Inside - Michigan Snowmobile Association

WWW.MSASNOW.ORG
October 2015
Uniting Snowmobilers to Keep Trails Open
•Two Michigan Riders
Join Epic MichCanSka
Adventure
•Meeting Highlights
Importance of Groomer
Driver Maintenance
The Official Publication of the Michigan Snowmobile Association
Making Sure You Have a Place to Ride Your Snowmobile!
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MSA News
You Can Use
E-Mail Addresses Needed:
Volume 7 • Issue 2
– We are looking to update and enlarge our
e-mail database. Please contact the MSA
office and give us your e-mail address. Also,
help us save on postage. You can receive your
Michigan Snowmobile News online. For more
information, call (616) 361-2285. The MSA does
not sell or provide your e-mail address or other
confidential information to outside sources.
MSA only uses e-mail addresses for important
news blasts, calls to action or distribution of
your Michigan Snowmobile News.
Buy Your Trail Permit From
MSA’s Office Directly: – For every
page 9
page 12
page 18
4
President’s Desk
5
Safety First, Safety Always!
5
Calendar of Events
6
Legislative Report
8
How Loud is a Snowmobile?
First in a series of articles on snowmobiles and noise levels on
Michigan’s trails.
9
Groomer Driver Workshop -- an Emphasis on Maintenance
Event set for Oct. 24; groomer drivers to discuss how to reduce the
high maintenance costs of equipment.
trail permit MSA sells, $1.43 goes directly
to MSA. One dollar goes to MSA as the trail
permit seller, and $.43 goes to MSA as the
trail permit distributor.
When MSA sells 30,000 trail permits through
the office or our Web site, those funds allow
staff and the officers to attend important
meetings and monitor the issues. Meetings
that affect our trails and access go on weekly
in the state. If we are not there, we are
forgotten. We have to be represented at
these meetings and protect our right to ride.
Photo Contest: – Don’t forget
to submit last year’s ride photos to the
Michigan Snowmobile News photo contest.
Your photo could be on the cover of next
month’s magazine. E-mail your submission to
mmgrogitsky@hotmail.com.
2015 Scholarship Winners
11 Take a look at this year’s winning essays. MSA announces 2015 scholarship
winners.
MichCanSka World Tour
12 Two MSA members join 60 others in epic adventure; riding trails in Michigan,
Canada, Finland, Sweden, and Russia.
14 News Notes
18
Al Green Memorial Ride
Friends and family take ride in MSA vice president’s memory.
22 Snowmobile Marketplace & Snowmobile Destinations Magazine Deadlines:
To have your announcements or information included in the pages of the
Michigan Snowmobile News please submit by the following deadlines:
November – Oct. 24
December – Nov. 25
Jan/Feb – Dec. 6
March – Feb. 10
CIRCULATION: The Michigan Snowmobile News is the official publication
of the Michigan Snowmobile Association, Inc., and is distributed as
part of the membership benefits of MSA. It is also circulated through
select promotional distribution. The Michigan Snowmobile News is
published six times a year (September, October, November, December,
January/February and March). WARNING: Some of the photographs in
this publication show action that may be potentially dangerous. We
encourage safe operation of all snowmobile equipment and advise you
not to attempt to duplicate any action that is seen on these pages. Let
your experience and skill guide you. The views and opinions expressed
by our readers are not necessarily those of the Michigan Snowmobile
Association or the Michigan Snowmobile News staff.
On the Cover: As Fall 2015 in Michigan
arrives, it’s a great time to plan and
organize snowmobile trips for the coming
season and to make sure that your sled is
ready to ride!
Michigan Snowmobile Association
President
BY RON CORBETT
Plan For Success on
Your Next Snowmobile Ride
A
s an organization, the Michigan Snowmobile Association (MSA) is built around safety -safe, responsible riding. As riders, when we plan trips, we need to plan them to be successful. We need to organize, communicate, and create a checklist.
Of course a half-day trip or a one-day trip is easier to plan in terms of organization. Three-day,
four-day and week-long trips do require more organization. However, both shorter and longer trips
should always include a focus on safety.
Some considerations of a successful ride include all riders carrying medical information, cell
phones, other riders cell phone numbers, and a satellite phone if cell phone service isn’t available.
Those on the ride should also consider the size of the group on that particular ride. I’ve been on
rides with four to seven people or even 17 people. I’ve also been on trips with up to 60 riders. Those
entail a lot more work and consideration to detail.
Know What to Expect
As a seasoned rider I feel it is most important that everyone on the ride should be aware of what
is going to happen on that particular ride.
I have found that communication and planning are also important tools of any snowmobile trip.
All riders should know what the ride includes from start to finish.
Every rider should know the trail route, rest stops to be taken, stops for gas, and even where and
what time lunch is planned. Leaders should communicate all of this to everyone on the ride. The
better the communication, the better the ride.
A good rule to follow when coordinating breaks (what time and exact location) is plan to ride
23-25 mph and map those stops along your predetermined destination. Let everyone on the ride
know those stops.
Make a Checklist
There are important things to go over with every rider on the trip. People who ride with each
other a lot are used to each other and their riding styles, but someone new on that ride doesn’t
know other’s styles. Communicate before the ride begins.
We all know that we are responsible for the rider behind us. We know that newer riders should
ride close to the front, but we still need to make sure that newer rider is acquainted with checklist.
Be informed, but by the same token, when an emergency comes up have the tools to deal with
that emergency. Went I went to Alaska with MichCanSka, we had a six-page safety document
with us. Most of us were older riders so we also carried a defibrillator with us. We were prepared
for anything.
Leaders are the ones overall responsible for the group of riders. A leader makes sure the speed is
right for the riding conditions and expertise levels on that trip. The leader has to constantly make
sure that everyone is being safe and the navigation for the route is understood and being followed.
Planning to be successful on the ride you are on is very important and this should always include
a checklist of what is expected on that ride. Everyone can develop their own list, but remember
safety, organization, and communication when making that list.
4
OCTOBER 2015 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILE NEWS • MSASNOW.ORG
4543 S. Division Ave
Wyoming, MI 49548
(616) 361-2285
Fax (616) 363-0661 • www.msasnow.org
Office Staff
Executive Director : Bill Manson
billmsa@aol.com
Staff : Karen Middendorp
karen@msasnow.org
2015 Executive Board
President: Ron Corbett
(989) 306-0419 cell • corbett-r@att.net
Interim Vice President: Rick Brown
(269) 624-1083 home
rickgrape@hotmail.com
Secretary: Dan Moore
(906) 748-3419 • audan1946@gmail.com
Treasurer: John Houk
(989) 734-7359 home • (989) 306-2545 cell
rjh42@hotmail.com
Past President: Bruce Wood
(231) 675-7669 cell
blwood@chartermi.net
2015 Executive Committee
REGION 1 - U.P.
