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Located in the heart of Park Falls with direct access to ATV and snowmobile trails; large parking lot for trailers and toy haulers.

Adjacent to the hotel is The Lanes Pub & Eatery and bowling alley, conveniently located in the same building – you can walk back and forth without going outside!

1113 S 4th Ave.

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Open at 11 a.m.

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— Pool, Darts, Arcade Games & Gaming Machines! — 1127 4th Ave. S., PARK FALLS, WI 54552 715-762-3237 • www.lanesparkfalls.com

May/June 2024 5

CONTENTS

NUMBER 13.5 - MAY/JUNE 2024

What? You Didn’t Know?! – If this is the first time you’ve stumbled upon Midwest Rider, welcome.

If you’re a returning fan, thanks for the support.

Now we ask you to contribute to the Midwest’s only magazine dedicated to all things adventure in our favorite part of the world. We’re not asking for money, but instead for you to spread the word and share the Midwest Rider vibes with your friends.

8 10 16 17 21 24 27 29

EDITOR NOTES –Time to Ride for Small Businesses Across the Midwest.

NEWS – Polaris and Yamaha Donate Big, Mattracks Celebrates 30 Years.

Events – State Meetings, Big Shows, Great Rides MICHIGAN – Trail Collaboration, Volunteering, Legislative Update ILLINOIS – President & Treasurer Reports, Marengo News, Youth Classes IOWA - Kahler and Miner Updates, Legislative Resolution, Snow Program SOUTH DAKOTA – Weaver & Duerr Columns, Trail Report, Scholarship Application NORTH DAKOTA – Executive Director Report, Avoiding Conflict on the Trails

Photo Archives

Joel Mellenthin Paula Jones Pat Bourgeois Corey Friesen Diane Voight Dwain Stadie Rachyl Burzinski C.J. Ramstad

New Sleds – Radical New Lynx Snocross Racer Kawasaki Ridge XR –Deep Dive on the New Kawasaki Side-by-Side.

Destinations – Complete Area Ride Guide for Northeast Michigan.

Adventure in a Box – New Product from North of the Border for Ultimate Adventure.

CFMOTO Ibex – The Adventure Bike Category Heats Up with the Latest CFMOTO Entry.

Ranger for Everyone – Polaris Launches Their Biggest and Deepest Ranger Line-Up Ever Midwest Events Guide –The Biggest, Best, Must Attend Events this Summer.

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

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.

Copyright © 2024 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

Publisher Associate Publisher Associate Editor Art Director Advertising Sales

31 35 38 42 46 47 48 50

MINNESOTA – Legislative News, President’s Report, Veterans Ride

midwestriders.com 6 Midwest Rider 2024

ATVing in Northwest Wisconsin is not simply a pastime, it's a way of life.

Free corridor Map Discover our extensive network of more than 1,000 miles of well maintained ATV and UTV trails through pristine forests, along sparkling lakes, and over rushing rivers. Our northwoods hospitality is second to none, with plenty of ATVfriendly businesses along the trails.

Visit NWwisconsin.com or call 715-416-3256 to order a FREE corridor trail map today May/June 2024 7

now more than ever....it’s time to ride o say this past winter was one for the record books could quite possibly be the understatement of the year. It was dismal to say the least. After riding in the Midwest for the better part of 40-years, 30 of which as an active participant in the powersports industry, I have never ridden so little.

That’s not to say I didn’t make tracks. I was fortunate enough to take a few trips west, where conditions for much of the season weren’t much better. I also chased snow in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula when the stars briefly aligned with enough snow and open trail conditions. Still, the miles I accumulated across the snowbelt paled in comparison to any other winter.

I’m not alone in my assessment of the winter that never was, many other riders tallied even less miles, some even zero, making last winter a complete bust. But riders aren’t the only ones disappointed, small businesses that rely on winter tourism were crushed. From little to no snowmobile traffic, poor ice fishing conditions, and any other winter-based activity — nearly every hotel, lodge, bar, restaurant, and other businesses that rely on winter tourism suffered.

EDITOR’S NOTES

Fortunately, I know we as riders are always looking ahead…ahead to the next season, the next trip, and the next ride. Optimism fuels our passion, and right now that passion can help fuel those businesses that need our business.

Now is the time to take that spring off-road trip you’ve been thinking about, or better yet, plan an extra trip for this summer.

Whether you’re returning to a past destination, exploring someplace new, or finally hitting that bucket list trip you’ve been dreaming about, there’s never been a better time to visit a Midwest destination — especially those found within the pages of Midwest Rider.

While we would all like to soon forget this past riding season, I also know winter will come again, and more importantly we will ride again. Let’s make that time now and help small businesses across the Midwest along the way.

See you on the trail.

Pat Bourgeois - Editor

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8 Midwest Rider 2024

2713 Midwest Rider_Final.indd 1

2/16/22 2:02 PM

Northern Power Sports Mio, MI 989-826-3388 northernpowersportsofmio.com

Power Lodge Ramsey MN 763-576-1706 powerlodge.com

Power Lodge Onamia MN 320-532-3860 powerlodge.com

Power Lodge Sauk Rapids, MN 320-252-3373 powerlodge.com

TA Motorsports Francis Creek WI 920-682-1284 tamotorsports.com

5005 Nathan Lane N, Plymouth, MN 55442 I CFMOTOUSA.COM

May/June 2024 9

NEWS BITES

RIT wins 2024 Clean Snowmobile Challenge Story by: Michelle Cometa, Senior Communication Specialist at Rochester Institute of Technology.

ochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Clean Snowmobile team took first place at the recent SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge held in Michigan. It was the first time since the team began competing more than 10 years ago that the determined group dashed through the snowy terrain of Michigan to take top honors among 13 teams competing in the annual tournament in March.

“Competition is such an amazing experience. And this year, we were neck-and-neck with another team throughout the challenge,” said Elaine Greenfield, team manager and fifth-year electrical engineering student. “After each of the individual awards were mentioned, they announced RIT had won the overall competition. I just about jumped out of my chair.”

Overseeing the club as team manager this year, Greenfield said the group is a mix of majors from engineering but also includes peers from the robotics, cybersecurity, packaging, and information technology degree programs. More than a dozen different majors are represented on the team.

10 Midwest Rider 2024

Paxton Diaz, a fourth-year mechatronics major from Granby, Ct., was one of the RIT clean snowmobile team drivers. He also serves as team treasurer.

The Clean Snowmobile Challenge, sponsored by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), is open to universities across the country and Canada. The overall competition goal is to create a snowmobile that is acceptable for use in environmentally sensitive areas, such as national parks or other pristine areas.

Modified snowmobiles are expected to be cleaner, quieter, and more fuel efficient, while maintaining performance capabilities.

Chopper City

Fridley MN 763-572-2100 choppercity.com

Headwaters Polaris

Watersmeet, MI 906-358-8888 headwaterspolaris.com

Northland Sport Center Eagle Bend MN 218-738-2582 northlandsportsmn.com

Ramsey MN 763-576-1706 powerlodge.com

Chopper Powersports

Monroe Powersports Inc Monroe WI 608-325-5056 mpsskidoo.com

Power Lodge

Brainerd MN 218-822-3500 powerlodge.com

Ray’s Sport & Cycle

Davis Motorsports

Motor Sports of Willmar

Power Lodge

Maple Plain MN 763-479-3719 tri-ksports.com

Delano MN 763-972-5045 DavisMotorsportsDelano.com

Hayward Power Sports Hayward WI 715-462-3674 haywardpowersports.com

Willmar MN 320-235-2351 motorsportsofwillmar.com

Onamia MN 320-532-3860 powerlodge.com

Power Lodge

Grand Rapids MN 218-326-9355 rayssportandcycle.com

Track Side

Eagle River WI 715-479-2200 tracksideinc.com

* Red listings denote electronic link to dealer website on digital edition of Midwest Rider. Visit mspninc.com WARNING: Polaris® off-road vehicles can be hazardous to operate and are not intended for on-road use.

Driver must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license to operate. Passengers, if permitted, must be at least 12 years old. All riders should always wear helmets, eye protection, and protective clothing. Always use seat belts and cab nets or doors (as equipped). Never engage in stunt driving, and avoid excessive speeds and sharp turns. Riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. All riders should take a safety training course. Call 800-342-3764 for additional information. Check local laws before riding on trails. ©2024 Inc. May/June 2024 11

NEWS BITES

Wisconsin DNR Reminds ATV/ UTV Riders to Ride Safe this Season lack of snow melt and early spring weather means drier trails and more opportunities for riders to get out on private and public land across Wisconsin. Regardless of weather and trail conditions, safety must remain a priority for rec vehicle riders.

2023 ATV/UTV incident data underscores the importance of safe riding practices which included 282 reported crashes with 32 fatal incidents and 95 percent of those fatal victims not wearing a helmet.

“All of these crashes were preventable,” said Lt. Warden Jacob Holsclaw, DNR Off-Highway Vehicle Administrator. “Riders need to wear a helmet and seatbelt, drive responsibly, and choose not to drink alcohol before or during a ride. We continue to see those as top factors in offroad vehicle crashes.”

Crashes can happen to anyone. Always follow basic off-road vehicle safety to mitigate the risk of a crash or fatal incident.

This includes staying sober, wearing a helmet, using a UTV seatbelt and taking an ATV safety course.

ATV/UTV

Some additional things to keep in mind when operating your recreational vehicle include: • Never consume alcohol or drugs before or during your ride.

• Do not travel in unfamiliar areas.

• Follow all posted speed limits and regulatory signs.

• Let someone not riding with you know where you are going and when you will return.

• Double-check before operating on trails. Many trails open to ATVs/UTVs are closed during winter in anticipation of snowmobile season.

For more information about ATV and UTV recreation in Wisconsin, visit the DNR’s ATV/UTV Riding in Wisconsin webpage.

OCT 1 8 &1 9 2024

Visit Our Facebook Page For LakewoodsResort.com More Events & Vacation Specials 715.794.2561 12 Midwest Rider 2024

NEWS BITES

Mattracks Celebrates Three Decades of Innovation attracks, the inventor and manufacturer of the original rubber track conversion system is celebrating a significant milestone, its 30th year in business. First designed, patented and released to the public in 1994

by Glen Brazier with the inspiration from his then 11-year old son, Matt – Mattracks has not only grown into the first rubber track conversion product of its kind, but the entire industry surrounding it as well.

Three decades ago, no type of rubber track conversion system existed on any market. Matt Brazier made a drawing of a large truck with tracks in place of tires, and asked his dad, “can we make something like this?” The rest is history; a revolutionary product and an entire industry were born. The original Mattracks model was built exclusively for full-sized pickups, transforming them into a dual-purpose machine with never before seen tank-like features. One huge advantage of the company’s revolutionary track design remains the “conversion” aspect, allowing the user of the vehicle to conveniently switch from tires to tracks or vice versa in under an hour’s time. Mattracks soon caught the eye of numerous high-profile media outlets seeking out to cover the new innovation; this in turn opened the floodgates to the world and the international market.

Three decades later, Mattracks is widely recognized not only for being the first rubber track manufacturer but also for its exceptional product quality, safety and service.

Headquartered in Karlstad, Minnesota (northwest corner of the state), Mattracks has hundreds of thousands of satisfied customers located across 150 countries and all seven continents.

The Mattracks product line has experienced significant growth and continual innovation with over 170 different models and counting. Today, Mattracks rubber track conversion systems are manufactured for virtually any multi-axle vehicle including ATVs, UTVs, SUVs, trucks, heavy-duty agricultural and construction equipment, the military and even the motion picture industry.

“There have been a great many milestones taken place since the inception of Mattracks, but 30 years of innovation is the one I’m perhaps most proud of,” says Mattracks Founder and CEO, Mr. Glen Brazier. “We’ve come a long way. What began as a piece of my son’s childhood imagination has taken a life all its own, transforming into a product that has solved traction-related challenges all across the world as well as an entire industry. I’m proud to say that 30 years is just the beginning for Mattracks!”

For additional information visit them online at www.mattracks. com, or give them a follow on Facebook, X “Twitter” and Youtube.

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NEWS BITES

technology differentiation not currently offered in the marketplace with planned offerings for the desert, dune, trail, and utility UTV markets.

Upfit UTV Inc. Announces Launch & Delivery of Showroom Vehicles pfit UTV, a subsidiary of Fox Factory recently announced the launch of its high-performance luxury utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) to showroom floors on March 22. Upfit UTV offers vehicles with unmatched quality, performance, and reliability.

“I could not be more excited to introduce these state-of-theart UTVs to the marketplace. What was once a dream over five years ago is now a reality, backed by precision engineering and innovative technologies. Whether you are an off-road enthusiast, a tailgater at a Saturday afternoon football game, or want to enjoy a block party, our UTVs are customized so that you are creating memories and having FUN,” commented Justin Smith, Upfit UTV Chief Executive Officer and President.

Upfit UTV specializes in creating turn-key luxury UTVs customized to meet every driver’s unique desires and preferences. These vehicles will be the epitome of performance and luxury, developed with industry-leading experience and integrated solutions that ensure every component functions in perfect harmony. Upfit UTV will provide unparalleled quality and performance, supported by real-world testing and

World-Class Manufacturing Upfit UTV’s new 120,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility in Phoenix, Arizona, showcases its commitment to quality, machining, and production excellence. Building upon Fox Factory Performance Vehicle Development’s extensive experience in upfitting trucks, this addition enhances the company’s capability to deliver exclusive, highly capable, performance-driven luxury utility vehicles.

Superior Ownership Experience Upfit UTV redefines vehicle ownership with retail lender financing, a nationwide service network, and proprietary products with a 30-day upfit turnaround.

Unique Patented Technologies & Components Upfit UTV vehicles will boast innovative features such as clean airdrop, Live Valve® shock tuning upgrades, iQS® upgrades, frameless doors, magnetic clutch duct for Can-Am Maverick X3, shock forks, limit straps, and more — setting new standards in vehicle performance and design. In addition, Upfit UTV research engineers and design specialists will introduce technologies currently being developed and field-tested.

SnoCaps TRAILER ENCLOSURES

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Our SnoCaps were originally developed to protect snowmobiles from the harsh chemicals on winter roads. They quickly spread into the rest of the off road vehicle industry and they are now used to protect everything from ATVs and UTVS to boats and airplanes.

