35 minute read
SHARPER, SAFER SMARTER SNOWMOBILING
The Story Behind BITEHARDER Products
BY GLENN WELCH BITEHARDER PRESIDENT
As 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, 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 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-
Sharper, Safer, Smarter 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-
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
TREAT YOURSELF THIS NEW YEAR!
TO THE ULTIMATE IN PERFORMANCE AND SAFETY
HAVE YOU TRIED...
OUR NEXT GENERATION
Carbide Runner Sharpening Tool (Standard Series)
Carbide Stud Sharpening Tool (Standard Series)
60
Carbide Runner Sharpening Tool (Pro Series)
Carbide Stud Sharpening Tool (Pro Series)
DON’T LOSE YOUR EDGE - RIDE ALL SEASON LONG ON SHARP CARBIDE RUNNERS AND STUDS!
BITEHARDER.COM
SHARPER, SAFER, SMARTER SNOWMOBILING
Oneofthequestions I asked Kathy was INDIAN RIVERdoestheplacesmell likerubber?Herreply was yes, that even theirclothessmelllike rubber. They started with just tracks but soon started selling much more and not justsnowmobiles.
They move a lot of usedsnowmobilesand ATV/UTV’saswell. Theydon’tjustsellin thesnowareasofthe U.S.theysellproduct allovertheworld. YoucanfindtheirAD inourmagazineand was yes, that even theirclothessmelllike rubber. They started with just tracks but soon started selling much more and not justsnowmobiles. many other publicationsaswell Ifyouareinneedof atrackoranythingto dowithsnowmobileor offroadaftermarket stuff,givethemacall. Tony,Ben,Bruceand
They sell helmets, Kathylookforwardto goggles, carbides, servingyourneeds. snowbikeconversion www.tracksusa.com kitsandmuchmore. ph320-382-6128
Ifyouareinneedof atrackoranythingto dowithsnowmobileor offroadaftermarket stuff,givethemacall. Tony,Ben,Bruceand Kathylookforwardto servingyourneeds. www.tracksusa.com ph320-382-6128
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 Rentals, Sales & Service All NEW Polaris Snowmobile RENTALS! Theinside,fullofinventory. Theinside,fullofinventory.carbide runners and carbide studs, and a host of other performance, safety, and convenience products. We have been awarded six U.S. and Canadian patents for our innovations. In addition, our Better Traction – Better Trails Program donates 10% from the sale of all BITEHARDER products to the participating state or province where the sale originated. This money is typically earmarked to help offset the increasing cost of trail grooming. Better Traction through the use of BITEHARDER’s sharpening tools. Better Trails through improved funding for grooming operations. With a deep passion for snowmobiling, our mission at BITEHARDER is clear. Use the latest advances in technology, combined with creative engineering, to develop 562 S. Straits Hwy • Indian River, MI 49749 and manufacture simple, yet cost effective aftermarket
Please call for extended winter hours powersports products, that allow riders to experience all the performance their equipment has to offer, in the safest manner possible. The snowmobiling season is short. Don’t compromise 231.333.3600 www.ir-sc.com PPPPPPP PPPPPPP MASS CITY/ROUSSEAU and ride on dull traction. Stay sharp, and make every ride the safest it can be. BITEHARDER Products are “Made in the U.S.A.” See them all at BITEHARDER.com. •
Rentals, Sales& Rentals, ServiceSales& Service
562S.StraitsHwy-IndianRiver,MI49749 Mon.-ThursandSat.9-5 562S.StraitsHwy-IndianRiver,MI49749 Friday9-7-Sundays10-2 Mon.-ThursandSat.9-5 Friday9-7-Sundays10-2 Sales,Parts,Service &Accessories Sales, Parts, Service & Accessories Sales,Parts,Service &Accessories Sales, Parts, Service & Accessories Sales, Parts, Service & Accessories Service & Accessories
It’s Never Too Far To The Rousseau Bar
INDIAN RIVER, MI
Rentals available
4879 South Straits Highway
OPEN Monday-Friday ®TMTrademarkof 8:30-5:30 Saturday 8:30-2:00 Rentals Bombardier Recreational ProductsInc.or itsaffillatesFamilyOwned&Operatedsince1969 available CALLOREMAILUSTO ADVERTISEINTHISSPACE 231-536-2371 publisher@michsnowmag.com
