Minnesota Snowmobiling – October 2024

Page 1


Minnesota
Snowmobilers Association

Minnesota Snowmobiling is the official publication of the Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association (MnUSA). The publication is a benefit of membership in MnUSA ($35 annual membership).

October 2024 Contents

MnUSA Executive Board

President Mike Clevenger

Vice President Scotty Harder

Secretary Gordon Heitke

Treasurer Janet Widness

Director at Large Scott Wakefield

Past Presidents

Scott Wakefield, Greg Sorenson, Rod Seibel, Mark Kavanaugh, Gayle Quistgard, Mark Steinmueller, Keith Twombly, Terry Hutchinson, Curt Berg, Harold Brace, Bob Linn, Diane Wallenta, Jeff Mausolf, Bob King, Larry Shepherd, Bill Kullberg, LeRoy Strehlo, Tom Decker, Mary Violett, Allen Eglinton, Al Lalim, Harold Tomkins

Minnesota Snowmobiling (ISSN 1085-1054) is published seven times a year for $14 in September, October, November, December, January, February, and March by Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association, 14000 Sunfish Lake Blvd. NW, Ste. L, Ramsey, MN 55303. Periodicals Postage Paid at Fargo, ND and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association, 14000 Sunfish Lake Blvd. NW, Ste. L, Ramsey, MN 55303.

PUBLISHER Dan Ferris

EDITOR Scott Wakefield

ART DIRECTOR / COPY EDITOR Dena Gervasi

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Chuck Gekas

ADVERTISING SALES Jim Gekas, Mark Hunkeler, Larry Ladowski, Roger Cormier, Greg Jones

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Mike Clevenger, Scotty Harder, Christian Franzen, Scott Wakefield, Phil Little, Valdi Stefanson, Cheryl Clevenger, Ric Little

CONTRIBUTIONS: Letters, manuscripts, stories, materials and photographs are welcome but cannot be returned unless sender provides a SASE. Minnesota Snowmobiling is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts,

and letters implies the right to

ADVERTISING

MWO Media

Phone: 847-707-8511 chuck@mwomedia.com www.mnsnowmobiler.org

and drawings. Submission of

and

Off and Running ...a Jam-packed Issue!

Jam-packed, that’s what we have for you again in this edition of Minnesota Snowmobiling magazine! Let’s relive Hay Days one more time before we think about next year; it was like a fine wine; you want to savor that lasting taste. Princeton was before Hay Days and was a marker of what was to become with near record crowds both days, a full to the fence swap meet and great food and racing.

Polaris’ 70th Anniversary and Parade was WAY OUT, and you’ll get a front row seat to that awesome weekend. Great vintage news on a story by Phil Little on Ski-Doo, besides great columns by Mike, Scotty and

Christian, a great little ditty by Cheryl Clevenger on Volunteerism, a MnUSA calendar promo by Kelly, sold a ton of them at Hay Days this year; Janet and Woody attended the Alexandria show, and many more items of interest.

Up next beside shows in Elk River and Kasson, the Fall Workshop will be here sooner than later. Make sure to get signed up, and get your registration in now. I know Region 7 is working hard on that, and you won’t be disappointed. The new website and member management program will be set up in a room for you to play around with. Membership is working on Business Sponsor renewals, look for that in the mail, and re-up. With the new website coming online, you’ll want to do that more than ever. Activity is growing; get those first meetings of the year under your belt, Legislative and Trails is working on the new CRP legislation. Talk to landowners now about changes for re-routes; they take time, and we all know December 1st will be here sooner than later. Next month, it’s all about the election, as we will have our legislative candidate survey for you to look at and a whole lot more.

From the MnUSA President

The Excitement is Building!

What a way to start the winter snow season…MnUSA had a wonderful crew promoting our organization at Hay Days. This year we even had our fundraising calendars available for sale! Booth volunteers were able to sell calendars for their clubs. Our new fundraising chairman, Scotty Harder, and Office Administrator Kelly Hesli made it happen in a short period of time. It is this determination and dedication that makes us proud to have people in our group and call them our companions.

These types of events are a great opportunity to share stories, bond as a community and work for a common cause. It also shows how far reaching the snowmobile community reaches into many, many types of businesses. Along with this the economic impact the industry makes.

We all have so much in common and yet so many differences. Our common bond is our passion for snowmobiling, enjoying the great outdoors, and experiencing the winter season. For those who don’t know or understand the benefits of belonging to MnUSA or your local club, reach out and share that their support is needed to show we have strength in numbers. Even if we don’t get them to join immediately, we have at least “planted the seed “for the next conversation.

The excitement builds this time of year as clubs begin to meet, sleds are being purchased, ordered sleds are being delivered. Our Executive Board has not stopped working on your behalf. Shortly, additional communication will be sent to our Board of Directors highlighting goals, actions and resolutions. Progress takes time and may not be as

quickly as one wishes. As an E-Board we ask for your patience and hope that you will shortly see how far we have come.

Be sure and get your registration in for the MnUSA Fall Workshop. It is the intent to show our membership the new website. Region 7 is sure to have a schedule that will be informative as well as a chance to reconnect with fellow snowmobilers. For those that have not attended one of our 4 yearly meetings we welcome you to join us on this weekend. It is a great opportunity to learn about what we do for the good of snowmobiling. I am looking forward to meeting more fellow snowmobilers and MnUSA members at these events. MnUSA is always happy to see new faces.

MnUSA Directors

Executive Board

President Mike Clevenger-XM 7302 NW 97th Ave Morristown, 55052 507-838-5713 cmclevenger3@gmail.com

Vice President

Scotty Harder-XM PO Box 250 Zimmerman 55398, 612-860-0606, sharder67@msn.com

Treasurer Janet Widness - XM 43390 220th St Clitherall 56524 218-731-6126 jwstulk@prtel.com

Secretary Gordon Heitke - XM 2270 300th Ave Mora 55051 763-234-6712 gheitke@gmail.com

Director-At-Large

Scott Wakefield -XM 12620 Co Rd 30 Waconia 55387 612-483-5638 oliver1650@icloud.com

Committee Chairs

Booth:

Dean Thompson · 763-441-8555

By-Laws: Rick Johnson-XM · 612-839-0956

Communications: Scott Wakefield-XM · 612-483-5638

Charity/Awards: Janet Widness-XM · 218-731-6126

Elections/Nominations: Scott Wakefield-XM • 612-483-5638

Fund Raising: Scotty Harder-XM · 612-860-0606

Land Access: OPEN

Legislative/DNR/Trails: Terry Hutchinson-XM · 612-581-6627

Membership: OPEN

Merchandise: Dick Theis · 763-494-3838

Safety: OPEN

Site Selection: Mark LaBaw-XM · 952-221-2564

Website/Social Media: OPEN

Directors

Region 1

Dale Dahlen, 2321 Pebble Beach Rd NW East Grand Forks, 56721, 218-791-6679 dodahlen@ hotmail.com

Mike Boucher, 27528 230th St SW, Crookston 56716 218-280-3385 mjb86@yahoo.com

Gail Friborg, 37857 Fairground Rd Bagley, 56621, 218-694-2840 pfgf@gvtel.com

Jeff Lovold, 603 2nd Ave SE, Roseau 56751 218280-1941

Aaron Swanson, 10218 Beverly Dr NW, Bemidji, 56601; 218-689-6686 aaronleeswanson@gmail.com

Region 2

Troy Johnson, 218-390-0046 tntjohnson547@hotmail.com

Randy Vannet, 218-244-6797 randy.vannet@gmail.com

Jerry Kujala-XM, 218-750-2234 jdkujala@gmail.com

Cindy Hansmann, 218-301-9496 cindy.hansmann@frontier.com

Mike Banovetz, 218-235-9969 mbanovetz2009@yahoo.com

Nicole Pankratz, 218-780-3853 pankratz.nicole@yahoo.com

Region 3

Tom Jann, 21668 Peterson Creek Dr Deerwood, 56444, 218-839-1230 lakejann@gmail.com

Allen Beumer, 10234 410th Ave Hillman, 56338, 320-355-2257 abeumer1845@gmail.com

Scott Haley, 14394 105th Ave Milaca, 56353, 612-670-6027 cody30@frontiernet.net

Jason Hendrickx-XM, 18539 93rd St SE Becker, 55308, 320-292-5926 jasonhendrickx@gmail.com

John Olmscheid, PO Box 160 Elrosa, 56325, 320-250-3271 johnolmscheid@frontier.com

Region 4

Sheri Gades-XM, 103 5th St N Danvers, 56231, 320-760-3526 gades@fedteldirect.net

Rodney Boesch, PO Box 337, Amboy 56010 507-340-2820 rod.boesch@boeschcrt.com

Jeff Kack-XM, PO Box 55 Appleton, 56208, 320-289-1069 jkack@mchsi.com

Dick Kuttner, 522 Shady Ridge Rd NW Hutchinson, 55350, 320-587-6536 richardk@hutchtel.net

Region 5

Paul Maruska, 26276 Drexel Ave, New Prague, 56071, 952-212-2293 ptmaruska81@gmail.com

Bill Gehn, Red Wing, 651-388-7541 william_gehn@hotmail.com

Coy Borgstrom, 20 E Veterans Memorial Hwy, Kasson, 55944, 507-251-1199 coy3911@gmail.com

Mike Brandt, 2600 6th Ave NW, Austin, 55912, 507-460-2002 brandtmj@live.com

Brad Thacher, 55 1st Ave SW, Harmony, 55939, 586-899-0810, Brad.Biker@ATT.net

Region 6

Bill Prinsen, 5011 121 St N, White Bear Lake 55110, 651-260-8508 billprinsen@hotmail.com

Jeremy Goebel 11210 7th St S, Cottage Grove 55016 651-308-0398 goebeljeremy1985@gmail.com

Brett Huneke, Hastings

Ken Zak, 20629 Kenrick Ave, Lakeville, 55044, 952-469-2246 kjnbaa@frontier.net

Region 7

Randy Laberge-XM, 5424 Lax Lake Rd Silver Bay, 55614, 218-353-7697 dandrlaberge@hotmail.com

