Michigan Snowmobiler & ORV - January 2022

JANUARY 2022

What’s Inside Fun, Fellowship and Funds to Support the Communty 16th annual Rapid River Relic Riders vintage & antiques snowmobile show.

Under the Helmet: Piche Racing

Nord-Ride Motorsports

Success derived from diligence.

Sharper, Safer, Smarter Snowmobiling

The story behind BITEHARDER products.

Michigan’s “Winter City”

Houghton/Hancock offers a little something for everyone and a lot for snowmobilers.

Get your copy delivered to your house Call today 231-536-2371

Visit us at www.michsnowmag.com

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*THIS CHANGES MONTHLY

What’s Inside 16

36

44

5 EDITOR’S LETTER 6

GAYLORD: START THE NEW YEAR RIGHT!

10

NORD-RIDE MOTORSPORTS

13

EAST JORDAN: LOOKING FORWARD TO THE SNOW

16

RAPID RIVER RELIC RIDERS VINTAGE & ANTIQUE SNOWMOBILE SHOW

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THE 53RD RUNNING OF THE SOO I-500 IS BACK ON TRACK

23

UNDER THE HELMET: PICHE RACING

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SHARPER, SAFER, SMARTER SNOWMOBILING

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HOUGHTON/HANCOCK: MICHIGAN’S “WINTER CITY”

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REMEMBER WHEN...

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SALUTE TO OUR VETS: WOMAN WITH DIRECTION

JANUARY 2022

ON THE COVER: Marty and Sam Gehrls and the Newberry crew What’s Inside Fun, Fellowship and Funds to Support the Communty

29

MIRA PHOTO GALLERY BY BRIAN CASWELL/ SPEEDSHOT PHOTOGRAPHY

16th annual Rapid River Relic Riders vintage & antiques snowmobile show.

Under the Helmet: Piche Racing

Nord-Ride Motorsports

Success derived from diligence.

Sharper, Safer, Smarter Snowmobiling

The story behind BITEHARDER products.

Michigan’s “Winter City”

Houghton/Hancock offers a little something for everyone and a lot for snowmobilers.

Get your copy delivered to your house Call today 231-536-2371

Visit us at www.michsnowmag.com

Check out all our advertisers online:

www.michsnowmag.com mich.snow.orv.mag.

Michigan Snowmobiler + ORV Magazine.

Gaylord.................... 6-8 Elmira...........................8 New Lothrop..............11 Grand Traverse..........11 East Jordan......... 13-15 Deer Park...................14 Rapid River.......... 17-18 Fenton.......................18 Sault Ste Marie..........19 Grand Marais.............19 Lage Gogebic............21 Hulbert.......................22 Iron River...................22 Epoufette...................22 Drummond Island......25 Cadillac......................25 Marquette..................27 Grayling.....................27 Manistique.................33 Houghton Lake..........33 Indian River................34 Silver City..................34 Mass City/Rousseau.34 White Pine.................34 Christmas..................35 Curtis.........................35 Calumet.....................38 Greenland..................38 Copper Harbor..........39 Twin Lake...................41 Irons...........................41 Strongs......................41 Munising....................41 Naubinway.................42 White Lake.................42 Newberry...................43 Paradise....................45 Seney.........................45

MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • JANUARY • 2022

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VOLUME 55 - NUMBER 5 Founded September 1967 30600 NORTHWESTERN HWY. • SUITE 105 FARMINGTON HILLS, MICHIGAN 48334

PUBLISHER Peter Farago EDITOR Ann Drzewiecki ADVERTISING MANAGER Scott Drzewiecki

A Sledder’s Paradise The Algoma trail system consists of over 2,000 miles of groomed trails carved through the rugged Canadian Shield and old growth forests.

No traffic, friendly faces, awesome trails and sled friendly businesses.

www.sledalgoma.com

CREATIVE ART DIRECTOR Michelle Sheridan SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Chelsie Dzabanski WEB MANAGER Kelly Kosek CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Keri Guten-Cohen Jim Duke Kim Kisner SALES Chris Sutton

SnowTrailsTelevision (FB) has grown into showing the viewer cool places to stay and the adventures we had — expanding into 45VideoMike.com and 45videomike on Facebook is interested in featuring and showcasing cool fun destinations and adventures — take a trip with Video Mikes camera on the run; things we do for fun; have a cool place to stay. We will help promote with fun professional videos.

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JANUARY • 2022 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

DESIGNERS Kelly Kosek, Kaitlyn Schoen EXECUTIVE OFFICES, ADVERTISING, EDITORIAL AND CIRCULATION OFFICES:

30600 Northwestern Hwy. Suite 105 Farmington Hills, Michigan 48434 231.536.2371 publisher@michsnowmag.com www.michsnowmag.com 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.

Call for your subscription today 231.536.2371

from the editor

L

ike many people, I utilize a fairly significant planner in order to keep the details of important events and future plans in order. As I look at the calendar for yet another year end, it’s fun to think back on the year and remember all that has been accomplished and start planning for the year ahead. So many exciting things going on and it is our priviledge to gather and share this information for our readers.

In this issue, we have a great line up of stories that cover almost every corner of our great state.

We try to bring something for everyone from a just about everywhere to continue building passion for our state, the outdoors

and of course Snowmobiling and ORVs. Here’s a few highlights: 1. Soo I-500 is back!

January 31st to February 5th, can you feel the adrenalin running just thinking of being together again after an unprecendented season of cancellations. How many of us can’t wait to gather again in a huge crowd to witness the “Grand-Daddy of Snowmobile racing!” Hope to see you there.

2. This month’s Under the Helmet features Piche Racing. Owner Chris Piche and drivers Aaron Celestino and Collin Henderson are hard at work preparing for the I-500.

After reading the Under the Helmet features, have you decided which team

you will be cheering on this year.

3. In Rapid River on the weekend of January 28th and 29th, the Vintage & Antique Snowmobile Show will be presented by the Rapid River Relic Riders. A great event to gather again to support one of our local communities. Please also note the article on the Houghton-Hancock area. What a paradise for sledders.

4. Just 6 miles North of the I-69 and I-75 interchange, you will find Nord-Ride. A family owned dealership located along I-75 just off the Mt. Morris Road exit. NordRide offers super easy and convenient access just a couple hundred yards off of the highway.

Great space for turning around trailers and tow vehicles. They have a

showroom full of great outerwear for the next family trip. Stop in to meet Mike Sr and Mike Jr Monday through Saturday.

5. To wrap up – take a look at our salute to our veterans. This month, meet Bridget Baker, Marine and 2019 Miss I-500!

Bridget exemplifies a balance of strength and fun, mixed with determination.

I hope each of you finds dreaming motivation and fun in our pages! We look forward to seeing everyone at the races, a local event or on the trails. Please remember to keep all our first responders in your thoughts and prayers.

This month, lets include all the talented teachers, administrators and staff at our Michigan schools.

They are the protectors of our future sledders and ORVists… Hats off to you!

As always at Michigan Snowmobiler and ORV please feel free to reach out to us. We love to hear from our readers. Be safe and have a great month until the next month:

As alway, you can reach out to us at Michigan Snowmobiler at publisher@michsnowmag.com

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT SNOWMOBILING IN THE EASTERN U.P. AREA CALL: CEDARVILLE .............................. 906-297-3060 CURTIS ..................................... 906-586-9533 DETOUR VILLAGE ....................... 906-297-3060 DRUMMOND ISLAND .................. 833-817-7851 GRAND MARAIS ......................... 906-250-7985 NAUBINWAY .............................. 906-477-6298

NEWBERRY ................................ 906-293-5562 PARADISE ................................. 906-492-3538 SAULT STE. MARIE ....................... 800-MI-SAULT SENEY ....................................... 906-499-3332 ST. IGNACE ................................ 906-643-8717 STRONGS .................................. 906-274-5473 MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • JANUARY • 2022

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SPEEDSHOT PHOTOGRAPHY

Start the New Year Off Right!

Michigan’s richest Fun Run, MIRA racing and fabulous trails... and lots of snow!

S

now, baby, snow!

While we love all four seasons in Gaylord, Michigan, it goes without saying that winter holds a special place in our hearts. For approximately six months each year, we find ourselves blanketed under a hefty helping of SNOW — 152 inches on average, in fact.

Along with flurries falling from the sky, we’ve got a

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flurry of activities planned for sled heads this season!

MIRA Racing is excited to announce the return of the Extreme Power Sports 250, taking place on January 29-30, 2022. The fine folks at MIRA have been putting together enduros and sprint races throughout the Midwest since 1979, and their 2021 Gaylord event was a huge success. Backed

by local organizations and businesses including the Gaylord Area Tourism Bureau, Extreme Power Sports, Dubie Welding and Johnson Oil, this sled-centric weekend of racing is strongly supported by our winter-focused community and already a fan favorite.

“Our community really came together to make this event happen in 2021, and we are thrilled to see MIRA back for what we feel will turn into a highly anticipated annual tradition,” stated Paul Beachnau, Gaylord Area Convention & Tourism Bureau Executive Director.

“Gaylord embraces winter and snowmobilers are a huge part of our seasonal business structure. We’re pleased to have such a professionally orchestrated event centered on snowmobiling.”

Currently MIRA runs a full sprint racing program on Saturday, with the Kitty

Cat 120’s and the main event enduro following on Sunday. The class structure is similar to that of most other sprint racing associations, which allows them to participate without having to make drastic changes to their equipment. You’ll see the track beckoning from I-75, just off Johnson Road and across from The Ellison Place. For full details, visit www.miraracing.com.

