Michigan Snowmobiler & ORV - August 2023

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What’s Inside St.Helen Michigan an ORV-Lovers Paradise

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Summer Season Shines Light on Keweenaw Trail System I-500: Professional Racing’s Closest Finishes “Where Do We Go From Here...”

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EDITOR’S LETTER

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SUMMER SEASON SHINES LIGHT ON KEWEENAW TRAIL SYSTEM

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EAST JORDAN: EVENTS AND EXPERIENCES GALORE ON THE BREEZEWAY

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ST. HELEN MICHIGAN AN ORV-LOVERS PARADISE

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I-500: PROFESSIONAL RACING’S CLOSEST FINISHES “WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE...”

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FOR THE LOVE OF POWER SPORTS

ON THE COVER: Abbey Link getting ready to hit the St Helen trail system and enjoy the surrounding area.

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MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • AUGUST • 2023

| 3

from the editor

A

t Michigan Snowmobiler and ORV we are looking forward to Labor Day Weekend. As we approach this important holiday I can’t help but think of all the things that can easily be taken for granted that the laborers of the United States have brought us and continue to provide in support our sport. So as we approach this important holiday – let’s remember our laborers and resolve each in our own way to incorporate three new habits to honor our laborers.

For one, it’s so easy to buzz along our highways and bridges and never, ever think about all it takes to create and maintain the system that keeps us rolling to our favorite trails. Our roads and bridges are unique and

amazing in our country.

Very few places have as many or as good of roads and bridges as we do.

So I know we get tired of construction zones and delays – but what would we do without them!

So next time you’re in one of THOSE zones – my fellow Michigan Snowmobiler and ORV crew – I challenge you – observe the slow down and give our road crews a break. If you think of all our big tow vehicles and attached trailers slowing down in construction zones, we can make a difference.

WE truly might save a life.

For two, our tow vehicles, trailers and the fun we ride on come off a variety of lines manned by all sorts of laborers – hopefully still here in this awesome land.

My father-in-law worked

on that line and I’m awfully grateful for his knowledge and the work ethic he passed on to my husband and the next generation.

You will see our nation’s flag fly proudly at their home. Maybe brush off your own flag and post it in front of your own home.

Those construction crews I mentioned, most of them will have flags flying at every site… I love it.

And three, well pick your own… but I try to be as kind and inspirational as possible when I can – whenever and wherever possible. Pass it on. The world needs more of it.

Michigan has produced a lot of laborers over the years and we learned to work very hard – then play very hard! In my mind, very few people work harder at being a little bit better every day than Michiganders… we can show a unique can do spirt better than anyone… who better to spread that spirit on the

trails than all of us.

Just some thoughts to honor all of our laborers as we head into one of our nation’s most important holidays.

As always at Michigan Snowmobiler and ORV, we hope each of you is enjoying good health while dreaming of fun and the smell of revving engines in our pages! We look forward to seeing everyone at local events, chapter meetings and volunteering in support of Michigan Snowmobiling and ORVs. Please remember to keep all our veterans and first responders in your thoughts and prayers.

Please feel free to reach out to us. We love to hear from our readers. Be safe and enjoy the trails until our next issue.

As alway, you can reach out to us at Michigan Snowmobiler at scottd@faragoassoc.com

PUBLISHER | Peter Farago

VOLUME 56 - NUMBER 10

EDITOR | Ann Drzewiecki

Founded September 1967

ADVERTISING MANAGER | Scott Drzewiecki

EXECUTIVE OFFICES, ADVERTISING, EDITORIAL AND CIRCULATION OFFICES:

CREATIVE ART DIRECTOR | Michelle Sheridan

30600 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 306 Farmington Hills, Michigan 48434 810.348.1325 scottd@faragoassoc.com www.michsnowmag.com

SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR | Chelsie Dzbanski Fontenelle WEB MANAGER | Kelly Kosek CONTRIBUTING WRITERS | Jim Duke, Patrick Grzebinski ,Terri Norey, Mike Olmstead, Melissa Sullivan, Jesse Wiederhold , Joyce Wiswell

THE MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER+ORV is an independent publication endorsing the goals of MISORVA, and other associations. Opinions expressed herein are the opinions of the editor or contributing writers, and do not necessarily reflect the official opinions of the MSA, or their board of directors. Reproduction of material in whole or part is prohibited, unless authorized in writing by the publisher - all rights reserved.

MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER and ORV INC., The Michigan Snowmobiler is published 10 times per year, September through February and May through August.

4 | AUGUST • 2023 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

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| 5

Summer Season Shines Light on Keweenaw Trail System

BY JESSE WIEDERHOLD CONTRIBUTING WRITER

O

RV trails in the Keweenaw take you all the way from the white and blue Portage Lake Lift Bridge in Houghton to the Lake Superior shores of High Rock Bay past Copper Harbor. A sense of adventure, responsibility and excitement fills your soul when you bring your ORV to the Keweenaw. 160 miles of maintained trails await through beautiful, aged forests. Small copper towns line the way offering you many unique stories. The synergy between the trails, towns and people is what makes the Keweenaw’s ORV trail system truly special. Major projects are underway to not only repair, but to improve existing infrastructure for riders.

With the support of the community, Michigan legislature and the club’s membership, Keweenaw ATV Club President Daryl St. John says a lot of incredible work went on this summer. Many are aware of repairs happening to Trail BD from Dollar Bay to Lake Linden. The nearly $9M development is making great progress, and the final culverts are being

placed. This will reconstruct a trail damaged immensely from flooding in 2018.

Besides the BD project, there’s been a lot of confusion about what routes are open, and which ones are not.

“We had one issue where a section of snowmobile trail that would normally be closed every spring was left open and SXS and ATVs were going through,” said St. John. “The property owners put a thing in the paper saying they were going to close the trail to let people know it would be closed and not to go through anymore. Everybody assumed it was The Nature Conservancy out closing ATV trails. It was a snowmobile trail that was improperly used.”

This was misread and caused some confusion in the Keweenaw community, as well as visitors researching the area earlier in the summer. However, it is true that you cannot ride your ATV up Brockway Mountain Drive. In the winter, snowmobile traffic is OK. Another trail closed this year is the Freda trail, or Trail BA. It was

6 | AUGUST • 2023 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

continued on page 8

VISIT KEWEENAW

Pass by Lake Fanny Hooe and Mud Lake on your way to High Rock Bay in the Keweenaw.

MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • AUGUST • 2023

| 7

KEWEENAW ATV CLUB

Crews work to bring down massive culverts for water flow management.

The trail will run over the culvert once installed and riders can safely pass over places that haven’t been open in years.

8 | AUGUST • 2023 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

KEWEENAW ATV CLUB

continued from page 6

also taken by flooding washouts and St. John says the club may be able to start work on the Freda trail next year.

Other than Trails BA and BD, the Keweenaw’s ATV trail system is fully open. St. John says there is a detour between Delaware and Eagle Harbor, but the trail is passable. In fact, you can ride all the way from the calm Portage Canal south to Mass City on the Bill Nichols Trail through South Range.

“From Eagle Harbor going west for a mile was all sandy and roots were sticking up,” said St. John.

“We capped all that. It’s all been graveled and everything. We got that accomplished.”

St. John says people have been impressed and are noticing improvements to the trails. Montreal Meadows is beautiful wetlands trail through the northern Keweenaw. It’s been retaining moisture after rainfall, leaving it in rough shape over time. The club hired contractors to finish the rugged section by August.

Eagle Harbor Township, the Keweenaw ATV Club and Keweenaw Outdoor Recreation Coalition (KORC) helped plan and fund a

COPPER HARBOR new trailhead parking lot for ORVs and snowmobiles.

You can find the new lot and trailhead about a mile south of Eagle Harbor on Eagle Harbor Road.

“The ATV Club also put a trail a few hundred feet connecting the parking area to the trail,” said St. John.

In terms of membership, the club has increased its numbers. Having events like group rides and community picnics have increased the club’s reach to find new members.

“We had our picnic in July,” said St. John. “We had about 130 people attend, and we signed up eight new members. Just a few young folks. It’s tough getting them interested. They don’t realize what it takes to keep the trails open.”

St. John says the “young folks” problem is not unique to the Keweenaw ATV Club.

He says the Keweenaw Snowmobile Club, and many other riding clubs around the Midwest are facing the issue of not getting younger riders to join their clubs. Which is important for the future of the organizations and the trails. Keeping your membership numbers high proves to the state that your club is active and increases the odds of securing project funding.

