ishof to induct - Snowmobile Storm

Volume 1 • Issue 1
TM
PRO R
IDER
SPOTL
TAYLO
IGHT
:
R DY
ESS
ISHOF TO INDUCT
SIX NEW MEMBERS
In This Issue...
Photo Contest....................................10
News..................................................12
Reader Adventure..............................20
Pro Rider Spotlight: Taylor Dyess.......22
Safety Zone........................................24
On the Circuit...................................26
Rider Spotlight: David Low..................28
Industry News...................................37
Adventures of Jack B. Stumble..........42
Rider Recipe......................................44
Land Use and Legisla4on..................45
You Asked for It.................................49
Coloring Contest................................54
Just For Fun.......................................55
Marketplace.......................................56
2
Snowmobile Storm
September 2010
Cover
Jerry
Zywie
c
Phot
o:
Snow
mobi
le Sto
finds
rm Ph
a
g
oto
reat d
West
ri: to
ern C
olora
b
ust in
do.
September 2010
Snowmobile Storm
3
U P COM I N G E V E N T S
Rocky Mountain Snowmobile Expo
October 9 - 10, 2010
Denver Merchandise Mart
Denver, CO
www.agievents.com
Intermountain Snowmobile Show
October 22-23, 2010
Salt Lake County Events
Center (Equestrian Park)
South Jordan, UT 84095
www.intermountainshow.com
Idaho Snow Show
November 19-20, 2010
Expo Idaho (formerly The
Western Idaho Fair Grounds)
Boise, Idaho
www.intermountainshow.com
Interna onal Snowmobile Safety Week
January 16-22, 2011
www.snowmobile.org
Take a Friend Snowmobiling Week
February 12-21, 2011
www.gosnowmobiling.org
Snowmobile Storm Adventure Magazine is for educa4onal and entertainment purposes and we are not liable for any
injuries or damages caused by extreme riding. Ride responsibly, sober and with a buddy. Be aware of avalanche dangers, always carry avalanche safety equipment and become educated on how to properly use the equipment.
Remember that he who rides and walks away can live to ride another day.
4
Snowmobile Storm
September 2010
For up to a
50% Discount
use Code:
SNOWSTORM
From the Editor
and Publisher
Gree4ngs!
Snowmobile Storm Crew
Editor:
Diana Grant
Publisher:
Minisa Robinson
Contact Informa4on
Advers4sing and Billing,
Photo or Ar4cle Submission:
970-625-4141
2410 Acacia Ave
Rifle, CO 81650
snowstorm@quixnet.net
Ad and Graphic Design:
970-618-6170
15805 CR 245
New Castle, CO 81647
admin@snowmobilestorm.com
Snowmobile Storm Adventure Magazine and the
Snowmobile Storm name, masthead and logo are
property of Grant Publishing and are protected by
copyright. Any use or reproduc4on in whole or in part
without the express wriGen consent of Snowmobile
Storm is strictly prohibited.
www.snowmobilestorm.com
Copyright 2010
Grant Publishing
All Rights Reserved. Designed and Published in U.S.A.
6
Snowmobile Storm
September 2010
Welcome to the debut of Snowmobile Storm Adventure
Magazine. Snowmobile Storm is an online magazine
that is free to all snowmobile enthusiasts.
We present you with a well-rounded publica4on that
covers many interests near and dear to you, including
snowmobiling news, adventure stories, land use issues,
racing results and photos, safety and avalanche awareness, rider profiles, and more...
Snowmobile Storm is also an interacve magazine
which goes well beyond the realm of a print newspaper: with video and audio integra4on, crystal clear photos and graphics, clickable adver4sements and more!
We would like to invite you all to par4cipate in the produc4on of Snowmobile Storm. Send in your favorite
photos and adventures, or anything else that involves
the sport of snowmobiling: all submissions that are
published will be eligible for some great prizes!
What beGer place to share your adventures with others than in the Snowmobile Storm Adventure Magazine!
Want to Win?
Then Join in the Fun!
Check out the many contests, games and prizes that Snowmobile Storm offers:
“Take Your Best Shot” Photo Contest:
Winner receives $50 for the best photo. The contest is open to everyone and all snowmobile
related photos will be considered.
For more details see page 10.
“The Hidden Snowflake” Contest:
Can you find it? Each month a single snowflake will be hidden somewhere within the Snowmobile
Storm. The winner of the contest will receive $25.
Read more on page 8.
“Reader Adventure” and “I Survived” Ar4cles:
Write an adventure or survival story and recieve $25 for each ar4cle published in Snowmobile
Storm. Tell us about your adventure! Anything from riding a new area, having a great ou4ng, to running into trouble and more. Were you stranded or have a close call? Send us your survival story.
Send ar4cles to snowstorm@quixnet.net Subject: “Reader Adventure” or “I Survived”
View this month’s Reader Adventure on page 21.
“Pro Rider Spotlight” Feature:
Get to know the pros! Learn more about the professional snowmobilers, industry leaders and upand-coming riders. If you are a snowmobiling pro and would like to be considered for the Pro Rider
Spotlight, answer the ques4ons from the Pro Rider Spotlight page and send the answers and a couple photos to: snowstorm@quixnet.net Subject: “Pro Rider Spotlight”.
View the Pro Rider Spotlight on page 22.
“Rider Spotlight” Feature:
Nominate your friend or family member for the Rider Spotlight, or send us your informa4on if you’d
like to be considered for next month’s featured rider. Simply answer the ques4ons from the Rider
Spotlight page and send the answers and a couple photos to:
snowstorm@quixnet.net Subject: “Rider Spotlight”.
View the Rider Spotlight on page 29.
“Rider Recipes” Feature:
Do you have a great idea for lunch? Send us your recipes! Anything yummy that travels well while
snowmobiling, different places to carry lunch or easy fixin’s for a:er the ride. For each recipe we
use you’ll be entered into the quarterly drawing for a $50 gi: card.
Check out the recipes on page 44.
“Kids Coloring Page” Contest:
All kidos 10 and under can join in on the coloring fun! Simply print the single black and white page,
make it beau4ful and send it back to us. The winner will have their work of art published in the next
issue of Snowmobile Storm.
Coloring fun is on page 54.
For Businesses:
Want to donate a prize?
Call 970-625-4141
Your business will receive credit on the individual contest page.
September 2010
Snowmobile Storm
7
The Hidden Snowflake
Can you find it?
In each issue of the Snowmobile Storm there will be a hidden
snowflake. If you find it you could win $25! The color of the snowflake
may change from month to month but the image will always be the
same.
ly
n
O
e
l
p
Exam
Send us your name, e-mail and mailing addresses and the correct page
number of that month’s snowflake. You will be entered into a drawing
that month to win $25.
The winner of the drawing will be announced in the next issue.
Send your informa4on to:
snowstorm@quixnet.net
Subject: “Hidden Snowflake”
We Reward our Readers!