Dan Moore (906) 748-3419
audan1946@gmail.com
Gail Scott (906) 842-3217 home
(906) 458-3785 cell
gkscott@alphacomm.net
Jim Duke (906) 387-3941 home
(906) 235-8270 cell
jimduke@jamadots.com
Karyn Hautamaki (906) 235-8271 cell
snowygirl1@live.com
Stu Volkers (906) 297-3060 home
(906) 235-1109 cell • sleds2@centurytel.net
REGION 2 - NORTHERN LOWER MI
John Houk (989) 734-7359 home
(989) 306-2545 cell • rjh42@hotmail.com
Rod Altman (989) 734-4557 home
rbjaltman63@gmail.com
Don Wing (231) 775-3901 home
(231) 846-7126 cell • wingjudy@msn.com
Jim Kelts (248) 212-7334
jlkelts@yahoo.com
Dave Cuzzort (989) 539-0357
cuzzortbrandy@hughes.net
REGION 3 - SOUTHERN MI
David Low (269) 792-2707 home
(616) 550-2707 cell • ddlow@att.net
Rick Brown (269) 624-1083 home
rickgrape@hotmail.com
Ron VanderVliet
(616) 772-4949 home • (616) 218-3736 cell
rjvliet@charter.net
Jeff Goss (231) 893-8110
jgoss@ericksonsgr.com
Donna Cody (734) 429-5048
d_r_cody@yahoo.com
All M.S.A. Officers will be more than willing
to take calls at home, but ask that all
correspondence be directed to the M.S.A. office.
STAFF
Publisher: Michigan Snowmobile
Association
Managing Editor: Marie Grogitsky
Graphic Designer: Robert Miller
Advertising Sales: Marie Grogitsky
(810) 348-4855
mmgrogitsky@hotmail.com
Safety First, Safety Always!
SAFETY CLASSES 2015-16
Saturday, Oct. 17: The class is being
sponsored by the Snomads, and will run from
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will be held at the Roseville
Parks and Rec Authority, 18185 Sycamore Rd.,
Roseville. For more information, call
(586) 445-5480.
Saturday, Oct. 24: The class is being
sponsored by the Snomads, and will run from 9
a.m. to 4 p.m. It will be held at the Ira Township
Parks and Rec, 7065 Meldrum Rd., Ira. To
register, call (586) 725-0263. free for course attendees. Lunch is donated by
the Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association.,
U.P. Tire, & Allstar Marine. For more information,
call Mary at the DNR office at (906) 635 6161.
For more information, call Dale Johnson at
(231) 924-5643. Those attending are reminded
to have warm clothing. Class includes about
one half hour of outside.
Saturday, Nov. 21: The class is being
sponsored by the Snomads, and will run from
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will be held at the Livonia MI
Parks and Rec, 33000 Civic Center Livonia. For
more information, call (734) 466-2200.
Saturday, Dec. 5: The class is being sponsored
by the Ogemaw Hills Snowmobile Club. Class
will start at 8 a.m. and run until 3 p.m. The
class and lunch is provided free of charge. For
more information, call (989) 473-3062. Space is
limited to 25 students.
Saturday, Nov. 7: The class is being sponsored
by the Snomads, and will run from 9 a.m. to 4
p.m. It will be held at the Suburban Collection
Showplace on Grand River. To register, visit
SnomadS.org.
Saturday, Dec. 5: The class is being sponsored
by the Frankenmuth Snowmobile Club. It
will run from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the
Frankenmuth Conservation Club, 8415 E.
Curtis Rd., Frankenmuth. There is a $5 fee.
For more information, contact Ed Roedel at
(989) 823-2225.
Saturday, Nov. 7: The class is being
sponsored by the Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile
Association. It will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The
class will be held at the Association’s clubhouse
at 1205 9th St. W., Sault. Lunch will be provided
Saturday, Dec. 5: The class is being sponsored
by the Newaygo County Sno Chasers. It will be
held from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Newaygo
County Convention & Visitors Bureau, 4684
Evergreen Drive M37. Pre register by Dec. 3.
Saturday, Dec. 28: The class is being
sponsored by the Les Cheneaux Snowmobile
Club, and will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will
be held at the club house on Blindline Rd.,
Cedarville. Students can register at the schools
in Cedarville, DeTour and Pickford. They can pick
up the application at those schools and bring
back the completed application in exchange for
a study book. For more information, call Stuart
Volkers at (906) 235-1109.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Oct 9-11: MSA Annual Meeting at the Mission
Point Resort, Mackinac Island. For more
information, see page 7.
Nov. 6-8: Snowmobile USA Show at the
Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi. For
more information, call (608) 223-6550.
Dec 1: Snowmobile Trails Officially open! Dec. 3: Snowmobile Advisory Workgroup
(SAW) will meet. Date TBA. Dec. 5: MSA Board of Directors Meeting will
meet. Date TBA. For more information, call the
MSA office at (616) 361-2285.
Jan.16-24, 2016: International Snowmobile Safety Week. Many local clubs and snowmobile
associations take this time to teach snowmobilers about safe riding. Many dealerships help by
putting on seminars, teaching customers how to maintain their sleds, and keep them running in top
condition. Visit www.snowmobile.org and download a Safety Week Campaign Action Manual with
ideas on how to promote safety week and ideas for putting on safety week events.
Jan. 22-23, 2016: The 10th Michigan Snow Run event to benefit the Pink Ribbon Riders will be held
at the Eagles Lodge in Gaylord. The Pink Ribbon Riders provide direct financial assistance to men
and women diagnosed with breast cancer. The event is open to both men and women and includes
a welcome party that incorporates a prom theme this year to celebrate the 10th anniversary, a ride
on Saturday, followed by a dinner banquet and award presentations. Participants are encouraged
to decorate their sleds and take part in the bra decorating contest! You can earn free registration by
raising pledges for the cause! For more information, visit, www.pinkribbonriders.com.
Feb. 5-15: The 8th annual TAKE A FRIEND SNOWMOBILING WEEK. Consider partnering with local
clubs and other local businesses to encourage non-snowmobiling friends or those who haven’t
been snowmobiling for a while to join us for a time of fun. Many have tried snowmobiling for the
first time with the experience resulting in the purchase of a snowmobile and joining a club and
association – all because somebody asked them to come along. For more information and ideas on
throwing a TAKE A FRIEND SNOWMOBILING event, visit www.gosnowmobiling.org.
MSASNOW.ORG • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILE NEWS • OCTOBER 2015
5
Legislative Report
BY BILL MANSON
Ask Yourself -- Just How Much Are You
Willing to Pay for Smooth Trails?
I
t’s a question, every snowmobiler in Michigan has to ask themselves -- How much are
you willing to pay for smooth snowmobile
trails in Michigan?
The cost of grooming equipment and
maintenance continues to rise while funding
for the Snowmobile Trail Improvement
Program continues to remain the same, even
decrease. The cost of fuel has stabilized, but the
cost of equipment will continue to increase.
Something has to change.
The average cost of a John Deere tractor,
fully equipped with Soucy tracks now costs
more than $265,000. In 2014 the average piece
of equipment (tractor) came in at $225,000, so
that’s what was budgeted this year. Due to new
tier-three diesel engines (EPA rules), increased
steel, and increased production costs the
equipment came in at that higher price. That’s
$40,000 more per unit. Those funds are not in
this year’s snowmobile budget.
Last month I explained that we may dip into
next year’s equipment budget to purchase all
of the equipment, and that is what is going
to happen. We will be able to purchase seven
or eight pieces of equipment with this year’s
funds and two or three will be purchased out
of next year’s budget, which began on Oct. 1
All of that equipment will be on our
snowmobile trails for this season, and if
nothing changes, next year we will be forced to
cut down on equipment purchases.
Aging Equipment
There are 68 grant sponsors who service
the trails in Michigan. In the Lower Peninsula,
those sponsors have 98 pieces of equipment in
service. In the Upper Peninsula there are
87 in service.
That equipment ranges from 20 years old to
new this year. All of that equipment has to be
maintained, repaired, and replaced. Cutting the
6
OCTOBER 2015 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILE NEWS • MSASNOW.ORG
equipment budget will hurt smooth trails in
Michigan.