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MIDWEST EVENTS & MEETINGS NORTH DAKOTA

MIDWEST

February 16-17, 2024

June 13-15, 2024

50th Annual Snowmobile State Ride

56th International Snowmobile Congress

Hosted by Northern Lights Trailblazers

Radisson Hotel & Conference Center

Rugby, North Dakota

Green Bay, Wisconsin

Information: toniab@gondtc.com or 701-208-1817

Information: snowmobilers.org

SOUTH DAKOTA

August 2-4, 2024

December 6-7, 2024

19th Annual Snowmobile National Championship Show

55th Annual SDSA Convention

DECC 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN

Hosted by the Dakota Drifters

Information: 2024nationalshow.com

Brookings Inn, Brookings, South Dakota Information: snowmobilesd.com

MINNESOTA

July 13, 2024

August 23-24, 2024 Outlaw Grass Drags Princeton, Minnesota Information: outlawgrassdrags.com

MnUSA Summer Picnic Hosted by Region 9

September 7-8, 2024

Battle lake Lions Park Shelter

Sno-Barons Hay Days

Information: mnsnowmobiler.org

North Branch, Minnesota

MICHIGAN

Information: haydays.com

June 25, 2024

September 20-22, 2024

Michigan Trails Advisory Council Meeting

Wide Open Wisconsin

Ralph A MacMullan Conference Center

Washington County Fair Park

Meeting from 1:00pm to 4:30pm

West Bend, Wisconsin

104 Conservation Drive, Roscommon, MI

Information: wideopenwi.com

Information: misorva.org 16 Midwest Rider 2024

DIRECTOR’S VIEW KAREN@MISORVA.ORG BY: KAREN MIDDENDORP, MISORVA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

THE IMPORTANCE OF COLLABORATION IN PRESERVING TRAIL SYSTEM RIGHTS t’s crucial to acknowledge that we all have rights when it comes to motorized recreation, and it’s essential that we organize these activities safely and reasonably. However, disagreements often arise about how to achieve this. For example, some may question the fairness of ORVs using groomed snowmobile trails. While dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to create trails for everyone’s enjoyment, others may not see the value in contributing to organized recreation.

Consequently, some may criticize or mock ideas proposed by these organizations. In the end, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) plays a pivotal role in regulating recreational activities, and it’s imperative that user groups collaborate closely to ensure everyone can enjoy these activities safely.

The Snow Country Trails Conservancy is a non-profit organization established by the Michigan Snowmobile Association (MSA) to create a permanent trail system. This committee works closely with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to make decisions regarding snowmobile trails and land acquisitions. To foster organized, motorized recreation, we must collaborate. This doesn’t mean every decision will be agreeable to everyone, as some decisions may only sometimes align with every rider’s personal interests.

However, some decisions are made because they best use our resources. There are better uses of our resources than damaging our forests. Extra grooming that needs to be done by these groups using trails together isn’t the best use of the snowmobile trail fund. Our proposed legislation is here because of our 67 grant sponsors who tried to create a smooth base to the best of their abilities.

We must be cautious not to lose our trail system rights, which requires us to work together. Regardless of our preferences, we must collaborate to preserve our trail system. Legislators, DNR leadership, MSA, and the Snowmobile Advisory Workgroup initially proposed PA 288 to support access for the hunting community. However, no one could have foreseen what the situation would look like ten years later.

Recently, I spoke with someone who grooms snow trails.

However, he was unaware that the snowmobile community of riders through the Permanent Trail Fund purchased a section of his snowmobile trail system many years ago. The snowmobile community bought that easement to keep their trail connected and continuous. Now, local officials want to make it an ORV trail. Some snowmobilers would say no if asked, but dual enthusiasts would likely approve. A minimal footprint is left

after the snowmobile season ends, but that’s not the case for an ORV trail. Since ORVs ride upon the land’s surface, the land is not protected, unlike snowmobiles, which have a snowy cushion to shield the surface. Who will repair the trail to bring it back to its original condition?

To promote the betterment of every rider and motorized recreation, we need to abandon the selfish notion of promoting only what works for us personally and focus on what’s best for the community.

I recently had a conversation with someone who believes that every ORV rider should understand the damage they can cause to a snowmobile trail during the snow season. While I may not personally agree with this viewpoint, it’s a fact that many people ride recklessly, spinning tires and digging holes, which creates a mess for the next rider. It might be tempting to ride a little recklessly, but it’s not appropriate to do so on our forest trails or state land. We must use our resources wisely and responsibly.

To continue our work, we require funds. We hire lobbyists to work with lawmakers and inform them about the significance of motorized recreation. We also use these funds to give legislators a ride on the trail and show them why we enjoy it. This is similar to how schools fundraise and donate money to provide children with a better education and social environment. Unfortunately, membership in many organizations has declined over time, and people need to recognize their value.

MISORVA understands the importance of every dollar and has used it carefully to enhance motorized recreation. “We must acknowledge the bigger picture and collaborate to preserve our trail system. Therefore, I extend my gratitude for your continuous contribution to recreational activities. We will continue to strive for better solutions and add more miles to bring more smiles to our users.

May/June 2024 17

VP NOTES

By: Todd Maschke, MISORVA Vice President

VOLUNTEERS - THE IMPACT ON OUR SPORT ational Volunteer Week happens every April during its third week. This year it ran from April 21 to 27. It’s a time to honor those who give back through volunteering, making our communities and the world better. Started in 1974, it’s a chance to say thank you and inspire us to get involved and make a difference in our local areas.

In Michigan, volunteers are the backbone of trail development.

Whether you hike, bike, ride horses, or use motorized vehicles, a volunteer likely helped create the trails you enjoy.

Did you know Michigan’s trail network spans more than 13,400 miles? That includes:

and ready to use. But the job doesn’t end there. Devoted volunteers across Michigan are responsible for maintaining it.

From the very first volunteer to local and state boards, many people pitch in to make it happen. Some trails take more than a decade to come to fruition, requiring immense passion and determination to overcome obstacles along the way.

Recent reports show a concerning trend: volunteer participation has been declining for decades. As inflation rises, organizations are scrambling to find volunteers. Formal volunteer participation dropped to 23.2%, down seven percentage points from 2019 to 2021 — the biggest decrease since the survey began in 2002.

I’m involved in volunteer groups beyond MSORVA, and finding volunteers is a nationwide issue. Many of us who give our time have realized that finding a solution to declining volunteer numbers could make someone an overnight millionaire.

While suggestions are online about offering incentives and improving retention, I don’t see these strategies as effective in rural communities. In my view, the real issue is the lack of new volunteers. Look around at your next event and notice how many familiar faces there are compared to new ones. In our small community, we often see the same people at different events. Most volunteers give until they physically can’t anymore, so it’s not a retention problem; it’s a lack of fresh faces.

• 4,020 miles for hiking • 1,375 miles of rail trails • 4,090 miles for ORV and motorcycle use • 6,165 miles of snowmobile trails • 845 miles for equestrian activities • 2,085 miles for biking • 635 miles of water trails • 365 miles for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

To put that into perspective, Michigan has about 1,240.77 miles of Interstate highways. That means the trail network is over ten times longer than the Interstates!

Volunteers play a crucial role from the initial idea to the final trial. It’s a journey that doesn’t happen overnight. It involves finding the right path, collaborating with landowners, navigating government regulations, and securing funding. As the project progresses, more volunteers join in to shape the land into a trail.

After meticulous planning and hard work, the trail is marked

I used to bring my children to volunteer events whenever I could. They grew up balancing homework, sports, and volunteering. However, I’ve noticed fewer children participating in volunteer work and less mentoring happening overall.

Mentoring is crucial because it teaches newcomers where to start. It doesn’t have to be a child; it can be a neighbor, a friend, or a grandchild.

In Michigan, where volunteers are vital for developing and maintaining our trail network, we must consider what’s next.

We need to attract and mentor new volunteers to ensure the sustainability of our trails.

The next time you hit the trails, bring a friend along and take a moment to appreciate the volunteers who made it all possible.

MISORVA LEGISLATURE By: Joe Bartlett, MISORVA Legislative Chairperson

DO YOU EVER FEEL IGNORED? “IGNORED” - from Webster: “refuse to take notice of or acknowledge; disregard intentionally.” eing ignored is something that grant sponsors and the volunteer snowmobiling public that represent them in the state of Michigan, are painfully becoming accustomed to. It seems we are ignored by everyone and everything from Mother Nature to many of the communities and related 18 Midwest Rider 2024

government entities that we link through the trail systems we toil over throughout the year. Being ignored by Mother Nature is of course something we are used to, and can do little about.

But being ignored by the communities, county, and state government that our “volunteer” efforts support economically, is uncalled for and “ultimately a big mistake on their part.”

Communities that ignore snowmobiling and refuse to work with grant sponsors by failing to allow access to local businesses via snowmobiles, are “ultimately making a big mistake.”

Governments that ignore snowmobiling volunteers by refusing to grant road use permits for trails that must use segments of county right of ways for links to tourist attractions, or

to complete a trail into one of our many trail towns, are “ultimately making a big mistake.” State agencies that ignore the sport by dragging their feet when creating financial policies and directives aimed at creating new, and saving existing trails, and making the sport more user-friendly are, “ultimately making a big mistake.” And finally, state representatives that ignore and postpone legislation that would make the sport safer and improve the landowner relations required to keep our trail system intact are, yes, “ultimately making a big mistake.”

Through our right to vote, it’s up to us to make the elected officials of these communities, county government officials, and elected state representatives aware of the “big mistakes” they are making by ignoring us. The residents and businesses of these communities and counties that seemingly do everything in their power to ensure that grant sponsors fail in their efforts to establish a safe and functional trail system, need to be made aware of the economic position these elected officials are placing their constituents in (as if Mother Nature hasn’t already proven that fact this past winter). And state representatives, especially Jenn Hill from District 109 (Munising, Gwinn, Ishpeming, Baraga), and Dave Pestin from District 108, (the Soo, Saint Ignace, Curtis, Trout Lake), who are sitting on the House Committee on Natural Resource, Environment, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation, the committee that has yet to act on HB4459, (wheeled vehicle legislation)…. These folks need to be made aware that enough is enough. You can help through:

•

signing our petition.

• letters of support from residents, businesses, (and especially grant sponsor board of director members).

• supporting MISORVA and its many efforts to improve motorized recreation.

Let them know that “we want to see some action”…!!!

As noted, snowmobiling as a whole in the state of Michigan, is being ignored. But there’s a difference between being ignored, and being taken for granted.

“Taken for Granted” - from Webster: •” to assume (something) as given, or to be expected •” to value (something or someone) too lightly •” to fail to properly notice or appreciate someone or something that should be valued.”

Being taken for granted is something that grant sponsors and the snowmobilers that represent them in the state of Michigan are not going to take sitting down. As many grant sponsors and the volunteers that represent them reach the breaking point, it will become painfully obvious to these elected officials that they have indeed, “Ultimately made a big mistake.”

Stay safe, and best regards Joe Bartlett, MISORVA Legislative Chairman

Life is an Adventure No emails, texts or phone calls.

Just you, your vehicle and the trails.

Play at Holly Oaks ORV Park 14551 Shields Road Holly, MI 48442 Stay at Groveland Oaks Campground 14555 Dixie Highway Holly, MI 48442

May/June 2024 19

ACSA NEWS

SNOWMOBILING AND THE DC FLY-IN GO TOGETHER any snowmobilers were in Washington, DC recently to attend the 22nd Snowmobile Fly-In. There was a day of business meetings, a day of updates from partners and agencies, and a day of legislative visits.

The snowmobilers were armed with up-to-date information when they were on Capitol Hill, armed with the truth about snowmobiling when they talked about the issues and challenges that impact snowmobiling with their elected congressmen and senators.

Unfortunately, politics play a very big role in recreation — especially snowmbiling — from access to funding! The timing was right to promote funding for trails on public lands when we asked our congressmen to join the effort by signing a Dear Colleague letter, as well as promoting legislation that would protect multiple use on the BLM lands. The new BLM Rule creates a new system for “restoration and mitigation” that locks up lands traditionally used for grazing, timber harvesting, outdoor recreation, and energy and mineral production.

20 Midwest Rider 2024

This was the 22nd year that volunteer snowmobilers were in Washington, DC promoting the privilege of snowmobiling on public lands, reminding the legislators of the importance of the snowmobiler’s economic impact in rural America in the winter, as well as reminding them about the Federal Gas Taxes we pay every time we fill our sleds!

PRESIDENT – KAI STEWARD hope you all were able to get out and enjoy the 2,000+ miles of trails while we had rideable snow. I had a great time out with friends and family on the trails and have to say what a great job our clubs are doing marking the trails and grooming.

It has been a few years since we’ve had a stretch of rideable snow, and with the great trails, we also have to recognize the issues that arise. There is significant trespassing occurring. We have to do better as an organization, policing ourselves and informing those that are causing issues. Do not put yourself in a dangerous situation. We should be able to have friendly discussions educating trail users of trail etiquette. Most, if not all Illinois trails are snowmobile trails only. They are not recreational trails and should not be treated as such. If you see a side-by-side or ATV on the trails, they need to be informed that they are trespassing and do not have permission to be there. If you see the trail is on the road or in the ditch, there is a reason for that. We don’t have permission to be on the

landowner’s property. I know that flat wheat fields look inviting, and I would rather be riding on all that snow instead of the sideroad as well, but we don’t have permission to be there. If you see something, say something. We are seeing a very low tolerance for trespassing by our landowners and they are shutting down trails because of the actions of a few. Please set an example. Stay within the markers on the trail and be a good representative of the sport.

Hopefully this is not news to any of you reading this, but if you have an Illinois driver’s license, your snowmobile should be registered in Illinois. Your sled can be registered in two states, but Illinois cannot sell you a trail pass unless you are an out of state resident. We know the system has glitches and can be difficult at times, but please be patient as the Illinois DNR is working to make improvements. We have no control over their system.

State raffle tickets are available through your club or please let the IASC office know if you need tickets. The raffle will be held March 12, at the IASC meeting in Rochelle.

I hope February brings more snow and more time on the sleds for all of us.

Kai Steward

TREASURER – Carol Bly-Julian n the past couple of years, there have been a lot of changes around the IASC. One of the biggest changes was closing the physical office and moving to an in-home office. This is the way all the clubs have been operating forever, but it is new for the IASC. The second biggest change was the retirement of our one and only office manager, Jane Austin!

With that said, we are still adjusting to these two major changes. As we continued to review how we are supposed to do things based on our by-laws and standard operating procedures (SOP’s). The by-laws serve as a set of rules and guidelines governing the organization’s operation. SOP’s serve as a step-by-step process and procedure guide to carry out routine tasks. Both of these documents help new board members understand what needs to be done and how to do it.

Another area we need to take a look at is our mission statement. The mission statement outlines the purpose and goals of an organization. As times change, so does the mission of IASC. This statement also defines how an organization fulfills its not-for-profit purpose.

If your club or region has not reviewed it by-laws or mission statement in a while, it might be a good idea to do so. This might be a good spring project after the trails are taken down!

I would like to close by saying, if you or your membership have any suggestions on methods you use to store and share information let me know. We are always looking for more efficient ways to accomplish our goals and make things easier.

