Midwest Rider Nov-Dec 2021

VOLUME 1 / NUMBER 3

THE MIDWEST’S BEST OFF-ROAD & SNOWMOBILE ADVENTURE RESOURCE

HUDSON BOUND

OVER 100,000 RIDERS STRONG

BEST OFF-TRAIL ADVENTURE

COOKED

ON THE TRAIL EATS

NORDIC NEMESIS INSIDE THE LYNX RAVE

BEE-TASTIC

ULTRA-RARE VINTAGE SLED

MIDWESTRIDERS.COM

Midwest Rider

CONTENTS

8 Editor Notes

26 Minnesota

10 Industry News

30 Coming to America

14 Wisconsin

36 Tune for the Moment

17 Wyoming

40 Vintage

Something Is Happening Here

Adventure Snowmobiling – From Minnesota to Hudson Bay

ISMA Grants and Cross Country Racing Update Sawyer County is Snowmobile Friendly – Find Out Why

Anniversary

Publisher Associate Publisher Managing Editor Associate Editor Art Director Advertising Sales Photo Archives

Joel Mellenthin Paula Jones Kale Wainer Pat Bourgeois Kasia Netley Diane Voight C.J. Ramstad

Contributions: Letters, manuscripts, stories, materials and photographs are welcome but cannot be returned unless sender provides a self-addressed stamped envelope. Midwest Rider and MSPN are not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos and drawings.

Submission of articles and letters implies the right to edit and publish in all or part.

ADVERTISING MSPN Phone: 952-473-7870 or 800-989-MSPN Fax: 952-473-7805 sales@mspninc.com mspnads.com

Copyright © 2021 by MSPN. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without consent of the publisher.

VOLUME 1 / NUMBER 2

6595 Edenvale Blvd Ste 180 Eden Prairie MN 55346 800-989-6776 / 952-473-7870 fax: 952-473-7805 info@mspninc.com

On the Trail Tips

Attack of the Killer Bee

Riding the Snowy Range

nd

The Lynx Rave Reviewed

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Midwest Rider

EDITOR’S NOTES

Something’s happening here. While most will recognize this phrase as the opening line to the iconic 1967 Buffalo Springfield song, “For What It’s Worth” it also aptly describes the enthusiasm surrounding the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs (AWSC). When my co-editor and friend Kale Wainer returned from the AWSC Fall Workshop this past October and reported attendance was more than 800 enthusiastic snowmobilers, I couldn’t help but think, “there really is something happening here.”

Clearly the Wisconsin state snowmobile association has tapped into a formula that works. Attendance at their statewide events keeps getting bigger, making it harder and harder for the organization to secure a resort with the ability to accommodate such burgeoning numbers. Membership in the association also continues to swell, and now eclipses more than 41,000. Even more impressive is they are engaged, active and include several new and younger riders.

As Wisconsin grows, other associations across the snowbelt continue to see their membership numbers remain stagnant or worse yet, shrink. Not only are they looking for ways to attract new and younger members, but they must also work at retaining existing members. Fortunately, Wisconsin appears to be a great case study as to how to get it done by providing a road map for others to follow.

With that, welcome to the first winter edition of Midwest Rider.

While I don’t like to brag (much) it’s a great one, featuring an incredible adventure to Hudson Bay, trailside cooking tips and an inside look at the first ever North American Lynx snowmobile. Enjoy!

Pat Bourgeois

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Midwest Rider snowmobile.org The members of the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (Arctic Cat, BRP, Polaris, and Yamaha) are pleased to announce the ISMA Grant Program will award around $40,000 in grants distributed to 13 organizations in the United States and Canada. The organizations are active members of the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations (CCSO) or the American Council of Snowmobile Associations (ACSA). The ISMA grants are awarded to the state and provincial associations based on their support of key issues of importance in the grant process.

The ISMA grant process includes, but is not limited to: • Supporting efforts which enable snowmobilers to continue snowmobiling in regions and riding areas enjoyed by enthusiasts.

• Supporting and participating in Legislative enlightenment rides for elected local, federal, provincial, and state representatives.

• Supporting introductory rides for non-snowmobilers have also been realized through the Grant Program.

• The promotion of the Safe Riders! campaign and the Take the Pledge Program – highlighting snowmobile safety and staying on designated trails and legal riding areas.

•

In this year’s allocation of ISMA Grants, ISMA was pleased to support Search and Rescue educational projects along with continuing to expand and support safe snowmobiling in Avalanche country.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

The ISMA Grant Program began in 2001 and to date, has awarded over $818,000 in grants to state snowmobile associations, and over $700,000 in grants to provincial associations! Well over $1.5 million dollars has been distributed to snowmobile associations in North America supporting key activities supporting organized snowmobiling.

The manufacturers of ISMA are pleased to note that matching funds raised by the associations in performing these activities has generated over $2 million dollars in economic investments in the organized snowmobile community.

These investments help to improve our riding areas, trails and safety training.

The ISMA Grant Program has been successful in accomplishing many small to mid-range construction projects, improving riding areas, trailheads, and more… as well as dramatic expansion in the Safe Riders! You Make Snowmobiling Safe Campaign.

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snowmobilehalloffame.com The Snowmobile Hall of Fame (SHOF) and Museum in St. Germain, Wis., announce its four inductees for 2021: John Faeo, Dale Loritz, Craig Marchbank, and Brian Sturgeon. These honorees will be inducted into the SHOF during a two-day induction ceremony weekend, February 18-19, 2021 in St. Germain, coinciding with the 38th Annual Ride With the Champs and other events, presented by Livingston’s Arctic Cat. All snowmobile enthusiasts and race fans are invited.

The inductees for 2021 are: John Faeo (Racer) John Faeo is synonymous with the famed 2,000mile Iron Dog through the Alaska’s rugged and remote wilderness, winning this grueling multiday event seven times between 1984 and 1996.

In addition to his record-tying number of victories, the Wasilla, AK, legend also finished the Iron Dog race 23 consecutive times, with 13 podium finishes.

Fast, smart and consistent beyond measure, Faeo is also a 9-time Alaska Motor Musher XC race champion; a 6-time winner of the Talkeetna-to-Anchorage XC, and an 11-time Alaska Calcutta 120 XC Champ. He raced on Polaris snowmobiles for the majority of his career.

Dale Loritz (Racer) One of the most enduring oval racers of his generation, Dale Loritz of Green Bay, Wisc., scored innumerable wins—in a range of classes—at all levels of the sport.

He qualified for the Eagle River World Championships an astounding 18 times, and won the pinnacle event in 1994 and 1995.