This brings us right back to the question,
how much are you willing to pay for smooth
snowmobile trails in Michigan?
Consider this, the total number of miles
groomed by Michigan’s 68 grant sponsors last
season was 440,067. Every mile of trail was
groomed 68 times (on average). This is done
to make sure that your ride was what you have
come to expect it to be in Michigan. Of course,
this is just an average. On weekends there are
some miles of trail that are groomed twice a
day to make sure you get your bang for your
“trail permit” buck.
Additions to the Trail System
Yet, another thing to consider is the
continued expansion of our trails system. Every
year we strive at bettering our trail system. This
year we have two new trail expansions -- both
brand new trails.
The first is 25 miles will run from Mesick to
Copemish on the Benzie and Manistee trails
connector which includes a bridge repair over
Manistee river to the tune of $1.5 million (This
is being cost shared by other users.)
The second is a 15 mile connector north of
Topinabee over to Pellston, connecting North
Central trails and North Western Trails.
There are several various new connecters in
the U.P. in the planning stages. With additional
miles to our trail system, comes additional
access -- and both carry additional costs.
Again, I ask, how much are you willing to pay
for smooth snowmobile trails in Michigan?
I know that everyone is thinking -- if you
don’t have it in the budget, you need to cut
back a little here and there. We have spent
countless hours looking at where cuts can
be made. We are at the point where drastic
changes are going to have to be made. It is
only a matter of time before the amount of
miles groomed in Michigan is cut back as well
as equipment purchases. Either way, our trails,
your trails will suffer.
In the March 2015 Legislative Column in this
magazine I discussed the proposal to raise
the trail permit fee for those riders who are
not members of the Michigan Snowmobile
Association (MSA). Perhaps a better way to
put it is a new discounted trail permit for MSA
members. We have the legislation written and
have sought a state legislator to introduce
this legislation. To date, we cannot secure
legislative sponsorship.
MSA Members Would Receive
Discounts on Trail Permits
The MSA considers itself the voice of
the Michigan snowmobiler! We feel that
our members have molded the Michigan
Snowmobile Trail Program into the best
snowmobiling in the Midwest. While we were
doing planning for the system, our neighbor
states were figuring out how to reach their
state snowmobilers to educate them on
safety, clubs, trail news, trail etiquette, and
other important information. Wisconsin, New
Hampshire, New York, Vermont, all passed
legislation to offer trail permits to the members
of the state association at a discounted price.
Current legislation reads:
The fee for a snowmobile trail permit
sticker shall be discounted $25 if all of the
following apply: The purchaser is a member in
good standing of the Michigan Snowmobile
Association, a nonprofit corporation, with an
individual or family membership. In the case of
a family membership, only the purchaser of the
membership is considered to be a member for
purposes of this subsection. The Membership
Continued on page 23
A Look at Snowmobile Sound Levels
– PAST AND PRESENT –
This article is the first in a series of articles designed to educate snowmobilers about sound levels, Michigan law regarding sound levels
on a snowmobile, and the consequences of rider non-compliance.
P
re-1969 snowmobiles were noisy. At
full throttle, these machines emitted
sound levels as high as 102 dB(A) from
a distance of 50 feet. The four snowmobile
manufacturers have worked tirelessly to reduce
those sound levels, and today’s sleds are 94
percent quieter than those of yesteryear.
Snowmobiles produced since Feb. 1, 1975
and certified by the Snowmobile Safety and
Certification Committee’s independent testing
company emit no more than 78 dB(A) from
a distance of 50 feet while traveling at full
throttle when tested under the Society of
Automotive Engineers (SAE) J192 procedures.
Additionally, those produced after June 30,
1976 and certified by the Snowmobiles Safety
and Certification Committee’s independent
testing company emit no more than 73 dB(A)
at 50 feet while traveling at 15 mph when
tested under SAE J1161 procedures. It would take 256 78 dB(A) snowmobiles
operating together at wide open throttle
to equal the noise level of just one of the
pre-1969 snowmobiles. Consider this, normal human conversation at
three feet produces approximately 70 dB(A).
Michigan Law
Under Michigan law, the muffler on a
snowmobile must be in good working order
and when in constant operation noise emission
cannot exceed the following levels:
For snowmobiles manufactured after July 1,
1977 and sold or offered for sale in Michigan, 78
decibels at 50 feet, as measured using the 2003
Society of Automotive Engineers standard J192.
For a stationary snowmobile manufactured
after July 1, 1980 and sold or offered for sale in
Michigan, 88 decibels at 50 feet, as measured
using the 2004 Society of Automotive Engineers
standard J2567.
The penalty for violating the sound levels for
snowmobiles is a civil infraction, with fines up
to $250.
Problems with excessive noise levels do
occur when irresponsible snowmobilers modify
the snowmobile exhaust system or substitute
the factory system with an after-market racing
exhaust. In Michigan, this practice is illegal and
grossly misrepresents the sport. 8
OCTOBER 2015 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILE NEWS • MSASNOW.ORG
What Those Near the Trail Hear
Operated in normal, considerate manner,
snowmobiles are barely audible from inside a
home. From a distance of 50 feet, snowmobiles
generate between 68-73 dB(A) at 15 mph. Since
doors and windows are almost always closed in
the winter, snowmobiles operating outside at a
distance of 50 feet only create an interior sound
level of between 41 and 47 dB(A).
From a distance of 200 feet, snowmobiles
produce an interior sound level between 29
and 35 dB(A). This is well below the average
evening household sound level of 47 dB(A). Sound
dB(A)
75-Piece Orchestra
130
Car Horn, Snowblower
110
Blow-dryer, Diesel Truck
100
Electric Saver, Lawn Mower
85
Garbage Disposal, Vacuum
80
Alarm Clock, City Traffic
70
Dishwasher
60
Leaves Rustling, Refrigerator
40
U.S. Forest Service researcher Robin
Harrison, reported that under usual wild
land conditions, snowmobile operation is
undetectable to the human ear at distances
of more than 750 feet. He reported that
snowmobiles were barely detectable above
normal campground sound levels at a distance
of 400 feet. Sound Effects on Our Wildlife
Dr. Andres Soom participated in the
University of Wisconsin’s comprehensive threeyear study on the effects of snowmobile sound
levels on deer and cottontail rabbits. His report
titled Emission, Propagation and Environmental
Impact of Noise from Snowmobile Operations,
concluded that “only minor reactions were
noted in the movements of cottontail rabbits
and white tailed deer to moderate and
intensive snowmobiling activity.”
The report stated that it had not been
possible to determine sound levels at which
there is clear reaction on the part of the deer,
“because snowmobiles must be so close to
deer to generate the higher levels that other
factors such as visible presence are likely to be
more important.” The Wisconsin study also compared the
reaction of deer to the presence of crosscountry skiers. When cross-country skiers
replaced snowmobiles on the test trail
systems, the deer moved away from the trail
more frequently.
A three-year study, Response of white-tailed
Deer to Snowmobiles and Snowmobile Trails
in Maine, conducted by wildlife scientists for
the Maine Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit
and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries
and Wildlife, revealed that: “Deer consistently
bedded near snowmobile trails and fed along
them even when those trails were used for
snowmobiling several times daily.
In addition, fresh deer tracks were
repeatedly observed on snowmobile trails
shortly after machines had passed by,
indicating that deer were not driven from the
vicinity of these trails.
The reaction of deer to a man walking
differed markedly from their reaction to a man
on a snowmobile? This decided tendency of
deer to run with the approach of a human on
foot, in contrast to their tendency to stay in
sight when approached by a snowmobiler,
suggests that the deer responded to the
machine and not to the person riding it.
