from the editor
At Michigan Snowmobiler and ORV, we’re heading into my second favorite season of the year – FALL! School is back in full swing, and the construction crews are scrambling to finish projects before winter. Hopefully, this year we will see records amounts of the white stuff! We are due!
RZR Ripn Rentals. We will leave out of St. Helen and enjoy an afternoon with about twenty-five friends. We absolutely can not wait to share the story.
of us drive large tow trucks often pulling large trailers - by simply observing the speed limit within the construction zones… we support our laborers and make a difference.
Before the snow flies, we have the second annual SxS trip planned to St. Helen sponsored by
As we approach another Labor Day celebration – just want to remind everyone of the people that Labor Day represents. Please support our Laborers –especially the ones that take care of our roads and bridges as we travel from home to all our trail and track destinations. Many
I had the honor of being a substitute teacher in my local school district. Several of my favorite students are now working in the construction industry… I think of those kids every year but especially in the fall as school starts. They were great fun to spend time with.
As we close out this
issue, all of us at Michigan Snowmobiler and ORV are thinking of all those who made this holiday what it is – Thank You. We are looking forward to seeing everyone soon. As always, please remember to keep our laborers, veterans and first responders in your thoughts and prayers. Be safe and enjoy the tracks and trails until next month.
As alway, you can reach out to us at Michigan Snowmobiler at scottd@faragoassoc.com
VOLUME 58 - NUMBER 1
Founded September 1967
EXECUTIVE OFFICES, ADVERTISING, EDITORIAL AND CIRCULATION OFFICES: PO Box 171 New Lothrop MI 48460 810.348.1325 scottd@faragoassoc.com www.michsnowmag.com
THE MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER+ORV is an independent publication endorsing the goals of MISORVA, and other associations. Opinions expressed herein are the opinions of the editor or contributing writers, and do not necessarily reflect the official opinions of the MSA, or their board of directors. Reproduction of material in whole or part is prohibited, unless authorized in writing by the publisher - all rights reserved.
PUBLISHER | Peter Farago
EDITOR | Ann Drzewiecki
ADVERTISING MANAGER | Scott Drzewiecki
CREATIVE ART DIRECTOR | Michelle Sheridan
SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR | Chelsie Dzbanski Fontenelle
WEB MANAGER | Kelly Kosek
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS | Ric Federau, Brian Lehr, Mike Olmstead, Dominic Santina, Jay Haven, Joyce Wiswell
SALES | Scott Drzewiecki, Peter Farago
DESIGNERS | Kelly Kosek, Kaitlyn Schoen
MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER and ORV INC., The Michigan Snowmobiler is published 10 times per year, September through February and May through August. Call or go online for your subscription today 810.348.1325 | michsnowmag.com
Ride Guide
Gogebic county on Michigan-Wisconsin border
BY JAY HAVEN KEWEENAW TRAILBLAZER
PHOTOS COURTESY OF GOGEBIC TRAIL RANGE AUTHORITY
Pull up to the high lookout at Bald Mountain. Check out the metal building at the top.
Summer is waning to a close and fall’s transformative touch is beginning to shift leaves to red and yellow in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Bordering Upper Michigan from Wisconsin laying east to west is Gogebic County. Travelers passing through Duluth, Ashland and into Ironwood will immediately be immersed in the great outdoors as they enter Michigan. Stick around and find great trails in this hidden gem section of the Western Upper Peninsula. It’s a straight shot north from Wisconsin cities like Milwaukee, Green Bay or Madison. Ride as far west as you can in Michigan’s iron range in Gogebic County and get those late season miles in before it’s time to fire up the snowmobiles.
IRONWOOD MUST SEES
The Gogebic Range Trail Authority runs a cool set of trails from Ironwood to Wakefield and east to Marenisco, Michigan. Jerry Nezworski, president of the club and trail boss says there’s a few good spots to see in his neck of the woods. Ironwood, the most western point of Gogebic County is home to the iconic Stormy Kormer factory, which offers tours. Stormy Kromers are the wildly popular, all-season hats with a pull-down flap that covers your ears. They’re perfect for keeping your head warm on the trails during chilly Michigan falls. The trail is paved up to their building for riders to make an easy entrance.
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off the beaten path
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ORVS in Ironwood can hop right on Trail 2 to get into Wakefield. Bessemer and Wakefield are the social hubs of Gogebic County, offering downtowns and places to fuel up your ride.
“The SL Trail is 14 miles from Wakefield to Marensico,” said Nezworski. “In Gogebic County you can ride on any county roads. You ride the road from Wakefield to Ramsey to get back on the trail. If you’re in Ironwood and you get on Trail 2 west we have signs that say Bald Mountain Trail in black and orange. That points you out to the Powers area, it’s a snowmobile and ATV area. We have a structure on top of Trail 2, our Trail 160 out there. It’s 19 feet high and 16 feet in circumference. It’s got a fire ring in the center, three benches and a door on it. It’s made of metal.”
