OSM Canada 33.3

SCENE IT: WORLD’S LARGEST POWERSPORTS SHOW

ARCTIC CAT’S NEW MOUNTAIN TAMER

E-TEC WITH ANSKI-DOO’S ATTITUDE NEW 600R DYNAMIC VISION SPECIAL ORDER SNO-BEE

www.osmmag.com @onsnowmagazine

PLUS

VOL 33 • NO 3 • $ 5.95

DISPLAY UNTIL FEB 28, 2019

WINGING IT WITH LEVI BACKCOUNTRY WITH BURANDT FXR - COMMITTED TO RACING

GEARBOX

MAXIMUM VERSATILITY FOR ALL CONDITIONS

BOOST X JACKET

The Boost X Jacket is a versatile crossover jacket that can handle a variety of riding conditions. It features a removable liner with 200g Thermal Flex™ Fill along with a durable Sublimated 450D Polyester Shell with HydrX Pro™ Laminate and ACMT™. The FXR Dry Vent™ System keeps moisture out while the removable liner and Advance Climate Management Technology System assures riders are always comfortable.

BROCK HOYER FACTORY YAMAHA/ROCKSTAR @BROCK_HOYER

clicked

UPSIDE DOWNTOWN Levi Lavallee backflips a 100’ gap in downtown Minneapolis, MN Photographer: John Linn Location: Downtown Minneapolis, MN Event: Polaris Upside Downtown, Super Bowl 52 Rider: Levi LaVallee (100ft Backflip)

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BIG RED RIG Can we “Dodge� fall, and get to the snow in this 1992 Canyon Sport Ramcharger 2011 Polaris Rush 800 (daily rider) 2006 Polaris Fusion 900 (back-up sled) Location- tyngsboro Massachusetts Owner and rider and shooter: Kirk Staples

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ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 33 • ISSUE 3

IN UNISEN Holding your line while has never been more important. One slip and you’re in the drink.

Photgrapher: Kirk Staples Location: Epping Snowmobile Show New Hampshire

ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 33 • ISSUE 3

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contents

60

FEATURES 30 52 SCENE IT

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW

TIME TRACKS

SPECIAL ORDER SNO-BEE

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ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 33 • ISSUE 3

60 66 79

66 SINGLE & READY TO MINGLE THE ALPHA ONE. ARCTIC CAT’S MOUNTAIN TAMER

RIP & TEAR SKI-DOO 600R. E-TEC WITH ATTITUDE

COMMITTED TO RACING 5 MINUTES WIRH FXR

88 GEARBOX COLUMNS 16 42 50 96

DRIFTS

RICHARD KEHOE

WINGING IT WITH LEVI

LEVI LAVALLEE

BACKCOUNTRY

CHRIS BURANDT

KELLY SHIRES BREAST CANCER SNOW RUN

DEPARTMENTS

52

30

18 26 27 40 58 82 86 100 102

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INDUSTRY NEWS WORD SEARCH SUDOKU LAWN ORNAMENTS THE FAB 4 INDUSTRY 411 NBFSC PRESIDENTS REPORT OSM LISTINGS SNAP DECISION

TAKE CONTROL

VOLUME 33 NUMBER 3

FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES CONTACT 1-888-661-7469 President & Publisher: Richard Kehoe Copy Editor: Rick Bloye Art Director: Darryl Aspin Production Manager: Tendra Crossman

TRACTION BY

General Manager: Michael Blakoe Advertising Sales: 1-888-661-7469 Sr. Manager Sales & Marketing: Matt Clark Sales: Ben Morrison Coordinator: Logan Gamble

231-853-2323

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Administrative Assistant: Sarah Day Photographers: Todd Williams, Brett Moist, Aaron Belford, Joe Wiegele, Gary Walton, Lissa Marsolek, Steve Hamilton, CJ Ramstad Archives, Pat Bourgeois, Richard Kehoe, Tendra Crossman, Mike Blakoe, Matt Clark, Logan Gamble, Brandon Caplar Contributing Writers: Pat Bourgeois, Mark Boncher, Levi LaVallee, Chris Burandt, Matt Clark, Tyler Swarm, Suzy Stenoff, Darren Desautels, Ross Antworth, Jordan Hammack, Richard Kehoe, Mike Blakoe, Matt Clark, Logan Gamble, Jeff Steenbakkers Subscriptions 1-888-661-7469 or info@osmmag.com

is u lis ed si ti es a ear Pu lis in td. ffice address and undelivered copies and change of address notice is: PO Box 551, 27083 Kennedy Road, Willow Beach, ON L0E 1S0, Canada. Telephone (905) 722-6766. Printed in Canada by: Dollco, a divisions of Lowe-Martin Group • Copyright 2018 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 (includes Trail Map Atlas) $19.00 per year, $29.00 for 2 years. $37.00 for 3 years.

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ON SNOW MAGAZINE 27083 Kennedy Road Willow Beach, ON L0E 1S0, Canada ph: 905-722-6766 fax: 905-722-6761 toll-free ph: 888-661-7469 toll-free fax: 888-680-7469 email: info@osmmag.com www.osmmag.com

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ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 33 • ISSUE 3

WWW.POLARIS.COM

PAS S O N A TRADITION THOUSANDS OF MILES IN THE MAKING.

2 01 9 I N DY® XC 1 2 9

|

2 01 9 S W I TC H BAC K® PR O- S

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201 9 RU S H® XCR®

Follow more epic trails, celebrate more riding firsts and find more thrills in every mile.

All because you’re BORN FOR MORE.

drifts

Richard Kehoe

‘TIS THE SEASON… AND THE POLAR VORTEX HAS ARRIVED!

L

ike many, my Christmas wish has come early, and I’m hoping this snow will continue. A Polar Vortex has been announced for this winter, making our team at OSM and STV very happy. ‘Polar Vortex’…the last time I heard those words together was way back in 2014, the winter that felt like it would never end, and the snow was abundant. Winter 2015 wasn’t as good, but I felt it was our second best winter in over 10 years.

The OSM and STV crews have wrapped up another successful trade show and swap season with the Peterborough Sledarama and Swap Meet last month.

Sledarama is the last of the Show season for us, and is a great way to close the trade show and swap chapter for 2018. As usual the Show and Swap was jammed with lots of vintage finds, something for everyone. It is by far the best Grass Roots show in the business, and if you haven’t attended, you probably should put it on your list for next year.

With the snow arriving early, we’ve been shoveling the white stuff since the beginning of November, and we have already had -20 celcious conditions. I’m predicting a white Christmas!

e field urns a e started and ids s are and el dri e ent usias for t e start of t e season findin sno and a in s all trac s in t e ac of t e office s ar in lot. The season has started and let’s hope it continues at this pace with the temperature and snow, and if it does, just like Andy Williams sang in ‘63, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year”.

All of us at OSM and Snowmobiler Television would like to wish you and your families a safe and healthy Holiday Season. Now kick back and enjoy the season and this issue of OSM. We’ll see you on the snow… sooner rather then later!

Also don’t forget to send in your pictures of your ‘First Rides’ for our coming issue. Send them to info@osmmag.com and score yourself a free T-Shirt.

JANUARY 4-6, 2019 INTERNATIONAL CENTRE TORONTO

motorcyclesupershow.ca • 1-888-661-SHOW (7469)

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ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 33 • ISSUE 3

KLIM’s entry into the GORE-TEX® insulated jacket/bib market was headlined by the Klimate Parka/Bib years ago. Since then, it’s received multiple updates in fit, style and material durability.

The Klimate provides a substantial 300 grams of 3M™ THINSULATE™ Insulation.

# K L IML IF E

K L I M .C O M

news

AFTER 30 YEARS 01 DERBY TRACK CHANGES HANDS The Decker family has been synonymous with the World Championship Derby Track in Eagle River, Wisconsin, but after 30-years of o nin and ro otin at is ar ua l t e ost iconic and si nificant sno o ile racin enue in t e s ort t e facilit is no under ne ownership. Purchased by a group led by Snowmobile USA and World Snowmobile Headquarters founder Tom Anderson, former Ski-Doo vice-president of marketing Russ Davis, and Snowmobile Hall of Fame president and legendary snowmobile drag racer Craig Marchbank, it’s safe to say the Derby is in good hands. Rumors of the facility, which includes a little more than 30-acres and several buildings, being up for sale have circulated within the industry for several years. The purchase includes the entire property, all trademarks, records and artifacts. ile t ere still re ains no official announce ent of t e sale des ite a enin nearl t o ont s a o t e rou as a ision for the iconic facility which will now be called the World Championship Derby Complex (www.derbycomplex.com). According to an off the record conversation with Marchbank, the group has talked about events of all kinds, including non-motorized throughout the year. In the s ort ter t e ne o ners ill continue to ro ote t e e ents t at a e defined t e trac for decades t e orld a ions i slated for January 18-20, 2019, and the Vintage World Championships occurring the week prior from January 11-13, 2019.

MAYBE THE GRASS IS ALWAYS 02 GREENER This past fall, when the grass drag season was in full swing, there was no denying the dominance of Team Arctic on the strip.

At this year’s big races such as the Sno Baron’s NDRS Hay Days Grass Drags, Arctic Cat had 10 class wins and 33 podium finis es. o t at s a lot of ard are. i t different Team Arctic racers stood atop the podium at Hay Days, with Randy Bernstein and Will Ohara each taking two wins. The other Team Green class winners included Dylan Roes, Craig Wyent, Kyle Shilts, Steve Brown, Jeff Labelle and Joe Schneider.

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ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 33 • ISSUE 3

news

COR POWERSPORTS DOUBLES EXTREME SNOWMOBILE 03 CHALLENGE Where there once were two events, there now are four, this according to Cor PowerSports’ Todd Myers, who issued a press release this past October announcing the expansion of his ski-hill race series. Joining races at Lutsen Mountain, Minnesota and Blackjack Ski Resort in esse er ic i an are t o ore id est slo es undo n ountain in Dubuque, Iowa, and Giants Ridge in Biwabik, Minnesota. According the Myers, the Midwest Extreme Snowmobile Challenge (MESC) has seen si nificant ro t since t e series osted its first e ent at utsen ountain in t e s rin of . ntries a e ro n fro t at first year, to more than 300 last spring. The 2019 MESC series will now kickoff at undo n ountain arc follo ed iants id e ril lac ac ril and ill ra u at utsen ountain ril 27-28. For more information visit corpowersports.com

LOOKING FOR THE ULTIMATE BRAGGING RIGHTS? RIDE CHILE IN 2020

When you offer snowmobilers an ultimate adventure with an exotic location such as Chile, South America you have to be quick to commit and we are talking for the year 2020. If you’re asking why we’re talking 2020 it’s simple. This year’s expedition sold out just as the dates were released. And here’s why you have to be quick on the draw for 2020. You get an all whistled up Polaris RMK 800 or 850 with a 155’ or 163’ track, 3 days of guiding and instruction with Chris Burandt and the BBA Team, 4 nights lodging with all of your meals included for $4500 US Funds. Airfare and ground transportation (1.5 hour drive) are extra. A word to the wise you can’t cheap out on this type of adventure and drive it via Mexico and Central America no matter what your buddy says to save a few bucks. Burandtbackcountryadventure.com

Experien er • ce ov sc

Explore

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eesLstTLtDTD r r o o F F VEE ttooLIFnIFnEERREESSEERRV r r u u liibbWWILILDDL Haal& H & •D i

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Your Forest Adventure Awaits...

•E ver

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100,000 acres • 300kms of Private Professionally Groomed Trails • 100 Lakes for Ice Fishing • Convenience Store • Gas On-Site • Stay With Us in our Cozy Accommodations On-Site OTHER ATTRACTIONS ON-SITE: • Antique Snowmobile Display • Wolf Centre • Dog Sledding Tours

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On Trail #11 between Kennisis Lake & Little Redstone Lake

The Cookhouse Re staurant • Open 7 Days a Week • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Served • Full Family Menu • Take-Out Available • Licensed under A.G.C.O.