Addressing the subject of snowmobile
operations in Yellowstone National Park,
Jack Anderson, a former Superintendent of
Yellowstone stated “We found that elk, bison,
moose, even the fawns, wouldn’t move away
unless a machine was stopped and a person
started walking. As long as you stayed on the
machine and the machine was running, they
never paid any attention. If you stopped the
machine, got off and started moving, that was
a different story. The thing that seemed to be
disturbing to them was a man walking on foot.” Information for this article was obtained
through the Michigan Department of Natural
Resources and the American Council of
Snowmobile Associations. 
Second Groomer Driver Workshop
I
Trying to Reduce Maintenance Costs
n an effort to lower maintenance costs in
the Michigan Snowmobile Trail Improvement Fund, a Groomer Driver Workshop is
being planned for Oct. 24. The informational
event will be held at Baker College Truck
Driver School Building at the corner of M-66
and M-55 South of Lake City. Sponsored by
Bader Equipment, the workshop will run from
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and include lunch.
This workshop will focus on questions
designed to reduce maintenance costs and
equipment breakdowns.
A Look Back
The idea for the Groomer Driver Workshop
came about at the March 2014 Snowmobile
Advisory Workgroup (SAW) meeting. At that
meeting there was a discussion about the
amount of money spent on maintenance
during the 2014 season. There was a
suggestion that a groomer driver workshop
for groomer drivers should be held. A date
and location was set and the first groomer
driver workshop was held in October 2014.
Just as last year, the general theme of
the meeting will be to reduce the high
maintenance costs in the snowmobile
program. This year’s workshop will include
discussion of the items for maintenance as
well as hands-on discussion. Preventative
maintenance discussion will include fluid
levels, paying attention to computer codes in
the vehicle display, being sure not to miss any
grease points, and how important tools like
a camera to watch the drag are. If everyone
pays attention, these items can and will
reduce maintenance costs on the equipment.
The theme continues to be “fix it before it
breaks saves time and money.”
The Check List
During last year’s workshop a proposal
was made to establish a check list for each
driver to go over as he or she completes the
start process on each groom. It would be
stored in a notebook in the Grant Sponsors
file and will insure the program that the
breakdown is the fault of the equipment and
not the fault of the driver.
After a year of using that groomer
checklist, those in attendance at the
meeting will discussion the importance and
value of the checklist and any necessary
additions or deletions.
Some Snowmobile
Program Facts
Groomer drivers will also be provided
a breakdown of the Snowmobile Trail
Improvement Fund. The $1.1 million dollars
spent last year for maintenance would be
enough to purchase additional equipment
and even new groomers. That does not
count the many dollars spent out-of-pocket
by Grant Sponsors.
Consider this: $43.47 of every permit sold
goes into the snowmobile trail improvement
fund. If 200,000 trail permits were sold,
$8.7 million to run the program would be
generated.
In reality in 2012 only 124,287 permits were
sold. At $43.47, this amounts to $5.4 million.
In the 2013 only 136,033 permits were sold.
At $43.47 per permit, $5.9 million was raised
to fund the snowmobile program.
In 2014 only 145,958 permits were sold. At
$43.47 per permit, $6.3 million was raised for
the snowmobile program.
In 2015 Only 142,000 trail permits sold. At
$43.47 per permit, $6.2 million was raised for
the snowmobile program.
Increased trail permit sales are necessary
to continue Michigan’s grooming program as
it stands today. Everyone needs to work hard
to spread the word that trail permits are the
way trail grooming is funded and sales are
required to keep smooth trails.
Drivers from councils and clubs are invited
to attend this second annual groomer
driver workshop. For more information, call
Bill Lucas at (231) 775-4344, e-mail bjluc@
prodigy.net or Bill Voelker at (231) 839-8660,
e-mail bvoelker@greentractor.com 
3-YEAR
GET UP TO
BUMPER-TO-BUMPER
WARRANTY
ON SELECT MODELS†
or
2,000
SAVE UP TO
$
ON SELECT 2015 MODELS◊
+ GREAT FINANCING
‡
OFFER ENDS OCTOBER 31, 2015
FIND OUT MORE AT SKI-DOO.COM
©2015 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the
BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. In the U.S.A., products are distributed
by BRP US Inc. Offers valid in Canada and U.S.A. only, at participating Ski-Doo® dealers
on new and unused 2015 and 2016 Ski-Doo snowmobiles (excluding racing m odels and
units sold under the Spring Fever promotion) purchased, delivered and registered between
August 19, 2015 and October 31, 2015. The terms and conditions may vary depending on
your province or state and these offers are subject to termination or change at any time
without notice. See your Ski-Doo dealer for details. †UP TO 3-YEAR BUMPER-TO-BUMPER
WARRANTY: Consumers will receive a 3-year BRP limited warranty on select Summit®
models and 2-year BRP limited warranty on select other models. Summit Sport 600 Carb,
Renegade® Sport 600 Carb and MXZ® Sport 600 Carb models are excluded from this offer.
Subject to the exclusions, limitations of liabilities and all other terms and conditions of BRP’s
standard limited warranty contract, including without limitation the exclusions of damages
caused by abuse, abnormal use or neglect. See your participating Ski-Doo dealer for a copy
of the BRP Limited Warranty. ◊SAVE UP TO $2,000 ON SELECT 2015 MODELS: Eligible units
are select new and unused 2015 Ski-Doo models. Rebate amount depends on the model
purchased. While quantities last. ‡GREAT FINANCING: Low financing rates are available.
Subject to credit approval. Approval and any rates and terms provided are based on credit
worthiness. Multiple financing offers available. Other qualifications and restrictions may
apply. Financing promotion void where prohibited. BRP is not responsible for any errors,
changes or actions related to the financing provided by the financial institutions. Offer
may not be assigned, traded, sold or combined with any other offer unless expressly stated
herein. Offer void where restricted or otherwise prohibited by law. BRP reserves the right,
at any time, to discontinue or change specifications, prices, designs, features, models or
equipment without incurring any obligation. Always consult your snowmobile dealer when
selecting a snowmobile for your particular needs and carefully read and pay special attention
to your Operator’s Guide, Safety Video, Safety Handbook and to the safety labelling on your
snowmobile. Always ride responsibly and safely. Always wear appropriate clothing, including
a helmet. Always observe applicable local laws and regulations. Don’t drink and drive.
MSASNOW.ORG • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILE NEWS • OCTOBER 2015
9
Natalie
Freeman
Awarded 2015 MSA and
American Income Life Scholarship
The American Income Life and the Michigan Snowmobile Association (MSA) are pleased to announce the winner of the 2015
$2,000 college scholarship – Natalie Freeman.
Freeman graduated from Lutheran High Westland with a 3.8 GPA and attends the University of Toledo where she has a 3.7 GPA.
She is the daughter of Michigan Snowmobile Association (MSA) members Kemper and Barbra Freeman.
The Importance of Having Youth Involved
by Natalie Freeman
All youth need an outlet, a group and somewhere they feel they
belong. Although many events, clubs, and teams can fill that space;
it is important to find one that improves the community, aids in
learning, and most of all has fun! Snowmobile clubs across the
Michigan area, and in many other states, are vital for our youth to
provide those important opportunities.