NORTH TO SHORE
Nezworski says people stop by all the time on the trail and start fires if it’s cold to warm up. It’s off Trail 160, or Bald Mountain Trail. Another sight up that way is signed as “Lookout Mountain” and both offer views of Lake Superior. Don’t miss the world’s largest Native American statue “Hiawatha” in Ironwood. Hiawatha was the leader who brought together the Iroquois Confederacy. The statue stands for unity and peace among the nations that came together under this alliance.
Another popular stop in town is Mt. Zion Ski Hill which has a beautiful scenic overlook with sights of Canada on a clear day. You can take a seasonal chair lift ride for a break from ORV trails. North of Bessemer, you can take Black River Road for some impressive waterfalls.
“Out on Black River Road there’s six or seven falls that can be ridden by side by side,” said Nezworski. “They can take in all the waterfalls on the Black River. It runs into Lake Superior in Black River Harbor. They can walk over the extension bridge to the other side of the river where the lake is.”
Black River Road has a few more hidden stops the further north you go. Hang a right onto Copper Peak Road to see Copper Peak, the world’s largest artificial ski jump. According to its website, “the Copper Peak upper observation platform provides views at 1,782 feet above sea level and 1,180 feet above Lake Superior, and the trails feature a 600-foot elevation gain over 5.5 miles.” Gogebic County is home to big views at remarkable heights and holds part of the largest inland lake in the
Lookout Mountain boasts impressive aerial views in Gogebic County.
Watch out for wildlife! Upper Michigan is a safe haven to many species.
Upper Peninsula, Lake Gogebic.
ON THE TRAILS
“Once they’re out there on that 160 trail,” said Nezworski. “There’s the Montreal Gorge which is about 200 feet down to the bottom of the Montreal River. We have a picnic table and an outdoor cooker set up there. Some people get married there! Then there’s Superior Falls, which is toward the end of the trail on the Montreal River and you walk down over to view the falls. If they want to ride from there into Wisconsin, Saxon Harbor is pretty unique with all the boats out there.”
If you want to get out of town and into more wilderness, head east on the SL trail into more of the Upper Peninsula. Much of the “U.P.” is connected by trails making for some unique opportunities to do some extended ORV travel. Plug the following spots into Google to park before you ride off from Ironwood: Red’s Auto or Stemphiar, as well as the Wakefield, Ramsay MDOT park and rides.
toast with strawberry compote, and our signature homemade biscuit with local jam and honey butter. For dinner a few our options are our amazing grilled steak sandwich and fried brussel sprouts. Plenty options to cater to snowmobilers and skiers the start or end of the day. Our bar features several crafted cocktails like the Lake Effect and Brockway Blast. We also have a wide variety of and Michigan beer well as domestic favorites. Hot coffee or hot chocolate with a splash Bailey’s Irish Cream is sure to warm you up on cold winter day!
CALVIN KANGAS RIDE
toast with strawberry compote, and our signature homemade biscuit with local jam and honey butter. For dinner a few of our options are our amazing grilled steak sandwich and fried brussel sprouts. Plenty of options to cater to snowmobilers and skiers at the start or end of the day.
Want to really connect with the Gogebic Community? Drive north for the Calvin Kangas Memorial ride on Sept. 28. Calvin Kangas is a man from Ewen, Michigan who was heavily involved in trail development in Gogebic County.
COPPER HARBOR
Our bar features several crafted cocktails like the Lake Effect and Brockway Blast. We also have a wide variety of UP and Michigan beer as well as domestic favorites. Hot coffee or hot chocolate with a splash of Bailey’s Irish Cream is sure to warm you up on a cold winter day!
“He’s one of our guys that died but he died working on a walking trail,” said Nezworski. “He was my right hand man when I was working. He was with me all the time. We usually
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We are excited to host you this winter season! Please call our of ce at
We are excited to host you this winter season! Please call our of ce at 833-326-6946
GRAND TRAVERSE
continued from page 9
leave the groomer barn in Bessemer and ride the trail to Hiawatha and we’ll go up to Mount Saints.”
The event requires an RSVP – go to the Range Authority website and shoot them a message if you’re interested.
FOOD & LODGING
Riding the trails all day works up an appetite and makes you tired! Stick around for a couple routes and explore the region to your heart’s content. Check out travelironwood.com for lodging recommendations like the AmericInn which is right on the ORV trail. Hotels often have ample parking for trailers and make a great home base, with many having free breakfasts you can’t go wrong. Nezworski says his favorite place to eat in the area is the Pit Stop in Bessemer.