Ryan Boe, 5146 Jean Duluth Rd Duluth 55803, 218-349-5578 ryanboe@hotmail.com

Dan Hamilton, Duluth, 651-398-2461 danielhamilton@aol.com

Rick Johnson-XM, 4353 Briarwood Ln, Hopkins, 55343, 612-839-0956 rick@teampro.net

Phillip Lockett, 218-348-9161 lockettphillip@yahoo.com

Scott Seeley, Two Harbors 218-830-1028, srseeley1@gmail.com

Gary Vezina, Duluth 218-722-2852

Bill Ylatupa-XM, 43 Garden Dr Silver Bay, 55614, 218-220-8189 ylatupa2@gmail.com

Region 8

Dick Theis, 20575 Co Rd 10 Hamel, 55340, 763-494-3838 dickt.barbc@gmail.com

Randy Baudler, 9259 FoxlineDr N Corcoran, 55340, 763-420-5526 rbslawn@gmail.com

Ray Ehrlich, 23105 Larsen Rd., Corcoran, 55340, 763-354-6476 raehrlich@gmail.com

Mark LaBaw-XM, 1471 Independence Ave Chaska, 55318, 952-221-2564 mlabawstillafishn@yahoo.com

Region 9

Steve “Woody”Widness-XM, 43390 220th St Clitherall, 56524, 218-731-1286 jwstulk@prtel.com

Jeff Alberts, 17321 Otto Zeck Rd, Detroit Lakes 56501, 218-847-1241, mtnmtrs@arvig.net

Greg Strommen, 1112 62nd Ave N, Moorhead, 56560, 701-212-7002, gstromm165@gmail.com

9 4 8 5 7 6 12 3

MnUSA Office: 14000 Sunfish Lake Blvd. NE, Ste. L, Ramsey, MN 55303 ph.763-577-0185 fax 763-577-0186

From the MnUSA Vice President

At the time of writing this article I have just come home from the Sno Baron’s Hay Days event, and what a great weekend it has been. We had MnUSA 2025 Raffle Calendars for sale and a few great volunteers working at the booth. It was a fun and enjoyable weekend with great people! Thank you to the volunteers who came and worked at the booth at both the Outlaw Grass Drags and Hay Days this year.

Well, if you read my article last month you know that I am now the Chairperson for the fundraising committee. You and/or your club should have received an e-mail by now with instructions on ordering your raffle calendars to sell. There has been some speculation regarding payback to the clubs. Rest assured, clubs will get a donation from MnUSA, but after talking to the Minnesota Gambling Board, the tiered payback will not continue. But please know that we will be donating to your club if you sell calendars. The details are still being worked out and we will have all the details at the fall conference. We have 5,500 calendars to sell, so please help and sell raffle calendars. We upped the number of prizes to over $20,000 and spread some of the winnings out to make more larger winners throughout the year. We sold 5,147 calendars last year and I have faith with all of you helping we can sell all of them this year! Also note that any volunteer working at a MnUSA booth gets credit for selling the calendars for their club. Just another reason to volunteer to work a MnUSA booth this time of year.

In other news for lack of better words, it’s that time of year to start getting ready for trail work and with any luck lots of grooming hours. But, before we start grooming, we should all be looking at preventative maintenance on all our equipment, whether it’s chainsaws, woodchippers, mowers and obviously the groomer units themselves. I personally spent time with Drew and Rick from Tracks inc. at Hay Days and we talked about groomer maintenance and the availability of parts this year. Supply demands seem to be getting

better so let’s hope you can get whatever you need when you need it in a timely matter, no matter if it’s for a Tucker or a John Deere, or whatever brand of units you are running.

It’s also time to check signing, this is a big one for me as I mentioned last month it seems that a lot of clubs use way too many “Caution” signs on the trail. It has been brought to our attention that we should use fewer caution signs and when we do use a caution sign, we should be putting on the sign what the hazard is, for example a bridge, a fence, a deep ditch, etc. When marking culverts we should be using a reassurance marker (diamond) instead of a caution sign. This is not just my thought this is coming from attorneys who have been involved in lawsuits over the years and what had caused them to lose in some cases, So, they have mentioned advise on how to prevent such issues in the case of a misfortunate incident.

The Fall Workshop is coming up later this month and I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible. If not, keep doing snow dances as the temps drop in hopes of getting plenty of frost to freeze up the ground and water ways, so that when it does snow it sticks around and we can get out and ride! Thank You to all of you for what you do for the sport of snowmobiling. Without volunteers we would not have the 22,000+ miles of trails that we do that makes Minnesota a great place to ride.

Legislative News

Elections are Just Around the Corner!

This is a time to focus on the Minnesota House of Representatives election, and find out who our local candidates are and most importantly where they stand on vital snowmobile issues. We are supplying both incumbents and their challengers with MnUSA questions so that we can have a better understanding where these candidates stand on our MnUSA issues. So, make sure to check out your candidate’s response around two weeks before the election on our MnUSA website and in Minnesota Snowmobiling magazine. Although this is a new election with new candidates and new issues, two things have stayed consistent; Minnesota is home to the best (and most) groomed trails in the nation and our

funding (going into a budget year) needs to be protected. And although we are in the middle of a heated national election, it is your soon to-be local State Representative that will have the most impact on the sport we love.

Most, if not all, professional election commentators agree this presidential election will come down to a handful of districts in states from WI to PA to AZ that will determine the election. So, if a candidate knocks on your door in the next month, rather than ask about the hot national campaign issues, ask about protecting our trails, or how distribution of the snowmobile user fees is allocated, or even why with 22,000 miles of trails across the state, the legislature has yet to pass the trail maintenance material tax exemption.

Another very important reason to focus on the State House election is in the coming fiscal year the elected officials have the choice to sustain our state funding. For this reason, we must continuously remind legislators about how our sport systematically works and the roles we play in everything from trails to safety to enforcement. If, for some reason, the candidate knocking on your door doesn’t have opinions on snowmobile issues, we are given the opportunity to educate the candidate on how our organization works and serves the sport in Minnesota.

A change made in the 23/24 legislative session was to increase the political contribution refund program amount from $50 individually or $100 as a couple to $75 individually and $150 as a married couple (filing jointly). This is a helpful state promotion to encourage engagement with Minnesota’s political process and refunds the money upon mailing in the political contribution refund receipt which is provided by the candidate. This is a great opportunity for anyone to connect with their local candidate and make their snowmobile voice heard.

We as a collective, around the entire state of Minnesota, have a snowmobile voice which must be heard in St. Paul come January 14th. In February there will be a new budget forecast which will map out the spending of the next legislature whatever party holds the majority in the House. After this forecast, it is a race to the fiscal finish line (May 19th), so it is imperative we use this time and to let our candidates know what we are and how we contribute to making Minnesota a great play to live (and play!).

Update for new MnUSA Website and Membership Database

The Website Committee is working hard on the longawaited project for a new website and membership database system for all MnUSA members to access online.

We have been working tirelessly for months now and while we have had bumps in the road, we are moving forward, nonetheless.

We know many of you are anxious to see what we are working on, and we are excited to announce that we will presenting the new website and database at the Fall Workshop! We do hope that many of you come check it out, provide some feedback, and help us get ready to roll this out.

To give you an idea of what will be at the Fall Workshop, we have some sneak peeks for you all. Things are not finalized, and changes are still being made daily as we keep progressing, but at least you will get an idea of what is going on:

A new interactive home page will greet members and the public alike.

There will be pages with links to many resources with the MN DNR, Explore MN (tourism), plus many state, national and international organizations.

Members will be able to see Club Contact information as well as Club Officer information.

Members will be able to manage their own personal information right through their log-in at any time!

Clubs will be able to log in and see their entire roster right online. They will be able to assign roles to members, renew memberships, add members, and even export their roster if they need to for meetings.

Clubs will also be able to have a public profile on our website. It will give information about what area you are in and how people can contact you. This information will be integrated into a club location map for everyone to see.

Business partners are also getting an upgrade with their own map locator to let members know where they are, how to contact them and what services they can provide!

All this and much more is to come! Stay tuned!

MnUSA News

Request Your Absentee Ballot

MnUSA will hold its annual elections for MnUSA officers at the Fall Workshop. Each member 18 years of age or older and in good standing may request an absentee ballot from the MnUSA office if he/she cannot attend the meeting. A husband and wife must each request their own ballot. The request may be made by calling 763-577-0185; fax 763-

577-0186; by writing to 14000 Sunfish Lake Blvd NW, Suite L, Ramsey, MN 55303; in person; or by email to office@mnusa.org. The absentee ballots must be received by the MnUSA office postmarked no later than October 16, 2024. Instructions will be included in your ballot. Contact the MnUSA office or Scott Wakefield, Elections Committee Chairperson, for additional information.

2024 MnUSA Fall Workshop

October 25 - 27, 2024

Hosted by Region 7 Clubs at The Black Bear Casino Resort 1785 Highway 210, Carlton, MN 55718

Hotel room blocks available - Reserve your weekend room now! The Bear Resort - 218-878-2327 AmericInn-Cloquet - 218-879-1231

Tentative Schedule of Events (Full schedule of events & details TBD) Friday, Oct. 25: 6pm Welcome Reception

Saturday, Oct. 26: 9:00am - General Membership Meeting Seminars start at 1:30pm Sunday, Oct. 27: 9:00am - Director’s Meeting

Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association

Follow us on our Facebook Event Page: “2024 MnUSA Fall Workshop - October 25 - 27, 2024”

REGISTRATION FORM

EVENT REGISTRATION INCLUDES FRIDAY EVENING WELCOME RECEPTION, SATURDAY AM COFFEE AND PASTRIES, SATURDAY EVENING DINNER, AND SUNDAY AM COFFEE AND PASTRIES. THIS REGISTRATION IS SEPARATE FROM LODGING,. PRE-REGISTRATION IS APPRECIATED.