Snowmobile Storm is a reader-based adventure magazine. This means that we rely on you, the readers,
to par4cipate in the produc4on of the e-magazine. For your involvement, we’d like to offer you an informa4ve, exci4ng and entertaining magazine with contests, games and rewards.
Every reader submission that is published in Snowmobile Storm will be entered into a quarterly drawing
for a $50 gi: card! The winner will be given the opportunity to choose from a list of way cool gi: cards.
So the more photos, ar4cles and fun that you submit: the beGer your chances are to win!
The next quarterly drawing will be held in December and the winner will be announced in the December
edi4on of Snowmobile Storm. Good luck!
Send your submissions to:
snowstorm@quixnet.net
8
Snowmobile Storm
September 2010
Tune-up Specialists
All types of mechanical,
electrical and transmission
work
To Advertise Here:
Look, See and Be Seen
• MOST Popular Helmet Light
• Integral BRAKE/TAIL light
• Easily wires to lighting
system or any 12V
• Secure VELCRO® mount
$84.95
USD plus S&H
970-625-4141
snowstorm@quixnet.net
P.O. Box 158
Frisco, Colorado
970-668-3093
Open 7 days a week,
7 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Located at I-70 Exit 203
See your dealer or
Order Online!
(907) 277-4433
helmetlight.com
CARS • SEMI-TRUCKS • DAMAGE FREE TOWING
24-HOUR WRECKER SERVICE
FORMERLY RON’S TEXACO
The First in Synthetics
Jack Welch
AMSOIL DEALER • ZO# 443548
Welch Automotive
Golden, Colorado 80401
Jackson, Wyoming 83001
Cell: (303) 324-7185
jrwelch@frii.com
http://www.lubedealer.com/welchautomotive
X-TREME MOUNTAIN RACING SCHEDULE
FEB 6-7 PINEDALE, WY
(WATCH WEB SITE FOR UPDATES
ON SNOW CONDITIONS)
Wyman’s Winter Festival
FEB. 13-14 CRAIG, CO
(FINALS UNDER THE LIGHTS)
FEB. 20-21 GRAND LAKE, CO
(DRAGS)
FEB. 27-28 WALDEN, CO (DRAGS)
MARCH 6-7 BOUNDERANT, WY
MARCH 13-14 SILVERTON, CO
CHECK OUT WEB SITE FOR HIGH FLY’IN SNOCROSS-COLORADO
FREESTYLE AND DRAG RACING. WWW.XMRRACING.COM
Race Director- Mike Murphy Assistant-Teresa Stoffle
970-309-8030
970-824-7848
Marketing-Mike Depalma
720-771-1949
Snowmobiling
Lies:
“I can climb that...”
September 2010
Snowmobile Storm
9
Photo Contest
ce
a
l
P
t
s
!
r
0
Fi
5
s$
n
i
W
Take Your Best Shot
and send it to:
Snowmobile Storm
“Take Your Best Shot”
2410 Acacia Ave
Rifle, CO 81650
or E-mail: snowstorm@quixnet.net
Subject Line: “Take Your Best Shot”
Please include :
Your name, address, and e-mail.
A capon for the photo and the name of the
photographer. JPEG and PDF files only please.
Contest Rules: Submissions sent by mail will not be returned. By submiPng your photo you agree that Snowmobile Storm Adventure
Magazine has the right to publish the photo and may use the photo anywhere in the publica4on with photo credits given. You also agree
that your photo is your own original work and does not violate any copyright laws. The first place winner will receive $50.
10
Snowmobile Storm
September 2010
Thanks for participating and good luck!
Winner
Photo By Mark Foley
September 2010
Snowmobile Storm
11
International Snowmobile Hall of Fame
to Induct Six New Members in September
By Tom Anderson
Eagle River, WI. Recognizing and honoring their contribu4ons
to the sport of snowmobiling, six new members will be inducted into the Interna4onal Snowmobile Hall of Fame (ISHOF), now located in Eagle River, Wisconsin. The induc4on will take place on September 18, 2010 to culminate a full weekend of ac4vi4es
for the inductees, their families and friends. All interested snowmobilers are invited to this gala
event.
ISHOF Vice-President
"We are very pleased to add five new members to this very pres4gious program who will now take
their righSul and honored place alongside 78 past inductees." states ScoG Eilertson, ISHOF President.
"We have a full weekend of ac4vi4es for snowmobile fans to enjoy including a golf ou4ng, shopping
tours, pontoon boat rides, horseshoe tournament and lots of story telling. Also, the Eagle River
Derby Track is hos4ng their annual "Reunion" with grass drags and an an4que/vintage swap meet
that same weekend. It will be an excellent place to enjoy summer4me snowmobiling," states Tom
Anderson ISHOF VP and Secretary.
The Interna4onal Snowmobile Hall of Fame is located in the World Snowmobile Headquarters in
Eagle River, WI. Opened in 2006, the "HQ" showcases several snowmobile groups and organiza4ons. Last year 3,475 visitors toured the facility.
Snowmobilers and fans are welcome to join in on the weekend's ac4vi4es and to be a part of this
fun event. For more informa4on on the induc4on, the schedule of events, lodging and registra4on,
please contact:
Tom Anderson
800-746-8963
tom@snowmobileusa.com
John Ehlert - Minnesota/Florida.
John Ehlert has been an advocate of snowmobiling for over 30 years,
first as a writer and then publisher, founding Ehlert Publishing in the
late 1970's. He grew the business into the largest snowmobile publishing company in the industry with several magazine 4tles. His editorial department was instrumental in crea4ng the annual reviews
of new models and was a strong voice for the advancement of snowmobiling. He enters ISHOF as "Publisher".
12
Snowmobile Storm
September 2010
Fred Fox - Wisconsin.
Fred Fox entered the snowmobile business manufacturing the Fox
Trac snowmobile back in the early 1960's. The family went on to
create the sport's largest a:ermarket supply business under the
name of Parts Unlimited. The company's moGo, "We support the
sport", is evident in the many ways that Parts Unlimited's name
appears at numerous snowmobile events and ac4vates as a sponsor or supporter of the event. Fred also has a very large collec4on
of an4que and vintage snowmobiles. He enters ISHOF as "Industry".
Judy and Bob King - Minnesota.
The Kings have been ac4ve in snowmobile organiza4ons and promo4on of the sport since 1974. They have served officer capaci4es and chaired numerous special events throughout Minnesota
since then including chairing the Interna4onal Snowmobile Congress in 2007. Opera4ng as a husband and wife team, the Kings
have dedicated thousands of hours of their 4me suppor4ng, training, educa4ng and tes4fying on behalf of the sport. They enter
ISHOF as "Volunteers".
Charles Kurtz - New Hampshire.
