SEPTEMBER 2023 FOR HOME DELIVERY CALL 810-348-1325
What’s Inside UNDER THE HELMET:
Visit us at www.michsnowmag.com
mich.snow.orv.mag Michigan Snowmobiler + ORV Magazine
Mickey’s Factory Racing A Salute To Our Heroes Heroes Off-Road Color Run in St. Helen this October
Women In Off-Road Racing Breaking Barriers and Conquering Terrain
So You Think You Can Groom a Snowmobile Trail
When your business is Discover Michigan, in Michigan, America’s Playground, our business Wherever you are headed, is you. Choice Hotels is there. Book direct and pay in advance to save up to 15%.* Visit ChoiceHotels.com/Michigan-Hotels or call or call Visit ChoiceHotels.com/Michigan-hotels 1-888-228-5050 to get our lowest price guaranteed.**
1-888-228-5050 to get our lowest price guaranteed.
Our business is you.TM
*Rate Restrictions: Valid only for Choice Privileges members (program enrollment is free). The reservation must be made on ChoiceHotels.com/Michigan-Hotels at participating hotels and must be made at least 7, 14, 21 or 30 days in advance, which will vary based on the hotel for which a reservation is being made. Subject to availability, the rate starts at 15% off Best Available Rate, is non-cancellable, non-changeable and non-refundable. Your credit card will be charged for the total reservation amount within 24-48 hours of booking. This rate has a seven (7) night maximum length of stay. Rooms at this discount are limited. Offer is not available to groups and cannot be combined with any other discount. Choice Hotels reserves the right to change or discontinue this offer at any time. Eligibility restricted to U.S. and Canadian residents. Members must book direct at ChoiceHotels.com/Michigan-Hotels or call 1-888-228-5050. All Choice Hotels properties are independently owned and operated. **Guarantee applies to Third Party Website standard rates for a Choice single or double occupancy room that are at least 1% and $1.00 less than the Choice rate. Claims must be submitted within 24 hours of booking and 48+ hours prior to 6 PM check-in time the day of hotel arrival. Other terms also apply; see www.choicehotels.com/legal/best-rate-rules for full terms and conditions. ©2019 Choice Hotels International. All rights reserved.
Visit Our Town Ads for your next outdoor adventure
*THIS CHANGES MONTHLY
12
THOMAS MANN
What’s Inside 6
10
39
4
EDITOR’S LETTER
30
IT’S ALL IN THE FAMILY
6
A SALUTE TO OUR HEROES
34
OUR TOWN: DETOUR
10
EAST JORDAN: FALL IS CREEPING UP ON US!
39
VINTAGE SLED: RESTORATION 101
42
INTERNATIONAL SNOWMOBILE HALL OF FAME
12
BREAKING BARIERS AND CONQUERING TERRAIN: WOMEN IN OFF-ROAD RACING
20
UNDER THE HELMET: MICKEY’S FACTORY RACING
24
MIRA RACE DAY PHOTO GALLERY
26
SO, YOU THINK YOU CAN GROOM A SNOWMOBILE TRAIL
ON THE COVER: Mickey’s Factory Racing dominates 2023. Photography by Brain Caswell/Speedshot Photography
Check out all our advertisers online:
www.michsnowmag.com mich.snow.orv.mag.
Michigan Snowmobiler + ORV Magazine.
Gaylord...................... 5 Calumet..................... 8 Lake Gogebic............ 8 White Lake................. 9 Seney......................... 9 East Jordan........10-11 Cadillac.................... 15 Fenton..................... 16 Houghton Lake........ 16 Manistique............... 17 Hubbell.................... 17 Quincy..................... 17 Sault Ste Marie........ 19 Curtis....................... 25 Copper Harbor........ 27 Deer Park................. 28 Hulbert..................... 28 Indian River.............. 31 New Lothrop............ 32 Paradise.................. 32 Greenland................ 33 Rexton..................... 33 McMillan.................. 33 Grand Marais........... 33 Newberry................. 36 Naubinway............... 38 Midland.................... 40 Epoufette................. 40 White Pine............... 40 Grand Traverse........ 41 Twin Lakes............... 41 Marquette................ 41 Grayling................... 44
MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • SEPTEMBER • 2023
| 3
from the editor
W
e can’t believe it is September at Michigan Snowmobiler and ORV. The summer has dissappeared at an alarming rate this year! Good news that just gets us to SNOW season that much faster! But before then, our future sledders are heading back to school including several of our
family members. Our niece starts her career as an NMU Wildcat following in her Mom’s footsteps and we are so excited for her. Honstly, Scott and I are a little envious of her time in the UP! She will be living so close to some of the world’s best trails including those maintained by the Keweenaw Snowmobile Club. Make sure to read
Mike Borlee’s article describing trail grooming on page 26. There is a true art to the maintenance of our trail system! We appreciate the efforts of our groomers. This October, St. Helen will host the A Salute to Our Heroes, Off-Road Color Run. Melissa Sullivan does a great job describing this 3rd annual event honoring our first responders to be held on October 14th. To register and join the color run please visit www.theheroesoperation. org/color-run. What an amazing event embracing a community of gratitude and celebrating our heroes. Next, make sure to read about the personal stories of both Mickey’s Factory Racing our Under the Helmet featured team and Aubrey Honeycutt. Aubrey is breaking barriers as a lady racer in the off-road racing scene and the story gives you a chance to imagine what it would be like to jump into unfamiliar
territory and take a chance on something new and become successful. While Mickey’s Factory Racing team exemplifies a team of family values, history of racing, teamwork, all while making that look easy… So many stories to feature, so much fun in our pages – and we haven’t even mentioned Scott and I are looking forward to the Michigan Snow Show to be held in Novi, MI on November 5th through the 7th. Please stop in and say hello. We can’t wait to get a chance to see our readers in person. As always, we’re looking forward to sharing more great stories with our readers. So if you know of a story we need to share or an area we haven’t written about yet please let us know. Until next month! As alway, you can reach out to us at Michigan Snowmobiler at scottd@faragoassoc.com
PUBLISHER | Peter Farago
VOLUME 57 - NUMBER 1
EDITOR | Ann Drzewiecki
Founded September 1967
ADVERTISING MANAGER | Scott Drzewiecki
EXECUTIVE OFFICES, ADVERTISING, EDITORIAL AND CIRCULATION OFFICES:
CREATIVE ART DIRECTOR | Michelle Sheridan
30600 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 306 Farmington Hills, Michigan 48434 810.348.1325 scottd@faragoassoc.com www.michsnowmag.com
SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR | Chelsie Dzbanski Fontenelle WEB MANAGER | Kelly Kosek CONTRIBUTING WRITERS | Jim Duke, Patrick Grzebinski ,Terri Norey, Mike Olmstead, Melissa Sullivan, Jesse Wiederhold , Joyce Wiswell
THE MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER+ORV is an independent publication endorsing the goals of MISORVA, and other associations. Opinions expressed herein are the opinions of the editor or contributing writers, and do not necessarily reflect the official opinions of the MSA, or their board of directors. Reproduction of material in whole or part is prohibited, unless authorized in writing by the publisher - all rights reserved.
MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER and ORV INC., The Michigan Snowmobiler is published 10 times per year, September through February and May through August.
4 | SEPTEMBER • 2023 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV
SALES | Scott Drzewiecki, Peter Farago DESIGNERS | Kelly Kosek, Kaitlyn Schoen, Deborah Schultz
Call or go online for your subscription today 810.348.1325 | michsnowmag.com
DAILY UPS UPS DELIVERY DAILY DELIVERY
GAYLORD
sledshed@sledshed.info sledshed@sledshed.info www.sledshed.net www.sledshed.net
Next Next To To Big BigBuck Buck Brewery Brewery •• Indoor Indoor Heated Pool Pool Heated
Welcome Snowmobilers
WATERS INN
Indoor pool, sauna & whirlpool Full service restaurant & lounge Hot Complimentary Breakfast
On The On The Trails! Trails! •• Packages Packages Available Available
I-75 Exit 270 10565 Old US Hwy 27 S Gaylord, MI 49735 989-732-5836 Reserve a Room Online at www.TheWatersInn.com
“The Peaceful Alternative”
• Snowmobile from your door+Lots of Trailer Parking • In Room Coffee/Microwaves/Refrigerators • Cable TV+Free WiFi Internet • Check out our reviews on TripAdvisor.com
Reservations 1-800-557-2425
Sled Shed • Part • Clothing • Accessories
Open 6 days a week
1.888.sledshed 989.731.2858
sledshed@sledshed.info www.sledshed.net DAILY UPS DELIVERY 2646 S. Ostego Ave. | Gaylord, MI 49735 1/4 north of I-75 Exit 279
MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • SEPTEMBER • 2023
| 5
A Salute to
Our Heroes Heroes Off-Road Color Run in St. Helen this October BY MELISSA SULLIVAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
I
n the recreational town of St. Helen, Michigan, a spectacular event awaits off-road enthusiasts and heroes alike. This October, the Heroes Off-Road Color Run, hosted by The Heroes Operation, promises an unforgettable experience that combines the thrill of off-road adventure with the splendor of upnorths vibrant fall colors. Embracing the spirit of community, gratitude, and adventure, this event is set to unite participants and celebrate the heroes among us. The Heroes Off-Road Color Run is more than just an adrenaline-packed adventure; it is a heartfelt tribute to the everyday heroes who selflessly serve our communities. From the brave first responders and valiant veterans to the dedicated healthcare workers and essential service providers, this event honors their dedication and sacrifices. Participants, spectators, and organizers alike will come together to pay tribute to these heroes, recognizing the immense contributions they make to society. The event serves as a platform to express gratitude and respect for their unwavering commitment to our safety and freedom. Some are already fans of the off-road lifestyle others enjoy the opportunity to get a taste of what going off-road has to offer. This is the 3rd year the event will hit the trails of St. Helen. The Heroes OffRoad Color Run provides participants with an exhilarating route of about 70 miles of varying terrain with multiple destinations
along the route. As a participant you have the option to join one of the groups and follow along the predetermined route, or you can make the run with your group on your own, at your own pace. The event starts out at the St. Helen VFW with a powerful flag raising and national anthem sung by Kyle Jennings. Two groups of ORVs will head out in opposite directions visiting the Ogemaw County Nature Park, Clear Lake Bar, The Angry Oven, and The Fire House before heading back to the VFW for a delicious meal, raffles, and a concert by Kyle Jennings. At each stop volunteers will be set up allowing participants to select a card to build their poker hand. What truly sets this event apart is the organization that hosts it. The Heroes Operation was born from a deep desire to help the men and women in uniform who have sacrificed so much to keep us safe and free. Being “Heroes” themselves they wanted to celebrate and thank them differently and add element of fun off road. The ability to interact with and thank those who have done so much for our country and freedom really transforms this off-road adventure into a truly unique experience. Beyond the adrenaline rush and visual spectacle, the Heroes Off-Road Color Run fosters a sense of camaraderie and unity within the community. As participants embark on their colorful journey, they share in the spirit of celebration and appreciation for the heroes around them. At continued on page 8
Michigan’s #1 Brand
Best Built. Longest Lasting.