Happy riding!

May/June 2024 21

Hampshire White Riders 2023 Fund Raiser

By Dwain “Duey” Stadie

aturday November 18, was the Hampshire White Riders Snowmobile Club’s annual fund raiser. Steak packages, pork chop packages, bacon slabs, hams, and turkeys were raffled off along with our big cash raffle with $2300 in prizes.

Thank You to everyone who came out and supported the Snowmobile club, members, local residents, and neighboring snowmobiling clubs. This is our club’s major fund raiser so thanks for all the support. Thanks to Dimitra of The Red Ox Restaurant & Bar for letting us hold the event there for past several years.

Fields, Kevin Hansen, Betsy Lima, Bert Veldhuizen, Jeff Meindl, Ed Brettschneider, Ed Hagendorn, Kent Nussbaum, Laura Stadie, and Dwain Stadie.

Thanks to everyone who worked at the event, Becky Haseman, Scott Haseman, Matt Lindborg, Joline Smith, Jordyn Smith, Jodi

Don’t forgot to attend any snowmobile club’s fund raiser in your neighborhood or anywhere else. Supporting these events keeps all the clubs going and the sport needs the snowmobile clubs to survive. For more information on the club go to hampshirewhiteriders.com or look us up on Facebook. Hope to see you at the next club fund raiser.

Marengo Snow Goers Club Fund Raiser

floor banquet room, but had never been up there before. What a really nice room. Seating for probably 200 people, dance floor, and a large bar. A great location for meetings, parties and wedding receptions.

By Dwain “Duey” Stadie

unday November 13, was the annual Marengo Snow Goers Snowmobile Club fund Raiser. A draw down with over $1000 in prizes and several meat raffles going on all day long. Also, this club, like most snowmobile clubs, is always helping out others, they had two 50/50 raffles during the day.

One to support the local food pantry, and another to support a burn camp. Both great organizations that can always use some financial support.

This has been the major fund raiser for the club for years, but it was held at a new location this year, Joe’s Place on Rt #20 on the east side of Marengo.

I’ve eaten at Joe’s Place many times over the years, it’s a great family restraint with really good food and excellent service. I knew it had a second 22 Midwest Rider 2024

While all the fund raising was happening the Snow Goers were serving brats, hot dogs, beans, pretzels and chips. It was a fun afternoon, helping a snowmobile club raise some money.

Visiting with friends and family. Don’t forget to attend your club’s fund raiser and all the snowmobile club fund raisers in your neighborhood.

2023 Hampshire White Riders Fall Snowmobile Trail Work

By Dwain “Duey” Stadie

raditionally the Hampshire White Riders do trail work on the weekend after Thanksgiving, and this year the tradition continues as we did most of our trail work this weekend.

A couple miles of trails were marked the weekend before Thanksgiving, and a very small section will be completed this upcoming week. We were blessed with several young workers (The future of the sport); we had workers that day from four years old to 80 years young. Thanks to everyone who donated equipment to make marking so much easier.

Trails are marked, groomer is fueled up and all serviced, we are ready for snow. Let the snow dances begin.

Thanks to everyone who came out and worked on trails this fall, Ed Hagendorn (our leader), Mike Bensko, M3, Jeff Meindl, Tom Baldner, Brett Sandblom, Korey Kuehni, Pete Fields, Matt Lindborg, Chris Moore, Matt Stadie, Clayton Stadie, Luke Stadie, and Dwain Stadie.

Also, Thanks to every other club out there marking trails right now, the sport wouldn’t exist if not for all the volunteers out working on trails this year, and every year. Everyone pat yourself on the back, A big thank you to everybody. See you on the trail.

Investing in Our Youth One Safety Class at a Time Contributed by Region 6 On December 9, 2023, Region 6 held their third annual safety class. The class was held at the Lena Community Center. Thank you to Region 3 for their donation which helped us secure a location to hold the class.

There were twenty class attendees. The class consisted of youth riders ranging from the age of eleven to eighteen years old.

Region 6 would like to thank the instructors Pat Pendergast and Kaitlyn Polhill. The students checked in and were eager for the class to begin. While they waited for others, they ate donuts and mingled with other youth from the area. After reviewing book materials, the students took a break to go outside and review what they learned on a snowmobile loaned from Full Throttle.

Then the students were able to look at a groomer up close and speak with a groomer operator. Thank you, Lena Blackhawk Trailblazers, for bringing your groomer and Kirk Polhill (groomer operator) for speaking with the students. A little while later, participants were able to ask questions and listen to information from a DNR officer. They continued to follow along with instructors and stayed off their cell phones until lunch time.

Thank you to Skinners Auto Body for sponsoring the breakfast and lunch for the students. Gee whiz, teenagers sure can eat some food. The instructors finished going over the materials and the youth were excited to be able to use their phones for an interactive review game. The game consisted of questions reviewing the material they learned that day and selecting the correct response. The game gives points based on correct answers and quickness of their answer. The winner of the game received and insulated tumbler with a built-in Bluetooth speaker donated by Full Throttle. All the students passed their exam and were excited to receive their safety cards. It was great to see all the smiles on their faces as they received their cards and pins.

Again, thank you to our sponsors for the event: Region 3, Skinners Auto Body, Full Throttle, and Lena Blackhawk Trailblazers. Region 6 hopes to continue this event in years to come to ensure safe riding and knowledge for our youth.

May/June 2024 23

JOHN KAHLER – ISSA PRESIDENT

MATT MINER - ISSA VICE PRESIDENT

veryone needs to be doing their “Snow Dance” in order to get this season going. It’s the end of the first week in December as I write this article and to date, we have had very little sign of winter other than some light dusting here in central Iowa.

reetings, fellow snowmobilers.

Hopefully when you are reading this, Mother Nature has dropped some of the white gold, and you have put some miles on your sleds.

I hope all the clubs have gotten their trails established and marked and their groomers serviced and prepared because at this point, when the snow decides to come, it will be gone before we know it. Even our northern states seem to be in the waiting category.

This gives me an opportunity to talk about the importance of volunteering and being involved with your clubs and maybe neighboring clubs around you. Without the commitment of all the members of the ISSA and the snowmobile clubs across Iowa, our trail system would simply not exist.

I invite you to install a free app on your phone or tablet called Groomer Tracking Systems, LLC. Set up your username and set up your password. This app will give you a better sense of all the trails in Iowa currently, and with the new tracking system the ISTGP has introduced recently, more trails will start to show up as grooming across the state starts to happen.

Some club trails are missing at this point, but with the help from Mother Nature, those trails will start to appear as they groom. This map system should provide proof that volunteerism in Iowa is strong and committed, knowing that the majority of these trails are put in and pulled every year.

I want to say “Thank you” to all of the clubs and their members for making snowmobiling great in Iowa. I would be remised to not mention also a big “Thank you” to all the landowners, county and state officials and the towns and cities for granting us access to your property for making this happen as well. Let’s hope the snow starts flying soon.

As you know, Iowa has some of the best trails to ride, and the clubs that take care of them are the greatest around— from the Driftrunners in northeast Iowa with their annual Snowfest Jan 25-28 and the Dickinson County Snowhawks in northwest Iowa that help with the Iowa Winter Games to the Saylorville Dam Snowmobile Club that hosts the Spina Bifida Ride in Huxley Iowa on Feb. 4 or the Snowmobile Iowa Events going around Iowa in Jan and Feb or any of the club runs and events.

So, if you have a day or a weekend, load up you and some friends and go see a new trail system. Someone from that club will be more than willing to take you around their trail system and show how great it is.

As you are out riding, don’t forget to thank all the sponsors of the clubs and the volunteers that make the trails great.

As I have just said, each club has some great areas or events to ride. So, if your club is having a fun run, a vintage snowmobile ride, a radar run or just a club ride on the weekend, PLEASE let the ISSA know so that we can put on our Facebook page and the website to let people from around the state know and try to attend. The more people who know, the more that can try and make it. I know that each snowmobiling event that I have attended over the years I meet lots of new people and make friends with.

Also, if you have any questions or concerns, PLEASE GIVE ME A CALL. As always, the board is open to new ideas and ways to keep snowmobiling great in Iowa.

As this is the last Magazine till the fall of 2024, please watch the ISSA website and Facebook page for updates and information about what is happening around the state and dates for stuff like the ISSA Scholarship deadline, the ISSA Awards program, Campout, ISC Convention or info on the 2024 ISSA Convention.

Thanks again to everyone who helps with making snowmobile fun in Iowa. Have an enjoyable riding season.

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION ISSA members endorse renewed effort at increased trail funding through fee merger.

by Cameron Hanson

owa snowmobile clubs are being reminded to return resolutions indicating their support for snowmobile-friendly legislation aimed at increased trail funding. The measure was unanimously ratified at the ISSA Annual Convention in Cedar Falls in November, and letters requesting individual endorsements were emailed to clubs in December.

At convention, ISSA members passed a resolution to support the re-branded Iowa State Snowmobiling Funding Legislation.

Working closely with ISSA Lobbyist Mike Heller, the ISSA is hoping to find a sponsor this month to introduce the bill in the Iowa Legislature to combine the registration sticker and the resident trail pass into one user fee.

The initiative is expected to close a loop-hole in current legislation and no longer makes the trail permit optional.

Generating significant additional revenue for the Iowa Snowmobile Trail Grant Program, the move will hold all snowmobile trail users accountable for the expenses required to maintain 8,800 miles of trail in Iowa.

“The combined registration will improve the funds available to support Iowa snowmobile trails, marking and grooming equipment by about $100,000 per year, ensuring the Iowa snowmobile program receives the funding it needs to continue to provide the trails for all Iowa winter recreationists to use,” ISSA Legislative Committee Chair Jim Willey wrote in the letter.

Currently, a $15 registration fee and a separate $15 trail pass (plus writing fees) are required for any Iowa resident to operate their snowmobile on public trails, rights-of-way and frozen bodies of water. Some snowmobile owners choose not to purchase the trail permit, claiming they do not ride in state.

Since the permit’s inception in 2013, compliance has hovered around 60 percent.

“This proposed legislation will eliminate the problem of snowmobilers who buy only the registration and ride Iowa trails without the trail pass,” Willey explained. “This makes law enforcement easier and eliminates unintentional errors. The non-resident trail pass program will continue unchanged, reciprocal with other states that accept out-of-state registrations.”

Previously known as the “single sticker bill,” the ISSA decided to change its approach this year after six consecutive years with very little progress. The measure has twice passed the Iowa House but stalled just as many times in the Iowa Senate. The resolutions from clubs are designed to demonstrate unilateral support for the fee increase to legislators who may be opposed to such raises.

“The problem is really in the Senate,” Heller explained at the ISSA convention. “It’s a little more difficult there because it will have to pass two committees, and members are very leery about anything that could be perceived as a fee increase. The Senate tends to be more conservative. They have a very hearty dislike for anything that may be perceived as a fee increase.”

Heller said Republicans control the Statehouse in Des Moines.

He’s confident the bill will pass the Iowa House, but it will

need to clear the two hurdles in the Iowa Senate: the Natural Resources Committee and the Ways and Means Committee, the chair of which is from a district with very little snowmobile activity.

“It’s not that we don’t have strong supporters who are Republican, but we need to focus on getting grass-roots support,” Heller said. “We need those Republican senators to go to their leaders and ask to get the bill on the agenda and move it. We have to get it out of committee and get it up for a vote.

We haven’t been able to do that. It’s been difficult, to be really honest.”

With the support of clubs, Heller said the ISSA can be successful this year in increasing funding for the trail program. For inspiration, he pointed to the successful passage of legislation 15 years ago that returned $950,000 in de-appropriated funding back to the snowmobile program. He feels snowmobilers can make it happen again this year.

“I think we can do it. I think we have a real shot at it, more than I felt that we’d ever get the registration funds back in 2008,” Heller said. “I encourage you to invite your legislators to your club meetings. It’s more important to invite Republicans than Democrats because they are the ones who are going to control what’s on the agenda.”

“The passage of this legislation will continue to make our program self-sustaining, keeping it as one of the only recreational programs in Iowa that receives no tax dollars,” Willey said. “We are completely funded by the snowmobilers using the trails, and we are confident that this legislation will be successful in 2024.”

May/June 2024 25

Snowmobile Program Requires Paper Trail for Expenses Now

by Cameron Hanson

ormerly known as the Review and Selection Committee, the Iowa Snowmobile Trail Grant Program (ISTGP) is moving forward with its plan to reimburse snowmobile clubs $13 per mile to groom and maintain their snowmobile trails in Iowa this winter. There just have been a few more wrinkles to iron out along the way.

In December, program officials were notified by the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) that receipts will still need to be collected by clubs for their fuel and maintenance expenses in order to qualify for grant reimbursements through the Recreational Trails Program (RTP), a federal grant program administered in Iowa by the IDOT. “In the meetings on the program changes we had this fall it was recommended to keep these documents. We have now been told it will be required,” program co-administrator Chris Willey explained in an email to clubs Dec. 11. “We apologize for the last-minute change to the program, but we have to follow the regulations and stipulations of the RTP grant program if we want to be able to utilize those funds.”

Working with clubs over a series of mandatory meetings last fall, the ISTGP has installed GPS units across the groomer fleet to track groomer miles. According to Willey, clubs may be able to use that same system to upload images of the receipts that are now required along with the groomer miles.

“We are asking clubs to keep and track their grooming operations as they have in the past years and submit everything at the end of the year,” he said. “We are working to make an adjustment to the tracking system program that will allow you to upload images of these receipts directly to your grooming log.”

In September, the ISTGP announced it will be using RTP money to pay for grooming expenses and then using the state’s registration dollars and trail pass revenue to purchase grooming equipment. Modeled after a similar “contract grooming” program in Wisconsin, this spending shift works around the Buy American Act, which stipulates federal money cannot be used to purchase equipment made from materials sourced outside of the U.S. Not all groomers and drags satisfy the Buy American mandate, thereby limiting the equipment options available to the ISTGP. Registration and trail pass revenue collected in Iowa are not held to the same 26 Midwest Rider 2024

standard as the federal grant money and therefore can be used to purchase grooming equipment, regardless from where it is manufactured.

Adding another layer of complexity, the ISTGP is now eligible to apply for a waiver to the Buy American Act, and if approved, officials could use RTP funding to purchase grooming equipment under a $500,000 limit. The ISTGP is currently working through three existing RTP grants and has applied for another $340,000 in the latest round of grant askings. Awards will be announced later this month.

As explained at the ISTGP update at the ISSA Annual Convention in Cedar Falls in November, the program is still waiting on RTP authorization to purchase six drags and a used Tucker for the Trail Blazzers Inc., in region 5. Any Tucker manufactured after 2018 is eligible for RTP funding under the Buy American Act. Program officials now need to decide if they want to apply for the waiver for additional equipment upgrades.