Charles "Charlie" Kurtz, since entering the sport in 1971, has been
front and center in the promo4on and development of the trail
system in New Hampshire. Star4ng at the local club level, Charlie
soon moved on to assume many offices at the county associa4on
level and then onto the state and na4onal levels. He served as
President of the New Hampshire Snowmobile Associa4on and
Chairman of the Northeast Chapter of the American Council of
Snowmobile Associa4ons. Charlie enters ISHOF as "Volunteer".
Ed Skomoroh - Minnesota.
Ed Skomoroh first got involved in snowmobiling back in 1967
through his father's Arc4c Cat dealership in Canada. Two years
later he was hired in Cat's R&D department and quickly moved up
through the ranks to become head of Arc4c Cat - Canada. In 1981,
Polaris came knocking and Ed became General Manager of Polaris
- Canada, moving up to Corporate VP of Sales and Marke4ng
Worldwide in 1985. Re4ring in 2000, Ed con4nues to ac4vely promote the sport from the grass roots level whenever he can and is
an avid rider. He enters ISHOF as "Manufacturer".
September 2010
Snowmobile Storm
13
Snowmobile Manufacturers and
Community Gear up for a Great
Snowmobiling Season
By Ed Klim
ISMA President
Haslett, MI, August 3, 2010:
The snowmobile manufacturers are completing production of the 2011 model
snowmobiles as snowmobilers eagerly await the upcoming snowmobiling
season. 2011 brings renewed optimism and a
positive outlook for the manufacturers and related suppliers. The 2011 models were introduced to the public at the Sneak Peek shows
held across North America this past spring. We
are happy to report that record attendance at
shows across the country preceded strong advanced orders.
The enthusiasm for new snowmobiles is based on a pent up demand to enjoy the winter on a
snowmobile and the knowledge
that t he manufacturers are
building quality, clean, quiet, responsive machines for all of us to
enjoy.
New engine technologies and
ride performance technologies
have been introduced with the
2011 models as well as improved
efficiencies and handling characteristics.
The fall show circuit is shaping up to be a record
breaker and many of the snowmobile shows are
already sold out and are forecasting strong attendance and new product offerings.
14
Snowmobile Storm
September 2010
The manufacturers are not only encouraged by
the strong attendance at Spring Sneak Peek
shows, but are also encouraged by the dramatic
increase in visitation to the Go Snowmobiling
web site, which is designed for new snowmobilers and non-snowmobilers. This past year, 29%
of the visitors to the Go Snowmobiling web site
were non-snowmobilers and a high percentage
of those visiting the site stated they were in the
market to purchase a snowmobile and planned
to do so within a year. Not only are non-snowmobilers visiting the site for the first time but
they are doing so in record numbers.
During the 2009-2010 snowmobiling season, over 2,519,000
visitors came to the www.GoSnowmobiling.org web site,
many of whom filled out our
questionnaire. This data compares to 1,512,000 who visited
the site in 2008-2009. The interest level is high, the fall shows
look like they are going to be
sold out and full of excitement.
The spring shows were great,
and sales of used snowmobiles
and parts, garments and accessories last year were very
strong. This places the dealers
in a good position for the upcoming season.
Used inventory is minimal and we are looking for
a great snowy year in the snowmobile community. Plan on visiting your local snowmobile
dealer and your local snowmobile show this fall
and bring a friend to go snowmobiling.
September 2010
Snowmobile Storm
15
September Snowmobiling!
Invitation to a Grand Snowmobile Weekend...
September 16-19, 2010 in Eagle River, WI
With the official moving of the Interna4onal Snowmobile Hall of Fame (ISHOF) from Bovy, MN to Eagle
River, WI all future induc4ons will be held in Eagle
River with the World Snowmobile Headquarters
serving as host.
join us and your fellow snowmobilers for this grand
event. All snowmobilers are invited to aGend and
share the good 4mes with these new inductees.
A tenta4ve schedule of events is included. See how
you can fit in many of the planned events and make
Another change is that the induc4on date has been this a most memorable weekend with your snowmoved to September 18, 2010. That will get us mobile friends. A complete lodging list and regisaway from the challenges of winter storms and po- tra4on forms will be available shortly.
si4on the program into a beau4ful 4me of the year
in Northern Wisconsin with very pleasant weather We expect to see 140+ snowmobilers at this grand
and gorgeous fall color scenery to compliment the event that will bring together the movers and shakers of the sport. You are part of them . . . plan to join
fes4vi4es.
us.
This year we are induc4ng six new members into
ISHOF. Each has contributed to the sport of snow- Tenta4ve schedule for
mobiling in their own way and is more than worthy Induc4on Weekend
of induc4on. An announcement of their names will
be made shortly.
THURSDAY - September 16:
• 4:00 pm 4ll ???? - "Early Bird" welcome social at
Also new this year at the World Snowmobile Headthe Chan4cleer Inn overlooking beau4ful Voyageur
quarters is the crea4on of the World Championship
Lake will get your weekend started. This is the birthDerby Hall of Fame to honor and induct past winplace of the Eagle River World Championship Derby
ners of this most pres4gious snowmobile race. It is
47 years ago and a major promoter of early snowa separate Hall from the ISHOF and will start with inmobiling history and its development.
duc4ng the first ten winners this year. Next year we
will induct the next ten and in 2012 the remainder. It’s a casual gathering with guaranteed laughs as we
For 2013 and the 50th anniversary of the Derby, we recount our grand snowmobile experiences from
will induct the current champ with a review of all the past decades. The stories get beGer with age,
past winners at a special celebra4on.
you know.
This new Hall is being made with the coopera4on
and sponsorship of the Derby Track. It will add yet
another facet to the World Snowmobile Headquarters quality snowmobile aGrac4ons that showcase
many different aspects of the sport.
FRIDAY - September 17:
• 10:00 am to 5:00 pm - The World Snowmobile
Headquarters (“HQ”), now the official home of
ISHOF, will feature a special Open House for all
ISHOF inductees, their families and friends. Refreshments and snacks in the boardroom. A silent
September 16-19 will bring a full weekend of "sumauc4on will be featured all day and extended into
mer4me snowmobiling" ac4vi4es as the ISHOF
Saturday.
board has put together an agenda of super fun
4mes and ac4vi4es for you to enjoy. So, please, • 11:00 am - ISHOF Championship Horseshoe Tourmark your calendars for this weekend and plan to nament held on the front lawn of the “HQ”. Several
16
Snowmobile Storm
September 2010
classes of compe44on are offered with prizes for
winners.
Headquarters special Open House for all ISHOF inductees, their families and friends. Refreshments
and snacks in the boardroom. A silent auc4on, con4nued from yesterday, will end at 4:00 pm.
• 11:00 am - Pontoon boat rides on the famous 28
Chain O' Lakes with lunch at a lakeside restaurant.
The fall color at this 4me of the year is stunning and • 11:00 am - ISHOF Championship Horseshoe Tourbest viewed from the lakes aboard a cruising pon- nament held on the front lawn of the “HQ”. Several
toon boat complete with refreshments and snacks. classes of compe44on with prizes.