Not ready for racing but still want to be a part of the action? Join us for Michigan’s Richest Snowmobile Fun Run, part of the Michigan Snowmobile Festival. Held the fourth weekend of February and now entering its fourth season in a revamped riding-centered format, this two-day event brings you more of what you love – snowmobiling!

Scheduled for February 25-26, 2022, Michigan’s Richest Snowmobile Fun continued on page 8

JANUARY • 2022 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

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GAYLORD A WINTER WONDERLAND! A VISIT THIS WINTER! MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • JANUARY • 2022

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continued from page 6

Run consists of two-days of riding at your leisure to participating area businesses offering a place to warm up and grab a bite to eat. The best part? Registration is FREE and you could win up to $1,000 in cash for doing what you look forward to each winter – riding our scenic northern Michigan trails!

So how does this event work?

Register online at www.gaylordmichigan.net or in-person at the Tourism Bureau during the event.

Your registration packet will include slips to each participating business and a map showing each location.

While it’s possible to hit all the stops in one day, we’re spreading it out over two so you can take in the scenery and enjoy yourself. Don’t worry if you’re short on time and can’t make it to each stop, either.

The more stops you visit, the more chances you have to win, but even

one slip turned in could take home the $1,000 grand prize. If you’re new to the area or sledding in general, two guided rides are offered on Saturday.

The event concludes at the Eagles Hall on Saturday evening with free heavy appetizers, a cash bar and live music with local legends, Exit 282. While you refuel and visit with fellow sledders, we’ll be holding prize drawings from the participating stops, followed by 3 cash drawings for $250, $500 and $1,000! Details are still being finalized so check our website as the event gets closer for more information.

“We want to keep this event fun and free of charge for both visiting and local snowmobilers. Our goal is to make sure everyone can experience our network of trails, along with the hospitality Gaylord is known for. Michigan’s Richest

GAYLORD Welcome Snowmobilers

WATERS INN

Snowmobile Fun Run is a great way to sample what Gaylord has to offer, plus, you could win $1,000 just for going for a ride,” commented Christy Walcott, Director of Marketing for the Gaylord Area Tourism Bureau and Snowmobile Festival committee member.

Whether you’re heading our way for a weekend, weeklong getaway or settling in even longer, Gaylord has the trails you want, along with all the conveniences you need to make your trip worthwhile. Our location just off I-75 makes it easier than ever to get here from virtually anywhere, and you’ll marvel at the snow depth increasing the closer you get to our Alpine Village.

For more information on snowmobiling in the Gaylord area or to request your free Snowmobile Trail Map, please visit www.gaylordmichigan.net or call 800-345-8621. •

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JANUARY • 2022 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

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Nord-Ride Motorsports Success Derived from Diligence

BY KIM KISNER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

M

ike Nord Sr. took his passion for engines and motorcycles that began at age 11 to create – with his family – a successful, customer-centric, full service, 10,000 square foot Dealership that is Nord-Ride MotorSports Inc. His career - driven by his fervor for motorsports and the simple satisfaction in helping others - has seen its challenges. But having recently celebrated their 20th anniversary, Nord-Ride has been a clear success.

Mike says this success is “derived from diligence… a diligence to keep the doors open even through trying times, a diligence and attentiveness toward all customers every single

10 |

day, and a diligence to listen, truly hear, and then act on all customer needs and wants.”

Mike discovered his mechanical inclination in his parents garage, taking small engines apart to gain an understanding of them – sometimes to his parents dismay.

He went on to attend a Skill Center in the Flint area and then landed a job at a local Honda dealer as an apprentice technician.

Once he learned his way, he decided to make a go of it on his own, starting a small one-garage, 1800 square foot repair shop called Flint Motorcycle Sales & Service. His first venture into sales was in 1991 when he brought in Ski Doo Snowmobiles.

JANUARY • 2022 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

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Ten years and three building renovations later, Mike had outgrown his digs and it was time to move on.

Mike and his team built a 10,000 sq. foot space in Mt. Morris that seemed both exciting and daunting. And then 9/11 happened.

“With the unstable state of the world, I hesitated,” said Mike. “As I was being handed the keys to my new building from the General Contractor, I asked for a day to think about it. Sustaining a 10,000 sq. foot space, and starting this undertaking at a time of great flux was something that required a lot of thought. After doing some soul searching with my team and family, I called the seller and said, ‘Bring me the keys, we are going for it.’

LICENSED SEPTIC FIELD INSTALLER LAND CLEARING BARNS FROM SITE PREP TO FINISH DEMOLITION

GRAND TRAVERSE

And go for it they did.

Twenty years later, NordRide is a thriving business carrying a full inventory of motorcycles, dirt bikes, street bikes, ATV’s, Side X Sides, Snowmobiles and Scooters from 9685 US 31 South 9685 USbrands 31 South 9685 US 31 South 9685 US 31 South Interlochen, MI 49643 Interlochen, MI 49643 Interlochen, MI 9685 49643US 31 South such as Kawasaki, Can231-276-9910 Interlochen, MI 49643 231-276-9910 Am, Honda, Sea-doo, Ski231-276-9910 Interlochen, MI 49643 (231) 276-9910 Doo and Triton.

231-276-9910 It doesn’t stop there.

Nord-Ride offers an 9685 US 31 South extensive array of parts Interlochen, MI 49643 and accessories including 231-276-9910 electrical, controls, luggage & racks, accessory mounts, mirrors and more.

Rounding out the offering is a full line of apparel including riding shoes, gloves, helmets, eyewear, shirts and more.

The business truly does ‘run in the family.’ Mike works side-by-side with his son. His brother-inlaw helped manage the business for 28 years. His

Parts Parts Parts Sales Sales Sales Service Service

P Service S SeO GET

GET OUT AND HAVE OUT AND AND HAVE AGET BLAST HAVE AND A RIOT A BLAST GET OUT A

continued on page 12

Get Out andAND HaveAHAVE aRIOT A BL Blast and a Riot! AND A RIO

MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • JANUARY • 2022

11 GET OU HAVE A |

continued from page 11

daughter was also a team member for years before she shifted gears and became an RN, (now working the front lines as a COVID nurse).

Also sharing Mike’s passion for motorsports is his 14 year old granddaughter, who helps at the dealship and enjoys customer service and his 13 year old grandson, who has been racing trail bikes for the past three years and currently rides a 250.

“Nord-Ride sponsors some of my grandson’s events, and I like to think back to when I raced,” says Mike. His interest in motorcycles still runs deep.

He currently owns 40, the oldest of which is a 1965 Honda 150 Dream Benly.

About the business now and into the future, Mike says, all the credit for the success of Nord-Ride goes to my family for consistently backing me, and my employees for sticking things out with me. Going forward, we plan to keep the lights on and the doors open to our great customers and keep doing what we do.” • Kawasaki Teryx 4

Can Am Outlander Max

810-564-1929

I-75 Mt. Morris Exit #126

Nord Ride has a full line of snowmobile clothing. Great selection of boots, coats, bibs, gloves, helmets, snowmobile oil & accessories! ATV’s and Side x Sides from Honda, Kawasaki and Can Am, excellent service department. Shop early due to supply issues this year.

12 |

JANUARY• 2022 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

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Page 17

September, 2019 - MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER 17

of Activities

Looking W Forward to Snow!

Before Snow Flies!

n Snokicked anning Annual Festival ry 21 – Jordan. wonderval celorthern nd none festiude of owmoantique snow n, food wmobile e.

Jordan comes beauty!

Wednesday, October 16th Visit our website at from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM www.ejchamber.org. e are anxiously awaiting the arrival of S-Ndowntown East Jordan feaO-W in the Breezeway communities of East turing children’s games, venJordan, Ellsworth and Atwood! Snowmobilers, dors, business special sales cross-country skiers and snowshoers are ready to hit and events, pie contest, face the trails and experience all that our area offers during painting and Twister Joe the winter. The spectacular winter raft trips down the Northern Michigan’s Favorite wild and scenic Jordan River are now underway and Balloon Artist plus more. are a great way to enjoy the beauty of this pristine river When planning your fall color in the winter. tour and event destinations… A special thank you and great appreciation to the make sure East Jordan is many volunteers that groom the trails of the Jordan Valley Snowmobile Trail and other trails throughout our number #1 on your list! Email state. Special shout out to the volunteers who have or call us today for color tour worked tirelessly this past week to clear off the downed routes, area information and trees on our trails after last week’s windstorm. Without more at 231-536-7351 or email info@ejchamber.org the – dedication and hard work of these individuals, we

communities offer from orchards, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, art galleries, resale shops, hand blown glass shop, antiques, restaurants and much more.

The East Jordan Pumpkin Fest will be celebrated on

continued on page 14

SERVING SERVING BREAKFAST BREAKFAST EVERY EVERY SUNDAY SUNDAY 7 TILL NOON ~ 7am–Noon • DEC.–MAR. 5586 MT. BLISS ROAD | EAST JORDAN, MI DECEMBER 5586 MT. BLISS RD | EAST JORDAN, MI THRU MARCH MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • JANUARY • 2022

13

EAST JORDAN Four Seasons Marina • Good Used Sleds for Sale • New and Used Parts • Full Service (All Makes) 612 BRIDGE STREET • EAST JORDAN

23 1-53 6 -73 21

The Insurance Shop of East Jordan Auto

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DEER PARK LOCATED 7 MILES NORTH OF PINE STUMP JUNCTION GENERAL STORE

groceries • gifts snowmobile supplies & gear LP gas • BEER WINE LIQUOR Snowmobile & Trail permits available

CABIN RENTALS with FULL KITCHENETTES $100 - $165 All you need to bring is food Plenty of trailer parking

For complete Deer Park info including cabin availability visit www.deerparklodgeresort.com FOR RESERVATIONS CALL 906-658-3341 29209 COUNTY RD 407 | NEWBERRY, MI 49868

For up to date snow conditions and live webcam video visit www.deerparklodgeresort.com/Webcam

We now have Rec Fuel 14 |

GROOMED TRAIL TO TRAIL 8

JANUARY • 2022 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

continued from page 13

would not be able to enjoy the great riding and make the memories with our friends and family.

