OSM USA 9.4

SPE ISSU CIAL E

OSM FIRST RIDE CONTEST

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THE BEST PICS FROM THE SPORT’S BEST SHOOTERS

FIRST BURNS YAMAHA SRX POLARIS INDY 850 XC

25¢ TOUR COCHRANE SNOWMOBILE PLUS

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FREE FALLIN’ Rider: Cody Borchers Photographer: Rob Alford

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FOCUSED Photographer: Todd Williams

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LADIES CHOICE Trapper Creek, Alaska 2018 Rider: Kim Black Photographer: Skeet Black

contents

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FEATURES 48 26 54 32 61

THE PERFECT PACKAGE

SCENE IT

2019 POLARIS INDY

SCENES FROM THE USXC 2019

POLARIS’ MOST POWERFUL 2 STROKE EVER

OSM FIRST RIDE CONTEST COULD HAVE BEEN YOU

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2019 YAMAHA SRX

ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 9 • ISSUE 4

25¢ TOUR COCHRANE SNOWMOBILE MUSEUM & POLAR BEAR HABITAT

COVER PHOTO: SHOOTER SHOWCASE PHOTOGRAPHER EXTRAORDINAIRE TODD WILLIAMS LAUNCHES A POLARIS RMK 850 TO NEW HEIGHTS, PROVING THESE ACTION PHOTOGRAPHERS CAN RIDE WITH THE BEST OF THEM.

68 GEARBOX COLUMNS 14

DRIFTS RICHARD KEHOE

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WINGING IT WITH LEVI LEVI LAVALLEE

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BACKCOUNTRY CHRIS BURANDT

DEPARTMENTS

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OSM is published five times a year by OSM Publishing Ltd. Office address and undelivered copies and change of address notice is: PO Box 551, 27083 Kennedy Road Willow Beach, ON L0E 1S0, Canada. Telephone 1-888-661-7469. Printed in Canada by Trade Secrets Printing. • Copyright 2019 OSM Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts. Subscription rates for magazine $19.00 per year, $29.00 for 2 years. $37.00 for 3 years.

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Richard Kehoe

IN FULL SWING

2019 has brought us quite a bit of snow in these first few weeks. The trails are groomed, lakes have iced up, mountains are covered deep and we’ve all taken our first rides. Winter is in full swing and we couldn’t be happier.

I hope you’ve already found the time to get out and enjoy.

We’ve been on the gas in the office here riding across the snow belt from our backdoors to New Brunswick to Wyoming, we even travelled to Sweden to test out what they had to offer... Trust me it was amazing! Many trips, many miles, many adventures and many new friends have been made along the way. That’s what snowmobiling is all about.

The Shooter Showcase issue has always been one of our favorites. The photos this year are truly spectacular and awe

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inspiring. It’s amazing how the photographers in this edition of OSM’s Shooter Showcase are able to capture such an image.

This issue also features the second annual OSM First Ride contest. This year we had well over 400 photo entries.

THANK YOU! The photos from our readers showed a great story from snowmobilers. The vintage rippers, field burns, deep snow in the west and early season trails, some where of the next gen coming up riding on their own 120/200 sleds.

There was a huge mix of different first rides submitted. Top and early submissions made the book, now enjoy that T-shirt!

We hope you enjoy this special issue of On Snow Magazine!

01

news

MN IS TOPS FOR THEFTS As cool as you might think it looks to have your sled on display when not in use, you should always try to safely secure it in the garage, in the trailer and out of sight, to keep it off the minds of others. From 2015 to 2017, the state of Minnesota had the most reported snowmobile thefts in the U.S. with over 300. Michigan scored second in the country with just over 200 being stolen.

TURCOTTE DOUBLES UP SILVER

02

Clearwater B.C.’s own Brett Turcotte wins silver in both Snow Bike Best Trick and in Snowmobile Freestyle, giving him a total of eight X Game medals. Turcotte’s silver medal run in the Snow Bike Best Trick came from a fully extended Tsunami flip, hanging upside down from the handlebars while rotating a backflip. If that sounds like you need to visit your chiropractor, we suggest that you leave Tsunami flips and hanging upside down to the professionals.

03 TEXTRON BRINGS CAT BACK The name game continues at Textron with the announcement of Arctic Cat branded side by sides and ATVs returning in 2019. Textron said the reason for the change back is that Arctic Cat fans and powersports enthusiasts demanded it.

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FINALLY, A PLACE TO SHOW OFF YOUR SLED

WWW.SLEDBUILD.COM WHAT IS DENNIS KIRK’S SLED BUILD? It’s a place to show your stuff. It’s also a place to view other people’s stuff. What stuff? Cool

SUBMIT YOUR BUILD For a chance at $250

sleds that have been customized, restored to stock condition or even an old restomod sled that is really cool. Doesn’t matter what your snowmobile was or is, this is the place to strut

ENTER YOUR EMAIL For a chance at $100

your stuff and tell everyone all about it! Head to the website and submit your pride and joy for the rest of the world to see.

Or visit the site and check out the awesome sleds others are turning out. Every one of them has a story to tell.

RATE YOUR FAVORITE Let the judges know who rocked the build

news

04 MATECHUK AND HENRY WIN GOLD This marks the third year in a row that Cody Matechuk stepped up on the podium in Snow BikeCross. In 2017, Matechuk scored a bronze and then scored back to back gold medals in 2018 and 2019. He was the odds on favorite to win gold coming into X, as in all of 2018 he never lost a snow bike race he entered. How’s that for dominating?

Doug Henry also won gold. Henry took his gold medal home in the first ever Para Snow BikeCross at X Games. At 49 years old, Henry showed he still has lots left in the tank with a post to post win at X, showing that age is only a number.

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news

06 STV NOW ON MAV TV CANADA

Snowmobiler Television can now be watched Thursday evenings at 8pm on MAV TV Canada. Don’t miss a single episode!

05 KELLY SHIRE SNOW RUN CELEBRATES 20TH YEAR

130 woman participated in the 20th annual ride at Hidden Valley Resort in Huntsville, Ontario, while raising an astonishing $585,000 in pledges and corporate sponsorships. Over its 20 year history, the Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Snow Run has raised a total of $6.2 million. For more information on next year’s ride, visit their website www.breastcancersnowrun.org

07 DELIVERY SERVICE IN MICHIGAN Local hero, snowmobiler and pharmacist Andrea Cusack from Lake Odessa, Michigan, and her 15 year old son took to their snowmobile when a snowstorm hit their community. The area was snowed in and roads were closed or unpassable, so Andrea loaded up her snowmobile and started making deliveries, helping those in need of many life saving medications.

