IASC November 2024

52 YEARS Prairie Riders & Grass Drags & Power Sports Swap Meet

November 2024 The Official Publication of Illinois Association of Snowmobile Clubs, Inc.

www.ILSNOWMOBILE.com

A Tribute to 2 Friends of the Community

Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/iasc.inc

CONTENTS NOVEMBER 2024 ACSA No Trespass Contest

p.10

p.12

COVER STORY

Belvidere Prairie Riders Snowmobile Club’s Grass Drags & Power Sports Meet

IASC

illinois

DEPARTMENTS

3 7 8 14 16 19

The Official Publication of the Illinois Association of Snowmobile Clubs Illinois Snowmobiler is published six times per year October, November, December, January, February, and March - by KDR Productions, 1700 East Golf Rd., Suite 550 D, Schaumburg, Illinois 60173. It is the official publication of the Illinois Association of Snowmobile Clubs.

Subscriptions: Yearly subscriptions are a benefit of IASC membership - Individual Associate $25; Business Associate $35; Clubs $35, plus $11 per family club member. To join, contact the IASC office at 815-210-0587 or send check to: IASC Office PO Box 8171 Elburn, IL 60119

IASC Illinois Snowmobiler

MEDIA GROUP

1700 East Golf Rd., Suite 550 D Schaumburg, Illinois 60173 Send Copy To production@ilsnowmobiler.com Sales Dino Thanos 630-894-0934 ext. 229 dino@ilsnowmobiler.com

Publisher Dino Thanos Managing Editor Danielle Christoffel Art Directors Danielle Christoffel & Ray Toppel Advertising Sales Dino Thanos & Meghan Naylor Contributions: We welcome unsolicited materials and letters for possible publication. Letters, manuscripts, stories, materials, and photographs cannot be returned unless sender provides a self-addressed stamped envelope. Illinois Snowmobiler and KDR Productions accept no responsibility for returns, losses, or damage of unsolicited materials.

Letters to the editor must be signed with address and telephone number of the sender. Submission of articles and letters implies the right to edit and publish in all or part.

Illinois Snowmobiler Magazine is the official publication of the Illinois Association of Snowmobiler Clubs (IASC). The opinions and attitudes expressed by the publisher do not necessarily reflect the opinions and attitudes of the IASC and are not intended as a statement from IASC, but rather as a statement from the publisher.

Officers, Directors & Clubs IASC Business Associates Safety Education

Hot Dog Roast

Another hot dog roast and good times with the Hampshire White Riders.

Annual Prairie 10 29th Riders Grass Drags & Power Sports Meet

Duey Stadie highlights this year’s annual start of the snowmobile season.

No Trespass 12 ASCA Contest

Learn more about this year’s contest and how you can enter.

Larry 17 Remembering Ratzlaff

A tribute to a long-time snowmobiler, club member, and a man loved by so many.

18 Remembering George Gore

©Copyright 2024: All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher.

www.ilsnowmobiler.com

Events

Tradition 8 The Continues; Annual

Illinois Snowmobiler is published by:

KDR

Region Meeting Schedule

FEATURES

S N O W M O B I L E R

IASC Executive Board President Kai Steward 1st Vice President Kaite Polhill 2nd Vice President Don Schaefer 3rd Vice President Jessica Dicker Treasurer Carol Bly-Julian Secretary Jennifer Baumgartner

President’s Desk

To Advertise, Call 630-894-0934

Celebrating the life of George Gore, a beloved and dedicated member of the snowmobile community.

November 2024

Page 2

PRESIDENT’S DESK Reflecting on my first year as President one word comes to mind: change.

The biggest changes being Jane’s retirement, the closing of our physical office, and the magazine moving to an online format.

While we are still working out some of the bugs, the transition has been smooth overall thanks to the board Kai Steward and committee chairs that have taken on even more responsibilities. Thank you all for making these transitions and for all you do.