AMERICA’S LARGEST TRAILER SELECTION FOR ALL YOUR TOYS
HUNDREDS OF OPEN & ENCLOSED OPTIONS IN-STOCK MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • SEPTEMBER • 2023
| 7
al snowmobile clubs. Join
CALUMET
INE AREA
Keweenaw Peninsula CALUMET
he season to ride snowmobiles -- but e the season to ride snowmobiles -- but season tototo work on thethe snowmobile he season work on snowmobile he season ride snowmobiles -- but ort your local snowmobile clubs. Join pport your local snowmobile clubs. Join season to work on the snowmobile
y not be the season to ride snowmobiles -- but WAYS the season to work on the snowmobile Help support your local snowmobile clubs. Join !rt Motel Keweenaw Peninsula Keweenaw Peninsula
ort your local snowmobile clubs. Join
KA
HITE PINE WHITE PINEAREA AREA nge •GasPINE AREA Keweenaw Peninsula CALUMET CALUMET HITE Snowmobile Rentals Keweenaw Peninsula wling Lane CALUMET
WHITE PINE AREA 906-337-9905 p KONTEKA KONTEKA Located on trail #17 • 1/4 Mile North of Calumet, Michigan CALUMET snowmobile ck Bear Resort Motel (10 min. North of Houghton) Black Bear Resort Motel KONTEKA staurant & Lounge •Gas •Restaurant & Lounge •Gas il and KONTEKA ck Bear Resort Motel il Permits •Bowling Lane •Trail Permits •Bowling Lane Stay and Play Packages available at the ay from Lake Superior Bear Resort Motel staurant &Gift Lounge •Gas • Gift Shop •Black Shop Trailside Lodge Snowmobile & ATV’s •Restaurant & Lounge •Gas l Permits •Bowling Lane upine Mountains ed rightright on the snowmobile cated on the snowmobile •Trail Permits •Bowling Lane • Gift Shop Rentals Serving the Entire Keweenaw. trailtrail andand ed right Pine, MI • Gift Shop StayStay andand PlayPlay Packages available at the Packages available at the onmiles the snowmobile a few miles away from Lake Superior ust a few away from Lake Superior coppercountryrental.com Located www.CopperCountryRental.com right on the snowmobile Trailside Lodge Snowmobile & ATV’s Trailside Lodge Snowmobile & ATV’s trail and Mountains 906-885-5170 om andand the the Porcupine Porcupine Mountains trail and
Stay andStay Play Packages available at theat the Rentals Serving the the Entire Keweenaw. Rentals Serving Entire Keweenaw. a few miles away from Lake and Play Packages available in White MI in Pine, MI Superior just a White fewPine, miles away from Lake Superior Trailside Lodge Snowmobile & ATV’s coppercountryrental.com coppercountryrental.com and the Porcupine Mountains Trailside Lodgecontinued Snowmobile & ATV’s from page 7 and the Porcupine Mountains 906-885-5170 w.thekonteka.com 906-885-5170 www.thekonteka.com Rentals Serving the Entire Keweenaw. Rentals Serving the Entire Keweenaw. in White Pine, MI Pine, MI in White coppercountryrental.com coppercountryrental.com 906-885-5170 w.thekonteka.com each stop there is an opportunity to mingle, check 906-885-5170 www.thekonteka.com out the awesome ORV’s and hear the stories of the heroes were celebrating. 1/22/3 - WI Voted PITSTOP” Voted “TOP PITSTOP” This“TOP event creates lasting connections among by Sno-goer Magazine! people from diverse backgrounds, allowing them to by Sno-goer Magazine! by Sno-goer Magazine! Voted “TOP PITSTOP” Voted “TOP PITSTOP” bond over afor shared appreciation for adventure and Follow us on FB deals & Updates! Follow us on FB for deals & Updates! byus Sno-goer Magazine! Follow on FB for dealsthat & Updates! by Sno-goer Magazine! heroism. It serves as a reminder heroism can be Visit us on the web at: Visit us on the web at: Follow us on FB foractions deals & and Updates! Bait & Tackle Store - Open 8am-8pm EST found everyday that we Follow us oninFB for deals & Updates! Visit us on the web at:all have the www.gogebiclodge.com www.gogebiclodge.com Visit usheroes on the web at:own way. My husband capacity to be in our Visit us on theeach webyear at: to lead groups of around and I volunteer www.gogebiclodge.com www.gogebiclodge.com www.gogebiclodge.com 50 ORVs to each destination. Each year we are greeted906-842-3321 by familiar faces, and I look forward to seeing the friends we met the year before. The first year 906.575.3542 www.thetimberresort.com OR EMAIL US honor TO TOof meeting Barb Ingle OR EMAIL US ICALL ledCALL the ride I had the CALL OR EMAIL US TO a ADVERTISE retired Navy She participates each year ADVERTISE IN Veteran. THIS SPACE IN THIS SPACE CALL OR TOSPACE ADVERTISE INUS THIS on this rideEMAIL and also joins me now at other off-road AKE GOGEBIC UL LAKE GOGEBIC Authorized Dealer BEAUTIFUL LAKE GOGEBIC OR TO OperaeventsCALL I’d Brap ThatEMAIL hosts with US The Heroes ADVERTISE IN THIS SPACE obiling • Fishing wmobiling • Fishing tion throughout the year. nting GOGEBIC • Snowmobiling • Fishing AKE om Cabins droom Cabins ADVERTISE THIS SPACE 8 Two-Bedroom Cabins While I navigate theIN terrain and lead my group obiling • to Fishing Access Trail #1 #1to Trail #1 me • Access toAccess Trail ups Welcome • each year I am overwhelmed with the responsibility C om Cabins scover Accepted iscover d/Discover Accepted MasterCard/Discover Accepted of the task, keeping everyone together and on time. m US miles from m US 22 and and miles from M-28 sAccess from US 266to and 6 miles from n M-64, 12 miles from US and 6M-28 miles from M-28 Trail #12M-28 It always makes me pause and think about what •• Marenisco, MI Marenisco, MI 49947 49947 M-64 • Marenisco, 49947 MI 49947 60 State Hwy. M-64 •MI Marenisco, scover Accepted Hwy M-28 | Bergland, MI 49910 231-536-2371 231-536-2371 231-536-2371 responsibility our veterans, active military, and heroes 842-3336/888-813-7778 US 2 and 6 miles from M-28 888-813-7778 36/888-813-7778 www.timberlinesport.com take on. I only have to get 50 ORVs through the trails publisher@michsnowmag.com • Marenisco, MI 49947 publisher@michsnowmag.com publisher@michsnowmag.com westshoreresort.com esort.com oreresort.com TRAIL PERMITS • RENTALS #1 231-536-2371 and back, they face responsibilities and obstacles Ill 888-813-7778 never know. SALES • SERVICE • PARTS • ACCESSORIES publisher@michsnowmag.com ed
Gogebic Lodge
LAKE GOGEBIC Gogebic Lodge Gogebic Lodge EEHELAKE Voted “TOP PITSTOP” LAKE Gogebic Lodge Gogebic Lodge SIT THE LAKE E LAKE C AREA BIC AREA A OGEBIC AREA
C AREA INTER! WINTER! HIS WINTER! INTER!
~Call for earlier or later times ~
• Ice fishing snowmobile rentals • Snowmobile trail permits • Trail access • Deluxe fishing boat & pontoon rentals • Walleye fishing guide • Free WIFI
• Ice & firewood • Pets welcome • Centrally located to all trails & water falls, including popular at tractions & events • Less than a minute from fuel, restaurants, boat landing & more!
OPEN YEAR ROUND
34275 Hw y 28, Bergland, MI 49910 ~ fishhuntstay@thetimberresor t.com
hore ShoreResort Resort West Shore Resort hore Resort
906-842-3321 906-842-3321 906-842-3321 906-842-3321
ort
esort.com m M-28
47
8 | SEPTEMBER • 2023 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV
231-536-2371
WHITE LAKE
ALL-SEASON ADVENTURE
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP:
whitelake.org | 800-879-9702
The Heroes Operation, driven by its commitment to giving back, has partnered with local businesses for this event. Participants, sponsors, and volunteers all play a crucial role in making this philanthropic endeavor a success. With the spirit of gratitude, unity, and adventure at its core, the Heroes Off-Road Color Run promises to leave a lasting impact on both the participants and the community it supports. As the dust settles and the colors fade, one thing remains certain: the hero within each individual will be unleashed, ready to make a difference in the world and we will celebrate the ones who already have! As the vibrant autumn colors begin to paint the landscape of St. Helen, the Heroes Off-Road Color Run beckons adventurers, heroes, and kind-hearted individuals to join in the celebration. This October, participants will experience an off-road adventure like no other, enveloped in a flurry of vibrant colors while paying homage to the heroes who inspire us all. Please consider joining this offroad adventure October 14th in St. Helen, Mi. Learn more and register online at https://www.theheroesoperation.org/color-run. •
VELTMAN HARDWARE 231.861.2442 SNOWMOBILE & ORV PARTS & SERVICE TRAIL PERMITS
On the Hart-Montague Trail
4736 1st Street | New Era, Michigan
SENEY Seney Snowmobile Association
Striving to provide you with safe & smooth trails.
Groomer’s Ball February 10, 2024
Snowmobile Vet Ride March 2, 2024
Motorcycle Vet Ride June 3, 2023
Trail Clean Up
September 15-16, 2023
Trail report 906-499-3200
seneysnowmobiling.com
MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • SEPTEMBER • 2023
| 9
17
THOMAS MANN
Fall B
ack to school is here and fall high school and college sports are starting up. It has been a fabulous summer in our region. Our weather, events and activities have been spectacular and the upcoming Fall Season promises to not disappoint us. Our Chamber Office is already getting inquiries about dates for Breezeway Fall Color Cruises, Fall Fest and Paddle Antrim. The communities from or15th Annual offer Breezeway chards, corn mazes, pumpkin Fall Color Tour Cruises will be heldart Saturday, Sept. 30, patches, galleries, resale Sat. October and Sat. shops, hand 7blown glass Oct 14. Enjoy the C-48 shop, antiques, restaurants at your own andBreezeway much more. andJordan choose your own Thepace East Pumpkin adventure - farm markets, Fest will be celebrated on
of Activities
efore now Flies!
noked ning nual ival 1– an. dercelern onestiof moque now ood bile
dan mes
Is Creeping Up On Us!
resale shops, dining and Ellsworth be sure to The Breezeway. Our maps experiences, Boyne Mt. check out the amazing will take you on a Jordan Sky Bridge or chairlift ride, “scarecrows” and fall Valley experience. Pick art galleries, hiking, Jordan displays. This year’s your route and enjoy fall! Art Walk, etc. There is theme is “Welcome to September, 2019 - MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILERWe 17certainly can provide SOMETHING for everyone! the Big Top” (Circus) for you spectacular views and Pick up your goodie bag 16ththe Visit scarecrows. experiences. Wednesday, October our Special website memorable at at Royal Farms you to our contest If you are stopping at from 5:00 PMin Atwood to 7:00 PMthank www.ejchamber.org. between 10:00 AMJordan and downtown East fea-sponsors - Gary C Roberts, the Clare Welcome Center noon those three dates ven-Pat O’Brien Real Estate this fall through December, turingon children’s games, and have fun! and East Jordan/Ellsworth be sure to check out our dors, business special sales East Jordan’s popular Shopping Guide. banner and also our display and events, pie contest, face Fall Fest will be held on Paddle Antrim Festival is case. Take a photo and painting September and Twister Joescheduled for Friday and Saturday, send it to us! Northern 30th at theMichigan’s East JordanFavoriteSaturday, September 15 & As always for more Balloon Artist plus more. Tourist Park located 16. Join us for the kickinformation about the When planningSouth your fall coloroff party in Ellsworth on on the beautiful area and events in East tour and event destinations… Arm of Lake Charlevoix. Thursday, September 14th Jordan, Ellsworth or make beer surefest, East Jordan iswith food, music and fun. Music, food Atwood, contact us at trucks, games, 231-536-7351, info@ numberhayrides, #1 on your list! EmailFor more information visit contests all ages ejchamber.org or visit our or call usfortoday for to color tourwww.paddleantrim.com. enjoy. While the and The Chamber has website at www.ejchamber. routes, areaexploring information Breezeway org, jordanartwalk.com, more at Communities 231-536-7351 oradditional fall color tour of East Jordan, Atwood maps available besides ridethebreezeway.com. • email info@ejchamber.org –
SERVING SERVING BREAKFAST BREAKFAST EVERY
EVERY SUNDAY SUNDAY
7 TILL NOON ~ 7am–Noon • DEC.–MAR. DECEMBER THRU MARCH
5586 MT. BLISS ROAD | EAST JORDAN, MI 5586 MT. BLISS RD 10 | EAST SEPTEMBER • 2023 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV JORDAN, MI
020
EAST JORDAN S-TX GT SIDEWINDER
2020 /// THE MOST POWERFUL 2-UP SNOWMOBILE
2024 SIDEWINDER S-TX GT
146 REAR SUSPENSION WITH OVERLOAD SPRINGS I REAR HARD CASE WITH AUXILIARY FUEL TANK I HEATED DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT
YAMAHA SIDEWINDER SRX LE
ROCKET PAST BIG RACY TWINS WITH TURBO CHARGED AUTHORITY
/// THE MOST POWERFUL 2-UP SNOWMOBILE
SIDEWINDER S-TX GT T & R YAMAHA INC.
146 REAR SUSPENSION WITH OVERLOAD SPRINGS I REAR HARD CASE WITH AUXILIARY FUEL TANK I HEATED DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT
ROCKET TWINS CHARGED AUTHORITY FRONT PAST - FOXBIG 1.5RACY ZERO IQSWITH WITHTURBO SRX DUAL RATE SPRINGS, CENTER - MONOTUBE ALUM-HP GAS 1.5, REAR - FOX 2.0
ZERO IQS | TURBO 4-STROKE, CLASS - ULTRA PERFORMANCE | AUTOMOTIVE & RCA DC OUTPUT, 20 IN. TUNNEL BAG
/ THE MOST POWERFUL 2-UP SNOWMOBILE
215 MAIN ST EAST JORDAN MI, 49727 231-536-7211 T & R YAMAHA INC.
REAR SUSPENSION WITH OVERLOAD SPRINGS I REAR HARD CASE WITH AUXILIARY FUEL TANK I HEATED DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT
T & R Yamaha Inc. 215 MAIN ST EAST JORDAN MI, 49727 215 Main Street 231-536-7211 T & R YAMAHA INC. East Jordan, MI 49727 (231) 536-7462 www.tandryamaha.com
CKET PAST BIG RACY TWINS WITH TURBO CHARGED AUTHORITY
215 MAIN ST EAST JORDAN MI, 49727 231-536-7211
/// YAMAHAMOTORSPORTS.COM /// YAMAHAMOTORSPORTS.COM YAMAHAMOTORSPORTS.COM
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 may exactly as shown. Shown withaccessories. optional ©2019 Yamaha Motor U.S.A. All rights reserved. Product specifications to change *Models may notnot be exactly asand shown. Shown with ©2019 Yamaha Motorallowing Corporation, U.S.A. All reserved. Product and specifications subject toand change without notice.subject Professional rider onwithout closed notice. Professional rider on closed nder controlled conditions. Always wear an approved helmet, eyebe protection protective clothing. Rideoptional responsibly and always accessories. ride within your capabilities, time and distanceCorporation, for rights maneuvering, and respect round you. Know the conditions. Observe all stateunder and local laws. Don’tconditions. drinkconditions. and ride. course controlled AlwaysAlways 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 course under controlled 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.
EAST JORDAN
SEASONALS • COMMERCIAL
A Natural Destination...
824 Water St., East Jordan, MI 49727
We “Own” the Fall
Auto // Home // RV // ORV // Snowmobiles
T 231.536.3331 F 231.536.3332
Great Experiences Await You
info@theinsuranceshop.net
Hiking • Kayaking • Biking • Scenic Drives Breath Taking Views A Photographers Wonderland
Four Seasons Marina • Boat and Snowmobile Repair • New and Used Parts • Full Service (All Makes) 612 BRIDGE STREET • EAST JORDAN
S A V E T H E DAT E
Breezeway Fall Color Tour Cruises Sept. 30, Oct. 7, Oct. 14 Fall Fest Sept. 30
THOMAS MANN
The Insurance Shop of East Jordan
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!!
www.ejchamber.org
THOMAS MANN
2 31-53 6 -73 21 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!!
East Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce 231-536-7351 | info@ejchamber.org
MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • SEPTEMBER • 2023
| 11
Dek
Breaking Barriers and Conquering Terrain:
Women in Off
BY MELISSA SULLIVAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
O
ff-road racing, a realm once considered a male-dominated domain, is undergoing a remarkable transformation. With engines roaring and dirt flying, a new generation of trailblazing women is shattering barriers, setting records, and proving that the thrill of off-road racing knows no gender bounds. Michigan Snowmobiler & ORV Magazine is celebrating the rise of fearless female competitors in
motorsports because the off-road racing landscape is evolving. Daring ladies all ages who are stepping out of the spectator stands and taking the wheel, challenging the notion that motorsports are solely for men. Their journey is marked by resilience, passion, and a shared determination to rewrite the narrative of what’s possible. As an off-road racer myself, I am excited to bring you their stories.