Names: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Your Club/Business Name: _______________________________________________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: _______________________________________ Email: __________________________________________________________ NON-REFUNDABLE REGISTRATION RATES: (REGISTRATION IS NON-REFUNDABLE BUT IS TRANSFERABLE)

Adult Number: _____ @ $60.00= $ EARLY REGISTRATION (Prior to Sept 25)

Adult Number: _____ @ $90.00= $ AFTER SEPTEMBER 25, 2024 (After Sept 25)

Total Enclosed: = $ _____

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO REGION 7 AND MAIL TO: RYAN BOE - 5146 JEAN DULUTH ROAD, DULUTH, MN 55803

QUESTIONS - RANDY LABERGE @ 218-220-0258 OR RYAN BOE @ 218-349-5578

Outlaw Grass Drags 30th Anniversary

With great weather predicted for two days straight, a rarity in Minnesota for 2024, you knew there was anticipation of big crowds for the Outlaw Grass Drags. Plus being the 30th Anniversary, and no snow last season, brought everyone and their brother to this year’s Outlaw Grass Drags in Princeton, MN. Grass Drags brought the best of the best to this fast track including those racers from Canada and throughout the United States. The Swap did the same, and full it was. I’ve never seen the swap that full in years, so, if that’s any indication of the excitement of the season coming, I don’t know what is.

Our booth was on our little postage stamp of an island on the corner by the Midwest Vintage Snow Shows large display and as you make the corner to the swap meet. Best spot in the house as they say; lots of traffic, lots of questions by members and nonmembers, lots of maps given out, and renewals of memberships. Overall, it was a very good weekend. Thanks to all the clubs that put the event on. With good food, good buys, and good displays, good times are always had at the Outlaw Grass Drags in Princeton, Minnesota.

OLUNTEERISM

MnUSA is built of a foundation of volunteerism. Volunteerism gives us a sense of solidarity, reciprocity, mutual trust, belonging and empowerment. Volunteerism can best be defined by four key elements – free will, no financial rewards, helping others, all of which are conducted through an organization. Searching the internet, I found a poem that was written by an unknown source. As you read this poem think about what you can do to be a good volunteer for MnUSA.

WHY BE A VOLUNTEER

It’s not for the money, it’s not for fame, And it’s not for any personal gain. It’s for love of fellow man (i.e. snowmobiler) It’s just to lend a helping hand, It’s just to give the tithe of self. That’s something you can’t buy with wealth, It’s not the medals worn with pride. It’s just for that feeling deep inside. It’s that reward down in your heart. It’s the feeling that you’ve been a part of helping others far and near, That’s what makes you VOLUNTEER.

There are many opportunities to give of your time and talents for MnUSA. Time slots can be as little an hour up to manning a booth for a full day event. Many times, there are also individuals who work behind the scenes, and this does not go unnoticed either. While there are many meetings and events within each of the 9 regions, there are also events at the state level that need dedicated volunteers expose those snowmobilers who don’t belong to our group. Our target audience needs to see the benefit of belonging to MnUSA and why it is so important that they give us strength to carry on our mission.

The next time MnUSA asks for volunteers please consider raising your hand, signing up on the work schedule or even better call the office and ask what needs to be done. There is always some type of work and your help would be appreciated. Please thoughtfully consider how you can make a difference in this organization.

Some of the MnUSA volunteers who have stepped forward to assist in the last several months.

Oct 25-27

• MnUSA Fall Workshop Black Bear Casino, Carlton www.mnsnowmobiler.org

Dec 7 • Delano Snowstormers 2024 Silent Auction Fundraiser Delano American Legion, Delano www.delanosnowstormers.com

Jan 16-18

• Pequot Brush Pilots 31st Anniversary Antique Snowmobile Rendezvous Pequot Lakes, www.facebook.com/pequotbrushpilots/ Dave Guenther – ascoa921@tds.net or 218-831-1636

Feb 6-9 • MnUSA Winter Rendezvous Hampton Inn & Suites, Bemidji, www.mnsnowmobiler.org

Feb 15 • Veterans Appreciation Ride Grand Rapids (Registration opens Dec 1)

For more information on club events: www.mnsnowmobiler.org/get-involved/our-clubs/club-events

RAFFLE CALENDAR WINNERS

MAY 2024

Date Prize Winner City

5/1 $25 Travis Wangerin Prior Lake

5/2 $25 Tim Watson K abetogama

5/3 $25 Greg Skluzacek Lonsdale

5/4 $50 Ryan Hajek Glenville

5/5 $50 Jamie Thomazin Slayton

5/6 $25 Neil Kucker L akeville

5/7 $25 L aura Dentlaw Faribault

5/8 $25 Jean Marie Rian McGregor

5/9 $25 Tom Nordling Maple Grove

5/10 $25 Shana Bastyr Lonsdale

5/11 $50 Derek Vesledahl Twin Valley

5/12 Gold Jewelry Todd Ulsehmid New Prague

5/13 $25 Todd Tadsen Savage

5/14 $25 Brad Dolinski Spring Lake

5/15 $25 Tony Balata Faribault

5/16 $25 Mike Sammon Faribault

5/17 $25 Nicole Prom S t. Cloud

5/18 $50 Ron & Jan Hoppe Freeport

5/19 $50 Jamey Ulven Austin

5/20 $25 Jane VanderBosch Isle

5/21 $25 Bob Lano Nor wood Young America

5/22 $25 Durene Smith Prior Lake

5/23 $25 Ron Cappo Side L ake

5/24 $25 Chad Timonen Apple Valley

5/25 $50 S tephanie Georgeson Big Lake

5/26 $50 Royer Childnen Aberdeen NC

5/27 Fuel Card K arla Means Waseca

5/28 $25 James Johnstad Beltrami

5/29 $25 Mike L arsen Sparta WI

5/30 $25 S teven Gansen Belle Plaine

5/31 $25 Taylor Luke S tillwater

JULY 2024

Date Prize Winner City

7/1 $25 Teresa Hagerty Vergas

7/2 $25 Janet Marschke Detroit Lakes

7/3 $25 James Hofer S taples

7/4 $300 Jenni Bruer Fisher

7/5 $25 Tim Thielen New Munich

7/6 $50 Shelly Dillon L ake Park

7/7 $50 Jeff Harmsen Chaska

7/8 $25 Ron Radtke Jordan

7/9 $25 Arlene Hedlund Detroit Lakes

7/10 $25 Miranda Del Medico International Falls

7/11 $25 Mark Hilden Princeton

7/12 $25 Sherry Anderson Menahga

7/13 $50 Jazmin Kampen Shakopee

7/14 $50 Cody Henrickson Crookston

7/15 $25 Michele Meyer Rosemount

7/16 $25 Mike & Mary Lanegran Blue Hill

7/17 $25 Scott Vos Henderson

7/18 $25 Tim Buseman Montevideo

7/19 $25 Mr Duston Kowal Greenfield

7/20 $50 Brad Mattson L indstrom

7/21 $50 Butch Euteneuer Big Lake

7/22 $25 Vicky Sirovy Prior Lake

7/23 $25 Don Merkons Ada

7/24 $25 Lucy Fitzgerald Moorhead

7/25 $25 Brian Chandler Grand Forks ND

7/26 $25 Ralph Plonske S t Michael

7/27 $50 Sam Branderburger Brookings SD

7/28 $50 Todd Engelken Elko New Market

7/29 $25 Monty Papenfus Mazeppa

7/30 $25 Dick Theis Hamel

7/31 $25 Gloria Schmidt Belle Plaine

SEPTEMBER 2024

Date Prize Winner City

9/1 $50 Ricky Schwalen Rosemount

9/2 $250 Tom VanHooser Austin

9/3 $25 Kristina Lebens Belle Plaine

9/4 $25 Sarah Knodel Fargo ND

9/5 $25 Frank & Darlene Turnock McGregor

9/6 $25

Bob & Carolyn Hobson Marana AZ

9/7 $50 Meghan Fitzgerald Moorhead

JUNE 2024

Date Prize Winner City

6/1

$50

6/2 $50

6/3 $25

6/4

6/5

$25

$25

6/6 $25

Jon Weiss New Market

Madi Horne International Falls

Shawn Mayer Fargo ND

Julie Mayers Melrose

Keith Decker Waverly

Scott Roepke Lester Prairie

6/7 $25 S tephanie Kaiser Grand Forks ND

6/8 $50 Cheyenne Collins Prior Lake

6/9 $50

6/10 $25

6/11 $25

Irene Plonski Belle Plaine

Brandon Klossner Nor th Mankato

Dave Lorence Eden Prairie

6/12 $25 Jim Thull Freeport

6/13 $25 Eric Magnuson Grand Forks ND

6/14 $25 Cameron Nase Minneapolis

6/15 $50 Mik aela Johnson Chisholm

6/16 Cabelas Shopping Spree Amy Fuchs Long Prairie

6/17 $25 Arlene Krogh Cambridge

6/18 $25 Tyler Olson Franconia

6/19 $250 Great River Energy Maple Grove

6/20 $25 L inda Wiediwitsch Detroit Lakes

6/21 S25 Mark Nyhus Detroit Lakes

6/22 $50 Mike Wagner Browerville

6/23

Blair Holthusen Gr ygla

6/24 $25 Jim Rodewald Mahnomen

6/25 $25 Carl Larson Prior Lake 6/26 $25 Craig Magnell East Grand Forks 6/27 $25 Jaren Schmieg Watertown