We’ve been receiving some feedback on the magazine and we’d like to get more. We will be sending out a survey about the magazine to see what you all like and dislike about the new format, changes you would like to see, etc. This is your chance to let us know how you feel. Please fill out the survey when you receive it.

Based on feedback, one of the major changes that will happen at the annual meeting is the changing of the board structure. We will no longer have three vice-presidents. In the past, stepping up and being on board possibly felt like a life sentence. Starting at 3rd VP and working your way through the board until becoming President. A person was potentially on the board for 9 years before becoming President. With our new structure, we will still have the President, Treasurer, Secretary and 1 Vice President. We will also have a 5th board member that is the member at large.

This takes the lineage to President from a possible 9 years to 3 years. Our hope is that more of you reading this today will want to step up and be on the board representing your club, region and the IASC. If you are interested in being on the board, we are nominated and voted in each year at the convention.

Did you know we kept the office phone number of 815-210-0587 and one of the board members has that phone. Keep in mind we all have full-time jobs, so leave a message and we will get back to you.

There is still time to sign up and come to the 52nd Annual IASC Convention on November 9th at the Hilton Garden Inn in Rockford.

I hope you all make the time to come talk snowmobiling, partake in the annual meeting, and learn something from our seminars and speakers we have lined up this year.

See you at the convention!

IASC Illinois Snowmobiler

www.ilsnowmobiler.com

To Advertise, Call 630-894-0934

November 2024

Page 3

Issue_____________________Date______________ Loves Park Motorsports SKI QTR 10-21

Illinois Snowmobiler is the official magazine of the IASC (Illinois Association of Snowmobile Clubs).

Loves Park Motorsports

11951 Main St. Roscoe IL 61073

815-636-7636

lovesparkmotorsports.com

Holiday Gift Guide FXR HEATED RECON GLOVE

Thinsulate® 300g back of hand and thumb / 200g fourchettes and palm insulation. 3 stage thermal heat setting easy control button. Heat element tracks around each finger on the backside of glove providing up to 5 hours of heat (battery life depends on power setting and conditions). Available at Rt. 12 Arctic Cat, 1320 East Rand Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60004, www.route12arcticcat.com

TOBE NECTO BOOT

Priced affordably, it excels in practicality and warmth. The durable rubber outsole is designed to withstand rigorous conditions, providing excellent traction and longevity. As with all of our boots, the Necto must pass a rigorous 14-hour waterproofing test.

Available at Rt. 12 Arctic Cat, 1320 East Rand Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60004, www.route12arcticcat.com

Call Meghan for advertising information and opportunities

630-894-0934

www.ilsnowmobiler.com IASC Illinois Snowmobiler

www.ilsnowmobiler.com

To Advertise, Call 630-894-0934

November 2024

Page 4

2024 CATALYST MODELS STILL IN STOCK Helmets, Jackets, Bibs, Gloves, Hoodies, T-Shirts, Gear Bags, Helmet Bags, Goggles, Boots, Socks

1320 East Rand Rd. • Arlington Heights, IL 60004

847.818.8849

WE HAVE THE ALL NEW 2025 858 CATALYST IN STOCK The industry’s most rider-centric platform — the revolutionary CATALYST — has more options than ever, including your choice of the proven 600 engine, the all-new, powerful 858 engine, ATACH accessory system and more.

WS250 NOW IN STOCK

We are Illinois’ #1 Widescape dealer!

Compact, agile and ultra lightweight, the Widescape WS250 is powered by a custom-built 242cc 4-stroke EFI engine with liquid cooling and was designed to be compact, reliable and fuel efficient.

A NOTE FROM THE TREASURER Because all our clubs, as well as the IASC, are organized as notfor-profit corporations in Illinois, you may have heard about a new requirement for businesses to complete the Beneficial Owner Information reporting. This is a new requirement to report Carol Bly-Julian the ownership information of your business by completing a form on the FinCEN (Financial Crimes Enforcement Network) website.