© TM Trademark of Bombardier Recreational Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. or its Products Inc. or its 231-238-9315 Sales af liates 231-238-8265 Service & Parts www.burtlakemarina.com ®TMTrademarkof Bombardier 4879 South Straits Highway OPEN Monday-Friday 8:30-5:30 Family Owned & Operated since 1969 4879 South Straits Highway • OPEN Monday-Friday 8:30-5:30 • Saturday 8:30-2:00
Saturday 8:30-2:00 Recreational ProductsInc.or FamilyOwned&Operatedsince1969 itsaffillates CALLOREMAILUSTO ADVERTISEINTHISSPACE SILVER CITY 231-536-2371 publisher@michsnowmag.com
26137 Dishneau Road, Mass City, MI 49948 Snowmobile Trail 12 – ORV East Connector Route www.facebook.com/RousseauBar Full Menu ~ Call about our rentals ~ 906-883-9952
Silver City, Michigan
562S.StraitsHwy-IndianRiver,MI49749 Service Mon.-ThursandSat.9-5 562S.StraitsHwy-IndianRiver,MI49749 Fuel Available on Property Trail Access from Parking Lot Large Trailer Parking Fri.9-7-Sun.10-2 www.ir-sc.com Mon.-ThursandSat.9-5 Fri.9-7-Sun.10-2 231-333-3600 www.ir-sc.comSaltwater Pool • Hot Tub • Sauna CALL DIRECT AND 231-333-3600SAVE 15% OFF RACK RATE A Moyle Hospitality Property
WHITE PINE KONTEKA Black Bear Resort Motel Restaurant & Lounge • Gift Shop Trail Permits • Bowling Lane • Gas 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 www.thekonteka.com 906-885-5170
Visit Christmas Michigan Visit Christmas Michigan
Visit Christmas, Michigan Visit Christmas, Michigan White Pine Lodge is located at the head of the Snowmobile/ White Pine Lodge is located at the head of the ATV Trail 7 in Christmas, MI. In the heart of Michigan’s Upper Snowmobile/ATV Trail 7 in Christmas, MI. In the heart of Peninsula, Christmas lies in the center of Alger County, Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Christmas lies in the center of known as “The Snowmobile Capital of the Midwest.” With Alger County, known as "The Snowmobile Capital of the all it’s amenities, WPL offers convenience to travelers of all Midwest." With all it's amenities, WPL offers convenience to types. Whether it be trail riding, street riding, photography, travelers of all types. Whether it be trail riding, street riding, site seeing, ice climbing or rock picking on Lake Superiors photography, site seeing, ice climbing or rock picking on Lake beautiful beaches, WPL offers 48 clean and comfortable Superiors beautiful beaches, WPL offers 48 clean and comfortrooms, deluxe continental breakfast, oversized hot tub able rooms, deluxe continental breakfast, oversized hot tub and free WIFI. Onsite is also a 24/7 gas station and c-store and free WIFI. Onsite is also a 24/7 gas station and c-store with gift shop, beer, wine and liquor, ATV/Snowmobile supplies and gear. WPL is located within walking distance of Foggy’s Steakhouse and Kewadin Casino. with gift shop, beer, wine and liquor, ATV/Snowmobile supplies and gear. WPL is located within walking distance of Foggy's Steakhouse and Kewadin Casino. In C Christmas, M MI MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • JANUARY• 2022 | 35
CHRISTMAS
10 MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER - September, 2019 By Stephen King OK, there is rush- ing it a bit and then there is rushing it a bit. But, when it comes to snowmobiling, there really is no rushing it, because in the heart of all true snowmobilers, snowmobile season never really ends. But, that being said, on June 18th, the Sault Snowmobile Association held their annual Summer Picnic. Maybe rushing the season just a bit. got the email from SSA President Martin Cottle, I did kind of a double take. Had me a real Rip Van Winkle moment. You see, they CURTIS usually have their pic-
SKI-DOO RENTALS FROM $279 PER DAY Book Online at FISHANDHUNTSHOP.com
nic around the end of July or the first part of August. Not in June. So, when I got this email, inviting me over for burgers, brats, corn on the cob, and a few toasted marshmallows, for a second there, I thought I had taken about a month long nap. Had some health issues lately and really took a good look at those pill bottles. If you know what I mean. But, when I got there, Martin told me that they just decided to move it up to June. (Whew! No long nap taken.) Seems that each year, many SSA members always seem to have something to do around the time of the picnic, so they made the move to make the move.