• Noon - Inaugural ISHOF Cup Golf Tournament at
Eagle River Golf Course. An 18-hole tournament
with several classes of compe44on and many
prizes.
• 11:00 am - More vintage and an4que displays,
swap meet and grass drags at the Derby Track.
Enjoy the ac4on from inside in our private viewing
sec4on complete with private bar. Trophy presenta4on will be in the Expo Hall about 3:00 pm to end
• Noon - Opening of "Reunion" at the Derby Track
the racing ac4vi4es.
with indoor and outdoor vintage and an4que show
plus swap meet on the grounds and in the Expo • 11:00 am - Pontoon boat rides on the famous 28
Hall. Grass drag racing under the lights that night in- Chain O' Lakes with lunch at a lakeside restaurant.
side the famous Derby Oval. Free admission all The fall color at this 4me of the year is stunning and
weekend for registered ISHOF inductees, both pres- best viewed from the lakes aboard a cruising ponent and past along with their families and friends at toon boat complete with refreshments and snacks.
a special inside sea4ng sec4on reserved for us. In- • Noon - Downtown Eagle River shopping excursion
cluded is our own private bar and food service. All including a "shopping poker" game. Enjoy lunch at
this complimentary from the Derby Track.
one of the city's fine restaurants to fuel up for an
• Noon - Downtown Eagle River shopping excursion
including a "shopping poker" game. Enjoy lunch at
one of the city's fine restaurants to fuel up for an
a:ernoon of shopping at the many gi: and cra:
stores in town.
• All day - For those who like casinos, the Lac Vieux
Desert Casino in Watersmeet, MI is just a short 30minute drive away. It is one of the largest casinos in
the area featuring 725 slots plus the usual board
gambling games.
a:ernoon of shopping at the many gi: and cra:
stores in town.
• 1:00 pm - Mini-Golf Tournament in Eagle River
with many prizes for those wishing to have fun
without big golf frustra4ons. Compete for the new
ISHOF Mini-Cup traveling trophy. Of course, you big
4me golfers are also welcome.
• 5:30 pm - Cocktails at Eagle River Inn.
• 6:30 pm - Banquet meal.
• 7:30 pm - Snowmobile Groomer of the Year
Award
Snowmobile Club of the Year Award
World Championship Derby Hall of Fame Induc4on.
Interna4onal Snowmobile Hall of Fame Induc4on.
• 5:00 pm - Recep4ons and "Cracker barrel" at Eagle
River Inn and Best Western Derby Inn to renew old
friendships and talk snowmobile . . . and the tales
get bigger! Don't be surprised by a special singer
SUNDAY - September 19:
showing up for an encore performance at both
• 9:00 am - Brunch at Wild Eagle Lodge.
places.
• 10:30 am - Director's mee4ng including new in• 6:00 pm - Vintage and An4que Grass Drags at ductees at Wild Eagle Lodge.
Derby Track with private indoor sea4ng and bar for • Rest of day - Pontoon boat rides and open 4me to
enjoy Eagle River and/or friends.
all ISHOF inductees, families and friends.
SATURDAY - September 18:
• 10:00 am to 5:00 pm - The World Snowmobile
September 2010
Snowmobile Storm
17
S W Adventure Riders Club
&
2011 Adventure Rides
By Jack Sheets
S&W Adventure Riders Club
Springs.
I am confident that there are snowmobilers who
are already thinking about snowmobiling; hop- March 6th through March 12th
ing that the weather will cooperate and we can We will be riding in Wyoming, in the following
areas: Snowy Range and the Big Horn Mounbe doing just that in a few short months.
tains. We will be spending two days riding in the
S&W Adventure Riders, a Colorado Snowmobile Snowy Range Mountains of Southern Wyoming,
Club, and a member club of CSA (Colorado and staying at Medicine Bow Lodge.
Snowmobile Association), has been busy for the
last month or so working on the schedule of Ad- Next we will have a travel day to the Big Horns
venture Rides for 2011. We have been doing where we will spend the next four days snowthese rides for over 20 years and try to make mobiling in the Big Horn Mountains. The Big
each one a UNIQUE SNOWMOBILE ADVENTURE. Horns are a new area for our group and we are
looking forward to seeing this area. We are hoping there will be GREAT SNOW this year, in that
The two rides for 2011 are:
area.
February 26th through March 5th
We will be riding in Colorado, in the following If either of these trips, or both of them, are of
areas: Meeker, Rifle, Glenwood Springs and interest to you and you would like to sign up, or
Craig. We will spend the majority of the ride in if you would like to have additional information,
and around the Flat Tops, and will include Cali- please contact any of the three leaders of The
fornia Park out of the Freeman trailhead north S&W Adventure Riders Club.
of Craig. This will include two destination rides:
The first one we will be snowmobiling over a two Jack Sheets
day period from Meeker to Glenwood Springs. jsheets@cohvco.org
We will then spend a day riding in the Blair 719-593-0711(H)
Mountain, Deep Lake area, before taking two
Jack Welch
days to return to Meeker.
jrwelch@cohvco.org
The second one, we are working out the 303-279-8436(H)
specifics for, will be a new riding area for our
group, in the northeastern part of the Flat Tops, Chuck Ramsey
crrinco@ezlink.com
the Ripple Creek and Dunkley Pass areas.
Our destination trips are set up so that luggage 970-897-3124(H)
and supplies are transported between
resorts/towns and we have transportation to
bring people from the trailheads to town and
back, as needed. We will have fuel provided for
the machines at the trailhead in Glenwood
18
Snowmobile Storm
September 2010
Photos by S&W Adventure Riders
September 2010
Snowmobile Storm
19
DID YOU EVER GET THAT SINKING FEELING?
By Jess Robinson
Several years ago I had the chance to snowmobile in Crested Butte, Colorado. I have enjoyed the opportunity to ride in other areas around the state in the past, and thought that Crested Butte would be another adventure that I would not want to miss. Several years later, I still get the chills thinking about what could have
happened…
For those of you unfamiliar with the scenery, the snow and the challenges of riding the area up the hill from
the town of Crested Butte, let me just say, you ought to check it out. Don’t forget your camera. Every time
you climb your way to the top of a ridge or steep slope for a look around, you’ll be speechless. This type of
scenery is what you would like to impress upon your friends visiting from the corn belt of the mid-western
U.S.
Anyhow, on the second day of riding our capable guide lead us on an adventure towards Kebler Pass. At some
point we detoured off of the groomed trail and pointed our mountain sleds into the trees and towards the
mountain ridge to the south. After lots of bobbing and weaving through the trees, we popped out onto a series of steep slopes that lead us to the base of numerous avalanche chutes. Our group of advanced and experienced riders took note of the avalanche run-out areas, which many sleds were temporarily parked in
and took off for higher ground. This is an area for heads-up riding when the snow is stable and not a place
to find yourself after fresh snow, even with avalanche equipment.