“It’s an excellent place to stop next to the Kwip Trip you can park on the main street if you want with a side-by-side,” said Nezworski. “A lot of times with the snowmobiles they’ll park in the Kwik Trip. They put the trail right through their parking lot just for us. They blacktopped the trail. The Pit Stop food is great.”
If you’re looking for a hot bite to eat, you can come to the Pit Stop for fish fry Fridays or taco Tuesdays. You can order tasty pizzas, wraps, sandwiches and many other classic American items.
Photo of a group gathered at Bald Mountain.
Before the snow starts flying and the trails transform into winter wonderlands, now is the perfect time to explore Gogebic County’s vast ORV routes and scenic gems. Whether you’re drawn to the towering views at Copper Peak, the peaceful waterfalls along Black River Road or the iconic sights in Ironwood, there’s something for every ORV adventurer to see in Gogebic County. Don’t miss out on connecting with the local community and paying homage to Michigan trailblazers like Calvin Kangas on the memorial ride Sept. 28. Plan your trip, gear up and hit the trails to experience the natural beauty and outdoor thrills found in the Gogebic area. Visit travelironwood.com and the Gogebic Range Authority Website for maps, things to do and more information. •
Calvin Kangas memorial ride photo.
2019 CHOKO BILE SUIT
To qualify to win just complete the information on the entry form. Winners are responsible for any shipping or transportation costs and no cash equivalent will be given. Deadline for entries February 28, 2025
Mail Entry Form to Michigan Snowmobiler Magazine PO Box 171 • New Lothrop, MI 48460 One Entry Per Person Male ___ Female ___
ALL EYES ARE ON THE The
Contender
Rilee Nowacyzk is Michigan’s Next Up and Coming Pro -Am Women Snocross Rider
BY DOM SANTINA CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Since she was five years old, Rilee Nowacyzk has found the speed and height of snocross racing thrilling. Now a teenager from Holland, Michigan. Nowacyzk is preparing for her second season of racing professionally in the Amsoil Snocross series as part of the Pro-Amateur Women’s class.
Like many racers, Nowacyzk started her career by racing a 200 cc snowmobile at the grassroots level of the Michigan regional series. She rose through the ranks to reach the highest level of female snowmobile racing. On the regional circuit, she races the pro women’s class and challenges herself by racing in some of the boys’ divisions. However, the big change came from the national circuit, as Nowacyzk was now 14 years old and was required to jump from junior classes to the Pro-Am Women class.
2023-2024 RACE SEASON
On the regional level, Nowacyzk ran a partial schedule in the pro women’s class to earn a second-place finish
in the standings. After the halfway point of the season, she switched from pro women to race in the Sport class, which was comprised of a mix of different talent levels. In just four races, she could climb through the points to an eighthplace finish out of 14 riders.
While on the national level, Nowacyzk’s rookie season had its ups, downs, and learning moments. The move to the Pro-Am Women class also meant having a fully powered snowmobile. After years of riding with a throttle block, the transition to full power while flying 20 feet in the air was nerve-wracking. It wasn’t until late into the season that the switch was completely made.
In her first national race, she made it through the last-chance qualifier and into the final, a big accomplishment in her debut. Her confidence grew,
and it started to pay off, as she earned her first top10 finish of the season the same weekend in Ironwood, Michigan.
As the season continued, Nowacyzk often proved she was more of a contender than a pretender. She would back up the top 10 finish with six more throughout the 2023-2024 season.
The highlight came during round seven when the circuit traveled to Valcourt, Quebec, Canada, where Nowacyzk earned her career-best sixth-place finish.
While Nowacyzk continued to improve, sometimes it takes pushing yourself to the edge to get to the results you want. That is exactly what happened in the final races of the season. The 2023-2024 race season ended with a showdown between regional racers and the final two rounds of ISOC National series. While trying to compete for both the win in the Showdown and the race win for the national series, Nowacyzk took hard crashes that sent her to the medical trailer. Nowacyzk found herself in the top three off the starting line. However, a tricky rhythm section grabbed a handful of
continued on page 16
continued from page 15
riders and ended their night.
While it was not quite the way she wanted to end her season, Nowacyzk was thrilled with how it went overall:
“ I thought my first year in pro women went really well. It was really cool and a lot different than I was expecting it to be.”
She was now racing against some of the biggest names in female snocross, ones she had watched growing up. That did not make her star-struck, but it did provide some of her favorite memories in her rookie season.
“It was probably in Duluth (Minn.)
when I was finishing top 3 in my heats and keeping up with some of the top riders for the first time this season,” said Nowacyzk.
