

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).
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).
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
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Phone: 847-707-8511 chuck@mwomedia.com www.mnsnowmobiler.org
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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.
Mike Clevenger
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.
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
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
Scotty Harder
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.
Christian Franzen
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!).
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 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.
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
by Scott Wakefield
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.
by Cheryl Clevenger
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
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Club News (Please submit on a separate
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!
Rob
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
William & Sherri Jarvis
Kevin & Julie Jergenson
Richard & Judith Johnson
Terry Johnson
Charlie & Sue Johnson
Todd Johnson Jeff Jones
Jeff & Louise Kack
Kathy Karkula
Steve & Terri Kast
Jerry Kastner
Mark & Susan Kavanaugh
Ed Kedzierzawski
Paul Kirscht
Bob & Stacy Klemetson
Earl Klersy
Brent Klomps
Steven & Linda Knopp
Marlys Knutson
Neva Kueffer
William Kuehn
Jerry Kujala
Kenny Kukacka
Greg Kunz
Mark & Kathy LaBaw
Randy LaBerge
Mark Langevin
Orv & Dee Langohr
John & Karen Larsen
Scott & Cindy Larson
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
Mike Manderfeld
Sheri
Mark Garcea
Mike Manthei
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
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.
by Scott J. Wakefield
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
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!
by Phil Little
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.
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
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?
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.
The 79 640 T’NT differed from the 669 with the addition of black hood side
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.
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.
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.
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
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 »
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.
by Valdi Stefanson, Midwest Ride-In Organizational Committee
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!
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.
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.
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!
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
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