Anyhow, it worked out pretty good. Martin said, “We had a really good turn out. Some really good fun. And, some really good comradery.” As for me, of course I had to sample all of this, in the name of journalistic integrity, of course. So, I can say that without a doubt that the burgers were really good. The corn on the cob was awesome. Martin and I both commented on the fact that this was really tasty corn for the early part of summer. And, the funky green marshmallow fluff stuff was also downright tasty. Plus, Prince, my little five pound ShiTsu mix side kick told me that the hot dogs were also just perfect.
Then, I watched as Martin’s brother Al toasted up some marshmallows over the fire for his grand daughter Alexa. She really seemed to enjoy the traditional tasty treat of summer. However, I did somewhat of a faux paux. At first, mistook Alexa for a him. OK, she is 13, skinny, and had short hair. But, not a him. A her.
Anyway, back to the SSA. Martin happily told me that the club has about 60 Family memberships, which translates into about
150 members. Then, they also have about 30 Commercial members. Martin also told me that at the moment, they groom about 102 miles of Trails. Including 9 miles within the City Limits of the Soo. Which is pretty cool, in itself. A+ for the Soo on being sledder friendly. The SSA has three groomers, two Tuckers and a Piston Bully. They are pulling two www.FISHANDHUNTSHOP.com ONLY 1 HR WEST OF MACKINAC BRIDGE IN CURTIS, MI
906-586-9531 SKI-DOO RENTALS FROM $229.00 PER DAY
2020
Parts, Clothing, Services,
Rental Packages with Lodging
Rentals available in Newberry, Hulbert, Paradise, Curtis and Seney
The Up’s Premier Four Season Resort Curtis, Michigan
Sales & Service Rental
VISIT THE
CURTIS Visit the Curtis area this winter
HEARST.qxp_HEARST 8/26/19 11:42 AM Page 10 10 MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER - September, 2019
Sault Celebrates Summer With Picnic
By Stephen King OK, there is rushing it a bit and then there is rushing it a bit. But, when it comes to snowmobiling, there The Sault Groomer Barn, where everything really is no rushing it, happens. Here is Dennis Hank of Chippewa because in the heart of Motors, and LeeAnn Izzard. all true snowmobilers, snowmobile season never really ends. But, that being said, on June 18th, the Sault Snowmobile Association held their annual Summer Picnic. Maybe rushing the got the email from SSA President Martin Cottle, I did kind of a double take. Had me a real Rip Van Winkle moment. You see, they usually have their picCURTISMI.COM ® TM Trademark of Bombardier www.pinebluffresort.com Recreational Products Inc.or its affiliates
nic around the end of July or the first part of August. Not in June. So, when I got this email, inviting me over for burgers, brats, corn on the cob, and a few toasted marshmallows, for a second there, I thought I had taken about a month long nap. Had some health issues lately and really took a good look at those pill bottles. If you know what I mean. But, when I got there, Martin told me that they just decided to move it up to June. (Whew! No long nap taken.) Seems that each year, many SSA members always seem to have something to do around the time of the picnic, so they made the move to make the move.