Racing for Ski-Doo throughout his career, Loritz notched 14 USSA high-point class championships, including seven Formula 1 titles. He was the USSA and Snow Week magazine Driver of the Year in 1989, as well as USSA Oval Racer of the Year (2003) and a 2-time Sportsman of the Year.

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Craig Marchbank (Racer) Motivated, focused and unwavering in his pursuit of success, Craig Marchbank of New Lennox, Ill., set benchmarks and records in snowmobile drag racing that may never be exceeded.

In a 30-year career that began in 1982, Marchbank claimed more than 2,500 class final victories en route to 28 High Point Championships in Pro Stock and 26 High Point Championships in Improved Stock, all aboard Ski-Doo snowmobiles. He was the Minnesota Cup Champion a record nine times; a 5-time Michigan Cup Champion; and 3-time Wisconsin Cup Champion.

He was the 2005 Snow Week magazine Racer of the Year, as well as the ISR Woody’s Traction Racer of the Year.

Brian Sturgeon (Racer) Team Arctic’s Brian Sturgeon of Thief River Falls, Minn., achieved remarkable success in snowmobile oval and terrain competitions.

In ovals, Sturgeon won 12 Eagle River World Championship class titles, including the Formula III win in 1995. He also earned nine USSA High Point Championships, including eight in Stock classes and one in Formula III. In ice lemans he won two MRP Formula III high-point championship and World Series titles, and he scored two snocross Pro Class wins at the Duluth National. He was awarded Racer of the Year honors by Snow Week magazine, SnoWest magazine, and MIRA. After retiring from racing, Sturgeon became the Arctic Cat Race Manager beginning in 1999.

Snowmobile racing fans and enthusiasts are invited to the 38th Annual Ride With the Champs and induction ceremony weekend, presented by Livingston’s Arctic Cat, February 18-19, 2022. The expanded two-day event features guest speakers, vintage and modern trail riding opportunities, a meet-andgreet with past and current SHOF inductees along with other snowmobile industry celebrities, and a formal induction ceremony with dinner. In addition, the Snowmobile Hall of Fame Museum will be open throughout the weekend. Learn more details on the complete weekend schedule and purchase advance tickets at snowmobilehalloffame.com.

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Midwest Rider

A Wisconsin Snowmobile Friendly County haywardlakes.com

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WISCONSIN

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awyer County, was designated a Snowmobile Friendly County by the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs (AWSC) in 2019, and the surrounding area is known for some of the best snowmobiling trails in the country – over 600 miles of groomed trails! You can find some of the best service, lodging, food and snowmobile related events in Wisconsin there.

Almost every snowmobiler in the midwest is aware of the fantastic winter playground found near the Hayward area of Sawyer County and the Cable area of Southern Bayfield County. Hundreds of miles of wilderness trails provide tours through this area’s natural beauty, beckoning riders to return year after year.

The Hayward Lakes region with its rolling hills, hardwood forests, tall pine stands and pristine lakes serves as the hub of the Sawyer County trail system. A journey south from Hayward on Trail 31 takes riders across the frozen Lac Court Oreilles and along Sand Lake before joining the Tuscobia State Trail just east of Birchwood.

This well-known Tuscobia State Trail is also listed as Corridor 10 on the maps. It crosses Sawyer County from east to west passing through Draper, Loretta, Winter and Radisson, as it makes its journey across northern Wisconsin stretching from Michigan to Minnesota.

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WISCONSIN

Traveling southeast from Hayward, snowmobilers are treated to a tour of the undeveloped Lake Chippewa Flowage, Wisconsin’s largest wilderness lake. This focal point of Sawyer County was created in 1923 by a power company dam and has more than 17,000 acres of water with 140 islands and more than 200 miles of natural shoreline.

Trails lead in all directions in this scenic Chequamegon National Forest region offering unlimited choices. When staying in this area, snowmobiles are the only transportation you will need since almost everything is accessible via a trail. Excellent lodging with roaring fireplaces and great food can be found trailside throughout this region.

The Northwest Wisconsin ATV & Snowmobile Corridor Trail Map features Ashland, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Rusk, Barron, Chippewa, Washburn, Price, and Sawyer counties. This map will help you plan a trip to Northwest Wisconsin, and individual county maps will help you navigate the trails. Visit haywardlakes.com to explore all the great places you can visit on the seat of an ATV or snowmobile.

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By Brian and Dani Harrington

by Dani and Brian Harrington visitlaramie.org visitlaramie.org

T

he Snowy Range Mountains of southeastern Wyoming are home to nearly two million acres of exceptional snowmobiling territory. About 30 miles west of Laramie, Wyoming, this area is a premier destination for snowmobilers— and for good reason. It is vast, scenically beautiful, and offers a greater sense of solace and freedom when compared to other snowmobile destinations in the Rocky Mountains. If you want to escape the crowds while still having access to everything you need for a great trip, the mountains of southeastern Wyoming are a superb choice.

To help visitors learn more about how to make the most of their time snowmobiling in Wyoming’s Snowy Range, we (Dani and Brian) turned to Laramie native and snowmobile enthusiast, Chris Jansen, who kindly offered up tips and insights about snowmobiling in this area of the world. His local knowledge and years of experience will prove useful to anyone considering a snowmobile vacation near Laramie.

Tip #1: Choose Your Path Wisely

Give your adventure some thought before you head out. Ask yourself what kind of terrain you want to experience and what is appropriate for your skill level. The Snowy Range is home to incredible backcountry riding as well as groomed and marked trails, and there are plenty of areas offering amazing hillclimbing, as well as scenic, wide-open meadows.

Be sure to do your research beforehand by consulting maps and talking with people who are familiar with the area. Chris recommended stopping by TNT Motorsports or Frontier Cycles in Laramie for valuable information about trails and snow and avalanche conditions.

Snowmobiling in the Snowy Range typically means choosing to depart from either Albany Lodge or Green Rock Trailhead.

Albany Lodge lies at the base of the Snowy Range and offers easy access to hundreds of miles of groomed and marked snowmobile trails, while the Green Rock Trailhead is located above Centennial higher up in the range.

If you are looking for more groomed trails, Albany Lodge is definitely the place to depart from, while the trails around Green Rock are mostly ungroomed. On the flipside, Green Rock offers quicker access to spectacular backcountry territory, though amenities at the trailhead are limited to a Forest Service bathroom. Albany Lodge features a restaurant and bar, rentals, gear, guide service, a convenience store, and lodging.