There is a list of businesses that are exempt from this report and tax-exempt entities are one of them. You should review your club’s status with the IRS to verify you are recognized as a not-for-profit corporation to substantiate your exemption. You can do this on the IRS website irs.gov and do a tax-exempt organization search.

Issue_____________________Date______________ Bear’sROUTE12ARCTICCAT.COM Nine Pines Resort SILVER BANNER

906-842-3361 GOD’S COUNTRY

While you are reviewing that, you may want to check the Illinois Secretary of States website to see if your club is in good standing. To qualify for grant reimbursement, your club must be in good standing with the Secretary of State. You can verify your club’s standing by visiting their website at www.ilsos.gov and do a business entity search using your club’s name.

Once you get all your paperwork in order, maintaining your not-for-profit status does not take much time. It is all part of operating your club responsibly.

Well, that is enough business talk! Let us all hope for a winter filled with lots of snow!

Lake Gogebic/Michigan’s U.P. Your Winter Vacation Destination

www.ninepinesresort.com IASC Illinois Snowmobiler

www.ilsnowmobiler.com

To Advertise, Call 630-894-0934

November 2024

Page 5

WE HAVE FINANCING OPTIONS AVAILABLE GREAT SELECTION OF CLOTHING FROM POLARIS & KLIM AVAILABLE NOW! 3445 Eagle Nest Drive Crete, IL 60417

708.672.7511 www.shorewoodhomeandauto.com We are your one-stop shop for snowmobiles, power equipment, ATVs, utility vehicles, snowblowers, trailers, lawn mowers & more!

1002 West Jefferson Street Shorewood, IL 60404

815.741.2941 Since 1974

PRODUCTS • PARTS • SERVICE • AND MORE

IASC Illinois Snowmobiler

www.ilsnowmobiler.com

To Advertise, Call 630-894-0934

November 2024

Page 6

Region Meeting Schedule:

Be a Part of the Process - Attend Your Local IASC Region Meeting!

Region 1 Director: Don Schaefer

Region 5 Director: Jennifer Baumgartner

Region 9 Director: Bob Atkins

847-917-4202 dssschaefer@msn.com Call or Email for Information & Location

815-509-9373 snowdiva18@yahoo.com Second Wednesday of the Month - 7:00pm August - May Red Ox Bar and Grill, Hampshire, IL

309-397-6922 atkinscrew@gmail.com Call or Email for Information & Location

Region 6 Director: Kirk Polhill

217-948-5579 channerfarms@yahoo.com Call or Email for Information & Location

Region 2 Director: Craig Adams 815-687-2844 craigmadams@yahoo.com First Wednesday of the Month - 7:30pm August - April Rusty Nail Bar & Grill, Ringwood, IL

Region 3 Director: Dan Damptz

Region 10 & 11 Director: Carson Hanner

815-275-3371 kdpwire@yahoo.com Second Thursday of the Month - 7:30pm September - April Bottle Shed, Stockton, IL

Region 7 Director: Dale Fritz

815-985-6071 dandamptz@gmail.com Second Monday of the Month - 7:00pm July - April Uptown Lanes / Back Alley Bar, Byron, IL

815-791-6375 dalefritz2@comcast.net Call or Email for Information & Location

Region 4 Director: Pat Pendergast

Region 8 Director: Chad Wissen

309-335-4095 ppenderg@knox.edu September, November & March - 7:00pm Third Monday of the Month Call or Email for Information & Location

815-674-5072 cwissen82@hotmail.com Call or Email for Information

#MeetmeinMercer

Home of the Turtle Flambeau Flowage

Mercer has 250 Miles of Snowmobile Trails Variety of riding from the former railroad grade, to heavily forested land, to the wide open spaces across the Flowage.

Riders understand why Iron County is the Snow Capital of Wisconsin.