613-489-5297

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Pipes Silencers 20

ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 9 • ISSUE 4

Arctic Cat Polaris Ski-Doo Yamaha

Check out our custom design FLASH gallery

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news

08 3 MONTHS AND 17,000 KILOMETERS

The Northern Path 2019 Snowmobile Expedition has three participants travelling roughly 17,000 KMS across the Russian Arctic’s eight regions, on snowmobiles. With temperatures in the minus 40 range, there’s little doubt that these guys might be the toughest SOB’s in the snowmobiling world. At some points the group has had to carry their snowmobiles through narrow passages, and hand bomb their buggies through treacherous terrain. The group’s spokesperson (basically the guy who had this great idea) Igor Smolin, didn’t have much too much to say about the 17,000 KMS expedition, scenery or accommodations, but did comment on the temperature. “For a few days we drove in air temperatures of minus 42.” Incredible!

IT’S HERE…

Enter your factory snowmobile’s year, make, & model, and let the Hookup Traction Guide do the rest.

See which traction products Woody’s recommends for a balanced trail ride like never before.

Hope, MI, USA • woodys@wiem.com • © 2018 IEM.

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Visit WoodysTraction.com to Hookup!

news

DRONES PATROLLING 09 SNOWMOBILE TRAILS

TRIO WIN SOO I-500

Thinking you’re the fastest on the local trails? And that Barney Fife won’t be able to catch you with his unmatched and outdated fan cooled scooter? This snowmobile season, the OPP (Ontario Provincial Police) are using both helicopters and drones to enforce speed limits. So the next time you are hauling down the trail like a runaway freight train in Ontario, remember the long arm of the law is above you, and will be waiting for you at the next road crossing.

WORD SEARCH

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Known as one of the toughest and grueling endurance races on the planet, the Soo 500 features 500 laps on a 1 mile ice oval. The number 21 Arctic Cat sled from the Cadarette Collision Race Team featured three drivers - Troy Dewald, Ryan Spencer and Bill Wilkes. The trio shared seat time, working together to take the top spot on the podium at the 51st Annual Soo International 500. The 21 sled didn’t take the lead until 69 laps remained. Dewald (final driver of the trio) made the pass for the lead and never looked back until the checkers flew.

THE SPORT, THE LIFESTYLE OF SNOWMOBILING!

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ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 9 • ISSUE 4

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sceneit Pine Lake

USXC 2019

The 2019 USXC season is far from being over with four more stops on the racing tour. As of now, Zach Herfindahl has won the Grygla-Goodridge 500 and is leading both Pro classes with numerous race wins under his hood. It’s not going to be easy work for others to catch Herfindahl. And just like in any type of racing, nothing is a ‘for sure’ thing and nothing has a guarantee! Right now the top three in the mix with Herfindahl is Wes Selby and Aaron Christensen in the Pro Open class. And Alex Hatteen and Justin Tate in the Pro Factory 600. It’s going to be a great race to the championships this season especially with the Ski Hill Events!

Aaron Kennedy and Emily Wicklund were able to capture the intense racing at the first three rounds of Pine Lake, Park Rapids and Thief River Falls for this issue of On Snow Magazine’s Scene It.

Photos by Emily Wicklund

Warm conditions led to plenty of water and slush at Pine Lake.

Here, Leah Bauer navigates a turn while eventual winner, Lydia Sobeck runs after her machine.

Polaris swept the podium at Pine Lake with Alex Hetteen leading the way

Gunner Arlaud is all smiles (or so we think) while racing on his ‘home’ track @ Pine Lake.

Park Rapids (Aaron Kennedy) For 2nd race of the season, racers tackled over 100 miles of ditches and trails surrounding Park Rapids, MN. Racers like Andy Junglen (#31) and Morgan Nyquist (#339) winded their way through small towns such as Nevis, MN and were able to push the limit on the parts of the Heartland Trail.

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Junior, vintage, and classic IFS racers (such as winner Sam Braaten on a Yamaha Phazer) had an abbreviated, but just as challenging course to conquer

USXC has plenty of support from the community be it local clubs helping direct traffic, or local businesses such as the Park Rapids based Stacked High Deli who kept racers welfed in the pits

Perrenial favorite Zach Herfindahl laid down impressive lap times on both days and secured his first victory of the season

Thief River Falls

(Aaron Kennedy) The Thief River Falls course boasted plenty of ditch riding in the heart of XC racing territory. A bit of river riding was thrown in to keep racers honest.

ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 9 • ISSUE 4

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sceneit

Like Park Rapids, TRF was brutally cold with temperatures pushing -20F... not that it would keep any one away such as junior rider Hunter Kiesow

Plenty of approaches meant plenty of action for specators. Dillan Dohrn had the best finish for Ski-Doo, just missing the podium with a 4th place finish

Vintage racer Pete Mattison broke a spindle and lost a ski, but that wouldn’t stop him completing the loop

Once again, the battle for the ditches seems to come down to Aaron Christensen (Polaris), and Zach Herfindahl (Cat). Zach would edge out Aaron for his 2nd win of the season

Paul Brown had one of the most impressive runs of the weekend, beating his Jr.14-17 competition by over 7 minutes

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take 4

SIGNATURE SERIES

In the late 90s to early 2000s, Ski-Doo had some very influential people associated with their brand. These names were known as winners, and the people to beat everywhere. To pay respect to these known winners, Ski-doo delivered signature series sleds in their names.

1999 MX Z 670 – #06 TONI HAIKONEN The Flying Finn, Toni Haikonen busted onto the North American Snocross scene in the 90s, and changed the way snowmobiles were looked at, flying through the air. Affectionately known as the Flying Finn, Haikonen was arguably the first racer to double jump in competition in North America.

Winning the first gold medal at X Games back in 1998, and winning his share of national snowcross races, European snowcross championships and MRP Championships. While the MXZ 440 was the mainstream snowcross sled back in 1999, it wasn’t the top trail sled, or even a wanted trail sled with the smaller displacement. The 670 cc big twin seemed to hit home with trail riders across the board, and with snowmobile manufacturers moving away from triple cylinder snowmobiles in favor of big twins, it was only fitting that the number 06 Toni Haikonen signature snowmobile was a 670cc.

1999 MACH Z 800 TRIPLE #22 MIKE HOULE When it came to Ice-Lemans and Oval Racing, one name seemed to constantly rise to the top, Mike Houle. Houle had numerous championships and high point titles in MRP and the USSA, as well as countless wins at Eagle River. With the mindset of “it’s first place or bust”, Houle was frequently the guy to beat on any day, at any track.