Regardless of your starting point, Albany Lodge and Green Rock are connected by the trail systems. Understanding more about these two departure points will nonetheless help you better plan for the kind of experience you’re aimed at.

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Chris said not to miss the infamous “Widowmaker.” To get there, depart from Green Rock Trailhead to access the “O” trail; follow it to the “NO” trail and cut south toward the north end of Medicine Bow Peak. A steep hill climb, the “Widowmaker” is a great place for riders to experience a little thrill, and for spectators, it is entertaining to watch others try their luck.

Fortunately, the site is also located in one of the most scenic areas of the Snowy Range.

Tip #2: Don’t Forget Your Permit

The State of Wyoming requires all snowmobilers purchase an annual permit for $35.00. TNT Motorsports and Frontier Cycles in Laramie can both issue these permits, as can Albany Lodge and several other outdoor-oriented businesses in Laramie and Centennial. You can also purchase permits online, though if you go this route planning ahead is imperative as it will take 7 to 10 days for your permit to arrive via mail.

Tip # 3: Keep Your Bearings

Be sure to maintain your bearings and bring a map. Many outdoor-oriented shops in Laramie and Centennial offer a quality snowmobiling map of the area. Besides containing excellent trail, topographic, and area information, this map displays markers for warming huts scattered throughout the range. Warming huts feature wood stoves and are a welcome respite from the cold. Chris remarked they are his go-to lunch destinations while he’s out on the mountain.

Wyoming State Parks also maintains a map featuring geoPDF files of snowmobile trails by region, including the Snowy Range.

Continuously updated snow and avalanche reports are also available through their website.

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Tip #4: Plan for the Unexpected

As with any outdoor experience, planning for the unexpected and keeping safety at the forefront is of the utmost importance, and it will also make your adventure more enjoyable. While snowmobiling is a relatively safe activity, riders do face several potential hazards. Avalanches, exposure, getting lost, getting stuck— these are just some of the potential dangers that happen unexpectedly.

Snowmobiling in the backcountry allows you to get deep into the mountains very quickly. Of course, this also means if something goes wrong and you can’t get out as soon as expected, you’re now far away from civilization with no quick escape.

With all this in mind, always pack additional supplies, at least enough for one more day than you plan on being out. This means extra food and water and a few emergency supplies such as space blankets and fire starters. Chris also offered the tip of bringing a small backpacking stove. Beyond allowing you to whip up a hot lunch, it could also come in handy in the event you need to melt and purify snow.

In addition to packing extra supplies and a small emergency kit, a SPOT is another item you should bring along, particularly if you are riding in remote areas. A SPOT is a device using satellite technology to track your location. You can check in with loved ones and send them your GPS coordinates, request help from pre-programmed contacts in non-emergency situations, and send out an SOS code prompting search and rescue crews if things get really bad. If you don’t own a SPOT, or don’t want to invest in owning one, you can rent one from Albany Lodge.

Backcountry riders would also be wise to bring an avalanche beacon, probe and shovel.

Editor Note: Brian and Dani Harrington are independent writers contracted by Visit Laramie. Views and opinions expressed here are their own and do not reflect those of the Albany County Tourism Board.

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Midwest Rider

Snowmobile enthusiasts make epic trip from northern Minnesota to Hudson Bay – and back.

By Brad Dokken / Forum News Service Reprinted with permission of the Grand Forks (N.D.) Herald

Paul Dick of Grand Rapids, Minn., looks over loaded-down tow sleds March 4, during the trek from Grand Rapids, Minn., to Churchill, Man., and back. Dick, along with Rob Hallstrom of Park Rapids, Minn., and Rex Hibbert of Henry, Idaho, logged 2,950 miles during the two-week adventure. (Photo courtesy of Rob Hallstrom)

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MINNESOTA

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ob Hallstrom recalls stopping to fuel up snowmobiles in Swan River, Man., with his two riding partners when a man approached and said he recognized them “as the old guys that rode to Churchill and back.”

“Of course, we responded, ‘Old guys?’” Hallstrom said. “We seemed to develop a following.” Hallstrom, 62, of Park Rapids, Minn., along with Paul Dick of Grand Rapids, Minn. and Rex Hibbert of Henry, Idaho, recently returned from an epic, 2,950-mile-round-trip snowmobile trek from Grand Rapids, Minn. to Churchill, Man. Driving Arctic Cat Norseman 6000 snowmobiles, the trio left Dick’s home March 1, and returned to Grand Rapids on March 14.

“A little adventure for the common man is how we like to think about it,” Hallstrom said.

A St. Hilaire, Minn., native and retired electrician, Hallstrom says all of them are experienced wilderness riders, having ridden Cain’s Quest, an extreme snowmobile race in Labrador, Canada that’s more than 2,000 miles long with no specific route.

Trekking by snowmobile to Churchill seemed like a natural sojourn for the adventure seekers. From groomed trails to frozen lakes, from trappers’ trails to powerline right of ways, their route took many turns.

The journey from Grand Rapids took them to the northwest corner of Lake of the Woods into Manitoba and the destinations of Falcon Lake, Gull Harbor on Lake Winnipeg, Norway House, Oxford House, Gillam and Churchill. The ride back took them from Churchill to Gillam and then to Thompson, Snow Lake, Bakers Narrows, Swan River, Gimli, Border View Lodge near Baudette, Minn., and back to Grand Rapids.

Return visit

The seeds for the trip actually were planted last year, when Hallstrom, along with Roger Gorder of Grafton, N.D., and Lee Gudajtes of Minto, N.D., snowmobiled to Churchill, trailering their sleds to Gillam, Man., some 660 miles northeast of Winnipeg, and hitting the trail from there.

“I hadn’t been back more than a week or two when Paul Dick from Grand Rapids called me, and he’d heard I’d gone to Churchill and said he would like to go but wanted to go right from his place,” Hallstrom said. “That had always been a dream of mine, so I said I’d be in for that.”

By that time, though, it was late March and so they opted to wait until this winter. Hibbert, whom they knew through Cain’s Quest and other snowmobiling events, got involved in the meantime.

With the trip on the calendar, the trio began planning and working out the numerous logistics that needed to be addressed before making the long trek through wilderness country. Hibbert did much of the GPS work in laying out a route, Dick worked out snowmobile details and Hallstrom reached out to Manitoba snowmobile groups and natural resource officers to gather more information about trails and places they could or couldn’t ride once they hit wilderness country.

“The preparation is almost as much fun as the trip with things like this,” Hallstrom said. “It’s a lot of phone calls, a lot of talking to people.”

