrackers and then following with a revised version on long-trackers, it isn’t shocking news that Polaris would fill the middle of the lineup. What is interesting, however, was the company’s approach.

The new 800 Switchback Pro-R most closely resembles the Rush Pro-R models, meaning it shares the unique Pro-Ride rear suspension with the Rush, complete with the rear coil-over shock mounted above the track, instead of having the more traditional rear suspension setup found in the RMK. Polaris officials said they are going to market the machine as having “the heart of the Rush, and the soul of a crossover,” noting that, from the stirrup forward and from mid-tunnel back, the new Switchback really duplicates the Rush in many

600 Pro-RMK 155”

PHOTO COURTESY OF POLARIS

2012 Polaris 600 Switchback Adventure ways. At mid-tunnel, however, about 7 inches was added to the machine, allowing for a longer track for improved flotation.

Standing beside a new Switchback, it’s actually somewhat easy to forget that you’re not looking at a Rush – the front bodywork is the same, and the length of the track is masked by the distinctive rear suspension setup. The visual tip-off is the longer, more aggressive running boards and the slightly

taller handlebars.

Aside from the longer track, the Switchback also gets all-new front suspension geometry aimed at stabilizing the front end. It’s adorned with Walker Evans shocks, like the Pro-R Rush models.

But before you assume this is just a long Rush, it gets many of the treatments also found on last year’s 800 RMK models, including a hollow jackshaft, drilled brake rotor and lightweight silencer. The track that drives it is a 15- by 136- by 1.35-inch Cobra.

600 Switchback Adventure

Sharing many of those same features while adding a few more is Polaris’ new 600 Switchback Adventure, a machine patterned after popular, adventurous on- and off-road motorcycles with goanywhere, do-anything auras.

The Switchback Adventure comes with Polaris’ “Adventure Cargo System.” It includes two over-

Calendar Continued from Page 2 in Greenville and proceed to the B-52 crash site on Elephant Mountain; • Jan. 22, 7:30-11 a.m.: The Pine Tree Snowmobile Club will host a public breakfast at the clubhouse on the Outer Call Road, Milford; • Jan. 28, 5-7 p.m.: The Pine Tree Snowmobile Club will sponsor a chili chowder supper and auction at the Milford Municipal Building, with the auction starting at 6 p.m.; • Jan. 28, 5:30 p.m.: The Narraguagus Snowmobile Club will host a public supper at the clubhouse on the Ridge Road in Cherryfield; • Jan. 28-29: The Oxford Hills Snow Fest will be hosted by the Norway Trackers Snowmobile Club; • Jan. 29, 7:30-11 a.m.: The Pine Tree Snowmobile Club will host a public breakfast at the clubhouse on the Outer Call Road, Milford; • Feb. 4, 6 p.m.: The Portage Lakers Snowmobile Club will sponsor Supper On The Run and a Twilight Poker Run, starting at the clubhouse; • Feb. 5, 7:30-11 a.m.: The Pine Tree Snowmobile Club will host a public breakfast at the clubhouse on the Outer Call Road, Milford; • Feb. 5: The Pushaw Lake Snowmobile Club of Hudson will sponsor an ice-fishing derby on Pushaw Lake;

Two of the best-selling sleds in the entire snowmobile market this year are Pro-RMK 800s from Polaris.

For 2012, the company is expanding the features that made those machines so popular to the new 600 Pro-RMK 155”.

Escaping the old chassis on the 600 Pro-RMK 155” brings with it complete re-engineering, with structural bonding, lightweight jackshaft and rotor, punched snowflap, carbon fiber rear bumper, LED taillight, redesigned silencer, RMK coil-over rear suspension, Walker Evans shocks, Pro Taper handlebars, and weight savings wherever possible.

In fact, Polaris says its 600 Pro-RMK 155 will weigh 431 pounds, 53 pounds less than last year’s 600 RMK. All of this adds up to what should be a great boondocking sled, with excellent ergonomics and powder-riding capabilities.

Learn about the 2012 Polaris sleds at: • Audibert Polaris, Fort Kent Mills; • B&D Marine, Brewer; • Chandler Farms, Mapleton; • Friend & Friend, Ellsworth • Jackman Powersports, Jackman; • Tidd’s Sport Shop, Hodgdon.