There are many reasons and factors as to why snowmobile
clubs are so important for youth, starting with the ability to form
leaders for the furture. It is a normal cycle that as a leader retires
from an organiztion, a new one must step in. By educating youth
on the total sport of snowmobiling and its local, county, state,
and even international programs, they are prepared to take on
greater responsibility and roles in this community. They then can
become part of a larger organization and club to greater represent
and improve the sport of
snowmobiling. Along
with this comes
10
OCTOBER 2015 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILE NEWS • MSASNOW.ORG
responsibility which encourages young adults to have greater
self-worth and work harder toward their goals. There are also more
impactful ways a snowmobile club can take on responsibility, such
as volunteering.
Volunteering and fundraising for the community is important in
any club. It gives them a drive and purpose for what they are doing,
and helps them obtain respect and support from their community.
This can be done in many ways, such as helping mark, brush, and
groom trails; volunteering to help run safety education classes; and
simply having food, can, and clothing drives to give local charities
and those in need.
Volunteering and taking on leadership roles helps youth build
character in many ways. There is a variety of chances to interact
with other youth on a day-to-day basis. This allows the youth to
have fun and make friends with others who share similar hobbies.
It also allows them to enhance their social skills and team building
skills, through interacting with one another and planning events
with each other. Lastly, snowmobile clubs create a fun and safe
environment for youth. The club gives the youth friendship and
opportunity to enjoy the sport they love -- snowmobiling. Keeping
the youth involved in an enriching snowmobile club also ensures
they are kept busy and out of trouble.
I have loved the sport of snowmobiling since I was born 19 years
ago. Unfortunately, because I live in a large Metro Detroit suburban
area, I was never able to join a snowmobile club. My family and I
snowmobile every weekend in the winter in the Upper Peninsula.
I know I would joined a club in a heartbeat, if I was able, but I can
only imagine all the benefits it produces. I hope snowmobile clubs
continue to grow and thrive for all ages, especially the youth; so
that they can learn, help their community, and have fun! 
Samantha (Newton) Gonzalez
Named Patricia K. Jernberg
Nursing Scholarship Winner
Now in its 10th year, the Patricia K. Jernberg Scholarship was established to honor a beloved wife, mother, and nurse who love to
ride snowmobiles. This year’s $500 winner is Samantha (Newton) Gonzalez.
Gonzalez graduated from Maple Valley High School with a 3.0 GPA. She is attending Kellogg Community College where she
maintains a 3.0 GPA. She is the daughter of MSA member Darrell Newton.
The Patricia K. Jernberg Scholarship was established by Patricia’s family through MSA. Patricia was a dedicated nurse, having worked
a as a critical care nurse at Spectrum Health-Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids for 30 years. She was also an avid snowmobiler.
Along with her family and her faith, nursing and snowmobiling were her great loves. She and her husband were riders, MSA
members, and loved attending the MSA Ride-In.
How Does My Community Benefit From Nursing?
by Samantha Gonzalez
My community reaps the benefits of nursing in many ways. The patient
is the center of nursing practice, and the patient can be an individual,
family, or community. Nursing practice involves four areas: promoting
health and wellness, preventing illness, restoring health, and proving care
for the dying and all of these are evident in my community.
Nurses promote health and wellness in patients who are both healthy
and ill. This is evident in my community through activities that promote
healthy lifestyles such as improving nutrition, promoting physical fitness,
and smoking cessation.
Nurses work to prevent illness and disease. Nursing activities in
my community that help prevent disease include administration of
immunizations and providing prenatal care.
Restoration of health focuses primarily on the ill client and ranges
from detection of disease through assisting the patient with recovery
from illness. In my community, this aspect of nursing is evident in several
ways. Nurses provide direct care to the ill patient through activities such
as bathing, medications, and specific treatments or procedures such as
dressing changes.
Nurses also help in facilitating assessment and diagnostic procedures
through activities such as measurement of vital signs and specimen
collection. Taking care of patients in the “post-procedure” phase such
as after surgery is another area nurses help. Furthermore, nurses
communicate and collaborate with other health care professionals such as
physicians and dietitians. This is done in an effort to provide holistic care.
In addition, nurses in my community are educators and teach patients
about their diseases and illnesses as well as teaching them how to
manage their health. Lastly, but very important, nurses help with the
rehabilitation of patients following any mental or physical illness, injury,
or chemical addition.
Nurses in my community provide care for the dying whether it be
palliative care while hospitalized or in hospice care.
In the past many nurses and nursing care was found in acute care
hospitals in my community. Many nurses still work in hospitals, but you
can also find nurses in clinics such as physician’s offices, agencies such
as the health department, schools, long-term care facilities, and patient’s
homes.
Different levels of nursing are also apparent in my community. One
may find licenses practical, associate degree and diploma prepared
nurses to be prominent in clinics, hospitals, and homes. Baccalaureate
nurses can be found in schools and the health department and nurse
practitioners are found in clinics and physician offices. Several master’s
prepared nurses are faculty members of our community college. At this
point, I only know of two DNPs and one is employed as a Director of
Nursing and the other is a faculty member in a BSN completion program.
My community is fortunate to have the strong presence of nursing. We
benefit from the multitude of activities that nurses are involved in and
from the many settings where they are found. I am beyond excited to one
day be a part of such a life changing and rewarding career. 
MSASNOW.ORG • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILE NEWS • OCTOBER 2015
11
MichCanSka
World Tour 2015
The group of World Tour participants.
D R E A M I T, P L A N I T, D O I T !
O
n Feb. 26, 2015, snowmobilers from the MichCanSka International Snowmobile Club completed the first ever “World Tour” on
snowmobiles.
The U.S. was the starting point of this Epic Adventure. The group
partnered with Canada, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia on this
historic event. The opening ceremony started in Cadillac at Coyote
Crossing Resort, with a blessing of the snowmobiles.
MichCanSka’s riders take to
the trails to benefit diabetes
research and awareness
promotion. During this World
Tour, they raised $30,000 for
that cause.
The ride took the group
from Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. to
Hearst, Ontario; Bodo Norway;
Kvikkjokk, Sweden; Kiruna
Sweden; Muonia, Finland;
Sodankyla, Finland; Salla, Finland; Pirenga, Russia; Yulinskava Salma,
Russia; Murmansk, Russia, and St. Petersburg, Russia.
In all 62 riders (some rode segments), passed through eight time
zones, traveled and rode snowmobiles collectively a total of 110,660
miles! (includes air travel) The miles traveled on snowmobiles were 54,660
miles for the entire group.
12
OCTOBER 2015 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILE NEWS • MSASNOW.ORG
Oh What a Ride!
Bill Bradfield, organizer of the World Tour and David Low (87 years
young!), represented the Michigan Snowmobile Association (MSA). They
were joined by five others who rode the entire ride. The four others
included Jean Guy Charatte, Yves Leblanc, Claude Castonguay, and Hugh
Cummins.
Two Russian riders Andrey Babanov and Alexander Moiseev rode in the
U.S. and in Russia. The camaraderie shared by all was priceless.
Temperatures ranged from 25 degrees to 42 degrees below zero. If you
add the ages of the seven who did the entire trip, you have 445 years of
snowmobiling wisdom and an average age of 64.
The U.S. segment of the World Tour was a loop around the Upper
Peninsula of Michigan -- a total of 1,378 miles times 17 riders equals
23,426 miles collectively.
For a Great Cause
There are 29 million people in America who suffer with diabetes
and 382 million worldwide. There are more deaths annually caused by
diabetes than AIDS and breast cancer combined. Someone is diagnosed
with diabetes every 17 seconds.