Making what basically was a giant loop, the trio snowmobiled up to 320 miles a day, with each leg of the trip varying depending on the distance between towns along their route. They each pulled tow sleds with extra gasoline and carried a pop-up ice fishing shelter, a wood stove, small chainsaw and a few other items of survival gear in case they had to spend a night on the trail.

Fortunately, they had warm beds every night, Hallstrom says. There was a whole lot of wilderness between most of their nightly stops.

“I don’t think we were ever in a situation where we thought we were in trouble,” he said.

“Certainly, we rode through a lot of cold temperatures.”

The trail to Churchill, Man., followed a variety of routes, including groomed trails, trapper trails and power line right of ways. (Photo courtesy of Rob Hallstrom) November/December 2021 27

Midwest Rider

Paul Dick of Grand Rapids, Minn. (left), and Rex Hibbert of Henry, Idaho, pause by a large Inukshuk, an Inuit landmark, Thursday, March 7, 2019 on the shore of Hudson Bay near Churchill, Man. Along with Rob Hallstrom of Park Rapids, Minn., the trio snowmobiled nearly 3,000 during a recent trek to Churchill and back from Grand Rapids. Courtesy photo / Rob Hallstrom

As the trip approached, Hibbert drove from Idaho to Grand Rapids so the three of them could get everything situated. The Arctic Cat Norseman 6000 snowmobiles they drove have long tracks, wider skis and get fairly good mileage, Hallstrom says.

They beefed up the machines with heavier springs, auxiliary bumpers and lights and GPS units they wired into the electrical systems.

Driving identical sleds also meant they’d have parts to fit all three machines in case of mechanical issues, Hallstrom says; they carried pistons, clutches, shock absorbers and other spare parts – just in case.

“It seems like if you bring the parts, nothing breaks,” Hallstrom said with a laugh. “If you don’t have the parts, that’s when things go wrong. That’s why we took a lot of stuff with us.”

On the trip north, they ran groomed trails from Grand Rapids to Lake Winnipeg the first two days but “sort of bushwhacked” north up the east side of the big lake to Norway House, Man., in near-whiteout conditions, at times, Hallstrom says.

Rex Hibbert and Paul Dick pose by a sign March 6, welcoming visitors to Churchill, Man. (Photo courtesy of Rob Hallstrom)

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“You couldn’t even tell if you were moving,” Hallstrom said.

“Everything was white. We’re navigating with GPS so you’re just kind of creeping along fairly slowly, keeping each other in sight.

The lake was really rough, and you couldn’t see a bump coming.

Everything was just white, so you just kind of slow down in those conditions.

MINNESOTA

Rex Hibbert (from left), Rob Hallstrom and Paul Dick drew quite a following during the course of their epic snowmobile trip to Churchill, Man. Here, they stopped for a photo March 12, during a quick stop in Ethelbert, Man., north of Riding Mountain National Park. (Photo courtesy of Rob Hallstrom)

“That was probably the worst we had.”

Making the trip in March also meant avoiding the worst of this winter’s cold weather. They encountered temperatures of 15 to 20 below, Hallstrom says, which was far better than last year’s trip, when the mercury dipped to 44 below zero.

Hallstrom carried a Garmin inReach tracking device that allowed him to send text messages by satellite; the unit also sent out a signal every 10 minutes showing their whereabouts.

“It was a lot of fun for friends and family at home,” he said.

“They were able to go on their computers and watch a little map, and every 10 minutes could get a little dot where we were.

“We were getting kind of a big fan base of people all along and at home.”

Bad luck turned good

us up at 6:30 the next morning and gave us a ride back out to the shop,” Hallstrom said.

That was just one example of the hospitality they encountered throughout the trip, he says. On the trail to Oxford House, they met a native who was hunting moose but took the time to show them a better trail than they had planned to take and got them steered in the right direction.

“People were so nice to us everywhere we went,” Hallstrom said.

They took a day off in Churchill to relax and explore the remote community before starting the long trip home.

“We saw a lot of wildlife – we saw caribou, wolves, wolverine, snowy owls, (but) we did not see a polar bear,” Hallstrom said.

“We didn’t expect to, but we would have loved seeing one.”

The only mechanical issue they encountered occurred near Thompson on the ride back, when one of the sleds developed a hole in the heat exchanger, a part on the liquid-cooled sleds that helps keep the machines from overheating.

With the trip in the books, Hallstrom says Manitoba is a destination snowmobilers should experience. Annual trail permits for nonresidents cost $150 (Canadian), and seven-day permits cost $75.50.

That turned out to be a great place to have a problem, Hallstrom says. They met a snowmobiler on the trail who put them in contact with a welder to fix the hole.

“Manitoba has fantastic groomed trails, and they’re promoting snowmobiling,” Hallstrom said. “It’s great snow up there, and it’s a long season. Everybody wants to go to the mountains, but there’s some great snowmobiling in Manitoba.”

“They let us keep our sleds in the shop overnight to melt the ice off them and gave us a ride to a hotel in Thompson and picked

More info Travel Manitoba: www.travelmanitoba.com.

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I

t’s the snowmobile that everyone is talking about, the Lynx Rave and its deep snow brother, the Lynx Boondocker.

For those who’ve been around this crazy industry a while, it’s finally happened – the Lynx brand is coming to America. While most will see the Lynx as a brighter colored version of a SkiDoo – its parent company. A look beyond the skin reveals a snowmobile that in many ways remains true to its roots. True to a time when the Lynx was a much different animal, engineered and manufactured for the unique demands, terrain and competition found in its home country Finland and neighboring Scandinavian countries.

While we won’t dive deep into the history of Lynx (you can watch a very insightful series on the brand called 5 Decades 5 Stories at story.brplynx.com) much of the rationale behind the North American 2022 Lynx Rave can be traced backed to the formidable sleds the company produced for competition during the late 80s and throughout the 90s. Afterall, Scandinavia is the birthplace of snocross.

Beyond competitive reasons, Finland’s riding terrain is also vastly different. A network of groomed trails does not exist.

Instead, riders travel over natural terrain that inherently gets rougher throughout the season. In other words, banging ditches is child’s play compared to the terrain Finnish snowmobile enthusiasts encounter.

Here’s what sets the Rave apart from the rest of the herd and why it just might be the best factory built, nasty terrain buggy ever.

You’ll find and feel the biggest difference of the Rave thanks to this, the PPS3 suspension. The unique rear-arm design allows the system to offer uncoupled movement with a progressive rate throughout.

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WHAT IS A PPS3?