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1095 Redkenn Road, Haliburton, ON • 1.800.631.2198 • info@haliburtonforest.com • www.haliburtonforest.com 20

ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 33 • ISSUE 3

THE NEW 2018 FORD F-150

A NATURAL HAT-TRICK

It’s not one breakaway feature that makes for a great truck. It’s the combination of innovative features and best-in-class* capabilities that let it outclass the rest. We listen to our customers, leading us to continually push the boundaries of capability and innovation. It’s no wonder the F-150 is part of the best-selling† lineup of trucks for 52 years.

BEST-IN-CLASS* TOWING THAT EASILY HANDLES THE SWEETEST OF BOATS

WITH BEST-IN-CLASS* PAYLOAD, YOU CAN BRING ALL THE GEAR YOU’LL NEED

BEST-IN-CLASS* TORQUE THAT PROVIDES POWER ON COMMAND

EXPLORE THE NEW 2018 FORD F-150. FORD.CA/UNDISPUTED Vehicle may be shown with optional features. *When properly con gured. Maximum towing of 13,200 lbs with available 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine con guration. Maximum payload of 3,270 lbs on F-150 XL Regular Cab, 8′ box, 5.0L, 4x2, Heavy Duty Payload Package and Heavy Duty Wheel. Maximum torque of 470 lb-ft with available 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine con guration and 510 lb-ft with the on 2018 F-150 Raptor with available 3.5L V6 EcoBoost High-Output engine con guration using 93-octane fuel. Class is Full-Size Pickups under 8,500 lbs. GVWR based on Ford segmentation. †F-Series is the best-selling line of pickup trucks in Canada for 52 years in a row, based on Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association statistical sales report up to year-end 2017. ©2018 Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. All rights reserved.

TRIPLE 9 S ’s r e y e OR NOT…GOGGLES buTINTED d 04 i u g FOR YOUR PLEASURE

DAY I L HO

news

Ladies looking for an inexpe favorite sledder happy this H e e all li e i ic s it co es it goggle from Triple 9 is going the territory when you’re a snowmobile he’ll think you blew the budg knucklehead like us. But these new auto like new and improved foam transitioning goggles fromwhile our pals FXRin too much not at letting loo to e le it. ou no and t e larger drill our lens to help with backpack or tunnel bag isfor stuffed with gear, the price point. There ar including a few extra goggles to ensure you that us Lastly, any company have the right tint for the conditions.

Here inin our buy to get mentioned t e at land ere ni t ridin t e nor over tois your local Gamma D

CSRA RELEASES 2019 RACE SCHEDULE 04

or t e first ti e in t ree ears t e Pro having tinted goggles for the day and clear for after-hours is a must. These Champion is returning to defend the title. We couldn’t new FXR “gogs” have a photochromatic auto-darkening technology…that believe it either with the retirement of past champions means they get dark when it’s bright out and clear when it’s not. Sound like Lee Butler (2016), Iain Hayden (2017) and 2018 Champ something you just have to have? See your local FXR dealer before they are Colby Crapoe, that current CSRA Pro Champ Dave gone and learn more at fxrracing.com Joanis didn’t retire after winning it all. We were starting to think it was “just the way it is”, Be the CSRA Pro champ then retire. In all seriousness we’re excited to As the name may suggest this glove is made for those really cold days. see the Champ come back and look foreword to see all Constructed from Leather and Thinsulate™ Insulation this gauntlet style the others Pro riders target and look up to the #1 plate glove from Motorfist is the flagship of their glove lineup. Features include reinforced thumb gusset, goggle squeegee, adjustable wrist strap, and holder Dave Joanis. Who is not in any way related to 200g of extra insulation on the back of the hand. The extra pads on the singer and songwriter Nick Joanis.

SUB ZERO GLOVE

MOTOTRAX ANNOUNCES 04 NEW DISTRIBUTION back of the glove, or as we call them, “Bashing-through-the-sapling Pads.”

No, not really… For complete lineup head over to: www.motorfist.com RELATIONSHIP WITH WPS

December 16, 2018 Bracebridge, ON

Mach 2-3, 2019 Timmins, ON

January 12-13, 2019 Rouyn-Noranda, QC

March 23-24, 2019 Kitchener, ON

January 26-27, 2019 Innisfil

March 30, 2019 Barrie, ON

February 8-10, 2019 Valcourt, QC

March 31, 2019 Barrie, ON

Mototrax announces that it has new distribution with one of the largest snowmobile part and accessory distributors WPS (Western Powers Sports Inc.). Mototrax conversion kits are the only snow bike conversion kit that features a motocross style rising rate suspension and are available in 120” and 129” track lengths. Tim Piver, WPS Snow Sales Manager commented, “We are pleased to add Mototrax as a valued vendor of quality products that our dealers are asking for. The Mototrax snow bike system provides a high-level of quality and performance to the consumer and we think being Nothing says loving like a shiny pipe paired with the WPS GGBsales makes a ton silencers for a to force andofdealer overnet 14lbs of weight savings.

That is or is a erfect fit if you shave 14lbs from the stock pipe for the emerging brand. kinda nets out as a ‘win-win’ against t We look forward with Christmas. You just keep telling yours anticipation to much turkey goes by…Available from your success together, now www.gammasales.com and in the future”.

MBRP EXHAUS

February 16, 2019 Lindsay, ON

                             

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                                                                                

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Pipes Silencers 22

ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 33 • ISSUE 3

  

         

               

Arctic Cat Polaris Ski-Doo Yamaha

             102

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ON SNOW MAGAZINE ✪ VOLUME 29 • ISSUE 4

   



CKX COLLECTION

2019

AVAIL ABLE NOW

CKXGEAR.COM

news

05

IT’S THE SEASON OF GIVING Here’s an easy one, If you’re looking for a last minute or late gift like so many why not an OSM or STV t-shirt? Available in black and white T’s and come in a plethora of sizes. We made it easy for you too by making them just $12 each, 2 for $20 or 3 for $25 and that includes shipping. Remember it’s the season of giving, be nice, be cheap $25 will get three people crossed off Saint Nick’s list.

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ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 33 • ISSUE 3

WORLDS BIGGEST 05 RACE EVENT

We put The Grand Prix de Valcourt into our calendar for this February 8-10, 2019.

If you’re interested in anything that’s snowmobiling than this should be on your bucket list. The races is home to where the “ski-doo” all started Valcourt, Quebec. The Grand Prix features all types of racing including ice oval & ice road circuit, snocross and snow bike. There’s a lot of activities going for the entire family running simultaneously to all of t e racin fro ands s fire or s in ata les to dration ccentres. ou can even make this a sled in to event. Grandprixvalcourt.com

www.daycoproducts.com

news

JAN 4-6, 2019 MOTORCYCLE SUPERSHOW!!

North America’s Largest Motorcycle show, the 43rd Annual North American International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW, Presented by Dalton Timmis Insurance, will hit the International Centre, January . ou ll see t ousands of otorc cles at t e o e Used, Vintage, Racing, Scooters, Custom, Choppers, Touring, Cruising, Performance and Motocross bikes... Your One-Stop-Shop for everything in Motorcycling! Don’t miss the biggest Motorcycle show of the year, the ‘BIG ONE by the AIRPORT’, the Motorcycle SUPERSHOW in January, the only motorcycle show you’ll need to attend!

JANUARY 4-6, 2019

05

STV 2019 DON’T MISS AN EPISODE!

Be in the know – Snowmobiler Television has a fresh and informative, up to date look at the Sport Of Snowmobiling.

Wild TV Days: 4 days a week.

Monday 8:00pm Wednesday: 12:00pm Thursday: 3:30pm Friday: 5:00 am

motorcyclesupershow.ca

Check out all the Newest items in Motorcycling in massive displays with New Bikes, Huge Manufacturer and Dealer Displays, walk the Century of Motorcycles Exhibition, discover the hottest Shopping Bargains, check out t e nor ous sed i e ar ets and find all of our Parts ccessories for sale in hundreds of Exhibitor booths. Meet over 100 Clubs, Rides & Rallies, and Purchase your Bike right at the Show. Meet industry celebrities and watch some of the biggest names in bike builders compete to win $50,000 in Cash and Prizes at The Canada Cup Championship Custom Bike Competition.

WORD SEARCH

“WHAT LOOK FORWARD TO...”

Need some time alone in yourTO thinking room, have a seat on the throne and give it a go.

"What to look forward to..."

OSM H R R I C H T L E B E V I R D M T Bacon Bacon Race Season O A T I K K C A R T T R A V E L A Boondocking Boondocking Ride L C I K S H O V E L E E E D L A L Boots Boots I E R G R Y L B H E C D N L S O L Brand Brand NewNew SledSled Shovel D S G N A N S A T R I P S R W R W Carbides Carbides Skating A E E I A H M A A R R K M A E S I ColdCold Weather Weather Sledding Y A T D T C F S E V O L G G N T N Drive Belts Drive Belts Snow Tires S S S D I U N E W G E A R N D A D Fuel Snowmobiling E O E E E B H R D I S T B I N Y S FuelGloves Stay Warm R N V L M A R S L T E N A R A W H Gloves Hand Guard I D O S R A G A O P U F C U R A I HandHand Warmers Guard Studs T F L Y G N I K C O D N O O B R E HandHolidays Warmers Tall Windshields W L G N I H S I F E C I N T S M L Holidays Ice Touring O E X T D R A U G D N A H T Y M D Ice Fishing Ice Track Kit N H A N D W A R M E R T O Y S O S New Gear Travel S K S L I A R T N E P O N M A R S Ice Fishing Open Trails Gear Trips S T U D S N O W M O B I L I N G H NewOSM Open Trails Race Season

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Enter today at info@osmmag.com Good LUCK!

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Polaris recommends that all snowmobile riders take a training course. Do not attempt

Polaris recommends snowmobile riders a training course.

Do not attempt maneuvers beyond that yourall capability.

Always weartake a helmet and other safety apparel. maneuvers beyond your capability. Always wear a helmet and other safety apparel.

Never drink and ride. ©2018 Polaris Industries Inc. Never drink and ride. ©2014 Polaris Industries Inc.

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Polaris recommends that all snowmobile riders take a training course. Do not attempt

Polaris recommends snowmobile riders a training course.

Do not attempt maneuvers beyond that yourall capability.

Always weartake a helmet and other safety apparel. maneuvers beyond your capability. Always wear a helmet and other safety apparel.

Never drink and ride. ©2018 Polaris Industries Inc. Never drink and ride. ©2014 Polaris Industries Inc.

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Polaris recommends that all snowmobile riders take a training course. Do not attempt

Polaris recommends snowmobile riders a training course.

Do not attempt maneuvers beyond that yourall capability.

Always weartake a helmet and other safety apparel. maneuvers beyond your capability. Always wear a helmet and other safety apparel.

Never drink and ride. ©2018 Polaris Industries Inc. Never drink and ride. ©2014 Polaris Industries Inc.

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Polaris recommends that all snowmobile riders take a training course. Do not attempt

Polaris recommends snowmobile riders a training course.

Do not attempt maneuvers beyond that yourall capability.

Always weartake a helmet and other safety apparel. maneuvers beyond your capability. Always wear a helmet and other safety apparel.

Never drink and ride. ©2018 Polaris Industries Inc. Never drink and ride. ©2014 Polaris Industries Inc.

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sceneit

The 31ST Annual Toronto

International Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports Show Mark your calendars for next years show, October 25-27, 2019 at the International Centre. www.torontosnowmoibleatvshow.com Lots of Go-Fast sleds at the Show!

We

hope you didn’t miss it! The largest snowmobile show across North America came in like a freight train this past October. With its high intensity freestyle show, racing, new product displays, and we can’t forget to mention the 2018 sleds from each manufacturer – the tens of thousands of powersports enthusiasts that filtered through the show were “pleased” to say the least. Everyone came with the winter snowmobile itch and left with smiles on their faces in excitement for the upcoming season.

Scott Murray made launching look easy.

Closing the Deal.

The BRP booth had a crowd all weekend.

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So many options to choose from; over 20 trailer MFGs onsite.

The Tourism Pavilion had a record number of vacations booked on site this year.

The ole’ ET 250 still draws a crowd.

Adventure rides were easy to find.

The indoor Events Centre thrilled the crowds.

ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 33 • ISSUE 3

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sceneit

Turcotte came OH SO CLOSE to touching the rafters, until he actually did…

The crowd at Kubota kept growing.