Nowacyzk finished 10th in national points for the 2023 – 2024 season, just 11 points behind a tie for eighth and ninth. She scored 38 points ahead of 11th place rider in the points standings. A very solid showing in her rookie year.
2024 – 2025
As she starts looking towards the upcoming season, Nowaczyk does not have any big goals set, but more just continuing to enjoy her passion:
“ I am excited to just get back on the sled and have fun and try to get a lot faster,” said Nowacyzk.
The national schedule for the 2024-2025 season has not yet been released. However, we know she will continue to race at the regional level as part of the Michigan Snocross.
While there is a whole season ahead, Nowacyzk has never strayed away from pushing herself to get better. So, you can bet to see her line up against some of the boys in her age division, while possibly running pro-women or continued on page 18
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
• Swap Meet - Bring your parts, units and more to sell!
• Swap & Show on track and in the pits
• Swappers $50/day per spot (no size limit)
*Swappers can set up Thursday 10/31
JUDGED SHOW - MANY CLASSES
• Featuring Rupp, all model/types!
• All classes of sleds, dirt and race bikes, 4 wheelers, side by sides, unique units & more! GREAT PRIZES!!!
• Honoring Terry Underwood with Lifetime Award
day. And, have overcome And, are so very happy. All of a sudden, whatever it is that’s bothering me just does not seem that bad after all
Over the years, I became friends with many of the Warriors
Some, like Vic Batanni, a former President, and Ken Mattei, another President, who I got to know because of their ranking in the group Then, others such as Dave White, a videographer, and Wayne Reams, who I knew from the Snowmobile Racing circuits Plus,
continued from page 16
other classes, depending on how many riders make it to the starting line.
In her second season, Nowacyzk has the opportunity to continue progressing, getting more comfortable, and putting herself on the radar of the national circuit. She will have to contend with a strong top-four in the class, but she could easily sneak out some top-five finishes. She could also be in the running to surprise people by ending up on the podium. However, those familiar with Nowacyzk’s riding ability
can see this as a real possibility.
Nowacyzk will be competing for her family team, Nowacyzk Racing, aboard a Polaris. You can follow along with the ISOC National Snocross series on FloRacing. A more local opportunity to watch Nowacyzk race is in the Michigan Snocross series at the Northern Power Race Park in Mancelona, Michigan. You can find all the information for the Michigan Snocross series at Northerpowerracepark. com or on their social media pages. •
Fierek Racing A Family Tradition
Fierek Racing is a family owned team out of Hessel Michigan. Dustin Fierek (racer) and Marcie Fierek (former racer, wife, race announcer for MIRA). However, this team would not be as successful as it is without our amazing crew members that dedicate so much time, energy, and money into our team. Dale Dunn, Drew Henthorn, Aaron Giles, are some amazing friends/ sponsors that are there for us at every race. They put so much time into this team to be successful we can’t thank them enough. They are there for us for snowmobile racing and boat racing.
MORE ABOUT OUR TEAM Marcie met Dustin in 2008 when he was racing snocross. In 2010 Dustin shifted gears and started racing ice ovals and ran the I-500 for the very first time. Our team runs mainly vintage ice ovals now. Dustin does run some MIRA/I-500 races for other enduro teams. He has raced over the years with the following teams Dunn Racing, Hoos Racing, Cadarette Collision Racing, and Kammerad Racing.
We have a 6 year old daughter Marlie Fierek who raced for the first time this year in the 120 class. She got 2nd her first race and finished 1st in the rest of the races.
We have 2½ year old son Lincoln Fierek who is set to hit the track this winter for the first time on the Kitty Cat.
We are a family that loves to race. We tell people all the time, we don’t vacation - we race! :) So many memories are made when we are at the race track and we wouldn’t want it any other way.
We wrap up boat racing typically in September and start shifting gears toward sleds in late October. Sleds wrap up in March and then we start ramping up with boats in April.
continued on page 22
Dustin Fierek
continued from page 21
racer Dustin Fierek
SNOWMOBILES
Who got you into snowmobiling and when; and what was their influence on you with regard to the sport? I started racing snocross on my own with my dad. In 2010 Paul Warner helped get me into ice ovals.
When did you start racing and what is your proudest achievement so far on the track? 19 years old snocross and started racing an Arctic Cat. My proudest achievement so far is placing 3rd at my very first I-500 in 2010 and winning many Vintage World Championships in many different classes.
What is your career goal? My career goal is to keep working hard and having fun. I eventually want to shift gears and focus on my kids racing. I have three kids. Two have raced and the 3rd one is already showing interest.
How did you become part of this racing team?