When Houle was at the race, the competition was left asking the question if they should take up competition basket weaving or lawn bowling. It’s only suiting that in 1999, Ski-Doo made a limited run of 400, CK3 chassis 800cc, Mach Z’s, with the number 22 proudly displayed on the seat and windshield. With this sled you could back up the talk, like Ricky Bobby in Talladega Nights…”If you ain’t first you’re last”, and mean it when ripping down the straights.

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2003 MXZ 800 – #7C BLAIR MORGAN

Watching Blair Morgan race a snowmobile was something of beauty in the late 90s to 2008, with his new stand up riding style, and his ability to float over the bumps and pulling off big air triple jumps, earning Blair the nickname “Superman”. Just when race fans thought they’d witnessed everything, Superman turned it up to an 11. In 2002, a new level in snowmobiling was introduced on the racetrack, with Morgan dominating the field with a new chassis called the REV, featuring rider forward positioning. This chassis changed snowmobiling as many know it, just like Morgan changed snowcross racing. Over the course of Morgan’s snowcross career, he was able to win 5 X-Game medals, 13 championship titles and almost 100 national races. In 2003, it was only suiting that Ski-Doo made a 7C Blair Morgan MXZ 800 signature sled to honor a true champion.

The 7C MXZ was arguably the best sled that went down any trail that year.

2003 MXZ 600 – #007 JAMES BOND The first thing that come to mind when you say James Bond is that he is the coolest, kick ass guy on the planet. He was good looking, tough, women loved him, and he always got the girl. One thing about 007 that had us all in awe, were the gadgets and vehicles he had. They were light-years ahead of everyone and everything. When Ski-Doo released the 007 James Bond sled, the child in us couldn’t help but to imagine the cars turning into planes and boats with rocket launchers and smoke screens, all with the touch of a button. We couldn’t wait to see what wizardry was going to be released on this sled. Truth be told, the special edition 007 snowmobile didn’t have anything like that. In fact, it was only a sticker package, leaving some of us a little disappointed. It’s a cool collector sled today, but in the day, owners were frequently mocked and heckled at snowmobile pit stops, when this sled was used as a daily driver.

The 007 jokes never stopped…owners were called James repeatedly in a mocking English accent, and continually asked for things shaken not stirred.

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Have H Ha ve you you o been bee een n #O #OnS #OnSnow nSno now w this th his i season? sea aso son? n?

Congrats finalists, you have C Co ngra ng ra ats to to ou ourr fi fina n li na list sts, s, y o h ou ave av e all a l earned al e rn ea rned ed youryou ourrselves FREE OSM T-Shirt!

Be check mail s se lves lv e aF es REE RE E OS O M TT-Sh Shir irt! t! B e su sure re e tto o ch chec ec ck yo your u m ur aill ai as tthey’re he ey y’re y’ re already alr lrea ea e ady on on the t e way. th w y. wa

O S M

Could have been you!

first ride C O N T E S T

Taylor Fisk

‘Here in Hilly City getting ready for round 1 of the ISOC series in Duluth! – Stuart Hunt

Had my new sled and couldn’t pass up the opportunity this early in the season!

– Henk

It’s not our first ride of the year, but it’s a great pic of me and my friends attempting to race a Sea Plane on Bass Lake! – Dave Binder

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First Ride on their 2019 Turbo!

– Jamie Attridge

Here is my daughter’s first ride of the season on her Kitty Cat! – Justin Dacey

Only ran about 600 feet until I had issues on the Elan in Orillia, Ontario. – Dave Poidevin

My Grandson riding in Vanderbilt, Michigan – Laurie Miller

Nathan Mailloux, #111 at the first Snocross ride of the season in Monts-Valin, QC. – Martin Mailloux

First rides in Sioux Lookout, Ontario.

– Mike Starratt ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 9 • ISSUE 4

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O S M

first f irst ride r ide C O N T E S T

“Tug Hill” Adirondacks, NY. – Fordman!

I know my 6 yr. old was the first one out running our back field in Beautiful Georgina, ON. – Jeff Riddell Ryder Attridge on Elk Lake, ON – Age 6!

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John Dean’s first ride

Amanda sent in two great shots of her first ride on Nov 10, 2018

Michael Hart on his first ride on the back trail in Muskoka.

John Mueller did the first ride in Mammoth Lakes, Ca on Thanksgiving Day this year on his new Polaris 850.

Shannon Attridge’s first ride in Northern Ontario.

ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 9 • ISSUE 4

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O S M

first f irst ride r ide C O N T E S T

Mike Larsen on his first ride on his 2019 Ski-Doo Summit X

Kristen Hindle on a First Ride with Family over the Holidays in Cochrane, ON.

Snowguzzler’s unite! Shawn Whalen and Buddy Mark Fowler riding Lake St. Peter.

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Shawn and his son out just North of Bancroft

Aaron Strom – First Ride in Northern Wisconsin.

Griffith/Dacre, ON in the Ottawa Valley.

Did 100km on Dec 1st in a foot of snow!

Locke Martin age 5, getting ready for a CSRA race.

Old Forge, NY, Dallas and her dad, Andy out on the trail.

ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 9 • ISSUE 4

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O S M

first f irst ride r ide C O N T E S T

Wisconsin – Luke Steger getting his 2019 Indy XC 850 ready for a ride.

Gotta ride this before you can ride anything else!... But he couldn’t groom yet, so he rode to pack it down!

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Our own Kyle Kehoe on Lake Simcoe, Ontario.

winging it LEVI LAVALLEE

LIVIN’ LAVALLEE The LaVallee’s - Kristen, Lavin (2), Levi, Liv (4)

professional snowmobiler – as I have been able to do more things than I’ve ever dreamed of, all on my sled. So now, we are charging up our cameras, Go Pros, Rylos, and iPhones to capture the fun as we go!

So far, we’ve showcased our Professional Snocross Racing Team (Team LaVallee) – where we covered “WHAT IS SNOCROSS” and “OUR NON-TRADITIONAL THANKSGIVING TRADITION”, which I know, many of you have that same tradition as us. As well as showing off some very cool products (that we didn’t know about, until a follower shot us a message about this product) … the incredible Toasty Tot Handlebars for kids! Have you guys seen this product?

(Yeah, me neither … well up until now).

It’s (in a nutshell) little kid handlebars that are easily mounted to your full-size handlebars, and your young kid can sit in front of you on your sled, and hang on to their very own set of handlebars. Mind

H

ave you ever heard the Zig Ziglar quote, “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great?” I love this quote! And it fits perfectly with what’s going on in the LaVallee world. If you haven’t heard or seen this by now, we (my family and I) started a new video series on YouTube called Livin LaVallee. It launched in late November last year, and we’ve been doing our best to get weekly videos up on our channel. So far, it’s been a blast filming, gathering content, creating new fun ideas, and capturing it all for a little bit of ‘edutainment’, and mostly just plain fun.