715.476.2389

INFO@MERCERCC.COM IASC Illinois Snowmobiler

www.ilsnowmobiler.com

To Advertise, Call 630-894-0934

November 2024

Page 7

EVENTS NOVEMBER November 3rd: McHenry County Snowmobile Association Meat Raffle Feed the Groomer Fundraiser Starts at 2pm, ticket sales begin at 1pm Rusty Nail Bar & Grill 4520 Ringwood Rd. Ringwood, IL 60072 815-728-3017 November 9th: 52nd IASC Convention See registration info in this issue Hilton Garden Inn Rockford 7675 Walton St. Rockford, IL 61108 815-229-3322 November 23rd: Hampshire White Riders Meat & Cash Raffle Starting at 7pm Meat prizes: steaks, pork chops, hams, bacon slabs, turkeys, and over $2,300 cash Red Ox Restaurant 129 E. Oak Knoll Dr. Hampshire, IL 60140 For more information, visit hampshirewhiteriders.com

DECEMBER December 14th: Howards Grove Lakeshore Drifter Busters 2nd Annual Vintage Snowmobile Show Smiling Moose Saloon & Grill in Osman, WI For more information, call 920-889-4342 JANUARY January 5th: Prairie Drifters Radar Run No Ice Dates - January 19, 2025 and February 2, 2025 Lake Story, Galesburg, IL Signup 9am and racing at 10am Call Mike Dennis for more information 1-309-337-6494 January 25th: Prairie Drifters Music Trivia Night Cedar Creek Hall, Galesburg, IL Starts at 7pm Call Mike Dennis for more information 1-309-337-6494

Please Email Us Your IASC Club Events to production@ ilsnowmobiler.com

A Hampshire White Rider’s Tradition Continues

By Dwain “Duey” Stadie There are some things that you just look forward to every year, such as Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, and the Hampshire White Rider’s Hot Dog Roast/Campfire. It used to be called a bonfire, but we do not get that crazy anymore.

On Saturday, October 5th, 30 club members gathered at the home of Scott and Becky Haseman for a fun-filled evening of food, fun and camaraderie.

The club dined on grilled hot dogs and beer bratwursts. There was also chili with cheese and 6 distinct kinds of peppers served on the side, so you could make your chili as wild as you wanted. We munched on nachos with cheese and jalapenos, chips, cookies, and Scott’s famous bacon-wrapped pretzel sticks. Several types of liquid refreshments were enjoyed, both leaded and unleaded.

There was a campfire going all night on the deck where smores and Jiffy Pop popcorn were prepared. Jiffy Pop is a club tradition. Stories told and plans were discussed about trips for the upcoming season.

Weather-wise, it was a beautiful evening. It’s always a relaxing, fun-filled event with friends. Just another reason to join a snowmobile club. You will have fun with your snowmobile family all year long.

A special thank you to Scott and Becky for hosting this event.

IASC Illinois Snowmobiler

www.ilsnowmobiler.com

To Advertise, Call 630-894-0934

November 2024

Page 8

A great partnership for the snowmobiling community

A great partnership for the snowmobiling community community rsnowmobiling the Asnowmobiling community great partnership for the snowmobiling community

C. S IN T R PO IVE

R S ME N D 8 RTINDERSOIL 61000 E M A E, 0 om HAM2252LVIDER544-58orts.c BE 15- esp 8 im ert m ham

Working hard to support the snowmobiling community • Keeping trails open and developing new trails hard to support the snowmobiling community • Working Supporting trail grooming •• Initiating and supporting lawsuits thatdeveloping threaten access new trails Keeping trails open and • Encouraging snowmobiler participation in clubs and associations Supporting trail as grooming •• Promoting snowmobiling a family activity •• Providing safety awareness and education through the Safethreaten Riders! program Initiating and supporting lawsuits that access

• Encouraging snowmobiler participation in clubs and associations • Promoting snowmobiling as a family activity • Providing safety awareness and education through the Safe Riders! program

At Hammertime Sports we strive to Working hard to support the snowmobiling community make each customer feel like family!