The 40th Annual Sno-Blast Winter Festival Committee continues to work on the schedule of events for the family-friendly festival that will be held February 18 through February 20th in East Jordan. The majority of the weekend’s events take place at the East Jordan Sno-Mobilers Clubhouse on Mount Bliss Road. Be sure to check our Chamber website for a complete list of events by mid-January (www.ejchamber.org) The City of East Jordan is a snowmobile friendly town and welcomes snowmobilers to visit our community to dine, fuel up, stay and shop at our many locally owned businesses. Our region prides itself on friendly customer service. For any and all information on East Jordan, Ellsworth and Atwood, please contact the East Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce at 231-536-7351 or info@ejchamber.org, like and follow us on Facebook.

Happy New Year!

Mary H. Faculak President/CEO

EAST JORDAN EAST JORDAN A Natural Destination...

S AV E T H E D AT E

February 18th – 20th, 2022 Discover our area for the finest Snowshoeing, Cross Country Skiing, Winter Rafting Trips, Star Gazing, Ice Fishing and more!!

THOMAS MANN

41st Annual Sno-Blast Winter Festival

SAVE THE DATE FEBRUARY 19-21, 2021. 40th ANNUAL

SNO-BLAST WINTER FESTIVAL Valley Trail, Snowmobile the beautiful scenic Jordan Discover our area for the finest Snowshoeing, Cross Country Skiing, Winter Rafting Trips, Starexperience.

Gazing, Ice Fishing and more!! for fabulous riding

Visit our Snowmobile Friendly Downtown Area THOMAS MANN

2020

www.echamber.org

East Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce 231-536-7351 | info@ejchamber.org

SAVE THE DATE FEBRUARY 19-21, 2021. 40th ANNUAL SNO-BLAST WINTER FESTIVAL Discover our area for the finest Snowshoeing, Cross Country Skiing, Winter Rafting Trips, Star Gazing, Ice Fishing and more!!

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*Models may not be exactly as shown. Shown with optional accessories. ©2019 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. Product and specifications subject to change without notice. Professional rider on closed *Models maynotnot exactly asandshown. with optional accessories. ©2019 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. rights reserved. Product specifications to change *Models be be exactly as shown.

Shown Shown with optional accessories. ©2019 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved.

Product and specifications subject toand change without notice.subject Professional rider onwithout closed notice. Professional rider on closed course under controlled conditions. Always wear anmay approved helmet, eye protection protective clothing.

Ride responsibly and always ride within your capabilities, allowing time and distance for maneuvering, andAll respect others around you. Know the conditions.course Observe under allunder state controlled andcontrolled local laws.

Don’t drink and ride.Always course conditions.

Always wear an wear approved eye helmet, protectioneye andprotection protective clothing.

Ride responsibly and Ride alwaysresponsibly ride within your allowing time and capabilities, distance for maneuvering, and respect conditions. an helmet, approved and protective clothing. andcapabilities, always ride within your allowing time and distance for maneuvering, and respect

others around Know the conditions.

ObserveObserve all state and andDon’t ride. drink and ride. others aroundyou. you.

Know the conditions. all local statelaws. andDon’t localdrink laws.

MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • JANUARY• 2022

| 15

Fun, Fellowship I and Funds to Support the Community 16th Annual Rapid River Relic Riders Vintage & Antique Snowmobile Show

16 |

JANUARY • 2022 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

f you have a passion for antique and/ or vintage snowmobiles, and would enjoy a beautiful group ride and some great family fun, the Relic Riders weekend event in Rapid River, MI is an absolute must.

The 16th Annual Vintage and Antique Snowmobile Show and Swap Meet is taking place the weekend of January 28 (ride) and January 29 (show), 2022.

“I can guarantee it’s going to be quite a blast,” said David Shope, President of the Rapid River Relic Riders. “We had to cancel our ride and show in 2021 and that disappointed a lot of folks, and they are certainly gearing up to come back in force this year!”

Jan. HEARST .qxp_HEARST 12/19/19 1:08 PM Page 26

RAPID RIVER

THE RIDE On January 28, 100+ will convene for a breathtaking 26 MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER - January, 2020 11 mile (one way) group ride to Gladstone. Weather and safety permitting, participants will traverse over volved with this fine Little Bay De Noc, which in itself is a unique and about 22 years stunning adventure. “I’ve been on dozens of group Casual Familygroup Dining rides, and this one to Gladstone is the best – it’s ago. The late Lyle Open 7 days Shipe a week asked if I spectacular,” said David.

The destination in Gladstone is the Brampton Main Street wanted to go down to 906-474-9927 Township Hall, where riders will break to gather for Rapid River, theMIWinter Games. Of lunch catered by the Rapid River Mini Mart, a boncourse, I said, “yes”, fire, comradery and just a wonderful time.

MSORV 1/8 or Town ad “In 2020 we had 418 sleds on the ride,” said Daimmediately.

Now, I Quality Plumbing & Heating vid. “This is one heck of a group ride!” had heard about the Upon return, David and the Relic will host a large Of Rapid River, L.L.C. bonfire and of course – more comradery.

Wertz Warriors Special Olympics Michigan Winter Games “WE PLUMB TO PLEASE”

THE SHOW had an incredible caBy StephenDavid King A. Shope Show day starts early on the 29th with the Lions Club as the main hub. Main Street will shut down including hitting a Master Licensereer, 81-08533 with over 150 snowmobiles displayed indoors and I want to share long fly ball that was out.

906-280-6630 caught by none other

NEWBER

AREA

some of my experiences with a group of than Willie May in the World thatM ART people that callRA them“We had to cancel our ride PID1954 RI V ERSeries M I NI selves the “Wertz War- will be forever known and show in 2021 and that In US 2 & riors”. These are the as “the catch.”7668 1982, he founded 41-the Rapid River disappointed a lot of folks,men andand women that Wertz “Clean comfort Warriors, to have taken up the 906-474-6990 at reasonabl they are certainly gearing up to to fund the raise money for Spechallenge • Free Ext • Trial Permits • EthanolMichiFree Premium cial Olympics Special Olympics Continental B come back in force this year!”

• Cold BeerGame. & Wine Winter To Michigan Winter gan’s • Free W date, they have raisedDeli • Indoor Pool, Whirlpool • Liquor • Hot & Cold Games.

The group was well over $8 Million • Trailer parking and brought countless 906-293-4000 founded back in 1982 Fun and whimsical trophies are awarded for six Reservations: 888-315 different categories including Oldest Spectator by former Detroit Tiger smiles to the faces of Award and Furthest Traveled, which David says VicisWertz, one of the some very special Email : newberryabvi@gm always interesting because people come from all www.redlion.com/newbe most famous Tigers people. over and even book their stay for the following year 2956 State Route M-28 - N 1 Personally, I got in- PUB THE RIVER from the 1960s.

He RAPID while in town.

Awesome Menu including delicious homemade PIZZA! Beyond the fun and fellowship, the main goal OPEN DAILY AT 11:30 AM of the event is to raise funds to give back to the Call 906-474-6329 for take out. We serve food late! community. The event encompasses a canned food drive with all donations going to local churches 10491 So. Main St. • Rapid River, MI

RAPID RIVER

and St. Vincent DePaul. All donations made for the event on Show Day go to the Lion’s Club.

Two big highlights of the show that contribute largely to funds raised are the raffle and auction.

“This year we are raffling a 1973 GP 338 Yamaha with just 526 miles,” said David. We have many big ticket items in the raffle which makes it a great 14TH ANNUAL time.”

Ultimately, five scholarships are given to the local SNOWMOBILE SHOW & SWAP 15th ANNUAL SNOWMOBILE schools each year to award to one male student SATURDAY JANUARY 25, 2020 SHOW & SWAP and one female student.

There will be aSATURDAY, Relic Ride JANUARY on Friday, 29, Jan.2022 24th continued on page 18

Departing at noon, from Quality Plumbing SNOWMOBILER + ORV • For more info:MICHIGAN Dave Shope - 906-280-6630

Quality Plumbing

There will be a Relic Ride Fri., January 28. Departing at noon, from Quality Plumbing For more info: Dave Shope 906-280-6630

Casual Din

Op 7 days Main Rapid R

906-474-9927 | 17

JANUARY • 2022

continued from page 17

FAMILY FUN While the sleds take center stage, there are lots of family fun events and games for the kids including a ‘Turkey Shuffle’ and ‘Sawdust Quarter Hunt.’ All youth who enter a sled receive a trophy and medallion.

THE RAPID RIVER RELIC RIDERS Established in 2007 by David and

his brother in law, Rapid River Relic Riders consists of nearly 80 individuals who are quite passionate about their sleds. In fact, David’s private collection surpasses 200, and among them is a 1964 Voyager Polaris that’s one of just four that are known.

It’s clear that this is an energized group, ready to get this year’s weekend underway reconnect with the community, friends

RAPID RIVER THE SWALLOW INN

and fellow snowmobile enthusiasts.