6/28 $25 Mark Hartman Belle Plaine

6/29 $50 Scotty Harder Becker 6/30 $50 A aron Trompeter Rice

AUGUST 2024

8/1

Melissa Skov Mantorvillle

8/2 $25 Jody Kyes Dodge Center

8/3 $50 Broc Siems Rochester

8/4 $50

8/5 $25

8/6 $25

8/7 $25

8/8 $25

Theresa Zupancich Silver Bay

Justin Smith Montevideo

Thomas & Dori Johnson Mora

Deb Nelson Bertha

Shane Whitcomb L ake Lillian

8/9 $25 Norbert LeBlanc Silver Bay

8/10 $50 Mark Labaw Chaska

8/11 $50 Ken Johansen Silver Bay

8/12 $25 L isa Amberg Canyon

8/13 $25 S teve Knutson L ake Park

8/14 $25 Danie Packard Thief River Falls

8/15 $25

8/16 $25

Greg Loffler New Prague

Marcus Duerre K imball

8/17 $50 Jim Reinsberg S tillwater

8/18 $50

Josh Sweere Wadena

8/19 $25 Brian Grundhauser Cottage Grove

8/20 $25 A J & Ashley Olson Freeport

8/21 $25

8/22 $25

8/23 $250

Tom & Darla Graf Amboy

Matt Roussberg Wadena

Doug Meyer New Prague

8/24 $50 Ron Bragg Hugo

8/25 $50 John Love Floodwood

8/26 $25 Dwight Denisen Rochester

8/27 $25 Greg Gellert Fairmont

8/28 $25 Nolan Dans Fargo ND

8/29 $25 K aley Nordling Maple Grove

8/30 $25 Cory Bryson Mandan ND 8/31 $50 Todd Switzer Cloquet

9/15 $50

9/16 $25

9/17 $25

9/18 $25

9/19 $25

9/20 $25

9/21 S50

9/22 $50

9/23 $25

Lee Schmitz Plummer

James Abblo Crookston

Ted LePage Brooklyn Center

Merle Weidemann Dows IA

Ray Zanda L ittle Falls

Mike S tromenger Ham Lake

Mike Whitlock L ancaster

Richard Hermanson Boyd

Kenny O’Connell LeCenter

9/8 $50

9/9 $25

9/10

9/11

$25

$25

9/12 $25

9/13 $25

9/14 $50

Mariah LaFauci Becker

Teri Hoyt Waconia

Mark & Jelene Johnson Belle Plaine

Connie Zick Rochert

Jessup DeCook Byron

Mary Cymbaluk Crookston

L awrence Heimerl Isanti

9/24 $25

9/25 $25

9/26 $25

9/27 $25

9/28 $50

9/29 $50

9/30 $25

Michael Lillquist Sebeka

Amanda Hunstad Jordan

Jason MacDonald O tsego

Dave Kritzeck Howard Lake

Dick Schleicher Big Fork

Jessica Gruhot Argyle

James E Bright Aitkin

The new RAS RX front suspension adds race-proven geometry reducing body roll for fl atter, more predictable cornering. Paired with the new stepped keel design of the Pilot RX skis, riders can confidently choose — and hold — their line in any snow conditions, putting them further ahead of the pack.

A Perfect Hay Days Weekend!

Hay Days 2024 will go down in history as having the best weekend weather for an event this size in years. Wow, what a great weekend for Hay Days 2024. Congratulations on that! Out of all 57 of them, and for some of us who have been going for years (myself at 33 this year), there have been some nasty years for Hay Days. There have been all-out rainouts to windstorms that took just about every tent for a ride at the new site a few years back, to so hot you got a Hay Days farmer’s tan, to so cold you thought it could snow! I think I saw a few flakes one morning at the old site, or it could have been frost, which was a common theme back in the day.

You had a feeling coming off a bad year for snow in the upper Midwest, that the enthusiasm was going to be riding high, and that manufacturers needed to “do something” to energize the industry. And they didn’t disappoint, starting with Ski-Doo’s big kickoff at 10 a.m. with Ski-Doo Race Director Kerry Daku talking about the previous year’s race record, with a 79% winning percentage in the Pro Winners, and the farm system is bringing in new young racers pushing the established group now. One of the established in attendance that’s been on the bench waiting for health reasons is Elias Ishoel, who is healthy now, and looking for his sixth podium this year. Elias stated that he’s been helping while on the

Elias Ishoel addressing the huge crowd at the Ski-Doo booth.
The new 2025 MXZ for all you flatlanders.

bench with suspension setups and trying to get healthy and he’s accomplished those goals. Elias, continued to say, he’s super excited about getting back on the sled at Ironwood, Michigan, and that it’s fun for him now because the “pressure is not on me, so that is good for me.”

Also, in attendance again this year was legendary racer Blair “Big Air” Morgan. It was great seeing Blair who made comments on helping the racers the best he can with his limited ability and is just happy he can help. Kerry continued that the focus will be on the big three, Cross Country, Hill Climb, and SnoCross, but he also stated that the Iron Dog Race of 2,500 miles is important to them too.

Ski-Doo Race Director Kerry Daku talking about the great sled lineup for 2025.

On to Polaris at noon, with the unveiling of two new 70th Anniversary sleds. If you’re a flatlander, you have got to see the XCR 9R Patriot release, on the Matryx chassis, 136” with Walker Evan’s Racing shocks. Very limited build, so get one early. Levi LaVallee stated the

red was a great color he loved back in the day during the time when he was winning races in the junior division, of course dating himself, but he loved the “red rocket” as he called it, and loved what Polaris has done with this XCR 70th Anniversary special build sled. On the mountain side, the unveiling was of the Polaris RMK based on the 1998 RMK 700 which was an out west dream sled including that of the Fab 5 at the time, Hyde, Brown, Davidson and the like and brought that same theme forward for this year’s version. Again, for you out west guys, limited build; get to your dealer very soon to secure a great new ride for 2025!

Club News Submission Form

Please use this form as a guideline when submitting your club news for publishing in Minnesota Snowmobiling. It is not necessary to use this form (emails gladly accepted) but please make sure to include all pertinent contact information. Club News should be items of interest to the snowmobile community as a whole—sharing ideas about successful events held, trail projects and improvements, ways to promote membership growth, etc.

To accommodate all clubs wishing to submit their news, we ask that you submit a Club News article no more than two times a year, keeping the length of your article to around 250 words or less with a photo, and 500 or less without a photo. We encourage you to send high-resolution photos (300 dpi or greater) of your club’s activities, including captions describing the event and/or the people shown. If you have questions, please contact Scott Wakefield. All submissions due by 4 p.m. of deadline date.

Club Name: _________________________________________________________________________

Town/City and County:

Written by/Title: ______________________________________________________________________

Send Club News submissions to: Editor, Scott J. Wakefield

Oliver1650@icloud.com

12620 Co. Rd. 30, Waconia, MN 55387

Phone: 612-483-5638 (text)

Email: mnusa@mwomedia.com

Club News (Please submit on a separate

70th Anniversary XCR limited edition.
70th Anniversary RMK limited edition.

Arctic Cat for 2025 has the all new Riot 858. As a flatlander, this is your best ride of the season. Now with the Garmin display available, this makes the sled an overall giant in the industry according to Tony Halverson from Cat. Tony also wanted to point out the push button suspension Attack mode on the handlebars for quick and efficient changes to your firmness on the fly.

Many track options are available for these sleds, and optional tunnel flares to keep the snow and slush off you as you ride. Great idea! If you’re looking for a great deal on a 2024, Cat has plenty of 600’s and M-8’s in a little less supply, but those are coming at huge discounts, so if you like the new technology, but can’t quite afford all of it, look back a year for a 2024 for specials.

Besides all the manufacturers sled reveals, Hay Days offers so much more; the Swap Meet, huge again this year; grass drags, of course; freestyle expo; and the Southern Bounty series of mud pit racing under the timer.

I had the pleasure of having a live podcast at our MnUSA booth this year with MWO Media/MidWest Outdoors’ Jim O’Neil and we were joined by the Sno Barons’ own Keith Tromley who talked about the different levels of experiences you can have available to you. Very interesting. You’ll hear more about what Keith and I had to say about our visit to Hay Days 2024 in the podcast...stay tuned!

2025 Riot 858—a flatlander’s dream sled!

Rob

XM Members

Dan Hartel

Dane & Barb Hasbrouck

Logan Haueter

Brian & Rosanne Hauge

Arne & Sharon Heggedal

Joseph & Katie Heidelberger

Dennis Heimerman Glen & Jane Heino

Gordon & Diane Heitke

Bob Hellerud Jack & Julie Hensley

Troy and Kelly Hesli Kent & Laurie Hicks

Rex & Arlene Holzemer

Bruce & Lee Ann Hughes

Terry & Debbie Hutchinson

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Kevin & Julie Jergenson

Richard & Judith Johnson

Terry Johnson

Charlie & Sue Johnson

Todd Johnson Jeff Jones

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Earl Klersy

Brent Klomps

Steven & Linda Knopp

Marlys Knutson

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Brian & Paula Larson

Ken Larson

Larry & Donna Larson

Levi & Kristen LaVallee

LaVallee Inc

Kevin & Lisa Leary

Tim & Tammy LePage

Roger & Donna Letcher

Ken Lewis

Kevin Lewison

Anders Lindstrom

Michael Lommel

Dave & Laurie Lorence

Gary & Judy Lothenbach

Brian & Janeen Lucker

Nathan & Angela Lund

Brian & Penny Lund

Barbara Lyall

Paul & Barb Maki

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Sheri

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David & Dianna Martin

Mark & Laurie Martinson

Joel Matter

Shawn Mayer

Trace & Lisa McCoy

Paul Molohon

William Moreland

Dave & Patti Myers

Eli Nelson

Bill & Sharyn Nepsha

Martin Newberg

Doug Nigon

Mike & Judy Nodsle

Brent & Jenny Oberdieck

Karen Opp

Jeff Orth

Daniel Osterkamp

Brian & Cathy Pazzelli

Lowell Peterson

Ron Peterson

Terry & Dianne Peterson

Craig & Yvonne Peterson

Douglas Peterson

Roz Peterson

Timothy Peterson

Petschl Family

Scott & Lisa Pichette

Matt & Amy Plautz

Bill Plombon

Jeffrey Price

Ramie Ramsden

Mike & Peggy Reis

Joe & Cindee Reis

Steve & Kim Renslow

Scott Riggs

Mark & Sue Ringham

Mark Sampica

Grant Scheibe

Richard & Barbara Schmidt

Kurt Schmidt

Chuck Schreiber

Dean Seeck

Patrick Shea

Gregory Shepard

Larry & Judy Shepherd

Tom Shurson

Stuart & Jennifer Simek

Rob Sipe

Brian Sjerven

Bob Skoglund

Rod & Jennifer Skorich

Mark & Wendy Slagle

Nick & Gretchen Slavicek

David & Rebecca Slininger

Dan & Barb Snee

Steven & Jane Spaeth

Mark & Sue Steinmueller

Shannon Tatro

John & Melanie Tevik

Mike & Vicki Thelen

Mark Tiede

Chad Timonen

Jeffrey & Jolene Trippe

Keith & Jennifer Twombly

David Van Wie

Kyle Voelz

Todd & Abby Volden

Paul Vranish

Scott & Lisa Wakefield

Merle Weidemann

Ryan Weidemann

Dan & Jen Wenzel

Kim Werkmeister

Rick & Ruth Whitcomb

Rob White

Steve “Woody” & Janet Widness

Randy Windsperger

Dave & Tammy Wolf

John

Ed & Judy Grelson

Grudell Family

Nate McNeilly

Peter McTie

Steve, Brittni, Skylar, Sven & Serenity Meier

Jeff & Terri Jo Melo

Jim & Barb Mickow

Rick Miller

Don Kline & Paula Worts

Bill & Fran Ylatupa

Danny & Fay Yochum

Rich & Ruth Zeman

Craig Zweber

Celebrating 70 Years!