“It seems like some folks shrug it off,” said St. John.

“Like ‘eh’. They don’t realize what we do to keep these trails open, the effort that it takes. It’s not so much when I say effort that it’s super hard work, but it takes time and it’s obviously a lot easier the more people you have involved.”

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continued on page 10 MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • AUGUST • 2023

| 9

ers. Racing circuits. Like mous his days to know because of mobile Vicfrom Wertz, Markas ch as Dave White, a I athletics are the reason for the wonark “the Bird” Mark was totally dediother President, who Then, there was a Tiger.

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“We had our picnic in July, we had about 130 people attend, and we signed up eight new members.

Just a few young folks. It’s tough getting them interested. They don’t realize what it takes to keep the trails open.”

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— DARYL ST. JOHN continued from page 9

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ride through the change of seasons will be treated to a beautiful color show. Riding through Michigan’s northernmost covered trails, hilly vistas and thick forests is an unparalleled experience. Stop along friendly Keweenaw businesses on your ride. The area’s copper towns will welcome you with open arms. The Trailside Lodge is a great halfway point just north of Calumet for riders needing a break on the trail, too.

The Trailside Lodge and M&M Power Sports in Houghton both offer ATV/ ORV rentals. elpicturedrocks.com

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Continued on page 28

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January, 2020 - MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER 27

mous Detroit Tiger. day. And, have overcome. And, are so very happy. All of a sudden, whatever it is that’s bothering me just does not seem that bad after all.

Over the years, I became friends with many of the Warriors.

Some, like Vic Batanni, The athletics are the reason for the wona former President, derful things the Wertz warriors do. and Ken Mattei, another President, who I got to know because of mobile Racing circuits. Like Vic Wertz, Mark their ranking in the Plus, many many oth- was also hugely fagroup. Then, others ers. mous from his days as such as Dave White, a Then, there was a Tiger. And, like Vic, videographer, and Mark “the Bird” Mark was totally dediWayne Reams, who I Fidrych, another faContinued on page 28 knew from the Snow- mous Detroit Tiger.

ATV Trail BD, the largest project, will be completed by snowmobile season.

ATVs will have to wait until spring to ride between Dollar Bay and Lake Linden.

However, snowmobilers will get to test out the repaired eastern trail north. Splitting up traffic between two trails will ease congestion on busy riding days and will keep people in the area longer, enjoying more parts of the Keweenaw.

St. John says some of the final work this summer included laying massive culverts to control water flow on Trail BD. One of

VISIT KEWEENA

the larger culverts stretches about 150 feet long. The pieces are 11.5foot squares, each weighing nearly 33,000 pounds. Large excavating equipment is used to install this new infrastructure, some of which lies about 63 feet below grade. Leveling the ground and making sure water can move without destroying the trails was the biggest part of Trail BD’s repair.

This fall, look for “Nathan’s Ride” in the Keweenaw on Sept.

16. The Keweenaw ATV Club has a separate nonprofit it runs to keep funding separate for trails and community outreach/special events. “Nathan’s Ride” is a suicide awareness ride and invites people to unite for the cause. It’s also a fundraiser for the Omega House in Houghton. Riders can expect a “poker-run” style event.

If you’re adventuring north to ride this fall in the Keweenaw, go to www.visitkeweenaw.com for ATV/snowmobile trail maps, lodging/food recommendations and everything Keweenaw. You can keep in touch with the Keweenaw ATV Club’s efforts and social events on www.facebook. com/keweenawatvclub/. The club is always open to new members.

Remember to ride safely, and within your limits. •

VISIT KEWEENA

Ride in a pack for even more fun.

Enjoy some of the best views from High Rock Bay. MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • AUGUST • 2023

| 11

Fender Bender

Jordan Valley Honor Star

Events and Experiences Galore on The Breezeway!

S

ummer is moving along quickly and the events keep on coming for residents and visitors alike in the Breezeway Communities of East Jordan, Ellsworth and Atwood to enjoy and experience. The 60th Annual Juried Portside Arts Fair will be held on Saturday and Sunday August 5th and 6th at the gorgeous Elm Pointe located on M-66 Highway just 1.5 miles north of East Jordan. The show runs from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM both days and features arts, crafts,

music and food. The East Jordan Historical Museum is also open for the public to tour while attending the long-running renowned art venue. While attending the arts fair, be sure to visit downtown East Jordan. The Jordan Art Walk added six more sculptures to the walk in June. There are now 20 sculptures on the walk. Be sure to visit the Art Walk website at jordanartwalk.org.