Our group assembled on a high ridge overlooking the wilderness area, way below us. The scenery was spectacular from this location and we took our time to let it all soak in. The game plan now as to work our way
back along the bottom of the chutes, and more or less, kind of head back to the groomed trail. We had played
out some of the steep, open meadows along the way and were looking for something to cap off this day’s
expedition. Some brave souls took their chances and climbed in an avalanche chute while the vast majority
of us watched them from a safe ridge and wished they wouldn’t press their luck. They cheated death one
more time. We moved along and weaved our way through the scrubby brush, boulders and small trees to an
area that was reported to be suitable for carving.
I was probably second or third in the string of sleds behind our guide as we spread out and made our way to a
big, open, flat and level area, void of any visible obstacles. Troops, we’re talking about an alpine lake, at or
near timberline, in the middle of February. If you were
like me at the time, you would have thrown caution
to the wind, pinned the throttle and made it your mission to do your utmost to carve and track up as much
of that untracked deep stuff as possible. My wife and
mother-in-law weren’t far behind me and I knew
that they would track it up if I didn’t!
My RMK was churning through the powder and
doing a fine job of rolling from side to side as I
carved deeply in the soft, uncrusted snow. In fact,
my sled was rolling from side to side as easily as my
wife’s Summit, which is often not the case. This got me thinking
20
Snowmobile Storm
September 2010
for a second or two that something was different about this particular snow. We practice a lot of carving in the meadows of the
Flat Tops, where we most often ride back home, and I knew what
my sled should feel like on its side with one handle bar dragging in
the snow.
About the completion of my second loop in one corner of the lake,
I saw the deep track that I had just made. Just about then I experienced an adrenaline dump in my system the likes of which I had
not experienced in a long, long time. I had been carving so deeply
that I had gone through the foot and a half of fluff and had plowed
in to the watery slush under the snow! I was at the wrong end of
the lake for help and no one was near me. I still had some momentum as I leveled out my sled. I squeezed the guts out of my
throttle, and began trenching for the shore. My heart was pounding to say the least. I was losing momentum noticeably as the 151”
paddle track ripped through the snow and roosted water as well as
a jet boat with an attitude. “Oh crap,” I thought as I jumped off
the left side of the sled and began pushing as roosting continued.
With one last effort spent, I found myself about 30 feet from the
shoreline, my beloved sled stuck in a watery grave and me slowly
sinking into the icy water that was filling my boots. I felt very lonely
about that time.
My predicament had a paralyzing effect, as near as I could tell,
upon the other people in the group, that watched me from the
safety of the solid ground. Their facial expressions, loosely translated, said it all. “Wow, it would really suck to be that poor guy,” or
“I’m sure glad that’s not me out there with the wet feet,” or even
a “You’re on your own, buddy.”
My soggy feet woke me up to my worsening situation and a game
plan was yelled into existence. One thing I didn’t want was another
sled out there with me. Just send strong people and plenty of ‘em,
I suggested. Just about then I caught sight of my wife coming
across the lake at close to light speed. She hates lakes. She had
seen the watery tracks in the lake, which she really hates, and
knew that sleds will skip across open water if you go fast enough.
Needless to say, my wife flew by me with more than enough steam
to clear the lake and shoreline with ease. A stylish controlled crash
and a hasty dismount kept her and her sled from merging with the
large spruce tree dead ahead of her. I gave her a score of ten on
that one.
Lots of people waving their arms wildly certainly draws attention.
Try as we all did to persuade another rider to keep going as he
rode near me to help, the arm waving proved to be either too confusing or attractive to just ride on by. That sled sunk into the slush
too.
With lots of help, both sleds were pulled out of the water and
tugged to the safety of the shoreline. Incidentally, my wet feet
stayed toasty warm back to the truck.
September 2010
Snowmobile Storm
21
Taylor Dyess
NAME: Taylor Dyess
AGE: 16
HOMETOWN: Pinedale, Wyoming
OCCUPATION: Student/Landscaping
YEAR YOU FIRST STARTED SNOWMOBILING: I
started riding with my mom and dad when I was 3
years old. When I was 5 years old, my first solo ride
was in West Yellowstone at the Old Airport on an
Arctic Cat ZL440.
CURRENT BRAND OF SNOWMOBILE: Ski-Doo of
course! I am a Ski-Doo sponsored snocross racer
and this upcoming season is going to be my fifth
year with Ski-Doo. When I am riding in the back
country or filming with Team Thunderstruck I can
be found on a Ski-Doo 800 Summit and hopefully
someday soon on a turbo Ski-Doo.
FAVORITE ASPECT OF SNOWMOBILING: My favorite aspect of snowmobiling is all the variable
challenges such as climbing higher chutes, jumping
bigger jumps and tracking up the untracked powder.
FAVORITE PLACEASB TO RIDE: When I am at home
my favorite place to ride is Horse Creek in the
Wyoming Range and when I am away from home, I
22
Snowmobile Storm
September 2010
love West Yellowstone and Slocan Valley in Canada
when I am filming with the Thunderstruck crew.
OFF SEASON ADVENTURES: I love to play golf,
ride my dirt bike and train for snocross during my
off season.
WHAT YOU DO BEST: Finding new lines when
climbing hills and through the trees or finding new
lines on the race track is what I do best.
LITTLE KNOWN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF: For
good luck, I carry my “lucky cookies” in the pocket
of my race gear. They are very old and crushed, but
I keep them in a ziplock bag and carry them in my
pocket for every race.
DESCRIBE YOUR BEST SNOWMOBILING MOD
MENT: My best snowmobile moment in snocross
racing was this past March in West Yellowstone during the World Snowmobile Expo when I raced the
Semi-Pro class for the first time and won! Off the
track my best moment would have to be when I
went to Canada and was filmed by Team Thunderstruck and was in Thunderstruck 7 at 12
years old.
DESCRIBE YOUR WORST SNOWMOBILD
ING MOMENT: My worst moment ever
was when I wrecked in a snocross race in
Granby, Colorado that I was leading and my
race sled went end over end and the sled hit
my leg and took a chunk of tissue out of my
leg and I had to have 28 stitches.
WHAT ARE YOU BESTDKNOWN FOR: I am
best known for my holeshots in snocross
racing and my jumping with Team Thunderstruck.
FAVORITE MOVIE: The Hangover
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOURSELF: I have
been snocross racing since 2003 and I started
out racing as a Junior Novice racer at a small
local race circuit based out of St. Anthony, Idaho
with just me, my mom, dad and sister going to
the races. We would travel to the races with an
old Chevy pickup and 2-place open trailer. Now
there is a whole team of family and friends that
work hard to make my racing possible and I
travel all over the snowbelt racing as a National
Sport racer and regional Semi-Pro. We now use
an enclosed race trailer with living quarters
which is much nicer than our old open trailer.