• Keeping trails open and developing new trails ty Family owned since 1993, Hammertime Sports, Inc. of Belvidere, Illinois carries a full line of New Snowmobiles • Supporting trail grooming from Polaris, Yamaha, Castle, Fly & Klim as well as Used Inventory. Hammertime has a full line of Parts ommunity Inventory and offers Service Repairs on any make & model with Unparalleled Customer Service! Located • Initiating and supporting lawsuits that threaten access minutes from the Chicagoland Area, Rockford, Dekalb, Beloit, Janesville, Madison, Quad Cities & Dubu que, IA. s • Encouraging snowmobiler participation in clubs and associationsITS WORTH THE DRIVE! ssociations • Promoting snowmobiling as a family activity en access • Providing safety awareness and education through the Safe Riders! program ubs associations Safe and Riders! program SCAN ME FOR A SURPRISE

®

rough the Safe Riders! program

Meat & Cash Raffle P.O. Box 6 • 6255 Hwy. 70 E. St. Germain, WI 54558

Saturday, November 23 starting at 7:00pm

715-479-8007

LOCATION: Red Ox Restaurant 129 E. Oak Knoll Dr. Hampshire, IL 60140

Sales • Rentals • Service • Parts Clothing Rentals (Bibs, Jackets, Helmets, Boots)

NOW RENTING: • Can-Am Side by Side • Ski-Doo Snowmobiles • Excel Power Bikes & Bintelli E-Bikes • Sea-Doo PWCs • Pontoons

Meat Prizes: Steaks, Pork Chops, Hams, Bacon Slabs, Turkeys & over $2,300.00 in cash.

Cash Raffle only 700 tickets sold

1st Prize $2000.00 2nd Prize $200.00 3rd Prize $100.00

For more info, go to the Hampshire White Riders Snowmobile Club Facebook page, or hampshirewhiteriders.com

IASC Illinois Snowmobiler

www.ilsnowmobiler.com

To Advertise, Call 630-894-0934

November 2024

Page 9

IASC Illinois Snowmobiler

www.ilsnowmobiler.com

To Advertise, Call 630-894-0934

November 2024

Page 10

IASC Illinois Snowmobiler

www.ilsnowmobiler.com

To Advertise, Call 630-894-0934

November 2024

Page 11

Loves Park Motorsports QTR 10-17

Loves Park Motorsports

11951 Main St. Roscoe IL 61073

815-636-7636

lovesparkmotorsports.com

Issue_____________________Date______________ Gateway Lodge QTR 11-15

4695 N. Popko Circle W. PO Box 387, on Snowmobile Trail 10A Mercer, WI 54547

715-476-7878

Offering 91 Octane No Ethanol Fuel

www.thegatewaylodge.com

Boat Rentals Located On Snowmobile Trail And ATV/UTV Route

From delicious fish fries and burgers, to juicy steaks and a full bar, the Gateway Lodge offers some of the best dining and best Bloody Marys in the northwoods.

The Gateway Lodge also offers cabins and private home rental.

COME CHECK OUT OUR NEW BENNINGTON PONTOONS, LUND BOATS FOR RENT!

Midweek Rental Special Call For Information.

Some restrictions apply. Call for details.

IASC Illinois Snowmobiler

www.ilsnowmobiler.com

To Advertise, Call 630-894-0934

Now Serving The Best Pizza On The Flowage

November 2024

Page 12

Years 52 Of Organized Snowmobiling Come Celebrate November 9, 2024 Hilton Garden Inn Rockford

7675 Walton St., Rockford, IL 61108 • 815-229-3322 Rooms are $129 a night plus tax.

Rooms available under IASC block until October 9th.