Also be sure to stop by the Jordan River Arts Council on Main Street. continued on page 14

East Jordan Freedom Festival SUMMER BREAKFAST

Sun. June 25th • 7am–Noon We have summer ORV rides! 5586 Mt. Bliss Road | East Jordan, MI For more information check out our facebook page, East Jordan Trailblazers 12 | AUGUST • 2023 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

EAST JORDAN

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continued from page 12

Horseback riders, ATV riders and walkers are encouraged to participate in Kiersten’s Ride on Saturday, August 19th in the Boyne Falls area. Kiersten’s Ride is a 501C3 organization that is dedicated to bringing help, hope and healing through suicide prevention programs in Northern Michigan. To learn more about this event visit kierstensride.org.

Get ready to paddle the Chain of Lakes Water Trail on September 14 – 16 in the Paddle Antrim Festival. The festival is always held the second weekend after Labor Day. It includes a kick-off party on Thursday evening in Ellsworth, and then a two-day paddle event through the 42 mile Chain of Lakes Water Trail. Choose your own adventure!

Paddle for one or both days! For more information on this superb paddling event visit paddleantrim. com Be sure to save the dates – Breezeway Fall Color Cruises scheduled for Saturday, September 30th, Saturday, October 7 and Saturday, October 14th.

Celebrate the fall colors, corn maze pumpkins, scarecrows and more!

Be sure to visit the East Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce website at ejchamber.org for a complete list of upcoming events, lodging information and a complete list of local attractions, etc.

Happy summer!

Mary H. Faculak President / CEO East Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce

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St. Helen Michigan

An ORV-Lovers

BY KIM KISNER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

16 | AUGUST • 2023 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

I

s Paradise

f you are a motorsport lover and have not been off-roading in St. Helen Michigan – read on!

The St. Helen Trail offers over 50 miles of designated motorized trails that form long loops, several sandy play areas with moderate size hills and whoops plus six obstacle courses with concrete pipes and large boulders – fun for jeeps and 4x4 trucks!

The trail starts in St. Helen and travels south through scenic and rugged state forest terrain of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.

Open to ORVs of all sizes (72 inches) it offers easy access to food, lodging, gas and ATV rentals and also connects to several other ORV trails including Ogemaw Hills, Denton, and Geels – which connects to Roscommon ORV trail.

The state forests and unspoiled wilderness make for a veritable playground and paradise, offering nature at its best year-round.

The area offers endless fun off the trails as well.

If you are into fishing, water sports or simply, a relaxing day on the beach, bordering the community of St. Helen sits Lake St. Helen, a 2,400-acre public lake that is the headwaters for the south branch of the Au Sable River. A hop skip and a jump away is the state’s largest inland lake, Houghton Lake, and also Higgins Lake.

Canoe, kayak, and tube the AuSable River beginning at the Paddle Brave Campground and Canoe Livery!

Feel like hitting the links? Among one of the jewels in northern Michigan golf is The Dream Golf Course. The Dream is literally carved out of 312 acres of hardwood to form one of the most spectacular courses in Michigan.

The course is located along Old 76 just three miles west of downtown West Branch Check out the family-owned and operated Roscommon Zoo which is home to various native and non-native exotic animals as well as domestic farm animals.

Go for a long walk or take a picnic lunch or dinner to St. Helen Memorial Park or South Higgins Lake State Park.

Ready to book your continued trip? on page 18

MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • AUGUST • 2023

| 17

continued from page 17

WHERE TO STAY If camping is your thing, nearby St. Helen Campground offers 30 sites with electric and water hookups and direct trail access.

Looking for a roof over your head? The comfort and convenience of the Trails End Motel can’t be beat. Affordable, close to the trails and hospitable, it’s always a good choice. And there is a food truck available that offers Detroit Style Pizza and BBQ. If you are in the mood for something cozy with great amenities, a fifteen-minute drive to the Springbrook Inn may be worth it. Offering five rooms with options for a fireplace, hot tub and more, the Inn also features casual fine dining on the premise, an outdoor allyear-round tiki bar, lovely perennial gardens, a beautiful koi fish pond with waterfall, and gazebo.