Says David, “I’ll say it again, it’s going to be such a blast and so nice for the town and guests to come together and do what we love doing.”

For more information and updates, check out the Relic Riders Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/rapidriver.relicriders. •

FENTON LP-MARINA.COM

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JANUARY • 2022 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

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As for the Trail situation, Martin noted that the stretch between the Soo and Kinross has improved greatly. They have fixed most of the problems in that area. As you may recall, there

a couple of culvert projects. Which, if they work out, should go un-noticed by most sledders.

And, a reroute in the Raco area. Moving a bit of Trail just a bit. Maybe this year. Probably

And, a good plan to keep the Trails groomed and open.

Also, they keep remembering the Number One Rule: When you have a summer picnic, you have to invite the reporter.

Thanks again guys. As always… What Martin said, “Good food.

Good fun. Good comradery.”

SAULT STE MARIE

Thanks again guys. As always… What Martin said, “Good food.

Good fun. Good comradery.”

HEARST.qxp_HEARST HEARST.qxp_HEARST HEARST.qxp_HEARST 8/26/19 8/26/19 8/26/19 11:4711:47 AM 11:47 Page AM AM Page 11 Page11 11

Alexa Peterman & Grandfather, Al Cottle shar a moment Book over Smores.

Yum.Early!

Your Yum Rooms

September, September, September, 2019 2019 2019 - MICHIGAN --MICHIGAN MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER SNOWMOBILER SNOWMOBILE 11 Arrowheads Arrowheads Arrowheads andand and oneone one waswas was a photo aa photo photo thatthat that wentwent went nextnext next year. year. year.

Dubie.

Dubie.

Dubie.

Looks Looks Looks like like like the the the viralviral viral a couple aa couple couple years years years Anyhow, Anyhow, Anyhow, as of as asJune, of of June, June, trails trails trails will will will be be kept be kept kept in in ago in ago ago featuring featuring featuring an SSA an an SSA SSA the the the SSASSA SSA is looking isis looking looking great great great shape shape shape this this this win-winwingroomer groomer groomer sunksunk sunk in that in in that that good. good. good.

Good Good Good membermembermemberter. ter. ter. area. area. area.

Then, Then, Then, there there there are are are ship.ship. ship.

Good Good Good leadership. leadership. leadership.

As for As Asthe for forTrail the theTrail Trail situ-situsitua couple aa couple couple of culvert of of culvert culvert And,And, And, a good aa good good planplan plan to to to ation, ation, ation, Martin Martin Martin noted noted noted projects. projects. projects.

Which, Which, Which, if they ififthey they keep keep keepthe the theTrails Trails Trails thatthat that the the the stretch stretch stretch be- bebeworkwork work out,out, out, should should should go go go groomed groomed groomed andand and open. open. open. un-noticed un-noticed un-noticed by by by most most most tween tween tween the the the SooSoo Soo andand and Also, Also, Also, theythey they keep keep keep re- rereKinross Kinross Kinross has has has improved improved improved sledders. sledders. sledders.And,And, And,a membering aa membering membering the the Numthe NumNumgreatly. greatly. greatly.

They They They have have have reroute reroute reroute in the in in the the Raco Raco Raco ber ber ber OneOne One Rule: Rule: Rule: When When When fixedfixed fixed mostmost most of the of of probthe theprobprobarea. area. area.

Moving Moving Moving a bitaa of bit bit of of you you you have have have a summer aa summer summer lemslems lems in that in in that that area. area. area.

As As As TrailTrail Trail just just a just bit. aa bit.

Maybe bit. Maybe Maybe picnic, picnic, picnic, you you have you have have to into to ininthis this this year. year. year.

Probably Probably Probably you you you maymay may recall, recall, recall, there there there vite vite vitethe the thereporter. reporter. reporter.

Thanks Thanks Thanks again again again guys. guys. guys.

As As As What What What Martin Martin Martin always… always… always… said,said, said, “Good “Good “Good food. food. food.

Good Good Good fun.fun. fun.

Good Good Good comcomcomradery.” radery.” radery.”

53rd Annual I-500, Feb. 5, 2022

Journey Onward

Alexa Peterman & Grandfather, Al Cottle shar a moment over Smores. Yum Yum.

everything from the full for Matttracks,Inc, the dinner buffet to the welloriginal track converstocked cash bar.

And sions for all off-road veonce the reception conhicles was welcomed, cluded, many of the parand although not really ticipants headed to the compatible for snowmogaming rooms with bile trail grooming, does offer some grooming alhopes of winning at the ternatives for other applitables or hitting a jackpot cations. on the slots.

The SAW and DNR Both Friday and Satpersonnel present were urday were split between introduced and a brief indoor and outdoor activAlexa Alexa Alexa Peterman Peterman Peterman & Grandfather, && Grandfather, Grandfather, Al Cottle Al Al Cottle Cottle description of their reities. The first round of sharshar shar a moment aa moment moment overover over Smores.

Smores.

Smores.

YumYum Yum Yum. Yum. Yum. sponsibilities to the breakout sessions, snowmobile program exstarted after breakfast. plained. The remainder After lunch, the break® of the evening was dediouts were repeated so ® cat ed to socializing and everyone had an oppornetworking, with sponsor tunity to attend each one clubs meeting face-toof them. Several attenface with DNR contacts dees, mostly those on for their areas and surthe current list eligible for rounding zones or havequipment replaceJourney Onward ing some personal time ments, were anxiousHeated to Pool to discuss peculiarities of get outside and check Whirlpool/Sauna ~ WiFi their particular brands. out the various brands of Breakfast CHIPPEWA Complimentary CHIPPEWA CHIPPEWA MOTORS MOTORS MOTORS INC. INC. INC. As usual, the Sales, resort staff tractors and other Service & Accessories was on hand to provide grooming gear.

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Don’t miss an issue Call 231.536.2371 MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • JANUARY • 2022

| 19

SOO I-500 Back on Track:

THE 53rd RUNNING OF THE SOO I-500 JAN 31st thru FEB 5, 2022

L

et’s get right to it.... Back in April of 2020, the SOO International 500 Board of Directors took on the task of determining what to do when Covid set us back. All Directors (including the Race Director) agonized in making the decision to postpone the 53rd. running of the world’s most exciting snowmobile endurance race. At the time, major events were shutting down to avoid becoming known as a “super spreader” of Covid.

Hours of discussion and deliberation transpired and collectively, the decision was made to postpone the race until 2022. At the time

20 |

the decision was made, everyone seemed somewhat in shock. Michigan State officials had set safety guidelines and restrictions which were being enforced. Collectively, the I-500 Directors

decision was in the best interest of the community, volunteers, fans, teams and sport of oval ice racing in general.

Once the snow dust had settled on the decision making process,

the I-500 Directors reluctantly accepted their decision and decided to take a positive approach to the negative issues.

Sometimes we have to take a step backwards to get a step ahead.

This being the obvious situation, the Board adopted the theory “For every seed of adversity, there’s an equal or greater benefit, we simply have to identify it and work it”. The positive approach paid off and the board of directors have collectively come together to accomplish so much as we head towards our 2022 running of the SOO I-500. Fact is.... fans of snowmobiling and snowmobile continued on page 22

JANUARY • 2022 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

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It may not be the season to ride snowmobiles -- but On Lake Gogebic, Michigan it's ALWAYS the season to work on the snowmobile TheJoin West Shore Resort ONON BEAUTIFUL LAKE GOGEBIC BEAUTIFUL LAKE GOGEBIC trails! Help support your local snowmobile clubs.ON BEAUTIFUL LAKE GOGEBIC Hunting • Snowmobiling • Fishing Hunting • Snowmobiling • Fishing today!!!

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| 21

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22 |

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JANUARY • 2022 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

racing are excited to get out and get back to the experiences the SOO I-500 allows everyone to enjoy.

There’s no doubt the sport and I-500 were missed. Throughout Michigan sled heads and endurance race fans are talking about the upcoming 2022 season and all that goes with oval ice racing excitement. The impact of not hosting the 2021 I-500 was felt throughout the State and snowmobile recreation industry. The sights, sounds, smell and the ability to be around the venues has long been set back. Guess what folks?..... We’re not going to look back, we’re taking a victory lap over Covid! Rest assured I-500 fans and teams alike..... The 53rd running of the SOO I-500 will be a memory that’ll last a lifetime. The adrenaline and passion run parallel for hosting the 2022, 53rd running of the SOO I-500. From every aspect of the event, it’s anticipated the 2022 SOO I-500 may be the largest and most memorable ever. The week long series of events hosted at the SOO I-500 venue will be nothing less than “High Octane” excitement for everyone.

Back on track & “All left turns from here.....”

Jan. 31-thru- Feb. 5th. 2022. The world’s oldest, longest, fastest and toughest snowmobile endurance race bar none, The Grand Daddy of Snowmobile Endurance Racing - The “SOO I-500”. •

under the helmet

owner

with

Piche Racing Chris Piche

What got you into snowmobiling and when; what was their influence on you in regards to the sport?

My dad bought a Rupp 340 Sport when I was 7 or 8. I remember he got the silent treatment from my mom because he used the money they had been saving for a station wagon. We both agreed it was way cooler than a station wagon. Between our small in-town backyard and a school across the street, I must have put a million miles on that Rupp. My parents would take my brother, sister and I (along with my Aunt, Uncle and Cousins) out to Brimley, pulled in a caboose behind one of the sleds. With no groomers and no suspension, a trip that now takes 15 minutes was a full day adventure back then.