12 | SEPTEMBER • 2023 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV
I met Aubrey Honeycutt racing at Twisted Trails Off Road Park in the RBOR Off Road Race Series. This race was an endurance race where we were in our SXS for 1.5 hours racing through the woods with 30+ other SXS. I instantly had to say hello and get to know her because it was about time I found another lady as excited about the sport as I was. And exited she is, her family races year round. SXS in the summer &
f-Road Racing Snocross in the winter. “Racing has become such an integral part of our lives over the last few years & in turn has pushed me to adapt to different lifestyles.” Since that first race we since have raced together on many different types of tracks, we were always cheering each other on even as competitors. Beyond the competition, a strong sense of community exists among women in off-road
racing. The ones I’ve race with want to uplift one another, share experiences, and create a network of support that transcends the track. Through social media, forums, and events, female racers encourage each other to push boundaries and break through barriers. Many of these ladies I have raced alongside, some I have even encouraged – okay many begged - to race for the first time.
I envision a future where gender is no longer a topic of discussion in off-road racing. I hope to see a diverse and inclusive community where women are celebrated for their achievements on the track, just like their male counterparts. As more girls see women like us breaking barriers, they’ll be inspired to chase their dreams fearlessly, no matter how unconventional they may seem. continued on page 14
MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • SEPTEMBER • 2023
| 13
continued from page 13
The thrill of the race is amazing but there is so much more that a woman can gain from experiencing off road racing. AUBREY’S JOURNEY INTO OFF-ROAD RACING… “Racing has allowed me to grow in many different areas, the biggest one being how to overcome self doubt. My husband and I both used to work from home, while I homeschooled our daughter. She began racing Snocross in 2020. In the Fall of 2021, my husband Garry started a new job at the local Powersports Dealership, leaving ME to be
the primary chauffeur/trailer hauler/pit crew right before the winter season started. I was so nervous. I had never hauled a 32ft trailer by myself before, especially to an unfamiliar track that’s 2 hours from home, on icy roads!! … I didn’t know how to make sure Emma’s snowmobile was running properly. I wasn’t rehearsed in using the generator or propane heater. All of that, & so many other “what ifs” crippled me with anxiety. But, it was time for me to step up & learn OR step out & be done for the winter… I started the season continued on page 16
14 | SEPTEMBER • 2023 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV
ATV’S, SIDE X SIDES, MOTORCYCLES, SEADOO SWITCH PONTOONS, SEADOO & JETSKI PWC. ASK ABOUT AVAILABLE REBATES!
KAWASAKI MULE PRO MX
SEADOO SPARK
CAN AM OUTLANDER MAX
I-75 Mt. Morris Exit #126
810-564-1929
CanAm Maverick Sport
www.nordride.com
HONDA GOLDWING
KAWASAKI NINJA 400
CADILLAC ACCESS MAPS & RIDE INFORMATION
CADILL ACMICHIGAN.COM
Out in the middle of everywhere.
GREATER NORTH POWER SPORTS AND RENTALS 916 W. 13th Street | Cadillac, MI 49601
SMALL ENGINE REPAIRS • SALES & SERVICE PHONE 231-878-1678 SHOP 231-468-2338
Authorized Polaris Adventures Outfitter
Brand New 2023 Sleds for This Rental Year!
GreaterNorthPowerSportsAndRent.com
Cadillac’s Premier Snowmobile Destination! Check snow conditions on our Trail Report & Webcam at: coyotecrossingresort.com Located 12 miles west of Cadillac in the heart of the trail system! • 10 Deluxe 2-Bedroom Cottages • Full Bar & Restaurant
231-862-3212 MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • SEPTEMBER • 2023
| 15
FENTON LP-MARINA.COM TAKE
ON PARTS & ACCESSORIES 30% OFF when you mention this ad.
SERVICE, PARTS & ACCESSORIES SNOWMOBILES • ATV • UTV
LAKE PONEMAH MARINA 35 06 S I LVE R L AKE ROAD F ENTO N , MI 4 84 3 0
81 0.750.84 4 3
HOUGHTON LAKE Houghton Lake Roscommon • St. Helen
VISIT ROSCOMMON COUNTY WITH: Over 200 miles groomed snowmobile trails Trailhead Parking • Free Trail Maps Gas • Food • Lodging
GO TO: VisitHoughtonLake.com for trail conditions and upcoming events HOUGHTON LAKE AREA TOURISM BUREAU Toll Free 800-676-5330
16 | SEPTEMBER • 2023 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV
continued from page 14
parking as far away from all the other trailers as possible, giving myself ample room for errors. Each race, I gained a little more confidence getting closer & closer to the track/pit area, eventually making it to Front Row Parking for the Season Final!! That year, Emma went on to win the State Championship in her 200cc class, as well as earning the title “Racer of the Year” for the Michigan Sno-X Series!! My heart could have burst with pride for everything we had both overcome together. Life is always ready and willing to throw you challenges. Racing is the same way. No matter how prepared you think you are, there is always a lesson to be learned. If you stick with it when things get hard, whether it be on the track, in the pits, or all of the other commitments in between, that’s when
real progress gets made & growth is inevitable.” What are some of the challenges that you have faced in this male dominated sport? “SXS/racing/driving definitely carries the stigma of being male dominated, which can make it a very intimidating sport to step into as a female. Although, recently it seems there has been a slight influx of other women driver’s, it’s fairly common I find myself one of, if not the only female, signed up at a race. I usually feel like the odd “man” out at the driver’s meetings & although I’ve never been outright told I don’t belong behind the wheel, I’ve had plenty of conversations that have implied I drive “like a girl” or that I’m not viewed as an equal. On the other hand, I also consider myself incredibly blessed to have a strong support system in my
MANISTIQUE
s e d Cly
Drive--in Drive
Home of the BIG “C” Clydes Colossal 3/4 lb. Fresh Ground Beef Hamburger
Call (906) 341-6021
corner, that happens to be primarily men. They are my circle of friends, who I consider my hype men, just because of how pumped up they get for me!! On the days I don’t have faith in myself, I rely on them to keep me going! Truth be told, I’ve never registered for any races myself... They have all been on the whim of my amazing husband, Garry, who signs me up for these incredible experiences, all because he believes in me. He is my primary coach, mechanic & pit crew and absolute biggest supporter. I think it truly depends on those you choose to surround yourself with. There are plenty of men who welcome women in the field & think they make a great asset to the Powersports Industry. For those that don’t feel that way, don’t let them dull your shine.
Genders don’t play a role in our car’s ability. It’s just up to us to prove them wrong and show them Girls Drive Too!!” What has been your Favorite Race so Far? “I would have to say my favorite race, so far, was the 2021 Midwest Dirt Fest at Valley Motocross. It was my first time participating in an event of that caliber & I was SO scared to hit the track!! At the time, most of my driving experience had only been slow-crawl/wheeling & hitting jumps at Silver Lake Sand Dunes. Dirt Fest was fast paced on a Short Course Track, with huge table top jumps & door to door racing with significantly more experienced drivers. I was way out of my element & miles outside of my comfort zone. I struggled HARD. The continued on page 18
201 Chippewa Ave. Manistique, MI 49854 Located just off trail 2
HUBBELL Referral #34396
SINCE 1972
DIRECT JOBBER
Synthoil Supply
26900-901 E 12th Street Hubbell, MI 49934-0266 906-231-2888 • 906-296-9405 mraff@chartermi.net synthetic-oil.com
QUINCY 517-639-DOCK
868 E Chicago Rd • Quincy, MI 49082
diversifieddockandtrailer.com
BUILDING YOUR LIFE ON THE WATER
TRAILERS: utility, snowmobile, ATV trailers | LAKE FRONT: docks, piers, lifts, and hoists | SERVICES: dock and lift installations and removals, boat lift transports, and repairs MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • SEPTEMBER • 2023
| 17
continued from page 17
level of skill needed to drive this track far exceeded anything I had ever driven before. It took several practice laps & a lot of coaching/encouragement from fellow racers to teach me how to maneuver my car over the 110 ft jumps, and around the hairpin corners safely & efficiently. By the end of the weekend, I was soaring confidently on my own & had even landed in the Top 5 for the Long Jump Competition!! I was in total disbelief & absolutely on Cloud 9 with my accomplishments!! This will always be the milestone event that I started to believe in myself. This was the event I proved to myself, MAYBE I really am a driver.” Like Aubrey, I also that I felt I had to prove myself over and over again. Overcoming these stereotypes and earning respect based on my skills was a significant hurdle. As more women like myself entered the scene and showcased their talents, it became evident that skill knows no gender. Organizers, fans, and fellow racers have gradually come to recognize and appreciate the capabilities of women in this sport. We still have a long way to go, but the progress is heartening. What message do you have for young women aspiring to enter off-road racing? “Do it. If you have an interest & the means of doing it… then RACE!! Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will. There will always be reasons NOT to do something. But, you only get one life to live, so live it to its absolute fullest! I don’t race to beat anyone else (although winning is a LOT of fun). I race, because for the longest time I never believed I was good enough too. I take on hard races & tough tracks to prove to myself that I AM capable of more than I give myself credit for. I sit
18 | SEPTEMBER • 2023 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV
at the start line of every race with butterflies in my stomach & self doubt booming between my ears. Then, the green flag drops and all that noise goes out the window. Do I win every race? Of course not. But, every race I’ve run has taught me something new. Every race I’ve run, I’ve come out a stronger driver & believing in myself more than I did when I started. To me, that in itself is a major win!! It’s an incredibly powerful feeling to accomplish something you once thought was unachievable. It resonates with you & you carry that confidence with you everywhere, even outside of racing. My favorite saying is this: “She believed she could. So, she did”. Ladies, trust me when I say you are FAR more capable than you think you are. Sign up for the Race. You’ve got this!!” Aubrey’s journey in off-road racing is a testament to the power of passion and determination. As she continues to conquer rough terrains and challenge the status quo, her story inspires us to rethink the limits we place on ourselves. Through her resilience, she’s not only breaking her own goals but also paving the way for a more inclusive and exciting future for women in off-road racing. “[My] goal is another podium position & hoping to edge into the Season Points Podium!!!” •
ARST.qxp_HEARST 8/26/19 11:47 AM Page 11
Arrowheads and one Dubie. Looks like the trails will be kept in great shape this winter. 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
was a photo that went viral a couple years ago featuring an SSA groomer sunk in that area. Then, there are 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
September, 2019 - MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER 11 60 next year. Anyhow, as of June, the SSA is looking good. Good membership. Good leadership. 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. HEARST.qxp_HEARST 8/26/19 11:47 AM Page 11 Thanks again guys. As always… What Martin said, “Good food. Good fun. Good comArrowheads and one was a photo that went radery.” Dubie. Looks like the viral a couple years
trails will be kept in great shape this winter. 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
SAULT STE MARIE
ago featuring an SSA groomer sunk in that area. Then, there are 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
watch
Alexa Peterman & Grandfather, Al Cottle shar a moment over Smores. Yum Yum.
the race
ride the trails &
next year. Anyhow, as of the SSA is good. Good m ship. Good lead And, a good p keep the groomed and Also, they ke membering the ber One Rule: you have a s picnic, you hav vite the re Thanks again g always… What said, “Good Good fun. Goo radery.”
streets Alexa Peterman & Grandfather, Al Cottle shar a moment over Smores. Yum Yum.
Book Your Rooms Early for the 55th Annual I-500, Feburary 3, 2024 w w w. s a u l t s t e m a r i e . c o m
1•800•647•2858
Chippewa Motors Inc. ®
CHIPPEWA MOTORS INC.
906-632-6651
906.632.6651
Sales, Service & Accessories
Sales, Service & Accessories
Mon. - Fri 8:00 - 5:30 ~ Sat. 9:00 - 1:00
3107 S. M-129 ~ Sault Ste Marie, Mi 49783 ~ www.chippewamotors.com We sell Aluma, Sport Haven & Midsota Trailers
www.chippewamotors.com
MON– FRI 8am – 5pm
3107 S. M-129 Heated Pool Sault Ste Marie, MI 49783MOTORS INC. CHIPPEWA Whirlpool/Sauna ~ WiFi ®
Journey Onward Complimentary Breakfast
906-632-6651
Sales, Service & Accessories
Close to We sell a full line of Accessories, Mon. - Fri 8:00 - 5:30 ~ Sat. 9:00 - 1:00 Snowmobile Trails
1-906-632-6000 Clothing, Helmets, & Boots
3107 S. M-129 ~ Sault Ste Marie, Mi 49783 ~ www.chippew We sell Aluma, Sport Haven & Midsota Trailers
3525 I-75 Business Spur Sault Sainte Marie, MI www.super8.com
MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • SEPTEMBER • 2023
| 19
Under the Helmet brought to you by
Fairgrove Oil & Propane
For all your race fuel needs call 989.693.6600
with
Mickey’s
Factory Racing
Mickey Maier, owner
What got you into snowmobiling and when; what was their influence on you in regards to the sport? My dad, Tommy Maier, was my biggest influence on anything racing. He is in the Michigan Motorsports Hall of Fame for circle track racing cars, but he was fast no matter what he raced – cars, boats and snowmobiles. I raced cars throughout the years but my friend Kevin Beyer is the one that talked me into going to watch the Eagle River Vintage WC in 2013 and we came home with our first race sled, forming the Maier Beyer Racing team.
20 | SEPTEMBER • 2023 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV
When did you start racing and what is your proudest achievement so far at the track? I started snowmobile oval racing in 2014 at Eagle River. My first proudest moment was winning the 340 Super Mod at the World Championships at Eagle River in 2017, then the rest in 2023 with our first year of F3 with Zach finishing 2nd in the Formula 3 World Championship and then backing that up with a 2nd in the Pro Enduro WC that same day. Getting our first victory with Zach and Jay Mittelstaedt 2 weeks later at the MIRA Gaylord 300 topped it off.