Polaris’s 70th Anniversary celebration in Roseau, Minnesota was a “WayOut” experience—meaning, it’s a ways out there—only 10 minutes from the Canadian border. And with its vast flat landscape, one can get the feeling of “are we there yet?” pretty soon, and often. Roseau is small, a little less than 3 square miles all-around, but it’s really big in Polaris lore, legend and the beginning of large-scale snowmobile production. The plant itself is massive and it only takes a few seconds to figure out Polaris is what Roseau is all about and vice versa.

Arriving early Saturday morning, through a thick haze of Canadian wildfire smoke, made for an odd look, but it was crystal clear that the staff at Polaris was ready for the throngs of folks coming for the free pancakes and for the day and the experience. If you have never been, you need to go. When entering the plant, you are greeted by friendly Polaris staff directing you to either the free pancakes or the free tours, all in a very impressive toy-filled entryway like a narthex you’d find in a church. Make sure to check out machine number 2 on the northside of the area.

Off to free pancakes for me, where you followed a maze of office space and the inner workings of the plant while current and former employees got the chance to stop and chat. The

vast majority of us had one thing on our mind and, in fact, it didn’t disappoint, and where did you get to devour your pancakes and sausage? In the employee cafeteria no less; pretty cool in itself.

Off to the Polaris Experience which is just walking distance north of the tracks from the plant, and this is a must-see, if you’re in the area. You can’t miss it; it has the Polaris thrill teams large circle in the front yard with the names of the 50th Thrill Team members inscribed on it. Once inside, the vibe changes to a jam-packed ultimate man-cave of Polaris history experience. Wow, how impressive are the sleds in this building. The obligatory gift shop offers plenty of goodies to take home and purchase, so don’t leave empty handed. Next, heading a short distance via vehicle up 310 to the main intersection in town, I headed east to the Roseau Memorial Arena for the vintage sled display, all while a Historic 1954 Polaris UTV Ride was taking place in and around the Roseau area. So many stories being told by the owners of these unique sleds in the hockey arena; it was again another huge unique part of history.

Speaking of history, I wandered out to the Polaris race trailer outside the arena. How cool was that to be inside the same race trailer that the great Polaris racers would’ve worked out

Thrill Team display in front of the Polaris Experience building.
Yum, yum, the breakfast of champions.

of, like Stan, Larry, Jim, Don, and Bob, and the great mechanics that kept the sleds running, like Erwin, Willie, Dell, Nick, Lawrence, Darrell, Dalton, Arlyn, Jomar, Dick, Jim, Gerry, Greg, Joe and Art. When I was there, the driver of the rig just happened to recall a story stating they were on the turnpike and a car cut the semi off but, needing to meet his exit, he put the hammer down, and passed the car and barely made the off ramp; which brought a comment from the racer in the front seat that maybe you should be racing this weekend instead of me? To which the driver said, I’ll stick to driving, I’m not that …. crazy; which of course brought a big laugh to all of us.

Up next was the hugely popular Polaris parade. Now, I get to many a parade in my normal summers; I walk in a few also, and have units in one or two each summer, but this parade was really special. Each division within the plant has a parade unit so, according to my very reliable source, Snow Engineering has a very big competition with Production on just about everything. So, it was no surprise to see the Snow Engineering parade unit, making by

hand, mind you, sno-cones for all the kiddies along the parade route. Very impressive, and what was at stake? A traveling trophy for the best parade unit, and a pizza party with refreshment by the company for all employees in that particular division.

The Shriners snowmobile parade unit for Shriners Hospitals and Clinics was very cool, along with many local businesses the local radio station and bank, and the candy. I’ve never seen so much candy in a parade ever, by far this was the best one.

Afterwards it was back to the MnUSA booth which was manned the majority of the day by past President Greg Sorensen. Greg also participated in the Polaris 1954 Historic ride. As immediate MnUSA Past President I

also worked the booth with current MnUSA President Mike Clevenger, who also participated in the Polaris 1954 historic ride. So, Polaris you got the best of the best for your event. I don’t remember a time where all three of us worked the same event at one time. Good conversations, and questions by attendees, and a large contingent of Canadians made the trip, The Antique Snowmobile Club of America had a great display and many others. This was by far a special part of my summer, and all I can say is it was … Way-Out fun! Thanks Polaris…can’t wait to see what you do for your 75th!

Left: The legendary Polaris X-2 on display at the Polaris Experience building. Right: A Viking edition, a Larson, and a SnoKing all under the Polaris manufacturing umbrella.
Snow engineering parade unit making sno-cones.
Shriners parade unit.
Divisions within the plant competing against each other during the parade.
Inside the iconic Polaris race trailer. Inset: Look what I found!

Vintage News

Sleeper Doo

1969-72 wide track 640 TNTs

T’NTs in these four years from 1969 to 1972, came in 292, 340, 440, 640, 669 and 775 sizes but I want to concentrate on the 640s. It was a special sled for its time. In 1970, I had an opportunity to ride a wide track T’NT and was impressed by the comfort and stability. That 30-minute ride never left me. I hone in on wide track T’NTs because the track width made a difference in handling beyond that of the narrow track models. The big T’NTs had a ski stance of 27” and a wider 18” track. This contributed to a more positive ride. By comparison, the 24” narrow track 292 and 340s had less stability.

Keep in mind the term ‘handling’ is relative. Armand Bombardier designed his sleds in 1959 for deep-snow Quebec winters. Body English had a great effect on cornering. Only when sleds became hugely popular did groomed and compacted trails reveal the shortcomings of narrow snowmobiles.

As a young lad, John Zeglin, a SkiDoo-a-phial said the wide track T’NTs turned poorly. We know that narrow and wide track Ski-Doo models didn’t steer well on Minnesota hard pack trails primarily because the skis stance was narrow and the engines weren’t forward mounted. Ski-Doo corrected this beginning in 1974. However, for its time the 18” T’NTs were better than most other brands.

Production numbers

T’NBT Year/CCs

Production #s 1969/669 unknown

1970/640

1971/640

1972/640

* Production data thanks to Musée de l’ingéniosité J. Armand Bombardier

Improving the handling of a T’NT today

For those of you who ride T’NTs today, John Zeglin says spreaders help. Ski-Doo Guru from Wayzata, MN Davey Supplee says if you have a slide suspension T’NT, you can add more pressure on the skis by raising the front suspension mount by ¾”. I’d say do both!

Styling revolution 1969, was an important year for Bombardier. Gone was the bubble

hood look. Ski-Doo designers started sculpting more distinctive hood shapes. Rupp and AMF were moving in this same direction. The use of black and yellow hood panels were new also. In 1971, Ski-Doo chose a nicely designed T’NT seat. It was flat without a rear hump. The seat dielectric (stitch pattern) was a nice touch. I wonder if the forward slanted seat forced the rider forward only to get a lap full of gas from those spitting Tillotsons?

1969 669 T’NT, a one-year and mostly race sled

The Nordics and the ‘69 669 T’NT shared the same chassis and 18” track. Both were fan cooled with a single Tillotson HD and a can muffler. Bore and stoke of the Nordic was 76 x 70mm which produced 35hp. The 699 was 78 x 70mm and a hotter sled for its time with 45hp.

Most 669 buyers were race oriented and chose optional twin chambers and twin but vertically stacked HD carbs. Steve Ave, Race manager of Ski-Doo distributor, Halverson’s in Duluth took the 669 round the race circuit but against 800cc competitive machines, it didn’t do well. The machine was disadvantaged by its weight of 385 pounds.

1970 640 T’NT

The 79 640 T’NT differed from the 669 with the addition of black hood side

Primo 1970 T’NT by Larry Ahlers, Hudson, WI.
The 1969 had a humped seat.
The 669 with twin chambers.Stacked twin HDs.

panels. The 70 got the 669 engine with a 78 x 70mm bore and stroke and a single Tillotson HD. Horsepower was 40hp. Slide suspension was available for the first time in 1970.

1971 640 T’NT

In my opinion the 71 model was much better looking than other T’NTs of this four-year period. Bombardier designers chose a sleeker hood and configured an integrated shield. You sharp eyed Doo-a-phials will note I cheated with the photo because I couldn’t find a nice photo of 71 640. 1971s had 40hp and weighed 390 pounds.

1972 640 T’NT

I and many other Doo observers did not like the white panel on an otherwise good-looking sled. Doo designers started using white properly in the 1974 models. 1972s had 41hp but weighed 400 pounds, 10 pounds more than the ‘71s.

Furious Doo Blizzards

Cousins

The 1970, was the first of the new Blizzard race-only Skidoo sleds. The engines were all free-air, which meant no horsepower was lost to engine cooling. The two smaller single cylinder engines, 295 and 340 cc sat atop a new aluminum chassis with a 15” track. The 436, 636, and 776 twins were attached to wide 18” steel tunnels stolen from Nordics and T’NTs.

All Ski-Doo trail and race engines were mounted on the tunnels in front of the drivers lap. When going into a corner and leaning to the front to hold the inside ski on the snow, it was very easy to collapse the opposite side rubber ram tube with your right leg and choke that side of the engine. By midseason most everyone had replaced the rubber ram tubes with aluminum ram tubes on the twin HD Tillotson carbs.

1971 changes included four engines on 15” chassis; 291, 336, 397 and 437ccs. The larger two were twins. “Wide” trackers were now aluminum with 16.5” tracks. The engines for these were 645 and 797 triples. They were faster on the straights which compounded cornering issues.