CALL HOTEL DIRECTLY TO MAKE ROOM RESERVATIONS & MENTION IASC IASC CONVENTION REGISTRATION, November 9, 2024 Package Choices

# Plan

Cost

Plan A -All Day Saturday ($65.00)

Attendee Name: Address:

Plan B • Saturday Lunch Only ($30.00) Plan C - Saturday Dinner & Entertainment ($50.00)

Phone:

Total Enclosed: • Make checks payable to IASC Convention • Send registration form by October 15, 2024 to: Kaite Polhill, 227 Shippee Rd., Lena, IL 61048

Email:

CC Account Number:

Additional Attendees:

CVV#:

Club:

EXP.:

Signature.: *Credit Card Convenience Fee Add 4% registration charge on total cost IASC Illinois Snowmobiler

www.ilsnowmobiler.com

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT ADVERTISING, SPONSORSHIPS, DONATIONS, OR ANY QUESTIONS, Call Stephanie Steward (262)745-6002

To Advertise, Call 630-894-0934

November 2024

Page 13

IASC Illinois Snowmobiler

www.ilsnowmobiler.com

To Advertise, Call 630-894-0934

November 2024

Page 14

IASC Illinois Snowmobiler

www.ilsnowmobiler.com

To Advertise, Call 630-894-0934

November 2024

Page 15

IASC Illinois Snowmobiler

www.ilsnowmobiler.com

To Advertise, Call 630-894-0934

November 2024

Page 16

cºtv

Remembering Larry Ratzlaff Originallypostedonwww.lairdfamilyfuneralservices.com/obituaries/Larry-Ratzlaff?obId=33141660 On September 17, 2024, Larry Ratzlaff, of Elgin, Illinois, passed away at the age of 76. He will always be remembered as a man of uncommon ingenuity, remarkable mechanical ability, and limitless creativity.

member of the Elgin Cold Ducks snowmobile club for more than 45 years. In 1981, he began teaching snowmobile safety education to new riders, which he continued for over four decades. He is both Illinois’ longest-running, and oldest, safety education instructor.

Larry felt that there was no better way to see the beauty of wintertime than on the back of a snowmobile.

He was an avid outdoorsman who also enjoyed camping with his family all over the country.

Larry was born on January 7, 1948. On August 9, 1969, he married his beautiful wife, Jean, and they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2019.

Larry firmly believed that God put him on this Earth to help people.

He felt that his ability to build, create, diagnose, and repair things so skillfully, and often, effortlessly, was a gift to be shared with anyone who needed his assistance. He had a remarkable knack for determining what was wrong when something broke, and he delighted in repairing things in ways that didn’t just fix them but also improved their functionality.

Larry happily took on any and all projects for his children, family, friends, and neighbors. Everyone continually sought out his expertise for their home improvement issues and automotive repairs, which he enthusiastically dove into.

He was a carpenter, a plumber, an electrician, a welder, a fabricator, a mechanic, and a machinist.

And yet, he was incredibly humble about his exceptional abilities.

He was an altruistic, loving man who was the first to help, day or night, when anyone was in need.

Larry loved motors and engines of nearly every size and kind. Over the years, he built numerous go-karts, tractors, and marvelous machines which his family and friends enjoyed immensely.

Larry spent almost 50 years at the same company working as a design engineer in fire protection. He has multiple patents to his name, designing many lifesaving devices with his co-workers.

Larry was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, enjoying everything from family bonfire and movie nights in the yard to assisting with scout and school projects in his machine shop. His grandsons continually swept the Pinewood Derby championships year after year with their perfectly-engineered cars.

Everyone who knew Larry feels the enormity of losing such a remarkable human being, loving man, and friend. It is difficult to envision navigating this world without his advice, insight and care.

Larry is survived by his children, Jill (Doug) Cataldo and Lynn (Kevin) Peto; five grandchildren: Angelica, Benjamin, and William Cataldo; and Lola and Layla Peto; his sisters, Deloris Padgett, Jeanette (Randy) Nielson, Jenelle (Terry) Wilson, and their families. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Ratzlaff, and his parents.