“We may end up using some money from both registration dollars and RTP funding to buy equipment and pay for the contract grooming,” explained ISSA President John Kahler, an ISTGP board member. “We may be able to pool the money together for all program expenses this year. It will just take a little bit to iron out all these details.”

Besides the RTP funding, the program will have about $340,000 in registration and trail pass dollars to work with if the funding stream holds true based on past seasons. That money is collected quarterly from the Iowa Department of Natural and varies based on the timing of registration and trail pass purchases.

“That’s why that amount was left to be determined during our PowerPoint presentation at convention,” Kahler noted.

KELLY WEAVER - PRESIDENT s I write this article it is a sunny and brisk New Year’s Eve morning.

We have just enough snow cover in the yard for the grandkids to take a spin. We received more rain than snow over the holidays, so we are thankful for the white start we have but more is needed to take a serious trail ride.

As you embark on your snowmobile activities this season, please keep safety in mind. I have written about this topic in the past, but it just can’t be stressed enough. Did you know there is a whole week dedicated to Snowmobile Safety each January? This year marks the 30th Snowmobile Safety Week set for January 13-21, 2024, supported by the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA). See the SafeRiders pledge below/elsewhere in this issue. While safety comes to mind particularly with young riders and new riders, they will take their clues from the experienced rider (that’s you), so you are not off the hook! Fortunately, we have great resources right at our fingertips to support our efforts.

DUANE DUERR – PAST PRESIDENT ell snow seems to be holding us up from riding but there are still big things happening in SDSA. Jon LaFramboise Yetis Scholarship, after a big showing at the Convention the Black Hills club is working on getting more funding for Jon’s scholarship. Now we need to increase our Yetis membership and Activities to make that group stronger. Wouldn’t it be great if every club had a Yetis group active in the club?

Even without snow our Associate members need our help.

They need us to help sponsor events that bring them business.

Maybe a Charity Ride or a Poker run snow or no snow that grows their business. What we do now will make it easier to get Associate members next year.

South Dakota Online Safety Course: Video and written content and certification is free with a code provided by Ryan Raynor at the SD Game Fish and Parks. snowmobile-ed.com/southdakota/ ISMA Safe Rider Program: This program includes video and written content as well as a skills test. No certification provided. The videos and skill test offer good content to share are your local club meeting. saferiderssafetyawareness.org/index.html Protect Access, Take the Pledge: One rule of safety is to ride only in authorized areas. Trails are being closed across the snowbelt due to trespassing issues.

Don’t be that snowmobiler! snowmobilerspledge. com/ It has also come to my attention that Mothers Against Drunk Drivers is planning a campaign this snow season for snowmobiling under the influence. Let our actions speaker louder on the importance of safety. Thank you to all the volunteers who provide and support safety training in their local areas!

Following the strong support shown at the SDSA Convention for funding the YETIS Scholarship, members of the Black Hills Snowmobile Club took on the challenge to raise additional funds. Contacts have been made that could make the goal of fully funding the balance a near term reality! Thank you to President Brad Richey for taking lead. The Jon LaFramboise YETIS Scholarship will help support our young snowmobilers as they grow into the future leaders of SDSA! We may have gotten a slow snow start in 2023, here’s hoping there is great snowmobiling yet to come in 2024.

See you on the trail, Kelly

Right now, Sno Cross is scheduled for January 26th & 27th in Deadwood. If snow lets us have the event SDSA will have a booth there and be raffling tickets for the 200 Skidoo.

Remember to use the SDSA discount code to get your tickets and see the event. Come to Deadwood, check out the Casino’s and see a great Snow Event, its amazing what they do at Sno Cross!

The Governor’s ride is scheduled for February 10th with a room block at Spearfish Holiday Inn and a Breakfast at Hardy Camp.

Registration is in the Snoplainsman for $15.00; youth 6-12 $7.50 and 6 and under are free. This year the Governor’s Council will meet Friday night with SDSA meeting immediately afterwards.

Saturday we are having breakfast at Hardy Camp and doing a SDSA member Appreciation. We are extending the ride to 4pm with more to be announced. This would be a great year to attend!

With snow we grow. – Duane May/June 2024 27

RYAN RAYNOR TRAIL SPECIALIST appy 2024 everyone! Due to poor traveling conditions, work schedules and sick people, I couldn’t make it home for the holidays but plan on taking advantage of the next few weekends to travel home and open presents with a couple little tornadoes of my brothers. I hope everyone got to spend some time with your loved ones and stayed safe while traveling.

Unfortunately, this is going to be a much different report of snow and trail conditions compared to this time last year. Last year, we kicked the new year off with what was probably one of the best East River grooming seasons ever. At the same time, the Black Hills side of the state saw great conditions as well.

Not the case this year. We’ve had above average temperatures throughout November and December and the storm that hit Christmas weekend left more rain and sleet across eastern SD then it did snow. Pierre got around eight inches and some

of those conditions hit Miller, but the rest of the eastern trail system didn’t see the best snow conditions. While we got some snow in the Hills, we could use more to keep things going. Not the start that we want but I have hope things will drastically change by the time you read this.

As I get caught up after the holiday break, I’ll be sending out Grant and Equipment agreements to all the clubs. I’ll have the copy signed so all you’ll have to do is sign and send back a copy of it. You can mail it back if you like or scan it as a PDF as I don’t need the original. Hopefully all clubs were able to get out and make corrections to the trail system based on the trail signing inspection reports that were received. I’ll be sending out new trail signing guidelines this month as well. While we updated the guideline a few years ago, I haven’t sent out physical copies as just an emailed copy was sent to the clubs. What I’ve heard from many of you is those copies are nice to have riding around the truck while different groups go out and sign, especially for those club members who don’t get to as many of the trail meetings where the group talks about signing. As usual if clubs have meetings, please let me know a couple days in advance and I’m more than happy to attend.

Happy New Years from everyone here at Game, Fish and Parks and don’t forget to stick to your New Year’s resolutions for longer than a week like I did last year!

JON LAFRAMBOISE YETIS SCHOLARSHIP!

• Definite choice of a Liberal Arts College, Technical Institute, Specialized College, School of Nursing, Junior College, provided that the institution provides a standard degree of certification.

on was a member of the South Dakota Snowmobile Association board when the YETIS organization was created and strongly supported the effort to give young snowmobilers leadership experience and encourage their continued involvement in the sport.

• A $1000 award for the winner will be sent to the institution of choice upon acceptance of the student’s enrollment.

Requirements for submission: • High school seniors or enrolled college students up to 20 years old must be a student in good standing and awards are not based on academic achievement.

28 Midwest Rider 2024

• Entries will not necessarily be judged on financial need.

• A completed application must be submitted by 2/25 ABSOLUTE DEADLINE to SDSA P.O. Box 206 Gary SD 57237.

• Limited to YETIS members that live full time in South Dakota and are SDSA members For complete details and a copy of the application visit snowobilesd.com/yeti

TODD THRONSON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ello everyone! Here we are in the middle of February waiting for more snow. It has been a season with ups and downs as usual. We’ve had as many as five groomers running at one time with several systems able to open, only to close after a warm-up, then reopen after a snow event. We have so many areas that would be able to go if we just had a 6-inch batch of snow to add on to the base they have. Seems we are again right on the edge of the storm systems. Not giving up yet- Snow dance will continue.

MATT GARDNER NORTH DAKOTA PARKS & RECREATION lthough being able to open a snowmobile trail system is very dependent on the snow, the effort by the clubs, its volunteers and Snowmobile North Dakota does not go unnoticed. It takes time and resources to organize the group and put-up signs on the thousands of miles of trail in the state. Then to return to remove them, ensure the equipment is ready to go, and in some cases go pack the trail to create a base with the hopes of being able to open later, if only there was a little more snow.

This past weekend (February 10th), the State Ride was held in Edinburg hosted by the Tri-County Trailriders. They had a very good turnout with over 220 tickets sold which is pretty good considering how the snow conditions were. There was a good turnout for the Board of Directors meeting the evening before as well. There were many cash prizes as well as raffle items to be won. It was a good time visiting with everyone, something that we don’t always get a chance to do much of if we are out riding. I guess there is ONE good thing that comes with low snow conditions. Always fun to visit with our membership and fellow riders. Lots of great people involved with the local clubs and SND. Just a quick reminder of out groomer tracking and mapping system. You can see where the groomers are running across the state: http://sndatp.com/wms/gpstracker.php?six_hour=1 We will be able to do more and more with this program in the future. Have a great day everyone!

All this is done regardless if mother nature cooperates or not.

On a positive note, some systems were able to open for short periods throughout the season.

A minor addition this season was adding the tracked dirt bike permit. This would allow dirt bikes with track conversion kits to ride the snowmobile trails with the permit. Unfortunately, with the limited season, we did not get a good feel for their popularity, hopefully we will next season. There was also a lot of good discussion about allowing other off-highway vehicles with track kits on the snowmobile trails. We have a testing planned in early March to collect field data that was derived from potential concerns we heard during these discussions.

Discussions will continue throughout the year with no plans at this point to allow this use. If you would like follow-up information about our testing, feel free to reach out to me at msgardner@nd.gov.

Thanks again to all the volunteers that make the North Dakota snowmobile trail system possible for residents and visitors.

May/June 2024 29

SOCIAL CONFLICT – We Can All Ride Together, Even Turtles

By Laura Forbes

i everyone, FYI, awards are due by April 1st 2018. Hall of Fame Young Snowmobiler of the Year, Snowmobiler of the Year, Family of the Year, Associate Member of the year, Dealer of the year, Groomer of the year, and Scholarship. I know there is someone in your club that works hard in preparing the trails, getting memberships and donations or a dealer or associate member that takes the extra mile for the snowmobiling committee. Nominate them.

All of the award applications can be found on SND’s website snowmobilend.org.

What is ‘Social Conflict’? A Marxist-based social theory which argues that individuals and groups (social classes) within society interact on the basis of conflict rather than consensus.

Through various forms of conflict, groups will tend to attain differing amounts of material and non-material resources (e.g. the wealthy vs. the poor). More powerful groups will tend to use their power in order to retain power and exploit groups with less power. As I was researching social conflict the one thing I found interesting is it is everywhere (around the world).

As I was researching social conflict between snowmobiles and skiers, I also read articles on social conflict between fisherman & speed boats, canoes and motorized boats, hikers and mountain bikers, water skiers and fisherman, and the list goes on and on.

So social conflict is not only motorized vs non-motorized. I read articles where the researcher(s) portrayed that everyone in that group agrees with the issue at hand. (An example all skiers dislike snowmobilers because they pollute the air, track up all the snow, noisy, etc. and snowmobilers go with the flow.)

I disagree with the assessment as not all skiers dislike snowmobilers and not all snowmobilers go with the flow. Not 30 Midwest Rider 2024

everyone thinks alike. I believe people need to listen to the facts the other group presents about the issue at hand. NOT MYTHS OR WHAT JOE SMITH SAID, BUT FACTS AND DON’T LUMP EVERYONE TOGETHER. Then formulate a plan that would work for both groups. Yes, I understand there will still be people that won’t agree with what you are doing, because they don’t want to listen to the facts.

There will always be social conflict wherever you go. I believe one social group can’t function without the other. An example: There is an avalanche that is caused by snowmobilers, skiers or snowboarders and they need rescue. In order for rescue to help in a timely fashion they will need vehicles, snowmobiles, skis and possibly helicopter to get to the area where the people are in need. We need to work as a team!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT - There is conflict amongst the snowmobile committee in regard to letting Class 1, 2 and 3 vehicles on the snowmobile trails with tracks. One of the concerns are they going to damage the trails or have no respect for the landowner’s land and damage the crops or other snowmobilers. As we educate and get the facts on the impact on land that Class 1, 2, and 3 vehicles have we will have to keep an opened mind. Also remember that not every trail is suitable for every use.

I will leave you with a question. Back in 1960’s and 1970’s, when SND started to form the trail system in ND and they were asking the landowners for permission to cross their land with snowmobiles. What do you think the landowners were thinking?

Reference: Social Conflict - URL: https://www.wikipedia.org/

MIKE CLEVENGER – PRESIDENT y now, many of you have volunteered your manpower, equipment, and time to putting in trails. It is a misconception of those outside our organization that these trails are put in and maintained by the MN Department of Natural Resources.

Boy, are they so wrong! Without club members like you, none of the 22,000 miles of trails would be in existence. How do we get the word out that it is a necessary ritual that takes People Power? At a recent MnUSA Region 5 club meeting, the Covered Bridge Riders shared a sign that thanked landowners for access to their property and establish trails on their land. Yes, we need these landowners and those who know how the trail system works. Respect for their property is a must! We have already seen the consequences of trespassing and the effect it has on your trails, whether it be a reroute or a total closure. Take the time to stop and educate those you see are jeopardizing our

DOUG FRANZEN – LEGISLATIVE NEWS ooking out my window, I see a blanket of fresh snow.

It’s December 4th and our snowmobiles are ready to get out on the trails. We are ready too!

Unfortunately, we must wait. This is a time of waiting (a wonderful prize for anyone who gets the reference). On the news last night, Lisa Meadows announced that the snow would be gone as we warm to the 50s this week. Yet, by the time you read this, there should be plenty of snow. While the weather folks tell us there is a chance for a brown winter, something about El Niño winds over the Pacific Ocean. I hope they are wrong.

sport. Every little bit of education may save a trail.

Let’s not forget the volunteers who give so much for snowmobiling. Find some way to show your appreciation for all the endless hours individuals donate. Provide a meal, send a thank you note, personally thank them, or post a sign that shows the names of those who work so tirelessly to keep volunteer moral high. Although some of these individuals do not want this type of recognition, just a simple thank you may be sufficient. For those of you who have club houses, it may be as simple as having a coffee pot available and occasionally some type of snack. Many of you may have even better ideas and it would be great to be able to share these ideas with other clubs, should your club have come up with something that is working for you.

My challenge for you would be to share these ideas with me, and in the upcoming issue I can provide both ideas to acknowledge landowners as well as volunteers. Email your ideas to cmclevenger3@gmail.com. Let’s see what type of response we get and what brainstorming ideas can do to help us show our appreciation. Without you, trails would not exist!

Thank you for all you do!

Remember the brown winter of 2012? Our season was pretty much ruined, and our dedicated fund went into a deficit. Yet somehow, snowmobilers had a lot of fun. The (brown) Winter Rendezvous in Fairmount was a gas! This remembrance leads me to a bold statement— snowmobiling with a MnUSA club is so much more than just snowmobiling. Whether it’s 50 above or 20 below, we can’t be kept inside. We walk in the woods, we raise tons of money for noble charities, we train our youth, we dream of that unforgettable ride, we support our communities, and we complain because we love to complain. In other words, we are Minnesotans.

