OSM January 2013 Issue

ALN I ECTIO P S DI E

FRESH BURNS

ARCTIC CAT 800 XF LXR POLARIS INDY 600 SP

www.osmmag.com facebook.com/onsnowmagazine

HERO RIDES

THE MOUNTAIN HEROES AND THEIR BUGGIES

‘12 YAMAHA RS VECTOR

DAILY COMMUTE TAKES A SECOND LOOK AT THIS USER FRIENDLY RIDE

TIME MACHINES

1969 SKI-DOO DOUBLE EAGLE

VOL 27 • NO 5 • IN SEASON 2013 • $ 5.95

In-Season DISPLAY UNTIL MARCH 31, 2013

Buyer's Guide

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Check out FXRRACING.COM to find our DEALER LOCATOR and comlpete collection.

HOLY GRAB

Hours before winning X-Games freestyle gold with a trick dubbed the “Kiss of Death�, Levi was sampling the Colorado atmosphere in preparation. Levi also won gold in Speed and Style.

Location: Aspen, Colorado Rider: Levi LaVallee Photographer: Joe Wiegele

SCORLARIS

Some men simply march to the beat of a different two-stroke.

Be it the long cold nights of a Minnesota winter; the deep breathing of two stroke fumes; or an eclectic sense of humor, the impetus for a modern rat rod is most likely all of the above and so much more.

Location: Crosby, Minnesota Builder: Les Pinz Photographer: Pat Bourgeois

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FEATURES 40

DAILY COMMUTE 2012 YAMAHA RS VECTOR

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TIME MACHINES 1969 SKI-DOO DOUBLE EAGLE

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FRESH BURN - ARCTIC CAT

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2013 ARCTIC CAT 800 XF LXR

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46

FRESH BURN - POLARIS 2013 POLARIS INDY 600 SP

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HERO RIDES THE BIG MEN ON CAMPUS AND THEIR RIDES

78

SNOWMOBILER’S PARADISE TOURING SAGUENAY AND LAC SAINT-JEAN

86

SHOOTER SHOWCASE

54

104 IN-SEASON BUYER’S GUIDE

COLUMNS 14

FIRST BURN

DRIFTS - PUBLISHER NOTES RICHARD KEHOE

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TRAIN TRACKS

56

TUCKER HIBBERT

30

WINGING IT WITH LEVI LEVI LAVALLEE

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FOR THE RECORD PAUL THACKER

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FIRST BURN

FORWARD THINKING HEATH FRISBY

102 BONE COLLECTORS JT’s SNOWMOBILE REPAIR

110 KELLY SHIRES BREAST CANCER SNOW RUN SUZY STENOFF

In-Season

120 FLOATBOWL PAT BOURGEOIS

Buyer's Guide

p.104

122 X GAMES RECAP

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DEPARTMENTS 16 42 32 52 84 112 117

INDUSTRY NEWS TAKE 5 CRUISIN’ YOU TUBE ANCHOR OF THE MONTH TEAR DOWN NBFSC REPORT OSM LISTINGS

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VOLUME 27 NUMBER 5 IN SEASON 2013

FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES CONTACT 1-888-661-7469

President & Publisher: Richard Kehoe

Editorial Director: Pat Bourgeois

Competitive Editor: Jim Urquhart

Copy Editor: Rick Bloye

Art Director: Darryl Aspin

Production Manager: Tendra Crossman

General Manager: Michael Blakoe

Sr. Manager Sales & Marketing: Matt Clark

Advertising Sales: 1-888-661-7469 Warren Geer, Brad Stokes

Administrative / Sales Coordinator: Harmony Kulikauskas

Photographers: James Lissimore, John Sandberg, CJ Ramstad Archives, Brett Moist, Joe Wiegele, Jim Urquhart, Juan Pablo Acevedo, Gary Walton, Jim Urquhart, John Hanson, Nadia Samer, Jameson Florence, Jason MacDonald, Stephen Clark, Carl Kuster, Rob Alford, Charles Plueddeman, Ryan Thompson, Chip Cowles

Contributing Writers: Ross Antworth, Jeff Edwards, Tim Erickson, Heath Frisby, Tucker Hibbert, Levi LaVallee, Ed Long, Jason MacDonald, John Sandberg, Suzy Stenoff, Paul Thacker, Sandy Young

Subscriptions 1-888-661-7469 or info@osmmag.com

OSM is published six times a year by OSM Publishing Ltd. Office address and undelivered copies and change of address notice is: 1195 Stellar Drive - Unit #4, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada L3Y 7B8. Telephone (905) 898-8585. Printed in Canada by: Dollco, a divisions of Lowe-Martin Group • Copyright 2013 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.

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

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Unit #4, 1195 Stellar Drive Newmarket, ON L3Y 7B8

ph: 905-898-8585 fax: 905-898-8071 toll-free ph: 888-661-7469 toll-free fax: 888-680-7469 email: info@osmmag.com www.osmmag.com

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PUBLISHER NOTES

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MUFF POTS 101

T

here’s something about the first ride of the year. It’s always memorable.

We go on a lot of rides throughout the season, but the first one is always most memorable and the most anticipated.

We’ve been waiting for the seasons to pass so we can spin the track again. The built-up anticipation can be unbearable, especially with all the buzz and chatter leading up to it.

I had the truck fuelled and loaded with sleds, waiting for fellow OSM riders Matt and Rick to jump in for the first spin of the year. Everything was prepared; we just had to make our way, towing the trailer a few hours north to meet our buddies Darren, Steve and Bruce.

We had our gear dialled with everything ready; spare belts, plugs, paperwork, rope, etc. It’s the extras like these items that some of us can forget on the first ride. We unloaded and were just about ready to take off down the trail when I realized that I hadn’t taped up my new goggles. I forgot to mention earlier that a small roll of duct tape is also a very useful item to have in a sled, which I forgot. Luckily for me, Matt had remembered his. The guys were ok for waiting another three minutes, as Darren so politely put it. “Oh Richie, it’s better to give you an extra few minutes now than hear about it all day.” Thanks Darren.

We rode for three hours straight with maybe two stops along the way. There’s truly nothing better than reconnecting with the sport that we are all so passionate about. We stopped next to a waterfall on the Madawaska River, for what turned out to be something very unexpected. I figured Darren was stopping for a photo op of the falls…not exactly.

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As we began pulling our helmets off to get a better look at the falls and to have a short break, Darren, Steve and Bruce had other plans up their sleds. They put on a ‘cooking clinic’ when they opened their hoods and revealed their Muff Pots. Seems the boys have started another hobby while snowmobiling. Muff Potting -101. Steve offered up a delicious, thinly sliced pork loin, Darren pulled out some amazing sautéed onions from his, and Bruce, well, he had the pizza which was served up like an appetizer while we waited in line for our buns to toast on the pipe. Who doesn’t like their buns toasted?

I was amazed at the splendid spread that was served up trailside. I’ve been tight with these boys for over 15 years now and have never seen this side of them. We used one snowmobile seat as the prepping area and another seat as the pre bun toaster holder.

The quality and time put into these hot

sandwiches were second to none. Thank you for a great spread!

Not only are these guys heavily accomplished riders and have earned their stripes on the trails, now they’ve pulled another rabbit out of their hat, by preparing a feast by the seat of their sleds. As I devoured a few tasty sandwiches while overlooking the riverbed, these guys all took on a new light in front of me. These three “beefy” guys that I’ve known for years, now resembled that of Chef Ramsay – minus the raw scallops.

Just before we were about to strap our helmets back on, desert was served. Crispy Crunch Bars! Simply incredible! We managed to take in some amazing scenery, ride some great trails, and we spent good times with good friends. This trip was one the first of the season and will be talked about for a long time. It’s what snowmobiling is all about.

In the truck on the way home, Rick, Matt and I had discussed where we’ll strategically install our own Muff Pots in our sleds, since some models practically require a surgeon to find the space, but everything is possible. Even if it’s not lunch, just a hot trailside snack, it doesn’t matter.

When you see a bunch of guys pulling out hot food from their sleds, it’s exciting and impressive.

Until the next time, I’ll be in the kitchen coming up with ideas to outdo Darren, Steve and Bruce’s lunch menu. ✪

DISTILLED BACK WHEN YOU CELEBRATED THE CATCH WITH A DRINK BECAUSE IT MEANT SOMETHING. LIKE SUPPER. Please Drink Responsibly.

Staying True Since 1856.

IND US TR Y

NEWS

ISOC TO DATE IT’S ALL HIBBERT

At this point, we’re hip deep in the ISOC National snocross season and after a somewhat rocky start, Tucker Hibbert has emerged as the frontrunner in the Pro Open points chase. Hibbert struggled at Duluth, where the AMSOIL/Scheuring Speed Sports team completely owned the podium both days. But when the tour moved to Bessemer Michigan and the BlackJack National, it was Hibbert who laid down the fast lap times and left the entire field in his snow dust, sweeping the weekend. Then he swept the next weekend at the prestigious Canterbury Park event in Shakopee, Minn., just outside Minneapolis.

It is starting to look like the 2010-2011 season when Hibbert straight-up owned the snocross world, claiming both ISOC Pro points championships and Winter X Games gold. Want more? www.isocracing.com.

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS CALEB MOORE RACING TEARING IT 1987 - 2013 UP IN USXC Christian Brothers Racing riders Brian Dick, Ryan Simons and Zach Herfindahl have teamed up to win every USXC Pro class cross-country race so far this season. After three of eight races Dick has three race wins, Simons has two and Herfindahl has one. Unlike snocross, cross-country rewards experience more than youth, so seeing Herfindahl’s name at the top of the Pro time charts is somewhat of a surprise. You see, the kid’s not quite 17-years-old, and you old-time cross-country fans may recognize the name Herfindahl because back in the day, Brad Pake’s ace mechanic was Zach’s uncle, Tom (sounds like a day time soap eh?!).

Seems terrain-racing runs in the bloodlines with that group. Yamaha rider Re Wadena is in fourth place in Pro Open points and seems to be the fastest rider in the blue camp so far. Converted snocross racer Wes Selby has also been fast and he nabbed a podium finish in Pro 600 at Willmar and sits fourth in Pro 600 points. For the latest, check out www.usxcracing.com

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The team at OSM mourns the loss of Caleb Moore.

On January 30th, 2013 the 4 time X-Games medalist succumbed to injuries he sustained during this year’s X-Games. Caleb was attempting a backflip in the freestyle event in Aspen when the skis on his sled caught the lip of the landing area sending him over the handle bars and landing face first into the snow.

The family said in a statement they were grateful for all the prayers and support they have received from people around the world. Donations can be made to the Caleb Moore Family Donation Page: www.giveforward.com/calebmoore

IND US TR Y

EAGLE RIVER MARKS HALF A CENTURY OF ICE RACING

NEWS

TOP LEFT PHOTO: Thanks in large part to Jimmy Johns, Chartier took home $60,000 in winnings. Wonder what number is his favorite sandwich?

BOTTOM LEFT PHOTO: Past championship sleds and drivers were a big part of the Derby Five-Oh celebration. We found Jim Dimmerman putting ink to paper while sitting aboard his famous single track Phantom race sled that he drove to victory in 1984.

Maybe one of the most noteworthy racing events of the season went down January 17-20, when the Eagle River World Championship Snowmobile Derby celebrated its 50th year of competition. It was a blustery February day in 1964 when somewhere between 2000 and 5000 people first gathered to watch a day of snowmobile races on Dollar Lake, near Eagle River, Wisconsin. The event marked the first running of the derby and was the brainchild of John Alward, Walt Goldsworthy and Sparky Meyer. The Derby was their way of attracting tourism to the Eagle River area. In 1966 the Derby moved to its current location just outside town along Highway 45, originally an old rodeo site. On October 3, 1985, the Decker family announced it had agreed to purchase the Derby site and they continue to run the derby to this day. This year’s race featured a tribute to past derby champions including Roger Janssen, Stan Hayes, Jim Dimmerman, Dave Wahl and many others.

The idea of using the race to draw tourism to the area still works, as fans crowded into the venue to see Ski-Doo rider Malcolm Chartier take the win in the Champ 440 class and Polaris racer Ross Martin claim the World Championship on the snocross track.

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Tel: (651) 982-6020 | Fax: (651) 982-0630 | www.speedwerx.com 20195 Greystone Avenue North - Forest Lake, Minnesota 55025 Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm CST

IND US TR Y

NEWS

ARCTIC CAT HONORS DERBY WINNERS

Certain races seem to fall into the hands of certain brands more than others, and the Eagle River World Championship has traditionally been something Ski-Doo and Polaris have fought over. Up until 2001, the only Arctic Cats that had won at the derby were Roger Janssen in 1969, Bob Elsner in 1979, and Jim Dimmerman in 1984. And the Dimmerman win is arguable since his sled was more a collection of the best parts he could put together to build his “Phantom” snowmobile, and wasn’t really branded an Arctic Cat. But hey, you take ‘em when you can get ‘em, right? But that all ended in 2002, when P.J. Wanderscheid stunned the snowmobile racing world and won the race as a rookie. Since then, Cat has won Eagle River six more times with Wanderscheid winning in 2002, 2003, 2006 and 2011, Gary Moyle winning in 2005 and 2007 and Larry Day winning in 2004.

To honor these guys, Cat had Roger Janssen do a lap on a replica of his winning sled and Dimmerman did a lap on his restored Phantom. Moyle had both his winning sleds on display and Wanderscheid had some of his sleds there too. Just goes to show you, some things take time.

BLAIR MORGAN

BOB BRACEY

JOHN ZEGLIN

NORMAN BALL III

SNOWMOBILE HALL OF FAME NAMES 2013 INDUCTEES

The 2013 Snowmobile Hall Of Fame Inductees are Bob Bracey, Norman Ball III, Blair Morgan and John Zeglin.

Bob Bracey made his name creating sit-in snowmobiles such as the Manta, Raider and Trail Roamer. His induction is posthumous. Ball was a top grass drag racer and earned 16 Driver of the Year honors on the SWDRA circuit and won the Minnesota Cup three times and the Michigan Cup once. Today he builds race engines. John Zeglin was one of the driving forces behind the now huge Waconia Ride-In, a vintage snowmobile festival held every January in Waconia, Minn. With 84 National wins and five Winter X Games gold medals, Blair Morgan is the winningest snocross racer in history, and is credited with pioneering the stand-up riding style that everyone in the sport uses today. Morgan was paralyzed while riding in a Supercross event in Canada in 2008 and today, lives at home with his two kids Breck and Corbyn in Saskatchewan. www.snowmobilehalloffame.com

POLARIS BUYS KLIM

Polaris announced it had purchased Teton Outfitters, LLC, a privately owned, Rigby, Idaho-based company which designs, develops and distributes KLIM Technical Riding Gear. Yeah, that Klim. Polaris’ plan is to turn the Klim facility into a “Center of Excellence” for its outerwear business. So, what does this mean for Klim and perhaps you, the Klim wearer? Nothing really, at least in the immediate future. Polaris was adamant that it had no plans to turn the Klim brand into a Polaris sub-brand. So, as per the company line, Klim will remain an independent brand, for now.

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NEWS

LAVALLEE NAMED ONE OF TOP 50 MOST INFLUENTIAL ACTION SPORTS ATHLETES

The ESPN X Games Web site named Levi LaVallee one of the Top 50 Most Influential Action Sports Athletes this past January. Not only did he make the Top 50, he slotted in at a solid 19. LaVallee put himself on the action sports map when he attempted the first snowmobile double backflip, in competition at the Winter X games in 2009. Then, on New Year’s Eve 2011, he set the snowmobile distance jump world record on live TV, flying 412-feet over San Diego’s Embarcadero Marina Park for the Red Bull: New Year No Limits event. Oh yeah, and he’s also won seven X Games medals and a Pro Open snocross points championship. Not bad for a kid from Longville, a town known as the Turtle Racing Capital of the World.

FLEET VEHICLE

Finally, with demand for OSM going through the roof and the local male carriers and newsstands unable to keep up, we’ve employed the first of what we hope will be many OSM delivery fleet vehicles. The fleet’s motto…she might be slow, but check out the flotation.

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SAE CLEAN SNOWMOBILE CHALLENGE

Every year, brave college and University students gather to showcase their latest ideas for a clean snowmobile. By clean, we don’t mean one with the belt dust wiped off, we’re talking clean emissions. Like, Yellowstone Park-type stuff.