We won’t try to spin doctor this one, the truth is much of the Lynx Rave is in fact what you’ve come to know as a GEN4 Ski-Doo. Of course, the marketing folks have put their stamp on it with names like the Radien chassis and the LFS+ front suspension. All the narrowness and active rider attributes we’ve come to know and love with GEN4 are here and riding active is really what the Lynx Rave is all about.

The true uniqueness of the Rave is found much closer to the snowpack, at the rear suspension. Dubbed the PPS3, the skidframe is a third-generation design named after Pauli Piippola, one of the most decorated Scandinavian snowmobile racers of all time. It was Pauli and then plant manager Juhani “Jussi” Tapio who transformed Lynx from a utility snowmobile brand to a performance one starting with the iconic Lynx GLS 3300. It was this snowmobile in 1983 that took Lynx from zero to hero in racing.

The fully independent design of the PPS3 3500 rear suspension is geared for rough terrain. Unlike a coupled design, the PPS3 allows the front and rear arms of the suspension to operate independently of each other throughout the entire range of motion. While this often sacrifices comfort on “typical” rough trails at “typical” trail speeds, the PPS3 shines when pushed to the limit and ridden with a high level of activity.

The suspension is also a true progressive design, which allows it to be compliant over small bumps and then “ramp-up” the “stiffness” for the big ones. According to factory representatives, the latest iteration is nearly 7lbs lighter than its predecessor, and has more controllable weight transfer, meaning you can “wheelie” over trail debris when you want to, and set the skis with confidence in the turns.

The Rave comes with an aggressive Ice Ripper XT 137-inch track with 1.5lugs topped with integrated studs.

Traction should not be an issue.

Top shelf shocks grace the front of the Rave. These monster sized KYB units have all the adjustability to test your shock tuning aptitude.

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NOT JUST RACE INSPIRED…RACE EQUIPPED

If the Rave looks similar to the race engineered MXZx race sled from Ski-Doo, you wouldn’t be that far off. Up front the LFS+ front suspension delivers the same 42.2-inch ski-stance as the black and yellow racer with the easy steer, bump steer eliminating steering rack for predictable handling in the roughest terrain.

Supporting the front suspension are premium KYB Kashima coated HLCR shocks. The robust acronym stands for “high speed, low speed, compression and rebound” all the controls you’ll find on these high-end shocks to completely tailor the ride to the terrain and your preference.

At the bottom of all this front-end technology you’ll find a Blade XC+ ski, a design that has been engineered to complement the LFS+ suspension. The design is a wide, long ski with three stepped keel shape that brings great directional stability, offering less traction variance in different snow types for widely varying conditions. With Blade XC+ the steering is always predictable and sharp, no matter if the trail is icy, rutted, slushy or covered by fresh snow.

The Blade XC+ ski features a three-step keel design for optimum bite without heavy steering effort in a variety of conditions.

EXCLUSIVELY WICKED

The Lynx Rave is not for everyone. With its racing pedigree and independent rear suspension, it’s a sled for the active rider who seeks out rough terrain versus avoids it. The adage that you have to “push” this sled to enjoy it has never been truer.

But ride quality aside, the sizzle of this red hot-rod sits atop the charts for the 2022 winter season. Owning the Rave will rekindle the “good old days” when new iron would attract a crowd at the local trailside hydration and nourishment joint faster than yelling “free beer.”

Given this is the first “true” North American Lynx snowmobile should be reason enough to love and respect the Rave. Add to this spring only exclusivity, premium components, and a unique rear suspension with a riding experience unlike any other and you have a snowmobile with historical significance before it even speeds across the first midwest snowfall of the season.

While the Radien name is new, the (ahem) GEN4 cockpit of the Rave features all the narrowness and ease of movement we’ve come to love.

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Manufacturers Recognize the Power and Influence of “Average Joes”

MICHAEL KEITH

MATTHEW CHIMENTO

State: Michigan

State: Minnesota

Sled: 850 Indy XC 137

Sled: 850 Switchback Assault 146

Favorite Place to Ride: Baldwin, Michigan

Favorite Place to Ride: Northern Minnesota

Mike fell in love with snowmobiling 38 years ago at the age of 14 when his family relocated from Southern Indiana to west Michigan. Mike enjoys riding with family and friends. He lives for the ever-changing scenery and passion snowmobilers share. Mike typically rides 3,000 miles a season and has ridden almost all of Michigan’s trails. Mike is hoping to get back out to Pennsylvania and northern Ontario for more riding adventures soon. Snowmobiling is Mike’s way to social distance from the world and get away from life’s everyday distractions.

Matt has been riding for over 25 years and has been obsessed with Polaris since he got his first XLT scale model toy. He grew up riding the woods, swamps, and fields of Minnesota’s Iron Range region on an Indy 440; a sled he purchased at the age of 15 after saving his money from mowing lawns during the summer months. Looking to expand his riding passion beyond Minnesota, Matt took his first trip to West Yellowstone and became hooked on backcountry and crossover riding.

Mike is also a member of MISORVA, Michigan’s state snowmobiling and off-road vehicle association, and two local clubs where he helps maintain the trail system and operates a groomer when mother nature cooperates. A trail rider that likes covering a lot of distance, Mike often is taking pictures of various sights so he can share his passion for snowmobiling with others. Many friendships have been made at continental breakfast talking snowmobiles and safety so we can all ride another day. Sharing his passion for Polaris snowmobiles and discussing future snowmobile adventures is always part of Mike’s agenda. In the off- season Mike enjoys spending time with his family, dogs, camping, fishing, and hunting.

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Today he tackles the terrain on what feels is the best crossover to fit his riding passion, a Polaris SKS 146. Matt loves the feel of crisp cool air, the faint smell of 2 stroke smoke, and the sense of adventure that every snowmobile trip brings. An active member of the Hamel Sno Runners and the Northwest Trails Association of Minnesota, his passion for keeping the sport of snowmobiling vibrant and getting others in the community involved in building the trail network around the Twin Cities metro. An engineer by day, Matt also enjoys sharing his passion riding the trails on weekends with his wife Kathy or doing endless circles around the yard with his twins and their Polaris XC 120.

Social media has turned everyday folks from across the globe into recognizable influencers. In the snowmobile industry, such awareness was once formerly reserved for high profile racers and record-breaking explorers. However, that’s all changed as more riders like you and me are taking center stage as manufacturers and aftermarket companies alike recognize the power of everyday enthusiasts.