What is your career goal as an owner? My career goal is to be the number one team out there no matter what race we’re at. I want to take Zach Dewald and James Hicks to a I-500 World Championship victory at the MIRA Championship Derby in the 2024 season. Adding Jay part time and James Hicks full time makes our team complete and makes us a favorite to win. What were the driving factors to start the race team? In 2019, Troy Dewald was racing the vintage WC for me, and Zach was on the team working on his dad’s sled. I made a promise to Zach that I would start a team for him to go Enduro racing someday. It’s one of the best racing decisions I’ve ever made. My love for racing really came back full force last year watching Zach tear it up out there and prove his talent to the racing world. Coming in 2nd at Eagle in 2023 had us all crying tears of joy –
seriously, this team of grown men actually had tears streaming down their faces. I am so proud and thankful for the Mickey’s team: Todd Krikke, Larry Tiede, Jason Schoffner, Joe Mapes, Ron (Rocket) Janose, Terry Galonska, Matt English, Brock Aherns and Megan Browne who handles all of our social media and keeps us organized. We are a team that not only have a love for racing and work really well together, but we’re a family. We couldn’t do it all without our many sponsors for all the continuous support they give us – Woody’s, XLT Engineering, Felzke Farms, Mickey’s Sleds, FXR, Troy Pierce Racing, Polaris Racing, Rich Felegy Performance, Doug Flannery – they are all very special to us and it’s great when we’re at a race and they show up to personally support us as well. It puts a little more excitement into the race to show our sponsors they’re supporting a great team.
DRIVER INTERVIEWS continued on page 22
A CLEAR MESSAGE.
POWERFUL. CLEAN. COMFORTABLE. TWO CHASSIS WIDTHS. www.pistenbullyusa.com MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • SEPTEMBER • 2023
| 21
under the helmet | driver interviews driver
Zach Dewald
Who got you into snowmobiling and when; what was their influence on your regard to the sport? My Dad (Troy Dewald) is definitely my biggest influence in racing, I was in the pits with him and the Cadarette race team ever since I could get into the pits. Being able to be behind the scenes and soak up the knowledge from such a high level team for so many years has benefited me as a rider now. When did you start racing and what is your proudest achievement so far on the track? I started out midseason in 2021. I did a few semi pro races with Krentz Racing, then started my first pro season in 2022 with Mickey’s. We had our struggles like any rookie team and drivers, but learned alot. Came into 2023 with a bang when we finished 2nd in the World Championship F3 race and then another 2nd place in the WC pro enduro right after. I’d have to say that’s my proudest achievement so far. Nobody expected us to be on either podium, it was an incredible day for team 57. What is your career goal? To win a World championship at Eagle River is definitely gonna be
something to strive for every year. But, the Soo I - 500 is a completely different animal. It’s the most prestigious race for an Enduro racer and that’s the big one in my eyes. Finishing 5th in our first attempt there was awesome but a bad fuel calculation at the end kept us off of the podium. How did you become part of this racing team? Back in 2019 my Dad started racing vintage 440 super mods for Mickey. I tagged along and helped out where I could and got to know Mickey and his guys. I never expected to ever drive for him but at the end of the ‘21 season he called and asked if I wanted to drive for him if he started an Enduro team. I knew the equipment would be top notch and there was no way I could turn down the offer. He had no reason to believe in me and put me on a sled other than he just wanted me to follow in my dad’s footsteps. We have an awesome group and team members on the crew. Everyone knows their job and does it well. The team has a great backing of sponsors , I can’t thank every one of them enough.
driver
James Hicks
Who got you into snowmobiling and when; what was their influence on your regard to the sport? I really got into snowmobiling when I caught a snocross race on TV. I begged my parents to take me to the Gaylord National snocross race to watch Blair Morgan and from then on was hooked! My mom and dad really supported me from the beginning and still are my biggest fans. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am in the sport today. When did you start racing and what is your proudest achievement so far on the track? I started racing in December 99’. My first race, which was the following year for the Gaylord
22 | SEPTEMBER • 2023 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV
National snocross race, and raced in the 14-15 year old class. I think I finished about dead last, but that year I met some of my closest friends to this day. What is your career goal? My career goal is still to win the I-500, and I feel like the Mickey’s Sled Parts team I am with now want to win as badly as I do! How did you become part of this racing team? I received phone calls from Larry Tiede and Mickey Maier wondering if I would be interested in hopping on for Lincoln. I watched this team excel throughout the season and thought it would be a good opportunity to win some more races and championships!
RACE DAY Fairgrove Oil & Propane brought to you by
For all your race fuel needs call 989.693.6600 PHOTOGRAPHY BY
Studio
P P P
24 | SEPTEMBER • 2023 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV
eptember, 2019
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. the end of And, some really good first part of comradery.” t in June. As for me, of got this ecourse I had to sample g me over all of this, in the name brats, corn of journalistic integrity, and a few of course. So, I can marshmalsay that without a a second doubt that the burgers ught I had were really good. The t a month corn on the cob was Had some awesome. Martin and I ues lately both commented on ook a good the fact that this was se pill botreally tasty corn for the now what I early part of summer. And, the funky green when I got y made the move to marshmallow fluff stuff ke the move. in told me was also downright Anyhow, it worked st decided pretty good. Martasty. Plus, Prince, my said, “We had a reup to June. 9 good turn out. little five pound Shiyymade thegood movefun. to made move to me really long nap ke the Tsu mix side kick told kesome the move. move. d, really good Anyhow, worked Anyhow, it worked ems that mradery.” me that the hot dogs pretty good. Marpretty good. MarAs for me, of said, had aatorere- SSA made the move many said, “We had urse I hadturn to sample were also just perfect. move. good out. ythe good turn out. of the name nyhow, itinworked always me really good fun. methis, really good fun. Then, I watched as retty good. Marournalistic integrity, d, really good d, some some really good a reid, “We had ave course. So, Isomecan mradery.” mradery.” good turn out. Martin’s brother Al The Sault Groomer Barn, where everything As me, of ofa As for me, y that without e really good fun. around the Hank of Chippewa rsethat II had sample urse had to sample ubt the burgers happens. Here is Dennis some really good toasted up some and LeeAnn Izzard. of in good. the name name of this, this, the re really The Motors, adery.” picnic, so ournalistic integrity, integrity, As over nournalistic on for theme, cobofwas the fire for his grandmarshmallows 150 members. Then, course. So, can II can ecourse. I had toSo, sample
es h
(989) 693-6600 I FAIRGROVEOIL.COM
CURTIS
E
ort
150 me they als 30 Com bers. Ma me that ment, about 1 Trails. miles w Limits Which is itself. A+ on be friendly. The S groomer and a They ar
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
MICHIGAN’S TOP PROVIDER OF REC 90 AND ALL YOUR RACE FUEL NEEDS!
esome. Martin and I The The SaultGroomer Groomer Barn, where everything Sault where everything they also have about daughter Alexa. Barn, She that without ythis, that without in the name aa happens. Here is Dennis Hank of Chippewa Here is to Dennis Hank of Chippewa h commented on happens. ubt that burgers 30 Commercial memreally seemed enjoy rnalistic integrity, ubt that the burgers Motors,and and LeeAnn Izzard. Motors, LeeAnn Izzard. fact that this was urse. So, I can e really good. The re really good. The the traditional tasty bers. Martin also told The Sault Groomer Barn, where everything that without a the tasty corn nlly on the cobfor was rn on cob was 150 members. Then, the fire for his grand me that at the motreat of summer. How150 members. Then, the fire for his isgrand happens. Here Dennis Hank of Chippewa theMartin esome. andI IMotors, lythat part ofburgers summer. esome. Martin and they have about daughter Alexa. She they alsoalso have about daughter She LeeAnn Izzard. ment, they groom ever,and I Alexa. did somewhat good. Theon hreally commented on really th commented d, the funky green Commercial mem- of really seemed enjoy 30 30 Commercial memseemed to to enjoy about 102 miles of faux paux. At first, on the cob was members. Then, firea traditional for his grand fact this wasthe ershmallow fact that this was Martin the tasty150 bers. Martin alsoalso told told 9 the traditional tasty ome. Martin fluff and stuff I daughter Trails. mistook Alexa abers. also haveIncluding about Alexa. Sheforthey tasty forthe the treat ally tasty corn for that at the motreatofofsummer. summer.HowHow-meme that at within thememmoslly also corn downright commented on really 30 Commercial seemed to enjoy miles the City him. OK, she is 13, ly part of summer. summer. rly part ment, groom ever, didsomewhat somewhat ment, theythey groom ever, I Idid act that this was my ty. the Plus, Prince, bers. Martin also the traditional tasty short skinny, and had Limits of told the of Soo. d, funky green d, thecorn funky about afaux faux paux. At first,me tasty forgreen the treat about miles of ofofaof paux. At first, that102 at102 themiles mosummer. Howe five pound Shirshmallow fluff stuff stuff mistook hair. But, notfor afor him. ATrails. Which is pretty9 cool, in fluff arshmallow part of summer. Including mistook Alexa Trails. Including a ament, they groom 9 ever, I didAlexa somewhat ussthe mix side kick told also downright also her. itself. A+ the funkydownright green ofhim. miles within the CitySoo him. OK, she is13,13,about miles within thefor City OK, she 102 miles of a faux paux. Atisfirst, the hot dogs y.that Plus, Prince, mymistook hmallow fluff stuff ty. Plus, Prince, my on being sledder Anyway, back to the skinny, and had short Limits of the Soo. Including Alexa a Trails. skinny, and hadfor short Limits of the Soo.9 e five pound Shi-him. re also just perfect. ealso five downright pound Shimiles within the City OK, she 13, hair. But, notaisa him. Which is pretty cool, hair. But, not him. A A Which is pretty cool, in in friendly. SSA. Martin happily Prince, mix kickmy told uPlus, mix side kick told skinny, Limits of Then, I watched as her. itself. A+ for the Soo her. itself. A+ forthe the Soo. Soo The SSA has three toldand me had thatshort the club five pound Shithat hot dogs dogsAl hair.Anyway, But, notback aback him. Athe Which is pretty cool, in ertin’s that thebrother hot Anyway, to on being sledder to the on being sledder groomers, Tuckers mix sidejust kickperfect. told her. has about 60 Family e also A+ for thetwo Soo re also SSA. Martin Martinhappily happilyitself. friendly. friendly. sted up perfect. some SSA. hat the hot dogs and a Piston Bully. memberships, which Anyway, back to the being sledder Then, as told Then, I watched watched as toldme methat thatthe theclub clubon The The SSA three SSA hashas three rshmallows also just perfect.over Martin happily friendly. They are pulling translates into about rtin’s brother AlSSA. artin’s brother Al has about6060 Family groomers, Tuckerstwo has about Family groomers, twotwo Tuckers en, I watched as told me that the club The SSA has three sted up some some memberships, asted memberships, which and a Piston Bully. which and a Piston Bully. n’s brother Al has about 60 Family groomers, two Tuckers rshmallows over translates arshmallows over translatesinto into aboutand They are pulling about They pulling two two ed up some memberships, which aare Piston Bully.
hmallows
The Sault Groomer Barn, wher happens. Here is Dennis Hank Motors, and LeeAnn Izzard.
over
CURTISMI.CO CURTISMI.COM Visit the Curtis area Visit the Curtis area this year
this winter Find Us4 on SEASONS 3 LAKES 3 LAKES 4 SEASONS Facebook! 800-652-8784 or 906-586-37 906.586.3700 CURTISMI.COM translates into about
They are pulling two
CURTISMI.COM CURTISMI.COM Visit the Curtis area CURTISMI.COM
www.FISHANDHUNTSHOP.com
Visitthe theCurtis Curtis area Visit area winter Visitwww.FISHANDHUNTSHOP.com thethis Curtis area ONLY 1 HR WEST OF MACKINAC BRIDGE IN CUR this winter this winter this winter 3 LAKES 4 SEASONS • • LAKES444SEASONS SEASONS LAKES SEASONS 33LAKES 800-652-8784 or 906-586-3700 906-586-9531 800-652-8784 or906-586-3700 906-586-3700 800-652-8784 or 906-586-3700 800-652-8784 or SYLVAN PONTOON CAN AM & www.FISHANDHUNTSHOP.com 2020 & LUND BOAT SKI DOO www.FISHANDHUNTSHOP.com 2020 www.FISHANDHUNTSHOP.com 2021 www.FISHANDHUNTSHOP.com 2020 NOW ONLY 1 HR WEST OF MACKINAC BRIDGE IN CURTIS, MI SKI-DOO RENTALS OPEN! Sale RENTALS RENTALS
SALES
SERVICE
906.586.9531
ONLY HR WEST OF MACKINAC BRIDGE IN CURTIS, ONLY 1 HR WEST OF MACKINAC BRIDGE IN MI ONLY 11HR WEST OF MACKINAC BRIDGE INCURTIS, CURTIS, MI MI
906-586-9531 906-586-9531 906-586-9531 906-586-9531
RENTAL
FROM $229.00 PER DAY
SKI-DOO RENTALS SKI-DOO RENTALS SKI-DOO RENTALS SKI-DOO RENTALS SKI-DOO RENTALS Sales & Service Sales & Service Sales & Service Sales & Service FROM $229.00 DAY FROM $229.00 PER DAY Rental FROM $229.00 PER DAY FROM $229.00 PER DAY Parts, Clothing, Services, FROM $259PER PER DAY Rental Rental Rental Rentals available in g, Services, Rentals available in Rentals available in in Rental with Rentals available ng, Services, ® Packages TM Trademark of Bombardier hing, Services, Newberry, Hulbert, Paradise, ages with ing, Services, Online at Recreational Products Inc.or its ® TM Trademark of Bombardier ® TM Trademark of Bombardier Newberry, Hulbert, Paradise, Newberry, Hulbert, Paradise, ckages with ackages affiliates ®Products TM Trademark of Bombardier ng Curtis and Seney Recreational Products its Newberry, Hulbert, Paradise,Lodging Recreational Inc.or itsInc.or ckages with untshop.com Recreational Products Inc.or its affiliates affiliates ging Curtisand andSeney Seney dging Curtis affiliates dging Curtis and Seney
m
2024
FAMILY
Rentals available in The UP’s Premier VACATIONS Newberry, Hulbert, Paradise, Four Season Resort FISHING / HUNTING Curtis and SeneySNOWMOBILING / ATV CURTIS, MICHIGAN
Book Online at FISHANDHUNTSHOP.com
906.586.6950 www.pinebluffresort.com MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • SEPTEMBER • 2023
| 25
® TM Recrea affiliate
So, You Think You Can Groom a Snowmobile Trail
BY MIKE BORLEE CONTRIBUTING WRITER
A
t the end of the 2022/2023 snowmobile season in the Keweenaw,the task to officially close the trail system and start the preparation for next year had arrived. I, as a newcomer to the Board of Directors of the Keweenaw Snowmobile Club, had the fortunate opportunity to travel along with Martin, one of the young gun groomer operators led by our dedicated trail boss, Justin. First a full confession. I do not own a snowmobile. I have only been on about
26 | SEPTEMBER • 2023 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV
10 miles of the 230 plus miles of the trail system. I met the president of the club only once prior to him calling and asking me to help out. Now back to my adventure. Our day started early, and the mission was to run a predetermined stretch of the trail system to close gates situated at the boundaries of public and private lands. Nearly all the accessible trail systems have agreements with private landowners and the State of Michigan, an all-encompassing partnership that allows you,
COPPER HARBOR Michigan’s Northernmost Grocery Store
Where the road e with everything you need in one location!