These guys are on the cutting edge of emissions design, and over the past few years, we’ve seen everything from diesel snowmobiles to full-electric sleds. Competing at this year’s annual competition at the Keweenaw Research Center in Houghton Michigan this coming March 4-9, 2013, will be Clarkson University; Ecole de Technologie Superieure, Minnesota State University – Mankato; North Dakota State University; Northern Illinois University; Purdue University – Calumet; Queen’s University; University of Alaska – Fairbanks; University at Buffalo; University of Idaho; University of Maine; University of Waterloo; University of Wisconsin – Madison; University of Wisconsin – Platteville, and Utah State University. For more info check out www.mtukrc.org/snowmobile.html

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IND US TR Y

NEWS

HAYDEN, JOANIS SPLIT CSRA WINS

Five-time CSRA Pro Open points champion Iain Hayden came out of the gate pinned at the CSRA opener at Calbogie Ski Resort December 7-9. Hayden swept the Pro Open class wins at the Capital Cup National Snowcross, beating his teammate Lee Butler and Ski-Doo riders Dave Allard and Maxime Taillafer. The tour traveled to Cochrane, Ontario, for the Cochrane Gold Cup Snowcross January 12-13, where riders and fans battled wind and bitter cold at the event. There, Dave Joanis swept the Pro Open classes, followed both days by Dylan Hall and Hayden. Hayden came back to sweep the weekend at the Intrernational Snowcross Grand Prix January 19-20 in Rouyn Noranda, Quebec. For more info check out www.snowcross.com.

ONTARIO WANTS YOU TO TRY THEIR TRAILS

If you live in Ontario and you want to try snowmobiling, you can do it free of cost between February 16 and February 18, 2013. The event, called the OFSC Try Our Trails Day, is organized by the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs, in cooperation with the Honourable Bob Chiarelli and his Ministry of Transportation of Ontario, (MTO) and is held in conjunction with the “Get Out And Enjoy Winter” campaign. All you need to do to get a permit is pre-register online at www.ofsc.on.ca. See ya out there!

613-489-5297 jawsperformance.com

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Arctic Cat Polaris Ski-Doo Yamaha

IND US TR Y

OSM LOVE

NEWS

Everyone is digging the On Snow vibe this winter. Our offices and in boxes have been inundated with mail and love from readers across the snowbelt…and beyond. Steve Hannah from New Castle, Ontario demonstrated his excellent taste in periodicals from a sunny haven and asks our tuner Mac, what weights he should be running in his 97 ZR580 when ripping the sand.

We also received a picture of young Tyler who learned the finer points of Arctic Cat 120 tuning from his father Matt and our own “Elvis” MacDonald.

Thank goodness Tyler doesn’t style his hair after MacDonald too.

2014 MODEL YEAR SNEAK PEEK SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED Can’t wait to see the new sleds? Mark your calendar because you might get the chance to see them in person at the 2014 model year Sneak Peeks. What’s double cool about this year’s Sneak Peeks is that all four brands are together, so you can compare them all in one venue. The best part? They’re free of admission. Go to www.snowsneakpeek.com for the full schedule.

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TRAIN TRACKS TUCKER HIBBERT

REVIVED AND READY www.tucker-hibbert.com

Photo By: John Hanson

Twitter.com/hibbert68

Facebook.com/TuckerHibbert

Youtube.com/TuckerHibbertTV

W

hen I launched my official merchandise line three years ago, I started the tradition of hanging out at my booth after each final

Photo By: John Hanson

event. Since the race schedule is so packed at nationals, it’s the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with my fans. It’s easy to do this after a win, but

photo: arcticinsider.com

These girls sure made me blush at Canterbury in 2002.

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can be challenging after a rough race.

Finishing fifth at Duluth earlier this season made for one of those challenging times, but it didn’t take long for me to change my attitude. I was greeted by a never ending stream of passionate people, young and old, that took time out of their Thanksgiving weekend to watch me race my snowmobile. Sometimes that’s a hard concept to grasp, but it hit me square in the face that afternoon in Duluth.

I know racers say this all the time, but I truly do have the best fans in the world.

No matter where I’m at, my fans continue to surprise me. There’s the first timer who is wide-eyed and excited about snowmobile racing; the passionate enthusiasts who want to share their own personal riding or racing experience; or the diehard who can colorfully describe every pass and crash from an older race I don’t even remember. These encounters never fail to make me smile, so next time you see me at a race, stop and tell me your story! ✪

These little girls were lit up like a Christmas bulb at Duluth. Their smiles and giggles were contagious.

Photo By: John Hanson

LEFT: Ian and his dad Kerry drove six hours to watch my 450

Photo By: John Hanson

class AMA Pro Motocross debut in Pennsylvania this past summer. I think they were the first people at the track! I was so pumped they stopped by to wish me luck.

LEFT: This is Larry and I’m quite certain he was

my number one fan. At every race in Minnesota and Wisconsin, I’d see him by my trailer and at the podium. He just hung around, bouncing with excitement and telling me “Good luck Tucker – go get ‘em buddy!” For the longest time, I didn’t know his name but he faithfully supported me at every race he could get to. Finally, three years ago, Rob picked up a conversation with Larry and invited him into the trailer to warm-up. The next thing I knew, he was sporting a Castle X Racewear jacket and made an honorary member of Team 68. A few years later, in the summer of 2011, I got an email from Larry’s wife telling me he had been diagnosed with cancer and was in the hospital. She thought a surprise visit from his favorite racer would cheer him up. With that, Mandi, Rob and I decided to spend an afternoon with him. We shared stories for a couple hours and left with, “See you at Duluth!” Sadly, Larry didn’t make it to Duluth that fall. I’ll never forget his excitement and am forever grateful I had the opportunity to get to know him.

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Headhsot by Todd Williams • www.toddwilliamsusa.com

WINGING IT WITH LEVI LEVI LAVALLEE

NINETEEN AND HONORED

Shooting video under the lights.

E

ver wonder what would be like to be in the center of a tornado?

Remember the movie “Twister” when the guy is strapped to a pipe and directly in the middle of the tornado?

With X-Games only weeks away (at this writing), I think I do! There is so much going on right now, I’m spinning faster then a Twister! Ha ha With so much training, riding, and preparation prior to X-Games, January is always an incredibly busy month.

Unfortunately, the only riding I’ve found

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myself doing the past couple of years prior to X-Games has been done in front of the television. But this year, thankfully, I’m back and training for X-Games has never gone better, but at the same time I have been very busy. I definitely can tell I haven’t jumped freestyle since 2010, but it has been fun to get out and get after it again. I get up and go ride snocross in the morning and then ride freestyle in afternoon, then work on new tricks in the foam-pit in the evening. On top of all that, I have done multiple video shoots, enjoyed a trip to the east coast for a few days with Polaris, and work to keep the Team LaVallee truck rolling down the road.

In short, it has been madness around here, and I have to give out a huge high-

Long time industry photographer grabbing some photos…

Which one is the real Levi?

Dayco was here.

Ride with confidence.

www.dayco.com

My little slice for freestyle heaven.

The world looks different off a ramp.

• Billet Wheels

• Offset & re-location axles

• Billet Wheels with replaceable rubber

• Big Wheel kits

• Snowflap savers • Billet pull cord handles & choke levers • Gas Caps • Custom Riser’s

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• Billet grills & Snowflap plates

five to all the people and sponsors that help me make it all happen. They spend countless hours helping set ramps; prep the freestyle course; run the foam pit; maintain the sleds; and on the side, I’ve discovered they are really good at consuming Red Bull as well! LOL. We must go through a case of Red Bull a day during the month of January.

However, without a doubt, the highlight of the month is being chosen as one of the top 50 most influential people in Action Sports by ESPN. I went “through the roof” with excitement when I learned about the honor. I was the lone snowmobiler, at number 19, to make the list that includes Travis Pastrana, Shaun White, Kelly Slater, and even the founder of Twitter, Jack Dorsey. I cannot even begin to tell you how honored I am to be on the same list as these folks and others. Looking back to when I was a kid, or even the early years of my career, I would have never guessed I would accomplish the things that I have or be chosen for list like this. I think such an honor says a lot about the people that have helped me out over the years. They are the reason I have been able to accomplish the things I have, and I thank you each for this.

Well, the foam pit is calling and I don’t want to keep it waiting. See you on the snow! ✪

Pumped and humbled on being the only snowmobiler to make the ESPN list of 50 Most Influential People in Action Sports.

Stay Connected TeamLaVallee.com

Twitter.com/Levi_LaVallee

Facebook.com/LeviLaValleeFanPage

✪

FOR THE RECORD

11

PAUL THACKER

RIPPIN’ FOR X photo by Keith McKenna

W

ow, it’s hard to believe that I am writing this in the New Year, 2013. It is truly amazing how fast the time flies these days. Must be a sign that we are all getting older! Bah! I refuse to believe that’s what it is. Must be that we are all having just too dang much fun!

Of course, by now you know that Snocross is back at Winter-X. I was super stoked to hear the news and of course, my next immediate thought was, what about adaptive snocross? So I made a few calls, did some begging, and may or may not have sold my first-born child and bam! The announcement comes that adaptive is back at Winter X Games as well. I was so stoked when I got the call, telling me the event was on and I would be invited.

I have been fortunate enough to compete at Winter X Games many times over the years, but I have to say that this year ranks at or near the top. To have a life changing injury like mine, and knowing you may never have a chance to ride or compete at the level you did previously is something that definitely

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Not only am I back in the saddle, but I’m back in flight!

runs through your mind on a daily basis.

It’s a harsh reality, but all you can do is keep your head up and stay positive.

Getting an invitation to return to Winter X is definitely one of those things that keep the positive energy flowing.

To say I was elated to get the new is an understatement, since for many of us, X Games is the Super Bowl of snowmobiling.

To get a chance to compete after my injury, at that level, on a stage so big is nothing short of amazing! To make the invite even sweeter is the fact that I tried for many years to qualify for X Games snocross and I was always right on the bubble, never quite making it in. Now, I’ve finally made it.

With X-Games on my radar, the time leading up to it was filled with a lot of hard work, training, travel and sponsorship chasing. The biggest obstacle though, was learning how to ride again, and by that I mean figuring out how stay on the

sled. I figured my previous attempts using Velcro and a Bungee cord wasn’t going to cut it if I was going to be competing against with the likes of Doug Henry and Mike Shultz. So I contacted my pals at Polaris, (Pat Adrian) and was able to recruit the engineering department to photo by Keith McKenna

Exhausted after a long day of riding at ERX Motor Park in Elk River, Minn.

photo by Keith McKenna

On my way to Minnesota to train for Winter X

tackle my problem. All I can say is that the result is nothing short of WOW! Cory Wimpfheimer, along with the help of Rick Bates whipped up an incredible, adaptive capable seat system. I gave them a short list of the things I wanted it to do, and they went above and beyond my wildest dreams. The entire Polaris engineering crew is amazing and I can’t say enough good things about them. They truly went above and beyond and there is no way I could have competed at X-Games without them.

Check out the amazing seat the engineering crew at Polaris created for my return to racing. Thank you guys…you are the best!

It’s hard to race if you don’t have any sleds to ride right? So I have to give a huge thanks to Polaris marketing and a special thanks to new Polaris Race Director Tom Rager Jr. We had a great chat and then he said the magic words we all want to hear, “Yeah I think we can get you a couple sleds.” If I could have jumped for joy, I would have; instead I hopped for joy! The new race sled absolutely rips and corners like it’s on rails! I’m really happy to be working with the race department. To do so has been

a goal of mine since I first started racing. I couldn’t ask for a better set up.

It was then time to bang on the doors of all my sponsors and I have to say that everyone that I have worked with in the past still believes in my program. It definitely is a great feeling when I send an email or make a phone call and the person on the other end replies with “sure thing Paul, whatever you need.”

I’m so fortunate to have the best sponsors and partners in the industry.

As the days to X-Games approach,

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✪

35

FOR THE RECORD

PAUL THACKER

I’ve been doing everything I can to prepare for Winter-X; riding, training, eating right, and believe it or not… no partying! I know it’s hard to believe but it’s true! Being back on a sled is an amazing feeling and I can’t wait to race once again. Snocross – I’m back baby!

Before I cut outI really have to thank my sponsors for still believing. You all ROCK! Monster Energy, Polaris, Slednecks, Oakley, FOX Shox, Shoei Helmets, HMK, GoPro, XproHeli, C&A Pro skis, Studboy, Kicker, Arctic FX and last but certainly not least Bristow’s Polaris Cheers and keep ripping!

– PT

www.paulthacker11.com

Twitter.com/paulthacker11

FIND ME ON FACEBOOK!

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My crew helping me get ready for Winter X has been phenomenal.

The intensity and focus is back.

QUÉBEC FEDERATION OF SNOWMOBILE CLUBS (FCMQ) INVITES YOU

Photo : Tourisme Abitibi-Témiscamingue

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To take full advantage of our trails for a longer period of time, do what over 80,000 fellow snowmobiler owners do and contact a local club. Trail permits for 1, 3 or 7 days are available, as well as seasonal passes. Happy trails!

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FORWARD THINKING HEATH FRISBY

CHARGED AND READY

W

With my new shop yet to be truly “broken-in,” my new Summit XM was ready and waiting for the boys from Aerocharger to do their thing.

ith X Games approaching fast, (at this writing) and training getting intense, I took a few days to let loose at home and get my Aerocharger project finished up on my new XM Summit. I often train with Joe Parsons in Yakima Washington, which meant I had to make the five hour drive back home to Middleton Idaho to meet Calvin Felker from Felker Motorsports and the boys from Aerocharger.

Going in, I really had no idea what needed to be done. Up until this year, I’ve always been

Aside from the new intake system, the bulk of the install takes place right here, with a new exhaust hole needing to be cut, and then bolting on the supplied brackets, hardware, and variable vein turbo from Aerocharger.

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a believer in keeping things stock. My SkiDoo sleds have always been super reliable, having never missed a powder day in a long time, due to unplanned wrenching. This season however, I wanted something different and something that could go further than what a stock XM was capable of.

Before the make-over commenced, I removed the hood, headlight, exhaust, airbox, and intake system. With all those parts pushed off to the side, it was time for Calvin and the crew from Aerocharger to work their magic. The first step was to replace the stock reeds, due to the dramatic change in fuel delivery the system would deliver, as the turbo force feeds the 800 Rotax. With the turbo pushing in more air, more fuel is needed, which is why the Aerocharger unit adds two additional Bosh fuel injectors, mounted inside the Aerocharger supplied intake system. This system is fastened in place of the stock unit, followed by pressure tested hoses that link the intake to the turbo.

With this step done, it was time to start cutting the necessary hole for the turbo exhaust exit, by using the supplied template and a hole saw to create an opening in the stock plastics for the massive amount of exhaust that the system would expel. With this done, we were on easy street as we mounted the turbo with the supplied bracket and hardware, and set the unit to eight pounds of boost. A few additional hose connections, along with the mounting of the fuel management system, and boost and

@heathfrisby

facebook.com/heathfrisby

Calvin Felker from Felker Motorsports is a stickler for details and fortunately, he found the easy-to-follow Aerocharger install instructions at the bottom of my trash bin, which I tossed in my excited haste to get things rolling.

air/fuel ratio gauges in the dash, and we were quickly wrapping things up.

With little left but a scattering of wrenches and empty cardboard boxes, we adjusted the clutching in order to harness the additional 100-horsepower my E-Tec would now deliver.

We added the recommended clutch springs that Calvin had requested for my riding elevation, and we bumped up the pin weight of the clutch arms in order to keep the engine RPM in check.

With the install complete, I started to have some of the same questions anyone else would have. “What do I do now?” “What do I need to adjust to dial it in?” “Will it start?”

Calvin’s answer seemed crazy to me, “Don’t touch anything,” he said. “I bet you a

Here you can see the top of the Aerocharger supplied intake system, just above the secondary inlet for the turbo supplied, charge of air.

Once things start getting buttoned-up, the system is very clean underhood.

grand it starts on the first pull and you’ll be ready to go.”

Now I’ve always been skeptical when it comes to hop-up parts and crazy mechanics writing checks their skill level can’t cash. So, with that we loaded up the Summit XM in my new Mirage trailer and headed for snow near McCall, Idaho, to see if Calvin’s set-up and somewhat bold prediction was correct.

The next morning, to my surprise, the Summit came to life on one pull! Calvin explained that our main focus was to make sure that the air-to-fuel gauge was reading no higher than 14, which would ensure the motor would not be too lean. My gauge was reading 11; right where Calvin wanted it, since the engine was still operating in

the initial safe-mode, programmed into all E-tech motors to ensure proper engine break-in.

Calvin took it for a quick rip, brought it back and asked me if I was ready. To be honest, I was more than a bit nervous. I had ridden only a few turbo charged sleds to this point, both of which were extremely awkward, due to the incredible amount of turbo lag they both exhibited. To my surprise, the Aerocharger system had little to no lag, and was incredibly manageable.

Calvin explained to me that it was

You didn’t think I could get through an entire column without throwing in a few tricks. Here I’m working on a Can-Can Backflip.

I’m hoping to take things a step further at X-Games this year with tricks like this front flip cork screw. Training has been going amazing.

because the Aerocharger is a variable vein turbo versus a standard turbo with a blow-off valve.

We put about thirty miles on the XM that evening, just for break-in and in spite of the massive amount of frostbite that I received, due to being unprepared for my first real ride of the season, it was a blast. With the set-up done, Calvin and the boys from Aerocharger headed off to northern Idaho to meet up with another client, to install another unit. I have done a lot of modifications in the past, but I’m blown away at how turn-key their unit was. Check ‘em out at www.aerocharger.com. ✪

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39

THE DAILY

COMMUTE

By Jason MacDonald

About the Mac

Our resident wrench and part time Elvis impersonator, Jason MacDonald, is an avid snowmobiler and rides every chance he gets.