I started racing boats at 13 and then started racing snowmobiles when I was 19. I have raced for many different teams over the years. However, racing two different sports we created our own team Fierek Racing. We can’t do this on our own. We have some great sponsors that help keep our team on the track.
continued on page 24 under the helmet
Dustin, Carson and Marlie Fierek
Marlie, Dustin, and Carson Fierek
Dale Dunn, Aaron Giles, Drew Henthorn, and Dustin Fierek
January 4-5, 2025 The Kinross 250 Chippewa County Fairgrounds, Kinross MI
January 18-19, 2025
WCDC World Championship WCDC, Eagle River WI
February 8-9, 2025
Extreme Power Sports 250 Gaylord MI
February 15-16, 2025
Michigan Kenworth 250 Alcona Recreation Area, Lincoln MI
February 22-23, 2025 Make up date
under the helmet racer interviews
BOATS
Who got you into Boat racing and when; and what was their influence on you with regard to the sport? Casey Carr was a neighbor of mine in DeTour and he raced. He was the one that helped get me into the sport. We would test boats out in Lake Huron right by the Drummond Island Ferry Boats in the big water.
When did you start racing and what is your proudest achievement so far on the track? I was 13 years old when I started racing boats. My proudest achievement is my 7 National Championship titles. 5 of which are Marathon National Titles.
What is your career goal? Win a few more National Titles before shifting gears to all my kids racing.
How did you become part of this racing team? This race team is owned and operated by myself and wife, with the help of some really good friends and sponsors.
DUSTIN FIEREK continued from page 22
Aaron Giles and Drew Henthorn (starting and giving driver Dustin a push off at the start of the race - Driver Dustin Fierek
Dustin and Carson Fierek
Dustin Fierek
Aaron Giles, Rick Nye, Dustin Fierek, and Drew Henthorn - awaiting the green flag
Carson racer Fierek
SNOWMOBILES
Who got you into snowmobiling and when; and what was their influence on you with regard to the sport?
My dad got me into snowmobile racing when I was 3 years old. I was only 3 years old so I don’t remember much, but I remember loving the sport.
When did you start racing and what is your proudest achievement so far on the track?
I started racing at the I500 track when I was 3 years old, picking up a win on the Kitty Cat for my very first race. I have also raced at many other tracks like Eagle River, WI at the World Championship and many MIRA events. At only 10 years old I have had a very successful career and I hope to continue that success in my future.
What is your career goal? My goal is to race in the I-500 with my dad and win!
How did you become part of this racing team?
I am the son of Dustin Fierek and he is the owner of our Fierek Racing Team.
Carson Fierek
BOATS
Who got you into racing boats and when; and what was their influence on you with regard to the sport? My dad has been racing boats since he was 13 years old. He brought home a boat for me at 8 years old and I was very nervous at first but started testing the boat all on my own. Racing boats you can’t start until you are 9 years old.
When did you start racing and what is your proudest achievement so far on the track?
I raced my very first boat race in June 2023. During my first year of racing I won the North American
Championship during my second race of my career, I won the Top O’ Michigan Marathon National Championship with my dad at Indian River, I was the APBA Rookie of the Year, Michigan Hydroplane Rookie of the Year, and Region 6 Rookie of the Year, and the Michigan Hydroplane Junior Hydro High Points Winner. In my young career these are my proudest moments thus far.
What is your career goal?
A career goal was set in 2023 in my very first year racing and that was to win the Top O’ Michigan Marathon National Championship. Many racers can’t accomplish that
goal in many years of racing because it is the toughest race. A race that averages out both days to get a final result. I was able to pick up the win in my first year racing and I did along side my dad. My dad Dustin won the 25 SSR class for the 5th year in a row. We believe it was the first time a father son duo won in the same exact year. I have my sites set on more National Titles and high points as I continue to race.
How did you become part of this racing team? My dad got into racing many years ago and he has been my role model and helped me be a part of this team. •
CARSON FIEREK continued from page 25
KELLY J PHOTOGRAPHY
Carson Fierek & Ciara Berndt
Carson Fierek
Carson Fierek
made the move to make the move
Anyhow, it worked out pretty good Martin said, “We ha d a re-
a l l y g o o d t u r n o u t . Some really good fun And, some really good comradery ”
A s f o r m e , o f course I had to sample all of this, in the name of journalistic integrity,
o f c o u r s e S o , I c a n
s a y t h a t w i t h o u t a doubt that the burgers were really good The c o r n o n t h e c o b w a s awesome Martin and I
b
t h e f a c t t h a t t h i s w a s really tasty corn for the e a r l y p a r t
A n d , t h e f u n k y g r e e n marshmallow fluff stuff
w a s a l s o d o w n r i g h t tasty. Plus, Prince, my l i t t l e f i v e p o u n d S h i -
Ts u m i x s i d e k i c k t o l d
m e t h a t t h e h o t d o g s were also just perfect T h e n , I w a t c h e d a s
M a r t i n ’s b r o t h e r A l
t o a s t e d u p s o m e
m a r s h m a l l o w s o v e r
t h e f i r e f o r h i s g r a n d
d a u g h t e r A l e x a S h e really seemed to enjoy
t h e t r a d i t i o n a l t a s t y
treat of summer How-
e v e r, I d i d s o m
BY RIC FEDERAU CONTRIBUTING WRITER
You know, it’s hard to believe it’s September already. Where did the summer go? You know what? A lot of people ask us “when do preparations start” for the international 500 snowmobile race. You may be surprised at this but preparations start immediately following the completion of the last race. The fact is over the past 56 years the race has grown to a point whereby there’s really no time off. As soon as the race is over, the. Management team and board of directors commences planning immediately for the next year’s week-long series of events hosted at the International 500.