Anyhow, it worked out pretty good. Martin said, “We had a really good turn out. Some really good fun. And, some really good comradery.” As for me, of course I had to sample all of this, in the name of journalistic integrity, of course. So, I can say that without a doubt that the burgers were really good. The corn on the cob was awesome. Martin and I both commented on the fact that this was really tasty corn for the early part of summer. And, the funky green marshmallow fluff stuff was also downright tasty. Plus, Prince, my little five pound ShiTsu mix side kick told me that the hot dogs were also just perfect.
Then, I watched as Martin’s brother Al toasted up some marshmallows over the fire for his grand daughter Alexa. She really seemed to enjoy the traditional tasty treat of summer. However, I did somewhat of a faux paux. At first, mistook Alexa for a him. OK, she is 13, skinny, and had short hair. But, not a him. A her.
Anyway, back to the SSA. Martin happily told me that the club has about 60 Family memberships, which translates into about
150 members. Then, they also have about 30 Commercial members. Martin also told me that at the moment, they groom about 102 miles of Trails. Including 9 miles within the City Limits of the Soo. Which is pretty cool, in itself. A+ for the Soo on being sledder friendly. The SSA has three groomers, two Tuckers and a Piston Bully. They are pulling two www.FISHANDHUNTSHOP.com ONLY 1 HR WEST OF MACKINAC BRIDGE IN CURTIS, MI
906-586-9531 SKI-DOO RENTALS FROM $229.00 PER DAY
2020
Parts, Clothing, Services,
Rental Packages with Lodging
Rentals available in Newberry, Hulbert, Paradise, Curtis and Seney
The Up’s Premier Four Season Resort Curtis, Michigan
Sales & Service Rental
VISIT THE
CURTIS Visit the Curtis area this winter
HEARST.qxp_HEARST 8/26/19 11:42 AM Page 10
Sault Celebrates
Summer With 10 MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER - September, 2019
Picnic
OK, there is rushing it a bit and then there is rushing it a bit. But, when it comes to The Sault Groomer Barn, where everything happens. Here is Dennis Hank of Chippewa Motors, and LeeAnn Izzard. snowmobiling, there really is no rushing it, because in the heart of all true snowmobilers, snowmobile season never really ends. But, that being said, on June 18th, the Sault Snowmobile Association held their annual Summer Picnic. Maybe rushing the got the email from SSA President Martin Cottle, I did kind of a double take. Had me a real Rip Van Winkle moment. You see, they usually have their picCURTISMI.COM ® TM Trademark of Bombardier www.pinebluffresort.com Recreational Products Inc.or its affiliates
nic around the end of July or the first part of August. Not in June. So, when I got this email, inviting me over for burgers, brats, corn on the cob, and a few toasted marshmallows, for a second there, I thought I had taken about a month long nap. Had some health issues lately and really took a good look at those pill bottles. If you know what I mean. But, when I got there, Martin told me that they just decided to move it up to June. (Whew! No long nap taken.) Seems that each year, many SSA members always seem to have something to do around the time of the picnic, so they made the move to make the move.
Anyhow, it worked out pretty good. Martin said, “We had a really good turn out. Some really good fun. And, some really good comradery.” As for me, of course I had to sample all of this, in the name of journalistic integrity, of course. So, I can say that without a doubt that the burgers were really good. The corn on the cob was awesome. Martin and I both commented on the fact that this was really tasty corn for the early part of summer. And, the funky green marshmallow fluff stuff was also downright tasty. Plus, Prince, my little five pound ShiTsu mix side kick told me that the hot dogs were also just perfect.
Then, I watched as Martin’s brother Al toasted up some marshmallows over the fire for his grand daughter Alexa. She really seemed to enjoy the traditional tasty treat of summer. However, I did somewhat of a faux paux. At first, mistook Alexa for a him. OK, she is 13, skinny, and had short hair. But, not a him. A her.