My career in snowmobiling started out as just riding for fun. It quickly changed to a more competitive level; to turning pro; to winning championships; to entering the freestyle world; to expanding my resume from snocross racer; to

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How we ride, before there is no snow!

HOW NOT TO LOAD A SNOWMOBILE

Our non-traditional Thanksgiving Tradition: Snocross at Duluth Opener, Thanksgiving Weekend

ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 9 • ISSUE 4

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winging it LEVI LAVALLEE

Four 2019 Polaris Patriot 850’s!!

blowing I know! And the best part is that they are heated too! And that is one of the coolest things about the YouTube and social media community - learning about new, awesome products that we never knew about before! If you are interested in these, check them out at toastytothandlebars.com.

We’ve also done some “Levi-Style” type of videos like, “HOW NOT TO LOAD A SNOWMOBILE” – if you haven’t seen this one yet, I’d recommend starting there! It’s pretty funny to see how this sled load completely failed, and don’t worry … no one got hurt, my buddy Larry is pretty indestructible.

Another favorite of mine is just me, flat

out having FUN. Because that’s what it’s all about right? It doesn’t matter if your sled is too old, ugly, brand new, or too small … it’s all about having fun! The video on “INSANE WHEELIE ACTION ON A MINI SNOWMOBILE” is my definition of fun! I had a ball shooting it and figuring out how to rip on my kid’s 120 sled. There’s also some snowmobile hacks, my ride on a brand new Polaris 850 Sled, as well as Lavin’s first real ride on a snowmobile! You can see all of the videos at livinlavallee.com Well, I think it’s time for another video to be captured, and more fun to be had!

Until next time!

- Levi

Insane wheelie action on a mini snowmobile.

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Love riding the new 850’s!

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ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 9 • ISSUE 4

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backcountry CHRIS BURANDT

STARTING THE SEASON OFF RIGHT!

T

o say that I’m blessed to be able to snowmobile for a living would be an understatement.

The opportunities this sport has given me have been incredible. One of the questions I often get is where is my favorite place to ride? This is always a tough question to answer, but it’s getting easier and easier with each trip I take up to British Columbia for our December and April Burandt’s Backcountry Adventure sessions, at the one and only Grizzly Lodge. I stumbled onto this place six years ago, after working with the local Polaris dealer on a demo ride for his spring snow check customers. We stayed at their ride in, ride out facility, and rode in some of the best snow and terrain I’ve ever ridden. Since that maiden voyage back in 2013, I’ve been back every year, twice a year, showing others why this place

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is so magical. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love my tough, technical, bottomless snow of Colorado, but in my opinion, Grizzly literally has perfect snow, perfect tree spacing, every type of terrain, gobs of power due to the lower elevation (compared to Colorado), great food, a friendly staff, and the best part is that all of these things I’ve mentioned, you essentially get all to yourself!

For us here at BBA, we open our season at Grizzly in December, while we wait for our snowpack to get good in Colorado, and we also finish up with a spring trip back up to the great north in late April. December is so crazy because it literally snows just about every day, and for early season conditions, it’s about as good as it gets. For most of our clients, it ends up being their first ride of the season, which is hard not to get spoiled by.

Our trip back up in April however, has become my favorite! Longer days, an incredible snow pack, awesome weather and for the past three years, it’s literally been February conditions in April!

It’s hard to describe this place without experiencing it. Pictures and posts don’t do this adventure justice. However, it’s most likely the reason why both our December and April sessions get mostly booked up with repeat clients, wanting to do it all over again! Whether you’re looking for an early/late season adventure in BC at Grizzly Lodge, a mid season school in session trip to Colorado, or an adventure of a lifetime at our facility in Chile in July/August, a Burandt’s Backcountry Adventure trip will leave you with a new found skillset that you’ll be able to take with you forever, and a whole new perspective on the sport of snowmobiling!

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lawn ornaments The fever for Lawn Ornaments has never been stronger as your submissions keep filling up our inbox. From rusted and forgotten buggies behind the garage, to those purt-near-mint, center-of-the-lawn, almost modern rides just waiting for first snow, we want to see the lawn ornaments in your neck of the snowbelt. Snap a photo and send it in. If your photo is selected and published, you will receive a freshly screened OSM t-shirt. Email your pics to info@osmmag.com. Remember, curb appeal is nice…snowmobiles are better.

The Sno Prince. The high beam doesn’t work but it should run on a littlespray. Awesome magazine, keep up the good work! - Dave

She’s a Beaut Clark! Thank you Mike!

Both of these sleds have had birthdays at their current locations.

- Norman Grathwohl, New Ulm, MN.

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We give props to the owner of the Phazer for using a sled jack to suspend the ski-less wonder in the air when there was so many other options with the collection of used tires and cinder blocks readily available.

Your neighbors won’t mind if you tuck away your buggies on the front yard all summer, as long as they’re properly tarped and neatly positioned.

Loosely tarping it, and then parking it under a tree is sure to keep the pine sap and bird poop off of her.. But come fall we’re sure that there will be a mouse’s house in that air box.

When the wife tells you to keep your sled out of the garage, simply build a stage for your unit in the front yard to keep on display 12 months of the year. Trust us She¹ll thank you for it!

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By Jeff Steenbakkers

this he 2019 Yamaha SRX is year. the of d sle guy’s favourite in e hav we g hin ryt eve Line up 4, of t ou mes the OSM fleet, and 3 t jus t no It’s X. I’m heading to the SR r we po the or , me ws the blue that dra s thi s; chassi of turbocharging, or the of how it se cau be in me ws dra sled e. works as a packag

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he SRX had me at hello, which I didn’t expect at all. I’m a 2-Stroke snowmobiler, or at least I thought I was. I didn’t like the weight, I didn’t like the sound, I didn’t like the chassis, and I didn’t like the cost. That all changed with the SRX… For what seems like the first time, a performance 4-Stroke snowmobile is embracing what it is, and what it’s great at.

Yamaha focused the SRX as a lake racer, but at the same time, whether intentional or not, highlighted the characteristics of a sled like the Sidewinder as benefits, not detriments. The SRX is not meant to be a deep powder sled, which is a fight a 4-Stroke can’t win. Neither is it billed to be a lightweight beginner sled, which the SRX definitely is not. Instead, Yamaha used the

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turbocharged power of the Sidewinder, and refined the setup to play in an arena where speed is king, and weight is not so much of a penalty.

Boil it down and there are really only two distinct changes that make an SRX different from other Winder models in the line-up, but they are key changes. The first is ride height, and the second is the track.

To address the former, we have to look at lake racers of olden times. They were lower to the ground, and riders didn’t complain about the ride height because they knew that low was fast. To address the former, if you look at those old sleds, they didn’t have as much power as most modern sleds, but yet they were much faster, and a big key to that fact was the tracks.