The I-500 board of directors meet on a regular monthly basis. They’re strategically planning for what lies ahead moving from season to season, whereby weather conditions become a factor for getting things accomplished. Things like improvements to the venue are discussed along with seeking help from volunteers who collectively get things done before weather makes it impossible. Generally speaking, this starts with our ground crew and our track building committee. As spring approaches their priorities are to get the equipment ready so the venue can be mowed and improvements accomplished as deemed necessary. With all this being mentioned, let’s take a look at what last year’s winter looked like as we approached the 55th running of the I-500, which is hosted the first Saturday in February every year. If you’re a winter sports enthusiast you’ll recall how cruel Mother Nature was to everybody when it came to outdoor winter sports activities. Didn’t matter where you lived be it here in Michigan or continued on page 32
1-500 the finish line
anywhere throughout the Midwest. There just wasn’t any snow and temperatures were higher than normal everywhere. Obviously, this made it tough for snowmobile racing as you can imagine. Races were cancelled throughout the midwest and into Canada.
Enter the International 500 snowmobile endurance race at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Did I mention we don’t race on snow? So... in your face Mother Nature because you kept it cold enough just in time for the I-500 world class track building crew to do their magic.
These people are the best of the best when it comes to building the only mile oval ice track in North America. Our outstanding crew has decades of experience building
the most prestigious snowmobile race track in the world. They know exactly what it takes and they follow Mother Nature’s path right up to the main event. They know when to get things roll’n. Fact is.... last February this track crew only had a thirteen day window to get the track built for I-500 race week. Now mind you.... We’re talking about a total volunteer organization whereby these volunteers work day and night round the clock dropping enough water to make the giant oval ice track so it will last the duration of race week through the main I-500 event. Six consecutive days of sleds being on the track with the sixth day being the main 500 mile race. They are all amazing people.... the track held UP all week thanks to these people
working day in and day out prior to and during race week.
The volunteers are the back-bone of the I-500. Without these people coming out as volunteers and giving their own time and effort, this race wouldn’t be possible. In addition to the volunteers who help, there’s a team of experienced veteran track builders who’ve been volunteering for years on end. Track building guru’s Eric Fountain, Johnny Babcock and Bill Cryderman are the committee leaders. This team helps direct the volunteers and together they make magic. The I-500 was the only snowmobile endurance race which had enough ice to handle a week-long series of on track use by teams qualifying and mid-week
1-500 the finish line
races. Yet the track still had enough ice to finish the famous 500 mile I-500 race. For the spectators,the bonus from Mother Nature was clear ...... it was a spectators race. With temps in the mid-to upper fourties, the fans could and did actually watch the race with coats unzipped and without gloves.Something almost totally unheard of for mid winter weather. Speaking of volunteers and the International 500, YOU can become a volunteer as well. Join in and have fun with all the other volunteers who come together. It’s a good thing to have on one’s resume, it’s a good to be a part of the community and something so fun. You can visit our I-500 web site for more information on how YOU can become a volunteer for the I-500 at: www.i-500.com and click on the volunteer link. We take care of our volunteers providing food and fun
during the whole week long series of events.
Over this summer the I-500 board of directors has been traveling on a “I-500 summer tour” to promote the sport of oval ice endurance racing and the I-500 race. Folks, y’all have heard me say it before... “Racing doesn’t stop when the leaves fall”. That’s why during the summer tour we visited over 12 different auto race venues throughout the State of Michigan. If you’re a true race fan, don’t let the Fall season be the end of racing. We encourage you to “Come on UP “ and enjoy professional snowmobile racing second to none with the best of the best when it comes to teams and drivers coming together in a competitive manner. A full field of thirty-eight sleds racing at speeds over 100mph and only split seconds apart. The excitement is yours to enjoy! By the way... did I mention the
I-500 has heated hospitality areas with food and beverages? In addition, there is a vendor area and you can purchase Hot-Seats as well. Again... for additional information about the International 500, visit our website at: www.i-500.com. In the furure months to come as we approach the Fall & Winter seasons, we’ll be ramp’n UP on I-500 articles and information. We hope you’ll follow us and enjoy the stories we have to offer.