That
and adventure be copperharbor.org
toast with strawberry compote, and our signature homemade biscuit with local jam and honey butter. For dinner a few U.S. 41 in Copper Harbor, MI of our options are our amazing grilled steak 906-281-9281 | www.atthegenny.com sandwich and fried brussel sprouts. Plenty 235 miles of groomed trails with 250 inches snowfall. Gas & of options to cater to snowmobilers and skiers Lake Where the road ends at the start or end of the Superior and adventure begins.day. Our bar features copperharbor.org several crafted cocktails like the Lake Effect and Brockway our guests to enjoy our appreciation for the train-Blast. We also ENAW have a wide variety of UNTY winter playground. ing and knowledge he UP and Michigan beer I didn’t know what to gained from his veteran as well as domestic faexpect in 8 plus hours in team members vorites. Hot coffee or hot Lakefront Rooms, 2-Bedroom Cottages, the cab of a three hunAs we movedchocolate along with a splash A Wide Variety of Groceries • Fresh Produce & Meats & Campground (RV & Tent) Gre dred-thousand-dollar Pis- the trail, the sun Beer,isWine and Liquor • Coffee Bar • Specialty Items of started Bailey’s Irish Cream To inquire about lodging call miles of groomed trails with 250 inches snowfall. Gas & Oil, Restaurants, Lodging and Groceries Fres tenBully, but I was ready to rise, and thesure beauty to warm you up on Clothing & Hats • Camping & Fishing Supplies 833-326-6946 or visit fannyhooe.com continued on page 28 to learn. Our first stop as a cold winter day! 888we left the groomer barn We are excited to host and headed north on trail INTERNET EV CHARGERS you this winter•season! 3 was tooffers openbrunch a bermwith The restaurant Please call SATELLITE our officeTVat blocking to trail service starting at access 9 a.m. We have 833-326-6946 or visit 124. Why the berm? At kept many local favorites like The our website fannyhooe. throughout a seaBoatloadtimes and Conglomerate Omcom to book a room or sonadditions logging takes place elette. New are the french view our menu. • and restricts access to ★ Gas certain trail sections. ★ Refreshment ★ Snowmobile efront Rooms,One 2-Bedroom Cottages, Summer and Winter trail of the challenges, ★ Snacks accessories & oil Cabins, Motel and Restaurant riders, we are located is a balancing & Campground (RV & Tent)act that Great Sandwiches, Soups, Salads & Pizza To inq Credit/debit cards accepted | Open 7 days a week | Seasonal Hours on Trail #3 and have a the call trail riders To inquireprotects about lodging Fresh Whitefish, Ribs, Steaks, Kid’s Menu 715 Gratiot Street | 906-289-3483 great selection of lube and logging operations. 6-6946 or visit fannyhooe.com F CopperHarborFuelStop.com products, belts, spark 888-MA NORTH • www.manorth.com Not only during the plugs, hardware, and winter sledding season safety gear. but also the summer ATV Owners Mike and Suzi season. Clubs work exA fuWhere n, creative Borlee established the the road ends tremely hard in commuCopper Harbor Fuel spot to grab a bite nicating these closures and adventure begins. Stop in 2016 to connect and want everyone to be to eat, signature toast with strawberry visitors to thecopperharbor.org Keweensafe and respectful to all compote, and our signacocktail, aw and all it has to offer. parties. ture homemade biscuit Over the last four or craftyears, beer It local didn’tjam take long for ★ Refreshment mobile with and honey the Fuel Stop has grown ★ Snacks me to see how skillful sories & oilbutter. For dinner a few into your one-stopMartin is to his craft. I To inquire about lodging call364 833-326-6946 our7 options ourHours shop; open days a cards acceptedof| Open days a week are | Seasonal watched as he carefully or visit fannyhooe.com amazing grilled steak 15 Gratiot Street | 906-289-3483 year to serve you! • dissectedand the 8-footFor to-go orders call 906-289-4010 CopperHarborFuelStop.com sandwich fried tall berm to gain access brussel sprouts. Plenty to options the trail.toAnd as to we 235 miles of groomed trails with 250 inches snowfall. Gas & Oil, Restaurants, Lodging and Groceries MICHIGAN SNOWMO of cater continued, he shared his snowmobilers and skiers at the start or end of the MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • SEPTEMBER • 2023 | 27 day. Our bar features
rbor
r!
1198_CHIA_Snowmobiling banner ad.indd 1
M 26
Copper Harbor
BROCKWAY MOUNTAIN
bor
TRAIL
POWDER HOUSE TRAIL
CLARK MINE TRAIL
U.S.41
LAC LA
B
EL
CLEAR LAKE
MANDAN TRAIL
HIGH ROCK TRAIL
6-7
Lac La Belle
LE TR AIL
HIGH ROCK TRAIL
Lac LaBelle
135
134
AY AK KW PE IN
135
OC BRNTA TO OU M
134
17
3
3
153
ling banner ad.indd 1
?
8/21/20 11:12 AM
130
Come Explor Copper Co
1198_CHIA_Snowmobiling banner ad.indd 1
8/21/20 11:12 AM
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 $120 - $185 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
HULBERT A Smooth Place to Rough It!
TAHQUAMENON HOTEL Breakfast - Rooms - Wifi
Where it all begins!
906-876-2388
10429 S. Maple St. | Hulbert, MI
grantinhulbert@yahoo.com | www.tahquamenonhotel.com
Like us on Facebook!
SNO SHU INN
Cabins on Snowmobile Trail
www.snoshuinn.com
Wood Stoves, Linens, Groups and Rentals
906.876.2324 • snoshuinn@gmail.com 28 | SEPTEMBER • 2023 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV
continued from page 27
of the Keweenaw began to awaken. The more miles we put behind us, the more appreciation and respect I have for our groomers and Martins ability to operate the PistenBully. The machines we have in our stable are complicated. The diesel engines drive hydraulic pumps that drive track systems and front plow operations all, while pulling a thirty foot drag system. That becomes a fifty foot plus long train that must navigate narrow winding trails. The front plow articulates six ways that allows Martin to knock down drifts, flatten berms at corners and spread the snow for a safer riding experience. His ability to operate the PistenBully appeared effortless. One also becomes aware of the interaction of groomer operator to the riders
on the trail. Did I say the machine has no brake pedal? They do not stop on a dime so in that regard groomers will stop and wait for the riders to pass before proceeding. Hence most all our grooming is done at night. Not only for building and maintaining a quality trail system but for safety, because rider encounters are drastically reduced. Many times, I have been told that the trail system we have in the Keweenaw, is the best in the Midwest Having spent the day with my chauffeur Martin, I can attest to that. Martin and the rest of our grooming team have a sincere interest in providing a safe quality riding experience. I truly believe they want to be the best of the best and are constantly pushing each other to achieve that goal. •
business spotlight
It’s all About Family Burt Lake Marina has offered recreational vehicles (you name your season) and many other products for over 50-years.
B
urt Lake Marina’s founder Larry Renaud (his wife Ro Renaud) began the company in 1969. It remained in the Renaud family for over 50 years! Eventually this thriving business was handed down to their daughter Lisa Renaud LaPrairie and her husband Ty LaPrairie. It has been a family owned & operated boat/pwc/ atv/snowmobile dealership, serving generations of Northern Michigan for over 5 decades. In the spring of 2022, the business was sold, and the West family began their journey of owning a small business in Northern Michigan. New owner, Mike West spent much of his career traveling the globe in the auto industry. He held
30 | SEPTEMBER • 2023 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV
various positions from Machinist, Tooling Engineer, Senior Development Specialist, Technical Manager, Global Director of Tooling Technologies, and his last position, before his retirement in the fall of 2021 was Engraving Vice President of Operations. Mike West also served his community as a volunteer firefighter, for almost 30 years for the City of Howell, Michigan. Where he achieved and held several certifications, such as Firefighter 1 and 2 and was a licensed EMT. Mike and Shelly West were patrons of the business for over 2 decades. They bought everything from four wheeler’s, numerous snowmobiles (Mike is a snowmobile enthusiast) and even a 268 Four continued on page 32
INDIAN RIVER All NEW Polaris Snowmobile RENTALS!
Rentals, Sales & Service
562 S. Straits Hwy • Indian River, MI 49749 Please call for extended winter hours
231.333.3600 www.ir-sc.com
4879 S. S. Straits Straits Hwy. Hwy. 4879 Indian Indian River, River, MI MI 49749 49749
burtlakemarina.com
4879 S. Straits Hwy Monday Friday: -- 5:30pm Monday -- River, Friday: 8:30am 8:30am 5:30pm Indian MI 49749
Saturday: Saturday: 8:30am 8:30am -- 2:00pm 2:00pm
Sales: Sales: 231-238-9315 231-238-9315 Service Service & & Parts: Parts: 231-238-8265 231-238-8265
Mon-Fri 8:30-5:30pm | Saturday 8:30-2:00pm SNOWMOBILE SNOWMOBILE SALES Sales 231.238.9315 | Service/Parts SALES 231.238.8265
SERVICE SERVICE •• PARTS PARTS •• CLOTHING CLOTHING •• ACCESSORIES ACCESSORIES
Sales-Service-Parts-Storage
burtlakemarina.com
1/2 1/2 mile mile north north of of the the DNR DNR trailhead trailhead at at White White Road Road & & South South Straits Straits Hwy. Hwy. ®, ®, TM TM and and the the BRP BRP logo logo are are trademarks trademarks of of Bombardier Bombardier Recreational Recreational Products Products Inc. Inc. or or its its affiliates. affiliates.
MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • SEPTEMBER • 2023
| 31
NEW LOTHROP PRIC CA ING FOU N BE N WEB D ON SITE !
SPECIALIZING IN SALES AND DELIVERY FOR:
WE GOT YOU COVERED!