Each issue, Jason or “Mac” as he is affectionately referred to within the OSM office for his love of any boxed cheese and pasta meals, scrawls out his thoughts on a bar napkin and hands them over to editor in chief Bourgeois to decipher and attempt to create complete sentences from the babble. Jason is infatuated with snowmobiles and he knows his way around a sled, regardless of its age. His first buggy was a 1971 Skiroule S-400, and he hasn’t stopped riding since. Mac has done it all in the snowmobile business, including sweeping dealership floors; sales and service; technical diagnostics; technical writing; technical training; and wrenching for I-500, snocross and NSSR competitors. In total, Jason has been addicted to snowmobiles for 33 years, worked at a dealership for 16, a manufacturer for 6, and has mooched off OSM for 3. Each year we give Mac the keys to our snowmobile cookie jar, and he rides our long-term loaners to work daily. In addition, Mac keeps our fleet serviced and tuned, and is always at the ready to take an extra long, weekend trip at a moment’s notice. While snow conditions were sparse for most of us last winter, Jason squeezed in a ride every chance he got, and continued to ride to work, even when conditions were sketchy at best. Folks; Elvis has entered the building.

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2012 Yamaha RS Vector ROUND 2 W

Another Year, A Bigger Window

hen the season that never was, wound down, (or would that be petered-out?) our loaner RS Vector showed far fewer turns on the clock than we would have liked. The low mileage certainly didn’t reflect dissatisfaction for the three banger tuner, but more so reminded us how fickle Mother Nature has been lately with the winter paah. We dubbed the power steering equipped buggy the Victor Vector, thinking it sounded like a gentlemanly name for the well mannered trail honer. The Vick started last season with a trailer ride to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for a proper break-in ride, consisting of sparse covered railroad grades, linked in with some flowing secondary trails that varied in condition from good to good enough. Given these conditions, and others like them, it didn’t take long for the stock wear bars to reach nub status, and were quickly binned for a set of Woody’s 6-inch Executives. The change gained us considerably more bite over the fresh stockers, with no noticeable change in steering effort...all praise power steering.

Turns out those “good-nuff” trailer conditions were the norm for the entire “shortened” season (although we were fortunate enough to log a weekend on perfect, riding-in-the-storm conditions).

During that ride and others, we often let

the Victor be the “sampler” sled in the group, and the feedback was always the same; surprise, followed by smiles, followed by admiration for the often overlooked Yamaha cruiser. So why wreck a good thing?

After gaining the go ahead from Yamaha brass, we were lucky enough to keep Victor in the mix for another season, and in doing so, we opened up the Yamaha accessory catalogue to make a good thing even better. The lack of snow further hastened front of the rail hyfax wear, a known issue with most current model Yamaha buggies. Given that, the new DuPont Vespel impregnated hyfax, (which is said to last longer than Ron Jeremy) was atop our list. Following those slippery strips on the order sheet were Tuner skis, tailmounted luggage, knee pads, and one very, very tall windshield.

With the help of the Frenchman Bourgeois and Prowler, (our neighbor who has an affinity for farm implements and forced induction performance) we updated the Vector prior to the season, with service, love and accessory affection. All this while we stayed adequately hydrated throughout the evening of service. In total, Victor received an oil change; a bigger window; chaincase fluid change and chain adjustment; a bigger window; grease in

With less than a 1,000 clicks on the odo, we were nearing pure aluminum on front of the Vector rails.

all the right spots; clutch and belt cleaning; a bigger window; Tuner Skis (set up with 2” of carbide on the outside and 4” inside); Vespel hyfax; a bigger window; rear seat mounted luggage, and did we mention a bigger window? Yup, the Yamaha accessory windshield is so big, it took three guys to mount it, a 12-pack of Coors Light, and two steel support rods mounted to the dash to ensure it retains its wind deflecting prowess.

In just the first ride of the season, we immediately appreciated the add-ons, especially the Tuner Skis, which eliminated the last few hints of darting, and made the already fluid steering traits of Victor even better. But with another winter of marginal snow conditions on tap, (at least at this writing) we burned through out new dual wear bar combo in under 400-miles. To our surprise, both Tuner Skis had also developed cracks near a plastic molding transition line at the front of the ski. We reinstalled the stock skis with plenty of Woody’s bar still intact, and according to the kids at Yamaha, our cracked Tuner experience is extremely rare (one of only three known instances). With replacement Tuners on the way, we should know by

Yamaha accessory DuPont Vespel hyfax is said to deliver 6-fold the durability over stock strips. The Yamaha cross-country team uses the slippery stuff, allowing them to virtually eliminate additional wheels in the skid-frame in low snow conditions.

The new Tuner Skis mount right up to 2012 Vector, and will with almost any late model Yamaha.

season’s end if it was random happenstance or something more.

Despite the setback, the Vector remains near the top of our list for long days of groomed trail riding, thanks in large part to its fatigue reducing power steering, never let you down reliability, and easy on the wallet fuel efficiency. Now with added storage, happy knee caps, and the wind protection of a patio door sized window pane, it just got better.

Both of our Tuner Skis showed signs of fatigue failure where the ski loop meets the saddle. Yamaha has said that this is only the third failure they have seen, with others coming from fixed object impacts.

It could have been their well hydrated state, but the big window proved to be the most time consuming install of the night, but also the most appreciated once we hit the trails.

Aside from the accessories, the Victor Vector received a full pre-season tune-up and fluid flush.

Sticky side in...sticky side in!

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Sledder Festivals

Some of the best times during the winter months are when snowmobilers take over a town with the full support of businesses and local dignitaries. We picked five, in season snowmobile events, with a few yet to happen this season, and a couple to help you plan for next year, in which the community rallies around our preferred, winter recreation. These are worth road trips and sacrificed vacation hours. While each event has its own unique theme and returning features, they are all places where you can celebrate snowmobiling, past and present, and hoist post-ride beverages with like-minded enthusiasts.

SNOWDEO COLEBROOK MARCH 1-2, 2013 COLEBROOK, NEW HAMPSHIRE WWW.NHSNODEO.COM

An Antique Sled Parade highlights the 21st Annual Swift Diamond Riders SnoDeo in Colebrook, New Hampshire, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg at this storied event. It’s usually the first time in the East that the manufacturer’s new lineups are unveiled publicly. Along with machines new and old, attendees can watch races, take a ride in a helicopter, along with numerous vendors and activities for all ages. It’s a good one, with crowds often exceeding 7,000 people.

SNOFEST MARCH 8-9, 2013 OLD FORGE, NEW YORK WWW.VISITMYADIRONDACKS.COM/SNOFEST

Old Forge is rife with snowmobile history, and the town embraces Snofest each March. Vendors fill the recreation center with their wares. There are vintage sled displays, and if weather permits, the local dealers sponsor manufacturer demo rides for all four snowmobile brands. If snow is elusive and you can’t ride them, it’s a chance to see the new 2014 models and rub elbows with thousands of other snowmobile lovers. There are events for kids, and Freestyle Shows on both days with a Back-Flip Fireworks Finale on Saturday evening.

Got a favorite not listed? Let us know at info@osmmag.com 42

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WEST YELLOWSTONE EXPO MARCH 15-17, 2013 WEST YELLOWSTONE, MONTANA WWW.SNOWMOBILEEXPO.COM

Long considered the snowmobile capital of the world, during the winter months the roads in West Yellowstone stay snow covered for snowmobile travel to your lodging and restaurant locations. The West Yellowstone Expo includes a professional freestyle show, snocross race, runwhacha-brung bracket drag racing for all, a vendor fair, and the best location for new snowmobile demo rides with manufacturers that also highlight the new 2014 models.

Premium trails spur in all directions with numerous rental operations and easy access from the Bozeman airport.

And you can still ride into the park for a winter visit to Old Faithful, on guided journeys aboard compliant technology snowmobiles – something everyone should experience at least once. Snowcoaches be damned!

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Void where yourself to standup at participating dealerships visit polaris.com/ridewithlevi your off winning depend on the number o off eligible en entries Correct to skill-testing polaris.com/ridewithlevi and follow follow the on-screen on-screen directions directions to to upload y our photo photo and complete complete and submit the online entry entr try y fform. orm. Odds o tries received. received. Corr ect answer t o mathematical mathematical skilltesting questions required required for for Canadian winner. complete Official at Polaris Inc.,., 2100 Hw Hwy 55340.. **3.99% Finance R Rate Months: limited offer valid winner. Limit one entry entry per person. person. For For details, details, see complet e Of ficial Rules Rules a t www.polaris.com/ridewithlevi. www.polaris.com/ridewithlevi. Sponsor: P olaris Industries Inc y 55, Medina, MN 55340 ate ffor or 36 Mon ths: This is a limit ed time o ffer which is v alid ffor or the purchase to Auto Offer not certain other offers, to may terminated pur chase of of selected selected qualifying qualifying models and is subject t o credit credit approval approval from from TD A uto Finance® (TDAF) (TDAF) on qualified purchases purchases financed during this program. program. Of fer may may no t be combined with cert ain o ther o ffers, is subject t o change and ma y be extended extended or t erminated without further complete details Rates other lenders may vary.

Monthly payment off borr borrowing amount borrowed payment/trade. amount to $5,000.

Example: further notice. notice. See participating participating retailers retailers ffor or complet e det ails and conditions. R ates ffrom rom o ther lender s ma yv ary. Mon thly pa yment and cost o owing will vary var ary y depending on amoun t borr owed and down pa yment/trade. Minimum amoun tt o finance is $5, 000. E xample: $7,500 at payments off $221. $221.40 borrowing $470.27 total obligation off $ $7,970.27.

Freight, PPSA/RPDRM, insurance, any administration other taxes are $7,500 financed a t 3.99% over over 36 months months = 36 monthly monthly pa yments o 40 with a cost of of borr owing of of $47 $4 70.27 and a t otal obliga tion o 7,970.27. F reight, licence, PPS A/RPDRM, insur ance, rregistration, egistration, an y rretailer etailer administr ation ffees ees and o ther applicable ffees ees and t axes ar e not amount.

Dealers are to enrolled TDAF participate.

Professional that riders take not attempt maneuvers beyond not included in the financed amoun t. Dealer s ar e ffree ree t o set individual prices, but must be enr olled with TD AF to to participa te. Pr ofessional rider on a closed course. course. Polaris Polaris rrecommends ecommends tha t all snowmobile rider st ake a training training course. course. Do no ta ttempt maneuv ers be yond your your capability.

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Sledder Festivals

RED LIGHT RALLY DECEMBER 5-8, 2013 HURLEY, WISCONSIN WWW.HURLEYWI.COM

If it’s a party you seek, lock this event into the last page of your current calendar. Sponsored by the Hurley Area Chamber of Commerce, The Red Light Rally returned in 2012 and featured a poker run, vintage sleds, raffles – and what many call the best nightlife of all, with live music and dancing (yes, both kinds). If snow is on the ground, Hurley is trail accessible to Eagle River, as well as the popular spots in the U.P. such as Lake in the Clouds. Advanced registration scores a discount on the poker run fee as well as commemorative swag!

SNODEO RANGELY JANUARY 23-25, 2014 RANGELY, MAINE WWW.RANGLEYSNOWMOBILE.COM

Presented by the local Rangley Lakes Snowmobile Club, this is an event for the whole family. Several kid themed events such as treasure hunts, mascots and games throughout the weekend compliment the swap meet, demo rides, poker run, races, snowmobile parade, and more. Seeking food? A chili cookoff, great BBQ, and a pig roast are some of the highlights, and ample after-dark establishments throw out the snowmobiler welcome mat, too. All event locations are snowmobile accessible, and Saturday night fireworks cap off the three-day festival.

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TM aicm e hines

By Jim Urquhart

‘69

Ski-Doo Double Eagle In

the mid-1960s, Polaris distributor Ray Brandt had an idea to run snowmobile races in West Yellowstone, Montana. Brandt thought it would draw attention to the incredible snowmobiling in the area, and since he was also trying to get a snowmobile tour operation set up in the park, (which would help him sell snowmobiles) it would call attention to his proposed business.

Snowmobiles were new to the area at the time and most businesses in West Yellowstone closed up for the winter because things were so slow. But one, the Stagecoach Inn, stayed open and its owner Howard Kelsey was on board with Brandt’s idea to bring snowmobilers into the then summer only tourist destination and hopefully, promote the area’s winter allure as well.

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TM aicm e Ski-Doo Double Eagle hines

Brandt called a meeting of interested parties and soon after, the Western Snowmobile Association was formed, racing rules were drafted with classes sorted according to engine size, and dates were set for the very first West

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Yellowstone Roundup. That first Roundup was a huge success and it placed West Yellowstone firmly on the snowmobile racing map. After that, for one weekend every March, the town became the hotbed of snowmobile

racing. Two things happened at West Yellowstone that first year - since it was so late in the season, manufacturers brought out their prototype sleds slated for production the next year so fans and racers were able to see and test new

stuff; and for the first time, riders from East and West met and raced in a brutally bumpy mountain cross-country event.

By garnering so much attention, West Yellowstone became the place where the factories hoped to strut their stuff in both racing and presence. Polaris, for example, rented the entire Stagecoach Inn for its racers and employees, while Ski-Doo filled The Dude.

There was a unwritten rule that you only hung out with those who had the same color jackets - yellow for Ski-Doo, red for Rupp, blue for Polaris and so on.

The second Roundup in March 1967 added another form of competition to the list; a sanctioned speed run, and Bob Eastman set the world record with a speed of 73.9MPH on a 744 Polaris.

TM aicm e Ski-Doo Double Eagle hines

Suddenly, with so much competitiveness already in the air at the Roundup, the speed run was on everyone’s radar (no pun intended). The next year Polaris set a new record speed when Gerry Reese’s Polaris went 83MPH. Ski-Doo, who was invested heavily in all forms of racing at

the time, as well as the Roundup itself, as well as several other brands, did not take these back-to-back speed run wins lightly.

By 1969 the speed runs at the West Yellowstone Roundup had gotten serious and purpose-built, go-fast sleds began to

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surface at the event. Arctic Cat brought the “Big Cat,” a Panther powered by six 372 JLO engines and ridden by Wayne Burkel. Gerry Reese returned with a Polaris TX, powered by two 774cc engines and Polaris’ first slide rail suspension. Mickey Rupp topped them all with his 428CI Ford V8-powered Super Sno-Sport, an intimidating chromemoly tube frame, twin-track, dragsterstyle machine. The engine boasted 525HP and sported four Weber carburetors, Gurney Eagle heads, and Zoomie headers. The Rupp Super SnoSport was expected to break 150mph.

Rupp’s machine was the first dragster snowmobile and MPC even made a kids’ model kit copy of it. But the crazy Rupp dragster was a disappointment, clocking a speed of just over 92MPH, far off the predicted 150+MPH speeds it was expected to lay down.

Instead, it proved to be the year of the Ski-Doo Double Eagle and Idaho native Duane Eck. Powered by two 669cc Rotax engines, Eck set the speed record of 95.33MPH, more than 10mph faster than Reese’s speed run from the year previous. After all the factories had put their best efforts into the speed run, it was Ski-Doo who took the top honors and earned bragging right for at least the next year.

The Double Eagle wasn’t Ski-Doo’s first attempt at building a record-setting machine; it had built a double twin Rotax the year before using two 600cc Rotax engines. While that sled wasn’t successful, they learned from it and built the Double Eagle. The Double Eagle used a 1969 T’NT chassis, modified to accept the two fan-cooled 669 Rotax engines. The engines themselves were also modified, pumping out 65horsepower each, 20 more than their stock trim. The tuned pipes, a relatively new technology for the time, were hand built by Gary Scott. Each engine had a set of clutches that sent power into a separate chaincase and then into a triple driver, which spun the 18x114-inch track.