We can only guess that the man behind the wheel’s had some tough fuel economy questions.

MBRP was voted one of the coolest booths at the Show.

The Snow Bike craze was everywhere!

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What a display!

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Yamaha Off-Road accessories galore.

Huge dealer displays with blow out deals!

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The BIG MAP always brings them in for a closer look.

The Marlon side-x-side truck deck never goes unnoticed.

Suzuki had a great display.

All OFSC districts had a sponsored booth from OSM, STV and the Toronto Show.

Scott Spark, President of Royal Distributing handed out $500 to each.

The Vintage Moto-Ski

When the crowds were big and the grandstands were full…

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sceneit

The Show of all Shows! Freestyle athletes (L to R) Brett Turcotte, Brody Wilson, Shelby Mahon, Kassie Boone, Scott Murray, Nick Apex & Ernie Vigil.

The Royal Distributing SUPER BOOTH.

There’s a sticker selection.

Our next generation was in attendance.

WOW

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Unbelievable graphics.

Kassie Boone

The CSRA’s 7c Blair Morgan Trophy made it to the Show.

509 giveaways.

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GEAR UP FOR ADVENTURE! @ O L Y M P I A M OTO S P O R T S | O L Y M P I A M OTO S P O R T S . C O M

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 #RunsOnSpray t-shirt.

Email your pics to info@osmmag.com. Remember, curb appeal is nice… snowmobiles are better.

Repeat Lawn Ornament hunters Bill and Judy spotted this ready to romp dandy in Dawson City, Yukon. The couple said it only took them 18,400 kms to find it!

Right: Extra care was taken for this old yellow goat with double pallet protection, and obviously extra insurance as well, since the keys are still in the ignition.

Andrew found this treasure trove of ready to rip buggies. As you can tell, there’s also plenty of “fresh” gas in those cans, and a spare belt to boot on the TNT.

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onsnow osmmag.com

The hen’s tooth rare, fully-sponsored Bravo 250 race buggy.

When a lawn ornament becomes a hay-field point of reference.

Clearly this two-up Wildcat is just seconds away from hitting the trails. A purt-near new belt, packing tape covered seat, and a freshly trickle-charged battery in the new, spill-proof case.

Loyal OSM reader Todd G. captured this ultimate package deal near Brampton, Ontario. Free sled with trailer, and this old Doo is just an evening or so away from fun on the trails. Apparently, the sled has no spark…or a motor, but ran when parked.

From the small community of Gainsborough, Saskatchewan comes this collection of….hey what!?!

Is that an ARGO in the weeds?

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winging it LEVI LAVALLEE

IS THIS REAL? The first time the world saw a double backflip rotated

T

he summer before the 2002 snow season I had just turned 19, and even though I’d had racing success in the past, for 3 straight seasons I had struggled in the Semi Pro class (which is now known as Pro Lite). That summer my parents sat me down and told me “we cannot afford to keep racing” as they had

X Games double gold freestyle and speed and style

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been taking money out of their retirement to help me pay for this dream of racing.

They agreed to assist me through the upcoming 2002 season but after that, they would no longer be able to help me. That moment of realization that my dream of becoming a professional snowmobile racer came down to this

X Games double gold freestyle and speed and style

one season hit me hard! I knew if I didn’t make a big enough impression on a factory team, that the dream would be done.

Becoming a professional snowmobile racer was the dream I had shortly after we went to our first snowmobile race.

My dad is a big motor head, so we were always going to Monster Truck Jams, dirt track races, ice races, and any other motorsport that came through Minnesota.

In fourth grade, I wrote a report about becoming a professional snowmobile racer, writing how cool it would be to have people cheering for me, sign autographs, and taking pictures with fans. The idea of becoming a professional racer was the dream that was always on my mind, but admittedly it stayed a dream until that 2002 season when I changed that dream into a goal, and laid out a plan. The plan I laid out as a 19-year-old was far less elaborate than the detailed approach I ta e to t in s no ut t e si nificance of that simple plan is it has become one of the cornerstones of my life! It consists of or ard e ositi e and a e fun.

Simple right? It was simple, but I think Jim Rohn said it best “What is easy to do

The most grueling race of my career!

winging it LEVI LAVALLEE is also easy not to do.”

That fall I trained harder than I had ever trained prior to that. The closest gym was an hour away so I remember having dumbbells, a bench, a bar, and some plates in the garage that I would pump out workouts feeling a lot like Rocky Balboa in the movie Rocky 4... I would even do pull ups from the rafters in the garage! LOL The other element that I knew I needed was somewhere to ride. Back then there were no practice tracks to ride at, so my buddy I decided we could make a practice track using all the snow banks in to n udd ad access to a at ed truck that dumped, as well as a loader.

So, we went into Longville and scooped up all the snow banks around town and hauled them to my parents place where I built a practice track. We had so little snow the track was an oval with all of 4-6 whoops (depending on how big I would build them, and a double on the back straight big enough so I could throw heel clickers) . . . Priorities! (Lol) We had a rubber tire skid steer that I would bust the track up each day with, which became obvious to me that it was not the right tool for the job as the tires would sink in the snow and get stuck if I drove on the track, so I would have to take the track down to the ground and build it backwards every time I rode to keep from getting stuck! But at the time, it was so worth it because all I was thinking about was that I could ride . . . and throw tricks for anyone that would watch!

The biggest change in that 2002 season was I went into that season with the mindset of “If this is going to be my last year racing, I am going to go out

2002 the year that changed me.

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Living out my dream of riding in a city for the Urban Snowmobiling video

there and have fun through it all no matter what!” What this did was it forced me to be positive even when things didn’t go to plan. This simple change of mindset was instrumental in the success that was to co e. at season I ent to t e first race in Duluth, Minnesota knowing that my od otor as s aller and si nificantl under powered compared to the riders with factory motors, but we managed to qualify for the final. One of the biggest disadvantages of the smaller motor was

the holeshot. The higher power sleds would pull away from you off the line and t at is e actl at a ened in t e final to me. Buried deep in the pack I began picking guys off, lap after lap. As the ite a ca e out I re e er t in in “Man you have passed a pile of guys!” I didn’t know what position I was in but I was so happy with how I rode I through a heel clicker at the checkered! The corner a an after t e finis line as u in his fist and exploding with energy so I

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winging it LEVI LAVALLEE

Winning the Pro Stock Championship in 2009 It’s great to be a part of a team of people with the same goal.

drove over to him. He yelled “Great job!” I said “Thanks! What did I get?”

He yelled back, “YOU WON!” I erupted with excitement as though someone told me I had just won the lottery! The next day I followed it up by winning the Semi Pro Stock class and continuing to win multiple times over the factory riders that season as a privateer. This led to Polaris signing me on the factory team and the start of my dream, becoming a reality.

The success from that 2002 season started the “snow ball” and before long we were doing things that far

Testing for the world record jump. Planning and preparing is the name of the game to achieve big things!

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exceeded my original dream. Multiple Winter X Games medals, a Snocross Championship, jumping further than anything had ever jumped before, being able to travel the world, and meet the most amazing people, all while having a blast riding my snowmobile! With each new amazing experience asking myself, “Is this for real?”

At 19 I never could have imaged the magnitude of that simple change in mindset and where it would take me….

Now I can’t wait to see where it will take me next!

I always did snocross a little different.

Winning the Arctic Man Classic in Alaska with my teammate Daron Rahlves.

I relish moments like this.

YOUR GO-TO SHOP FOR HUGE RIDE AND HANDLING IMPROVEMENTS

WARNING: Professional rider on a closed course. Polaris recommends that all snowmobile riders take a training course. Do not attempt maneuvers beyond your capability. Always wear a helmet and other safety apparel. Never drink and ride. Š2018 Polaris Industries Inc.

WARNING: Professional rider on a closed course. Polaris recommends that all snowmobile riders take a training course. Do not attempt maneuvers beyond your capability. Always wear a helmet and other safety apparel. Never drink and ride. Š2018 Polaris Industries Inc.

backcountry CHRIS BURANDT

TRICK OR TREAT!

H

alloween is usually known for a fun night out with the kids, dressing up and eating way too much candy. Well, this year’s Halloween was a little different for me, and one I will never forget! An early season storm for southern Colorado (2 hours south of my location) was forecasted, and looked promising to lay down enough snow to sneak out for a rip. The excitement for me of trying to e one of t e first on t e sno for t e season is always tough to handle. It usually involves a couple of sleepless nights, checking snow reports every hour during the storm cycle, hoping we get enough to go. This would be one of those nights. Not only did it snow…it snowed a bunch!!! At 3:45am I woke again, peeked outside to see snow on the ground, and it was still dumping. It’s go time! Like a kid on Christmas morning, I jumped out of bed, threw some clothes on, ran to the shop, piled all my gear into my gear bag and tossed a sled into the back of my truck. You would’ve thought my lace as on fire it o I as runnin around like a wild man, hurrying to get ready. Luckily, no one was up to see my madness!! And so at 4:39 am, I was loaded up and snow bound…

I told myself that since I was riding a customer’s sled, I was going to take it easy and stay on the trail…that lasted about 3 minutes!

Let it snow!

Chris Burandt www.chrisburandt.com

Truck loaded…check. Sled loaded…check. Dumping snow… check. Time to go rally…You Bet!

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My early season partner in crime.

Matt Entz definitely has the sickness as bad as I do.

Just when I thought the day couldn’t get any better, it did. When I got home my son was a little upset that dad went riding without him. “Well get your gear… let’s go!!” It had snowed just enough at my local riding area for me and my boy to go have some fun in the snow as well. Round 2!

It was so stinking deep! Pictures we were posting looked like mid-winter conditions, and had people calling us out that they were from last season.

You literally couldn’t wipe the smile off of my face. On these early season missions, you never know what you’re going to get.

While I would have been just as happy being able to get out for a road ride, these conditions were just unreal for October!!

With tons of photos, videos and internet jealousy made, I packed up and started heading home. The drive home was one filled with tons of phone calls and texts, reliving one of my best early season days ever!

These early season rides have provided me with so many lifelong memories. The excitement and adventure is indescribable, and it really confirms that I have issues!

Can’t wait to see what next year’s first ride brings…

ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 33 • ISSUE 3

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time tracks

Dynamic

Vision

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onsnow osmmag.com

The Special Order Sno-Bee That Never Was

W

hen the St. Cloud, Minnesota start-up company Jet Dynamics introduced t eir first sno o ile to the burgeoning market in 1969, it’s safe to say they were breaking new ground.

The unusual Hornet model featured a distinctive green hue, with a face only a mother could love. What the vehicle lacked in style, it made up for through ingenuity.

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

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time tracks

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

Like many sleds of the era, the Jet Dynamics Stinger introduced a host of new technologies, most of which were geared towards increased performance and improved reliability. The Stinger boasted of a chaincase where gearing

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c an es could e ade instantl an in enious self ad ustin ra e an ideall alanced c assis and a Goodyear drive track with polyurethane drive sprockets.

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

When the 1971 Stingers were unveiled, few changes were made, but one particular section of the single page brochure was different - the option of installing a triple cylinder Hirth 793cc free air engine. The Hirth triple was the king of swing in 1971, and the Stinger

The Gottschalks from left to right: Scott, Trevor and Travis, and just a portion of their ever growing collection of vintage and antique snowmobiles inside their museum in Kimball, Minnesota.

ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 33 • ISSUE 3

brochure put the “Hirth Honker” (as the engine has become known today) as the star of the show.

“Pick your own brand of excitement,” the brochure read. “Team up your tin er it a o er lant t at fits our preference and your budget. Power up to a mighty 793cc 3-banger. Then GO! Watch the hills straighten out and the trail as .

The pitch was compelling, but ironically there’s no record of Jet Dynamics building a Hirth Honker model. And like many snowmobile manufacturers of the da fierce co etition and a decline in industry sales was quickly thinning the once lengthy list of builders, and for Jet Dynamics, the 1971 model year would

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prove to be their last, as bankruptcy loomed.

For today’s vintage snowmobile collectors, the allure and appeal of the mighty Hirth Honker is stronger now than it ever was. The monstrous engine can be found in many bygone makes and models, and it continues to attract a crowd at shows, rides and vintage races.