• Water Softener Salt • Firewood • Rock Salt • Sand • Dirt • Lawn Care • And Other Materials
continued from page 30
4179 Peet Rd. Chesaning, MI ElitePartyRentalAndSupplies.com
GROSS MOWER SALES AND SERVICE New & Used Lawn & Garden Tractors & Equipment Snowmobile, UTV, ATV Repair
(810) 638-5146 • (810) 845-0547
Kevin Gross Grossmowersales.com 2314 Ditch Road, New Lothrop, MI 48460
Winns Vista! So that is how the relationship began with Burt Lake Marina. In the winter of 2021 – the Wests stopped by the showroom and there happened to be a snowmobile on the showroom floor. Of course they ended up buying it and Mike asked, “by the way, when are you going to sell me this business?”. That was how the sale of the business got initiated! Burt Lake Marina is a four-season, turn-key dealership with award-winning staff, offering Platinum-certified sales, service, pick-up & delivery, canvas fabrication/repair, and storage facilities for several hundred watercraft. They sell and service Four Winns boats, Wellcraft, Bennington pontoons, Sea-Doo personal watercraft (PWC), Shore Station Hoist & Dock, Floe Dock, Can-Am ATV’s & Side-by-Side Vehicles, Ski-Doo and Lynx brand snowmobiles, Toadfish, SunBum Suncare, Goodr Sunglasses and more. Mike and Shelly specialize in a professional recreational sales and service experience for their customers. Northern Michigan has become a “hotspot” for vacationer’s (year around) and Burt Lake Marina has a customer base from all over the country. •
PARADISE Open for the Winter Season Near Paradise Trailhead
• 12 Fully Equipped Log Cabins • Walking distance to Restaurants & Pub
Call to Reserve: (906) 492-3320 www.paradiseshorescabins.com 8442 N. Whitefish Point Rd. Paradise, MI 49768
32 | SEPTEMBER • 2023 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV
Welcome
Snowmobilers, Skiers & Sightseers
Open 10:00am
FULL MENU served from 11:00am until 8:30pm Closed April & November
Located in Upper Tahquamenon State Park - Right on Trail 45
906-492-3300
I N T E R S TAT E 46 TRAILERS
interstate46trailers.com
3775 N Meridian Rd Sanford, MI 48657
(989) 205-1709 Jennie and Dan
FINANCING AVAILABLE
ORIGINAL ALUMINUM SNOWMOBILE/ SIDE-BY-SIDE TRAILER Built by Forest River 7.5’ X 16’ • 7.5’ X 18’ • 7.5’ X 20’ • 7.5’ X 24’
(+5 foot V nose on all snow trailers) Different sizes and options
GREENLAND WHERE CUSTOMER SERVICE IS #1
906-883-3536 www.patsmotorsports.com Email: kip@patsmotorsports.com
10612 M-38 | PO Box 228 | Greenland, MI 49929
REXTON GREATER NORTH POWER SPORTS AND RENTALS Located downtown Rexton
SMALL ENGINE REPAIRS • SALES & SERVICE On the Trail • Rec Gas • Diesel • Groceries Grab & Go Snack • Snowmobile Rental
PHONE 231-878-1678 SHOP 231-468-2338
GreaterNorthPowerSportsAndRent.com
McMILLAN Hanks General Store 2936 CO RD 377 MCMILL AN, MI 49853
(906) 586-6353 Pizza General Store Ethanol Free Gas
GRAND MARAIS JUST OFF THE TRAIL BURGERS, PIZZA AND 11 BEERS ON TAP FRIDAY FISH FRY DAILY SPECIALS! N 14260 LAKE AVE • GRAND MARAIS, MI CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK
906-494-2111
our town
DeTour
A four-season town tucked away on the shores of St. Mary’s River, just waiting for you to explore. BY MIKE OLMSTEAD CONTRIBUTING WRITER
34 | SEPTEMBER • 2023 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV
D
eTour Village is a picturesque little hamlet nestled at the mouth of the St. Mary’s River right at the north end of Lake Huron. DeTour is the eastern most point of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (UP). Your next step east puts you right into the St. Mary’s River! And if you’ve ever visited Drummond Island, MI, DeTour Village is the town you have to travel through on your way to Drummond! DeTour Village gets it’s name from the early French and Indian traders. As they came down to the mouth of the St Mary’s River a trader either had to head west to Mackinac for destinations west, or take a south eastward tack for to destinations in the east. This turn, either to the east or to the west, was called “the turn”, which in French translates “de tour”. And the name just stuck! The village was eventually incorporated in 1899. Over the years the DeTour area has been home to various industries, such as lumber, stone quarrying, and even commercial fishing in years past. Of course, the obvious, tourism is a major part of the area’s economy. If you would like to know more about the area’s beginnings, history, and roots, check out the DeTour Passage Historical Museum when you visit! It’s very easy to find right down next to the Drummond Island ferry landing on Elizabeth Street. DeTour is a ‘four season’ town, meaning no matter the time of year there is something for the outdoorsperson to do! Of course our focus is snowmobiles and ORVs, but we’ll take a quick peek at some of the other recreational opportunities at your fingertips in DeTour. When the snow flies the sleds come out! Given it’s location ‘way up north’ there’s a high percentage of residents with snowmobiles. When the snow is right, instead of using the family sedan (more likely a pickup or SUV!) to go to the store, grill, or post office it’s common to get a little ride time in and just jump on the sled and make the trip! The DeTour Trail Head connects the Village to the DNR snowmobile trail system. There is ample room here for your vehicle & trailer, no charge, courtesy of the Village. The trail head continued on page 36
MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • SEPTEMBER • 2023
| 35
• Indoor Hot Tub NEWBERRY
ber, 2019
T
er was
r time ing in visiting light-
g
owmor was of
Quality Inn & Suites our town: DeTour 13954 State Hwy M-28 • Business center Newberry, MI 49868 • GuestYour lYour aundry Stay Make Stay (906)293-3218 Make Make Your Stay WORTHWHILE
Make Your Stay WO WROTRHTW HH WI L HEI L E
AND THE MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER • CHOKO Free hot breakfast
DRAWING - ENTER TO WIN • FreeMAGAZINE Wi-Fi
Book your room with us at WORTHWHILE QualityInn.com GET YOUR MONEY’S WORTH™
• •Free hot hot breakfast Men’s & breakfast Ladies Choko - 2-piece Suit (2 Winners) •In-room Free refrigerator/microwave
• Free Wi-Fi • Free Wi-Fi
Name______________________________
• Indoor Hot Tub
Quality Inn & Suites 13954 State Hwy M-28 Newberry, MI 49868 (906)293-3218
•Business In-room • •In-room center Mailing address______________________ refrigerator/microwave continued from page 35 refrigerator/microwave • Guest laundry
Quality Inn & Suites
• Indoor Hot Tub
Book your room with us at Quality Inn & Suites 13954 State Hwy M-28 QualityInn.com 13954Newberry, State HwyMIM-28 49868 Newberry, MI 49868 (906)293-3218 (906)293-3218
•City________________Zip_____________ Indoor Hot Tub
connects riders to miles Phone______________________________ of groomed trails as well •email_______________________________ Guest laundry as other Eastern UP
• Business center G E T YOU R MONE Y ’ S WO RTH ™
• Business center
• Free hot breakfast
• Guest laundry
Book your room with us at destinations. Tousqualify to win ONE ENTRY PER PERSON. GETjust YOUR MONE Y’SONLY WORTH™ Book yourQualityInn.com room with at A popular trail segment is
QualityInn.com complete the information on this page. WORTH™ GET YOUR MONEY’S
• Free Wi-Fi
Winners are responsible for any shipping or transportation costs and no cash equivalent will be given. Deadline for entries January 11th 2020
Mail the or Fax to: picturesque Cranberry Michigan Snowmobiler Lake trail,Magazine about five miles P.O.out Boxof417 town and part of East Jordan, MI 49727 the DNR trail system. Fax 231-536-7691 Another popular area is
• In-room refrigerator/microwave
• Indoor Hot Tub
NEWBERRY
Quality Inn & Suites 13954Units State- canHwysleepM-28 Condo up to 8 people w/ full kitchens Newberry, MI 49868 New motel rooms w/2 queen beds (906)293-3218
• Business center
Wander. Explore. Discover.
AREA • Guest laundry
OR
Groomed trail right to our parking lot
13032 St Hwy M123 • Newberry, MI 49868 Call for Reservations 906-293-1906 www.DuffysUPMotel.com
Book your room with us at QualityInn.com GET YOUR MONEY’S WORTH™ “Clean comfortable room “Clean comfortable room at reasonable rates” • Free Extended Continental906.293.4000 Breakfast at reasonable rates”
RESERVATIONS: • Free Wi-Fi
• FREE Extended • Indoor Pool, Whirlpool,888.315.2378 Sauna Continental Breakfast EMAIL: • Trailer parking • FREE Wi-Fi newberryabvi@gmail.com 906-293-4000 • Indoor Pool, redlion.com/newberry.com Whirlpool, Sauna 888-315-2378 Reservations: 12956 State Route M-28 - Newberry • Trailer Parking
Email : newberryabvi@gmail.com www.redlion.com/newberry.com 12956 State Route M-28 - Newberry
36 | SEPTEMBER • 2023 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV
the Ziegler Lake Rd. area, also accessible via the trail system. Popular watering holes include Yooperman’s in Goetzville, Raber Bay Bar & Grill in, and in DeTour the
Mainsail Restaurant and the DeTour Village Inn. Unique to DeTour and its neighbor across the river, Drummond Island, is the snowmobile trail system includes the ferry ride and continues on Drummond! You can drive your sled right onto the ferry and continue your trail ride when you get across the river! Drummond Island trails are also popular, and by making DeTour your ‘home base’ you have access to the entire
Continued on p Fidrych, another faknewand from the Snowvideographer, .enever All thanks toside. since that ch fun. Detroit Tiger. Continued on page Mark “the mous Bird” Mark was28totally dediFor me, something Then, beImany knew from the Snowthe Wertz Warriors. ere soThey of Ever hocked. were happy and havmouswho Detroit Tiger. Wayne Reams, I rtz Warriors. first whenever hing and jokfa-SNOWMOBILER 27 January, another 2020 - MICHIGAN really hit me deep in- I from the Snow- Fidrych, y” were For me, something hem. “ havThen, beAlltime, thanks to se there ing fun. bad day Continued on page 28 knew me, something mous Detroit Tiger. am having ahitbad day st fun. plain enday. And, have overreally me deep inause “they” were havthe Wertz Warriors. any of side. Ever since that ch They me, I think come. And, are so very me deep in-first orme, a time, rough time, think emselves. IFor side.whenever Ever I since that git so much fun. They something en, beI hing and jokhappy. All of a sudden, al” people ver since that whatever it is that’s first time, whenever I ere laughing andam jokreally hit me deep havof the “Special” people belive it. having a inbad day st plain enbothering me just does to know e, whenever I am having a bad day gn. plain enside. since thattoI think They IEver have come know reand justjustlike not seem that bad after a rough time, emselves. I or all. time, I people and jokor a Irough time, ying themselves. I whenever ink of allfirst ing a bad and love. think of allI think was totally of the “Special” belive it.day Over the years, I beam having a bad day lain enof the they “Special” people ouldn’t belive it.things time, I thinkIthe hey have came friends with have lgh some have come to know rehad just like many of the Warriors. or just a rough I think elves. I people have come to know hey” were like time, Special” had to I deal with every evelopment with every and love. I think of all was totally Some, like Vic Batanni, of the “Special” people ve it. and love. I think of all eople.” I was totally The athletics are the reason for the wona former President, come to knowthe things they have lust had some The late Lyle Shipe, the late Mark “the and Ken Mattei, anderful things the Wertz warriors do. I have come to know like the things they have awe. All had some Fidrych” and past president Ken Mat- other President, who I e. I think of allhad toBird” deal with every evelopment and love. I think all sental totallydevelopment tei, backof in 2008. had to deal with every got to know because of mobile Racing circuits. Like Vic Wertz, Mark ngs they have their ranking in the they have d some the things cial people. But, here, issues. Some had group. Then, others Plus, many many oth- was also hugely fadeal with every ers. mous from his days as opment had to deal with every
VISIT THE E VISIT THE VISIT THE MUNISING HE G SIT THE MUNISING MUNISING REA THIS UNISING NG S AREA THIS REA THIS WINTER REA THIS HIS WINTER WINTER VISIT THE WINTER RTERRACE MOTEL RRACE MOTEL MUNISING there was like about 1,000 of them. I was kind of shell shocked. At first, because there were so many of “them. “ Then, because “they” were having 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
some physical problems as well. And, they were happy and having fun. All thanks to the Wertz Warriors. For me, something really hit me deep inside. 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
such as Dave White, a Then, there was a Tiger. And, like Vic, videographer, and Mark “the Bird” Mark was totally dediWayne Reams, who I Fidrych, another faContinued on page 28 knew from the Snow- mous Detroit Tiger.
Mark was totally dedi-
• Complimentary Coffee ler Parking MOTEL RRACE eastern •UP trail system! Caribou Lake Road Rooms North Non-Smoking roomTrailer Parking Coffee me • Complimentary • Ample MOTEL RACE When the snow is gone west and pickup ORV •King & Queen Size Beds Rooms Non-Smoking • Cable room Extended • Sauna/Game • AREA THIS rking • Complimentary Coffee Parkingand warmer ler ee weather trails in the Ziegler Lake•King & Queen Beds TEL Cable Extended • Parking At Door •king Internet Wireless • Area pair •Large refrig. with Size Freezer Coffee Rooms • Non-Smoking me s room • Complimentary
WINTER
Continued on page 28
Internet Wireless Area arrives it’s timeRooms to• Cable put up Road area. • Heated Repair •Large refrig. with Freezer • Non-Smoking m •King & Whirlpool Queen Size • Extended YEAR Size Beds ALL ~ OPEN SNOWMOBILING ON ON rking •Large & Beds Sauna Coffee ary •King & Queen •King & Queen Size Beds the sleds and break out Although you cannot YEAR ALL OPEN ~ SNOWMOBILING Cable ON NFORMATION Extended • •Large Whirlpool & Sauna Internet • Wireless Area pair without crossing •Large refrig. with Freezer groomed trails s of Rooms ng •Deluxe Hot Breakfast Internet • Wireless rea crossing •Large with Freezer withoutdrive trailsrefrig. groomed of miles Enjoy the ATVs and side-byyour ATV or side-by•Large refrig. with Freezer •Deluxe Hot Breakfast 3 •King &YEAR Queen Size Beds in a quiet neighborhood Located able ALL OPEN SNOWMOBILING ON •Large Whirlpool &TRAIL Sauna •DIRECT SNOWMOBILE ACCESS 3 the neighborhood quiet a~ insnowmobiles, Located street. a ON YEAR ALL ~ OPEN sides! Like side onto ferry (they SNOWMOBILING •Large Whirlpool & Sauna •DIRECT SNOWMOBILE TRAIL ACCESS EAR •Large Whirlpool & Sauna MOTEL TERRACE #419 Trail On M-28. of south s ernet crossing without trails groomed of blocks •Large refrig. with Freezer •Deluxe Hot Breakfast #419 Trail On M-28. • Next to Gas & Convenient store of south crossing without trails groomed ainhigh percentage of have• Complimentary to be trailered •across Next to Gas & Convenient store •Deluxe Hot Breakfast sing Coffee AD THIS STAY Parking YOUR FF10% • Ample Trailer 3 AD neighborhood quietWITH a YOUR Located •Deluxe Hot Breakfast YEAR EN THIS WITH •Large Whirlpool & Sauna STAY OFF •DIRECT SNOWMOBILE TRAIL ACCESS 3 neighborhood quiet in a tedALL •Convenient •Quiet Location •Near Casino Rooms Non-Smoking • room Sauna/Game • •Convenient •Quiet Location •Near Casino DeTour’s residents own •DIRECT SNOWMOBILE TRAIL ACCESS the river) Drummond 3 duth Trail On of M-28. s south •King & Queen Size Beds Cable • Extended Door Parking • At #419 crossing ut #419 Trail On •DIRECT SNOWMOBILE TRAIL ACCESS of M-28. • Next to Gas & Convenient store •Deluxe Hot Breakfast • Next to Gas & Convenient store oneSTAY (or more!) ORV(s), hasInternet a very popular•Large refrig. with Freezer • Wireless • Heated Repair Area Island 906-387-2735 AD THIS WITH YOUR FF 3 906-387-2735 orhood AD THIS WITH STAY OUR YEAR ALL OPEN ~•Convenient ON INFORMATION •Quiet Location •DIRECT SNOWMOBILE TRAIL ACCESS •Large Whirlpool & Sauna•Near Casino •the Next to Gas &SNOWMOBILING Convenient store •Convenient •Quiet •Near Casino and like snowmobiles ORV trail system too.Location 49862 49862 MI crossingM-28 MI without ST. • MUNISING, ST. • MUNISING, Enjoy miles of groomed trails OSPECT 420 PROSPECT M-28 - Munising, 49862 - Munising, MI MI 49862 #419 •Deluxe Hot Breakfast • Next to Gas & Convenient store 3 neighborhood quiet a in Located street. a •Convenient •Quiet Location •Near Casino the snow is flying Visitors towww,northstarhotelpicturedrocks.com DeTour are •DIRECT SNOWMOBILE TRAIL ACCESS 906-387-2735 www,northstarhotelpicturedrocks.com 06-387-2735 WWW.TERRACEMOTEL.NET WWW.TERRACEMOTEL.NET AD when HIS blocks south of M-28. On Trail #419 • Next to Gas & Convenient store •Convenient •Quiet Location •Near Casino
420 PROSPECT ST. • MUNISING, MI 49862
M-28 - Munising, MI 49862
M-28 -WWW.TERRACEMOTEL.NET Munising, MI 49862www,northstarhotelpicturedrocks.com www,northstarhotelpicturedrocks.com shopping, or just going trail head at the corner www,northstarhotelpicturedrocks.com out for a bite to eat. of Elizabeth and Division Although there is no streets, still no charge! ORV trail head per sé A couple of things in the Village, there are whether you’re on a sled several trails within a or an ORV: few minutes ride from • If you’re going to ride town. You can run South the trails in any season Caribou Lake Road out you need the proper trail to the north end of the permits. If you don’t Cranberry Lake Trail; and already have them when from there you can run you arrive, snowmobile down to the State Park. and ORV permits. are You can also run the available locally in town, continued on page 38
MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • SEPTEMBER • 2023
| 37
s r a
ark “the Bird” idrych, another faous Detroit Tiger.