MichCanSka riders have been on a journey since 2010 to help find a
cure for diabetes. In that time period, the group has traveled through
eight time zones, six countries, five states, seven provinces and rode
550,000 miles across the globe for Diabetes Research. They have raised
more than $200,000 for that cause.
MichCanSka receiving the
key to the city of Sault Ste.
Marie. Mayor Tony Bosbous
presented the group with the
proclamation at the tunnel
under I-75 on the trail.
MSA member David Low.
(L to R) Bill Bradfield, Dave Low, kneeling Yves Leblanc, Alexander Moiseev (Russia),
Andrey Babanov (Russia), Norm Surprenant, Claude Castonguay, and Jean Guy Charette.
“I do believe that the MichCanSka World Tour 2015 on Snowmobiles
for Diabetes Research will forever be in the history books of organized
snowmobiling as the most challenging and exciting adventure on
snowmobiles in the history of this truly great sport,” said Bradfield.
“We supported the organized snowmobile community including
the MSA, the American Council of Snowmobile Associations, and the
International Snowmobile Congress in all countries we visited.”
MichCanSka hosts fundraisers throughout the entire year; in support
of diabetes research. They hold three car shows in the summer months.
Proceeds from one of the car shows is donated to MSA.
“Raising funds for charities is a very important cause for many
successful snowmobile clubs and raising funds for our state, provincial,
national and international snowmobile community is also important.”
Bradfield believes that clubs should support both. There is no reason
to have to choose between the two of them, he said.
“We can show the entire world that snowmobilers are a caring
group of people that stand ready to help others in their time of
need. As ordinary people when we get together as a team can reach
extraordinary goals.”
The MichCanSka motto has been “Dream it, Plan it, Do it!” It
is the team that makes the Dream. For more information, visit
www.michcanska.com. 
Dave Low and Bill Bradfield at the Russian border on February 21, 2015.
MSASNOW.ORG • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILE NEWS • OCTOBER 2015
13
News Notes
International
Snowmobile
Safety Week
The International Snowmobile Safety Week
will be held on Jan. 16-24, 2016.
Snowmobiling is a fun and exciting family
activity enjoyed by more than four million
people across the U.S. and Canada. The sport
is a safe and an enjoyable form of recreation if
done properly and with respect.
The purpose of International Snowmobile
Safety Week is to expose people to safe
snowmobiling practices and to demonstrate
how operating safely can prevent mishaps.
Safe Snowmobiling Means…
1.
Never consume alcohol or drugs before
or during snowmobiling.
2. Become familiar with the snowmobile
you ride.
3. Operate at safe and reasonable speeds.
4. Stay on trails and areas where
snowmobiling is permitted.
5. Avoid travel on unfamiliar frozen
bodies of water.
6. Using extra caution at night.
7. Keep your snowmobile properly
maintained.
8. Become familiar with the terrain you
will travel on.
9. Listen to the weather forecast before
you leave.
10. Always wear a helmet and proper
clothing.
11. Never riding alone, and letting
someone know where you are going
and when you plan to return.
12. Carrying emergency supplies and
learning survival skills
Don’t Forget to Take a
Friend Snowmobiling
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News Notes continued on page 16
14
OCTOBER 2015 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILE NEWS • MSASNOW.ORG
ACRONYMS IN
SNOW:
What Do All Those Letters Mean?
MSA – Michigan Snowmobile Association
MDNR – Michigan Department of Natural Resources
MTAC – Michigan Trails Advisory Council
SAW – Snowmobile Advisory Workgroup
The purpose of SAW is to assist MTAC in performing its duties
and responsibilities and to provide the DNR advice related
to the snowmobile program. This includes advice related to
the creation, development, operation, and maintenance of
the designated snowmobile trail system. MSA represents
snowmobilers in Michigan on both the SAW and MSTAC.
ACSA - American Council of Snowmobile Associations
CCSO - Canadian Council of Snowmobile Associations
SNOFED - Swedish Snowmobile Owners Federation
RSAA - Russian Snowmobile ATV Association
ACSA, CCSO, SNOFED and RSAA are all dedicated to providing
leadership and support to organized snowmobiling in their
respective countries. They act as national coordinators and
spokespersons for the snowmobiling community and are
comprised of delegates from the various state snowmobile
associations.
ISC- International Snowmobile Council
ISC is broken down into three chapters: a Northeast Chapter,
a Midwest Chapter and a Western Chapter. The individual
chapters are comprised of state associations, provincial
associations. Michigan is a member of the Midwest Chapter.
ISMA - International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association
IASA - International Association of Snowmobile Administrators
ISMC - International Snowmobile Media Council
ISTC - International Snowmobile Tourism Council
NSF - National Snowmobile Federation
FOSPAC - Friends of Snowmobiling Political Action Committee
SSCC - Snowmobile Safety and Certification Committee (SSCC)
ISHOF - International Snowmobile Hall of Fame
MSASNOW.ORG • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILE NEWS • OCTOBER 2015
15
News Notes (Continued)
Yellowstone Announces NonCommercially Guided Snowmobile Access
Program for this Coming Winter Season!
Here are some highlights of this year’s Yellowstone Non-Commercially
Guided Snowmobile Access Program for the 2015-16.
First, each day during the coming winter season, there will be
up to five snowmobiles in each of four Non-commercially Guided
Transportation Snowmobile Events/trips, one from each of the four
Yellowstone Park Gates.
Second, you will be required to possess a non-commercial snowmobile
access permit which is awarded annually through an online lottery system.
The lottery located at the www.recreation.gov website started on
Sept. 1 to determine the trip dates for Non-Commercially Guide Leaders
wanting to visit Yellowstone this coming winter season.
Another Opportunity
After the lottery is finished and the initial trips are awarded (only one
trip from the lottery), you can still sign up to lead a trip or a second trip
at www.recreaction.gov on a first-come-first-served basis for the dates
still available. Note these remaining dates will be made available on the
website in mid-October.
A total of only two trips allowed per season per non-commercial guide
are allowed; the trips can last up to three days.
Note starting this year you will be charged $40 for each day of your
permit. A one-day permit is $40; a two-day permit $80; and a three-day
permit is $120.
Each snowmobile operator will be required to have successfully
completed the Yellowstone Snowmobile Safety Education Certification
training course. The training course is available online. This course
was developed with the help and sponsorship of the Wyoming State
Snowmobile Program.
This “No Cost” course is now available at the following website: http://
provalenslearning.com/yellowstone-snowmobile-education-certificate.
Best Available Technology
You will be required to use only current Best Available Technology
(BAT) snowmobiles in your group. Note these required machines can be
rented at a location near the four gates.
For the complete detailed information on the Non-Commercially
Guided Access Program, please see the Yellowstone Park Service website
at www.nps.gov/yell/learn/management/ngsap.htm.
For additional information on the Yellowstone Winter Use issue and
snowmobile community’s combined 15-year effort to keep snowmobile
access to Yellowstone in winter, visit our dedicated website www.
saveyellowstonepark.com.
Please remember one of our collective main efforts during the last SEIS
Winter Planning process was to have a “Non-commercially Guided access
program for entry into Yellowstone. We accomplished that and now is your
chance to plan a trip into the Park without a commercial guide. Please
consider signing up during the lottery period at www.recreation.gov.
Clean Snowmobile Challenge
The 16th Annual SAE Snowmobile Challenge was held in March 2015 at
Michigan Technological University in Houghton.
This year 21 teams from the U.S. and Canada and one from Finland
participated in the weeklong event. The members of the International
Snowmobile Manufacturers Association: Arctic Cat, Bombardier
Recreational Products, Polaris, and Yamaha were proud Gold-level
sponsors of the event.