• Feb. 12, 7:30-11 a.m.: The Pine Tree Snowmobile Club will host a public breakfast at the clubhouse on the Outer Call Road, Milford; • Feb. 12, 9 a.m.: The Narraguagus Snowmobile Club will hold a poker run, with registration starting at 9 a.m. at the clubhouse on the Ridge Road in Cherryfield; • Feb. 12, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.: The Pine Tree Snowmobile Club will sponsor a poker run that starts at the clubhouse on the Outer Call Road, Milford; • Feb. 17-18: Celebrate Snofest Week in the Moosehead Lake Region by participating in various snowmobiling-related events. For more information, log onto www.mooseheadriders.org; • Feb. 18: The Molunkus Valley Sno-Drifters will hold a poker run starting from the clubhouse at 58 North St., Patten; • Feb. 19, 7:30-11 a.m.: The Pine Tree Snowmobile Club will host a public breakfast at the clubhouse on the Outer Call Road, Milford; • Feb. 19: The Pejepscot Sno-Chiefs Snowmobile Club of Lisbon Falls and the Maine Farmers Draft Horse Club will sponsor the World’s Greatest Sleigh Ride, with the proceeds to benefit Pine Tree Camp; • Feb. 25, 10 a.m.: The Moosehead Riders Snowmobile Club will sponsor a Family Guided Ride that departs the clubhouse in Greenville; • Feb. 26, 7:30-11 a.m.: The Pine Tree Snowmobile Club will host a public breakfast at the clubhouse on the Outer Call Road, Milford.

BANGOR DAILY NEWS | Friday | October 28, 2011 | 5

6 | BANGOR DAILY NEWS | Friday | October 28, 2011

2012 Ski-Doo MX Z X-RS named “Best Sled” by top sled magazine American Snowmobiler has named BRP’s Ski-Doo MX Z X-RS as the “Best Sled” for 2012 in its annual Best of the Best awards. This marks the second straight year this model has been chosen for the magazine’s most prestigious award.

In reviewing the Ski-Doo MX Z X-RS American Snowmobiler stated “after our test rides of all the new 2012s we didn’t find anything that could outright steal the crown from this trail king.” They went on to say “This Ski-Doo still corners better than any 800 … and now has the best suspension in the industry,” referencing the new rMotion rear suspension.

There were other Ski-Doo models recognized, too. The Ski-Doo MX Z TNT snowmobile grabbed the “Best 600” and the GSX SE model was named “Best Luxury Touring” snowmobile for 2012.

“Ski-Doo has been innovating and pushing new technology forward at a torrid pace the past decade, replacing great products and features with even better equipment,” said Mark Savage, editor of American Snowmobiler. “The MX Z X-RS with rMotion and E-TEC exemplifies this with great performance in all aspects valued by hard core riders.”

“In the powersports world it is unusual for the same manufacturer, and especially the same model, to win an award like this two years in a row,” stated Robert Lumley, vice-president, sales and marketing, SkiDoo and Sea-Doo. “This is a testament to the lightweight razor-sharp handling of the REV-X chassis and to the powerful, efficient Rotax ETEC engines. These are the kind of technologies that separate Ski-Doo snowmobiles from the rest of the pack.”

BRP’s 2012 version of the Ski-Doo MX Zx 600 RS will see big improvements in engine and chassis performance to propel Ski-Doo X-Team racers to even more wins this year. The engine, front and rear suspensions and drive train were all changed with sno-cross and cross country racers in mind.

Headlining the list of changes will be the new engine which deliv-

reduce any bump steer to non-existent. Finally a new upper A-arm which creates a new steeper caster angle rounds out the geometry package.

The rear suspension was introduced last year as “PCX” but that was only intended to disguise the rMotion name until the consumer version was introduced.

For 2012 the rear suspension is named rMotion Racing. Both skid frames share the same basic geometry featuring a rising rate rear shock and long front arm, but each are optimized for their intended uses. The rMotion Racing has a new reinforced rear arm, improved coupling system, and new reinforced powder coated rails for reduced ice buildup.