MATT DOWNEY

TROY OLESON

State: Upper Peninsula of Michigan

State: Wisconsin

Sled(s): Backcountry X-RS 850 146, Summit X 850 154

Sled(s): 2021 X-RS Renegade 900 ACE Turbo & Summit 165

Favorite Place to Ride: Upper Peninsula Backcountry

Favorite Place to Ride: Logging the miles on overnight trips in the Wisconsin northwoods.

When Matt isn’t pouring concrete, operating heavy equipment, or moving dirt for a landscaping project, you’ll find him wherever there’s snow. A native of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Matt Downey appears to be the ideal Ski-Doo ambassador.

“Being on a snowmobile is one of the best feelings in the world,” Matt said. This mindset would explain why you rarely find him “not” on a snowmobile. As soon as riding conditions permit, Matt is carving up the backcountry both here in the midwest and all places west as well. Matt has parlayed his summer work ethic into a snowmobile guide venture called Keweenaw Snow Expeditions which keeps him busy guiding, filming and coaching riding clinics.

“I do enjoy riding the backcountry of the U.P. of Michigan,” Matt said. “The terrain varies quite a bit here, from logging roads to meadows to steep hardwoods. The U.P. offers plenty of deep powder days and steep, technical tree riding. But in my heart, the mountains will always hold a special place. To me, that is where the real riding is at.”

Still, no matter the terrain or the company, Matt can’t stop grinning when he’s on a snowmobile. “The thing I love most about snowmobiles is the camaraderie and teamwork that is involved for every ride to go smoothly. The friendships and relationships that are created from sharing the passion for snowmobiling is unlike any other.”

Troy was born and raised in the northwoods of Wisconsin – home to good old fashioned midwestern winters. The snowdrifted ditches are deep and the trails through trees are tight, but the beauty is often something to behold. Originally from Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, Oleson is a third-generation SkiDoo rider who cut his teeth like most riders in this area of the snowbelt – with his grandfather at the age of five. Someone who enjoys the people of the sport almost more than the ride, you’ll always find a smile under his helmet, and more than few miles clicked off his odometer.

A former snocross racer on the WSA National tour, Troy enjoys midwestern trail riding, but he still can’t get the bumps of snocross out of his system. “I love a 200-mile plus day on the trail with a combination of freshly groomed trails as well as some really whooped out sections to keep pushing me to be a better rider.”

While the thrill of the ride is what attracted Troy to the sport, it’s the people and places that have captured his heart. “When I’m out on my sled, whether it is trail riding with my family or exploring the mountains with friends, you can’t wipe the smile off my face. Exploring new places and meeting new people… that’s what it’s all about.”

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N

o matter how much you garage tune, having the right set-up for every ride is nearly impossible. Changes in temperature, snowpack and trail conditions can all impact how your sled handles and the ride quality you feel. Fortunately, some simple trailhead or on-the-trail tuning along with a well-stocked tool-roll and some tuning know-how can get you several steps closer to the perfect ride in just minutes.

Close Enough Tool for the Job

You may not always have the right tool for the job but having a carefully planned toolkit along on every ride should provide you with enough to get the job done. We’ve built our tool bag over several seasons of riding, and we continue to subtract and add to it as time rolls on and sled technology evolves.

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Goldilocks Ski Pressure

Get the Shift Back

Sure, you could pony up for a clutch kit and start down the rabbit hole of the nearly endless nuances of CVT performance tuning. But before you go down that path, may we suggest a simpler start. Two major components can have a dramatic impact on performance, especially acceleration and top speed.

One is making sure your belt is fresh. While there are lots of different types of belt wear and reasons for it, a good rule of thumb is if your belt has over 1,500 miles on it, replace it. Keep the used belt as a spare and start the season fresh. Secondly, and perhaps even more importantly, is making sure belt deflection is set accurately. Improper deflection can result in poor acceleration, reduced top speed, and sluggish backshift, not to mention premature belt wear. Check deflection after the belt is at normal operating temp and keep checking it throughout the season.

Push Through the Corners

There can be lots of reasons for the dreaded push in the corners – from snow conditions to worn wear bars, or an improperly tuned suspension.

The key for on the trail tuning when you do encounter this negative handling trait is to focus on one component at a time and make small adjustments.

When it comes to a slight push in the trails, we like to start by applying a bit more pre-load to the front suspension versus starting at the rear suspension, which can also alter ride quality. Additional front suspension preload will deliver added bite to the front under deceleration, thereby further reducing the pushy feeling.

With today’s ridercentric or rider-forward snowmobiles, the job the front arm shock has when it comes to ride and handling has become paramount. To add or subtract front ski-pressure, the oldschool method used to be the limiter strap.

However, altering the length of the strap is now frowned upon by most manufacturers unless you want to make extreme alterations to handling.

The smarter approach is adjusting the preload of the front arm spring. A softer setting will deliver additional ski-pressure on deceleration, while more pre-load will lighten pressure.

As always adjust one component at a time and keep the increments small.

Adjust the Transfer

Most snowmobilers are familiar with adjusting the rear suspension springs on their snowmobile.

Increasing or decreasing the pre-load, be it a torsion spring with cams or a coil-over design such as the one found on older Polaris Pro-Ride suspensions, has a direct impact on the ride quality of your sled. However, it’s important to recognize this adjustment also alters the weight transfer characteristics and front ski-pressure accordingly. A softer setting will deliver greater weight transfer and will result in greater “unloading” and “loading” of the skis on acceleration and deceleration accordingly. Greater pre-load will have the reverse effect.

Adjusting the Effort

Changing out the ski-rubber to fresh versions, shaving or manipulating the existing rubber, or shimming the rubber are all tricks you can use to change the “bite” of your ski and wear bar. The idea of “shimming” started in an attempt for some riders to have their carbide wear evenly, however this adjustment also impacts handling. As a rule, the more pressure you apply to the rear of the ski (the wear bar behind the spindle) bite and steering pressure will increase as well.

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Fall Highlights 2022 CAN-AM DEFENDER LIMITED can-am.brp.com

The Can-Am Defender family has improved, with new engine options like the HD10, 976cc, V-twin with 82hp, found in the Defender Limited models. Ready for every challenge of the day-to-day and hunting trips, showcasing increased hauling and cargo capacities to endure anything you throw at it. The Defender Limited comes standard with air conditioning. Work and play in complete comfort, and loaded with features like front electric window, flip-up windshield, 4,500-lb winch, 7.6-inch digital display and capability you’d expect from Can-Am’s most refined all-weather workhorse. Let’s not forget a hunter’s favorite color Mossy Oak Break-Up Country Camo.