The skis were standard Ski-Doo steel skis with a single 3/8 wear rod. Steering was fine at 15 mph but NOT good at 60 mph on a hard packed track. Sometime mid-1971 our team moved the locating hole of the front slide rail frame up

1973 T’NTs

I didn’t include the 73 Silver Bullets. I was a yellow Dooist at the time and found silver disappointing. Ski-Doo coloration really came alive in 1975.

about ¾” to put more weight on the skies. This helped steering but it still wasn’t great. The steering problem was pronounced with faster three-cylinder sleds. Ski-Doo didn’t solve that problem in Valcourt, QB. It took two clever Minnesotans, Ken and Wayne Rathje from Annandale, MN. The brothers made a pair of ½ “stainless wear rods with a 90-degree cut down the center of the rods. That gave unsteer-able Doos two sharp cutting edges to cut into an ice track. The sleds were still top heavy

continued next page »

1972 640 T’NT.
1971 640 T’NT. Photo courtesy of Snow Riders West.
by Ric Little
1970 Blizzard photo thanks to Merlin DeJoajh of Sioux Falls, master Ski-Doo rebuilder
Rare pre ’70 concept illustration of wide-track Blizzard from Musée de l’Ingéniosité J. Armand.
Ken Rathje co-inventor of the prototype carbide runner on a 1970 636cc open class Blizzard.

Vintage News

but then we could get around the corners with the best of them. To prove the concept, Wayne Rathje won the 800 class at Brainerd beating Polaris’s Bob Eastman. Steve Ave, the race director at Halverson Ski-Doo, walked over to Wayne’s sled without a word and picked up Wayne’s ski to see the runner. He walked away without saying a word or a thank you. The next weekend Ave was handing out copied runners to all Skidoo racers. That day was the start of what would become an entirely new carbide runner industry that Woodys, StudBoy and others occupy today.

Steve Ave

In 1966, Steve Ave, Duluth, MN was the first to win the oval track title at Eagle River. His ride was a Bombardier with an experimental engine. The race was so close he won by less than a foot. Steve was a semi-professional oval and cross-

country driver who raced Ski-Doo successfully in the Midwest. He was also race director for Halverson Equipment and had an impact on Ski-Doo racing from 1961 to 1973. In 1988, Ave at 49, was inducted to The Snowmobile Hall of Fame.

Author’s note: I want to heap praise on the Musée de l’Ingéniosité J. Armand Bombardier (J. Armand Bombardier Museum of Ingenuity) in Valcourt, Québec for providing historic Ski-Doo photos for this story. And thanks to archivists; Sophie Cimon and Andrée Richer

Footnotes to last issue’s story on the Sno-Jet Thunder Jet: 1) Jim Adema was from Alexandria, MN. 2) The Texas company that made the high-tensile aluminum chassis parts was Mooney Aircraft in Texas.

Memory Lane Building Dedication at Hay Days

It was way back in 1995 when the Sno Barons first invited the Midwest Ride-In crew to display their collector snowmobiles at Hay Days. Why? It was their tribute to the rich history of snowmobile manufacture; to educate and demonstrate the colors, shapes, and sizes as snowmobiles evolved over time; to hearken back to the heady days when over 100 manufacturers were in the snowmobile business.

You may recall that Memory Lane used to be a white tent populated with antique, vintage, and classic-class collector sleds. Well, this winter the Midwest Ride-In Organizational Committee came to the Sno Barons with a bold proposal to erect a permanent structure. An agreement was signed,

with the Sno Barons offering up site preparation/grading, underground electrical service, interior receptacles as well as interior/exterior lighting.

We are grateful for the Sno Barons’ support in this effort and their desire to preserve and demonstrate the great history of snowmobiling! With this permanent home, we can better fulfill this common mission.

The building dedication took place at this year ’s event. We honored Ron and Kate Severson, who some 29 years ago conceived the idea of a historical display area and invited us over. The two of them served as our liaison with the Sno Barons since 1995! Kate has passed now, but Ron and two generations of his family were on hand at the dedication. And Ron reports that he is not quitting anytime soon!

If you missed seeing the building and its 30 collector snowmobiles on display, we will see you next year!

Steve Ave photo from Hall of Fame and SnowGoer magazine
Three generations of the Severson family at the dedication of Memory Lane building at Hay Days.
Sno Barons officials with Randy and Ron Severson. Ron is explaining the concept and execution of Memory Lane.

Club News

DATA Club Members Attend Alexandria Youth Event

DATA (Douglas Area Trail Association) members Randy Dertinger, Scott Goebel, Brenda Gagnon and Terry Anderson along with MnUSA Region 4 Director Sheri Gades, Region 9 Director Woody Widness and State Treasurer Janet Widness manned the booth at Alexandria’s Youth Outdoor Activity Day Sunday, August 25 at the Alexandria Shooting Range. The free/no cell phone event kids’ attendance was 2750 (down about 500 from last year) due to the high temps. Kids stopped by to learn more about snowmobiling and played the wheel of signs to win prizes. The main objective is to get kids outdoors and experience all kinds of sports.

Great Southern Minnesota Swap Meet & Vintage Sled Show

On Sunday, September 29, the Great Southern Minnesota Swap Meet and Vintage Sled Show will be held at the Kasson Fairgrounds.

The Byron Snow Bears has teamed up with the KassonMantorville Snowdrifters because the event is in the club’s backyard and the two clubs work well together, so it’s a natural fit. This is the club’s third year hosting event.

This is one of the few swap meets in southern Minnesota for snowmobiles and ATV/UTVs, so hopefully it keeps getting more interest.

The last two years they have hosted an average 1,000 paying adults plus kids and workers. There will be several local equipment vendors plus food vendors, and beverages at the beer garden.

Besides the swap meet, the Vintage Show is always a crowd pleaser.

The event opens at 7 a.m. for swappers and 8 a.m. for general admission. The event usually runs until about 3 p.m. General admission is $5.

Silent Auction Fundraiser

Delano Snowstormers has hosted a silent auction fundraiser for 23 years. Proceeds help defer expenses of tools and equipment used for maintaining trails to keep them safe for all to enjoy a great snowmobile ride, and to aid in purchasing classroom supplies and training equipment for youth snowmobile safety training class each year in January.

The event is huge with lots of great items including gift baskets, gift certificates, tickets for sporting events,

snowmobile apparel, yard equipment, home décor, fishing, golfing and so much more! There’s something for everyone, and great holiday shopping gift ideas. The event is free to attend, open to the public and well attended each year.

That same evening, we are raffling a 2024 Ski-Doo snowmobile along with cash prizes, and bucket raffles offering awesome prizes. Please join us for a fun event!

MnUSA Business Supporters

Lavallee Inc

Longville, MN

Longville Campground Longville, MN 218-363-2610

Longville Lakes

Bottle Shop

Longville, MN 218-363-3249

Young’s Bay Resort Angle Inlet, MN 218-223-8031

Galen’s Fresh Food Market & Hardware Hank Bagley, MN 218-694-6212

JAG Body Shop Bagley, MN 218-209-8024

Border State Bank Baudette, MN 218-634-3300

Darin & Shonna Dahl Baudette, MN 218-634-1038

Cyrus Resort Baudette, MN 218-634-2548

Howard’s Oil Co Baudette, MN 218-634-2550

Northern Sports Baudette, MN 218-634-1089

Sportsman’s Lodge Baudette, MN 800-862-8602

Walleye Capital Sanitation Baudette, MN 218-634-3151

Bemidji Sports Centre

Bemidji, MN 218-751-4477

√ Midnight Sun Pools

‘n Spas

Bemidji, MN 218-209-7973

Beckers Resort & Campground Bena, MN 218-665-2268

Hoot-N-Holler Blackduck, MN 218-659-9225

Lengby-Fosston Knightriders Fosston, MN 218-280-9614

Sportsman Lodge Gonvick, MN 218-487-5295

Roseau County Coop Greenbush, MN 218-782-2117

Wahl Bros. Racing Inc. Greenbush, MN 218-782-2295

Shorty’s Place Gully, MN 218-268-4199

Knob & Kettle Restaurant & Lounge Laporte, MN 218-699-3403

Side Track Tap Bar & Grill Leonard, MN 218-968-2304

Anchorage Inn Longville, MN 218-363-2236

Docksider Longville, MN 218-363-2565

Lakes Area Power Sports Walker, MN 218-547-1558

LOW Passenger Service Warroad, MN 218-395-0414

Carrot’s Auto Body Waubun, MN 218-473-2417

Longville Snowmobile Club Longville, MN

Longville Turtle Town Café

Longville, MN 218-363-3333

Motorheads of Longville Longville, MN 218-363-3499

Musky House Marine & Arctic Cat

Longville, MN 218-363-2044

One Stop Convenience Store Longville, MN 218-363-2252

Olson’s Outdoor Sports Mahnomen, MN 218-935-2355

√ Lonesome Pine Rentals Naytahwaush, MN 218-935-5855

Pinehurst Resort Naytahwaush, MN 218-935-5745

Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge Oak Island, MN 218-223-8411