My first season of racing, I didn’t have any sponsors, but now I have a title sponsor which is
khaox.com along with over 30 dedicated sponsors
that make my racing all possible. I am very thankful for their awesome support because without my
sponsors my dreams would not be coming true. I
would like to thank each of my following sponsors
because each one is so important to my success.
They are: khaox.com, Thunderstruck Films, Ski-Doo,
Tom’s Snowmobile, KLIM, TEAM, Steve Martin Racing, Bully Dog, NuAgain Autobody, C&A Skis, RSI,
Rocky Mountain Propane, LH Services, Tri-County
Sanitation, Wolf’s Pinedale Dodge, Renegade
Sports, Anarchy Project, Woody’s, SCOTT USA, Martin-Senour Paints, 2Cool AirVents, Alpine Assassins,
Moose Creek Catering, Fox Shox, Whiteout,
graphiXXtreme, Accurate Covers, OGIO, Spano‘s
Custom Painting, SS Auto Brokers,
Wayne Davis Photography.
I am also the youngest member of
Team Thunderstruck, an extreme
back country film team. The last 2
years, I have been so busy racing
that I haven’t had a chance to do
much riding with Team Thunderstruck, but I am already making
plans with Jim Phelan, who is the
owner and producer of Thunderstruck, to do a lot more riding with
them this year and have a complete segment in Thunderstruck
10.
This past season was the most
phenomenal season I ever had
with a sweep of both the Sport
Super Stock and the Sport Combo
classes at the ISOC Western Nationals at the Rio Tinto Stadium in
Salt Lake City, won 1st Place in my
first Semi-Pro race in West Yellowstone during the
World Snowmobile Expo, won 4th out of the nation’s
top Sport racers at the ISOC Nationwide Showdown
in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, was elected Wyoming
Youth Snowmobiler of the Year, competed in the
World Championship Hillclimbs in Jackson Hole,
Wyoming and was chosen to represent Ski-Doo in
the Manufacturer’s Race at the World Snowmobile
Expo. I raced 5 out of the 8 races in the XMR circuit
to win 2nd Place Season Points in XMR Sport II and
3rd Place Season Points in XMR Sport I.
My greatest passion in life is snocross racing and
back country sledding, but I also love to play golf
and I am on the Pinedale High School varsity golf
team. I am also very active in our local FFA and
Christian Athletic Youth Group. I
also like to volunteer and help
with local fundraisers and school
activities. I work hard in school
and get good grades. I also train
for snocross racing throughout the
year especially during the off season with a lot of cardio workouts,
dirt bike riding, biking and running.
I also have a website, www.taylordyess.com The website is constantly updated with what I am
doing, pictures, results, video, and
sponsor links. There is also contact information on the website if
you would like to contact me
about sponsorship opportunities,
would like to be added to my
email list for updates or if you just
want to say “hi” or have a question.
September 2010
Snowmobile Storm
23
THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS TO
TAKE ALONG WHILE SNOWMOBILING:
By: Lanny Grant
Garfield County
Search & Rescue, Inc.
The single most important thing to take along
while snowmobiling is a friend! Don’t go snowmobiling alone. Snowmobiling in the high country is great fun but it can dangerous if you are
alone with a stuck or disabled snowmobile miles
away from your vehicle. Always travel with companions, riding at least two or more snowmobileseveryone will have a safer, more enjoyable day.
Before you leave home, check the weather for the
area you are headed, leave a ‘trip plan’ with
friends or relatives - giving your vehicle information & license plate, the area & route you intend
to ride and when you are expecting to be back. It
is always a good idea to ‘check in’ upon returning
home.
If you are towing your snowmobiles be sure that
all trailer lights, brakes, safety chains & hitches are
in good working order. Also be sure that your vehicle is in good mechanical condition with adequate snow tires, chains, a shovel & a full tank of
gas.
Be sure you have checked that your snowmobiles
are in good mechanical condition and that each
snowmobile has a full tank of gas (plus extra gas),
spare drive belts & spark plugs, a tool kit and a
24
Snowmobile Storm
September 2010
tow strap. Make sure that each snowmobile has
been properly registered and has the registration
decals attached.
Be prepared for the winter environment-this
starts with wearing proper layered warm clothing
that keeps you dry from the inside out and the
outside in. Be sure to wear layers of warm socks
with adequate footwear, hand & eye protection
and a properly fitted helmet. Include an avalanche beacon as part of your attire & know how
to use it.
The three basic principles of survival are: shelter,
fire & signaling. Always carry a basic winter survival kit; it should include the ‘ten essentials’:
1. Map (including a detailed snowmobile trail map
of your area)
2. Compass (& a GPS unit)
3. Flashlight/ Headlamp (+ spare batteries and
light bulbs)
4. Extra food & water
5. Extra Clothes
6. Sunglasses & sunscreen
7. First-Aid Kit
8. Pocket knife (+ or multi-tool)
9. Waterproof matches (+ butane lighters)
10. Fire starter (lighter fuel + dry paper, cotton
balls, etc.)
SAFETY TIP OF THE MONTH
A few other recommendations for winter travel:
Be sure to carry an emergency shelter
with you; one of the best is a 6’X8’ (or
slightly larger) reflective tarp with metal
grommets to tie off with cord or wire. A
good quality plastic whistle is also a
good item to carry…keeping one attached to the zipper handle of your
jacket keeps it handy. Include in your
survival kit an article of blaze orange
fabric (a hunters vest or handkerchief)
and a small mirror for signaling aircraft.
Colored smoke flares and cyalume light
sticks are also useful for signaling. A
metal avalanche shovel and collapsible
probe poles should also be carried in addition to your avalanche beacon. (Take
an avalanche awareness course to know
how to use them.) Carry a cell phone
but don’t expect to be able to call for
help in the backcountry from many
places. The new satellite emergency locator devices have proven to be very
useful in emergencies.
One thing to leave at home is alcoholdo not operate any vehicle, including
your snowmobile, after consuming alcohol. ‘Drinking & driving’ has the same
consequences on the trails as it does on
the road.
The most important essential is not on
the list- ‘Common Sense’… having the
right equipment and gear is one thing,
knowing how and when to use it is another. Use your experience, know-how
and good judgment to stay out of emergency situations and have confidence in
your abilities to survive them when you
have to.
BE PREPARED, RIDE SMART & BE SAFE!
Be aware of the terrain in the area you are riding.
Lakes and streams can be hard to dis4nguish in winter,
rocks and stumps can hide just under the surface of the
snow and miles of open meadows can abruptly end at the
edge of a cliff-face, as pictured above.
AVALANCHE HOTLINES
The Colorado Avalanche Informa4on
Center (CAIC) has current informa4on on
mountain weather, snow and avalanche
condi4ons. Call one of these seven avalanche hotlines:
• Denver/Boulder -statewide:
(303-275-5360)
• Fort Collins northern mountains:(970-482-0457)
• Colorado Springs statewide:
(719-520-0020)
• Summit County -and surrounding areas:
(970-668-0600)
• Durango -southern moun4ns:
(970-247-8187)
• Aspen -local
(970-920-1664)
• Crested BuGe -local:
(970-349-4022)
September 2010
Snowmobile Storm
25
Update From
X-treme Mountain Racing
By Teresa Stoffle
Owner/Assistant Director XMR
X-treme Mountain Racing is an affiliate of ISOC.