49862
10% OFF YOUR STAY WITH THIS AD
CCESS tore r Casino
906-387-2466 906-387-2466 906-387-2466 906-387-2466 •Convenient •Quiet Location •Near it’s not uncommon to park theirCasino MI 49862 CT ST. • MUNISING, M-28 - Munising, MI 49862MI 49862 49862 welcome MI to • MUNISING, ST. OSPECT M-28 - Munising, 906-387-2466 see them on the Village 906-387-2735 ORV trailers and tow 906-387-2466 www,northstarhotelpicturedrocks.com .TERRACEMOTEL.NET www,northstarhotelpicturedrocks.com WWW.TERRACEMOTEL.NET 906-387-2466 M-28 - Munising, streets running errands, rigs atMI the 49862 snowmobile
our town: DeTour continued from page 37
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.
Check out our adventures and find out how you can do it too! 616.458.4336
Follow, Like and Friend us on social media @Snowtrailstelevisoion
NAUBINWAY Top of the Lake
Snowmobile Museum
Open Daily 9-5 PM
Call for after hours appointment US 2 - Upper Peninsula, MI
P.O. Box 2 W11660 US 2 Naubinway, MI 49762
906-477-6298 info@snowmobilemuseum.com www.snowmobilemuseum.com 38 | SEPTEMBER • 2023 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV
at Sune’s Groceries or Blarney Castle gas station to note a couple. • Although it’s legal to drive the sleds and ORVs on the village streets, please be courteous when doing so. • Remember that even though some of the trails are dual-use, i.e., both snowmobile and ORV, many are not, so be sure of your trail before embarking on your ride. When researching this article more than one resident of the Village noted that boating, fishing, and other water related sports are a big part of the community. Being surrounded on three sides by water provides ample opportunities. The Village is home to a full service DNR-operated marina that boasts 62 full hook-up slips, fuel and pump out service, and minor repairs when necessary. In addition, there are two public boat launches on the St. Mary’s River, and one more at nearby Caribou Lake. The Village’s website list almost a dozen beaches starting out on M-134 all the way into the village! This includes a very cool ‘old fashioned-style’ road side park with picnic tables, grills, toilets (not “restrooms”!), and plenty of parking! Almost needless to say, but fishing is a very popular activity in DeTour! Both inland and Great Lake opportunities exist, with salmon, bass, walleye, northern pike, and perch being the most popular species. Fishing charters are available if that’s your
druthers (see website). The Village also provides a fish cleaning station for private fisherman. For those needing a place to stay on their visit to DeTour, the DeTour area has a number of rental cottages, B&Bs, and resorts available. There is also camping available for the more adventurist! The DeTour website has a complete list of available establishments. One caution, if possible, book early!! A couple final thoughts about DeTour! If you’re one of those who like to share some of their vacation time ecclesiastically, DeTour is also home to several churches. The DeTour website also has list of local churches, location, and contact information. “Freighter watching” is also a popular past time with many of the residents and visitors alike. Bulk ore freighters as much as 1,000 feet in length ply the St Mary’s River in commerce. ‘Down bound’ boats are still making “the turn” at DeTour – the same turn - that their ancestors did centuries before: East to Detroit, Cleveland, and possibly the Atlantic, or west, to Chicago, Gary, Milwaukee and more. So! Whether it’s sleds, wheels, boats, or something else, DeTour Village has much to offer the person looking for quality outdoor activity. As they say on their website: “Where Year-Round Outdoor Recreation Is at a Premium!” For more information visit www.detourvillage.org •
vintage sled
Restoration 101 M
y name is Bryan and I started snowmobiling when I was two years old. My grandfather bought his first snowmobile in 1968. It was a Skidoo Super Olympique. Then in 1969 my dad bought a 1969 Skidoo Nordic. I rode with them for many years as a kid. In 1972 my father bought a Skidoo TNT 775. It was a great sled to ride with my father because I sat in front of him, and the open motor put out so much heat that I never got cold riding. As I grew older, I rode several of the family sleds up north at my grandfather’s place on George Lake near Lupton.
A die-hard snowmobiler takes on his first restoration project with a 1974 Skidoo TNT 300 BY BRYAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Before...
Then as the years went on, I was able to purchase my own sled. I always asked my dad to keep his 775 as I was going to restore it someday, but I had no clue as to how to do a restoration. More on that sled in future articles. I rode for several years with friends and family. We had lots of fun and enjoyed the outdoors in the winter. After a short period of not riding, I was in northern Michigan at my uncle’s hunting camp and behind us was a camp that had a 1974 Skidoo TNT 300 on a trailer with an old tarp covering the sled. We hunted with them for several years until one continued on page 40
MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • SEPTEMBER • 2023
| 39
MIDLAND
vintage sled
STOP BY MICKEYS FOR ALL YOUR SNOWMOBILE ATV UTV AND PWC NEEDS Since 1998, Mickeys Sleds Inc. has provided Michigan with Powersports parts. Whether new or used, we’re sure to have something in stock. If we don’t, we’ll get it next day from one of our warehouses. HOURS: MON - FRI 9am-6pm, SAT 9am-1pm, CLOSED SUNDAY
1675 S. Schreiber Rd, Midland Mi, 48640 • 989-839-9744
EPOUFETTE EASY ACCESS TO TRAILS
906.292.5556 5951 US HWY 2 Epoufette, MI
• Direct TV & Showtime • Discounted Rates Sun.–Wed. • 4 camping spaces available with full hook up
Evan’s Cut River Store W 5 9 5 4 U S - 2 , N A U B I N W AY, M I 4 9 7 6 2
CABINS AND CAMPGROUND OPEN 7 DAYS PER WEEK WWW.CUTRIVERSTORE.COM
(906) 292-5517 SMOKED FISH • BEER • WINE • LIQUOR
Located on trail 473 + US 2
WHITE PINE KONTEKA
Black Bear Resort Motel Restaurant & Lounge • Gift Shop Trail Permits • Bowling Lane • Gas Located right on the snowmobile trail and just a few miles away from Lake Superior and the Porcupine Mountains in White Pine, MI
www.thekonteka.com
906-885-5170
40 | SEPTEMBER • 2023 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV
continued from page 39
day in 2008 I asked them what their plans were for the snowmobile. He told me that it was his dad’s sled that he bought to use at the camp. This camp had no power, so he used the snowmobile to go out and chop wood and fill his sled to bring back firewood. As we talked, he told me that I could have the snowmobile. So, I hauled it over to our camp and left it there for the winter. In February of 2009 I traveled up to the camp to pick the sled up and bring it home still not knowing anything about restoring a sled. My wife thought it was a piece of junk, but I told her to just give me a chance to work on it and make something of it. On my way home through Michigan’s upper peninsula, I passed through
Naubinway which was holding a vintage snowmobile show. I didn’t know that these kinds of shows were going on out there. So, I stopped and walked through the sleds and talked to several very nice people. When I got home, I started looking on the internet to see what shows were out there. I found that there were several shows here in Michigan. So that made me want to get into restoring snowmobiles. Soon as I got back home, I took my 74 TNT in the garage and started stripping it down. I didn’t really know what I was going to do with it after I took it apart since I have never done anything like this before. So, I started with the chassis, it was aluminum. I then proceeded to polish it out
GRAND TRAVERSE
9685 US 31 South Interlochen, MI 49643 231-276-9910
Parts Sales Service We have a great selection of helmets, jackets, bibs, gloves and boots.
with some eagle polishing compound that make it shine nice. The front half of the sled was black, and I found a guy in town that did powder coating and had him do the front half black and the skis. The hood had a crack in it, so I took it to a fiberglass repair shop, and they fixed the crack and painted the hood. The seat foam was in good shape, so a cover was bought to fit, and I stretched it on and stapled it down. The track was still in good condition, but the slides needed some restoring. I took the suspension apart and cleaned all the parts. The motor seemed to be in good shape. I cleaned and polished as much of the motor as I could and took off the carburetor. My first time cleaning
a carburetor went well and all the parts went back together. Once I got all the parts back, I started to put the sled back together. The more I got back together, the more my wife thought it was looking good. When I finished the sled, it looked great, and I was proud of my accomplishment. My first restoration was done and now I am ready to go to a show. I then loaded it up and took it to what was called Live on Ski’s in Lapeer MI at Doug’s house, where several people were there riding around his home property, and we all brought food to pass. What a great day it was, talking about sleds and making friends. From that point on I was hooked and started thinking about my next project.... •
TWIN LAKES
We are the general store and so much more! Rec Fuel • Gas • Oil • DNR permits Homemade Pasties • Breakfast Fresh Bakery • Groceries • Liquor & Beer
Open daily 7am - 9pm Pasty Hot Line 906.288.3888
We Now Sell Liquor & Beer
of Corner nd M26 a Rd. Lake Emily from across Trail 3
Best Pasties in the Copper Country!
32260 State Highway M-26, Twin Lakes, MI
MARQUETTE Joe & Kathy Cram
#370 Country Rd 550 • Big Bay, MI 49808 | 906.345.0075
550 Club Big Bay Member Breakfast at Hungry Hollow Cafe
High Speed Internet Hot Spot
MSA Member
Groceries • Hunting/Fishing Licenses Bait • Ice • Hardware • Beer • Wine Spirts • Laundromat • Gas • Lotto
www.cramsgeneralstore.com | Web Cam!
International Snowmobile Hall of Fame 2023 inductees to the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame
W
e are honored to officially announce the inductees to the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2023. For 34 years, this prestigious Hall of Fame honor is bestowed upon the incoming class of recipients in recognition of their achievements in the sport of Snowmobiling; as awarded each year from select categories that include: • Inventors, Designers & Manufacturers • Explorers & Adventurers • Trail & Program Developers • Volunteers & Club Organizers • Publishers & Journalists LET’S MEET THE ISHOF CLASS OF 2023 INDUCTEES: Frank Dusek Phillips, Wisconsin - Trail and Program Developer “The Father of Price County’s Snowmobile Trails Program” That’s his title to his fellow snowmobilers that know him. Back in 1969, Frank was a charter member of the Phillips Chaparrals, the first snowmobile club in the county. Since then, Frank was relentless in developing the trail network in Price County. Frank established relationships with private landowners to secure the privilege of having snowmobile trails cross their property. He
continued to develop and evolve the trail system throughout the county and was the one who was most instrumental in securing state funding for trail maintenance. He is credited (in 1972) as the founder and first president of the Price County Trails Association which is made up of ten clubs. To this day, Frank is a member of every one of those clubs. In the early years, he started grooming snowmobile trails with bedsprings being towed by snowmobiles, then more heavy-duty grooming equipment. Frank was credited as providing valuable input in the design of how a drag should process snow. His contributions helped lead to the manufacture of commercial groomers used today. In 1977, Frank personally signed for a loan to buy the first Tucker Sno-Cat for Price County. Frank’s dedication to the sport of snowmobiling and his efforts in trail development did not go unnoticed on a state level. In 1984, he was appointed to the Wisconsin Governor’s Snowmobile Recreation Council. He continues to be actively involved with the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs (AWSC) and local clubs by grooming snowmobile trails on a regular basis. Frank was awarded the AWSC Groomer of the Year for 2022. It’s not all work for Frank, he loves to ride his snowmobile as well. Logging many miles with family and friends
42 | SEPTEMBER • 2023 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV
he has participated in numerous snowmobile rides to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis. Frank has earned the respect of everyone he interacts with. He is regarded as the ambassador for snowmobiling in Price County and the state of Wisconsin. Frank is very adamant about ensuring everyone stays safe when grooming and snowmobiling. It is for his unwavering commitment to the sport of snowmobiling that places Frank Dusek in the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame, Class of 2023. William Jeans Forest Lake, Minnesota - Industry It was 1966 when Bill (and bother Ty) Jeans formed Jeans, Inc. and ran a Moto-Ski snowmobile distributorship serving 200 dealers in a three-state region. The business operated until 1973. The brothers gave up their Dodge automobile dealership and their father’s farm implement business to devote to promoting and selling Moto-Ski snowmobiles. They believed the snowmobile business required full time attention especially when their focus was to expand and get more dealers in Minnesota, Wisconsin, the Dakotas, Iowa and Nebraska. They soon had built dealerships of 100 both in Minnesota and Wisconsin. As president of Jeans, Inc. Bill built
a snowmobile distributorship that eventually became one the most successful in the United States. In the 1970 model year alone they sold 6,000 snowmobiles and generated eight million dollars in revenue. Jeans, Inc. employed an average of 35 workers, which in turn provided a strong economy for the small town of Forest Lake, MN. Jeans Inc. ran two semitrucks for nine months of the year between Forest Lake and the Moto-Ski factory in Quebec. 75% of the sleds were placed at the dealerships before winter set in. The Jeans boys did a lot of racing with three or four man crews out every weekend during the race season. They won the majority of the 30+ events they attended. Bill Jeans was extremely proud of his racers. “Racing gives us exposure” he says, “best advertising you could ask for, customers take pride in being able to go with a winner.” William Jeans could see the potential in the growing popularity of snowmobiling. It was his keen business awareness that helped launch this sport into what it is today, which lands him in the 2023 Class of the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame. Steve & Sherry Lando Farwell, Michigan - Publishers & Journalists In the early 1970’s while snowmobiling at his grandmother’s farm in Clare, MI a family friend/ local racer dropped by and mentioned they were having an oval track race north of town and wanted to know if anyone was interested. Steve promptly found his way to that event where they watched a local racer take his sled to victory. From that point on Steve was hooked on snowmobile racing. However, wanting to be more than just another race fan, he wanted to cover it as a member of the media. Soon after high school, Steve did some freelance
writing and photography covering and reporting on local drivers at major races. Steve then gained employment with the Harrison Star Newspaper covering and shooting local events. Steve’s career launched as a member of the print media. Not only did he write and shoot photos for the newspaper but also for Michigan Snowmobiler and Snow Week. Soon his photos and stories appeared in national publications as well. There was a saying among racers, “If you get a girl you’ve dated to come to more than one snowmobile race, she is the one to marry”. Starting in 1980, Sherry and Steve were married and together attended almost every venue on the oval race circuit for years to come. From carrying Steve’s camera bag and taking notes at most races, this shy quiet mother of their four children would become a talented graphic designer. Sherry was truly an amazing creative addition to their business and the sport of snowmobile racing. When the newspaper fell victim to the recession and closed in 1979, Steve and Sherry pursued his dream of starting his own snowmobile racing publication. Sherry came up with the name, “The Winning Edge” and armed with little more than a dream and no money, they pursued and gained advertising revenue. On Christmas Eve 1985, the first edition rolled off the press. Although print editions were eliminated in 2007 the Winning Edge magazine still survives today due to being the first snowmobile racing publication to go all digital. Among their many and proudest accomplishments were designing the 50th Anniversary Eagle River World Championship Derby program book and the 25th Annual Soo I-500 history book. Sherry passed away in 2021. Just moments before succumbing to her battle with cancer she embraced
and kissed Steve and said, “Thank you for the wonderful adventure”. Married 41 years, Steve and Sherry Landon were true soulmates. Their contributions to snowmobiling deems them worthy inductees into the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame. Class of 2023 International Snowmobile Club of the Year sponsored by Woody’s, American Council of Snowmobile Associations & International Snowmobile Council : 2023. Mercer Area SnoGoers Mercer, Wisconsin The Mercer Area SnoGoers formed and became active in 1967. They are located in the deep snow country of northern Wisconsin. To date they have grown to a roster of 897. It is apparent that club members aren’t just local, but statewide and include many active business members and snowmobilers who live in other states. They promote and keep members engaged utilizing all the various social media platforms, run ads on local radio stations and online via their website. The Sno-Goers maintain 220 miles of trail in the southern part of Iron County. The club has 25+ groomer operators who dedicate countless hours grooming on a daily basis to keep up with the heavy amount of snowmobile traffic they experience throughout the entire winter season. The club is very engaged with the community in many other ways. They have several fundraising events annually, are members of Mercer Chamber of Commerce, attend town and county board meetings, work with neighboring snowmobile clubs on many projects and are very engaged on a state level at AWSC Conventions and Workshops. The club is very youth orientated donating $2500 to local students for scholarships annually. Members of the club are involved
continued on page 44 MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • SEPTEMBER • 2023 | 43
ISHF 2023 INDUCTEES continued from page 43
in many fundraising events that are not just their own. They also help with local fire and rescue, Mercer School, Mercer Lions Club and more. The Sno-Goers know that it takes all aspects of a community to be successful and feel it is crucial to give back and assist in all ways possible. The Mercer Area SnoGoers truly believe in their motto, “Making the best trails better”. It is that mindset that makes them an obvious choice for the 2023 International Snowmobile Club of the Year. 2023 International Snowmobile Dealer of the Year - sponsored by Snow Goer, American Council of Snowmobile Associations &
International Snowmobile Council :
Interlakes Sport Center, LLC. Madison, South Dakota Interlakes Sport Center started in 1972 when owners Doug and Steve Koch purchased it. They started out as a motorcycle shop but soon got into the snowmobile business and eventually handled all four snowmobile brands. They currently carry SkiDoo and Yamaha. Steve, Doug, Dawn and many of their family members are part of the business. They have a huge collection of vintage snowmobiles and motorcycles on display in a museum type setting.