My dad never missed an I-500, and I went with him for as long as I can remember. I have so many great memories there and that is why I have tried to stay involved with volunteering at the track over the years. Owning continued on page 24

MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • JANUARY • 2022

| 23

CHRIS PICHE continued from page 23

a small local construction/roofing company has helped me be able to donate roofs or equipment for use at the Sault I-500 and Kinross M.I.R.A track.

When did you start racing and what is your proudest achievement so far at the track?

I had done some stock car racing over at the local Kinross track, but snowmobile racing started pretty late in life. 46-years old late. I had always been an avid trail rider, but my first time on the ice came after watching Duane Piche’s #32 team practice one day. After a while, Duane let me take his race sled for a spin on the ice and that was it. It was over. I was hooked. I remember Dave Yovich asking me if that was me out there, and that it looked good for a first ride on a race sled.

That was all the encouragement that I needed. I bought my first race

sled the next year and haven’t been a spectator since. I might have qualified as the oldest rookie ever at my first I-500 race.

My proudest achievement so far is having the team that we have.

Not only are we all good friends, but we keep getting stronger and better every year as a team. We have had some hard races, but we always come out with a good attitude and a plan for the next race.

What is your career goal as an owner?

Our sled builder and mechanic, Ben Henderson, spends winter evenings working on the sleds and all year long thinking up new ideas to make our team and sleds better. Getting better and faster is every teams goal.

One of my main goals as a team owner is obviously to win more races and to be standing on the podium next to the best enduro teams in

this sport. We would love to win the I-500, especially as one of the last local teams left.

What were the driving factors to start the race team?

I think once you get a little taste of snowmobile racing, you’re hooked.

Being at the track…the sound of the motors, the smell of race fuel, the adrenaline. I could not give that up.

The next step was to have my own race team.

So a few years ago, and over a few beers, Aaron Celestino (who is now our lead driver) and I put together a plan to build a sled to race the I-500. The problem was neither of us were mechanics. We convinced Ben to do the wrenching and a team was born. From there we added Ben’s son, Collin, as a driver and filled the team out with a lot of great crewmembers. The rest is history. •

under the helmet: Driver interviews on page 26 24 |

JANUARY • 2022 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

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| 25

driver

under the helmet

Aaron Celestino

Who got you into snowmobiling and when; and what was their influence on you with regard to the sport?

I got into snowmobile racing with some of my good buddy and current mechanic Ben Henderson along with one of my co-drivers Dan Minta. At the time we were racing in the GLASS Vintage Enduro series. I always expressed an interest in racing and eventually they invited me on board to race with them and over the years that turned into a passion that would progress into my current career as a professional enduro racer.

When did you start racing and what is your proudest achievement so far on the track?

I have been racing for around 10 years total, I got into enduro racing about 6 years ago. Since then, I’ve been with a couple different teams and have had some pretty decent finishes. Probably my proudest achievement so far in enduro racing has been a 6th place finish with Chris Piche and Brent and Kevin Vermeersch.

driver

continued on page 28

Collin Henderson

Who got you into snowmobiling and when; and what was their influence on you with regard to the sport?

My Dad got me into snowmobile racing I was around 11 years old. We first started racing with vintage snowmobiles on a snow track just for fun, over the years that developed into ice-oval sprints and then eventually enduro racing. My father has most definitely been the biggest influence on me in regard to the sport and my life. We have had quite the journey together, from motocross throughout my whole life, to snowmobiles. he has been by my side as my mechanic, crew chief, and my mentor and I am forever thankful for that. Learning the sport of enduro racing with him has most definitely had its challenges but it has been great so far and I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else.

When did you start racing and what is your proudest achievement so far on the track?

I started racing motocross when I was around 7-8 years old, that progressed to snowmobiles when I was 11 then to ice-oval sprints at around 14 and continued on page 28

26 |

JANUARY • 2022 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

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under the helmet AARON CELESTINO continued from page 26

What is your career goal?

My career goal is definitely to win the Soo I-500, being able to take that trophy back to the Soo would be pretty surreal.

How did you become part of this racing team?

I became part of the team through Chris Piche, I’ve been friends with Chris for a number of years and when he asked about me riding for him on his enduro team it was really a no-brainer, and so far, it’s been great. I am really looking forward to the upcoming season and I think we’re in a good spot to produce some good results. •

COLLIN HENDERSON continued from page 26

then too my debut in the pro enduro racing field when I turned 18. I think my biggest achievement on the track has not come in just results but in just progression. I’ve learned a lot about myself as an athlete, person, and racer in the past 4 years of racing than I have in my whole career, and I think that’s been my most important achievement of them all and I’m excited to see what the future holds.

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JANUARY • 2022 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

What is your career goal?

You know of course I want to win races or do good, but I want to have more of an effect on the sport then just a statistic. In the long run I want to become someone that everyone knows when I head onto the track. That’s my goal, to produce a lasting impression, or to “write my name in the history books” if you will. And I am confident that I am on pace to do just that. The amount of improvement I’ve seen out of not just myself, but the team and the sport in general has been amazing.

I am still young and most definitely have lots of drive going forward to make my goals a reality.

How did you become part of this racing team?

I became a part of the team through my Dad, Ben Henderson who is now the chief mechanic. The team owner, Chris Piche expressed interest in having us both join the team. Obviously, I had a lot of experience racing so the final step was to find a ride on a pro-enduro team and the rest is history. The past 4 years with the team have been awesome, I’m confident when I say we are on the direct path to becoming a dominant force and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. •

RACE DAY BRIAN CASWELL

TRISH FURKEY

SpeedShot Photography

Sharper, Safer, Smarter S The Story Behind BITEHARDER Products

BY GLENN WELCH BITEHARDER PRESIDENT

A

s snowmobilers we spend thousands of dollars on machines that can put out close to 200 HP, and can travel at speeds over 100 MPH. We ride these machines on some of the most challenging surfaces often times on the edge of misfortune, as we negotiate down winding tree lined trails. Throw in another snowmobiler coming at you (on your side of the trail), a downed tree branch, or any number of creatures that call the woods their home (deer, moose, you get the idea), and you get a real recipe for disaster.

Or a near disaster that happened to me back in 2011.

The story behind BITEHARDER Products really starts back in 1989 when my wife Michele and I purchased a small five-person machining company located in the heart of New Hampshire’s lakes region. At 27 years old,

30 |

we had taken a giant leap of faith with hopes that my mechanical engineering background, and Michele’s purchasing background, would be enough to jump start our role as manufacturing entrepreneurs. Almost as exciting as our new venture was the purchase of a matching pair of 1979 Ski-Doo Olympique 340’s, both with only 400 miles on the clock. After all, we were now living in snow country.

Twenty-two years later in 2011, Welch Manufacturing Technologies, Ltd. had grown into a 25-person manufacturing company that specialized in the fabrication of complex machined components and assemblies for the military, satellite, and commercial aerospace industries.

With a growing company, a supportive wife, two incredible daughters, a

JANUARY • 2022 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

comfortable home, a new 2011 Yamaha Apex four stroke, and a winter with that was providing for some incredible trail conditions. Life was good.

Living in New Hampshire offers great trail riding. With Vermont to our west, Maine to our east, and the province of Quebec to our north. Bring it on! In mid-February of 2011, with over 1000 miles already on the Apex, me and the boys were heading to the Chaudière-Appalaches region of Quebec for a three-day ride. I was going to swap out my carbide runners for the trip, as the prior gas stops, road crossings, and detours had put some significant wear on them. Unfortunately, I made the decision to get a few more days out of my current runners.

I have always had a love/hate relationship with the degrading perfor-

, r Snowmobiling SHARPER, SAFER, SMARTER SNOWMOBILING

mance you get from carbide runners.

They were developed in the 1970’s when Jean-Paul Samson (Bombardier Limited), filed a patent titled “Runner Shoe for Snowmobile.” This patent added a carbide wear bar to the then sacrificial steel Skeg (or Skag), to extend the runners’ life. This led to the modern runner that we are all familiar with today.

Carbide is a manufactured material (think high heat and pressure), with a hardness second only to diamonds.

Triangular shaped carbide has a sharp leading edge that provides amazing steering ability and control in all conditions including snow, hard pack, ice, and even asphalt. But this control quickly fades away as the edge wears.

Replace the runners and get better performance, or use the dull runners

(which are still protecting your skis), but lose your edge on performance and safety. The first and second day of our ride in Quebec was amazing. Hundreds of miles of perfectly groomed, packed powder trails. However, it was the third day that I will remember the most. While negotiating a long sweeping right hand turn, I hit a section of ice.

With the dull runners, my skis immediately lost their bite and centrifugal force took over. When my sled hit the embankment on the opposite side of the trail I bailed out, only to watch my Apex roll over the embankment and bounce off of numerous trees on its way to the bottom of a hill. I was lucky. Bruises will heal, but bent frames, smashed cowlings and a broken skid meant saying goodbye to the remainder of that season.

After returning home to New Hampshire, I knew there had to be a way to maintain a sharp edge on a carbide runner. Downhill skiers and snowboarders sharpen their edges before traversing the slopes, hockey players sharpen their blades before hitting the ice, so why can’t we easily sharpen our runners?

I had read that each year there were hundreds of fatalities, and thousands of snowmobile related accidents relating to snowmobiling. The article stated that while there are many factors (speed, intoxication, etc.) that come into play regarding these statistics, the primary underlying reason is loss of machine control. All the more justification for my mission.