2022 KAWASAKI MULE PRO-FXT EPS kawasaki.com

The MULE PRO-FXT series of UTVs offer six trim variations for 2022 and feature three- to six-passenger Trans Cab system and can easily transform from two rows of seating to a single row for additional cargo storage. MULE PRO-FXT models are powered by an 812cc three-cylinder, fuel injected gasoline engine delivering 48 lb-ft of torque. Power from the engine is passed through a precisely tuned Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with an electronically selectable 2WD/4WD system and dual-mode locking rear differential, enhancing driver control in a variety of conditions. Available in Realtree Xtra Green camo.

2022 POLARIS XP 1000 HUNT EDITION polaris.com

The XP 1000 Hunt Edition is purpose-built for those who live for fall days, the smell of gunpowder and the comradery of the season. Factory equipped premium features enable the ultimate hunting experience including Kolpin stronghold gun scabbard with quick-release, front and rear rack extensions to haul more gear safely with more tie-down points and creature comforts like integrated hand/thumb warmers.

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RJ Anderson and Polaris RZR hoonigan.com

R

J Anderson is the ultimate adrenaline thrill seeker and embodies what RZR Life is all about! Born into racing, and driving UTVs at an early age, set RJ up for unprecedented success in multiple off-road arenas. At the young age of 28, RJ is an acclaimed off-road superstar, barreling through whoops in his Pro 2 or Pro 4 short-course trucks that’ve won him a slew of podium finishes. He’s won everything you could imagine; The Crandon World Championships, two LOORRS Pro Lite championships, a UTV world championship, and his team’s won Lucas Oil Team of the Year the last two years running. He’s one of the brightest stars in the sport, having achieved so much at such a young age, but all that success didn’t come easily.

Hard work and hustle led RJ to be atop the podium at some of the biggest and most prestigious UTV races in the world and while RJ is most well known for being a 5-time off-road racing champion, he has also made an impact through his precision performance driving skills showcased through a series of viral videos including the all-new Hoonigansponsored flick Polaris teased out with information about the exciting new RZR family tearing up the streets of Long Beach, California. In the video screen captures included here, this is a glimpse at the new RZR Pro R with all-new 2.0Liter engine! Next issue, we’ll share a deeper look. Until then, check it out at polaris.com.

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W

hen the St. Cloud, Minnesota start-up company Jet Dynamics introduced their first snowmobile to the burgeoning market in 1969, it’s safe to say they were breaking new ground. The unusual Hornet model featured a distinctive green hue with a face only a mother could love. What the vehicle lacked in style, it made up for through ingenuity.

Even during the boom days of the sport, manufacturers were struggling with the ups and downs of its seasonality. The Hornet was an attempt to overcome this obstacle with a vehicle that could be driven year-round - thanks to such features as a wheel kit, high and low speed transmission and outboard mounted shocks that worked with both the track and the rear wheels.

Still, the crew at Jet Dynamics knew if they really wanted to capitalize on the fast-growing market, they would need a more traditional vehicle, and in 1970 they unveiled the Stinger. Knowing horsepower and speed was ruling the day, the Stinger was marketed as a performance snowmobile and featured up to four different factory installed engines. The sled was also available without an engine “for custom installations by racers and hobbyists.”

Like many sleds of the era, the Jet Dynamics Stinger introduced a host of new technologies, most of which were geared toward increased performance and improved reliability. The Stinger boasted of a chaincase where gearing changes could be made instantly; an “ingenious self-adjusting brake;” an ideally balanced chassis; and a Goodyear drive track with polyurethane drive sprockets.

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But similar to today’s market, the key attribute enthusiasts were looking for in the early 1970s was power, and it’s here where the inspiration for this beautiful, one-of-a-kind Jet Dynamics Sno-Bee took root.

When the 1971 Stingers were unveiled, few changes were made, but one section of the single page brochure was different – the option of installing a triple cylinder Hirth 793cc free air engine.

The Hirth triple was the king of swing in 1971, and the Stinger brochure put the “Hirth Honker” (as the engine has become affectionately known amongst collectors) as the star of the show.

“Pick your own brand of excitement,” the brochure read. “Team up your Stinger with a power-plant that fits your preference and your budget. Power up to a mighty 793cc 3-banger. Then GO! Watch the hills straighten out and the trail flash by.”

The pitch was compelling, but ironically there’s no record of Jet Dynamics building a Hirth Honker model. Like many snowmobile manufacturers of the day, fierce competition and a decline in industry sales was quickly thinning the once lengthy list of builders, and for Jet Dynamics, the 1971 model year would prove to be their last as bankruptcy loomed.

For today’s vintage snowmobile collectors, the allure and appeal of the mighty Hirth Honker is stronger now than it ever was.

The monstrous engine can be found in many bygone makes and models, and it continues to attract a crowd at shows, rides and vintage races.

For Trevor Gottschalk of Kimball, Minnesota, who along with his father Scott and brother Travis, the allure of the big triple Hirth and thoughts of “what if” while researching the history of Jet Dynamics inspired him to create the triple threat Sno-Bee you see here.

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As the story goes, as things began to go south for Jet Dynamics, another Minnesota company, Scorpion, would add insult to injury through a lawsuit intended to stop Jet Dynamics from using the Stinger name. It worked, and the company switched the name to Sno-Bee for its remaining models as it wound down operations.

With no record of a Hirth Honker model ever leaving the St. Cloud factory, the Gottschalk Sno-Bee is an exercise in creative vision, and the result is nothing short of stunning.

Customization can be found in every detail, from the snow flap to the chrome fuel pick-up to the beautiful blue metal flake finish and one-of-a-kind graphics. Often however, onlookers are immediately drawn to the hand-built “bag-pipe” exhaust bellowing through the open cowl hood.

When Trevor first saw the “bag-pipe” design on another collector’s sled during the annual drag and swap meet in Princeton, Minnesota he knew it would be the pipe design for the custom Sno-Bee. While there are many stories behind the design, most point to the pipe as being part of a race package from Hirth and their mighty triple for race applications. With sleds of the time being very narrow with little room under hood for tuned pipes, the “bag-pipes” gave builders the easier option of going up instead of down when it came to exit the spent exhaust gases. While the design is nothing short of eye-catching, in real world competition the pipes were said to be excruciatingly loud and directed exhaust directly into the driver’s face. Despite these performance shortcomings, they are a show stopper in visual form.

The Sno-Bee has become one of the centerpieces of the Gottschalk collection, which includes nearly every 1971 Hirth Honker powered snowmobile complete with a custom display trailer. The Gottschalk family museum located in Kimball, Minnesota is open for public viewing by appointment. Simply drop them a line at gottschalkscott@yahoo.com to check on availability.