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

As the story goes, as things began to go south for Jet Dynamics, another Minnesota company, Scorpion, would add insult to injury through a lawsuit

intended to stop Jet Dynamics from using the Stinger name. It worked, and the company switched the name to SnoBee for its remaining models as it wound down operations.

With no record of a Hirth Honker model ever leaving the St. Cloud factory, the Gottschalk Sno-Bee is an exercise in creative vision, and the end result is nothing short of stunning. Customization can be found in every detail, from the sno a to t e c ro e fuel ic u to t e eautiful lue etal a e finis and one-of-a-kind graphics. More often than not however, onlookers are immediately drawn to the hand-built “bag-pipe” exhaust bellowing through the open cowl hood.

When Trevor first saw the “bagpipe” design on another collector’s sled during the annual drag and swap meet in Princeton, Minnesota he knew it would be the pipe design for the custom Sno-Bee. While there are many stories behind the design, most point to the pipe as being part of a race package from Hirth, and their mighty triple for race applications. With sleds of the time being very narrow with little room under hood for tuned pipes, the “bagpipes” gave builders the easier option of going up instead of down, when it came to exit the spent exhaust gases.

While the design is nothing short of eyecatching, in real world competition, the pipes were said to be excruciatingly loud, and directed exhaust directly into the driver’s face. Despite these performance shortcomings, they are a show stopper in visual form.

The Sno-Bee has become one of the center-pieces of the Gottschalk collection, which includes nearly every 1971 Hirth Honker powered snowmobile, complete with a custom display trailer, the Evel Knievel Special sled showcased in Time Tracks last issue, and an incredible collection of rare, quirky and one-off hand-built snowmobiles. The Gottschalk family museum located in

Kimball, Minnesota is open for public viewing by appointment. Simply drop them a line at gottschalkscott@yahoo. com to check on availability.

The evidence is in black and white. Within this one page brochure for the 1971 Jet Dynamics Stinger, came the inspiration for the triplecylinder Hirth Sno-Bee you see here.

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See our MBRP Snow / ATV & SXS product at mbrppowersports.com ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 33 • ISSUE 3

57

Ken Avann CSRA

We reached out to Ken Avann, president of the CSRA to get his take on his all-time favorite snowmobiles.

1978 Yamaha SSR440 Sno Pro This was my favorite Yamaha race sled, only one hundred were ever made. The Yamaha SSR factory oval racer was hand built in Japan to take on the Ski-Doo, Polaris and rctic at no Pro sleds. e featured a a as first I front sus ension and t e first and last rear s a ar s ste . It as a cc screa er and arguably one of the best looking race sleds of all time.

1985 Ski-Doo Pro Stock is as fa orite i oo race sled. e and uilt fift of t ese sleds in t e Valcourt race shop with Gerard Karpik. The Pro Stock racer had a IFS front suspension with the shocks laid down under the engine, we could raise or lower the ride height of the entire sled by 6” in just a couple minutes allowing a low center of gravity set up for oval racing or a high full suspension set up for Snowcross. In 1985 we won the Pro Open Snowcross Championship, a 100 Mile Cross Country race, and the Pro Stock Oval Championship, all with the same race sled.

1988 Polaris Indy Pro-5 Formula 3 Racer I hand built this sled with Larry Rugland and Burt Bassett in the Polaris Pro-5 Race Shop in Rosseau, MN. The Pro-5 Indy produced 145HP and would hit 105 mph on a half-mile oval. We won the Formula 3 Shootout in Valcourt, Quebec with this sled. The winner of this race won a duplicate production sled paid for by the losing manufactures. So Yamaha, Ski-Doo and Arctic Cat had to buy me a new Polaris Indy 650. That was a cool prize to win!

2018 Yamaha YZ450F with Timbersled ARO 120SX Kit As a former Snowmobile and Motocross racer, I love Snow Bikes, my favourite Snow Bike ride is a Yamaha YZ450F with a Timbersled ARO Kit similar to Brock Hoyer’s X-Games Bike. This set up will go anywhere and is capable of lap times as fast, or faster, than a Pro race sled on a tight race course. I think the ultimate snow vehicle in the future will be a cross between a Snowmobile and a Snow Bike.

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E N O A H LP A IL A -R O N O M LE G IN S CAT’S S D EA H G IN N R TU E R A 5 16 D N A 4 15

R

CHER

BY MARK BON

al errari ti e ou sa a re e e er t e first ring.

I couldn’t stop sta 308GT? I do, and duced ro int t Ca en wh e lik That’s what it was m, ea -b a One single us to the new Alph 000 their new 2019 M8 on n sio rear suspen could es ne of us media typ Mountain Cat. No veiled un t Ca en in March wh land stop staring. Then nd ou wf Ne m fro d heads rts pa it to the public, sle g yin from bu ir attention shifted ds sle ir to Oregon had the the line, and re-waxing they don’t need on d at this new me ha as un re sta to for the 10th time, le more about it. re to tell you a litt machine. We’re he

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THERE’S NOTHING LIKE IT The Alpha One probably has more in common with snow bikes than other sleds on the market at this point. At least there are other single beam, rear suspensions in the snow-bike market, (Camso in particular) but there is nothing like this on a sled anywhere else. I am positive now that I said that someone will spend four da s online oo lin otos to tr to find something crazy that uncle Eddie made in his barn that could be considered similar… just to prove me wrong. But that’s beside t e oint at as done so et in on a huge scale that was squarely focused on the rider, and making their experience in the backcountry better. About the only thing that really stayed the same for 2019 was the excellent 794cc DSI twin, liquid CTEC2 motor in the belly of this beast!

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The Alpha One is an aluminum beam with magnesium attachment points, and it is lighter than Cat’s conventional Float Action mountain rear suspension. The PowerClaw 3.5-inch pitched track (no longer a 3-inch pitch) is lighter too. That track is not a Flex-Edge track like what’s on the Ski-Doo Summit mountain sleds, ut it does e around t e ono rail s id.

The Summit skid has a typical two rails, so there’s two separate places where the trac e es around t e fa . iousl this works A LOT differently on the Cat l a ne and t e ride re ects t at. e slightly stiffer PowerClaw actually holds shape and moves around the Alpha One, making the bite better, and the predictability in side-hill and other situations is greater, in my opinion.

ON TRAIL SLED GUYS DISCUSS THIS OFTEN WITH REGARDS TO HYFAX WEAR, WHICH IS ALSO IMPORTANT, BUT THE DEEP SNOW BENEFITS ARE OBVIOUSLY MOST IMPORTANT HERE.

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Hook-up on both the 2019 M8000 in the 154-inch long version and the 165-inch iteration is positive as well. 3-inch lugs have become pretty much the norm for big powder sleds, and that is no different here on the Mountain Cat Alpha One. It also comes standard with the adjustable Fox Float 3 QSL shock in the rear of the new skid. The L designates the ‘lockout’ feature which allows you to lock that rear shock in situations when you might want less transfer, or maybe pulling a buddy’s sled, or a plethora of other scenarios including big hill climbing. The center shock in the Alpha One is a standard adjustable QS3 shock with three pre-set adjustments.

Another reason climbing ability was increased is that the driveshaft is lower by just over an inch, so there’s more tunnel

clearance. There are 8-tooth sprockets now too, and a lower, or more precisely, a atter a roac an le. ou can see t is where the track rolls around the front of the skid. On trail sled guys discuss this often with regards to hyfax wear, which is also i ortant ut t e dee sno enefits are obviously most important here. Those benefits include ettin u on to of t e sno easier, trenching less, and allowing the rider greater ability to ride through varying snow depth conditions more easily, and as well, predictably. The windows in the track run right down the center too, which allows ore e and true terrain follo in fro t e trac it as ade s ecificall for t is sled, and this sled only.

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HOW DOES ALPHA ONE HELP YOU?

You will hear us harp on predictability a lot when discussing the Alpha One. Personally, that’s the #1 important aspect to a mountain sled. I will deal with heaviness, or lack of power, but if you know what a sled is going to do, and it instills confidence t en ou can lan and o ercome just about any other negative a sled may have. The Alpha One is possibly the most predictable sled in deep snow and in a sidehill of any sled currently made.

However, like anything else, you need to get used to it.

When the Polaris AXYS came out, many people ‘over-rode’

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it, yours truly included! What I mean by that is that in situations like initiating a side-hill, I counter-steered and actually leaned too much, and pulled the sled right over. There is no need to hang all the way out off the board and pull your arms off, in order to negotiate challenging lines. Much of it can be done with easy foot movement and weight shifting. That’s awesome, in particular for shorter riders who may not have the leverage that those lanky, wiry, tall dudes automatically have.

Another huge advantage of the Alpha One is that this single extruded aluminum beam does not hold

THIS SLED HAS A BIG 2-INCHES OF SKI STANCE ADJUSTABILITY TOO, SO YOU CAN BE MORE STABLE ON THE TRAIL IF YOU’D LIKE.

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snow like a traditional rear suspension does. There is simply very little opportunity points in this skid for snow, slush, or ice to build. Snow actually moves through this suspension. Cat ambassadors have several videos out on the old interweb, already showing how Cat sleds in the Ascender platform did not hold as much snow, making ‘riding weight’ was actually lower than other mountain sleds. With the Alpha One, this big advantage only increases. There’s a lightweight, front mounted heat exchanger that helps with this as well, since it does not run the entire length of the tunnel. Less weight means less effort, which means more deep snow performance and more fun!

The new Mountain Cat also comes with Arctic’s new Mountain Drive System. It seems like clutching changes almost every model year, and it is hard to keep up with.

However, the big takeaway here is that the CVT has a 12.5 percent lower effective starting ratio (while maintaining the top ratio). That means engagement is super smooth for all those times you are about to try to pull a precarious downhill side-hill and hook back up the hill. If you’re like me, you’ve accidentally grabbed just a tiny too much throttle there, and put yourself into a creek-bed. Again, it is all about predictability and that’s what this clutch gives you.

There’s also reduced belt wear at driveaway speed, and this clutch auto-adjusts elt tension too no ore filt lac hands from adjusting manually.

A few more little goodies this sled has on it standard included a 12V DC adapter, Hayes Stealth master cylinder brake system, ice scratchers standard, and my favorite mountain grab bar in the industry.

Finally, all new ProClimb 7 G2 skis have an aggressive keel, traction on the tops for boots, tapered design and new rubber dampener that is said to keep the skis from diving. This sled has a big 2-inches of ski stance adjustability too, so you can be more stable on the trail if you’d like. That was a big concern for many of us riders, but the Alpha One can certainly spend time on the trail without a problem. New hand controls are more intuitive as well, but I still know a lot of mountain riders who would rather have these on the console.

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TYLERSWARM DEEP SNOW SURGEON’S SECOND OPINION

FINAL THOUGHTS

Should you expect to enjoy 200 mile trail rides on the new Mountain Cat Alpha One? No, but that’s not what it was made for. Should you expect it to be the best sled in the world, in set-up spring snow? I probably wouldn’t, but again, that’s not what it was made for. Is it possibly the best new deep snow and technical terrain platform on the market now? I would put a couple dollars on it, but Polaris and Ski-Doo will no doubt be gunning for Cat next year in the mountains!

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When pictures of the Alpha Cat hit social media, I was a little skeptical. My other mountain riding brethren have told me for some time that they prefer a rigid skid frame rail that does not articulate laterally like Ski-Doo’s tMotion. These guys believe, possibly with good reason, that a standard two rail rear suspension does not wash out as much as the Ski-Doo tMotion and FlexEdge track.

I skimmed through hundreds of comments, especially those with photos of the single rail snow machine to see what some riders’ first i ressions ere. an ardcore ee end arriors ere certain that Cat’s new mono rail design was in fact ‘junk’. I read comments like ‘it will not hold a steep side hill to save its life’, and it definitel on t old u to t e a use t at t ese s all to n heroes supposedly put their sleds through.