The SRX has about 1 inch less ride height then other Sidewinders, and this

I FIND FOR SPORTY TRAIL RIDING, DEEP LUG TRACKS TAKE AWAY SO MUCH POTENTIAL, ESPECIALLY WITH SLEDS THAT HAVE HEAVY FRONT ENDS.

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onsnow helps the SRX in just about every way. Not only does it have less frontal area to push though the air, the approach angle on the track is shallower to decrease rolling resistance, which helps top speed. This lower ride height also lowers the centre of gravity and corrects roll centre of the front suspension geometry, making this sled much sharper in the corners. Initially, I was slightly worried that the lower stance would be a bottoming out nightmare, but it’s actually better than expected on the trails.

There has been a few times I felt the chassis touch the ground, but nowhere near as often as I would have thought, and the places it did ground-out, other much taller sleds were touching down too. All in all, this lower stance is good thing.

After spending close to a thousand kilo-

AFTER SPENDING CLOSE TO A THOUSAND KILOMETRES AT THE BARS OF OUR SRX, IN ADDITION TO THE LOWER STANCE, IT’S THE TRACK THAT DEFINES THIS SLED AND ITS RIDE EXPERIENCE.

TOKYO DRIFT IS BACK WITH THE 137” CAMOPLAST RIPSAW 1” LUG TRACK.

metres at the bars of our SRX, in addition to the lower stance, it’s the track that defines this sled and its ride experience. Like those old lower lake racers of the past, the SRX has relatively little lug. I say relatively, because a 1 inch track back in the late 90’s would have been considered almost a mountain lug, while some of those old lakers were sporting tracks with 1/2 inch to 5/8 lugs on 121’s. Crazy lightweight compared to todays setups.

The SRX’s 1 inch track is not only good for speed, but just like the sleds from the last century, it allows for much more track spin. Which is counterintuitive when you first think of it, but this lack of grip allows the rear of the machine to play a much greater roll in the handling. Like sleds from back in the day, the SRX can slide the rear though the corners, helping to reduce the feel of the heavy front end and understeering push by rotating around the axis of the chassis. Just like those old heavy sleds did way back when.

I find for sporty trail riding, deep lug tracks take away so much potential, especially with sleds that have heavy front ends. Riding into a corner with a bunch of weight on the skis, deep lugs have so much side-bite, its almost impossible to get the rear to rotate, which means you can’t pickup the throttle and you have to

ON THE FLY RIDE ADJUSTABILITY WITH FOX ZERO IQS. RIDERS CAN CHOOSE FROM 3 SETTINGS ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 9 • ISSUE 4

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THE YAMAHA BLUE MAKES IT EASY TO SPOT THE SRX FROM A DISTANCE GIVING THEM ENOUGH TIME TO VACAT THE DRAG STRIP SCENE BEFORE THE ASS WHOOPING.

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THE RIDE HEIGHT OF THE SRX IS A FULL INCH LOWER.

THE SRX’S 1 INCH TRACK IS NOT ONLY GOOD FOR SPEED, BUT JUST LIKE THE SLEDS FROM THE LAST CENTURY, IT ALLOWS FOR MUCH MORE TRACK SPIN.

wait while the front is pushing way past the apex, almost to the exit of the corner, before you can get back to throttle. Even on corner entry, you can load the luggy track with snow under breaking, allowing the sled to rotate, but as soon as the track clears, that side-bite kicks in again, causing a snap correction and instant inside ski lift. With the much more balanced front and rear grip, the SRX is more manageable in the corners, plus it’s faster and more fun as well.

The combination of lowered ride height, reduced rear grip, together along with the horsepower of the SRX, and you have an epic snowmobile; a snowmobile that has finally won me over to the 4-Stroke side of the playground. It still has its limita-

tions, such as not being real happy riding around in deep powder, or being able to set a lap time on a snowcross track, but that’s fine; nowhere does Yamaha say it can. Frankly, I don’t care that it can’t, those characteristics are not what attracts me to a snowmobile.

When 4-Stroke sleds put themselves up as ditch bangers, or crossovers, the performance 4-stroke argument would, and still does, fall apart for me. However, when the strengths of 4-Stroke are highlighted, and chassis are tuned to take advantage of these strengths, it all comes together.

Not only has the SRX redefined what a performance 4-stroke means to me, I think it’s redefined the category of what a performance 4-Stroke snowmobile is.

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By Jeff Steenbakkers

here is not much new that can be wri en or said about the 2019 Indy 850 XC that hasn’t already been covered in snowmobi le magazines, internet outlets, or TV shows. All the big news has hit, so talking about the new Indy’s Pat riot 850 engine, the most powerful 2-Stroke ever pro duced by Polaris, is old new s.

Even the new Pro CC rear skid is yesterday’s headline. So instead of focusing on that stuff, let’s take a look at wh at this sled is like a er half a sea son on the snow.

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ust like when we first settled our cheeks on the seat of the 850, this sled is still an impressive machine to ride, but what has developed over this season is just how much fun this sled is to live with. I should first qualify that statement with the fact that this sled is designated an XC, which is quite different to the defined ride experience of a Pro-S. The XC in Indy means Cross County, and this sled is bred to perform in the rough conditions found in Cross Country Racing. Pointing the ski tips to knee deep whoops, all one has to do is grab a handful of throttle to hike the skis in the air then let the Pro CC rear skid deal with the consequences, which it does quite well! Then when skis do settle in to engage the crests of the moguls, the Walker Evens shocks

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THE 850 XC WANTS PULL THE SKI TIPS UP AND LAUNCH TO THE NEXT CORNER. SNOWMOBILING SHOULDN’T BE THIS FUN!

out front do an equally satisfying job of absorbing the terrain. In these conditions the Indy XC remains composed and predictable, allowing the rider to stay on the gas.

However, these “XC” qualities do limit the on-trail characteristics just a bit. Driving hard into a corner, the sled seems to change direction quicker, with more precision when the skis are loaded under braking. Misjudge this braking distance, forcing you to lift off the binders and roll the corner, the XC develops some under-steer.

Additionally, getting back to throttle is a balancing act through mid-section of the corner. Pickup the throttle just a little too quickly and the Indy XC will transfer weight off the skis, promoting a mid-corner push.

Corner exit is where things get interesting with the power of the 850! The instant the Indy is pointing the right direction, you

THE PRO-S IS NOTICEABLY MORE COMPOSED AT SPEED AND THROUGHOUT THE CORNERS, ALLOWING A RIDER TO MAINTAIN A FASTER AVERAGE.