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Midwest Rider

GEARED

arcticinsider.com Company after company keeps cranking out circus paint wraps looking like a clown threw up on them…and it’s become tiresome.

Enter ArcticInsider’s Rewind Wraps – their wraps transport you back to an era when figure skaters attacked each other and famous football players fled the police in white Broncos. The quality of these kits are high end, but the cost isn’t. These start with an aggressive 6mm print film specifically engineered for bubble-free adhesion to snowmobiles, then covered with a premium clear overlaminate that maintains flexibility, but provides the ultimate in durability.

Installation is moderately easy as each sheet is printed and labeled to the corresponding body panel. Kits are available for all 2021-22 Arctic Cat Blast Models, ZR120/200 Youth models, and recently added GEN II full-size bodywork for Arctic Cat snowmobiles 2018 and newer.

Check out the ZR kit designs from 94-98 and a special 98 Thundercat edition (pictured).

roxspeedfx.com New Rox Speed FX Gen 3 Flex-Tec Handguards are designed to handle the toughest riding conditions. The New Gen 3 has a more edgy design, yet uses the same technology as the Gen 2 did to keep your hands warm and protected.

Using a rigid but flexible backbone, these guards will bend and flex when necessary—they won’t snap off like many other guards on the market.

Battle tested by us, Midwest Rider, and the pros on the ISOC Snocross Circuit, USXC, mountain experts and many more. Proudly made in the USA. • Standard Mounts - will work on Gen 4 and older Ski-Doo’s, and many other snowmobiles, EXCEPT sleds with the Hayes Brake System and the Polaris RMK (2011-newer) & Assault (up to 2016) that come with Factory Pro Taper Lo/Med/Hi rise bars.

•

RMK Pro-Taper Mount - will work on Polaris snowmobiles that come with RMK (2011-newer) & Assault (up to 2016) that have a Pro Taper Lo/Med/Hi rise handlebar.

• Extended Mount - will work on Polaris AXYS, Matryx (non RMK), 2012 and newer Arctic Cat, & Yamaha (Includes Sidewinder).

All sleds with Hayes Brake System – these mounts will only work with Rox Flex-Tec series handguards. Includes mounting hardware.

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Piping Hot and Under the Hood, the Popular Mid-90s Cooking Fad Is Back.

W

ith more and more enthusiasts wanting to simply “get outside” and enjoy the experience, snowmobiling has taken a much-welcomed turn. Instead of riders being intently focused on racking up miles, many are looking for a more complete experience with others. Often, this includes a trailside cookout, and we can’t think of a better way to bring the gang together than popping the hood and pulling out a piping hot “muffpot” meal. To get you started here are some tips and an easy to make recipe.

Hearty Steak and Potatoes

When it comes to bringing the heat for your cooking experience, today’s modern sleds can be challenging to find an ideal mounting location. No matter where you mount your cooker, experimentation is key to know how long to cook your meal.

Typically, we’ve found no matter where you choose to mount it, things get hot fast, so don’t overestimate cook times.

Steak & Potato Prep - Always start your meal prep by lining your cooker with parchment paper for easy clean-up.

Now when it comes to meal prep, we’ve also discovered there are two paths to follow. One is the pre-preparation method, where you have the time to get the pot loaded with all the good stuff and even pre-cook some of the entrée in advance. This is the path we usually choose when riding locally or perhaps trailering somewhere for the day. Method two usually happens when we are away for a long weekend or spending a week at the cabin. If you’re like most sledders, you eat out plenty, packing your credit card versus a cooler full of food. When on these trips we tend to eat like kings on the road and the leftovers are primo which in turn make for the perfect underhood-cooker formula the following day.

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Most sledders we know love steak, so this is an easy to make meal that can feed you the night before and the day after. If we choose to grill steaks for an evening meal, we’ll set aside two New York strips that we grill just enough to char the outside, keeping them rare in the middle. These two “mule steaks” will finish their journey to perfection in the confines of a “muffpot” the following day. We usually accompany the steak with some fully cooked potatoes that are prepared prior to the trip.

- Cut the partially cooked and chilled steak into strips and pack into the cooker.

- We usually season our steaks when browning, if not, add your favorite steak seasoning blend.

- Slice the baked potatoes into medium sized chunks and pack them into a friend’s cooker.

- Add a few slices of butter and season with your favorite spices.

With the two separate pots, the steak and side dish will be ready to eat at virtually the same time, providing you with a trailside meal better than any stick skewered hotdog. You’ll know the meal is ready when you can no longer take the incredible smell coming from under the hood.

Midwest Rider

EVENTS DEADWOOD SNOCROSS

January 28-29, 2022 – Deadwood, SD While the rest of the world might sleep during the winter months, snow enthusiasts like us are making plans for the next adventure. Here are four big ones to mark as a must attend this winter.

MANAWA SNODEO

February 19-20, 2022 – Manawa, WI

Anytime you can take in a stop of the national snocross tour is a good one. Combine it with the scenery, hospitality and riding in the Black Hills and you have the formula for a bucket list stop.

The best snocross racers in the world will battle at the Days of 76 Race Complex at night. During the day explore the historic town of deadwood and see the amazing beauty of the Black Hills. deadwood.com

SOO-500 Dubbed the “Best Show on Snow” Snodeo features four racetracks for racing of vehicles of all types including lawn mowers, cars, motorcycles and of course, snowmobiles.

More than just a racing heaven, Snodeo features parades, vintage shows, exhibits, attractions and fun no matter the age. manawasnodeo.org

January 31 – February 5, 2022 – Sault Ste. Marie, MI

MIDWEST RIDE IN

January 28-30, 2022 – Elk River, MN

A race with this much history, this much speed and this many activities is nearly impossible to leave off a list. The 53rd running of the famed 500-mile enduro race on the iconic mile track features a week of community activities including vintage, youth and sportsman class races before the raw horsepower and speed takes over. i-500.com

After the world’s largest vintage and antique snowmobile event made ERX Motor Park in Elk River, Minnesota its new home, the event hasn’t missed a beat. Whether you love old sleds or not, “Ride In” is a weekend of good times and great conversations, with riding (for any vintage sled), shows, a banquet, swap meet, contests, auctions, and racing. msvss.com

If you thought this first winter edition of Midwest Rider was packed, we’ve got even more in store.

• First Snow to Last – Riding tips including best places to go in-season and late.

• Pack for Adventure – Ready to saddlebag? Follow these tips for your best ride.

• Ticket to Ride – We showcase the Midwest’s best events you can ride to.

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