There are several other options in West Branch, and cabin and house rentals can be found as well.

WHERE TO EAT When your hunger alarms are ringing, visit the Firehouse Bar and Grill for a juicy burger, delicious wings, creamy pasta or satisfying sandwiches. The restaurant owner was a firefighter for 28 years and used many of his items for the restaurant’s décor. Over its 15-year lifespan, the restaurant has collected firefighting items from all over the country.

If you are looking for a fast and easy “Home Cooked” meal and a warm, cheery welcome then the Hen House will meet your needs. The Hen House Restaurant is located at the heart continued on page 20

18 | AUGUST • 2023 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

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| 19

WHITE PINE KONTEKA

Black Bear Resort Motel Restaurant & Lounge • Gift Shop Trail Permits • Bowling Lane • Gas Located right on the snowmobile trail and just a few miles away from Lake Superior and the Porcupine Mountains in White Pine, MI

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continued from page 18

TWIN LAKES We are the general store and so much more!

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And if you want a great pizza, check out The Angry Oven Pizza and build your own delicious pie or salad.

WANT TO WET YOUR WHISTLE? Located in downtown West Branch, the Highway Brewing Company offers 16 taps, specialty cocktails and elevated pub fare.

Treat yourself to delicious sandwiches, burgers, and more at Dead Bear Brewing Co., a locally and family-owned business serving the communities of Grayling, MI. Around the corner is Paddle Hard Brewing, offering pizza, paninis and pub fare as well as good, cold beer.

For motorsport lovers, St Helen Michigan is a dream come true. Don’t hesitate to book your trip! •

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| 21

1-500 the finish line

PROFESSIONAL RACING’S CLOSEST FINISHES

“Where do we go from here...”

BY RIC FEDERAU CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Y

eah, it’s July. It’s auto racing season. Ya know what my friends?..... It’s also time to think about snowmobile racing as well. It’s time to start thinking about the 55th. running of the international 500 snowmobile race hosted at Sault Ste Marie, Michigan. “Always hosted the first Saturday in Feb. each year.” Let’s take a lap around the track, over the next several months, we’ll be sharing behind the

scenes information and what it takes to host the world’s most prestigious snowmobile endurance race.

In addition, we’ll be doing interviews covering a wide range of involvements within the sport of oval ice endurance racing and the International 500 race.

It’s a known fact that motorsports enthusiasts are generally known to be race fans as well. Maybe not fans of all types of

22 | AUGUST • 2023 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

racing but certainly a fan of some type of competitive racing. After all.... as they say at every race in the world... “ Racing is racing “ and if you’re a true race fan, you simply understand and love racing in general. Racing is competitive, fast and always high octane excitement for spectators and fans. True race fans are die-hard supporters of their particular motorsport type of racing and their drivers. You are urged

to join the family of fans who support snowmobile endurance racing. Be assured and prepared for high level excitement and all the thrills that you’ll experience. Snowmobile oval ice endurance racing is........ Amazing!

That being noted, the 2023 International 500 was host to one of professional racings closest finishes within any type of race bar none. It has been talked about from the I-500 track to USAC continued on page 24

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| 23

1-500 the finish line

continued from page 22

and NASCAR. It put snowmobile endurance racing among the big guns of motorsports racing.

It was simply incredible and YOU can certainly find videos of the finish throughout various social media sites. You’ll be glad you did, believe me........

Due to such an outstanding 2023 finish, the I-500 directors recognised the opportunity to enhance promotion of snowmobile endurance racing as well as the “Grand-Daddy of all oval ice racing, the International 500. We want race fans to know more about the sport of Oval ice endurance racing and it’s a mission to have fans thinking about the I-500 throughout the year. YOU

24 | AUGUST • 2023 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

can’t start planning too early when it comes to attending the International 500 snowmobile race. Start NOW!!