Once all the new parts were put together, significant time was spent on chassis calibration. All four shocks have been re-worked to deliver more compliant performance in small bumps for less rider fatigue, yet still handle the nasty kickers and big jumps.

The drive train changes were aimed at improved American Snowmobiler has named the 2012 Ski-Doo MX Z X-RS as belt and clutch performance to deliver consistent RPM the “Best Sled” for 2012 in its annual Best of the Best awards. and performance lap after lap.

The new engine mounts are stiffer to keep the clutches better ers an additional six horsepower and better throttle response across the entire operating range. The list of new components is lengthy but aligned and new specs for the secondary clutch will allow it to float a starts with a new crank case, a new patent pending crank shaft design little to improve belt life.

Be sure to check out the 2012 Ski-Dos at: and new cylinders – all directed to provide better flow and higher • B&D Marine, Brewer; horsepower. The engine is designed to be very efficient from 8300 to • Fort Kent Ski-Doo, Fort Kent; 8800 rpm with a broad powerband.

• Jackman Powersports, Jackman; The front suspension was also analyzed for ways to improve chassis • Lincoln Powersports, Lincoln; performance and balance to better match up with the new skid frame • Moosehead Motorsports; introduced last year. The change to new, taller spindles improves ski • The Sled Shop, Presque Isle; pressure and cornering while the new powder coating will reduce any • Tidd’s Sport Shop, Houlton. snow or ice buildup. A redesigned steering post and bushing further

BANGOR DAILY NEWS | Friday | October 28, 2011 | 7

2012 Yamaha Apex

The 2012 Yamaha Apex features new performance technology Yamaha’s most powerful trail sled, the Apex, brings snowmobile technology to a whole new level with electric power steering, Exhaust Ultimate Performance technology, and a host of other luxurious features that set the bar high above the competition.

The Apex has been a great flagship with its industry leading 4-cylinder Genesis power plant and fully adjustable Mono Shock II RA rear suspension.

This sled features the industry’s first Exhaust Ultimate Performance technology that adds to the overall power of the engine, making for an amazing ride.

Add on the industry’s first EPS technology and a 128” track, and you’ve got a sled you can ride all day without feeling it tomorrow!

The 2012 Apex features the industry’s first electric power steering system. This system is velocity sensitive, delivering maximum assist at trail speed and gradually tapering at higher speeds.

You’ll love the EPS system because it helps isolate the rider from rough trail feedback, alleviates the exertion required to move the bars, provides excellent handling and predictability, and, most importantly, makes the sled feel 100 pounds lighter.

This combined with the Apex’s third generation front suspension geometry and new ski design creates an experience that makes it impossible to go back to the old sleds without some regret.

The new 2012 RS Vector LTX offers even more comfort and luxury then ever with the addition of Electric Power Steering. In addition to the EPS system, the RS Vector LTX receives Apex-style trail skis, new third generation front geometry equipped with HPG front shocks, an oil-pressure sensing system, a redesigned windshield, a new clicker rear shock, and new graphics.

All of this on top of the impressive bump-bridging Mono Shock CK 136 suspension and ultra-rigid Deltabox III chassis, make the RS Vector LTX the ultimate mid-class crossover sled.

The new 2012 RS Vector LTX features the industry’s first electric power steering system. This system is velocity sensitive, delivering maximum assist at trail speed and gradually tapering at higher speeds. Complementing the EPS is the new thirdgeneration front suspension with Apex-style 8HV skis. This setup helps minimize inside ski lift due to centrifugal force during turns.

And, by optimizing the amount of resistance from the snow surface that’s applied to the rear end of the ski, including forces from bumps and ruts, this offset helps the RS Vector LTX achieve its amazingly smooth handling, including its excellent straight line performance.

Check out the 2012 Yamaha sleds at: • Friend & Friend, Ellsworth; • Friend & Friend, Orono; • Gary’s Yamaha, Caribou; • Jackman Powersports, Jackman; • Moosehead MotorBDN PHOTO BY BRIAN SWARTZ sports, Greenville JuncA Yamaha 2-up carries snowmobilers over the Central Maine tion; Adventure Trail bridge spanning the Sebasticook River in • North Country Corinna. Powersports, Oakland.

8 | BANGOR DAILY NEWS | Friday | October 28, 2011