After months of wondering what this sled was actually capable of, what the handling felt like and wondering if the naysayers might e ri t t e da finall ca e. I ot to t ro a le o er t e l a and take her for a rip! I put all of the opinions I had read and heard aside and just rode like I normally do. Right away I could feel a difference ile ridin u t e u trail. e fir et e ible edge of the track smoothed the rough road right out when I wasn’t perfectly perpendicular to the bumps.

We made our journey up the trail to the big slopes, and that was where I really put this sled to the test. Everything negative I had heard about this agile Alpha was proven to be false, and the proof was in my riding! This sled is so incredibly easy to initiate a side-hill maneuver on one ski, that I instantly noticed my physical effort was allowing me to choose new gnarly lines through thick tree filled slo es instead of focusin on restlin t e ac ine around. The Alpha will spin around on a dime, while you’re feeling 110% in control.

Side-hilling across old frozen trenches and getting tossed off of your sled is a thing of the past, I never experienced any washout on wicked, steep mountain sides. It felt solid, well-built and durable in my opinion. This sled will advance a beginner mountain rider’s abilities in a much shorter time, due to the smooth and almost effortless handling. I think intermediate/highly advanced level riders will only take their skills to the next level, because this kitty makes you feel young again! The strong chassis, newer engine and narrow body panels, combined with the all new mono rail design, makes the Alpha pin the thick woods. - Tyler Swarm

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IT’S

mobile no secret that snow enthusiasts have hant for developed a penc wer. po nt me big displace , the de ca de st pa the Over me co 800-class has be arly the headliner for ne rquee ma l de mo w every ne se t, there are still tho announcement. Ye 600 class. main loyal to the among us who re er a chilled ov leg a throwing And if you’ve been de, you’ll more than a deca vinyl seat bun for -hundo six a time when the surely remember . ow sn st class on mark was the hotte

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THE

good news is that despite the current landscape and intense focus on 800 and bigger engines, an incredibly large chunk of the market remains loyal to the 600 class. While we may not see it in new sled sales, where the mountain category currently drives sales with long tracks and big power, the sheer number of registered sleds in the middle of the Snowbelt to points east is massive, and many are waiting for a reason to upgrade. This just might be it.

For 2019, Ski-Doo has unleashed an all-new 600R E-TEC engine. This is a motor built upon the same square bore engine parameters as the 850 E-TEC, and brings with it more power, quicker to rev traits, and second generation direct-injection technology. Perhaps most importantly, the new 600R was designed

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Now more than ever, the Gen4 platform responds to rider input, especially movement forward and back versus side to side. It’s a definite learning curve for those coming off older sleds and accustomed to throwing a leg out and “hanging.” The new Gen4 platform features a “stepped” and sculpted dash and side panels. This makes it easier and more natural to move up, press a knee into the plastic, and move your shoulders and head out and above the bars. Do this and 600R powered sleds like the XRS shown here will respond with incredibly accuracy.

to fit t e en platform, meaning it’s narrower, and was engineered with instant and dynamic response as one of its primary attributes.

You have go back to model year 2014 to find t e last ti e t at si nificant ne ness was introduced to the 600 class. Then, it was the Arctic Cat 6000 CTEC-2, an incredibly successful first effort do estic sno obile engine for the company. Yet, as the nearly perfect sights of hindsight reveal, despite how potent the Cat 6000 engine was, it often wasn’t deemed the best 600 of the class. Surprisingly, that honor often went to the oldest tech engine in the mix, the Polaris 600 HO. The long-standing

Liberty twin has proven to be rock-solid reliable, and delivers a rev-happy fun factor the others couldn’t. But the Liberty’s run looks to be over, as the 600R ushers in class-leading technology with a new performance characteristic that is nothing short of addictive.

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600R H.O E-TEC TRIPLE STAGE PNEUMATIC RAVE

600R E-TEC TRIPLE STAGE eRAVE

This cutaway and accompanying illustration shows the smoothed and better flowing exhaust configuration of the 600R. The biggest change is where the cylinder casting meets the Y-pipe. In the older design, this transition resulted in a “bump” in flow. Better flow equals better response, and that’s the 600R’s calling card.

SMOOTH EXHAUST TRANSITION

The work bay of the MXZ-X, as is all Gen4 Rev buggies, is incredibly narrow and open. What it delivers in well placed ergonomics, it lacks in wind protection, even with a big window affixed to the far forward mounting location.

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While more muscle and track speed are often coveted in off-trail, deep snow situations, the 600R can be found in one Backcountry model for 2019. Spinning a 146-inch track with 1.6-inch lugs, the 600R proves once again to provide a perfect balance of power for the chassis set-up.

SINGLE REED VALVE

DOUBLE REED VALVE

The use of a double reed valve design is just one part of the improved intake tract design of the new 600R Rotax® engine. Another key change is the much shorter overall intake tract compared to the 600 HO on the left. The closer the relationship, the more instant the throttle response becomes. This is very similar in design to the 850 architecture.

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STRAIGHT AND SHORT INTAKE TRACK

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BRILLIANT NOT BULLISH The appeal of six-hundred power is not the result of a heavy-weight hit or handlebar bending acceleration, but rather the smooth and almost electric power delivery accentuated by a feeling of complete vehicle balance. This is especially the case for a trail banger buggy, where the power of a 600 is often the perfect complement to the sled’s handling, ride and braking attributes.

There’s also one other intangible quality of a 600 that frankly, can make it or break it - the fun factor. Truth be told, the “older” Ski-Doo 600 HO engine did everything right. It ran like a Swiss watch, started instantly, and delivered exceptional fuel economy and low oil usage. But for all this goodness, the 600 HO lacked the “it factor.” That feeling of slightly unpredictable acceleration t at o ent en t e al es are fully-open, the belt has full-purchase and the exhaust note wail is so good you never want to let off…until now.

The new 600R is a ripper. The motor is hungry for throttle from virtually every point in the powerband, and it responds with an instant throaty cackle that

picks skis and produces track spin induced counter-steer exits from every turn. You feel it fro t e first ti e ou crac t e throttle. The new 600R combines the technical and virtuoso run quality of the 600 HO with attitude.

In order to make the new 600R meaner, the engineering crew at Rotax started by making the new motor more sophisticated. at eant first creatin an en ine architecture that could be housed in the new REV Gen4 chassis. Starting with a narrower case, the 600R utilizes the same monoblock cylinder design employed by the 850. The monoblock cylinder provides more material to more effectively design the transfer ports. On the exhaust side, the engine features an electronically con controlled t ree osition e aust al e and on t e inta e side air o s t rou a shaped, double reed valve.

While the new 600R is slightly bigger in terms of sheer displacement, (5-cc) it’s the responsiveness (claimed 30% better dynamic response) of the motor compared to the 600 HO that truly sets it apart.

To get there, the 600R has im im-

Thanks to snocross, freestyle, big bar risers and rider forward designs, many riders not only feel the need to stand up and ride, they think it’s also the quickest.

While standing is ideal for straight-line attacks in the rough stuff, the quickest way through a corner remains the same. Get low and lean.

The wide and grip-laden running boards, along with the open footwells on the Gen4 Ski-Doo make stand-up riding seem perfectly natural.

While not directly related to the 600R, we’ve drawn some conclusions on Ski-Doo’s on-trail ski offerings after a few seasons of switching, adjusting and thinking. While we love the adjustability of the Pilot TS ski (right), the keel design and overall responsiveness and confidence we garner from the non-adjustable Pilot 5.7 (left) outweighs the convenience.

ro ed o into and out of t e co ustion chamber. The aforementioned “W” reeds are positioned extremely close to the cylinder for a er s ort direct and i o ing intake tract. With improved porting and o it in t e c linder effecti el rin in more air into the combustion chamber, and quicker, more precise second-generation E-TEC direction injection squirting octane from above, the 600R produces a bigger bang, (5-horsepower increase) and does so with greater ferocity.

Exiting the spent charge is just as important as creating one, and here the 600R has smoothed the exit route by eliminating a “kink” found in the path of the old 600 . urt er controllin t e e aust o and the all-important back pressure of a two-stroke are new triple stage electronic exhaust valves. The new valves react three-times quicker than the pneumatic RAVE it replaces.

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Ski-Doo also spent a considerable amount of time in the off-season working on new pDrive clutching technology with improved cooling. The new p-Drive was introduced last spring and features rollers in place of traditional sliding pucks, for reduced friction and thus quicker response. The fixed sheave also incorporated fins for better air movement in the tight confines of today’s modern sleds. Then this fall, Ski-Doo announced additional tweaks in the form of a new intake vent on the left-hand side panel, which will provide additional fresh air directly to the secondary. All this is in an effort to keep temps in check, prolong belt life, and enhance clutching response and efficiency.

The Renegade Adrenaline is another in-season offering of the 600R powerplant, and for most riders, this is all the sled you’ll ever need. A combination of rMotion rear suspension, RAS3 front suspension, good shocks, and the all-around performance of a RipSaw 1.25” track makes this “base” sled an overachiever.

We’ve nagged about the open toe-hold area on the Gen4 on these pages in past issues. We’ve now had the chance to ride with the accessory close-off shown here for a season, and in our opinion, it’s a must have for “getting-after-it” on the trail.

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With a new engine design comes the ability to add new features including the revolutionary SHOT starting system. While SHOT will only be available on one 600R model for 2019, (the Summit SP) it will assuredly spread in subsequent years to include trail models as well.

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Illustrating the confidence Ski-Doo engineers have in not just the performance of the new 600R, but more importantly, the durability, is the breadth of offerings the engine is available in for 2019. The incredibly popular Renegade series has plenty of 600R offerings including the spring order and dead-sexy X version.

FULLY, COMPLETELY After two seasons with the fourth generation REV platform in 850 power, we felt in many ways that Ski-Doo took a step backward in the handling department, in order to deliver a more playful platform. The big iss is no lon er a in t e confidence to stuff the sled into virtually any line coming into a corner, and knowing it will hold it.

The Gen4 requires more set-up coming in and ore finesse in t e corner to attain similar results. But after spending two, albeit shorter rides with a 600R powered Gen4, our tune is starting to change.

Power and how it’s delivered can have a dramatic impact on handling. With 600R under the cowl, the Gen4 became more manageable, more predictable and more precise. Suddenly, the Ski-Doo we had known and adored in the third generation

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platform was starting to come back. The smooth and “zippy” power of the 600R is perfectly suited for the narrowed and rideractive design of the Gen4, especially in shorter track versions like our favorite, the spring only MXZ X, as well as the “racier” MXZ X-RS. Fortunately, if you didn’t plunk down cash this spring, your chance to still experience the new 600R in-season is wide ranging.

The new motor is offered in short track Blizzard and TNT models, as well as the crossover Renegade Enduro and Adrenaline, and the more off-trail focused Backcountry X. Deep snow riders also have a 600R offering in the Summit SP, and if twoup is your fancy, the all-new Grand Touring Limited will also have the new motor as a power option.

THE SMOOTH AND “ZIPPY” POWER OF THE 600R IS PERFECTLY SUITED FOR THE NARROWED AND RIDER-ACTIVE DESIGN OF THE GEN4

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Commited to Racing

CRYSTAL WALLEM PHOTOGRAPHY

Factory Xtreme Racing, better known as FXR, their legacy began on the track. Created in the 90’s for snowmobiler cross country and snocross country racers, FXR has become one of the most wellknown apparel brands in the world when it comes to snowmobiling. FXR Owner, Milt Reimer has taken FXR to where it is today, and most importantly Milt never skipped a beat when designing and creating Powersports apparel for racers by racers. Just after Thanksgiving we had the opportunity to sit down with FXR’s marketing manager, Doug Rust about the future of FXR’s commitment to racing. At FXR, Doug started managing race sponsorships and now holds the reins as the company’s marketing manager. Like Milt, Doug started on the race scene and shares that passion…the passion of winning!

DOUG RUST

OSM: Countless apparel manufactures produced products designed with the trail or mountain rider in mind and then moved to gear for the racetrack. FXR on the other hand started on the track, how do you feel this has helped the brand on the track amongst racers?

Rust: FXR started by producing purpose-built apparel for racers with form and function in mind. Fast forward today and FXR is still pushing harder than ever with RR/RRX race ready lines. BOA race bred boots, goggles, gloves helmets and more. Not to mention cutting edge custom cut and sewn race apparel that you see on many of our top athletes.