Le’ts talk about the upcoming information that we will share over the next several months. We’ll be writing and sharing information on topics related to “off season” planning for the sport in general. We’ll also host interviews related to the sport of oval ice endurance racing and the various groups that make the I-500 such an interesting event to follow. It’s our objective to interview such groups as the race committee staff that does intricate tech work related to each vehicle, driver and equipment, This segment within the monthly publications will be titled “ TECH CHATTER’’,

the En Rentals Rentals ServingServing the Entire Ke in White MI Pine, MI in White Pine, coppercountryre coppercountryrental.co 906-885-5170 www.thekonteka.com 906-885-5170 www.thekonteka.com

G Go Goge LAKE GOGEBIC Voted G VISIT THEVISIT LAKE Vote VISIT THELAKE LAKE Voted Goge THE “T bybS VISIT THE LAKE Vote by Sno VISIT THE Voted “T Interviews with Tech staffing, race committee race LAKE Follow usb Follow us on GOGEBIC AREA director, track officials, timing team and more...... AREA GOGEBIC

by Sno Follow Follow GOGEBIC AREA Vis GOGEBIC AREA We’ll also be covering other important areas of Follow Visit us onuF GOGEBIC AREA interest this sport has going during the “Off seawww www.go www.g Visit us THIS WINTER! w son”, Interviews with team drivers and owners, THIS WINTER! THIS WINTER! w www.go Track building staff members, race sponsors, media 90 9061/22/3 -

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9 who cover the I-500 and sport and much more......

Again...... “Racing is racing” and we want to expand knowledge about the sport of oval ice endurCAL 906.575.3542 CALL O CA www.thetimberresort.com ance racing and the International 500. Therefore, ADVER ADVERTIS ADV CALL O we’ve launched our “ INTERNATIONAL 500 SUM- LAKE GOGEBIC ON BEAUTIFUL ON BEAUTIFUL LAKE GOGEBIC ON BEAUTIFUL LAKE GOGEBIC Authorized Dealer MER TOUR “. We’re taking the International 500 on ADVERTIS Hunting • Snowmobiling • Fishing • Fishing CA Hunting • Snowmobiling the road throughout the whole summer.

We’re visitHunting • Snowmobiling • Fishing ON BEAUTIFUL LAKE GOGEBIC 8 Two-Bedroom Cabins 8 Two-Bedroom Cabins 8 Two-Bedroom ing various auto racing venues throughout the wholeCabins ADV Hunting • Welcome Snowmobiling • Fishing Groups • Access toAccess Trail Groups Welcome • state of Michigan. We have representatives from Groups Welcome • the Access to Trail #1 #1to Trail #1 8 Two-Bedroom Cabins Accepted Visa/MasterCard/Discover Accepted ON BEAUTIFUL LAKE GOGEBIC Visa/MasterCard/Discover I-500 Board of Directors, members of the Miss I-500 Visa/MasterCard/Discover Accepted Located on M-64, 12 miles US 2from and 6M-28 miles from M-28 Located on M-64, 12 miles from US 2 andfrom 6 miles Groups Welcome • Access Trail #1M-28 on M-64, 12 miles from US 22 and miles from Located on M-64, 12on miles from US and 66to miles from M-28 Pageant and I-500 volunteersLocated who will be hand at State Hwy. M-64 •MI Marenisco, N-10960 State N-10960 Hwy. M-64 • Marenisco, 49947 MI 49947 State Hwy. MI N-10960 State Hwy. M-64 M-64 •• Marenisco, Marenisco, MI 49947 49947 Accepted Hunting • Snowmobiling • Fishing the I-500 booth. The objective Visa/MasterCard/Discover isN-10960 to build UPwards 906-842-3336/888-813-7778 23 M-28 | Bergland, MI 49910 Located on M-64, 12 miles from US 2 and 6 milesHwy from M-28 906-842-3336/888-813-7778 906-842-3336/888-813-7778 from one of the closest finishes inCabins professional rac-westshoreresort.com publis 8 Two-Bedroom www.timberlinesport.com N-10960 State Hwy. M-64 • Marenisco, MI 49947 publishe westshoreresort.com publisher@ westshoreresort.com 231 ing by sharing more information about the sport, the TRAIL PERMITS • RENTALS 906-842-3336/888-813-7778 Groups Welcome • Access to Trail #1 International 500 race and all that goes into planpublisher@ westshoreresort.comSALES • SERVICE • PARTS • ACCESSORIES ningVisa/MasterCard/Discover and building what’s needed to participate and Accepted host professional oval icefrom endurance the Located on M-64, 12 miles US 2 andracing 6 milesand from M-28 I-500.