Representatives from the manufacturers were involved in the event
and supported the skilled students participating from the universities
and colleges from around the world.
And the Winner Is ...
The University of Wisconsin – Madison bested the tough competition
and was announced the winner of the Internal Combustion Engine
Division.
The second spot for the overall competition went to Kettering
University from Flint.
The competition featured a new Diesel Utility category where North
Dakota State took first place. The diesel category is new this year and was
created as diesel sleds have different characteristics than gasoline sleds
and there is a growing demand for snowmobile use in the agricultural
News Notes continued on page 19
16
OCTOBER 2015 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILE NEWS • MSASNOW.ORG
Michi�an Snowmobile Education
& Advancement Fund
Honor, Remember Friends, Family, or Events
Through a Donation to Support Snowmobile
Safety and Education Programs
In Appreciation …
All memorials and tributes will be acknowledged
by the MSEAF through a thank you letter to you,
the donor. A special card will also be mailed letting
the recipient or their family know that someone
special has honored them with this MSEAF
Honorarium and Memorial. Memorials and tributes
will also be recognized in the pages of the Michigan
Snowmobile News.
2015
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the economic impact of
snowmobiling –
U.S. - $26 billion annually
Canada - $8 billion annually
Europe & Russia - $5 billion annually
Over 100,000 full-time jobs are generated by the
snowmobile industry in North America. Those
jobs are involved in manufacturing, dealerships
and tourism related businesses.
Perfectly customized for your grooming needs.
Powerful
Perfect traction with
10 wheels
Mercedes Benz diesel
Longer track length
for stability and
pulling strength
2 speed motors
Comfortable
Full size cabin with lots
of space
Great visibility
Superior climate control
A smoother ride
courtesy of torsion
bar suspension
Functional
Robust rear hitch for
pulling trail drags
Generous platform deck
Versatile 12 way blade
with hydraulic
controllable wings
Cruise control
www.pistenbullyusa.com/trailbully
MSASNOW.ORG • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILE NEWS • OCTOBER 2015
17
Al Green Memorial Ride
F
riends, family members and groomer
operators, took to the Cadillac trails in
late-February to remember Al Green.
Al passed away last November. He was
the vice president and a Life Member of the
Michigan Snowmobile Association (MSA),
an active groomer and Trail Coordinator for
Cadillac Winter Promotions, and a Life Member
of the Cadillac Winter Warriors Snowmobile
Club. Snowmobiling was his passion.
It was a beautiful day to remember Al.
The temperature warmed up and it was
quite mild. Julie and Pete Finch welcomed
the snowmobilers to Coyote Crossing for an
expanded continental breakfast. Comments
from participants were that some of the large
18
OCTOBER 2015 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILE NEWS • MSASNOW.ORG
by Barb Lazar
chains should take a lesson from Julie.
After filling tummies inside, the group went
out and viewed that big green tractor that
was hooked to the Dubie Drag. Cadillac Winter
Promotions has named that drag in Al’s honor.
They Came From Near and Far
The participants were a cross-section of the
different groups Al had worked with: MSA
officers, Cadillac Winter Promotions officers
and groomers, and Cadillac Winter Warriors
officers and members. They made the trip from
all areas of the state – the U.P., Rogers City,
Flushing, Owosso, Otisville, and Hudsonville to
name a few. All were honored to call Al friend.
Both of Al and Jen’s daughters, Kathrine
and Leslie, were on hand to participate in the
festivities. At one time during the presentation,
Ron Corbett, president of MSA, asked for a
showing of hands of how many groomers
were present. A lot of hands were raised. The
next question was how many of the groomers
had been mentored by Al and the same
hands went up. Al enjoyed grooming and was
extremely proud of the trails in Michigan.
Bill Lucas, Don Wing, and Pete Finch led
rides; all ending up at the Boon Bonfire. After
a lunch of hotdogs, chili, hot chocolate and
cookies, the various groups continued riding
the trails and met back at Coyote Crossing for
snacks and reminiscing. 
News Notes (Continued)
and hard work categories that would use diesel power. Second place in
the Diesel category was awarded to SUNY -Buffalo.
The Finnish team of students from Lapland University of Applied
Sciences celebrated their first year as the top Zero-Emissions team!
Michigan Tech University has hosted the Snowmobile Challenge
for the past 13 years and experienced a beautiful snowy winter with
temperatures solidly in the freezing range providing ideal conditions for
the SAE Collegiate Design
competition.
Building off successes
from previous years, a
record-setting 11 teams
completed the 100 mile
endurance run to Copper
Mountain.
In addition to engineers
and other supporting
groups, the U.S. Forest
Service is very supportive
of the Challenge. Forest Service representatives believe that the
snowmobile industry and clubs have made great strides, and this
partnership with the Snowmobile Challenge is a great opportunity for
the students to help move forward in a partnership.
Plans are underway for the 2016 Challenge which will again be held at
Michigan Tech beginning March 7, 2016. The snowmobile manufacturers
will work with the Michigan Tech planning team in helping design event
activities and more. 
MSASNOW.ORG • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILE NEWS • OCTOBER 2015
19
TICKET,
TICKET
–
Get Your Ticket! Wildcat 4x4 Raffle
A 2014 Arctic Cat Wildcat 4 x 4 UTV (a four seat side-by-side) is being
raffled off by the Michigan Snowmobile Education & Advancement Fund
(MSEAF).
Babbitts’s Sport Center in Muskegon wanted to help MSEAF and
Michigan snowmobiling by donating this unit to be used as a fundraiser.
With a retail value of more than $20,000, the money raised by this raffle
will go a long way to help MSEAF continue its goal of safe snowmobiling
on Michigan’s Snowmobile Trails.
All of the money raised will help support MSEAF
continue to reach its mission of:
Raffle drawing to be held
at the MSA office on
November 12, 2015 at 3 pm
Tickets -- $10 each or 3 for $20! •
•
•
To act as a resource and distribution point for information and
education which furthers the safety of snowmobiling, and for the
safety of the public in general. To facilitate the distribution and exchange of information pertaining
to snowmobiling safety, general education, and knowledge
regarding the sport of snowmobiling.
To develop a common appreciation, understanding, and knowledge
of snowmobiling activity in the State of Michigan.
“Give this application to a friend”
Please Mail To:
MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION
4543 S. Division Ave
Wyoming, MI 49548
This is my application
for membership in the
MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION
Join the MSA Today!
PLEASE CHECK THE CORRECT DUES AMOUNT:
MSA Life Membership Reinstated:
Must provide proof of age.
o SINGLE/ FAMILY - $25*/ 1 yr. o CLUB - $25*/ 1 yr. o COMMERCIAL - $50*/1 yr.
o Age 0-29- $1,000
Payment must be paid in full
o Age 30-39 - $800
within one calendar year. New
o Age 40-49 - $600
Life Members will be provided
o SINGLE/FAMILY - $60*/ 3 yrs.
o Age 50-59 – $400
a personalized MSA jacket.
* Non U.S. members add $30. All payments must be in U.S. funds.
o Age 60 and over $300
Current life members may
PLEASE CHECK THE CORRECT DUES AMOUNT:
PAYMENT: o Check
o VISA o MASTERCARD
o Discover
make a $100 donation and
receive a life member coat.