All of this pushes the needle towards better consumer performance bred apparel.

CRYSTAL WALLEM PHOTOGRAPHY

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DOUG RUST OSM: FXR products are seen on racetracks across North America, how many racers are on the FXR Sponsored list? And how do you select your sponsored athletes and teams?

Rust: Honestly, I can’t answer that question, the list is deep and covers all disciplines of racing. FXR has many long-term relationships both large and small with a lot of renewed contracts.

The hardest part is to expand the program every year, and in order to do so we must be creative at times due to our deep commitment to support.

The rewarding part is the people we get to deal with and their passion for snowmobiling. None of this would be possible without the help of Diane in t e office o or s as closel it t e athletes as I do.

OSM: Obviously FXR has a schedule of the various levels of sponsorship to include all; Big teams, future up-and-comer’s, and grass roots of snowmobile racing. What’s it like to juggle both ends of that spectrum

and why is that so important to FXR? ust et s ust sa t at t e first cou le rounds of Snow Cross are busy. There are gaps between the start dates of most of the series providing prep time between each. The rewarding part is catching up with friends and families, seeing my European athletes again and it warms my heart when I get to spend time with a 120 kid.

OSM: Can you name us a few of your top sponsored snowmobile athletes?

Rust: Where do you start and stop they are all top athletes. Levi LaVallee, Kody Kamm, Peter Narsa, Kyle Pallin, Evan Daudt, Adam Peterson, Elias Ishoel, Aki Pihlaja, Zak Mason, Martin, Moland, Malene Anderson, Ryley Bester, Eric Downs, Johan Lidman, Nisse Kjellstrom, Montana Jess, Kaden Woodie, Taven Woodie, Beau Tibbetts, Kristopher Holm, Wade Acker, Jesse Kirchmeyer, Ryan Dupont, Mike Pilotte, Andy Lieders, Taylor Cole, Brock Hoyer, Nolan Hepner, Blaine Stephenson, Tom Olson, Nick VanStrydonk, Gunnar Sterne, Nate Suter, Jadain Pfaff,

Johnathon Durmas, Duncan Lee, Justin Sheaf, Zac parks, Colton McCallum, Marcus Johansson, this is just the start I could go on and on. I would like to say thank you to all of our athletes for what they do.

OSM: We’re speculating that racers are probably the hardest group to satisfy with their gear, and judging by the amount of racers and race teams wearing the FXR logo, one would have to say the race gear is quite successful. How are you testing and making the race gear better, and who’s responsible for the design?

Rust: The staff at FXR are simply the best at what they do nearly everyone that lays a hand into design or testing rides, I should say they can really ride they are equally talented behind a set of handlebars. Milt leads the charge and is a relentless visionary and Matt, Brett, Cam, Geoff and many more put in some long hours always planning out a year ahead. I have so much respect for these guys.

ABOVE: The FXR Mobile Medical Van shows that FXR is passionate about helping keep all athletes safe and healthy.

LEFT: Throw’n it Back. FXR started by producing purpose-built apparel for racers with form and function in mind.

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OSM: We have noticed that many track officials have been wearing the FXR brand name. Which race circuits are you sponsoring for the 2019 season?

Rust: FXR supports ISOC, CSRA, ECS, USXC, ERX. OSM: FXR was seen labeled on a medical van at recent ISOC events, can you share with us how FXR got involved with such a sponsorship?

Rust: The FXR Mobile Medical Team formed in the fall of 2016 by Jake Vanada. When the title sponsorship was offered to FXR it was an immediate “YES” were all in. FXR is obviously passionate about racing and we are equally passionate about helping keep all athletes safe and healthy. The FXR Mobile Medical team run

by Dr. Odom and team is amazing at all they do treating injured athletes and yes saving lives.

OSM: What is next on the list for FXR outside of the Snow division.

Rust: We are rapidly growing on the MX side, FXR makes the best MX apparel out there. I would say we are a little bit of a trend setter and really moving the needle. We have won several championships in Canada and it was Jess Pettis that brought it home this year. So many of us at FXR ride MX and personally I can’t turn enough laps in the summer our staff is very MX friendly. In typical FXR visionary fashion we will continue to grow the MX market in the same global markets that we push snow.

Rest assured we will always be forging forward in Snow and MX.

facebook.com/

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industry 411

F

or almost 25 years, MBRP has been delivering performance exhaust systems to the powersports industry. The driving force behind the company is the commitment and dedication to providing the best in performance. Built by enthusiasts – for enthusiasts would be the best way to describe MBRP products. Pair that with industry leading R&D and a customer service team, MBRP is not just an exhaust company, it’s a culture. We headed to Huntsville Ontario and sat down with the team from MBRP to dive a little deeper into the company, bringing you this edition of Industry 411.

Year founded: 1996 Founders: Martin & Ginger Barkey Featured Services: MBRP is a manufacturer and distributor of aftermarket performance exhaust, which includes several ar et se ents suc as as and diesel li t truc s late model muscle car, sport compact, Euro, Jeep, snowmobile, ATV & SXS applications.

What was the impetus for starting the company?

Martin has a pure passion for performance accompanied by years of experience working alongside his father’s exhaust manufacturing company.

What is the story behind the company name? lso no n as artin ar e acin Products Initiall developing several products for snowmobile racing.

Is there a particular product that launched MBRP off the ground? e li inator t e ori inal sno o ile uf er started it

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all and then we helped bring diesel trucks into the enthusiast arena, playing a large role in where we’ve branched into today with so many other automotive applications.

What makes your company better or different from others?

Our level of testing and our dependability both in customer ser ice and roduct our no led e and e erience in ouse to develop products, testing in real world environments and using the test results through the R&D Process – allows us to build a killer product. We then follow it up with outstanding customer service.

What product are you most proud about?

Almost 25 years in the snowmobile industry and in the past 8, further branching into Powersports with Side-by-sides and ATVs. But more important than our products, is our team.

We couldn’t ask for a better group to work with day-in and day-out, over 110 team members – it’s safe to say our team is what we are most proud of.

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industry 411 MBRP is the official exhaust of CSRA. Why did MBRP get into Snocross Racing?

Our Powersports Brand Manager, a previous racer himself – works closely with race teams to give our products the edge and truly back up what we claim, if they’re proven to perform on the track - they’re going to hold up in all riding conditions.

Where is MBRP staff’s favorite place to ride?

We look forward to our local trails of Muskoka – after work, to work or weekend trips!

What is something you are sure to find inside your employee breakroom?

Industry magazines & MBRP branded swag – we have a team of enthusiasts who are proud of the products they build.

What’s next for the company?

MBRP will continue to develop industry-leading products, putting more focus into new products including the Powersports line and a new Euro automotive line.

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re o t S y o T My 347 Cranston Crescent, Midland, ON L4R 4K6 705.526.2248 • www.factoryrecreation.com

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The New Brunswick Federation of Snowmobile Clubs

President’s Report…

NBFSC Trail #58 will be open in 2019!

I

want to thank our partners at Tourism, Heritage & Culture (THC) for working with us since last spring and into the summer months to find a solution. THC’s continual support for the growth and improvement of New Brunswick’s winter tourism was a key catalyst to “finding” the money necessary to ensure what has become known as Trail #58 in New Brunswick’s most remote region.

Trail #58 officially begins (or ends) in the Village of Blackville, NB. Blackville is one of numerous communities within the snowmobile trails of NBFSC Member Club #22, Miramichi Sno-Goers.

Club #22 has a large territory connecting Fredericton with the Miramichi Valley SC on the north side of the SW Miramichi and NW Miramichi Rivers. Club #22 will also in the future like to be able to connect with our Grand Lake SC to the east when resources are available. Club #22’s determination is only one of the reasons we all have access to Trail #58, connecting historical southern and northern snowmobile trail systems into remote New Brunswick.

NBFSC Trail #58 actually began as an unmanaged (no grooming and no official signage) trail approximately 20-years ago. The first trail number given to it by the Club was actually #38.

The initial goal was to get a “trail” to the then new Serpentine Lodge. Today, Trail #58 ends (or begins) very close to Serpentine Lodge.

Two other significant contributors to this trail actually becoming an official NBFSC trail also should be mentioned. Mr. Reg MacDonald, a former MLA for Club #22’s region, played a significant role. Reg went on to serve snowmobilers in this Province as a Volunteer Director on the NBFSC Board for many seasons. Reg, while on the NBFSC Board, secured additional grooming funding. This money was in addition to monies that Club #22 had and was already contributing to create an actual trail from the Miramichi region to Serpentine Lodge to Mt. Carleton Park. The

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public funding ensured that Club #22 who had created the corridor would have additional funds to maintain the trail – Trail #58.

Money is never entirely the solution to any challenge and this story is similar. The countless volunteers from Club #22 who live in the communities from Boiestown, Doaktown and Blackville and in between also deserve the credit for creating, establishing and entrenching Trail #58. An approximate grooming trip in those days until just 3 seasons ago was almost a 3-day commitment. Grooming Trail #58 one way was 16-18 hours. Overnight and fueling and food at Serpentine Lodge, 16-18 hours return. Without these volunteers, regardless of the money to operate the Club #22 Groomer, Trail #58 would not have existed.

Instead, Trail #58 has flourished. We believe that NBFSC Trail #58 is now one of the ‘busiest’ and most utilized trails in the entire NBFSC trail system.

We know it is one of the snowmobile trails with the longest season. Snow falls and stays routinely on most of Trail #58 every November and rarely disappears until early May. It is the spine of the entire Provincial system connecting the entire Christmas Mountains region. It resides in a very consistent snow belt regardless of conditions elsewhere.

Thank you to everyone who has and who still plays a role to maintain Trail #58.

Scott Ralston, NBFSC President, “A Volunteer Organization”

Snowmobiling is New Brunswick’s Winter Tourism…

La Fédération des Clubs de Motoneige du Nouveau-Brunswick

Rapport du Président…

Le Sentier #58 de la FCMNB sera ouvert en 2019 !

Je veux remercier nos partenaires chez Tourisme, Patrimoine et Culture (TPC) pour avoir travaillé avec nous depuis le printemps dernier et durant les mois d’été pour trouver une solution. L’appui continu du TPC pour la croissance et l’amélioration du tourisme d’hiver au Nouveau-Brunswick fut un catalyseur clé pour « trouver » les fonds nécessaires afin de réaliser ce qui est maintenant connu comme étant le Sentier #58 dans la région la plus éloignée du Nouveau-Brunswick.

Le Sentier #58 débute (ou finit) officiellement dans le Village de Blackville, NB. Blackville est l’une des nombreuses communautés à l’intérieur du réseau de sentiers de motoneige du Club membre #22 de la FCMNB, les Miramichi Sno-Goers.

Le Club #22 contient un vaste territoire connectant Fredericton avec le club Miramichi Valley du côté nord des rivières Miramichi du Sud-ouest et Miramichi du Nord-ouest. À l’avenir, le Club #22 aimerait également se relier avec notre club Grand Lake à l’Est lorsque les ressources seront

disponibles. La détermination du Club #22 n’est seulement que l’une des raisons que nous avons tous accès au Sentier #58, reliant les réseaux historiques nord et sud de sentiers de motoneige vers les régions éloignées du Nouveau-Brunswick.

Le Sentier #58 de la motoneige a commencé comme sentier non géré (sans surfaçage et sans signalisation officielle) environ 20 ans passés. Le premier numéro de sentier qui lui fut donné par le Club était, de fait, le #38. Le but initial était de faire un « sentier » vers ce qui était à ce moment-là le nouveau Serpentine Lodge.

De nos jours, le Sentier #58 se termine (ou débute) très près du Serpentine Lodge.

Les deux autres contributeurs importants à ce que ce sentier devienne un sentier officiel de la FCMNB méritent également d’être mentionnés. M. Reg MacDonald, un ancien député pour la région du Club #22, a joué un rôle prépondérant. Reg a ensuite continué à desservir les motoneigistes de notre province en tant que Directeur des bénévoles auprès du BD de la FCMNB pendant plusieurs saisons.