TJ’s Tavern Oaklee, MN 218-796-5153

Naytahwaush Nightriders Ogema, MN 218-849-5921

Cedar Shores Lodge & Resort

Park Rapids, MN 218-732-4626

Dorset Corner Liquor Park Rapids, MN 218-732-1770

Emmaville Inn, Inc. Park Rapids, MN 218-732-8544

Royal Bar Park Rapids, MN 218-732-9443

Spike’s Park Rapids, MN 218-699-3222

Up North Power & Sports Park Rapids, MN 218-237-5670

Wehrs AG Group Park Rapids, MN 218-867-6194

Zorbaz of Park Rapids Park Rapids, MN 218-237-1969

RE/MAX Results Remer, MN 651-334-5000

Visit Thief River Falls Thief River Falls, MN 218-686-9785

√ Country Inn - Walker Walker, MN 218-547-1400

Ash River-Kabetogama Snow Drifters

A sh River/Kabetogama, MN 218-875-2841

Ash Trail Lodge Ash River, MN 218-374-3131

Frontier Resort

Ash River, MN 218-374-3311

Hoot Owl Resort Waubun, MN 218-734-2245

Rainbow Resort Waubun, MN 218-734-2241

40 Club Restaurant & Bar Aitkin, MN 218-927-7090

Aitkin Flyers Aitkin, MN 218-927-2527

Block North Brew Pub Aitkin, MN 218-513-1210

Castaways Bar, Restaurant & Camp Aitkin, MN 320-684-2380

DataCom Aitkin, MN 218-927-7019

Farm Island Repair & Marine Aitkin, MN 218-927-6395

Farm Island Store Aitkin, MN 218-927-3791

Lewis Insulation North Aitkin, MN 763-772-2730

Midwest Machinery Co Aitkin, MN 218-927-2140

Mille Lacs Trails Snowmobile Club Aitkin, MN

Mudflats Bar & Grill Aitkin, MN 218-678-3122

Northern Automation Aitkin, MN 218-670-0315

Paulbeck’s Country Market Aitkin, MN 218-927-6919

Riverside Pub Aitkin, MN 218-927-3915

Sue’s Bait Aitkin, MN 320-209-9451

The Landing Aitkin, MN 218-927-9998

Tire Barn Aitkin, MN 218-927-1444

Dan’s Garage Ely, MN

218-235-1625

Ely Chamber Of Commerce Ely, MN

218-365-6123

Ely Igloo Snowmobile Club Ely, MN

Babbitt ATV & Snowmobile Club Babbitt, MN 218-393-6853

Big Falls Liquor Store Big Falls, MN 218-276-3333

Golf on the Edge Bigfork, MN 218-360-9191

Loon Point Resort Bigfork, MN 218-245-1470

Prichards Corner Bigfork, MN

The Shop - Gordy Kinn Bigfork, MN 218-742-3666

Ron’s Korner Market Bovey, MN 218-256-9755

Bill Wailde Alignment & Auto Repair Calumet, MN

Calumet Saloon Calumet, MN 218-301-6803

Nelson Funeral Care Cloquet, MN 218-590-7657

Reliable Insurance Agency Cloquet, MN 218-390-1161

√ Florio’s Grill & Tavern Cohasset, MN 218-999-7077

√ Rox Speed FX, Inc Cohasset, MN 218-326-1794

√ Lake Vermilion Resort Assn Cook, MN 800-648-5897

Vermilion Hotel & Country Store Cook, MN 218-666-2272

VFW Post No 1757 Cook, MN 218-666-0050

Cromwell Sno-Gophers Inc. Cromwell, MN 218-390-0046

Eagle Lake Plumbing Cromwell, MN 218-821-0267

Steve’s Auto Body Cromwell, MN

Bowstring Shores Resort Deer River, MN 218-256-6150

Bowstring Store Deer River, MN 218-832-3123

Bushwackers Snowmobile Club Deer River, MN 218-259-1733

Effie Country Store Effie, MN 218-743-3616

√ Grand Ely Lodge Ely, MN

218-365-6565

Joe’s Marine & Repair Ely, MN 218-365-6264

Lindsey Keen State Farm Insurance Ely, MN 763-923-4066

Paddle Inn Motel Ely, MN 218-365-6036

Rock Country Masonry Ely, MN 218-235-3471

At Your Convenience Eveleth, MN 218-744-4005

5 Seasons Sports Center Inc Eveleth, MN 218-744-5871

√ Iron Range Tourism Bureau Eveleth, MN 800-777-8497

Margie’s Roosevelt Bar Eveleth, MN 218-744-2121

Super 8 - Eveleth Eveleth, MN 218-744-1661

Timber’s Edge Bar & Grill Eveleth, MN 218-744-2627

Mainline Station Floodwood, MN 218-476-2222

Savanna Drifters Floodwood, MN 218-590-0572

Eveleth Trailhawks Snowmobile Club Forbes, MN 218-780-5207

The Old Muni Gheen, MN BoomTown Woodfire Grill & Brewery Gilbert, MN 218-248-8381

√ Jig Rock Ranch Grand Rapids, MN 218-244-6797

Nor thland V-Twin & Offroad Grand Rapids, MN 218-259-4535

Ray’s Sport & Cycle Grand Rapids, MN 218-326-9355

Visit Grand Rapids Grand Rapids, MN 218-326-9607

Trails Inn Quadna Mountain Motel & RV Park Hill City, MN 218-506-8030

Arrowhead Ultra 135 International Falls, MN

International Falls CVB

International Falls, MN 218-283-9400

The Junction International Falls, MN 218-283-3339

Rainy Lake One Stop

International Falls, MN 218-286-5700

Thunderbird Lodge International Falls, MN 218-286-3151

VFW Post 2948

International Falls, MN 218-283-8777

√ Arrowhead Lodge Resort & Outfitters K abetogama, MN 218-875-2141

Kec’s Kove Resort

Kabetogama, MN 800-777-8405

Sandy Point Lodge, Inc. Kabetogama, MN 218-875-2615

Kettle River Snowmobile Club

Kettle River, MN

Kennedy Trucking Littlefork, MN

Mel’s Corner Service Littlefork, MN 218-278-6670

Timberwolf Inn Marcell, MN 218-832-3990

202 Tavern McGregor, MN 218-770-3161

√ Bann’s Bar & Restaurant McGregor, MN 218-426-3450

Dependable Demolition McGregor, MN 218-820-0174

Fisherman’s Bay McGregor, MN 218-426-4662

Floe International Inc McGregor, MN 218-426-3563

Grand Timber Bank McGregor, MN 218-768-2410

Jack’s Shack McGregor, MN 218-768-3848

McGregor Ace Hardware McGregor, MN 218-419-2020

Meyer’s Service McGregor, MN 218-426-0026

Minnesota National Golf Club & Resort McGregor, MN 218-426-4444

School House Cafe The Country House McGregor, MN 218-390-6525

Ukura’s Big Dollar McGregor, MN 218-768-2666

Willeys Marine & Sports McGregor, MN 218-426-4350

Northwoods Recreational Rentals Moose Lake, MN 218-626-5175

Fisher’s Petroleum, Inc. Northome, MN 218-897-5249

Northland Progressive Northome, MN

Northome Municipal Liquor Northome, MN 218-897-9501

Ridge Runner’s Snowmobile Club Nor thome, MN 218-897-5764

√ Oveson’s Pelican Lake Resort Orr, MN 218-757-3613

MJ’s Lodge & Resort Pengilly, MN 218-838-0651

Ranier Municipal Liquor Ranier, MN 218-286-3343

Boondocks Bar & Grill Ray, MN 218-875-2700

Swan River Redeye Swan River, MN 763-442-8012

City of Tamarack Tamarack, MN 218-768-0975

Meld Electric Tamarack, MN 320-267-8918

Tamarack Sno-Flyers Tamarack, MN

√ Good Ol Days Tower, MN 218-753-6097

Lake Vermilion Houseboats Inc. Tower, MN 218-753-3548

√ Pike Bay Lodge Tower, MN 218-753-2430

Vermilion Club Tower, MN 218-753-6277

Edwards Oil Virginia, MN 218-741-9634

Northern Pine Riders Snowmobile Club Willow River, MN 218-372-4077

√ Kavanaugh’s Resort Brainerd, MN

800-562-7061

Motors-N-More Brainerd, MN 218-824-2277

St Augusta Blizzard Busters Snowmobile Club Clearwater, MN 320-558-6158

Canvasworks Inc.SnoCaps Cokato, MN

320-559-0165

Cokato Ridge Runners Cokato, MN 612-220-4793

The Cedar Chest Crosslake, MN 218-692-2657

Anderson Carpet Service Elk River, MN 763-286-2770

Emily Ace Hardware Emily, MN 218-763-2691

Frank’s Resort Emily, MN 218-763-2246

Lake Country Foods Emily, MN 218-763-7700

Lake Country Properties Emily, MN 218-792-5200

Log Cabin Bar Emily, MN 218-763-2820

The Pickled Loon Saloon Emily, MN 218-763-4402

Redding’s Sports & Spirits Emily, MN 218-763-2191

Hillman Swampstompers Foley, MN 320-355-2370

Harding/Lastrup Snowdusters Hillman, MN 320-277-3515

Fishers Resort Isle, MN 320-684-2221

2 Tall Tavern Lincoln, MN 218-575-3013

Anchor North Lincoln, MN 218-575-2089

Friendly Inn of Lincoln Lincoln, MN 218-575-3295

Lincoln Area Business Association Lincoln, MN 218-575-3066

Ponto Knight Riders SC Backus, MN 218-587-3929

Brothers Motorsports Baxter, MN 218-829-6656

Crow Wing Cty Snowmobile Trail Assn. Baxter, MN 218-829-8922

Green Lantern Bar & Grill Brainerd, MN 218-764-2323

Lincoln Lakes Snowmobile Club L incoln, MN 612-710-5693

Merrifield Marathon Merrifield, MN

218-821-6208

Nitti’s Hunters Point Isle, MN 320-676-3227 218-575-3295

Rich Prairie Trailbusters Club Pierz, MN 320-630-4108

MnUSA Business Supporters

Fowler Parts Service

Ogilvie, MN 952-884-5401

North Woods Lawn & Snow Outing, MN 612-747-7579

RE/MAX Lake Area Realty Outing, MN 612-269-3490

Village Inn Outing, MN

218-792-5186

Pequot Brush Pilots

Pequot Lakes, MN 218-568-4343

√ KC’s Saloon Pillager, MN 218-746-3328

Hinckley/Pine City Flames Snowmobile Club

Pine City, MN 320-515-0156

Waste Partners Pine River, MN 218-824-8727

Country Snow Cruisers Richmond, MN

√ AmericInn Sauk Centre, MN 877-352-1199

BEAM Electric Sauk Centre, MN 320-352-5641

√ Centre Powersports & Recreation

Sauk Centre, MN 320-351-7669

Country Cat Sauk Centre, MN 320-352-3534

Phil Polipnick Insurance Sauk Centre, MN 320-352-6171

Winters Recreation Sauk Centre, MN 320-351-7533

Benton County Snowmobile Club Sauk Rapids, MN ATV Minnesota Stacy, MN 800-442-8826