Anyway, back to the SSA. Martin happily told me that the club has about 60 Family memberships, which translates into about
150 members. Then, they also have about 30 Commercial members. Martin also told me that at the moment, they groom about 102 miles of Trails. Including 9 miles within the City Limits of the Soo. Which is pretty cool, in itself. A+ for the Soo on being sledder friendly. The SSA has three groomers, two Tuckers and a Piston Bully. They are pulling two www.FISHANDHUNTSHOP.com ONLY 1 HR WEST OF MACKINAC BRIDGE IN CURTIS, MI
906-586-9531 SKI-DOO RENTALS FROM $229.00 PER DAY
2020
Parts, Clothing, Services,
Rental Packages with Lodging
Rentals available in Newberry, Hulbert, Paradise, Curtis and Seney
The Up’s Premier Four Season Resort Curtis, Michigan
Sales & Service Rental
VISIT THE
CURTIS Visit the Curtis area this winter
AREA 3 LAKES 4 SEASONS 800-652-8784 or 906-586-3700
10 MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER - September, 2019 HEARST.qxp_HEARST 8/26/19 11:42 AM Page 10
Sault Celebrates OK, there is rushing it a bit and then
Summer With Picnic there is rushing it a bit. But, when it comes to snowmobiling, there really is no rushing it, because in the heart of all true snowmobilers, snowmobile season never really ends. But, that being said, on June 18th, the Sault Snowmobile Association held their annual The Sault Groomer Barn, where everything happens. Here is Dennis Hank of Chippewa Motors, and LeeAnn Izzard. Summer Picnic. Maybe rushing the got the email from SSA President Martin Cottle, I did kind of a double take. Had me a real Rip Van Winkle moment. You see, they usually have their picCURTISMI.COM ® TM Trademark of Bombardier www.pinebluffresort.com Recreational Products Inc.or its affiliates
nic around the end of July or the first part of August. Not in June. So, when I got this email, inviting me over for burgers, brats, corn on the cob, and a few toasted marshmallows, for a second there, I thought I had taken about a month long nap. Had some health issues lately and really took a good look at those pill bottles. If you know what I mean. But, when I got there, Martin told me that they just decided to move it up to June. (Whew! No long nap taken.) Seems that each year, many SSA members always seem to have something to do around the time of the picnic, so they made the move to make the move.
Anyhow, it worked out pretty good. Martin said, “We had a really good turn out. Some really good fun. And, some really good comradery.” As for me, of course I had to sample all of this, in the name of journalistic integrity, of course. So, I can say that without a doubt that the burgers were really good. The corn on the cob was awesome. Martin and I both commented on the fact that this was really tasty corn for the early part of summer. And, the funky green marshmallow fluff stuff was also downright tasty. Plus, Prince, my little five pound ShiTsu mix side kick told me that the hot dogs were also just perfect.
Then, I watched as Martin’s brother Al toasted up some marshmallows over the fire for his grand daughter Alexa. She really seemed to enjoy the traditional tasty treat of summer. However, I did somewhat of a faux paux. At first, mistook Alexa for a him. OK, she is 13, skinny, and had short hair. But, not a him. A her.
Anyway, back to the SSA. Martin happily told me that the club has about 60 Family memberships, which translates into about
150 members. Then, they also have about 30 Commercial members. Martin also told me that at the moment, they groom about 102 miles of Trails. Including 9 miles within the City Limits of the Soo. Which is pretty cool, in itself. A+ for the Soo on being sledder friendly. The SSA has three groomers, two Tuckers and a Piston Bully. They are pulling two www.FISHANDHUNTSHOP.com ONLY 1 HR WEST OF MACKINAC BRIDGE IN CURTIS, MI
906-586-9531 SKI-DOO RENTALS FROM $229.00 PER DAY
2020
Parts, Clothing, Services,
Rental Packages with Lodging
Rentals available in Newberry, Hulbert, Paradise, Curtis and Seney
The Up’s Premier Four Season Resort Curtis, Michigan
Sales & Service Rental
VISIT THE
CURTIS Visit the Curtis area this winter
HEARST.qxp_HEARST 8/26/19 11:42 AM Page 10
Sault Celebrates Summer With Picnic
The Sault Groomer Barn, where everything happens. Here is Dennis Hank of Chippewa Motors, and LeeAnn Izzard. CURTISMI.COM
SKI-DOO RENTALS FROM $259 PER DAY
® TM Trademark of Bombardier www.pinebluffresort.com Recreational Products Inc.or its affiliates
they made the move to make the move.