In the machining industry, we use carbide tooling for metal removal. These carbide tools, being harder than the metal they are cutting, do a great job, but eventually wear down and need to replaced or resharpened - all very similar to the way a carbide runners edge will wear. Knowing that carbide machine tools are resharpened using an industrial diamond impregnated wheel, I had a plan.

The task of removing a set of carbide runners, mounting them in a fixture so the runners edge can be precisely moved along a spinning diamond impregnated wheel, and then remounting them to the skis, worked perfectly.

However as satisfying as the results were, the process was complex, costly, and makes for a bunch of angry machinists waiting for me to free up the grinding area.

Inspiration followed a few days later during a trip to the hardware store with the need to purchase a new hack saw blade. I remember the clerk saying, “these are our best blades, or you can try one of these new diamond coat-

continued on page 32 MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • JANUARY • 2022 | 31

continued from page 31

ed blades that are supposed to cut through anything.” Diamond coated being the key words.

In researching diamonds, I found some very interesting information.

Natural diamonds take between one and three billion years to create. For reference, the earth is approximately 4.5 billion years old. Much too expensive and I did not have that kind of time. However industrial diamonds, or diamonds that are manufactured in a lab, are less expensive, take about four weeks to create using high heat, specific gasses, plasma, and a 3D octagonal type web that allows the diamond to grow one atom at a time. Amazingly both types of diamonds have similar properties (chemical, physical, optical, etc.), and both are harder than, and will subsequently cut, carbide.

The solution became clear. Design a simple rotating tool, that incorporated industrial diamonds bonded to the cutting surface, that could quickly and effectively resharpen the edge on a worn carbide runner. Prototypes were made, and during the following season,

testing was performed on hundreds of runners, over thousands of miles.

Design improvements were also made until I had a product that worked better than expected. I knew that this technology had to be made available to all snowmobilers. The inevitable question was then asked, “what are you going to call it”. Many names were considered, however describing exactly what the product did, allowing your snowmobiles carbide runners to “bite harder”, seemed to make the most sense. So “BITEHARDER” it was.

The final product comprised all of the design requirements that I set out to achieve. A precision machined stainless steel tool, with industrial diamonds bonded to the cutting surface, designed for anywhere/anytime sharpening of your carbide runners, without the need to remove them from your sled. All performed by simply using a cordless drill to rotate the tool. Sharp runners all season long!

On January 7th of 2013, just after 1:00pm, our new BITEHARDER website went live. The website store carried continued on page 34

NEW YEAR! TREAT YOURSELF THIS

HAVE YOU TRIED...

OUR NEXT GENERATION

TO THE ULTIMATE IN PERFORMANCE AND SAFETY

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Carbide Runner Sharpening Tool (Standard Series)

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Carbide Runner Sharpening Tool (Pro Series)

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BITEHARDER.COM

DON’T LOSE YOUR EDGE - RIDE ALL SEASON LONG ON SHARP CARBIDE RUNNERS AND STUDS!

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JANUARY • 2022 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

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kedof Kathy was One the questions the place sked Kathysmell was ubber?

Her reply s the place smell rubber? Her reply

INDIAN RIVER

continued from page 32

just one product, the BITEHARDER Carbide Runner Sharpening tool. Our first official order came in twenty minutes later. It was a great feeling.

Today BITEHARDER manufactures six different types of snowmobile traction sharpening tools for both your carbide runners and carbide studs, and a host of other They move a lot of All NEW The inside, full of inventory.

They move a lot of performance, safety, and convenience products. We have used snowmobiles and The inside, full of inventory.

Polaris used snowmobiles and been awarded six U.S. and Canadian patents for our innoATV/UTV’s as well.

Snowmobile vations.

ATV/UTV’s as well.

They don’t just sell in RENTALS! In addition, our Better Traction – Better Trails Program They don’t just sell in the snow areas of the donates 10% from the sale of all BITEHARDER products the snow areas of the to the participating state or province where the sale origiU.S. they sell product U.S. they sell product nated. This money is typically earmarked to help offset the all over the world. all over the world. increasing cost of trail grooming. Better Traction through You AD You can can find find their their AD the use of BITEHARDER’s sharpening tools. Better Trails USA USA inin our and through improved funding for grooming operations. our magazine magazine and many other publicaWith a deep passion for snowmobiling, our mission at many other publicas yes, yes, that that even even tions BITEHARDER is clear. Use the latest advances in techas well tions as well clothes nology, combined with creative engineering, to develop r clothessmell smelllike like IfIfyou of you are are in in need need of and manufacture simple, yet cost effective aftermarket er.

They started 562 S. Hwy • Indian ber. They started aaStraits track anything toRiver, MI 49749 track or or anything to powersports products, that allow riders to experience all callsnowmobile for extended h just just tracks tracks but butPlease do dowith with snowmobile or winter hours the performance their equipment has to offer, in the safest n started started selling selling off off road road after after market manner possible. chmore more and and not not stuff, The snowmobiling season is short. Don’t compromise stuff, give give them them a call. snowmobiles. nowmobiles. and ride on dull traction. Stay sharp, and make every ride Tony, Ben, Ben, Bruce Bruce and Tony,

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MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • JANUARY• 2022 | ONLY 1 HR WEST OF MACKINAC BRIDGE IN CURTIS

our town

Michigan’s

“Winter City” Houghton/Hancock offers a little something for everyone and a lot for snowmobilers.

H

oughton, MI, founded by European Ransom Shelden, and ten years later in 1861 was incorporated as a village. The postwar boom and increasing demand for copper wiring fueled the development of Houghton in the 1860s and 1870s, remnants of which can still be seen today.

With an average of 218 inches of snow per year, and winters at times lasting into June due to the lake effect, the Houghton/Hancock area holds the distinction of having the third-most (behind Duluth and International Falls in Minnesota) days of the year below 32 °F of any

incorporated city in the contiguous US, with the top temperature failing to reach freezing on 100.9 days per year.

It is sometimes said that Houghton has “two seasons: winter’s here and winter’s coming.”

While that may sound crazy to some, residents take the subject of snow and winter very seriously. Houghton is one of the premier “Winter Cities” found anywhere, accommodating and celebrating winter by participating in a variety of outdoor activities.

One such outdoor activity is … you guessed it – Snowmobiling.

KEWEENAW CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

continued on page 38

36 |

JANUARY • 2022 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

”

MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • JANUARY• 2022

| 37

KEWEENAW CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

CALUMET

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www.CopperCountryRental.com continued from page 36

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JANUARY • 2022 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

THE TRAILS… Bill Nichols Snowmobile Trail, with a terminus in Houghton, is somewhat legendary.

The Copper Range Railroad abandoned this corridor in 1972, and since 1974 after being acquired by the Department of National Resources, it has served primarily as a snowmobile and ATV trail.

Running 41 miles from Mass City to Houghton, it offers frequent visibility to wildlife and unique remnants of the old copper mining that filled the area in the 1800s. The pathway is relatively moderate in difficulty, as it passes through beautiful pine and hardwood forests and near the Twin Lakes State Park.

Groomed by a select team of dedicated and experienced trail groomers ­— sometimes twice a day — the conditions are pristine. Unbelievably, the Keweenaw Snowmobile Club averages 35,000 groomed miles each season … that is one and one half times around the world!

EATING AND DRINKING AND SHOPPING The trail terminus offers easy access to some great places to eat, drink and shop.

Check out the recently reopened Library Restaurant & Brewpub. Sit down for an amazing dinner at Joey’s Seafood and Grill. Order the famous to-

COPPER HARBOR stado pizza at the Ambassador Restaurant (voted #4 lunch stop in Michigan!). Or try local favorite in Hancock, Gino’s Restaurant for kind service and classic Italian comfort food.

If you love craft beer, Keewenaw Brewery is the place to go to sip on a cold beer and munch on roasted peanuts in a warm, cozy environment. Or check out the Oatmeal Espresso Stout at the Red Jacket Brewery in Calumet.

Looking to grab a unique gift or souvenir to bring back home? Chickadees, Apple Blossom Mercantile, and Michigan Made are fun places to stop and browse.

SNOWMOBILE RENTALS If you are looking to rent, look no further.

These family-owned and operated businesses with a passion for snowmobiling offer great rentals, insights, directions and more.

• M&M Powersports • Copper Country Rentals • Keweenaw Snowmobile Rentals Having been listed as a ‘100 Best Small Towns in America,” and also the birthplace of professional ice hockey in the United States when the Portage Lakers were formed in 1903, the Houghton/ Hancock area offers something for everyone, and a lot for snowmobilers! •

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| 39

remember when...

The I-500 track in October, 1968. 30,000 cubic yards of dirt had been moved but it still looked like a barren field from the air.

History of the

BIG I-500: #1 on the Michigan circuit

W

hat does it take to turn an idea into an epic? Well, for one thing it usually takes a little time, in addition to some effort, some publicity, some luck and a whole lot of determination. There are so many “unique” events in our lives today that it requires something really extraordinary to stand out — but the I-500 Snowmobile Race at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan has managed to get to the top of the totem pole in a remarkably short time.

Actually, the I-500 has been more than an idea for only two and one-half years. Even measured by snowmo-

bile standards, that’s not very long.

Following is a brief chronology of the high points in I-500 history, a skimming history that can only hint at the back-breaking labor on the part of men and women who have taken part. This is almost a plan that could be followed by any community with the desire to create a classic event — but it has only happened in the Sault.

July 15, 1968 — On this date, the original idea for a 500-mile snowmobile event was first formally presented to the Sault Ste. Marie City Commission. The proposal outlined the basic thinking, including the fact that the Sault could

well use the economic boost possible from hosting a major winter event. A number of interested citizens and many civic organizations favored the idea and it was pointed out to the commission that city-owned property adjacent to the I-75 Expressway would be an ideal location for the race.