The sled is said to weigh 455lbs. Sources indicate Ski-Doo built three Double Eagle snowmobiles, but the one shown here and on display at the Snowmobile Hall of Fame in St. Germain, Wisconsin, is the actual Double Eagle ridden by Eck to the record in 1969 (although some sources claim he set the record in 1970). To learn more about the Snowmobile Hall of Fame, visit their website at: www.snowmobilehalloffame.com

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Anchor

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Scorpion TKX 890

Anchor of the Month

TKX 890 NAME: Scorpion _________________________________________________________ and red with checkered flags (Yes!) COLOR: black ________________________________________________________

x 110” – long, low and not a prom queen DIMENSIONS: 45” ___________________________________________________

(249kg) WEIght(DRy): 550lbs __________________________________________________

BIRth DAtE:

1999 Falmouth, Michigan ___________ BIRthPLACE: __________________________

put the band back together and rock peoples faces off with metal-flake and AMBItIONS: To ____________________________________________________

spine-tingling rides like it was 1976. _______________________________________________________________

Whale watching, watching Biggest Loser, Formula 1 inspired suspension tURN-ONS: _____________________________________________________

designs, satin and checkerboard riding jackets and those giant dump trucks you see in the _______________________________________________________________

gravel pits. _______________________________________________________________

1980, bumpy or twisty trails, magazine reviews, Michael Schenker, 2001 tURN-OFFS: ____________________________________________________

Scorpions, “Love Drive,” Scorpions “Wind of Change,” Megadeth, FAvORItE SONgS/MUSICIANS: ______________________________________ “The Scorpion,” Scorpions, “Still Loving You,” Scorpions, “No One Like You.” _______________________________________________________________

Beluga, Comeback Kid, Bubble Butt NICKNAMES: Baby ____________________________________________________

of the wave of “new” snowmobile manufacturers that were ushered in by the new DARK SECREtS: Part _________________________________________________

millennium, Scorpion brought a previously-established brand name with them. In actuality, the attempted resurrection of the _______________________________________________________________ Scorpion nameplate was the doing of John Mitchell and Warren Goddard. While neither had a strong affinity or history with _______________________________________________________________

the Scorpion brand, that didn’t stop them from spending a speculated $1 million dollars on securing the Scorpion name for reasons _______________________________________________________________ of_______________________________________________________________ “coolness” alone. It shouldn’t take a grad school mathematician to see the foreshadowing on this venture where money was

spent “like a drunken sailor” according to those who were close the project. Like other fifth manufacturer efforts of the time, _______________________________________________________________ (most of which suffered the same fate) the revived Scorpion proved too much a quilt work of stuff that, on its own, was _______________________________________________________________

kick ass, but when assembled into a snowmobile with little forethought, proved to be Frankenstein’s monster. Scorpion claimed _______________________________________________________________ to_______________________________________________________________ use CAD/CAM technology and virtual testing to shake down the sled before it even hit the snow, but a simple bathroom scale would have told them it had a huge Achilles heel. Suspension technology was supposedly derived from Formula 1, but _______________________________________________________________

pushrod-activated shocks had already been used. And the rear skid was uncoupled, a big-no-no during that time if you were _______________________________________________________________ looking for any sort of trail comfort. Scorpion left the chaincase on the CAD/CAM screen and used direct drive, which created _______________________________________________________________

an awkward hump on the bottom of the belly pan for secondary clutch clearance. Bolted into the bulkhead was a 160-HP, 890cc _______________________________________________________________

PSI Genesis engine because hey, everyone needs a mod engine for trail riding. Unlike a previous AOTM,(Redline) the Scorpion actually _______________________________________________________________ saw action in front of a public audience when it was raced at the Haydays grass drags in the fall of 2000. According to _______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________ sources, a total of 12 sleds were produced, along with one rolling chassis before the last inebriated sailor tipped off his bar stool.

_______________________________________________________________ Ultimately, the sled proved to be an example of wanting it all with nowhere to go.

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53

FIRST BURN

2013 ARCTIC CAT 800 XF LXR

TIGER TAUNT doubt OSM staffers have special privileges, and having the keys to new products sits high atop the list. While it’s something we don’t take for granted, if you talk to our neighbors, they may argue that at times, we tend to flaunt the benefit. As proof, check our text message history and you’ll find such comments as “Me want!” and “That beast in your front yard is taunting me,” in reference to the 2013 Arctic Cat 800 XF LXR. At $12,249, it comes standard with an under-seat storage bag, the deluxe gauge package, and electric start. When mild

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temperatures brought unwanted rain, followed by a freeze earlier this season, we found the key switch frozen solid. While we blame the weather, water did have a direct path into the horizontally mounted switch. Aside from the de-icing delay to start-up, the Cat did more than just look good – it was eager to please.

Like other Cats we’ve tested with the current generation 800 twin, the 160ish horsepower engages hard and puts power to the ground aggressively. It’s a thrusty feel from the cockpit that makes the machine feel light and lively, with enough intake and

It’s damn handsome, but the engine bay and oil filler are too cumbersome to access beneath the sculpted, well fitting plastics.

exhaust noise for aggressive attitude. It gave the appearance of being thirsty: the digital fuel gauge blinked empty with a mere 77 miles on the clock. Our past measured, actual figure, drawing from the 10.6 gallon tank is between 9 and 10 miles per gallon, rather than the 7 indicated. This is a healthy “reserve” warning from the gauge, but we’d prefer one that’s better calibrated to actual.

The ProCross chassis retained much of the comfort found on the one-chassis platform, removed Twin Spar. While there is great separation from terrain harshness, for some there is too much isolation from how the sled “feels” in suspension and steering action, which robs confidence. Still, the XF is well composed and predictable, having a better fore and aft balance than its short-track siblings. It also treats drivers with flat, stable cornering despite a seat that, though sculpted for easy side-to-side transitions, leaves drivers feeling tall atop the saddle.

In addition to our admiring neighbors, we had several “thumbs up” and a few teens who trailside, offered lustful gazes and full fist pumps. Even though we feel the platform has a few shortcomings in handling and ergonomics, the ProCross platform has reenergized Arctic Cat’s performance heritage with a refined, lightweight chassis, oozing innovation. It taunts other sled fans indeed, and the fist pumps are deserved.

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FIRST BURN

2013 POLARIS INDY 600 SP

REMEMBER WHEN he arrival of the Indy nameplate elicits memories. The mental images we conjured up while riding the new-for-2013 Polaris Indy 600 SP were plentiful. We couldn’t help it when making comparisons to Indys old and new – and impressions during winter’s first half were a mix of memories and current model enthusiasm.

Remember when ... an Indy SP had the premium feature list on the showfloor? While they’ve always had graphics and cosmetics specialization, (and upgraded engines, on occasion) SPs have, first and foremost, been about upgrades. Today’s Indy SP, when

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compared to the standard model, features better shocks, a better track, and an appearance package to top off its $8,999 list price, a one-large increase over the $7,999 standard Indy.

Remember when … spirited riding meant sliding into a corner, then after backing it in, powering out of the Apex with a fistful of throttle? The ride of the new Indy is familiar Polaris and as stated in previous editions, a feel that is the next step forward from the IQ chassis of a few years ago. While the spec sheet may indicate components were paid for in the last decade to hit a low price target, the foundation of the new Indy

Remember these control blocks? You should – they are unchanged for more than a decade.

Though used across the trail lineup, they are one of the things that help keep prices in check.

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THE CONVENTIONAL SKID, BASED ON APPEARANCE, CREATES BETTER FANFARE. RIPPER MOTOR THAT IN USUAL POLARIS FASHION IT’S CLUTCHED JUST RIGHT.

> SP is the lightweight, stiff ProRide chassis with the latest generation front end that stays flat and holds its line well – and the serpentine drive action from the rear is there, driver willing.

Remember when … the Indy EFI system debuted in the early 90s? They were prone to battery failures and subject to a patent infringement lawsuit, but they offered a never-jet advantage. The new Indy uses the 600 Cleanfire twin that is well mapped and clutched. It’s a ripper with seamless, responsive revs from engagement to our observed 8300 rpm out-of-the-box shift out, and the engine feels even more lively and fun than ever with the Pro Ride front mated to a conventional skid under a full tunnel.

Remember when … Fox IFP shocks were da bomb? While needles, clickers, and piggyback reservoirs are terms used to describe the latest in shock technology, 20 years ago a pair of Fox IFPs were the best on snow.

FLAMES SEAT IS FIRM WITH A NARROW MIDSECTION – NOT MANY WILL FIND IT ALL-DAY COMFORTABLE. RUNNING BOARD TRACTION IS REQUIRED EQUIPMENT ON ALL SLEDS – BARGAIN PRICED OR NOT – AND LACKING HERE. WIDE STRAIGHT HANDLEBARS GET A LITTLE UNCOMFORTABLE IN FULL LOCK TURNS.

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57

FIRST BURN

2013 POLARIS INDY 600 SP

Well, guess what? They still work great all these years later. When strapped in all four locations, we check the “exceeds expectations” box, despite being among the things that keep the price modest.

The Indy coupled rear suspension is nothing new – it’s a tried and true design, following Indy and IQ designs of the past that is well controlled though a smooth compression stroke, and a

familiar speedy rebound common to Polaris skid frames.

Remember when … drivers sat low aboard an Indy, and did all the driving through the bars with knees-out leans?

Rider forward chassis make the driver a critical component to the handling equation – body weight is the greatest influence to a sled’s center of gravity.

Though there are hints of Indy handling

When riding the Indy this season, we spent most of our time in the mid section of the seat where it’s too narrow for our comfort preferences. The tapered design eases movement for improved handling, however.

in cor ners, drivers are the greatest influence to keeping the Pro Ride chassis planted, and drivers need to move all over the cockpit to achieve those benefits. That’s when we notice the lack of traction for connecting our feet to the sled.

Remember when … the thing that made an Indy an Indy was the ride experience, certainly, but Indy also promised good value? Maybe that hasn’t changed. We’d write a check for one of these before spending thousands more for a Rush. ✪

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For safety training in Canada please contact your local Polaris dealer. Never drink and ride. 2012 Polaris industries Inc.

HERO RIDES

THE BIG MEN ON CAMPUS AND THEIR RIDES ey, we admit that when it comes to scaling walls of granite, heavily dusted with snow at nose bleed elevations, we take a back seat to plenty of riders.

Just like any discipline in motorsports, there’s a fractional group of haves, and a much larger group of have-nots. From anodized and polished posers, to bottom of the bowl, big talkers, to magazine hacks like ourselves; when it comes to truly testing the limits of today’s mountain machines, we’ll let the backcountry heroes and their rides do the talking.

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TODD TUPPER ARCTIC CAT PROCLIMB M

Photo by Stephen Clark

With a racing career that spans nearly 20-years, Tupper continues to show his hero status in RMSHA competitions, where he finesses the new ProClimb Cat to the crest of some of the world’s toughest climbs.

credibility can be measured by years and experience, Todd Tupper comes to the show as a king among Cats. He grew up in a family that started a snowmobile racing circuit. Todd’s racing career began in 1994, and includes success in snocross, cross-country and hillclimb, the latter of which has been his domain for the past decade.

When he’s not busting chutes to the top of the Rocky Mountain Hillclimb circuit, (where he’s a multi-winner of the Jackson Hole World Championships) Tupper puts his considerable expertise to work as an Arctic Cat mountain sled engineer, based at the company’s test facility in Island Park, Idaho. It’s his expertise with shock and suspension calibration that have helped elevate the Arctic Cat M Series over the past several years. The 43-year old Tupper hails from Hailey, Idaho.

If

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TODD TUPPER • ARCTIC CAT PROCLIMB M

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT THE NEW ARCTIC CAT PRO CLIMB? I really like the agility of the new ProClimb chassis, it handles so much like my race sled, especially in the big bumps or down a rutted out trail. But then you take it off-trail and it amazes you again with how it can dice through trees and cut big sidehills.

IS THE NEW PROCLIMB CHASSIS TRULY BETTER THAN THE OLDER M-SERIES? IT SEEMS ARCTIC CAT REALLY HAD THE OLDER M WORKING WELL? I do feel that the new chassis is better, both on and off the trail.

It works very well on the mountain, similar to the old M-series, but with far better ergonomics. But the really big improvement is how it performs on the trail over the old platform.

WHAT KIND OF RIDER WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THE NEW PROCLIMB FOR? Any type of rider really…it doesn’t take a special rider to ride the ProClimb, just one that likes to have a good time.

Every 2013 ProClimb sled is equipped with the new Power Claw 2.6” track .

I’M CURRENTLY RIDING AN OLDER ARCTIC CAT. WHAT WILL STAND OUT ON THE NEW SLED THAT WILL MAKE ME WANT TO SERIOUSLY CONSIDER UPDATING TO A NEW PROCLIMB? Definitely the ergonomics stand out, due to how the rider integrates with the sled when standing, sitting, and moving around. Also, the engine package feels crisp and powerful, and the throttle response is really quick because of how the new engine plate ties in the drive and driven clutch together for improved clutching and better transfer of power.

WHAT’S THE ONE THING YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT THE NEW SLED? I really like the all-new 2.6” PowerClaw track; it never seems to give up. Just when you think you are in a spot where you may get stuck, it just keeps digging and moving you forward. We’ve done some side-by-side comparisons between a 2.25” track and the new 2.6”. The new PowerClaw seems to never loose traction, and it’s three to four miles per hour faster up the hill.

IF YOU COULD DESCRIBE THE NEW ARCTIC CAT PROCLIMB IN ONE WORD, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Powerhouse.

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KODY MALMBORG YAMAHA NYTRO MTX

Despite a steep learning curve for both Yamaha and Kody, it was a season of firsts as Kody stormed the steep ascent at Jackson Hole with his Nytro MTX, and successfully became the first to crest the epic summit, aboard a four-stroke.

hindsight, to think Kody Malmborg would be anything but a professional snowmobile rider for Yamaha would be fool’s talk. Kody grew up in the shadow of his uncle, “Big Kody Malborg” who owned a Yamaha dealership and the Snowy Range touring company in Laramie, Wyoming. Learning to ride early on, “little” Kody hasn’t ridden or worked on anything but Yamaha products since. Eventually, Kody became so adept at riding snowmobiles, he started guiding for his uncle. Riding up to 7-days a week for nearly 7-years, Kody logged more than 15,000 miles a year and has more than 100,000 miles on a Nytro MTX alone. Needless to say, Kody has more snowmobiling experience at the age of 27, than most riders will gain in a lifetime. Last year, Kody parlayed that experience into the competitive world of the Rocky Mountain Snowmobile Hillclimb Association, (RMSHA) where he helped Yamaha return to hillclimb racing. While the learning curve was steep for Yamaha and Kody alike, by season’s end, Kody secured five top-5 finishes and was the first person ever to put a four-stroke snowmobile over the top of the infamous Snow King run at Jackson Hole.

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KODY MALMBORG • YAMAHA NYTRO MTX

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT THE NEW YAMAHA NYTRO MTX? It has to be the new Camoplast Ascent track found on the Nytro 162. The track has made a huge difference in the sleds ability to grip virtually any type of snow condition. It was a noticeably huge improvement over the old Maverick track and it’s the same track we run in RMSHA, so we just slap some screws in it and run it.

The ProMountain all-air suspension on the stretched 162MTX supports the new Ascent track that was specifically designed to improve lift in deep powder.

IS THE TURBO UPGRADE FOR THE MTX WORTH THE MONEY? IT SEEMS THE ADDED POWER IS MORE OF A COMPENSATION FOR THE WEIGHT OF THE FOUR-STROKE It’s worth every penny. Nothing is better than ripping up a hill with the skis in the air and doing 70+mph. Besides, Yamaha is practically giving those turbo kits away, if you early order the sled. Who wouldn’t get one?! The stock Nytro is a 600 class sled and everyone likes to talk smack about how much better their 800 is. But if you compare apples to apples, I’ll take a stock Nytro against a 600 any day. Then you add a turbo kit and it becomes an 800 killer. Oh yea, and it doesn’t blow up at 2,000 miles either, but that’s just my opinion, ha ha!

WHAT KIND OF RIDER WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THE NEW NYTRO MTX FOR? Honestly, the Nytro is a very user-friendly snowmobile. A wide range of people would get along great with one. Women and average mountain riders that want a 600 two-stroke, find them very easy to ride. Plus, for the guy who wants to go out and climb some steep chutes, he can get one and install a turbo and have a great all around sled.

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Supported by FOX Floats for ease of tuning, the Nytro’s front suspension was treated to a “blackout” color scheme for 2013.

I’M CURRENTLY RIDING AN OLDER YAMAHA CHASSIS. WHAT WILL STAND OUT ON THE NEW SLED THAT WILL MAKE ME WANT TO SERIOUSLY CONSIDER UPDATING TO A NEW NYTRO MTX? You know the one thing I like most about the new Nytro is the rear skid-frame and frontend geometry. The front end is a lot more predictable than the older ones; it’s not as twitchy on the hard stuff and has less bump steer. The stock rear skid is super strong and has tons of adjustability. I switch my rear skid setup from race spec to mountain setup in literally 5-minutes; no shock re-valving or

anything. Just adjust the limiter strap and the shock pressures and your good to go.

WHAT’S THE ONE THING YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT THE NEW SLED? It has to be the rear suspension and the Ascent track. Compared to the old track, the new one definitely does a far superior job of getting up on top of the snow. When climbing, I’d say the new track is at least six sled lengths higher on the hill than last year’s model. It was designed to have stiffer paddles than the Maverick, and the paddles are angled so the snow funnels to the center of the

track for added lift in the soft, fluffy stuff.

Then the rear skid is so adjustable, I can set it up for hill climbing on the RMSHA circuit, with zero weight transfer, skis planted, and stiff as hell. Then I can come home and change it back for some powder riding in about five minutes. Also it’s really strong. I’m pretty hard on rails and H-arms, and the stock Yamaha skid has always lasted the longest.

IF YOU COULD DESCRIBE THE NEW YAMAHA NYTRO MTX IN ONE WORD, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Fun!

KEITH CURTIS

POLARIS PRO-RMK

A factory Polaris racer since 2008, Keith Curtis has notched an impressive resume, including a pair of King of Kings titles and the Jackson Hole World Championships.

terrain of Grasshopper Valley near Dillon, Montana was an unknowing witness to the emergence of a king by the name of Keith Curtis during the early 1990s. It was here that young Curtis spent countless hours riding snowmobiles, motorcycles and mountain bikes, all of which prepared him to become one of the most dominant hillclimb racers on the current RMSHA tour. After winning his very first competitive event in 1998 at Maverick Mountain, Keith transitioned to the pro ranks in RMSHA as a privateer in 2007, and was soon recognized by Polaris brass. The following year, Keith was officially signed on as a factory Polaris racer and he hasn’t looked back. With 90 first place finishes; 16 year-end championships; multiple Jackson Hole World Championships; and a pair of King of King titles, Keith has become an integral part of the Polaris deep snow effort in both marketing and product development.

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Cains Quest 1st place 2nd place 3rd place

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KEITH CURTIS • POLARIS PRO-RMK

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT THE NEW POLARIS RMK? No question, it’s how light and responsive the Pro-Ride chassis is. It straight up works in every type of terrain I throw at it.

IS THE NEW QUICKDRIVE SYSTEM THAT BIG OF DEAL? ISN’T A CHAIN DRIVE STRONGER/BETTER? The belt drive works phenomenally well, and I truly have nothing but good things to say about it. A snowmobile chaincase is a ball of rotating mass that restricts rider movement and also fatigues a rider over a long day of riding. In my opinion, chaincase - heavy front end; belt drive - lightweight front end. Your choice!

WHAT KIND OF RIDER WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THE NEW RMK FOR? Really, any rider who is looking for a technical challenge in the backcountry will appreciate the RMK. No matter the terrain, the RMK is just so easy to ride.

The exposed belt driven Quickdrive system replaces the traditional chaincase, and is said to reduce the negative effects of rotating mass by 21%.

What’s more, the system is maintenance free.

I’M CURRENTLY RIDING AN OLDER POLARIS. WHAT WILL STAND OUT ON THE NEW SLED THAT WILL MAKE ME WANT TO SERIOUSLY C ONSIDER UPDATING TO A NEW PRO RMK? One of the biggest differences that come to mind is the way the rear coil over suspension allows the track to work its way out of the snow instead of trenching. Believe me, it’s a night and day difference over previous suspension designs.

WHAT’S THE ONE THING YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT THE NEW SLED? 417lbs!

IF YOU COULD DESCRIBE THE NEW POLARIS RMK IN ONE WORD, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Incredible 72

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Supported by Walker Evans shocks, the coil-over rear suspension on the Pro-RMK series keeps things light, while still offering the often desired ride qualities of a traditional, spring suspended design.

YOUR SOUTH WESTERN ONTARIO POLARIS DEALER

4325 Harvester Rd, Unit 12, Burlington, Ontario

905-681-7270

www.peakpowersports.ca

Rider pictured is a professional on 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.

For safety training in Canada please contact your local Polaris dealer. Never drink and ride. 2012 Polaris industries Inc.

ROB ALFORD SKI-DOO SUMMIT XM

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Rob’s sledding passion started out with a desire to reach the fresh powder while skiing. Fast-forward fifteen years, and he has become one of the most prominent and respected backcountry riders in the sport.

say necessity is the mother of invention, and for Rob Alford, the need to hone fresh powder was the impetus for this former, world ranked free skier to become one of the most adept backcountry riders in the sport. A current resident of Revelstoke British Columbia, Rob bought his first snowmobile about 17 years ago, after a group of snowboarders whizzed by the backcountry skier on a snowmobile, on their way to untouched powder. Upset that he was missing out on the good stuff, he bought a snowmobile the next day, and things haven’t been the same since.

An injury a few years later sidelined Rob from skiing, and the free time allowed him to embrace snowmobiling full time. A student of the school of hard knocks, Alford was fortunate to earn his snowmobiling stripes by riding with a group of seasoned riders; watching, trying, and learning. It must have worked, as Rob is now considered one of the kings of backcountry riding and has been featured in countless films and photos; is a member of Ski-Doo’s elite Ride Ambassadors; and is an integral part of Ski-Doo’s demo ride program at Carl Kuster’s Mountain Park.

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ROB ALFORD • SKI-DOO SUMMIT XM

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT THE NEW SKI-DOO SUMMIT? The sled is now so easy to maneuver, especially in tight trees. Even at speed, it responds instantly and turns right when you need it.

CAN YOU REALLY TELL THE DIFFERENCE WITH THE NEW T-MOTION SUSPENSION, OR IS IT MORE OF A GIMMICK? The T-Motion is definitely not a gimmick; it works awesome. It allows you to ride a long track snowmobile as if it were a short track, but you still have that bigger footprint on the snow to get you on top of deep powder.

The unique triangulated, rear drop link with a single pivot ball-mount to the drop link, allows the rails of the rear suspension to “twist” left to right. This and other changes have dramatically transformed the Summit X into a much easier-to-ride-powder sled.

WHAT KIND OF RIDER WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THE NEW SUMMIT FOR? It really is a great sled for all types of mountain riders; from beginners to experts, it will make you a better rider.

I’M CURRENTLY RIDING AN OLDER SKI-DOO CHASSIS. WHAT WILL STAND OUT ON THE NEW SLED THAT WILL MAKE ME WANT TO SERIOUSLY CONSIDER UPDATING TO A NEW SUMMIT? There are lots of improvements, but for me, the ease of maneuvering and how fast it gets on top of powder snow is what really stands out.

WHAT’S THE ONE THING YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT THE NEW SLED? Wow, there are so many things on the Summit M that are such huge improvements over the older models. One thing that comes to mind are the new running boards; they offer up lots of traction and do a great job of staying clear of snow.

IF YOU COULD DESCRIBE THE NEW SKI-DOO SUMMIT IN ONE WORD, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Unreal!

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Even the side panels of the new Summit have been engineered to reduce drag in snow, and make the sled easier to carve and hold a line.

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SNOWMOBILER’S

PARADISE

Saguenay and Lac Saint-Jean STORY AND PHOTOS BY MATT CLARK

With over 32,000kms of groomed trails available for you in the province of Quebec, making the decision of where to ride is a daunting challenge. Quebec has something for everyone, and any type of snowmobiling you desire. Whether it is fast, wideopen groomed trails, deep powder off trail, small local winding trails, or mountain vista hill climbing, you can find it in Quebec.

During Mid-March last season, we decided to explore the Snowmobiler’s Paradise known as Saguenay/Lac Saint-Jean.

he Saguenay/Lac Saint Jean region has over 3500kms of trails and makes up one third of the White Triangle Snowmobiling region which includes Saguenay/Lac Saint Jean, Charlevoix and Quebec City. Located in the eastern portion of the province, on the northern side of the St Lawrence, getting to the heart of the region is going to be around a 12 hour drive from the Greater Toronto Area. The region boasts some of the longest riding seasons in the province, with trails opening in November and riding can be done well into late March and early April. Some weather data sites like www.currentresults.coms even puts Saguenay in the Top 5 locations in Canada for snowfall, with an average of 345cms/year and longest snow season of 160 days. The reason we mention this is - There is serious snow in Saguenay!

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TIME TO CHANGE YOUR SPARK PLUGS...

WHY NOT UPGRADE TO AN NGK IRIDIUM IX PLUG?

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TOURING SAGUENAY AND LAC SAINT-JEAN

After loading the sleds and departing our offices in Newmarket ON, we headed for Sageunay and our first destination, The Chalets Baie Cascouia in Larouche QC. As the name suggests, this is chalettype accommodation, located on the Cascouia Bay. Access to trails is located directly from the parking lot of the Chalets.

The owners Rose-Marie and Gaetan offer a very personalized stay in very well maintained and comfortable chalets.

There are 5 available chalets which can accommodate 2 to 10 people. There is lots of room for truck and trailer and it’s a perfect spot to start a one week trip, as it is centrally located within the region.

From Larouche we headed north on Trail 83 to explore around Lac Saint

Saguenay boats some of the most stunning views.

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Wide Open Terrain

Jean. A trip around the lake is a very popular snowmobile destination in the region, and there we found some of the best groomed trails of the season.

Making up kilometers is easy to do on the

Cap au Leste overlooking the Saguenay Fjord

Well Groomed trails.

fast trails of the Sageunay region and the amenities are plentiful along the way, so finding food and gas is not a problem.

After taking the day and exploring the trail system we made our second destination at Auberge La Diligence in Dolbeau-Mistassini. The Diligence is located directly on theTrans-Quebec trail 93, and the trail side signage makes it very easy to find. The trail takes you directly into the town, which has everything you will need on a snowmobile trip. The hotel boasts clean standard rooms, with parking lot access directly from the first level rooms. The hotel caters to snowmobilers all season and offers overnight packages for sledders which include accommodations and meals.

From Dolbeau-Mistassini we made our way east of the region to the Monts Valin

“THE REGION BOASTS SOME OF THE LONGEST RIDING SEASONS IN THE PROVINCE, WITH TRAILS OPENING IN NOVEMBER AND RIDING WELL INTO EARLY APRIL. THERE IS SERIOUS SNOW IN SAGUENAY”

You will find some nice thick quiet wooded trails.

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TOURING SAGUENAY AND LAC SAINT-JEAN

Trails are fast, so covering distance is easy.

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portion of Saguenay. Because of timing and realizing we had been summoned to New Brunswick the next week, we decided to take truck and trailer to our third destination, Cap au Leste in the town of Sainte-Rose-du Nord. Located directly overlooking the Saguenay Fiord, the Cap au Leste is an amazing destination, should you find yourself in the region. The trail from the 328 runs directly into the parking lot and makes a great spot to use as a home base to explore the region of Mont Valin.

The accommodations are chalet-type living, with the main cabin as the centre of the resort. The meals are typical amazing cuisine you get used to finding in Quebec, and the chef will always prepare something from the local markets.

We spent the next few days exploring Monts Valin and found epic views on groomed trails that take you through the region. You will find everything from wooded winding trails to open unrestricted vistas and really deep powder. It was here in the mountain range that we discovered what all the talk of snowfall was about. There was no shortage of snow, even given the fact that it was March 15th and guys were golfing in Toronto. The trails are very well marked and you can spend days finding local trail offshoots from the main Trans-Quebec 93 trails.

There are several offshoot trails that will take you on hill climbs over 900m to lookouts over the terrain. We suggest taking the day, not trying to do huge kilometers and find some of these lookouts and take it all in.

After three days of exploring the region of Saguenay and Lac St. Jean, it was very apparent that the name “Snowmobilers Paradise” is a perfect fit. The region has something for everyone, and whether you are looking for long, fast trails to get miles on the sled, or you like epic views and vistas that can only be found in Quebec, the region of Saguenay will have it. Special thanks to Nancy Donnelly of Tourisme Saguenay-Lac Saint-Jean for setting up this amazing trip which was some of the best riding of the season, and we look forward to coming back in the very near future. ✪

Trip References

Maps Required: Saguenay/Lac Saint Jean Website: www.snowmobilersparadise.com

For Tourism Information:

Tourisme Saguenay/Lac Saint Jean Phone: 877-243-8387 International: 418-543-9778

Places we stayed:

Chalets Baie Cascouia Larouche, QC Rose-Marie Girard/Gaetan Tramblay T. 418-542-7849 www.chaletbaiecascouia.com

Auberge La Diligence (Number 8 on regional Trail Map) Lac Saint-Jean, QC T.418-276-6544 E. info@hotelier.qc.ca www.hotelier.qc.ca

Cap au Leste Sainte-Rose-du-Nord, QC T. 418-675-2000 E. contact@capauleste.com www.carauleste.com

Great Signage makes getting around a breeze.

ONTARIO

DRAYTON

t#84 • MAP 48

STAY CONNECTED facebook.com/onsnowmagazine twitter.com/osmmag

1-800-557-0552 | www.elkasuspension.com

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TEAR

BENCH RACING, PIT GOSSIP AND PODIUM PARTIES

BY GOODWOOD & BEERSTEIN

I’ll

be honest; sometimes things can get a little lonely out here on the farm. But when that happens, that’s when we call the boys together for a little competition. You see, having the fastest sled out here gets you bragging rights and free cold “pounders” for the better part of an entire summer, and knowing the importance of staying hydrated…well, you don’t want to be on the short end of that deal. That being said, our little crew learns to make ‘em go fast, and, well, we’re pretty dang good at it. Well, Beerstein is anyway, but that’s mostly because he cheats.

Our races have always been word of mouth deals, and it’s mostly just guys we know or friends of guys we know. Every once in a while some “yahoo” shows up with a set of pipes and a clutch kit he just bought from some mail-order go-fast show and thinks he’s gonna clean up, but those hacks usually go home with their tail between their legs.

A few years back, some buddy of a buddy of a buddy of Beerstein’s convinced him he had something good going on with our pond race. “You need to take that thing to the next

CROSS-COUNTRY GUYS LIKE BRIAN DICK (WHO WON BACK TO BACK PRO RACES AT THIS WRITING IN THE NEWLY FORMED USXC CIRCUIT) REPRESENTS A THROWBACK TO THE GLORY DAYS OF RACING IN SOME WAYS. AN ARCTIC ENGINEER BY DAY, DICK KNOWS SLEDS, DICK KNOWS WRENCHING, AND DICK KNOWS HOW TO MAKE FUTURE TRAIL BUGGIES BETTER.

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A LITTLE FROZEN SLICE OF HEAVEN FOR BEERSTEIN AND HIS BELT DUST LADEN CLUTCHES.

level,” he said. Not sure where Beerstein met this guy, but he was city folk, kind of a fast talker, and would always wear a powder blue suit jacket everywhere he went. Told Beerstein he could get him sponsors, gear, the whole enchilada. He even said he could get people out to our little frozen patch of heaven, and

would pay money to see our grudge races. Of course, who doesn’t like money, and when Beerstein was told the new format would include one of those fancy import beer sponsors, he went along with it. Pretty soon our little race was crawling with all kinds of people we didn’t know, wearing flat-billed caps

DOWN HERE’S WHERE WE SETTLE THE SMACK TALK, COULD THIS BE THE MUCH REVERED “NEXT LEVEL”? and chugging those energy drinks that make you act like those crazies on Nitro Circus.

I remember seeing one of the posters hanging in the hardware store and someone had come up with a name for it, called it the “Xtreme Sled Shootout” or some crazy thing.

Now, the only thing “Xtreme” about any of our sleds is the extreme amount of belt dust in Beerstein’s clutches. Seemed kinda pointless to me. After all, our race was doing just fine without all these people running around.

Pretty soon the guy in the powder blue suit was talking about putting our races on TV and getting more “big time” sponsors like Frost Line beer and Beast Energy drink. It got to be like one of those drag races you see on TV with big checkbook drivers and the crews all dressed up in fancy jump suits. Then one day…poof! It was gone. The whole race - ah,

event (that’s what that suit-wearing dude called it) tipped over like a heavy girl passing out on a barstool (not that I’ve ever seen that happen). It took a while, but our race is back to normal now, and yup, it’s still bragging rights in our group when you lay the smack down. There’s a lesson for all you kids out there, sometimes bigger isn’t necessarily better and sometimes you don’t know what you got until it goes away. Someone should write that down.

Speaking of that, Beerstein and I hit the 50th anniversary of the Eagle River Derby a few weeks back. While walking through the expo hall, you could have knocked me over with a needle jet when we came upon a Boswell Carburetor booth tucked away in the far corner of the building. Now, this Boswell guy made a name for himself when he dumped tons of

money into racing, and fielded his selfproclaimed “mystery” carburetor back in 1990s.

The jury was always out as to how effective those shiny, reverse circuit carbs were, but the debate sort of vaporized when the guy just fell off the radar. Lots of stories circulated after that involving money and the long arm of the law and iron bar hotels. Beerstien was close to that scene back then, but his memory is fuzzy due to too much fogging spray from those big Mikuni days. No matter, the mystery was back at the “Derby” and he had some crazy $100,000 give-a-way promotion going on. Now, I’m just an old country boy and my Casio calculator watch quit working about the time Boswell first hit the scene, so let’s just say it was interesting and leave it at that.

The whole deal reminded me of the time our buddy Chopper sold that “rebuilt” engine to the guy from Loon Lake. Now, we all know that Chopper never rebuilt that engine and the guy stuck it on his first pull down the old Sooline grade later that winter. Chopper’s still layin’ low from that one. So, In light of all this, here’s my personal Goodwood performance guide. International synthetic oil manufacturer, been around for 30 years…pour it in. Familyowned, aftermarket company that participates in the events…rev it. Houdini tuner with clean boots and a cure all ointment...check the label. Someone should write that down too. ✪

CRACKED KNUCKLES, FROZEN TOES, SHARP 20MPH WIND OUT OF THE NORTH AND ADJUSTING YOUR OWN FRONT ARM PRELOAD… THERE’S A LESSON IN THERE SOMEWHERE. ON SNOW MAGAZINE

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NOT SO EASY RIDER

Pete Schow and his 1972 Puma prepares for WOBLE 2009…liberty, justice, and a full can of starting fluid for all.

Photographer: Charles Plueddeman

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VULGAR DISPLAY OF POWER Yamaha hill climb ace Kody Malmborg employs the boost of his 600 Turbo Mod at the RMSHA event in Afton, Wyoming last spring.

Photographer: Ryan Thompson

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BIRTHDAY BLOWOUT

Up and coming backcountry ripper Jay Mentaberry celebrated his 18th birthday by busting lips in Western Wyoming while filming 509’s Volume 8. Damn we love birthday cake.

Photographer: Stephen Clark

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EMPEROR’S CLOTHES

The current kings of Polaris snocross racing rest their trusty steeds inside the well equipped Polaris race shop just outside of Wausau, Wisconsin.

Photographer: Jim Urquhart

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HEAVENLY DROP Rob Alford drops in from above the tree line and into the bottomless layer of cumulus.

Photographer: Carl Kuster

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WHITE NOISE

Nobody spools a better melody than Mother Nature’s sweet melody of powder.

Jameson Florence faces the music in Whistler backcountry, and rides it out.

Photographer: Nadia Samer

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BASE CAMP

Each day, those preparing to approach their backcountry summit depart Carl Kuster’s Mountain Park facility in good hands and meticulously prepared sleds.

Photographer: Jim Urquhart

ORANGE CRUSH

The glory days of snowmobiling brought us some of the most interesting and amazing factory race sleds ever. This 1970 Moto-Ski Super-Mod 760 owned by Larry Ahlers is both raw and beautiful.

Photographer: Pat Bourgeois

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H

idden deep in the forest of New Lowell, ON you’ll find a collectors dream, JT’s Snowmobile Repair. If it weren’t for the small road signs, this salvage yard would very easily be missed…maybe that’s what they want? Following down the long dirt laneway to this Issue of OSM’s Bone Collector, you’ll find an unbelievable collection, with fields of aged sled carcasses, walls of old parts, and shelves upon shelves of one-of-a-kind finds in old out-buildings. If you’re ever around the town of New Lowell, ON, it’s worth the time it takes to find this Bone Collector. If you’re looking for something old that you can’t find anywhere else, give Trevor a call and tell him OSM sent you!

JT’s Snowmobile Repair • 800-465-5668 or jtsnowmobile.com

C&A Pro Skis are built to outlast your sled. Notice the over stocked wall of air boxes has overflowed into a pile on the ground.

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This is where Mach’s have been known to go for their last trailer ride…

This guy has everything you need.

And if you can't find what you're looking for, he'll have something close enough that will work just fine.

The lone fence provides theft protection for the Safari GLX’s

In-Season Buyer's Guide

REEVU RV FSX1 SNOWMOBILE HELMET

Developed originally for the Motorcycle industry, the Reevu Helmet is now available for sledders. Not heard of the Reevu yet? Simply put, it is a full function modular helmet which allows you to view what is going on behind you. The patented Reevu systems acts literally like a rear view mirror. A quick glance up during riding will project the image behind you on the view panel. The helmet itself is packed full of features like, DOT approved, removable and washable liner, zip out collar liner, breath deflector and heated visor. The safety angle is a very strong argument for this technology, however not having to crane your neck to see how far back your buddy, also has its advantage. www.altimategear.com

SNOWMOBILE DOLLY

Ok, it is not as sexy as a new helmet, or as cool as a clutch kit, but this buyer’s guide is “stuff you need now that the season is upon us”. Moving sleds around can be an issue, and you are probably getting tired of explaining the stud marks on your garage floor. This Dolly from Choko Design is easy to use, fits all types of sleds, and folds away making it compact to store when not in use. Another unique feature is the extendable and reversible arm to accommodate long tracks and allowing it to be used from either side of the sled. Bottom line, this does exactly what is supposed to do; Make moving your sled easy -Tada. www.chokodesign.com

ADRENALINE JACKET AND PANTS

Guys you have probably heard the line, “a happy wife is a happy life”. Ya we hear it too. The reason is; It is true. The ratio of time on trail vs comfort of lady is directly related, so may we suggest a new suit for that special person this season. Inspired by FXR’s leading men’s jacket, the women’s Adrenaline X Jacket features durable HydrX Pro laminate and FXR’s revolutionary Exkin Platinum technology, which incomparably maintains warmth and prevents heat loss. MMT 2 Stage Dry Technology, Radial Dry Venting and seam-sealing in critical areas increases your outdoor performance.

Created with a feminine fit and 3 in 1 removable, wearable Adrenaline X Liner. www.fxrracing.com 104

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K100 FUEL TREATMENT

Pretty sure we don’t have to tell you that water in the fuel is bad, however not sure if you knew that water is one of the most common fuel issue you will find on your snowmobile. K100 fuel treatment is an additive that eliminates water in the fuel system and eliminates water related problems like; clogged fuel filters, sludge in fuel lines and gummed up fuel injectors. K100 prevents phase separation, which occurs when water and blended fuels meet, and also cleans and lubricates the fuel system allowing for easier starting and smoother idle. The K100 does not stop there; it also will increase the octane rating by up to 2 points and can be used to stabilize gas for up to two years. Pretty sure all those benefits will make your sled a lot happier on the trails this season. www.gammasales.com

TAKAI M-RAIKOU IGNITION COILS

Often overlooked during the season are the ignition coils. Although not as sexy as adding shiny mods like billet wheels, pipes and chrome, a good set of coils goes a long way in how your buggy will performs this season. For those not-so-techy readers, the ignition coils have the ability to take 12 volts and raise the voltage much higher and store it until it is grounded. Takai's M-Raikou ignition coils are designed to output multiple spark discharge events and focus the energy field in the ignition coil for a longer, hotter and more efficient spark.

This longer output event allows the spark to remain lit for an extra 10-20 degrees of crankshaft rotation. What does all that mean? Your sled will run better – and really that is all that matters. www.takai-racing.com

TAKAI RTYPE SERIES II RACE SPARK PLUGS

Introducing Taka’s RTYPE Series II spark plugs, designed from technology taken from the aerospace industry. The season is upon us, and now is the time to take a look at the essentials and fine-tuning the little but very important things. The series II Twin has two electrodes made from the triple iridium.

Offset to the left and right of the center allowing the spark to be completely exposed to the combustion process. Takai is the first to introduce this technology to the powersports industry and this unique electrode design allows for a fuller, more precise and hotter spark. The tests done by Takai have shown the design will improve horsepower and fuel efficiency, aswell as reduced fowling over standard plug design.

We have to give Takai props for using aerospace technology. Now we can be cool and say we have rocket science in our sleds. www.takai-racing.com

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In-Season Buyer's Guide

SCOTT HELMET COMBO PACK

As the trend to go open-face continues this season in the snowmobile industry, so does the problem of fogging goggles and frost bite faces. Nothing is better than riding open face, however the cold weather does poise a few more challenges than riding open face in the summer. Scott has looked at those factors and designed the helmet, goggle and balaclava to work together as a unit. By doing this the exposed skin is greatly reduced and the venting on goggles and helmet work to prevent fogging. Almost seems crazy to mention such a simply notion - but did you think about it? www.scott-sports.com

RTS GRIPMASTER SCREW-IN TRACK STUDS

!

T he T railBully iiss tthe he p erf rfe ect co mbination o The TrailBully perfect combination off st strength rength and and p power ower co coupled upled w with ith u unrivaled nrivaled maneuverability and comfort. ma neuverability a nd co mfo mf ort. ! ! ! "#$%&!'()*%+(!,(-$*#!.(#/*%(0!! !!!!"#$%&!'()*%+(!,(-$*#!.(#/*%(0!! !!!!

123$#*45!67(8(%5!!$29!:$#*;<(!=#4/*2%(0!>!!! !!!!123$#*45!67(8(%5!!$29!:$#*;<(!=#4/*2%(0!>!!! !!!! '*0*3!70!$3!???>3#$%&/()*%+(#(-$*#>%4<! !!!!'*0*3!70!$3!???>3#$%&/()*%+(#(-$*#>%4<! !!!!

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!

Season has started and you have noticed that maybe 96 down the center might not be a bad idea. The decision whether or not to stud is up to you. However if you are considering it, the RTS Series GripMaster Carbide Ice Studs are built for positive traction control on ice and hard-pack for your snowmobile. The 70 degree carbide stud tip bites into the surface to provide braking and side-slip control. The GripMaster ice studs are easy to install with a cordless drill and a 5/16 socket, requiring no drilled holes and can be easily removed. www.carbidetractionproducts.com

SPEEDKIT TOOL KIT

As we all know, over the years the old tool kit in the sled gets pillaged. We bet all you have left is a rusty set of pliers, a butter knife and some speaker wire.

CruzTools has come out the SpeedKit line of tools specifically created to replace your old OEM kits. Designed to fit into most OEM tool cavities, the kit provides technician-grade tools and includes pre-determined wrenches and nut drivers, a two-in-one spark plug socket with lever, multi-bit screwdriver, star bits, hex wrenches, tire pressure gauge, and slip-joint pliers – all housed in a durable zip-up pouch. www.cruztools.com

CURVE XSM SKI

If you are one of the lucky ones that gets to ride backcountry, boondock and trails all in a single season, then you should take a serious look at the all new XSM Ski from Curve. Being touted as a full 3 in 1 ski, with no compromises, the profile and available bolt-ons will make this ski ready for mountain, crossover and trails by simply adjusting the thrusters, carbides and which side of the sled they are mounted to. So if you’re a snow seeker and you want a ski that offers more on or off trail performance, then the new XSM is your ski. www.curveindustries.com

ELKA STAGE 5 SHOCK

Now that you’ve had some seat time and accumulated some miles, you might have noticed that it’s time to upgrade the suspension. The Stage 5 snowmobile shock is the latest evolution to the high-performance line from Elka Suspension.

Developed from the popular ATV platform, the Stage 5 is designed with 3 factors in mind; High hydraulic flow, lightweight and low friction moving parts. The large oil displacements on the Stage 5 allows for precise tuning and smooth damping action. Adjustments include Spring Preload, Rebound Damping, and both Low and High-Speed compression damping.You sled and your back will thank you. www.elkasuspension.com

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In-Season Buyer's Guide

FXR MOTION BACKPACK

Sometimes there is just not enough room on the snowmobile to carry all the stuff you need on your ride. More and more, we at OSM are finding a backpack has become a standard item in our gear. A little extra cargo space goes a long way.

The FXR Motion Backpack is a heavy-duty Denier Shell with adjustable waste and chest straps. The pack has a laptop pouch, front zippered shoulder strap pocket, external side pockets and is also shovel and avalanche probe compatible.

Everything you need for on and off the trail.www.fxrracing.com

MYPAKAGE UNDERWEAR

You may have read in previous issues of OSM that we are really big fans of My Pakage Underwear.

We feel so strongly that we could not, in good conscience, do an In-Season buyer’s guide and NOT mention them again. This is our second season of wearing these heavenly undergarments and we enjoy them so much we have coined them “Day-Changers”. We feel everyone should know about the “Key Hole Comfort” pocket and the 3-dimensional internal pouch which provides both unparalleled support and comfort. They are made of a special blend of Modal (93%) and Spandex (7%), and is 50% more moisture absorbing than Cotton, while still being incredibly breathable. We will warn you now; One pair will not be enough. www.royaldistributing.com

ROUSKI RETRACTABLE WHEEL SYSTEM

For any avid trail rider that puts on the miles, it is inevitable that you are going to have to scrape yourself across a gas station parking lot or run road to get to the local restaurant (that you heard was filled with local Sled Bunnies.) The Rouski Retractable Wheel System is going to make those pavement jumps much easier and will fit any type of OEM or standard Ski. With a very simple installation process the wheels are mounted and ready to be used. A simple flip motion engages the wheels allowing for better control on the black top. When you get back to the snow covered trails the wheels will automatically retract and wait to be used again. A very simple, yet effective addition to the sled this season. mwww.royaldistributing.com 108

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IT’S ALL ABOUT THE PINK!

It

KELLY SHIRES BREAST CANCER SNOW RUN – JUST AROUND THE CORNER!

is that time of year again where the anticipation is starting to build as the 14th Annual Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Snow Run is just over a month away. This all-women snowmobile event has earned its well-known reputation for being one of those events that you won’t want to miss! This year’s event takes place over the weekend of February 1-3, 2013 at Hidden Valley Resort in Huntsville. We will once again command the total premises of our host resort. Although the main event is the allwomen’s snowmobile ride, the whole weekend is jammed packed with activities and our

chance to let our hair down and “Dance like Nobody’s Watching” – Kelly style (and even gangnam style if you want). Last year the event raised over $400,000.00 for those diagnosed with breast cancer across Canada.

There is a good probability that you may have heard about this fantastic event and the $3 million dollars is has raised over the past 13 years. One big challenge we continually face is communicating to people where funds are raised actually go. Although we think research and finding a cure is important, the Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Snow Run has a completely

Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Snow Run

DONATION FORM

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MASTERCARD

AMEX

different mission and mandate. The charity is volunteer based (with just one part-time paid employee who handles the applications from breast cancer patients across Canada). The mission of the charity is to help provide financial assistance to breast cancer patients so their battle with the disease may be less challenging. Many people do not realize that a diagnosis and treatment can be very expensive and there are many items that are not covered by private or public health care systems. We often see many cases where breast cancer patients are unable to work, as they are sick or weak from treatment, leaving them in a situation with a reduced or no income at all. This is where the charity can step in and help them out so they can focus on their recovery.

The idea of the snow run was born when Kelly Shires was diagnosed with breast cancer.

She immediately realized the needs in the system and knew right away she wanted to make a difference. Instead of focusing on herself, she wanted to help others going through what she experienced and saw firsthand. That’s when she teamed up with Suzy Stenoff and the charity and event were created in 2000. Unfortunately Kelly lost her hard fought battle with breast cancer on October 31, 2004 however the strength of her legacy and dream is carried on with the hard work and dedication of volunteers.

Now that we have the basics out of the way, let’s talk about the fun stuff! If you’ve had the opportunity to attend one of the “Snow Run’s” over the past 13 years you will know that the experience is one that is hard to capture in words, it is just something you have to experience. The weekend is full of laughter and emotion from the moment you arrive until the weekend concludes. It was exciting to hear some fantastic feedback from those of you who visited us at the Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports Show in October, we were thrilled to meet the “newbies” who have signed up to participate this year. If you want to participate but don’t have any girlfriends that ride, have no fear, we guarantee you will have a great time and meet some amazing new friends and will instantly feel like part of the group.

So what actually happens during the Snow Run weekend? The focal attraction of the event is the all-ladies snowmobile ride on Saturday but the whole weekend is packed with fun that allows participants to play a part in as much or as little as they want.

On Friday, February 1st, when participants arrive at Hidden Valley Resort, they will be greeted by our amazing grounds crew (who are there to help off-load snowmobiles and help with parking of trucks and trailers before heading up to check in at the resort – if needed). Early Friday afternoon the “Pink Market” is open, where various vendors

KELLY SHIRES BREAST CANCER SNOW RUN

showcase a variety of items that you can purchase to support the cause. In the core of the pink market you will find our fantastic registration team who get you organized and set for the weekend, starting off with the fundraising incentive gifts and goody bags. Once ladies check in with the resort and with our registration team they have a few hours before the next planned activity starts and are welcome to go for a blast on the trails or relax at the resort.

Friday evening, the official â&#x20AC;&#x153;Meetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Greetâ&#x20AC;? takes place hosted by Carey Moran from Kicx FM 106. The idea Friday event is to get the all you shy ladies to mingle and also the chance to catch up with friends they have met at previous events. It is a fun-filled evening with a casual buffet dinner, team building games, fun activities and the famous decorated bra contest (see website for contest and prize details but be prepared to use your creativity to its fullest).

The morning of Saturday, February 2nd riders will be treated to a full buffet breakfast before heading out to the staging area. While we are all enjoying breakfast the grounds crew is ensuring everything is perfect for opening ceremonies and this is also when the secret panel is out covertly judging the decorated sled contest. This is a great time to take some pictures with your sled and your friends!

Opening ceremonies is always bitter sweet.

Riders are welcomed, a moment of silence is observed in honour of those who have lost their battle with the disease, then everyone dances like nobodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s watching to the event theme song â&#x20AC;&#x153;Man, I feel like a womanâ&#x20AC;? by Shania Twain (chosen by Kelly Shires). Once everyone is warmed up, the teams are ready to hit the trails. (The event has a team for every level of rider and riders choose their team based on their riding ability and/or comfort level). Everyone is cheered on as they depart the staging area and head to paint the Muskoka trails pink. Teams head off on their designated routes and meet at the lunch desti-

nation where everyone enjoys a delicious lunch. After lunch, your team then heads back out on the trails for a nice ride ending back at Hidden Valley Resort.