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THE NEW 850 PATRIOT IS A MISSILE! can get hard on the throttle, which will lift the skis, pull at your arms, and put a huge smile on your face.

Truth be told, this isn’t the fastest way to get through a turn… back to back with a Pro-S, we believe the Indy XC is just a bit slower. Riding the Pro-S, it’s noticeably more composed at speed and throughout the corners, allowing a rider to maintain a faster average. However, I also believe the cure to this issue on the XC is a limiter strap adjustment, and full coupling on the rear arm to help keep the front skis planted and limit weight transfer. Knowing these adjustments would probably help cornering abilities, doesn’t mean we know for sure, because we never actually made the adjustments on the XC. Even though a planted feeling snowmobile is faster, its not as fun, and we just simply didn’t want

PIGGY BACK WALKER EVANS ALL AROUND GIVES THE RIDER LOTS OF ADJUSTABILITY.

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EXPERIENCING THE 850 PATRIOT ON A NUMBER OF RIDES SO FAR THIS YEAR HAS ALSO BEEN AS GOOD AS NEW CHASSIS. BACK TO BACK WITH OTHER 800 INDYS, THE 850 HAS GOT A BLANKET OVER THE 800 LIBERTY

to neuter the hooligan factor of the Indy 850 XC. There is one other drawback to the excessive (yet fun) weight transfer of the XC, is night riding. In the dark, the headlight seems like it is rarely pointing down the trail. On-throttle the light is pointed at the trees, then under braking, the area just in front of the sled, about feet 10 out is lit perfectly, but not much else is. Going in hot to your first corner at night can get spicy in a hurry if you are not prepared for what essentially feels like the lights going out!

Experiencing the 850 Patriot on a number of rides so far this year has also been as good as a new chassis. Back to back with other 800 Indys, the 850 has got a blanket over the 800 Liberty. The 850 just has more, everywhere in the power curve. Which should be obvious due the extra CC’s, but it’s the speed that the new mill builds that is the most exciting. Instant

comes to mind as a descriptor, and here too, the 850 eclipses the 800. The downfall of the 850 in this chassis, is the speed at which the mill puts the power to the ground, and also exaggerates the weight transfer over the 800 equipped models.

We are not sure if the excessive weight transfer quality of the Indy XC is a strike against it or for it. We know the sled can be made faster if we tuned the ski lift out of it, but we don’t want to because we would be sacrificing some fun factor. Ultimately, we are not going to change a thing, because if we do, it would be like stripping the soul out of the Indy. Buyers of this sled should want and expect an exaggerated ride experience. If you want a sled that is fast, composed, and somewhat dull to ride, get a Pro-S. For those riders who prefer a solid dose of hot sauce injected into their ride, go Indy XC all day long.

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ON SNOW MAGAZINE PRESENTS SNOWMOBILER TELEVISION

THURS: 8:00 PM MON: 8:00 PM WED: 12:00 PM

THURS: 3:30 PM FRI: 5:00 AM

SAT: 9:00 AM

VISIT WWW.SNOWMOBILERTV.COM FOR STATIONS AND TIMES IN YOUR AREA

Take a step back to the past at The Cochrane Classic Vintage Riders Snowmobile Museum. The exhibit traces the rich journey of Cochrane’s snowmobile history from the 1950’s to present day. The museum showcases close to 100 vintage sleds, and includes an archive of historic photographs and unique memorabilia. The Snowmobile museum is hosted in the Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat which is an education centre that inspires people to learn more about polar bears, their care and conservation.

“The Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat is both the largest, and the only human care facility in the world, dedicated solely to polar bears. With 7 hectares of pristine, natural environment categorized as sub-arctic, the habitat also features the world’s largest enclosed lake that provides an ice platform for up to 7 months of the year” – Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat.

The crew at On Snow Magazine were lucky to be traveling in Cochrane Ontario with our good friends Levi & Kristen LaVallee, and were given the 25¢ tour.

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Easy to find the museum. It is only 5 min. from downtown Cochrane

You can even ride your sled to the museum

Henry the Polar Bear posing with Levi for a cover shot

All the kids came out to meet Levi and Kristen

Levi and Kristen exploring the Polar Bear Habitat You can get up close and personal with the bears

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MADE IN CANADA

BEST STUD BACKER ON THE PLANET…PERIOD ALL IN ONE DESIGN BILLET AIRCRAFT GRADE ALUMINUM ADDED TRACTION LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN EASY AND RAPID INSTALLATION EASY AND RAPID INSTALLATION WITH THE ASSEMBLY TOOL

NEW APPLICATIONS FOR 2018.

SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS

NEW FOR 2018 PMM 162SS 7/8 TALL BACKER DESIGNED FOR TALLER LUG TRACKS

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Hundreds of sleds to see Almost every sled at the museum has a story

The Joanis family race sled is at the museum

Amazing attention to detail The amazing attention to detail

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Museum is organized by brands, so if you are a Ski-Doo guy, you get your own row.

You can spend hours admiring the sleds

REVELSTROKE, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA Experience the serene ambiance of country log living surrounded by panoramic views and nestled at the base of Mt. MacKenzie. Situated on a parklike acreage, we are directly below Revelstoke Mountain Resort with the ski lifts on our doorstep.

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Levi chatting sleds with the Mayor of Cochrane, Denis Clement

There is also some vintage clothing to admire

Displaying the colours proud

The four engine 1971 Allouette designed by Hollywood car customizer George Barris

A huge thanks to Dan Girard (pictured with Levi) for taking us on the 25¢ tour

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Cockpit of the Big Al

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gear

1

Togwotee Glove

Get rid of those raggedy gloves that have been warn out for years, and look into getting your hands into a new pair this winter. Klim has came out with there new Togwotee gloves, don’t let the name throw you off these gloves have it all. Built into the gloves is Klims Gore-Tex technology that gives your gloves a waterproof/breathable performance with a leather palm. Within the glove is a removable fleece liner that gives extra warmth with out adding bulkiness. Other goodies on the glove are goggle squeegee, adjustable wrist closure, triangle sidewall reinforcement, and silicone injected knuckle padding. More details of Klim’s Togwotee glove at www.klim.com

Zone Pro Snow Goggles

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Throw on a pair of Fly Racing Zone Pro Snow goggles this winter with their perfect fit premium multi layer foam system. The Zone Pro Snow Goggle has a wide 45mm silicone line adjustable strap, outrigger design for best seal, and a premium polarized vented premium dual lens. Get the best out of this winter season with Fly’s Zone Pro Goggles. Head over to www.flyracing.com for purchasing details.