We are excited to help con4nue suppor4ng
snocross.
Season Champions
for XMR 2010
XMR has a full race schedule this season. We are
proud to be racing in Colorado, Wyoming and Utah
this year.
XMR welcomes Muscle Max Sports Nutri4on of
Boulder, CO to our list of season sponsors. A
newer company offering complete nutri4onal
products/service. XMR will also like to recognize
the official eyewear will be provided by ZEAL Op4cs. Official Recovery gear provided by SKINS.
For more informa4on check out the web site
www.xmrracing.com
26
Snowmobile Storm
September 2010
• 120 Stock-Jake Gill -Eagle, CO
• 120 Champ- Logan Montgomery- Craig, CO
• 120 Super Sunday-Grey Mathews-Eagle, CO
• Jr. 7-10-Cody Docheff- Kremmling, CO
• Jr. 10-13, Jr. 10-13 Challenge - A.J. StoffleCraig, CO
• Jr. 14-15, Jr. 15-16, Jr. 14-17 Xtreme- Wesley
Chapman- Craig, CO
• Sport Women- Darla Murphy-Parachute, CO
• Sport I- Keith Carrico-Laramie, WY
• Sport II-Jason Fox- Casper, WY
• Beginner Stock- Brady Nay-Parachute, CO
• Masters -Semi Pro Stock-Eric PoGer-Johnstown, CO
• Semi Pro Open- Shad Petersen- Casper, WY
2010 XMR Season
Champions
Sportman of the year:
Adult-Eric Potter &
JR--AJ Stoffle
120 Champ Class
Award winners:
Cameron Thomas,
Tallyn Wagner,
Logan Montgomery,
Jake Gill,
Daxton Conradson
pictures compliments of XMR photographer Sharyl Chapman
September 2010
Snowmobile Storm
27
David Low
NAME: David Low
AGE: 82
HOMETOWN: Wayland, Michigan
OCCUPATION: Retired. I had a baby clothes manufacturing plant which I sold in 1982 and retired.
YEAR YOU FIRST STARTED SNOWMOBILING:
1972
CURRENT BRAND OF SNOWMOBILE: Ski Doo
2010 4-tec 1200
FAVORITE ASPECT OF SNOWMOBILING: I like to
meet new people and the excitement of being out
in the open in the winter; it is a beautiful time of
the year.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TERRAIN TO RIDE
AND WHY: The best terrain was my trip to Colorado. All of the people on that trip still talk
about the scenery. The conditions were perfect and
the people of the clubs in Colorado were very
friendly.
WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SNOWMOBILE
THAT YOU’VE NEVER BEEN TO BEFORE: I guess
I’m not sure where the next place will be. But my
goal is to snowmobile in all of the 21
snowbelt states. I have snowmobiled in about half
of them now. I just completed a 4,000 mile trip (on
a snowmobile) from Sault St. Marie, Michigan to
Tok, Alaska a trip that took 21 days. We averaged
about 200 miles a day. The trip was planned so we
28
Snowmobile Storm
September 2010
could stay in motels. We left the Soo on February
15, 2010 and arrived in Tok 21 days later. I don’t
have too much time left to complete my goal, as I
am now 82 years old.
DESCRIBE YOUR BEST SNOWMOBILING MOD
MENT: One of the best feelings was when all 52 of
us riders arrived in Tok Alaska. Pulling into town
and having the towns people great us. What a thrill
after 21 days on the trail.
DESCRIBE YOUR WORST SNOWMOBILING MOD
MENT: When going from Dawson City over the top
of the world highway to Tok we hit high wind coming around a bend. We estimated the wind to be 60
miles an hour and temperature with wind chill at
about 40 below. It blew me and a friend off the
bare black top road into the bushes about 30 feet.
I had to point my sled into the wind to get it back
on the road or it would slide me back into the
ditch. It took a while to get out of that problem.
Others saw what happened to us and were able to
keep their sleds in the deep snow. If it were not for
the bushes and not a 1,000 foot drop like most of
the highway it could have
been a real problem.
TELL US MORE ABOUT
YOURSELF:
I am like most other snowmobilers: I love the sport
and started in 1972 with
an old Chapperall or
a 1968 Ski Doo (I’m not
sure which one, it was too
long ago). As the machines improved so did I. I
was never a top level rider
but was able to keep up by
buying newer machines.
The last several years I’ve
ridden between 4,0005,000 miles each year so I
am gone a lot in the winter. Yes, I am 82 years old, and will be 83 in a couple
of months but I do not intend to slow down… I’m
planning a trip to Quebec in February, 2011: I’ll
leave Sault Ste Marie, Michigan around February
15th. It is about a 1,200 mile trip and we will tour
the Gaspe Bay area. I am married and have two children and five grandchildren. I’m a member of the
Wayland Snowmobile Association and I’m President
of the Western Michigan Snowmobile Council. I’m
also a member of the Executive Committee of
Michigan Snowmobile Association.
Editor’s Note: During the first part of 2010, David
Low participated in a 3,700 mile snowmobile ride
called the MichCanSka. The adventure was a
fundraising event for diabetic research and raised
$102,000!
To view an article by The Grand Rapids Press about
Mr. Low preparing for the ride, click here.
September 2010
Snowmobile Storm
29
Photo by www.bigskyx.com
30
Snowmobile Storm
September 2010
Photo by Mark Foley
September 2010
Snowmobile Storm
31
Photo by Snowmobile Storm
32 Snowmobile Storm September 2010
Photo by Sharon Yoast
September 2010
Snowmobile Storm
33
Photo by Snowmobile Storm
34 Snowmobile Storm September 2010
Photo by Snowmobile Storm
September 2010
Snowmobile Storm
35
36
Snowmobile Storm
September 2010
BRP to Donate Up to CA $1 Million
to Snowmobile Clubs
BRP launches year 3 of program that gives back to numerous volunteers who work on snowmobile trails throughout North America
Valcourt, Québec, July
28, 2010 – Based off
the huge success of
the program in 2008
and 2009, BRP and its
Ski-Doo dealers will again donate up to CA $1
million dollars to North American snowmobile
clubs for snowmobile trails through the SkiDoo Million Dollar Club Support Program. Regardless of the brand they own, every
snowmobiler will be able to participate in this
fundraising program.
structure.”
Regarding BRP's Ski-Doo
Million Dollar Club Support Program, Connie
Lester, executive director of Snoman Inc. in
Manitoba said, "Snoman and its member
clubs would like to thank BRP and all the
provincial dealers for their efforts regarding
the BRP Club Support Program. Thank you for
providing our organization with the opportunity to benefit from your marketing initiative.