Memorial donations in Larry’s name may be made to the Elgin Cold Ducks snowmobile club, www.elgincoldducks.com.

Another of his passions was snowmobiling. Larry was a IASC Illinois Snowmobiler

www.ilsnowmobiler.com

To Advertise, Call 630-894-0934

November 2024

Page 17

cºtv

Remembering George Gore

Courtesy of Brandon Norman of Channel3000.com George Gore, age 91 of Elroy, Wisconsin passed away 1985. His enjoyment in later life was writing “Grandpa peacefully Friday, October 4, 2024, at his residence.

Stories” for his grandchildren which were also shared with the public in the Juneau County Messenger along George was born November 15, 1932, in Hudson, with crossword puzzles.

Illinois the son of Vester and Fern (Farrell) Gore. He grew up on a farm in Adams County and attended Oxford George is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; son, George High School in Oxford, Wisconsin and furthered his (Debra) Gore; daughters, Tama (David) Finke and education at Lake Forest College in Lake Forest, Illinois. Patricia Gore; brothers, Holly Edd (Patricia) Gore and He then enlisted into the U.S Marine Corp, serving from Dean (Judy) Gore; sisters, Bonnie (Kieth) Timinski and January of 1953 and honorably discharged in January Nancy Edwards; seven grandchildren and seven great of 1956. He was united in marriage to Mary Ann Rogge grandchildren, and dear friend Betty Leverenz. He was on July 20, 1953, in Lyndon Station. They lived in the preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter, Mary Chicago suburbs where George worked as an electrical Thomasina Gore and a sister, Shirley Combs. engineer for 31 years and in 1998, they relocated to Elroy, Wisconsin.

The family would like to give special thanks to Andy and Deb for round the clock care, and to Betty Leverenz George loved to snowmobile and to write stories about who has been a devoted friend and caregiver, and to all snowmobiling. Through his writing and participation the people who stopped by or sent letters and cards in snowmobile clubs and association, he became a to George. And thank you to the nurses and staff with spokesman for the sport and had been a president of the Agrace Hospice.

Illinois Association of Snowmobile Clubs from 1984 to IASC Illinois Snowmobiler

www.ilsnowmobiler.com

To Advertise, Call 630-894-0934

November 2024

Page 18

Safety & Education

Are you a safety instructor? I’m guessing you have your class date set, location reserved and kids have started getting registered. I really feel parents are starting to see the value of an instructor-taught class as there were some larger classes last year and this year already. I think if we keep doing what we do, and do a good job at it, our numbers will increase. I had a very positive meeting with the IDNR this summer and met the awesome folks involved with the Safety Education Program. Lots of good ideas were shared and we cleared the air on several issues. I think the potential is there for lots of good things to come from this meeting. I thank Cody Gray and his dedicated team for their time and attention to Illinois snowmobile safety.

you’re riding a sled, don’t go alone. Make sure someone knows where you will be working, and pay attention to the task at hand. You don’t want to start out the season laid up with an injury.

Convention will probably be in full swing by the time you are reading this and I hope you’re able to attend. It is always a good time to connect with fellow Illinois riders and attend some great seminars. On a sad note, I want to mention the passing of two icons in Illinois snowmobiling. We recently lost both former IASC President and SEP chair, George Gore, and long time Elgin Cold Ducks member and SEP instructor, Larry Ratzlaff. Both of these guys played a huge role in Illinois snowmobiling and their absence will be noticed by many. They were not only dedicated to snowmobile safety (Larry schooled me more than once on one of my many missteps!), they were both a couple of serious riders. George had a group he rode with that was big into travel trips and Larry would crank out some crazy miles on that big Yamaha.

Illinois snowmobiling was better due to their efforts and dedication. They will be sorely missed. Godspeed, boys, and happy trails. I’m going to wrap up another latesubmitted article and wish everyone a blessed Thanksgiving. Think snow, everybody.