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HOWEVER..... Let’s not pit for fuel just yet. Let me bring back some advice we want to share regarding attending the 2024 International 500 at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. PLAN AHEAD NOW..... Get your fan base together and commence making plans now during the “ Off Season”.

Lodging is certainly important to confirm a.s.a.p.

From there... It’s a matter of planning accordingly so you can be a part of this world class racing spectacle. Fact.... Once you’ve experienced the International 500 in person, chances are, you’ll be back again and again.

You’ll be building memories that last a lifetime.....

There’s absolutely something for everyone of all ages taking place throughout the whole week long series of events hosted at the I-500 venue.

For more information and schedule of events for the UPcoming 2024 I-500, visit us at: www.i-500. com On behalf of the International 500 Board of Directors..... Come on UP !! “ It’s all left turns from here...” •

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MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • AUGUST • 2023

| 25

906-9

26 | AUGUST • 2023 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

business spotlight

For the Love of Power Sports Stevens’ Cycle Sales Has Been at it for 56 Years

BY KIM KISNER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I

n 1956, fueled by his Today, this family busienormous passion ness has evolved into one for motorcycles, Bill of the oldest and most Stevens began selling well-known power sports parts at a Triumph Mostores in the country with torcycle dealership in 30 employees selling Bay City. On March 15, and repairing virtually all 1967, he opened Stebrands of ATV’s, UTV’s, vens’ Cycles - a motorsnowmobiles and motorcycle rental facility/gas cycles along with apparel station. and accessories.

His wife, Debbie, When asked why Owners Bill and Debbie Stevens married into the busithey’ve dedicated their ness, and for years, the lives and careers to Stestore grew and went vens’ Cycle Sales and from rental only to sales and multiple Steven’s Sports Center, they both say, types of vehicles. Right around their “For the fun of it.” In fact, that was tenth wedding anniversary, Bill purtheir slogan for many years. “It truly is chased a second business in Midland a fun business to be in because everycalling it Debbie’s ‘Anniversary gift’ thing about power sports is just fun.” with a laugh.

After years of working on the front continued on page 28

MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • AUGUST • 2023

| 27

continued from page 27

scenes, they’ve taken a step back and their two sons and daughter run the shops on a daily basis, but they are still involved.

They say their success can be attributed to a few things.

First, they know the area, the people, and their products well. “I’ve never moved more than five miles in my life,” says Bill. “We have third and fourth generations buying from us.”

Second is their inventory. “We have the largest parts inventory of anyone in Michigan, says Debbie. “We order every day, while others have minimums imposed so their orders can be held for two to three days.

This means we get the parts faster and have everything in stock for our customers at all times.”

Third is the fact that they have been open seven days a week for thirty years. “People know who we are and where we are and they know we’ll be open for them,” said Bill.

“Most of our competitors are only open five or maybe six days a week.”

But most important, they say, is their employees. “Our employees are family and most have worked for us for ten to fifteen to even thirty years,” said Debbie. They know the business inside out. We have over continued on page 30

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10 MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER - September, 2019

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HEARST.qxp_HEARST 8/26/19 11:4211:42 AM AM Page 10 10 HEARST.qxp_HEARST 8/26/19 Page

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Martin’s brother Al has always hasabout about6060Family Familygroomers, groomers, Tuckers take. Had me a real members twotwo Tuckers thing to dodoaround the Then, I watched as told thing ment.

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continued from page 28

ten people in each service department and they are true professionals with years of experience and that makes a huge difference.”

Bill – who used to race enduros all over the country - now rides his new 2023 Honda VT 1100 with an automatic transmission.

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When asked how they’ve managed to remain open seven days a week for thirty years, Debbie says, “Again, it comes down to the employees. We can take time off and leave the business in great hands.”

The Bay City store is situated on M-13 just north of Bay City limits. The Midland locations is located off Eastman and US10 on Stark Road. •

DEER PARK

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| 31

s e d y l C

Drive--in Drive

Home of the BIG “C” Clydes Colossal 3/4 lb. Fresh Ground Beef Hamburger

Call (906) 341-6021

201 Chippewa Ave. Manistique, MI 49854 Located just off trail 2