There are things that snowmobilers have taught me: 1. MnUSA members are at their best in a crisis. We band together for our common good, and act decisively. We overcome the challenges and win the day. Conversely, when everything is fine, we get bored and a bit lazy. To occupy our time, we argue about stuff.

2. We have strong opinions about most everything.

We disagree and yet, somehow, we come back together. Simply, we care.

3. Under sometimes gruff and argumentative exteriors, we are kind and generous. When somebody needs help, snowmobilers are there to help, regardless of any differences we may have.

From time to time over the years, I’ve found myself in heated disagreement with a couple of people. I didn’t like them, and they didn’t like me. That’s only human. Yet, necessity forced us to find solutions to the issues. We needed to compromise. Eventually we learned to overcome our disagreements and personality issues. We became close friends. One of the most important things you have taught me is that opponents can become friends and allies.

That’s transcendent.

May/June 2024 31

Sponsor the Veterans Appreciation Ride innesota Snowmobile Education and Advancement Fund (MSEAF) and Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association (MnUSA) will be hosting the 16th annual snowmobile ride for the Veterans and Active-Duty Military personnel in January of 2024 in recognition and appreciation of our veterans who have given part of their lives to serve all of us.The event is for both experienced snowmobilers and those who would like to give it a try.

We are seeking donations to help defray the costs of lodging, meals, sled rental and fuel. Donations in any amount are

MNUSA SAFETY COMMITTEE

By Scotty Harder

ell, here we are. I’m sitting in my home office staring out the window, wondering what to write in my first safety issue of Minnesota Snowmobiling since becoming the chairperson for the Safety Committee.

I was told three days ago that “Hey, you have less than a week to get this in, so what’s happening?” My response, “I’ll do my best to get this together for the Dec. 7th deadline.” I don’t back down from challenges, so here is what I started doing, thinking about how I can make a safety issue nonboring. All I can think about is here it is December 5th; trails should have opened late last week but we do not have any snow or actually much frost in the ground at all. So that brings up a whole new aspect to safety on the trails.

Last year we had 13 snowmobiler deaths in Minnesota which to me is 13 too many. A lot of people I’ve spoken to over the summer were all under the assumption that alcohol was the leading cause of those deaths, and it was not; the most common factor was speed and inexperience. Ever since 2020 with the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of people bought powersports equipment to get out and enjoy the outdoors more. I think it’s great for all the sports, whether it’s snowmobiling, ATV, watercraft, etc. But with that we all need to step up and help educate those new riders in all aspects of outdoor motorsports, no matter what their age is.

On most of Minnesota’s 22,000+ miles of snowmobile trail we do not post speed limit signs, but how many people realize that the trail speed limit in Minnesota is 50, unless riding in a road right of way with a lower posted speed for the road itself, which in turn becomes the speed limit on the trail as well. Example: road speed limit drops to 30 mph, then so does the trail speed limit. It is up to all of us to help spread the word to slow down 32 Midwest Rider 2024

welcome or you may Sponsor a Vet for $225. Donations may be sent payable to MSEAF at 7040 Lakeland Ave. N. #212, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428. With a donation or sponsorship, you will be recognized at the event, in our publication and on our web site.

All funds designated “Veterans Ride” will be segregated for that purpose only.

The IRS has recognized MSEAF as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Donors will receive a card recognizing their donation and tax deductibility of donations.

MSEAF and MnUSA thank you for your assistance and sincerely appreciate your support!

For more information or to be part of this great event, go to mnvetsnowmobileride.org. Registration is now open.

and enjoy the ride. I personally used to race snowmobiles and love to go fast…but there is a time and place for that, and it’s not on a groomed snowmobile trail anywhere. Enough of my preaching on “ride right, slow down, stay sober and enjoy the ride.”

In other great news, the MnUSA Safety Committee signed a contract with Clear Channel Media for five digital billboards floating around the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, which will be posting safety messages during January and February this year. We hope that this becomes a yearly agreement with Clear Channel Media.

To add on some more great news, clubs around the state have been doing Minnesota snowmobile safety training over the last few months, and I would like to take this time to thank all the volunteer instructors across the state for their efforts. Remember, any Minnesota resident born after Dec. 31st, 1976, must possess a Minnesota Safety Certificate to ride on grant-in-aid trails anywhere in Minnesota. In the ‘22-’23 season, instructors taught 9598 students. Of those, 9369 took the new hybrid class, and 292 took the traditional course. Again, thank you to all the instructors for their time and efforts.

So finally, I’m concerned that we are going to have a challenging year with the trails and especially any water crossings. Everyone is eager to ride but as I look into the future, I’m not seeing a lot of freezing temps during the months of December and January, nor do I see much in the form of moisture. So once the trails do get enough snow, please ride respectfully, safely and with a lot of caution. Let’s try to have a death toll of zero for this riding season and all seasons to come. It takes all of us to work together on creating a safe and enjoyable sport for all. Hope to see as many as possible at Winter Rendezvous and look for the safety committee and join us.

CLUB NEWS – Southwest Trails Association he Southwest Trails Association in Carver County was hit with a major reroute into the city of New Germany the last week of November, three days before the trails were to open in 2022. A landowner purchased farmland from a long-time landowner and started to erect a fence on the trail.

By the last week of November, the wooden four-board fence was up, and the club had to scramble for the coming season.

Previously the Crow River Sno Pro’s, a McLeod County club adjacent to Carver County, requested connecting the two counties together via a tarred multi-use trail. Southwest Trails representatives started meeting with Crow River Sno Pro’s representatives to start the process in mid-March of 2023.

With meetings with townships, cities, park boards and ultimately the county commissioner boards for both counties, a permit was issued to Southwest Trails and the Crow River Sno Pro’s to put in the trail between the two counties on Nov 14th, some eight months later, but not before Carver County requested an additional $2 million in insurance coverage from the traditional $1 million; a complete stud ban; reduced speed limit; and curfew. Signage had to reflect their wishes and was ordered; also bridge decks needed a rubber matting material placed on it for the temporary 120-day permit from Dec. 1st to March 31st. In addition, club members had to go door to door and tell affected landowners about the proposed trail on the tar trail, and ask them if it were for, neutral or against the trail and document the residents’ address, name, and decision.

Those decisions were presented to the county park board and with working with landowners and their set of demands, the park board ultimately agreed. But accomplishing this still didn’t solve the issue of not getting into town past the farm with the brand new green treated wood board fence. Members ended up contacting a half a dozen landowners only to get denied access for a re-route.

Ultimately two landowners relented, and the trail has been marked and is ready to circumnavigate from the north of the city of New Germany and get into town to support those businesses on the trail system. Those businesses also testified at the park board meeting on how important snowmobiling was to their businesses.

Now the hard work needed to get done with new signage required by the county and bridge decks covered. With long weekends and long days to assemble signs and attach bridge abutment signs, the trail is now finally ready for snow.

May/June 2024 33

CLUB NEWS – Carver County Snowrunners he Carver County Snowrunners Snowmobile Club celebrated its 33rd annual Christmas Party. Besides a great meal and collection of Toys for Tots, a welcome from the president and an update on the club and its activities planned for the coming season, the club had fun with a gift exchange game and an opportunity to win gift cards. The first one is a gift exchange where members are asked to purchase a $10-$15 gift to share with a fellow member. Members assemble in a circle, and each is given a gift; a Christmas story is read with the words “Left” and “Right” embedded in the story. When members hear the word Left or Right repeated many times through the lengthy story, they hand the gift to either the left or the right, and when the story is done, that’s the gift you end up with.

Members also have the plastic ball game, where a ball is wrapped in clear plastic wrap with gift cards to various club business sponsors embedded in the plastic. Roll some dice to get doubles, you’re up to unwrap until the next person, or persons roll doubles as two sets of dice are rotated around the circle. After the games are over, then we start with the door prizes and winners, and by the end of the evening most, if not all, attendees head home with something. The evening ends with a salutary toast to all the members who attended, and the wish for much snow throughout the snowmobile season.

34 Midwest Rider 2024

NEW SLED NEW RADICAL LYNX SNOCROSS RACER ANNOUNCED

he new Lynx Rave RS racing snowmobile is poised to extend its European championship streak, with a radical new rear suspension, improved ergonomics, and even tougher chassis. The Rave RS has recorded the fastest lap times on each test track it was on earlier this winter, setting the table for what should be another podium filled season of competition. While there is no indication the Lynx RS will compete on this side of the pond, we’re keeping a watchful eye on the technology as it could very well be found on a Ski-Doo in the very near future.

Here’s a taste of the make-up of the new Lynx terrain racer.

is now more constant due to the stiffer engine mounting, which improves the efficiency of the transmission and thus increases the performance even more.

2024 RAVE RS 600RS E-TEC HIGHLIGHTS: Renewed Radien-RS chassis.

Re-calibrated Rotax 600RS E-TEC engine.

NEW rCTRL REAR SUSPENSION

New rCTRL rear suspension.

The design of the rCTRL (center-to-rear-linked) rear suspension focused on enhancing rollability and increasing damping capacity, enabling the Lynx Rave RS snowmobile to achieve faster laps on snocross tracks. Durability has been improved, and maintenance has been simplified.

Renewed LFS Racing front suspension.

The revolutionary rCTRL rear suspension is based on a unique coupling system where the center arm borrows damping force from the rear arm through the shock absorber to the center arm area. This unique solution provides the center arm with increased damping power without an excessively stiff center shock.

Racing pDrive -primary clutch ja Team TTS-04 driven clutch.

The LFS Racing front suspension of the Rave RS racing sled uses new, taller spindles. The change goes hand in hand with the new rCTRL rear suspension, bringing 27 mm more ground clearance under the lower A-arm. As part of the reform of the sled’s suspension, the swaybar has been removed, which contributes to the sled’s weight savings.

KYB PRO RS 46 HLCR Kashima shock absorbers.

381 x 3487 x 44 mm track.

1092 mm ski stance.

4-piston Brembo Racing brake with improved cooling.

Pilot Racing skis.

Renewed RS seat.

New coloration.

RENEWED RADIEN-RS CHASSIS The Rave RS 600RS E-TEC has also experienced significant reforms in terms of the structure of the chassis. Four-point engine mounting, lower located running boards, and further strengthened structure mean increased performance, better handling, and enhanced reliability.

The Rotax 600RS E-TEC engine is now mounted to the chassis via four attachment points. The alignment of the powertrain May/June 2024 35

NEWS BITES

Exploring Northern Michigan’s New ORV Trails he Cadillac Area ORV Initiative in Northern Michigan introduces a network of over 100 miles of off-road vehicle (ORV) trails. This initiative aims to establish the town as a prime destination for off-roading enthusiasts.

The trail system links Wexford County with federal forest service roads, offering riders a well-mapped route that prioritizes scenic attractions and safe travel.

Executive Director of Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau, Kathy Morin said, “Our goal with this initiative is to create connectivity along open USFS and Wexford County roads and help people navigate a scenic, enjoyable ride on their ORVs that you can hop on and off at various points, stopping as needed at scenic overlooks, restaurants and fuel stops.”

The project, funded through grants and local contributions, required collaboration among diverse stakeholders. To ensure responsible riding, printed maps, navigational markers, and environmental stewardship signs have been installed along the trails. Enthusiasts seeking to explore the outdoor offerings of the region can access information about the Cadillac ORV Trail Initiative on ridecadillac.com.

Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative Grants Exceed $1 Million in 2023 amaha recently announced the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative (OAI) contributed over $1 million in grant awards in 2023, marking the largest annual funding total since the program’s inception in 2008. This significant increase, nearly double from the previous year, reaffirms Yamaha’s position as a leader in the powersports industry, advocating for access to public lands for motorcycle, ATV, side-by-side, and e-bike owners, and enriching the greater outdoor recreation community.

Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s Motorsports Marketing Manager, stated, “Yamaha’s goal for the Outdoor Access Initiative is to serve as a meaningful resource to those supporting access to public land for all types of recreation. Investing $1 million in one year is a significant achievement. We remain committed to supporting those who work tirelessly to ensure riders and outdoor enthusiasts can continue to enjoy our nation’s outdoor spaces.”

In the fourth quarter of 2023, the funding cycle focused on projects aimed at educating and inspiring the next generation of motorized and outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Two notable recipients were Cycle Kids, Inc. and the Strider Education Foundation, which engage elementary school-aged children in bike riding fundamentals as part of physical education curriculum. Additionally, the Sierra Foundation will provide 36 Midwest Rider 2024

local 5th and 6th grade students the opportunity to attend the Rich Oliver Mystery School 4-week Ride & Wrench camp to learn motorcycle riding and maintenance skills.

“Riding a bike often marks one’s first taste of adventure and independence in an outdoor setting, and Yamaha is thrilled to provide kids with the chance to learn in a safe, structured environment,” Nessl added. “Fostering a love of outdoor recreation is central to our mission, and these grants to school-based programs mark the beginning of many students’ journeys.”

Over $300,000 in grants were awarded in the fourth quarter of 2023 to organizations including: Colorado 500 Itasca County Land Dept.

Lakeville SnoTrackers, Inc. Lutsen Trailbreakers Snowmobile Club Northwest Colorado Trail Corp Pennsylvania ATV Trail Development The Nature Conservancy – Tennessee For updated guidelines, the application form, and the latest Outdoor Access Initiative news, please visit yamahaoai.com. If you have specific inquiries about the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative, you can reach the dedicated hotline at 1-877-OHVTRAIL (877-648-8724), email ohvaccess@yamaha-motor.com, or send correspondence to: Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative 3065 Chastain Meadows Parkway, Bldg. 100 Marietta, GA 30066

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* Red listings denote electronic link to dealer website in digital edition of Midwest Rider. ©2023 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, TM and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. In the USA, products are distributed by BRP US Inc. Offers valid in the USA only, from Visitormspninc.com January 13, 2023, to March 31, 2023, at participating authorized BRP dealers. The terms and conditions may vary depending on your state and these offers are subject to termination change at any time without notice.

BRP reserves the right to discontinue or change specifications, prices, designs, features, models or equipment without incurring obligation. Some models depicted may include optional equipment. While quantities last. †Rates as low©as 2.99% APR (Annual Percentage Rate) for 36 months. An example of monthly payments required over a 36-month term at a 2.99% APR: $26.17 per $1,000 financed. An example of a monthly payment with 2024 2020 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, TM and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. In the U.S.A., products are distributed by BRP US Inc. BRP reserves the right, at any time, to discontinue or change $670 down, no rebate, anprices, APR of 2.99%features, for 36models months at an MSRP of $6,699 $175.31/mo.