Pendant qu’il était sur le BD de la FCMNB, Reg est allé chercher du financement additionnel pour le surfaçage. Cette somme venait s’ajouter aux fonds qu’avait le Club #22 et contribuait déjà à la création d’un sentier précis de la région de la Miramichi au Serpentine Lodge et au Parc du Mont Carleton. Le financement public a fait en sorte que le Club #22, qui avait créé le corridor, aurait des fonds additionnels pour l’entretien du Sentier #58.

L’argent n’est jamais tout à fait la solution à tous défis et cette histoire est similaire.

Le vaste groupe de bénévoles qui vivent dans les communautés de Boiestown, Doaktown et Blackville, et les autres entreelles, méritent également le crédit pour avoir créé, établi et ancré le Sentier #58.

Une tournée moyenne de surfaçage en

ces jours-là, et jusqu’à 3 saisons passées, représentait un engagement de presque 3 jours. Surfacer le Sentier #58 dans un sens prenait de 16 à 18 heures. Nuitée, faire le plein et la nourriture au Serpentine Lodge, avec retour de 16 à18 heures.

Sans ces bénévoles, peu importe les fonds pour opérer la surfaceuse du Club #22, le Sentier #58 n’aurait pas existé.

Au lieu de ça, le Sentier #58 s’est développé. Nous croyons que le Sentier #58 est présentement l’un des sentiers des plus « achalandé » et le plus utilisé dans l’ensemble du réseau de sentiers de la FCMNB. Nous savons qu’il est l’un des sentiers de motoneige ayant la plus longue saison.

La neige y tombe et y reste régulière sur la plupart du Sentier #58 à chaque novembre et disparait rarement avant le début de mai. C’est l’épine dorsale de l’ensemble du réseau provincial reliant toute la région des Monts Christmas. Il est situé dans une ceinture de neige très constante, peu importe les conditions ailleurs.

Merci à tout le monde qui ont joué et qui jouent encore un rôle dans l’entretien du Sentier #58.

Scott Ralston, Président de la FCMNB, « Un organisme bénévole »

www.nbfsc.com

La motoneige est le Tourisme d’hiver du Nouveau-Brunswick…

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gear

1

SNX Pro Crossover Pants

Don’t just buy any pair of snow pants this winter, buy a pair that can take on any weather and punishment all winter long. The SNX Pro Crossover Pants have a removable 120g liner, removable suspenders, 2 adjustable 2Cool air vents, and hydraguard breathable waterproof technology. Don’t let an old pair of snow pants drag you down, pick up Fly’s SNX Pro rosso er Pants at . racin .co

2

For every snowmobile rider, male or female, a new snowmobile is a big investment. We hate to see it damaged or ruined in any sort of way. Lucky for all of us, the boys over at Curve Industries offer their Racewerx’s RC Series front bumper that adds not only style and an aggressive look to the front of your sled but also protection in a big way compared to stock bumpers. Built out of lightweight aluminium and a dura le o der coat finis . o could ou o wrong? Check out the XP/XS/XM RC Series Bumper at www.curveindustries.com

4 Pilot Transition Goggle

Make riding a little easier this winter with FXR’s Pilot Transition Goggle.

This premium optical goggle with auto-darkening technology automatically adapts itself to different lighting conditions while out on the trails or up in the mountains. The Pilot Transition Goggle has an oversized, impact resistant, pre-curved polycarbonate lens that has a premium anti-scratch and UV lens coating. Take on any conditions with FXR’s Pilot Transition Goggle. Head over too www.fxrracing.com.

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XP/XS/XM RC Series Bumper

ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 33 • ISSUE 3

BX Mountain Technical Riding Skis

Bought a new sled this year to take up into the mountains, C&A Pro Skis has the ski for you.

Take boondocking to the Xtreme with these C&A Pro BX Mountain Technical Riding Skis. Designed for technical mountain riders who want an aggressive design and easy navigation. The BX Mountain Technical Riding Ski features a rocker located on the bottom of the ski to allow the snowmobile to navigate easier through tight trees and side illin . e s i s s ecifications are ide rofile 42” long, 90 degree centre keel, and an adjustable/ e i le ti . Pic t e ri t colour for our ac ine at www.caproskis.net

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Boost EVO Helmet

Are you the type of rider that likes to stand out with the newest gear, FXR’s Boost EVO Helmet has the bold and stand out colours that you’ll love. The shell is made from a lightweight, strong, advanced polymer alloy with added protection like dual density EPS liner, Extended rubber nose frost/roost guard, and rear diffuser to transfer impact load to compatible neck braces. Pick your colour and style of FXR’s Boost EVO Helmet at www.fxrracing.com

6

Nieva One-Piece Suit

Hey LADIES! CKX has the onepiece suite you want to wear!

The CKX Nieva one-piece suit was created for the riders who want warmth, style, and performance when tackling the deep powder. Featuring full-length side openings, inner snow gaiters with Velcro, knew padding, lycra inner cuffs, mesh lined lateral air vents, and adjustable/removable inner suspender system. Choose between Coral Pink or Electric Blue. Go to www.ckxgear.com for further details.

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Direct access to Ontario’s Premier Snowmobile Trails 8 min from the Sudbury airport Sleeps 16 • heated drive in & drive out garage, sauna, games room & more To Book: Contact Anick Gervais 705-207-9889 or online at: www.airbnb.ca/rooms/13341486

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8

Just purchased a snowbike for the upcoming winter.. Why not get the correct gear to go along with it? Klim’s Havoc GTX BOA Boot is the world’s first sno i e s ecific ridin oot built to handle the extreme conditions out in the backcountry. Klim integrated Michelin’s sole that provides the rider with top of the line durability and ri lus c illes calf e one scratch rubber and action leather construction. The Havoc has all the features you’ll need in an off-road boot. www.klim.com

Prospect Snow Cross Goggles

a i i e our field of ision it cott s ne Pros ect no ross o les.

Designed with an increased lens size and smaller frame that is closer to your face ro ides a lar er field of ision. cott Pros ect no ross o les frame technologies have a lens lock system that features 4 locking pins which prevent the lenses from coming out, two pivoting outriggers giving the goggles the ability to adapt to the helmets shape and seals from the elements. Also a i la er face foa it t e first la er a i i in s eat retention second la er ensurin a recise fit to our face and a t ird la er t at ro ides a barrier around the riders face. Choose your colour at www.scott-sports.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

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www.scottreinharttrailers.com ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 33 • ISSUE 3

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gear

9

Tundra O.P.S Snowsuit

Why not be prepared for the elements when heading up into the mountains or rallying down the trails. The Tundra O.P.S (One Piece Suite) Snowsuit is a completely sealed windproof, waterproof, and breathable shell. HMK included cascade ballistic material, underarm zipper ventilation, abrasion resistant inseam cordura panels, and detachable fully articulated hood. HMK designed the Tundra O.P.S Snowsuit to keep you riding from dusk to dawn! Check out the Tundra O.P.S Snowsuit at www.hmkusa.com

Dayco XTX HPX HP Belts

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Make sure you have one of Dayco’s performance belts the XTX, HPX, or the HP wrapped around your clutch this season. Dayco belts are s ecificall en ineered to i e our ac ine to erfor ance at an RPM. With high temperature polymer and engineered reinforcements, there is nothing these belts can’t go through. We can’t stress enough the importance of a spare belt… Take the advice of the JerBear, “Safety Never Takes a Holiday”. Pack it before you BRAAP! Find the right belt for your snowmobiles make and model at www. daycoproducts.com/snowmobile

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gear

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CKX Titan Backcountry Helmet 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 u le o le ra id cli s ste and an ad usta le air o s ste t at is s ecificall desi ned and o ti i ed for ac countr riders.

Whether you are a beginner or an advanced off-track snowmobiler, or a snow-cross athlete, this version of the Titan helmet will enable you to live your passion like never before. Get the product now while supporting your local dealer at www.Kimpex.com, we did!

Snowmobile Muff with Window

Keeping warm while out on the trails is one the top of every riders list, so why not add a pair of Kimpex’s Snowmobile Muff with Window to your machine this winter! With the Snowmobile Muff with Window you will notice a drastic increase in warmth around your hands with its neoprene lining that adjusts around your coat and its 600-denier nylon/ polyester, polyurethane coating, and waterproof coating. The addition of the high quality integrated plastic window you have the ability to see all your handle controls. Don’t be that guy this winter complaining about the cold purchase the Snowmobile Muff with Window at www.kimpex.com.

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13 Motorfist Blitzkrieg Suite

Stay warm and comfortable this winter it otorfist lit rie uite. en ou first sli into t is one iece suite ou ill notice a huge difference! Its eVent fabric outershell with fully taped seams, waterproof stretch underarm and lower back panels, and oisture ic in liner it eece lined slee es are a e c an in . otorfist also integrated water-sealed aquaguard front core vents, backpack friendly rear vents, and front zipper all to make sure water and moisture stays out and the warmth stays in. This oneiece suite as it all a e t e ridin season ore en o a le it otorfists lit rie uite . otorfist.co

14 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.

Pick up a belt for your sled at www.ultimaxbelts.com ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 33 • ISSUE 3

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ROARING 20’S – KELLY’S GANGSTERS TAKING OUT A HIT ON CANCER! 20th Anniversary Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Snow Run

As this issue of OSM hits the newsstands, our Event Committee will be in full swing fine tuning all plans for the upcoming 20th Anniversary Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Snow Run taking place this year on Feb 1, 2 & 3, 2019, at Hidden Valley Resort in Huntsville, Ontario.

It is quite possible that you have heard about this all-women snowmobile event over the 20 years, but you may not know how it all started or what the charity is raising money for.

Let’s begin with telling you about the one and only, Kelly Shires. It was around this time of year in 1996 when Kelly Shires found a lump on her breast. She didn’t waste any time or procrastinate. She immediately visited her doctor and they determined right away she had breast cancer. Kelly was in the early stages of re nanc it er first c ild at t e ti e and the doctors decided it was necessary to terminate the pregnancy. She began a whirlwind of surgeries and on-going chemotherapy. It was just the beginning of what she would endure.

Kelly wanted to do something right away to the help others in the same or similar situation. Quite early on in the process, she noticed there was a gap in the system for financial support for those that were battling breast cancer (19 years later this gap still exists and so does this disease). This is where the idea for the ‘Snow Run” was born and when Kelly and Suzy Stenoff teamed up and launched its first ell ires reast ancer no un for fun in January 2000.

Kelly’s vision was to have an all-women sno o ile ride in su ort of financial assistance for breast cancer patients. The concept

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and lannin for t e first annual e ent e an late fall 1999. The entire group who attended ad a fantastic ti e and t e first annual e ent raised $10,000!

Things have changed considerably since that first year, the momentum for the charity continues to grow over the years. Kelly’s cancer was in remission for a short time but then came back and this time also moved into her bones and liver. She never stopped her chemotherapy. There was no way that Kelly was going to let cancer stop her love of life, she fought back hard. 2004 was the last event that Kelly rode in, she wasn’t feeling well but she never let that get in the way and was always smiling no matter what. Not only did she ride in this event, she led one of the

teams and at her last Snow Run she would see it raise over $250,000. A big leap from the $10,000 raised just 5 years earlier. On October 31, 2004 Kelly lost her long hard battle with breast cancer but continues to be an inspiration to us all. Losing Kelly was devastating to everyone around her but it was also a lesson in determination, strength and that together we can accomplish anything.

In 20 years, this “small” volunteer driven charity along with the enthusiastic snowmobilers who participate, the incredible sponsors and an amazing dedicated group of volunteers have raised over $5.5 million dollars to help financiall assist t ose attlin reast cancer across Canada. Expanding Kelly’s dream.

In 2010 an ATV Jamboree event was added to the annual list of events in support of the charity (www.trax4bc.com). The 10th TraX4 Breast Cancer event will take place May 3 & 4, 2019 at Pinestone Resort in Haliburton. The Motorcycle Sun Run will take place on July 20, 2019. Both the ATV event and Motorcycle event are open to both male and female riders.

This past February, The Ontario Snow Run event raised over $485,000.00 thanks to the hard work of our participants and generous Sponsors. We all know that stress is not healthy and that is where the charity can help alle iate t e financial stress so t ose o are fi tin for t eir li es can focus on t eir reco ery.