Anyhow, it worked out pretty good. Martin said, “We had a really good turn out. Some really good fun. And, some really good comradery.” As for me, of course I had to sample all of this, in the name of journalistic integrity, of course. So, I can say that without a doubt that the burgers were really good. The corn on the cob was awesome. Martin and I both commented on the fact that this was really tasty corn for the early part of summer. And, the funky green marshmallow fluff stuff was also downright tasty. Plus, Prince, my little five pound ShiTsu mix side kick told me that the hot dogs were also just perfect.
Then, I watched as Martin’s brother Al toasted up some marshmallows over
2021
2021
Book Online at shandhuntshop.com
the fire for his grand daughter Alexa. She really seemed to enjoy the traditional tasty treat of summer. However, I did somewhat of a faux paux. At first, mistook Alexa for a him. OK, she is 13, skinny, and had short hair. But, not a him. A her.
Anyway, back to the SSA. Martin happily told me that the club has about 60 Family memberships, which translates into about
150 members. Then, they also have about 30 Commercial members. Martin also told me that at the moment, they groom about 102 miles of Trails. Including 9 miles within the City Limits of the Soo. Which is pretty cool, in itself. A+ for the Soo on being sledder friendly. The SSA has three groomers, two Tuckers and a Piston Bully. They are pulling two www.FISHANDHUNTSHOP.com ONLY 1 HR WEST OF MACKINAC BRIDGE IN CURTIS, MI
906-586-9531 SKI-DOO RENTALS FROM $229.00 PER DAY
2020
Parts, Clothing, Services,
Rental Packages with
Rentals available in Newberry, Hulbert, Paradise, Curtis and Seney
they made the move to make the move.
Anyhow, it worked out pretty good. Martin said, “We had a really good turn out. Some really good fun. And, some really good comradery.” As for me, of course I had to sample all of this, in the name of journalistic integrity, of course. So, I can say that without a doubt that the burgers were really good. The The Sault Groomer Barn, where everything happens. Here is Dennis Hank of Chippewa Motors, and LeeAnn Izzard. corn on the cob was awesome. Martin and I both commented on the fact that this was really tasty corn for the early part of summer. And, the funky green marshmallow fluff stuff was also downright tasty. Plus, Prince, my little five pound ShiTsu mix side kick told me that the hot dogs were also just perfect.
Then, I watched as Martin’s brother Al toasted up some marshmallows over CURTISMI.COM Visit the Curtis area this winter 3 LAKES 4 SEASONS 800-652-8784 or 906-586-3700
Sales & Service Rental
® TM Trademark of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.or its affiliates
the fire for his grand daughter Alexa. She really seemed to enjoy the traditional tasty treat of summer. However, I did somewhat of a faux paux. At first, mistook Alexa for a him. OK, she is 13, skinny, and had short hair. But, not a him. A her.
Anyway, back to the SSA. Martin happily told me that the club has about 60 Family memberships, which translates into about
150 members. Then, they also have about 30 Commercial members. Martin also told me that at the moment, they groom about 102 miles of Trails. Including 9 miles within the City Limits of the Soo. Which is pretty cool, in itself. A+ for the Soo on being sledder friendly. The SSA has three groomers, two Tuckers and a Piston Bully. They are pulling two www.FISHANDHUNTSHOP.com ONLY 1 HR WEST OF MACKINAC BRIDGE IN CURTIS, MI
906-586-9531 SKI-DOO RENTALS FROM $229.00 PER DAY
2020
Parts, Clothing, Services,
Rental Packages with
Rentals available in Newberry, Hulbert, Paradise, Curtis and Seney
they made the move to make the move.