This my friend is where the I-500 starts and never ends... When the last race is over, we just keep on keep’n on with preparations for the next most exciting snowmobile endurance known worldwide as the Grand-Daddy of them all.... The SOO International 500. •
Until next time..... “It’s all left turns from here...”
Dedicated to ORV Recreation
Chippewa County Sportsman’s Off-Road Vehicle Association (CC-SORVA)
BY MIKE OLMSTEAD CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula (EUP) is blessed with many ORV trails, and they are further blessed with the dedicated work of the Chippewa County Sportsman’s Off-Road Vehicle Association (CC-SORVA hereafter)! CC-SORVA Is a club dedicated to ORV recreation through regularly scheduled trail rides and extensive work with the MDNR and USFS towards the creating, maintaining and upgrading of the existing trail system.
The club is a successor to another club, the Tahqua ORV Club in the days of 3-wheel & 4-wheel ATVs. For the most part there were no ORV-specific trails back then, and riders used what were primarily snowmobile trials in the winter. The Thaqua ORV Club couldn’t quite get any traction and four individuals, Grant Dewitt, Jack Dean, and Pat and Jay Wright took the initiative, formed the CC-SORVA club, and
the rest – as they say – is history! One of their first successes is a 38-mile trail from Strongs to the Soo, which took several hundred hours of work from planning meetings with the MDNR, USFS, county boards, and various townships along the way.
According to their website:
“The Chippewa County Sportsman’s Off-Road Vehicle Association is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the safe, educated, fun operation of ORV’s in and around Chippewa County.
We have been instrumental in developing trails dedicated solely to the off-road vehicle community. We work closely with the City of Sault Ste Marie, Chippewa County, the Michigan DNR and US Forest Service, to develop and maintain trails in Chippewa County.”
The club’s main activity is ORV trail rides! Their goal is two per month but logistics, availability, and life in general (!) sometimes get in the way. CC-SORVA trail rides are thoroughly prepared and planned, as you can see on the website. Club trail rides are posted on the club’s website under the “2024 Ride Schedule” tab. The club takes safety quite seriously. One look at their “Group Ride Rules and Etiquette” will drive this point home!
Typically their trail rides are single day events, well planned, with a vehicle mix of approximately 90% SxSs and 10% ATVs & quads. Depending on the trip, there may or may not be fuel or other provisions available along the way - the Ride Schedule will have all that information for you.
Club rides are not closed to guests per se - guests are welcome - they will just have to
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sign a liability waiver. But for $15 annual membership, to me it’s almost a moot point! Spend the money and sign up! These folks do a lot of good for the Eastern Upper Peninsula trail systems and there is never too many members! Besides, you’re going to spend several times that just to get to the trail head and buy provisions for the ride anyway! (If you’re interested in becoming a member there’s an easy link on the main website’s home page!)
Some favorite rides & trails are to the Crisp Point Lighthouse and Grand Marias. Fortunately there are enough trails in the system now so they can change them up every year, and run ‘favorites’ every couple of years. To add to the variety the club will also change up the route from time to time.
Club membership is currently running at about 75 members. Typical of many clubs and associations active in outdoor recreation
these days, membership is spread all over the State of Michigan! CCSORVA makes effective use of social media. They have an easy-to-follow website that is logically laid out, and has much information about the club. They also combine that with an equally informative Facebook page, where the more current information and updates are posted and shared. Monthly board meetings, held the second Wednesday of each month - are conducted via
Zoom software.
The other thing that drives this club is their dedication and commitment to the trail system. As a club they regularly conduct routine trail maintenance along various trails.
CC SORVA works on creating circle routes between points of interest or cities/ towns/villages. From Strongs you can run trails north to Hulbert, east to Brimley and the Sault via different routes so you are not going
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Crisp Point, Newberry Michigan
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over all of the same trail twice.
CC SORVA is also currently working to connect Rudyard with approved/maintained trails via USFS and county roads. Whenever possible they try and use similar routes to the snowmobile trails and work in conjunction with the Snow clubs. For example they worked in conjunction with the Chippewa Snow Chasers to create a permanent ORV/Snowmobile staging area near Strongs with pit toilets coming in the fall
In 2023 alone working with DNR, they obtained they acquired nearly $315,000 in funding to work on trails, and since 2020
the club has received over $900,000 in grant funds that have been used to maintain and improve trails. In addition, the club has over 1,000 manhours invested over the last five years.