Total cost ofVEHICLE: borrowing $281.95 withmay a total repayment obligation of $6,311.05.

Down payment be required.

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CAN-AM OFF-ROAD Someis models depicted include optional equipment.

For side-by-side vehicles (SxS): Read the may BRP side-by-side operator’s and watch the safetyand DVD maximum before driving.

Fasten lateral net and seatvary. belt atNot all times.

Operator must be at least 16 years old.apply Passenger must be with at least 12 years old and able to Other hold handgrips and plant and feet while seated against backrest. offers may beguide available.

Minimum amount financed may all buyers will qualify.

Higher rates for buyers lower credit ratings. qualifications restrictions maythe apply, depending on SxSs are for off-road use only; never ride on paved surfaces or public roads. For your safety, the operator and passenger must wear a helmet, eye protection and other protective clothing. Always remember that riding, alcohol and drugs don’t mix. the participating fi nancial institution(s).

BRP is not responsible for any of the fi nancing terms and conditions.

The terms and conditions may vary depending on your location and this off er is subject to termination or change Never engage in stunt driving. Avoid excessive speed and be particularly careful on diffi cult terrain. Always ride responsibly and safely. at any time without notice, is not refundable, exchangeable or transferable (including from one dealership to another), cannot be redeemed for cash, credit or other products of equivalent value and cannot be combined with any other offer or rebate. While supplies last. Financing promotions void where prohibited. Printed in the USA. See your BRP dealer for details. BRP recommends that all ATV-SxS drivers take a training course. See your dealer or call the ATV Safety Institute at 1-800-887-2887 (USA). ATVs and SxSs can be hazardous to operate. Never exceed the ATV-SxS’s passenger capacity. All adult-model ATVs are meant to be used by drivers of age May/June 2024 37 16 and older. Carefully read the vehicle’s operator’s guide. Follow all instructional and safety material and observe applicable laws and regulations. ATVs and SxSs are for off-road use only; never ride on paved surfaces or public roads. For your safety, the operator and passenger(s) must wear a helmet, eye protection and applicable protective clothing. Always remember that riding, alcohol and drugs don’t mix. Never engage in stunt driving.

Avoid excessive speed and be particularly careful on difficult terrain. Always ride responsibly and safely. See your authorized BRP dealer for details and visit www.can-am.brp.com.

ALL-NEW KAWASAKI RIDGE XR – IS THIS THE NEW KING OF SIDE-BY-SIDES? With a long slow tease, Kawasaki finally pulled the wraps off the all-new RIDGE XR side-by-side and it’s safe to say it was worth the wait. The all-new buggy features a 999cc in-line fourcylinder engine, premium fit and finish, 7-inch full-color display, full-cab options, and a level of attention detail that could very well send everyone else back to the drawing board. Here’s a deep dive on the all-new Kawasaki RIDGE XR.

KAWASAKI RIDGE® XR KEY FEATURES Kawasaki-Built 999cc Liquid-Cooled, 4-Stroke In-Line Four Cylinder Engine Roomy Interior with Premium Comfort Full Cab with HVAC (HVAC model) Long-Travel Double Wishbone Suspension and High Ground Clearance 30-inch Tires with 14-inch Aluminum Wheels All-LED Exterior Lighting including Accent Lights Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) Power Mode Selection On the Fly Electrically Selectable 4WD & Front-Rear Differential Lock Chassis Designed for Comfort 1000-lbs Capacity Tilting Cargo Bed with Detachable Tailgate 7-inch Full-color TFT Instrumentation Adjustable driver seat Automotive-Inspired Fit & Finish Exterior and Interior Smartphone Connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP POWERSPORTS Kawasaki STRONG Three-Year Limited Warranty

ENGINE At the heart of the RIDGE XR, you’ll find a liquid-cooled, 4-stroke in-line four-cylinder engine. Featuring a bore and stroke of 73.4 x 59.0mm, the new engine delivers 116 hp† and 73.8 ft lbs of torque† propelling the RIDGE XR to new levels of performance and delivering a symphony of power and torque for both work and play.

The engine’s rubber-mounted design reduces vibrations contributing to a comfortable ride, even in the most 38 Midwest Rider 2024

demanding of conditions. The thoughtful design extends to the snorkel-style intake, strategically positioned under the hood to minimize the risk of dust or water ingestion. A highperformance Donaldson air filter comes standard.

The electronic throttle valve system takes center stage, allowing the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to intricately control both fuel and air delivery. The result is a seamless and natural engine response, with a single 52mm throttle body providing a smooth and predictable response.

Rear-facing exhaust ports were strategically designed to keep heat away from the cab. A dual heat shield adds an extra layer of heat shielding, showcasing Kawasaki’s attention to detail. The intentional lengthening of the exhaust pipe enhances low-end performance.

A cooling fan strategically placed on the right side of the engine block efficiently draws hot air out, further keeping the cab temperatures down.

POWER MODE SELECTION The Kawasaki RIDGE XR side-x-side offers the freedom to tailor your vehicle’s performance to your preference and your driving conditions. With the choice of three distinctive modes – Work, Normal, and Sport.

WORK MODE Designed for utility and precision, this mode provides a milder response that is perfect for tasks requiring a smooth and constant pace. Whether you’re carrying a load or navigating uneven surfaces, the programmed response minimizes the likelihood of sudden changes in vehicle speed or engine rpm.

SPORT MODE For those moments when you crave an exhilarating driving experience, look no further than Sport mode. Immerse yourself in the thrill of sharper, more linear throttle response that establishes a direct connection between the gas pedal and the engine.

NORMAL MODE When versatility is key, Normal mode steps into the spotlight.

Striking a perfect balance between the utility of Work mode and the spirited performance of Sport mode, Normal mode offers a smooth engine response right from the moment the throttle is opened. It is the go-to setting for everyday driving, providing an enjoyable and responsive experience without compromising efficiency.

ON-THE-FLY ELECTRICALLY SELECTABLE 2WD, 4WD, & REAR DIFFERENTIAL LOCK Electrically selectable 4WD, along with front and rear differential locks, allows drivers to effortlessly switch between drive systems on the go, adapting to the everchanging terrain and applications. In 2WD mode, drivers experience light steering, and fuel-efficient cruising.

Shifting to 4WD maintains this light steering while providing enhanced traction, ensuring stability on gravel, dirt, or uneven surfaces. Engaging 4WD along with the differential lock offers maximum traction, making the vehicle a powerhouse on challenging terrains.

RANGE AND MAINTENANCE The nearly 13-gallon fuel tank provides a generous range between fill-ups, minimizing interruptions during tasks or allowing extended adventures on the trail. Positioned well away from the wheels, the fuel tank is shielded from potential impacts by flying debris, further enhanced by a protective steel guard.

Routine maintenance is achieved with easily located oil and air filter locations; the oil filter is easily accessed by removing the fender panel forward of the rear wheel. The air filter on the RIDGE XR is located under the center console. On the RIDGE XR and RIDGE XR HVAC models the filter is accessed by lifting the armrest console and on the RIDGE XR Deluxe, the filter is accessed by lifting the passenger seat.

CHASSIS The RIDGE XR frame boasts a ladder-type construction, crafted from high-quality steel square tubes, ensuring a robust foundation. This design imparts highly predictable chassis performance and exceptional durability to the vehicle. Highstrength material is strategically employed in high-load areas, such as the suspension mounting plates, reinforcing critical components.

The RIDGE XR has a high ground clearance of 14.5 inches (14.3-inches on HVAC model) at max preload and enhances accessibility during work or recreational activities but also ensures superb ride comfort by reducing the likelihood of scraping its bottom. This feature is particularly beneficial in navigating varied terrains.

Additionally, the high ground clearance contributes to a favorable breakover angle, minimizing the risk of bottoming out when cresting a ridge or traversing over obstacles. This design choice enhances the vehicle’s ability to capably tackle

See the New LiNeup At theSe DeALerS toDAy

Century Power Sports Stillwater MN 651-439-2035 centurypower.com Country Cat Sauk Centre MN 320-352-3534 countrycat.com Morse Power Sports Wisconsin Dells WI 608-254-8341 morsepowersports.com MotoProz, Inc. Mazeppa MN 507-843-2855 motoproz.com Road, Track and Trail LLC Big Bend WI 262-662-1500 roadtrackandtrail.com Sette Sports Center Owatonna MN 507-451-6922 settesportscenter.com TA Motorsports Francis Creek WI - 920-682-1284 tamotorsports.com Thomas Sno Sports Ogilvie MN 320-556-3467 thomassnosports.com Yamaha of Port Washington Inc Port Washington WI 262-284-5995 portyamaha.com Always wear a helmet and don’t drink and ride. c2024 Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc. All rights reserved.

May/June 2024 39

challenging landscapes.

AUTOMOTIVE-INSPIRED FIT AND FINISH

The high approach and departure angles on the RIDGE XR also play a pivotal role in optimizing its off-road performance. By minimizing bodywork overhang and positioning the wheels as close to the bumpers as possible, the design reduces the chances of hitting the bumper or scraping the tail when navigating steep slopes.

The RIDGE XR boasts a premium exterior design to match its sporty and tough styling, featuring painted fenders and all-LED lighting.

To ensure comprehensive protection, the wheel wells are made from steel, rather than plastic. These act as a barrier, offering the vehicle additional protection from rocks and other flying debris encountered during off-road adventures.

The RIDGE XR employs a double-wishbone suspension system both at the front and rear, allowing each wheel to navigate obstacles with minimal impact on the chassis. The shock absorbers, featuring single-rate springs on the front and dualrate springs on the rear, complement the chassis’ balanced flexibility, delivering excellent bump absorption and rough road performance.

The large-diameter 30-inch tires and 14-inch aluminum wheels contribute to the outstanding off-road capability and high ground clearance of the RIDGE XR. The cargo bed, measuring 35 x 49 x 12.8-inches with a load capacity of 1,000 lbs. is designed for substantial loads. Its flat design facilitates loading from three sides, and in models without a full cab, the cargo bed can be accessed from the cabin. Four built-in hooks provide convenient tie-down points.

Additionally, the RIDGE XR boasts a towing capacity of 2,000 lbs. and a standard 2-inch tow hitch receiver is compatible with a variety of accessory hitches.

The roomy cab of the RIDGE XR is designed for optimal ride comfort. High-backed bucket seats and three-point seatbelts offer support during hard riding and comfort during leisurely rides. Lever-adjustable seats and tilted steering wheel provide flexibility for the driver’s comfort and control. On the RIDGE XR Deluxe, contoured bench seating accommodates three people with a lever-adjustable driver’s seat.

The seats’ ergonomic shape, optimized backrest angle, and different urethane cushioning for the bottom and back ensure both support and comfort. The slip-resistant seat material offers increased comfort and support regardless of weather conditions.

Both seats are lever-adjustable, with a superior total forwardrearward range of 5-inches, adjustable in ½ inch increments.

The factory-standard full cab on the RIDGE® XR HVAC is equipped with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning offering a comfortable escape from extreme weather conditions. The full cab includes a glass windshield, full doors with power windows, a glass rear panel, a plastic roof with a roof liner, a windshield wiper and washer, a rearview mirror, and an interior ceiling light. Seal performance is excellent due to a reverse design approach, with the cab designed and engineered in conjunction with the rest of the vehicle, contributing to efficient climate control and passenger comfort.

The HVAC unit in the full cab includes multiple vents with mode selection, adjustable fan strength, a choice of fresh or recirculated air, and fastacting temperature control.

MSPNINC.COM

Your Midwest Snowmobile News Authority Vehicle

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MULE PRO-FXT™ 1000 PLATINUM RANCH EDITION

BonusRIDER INSIDE MIDWEST

MONTH RIDE SAFE E SAFETY SNOWMOBIL

EAD TRAILHBRIDGES CROSSING

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misorva.org

January/Feb

Work harder and smarter with dependable power and all-day comfort.

• Powerful, Kawasaki-Built, 999cc Liquid-Cooled, 4-Stroke Parallel-Twin Engine • Increased Ground Clearance

• Double-Wishbone Suspension With Longer Travel • Improved Ease Of Maintenance • Exclusive 3- To 6-Passenger Trans Cab™ System

WARN® VRX 45, the WARN logo and THE RED HOOK STRAP are registered trademarks of Warn Industries, Inc.

Country Cat Sauk Centre MN v 320-352-3534 countrycat.com

ON T HE SO O LIN E OUTDOOR & MOTORSPORTS MAGAZINES! Get the latest and most up-to-date information on the snowmobile industry.

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BAR • RESTAURANT • EVENTS 235 MAIN ST., WAHKON, MN 320-495-3318

On The ATV/UTV Trail In Waukon MN

Scan with camera Motor Sports of Willmar MULE PRO-FXT™ 1000 to view videos, key features Willmar MN v 320-235-2351 PLATINUM RANCH EDITION and more. motorsportsofwillmar.com

KAWASAKI CARES: Read Owner’s Manual and all on-product warnings. Always wear protective gear appropriate for the use of this vehicle. Never operate under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Protect the environment. The Kawasaki MULE™ side x side is an offhighway vehicle only, and is not designed, equipped or manufactured for use on public streets, roads or highways. Obey the laws and regulations that control the use of your vehicle. ©2024 Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.

Work harder and smarter with dependable power and all-day comfort.

Power Lodge

• Powerful, Kawasaki-Built, 999cc Liquid-Cooled, • Double-Wishbone Suspension With Longer Travel Sauk Rapids MN v 320-252-3373 4-Stroke Parallel-Twin Engine • Improved Ease Of Maintenance powerlodge.com • Increased Ground Clearance • Exclusive 3- To 6-Passenger Trans Cab™ System

St. Boni Motor Sports St. Bonifacius MN v 952-446-1554 stboni.com

WARN® VRX 45, the WARN logo and THE RED HOOK STRAP are registered trademarks of Warn Industries, Inc.

* Red listings denote electronic link to dealer website on digital edition of Midwest Rider. Visit www.mspninc.com KAWASAKI CARES: Read Owner’s Manual and all on-product warnings. Always wear protective gear appropriate for the use of this vehicle. Never operate under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Protect the environment. The Kawasaki MULE™ side x side is an offhighway vehicle only, and is not designed, equipped or manufactured for use on public streets, roads or highways. Obey the laws and regulations that control the use of your vehicle. ©2024 Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.

40 Midwest Rider 2024

Scan with camera to view videos, key features and more.

Famous Bloody

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ELECTRIC POWER STEERING Every RIDGE XR model is equipped with Kawasaki’s high-grade electric power steering (EPS) system which operates most effectively at extremely slow speeds and when the vehicle is stopped. When turning the wheel, a signal is sent to the EPS Electronic Control Unit (ECU), activating assistance. The ECU utilizes input from the vehicle speed sensor and torque sensor to determine the required steering assistance needed from the electric motor. Assistance is highest at slow speeds or when stopped and decreases as vehicle speed increases to ensure responsive steering. Additionally, the EPS system acts as a damping system, enhancing ride comfort and control by minimizing kickback to the steering wheel caused by shocks to the wheels.