GRAYLING
POINTE NORTH OF GRAYLING MOTEL
989-348-5950
1024 I-75 Bus. Loop • Truck & Trailer parking • 1 King Waterbed Grayling, • Ride from your room • HBO Michigan • Next to Bicycle Trail • Coffee & Wireless HOST:
• Refrig in rooms
internet
Adrian
They helped restore vintage snowmobiles to be raffled off at many events and shows to raise funds for their local snowmobile clubs. They have taken part in countless poker runs, charity rides and donated many prizes, all to support local clubs and the South Dakota Snowmobile Association (SDSA). They have provided booths and auction items at many state SDSA conventions. Steve and Doug hold Secretary and Treasurer positions in their local club, the Interlakes Snow Roamers. Their club received a SDSA membership award for greatest growth in the state. They have assisted in trail installations annually and have hosted many avalanche classes at their dealership as well as safety classes for youth snowmobilers. A dealership as committed to the continued growth of the sport of snowmobiling makes the Interlakes Sport Center a deserving choice for the 2023 International Snowmobile Dealer of the Year. 2023 International Groomer of the Year - sponsored by
Arrowhead Groomers, Track Inc., Pisten Bully, & Prinoth, Ltd. : George Bratrude Alpine, Wyoming George Bratrude started his snow grooming career in 1982 at the Hogadon Ski area on Casper Mountain in central Wyoming. Then in 1988, he moved to western Wyoming to groom ski slopes at Snow King Resort in Jackson, Wyoming for the next 13 years. While living in Alpine, George became intrigued with the thought of grooming snowmobile trails on the Wyoming Range Snowmobile Trail System which begins in Alpine. An opportunity eventually opened in 2000 for George to do some part time trail grooming which he did after his full-time shifts at Snow King. This double shift grooming went on until 2013 when George finally began grooming snow mobile trails full-time exclusively in the Alpine area. It wasn’t long before George became very comfortable grooming continued on page 46
Grayling and Crawford County 800-937-8837 FREE Maps
44 | SEPTEMBER • 2023 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV
CLASSIFIEDS Worlds Largest in Used Snow Parts 802-487-1000 AlsSnowmobile.com ATVparts.com
All Years, Makes & Models New Parts, Tracks, Slides, Carbides, Studs, Helmets, Pistons, Gaskets, A-arms, Rebuilt Cranks, Engines and Replated Cylinders in Stock
MICHIGAN’S LARGEST CYLINDER EXCHANGE!
September, 2019 - MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER 31
ECKHOFF’S e Sno Shopper ❄ www.snowmobilecylinders.com
Advertise Here!
DEADLINE: 5th of month preceding publication.
Burned Down?
Call 231.536.2371 MI 49727 • 231-536-2371 East Jordan, Cylinder Call us first and save!
Exchange Program
st in Used Snow Parts
802-487-1000 Arctic Cat - Polaris
LE G on s es O
om 01
Re-plated cylinder exchange, cylinder boring, crankshaft and engine rebuilding for all makes and models of PWCs, outboards, I/O motors AND parts of all kinds.
Hildebrand Marine and See Doo Clinic 298 South Fremont Road Coldwater, MI 49036 outboardjunkyard.com
517-238-5955 or 517-238-2828
AlsSnowmobile.com - Yamaha ATVSki-Doo t Cylinder - Replating, Boring, Pistons - gaskets, etc...
SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
We now stock Pro X pistons
Daily UPS shipping! - Quick Turnaround!
320-354-4874 THINK Email: eckoffs@tds.net 3330 Co. Rd. 40 NE New London, MN 56273 Hours: M-F 9-5pm
SNOW
Name
_
Address
_
City
_
_ _
State MAY 202 2
Zip/Canadian Code
USED SNOWMOBILE PARTS 1970 to 2015 WE SHIP DAILY B & K Motorsports 12576 Vermilion Road -Amherst, OH 44001
440-965-4912
Credit Card Number Exp. Date
_________ Security Code
Get you r cop Call tod y delivered to ay 231-5 36-2371 your house
Visit us www.m at ich
snowma
We accept credit card orders by phone.
810.348.1325 ONE YEAR ORV / 4 ISSUES $10.00 TWO YEARS ORV / 8 ISSUES $17.00
g.com
What’s
The BR
Inside
AAAA
Meliss P a their pasand Chris Su lliv commu sion for hor an share sep nity out reach ower and
Come
and Pl Silver ay Lak specta e - Michigan’ cular san s dbox andmost ORV tra Holly ils This join Oaks OR V Count t venture bet Park y Parks ween Oa Michig & an DN Recreation kland R gets and the better every year
ONE YEAR SNOWMOBILE / ORV 10 ISSUES $25.00 ONE YEAR SNOWMOBILE / 6 ISSUES $15.00 TWO YEARS SNOWMOBILE / 12 ISSSUES $25.00 TWO YEARS SNOWMOBILE / ORV 20 ISSUES $42.00 Canadian subscriptions add $19.00 per year
Snowmobiler & ORV SEND CHECK OR Michigan 30600 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 105 | Farmington Hills, MI 48334 MONEY ORDER TO: or go to www.michsnowmag.com/subscribe MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • SEPTEMBER • 2023
| 45
ISHF 2023 INDUCTEES continued from page 44
snowmobile trails and got extremely good at it. He began providing high quality trail grooming in some incredibly challenging terrain known for avalanche paths that frequently require dozing. There are portions of George’s trail section that are extremely technical which include a variety of narrow heavily wooded paths that traverse numerous ridge tops as well as very steep terrain. George is a dedicated and skilled groomer operator who works tirelessly every night, to take a heavily moguled trail and create beautiful silky white ribbon for snowmobilers daily. George literally grooms every night, seven nights a week, starting in December, all winter long. Dedication, talented and extreme commitment to trail grooming - that’s George Bratrude and that makes him the 2023 International Snowmobile Groomer of the Year. 2023 Edgar Hetteen Memorial Award of Merit - sponsored by Elmer Cone Family and the Iron Dog Brigade :
Alain and Denis Boivin Levis, Quebec Founders of AD Boivin Inc. For 25 years, these two brothers and their company paid little attention to the conventional and
incremental improvements in snowmobile technologies. Starting out on their father’s farm working on mechanical systems, they gained an understanding of how things worked and together they engineered improvements on making them work better. In the early years, Alain and Denis applied their skills to the automotive and snowmobile industry. They built custom race cars and twin track oval racing snowmobiles converting them to trail friendly sleds. The brothers had a very innovative approach in everything they built, especially when it came to snowmobiles. In the 1990’s they strived to find new technical advances when it came to suspension designs. They built and marketed entirely new kits that vastly improved the performance of other manufacturers’ snowmobiles. Two of their rear suspension designs called the Expert and the Expert X were licensed to Bombardier/BRP in the late 90’s. They went on to design monoshock rear suspension designs patterned after ones used in motocross motorcycles. This same type of suspension design inspired them to build a complete snowmobile. From this technology came the Snow Hawk, the first real “snow bike” to enter the snowmobile industry. Since then, the brothers Boivin turned their attention toward developing track systems for ATVs and pick-up trucks. It was their
46 | SEPTEMBER • 2023 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV
drive to think differently and ignore conventional technologies. It pushed the other sled manufacturers to develop more and better features for their snowmobiles, which benefited the consumer. It is this kind of “out of the box” engineering that makes Alain and Denis Boivin most deserving of the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame’s 2023 Edgar Hetteen Memorial Award of Merit. Additional proud sponsors of the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame include: ManawaSnodeo.org “The Best Show on Snow” and The Craig Family “Trade Winds Snowmobiles”. Join us for ISHOF Induction Weekend in Eagle River, Wisconsin on Friday and Saturday, September 15 & 16, 2023. We Invite YOU to Honor the Class of 2023 and Special Award Recipients with a Banquet and Induction Ceremony in their honor. The International Snowmobile Hall of Fame (ISHOF) Induction Ceremony Weekend celebrates and honors those involved in the sport of Snowmobiling; recognizing a NEW class being inducted into the Hall. Join the celebration: We invite all industry representatives, dealership personnel, club members, motorsports enthusiasts, friends, fans and
supporters alike to attend the ISHOF annual special event weekend. YOU can join this year’s ISHOF Induction Weekend with FUN activities in Eagle River, Wisconsin. The festivities begin on Friday September 15, 2023 with a Pirate Ship Cruise, Fish and Chicken Buffet and special award presentations for Groomer, Club and Dealer awards. Saturday there will be a formal NY Strip or Chicken Dinner to officially honor the Class of 2023 as they’re inducted into the Hall on September 16, 2023. Both the Friday and Saturday meals will be at Eagle River Inn & Resort, 5260 Hwy. 70 West, Eagle River, Wisconsin. Saturday event is a semi-formal affair so please dress accordingly for the event. Show your support for the newly inducted Hall of Fame Class of 2023 and all special award recipients by registering online www.ishof.com to attend. ALL major credit cards are accepted for secure online payment with immediate receipt and event information provided to you via e-mail with your paid registration. NOTE: Registration is REQUIRED for ALL guests and supporters to attend. Registration opens soon and closes on September 5, 2023. Thank You for Your Support. See YOU in September! •
E L I B O M W O N S SHOW
SPECIAL SHOW PRIC
ES & DISCOUNTS!
NEED EVERYTHING YOU G! FOR SNOWMOBILIN A .com www. SNOWMOBILEUS
SEE EVERYTHING FOR 2024 AT SNOWMOBILE USA! 2024 SNOWMOBILE & ATV MODELS • CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES PERFORMANCE PARTS • OPEN & ENCLOSED TRAILERS GRAPHICS • DESTINATION INFORMATION • RESORTS & LODGES SNOWMOBILE CLUBS • RACING ASSOCIATIONS • MAGAZINES MAPS • ANTIQUES • WESTERN & CANADIAN INFORMATION SAFETY CLASS • AND MUCH MORE!
Novi, MI
November 3rd -5th, 2023 SUBURBAN COLLECTION SHOWPLACE 46100 GRAND RIVER AVE.
TS RICES & DISCOUN P W O H S L IA C E P S
31 years strong!
Check out the WORLD’S LARGEST INDOOR SNOWMOBILE SHOW at the Suburban Collection Showplace. Get your walking shoes on and your shopping lists ready! MI STATE CERTIFIED SNOWMOBILE Safety Class Saturday Only | Register at MI DNR website
ING ONE-STOP SHOPP
IT’S YOUR ONE-STOP SNOWMOBILE SUPER STORE!
ADMISSION: Adults $12.00 | 12 & Under FREE SHOW HRS: FRI 5pm–10pm | SAT 10am–6pm | SUN 10am–3pm
SNOWMOBILE USA SHOW AND SALE
YOUR SNOWMOBILE SUPERS
The pulse of all things snowmobiling under one roof! CHECK OUT WWW.SNOWMOBILEUSA.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION
Produced by Leisure Features, Inc. 1525 North Railroad Street, Eagle River, WI 54521 | 608.223.6550
TORE
Designed to aid in keeping you afloat and mobile in the event of an unforeseen water emergency.
WWW.CHOKODESIGN.COM