From the start, it was intended that the track should be the finest available.

The city gave its’ blessing. The only cloud on the horizon? No one knew if a snowmobile could run 500 miles.

August 1968 — A group of original ideas are combined and the scope of the track is decided upon. It will be a one-mile banked oval, constructed in front of a hill that will provide a natural overlook for spectators. The formation of an international 500 project committee is achieved.

September 1968 — Ground is broken. By this time, race rules, qualification dates and the date for the first race are set. The International 500 group has set up committees to supervise the building of the track and the organization of the race. Lake Superior State College, located in adjacent to the race site, aids the 500 group in construction by dumping clay from college building projects at the track property.

October 1968 — General Chairman Jim Hoover announced that a $250 champion’s trophy would be up for grabs. The trophy was donated by the Sault Automotive Dealers’ Association.

Purse sizes were still under consideration. A team driver principle is recommended and added to the race rules as a suggestion.

October 8, 1968 — It is announced that the track is approximately one-quarter complete, with some 30,000 yards of dirt and clay moved into the area.

October 10, 1968 — Prize money is announced by Hoover. It is decided that $1,000 and the champion’s trophy will be awarded to the winner. Second place will earn $750, third $500, fourth $250, and fifth $200. Sixth through tenth spots will each earn $100.

November 1, 1968 — The track is about three-quarters completed, with culverts installed and the north and south turns roughly shaped. Some snowmobile manufacturers are requestcontinued on page 42

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| 41

land owners satisfied as well as getting our trails put in, in a safecontinued manner.from page 40 Lead groomer driver HEARST.qxp_HEARST 8/26/19 12:06 PM Page 22 ing multiple entries, others arral 793, starts in 40th Steve Bell was recogseem to be shying away place and spends 325 miles with a period of fellow- nized for the tireless

By Andy Twork from theef-idea of a 500-mile working his way to the lead ship time for stories and forts that he exerts each test run directly under the position — and then forges laughs from the previous and every year in his scrutiny of the public. on to first. The run takes a You know when the 22 MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER - September, 2019 January 6, 1969 — Twenseason.

Whether it be total of 11 hours, 18 minmany hours of grooming. snow begins to melt and ty-six snowmobiles turn land owners satisfied as utes and 45 seconds, for getting a groomer stuck He is still enjoying our the green grass starts to well as getting our trails out for the first turns on the which Brown and his team snowmobile trails even be a nuisance to the or being broke down or put in, in a safenew manner. track.

It is pronounced picked up almost $4,500. hes not able to point where you need to perhaps having a fine though Lead groomer driver to be in excellent condition An estimated 35,000 specride anymore himself.

Bell was cut it every week, the time out on a snowmobil- Steve andrecogplans are made to ice tators were on hand form ing aadventure, on 9-5 Whitehall and Monperiod of either fellownizedPM for the tireless efBysnowmobiling Andy Twork season is with Open Daily Boss Brian Vanette awards Randy Ackerthe surface toTrail make it even the race and according to a ship time foron stories and forts that he exerts each our trails the West Call for after hours appointment tague are towns that berg a kind of a local "Snowmobiler of the firm, year over. faster. data processing laughs thetrails previous every year in his You shorefrom or on else- and support snowmobiling as Up award" for his efforts in thesome council this past Theknow work when for thethe sea-USseason.

NOTE: to this point, pumped $935,000 Whether it be 2 Upper Peninsula, MI many hours of grooming. snow begins to melt and where in our great state well as businesses and each event in the track’s into the Sault’s economy. year son is not over, preventaa groomer stuck He is still enjoying our the green grass starts to getting Michigan.

P.O.of Box 2 W11660 US 2contractors that donate brief history is a milestone.

January 2, 1971 — Enbetive a maintenance nuisance to has theto or being broke down or snowmobile trails even These are the people Muskegon, Newaygo The ring leader, Brian No one has laid out a onetries for the 1971 race are their time and materials. perhaps having a fine Naubinway, MI 49762 though hes not able to be done onyou all the equippoint where need to from the many clubs that and Oceana county has mile banked oval for snowcut off with 223 machines time out on a snowmobilride anymore himself.

Vanett kicked off the As in many cases the efcutment it every week, under the and stored 906-477-6298 ing adventure, either on Whitehall and Monform the West Shore a trail system that they mobiles and no one really signed up. evening along with forts of their employees Trail Boss Brian Vanette awards Randy Ackersnowmobiling is cover for theseason next few our trails on the West tague are towns knows if theSnowmobile natural January 3, be 1971 — year The can truly Council, of. berg a clay kind of a "Snowmobiler ofproud the over.

Oscar by recogniz- in making sure thatthat our info@snowmobilemuseum.com months, resting, waiting shore orReed on trails else- support snowmobiling as base, augmented by more Can-Am Invitational Snowaward" for his efforts in the council this past The work for the seap ing theintrail from well trailsasare maintained as and it is because of them foris the upcoming sea-www.snowmobilemuseum.com where ourcaptains great state businesses and year son not over, preventaclay from all around the mobile Race is held on the the different areas in our well as kept safe and contractors that donate son. tive maintenance has to of Michigan. area, is an advantage or not. I-500Muskegon, oval; this gives the These are the people Newaygo The ring leader, Brian system.

Then on to a their time and materials. safely marked throughbe done on all the equipThe equipment is the January 28, 1969 — committee an excellent OurVanett Upper Peninsula location offers kicked offincludthe guests As inand many the ef- from the many clubs that and Oceana county has wonderful dinner our trailcases system. out ment easyand part,stored but theunder people Time trials open.

Dr. Velton opportunity to see that howthey community members an amazing palette of yeara trail system form the West Shore evening along with forts of their employees cover for the next few rounding the salad along Ourof dining McKinleq group was ofSnowmobile activities, attractions, andwith events! Some Houghton Lake, the track is shaping upof.for need to have that one Oscar Council, can truly be proud Reed bywe recognizin making sure that our months, resting, waiting theaannual events help to popromote are:impressed steak and baked well with how Michigan makes the first the big event and to plan and it is because of them p each seayear ing the trail captains from trails are maintained as forweekend the upcoming Christmas Bazaar:in 12/5/2021 tato, and served right to official run for qualification in refinements that will mean the tables were set up as the different areas our well as kept safe and when all of our volun- Snowmobile Show & Ride: 2/18-2/19/2022 son. an elapsed your table.

Then on to6/26/2022 a safely the double with time of 5:52.3 for so much more during the markedtables throughFireworks Golf Outing: The equipment is the teers and groomers get system.

4thSnowmobilers of July Celebration: 7/2-7/4/2022 four miles. wonderful dinner includ500-mile grind. out our trail system. from all chairs all the way around easy part, but people together at athe local estab- ing the salad Tractor Show: 8/2022 along with Our dining group was February 8, 1969 — A January 23, 1971 — Time need to have that one the area as well as them aloud for communilishment. They let offtopofthelake.org a over steak and baked po- well impressed total with how of 47 machines antrials start for the drivers weekend each year a other parts oftownships our state cationthewithout being limlittle steam and have a tato, The Association covers four West Mackinac and includes and County served right to the tables wereswer set upthe as first running of the who mare not on the rolls. when all of our voluncommunities of Engadine, Epoufette, Garnet, Gould Naubinway and Rexton. ventured Whitehall ited to just tables talking with to a VISIT IRONS AREA THIS WINTER!!! table. to City, the double fine evening of foodget and your teers and groomers International 500 SnowmoOnly one in five will see the TOLCA P.O. Box 132 Naubinway, MI 49762 |partake (906) 477-6298 that evening to couple of people.

Our Snowmobilers from all chairs all the way around together at afellowship. local estabdrink and bile Race. After 13 hours, starters flag. thewonderful area as well as them aloud for communievent. of this group included Randy and 12 seconds, lishment.

They let off a over The West Shore Snow42 minutes There’s something about otherBrian partsmade of our stateto cation without being limlittle steam and have a a point Smith, Jamie Bishop as of Lapeer, Mich- the Sault International 500 Dan Planck mobile council has been ventured to Whitehall ited to just talking to a VISIT IRONS AREA THIS WINTER!!! fine evening of food and bring up the fact that well as Dan and iganRobin takes snowmobile race. I have a having a Spring fling that evening to partake couple of people.

Our his Ski-Doo TNT drink and fellowship. volunteers Taylor included and 669 Phil and the checkered under hard time explaining it to this wonderful event. do group Randy dance every year for as ofmany The West Shore Snowflag. myself. After seeing races all IRONS AREA TOURIST many different things.

Cheryl Alvesteffer.

And of Brian made a point to Smith, Jamie Bishop as long as I can has remember. mobile council been “H30, OME OF THE ANNUAL FLEA ROAST & OX MARKET” November 1969 — across North America, there bring up the fact that well as Dan and Robin Some volunteers do course our favorite girl having a Spring This year was no fling differASSOCIATION many volunteers do Entries were cut off for the is still that special feeling Taylor and Phil and dance every year for as great things for the clubs Carla Buchan out on an ent, the only difference Blessing of the Sleds many different things. Cheryl Alvesteffer.

AndI-500 of with 250 ma231.861.2442 1970 inside of me for the long as I can remember.