Anyhow, it worked out pretty good. Martin said, “We had a really good turn out. Some really good fun. And, some really good As for me, of course I had to sample all of this, in the name of journalistic integrity, of course. So, I can The Sault Groomer Barn, where everything happens. Here is Dennis Hank of Chippewa Motors, and LeeAnn Izzard. say that without a doubt that the burgers were really good. The corn on the cob was awesome. Martin and I both commented on the fact that this was really tasty corn for the early part of summer. And, the funky green w fluff stuff was also downright tasty. Plus, Prince, my little five pound ShiTsu mix side kick told me that the hot dogs were also just perfect.
Then, I watched as Martin’s brother Al toasted up some marshmallows over CURTISMI.COM Visit the Curtis area this winter 3 LAKES 4 SEASONS 800-652-8784 or 906-586-3700
Sales & Service Rental
® TM Trademark of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.or its affiliates
the fire for his grand daughter Alexa. She really seemed to enjoy the traditional tasty treat of summer. However, I did somewhat of a faux paux. At first, mistook Alexa for a him. OK, she is 13, skinny, and had short hair. But, not a him. A her.
Anyway, back to the SSA. Martin happily told me that the club has about 60 Family memberships, which translates into about
150 members. Then, they also have about 30 Commercial members. Martin also told me that at the moment, they groom about 102 miles of Trails. Including 9 miles within the City Limits of the Soo. Which is pretty cool, in itself. A+ for the Soo on being sledder friendly. The SSA has three groomers, two Tuckers and a Piston Bully. They are pulling two www.FISHANDHUNTSHOP.com ONLY 1 HR WEST OF MACKINAC BRIDGE IN CURTIS, MI
906-586-9531 SKI-DOO RENTALS FROM $229.00 PER DAY
2020 Parts, Clothing, Services, Rentals available in Newberry, Hulbert, Paradise, Curtis and Seney
they made the move to make the move.
Anyhow, it worked out pretty good. Martin said, “We had a really good turn out. Some really good fun. And, some really good comradery.” As for me, of course I had to sample all of this, in the name of journalistic integrity, of course. So, I can say that without a doubt that the burgers were really good. The corn on the cob was awesome. Martin and I both commented on The Sault Groomer Barn, where everything happens. Here is Dennis Hank of Chippewa Motors, and LeeAnn Izzard. the fact that this was really tasty corn for the early part of summer. And, the funky green marshmallow fluff stuff was also downright tasty. Plus, Prince, my little five pound ShiTsu mix side kick told me that the hot dogs were also just perfect.
Then, I watched as Martin’s brother Al toasted up some marshmallows over CURTISMI.COM Visit the Curtis area this winter 3 LAKES 4 SEASONS 800-652-8784 or 906-586-3700
Sales & Service Rental
® TM Trademark of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.or its affiliates
the fire for his grand daughter Alexa. She really seemed to enjoy the traditional tasty treat of summer. However, I did somewhat of a faux paux. At first, mistook Alexa for a him. OK, she is 13, skinny, and had short hair. But, not a him. A her.