4

Dayco XTX HPX HP Belts

Make sure you have one of Dayco’s performance belts the XTX, HPX, or the HP wrapped around your clutch. Dayco belts are specifically engineered to give your machine top performance at any RPM. With high temperature polymer and engineered reinforcements, there’s nothing these belts can’t go through. We can’t stress in of the importance of a spare belt, pack it before you BRAAP! Find the right belt for your snowmobiles make and model at www.daycoproducts.com/snowmobile

2

XCS Crossover Snowmobile Skis

Looking for the right ski that will take you on/off trail with top of the line performance for todays high-tech crossover sleds? The Xtreme Crossover Ski from C&A Pro features an outboard keel that gives you precise control, snow scoops that maintain grip and are tapered for sidehilling giving you the best performance for on/off the trail. With an overall weight of 7.9lbs, adjustable/flexible tip, 1” centre keel height, and a 6 ¾” wide profile. Choose your colour at www.caproskis.net

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are snowmobiles DESTINATION POLARIS MONDAY 6 PM

NOW ON

YAMAHA’S WHITETAIL DIARIES WEDNESDAY 7.30 PM TELEVISION NETWORK

gear

CKX Titan ntry Backcountry Helmet

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Backcountry enthusiasts, you are not only going to love the functionality of The CKX Titan backcountry Helmet but also the colour schemes that go along with it. An all-in-one modular helmet with 210 degree goggles with an anti-fog double lens, removable muzzle, goggle rapid clip system, and an adjustable airflow system that is specifically designed and optimized for backcountry riders. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced off-track snowmobiler, or a snowcross enthusiast, with this version of the Titan helmet, you will live your passion like never before. Get the product now while supporting your local dealer at www.Kimpex.com.

www.snowmobilecylinders.com

BURNED DOWN?

Call us First and Save!

CYLINDER EXCHANGE PROGRAM

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H Helium m L Lite B A BOA t Boot These boots willl warm your feet f t up this thi winter; keep warm with FXR’s Helium Lite P BOA Boot. Rated for temperatures at -60c with 800gr insulation you know these boot will be able to handle whatever you put it through. With thier improved flex/durability, extreme positive fit & feel, and heavy duty 2mm genuine rubber reinforcements, not only will these boots keep you warm, but they’ll give you the added support that you need. Find the right size for you at www.fxrracing.com

SPEEDY SNOWMOBILE RENTAL WE RENT BIG SLEDS!

1200 RENEGADE

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ARCTIC CAT - POLARIS - SKI-DOO - YAMAHA Crank Shaft Rebuilds Short Block Rebuilds Cylinder - Replating, Boring, Sleeving Pistons - Gaskets, etc

320-354-4874

Email: eckhoffs@tds.net 3330 County Road 40 N.E. New London, MN. 56273 Hours: M-F 9-5pm • Daily UPS Shipping

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(866) YOU-SLED rentsnowmobile.com Kirkland lake

7

Husky Zero Jacket

Like the option of layering up before heading out on a ride? Well CKX Husky Zero takes advantage of an integrated layering system and has designed what you’re looking for. With the constant change in weather conditions, finding the right jacket can be challenging. CKX designed the Husky Zero jacket to maximize rider’s comfort with a removable synthetic fiber liner, pre-shaped elbows, mesh lined lateral air vents, and 3 warm hand pockets. The outer shell protects you from wind and water with CKX’s Voltez membrane. The advantage of CKX inner liner is that you can wear it separately as a spring or fall style jacket. Go to www.kimpex. com or www.ckxgear.com for purchase details.

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CKX Thermo Underwear Throw on a pair of CKX’s Thermo Underwear before shredding the trails; you don’t want to be caught out in the cold with out them. Designed with a unique double layer technology where the inside layer regulates the skin micro-climate keeping moisture away and the skin dry, the outside layer provides better protection while also regulating natural body temperatures.

Made with 63% polyamide, 35% polypropylene, and 2% Elastane. Stay warm and comfortable on the trails this winter with CKS’s Thermo Underwear, details at www.kimpex.com

We are one of the industry leaders in sled ecu reflashing and supporting upgrades 12 years in business We have trail to race packages for the Yamaha sidewinder-SRX and Arcticat 9000-Thundercat Now developing packages for the New Skidoo 900 ace turbo

Tel: 613-925-2019 • Email: hurricanedave@hotmail.ca www.hurricaneperformance.ca ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 9 • ISSUE 4

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Pivot 2 Jacket We have found the jacket you have been looking for! Arctiva’s Pivot 2 Jacket is constructed out of 100% waterproof material, top of the line protection from the elements, and an updated look for the 2019 season.

With in the jacket is 200grams of insulation located in the front, back, and sleeves of the Pivot 2. Get the performance jacket that you are looking for with Arctiva’s Pivot 2 Jacket. Check out www.arctiva.com

Black-Ops Elite Balaclava

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Looking for a balaclava that has it all? Well look no further than FXR’s Black-Ops Elite Balaclava. The Black-Ops balaclava has a built in adjustable neoprene no fog system that will keep you free a clear of fogged up goggles while on the trails.

Constructed with a 4-way stretch material designed to reduce wind to critical areas and wide shoulder/chest coverage for moderate to extreme riding conditions. FXR placed a rear zipper on the back of the balaclava for an easy on and off application. Check out FXR’s Black-Ops Elite Balaclava at www.fxrracing.com

RTH NORICA’S E AM BILE MOINE W SNOAGAZ

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BES M

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X-Trax SMB Boot

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Need a boot that can handle the rides from dusk to dawn? The X-Trax SMB Boot from Scott are the boots to keep your feet warm on the long hauls.

Built into the boot is a removable insulated bootie with speed lacing, strong ankle support, and a waterproof/breathable membrane to keep the snow out and eliminate moisture. To help with the icy conditions Scott added their Ice Grip Sole for added traction. For further details and boot size go to www.scott-sports.com

12 Ultimax XS Belts Get superior performance out of your machine with Ultimax XS Belts by Timken. These belts are designed for modern high performance snowmobilers that are designed to provide better consistency and great resistance to cracking because of its high temperature rubber compound. Ultimax belts has a formulated rubber compound found in no other snowmobile belt which is why they stand out from the rest. If it can handle the brutality from top race sleds than it can handle what you put it through on the trails. www.ultimaxbelts.com ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 9 • ISSUE 4

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ith the advent of digital photography, and the ability to take thousands of photographs with instant review, has transformed the profession. In many ways, the digital revolution has allowed for nearly anyone to capture a moment with better results. Still, the cream always rises to the top. A professional photographer possess not only the tools to utilize a modern SLR camera to its fullest capabilities, they also possess the artistic attributes of framing, composition, and manipulation of light to set their photos apart from everyone else. Unfortunately, no matter how good some photos are, with thousands and thousands of photos taken, many are often stashed away on a hard drive, and often never see the light of day. Shooter Showcase is our small effort to expose more of these stunning photos for all to enjoy.