Card No._________________________________________________ Exp. Date____________________________________
I Want to Be a
Part of the
Michigan Snowmobile
Association
Cardholder Signature__________________________________________ Date_____________________________________
Name___________________________________________________ Spouse (if a family membership)_____________________
Address___________________________________________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip_______________________________________________________________________________________
Phone (_____) ____________________________________________Club______________________________________
MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION
20
E-mail address______________________________________________________________________________________
OCTOBER 2015 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILE NEWS • MSASNOW.ORG
DOUG OLSON
Olson Mfg. Inc.
doug@SBgroomers.com
Snowmobile & AT V
AUCTIONS
Oct. 1, Oct, 15
Oct. 17, Nov.
7, and5 Nov. 21
and Nov.
Selling over 4000 snowmobiles and ATVs every
year since 1974 in southern Michigan. Pictures,
auction price reports, motel listings, maps and all
information to buy or sell are at:
www.snowmobileauction.com
NO SELLING COMMISSION FEES.
You only pay $25.00 per item to sell.
Open to the general public and dealers alike!
Inside seating for 2000 people,
14 acres of parking.
One mile east of Bronson on HWY US 12.
White Star Motorsports Auctions
Bronson, MI
Phone 517-369-1153
Fax 517-369-2024
YOU CAN
BUY OR
SELL
10% Buyer’s premium added to all purchases.
22
OCTOBER 2015 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILE NEWS • MSASNOW.ORG
Snowmobile Trail Maps for GPS
Printed Map Books, ORV Trail Maps
VISIT US ONLINE
715.617.6948
SBgroomers.com
“ Without
life’s just a drag”
Legislative Report
is an individual or family membership. The
sticker is sold by the Michigan Snowmobile
Association as the department’s agent
under subsection (8). An individual shall not
purchase under subsection (2) more than the
following number of discounted stickers for
the same 1-year period unless the individual
owns a number of snowmobiles equal to or
greater than the total number of discounted
stickers purchased: (A) If the individual has
an individual membership in the Michigan
Snowmobile Association, 2 stickers. (B) If
the individual has a family membership
in the Michigan Snowmobile Association,
4 stickers. (4) The Michigan Snowmobile
Association may require an individual to
submit snowmobile registrations and vehicle
identification numbers to verify the number
of snowmobiles owned by the individual for
the purposes of subsection (3)
Note: Permits will be $60 each; the
discounted cost to an MSA member will be
$35 if purchased through MSA, a certified
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) agent.
The cost of a MSA membership is $25, add
that to the cost of a $35 permit and both are
equal -- $60.
The incentive to be an MSA member is you
can buy multiple permits at the discounted
rate. MSA members will also get continuous
(continued)
updates on safety, education, new trails or
closures throughout the year.
NOT a Tax Increase
After considerable discussion and calls to
our state legislators, we are sad to report that
we can’t find a legislator to introduce this
bill. They are all afraid of raising taxes. Let me
stress, our proposal is not, would not, be a tax
increase. It is a “pay to play” system, and we
already do that. We support our sport, and
just want to assess ourselves differently. We
have always paid our own way.
Our legislators have no problem taking
$35 million (Pure Michigan campaign) of your
hard earned tax dollars to invite everyone to
come to Michigan; including inviting other
snowmobilers to come and ride our trails. Yet,
still they don’t want to let us invest in our trails.
Look to the November Michigan
Snowmobile News for a list of legislators in
our state. We will be asking you to call upon
your state legislator and let them know how
important this is to you and our smooth trails.
Let me put my earlier question to you in a
different way. What is going to suffer if funding
mechanisms are not changed? The groomed
trails will suffer, and suffer greatly. Who is
going to suffer if changes are not made? You
the snowmobiler is going to suffer. 
MSASNOW.ORG • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILE NEWS • OCTOBER 2015
23
THE YAMAHA
TRADE
MY SLED
SALES EVENT
$500
TRADE-IN
GET UP TO
+
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Visit your nearest Yamaha dealer or Pro Yamaha dealer (in red) today.
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CYCLE CITY INC.
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FOX POWERSPORTS OF
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GRAND RAPIDS, MI
FOXSHAWMUTHILLS.COM
Trade My Sled promotion valid August 21, 2015, through October 31, 2015. All makes and model sleds accepted as trade
vehicles. All trades are up to the dealer’s discretion. Limit one (1) trade-in unit per new unit purchased. Copy of state registration in customer’s name must accompany trade-in unit as proof of ownership. Offer valid for any new 2011-2016 Yamaha
Snowmobile (except SRX 120 and ’16 Spring Power Surge models). See dealer for complete details. © 2015 Yamaha Motor
Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved.
FREE RIDE POWER SPORTS INC
4405 JACKSON RD
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FREERIDEPOWERSPORTS.COM
LINDY’S SALES, INC.
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PEACOCK LIMITED OF BALDWIN INC
276 S M37
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TEAM G MOTORSPORTS LC
2410 AUSTINS PKWY
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FULL THROTTLE MOTORSPORTS, INC.
9555 WOODLANE DR
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M & M MOTOR MALL INC
3829 LAKE ST
KALAMAZOO, MI
MMCYCLE.COM
PLANET POWERSPORTS
647 E CHICAGO RD
COLDWATER, MI
PLANET-POWERSPORTS.COM
THUMB MOTORSPORTS
6466 VAN DYKE RD
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HACKERS YAMAHA AND HONDA
3901 W HOUGHTON LAKE DR
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M & M POWERSPORTS INC
90 NAVY ST
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RAY C’S CYCLE & SPORTS INC
1422 IMLAY CITY RD
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RAYCS.COM
INDIAN RIVER SPORTS CENTER
562 S STRAITS HWY
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IR-SC.COM
MEYER YAMAHA, L.L.C.
1355 US HIGHWAY 41 WEST
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SPEED NATION POWERSPORTS, INC.
56605 PONTIAC TRL
NEW HUDSON, MI
GOSPEEDNATION.COM
U.S. 27 MOTORSPORTS &
TRAILERS, INC
5301 N US HIGHWAY 27
SAINT JOHNS, MI
YAMAHAPARTSKING.COM
K & W CYCLES, INC.
4090 AUBURN RD
SHELBY TOWNSHIP, MI
KWCYCLE.COM
NELSON’S SPEED SHOP
4566 S GREENVILLE RD
GREENVILLE, MI
NELSONSSPEEDSHOP.COM
ST. HELEN POWER SPORTS L.L.C.
1901 N SAINT HELEN RD
SAINT HELEN, MI
STHELENPOWERSPORTS.COM
LAKES & TRAILS POWER SPORTS
2229 US HIGHWAY 131 N
KALKASKA, MI
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NORTHERN PWR SPRTS OF
MIO INC.
30 KNEELAND ROAD
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STEVENS’ YAMAHA SALES
3638 S HURON RD
BAY CITY, MI
STEVENSCYCLE.COM
LAKESIDE MOTOR SPORTS, INC.
10964 90TH AVE
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LAKESIDEMOTORSPORTS.NET
PAT’S AUTO & SPORTS CENTER
10612 HWY M-38
GREENLAND, MI
PATSMOTORSPORTS.COM
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T & R YAMAHA, INC.
215 MAIN ST
EAST JORDAN, MI
TANDRYAMAHA.COM
VILLAGE MOTORSPORTS
13035 NEW HOLLAND ST
HOLLAND, MI
VILLAGEMOTORSPORTS.NET
WATSON’S MARINA INC.
1 MAIN STREET
CURTIS, MI
WATSONSMARINA.COM
WOODY’S CYCLE
1690 N US 23
EAST TAWAS, MI
WOODYSCYCLESALES.COM