TFT COLOR INSTRUMENTATION A large 7-inch high-grade full-color TFT LCD screen integrated into the automotive-inspired dashboard adds to the automotive-inspired quality of the RIDGE XR. Multiple selectable display modes offer customizable information presentation.

693 North 4th Street, Tomahawk WI 54487

715-453-5373 888-606-4507

©2024 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. Offers valid in your state only from Friday 5th April 2024 to Tuesday 30th April 2024. The terms and conditions may vary depending on your state and these offers are subject to termination or change at any time without notice. See an authorized BRP dealer for details. † Rates as low as 1.99% APR (Annual Percentage Rate) for 36 months. Examples of monthly payments required over a 36‑month term at a 1.99% APR rate: $28.64 per $1,000 financed. An example of a monthly payment with $1,750 down, no rebate, an APR of 1.99% APR for 36 months at an MSRP of $17,499 is $451.03/mo. Total cost of borrowing $487.84 with a total repayment obligation of $16,236.94. Down payment may be required. Other financing offers may be available. Minimum and Maximum Amount Financed may vary. Not all buyers will qualify. Higher rates apply for buyers with lower credit ratings. Other qualifications and restrictions may apply, depending on the participating financial institution(s). BRP is not responsible for any of the financing terms and con‑ ditions. Offer subject to change without notice. Financing promotions void where prohibited. See your BRP dealer for details. † Rebate up to $1,750 on select Can‑Am models: Eligible units are all new and unused 2023 and 2024 Can‑Am Outlander, Commander, and Defender models, excluding all XMR packages. Qualifying buyers of eligible models will receive a tiered rebate per vehicle when purchasing two or more qualifying models and up to $1,750 rebate per vehicle when purchasing a total of six or more Defender and/or Commander models. Qualifying Outlander models will recieve a tiered rebate per unit when purchasing two or more qualifying models up to $1,250 rebate per unit. Rebate per unit is earned based upon the total combination of qualifying Can‑Am models purchased. Purchase must be completed in a single transaction to earn the rebates. While quantities last.

BRP recommends that all ATV‑SSV drivers take a training course. See your dealer or call the ATV Safety Institute at 1‑800‑887‑2887. ATV and SSV can be hazardous to operate. Never carry passengers on any ATV‑SSV not specifically designed by the manufactur‑ er for such use. All adult model Can‑Am ATVs are Category G ATVs (General Use Models) intended for recreational and/or utility use by an operator age 16 or older. Carefully read the vehicle’s operator’s guide. Follow all instructional and safety material and observe applicable laws and regulations. ATV and SSV are for off‑road use only; never ride on paved surfaces or public roads. For your safety, the operator and passenger(s) must wear a helmet, eye protection and applicable protective clothing. Always remember that riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. Never engage in stunt driving. Avoid excessive speed and be particularly careful on difficult terrain. Always ride responsibly and safely. See your authorized BRP dealer for details and visit www.can‑am.brp.com.

AmericInn By Wyndam

906-265-9100 - americinn.com 906-265-9244 - chicaugonlakeinn.com

Lakeshore Motel Ice Lake

906-265-3611 - lakeshoremotelicelake.com

Pioneer Lodge

Bluetooth technology in the instrumentation allows wireless connectivity with the side x side. Using the smartphone application RIDEOLOGY THE APP POWERSPORTS*, drivers can access vehicle information, log GPS routes, adjust instrument display settings, communicate, and share profiles and trip logs with other users. Compatibility is limited to iOS-type smartphones.

Ski Brule Village

The RIDGE XR is available in three trim levels, launching with the 2024 RIDGE® XR HVAC followed by the RIDGE® XR, RIDGE® XR Deluxe coming this fall. All three levels are available in either Metallic Graystone or Ice Gray. All Kawasaki RIDGE XR side x sides are backed by a 3-Year Limited Warranty.

Plan, Play, Stay...

Chicaugon Lake Inn

SMARTPHONE CONNECTIVITY

TRIM LEVELS

tomahawksportscenter.com

The RIDGE XR will be joined by a full-cab HVAC edition and a lower-priced RIDGE edition at Kawasaki dealerships later this summer.

Hours: 8am-5pm Monday-Friday 8am-2pm Saturdays

800-362-7853 - skibrule.com 906-265-4957 - skibrule.com

Tall Pines

906-822-7713 - tallpinesamasa.com

100+ miles of ATV/ORV Trails 260+ miles of Snowmobile Trails 400,000+ acres of Public Forest 1,200 sq miles with #onestoplight

IronCountyLodging.com Like Us On

@IronCountyUpperPeninsula May/June 2024 41

Explore Northeast Michigan Northeast Michigan has many amazing assets to offer, including many miles of ORV/ATV and snowmobile trails!

Each county has so much to offer from ORV/ATV tours to dining opportunities and places to enjoy your stay.

Cheboygan County The Cheboygan area boasts an exceptional multi-purpose trail system, considered one of the finest in the United States.

Michigan leads in rails-to-trails systems among all states, with Cheboygan County hosting more trails than any other Michigan county. The renowned North Central State Trail and the newly completed Northeastern State Trail are popular choices for cyclists and hikers, intersecting in Cheboygan. The Black Mountain Recreation Area features a comprehensive network of marked trails. Offering 60 miles for off-road vehicles and 80 groomed miles for snowmobiling.

Presque Isle Heritage Route 23 is a 71-mile trail connecting Alpena to Cheboygan, eventually linking with the North Central State Trail leading to Mackinaw City. This newly finished trail mirrors the historical route initially used by the lumber industry for timber transportation via rail. Starting in Alpena, the trail passes through Hawks, Posen, Millersburg, Onaway, and Aloha State Park on its journey to Cheboygan. Northeast Michigan offers snowmobiling trails and some areas within Alpena city limits where snowmobilers can even drive to restaurants.

Otsego Gaylord, Michigan in Otsego County, is a prime location for snowmobiling enthusiasts, benefiting from heavy lake-effect snowfall due to its central position in the state. Situated at the heart of a vast snowmobile network spanning over 500 miles across eight counties, Gaylord serves as an ideal hub for 42 Midwest Rider 2024

exploration. Riders can access popular trails, one either leading to the Upper Peninsula or a trail passing through charming towns. Adventurous riders can navigate trails branching out to Johannesburg, Lewiston, Millersburg, Onaway, Frederic, and Grayling. With numerous accommodations offering direct trail access and designated staging areas for sleds, Gaylord provides a convenient and thrilling snowmobiling experience for visitors and locals alike.

Montmorency Lewiston has many snowmobile trails connected to other systems in the northern Lower Peninsula. These trails are maintained by organizations like the Lewiston Fun Ones, Michigan Snowmobile Association, and DNR. Snowmobiles are common during winter, sometimes surpassing cars near local establishments. You can also book a stay at the great Garland Resort.

Alpena Snowmobiling enables quick travel over long distances, making it a popular choice during heavy snow seasons. Northeast Michigan features groomed trails for snowmobiling, with select spots in Alpena allowing riders to access restaurants directly.

Crawford Crawford County stands out as a premier destination for snowmobiling, with well-maintained trails by the AuSable Valley Snowmobile Association connecting Grayling to Lovells, Lewiston, Frederic, Gaylord, Roscommon, and Houghton Lake.

The area offers a comprehensive snowmobile map. Grayling, centrally located and easily accessible from major highways, serves as an ideal starting point for winter enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the picturesque terrain by day and unwind at various dining and lodging establishments at night. Local businesses provide rental, storage, and repair services for convenience.

Oscoda Oscoda is the eastern gateway to northern Michigan’s ATV and snowmobile trail system, joining several northern destinations.

Multiple trailheads and access sites are available. These paths enter Downtown Oscoda and branch out into the Huron National Forest in warmer months. Snowmobiles connect Oscoda west to Houghton Lake, Traverse City, and north to the Bridge in winter.

Alcona The Mack Lake and Meadows Trail Systems in the Huron National Forest offer a 158.6-mile trail with 13 access points.

Visitors can camp at two campgrounds with trailheads or choose other camping spots around the forest and transport their OHVs to trailheads. These sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and welcome highway-legal OHVs up to 50” May/June 2024 43

wide. Additionally, the Bull Gap Hill Climb Area features a sandy hill climb spanning 2/10 of a mile with a 30-40% grade.

Roscommon Houghton Lake in Roscommon County features about 200 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, making it a top spot for snowmobile lovers. The area draws numerous enthusiasts annually due to its vast trail system, ample snow, and thrilling landscapes, catering to snowmobilers of all ages. Additionally, Houghton Lake provides a range of accommodations, snowmobile-friendly pubs, taverns, and excellent dining options.

Ogemaw The Ogemaw Hills ORV trail system in Michigan offers riders a thrilling off-road experience amidst the state’s natural beauty. Managed by the Michigan DNR, this trail network presents diverse terrain options and difficulty levels for riders of varying skills. With over 90 miles of designated trails weaving through forests, fields, and wetlands, riders can enjoy looped and interconnected paths catering to different ORV types like motorcycles, ATVs, and side-by-sides.

There are also 105 miles of snowmobile trails that the Ogemaw Hills Snowmobile Club maintains every year.

Iosco Iosco County offers 94 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, stretching from Oscoda to South Branch and from the Sand Lake area to north of the AuSable River, allowing riders to travel from Iosco County to the Straits of Mackinaw and beyond.

44 Midwest Rider 2024

Whether you are a visitor, a current resident, or a future resident, explore Northeast Michigan and see all that it has to offer.

If you would like more information, please visit: northeastmichigan.org

At One Of These Dealers!

Motor Sports of Willmar Willmar MN 320-235-2351 motorsportsofwillmar.com Sette Sports Center Owatonna MN 507-451-6922 settesportscenter.com OFFER 1 As Low As 0% APR for 36 Months on Approved Credit As low as 0.0% APR financing for 36 months on new and unregistered Qualifying Model is available through Sheffield Financial, a division of Truist Bank. Member FDIC. Monthly payment is $27.78 for every $1,000 financed at 36 months at a 0.0% APR rate for 36-months. Not all buyers will qualify. Available at participating authorized Suzuki dealers in continental U.S. excluding HI. Take delivery by 06/30/2024. See dealer for details.

Suzuki KingQuad ATVs may be used only by those aged 16 and older.

OFFER 2 $1,000 Customer Cash *Select new and unregistered models will receive a Customer Cash amount of up to $1,000, depending on model. Customer Cash is nontransferable and holds no cash value in the continental United States excluding HI. Visit www.suzukicycles.com/offers to see which select models qualify for customer cash. Excludes promotional financing. Offer effective from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 04/01/2024 and 06/30/2024. Suzuki KingQuad ATVs may be used only by those aged 16 and older.

SEPTEMBER

7& 8 the official start of winter

NORTH

BRANCH

CELEBRATING 57 YEARS! May/June 2024 45

Overnight Adventure Comes Standard with Genimax Trailers tiny, towable nugget ready to explore the natural world behind a passenger car, ATV or snowmobile, the versatile Genimax HR is an affordable tent-top camper built for four seasons of adventure hunting. The pintsized base-camp-in-a-box unfurls into a small but capable living space with kitchen, bed, shower and solarized offgrid electrical power. When the cold winter sets in, there’s no reason to garage or tarp the HR trailer – simply swap the tires for skis and use it as a snowmobile support trailer.

Like many RV innovators before (and undoubtedly after) him, founder Maxime Cantin initially sought merely to meet his own recreational needs, designing a camping trailer lighter and more affordable than what he found around the market. He came up with an ultralight, simple cargo/camper teardrop DIY build, which eventually attracted enough interest to spawn the Genimax brand. In 2022, the company added the even smaller, more affordable HR. Measuring just 8.7 feet (2.7 m) in total length, the HR has been designed specifically for off-road use, perfect for tagging along behind a 4x4, ATV, or snowmobile. It measures 60 inches (152 cm) wide, just an inch wider than a classic Willys Jeep CJ-2A. On its own, the HR is a basic towable cargo box weighing a mere 375 lb (170 kg). But it isn’t necessarily as basic as it looks, leaving behind the wood used in other small trailer builds in favor of a full aluminum frame and composite panels glued and triple-sealed into a watertight box that eliminates any worry of

46 Midwest Rider 2024

rotting or warping. The base trailer comes equipped with a rear and side drawer, each capable of carrying 200 lb (91 kg).

The stock HR is fine if you just want a simple cargo-hauler, but the trailer really comes to life when buyers start playing around with the 825-lb (374-kg) payload afforded by its 1,200-lb (544kg) axle-free off-road suspension. Genimax offers not one but two lists of available add-ons, starting with a group of trailerintegrated/mounted options that includes a 200-lb-rated roof rack with two-person rooftop tent, kitchen and sink counters, a marine battery with inverter and solar panel, and a retractable awning. Genimax also offers sidetracks for mounting additional options like a hand shower, propane tank, and fuel can.

Then there’s the most fun accessory of them all ... the skis.

Owners can remove the wheels and bolt on the skis, narrowing the overall trailer width to 48 in (122 cm) and readying the HR for snowmobile-support duty, whether that means hauling gear or bringing along the full winter camp. Genimax offers an available diesel heater, too, so sled-campers can get some help keeping warm during those utterly frigid winter nights.

The diesel heater is one of many options on Genimax’s second list of add-ons, deemed “accessories.” This group includes 20-L and 35-L electric fridge box options, a portable toilet and pop-up privacy tent, a butane stove, a portable lithium power station, and various gear-specific carriers and racks.

Estimated US pricing starts around $6,200 and for more information you can visit their website at genimaxtrailers.com

CFMOTO LAUNCHES IBEX 450 ADVENTURE BIKE FMOTO recently announced two new motorcycles designed to captivate a diverse range of U.S. riders: the adventurous Ibex 450 and the soulful 450CL-C. With an adventure bike pedigree, the Ibex immediately caught our attention as a perfect Midwest Rider bike.

The Ibex 450 emerges as the adventure bike everyone has been asking for, a motorcycle that blends the spirit of adventure with sub 400 lb. rideability. With its 449cc parallel twincylinder engine, riders can revel in its smooth and powerful performance, boasting 44 hp and 32.5 lb-ft of torque. The engine’s unique 270º crankshaft promises a ride that’s as thrilling as it is smooth.

This motorcycle isn’t just about power—it’s a call to adventure, blending ease of riding with the exhilaration of all-terrain performance. The frame’s high-strength Chromoly steel and low center of gravity translate to agile handling, while the 21” front and 18” rear spoke rims (tubeless) add durability and ease of repair.