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BUSTIN’ OUT Rider: Cody Mcnolty Photographer: Rob Alford

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AFTER THE STORM Rider: Brandon Hanlon Photographer: Rob Alford

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LAUNCH PAD Rider: Rob Alford Photographer: Lorne Allcock

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FRESH PALLETTE Rider: Steve Scott Photographer: Rob Alford ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 9 • ISSUE 4

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NOT FOR THE WEAK Rider: Cody Borchers Photographer: Rob Alford

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PLAN B Rider: Rob Alford Photographer: Rob Hoff

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NOW AVAILABLE ALL ACROSS CANADA CONTACT YOUR TV PROVIDER

WWW.MAVTV.CA @MAVTVCA

FACEBOOK.COM/MAVTVCANADA

RE-ENTRY Rider: Jeremy Hanke Photographer: Rob Alford

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DROP ZONE Rider: Rob Alford Photographer: Jeremy Hanke

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LAST RUN Photographer: Todd Williams

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UNSEEN LINES Rider: Chris Burandt Photographer: Todd Williams 94

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PRETTY IN PINK Rider: Chris Burandt Photographer: Todd Williams 96

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RUNNIN’ OUT OF ROAD Rider: Cole Wilford Photographer: Todd Williams 98

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POINTS FOR STYLE Rider: Shad Simmons Photographer: Todd Williams

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FRIENDLY FIRE Rider: Lincoln Lemieux Photographer: Gary Walton

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WINNING Rider: Ryan Renheim Photographer: Gary Walton

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BETWEEN THE TREES Rider: Chris Burandt Photographer: Phil Yribar

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WHITE OUT Rider: Chris Burandt Photographer: Phil Yribar

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FRIENDLY WOOD Rider: Chris Burandt Photographer: Phil Yribar ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 9 • ISSUE 4

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LAST SHOT Photographer: Todd Williams

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last gasp

Brett Turcotte Pro Snowmobiler

When it comes to being a Professional Snowmobiler the name Brett Turcotte is often heard. In Snowcross, Turcotte has won numerous races, has earned special awards and he has even achieved a championship!

Turcotte is a very accomplished backcountry rider, and has starred in many videos; he has also opened a backcountry-riding clinic based out of British Columbia, Canada.

Many aftermarket companies in the snowmobile industry have built custom parts and accessories labled with his name. And to top it off Brett has won 8 medals at winter X-Games including double gold medals in a season. We caught up with Brett for this issue’s Last Gasp.

Last time you were clean shaven?

2014. When I worked in the oilfield, running an excavator.

Last compliment on your beard?

The last complement was from my three year old daughter Hudson, “Daddy, I love your beard, it’s so beautiful!”

Last time you thought WTF? After seeing my score in run 2 in snowmobile freestyle at X Games 2019.

I laid it all out on the line and tried a trick I’d never done before, and it wasn’t enough for a gold. I was pretty bummed.

Last time you thought why?

The moment I signed myself up for x games snowbike cross. I clearly was way out of my league!

Last time you said seriously?

After I rode my new boondocker turbo!

That thing rips!!!

Last time you went 100 MPH? Racing to the house for dinner on my SKS 146. Would there be an angry Niki (wife) if you were late? Nah, I just wanted to see how fast my new sled was.

Last time you were upside down?

January 27th, 2019 Snowbike best trick backflip.

Last time you hit a ramp and said F#$#$?

Final jump of my freestyle run at X

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Games. I landed a double grab backflip without ever having done one to a landing before.

Last song you played?

Kickstart my heart, it’s the song I play before I do gnarly stuff!

Last time you were on the podium?

January 27, 2019 X Games Snowbike Best Trick.

Last time you sounded like your father?

This morning, trying to get the kids ready for school and rushing them out the door.

Last time you shook your head?

After my first long pull on my boondocker turbo, thing is such a ripper!!

Last snowmobile you crashed?

On the track in our backyard I tipped my kids XCR 120, over on the berm!

Last time you said that’s the last time?

It’s never the last time, or one more time.

It’s always “another” time.

Last time you rode a snowmobile for fun?

Every time I’m on my sled it’s for fun!

Last time you went overboard with something?

My decision to try a tsunami flip on my snowbike at x games. I really didn’t know it was going to be possible!

Last time you called someone a name?

My party Saturday night, after being tazed by Jamie Iwaschuk.

Last time you said F@$% Yeah?

When I landed the double grab flip on my sled!

Last time you told your buggy you loved her?

The night after X Games snowmobile freestyle, she done her job!

Last time you thought you were going to crash?

When I overspun my first flip in snowbike.

Last time you escaped death?

Anytime I ride freestyle.

Last time you avoided a catastrophe?

When I found out my power valve was stuck and I was spinning flips with half the power as normal.

Last exotic place you rode?

Chile with Burandt in 2015.

Last time you worked on your sled?

Regular maintenance each night!

Last time you filled up the truck and felt you overpaid?

I live in BC, that’s a common feeling.

Last injury?

Summer 2017...broken tailbone and right ankle. I lost 60% of my blood with internal bleeding...it was a scary week before getting two blood transfusions.

W

elcome to USXC Cross-County Snowmobile Racing. Snowmobile racing is rooted in cross-country and the goal of USXC is to continue the tradition. USXC will run 4 classic cross-country type events and 3 lake race “LeMans” style events, giving drivers, crews and fans the best possible experience. We invite you to join us as a fan, racer or sponsor and share our enthusiasm for the sport of cross-country snowmobile racing.

FINLEY MOTORS I-500 2018-2019 USXC Event Schedule & 2 NEW Ski Hill Events

December 15-16 . . . . . .Gerald Dyrdahl Memorial Pine Lake 100 Gonvick, MN January 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Turtle River Rough Rider 100 Manvel, North Dakota January 19-20 . . . . . . .Park Rapids 106 Park Rapids, MN Jan. 26-27 . .Seven Clans Thief River 250 Seven Clans Casino Thief River Falls, MN

February 9-10 Grygla-Goodridge 500

Feb. 23-24 . . .Seven Clans Warroad 100 Warroad, MN March 2-3 . . . . . . . . Naytahwaush 100 Naytahwaush, MN April 5-6 . . . . . . . . . . Andes Tower Hills Ski Hill Cross-Country April 12-13 . . . . . . Buena Vista Ski Hill Ski Hill Cross-Country Ski Hill New Dates could move up depending on weather.

CONTACT:

USXC RACING • 132nd Avenue NE • Spicer, MN 56288

info@usxcracing.com • 320-894-5839 • www.usxcracing.com