Here are just a few of the clubs accomplishments in 2023 alone:
• Repaired and replaced map boards throughout the trail system with new more durable maps and protective plastic covers used by ORV riders as well as Snowmobile riders
• Conducted regular trail maintenance along the whole length of the
July 2023 club ride
INDIAN RIVER
906-293-4000 Reser vations: 8 88-315-2378
Email : newberryabvi@gmail.com www.redlion.com/newberry.com 12956 State Route M-28 - Newberry
RR Grade trail and other approved trails including fallen tree removal, trail signage, map boards, and brushing back corners for road crossing site lines.
• Finalized approval of 38 miles of new trails starting in Strongs and connecting with Bay Mills, Trout Lake, and Hulbert. This included significant brushing by CC SORVA Volunteers. The new trail designation allows for maintenance funding of the trail.
• Met with the US Forest Service to propose additional trails/ roads opened to ORV’s,
focusing on Dick Rd to Rudyard Route, and an Avery Grade based route west in a loop to Hulbert.
• Slag Stone dispersal and coverage at several routes that were in ‘rough shape’.
The Chippewa County Sportsman’s Off Road Vehicle Association is a dedicated group of serious ORV riders who are more than just talk when it comes to trail riding and maintenance. The ORV community owes CC-SORVA a big “Thank You” for all of their volunteer work and effort! •
at www.chippewacountysorva.com
vintage sled 1966 Ski-doo Olympique
A restoration In honor of a friend and mentor
BY BRIAN LEHR CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Tmy very special 1966 Ski-doo Olympique. When I decided that I was going to restore a sled, I started looking for 1966 that needed to be redone. One day when I was talking to my friend Brian, he said that he had one in his garage. I asked him if he wanted to get rid of it and his reply was no, he really didn’t want to sell it. As time went on, I kept asking him about it and he finally said that he would like to see it restored and sold it to me. It was in rough shape, but I knew in time it would be redone and look great. It was missing a few things, and I knew it was going to be a search to find the parts as there aren’t many of these sleds out
for a while until I was able to find the missing parts for it that I would need.
I was telling my good buddy Chuck that I had a 1966 and he said he had one also that he wasn’t going to be restoring and told me that I could have it for parts. I had not been able to do anything with the sled for about a year. Then in May 2022, we lost our very dear friend Chuck, my best buddy, who everyone called Mr. Ski-doo. It was a devasting lose to me and I didn’t have any drive to work on sleds as he was my skidoo mentor.
In October of 2022, I went to a show in Houghton Lake, and was told that the upcoming continued on page XX
show in February of 2023 was going to have a ride dedicated to Chuck and a trophy to the best Skidoo in Chuck’s name. Well, this sparked a thought in my mind. It was what I needed to get back into restoring sleds after the loss of my mentor. I only had two months to get the job done. So out came the 1966 Olympique, which Chuck loved the sixties antique sleds. When I looked it over, I knew that it was going to need a lot of attention. I then went and got the sled that Chuck said I could have and brought it home so that I could put the two sleds together to make one great sled for this upcoming show. As I took them apart, I realized that the frames were bad on both. But as luck would have it, I was able to take the best frame and cut the bad spots out and weld new metal in that was cut out of the other frame to make one good frame. Then combined the rest of the parts from the two sleds. I now had all I needed for my restoration. After the frame was welded and the welds were ground down and the frame was sanded and primed, it looked good. So, it was on to the hood which needed some fiberglass work and sanding to get it back in shape. As you know it takes a while to clean and paint the rest of the parts to get it ready for assembly. I was working every chance I could to get this done, even burning the midnight oil as they say. The time was running
out as the show was getting closer. I just kept in mind that this was for Chuck, and I was going to get it done. Well, it was down to the last week, and I put the final touches on the sled on Thursday and went to the show on Saturday. I was doing this for Chuck, knowing that he would love this sled and be so happy that I was able to get it done.
I also took time to make a board with pictures of Chuck on it and I wrote a paragraph dedicated to him to be displayed with the sled along with a few other things I had from him. After setting up the display, my friend Brian came walking over and saw the display and sled. He asked whose sled that was, and I told him, some guy sold it to me a while ago and he then realized it was the sled I got from him. He was in shock and could not believe it was his sled and how good it looked.
Chuck was well loved in the snowmobile community. All that knew him were very happy and thrilled to see the completed sled. Not only did it look great, but it was also done in honor of Chuck.
This special sled won the trophy at the show. I was so proud and happy knowing that this sled was a part of Chuck, and the other part of this sled was of me. This sled will forever be special to me and dedicated to Mr. Ski-doo, my mentor, my best friend and buddy. •