Anyway, back to the SSA. Martin happily told me that the club has about 60 Family memberships, which translates into about
150 members. Then, they also have about 30 Commercial members. Martin also told me that at the moment, they groom about 102 miles of Trails. Including 9 miles within the City Limits of the Soo. Which is pretty cool, in itself. A+ for the Soo on being sledder friendly. The SSA has three groomers, two Tuckers and a Piston Bully. They are pulling two www.FISHANDHUNTSHOP.com ONLY 1 HR WEST OF MACKINAC BRIDGE IN CURTIS, MI
906-586-9531 SKI-DOO RENTALS FROM $229.00 PER DAY
2020
Parts, Clothing, Services,
Rental Packages with
Rentals available in Newberry, Hulbert, Paradise, Curtis and Seney
The Sault Groomer Barn, where everything happens. Here is Dennis Hank of Chippewa Motors, and LeeAnn Izzard. CURTISMI.COM Visit the Curtis area this winter 3 LAKES 4 SEASONS 800-652-8784 or 906-586-3700
SKI-DOO RENTALS FROM $259 PER DAY Sales & Service Rental
® TM Trademark of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.or its affiliates
2021
Book Online at shandhuntshop.com www.FISHANDHUNTSHOP.com
Only 1 Hour West of Mackinac Bridge in Curtis, MI
Sales • Service • Rental 906.586.9531 Rentals available in Newberry, Hulbert, Curtis and Seney
10 MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER - September, 2019 nic around the end of July or the first part of August. Not in June. So, when I got this email, inviting me over for burgers, brats, corn on the cob, and a few toasted marshmallows, for a second there, I thought I had taken about a month long nap. Had some health issues lately nd really took a good look at those pill bottles. If you know what I But, when I got there, Martin told me The UP’s Premier that they just decided to move it up to June. (Whew! No long nap Four Season Resort Curtis, Michigan taken.) Seems that each year, many SSA Family Vacations members always Fishing seem to have some- Hunting thing to do around the Snowmobiling/ATV time of the picnic, so 906.586.6950 www.pinebluffresort.com
they made the move to make the move.
Anyhow, it worked out pretty good. Martin said, “We had a really good turn out. Some really good fun. And, some really good comradery.” As for me, of course I had to sample all of this, in the name of journalistic integrity, of course. So, I can say that without a doubt that the burgers were really good. The corn on the cob was awesome. Martin and I both commented on the fact that this was really tasty corn for the early part of summer. And, the funky green marshmallow fluff stuff was also downright tasty. Plus, Prince, my little five pound ShiTsu mix side kick told me that the hot dogs were also just perfect.
Then, I watched as Martin’s brother Al toasted up some marshmallows over the fire for his grand daughter Alexa. She really seemed to enjoy the traditional tasty treat of summer. However, I did somewhat of a faux paux. At first, mistook Alexa for a him. OK, she is 13, skinny, and had short hair. But, not a him. A her.
Anyway, back to the SSA. Martin happily told me that the club has about 60 Family memberships, which translates into about
150 members. Then, they also have about 30 Commercial members. Martin also told me that at the moment, they groom about 102 miles of Trails. Including 9 miles within the City Limits of the Soo. Which is pretty cool, in itself. A+ for the Soo on being sledder friendly. The SSA has three groomers, two Tuckers and a Piston Bully. They are pulling two The Up’s Premier Four Season Resort www.FISHANDHUNTSHOP.com ONLY 1 HR WEST OF MACKINAC BRIDGE IN CURTIS, MI
906-586-9531
of journalistic integrity, of course. So, I can say that without a doubt that the burgers were really good. The corn on the cob was awesome. Martin and I both commented on Sault Celebrates Summer With the fact that this was really tasty corn for the early part of summer. And, the funky green marshmallow fluff stuff was also downright tasty. Plus, Prince, my little five pound ShiTsu mix side kick told The Sault Groomer Barn, where everything happens. Here is Dennis Hank of Chippewa Motors, and LeeAnn Izzard. me that the hot dogs were also just perfect. Then, I watched as Martin’s brother Al toasted up some marshmallows over VISIT THE CURTISMI.COM Visit the Curtis area this winter 3 LAKES 4 SEASONS 800-652-8784 or 906-586-3700
The Sault Groomer Barn, where everything happens. Here is Dennis Hank of Chippewa Motors, and LeeAnn Izzard. 150 members. Then, they also have about 30 Commercial members. Martin also told me that at the moment, they groom about 102 miles of Trails. Including 9 miles within the City Limits of the Soo. Which is pretty cool, in itself. A+ for the Soo on being sledder friendly. The SSA has three groomers, two Tuckers and a Piston Bully. They are pulling two CURTISMI.COM Visit the Curtis areaCURTISMI.COM this winter Visit the Curtis area this winter 3 LAKES 4 SEASONS 3 LAKES 4 SEASONS 906.586.3700 800-652-8784 or 906-586-3700
Find Us on Facebook!