CFMOTO doesn’t hold back on high-quality components. The Ibex 450 is equipped with KYB suspension, J.Juan brakes, and Bosch® ABS for unmatched control and safety. Its 5-inch curved TFT display, and over-the-air update capabilities keep the rider connected and in control.

Century Power Sports Stillwater MN w 651-439-2035 centurypower.com Davis Motorsports Delano MN w 763-972-5045 davismotorsportsdelano.com Johnson Sales Inc Arlington WI w 608-635-7381 johnsonsalesinc.com Motor Sports of Willmar Willmar MN w 320-235-2351 motorsportsofwillmar.com Ray’s Sport & Cycle Grand Rapids MN w 218-326-9355 rayssportandcycle.com St. Boni Motor Sports St. Bonifacius MN w 952-446-1554 stboni.com Sette Sports Center Owatonna MN w 507-451-6922 settesportscenter.com TA Motorsports Francis Creek WI w 920-682-1284 tamotorsports.com Yamaha of Port Washington Inc Port Washington WI w 262-284-5995 portyamaha.com * Red listings denote electronic link to dealer website on digital edition of Midwest Rider. Visit www. mspninc.com SAVE ON SELECT WOLVERINE RMAX MODELS WITH CUSTOMER CASH OFFERS.* * - Customer Cash offer good on select models between February 1, 2024 through June 30, 2024. See dealer for additional customer cash available on prior year models.

1 - Available for well qualified tier 1 credit customers who finance through Yamaha Financial Services, a DBA of Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation, USA (YMFUS). 3.99% APR financing for 84 months at $13.66 per month per $1,000 financed regardless of down payment. Must take delivery from retail stock by 6/30/24 on purchases of new 2022-2024 Yamaha RMAX, YXZ1000, Wolverine X2 1000 Side by Side. Available on approved credit through Yamaha Financial Services. Not all buyers will qualify. Higher financing rates apply for buyers with lower credit ratings. See dealer for qualifications and complete details. Offer cannot be combined with customer cash. Offer good only at participating dealers. *Customer Cash offer good on 2022-2023 Wolverine RMAX models between 4/1/24 and 6/30/24. Dealer remains responsible for complying with all local and state advertising regulations and laws.

May/June 2024 47

POLARIS 2025 RANGER LINEUP IS HERE…AND THE CHOICES ARE DAUNTING Popular RANGER CREW XP 1000 Waterfowl Edition Returns, Joined by New Northstar Texas Edition hile few could have ever predicted the popularity of the Polaris Ranger, it’s safe to say the legendary work vehicle from Polaris has become synonymous with the category. For 2025, Polaris continues to offer a robust line-up of full-size Ranger models that for 2025 features a redesigned front end and new front bumper for added durability, an upgraded Gen 2 transmission for smooth and consistent shifting, and additional factory-installed accessories for added value and convenience. In addition to the upgrades, Polaris is introducing the all-new RANGER CREW XP 1000 NorthStar Texas Edition, as well as bringing back a fan favorite – the RANGER CREW XP 1000 Waterfowl Edition.

“We constantly use our customers’ feedback to drive improvements that truly matter to them and make the bestselling side-by-side even better. The results of that are on display with the full-size Ranger offering for 2025,” said Chris Judson, Polaris Vice President, and General Manager of OffRoad Utility. “Whether it’s tackling a tough task or enjoying a trail, the new 2025 full-size Ranger lineup is stacked with quality enhancements, upgraded features and now even more accessories direct from the factory that deliver more capability, durability, and comfort as the number one selling off-road brand.”

Notable upgrades for 2025 include: RANGER XP 1000 and XP 1000 NorthStar have a bold, restyled front-end design, with new bumper and grille for added 48 Midwest Rider 2024

durability. Additionally, RANGER XP 1000 and RANGER XP 1000 NorthStar models now come standard with 29-inch tires that provide an extra inch of ground clearance for added comfort and better capability to maneuver around rough and rocky terrain.

RANGER XP 1000 NorthStar Ultimate models get new JBL® audio that comes factory-installed for a more premium and immersive sound experience.

RANGER 1000 Premium and XP 1000 now come factory-installed with a roof for added protection and a Polaris HD 4,500-pound winch with synthetic rope, autostop and wireless remote for pulling power when you need it.

Across the lineup, an upgraded Gen 2 transmission reduces shifting effort up to 50% to enable easier and smoother shifting.

Redesigned cab nets with a new single-latch connection point for easier entry and exit.

An upgraded electric power steering system with enhanced control and responsiveness, especially at low speeds.

New accessories such as an upper front bumper for enhanced durability and premium look; and coming this summer, JBL® audio upgrade kits will provide excellent sound quality and premium vehicle integration, and a new reverse light harness will automatically turn on rear accessory lighting when the vehicle is in reverse or by the flip of a switch when the vehicle is parked.

In addition to the new upgrades, the 2025 full-size Ranger lineup continues to provide the features riders have come to expect from Polaris, including class-leading 1,000-pound box capacity and 2,500-pound towing to carry large loads in fewer trips maximizing productivity, as well as on-demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD) that automatically engages four wheel drive when traction loss is detected for confidence in rough terrain.

Available on all 1000 Premium, XP 1000, XP 1000 NorthStar Edition models, Ranger offers LED headlights for enhanced brightness that help riders extend their days. Plus, customers can choose from more than 100 accessories to help them customize their Ranger.

Standard on the XP 1000 NorthStar Ultimate, a 7” Display Powered by Ride Command provides functional capabilities such as GPS mapping technology and features that enhance the riding experience, like a backup camera. Available as an accessory add-on, 2025 Ranger full-size models are eligible for Ride Command+, the industry’s first connected-vehicle technology. Helping make ownership easier than ever, Ride Command+, offers owners convenient access to information like Vehicle Health and Maintenance Reminders, as well as protection features like Vehicle Locator and Bump Alerts that notify the owner if their vehicle has been bumped or moved from its last location.

2025 Full-Size RANGER Lineup

Details, pricing and color availability for the full-size RANGER model lineup are as follows: 2025 RANGER XP 1000 Premium – Starting at $20,999 U.S. MSRP ($25,199 CA MSRP) 2025 RANGER CREW XP 1000 Premium – Starting at $22,999 U.S. MSRP ($27,599 CA MSRP) 2025 RANGER XP 1000 NorthStar Edition Premium – Starting at $27,999 U.S. MSRP ($33,599 CA MSRP) 2025 RANGER CREW XP 1000 NorthStar Edition Premium – Starting at $30,999 U.S. MSRP ($37,199 CA MSRP) 2025 RANGER XP 1000 NorthStar Edition Ultimate – Starting at $32,999 U.S. MSRP ($39,599 CA MSRP) 2025 RANGER CREW XP 1000 NorthStar Edition Ultimate – Starting at $35,999 U.S. MSRP ($43,199 CA MSRP) The 2025 Ranger XP 1000 models feature the same upgrades as the Ranger 1000, and include a restyled front end with new bumper and grille, for added durability. New for 2025, XP 1000 and NorthStar Premium models feature 29-inch tires with 14-inch ground clearance, and the XP 1000 NorthStar Ultimate is equipped with JBL® audio and Ride Command technology.

The 2025 Ranger XP 1000 and XP 1000 NorthStar models come in four color choices including Onyx Black, Blue Slate Metallic Smoke, Sunset Red, and Polaris Pursuit Camo.

With both XP and standard version, as well as special edition models, it’s safe to say Ranger has the most complete line-up of side-by-sides in the industry.

2025 RANGER 1000 Premium – Starting at $17,999 U.S. MSRP ($21,599 CA MSRP) 2025 RANGER CREW 1000 Premium – Starting at $19,999 U.S. MSRP ($23,999 CA MSRP) The new-and-improved 2025 Ranger 1000 and Crew models continue to enhance performance and durability, setting a strong foundation for the 2025 full-size RANGER lineup. In addition to the upgraded transmission, upgraded electric power steering system and redesigned cab nets, the Ranger 1000 Premium now comes standard with a factory-installed roof, and the Polaris HD 4,500-pound winch featuring synthetic rope, auto-stop, and wireless remote. Available in Sage Green, White Lightning, Granite Gray and Polaris Pursuit Camo.

2025 RANGER CREW XP 1000 Waterfowl Edition – Starting at $25,499 U.S. MSRP ($30,599 CA MSRP) Back and better than ever, Polaris announces the return of the RANGER CREW XP 1000 Waterfowl Edition. Built for waterfowl hunters, the 2025 RANGER CREW XP 1000 Waterfowl Edition is designed for those accessing flooded and muddy areas. Polaris took its flagship RANGER XP 1000 and made enhancements to meet the needs of waterfowl hunters. Conquer challenging offroad paths with the 29-inch Pro Armor Mud XC tires and arched A-Arms to deliver superior traction and stability while ensuring a comfortable ride through muddy, flooded terrain. The special edition model also features a high-mount winch and highmount intakes offering optimal performance in the pursuit of waterfowl and is available in Waterfowl Hunt Camo.

2025 RANGER 1000 – Starting at $13,999 U.S. MSRP ($16,799 CA MSRP) 2025 RANGER CREW 1000 – Starting at $15,799 U.S. MSRP ($18,999 CA MSRP) 2025 RANGER 1000 EPS – Starting at $15,999 U.S. MSRP ($19,199 CA MSRP) Sitting atop the heap in the Ranger line is the Northstar Edition Ultimate with an MSRP of $35,999

2025 RANGER CREW XP 1000 Texas Edition – Starting at $24,499 U.S. MSRP ($29,399 CA MSRP) 2025 RANGER CREW XP 1000 NorthStar Texas Edition – Starting at $36,999 U.S. MSRP ($44,399 CA MSRP) To round out the lineup, Polaris extended its Texas collection offering the all-new CREW XP 1000 NorthStar Texas Edition.

Built for Texas terrain, both the Texas Edition and Texas NorthStar models feature a roof for added comfort, exclusive Texas-Edition badging, and attention-grabbing embroidered cut-and-sew premium seats for a refined look. The Texas Edition also features the 29-inch tires and arched A-Arms to maximize ground clearance and allow riders to confidently handle the rugged Texas terrain. The Texas Edition is available in Bronze Pearl Metallic.

The 2025 full-size RANGER lineup will begin to appear at dealerships this April.

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events

May 24-27 TOTAL OFF-ROAD RALLY For more than 50-years, off-roaders have gathered in Dresser, Wisconsin for what many call the biggest and best rally in the Midwest. There is something for everyone during this four-day event including a truck pull, monster trucks, racing, music, dancing, bonfires, skill competitions, kids activities, on-site camping, and way more. For more information visit memorial4x4.org May 25-26 CLASSIC SLED ROUNDUP Featuring one of the best vintage sled displays anywhere, and swap meet that rivals any in North America, the 20th running of this fundraiser for the Snowmobile Hall of Fame is a must attend for any classic or vintage snowmobile fan. In addition to the event, the Hall of Fame also hosts an open house and cookout prior to the show. For more information visit snowmobilehalloffame.com

July 12-13 ERX OFF-ROAD NATIONALS Featuring two-days of action packed short course off-road truck and side-by-side racing, the Nats, as they’ve become known to avid fans, is a can’t miss event. Held at ERX Motor Park in Elk River, Minnesota, the venue has built a reputation of being one of the most fan friendly anywhere in the Midwest. Great racing, smiling faces, food, beverages, camping, music, and more, mark your calendars for the two best days of summer. For more information visit erxmotorpark.com August 29 – September 1 CRANDON WORLD CHAMPIONSHIHP Four days of Midwest off-road racing action at one of the biggest race weekends in the country, including what is dubbed the “Super Bowl of Short Course” racing and Red Bull Crandon World Cup held in the heart of the Wisconsin Northwoods in Crandon. For more information visit crandonoffroad.com August 23-24 OUTLAW GRASS DRAGS Originally formed as an alternative to Hay Days, the Outlaw drags and swap has taken on a life of its own and has been heralded as having the best vintage snowmobile swap meet in the Midwest.

With vendors, night racing, good food, and cold beer, what’s not to love. For more information visit outlawgrassdrags.com

June 13-15 DRUMMOND ISLAND JEEP JAMBOREE The 31st running of this event features densely wooded forests and rocky trails on Michigan’s remote, rugged, and scenic Upper Peninsula in and around Drummond Island, Michigan. For more information visit jeepjamboreeusa.com June 28-29 RIDE THE SHORE Hosted by the Minnesota ATV Riders Ride the Shore number 6 will deliver some of the most scenic views in the state paired with some of the best ATV and SxS trails in the Midwest. The weekend activities include a night ride, pancake breakfast, vendor displays, food trucks, prizes, and a black beach bonfire. For more information visit mnatvriders.com 50 Midwest Rider 2024

September 7-8 SNO-BARONS HAY DAYS What more can we say about the world’s biggest powersport event other than if you’ve never been there…now is the time. This is the ultimate party in a field and a must attend for any enthusiast. To learn more visit haydays.com September 12-15 KEWEENAW OVERLAND ADVENTURE RETREAT Held in Copper Harbor, Michigan, this event encompasses four days of rustic camping, exhibitors, demos, education, and other activities on the gorgeous Keweenaw Peninsula in Michigan’s Upper Penn region. For more information visit keweenawoverlandadventureretreat.com September 20-22 WIDE OPEN WISCONSIN A show, a race, and a swap, this event has become the fastest growing powersports event in the Midwest. With a growing vendor list, free parking, and a gate admission of just $5, the buzz about the fun and affordability of WOW is spreading like wildfire. Find out for yourself. For more information visit wideopenwi.com

A T V/ U T V Tr ai l s

There are over 100 miles of ATV/UTV trails in the Mercer area. Mercer's trails connect with other Iron County trails to form the largest All-Terrain Vehicle trail system in Wisconsin, with over 250 miles of adventurous trails.

Fi sh ing

The "Crown Jewel" of Wisconsin, the Turtle Flambeau Flowage (TFF) of 14,300 acres, lies just a few miles from Mercer and 214 clean freshwater lakes within the Mercer area, angling opportunities are endless. From pan fish and walleye to musky, Mercer lakes have it all.

W at er fa lls

We invite you to enjoy the Waterfalls of Iron County, WI as perfectly natural now as when they were discovered.

You’ll find some of the most spectacular waterfalls in Wisconsin here, both in height and surrounding scenery.

Most of Iron County’s many waterfalls are located offthe beaten path, unspoiled by crowds.

Oct o be r 1 0-1 3 ,2 0 24 Merce rp ump ki n ru n ra l l y. c o m

May/June 2024 51

Adventure North

Explore 160 miles of Scenic Trails in the Keweenaw

VISITKEWEENAW.COM