I hope to see you at the convention.

Trail marking happening this month? With the dry fall, a lot of harvest has happened already, which allows us to get out there and start working on trails. Please do that sort of work as a team and don’t go out on your own. Accidents can happen in a hurry regardless of the job. Don’t take for granted that a simple job is nothing to be concerned about. It’s easy to get a little too comfortable doing a mundane task.

That’s when a person can get careless and an accident can happen. So just like when

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE What is the purpose of Tread Lightly?

a) Prevent snowmobile thefts and deter crime b) Increase noise pollution c) Encourage outdoor ethics to preserve wild lands d) Promote hiking as a sport and reduce the number of snowmobiles on trails Answer: b) Encourage outdoor ethics and preserve wild lands.

Greetings, all! There is definitely a hint of fall in the air as I write this. The harvest is in full swing, trees are turning and club meetings are in full swing. It’s the preseason folks, almost time for our favorite sport to get rolling. Folks are talking about trips, leave time from work, (unless you’re retired!!), sled tradin’, and the list goes on. Dang, I love winter! I hope you are in preseason mode. This is time to prep the sleds, check out the trailer and tow vehicle, etc. We pull those trailers in some pretty awful conditions at times, so taking a good look underneath is a must. Tires, bearings, wiring, hitch condition are just some of the things to check out. Now Pat Pendergast is the time to look at these things when it’s warm, dry and close to home and your favorite parts supplier.

Safety Class Schedule

Class Date

Location

Address

Time

Registration

11/2/24

Hampshire Township Park District

390 South Avenue, Hampshire

7:30am-4:00pm

Genice 847-987-3986

11/16/24

Pingree Grove/Countryside Fire Station #1

10N255 Dittman Rd., Elgin

7:30am-4:30pm

815-370-4301

11/16/24

Brewster Creek

6N 921 Route 25, St. Charles

8:00am-4:30pm

Ron 630-546-8058 RgJulian@comcast.net

11/16/24

McHenry County Sheriffs Office

2200 N Seminary Ave., Woodstock

8:00am-4:00pm Register at the following link: www.mchenrysheriff.org/snowmobileclass

11/30/24

Leone’s Polaris

3061 E. 103rd Rd., Peru

8:00am-4:30pm

815-220-1780

12/14/24

Oneida-Wataga Fire Station

210 N Sage St., Oneida

8:00am-4:30pm

309-368-0620 or 309-335-4095

12/14/24

McHenry County Sheriffs Office

2200 N Seminary Ave., Woodstock

8:00am-4:00pm Register at the following link: www.mchenrysheriff.org/snowmobileclass

12/15/24

Lena Community Center

497 Lions Dr., Lena

8:00am-4:00pm

815-990-2652

1/25/25

H.Q. Kane Cnty Forest Preserve

1996 Kirk Rd., Geneva

8:00am-4:30pm

Ron 630-546-8058 RgJulian@comcast.net

1/11/24

McHenry County Sheriffs Office

2200 N Seminary Ave., Woodstock

8:00am-4:00pm Register at the following link: www.mchenrysheriff.org/snowmobileclass

IASC Illinois Snowmobiler

www.ilsnowmobiler.com

To Advertise, Call 630-894-0934

November 2024

Page 19

WATCH FOR OUR BLACK FRIDAY SALE!

OXYGEN FLOW HELMET

ADVEX HELMET

2025 SKI-DOO

LADIES EXODUS X-TEAM JACKET

APPAREL AND RIDING GEAR ONLINE NOW!

SKI-DOO OXYGEN HELMET

MEN’S EXODUS X-TEAM JACKET

TEC+ ULTRA BOOTS

SHOPROBSPERFORMANCE.COM IASC Illinois Snowmobiler

www.ilsnowmobiler.com

To Advertise, Call 630-894-0934

November 2024

Page 20

©2024 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved, ® ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates.