Vol.6#3 - Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs
Transcription
Vol.6#3 - Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs
1 GSOM Vol.6#3 THE FUN AROUND EVERY CORNER SKI-DOO AD Rediscover the thrill of legendary performance. The 2014 Polaris® INDY ® 800 SP with race-proven independent front suspension. See the Ride Like Never Before. TerrainDomination.com TERRAIN DOMINATION 2 GSOM Vol.6#3 Polaris recommends that all snowmobile riders take a training course. Do not attempt maneuvers beyond your capability. Always wear a helmet and other safety apparel. Never drink and ride. ©2013 Polaris Industries Inc. Winter 2013 Mission Statement The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs is a volunteer led not-for-profit association, which through strong leadership, provides a wide range of quality programs and services to, and on behalf of, its member organizations. Our provincial network of organized snowmobile trails connects Ontario communities, providing responsible riding experiences that are safe, enjoyable, and environmentally sustainable. INDEX columns information 04 OUTSIDE: 06voltage: Math Lesson 30 OFSC INSIGHT: Missing in Action destinations 24 GO SNOWMOBILING HERE! Places You Should Visit. Get Weather Wise, Go Sledding Online 14 Riding Tips: Where are the Groomers? 16 Polaris Becomes the alternative 22full Circle: My Life as a Snowmobiler PUBLISHER: Mark R. Lester / CO-PUBLISHER: Kent Lester / MANAGING EDITOR: Matt Lester / OFSC EDITOR: Craig Nicholson / FEATURE EDITORS: John Arkwright, AJ Lester, Matt Lester, Mike Lester, John Hildebrandt / PUBLIC RELATIONS EDITOR: Harold McAdam / ART & PRODUCTION: Andrew Knor / ADMINISTRATION: Barbara Lester, Charlene Austen / CIRCULATION: Matt Lester / MARKETING: John Hildebrandt, Mike Lester, John Arkwright, Vern Putzer, Jay Hotzak, Normand Trottier, Guy Duhaime / TEST RIDERS: AJ Lester, Jeff Martin, Jordan Elliot, Luke Lester ONTARIO FEDERATION OF SNOWMOBILE CLUBS: 9-501 Welham Road, Barrie, ON L4N 8Z6 • 705.739.7669 • www.ofsc.on.ca Supertrax Go Snowmobiling Ontario magazine is published four times yearly by SUPERTRAX Publishing Inc. Undeliverable copies and change of address notices: 762 Upper James Street, Suite 187, Hamilton, ON L9C 3A2. Tel. 705-286-2135. Office Mailing Address: 762 Upper James Street, Suite 187, Hamilton, ON L9C 3A2. Copyright 2013 SUPERTRAX Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers. Publishers are not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts. Address for subscriptions is: 101-345 Kingston Road, Pickering, ON L1V 1A1. Subscription rate is $14.99 for 4 issues / $26.99 for 8 issues / $33.99 for 12 issues (prices include GST in Canada). TOLL-FREE NUMBER FOR ADVERTISING & SALES ONLY: 1-888-905-TRAX (8729) For Address Changes and Corrections Go To: mross@ofsc.on.ca The OFSC GO Snowmobiling Ontario Campaign The OFSC GO Snowmobiling Ontario Magazine is the voice of the OFSC and the OFSC Go Snowmobiling Ontario Campaign. Go Snowmobiling unites snowmobile clubs, industry stakeholders and snowbelt communities to promote the recreational lifestyle, experience and fun that OFSC trail riding offers Ontarians every winter. Our goal is to grow snowmobiling by attracting new participants, persuading former riders to return, encouraging casual snowmobilers and families to ride more — and by urging everyone to do their sledding right here in Ontario! Keep Receiving This Magazine! To keep your name on the mailing list for the OFSC Go Snowmobiling Ontario Magazine, you must sign up for OFSC member benefits when you buy your 2014 Seasonal or Classic trail permit. If you don’t sign up, you won’t get your mags! Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations WARNING: Some of the action shown in this magazine is potentially dangerous. Almost all riders photographed are professionals, racers or experienced experts. It is strongly recommended readers do not attempt to duplicate stunts beyond their capabilities. Always wear a helmet, boots and safety equipment. “We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage” CMCA AUDITED 3 GSOM Vol.6#3 OUTSIDE THE BOX Mark Lester, Associate Publisher, Supertrax Toll Free: 877.939.2631 Thunder Bay’s Full Line BRP Dealer featuring Ski-Doo Snowmobiles POLARIS AD Read the Operator’s Guide and watch the Safety DVD before riding. Wear appropriate protective clothing and helmet. www.gordontrailersales.ca 4 GSOM Vol.6#3 T he report is in and it goes like this: The OFSC’S uber-early $180.00 snowmobile trail permit offer available until November 1st 2013 surpassed the sales target (just north of 38,000 trail permits). This number and its implications probably mean little or nothing to most snowmobilers in Ontario, so sit down, pay attention and I’ll attempt to explain. OFSC clubs have been experiencing a slide in trail permit sales in an alarming way. In an effort to get a handle on reasons behind decreasing sales, the OFSC surveyed snowmobilers. The survey indicated that many snowmobilers felt the cost of a snowmobile trail permit was too high. In more subtle terms, these snowmobilers indicated they were not receiving commensurate value for their trail permit purchase. Adding fuel to this was last winter’s OFSC“Try our Trails” promotion. On Family Day weekend last February, the OFSC enabled anyone with a licensed and insured snowmobile to log-on to the OFSC’s website and print out a 3-day trail permit at no cost - zip, nada. The result of this experiment could be interpreted as either confounding or a revelation. Maybe both. Over 14,000 sleds were registered by snowmobilers for the “no- charge weekend”. What did this mean? It meant there’s a large number of snowmobilers in Ontario who own ready-to-ride, licensed and insured snowmobiles but are not buying snowmobile trail permits. Bigger questions loom. Are these snowmobilers riding the trails without trail permits? Are they not buying because of the price/value issue? Here’s the beef. The OFSC wisely decided to offer a Seasonal Permit this fall for $30.00 less than the previous “early bird” price of $210.00. The OFSC and its member clubs did this in response to a very clear message from you: You want more value from your trail permit. You asked for it, you got it. Now here’s the math lesson. The uber-early $180.00 offer this Fall was a test. Yes, we’re being watched. When the sales were counted on November 2nd, 38,000 of you had taken advantage of the deal. That’s good news - if - mixed into that number is a sizable chunk of new trail permit purchasers who have not bought for at least one year. In other words, if the total number Math Lesson of snowmobile trail permits sold for the 201314 season increases over last winter (including $210.00 and $260.00 sales) then the experiment proved the point: There are a significant number of snowmobilers who have been holding back from buying a trail permit because of price. If this is the result, look for the $180.00 program or something like it again next year. It costs about $17 million annually to deliver a 30,000 klick trail system. The danger is this: If the total number of trail permits sold does not increase by around 10 to 15-percent this season, there’s going to be angst from the OFSC’s member clubs. If the total number of trail permits sold is equal to or less than last year you will be able to see the smoke rising from the OFSC’s Barrie offices from as far away as Windsor. Reality check. The cost to provide a first class provincial trail system - something that snowmobilers unanimously agree is nonnegotiable for their trail permit dollars - will not go down by 30-percent this winter. It costs about $17 million annually to deliver a 30,000 klick trail system. Doesn’t matter how you cut it, that’s the cost. If the OFSC’s $180.00 trail permit experiment doesn’t grow the total number of participants by the end of this winter, clubs will come up short on the revenue required to deliver the trails we’re demanding. Here’s what we think: This experiment was absolutely necessary. We’re hopeful the number crunching we’ve seen will materialize. Specifically, the total number of trail permits sold at all three price levels needs to increase this season. However, the only way we can ensure this will happen is for snowmobilers to buy a trail permit this winter, even if it’s at the $260.00 price. Snowmobile trails in Ontario are not free. If we can increase the number of snowmobilers paying to ride, we can keep the price of a trail permit at a level everyone will be happy with. Talk this up with your riding buds. It’s important. To access available OFSC trails this winter, buy a 2014 Snowmobile Trail Permit - www.ofsc.on.ca S THE XF 9000 NO PRO E G D E L P ARCTIC CAT AD S E C A L P U O Y E K A T I WILL GROOMED AND PERFECTLY NOT. PERFECTLY Want a sled that’s as committed to you as you are to your passion? The 2014 XF Sno Pro® knows no boundaries. With its 137" RipsawTM II track, Arctic Race SuspensionTM and FasTrack® Slide-Action Rear Suspension,TM it’s the one machine that promises to take you places perfectly groomed and perfectly not. To find your nearest dealer, go to arcticcat.com. CLUTCH REFINEMENTS LOWER OPERATING TEMPS BY 30% FOR IMPROVED BELT LIFE. » Improved heat treating process for higher quality and consistency on both clutches » Deeper fins for improved cooling » Improved high temp bearing material for less friction and extended durability » Additional body-panel clutch venting Always wear a helmet and don’t drink and ride. Ripsaw™ is a trademark of Camoplast Inc. Arctic Cat,® Arctic Race Suspension,™ FasTrack,® Share Our Passion,™ Slide-Action Rear SuspensionTM and Sno Pro ® are trademarks of Arctic Cat Inc. ©2013 Arctic Cat Sales Inc., Thief River Falls, MN 56701. 5 GSOM Vol.6#3 voltage Weather Wise Source material provided by Michelle Rutty Snowmobilers live and breathe weather. That’s why the OFSC recently partnered with Ontario Snow Resorts and the Canadian Ski Council to support a study by University of Waterloo doctoral candidate Michelle Rutty that sheds some light on snowmobilers and their weather use. We all talk about weather and live in it every day. And when it comes to snowmobiling, weather plays a key role, so we are heavy users of weather data. First and foremost, the snow we ride on is a natural resource that is very weather dependent - and unlike ski hills, we can’t make the artificial stuff. Weather also influences our decisions about when to go snowmobiling, what destination to choose, and when and where to travel. Heavy Users: Not surprisingly, 99.6% of snowmobiler survey respondents check or listen to weather forecasts when planning a snowmobile trip. On average, riders check four sources of weather info, with 86% eyeballing weather websites, 50% Ontario snowmobile websites and 42% using smart phone apps. 29% rely on word of mouth, while about 40% tune in to a TV weather station or radio reports. Use of Info: Snowmobilers have a high level of confidence in short-term forecasts and are more certain about the reliability of temperature than precipitation predictions. In terms of forecast variables, respondents placed highest priority on knowing the probability, timing and amount of rain or freezing rain, and of course, the amount of snow that’s supposed to fall and where. They used this information not only to know what weather to expect (75%), but also to Photo courtesy of Kenny Johnston gauge trail conditions (60%) and how to dress (52%). They also used it to plan travel to their staging destination and the length of their ride. What Stops Us: In this context, 81% of survey respondents could be deterred from going snowmobiling by a forecast, especially one of rain or freezing rain, but somewhat less so by warm temperature. Strangely, only 50% would be deterred by lack of snow, but maybe Shortblocks like the rest of us, they’re eternally optimistic about finding snow prices starting at somewhere. If blowing snow and/or poor visibility is predicted, 49% $699.99 of respondents will alter their travel plans by postponing (66%), 1 YEAR changing route (48%) or cancelling altogether (42%). But only 33% WARRANTY say icy and/or snow-packed roads would cause them to alter plans. Most of us are going to trailer to the snow come hell or high water; Performance Clutch prices after all that’s what 4-wheel drive and snow tires are for. starting at $459.99 It’s also not surprising that when cold temperatures, heavy snowfall or high wind chills are forecast, snowmobiler respondents are considerably less deterred from going outdoors than most others – which is just one of many reasons many people think we’re nuts. After all, we rejoice at the so-called “bad” winter weather, and while most folks view the coming of winter with trepidation, we say: “bring it on!” THE LEADER IN RECONDITIONED ENGINES, PARTS AND ACCESSORIES Cylinder Replating TRY OUR PISTONS: EXCHANGE PROGRAM FOR CYLINDERS, CRANKSHAFTS ANDCOMPLETE ENGINES - .com Available at your local dealer 1-800-518-7220 SNOWMOBILE - ATV - UTV - MOTOCROSS - WATERCRAFT 6 GSOM Vol.6#3 MYTH: To ride OFSC trails, you buy an “OFSC” Trail Permit. FACT: While you buy it from an OFSC club, the proper name is an “Ontario Snowmobile Trail Permit.” It’s an official and legal instrument of the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO), so just like your driver’s licence or vehicle licence plate, not having a valid one is an offence under provincial law. MTO authorizes the OFSC and its clubs to be the exclusive sellers of Snowmobile Trail Permits, with all fees collected going to the operation of OFSC Prescribed Trails. To access available OFSC trails this winter, buy a 2014 Snowmobile Trail Permit - www.ofsc.on.ca snow do you? We snowmobile over 33,500 km of silver trails. We glide through pristine forests and breathtaking landscapes. Our parties are hot and our ice palaces are cool. We know where to find the best winter adventure ever. Do you? North America / Canada / Québec 1 877 BONJOUR� QuebecOriginal.com/snowmobile 7 GSOM Vol.6#3 voltage CONTINUED... Northern For 14 years KLIM has set the performance standard for technical riding gear with one purpose in mind: to enhance your riding experience. All KLIM products are made with the most superior technologies and processes available, and that’s something you can hang your sled on. Comfort Ride Here’s a new Northeastern Ontario ride you can do! While the OFSC is promoting eight tour loops this season, full points go to Westmont Hospitality for taking the initiative to develop the “Northern Comfort Ride” among its Comfort Inn properties in Kirkland Lake, Timmins and Kapuskasing. Offering reduced room rates to participating snowmobilers, the package at these trail accessible and snowmobile-friendly Comfort Inns is a good example of how private sector operators can build more winter business around OFSC trails. Find out more by calling 1-866-285-7936 and asking for rate code “LRIDE”. With the high-tech functionality of www.KLIM.com 8 GSOM Vol.6#3 © KLIM® 2013 To access available OFSC trails this winter, buy a 2014 Snowmobile Trail Permit - www.ofsc.on.ca FOCUS. TIMING & PRECISION. WELCOME TO THE ‘ZONE’. Genesis High-Performance Engine SRV Chassis /// TWENTY14 YAMAHA PG AD /// YAMAHA-MOTOR.CA 9 GSOM Vol.6#3 voltage CONTINUED... Snowmobile Show Online Sledding! If you’re planning any rides in Ontario this winter, here are four websites you need to bookmark. The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs offers a newly revamped website that provides a wealth of go snowmobiling information and tips, plus an Interactive Trail Guide with Trail Status Reports for ride planning and online permits sales too. Check it out at: www.ofsc.on.ca Go Ride Ontario is Ontario tourism’s main site for general snowmobiling and destination information about this province and it snowbelt regions. While it’s more of a tourism-oriented site, it does have some good overview info and handy links to other worthwhile sites. Check it out at www.gorideontario.com/en/snow . The Northern Portal is the snowmobiling part of a larger powersports website also operated by Ontario tourism. It’s constantly being updated with Ontario ride reports, tips and destination reviews to provide you with as much information as possible about Ontario sledding. Check it out at: www.northernontario.travel/snowmobiling In late October, OFSC districts turned out in full force to showcase Ontario snowmobiling in the most popular aisle at the Toronto International Snowmobile Show. The Intrepid Snowmobiler website offers the unique personal perspective and recommendations for Ontario tours, itineraries, lodgings, ride tips and product reviews from one of Canada’s foremost snowmobiling journalists. Check it out at: www.intrepidsnowmobiler.com TIMMINS the great outdoors and more! Timmins, Ontario is the ultimate destination for a snowmobile vacation. Here you’ll enjoy spectacular scenery on perfectly groomed and uncongested trails, logging hundreds of kilometers on a network like no other. With an average snowfall of close to 10 feet, this snowmobile destination is said to be the best in North America! With the recent addition of a Microtel Inn & Suites and a Holiday Inn Express & Suites to our growing hospitality network, an overnight stay has never been easier. For trail information and snow conditions contact Timmins Snowmobile Club: Office: 705.360.8728 Fax: 705.360.8729 Or visit timminssnowmobileclub.com Come visit and find out for yourself why so many say this is snowmobile paradise. For trip planning assistance, contact us at 1.800.387.8466 or visit tourismtimmins.com 10 GSOM Vol.6#3 To access available OFSC trails this winter, buy a 2014 Snowmobile Trail Permit - www.ofsc.on.ca FIND POWDER. CARVE DEEP. REPEAT. EXPERIENCE THE MX Z ® Ride with more power than everSKI-DOO before on 2the MX Z . Featuring the best technology of the REV-X platform, rMotion rear suspension and Rotax engines, the MX Z delivers performance, handling and excitement every time you ride. ® TM TM ® ® VISIT SKI-DOO.COM FOR MORE. MX Z X-RS ® TM MX Z X ® MX Z TNT ® ® TM We are your Ski-Doo Experts for sleds, accessories, riding gear and service. BENNETT POWERSPORTS Whitby | BennettPowersports.com BRAMPTON POWERSPORTS Brampton | BramptonPowersports.com THE COVE Mactier | TheCove.ca FACTORY RECREATION Midland | FactoryRecreation.com GIESLER MARINE LIMITED Powassan | GieslerMarine.com HARPER POWERSPORTS & MARINE Minden | Harper-Marine.com LARRY’S SMALL ENGINES Mono | LarrysSmallEngines.ca LEATHERDALE MARINE Orilla | LeatherdaleMarine.com MACHINE RACING Sharon | MachineRacing.com NORTHLAND RECREATION Muskoka | NorthlandRecreation.com QUINN’S MARINA Pefferlaw | QuinnsMarina.com SNOW CITY CYCLE MARINE Toronto | SnowCity.com ST-ONGE RECREATION Barrie | StOngeRecreation.com UXBRIDGE MOTORSPORTS MARINE Uxbridge | UxbridgeMotorsports.com ©2013 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. Always ride safely and responsibly. 11 GSOM Vol.6#3 Ride District 9 Your Ontario COBALT DEALERS See us at the Toronto International Boat Show January 11-19, 2014 walkerspointmarina.com parismarine.com marina.ca hullygully.com To view the entire inventory of Ontario Cobalts visit: www.cobaltboatsontario.com Ride More Drive Less Grey Bruce Get geared up for wide open rides. GSOM Vol.6#3 Call John Arkwright at 705.724.1905 or email him at jarkwright@sympatico.ca or call Cathy Light at 518.605.3668 ridegreybruce.com 12 Interested in having your business noticed? or email her cathy@supertraxmag.com To access available OFSC trails this winter, buy a 2014 Snowmobile Trail Permit - www.ofsc.on.ca The Ultimate Off-Road Vehicle $999500 . NEW ARGO 8x8 XT MODELS ARGO 6x6 Frontier 580 LIMITED TIME OFFER: $500 IN FREE OPTIONS* *CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS APPLY. SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS. 1-877-274-6288 SINCE 19 6 7 www.ARGOutv.com/caspecial EXTREME OFF-ROAD PERFORMANCE 13 GSOM Vol.6#3 Photos courtesy of Kenny Johnston Riding Tips From the OFSC Website, www.ofsc.on.ca: Where Are the Groomers? We share snowmobile trails with heavy industrial equipment called groomers. Here’s what to watch out for. Meeting a groomer on the trail can be scary. You can gauge your risk by assessing each trail for the likelihood of a groomer encounter. For instance, if the trail is a wide logging road, utility corridor or rail trail, you should be able to see a groomer from much farther away than on tighter, woodland trail. Similarly, on a wider trail, you’ll likely have more space to get past a groomer, whereas the groomer may be wall to wall on a narrower one. Sure Signs: At night, spotting a groomer is easier: just watch for the lights. During the day, it’s more difficult. One way to know for sure if the groomers are out and where is to ask the local club or at a trailside pit stop. Also, if other sleds have left tracks ahead of you, which suddenly become smoothed over, you can be certain there’s a groomer ahead. Generally, the more beat up a trail is, the more likely it is that groomers will be out sooner than later. More groomers are likely to be out just before and immediately after a weekend, but you can encounter one any time — but which way is it going? 14 GSOM Vol.6#3 When the Whole Trail is Groomed: If the entire surface is freshly groomed both ways, check to see where the edge of the drag has left its most recent mark on the trail itself. If it’s to your left of centre, that means your side was most recently groomed, so if there is a groomer ahead, it should be going away from you. Alternatively, if the drag mark is on your side of the trail (to the right of centre), it means the last pass was probably headed in the direction you’re coming from, so meeting a groomer ahead is unlikely. If the trail is narrow enough that the drag has groomed the entire trail in one pass, leaving no drag mark, it’s hard to know which way the machine was headed. But if you haven’t already passed it, so it’s more likely to be ahead. If the snow surface is fairly hard, that means the trail has had some time to set, so the groomer is likely far ahead or gone completely. If it’s still soft, that machine might be just around the corner. When the Trail is Groomed on Your Side: If the trail ahead of you looks freshly groomed only on your side, it may mean there’s a groomer ahead going away from you. Again, check the snow consistency to estimate how far ahead the groomer might be. When the Trail is Groomed on the Other To access available OFSC trails this winter, buy a 2014 Snowmobile Trail Permit - www.ofsc.on.ca Discover over 2,500km of super sledding in the Ottawa Valley Part of www.OttawaValley.travel/supersledding Photo: Craig Nicholson – The Intrepid Snowmobiler Side: Check out the other side of the trail too. If it isn’t freshly groomed, but your side is, that means the groomer is ahead, but could already be started back toward you to do the other side. If the other side is already groomed, but your side is not, that means the groomer is likely behind you somewhere (if so, why didn’t you see it?). Abandoned Groomers: Occasionally, a groomer will break down or get so badly stuck that it has to be abandoned temporarily. Usually, the operator marks the trail ahead and behind somehow as warning, but you can still come up on the unexpected obstacle very quickly. Depending on when and where the problem occurred, there may not be a fresh groomed trail to tip off riders that a groomer is even nearby! Final Tips: it’s always wise to be extra cautious when you spot any groomer activity, because there could be multiple groomers out that are doing different trails, but using the one you are on as an access route. And whenever you come across a freshly groomed section of trail, stay off the groomed surface if at all possible to avoid damaging it before it sets properly. If staying off isn’t possible, then at least take it very easy, with no track spinning, hard accelerations or fishtail cornering that can quickly destroy the fresh surface and waste all the money just spent on trying to make the trail smooth. COUNTY OF HALIBURTON 1/2 Experience the Ride in Haliburton Highlands Let us help you shape your adventure with information on food, fuel, accommodation, trail maps & permits! Call for your FREE Destination Guide! 1-800-461-7677 www.experiencehaliburton.com 15 GSOM Vol.6#3 INDY VOYAGER 600 The Voyager 600’s 2-inch track is so effective you’d have to make every effort known to man to sink this sled. It gets up on top and floats in flatland fluff while remaining fully capable of carving a groomed trail. POLARIS BECOMES THE ALTERNATIVE Polaris Has Taken Its Lawn Mower And Set The Height Control For Ski-Doo. Supertrax Staff Report Even without offering a significant 4-stroke lineup, according to ISMA (International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association) sales data, Polaris is in the number two sales slot. Although we’d have expected Polaris to develop a 4-stroke product line first, the company has craftily decided to target the utility market. Interesting. Competitor Ski-Doo not only dominates utility but literally owns the marketplace offering more models with more engine choices in this profitable yet somewhat invisible segment, than all the other sledmakers combined. The first all-new ride we’ll cover is actually not in the fur hat category but rather a significantly updated version of Polaris’s entry-level fan cooled 16 GSOM Vol.6#3 121-inch tracked sled. What was previously known as the IQ 550 is now the Indy 550. The IQ 550 fan was a credible fan cooler, however, if you could drop more than 25 pounds from a sled and get better handling, better ride and improved performance wouldn’t you? Polaris took its Indy 600/800 chassis, a hybrid variant of the Pro-Ride RUSH platform, and slid its powerful and reliable 550cc fan mill inside. The new Indy chassis employs what appears to be the same 121inch coupled, dual shock, torsion spring skidframe used in the IQ. At the front, the uber-light cast bulkhead and all associated bodywork, and front suspension are RUSH. A major change is the use of a new CVTech PowerBloc, rubber-puck-style primary clutch and a new Invance secondary. Yes, these appear to be cost-down items but the performance here is not just good, it’s doggone impressive! Last spring, at six thousand feet elevation, the Indy 550 would wind up to an indicated 70- To access available OFSC trails this winter, buy a 2014 Snowmobile Trail Permit - www.ofsc.on.ca 17 GSOM Vol.6#3 INDY ADVENTURE We’d describe the Adventure 550 as 60-percent trail 2-upper and 40-percent utility sled. Traction comes from a 144 x 1.35 Cobra track. per without missing a beat. Acceleration and backshifts were strong and the light feel of the chassis was undeniably a big step up from the heavier IQ platform. Just Add Length If you want more flotation, the same sled comes with a 144 x 1.35 Cobra. It’s called, not surprisingly, the Indy 550 144. The skid is dual shock, uncoupled and provides stupid flotation for an already featherweight sled. Is there a weakness with the Indy 550? The 121-incher uses a lowly .91 ShockWave track and the 144 skid is maybe a little over-sprung. We feel that, from a performance standpoint, the 550 might be the fanner to beat this year. However, it is definitely the fanner to beat from a handling perspective. It turns-in like a RUSH and holds a line with sleds costing twice as much. Another long-tracked variation is the Indy LXT. Think of the Indy 550 144 with standard e-start, a sturdy rear cargo rack, a passenger backrest on a non-removable 2-up seat, standard mirrors and a high windshield. The LXT uses a 144 x 1.0 Energy track. There’s more - and let the grass mowing begin. The new Indy Adventure is clearly a move toward the utility crowd with a huge removable passenger seat and backrest with integrated handholds and a large rear storage deck. This Indy can double as a bench for ice fishing and a capable deep snow ride for trapping while still hauling two to Larry’s Burger Pit for lunch. The Adventure has standard electric start, mirrors and a high windshield. Still more. The re-invented Voyager arrives for 2014 and gets choices of a 550 fan and and a 600 Cleanfire 2-stroke producing over 120 ponies. It uses a 144-inch Pro-Ride RMK skidframe wrapped in a 2-inch Camoplast sneaker. The 550 Voyager uses a 144 x 1.35 Cobra on the “Indy” skid used in all the other 144-inch variants. Both Voyagers use a narrowed-up and variable 39 to 41-inch ski-stance designed for taking the sled, rider and traps deep into the bush for a day’s work. In either version, 550 fan or 600 Cleanfire, the Voyager comes out of the box with amenities work-oriented buyers demand. Both have e-start. A fully enclosed and sturdy rear cargo rack protects a large cargo area capable of swallowing all the fishing gear or trapping equipment any fur hatter could need. Both Voyagers come 18 GSOM Vol.6#3 To access available OFSC trails this winter, buy a 2014 Snowmobile Trail Permit - www.ofsc.on.ca FREE SHIPPING on u.s. orders YES! WE SHIP TO CANADA! (see site for details) For Everything Snowmobiling, visit www.FirstPlaceParts.com $339 $289 $279 $329 $379 $279 $309 $419 $319 $379 Pantone 186 $199 $239 ® Pantone Process Black $364 $209 $239 $319 Pantone 420 $374 $199 NEW 509 SINISTER X5 GOGGLES $89 $179 $399 $124 SEE ALL THE NEW 509 HELMETS AND GOGGLES 509 AVIATOR GOGGLES MOUNTAIN ADDICTION JUGS & BAGS $129 $289 $139 Kits starting at just $139 AVALANCHE GEAR AIRBAG SYSTEMS $299 $229 $84 $309 $49 RIDING IN THE MOUNTAINS? BE PREPARED! IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE! SHOVELS Pantone 186 Pantone 420 Pantone Process Black BEACONS $154 $144 FREE SHIPPING $119 ON U.S. ORDERS (see inside for details) SNOWMOBI PROBES R FREEY! U O Y T GE OG TODA CATAL LE CLOT HING, GEAR , PART S & ACCE 2014 CATALOG 1.800.396.7034 SSORIES Photo courtesy of HMK / Richard Hallman / FreelanceImaging.com ® Serving Snowmobilers Throughout The United States, Canada & Across The Globe! CLOTHING - HELMETS - GOGGLES - PARTS - AVALANCHE GEAR & MORE! 1-800-396-7034 19 GSOM Vol.6#3 INDY 550 LXR Subtle ergonomic differences exist between the Indy and the RUSH. The Indy’s handlebar pole is actually more rear mounted and plays to sitdown style riders while still working well for stand-up pilots. The bars use a 3.5-inch riser. INDY 550 with an industrial strength tow hitch good for hauling ice huts. The exceptionally high windshield will keep breezes generated by whacking the Cleanfire 600 from knocking your fur hat off. Sled Psychology Consider this: With Ski-Doo dominating the utility segment, Polaris can’t help but achieve success with these newly minted and low-buck utility-targeted snowmobiles. Essentially, Polaris has become the alternative to Ski-Doo in some markets where there hasn’t been a choice for years. Keep in mind, we suspect Polaris has just snapped the lid off this bottle of potential. It will surely offer more models and more engines to appeal to utility buyers. AUBERGE lA GlAcIÈRE Would you like us to guess what will come next? Thanks for asking. We suspect Polaris will drop one of its many 4-stroke off-road engines into the new Indy chassis to compete with Ski-Doo’s ACE 600. In the meantime, Polaris is already selling these new Indys beyond expectations. Funny how long an opportunity can sit right under everyone’s nose and then - Kapow! AUBERGE lE cABAnon SAINT-ZÉNON / LANAUDIÈRE 450 884-5762 aubergelecabanon.com / aubergecabanon@xplornet.com SAINT-ZÉNON / LANAUDIÈRE 450 884-0250 / 1 855 884-0229 laglaciere.com aubergelaglaciere@hotmail.fr WhITE GETAWAy PAckAGE 5 nights in standard room 5 American-style breakfasts ■ Access to free services at the inn (WiFi, spa, games room, etc.) ■ ■ Under new management since 2012. Secure parking, newly renovated rooms and some of the best dining in the region. Valid December 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014. Sunday night to Thursday night inclusively. FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE REGION, PACKAGES AND TRAIL CONDITIONS AND TO RECEIvE OUR FREE PUBLICATIONS LANAUDIèRE > 1 800 363-2788 MAURICIE > 1 800 567-7603 20 GSOM Vol.6#3 229$ per pers., double occ., taxes and service extra The ride of your life... Enjoy your stay at Le Cabanon, in the heart of the snowmobile kingdom. Ride in the day and relax in the pool or at the bar in the evening. PAckAGE fOR TWO ■ ■ ■ 2 nights, double occ. 2 table d’hôte dinners for two (5 courses) 2 full breakfasts for two snowmobilecountry.ca To access available OFSC trails this winter, buy a 2014 Snowmobile Trail Permit - www.ofsc.on.ca 355$ taxes and service extra, weekdays only (Sunday to Thursday) PSA 21 GSOM Vol.6#3 Photo courtesy of Taylor Welsh Full Circle: My Life as a Snowmobiler By Jordan Elliott, Test Rider, Supertrax International Just like many of you, I’ve gone full circle from trails to boondocking and back again in my life as a snowmobiler. From owning my first snowmobile in the early 1990s (a 1984 Ski-Doo Safari) to riding thousands of kilometres of groomed trails, I was your typical ‘80s kid that grew up enjoying snowmobiling in the Kawarthas to Algonquin region. But by the time I ‘d finished college and decided to hit the snocross track in 2003, I’d lost much of my interest in trails and the politics of being the “youth” demographic that I thought people looked down on. Little did I know my age group was driving the next segment in the snowmobile market. We were creating the addictive need to customize and make our sleds different than the next guy’s. Converting our race sleds to trail sleds became a market undercurrent, It gave birth to big handlebar risers, aggressive tracks, bikini windshields and hand guards. This created an awakening, 22 GSOM Vol.6#3 telling the industry each snowmobile could reflect its individual owner. The snowmobile was becoming an extension of each rider’s personality. Sleds like the XRS, 600RR, and Sno Pro started to push the limits of hardedged, gnarly rides setting the bar for the next advance. Entering my mid-twenties, marriage and children took the place of racing, and made me realize I had to show up for work on Monday uninjured. I soon found myself drawn to the challenge of riding backcountry, while still using our intricate trail system to access these remote areas. At the same time, snowmobiles had benefitted from massive advancements in technology and, with a kajillion optional upgrades and cool parts, the sky was the To access available OFSC trails this winter, buy a 2014 Snowmobile Trail Permit - www.ofsc.on.ca limit. This gave birth to snowmobiles such as the Assault, Backcountry, Freeride, Crossfire, and Nytro. With the massive number of lakes and Crown Land near our cottage, I spent some memorable seasons with great friends just playing around in the rough and tough. Clean engines, great fuel economy, big power and lots of suspension pushed sleds to be more compliant, and cross over to both on and off-trail disciplines. Sleds with longer track versatility continue to be the fastest growing market segment but they’re still usable for all aspects of today’s riding requirements. Fast-forward to present day. I have my own family of five, a career and a mountain of responsibility. Times have certainly changed and so has my riding style. I no longer find myself endlessly in search of the next big jump, open powder range, or hill to climb. Instead, I’m seeking a trail that’s going to get the blood flowing and a destination that gives my daughters a chance to warm up or catch a bite to eat. Living in the Muskoka Region makes this easy. It offers a large variety of trails beginning ten feet from my backyard or the freedom of riding countless safe, staked lakes. These opportunities, coupled with some of the sickest, most reliable sleds ever made, guarantees a good time for all. The coolest thing is, although I strayed for a few years from being your typical trail rider, when I came back I realized there was so much I was missing. Whether it’s the social times at the cottage visiting and riding with friends, or heading out for lunch and a day of riding with my girls, trail riding gets me out into the wild and keeps my head screwed on straight. The pure enjoyment of spending time with the people I love, doing something I love, has changed this once very solo sport for me into something bigger and more important in my life. Don’t get me wrong. I can still ride with the best of them! But the enjoyment I get out of sharing time with my kids on the trails, or those days I snowmobile into the cottage with friends are my favourite memories of winter and have been since my three daughters were old enough to fit a helmet on their heads. As time goes by, I find myself thankful for Ontario’s snowmobiling diversity and hoping the time I spend with my kids will lead them to continue snowmobiling on their own. Mostly, I dream that snowmobiling will continue to be a big part of my life as we all grow older. 23 GSOM Vol.6#3 Go Snowmobiling HERE! Madawaska Barwick Camp P.O. Box 100, Madawaska, Ontario K0J 2C0 info@barkwickcamp.com www.barkwickcamp.com airport north bay • Approximately 2 min. direct access to “B” Trail • Two-bedroom suite with full kitchen, gas fire place, hot tub, big-screen TV with Bell satellite and Wi-Fi • Limited meal plan available upon request • Heated storage is available upon request • Gas, groceries, liquor and beer only 4 km away. • Ideal location for many daytrip loops 1525 Seymour Street, North Bay Whg7111@whg.com www.travelodgenorthbay.ca 4Complimentary Deluxe Breakfast 4Relax in Our Indoor Pool and Whirlpool 4Located on OFSC trail - Drive-up Rooms Available 4Discounts at Three Local Restaurants 4Special Rates for Snowmobilers 4Close to Entertainment and Shopping 705.495.1133 Resv: 1.866.337.9195 613.637.5541 Hwy 124 South River Ontario MOTEL 81 N, Hwy. #124, Exitalgonquinmotel.ca # 282 off Hwy.#11 1-800-263-7537 South River, ON. P0A 1X0 1.800.263.7537 www.algonquinmotel.ca info@algonquinmotel.ca Hwy 124 South River Ontario Serving Snowmobiler’s for over 25 years, still C105D is and Always will-be a Favorite Choice for NN400 Snowmobile Enthusiasts MOTEL •Located on trail C105D and NN400. •Start your RAN or R.A.P tour here. •Close to all amenities, Lots of parking. 1-800-263-7537 deerhurst Resort 1235 Deerhurst Drive, Huntsville, Ontario P1H 2E8 info@deerhurstresort.com www.deerhurstresort.com NEW OWNERS KIM, CHRIS AND THE BOYS! Snowmobile from the front door of your cottage. Located right off the B106E. Close to food and fuel. · Phone: 1.613.338.2655 Email: whitepinecottageslsp@gmail.com WhitePineCottages.ca GSOM Vol.6#3 24 Located 6km east of Huntsville on Peninsula Lake. With 2,000 km of uncrowded, groomed trails, Muskoka is a hot spot for sledders. And Deerhurst is one of the most accessible places to get your motor running because it’s located right on the TOP trail D102B. Warm up over a relaxing meal at Eclipse, the Lobby Bar or Maple, the resort’s newest eatery. Ask about snowmobilers’ accommodation specials, and unwind at the spa, live shows and indoor sports complex. Locked overnight sled parking, premium fuel, permits and maps are all available on-site. 705.789.6411 Resv: 1.800.461.4393 P Caswell Resort Hotel sundridge huntsville/Muskoka Bancroft/ Lake St. Peter algonquinmotel.ca established 1888 PO Box 70, 77 Main St., Sundridge, ON P0A 1Z0 Email: info@caswellresort.com Web: www.caswellresort.com ✔ Economy mid week snowmobile packages. ✔ Heated Indoor Pool, Sauna, Hot Tub. ✔ The Almaguin Highlands Largest and MostComplete Resort Hotel. Resv: 1.800.461.5262 Tel: 705.384.7600 C105 NN40 P Go Snow HomeSafe_2013f PSA ITS YOUR PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SMART CHOICES... TO ARRIVE HOME SAFELY AFTER EACH RIDE. • Ride Without Alcohol or Drugs • Ride With Care and Control • Stay on the Marked Trail • Know Before You Go on Ice • Slow Down at Night • Never Ride Alone Go online to buy a 2014 Snowmobile Trail Permit to access available OFSC trails - www.ofsc.on.ca 25 GSOM Vol.6#3 Go Snowmobiling HERE! DWIGHT/muskoka spring lake resort, motel & Restaurant 2893 Hwy 60, Dwight, ON P0A 1H0 705.635.9995 • springlakeresort@bellnet.ca www.springlakeresort.net Come and stay at Spring Lake Resort while riding hundreds of km’s of perfectly groomed trails in the heart of Muskoka or take a part in the most famous RAP tour around Algonquin Park. Conveniently located right on Hwy 60 in Dwight with the direct access to trail 77. Affordable a & comfortable accommodation in lakefront rooms and suites with a LCD TV, a DVD, a fridge, a microwave, a coffee maker, etc… Fully licensed, cozy (has fireplace) family restaurant with homemade, delicious food complimented by friendly service. Plenty of safe parking for snowmobiles and trailers Minutes away from fuel, snowmobile service and rental depots in Dwight. C M Y CM MY CY CMY K and WIFI BONFIELD/NORTH BAY Cedar Gables Lodge 43 Line 3 North. Bonfield, ON. POH 1EO 705.776.2335 cedargableslodge@ yahoo.ca cedargableslodge.com •Groomed trails to the door step. •Located in the heart of District 11 on BF201 at Hwy 17, just minutes east of North Bay •Our quiet lodge offers a peaceful country setting, lots of secure parking and clean, comfortable accommodations. corbeil/NORTH BAY cozy camp cottages RR #1 49 Trails End Road, Corbeil, ON P0H 1K0 info@cozycampcottages.com www.cozycampcottages.com ICE FISHING AVAILABLE! Located 18 miles south-east of North Bay on Lake Nosbonsing, just off TOP TRAIL A102D. Modern housekeeping cottages. Fully equipped including microwaves, coffee makers, gas BBQs. Rentals by the season, weekly, weekends or mid-week when trails are the best! Snowmobilers serving snowmobilers. Visit our website. Your hosts: Brian & Diane. 705.752.2085 Toll Free: 1.877.752.2085 GSOM Vol.6#3 26 3 OFSC clubs, volunteers and riders are very grateful to the generous landowners who volunteer use of their land for a snowmobile trail each winter. Our landowner’s continuing support contributes not only to the enjoyment of snowmobiling, but also provides many social, recreational and economic benefits to their home communities. ONTARIO FEDERATION OF SNOWMOBILE CLUBS www.ofsc.on.ca Go Snowmobiling HERE! DEALERS EVERY SCALE LIMITED SINCE 1926 For sales, service & Rentals Call: 905.561.1844 35 Covington Street. Hamilton Ontario 28 GSOM GSOM Vol.6#3 Vol.6#3 www.everyscale.com 28 North Bay/Powassan SUDBURY HERE! LINDSAY Go Snowmobiling barrie MINDEN NEW LOCATION! 7465Saunders Rd., Ontario Barrie705.733.2280 705.733.2280 Hart Drive, Barrie, www.stonge recreation.com www.stongerecreation.com 2009 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP) All rights reserved. ®™Trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. † All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Peterborough Parts & Accessories: Ski-Doo, Kimpex, Parts Canada, Gamma, Motovan and more. 11/30/09 Phone: 705-295-4283 Web: gatewaypowersports.com Mon-Thurs: 9am-6pm Friday: 9am-7pm Saturday: 9am-2pm Sunday: CLOSED 3:34:16 PM Location: km east705.733.2280 of Peterborough 74 Saunders Rd.,7Barrie www.stonge recreation.com on Hwy 7 east at intersection of Hwy 28 2009 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP) All rights reserved. ®™Trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. † All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Untitled-1 1 11/30/09 3:34:16 4 RETAIL LOCATIONS! SNOWMOBILE Visit us online. Shop from the comfort of your home. www.royaldistributing.com Events | Sales | Specials & More! GUELPH ATV | MOTOCROSS MOTORCYCLE INNISFIL CLOTHING, APPAREL, PARTS & ACCESSORIES! 925 WOODLAWN RD W CANADA’S LARGEST SELECTION OF 519.822.7081 1954 COMMERCE PARK DR 705.431.9364 SUDBURY 3085 KINGSWAY 705.566.8111 NEW! WHITBY 900 CHAMPLAIN CRT 905.619.8000 GSOM 29 Vol.6#3 OFSC INSiGHT W Craig Nicholson Missing in Action So, while some of us love choosing our route on the fly, many hen one shakes out all the various tallies of Ontario sleds others more would appreciate a packaged, turn-key ride that from the Ministry of Transportation, the Insurance Bureau eliminates most of the guesswork and uncertainty. If there’s of Canada and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile any doubt about the reality of this, look no farther than the Clubs (OFSC), the likely conclusion is that there are popularity of packaged, turn-key sun destination cruises and somewhere between 100,000 and 140,000 rideable snowmobiles vacations as proof. Most people prefer to in this province. One would therefore leave home with no surprises – and that’s assume that there are at least that many why the OFSC is developing tour loops people to ride them, and likely more if “Many perfectly across Ontario. some sleds have more than one user. Of good sleds are Done properly, a tour loop is a pre-defined course, some sleds never leave the back under-used because snowmobiling experience on a marked and forty or the cottage lake, while others are their owners aren’t mapped route on established trails with for ice fishing, trapping or utility use, and good access to all essential services along some are used primarily for lake running, motivated to its delineated distance. It provides a known off-trail boondocking or racing, but many go snowmobiling commodity that instils the confidence to are also operated at least some of the time often enough.” try something a little out of your normal by recreational trail riders. comfort zone. But if trail permit sales are any indication, The eight tour loops being promoted this season by the less than 50% of these so-called “recreational” snowmobiles are OFSC are a mix of day rides and multi-day saddlebag trips. While used on OFSC trails. So are a bunch of folks riding trails illegally? they may not excite the “been there, done that” crowd, they are Reports from the police, S.T.O.P. officers and Trail Patrol, don’t positioned to appeal to riders that want to push their envelope seem to indicate that many snowmobilers are on OFSC trails without jumping off the deep end. Hopefully, the successful without a permit. Neither does anecdotal evidence from the OFSC, snowmobile clubs or frequent trail riders. So how come so many sleds are missing in action? Some of them sit throughout the winter without much use because their owners’ plans, lives or circumstances changed. Others are “golden oldies” that are okay for the occasional casual outing, but aren’t much good for prolonged rides anymore. But many perfectly good sleds are under-used because their owners aren’t motivated enough to go snowmobiling often. For instance, one OFSC survey said that almost 50% of respondents wouldn’t go snowmobiling if they couldn’t ride from their back door. Given the fickleness of Mother Nature in recent winters, that leaves a large whack of sled owners sitting at home staring at bare ground, even though there’s good snow within an hour or two’s drive. And the more they sit, the less likely they are to get going again. Another reason perfectly good sleds are under-used is that their owners aren’t experienced or confident enough to be comfortable heading out on their own away from home completion of one loop will lead to riding more and different trails. Those of us that are experienced touring riders forget loops as riders expand their horizons and abilities. As more loops how intimidating heading off into the wild white yonder for come on board in the coming years, they will include everything the first time can be. Imagine how many folks, who are less from half-day, family style, local loops to week long, multi-region than comfortable driving on highways to an unfamiliar place, adventures. Something for everyone – and hopefully, that’s what must feel about snowmobiling into a remote and unknown will motivate more owners to put their perfectly good sleds to wilderness. Sure, there are groomed trails and maps and signs, better use each winter. but for the less experienced, things like getting lost, running The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and out of fuel or breaking down in the middle of nowhere are very not necessarily those of the OFSC. real concerns. 30 GSOM Vol.6#3 To access available OFSC trails this winter, buy a 2014 Snowmobile Trail Permit - www.ofsc.on.ca ONTARIO FEDERATION OF SNOWMOBILE CLUBS Go online to buy a 2014 Snowmobile Trail Permit to access available OFSC trails - www.ofsc.on.ca For all terms, conditions and factors to consider visit www.ofsc.on.ca Please read and understand the conditions on this sign BEFORE using any OFSC trail this winter! Each snowmobiler is responsible for considering all factors to determine if an OFSC Prescribed Trail is accessible for safe and enjoyable travel. UseAtOwnRisk_2013f (full page) PSA Vol.6#3 GSOM 31 r m o t i o n + r e v -x s easily adjustable. highly flexible. because backs, hips and knees are not. Burning trails or carving powder, the Ski-Doo renegade ® gives you the most comfortable ride. adjust the industry-leading travel of the rmotion™ suspension, featuring a 100% progressive motion ratio. adjust to more riding positions with the versatile reV-XS ™ platform. It’s crossover riding the way you want it. It’s technology you’ll only find on Ski-Doo sleds. now on the 2014 SKI-DOO® renegade ski-doo.com learn mOre at POLARIS AD ©2013 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, TM and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. Always ride safely and responsibly. 32 GSOM Vol.6#3