Timberlake Hotel Staples, MN 218-895-1300

Ross Seelhammer Plumbing Wadena, MN 218-371-1623

Trail Breakers Inc. Wadena, MN 218-6319-4766

Westside Sports Wadena, MN 218-631-1113

√ Power Madd Wyoming, MN 651-462-8465

Appleton Ridge Riders

Appleton, MN

Northern Lights Trails SC Benson, MN

320-297-0821

Blizzard

Snowmobile Club

Fairmont, MN

507-238-2190

Flying Goose Campground Fairmont, MN 507-235-3458

Visit Fairmont Fairmont, MN

507-235-8585

CentraSota Vintage Sledheads Glencoe, MN 320-327-2559

Crow River Sno-Pros Hutchinson, MN 320-327-2380

Hutchinson Area Chamber & Tourism Hutchinson, MN 320-587-5252

Fahey Flooring Le Sueur, MN 612-501-6400

Madelia Snohawks Madelia, MN

507-642-3563

Riverside Trail Association Madelia, MN 507-642-8891

Southern MN High Pressure Piping Madelia, MN 507-621-0177

Deals & Steals

Mankato, MN

507-380-0523

Action Sports Inc Marshall, MN 507-532-9649

Marshall Machine Shop Marshall, MN 507-532-3613

New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce New Ulm, MN 507-233-4304

Meeker County Snowmobile Trails Paynesville, MN 320-250-4873

Barney’s Burger & Brew Redwood Falls, MN 507-616-1264

Dranttel Sales & Service, Inc. St. Peter, MN 507-931-1363

Brewsters Bar & Grill

Lonsdale, MN

507-744-2370

Rail 19 Bar & Grill

Lonsdale, MN

507-744-5528

St. Patrick’s Tavern & Restaurant

New Prague, MN 952-758-2380

Union Hill Bar & Grill New Prague, MN 952-758-4239

Preston Equipment Co. Preston, MN

507-765-3803

Millers Market St. Charles, MN 507-932-3760

Brewskies Bar & Grill

Utica, MN

507-932-3485

Cedar Valley Resort & Outfitters Whalen, MN 507-467-9000

Hugo’s Bar Brimson, MN 218-848-2220

Boom Town Brewery & Woodfire Grill Duluth, MN 218-722-0977

Breeze Inn Duluth, MN 218-525-9752

Bruce & Melissa Illsley Duluth, MN 218-251-6443

Duluth Drift-Toppers

Snowmobile Club Duluth, MN

Fish Lake Storage Duluth, MN 218-721-4243

Johnson Supply Co. Duluth, MN 218-722-1717

The Other Place Bar & Grill Duluth, MN 218-733-0214

The Outpost at Island Lake Duluth, MN 218-391-7569

Pequaywan Area Trailblazers Duluth, MN 218-390-1136

Pequaywan Inn Duluth, MN 218-848-2201

Anoka Area Chamber Anoka, MN

763-421-7130

Bayport Pathfinders Bayport, MN

651-439-8795

Reefer Storage Rentals Inc Blaine, MN 651-604-0014

Dakota Snowmobile Trail Association

Cannon Falls, MN 651-341-6616

Northway Sports East Bethel, MN 763-413-8988

Story Agency Inc. Farmington, MN

651-463-3334

√ Chopper City Sports Fridley, MN

763-572-2100

Prinoth LLC Fridley, MN

612-251-4094

Togo Motorsports Ham Lake, MN 763-284-3234

Midwest Extreme Snowmobile Challenge Hugo, MN

651-392-7185

√ Lighthouse Motorsport & Marine Rosemount, MN

United Employees

Credit Union

Albert Lea

507-377-1616

J&M Parts Supply Chatfield, MN

Grover Farm Trucking LLC Amboy, MN 507-880-8824

507-867-4200

Mauers Bros Tavern Elba, MN

507-932-9957

Reservoir Riders Snowmobile Club Duluth, MN

Sheet Metal Solutions Duluth, MN 218-391-6582

Crooked Lake Resort Finland, MN 218-220-0211

Four Seasons Restaurant & Bar Finland, MN 218-353-7371

Trestle Inn Finland, MN 218-830-0523

√ Hungry Jack LodgeGunflint Trail Grand Marais, MN 218-388-2265

√ RJ Sport & Cycle Hermantown, MN 218-729-5150

Lutsen Trailbreakers Lutsen, MN 218-663-7305

Caywood Country Store Saginaw, MN 218-591-3101

Pine River Sales Saginaw, MN 218-391-8770

LaBerge Logging & Contracting Silver Bay, MN 218-226-3586

American Legion Post 109

Two Harbors, MN 218-834-4141

√ AmericInn by Wyndam

Two Harbors, MN 218-834-3000

Auto Value

Two Harbors, MN 218-834-2191

Castle Haven, Inc.

Two Harbors, MN 218-834-4303

√ Country Inn of

Two Harbors

Two Harbors, MN 218-834-5557

Harbor Insurance

Two Harbors, MN 218-834-2114

KAZ Contracting Service

Two Harbors, MN 218-576-7759

Lovin’ Lake County

Two Harbors, MN 218-834-2600

Sonju Two Harbors Sports Center

Two Harbors, MN 218-834-2181

Superior Hiking Trail Assn

Two Harbors, MN 218-834-2700

TH Auto Inc.

Two Harbors, MN 218-834-3089

Two Harbors Federal Credit Union

Two Harbors, MN 218-834-2266

Erickson-Larsen Inc. Maple Grove, MN 763-535-0055

Ox Yoke Inn Maple Plain, MN 763-479-2522

Carver County Snowrunners Mayer, MN 952-466-2673

√ CorTrust Bank Mayer, MN 952-657-2500

Westonka Snoblazers Mound, MN 612-309-5882

Stone Mountain Landscape and Masonry Inc

Norwood Young America, MN 612-518-4682

Snow Goer/EPG Brand Acceleration Bloomington, MN 763-383-4402

Charlie’s on Prior Prior Lake, MN 952-226-5253

Prior Lake Snowmobile Assoc. Prior Lake, MN 952-484-3534

Fractional Toys Rogers, MN 763-273-4619

Savage Sno-Pacers Savage, MN 612-567-6691

O’Brien’s Public House Shakopee, MN 612-741-3945

River Valley Trailblazers Shakopee, MN 952-393-4093

√ St Boni Motor Sports St Boni, MN 952-446-1554

Belle Plaine Equipment Sales

Belle Plaine, MN 612-490-2387

Minnesota Snowmobile Education & Advancement Fund Brooklyn Park, MN 763-577-0185

The Cologne Corral Bar and Grill Cologne, MN 651-373-0892

Pounder’s Bar and Grill Cologne, MN 612-735-1266

MSPN Inc. Eden Prairie, MN 952-473-7870

Hollywood Sports Complex Watertown, MN 612-581-1352

Richwood Offsale Callaway, MN 218-847-6380

Aune Farm Bureau

Financial Dent, MN

Bleachers Sports Bar & Grill

Detroit Lakes, MN 218-310-4105

Boats Inc. Detroit Lakes, MN 218-847-0324

Dairy Queen Detroit Lakes, MN 218-847-5154

Detroit Lakes Express Inc Detroit Lakes, MN 218-847-8049

Detroit Lakes Tourism Bureau Detroit Lakes, MN 218-847-9202

Okeson Offtrail Sales

Detroit Lakes, MN 218-847-9304

T.S. Recreational, Inc.

Detroit Lakes, MN 218-844-3033

ULTRA Snowmobile Club

Detroit Lakes, MN

Donnelly Co-Op. Donnelly, MN 320-246-3555

AgCountry Farm Credit Elbow Lake, MN 218-685-5311

Farmers Agency Elbow Lake, MN 218-685-6880

Farmers Cooperative Oil Association Elbow Lake, MN 218-685-4491

Grant County Lumber Elbow Lake, MN 218-685-5321

Haley Oil Company Elbow Lake, MN 218-685-4466

Midwest Machinery Elbow Lake, MN 218-685-4438

Frontier Marine & Powersports Fergus Falls, MN 218-998-4386

AJ’s Gas & Grocery Herman, MN 320-677-2300

Lakes Inn at Dunvilla Pelican Rapids, MN 218-863-8000

Otter Tail Riders Perham, MN 218-385-3991

Steve’s Sanitation Perham, MN 218-849-1225

Ruther Excavating Inc. Richville, MN 218-298-1477

Snow Thrashers of Dalton Wendell, MN 218-458-2265

OTHER MEMBERS

MWO Media Burr Ridge, IL 630-887-1941

Cajun Tie Downs Inc. Crowley, LA 337-783-0385

Border Guide Service Antelope, MT 218-324-2430

Brandin’ Iron Inn West Yellowstone, MT 800-217-4613

Ken & Katie Russell Fargo, ND Simonson Station Stores, Inc. Grand Forks, ND 701-772-3971

Texas Crossing Bar & Grill Wahpeton, ND 701-642-1991

Custom Manufacturing Clinton, WI 608-676-2282

Lake Chippewa Flowage Resort Assoc. Hayward, WI 715-945-2511

Lulich Implement Mason, WI 715-746-2477

Track Inc.-Tucker Sno-Cat Monico, WI 715-487-2035

Stud Boy Traction Ravenna, WI 231-853-2323

Cor PowerSports LLC Somerset, WI 651-387-5880

Winning Edge Graphics Alexandria, MN 320-763-7953

Audubon Liquor Store/A.L.S. Audubon, MN 701-367-1291

Wagner Company Herman, MN 320-760-1883

West Central Trailblazers Morris, MN 320-589-3445

Arrowhead Groomers/ Hamblen Equipment St. Germain, WI 715-479-4200

Union Pass Rentals Dubois, WY 307-709-8231

Stillwater Snowmobile Club Stillwater, MN

Silver Sledders Trail Authority

Silver Bay, MN 218-220-8189

Silver Trail Riders Silver Bay, MN 218-226-4608

√ AmericInn by Wyndham Tofte Tofte, MN 218-663-7899

Franzen Law & Policy Group Edina, MN Idea Builders Golden Valley, MN 612-245-8040

Spider Friederichs Auctions Golden Valley, MN 763-591-1642

Kassbohrer ATV-Pisten Bully Jordan, MN 952-345-3330

Absolute Insurance Audubon, MN Pit 611 Audubon, MN 218-439-6121

DHS Grain Ltd Barrett, MN 320-815-1043

Spud’s Small Engine Service & Repair Barrett, MN 320-528-2299

Battle Lake Inn Battle Lake, MN

Tender Hearts Home Care

New York Mills, MN 218-385-3466

Warner Garage Door New York Mills, MN 218-385-2853

54K LLC

Norcross, MN 320-815-9720

Jack Pines Resort Osage, MN 218-573-6600

Ottertail Aggregatge Ottertail, MN 218-367-2581

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