ARKET” the materi- evening dinner with us, “HOME OF THE ANNUAL FLEA ROAST & OX MI-500. this year was the venue, by obtaining volunteers do course our favorite @ Skinner Irons, MIit into Jan.a4,single 2020 chinesgirl registered for the Park -I can’t put This year was no differ- Some als that they need to resince Tom was gone ORV the clubs Carla Buchan out thethe Spring forSNOWMOBILE 2019 great things&for onand an 11 more onBlessing ent, onlyfling difference trials the sentence, but maybe of the Sleds Snow out date Jan. 18, 2020 some bridgesthe or materiperhaps evening trout fishing. was truly & SERVICE obtaining dinnerItwaiting with us,list. would held the PARTS Vet- bypair this yearbe was theatvenue, my impressions the @ Skinner Park -ofIrons, MIup Jan. 4,from 2020 als need toditch. re- since Tom wasFebruary For — trail conditions or coming putthat in they a drainage a great evening ofgone food 7, 1970 TRAIL PERMITS theerans Spring for 2019 of fling Foreign wars Don last two races will help you Snow out date Jan. 18, 2020 perhaps was truly Or bridges one of or many other trout would at the Vet-in pair and fishing. drink Italong events visit web Brownwith of Traverse City, to get our the if you’ve post be onheld Colby street For trail conditions or idea, up coming put in a drainage ditch. a great evening of food On wars the Hart-Montague erans of Foreign tasks that need Trail to hap- some great Michigan, fellowship piloting a Chap-@ironsarea.com ever been there.

Whitehall. st one of many other and drink along with events visit our web post 4736 on Colby1 street in Orpen Street | New Era, Michigan in order to to keep our some friends. with family The evening began tasks that need hapgreatand fellowship Whitehall. @ironsarea.com

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JANUARY • 2022 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

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ing so much fun. They were laughing and joking and just plain enjoying themselves. I couldn’t belive it.

“They” were just like “people.” I was totally in awe. All had some mental development

side. Ever since that first time, whenever I am having a bad day or a rough time, I think of the “Special” people I have come to know and love. I think of all the things they have had to deal with every

For one thing, there’s qualify for the race. The take the corner, where’s the a different sound to the fastest 50 get into the race. groove, can I pull this guy on machines as they go into But there is only one winner. the straights, how much gas the straights on a one-mile And the look in his face at do I have, will the belt hold banked track.

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of

such as Dave White, a videographer, and Wayne Reams, who I knew from the Snow-

ves WI.

WINTER

T THE ISING A THIS NTER

Continued on page 28

Then, there was Mark “the Bird” Fidrych, another famous Detroit Tiger.

a Tiger. And, like Vic, Mark was totally dedi-

L MOTEL ERRACE AREA THIS OTEL

until the pit stop, remember where that hole was at the edge of the south corner, and so on. •

salute to our vets

Woman with Direction Military vet Bridget Baker continues her legacy with the Miss I-500 Pageant.

BY KERI GUTEN COHEN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

A

fter high school, Bridget Baker had planned on going to Michigan State University for veterinarian school. She was very involved in 4H, FFA and had worked as a vet assistant for two years.

Then, her immune system changed, and she became allergic to all animals except for sheep and dogs with hair.

“I was completely lost,” she admits. “Then military recruiters came to school and I went to a workout session and kept going. I thought, ‘OK, I’m doing this.

This is awesome.’ It was way better than going to college without any direction.

“If wanted to do it, I wanted to do it all the way,” says the 24-year-old Twining resident.

“The Marines have the hardest, longest training in boot camp. It is hard to get in and they have the highest physical requirements. It’s the best and I wanted to be part of the best. I wanted a challenge, to travel and to get the experience. It’s a big honor to earn that title — once a Marine, always a Marine.”

She also has high standards for herself as a volunteer.

Since childhood, she, her brother Zach and parents, Randy and Kelly, have attended the International 500 Snowmobile Race in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, the sport’s ultimate event. And since age 15, she has been involved with the Miss I-500 Pageant, a charity-based program that also promotes the annual race throughout the year. The program raises money for breast cancer via the Pink Ribbon Riders and also for childhood cancer.

Her first year, the program theme was snowmobile safety. “I totaled a snowmobile at age 12, so I could talk about that,” she recalls. Since then, she’s been

44 |

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hooked and loves being a race volunteer and part of the pageant, which will mark its 10th anniversary Feb. 4 during the race. The program attracts girls ages 4-21, but Bridget and others who are older became Lifetime Queens so they could continue their volunteer work.

Bridget serves as marketing director for the pageant program year-round.

And this year, two of Bridget’s passions will be combined as she gets to wave the green flag to start the I-500 — an honor given each year to a disabled military veteran. She later will receive the flag signed by all the racers. Bridget chose to share this honor with her grandfather Jim Abram, also a military veteran.

“Usually it’s someone a lot older who served for a long time or went overseas,” she says. “It’s different, but they want to show that vets come in all sizes and ages.”

TRAINING INJURY Bridget broke her right leg and right foot during Marine combat training in North Carolina. Believing her injury was healed, she went to Virginia for ammo tech training. But her leg broke again. Accidentally, she was sent to Okinawa, Japan, to work as an ammo tech — with a boot on her right foot.

“I had just slipped through the cracks,” she says.

“They tried to send me back; it was a long medical process. I stayed for almost two full years, working in the ammo warehouse. I experienced everything on the continued on page 46

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seneysnowmobiling.com MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • JANUARY • 2022

| 45

salute to our vets continued from page 45

“It’s unfortunate what happened, but I still had that experience in the Marines, and I don’t regret it. It gave me broader views of the world and I have a different set of tools to accomplish what I have on my bucket list.” island, and also explored Tokyo and Hiroshima.”

In 2019, Bridget took leave while in Japan and came home to participate in the pageant. She ended up winning the top title of queen.

Contestants must submit a resume, do onstage interviews and model formal gowns as well as fashions that match their hobbies or future career.

Each court has three princesses, but “everyone gets a crown courtesy of Woody’s Traction, a Michigan parts supplier that also sponsors racers,” she says.

“The I-500 is a family, a tight-knit group,” Bridget says. “Charity work is important to me. I definitely see

46 |

myself as a lifelong volunteer.”

Bridget was medically separated from the Marine Corps., with six different conditions affecting her back.

“I have permanent damage and have to work around those disabilities,” she says, adding that she has done vocational rehab at the VA and has a counselor helping her find a career that won’t aggravate her injuries. “I am in a lot of pain and can’t lift a lot. I can’t do things I used to do.”

But that’s not stopping her.

“It’s unfortunate what happened, but I still had that experience in the Marines, and I don’t regret it,” Bridget says. “It gave me broader views of the world and I have a different set of

JANUARY • 2022 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

tools to accomplish what I have on my bucket list. And, the best friends I ever made are females in the military.

I talk to them every day.”

She and her Golden Doodle named Tank share an apartment. She went to beauty school during the gap year after high school and before the Marines, so she works as a hair stylist part time. She also goes to Delta College in Saginaw, having used a $500 scholarship won through the I-500 pageant from the Disabled American Veterans of the Upper Pensinula. Another $500 scholarship is given annually at the pageant by the American Legion.

And next fall, she’ll enter MSU’s livestock industries program to get her closer to her life goals.

“I want to have my own sheep farm and convert a grain bin into a salon,” she says. “I plan to be alone with my sheep and my dog. And I like to travel a lot; ever since I was in the military, I was bitten by the travel bug.” •

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MICHIGAN’S LARGEST CYLINDER EXCHANGE!

September, 2019 - MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER 31

ECKHOFF’S e Sno Shopper ❄

Re-plated cylinder exchange, cylinder boring, crankshaft and engine rebuilding for all makes and models of snowmobiles, PWC, Outboard and I/O engines, AND acres of salvage machines and parts.

Hildebrand Marine and See Doo Clinic

www.snowmobilecylinders.com

DEADLINE: 5th of month preceding publication.

Burned Down?

Call us first and save!

Advertise Here!

Call 231.536.2371

7 • East Jordan, MI 49727 • 231-536-2371

Cylinder Exchange Program

gest in Used Snow Parts 802-487-1000

BILE NG ction ces ices SO s .com 2001

Arctic Cat - Polaris AlsSnowmobile.com ATVSki-Doo t - Yamaha

298 South Fremont Road Coldwater, MI 49036

517-238-5955 or 517-238-2828

Cylinder - Replating, Boring, Sleeving Pistons - gaskets, etc...

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We now stock Pro X pistons

Daily UPS shipping! - Quick Turnaround!

THINK 320-354-4874 Email: eckoffs@tds.net 3330 Co. Rd. 40 NE New London, MN 56273 Hours: M-F 9-5pm

SNOW

USED SNOWMOBILE PARTS 1970 to 2015 WE SHIP DAILY B & K Motorsports 12576 Vermilion Road -Amherst, OH 44001

440-965-4912

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We accept credit card orders by phone.

231.536.2371

ONE YEAR /6 ISSUES $15.00 TWO YEAR S /12 ISSUES $25.00 Canadian subscriptions add $19.00 per year

SEND CHECK OR MONEY ORDER TO: Michigan Snowmobiler & ORV 30600 Northwestern Hwy. Suite 105 Farmington Hills, MI 48334 or go to www.michsnowmag.com/subscribe

GIANT SELECTION OF IN-STOCK

SNOWMOBILE GEAR!

HELMETS BIBS JACKETS PANTS BOOTS GLOVES UNDERLAYERS SKI MENS WOMENS KIDS _D D E AT ING !

E H TH CK O O L C -ST IN

POL OO KOM ARIS & M BI,FLY ORE !

M-55 Houghton Lake 989-366-8400 SpicersBoatCity.com Open Everyday but Wednesday