Kelly’s dream pulled together 3 fantastic things. Firstly, giving female sledders their own snowmobiling weekend, secondly raising breast cancer awareness with such a uni ue e ent and finall raisin uc needed

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funds that directly go to those battling breast cancer. Although the theme is “women helping women” there are ways for everyone to get involved. We are lucky to have the most wonderful male volunteers who work tirelessly in the cold to ensure that we have a fantastic day on the trails. They do everything from helping to park truck and trailers, load and unload sleds topping up our fuel at the lunch stop– they treat all the riders with VIP status and we are so lucky to have their support.

Some of them have also come up with some very unique ways to help raise money for the cause because they realize breast cancer isn’t a battle one fights alone. Helping someone through their journey takes a team of people from their medical team to their family, friends, and co-workers rallying around them with support – it affects us all.

There are many reasons why someone may want to get involved or why they would want to come and participate. You may know someone who is battling or has battled the disease, you may have lost someone to breast cancer or maybe you just want to come and participate in an event that is unique and fun.

The journey that this event will take you on is one that will leave you with memories and a feeling like no other. The event is set up in a way that allows you to make it a full weekend event or just for the day. You can participate in as much or as little as you want. You can c oose one of fi e different tea s to ride on depending on your riding ability and/or comfort level – every level from the extreme (Hooter Haulers) to the more laid back (Team Turtle), so you can ride in a group atmosphere but at your comfort Level. We want everyone to know that it is not a race or that you do not need to be an experienced rider, we have a team that will work for any level of experience.

Upon arrival at the resort, participants are greeted with by our top notch grounds crew who will help as much or as little as you want.

Friday afternoon kicks off with the opening of our Registration where our registration team will check you in and get you settled. Friday evening consists of a Meet’n’Greet and enjoy some good food. Hosted by emcee Carey Moran of KICX 106. Saturday morning riders are treated to a full buffet breakfast before heading out to the staging area. Everyone dances like nobody’s watching to the event theme song “Man, I feel like a woman” by Shania Twain (the theme song was chosen

by Kelly Shires). Teams then are ready to hit the trails. After lunch, teams head back out on the trails.

When teams arrive back at the resort they are greeted with coffee, hot chocolate and treats donated by Hidden Valley Resort. The e enin is al a s filled it fun silent li e auctions, awards and raffles. The weekend concludes Sunday morning with a buffet breakfast and wonderful memories.

We are thrilled excited to announce that this year’s theme will be a Roaring 20’s (20th Anniversary) “Kelly’s Gangsters – taking out a hit on cancer”.

A big thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth at the Toronto Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports Show in October! 2018/2019

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Raffle tickets are still available at Royal Distributing locations for only $10 for your chance to win: Early Bird - 2019 Can-Am Outlander 570 XT (donated by Can-Am/BRP & Factory Recreation in Midland).

1st prize - 2019 Ski-Doo MXZ TNT 900 ACE (donated by BRP/Ski-Doo & Factory Recreation, Midland) 2nd prize - $500 Gift Certificate for Royal Distributing (donated by Royal Distributing) 3rd prize – Stay for 2 at Hidden Valley Resort, Huntsville (donated by Hidden Valley Resort) Over the years the charity has grown and has helped hundreds of breast cancer patients across Canada. To find out more about the event, register or make a donation please visit www.breastcancersnowrun.org For information on the financial assistance program please visit www.kellyshiresfoundation.org We are not funded by the government so we rely on the generosity of our donors, if you cannot make it to one of our events and would like to support the cause, we would

welcome any donations through our secure on-line donation forum on ur website at www.kellyshiresfoundation.org. Thank you for your support!

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are snowmobiles DESTINATION POLARIS MONDAY 6 PM

NOW ON

YAMAHA’S WHITETAIL DIARIES WEDNESDAY 7.30 PM TELEVISION NETWORK

To advertise your business in this section call: 1-888-661-7469 NEW BRUNSWICK

Bathurst Atlantic Host Hotel

ONTARIO

1450 Vanier Blvd.

118 Mission Road, Wawa, Ontario P0S1K0 Bathurst, NB E2A 4H7 Tel: 705-856-2278 • Fax: 705-856-2171 Toll Free: 1-800-898-9292 Toll Free: 800-561-2278 Office: (506) 548-3335 • Fax: (506) 548-9769 Email: wawamoto@shawbiz.ca thehost@nbnet.nb.ca • www.atlantichost.com Website: www.wawamotorinn.com Known to all sledders as the place to stay in Bathurst.

Your Superior Vacation Experience featuring 50 main Located on Trail #19, or take exit #310 on Rte 11. Loading building rooms, 20 cozy log rooms and 18 rustic Chalets ramps, indoor sled parking, heated repair bays. Fuel nearby. with fireplaces. All main building rooms are 100% smokeExcellent accommodations, excellent restaurants, pub-style free. Enjoy fine dining in the Fireside Dining Room; home of lounge, heated indoor pool, sauna and whirlpool. And did the largest fireplace in the North. Easily accessible to snow we meantion we’re the only hotel in New Brunswick located trails and ample parking.

Rp-R1 directly on NBFSC trails?

243685

One Version

24

Nearby

rONTARIO MAP 13

ONTARIO

Wawa . ONTARIO MAP 11 Wawa Motor Inn

Hwy 560, PO BOX 67, Gowganda, ON P0J 1J0 info@gowgandalakelodge.com www.gowgandalakelodge.com

Our 4 season resort has groomed trails to our door. Located in the center of A107C and the south end of L136 (north shore of Gowganda Lake) or drive directly to us on Hwy 560. We have 6 deluxe cottages, 5 which will hold up to 6 people, and 1 cottage that will hold up to 10 people. All units are fully furnished with 4 pc baths, full kitchens, wi-fi and satellite TV. General store, LCBO, beer store, wood burning sauna, and fuel are all on site.

Meal plans are available with reservation. Accomodation as low as $30 pp/pd.

538

23451

Nearby

678

BOOK YOUR OUTDOOR KITCHEN TODAY

Sudbury’s Best Motel Accomodations outdoor kitchens • pizza ovens outdoor fireplaces • bbqs

Right on the D111 trail, free continental breakfast, Royal Distributing close by, special rates & park’n’ride packages, rooms include fridge, microwave, coffee maker, and we offer extended stay kitchenettes.

350 Moonlight Ave Sudbury, ON, P3B3W3 PH: 1-800-424-0321 www.moonlightinn.ca

Driftwood

Stay and Ride

Log Home

Luxurious 4100 sqft Log Home on Lake Wanapitei, Skead ON facebook.com/ To Book: Contact Anick Gervais 705-207-9889 or online at: www.airbnb.ca/rooms/13341486

FACEBOOK.COM/ONSNOWMAGAZINE

To Book An Appointment Call

905-841-3100 W W W. O U T D O O R L U X U R Y. C O M 100

ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 33 • ISSUE 3

Outdoor Luxury-HLApr14.indd

1

14-03-24

10:24 AM

To advertise your business in this section call: 1-888-661-7469 ONTARIO

ONTARIO

BRADFORD

GRAVENHURST

8

• MAP 31

ONTARIO

UXBRIDGE MINNESOTA, USA GREENBUSH

PEFFERLAW

JUST 50 MINS NORTH OF TORONTO

Muskoka’s Only Polaris Dealer

Come be satisfied by the rising stars of POLARIS. York Region's newest, biggest dealer.

SALES • SERVICE • PARTS • ACCESSORIES

19890 Hwy 11, Bradford, ON L3Z 2B6 (905) 775-1717 • Fax (905) 775-0518 ONTARIO

HWY 48, Pefferlaw, Lake Simcoe 705-437-1122 quinnsmarina.com

1689 Winhara Rd. Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1R1 Phone: (705) 645-8464 Toll Free: (800) 696-3849 northgatemuskoka.com

PEFFERLAW

TRENTON UXBRIDGE

ONTARIO

98

• MAP 43

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UXBRIDGE

W ONTARIO

WHITCHURCH-STOUFFVILLE

48

• MAP 41

Authorized Polaris Dealer

347 Cranston Crescent NE, Midland, ON L4R 4K6 705.526.2248 www.factoryrecreation.com

516 Hwy 2, Trenton ON K8V 5W6 613-394-6691 • 1-877-394-6691 www.bay-Marine .com ONTARIO

BOWMANVILLE UXBRIDGE

7

Durham Region's #1 Ski-Doo/Sea-Doo, Sportboat, Can Am dealer. Full line of Ski-Doo sleds, parts, clothing and accessories.Trail starts at our door.

3 Douglas Road, Uxbridge, ON L9P 1M7 (905) 852-5884 • 1-800-668-SLED uxbridgemotorsports.com

2 Paisley LN Stouffville ON, L4A 7X4 Phone: 905-640-2212 Email: atccorral@bellnet.ca

www.atccorral.com

• MAP 42

CY

CLE

SALVA

GE

OVER 35 YEARS OF USED PARTS

705-742-6120 catshackptbo.com

SPEEDY SNOWMOBILE RENTAL

ONTARIO

MARMORA UXBRIDGE

92

• MAP 43

WE RENT BIG ONES TOO! 1200 RENEGADE

YAMAHA VIPER

(866) YOU-SLED rentsnowmobile.com Kirkland lake

102317 Highway 7, Marmora, Ontario 613-472-2633 www.bonterpolaris.ca

JANUARY 4-6, 2019 motorcyclesupershow.ca

ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 33 • ISSUE 3

101

snap decision

John Sharrard Accelerated Tech

For this issue we thought of speed and comfort, and turned to John Sharrard, the owner of Accelerated Technologies. Starting in Motorsports from a young age on two wheels, and being invited to join many race teams over the years helped to add to the experience and knowledge needed to create the well known Canadian company focused on performance suspension. Like expected John was very easy to work with, wasted no time, and held nothing back in providing us with his Snap Decision.

NE RIDE O

RACE ON E

SKI-DOO MXZX

Depending on the nature of the closed course, weight and handling trump outright power. If the trail was tight, an MXZX 600 or 800 with an R motion Skid and Elka Stage 5s...Look out.

SEL LO NE

1998 YAMAHA SRX 700

That sled was ahead of its time, a beautifully engineered triple, triple. Still one of the best sounding sleds ever, it was wicked fast, great on fuel and smooth. One in good shape should fetch a great price.

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ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 33 • ISSUE 3

POLARIS RUSH PRO S

I re u on an Ind and lo ed t e loose at handling with the throttle down. I have never thrown over a leg over a new Gen Polaris, so I would like to ride one. Besides, from the cockpit you can’t see the back end.

WRECK ONE

YAMAHA INVITER

Especially the gold colored one. Seriously aim the thing at a tree, hold the throttle pinned and jump off.

Make sure it hits hard enough to junk the pogo stick shocks and the hound dog eared handlebars.

PRESENTED BY

JAN 4-6, 2019 • INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • TORONTO FRIDAY JANUARY 4: 12PM - 9PM • SATURDAY JANUARY 5: 10AM - 9PM • SUNDAY JANUARY 6: 10AM - 5PM J 2019 NEW MOTORCYCLE DISPLAYS J HOT SHOPPING DEALS J MANUFACTURER & DEALER DISPLAYS J 500 EXHIBITORS SPAN OVER 7 HALLS J PARTS AND ACCESSORIES FOR SALE

J MEET INDUSTRY CELEBRITIES J 100 CLUBS, RIDES & RALLIES J CANADA CUP CUSTOM COMPETITION J GIANT USED BIKE MARKET J CENTURY OF MOTORCYCLES EXHIBITION

TERRAIN CHANGES QUICKLY.

ADJUST TO IT.

INTRODUCING THE 2019 ZR THUNDERCAT WITH iACT™ SUSPENSION. ®

®

Every trail is a surprise. The turns. The banks. The bumps. The secret is keeping the throttle pinned, and riding until the day is done. The 2019 ZR Thundercat with iACT Suspension allows you to adjust your suspension on the fly, and make the most of every day. Are you ready to thrive in The Wide World of Arctic Cat®?

Always wear a helmet and don’t drink and ride. ©2018 Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc. All rights reserved.

A R CT I CCAT . CO M/iACT