Upon your arrival back at the resort you will be greeted with coffee, hot chocolate and treats donated by RadioWorld and Hidden Valley Resort. While you are relaxing and getting ready for the eveningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s festivities, the volunteers are busy inside setting up the silent auction and banquet for the evening. The evening is always filled with fun, silent & live auctions, awards, the main raffle and surprises. Again this year, we are excited to have breast cancer survivor, Bev Thomson (from Canada AM) Emcee the evening banquet. For those not quite ready to hit the hay just yet, the dance floor will be ready for you to dance the night away. The weekend concludes Sunday morning with a buffet breakfast and full with wonderful memories.

It is Kellyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision combined with the dedication and hard work of volunteers, participants and our sponsors that we are able to offer this continued support and we are extremely thankful for everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts in keeping Kellyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legacy thriving. We cannot wait to see all of your smiling faces in February! Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to pink it up this weekend! Let it snow! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to start your snow dances...Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Go Girls!

To learn more about the event or to make a donation, please visit www.breastcancersnowrun.org. For more information on the charity, visit www.kellyshiresfoundtaion.org.

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The New Brunswick Federation of Snowmobile Clubs La Fédération des Clubs de Motoneige du Nouveau-Brunswick

NEW Corporate Partners in 2013 Continuing with our theme for the 2013 season of everything that is NEW we are always keen to partner with businesses that love snowmobiling, like us.

The NBFSC’s Corporate Partnership program is 16 years old now. The 2013 Corporate Partners is one of the largest assemblies of supporting partners ever and are ready to service snowmobilers with their products and services.

Here is a list of the newest Corporate Partners for 2013, alphabetically: Auberge Resources Inn; www.aubergeresourcesinn.com Michele (Landry) and Yvette (Thériault) are already well known for their hospitality. L ‘Auberge Resources Inn has a dining room that can accommodate one-hundred persons. Maple products from ''Érablière Sucre d'Or'' (Sugar Shack) are available at the restaurant all year long.

Lodging services are available and they can accommodate 22 people. Their services include satellite TV, private bathrooms, wireless internet access, a succulent breakfast and fuel on site. L ‘Auberge Resources (Sugar Shack) Inn is located on NBFSC Local Trail #301.

Gilbert Tech (Trail Groomers); www.gilbert-tech.com Alex Gravel, New Brunswick’s representative for the Gilbert line of Trail Groomers is pleased to support the NBFSC Clubs. Their logo is; “No matter where, we'll lead you there!” Gilbert all-terrain vehicles will lead you there quickly, safely and efficiently. Intended for all-season transportation and trail grooming applications, our RTS®, GTV® or the MCS Series will maximize your operations. They have their head office located in Roberval, Quebec. Gilbert Trail Groomers are located on many NBFSC Trails throughout N.B. Governor’s Wilderness Lodge; www.governorsresort.ca Mark MacLellan and Governor’s Lodge has been an anchor for the snowmobile trail system in Northern N.B. for many years now. With cabin rentals, food and fuel on site, Governor’s at ‘Popple Depot’ has everything a sledder needs. Also this region has the longest season in the entire trail system and Governor’s is just feet off of the main trail that runs east to west below Mt. Carleton Provincial Park. Governor’s Wilderness Lodge (at Popple Depot) is located on NBFSC Provincial Trail #23.

Massive Graphics; www.msassivegraphics.ca Sterling Keays at Massive Graphics in Fredericton, N.B. has been very active with the NBFSC in developing our NEW 2013 Trail Maps. Massive Graphics has become a recognized leader in Large Format Digital Printing. They produce quality large format graphics for tradeshow exhibits, museum quality displays as well as a broad range of other applications.

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Sledworthy Magazine; www.sledworthy.com Andrew Goldsworthy, founder of Sledworthy Magazine now 8 seasons ago has aligned with the NBFSC for 2013.

All NBFSC Trail Permit holders from 2012 will begin to receive the Sledworthy Magazine as a benefit if NBFSC membership. Three issues will be published in 2013.

Based in Newfoundland, Andrew and team plan to visit N.B. trails in 2013 for a Media Ride with the NBFSC. Sports Max (Arctic Cat/Yamaha Dealer); www.sportsmax.ca Steve (Bujold) and Gail (Parker) welcome sledders who visit northern N.B. (Campbellton, Dalhousie, Balmoral) to visit their shop, just across the Restigouche River at Pointe-a-la- Croix, PQ. Sports Max is northern N.B.’s dealer for Arctic Cat and Yamaha (5 Star Dealer) snowmobiles. They will offer you a comprehensive choice of new and used recreational vehicles at competitive prices. They feature a large selection of products for outdoors enthusiasts of all ages, and are also distributors of Yamaha power equipment. Visit their parts and accessories boutique featuring all fine brands! Sports Max is located just minutes from the start/end of NBFSC Provincial Trail #17.

Wilson’s Sporting Camps; www.wilsonscamps.nb.ca Keith Wilson and family, known for more than a century of fly salmon fishing are excited to welcome winter and snowmobilers. Wilson’s Lodge is Located in the heart of New Brunswick’s snowmobile country. Their lodge has a beautiful bar/lounge and separate licensed dining room. The cottages are large and spacious and the “king suite” in the lodge has its own fireplace and very popular Jacuzzi. Wilson’s is not your typical snowmobile destination, their lodge and service will impress anyone.

Wilson’s Sporting Camps is located on NBFSC Provincial Trail #42, just minutes from Doaktown.

We are grateful to On the Snow Magazine, www.osmmag.com for the opportunity to deliver you this news, and a NBFSC message in every published issue. OSM has been a partner of the NBFSC since the earliest days. Of course, then, we knew them as the Atlantic Snowmobiler Magazine or ASM. In short, OSM is the longest, continuous supporting Corporate Partner in the NBFSC’s history.

We encourage everyone to when faced with a choice, honor those partners who support organized snowmobiling. All the NBFSC’s 2013 Corporate Partners can be viewed and accessed at www.nbfsc.com.

www.nbfsc.com

Nouveaux partenaires commerciaux en 2013 En continuant avec notre thème pour la saison 2013 de tout ce qui est NOUVEAU, nous sommes toujours heureux de s’associer avec des entreprises qui aiment bien la motoneige, comme nous.

Le programme des partenariats commerciaux de la FCMNB existe depuis 16 ans. Les partenaires commerciaux pour 2013 représentent le plus grand rassemblement de partenaires supporteurs jus qu’à date et qui sont prêts à desservir les motoneigistes avec leurs produits et leurs services.

Voici une liste des nouveaux partenaires commerciaux pour 2013, en ordre alphabétique : Auberge Resources Inn : www.aubergeresourcesinn.com Michèle (Landry) et Yvette (Thériault) sont déjà bien connues pour leur hospitalité. L‘Auberge Resources Inn a une salle à diner qui peut accommoder cent personnes. Les produits de l’érable de « l’Érablière Sucre d’Or » sont disponibles au restaurant à l’année longue.

L’hébergement est disponible et ils peuvent accommoder 22 personnes. Leurs services comprennent la TV satellite, des salles de bain privées, l’accès à l’internet sans fil, un déjeûner succulent et du carburant sur place. L ‘Auberge Resources (Sugar Shack) Inn est située sur le Sentier local #301 de la FCMNB. Gilbert Tech (surfaceuses de sentiers) : www.gilbert-tech.com Alex Gravel, le représentant au NouveauBrunswick pour la ligne de surfaceuses Gilbert, est heureux d’appuyer les clubs de la FCMNB. Leur slogan : « Peu importe où, nous vous y amènerons ! » Les véhicules tous-terrains Gilbert vous y amènent rapidement, efficacement et en sécurité. Ils sont prévus pour les transports en toutes saisons et toutes les applications de surfaçage ; nos RTS®, GTV® ou la Série MCS vont maximizer vos opérations. Leur siège social est situé à Roberval, au Québec. Les surfaceuses de sentiers Gilbert se retrouvent sur plusieurs sentiers de la FCMNB à travers le NouveauBrunswick.

Governor’s Wilderness Lodge : www.governorsresort.ca Mark MacLellan et Governor’s Lodge sont un havre pour le réseau de sentiers de motoneige dans le Nord du NB depuis déjà plusieurs années.

Avec la location de cabines, de la nourriture et du carburant sur place, le Governor’s au ‘Popple Depot’ a tout ce dont un motoneigiste a besoin.

De plus, cette région connait la plus longue saison de l’ensemble du réseau de sentiers et le Governor’s est juste à quelques pieds du sentier principal qui se dirige d’est en ouest en bas du Parc provincial du Mont Carleton. Le Governor’s Wilderness Lodge (au Popple Depot) est situé sur le Sentier provincial #23 de la FCMNB. Massive Graphics : www.msassivegraphics.ca Sterling Keays, chez Massive Graphics, à Fredericton, a été très actif avec la FCMNB dans le développement de nos NOUVELLES cartes des sentiers pour 2013. Massive Graphics est devenu un leader reconnu dans l’impression numérique grand format. Ils produisent des graphiques de grand format de haute qualité pour les expositions commerciales, les présentoirs de qualité pour les musées, ainsi qu’une grande variété d’autres applications.

Sledworthy Magazine : www.sledworthy.com Andrew Goldsworthy, fondateur de Sledworthy Magazine il y a déjà 8 saisons maintenant, s’est aligné avec la FCMNB pour 2013. Tous les détenteurs de permis de sentiers de la FCMNB en 2012 vont commencer à recevoir le magazine Sledworthy comme avantage de l’adhésion à la FCMNB. Trois numéros seront publiés en 2013.

Basés à Terre-Neuve, Andrew et son équipe prévoient visiter les sentiers du NB en 2013 pour une randonnée médiatique avec la FCMNB. Sports Max (Concessionnaire Arctic Cat/Yamaha) : www.sportsmax.ca Steve (Bujold) et Gail (Parker) souhaitent la bienvenue aux motoneigistes qui visitent le Nord du Nouveau-Brunswick (Campbellton, Dalhousie, Balmoral) et les invitent à venir visiter leur atelier, tout juste de l’autre côté de la rivière

Restigouche, à Pointe-à-la- Croix, QC. Sports Max est le concessionnaire du nord du NB pour les motoneiges Arctic Cat et Yamaha (concessionnaire 5 étoiles). Ils offrent un choix complet de véhicules neufs et usagés à des prix compétitifs. Ils ont également une grande sélection de produits pour les amateurs du plein air de tout âge et ils sont également les détaillants des équipements motorisés Yamaha.

Visitez leur boutique de pièces et d’accessoires de bonne marques ! Sports Max est située seulement à quelques minutes du départ/de l’arrivée du Sentier provincial #17 de la FCMNB. Wilson’s Sporting Camps : www.wilsonscamps.nb.ca Keith Wilson et sa famille, connus depuis plus d’un siècle pour la pêche à la mouche pour le saumon, sont très heureux de voir arriver l’hiver et les motoneigistes. Wilson’s Lodge est située au coeur du pays de la motoneige au NouveauBrunswick. Les chalets sont grands et spacieux, et la « suite King » dans le pavillon principal contient son propre foyer et le très populaire Jacuzzi. Wilson’s n’est pas une destination typique en motoneige ; leur pavillon et les services vont impressionner tout le monde.

Wilson’s Sporting Camps est situé sur le Sentier provincial #42 de la FCMNB, à quelques minutes de Doaktown.

Nous sommes reconnaissants à On the Snow Magazine, www.osmmag.com pour l’occasion de vous faire parvenir ces nouvelles et le message de la FCMNB dans chaque numéro publié. OSM est un partenaire de la FCMNB depuis les tous débuts. Évidemment, on les connaissait en ce temps-là sous le nom du Atlantic Snowmobiler Magazine ou ASM. Bref, OSM est le plus long partenaire commercial continu de toute l’histoire de la FCMNB. Quand il en ont le choix, nous encourageons tout le monde à honorer ces partenaires qui appuyent la motoneige organisée. On peut voir et avoir accès à tous les partenaires commerciaux de la FCMNB pour 2013 au www.FCMNB.com.

www.nbfsc.com

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

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The New Brunswick Federation of Snowmobile Clubs La Fédération des Clubs de Motoneige du Nouveau-Brunswick

President’s Report… easy and convenient. All N.B. residents can use one of the thirty-eight Service New Brunswick (SNB) outlets in or very near your community. You can pay with credit, debit, or the old-fashioned way. While at SNB it would also make sense to obtain your 2013 sled registration (license). You do not have to, but to ride the NBFSC Trails you require both a 2013 Trail Permit and 2013 Registration. In the case you are buying an Antique or Classic Trail Permit you must update your registration then. Overall, it just makes sense, you are right there at the counter, already.

Online Trail Permit sales are growing every season. You may use www.nbfsc.com or www.snb.ca to access the information you require. A small shipping fee to deliver the Trail Permit to your address requested accompanies online sales.

Trail Permits have been on sale at SNB; over the counter and online, since Tuesday, October 9th, 2012. The Federation’s Trail Permits are always for sale, annually, the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving. A little early for Grooming but you get the point.

See you in our White Gold!

Dear Snowmobilers, Our Federation has been successful for a multitude of reasons in 31-years and it could be debated what the single most important change was or is, but without much doubt the introduction of NBFSC Trail Permits, twenty years ago was huge.

In the spring of 1992 the snowmobile clubs of the Federation agreed to begin selling province wide, the first, 1993 NBFSC Seasonal Trail Permit. Success and growth was almost overnight. In the spring of 2000 the member clubs again chose to make the Trail Permits a mandatory requirement which was subsequently supported by the Provincial Government. The first mandatory Trail Permit was issued in the 2000-2001 season.

Purchasing all the different types of NBFSC Trail Permits, (except Daily Trail Permits at the 51-member clubs or Corporate Partners) is

Sandy Young, NBFSC President

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Rapport du Président…

Chers motoneigistes, Notre Fédération a été une réussite pour une multitude de raisons durant ses 31 années et l’on pourrait argumenter quel est ou aura été le changement le plus important ; cependant, sans aucun doute, l’introduction des permis de sentiers de la FCMNB 20 ans passés est en haut de liste.

Au printemps 1992, les clubs de motoneiges de la Fédération ont décidé de commencer à vendre les premiers permis de sentiers saisonniers de la FCMNB en 1993. Le succès et la croissance se firent presque du jour au lendemain. Au printemps 2000, les clubs membres ont une fois de plus décidé de rendre obligatoires les permis de sentiers, ce qui fut par la suite appuyé par le gouvernement provincial.

Le premier permis de sentiers obligatoire fut émis pour la saison 2000-2001.

Ces sommes arrivant plus tôt sont nécessaires pour que les clubs puissent effectuer l’entretien de tous les sentiers et des surfaceuses avant l’arrivée de la neige, pour notre première randonnée.

L’achat de tous les types de permis de sentiers de la FCMNB (sauf pour les permis de sentiers de jour que l’on achète auprès des 51 clubs membres ou des partenaires commerciaux) est facile et convenable. Tous les résidents du NB

peuvent utiliser l’un des 38 comptoirs de Services Nouveau-Brunswick (SNB) dans ou près de leur communauté. Vous pouvez payer par carte de crédit, de débit ou de la manière traditionnelle.

Pendant votre visite au comptoir SNB, vous pouvez en profiter pour obtenir votre immatriculation 2013 pour votre motoneige. N’oubliez-pas qu’afin de vous promener sur les sentiers de la FCMNB, il vous faut un permis de sentiers 2013 et une immatriculation 2013.

Si vous achetez un permis Antiquité ou Classique, vous devez mettre à jour votre immatriculation à ce moment-là.

Dans l’ensemble, ça ne fait que du sens puisque vous êtes juste là, au comptoir.

L’achat des permis en ligne augmente à chaque saison. Vous pouvez aller au

www.nbfsc.com ou www.snb.ca pour avoir accès à l’information dont vous avez besoin. Un léger droit de manutention est ajouté pour livrer le permis de sentier à votre adresse pour les ventes en ligne.

Les permis de sentier sont en vente auprès de SNB (au comptoir et en ligne) depuis mardi, le 9 octobre 2012. Les permis de sentiers de la Fédération sont toujours en vente, à chaque année, le premier mardi suivant l’Action de Grâce.

Un peu tôt pour du surfaçage, mais vous comprenez tout de même.

On se verra bientôt sur notre Or Blanc !

Sandy Young, président de la FCMBC

www.nbfsc.com

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

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OSM LISTINGS

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

100

Dwight/Muskoka Lakewoods 102Cottage 104 108 109 Resort 114

RR #1, Dwight, Ont. (705) 635-2087 P0A 1H0 vacation@lakewoods-resort.net www.lakewoods-resort.net Located on Oxtongue Lake Road, just off Hwy. 60, 25 minutes east of Huntsville. All cottages have fully equipped kitchens, 3 or 4 piece baths, Satelitte T.Vs and most have fireplaces.

Located directly on Oxtongue Lake, there are hundreds of miles of well groomed trails right at the door. Cottages range from $90 to $180per night. Sunday to Thursday special: book three nights and get the fourth night free! VISA/MasterCard accepted. Your hosts Jane and Jeff Belhumeur.

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Kearney 253

100

102 104

108

109

114

Hwy 560, PO BOX 67, Gowganda, ON P0J 1J0 info@gowgandalakecamp.ca (705)624-3446 www.gowgandalakelodge.com Fax(705)624-2166 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 (premium available) are all on site. Meal plans are available with reservation.

Accomodation as low as $30 pp/pd.

23451

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678

ONTARIO MAP 21

Edgewater Park Lodge & Motel RR #1,Kearney, Ont. P0A 1M0 (705) 636-5683 1-800-667-8076 • Fax (705) 636-0115 www.edgewaterparklodge.com • Located on Hwy 518 E. on Sand Lake • D Trail right at the lodge, ride right from your door!

• Licenced restaurant and home cooked meals • Newly renovated cottages and motel • Snowmobile packages available • Fuel, store, ice on site.

2354

NEARBY

8r

ONTARIO

Madawaska All Star Resort

ONTARIO MAP 23

Major Lake Road Madawaska ON K0J2C0 Tel: 613 637 5592. Toll free: 1 800 565 0364 www.allstarresort.com Email: info@allstarresort.com Welcoming family run resort, directly on TOP trail B for snowmobiling & ATVs (even the groomer stays here☺).

Located in Madawaska just off Hwy 60, ideally placed for riding the RAP. 100% smoke free motel rooms, 2&3 bedroom housekeeping cottages (wheelchair access) or private luxury 5 bedroom lodge. All have ample parking, fully equipped kitchens, satellite TV & DVD, 3 piece bathrooms & BBQ. Free Sauna’s . Free ride to village Diner. Stay 2 nights 3rd free.

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r ONTARIO MAP 13

ONTARIO ONTARIO MAP 31

Nearby

North Bay/Astorville q ONTARIO MAP 18 Cozy Camp Cottages RR #1, 49 Trails End Rd., Corbeil, Ont. P0H 1K0 Phone: (705) 752-2085 • Toll Free-1-877-752-2085 www.cozycampcottages.com Lct 18 miles south-east of North Bay on Lk. Nosbonsing, just off TOP Trail A102D. Modern housekeeping cottages. Fully equipped including microwaves, coffee makers, gas bar-bque's. Rentals by the season, weekly, weekends or mid-week when riding is the Best! Guide Service available. Ice Fishing Packages also available. Snowmobilers serving snowmobilers.

Check us out on the web! Your hosts Brian & Diane.

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253 Ontario • Hunstville

100

102 104 108 ONTARIO MAP 31

Ride your sled right from your door to trail 77 in the Algonquin Snowmobile Club system. Meal rates starting at $79.60 per person daily.

Includes dinners and breakfasts. Min 2 night stay. Based on double occupancy. B&B and self-catering rates also available. Pet friendly facility as well, contact for further details. On site skating rink for those who enjoy a leisurely skate. All accommodations have color TV’s and most with a wood burning fireplace for that warm, cozy feeling after a long ride on the pristine trails. Located 2.5 hours north of Toronto.

SNOW MACHINES AVAILABLE, CALL FOR FURTHER DETAILS!

1-800-461-4232 www.tallyhoinn.com

Nearby

34567

ONTARIO 109 114

We have everything a Snowmobiler needs in Owen Sound!

• Comfortable guest rooms • Indoor swimming pool, hot tub & saunas • Full service restaurant & lounge Only 1/2 block from Trail #2 Show trail pass at Front Desk for 15% room discount

950 Sixth Street East, Owen Sound ON N4K 1H1

1-877-775-2614 ONTARIO

100 102 104 108 109 Sprucedale The Lighthouse Cottages

253

114

ONTARIO MAP 21

532 East Bear Lake Road Sprucedale, ONT P0A 1Y0 705-685-1176 www.lighthousecottagesandcamping.ca

We offer heated cottages and guided snowmobile tours during the winter! We supply the snowmobiles and helmets. Summer trailer sites, campsites, cottages available. Guided ATV tours! We supply the ATV , helmet, goggles. Meals can be arranged.

Great fishing, and great ice fishing!

Call for further details!

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Sundridge Northridge Inn & Resort

9ONTARIO MAP 21

712 South Bernard Lake Road, P.O. Box 1189 Sundridge, Ont. P0A 1Z0 Tel:(705) 384-2252 • Fax: (705) 384-2006 info@northridgeinn.com • www.northridgeinn.com Come discover the Almaquin Highlands premiere snowmobiling destination on the shores of Lake Bernard just north of Muskoka! Access 3500 km of the finest groomed snowmobile and multi use trails from our doors. Set amongst the giant old growth pines, our lakeside resort offers the perfect combination of comfort, quality and service that you deserve at the end of a day’s ride! Exceptional fireside dining in our dining room, great new pub menu in our lounge, sat. TV and a fireplace in every accomodation. Hot tub, sauna, lots of trailer room, whirlpools. Immaculate Chalets and lodge rooms. Spa services, dogsledding & ice fishing.

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NEW BRUNSWICK

NEW BRUNSWICK

Wawa . ONTARIO MAP 11 Wawa Motor Inn

Bathurst Danny’s Inn

Edmundston Quality Inn

Restaurant & Conference Centre

919 Canada Rd., Edmundston, NB E3V 3X2 www.edmundstonqualityinn.com (506) 735-5525 • 1-866-612-9800 • Fax (506) 739-6243 WWW.CHOICEHOTELS.CA/CN529 (case sensitive) • Located directly on Trails #12 & 17.

• Free long term parking for trucks & trailers.

• Fuel, Oil & Repairs nearby.

• Indoor Pool, Sauna & Jacuzzi.

• Enjoy Victoria Restaurant.

Join us at PJ’s Bar & Grille or our Victoria Restaurant. Ask any knowledgeable snowmobiler and they will tell you that the Edmundston area is among the best maintained Trails in Eastern Canada. At Quality Inn, we have snowmobile packages available starting at $47.95 per person (based on double occupancy).

Package consists of one night’s accommodation, hot breakfast for two and trail map. Call now to book your accommodations to "Blaze Throgh the North".

118 Mission Road, Wawa, Ontario P0S1K0 Tel: 705-856-2278 • Fax: 705-856-2171 Toll Free: 800-561-2278 Email: wawamoto@shawbiz.ca Website: www.wawamotorinn.com Your Superior Vacation Experience featuring 50 main building rooms, 20 cozy log rooms and 18 rustic Chalets with fireplaces. All main building rooms are 100% smokefree. Enjoy fine dining in the Fireside Dining Room and Lounge; home of the largest fireplace in the North. Easily accessible to snow trails and ample parking.

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538

Rte. 134, Bathurst-Beresford, NB E2A 3Z2 1-800-200-1350 Fax (506) 548-3266 info@dannysinn.com www.dannysinn.com On trail #19, "The Inn On The Trails" is centrally located between the City of Bathurst and the Town of Beresford, only minutes from night clubs and shopping. Loading ramp, indoor sled parking, repair bay. Parts & Service nearby and complimentary shuttle service. Deluxe rooms, excellent food, lounge, large games room, trail passes and tour guides.

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OSM LISTINGS

BARRIE

ONTARIO

21 • MAP 40

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BOBCAYGEON UXBRIDGE

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• MAP 42

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UXBRIDGE BOWMANVILLE

7

• MAP 42

BRADFORD

ONTARIO

BRINGS NEW LEVELS OF PERFORMANCE & RELIABILITY TO YOUR ARCTIC CATS

• Parts and Service for Sleds, ATV’s, UTV’S, Bikes and Marine • Cylinder honing and boring done in house • Performance products available Contact us for your powersports needs!

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

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

ONTARIO

ONTARIO

COBOURG

41

• MAP PG 43

ONTARIO

DRAYTON

ONTARIO

SEGUIN

t#84 • MAP 48

Archers Small Engines

Your South Western Ontario Polaris dealer

We service ALL MAKES and ALL MODELS at better rates than dealers. 15 years experience, full machine shop. Your one stop shop for all your Snowmobile, ATV, Motorcycle and Small Engine needs.

Whatever it is we can and will fix it!

8943 Danforth Rd E Cobourg, ONT K9A 4J8

4325 Harvester Road, Unite 12 Burlington ON L7L 5M4 Phone: 905.681.7270 Fax: 905.681.1697

905-377-ARCH (2724)

www.peakpowersports.ca

archersmalleng@yahoo.com

SHELBURNE

ONTARIO

s#83• MAP 40

11 ÷ 0$3

SHARON

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39 • MAP 41

Snow Ready!

Sales, Part rts s, Accessories, S e r v ic e

We have a large inventory of all types of trailers including snowmobile, ATV, utility, motorcycle, horse, livestock, equipment and dump trailers. Always a large selection of open and enclosed trailers in stock as well as a large selection of parts and accessories. We also provide a full in house service department for repairs and maintenance.

Get Wrecked!

New and Used Polaris Inventory. Receive a free T with any purchase.

We Ship Anywhere!

Highway 89, Shelburne, Ontario L0N 1S6

519-925-2089 1-866-925-2089 www.scottreinharttrailers.com THORNDALE

ONTARIO

80

5531 Main St. Stouffville www.atccorral.com

• MAP PG 51

We stock thousands of new & used parts for Sleds and ATVs from 1964 to present. Camoplast Tracks in stock and on sale all year round!

Conveniently located just east of London on Hwy 2, only 8 min. off the 401. Open year round for your convenience.

Summer: Mon-Fri 9-5, Sat 9-1.

Winter: Mon-Fri 9-5:30, Sat 9-3.

CALL US FOR ALL YOUR NEEDS! WE SHIP PARTS ANYWHERE!!!

4424 Dundas St. E., RR #2, Thorndale, Ont. N0M 2P0 PH: (519) 268-3550 • Fax: (519) 268-0936 www.snowlinesports.ca

• ENGINES • CLUTCHES • BELTS • A-ARMS • STATORS • TRANSMISSIONS • GAUGES • CRANKSHAFTS •

• AXLES • SEATS • HOODS • WINDSHIELDS •ÊTRACKS •ÊSKIS • CDI’S • IDLER WHEELS • SLIDERS •

CARBURETORS • EXHAUSTS • SUSPENSIONS • SHOCKS • CYLINDERS

PISTONS • SPRINGS • WEIGHTS • BEARINGS • SEALS •ÊSTUDS • SNOWFLAPS

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ONTARIO

UXBRIDGE

705-732-2338 info@seguinmarina.com indysnowmobilesalvage.com ONTARIO

WHITBY

• MAP 41

Central Ontario's Full Line Cat Dealer 19132 Leslie Street Sharon, ON L0G 1V0 Phone: 905-478-8800

www.allterraincycle.ca MANITOBA

www.mt-llc.com

We have cylinders waiting so you don’t.

Thousands of stock cylinders are on the shelf for exchange.

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

LIFETIME WARRANTY FASTEST TURN-AROUND IN THE INDUSTRY

Full stock of Ski-Doo snowmobiles, CAN-AM ATVs, Sea-Doo watercraft and Triton Trailers.

Available From

New Products - New Attitude.

701 Brock St North, Whitby, Ont. L1N 8R3

1-866-430-6360

www.bennettpowersports.com

5701 Portage Avenue Headingley, MB, Canada R4H1E7 Phone 204-895-1727 • Fax 204-888-2705

2 Lodging 5 Gas 3 LLBO 6 Rentals 1 ATV Friendly 7 Sales 4 Food 8 Repairs

OSM LISTINGS

To advertise your business in this section call: 1-888-661-7469 UXBRIDGE MINNESOTA, USA GREENBUSH

WORLDWIDE LEADERS IN PERFORMANCE ATV â&#x20AC;¢ UTV â&#x20AC;¢ SNOWMOBILE

Speedwerx, Inc. 20195 Greystone Avenue Forest Lake, MN 55025 USA

www.speedwerx.com

XXX T M F EQS P D PN

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Pursue Your Passion with ARGOâ&#x20AC;¦ $9,99500 .

ARGO 6x6 Frontier 580

LIMITED TIME OFFER!

$500 in FREE Options* FREE Test Ride & DVD

*CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS APPLY, SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS.

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â&#x153;ª

119

FLOAT BOWL PAT BOURGEOIS

THANK YOU DAD

T

he simple, often humble and at times somewhat poignant roots of snowmobiling are at times difficult to see in today’s modern, sophisticated, and powerful versions of over-thesnow travel. Joseph-Armand Bombardier was fueled by childhood dreams and the tragic death of his son in his quest to develop a more efficient method of over the snow travel. Edgar and Alan Hetteen, along with David Johnson wanted to find a way to break free of winter’s icy and often times desolate grip on life in far northern Minnesota when they developed their first snowmobile. And it was a crippled foot and a passion to hunt, fish and trap with

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his friends that led Earl Eliason to develop the Motor Toboggan in 1924.

While the debate on who truly was the first to invent the snowmobile might never be solved, there is little question that all had a direct impact on the underlying spirit of camaraderie, friendship, perseverance, and belonging that continues to fuel the sport at its core today.

Never have I been more reminded of these ties that bind the snowmobiling community together more so than I did this past month, after my father succumbed to a long and courageous battle against cancer. It was literally moments after his passing that I experienced the pure and genuine compassion and high regard for family and friends of the snowmobiling community. The amount of support, condolences and prayers received from close friends, co-workers, passing acquaintances, unknown readers, and even spirited competitors, was overwhelming. Regardless of the relationship, each shared their compassion in their own way for my family and I. As an only child, and having previously lost my mother to a tragic car accident 25years ago, the passing of my father has been harder than I ever imagined. Needless to say, these past few weeks have been difficult, yet the out pouring of support from the entire snowmobiling community reminds me why I love this sport so much, and more importantly, the people in it. A special thanks

to Jim Urquhart, Tim Erickson, John Sandberg, Jason MacDonald and Richard Kehoe, who literally stepped in and picked up the pieces and made this issue possible.

You each embodied the true spirit of snowmobiling and I’m grateful to call you my friends.

My father was a simple man, a man who worked incredibly hard; loved deeply without saying a word; never complained, even as cancer clenched its fist tighter and tighter on his frail body; never sought more than what he felt he deserved, and was always there to lend a hand to friends, neighbors, family, and even complete strangers. Some may say he lived a simple life; a farmer’s life where success was measured not by possessions but by happiness for himself and those around him…it was a life he truly cherished.

Now my father can finally rest in the arms of my mother, and take comfort and satisfaction in knowing he was the best father a son could ever have. I will miss him terribly, but will never forget the simple life lessons he taught me. Rest in peace Dad, love always, your son. ✪

*Rebates vary by model; see dealer for details. **â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ride Freeâ&#x20AC;? for 6 Months: This is a limited

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SPOILED SPORTS SPORTS A.T.C CORRAL 5531 Main St Stouffville, ON L4A 7X5 Phone: 905-640-2212 atccorral@bellnet.ca www.atccorral.com

PEAK POWERSPORTS EDGE PERFORMANCE 19890 HWY 11 4325 Harvester Road, Unit 12 Bradford, ON L3Z 2B6 Burlington, ON L7L 5M4 Phone: 905-775-1717 Phone: 905-681-7270 edgesales@edgeperformance.ca gary@peakpowersports.ca www.edgeperformance.ca www.peakpowersports.ca

READY POWERSPORTS 430 Hensall Circle Mississauga, ON L5A 1X7 Phone: 905-896-1600 ready@readypowersports.com www.readypolaris.com

SPOILED SPORTS 1898 Baseline Rd, Bowmanville, ON L1C3K3 Phone: 905-436-6487 info@spoiledsports.com www.spoiledsports.com

As this issue of OSM is shoved out the back door, we kept one eye on the tube, flashing images of Winter X Games 2013. Held once again in Aspen, Colorado, the snowmobile portion of X13 was highlighted by continued Tucker dominance, a tragic freestyle accident, an injured fan, courtesy of a runaway snowmobile, rumors of a Red Bull medal pay-off, and a general feeling amongst snowmobile purists, questioning the risk versus reward of Winter X.

Daniel Bodin threw down an Indian Air Backflip over the biggest gap during the Best Trick competition.

The big gap trick, earned him enough love from the judges for the gold, despite more innovative tricks from both Parsons (silver) and Frisby (bronze) who performed a flawless “Underflip”.

Photo by Joe Wiegele

Photo by Joe Wiegele

In the Adaptive Snocross class, Yamaha’s Doug Henry, who rewrote the motocross rulebook when he won the 1998 AMA Motocross title on four-stroke, returned to Winter X and scored a silver medal behind Mike Schultz who took home his third Winter X gold.

Joe Parsons pulled a new variation of his signature “Gator Wrestler” trick dubbed the “Gator Hater” during the Best Trick competition, and most fans in attendance along with those viewing at home, thought he deserved the top spot on the podium because of it. The judges however, felt otherwise. Parson won three medals at Winter X including silver in Freestyle and bronze in Speed and Style.

Photo by Joe Wiegele

The snocross event was once again the Tucker Hibbert show, with Tucker grabbing an unprecedented sixth gold medal.

Photo by John Hanson

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Levi LaVallee started Winter X 2013 on a terror, winning both the Freestyle competition and Speed and Style, before a muscle injury forced him to pull out of both snocross and best trick competitions.

WWW.GAMMASALES.COM

WWW.FLYRACING.COM