You have made a real difference again this
Last year, the program delivered $720,000 to year and we look forward to your support in
over 1600 North American clubs: 12% of ac- the coming season."
tive snowmobilers actually participated in the
program.
The top club in each of the below regions will
receive a 2011 Ski-doo MXZ TNT or Summit to
For each snowmobiler submitting a certificate use for additional fundraising activities:
at their Ski-Doo dealership, BRP will donate Canada East, (Quebec, New Brunswick, New$10 to their snowmobile club through the foundland, Labrador, PEI, Nova Scotia);
program. Program certificates will be available Canada
West
(Ontario,
Manitoba,
in all snowmobile magazines, at fall snowmo- Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Yukon Terribile shows, and on ski-doo.com. A television, tory, Alberta, Northwest Territory) USA East
public relations and direct mailing campaign (Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine,
will also be launched come the fall of 2010 to Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New
reach every snowmobiler.
Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Ohio,
Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Vermont, Wis“The shear volume of letters received prais- consin); USA West (California / Nevada, Coling BRP and our dealers for the program over orado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah,
the last two years is proof enough for us that Washington, Wyoming). There will also be
this program worked wonders,” said Yves parts, accessory and clothing incentives for
Leduc, vice-president and general manager of clubs that reach 75% or more participation
the North America division. “It is simply amaz- from their membership.
ing to see how many people went out of their
Recreational Products Inc. (BRP), a priway to write to us and share what they did Bombardier
company, is a world leader in the design,
with the funds and how it impacted their club vately-held
development, manufacturing, distribution and market— and how important that contribution was ing of motorized recreational vehicles. Its portfolio of
products includes: Ski-Doo and Lynx snowto the upgrades they did to the trails' infra- brands andmobiles,
Sea Doo watercraft and sport boats,
Evinrude and Johnson outboard engines,
Can-Am all-terrain and side-by-side vehicles
and roadsters, Rotax engines and karts as
well as direct injection technologies such as
E TEC. BRP products are distributed in more
than 90 countries.
www.brp.com
Ski-Doo, Lynx, Sea-Doo, Evinrude, Johnson,
Can-Am, Rotax, E-TEC and the BRP logo are
trademarks of Bombardier Recreational
Products Inc. or its affiliates.
September 2010
Snowmobile Storm
37
University of Wisconsin Team Wins
Clean Snowmobile Challenge with
Polaris Snowmobiles
UW-Madison Teams Win Internal Combustion and
Zero-Emissions Titles
MEDINA, MN (April 8,
2010) – For the second year in a row, Polaris snowmobiles and
the University of Wisconsin-Madison formed
a winning team as the Badgers took first
place in both classes at the 2010 SAE Clean
Snowmobile Challenge. It was the second
straight year the school won both titles.
all of the snow in the
Houghton area, and
event planners used
front end loaders to
built test tracks for the event. Test-day temperatures above 60 degrees F also tested
sled reliability.
“It came down to having a running sled the
whole time,” UW-Madison team captain
The Polaris snowmobiles entered by the Jacob Mauermann said. “The warm weather
UW-Madison engineering students took top made it difficult for everyone, so at the end
honors in both the internal combustion divi- of the day, it was about reliability as much
sion and the zero-emissions division in com- as design.”
petition held in late March at Michigan
Technological University in Houghton, Michi- Best in Internal Combustion Division
gan. The UW-Madison team was the only In the internal combustion division, spongroup to enter a sled in each division in the sored by the International Snowmobile
2010 event.
Manufacturers Association (ISMA), the UWMadison team used an ethanol-blended flex
Polaris provides technical support and re- fuel in the Polaris snowmobile dubbed the
sources to several teams to encourage re- “Bucky 750 Clean-Fuel Sled.”
search and development by engineering
students who might create the sleds of to- This entry set a new record for exhaust
morrow once they graduate and enter the cleanliness, showing emission levels more
workforce with manufacturers such as Po- than 15 times cleaner than those of the runlaris.
ner-up. The specially blended fuel used
ethanol from the United Wisconsin Grain
In the Clean Snowmobile Challenge, engi- Producers. Using a special ECM (engine conneering students from colleges and univer- trol module) and software, the sled was casities across the snowbelt re-engineer pable of automatically adjusting to use any
snowmobiles to produce minimal emissions blend of ethanol and produce practically no
and operating sound while maintaining or exhaust emissions.
improving performance. Along with fuel efficiency and exhaust cleanliness, each sled is Dr. Glenn Bower, the Madison team’s advijudged on aspects of its performance such sor, said the winning internal combustion
as handling and acceleration.
sled was a 2007 Polaris FST LX chassis
equipped with a turbo-charged 750cc enUnseasonably warm weather melted nearly gine equipped with a custom engine control
38
Snowmobile Storm
September 2010
motor, the one developed for the GM EV1.
system.
Along with winning top overall honors, the
“Bucky 750” won the Gage Products Award
for Best Fuel Economy, the AVL Award for
Best Emissions, the Sensors Inc. Award for
Lowest In-Service Emissions and the BlueRibbon Coalition Award for Most Practical Solution.
Continued Success With Zero-Emission Entry
This year’s victory in the zero emissions division was the third straight win for the UWMadison team. The sled that won the
previous two years – “Bucky EV” – was used
the past two summers at the National Science Foundation’s Greenland Research Facility, where it towed research equipment in
environmentally sensitive areas. The electric
sled’s mobility and performance allowed researchers to save significant time since they
did not have to manually haul equipment to
test sites.
The UW-Madison team’s 2010 entry, “Bucky
EV2,” featured a lighter chassis and higherefficiency drive system. The sled generated
100 horsepower in testing, outperforming
most internal combustion sleds in the competition. “We built a brand new zero-emissions sled and switched to a direct drive
belt,” said team captain Mauermann.
Along with its victory in the overall competition, the Bucky EV2 won the award for Best
Handling, the PCB’s Quietest Snowmobile
Winner and the Society of Automotive Engineers Award for Best Zero Emissions Design.
The results thrilled team member Shawn
Spannbauer, who said, “I almost had a heart
attack at the end. It’s almost too good to be
true.”
About Polaris
With annual 2009 sales of $1.6 billion, Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets off-road vehicles (ORVs), including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and the Polaris RANGER™,
snowmobiles and Victory motorcycles for recreational and
utility use and has recently introduced a new on-road electricpowered neighborhood vehicle.
Polaris is a recognized leader in the snowmobile industry and
one of the largest manufacturers of ORVs in the world. Victory motorcycles, established in 1998 and representing the
first all-new American-made motorcycle from a major company in nearly 60 years, are rapidly making impressive inroads into the cruiser and touring motorcycle marketplace.
Polaris also enhances the riding experience with a complete
line of Pure Polaris apparel, accessories and parts, available at
Polaris dealerships.
Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange
under the symbol “PII,” and the Company is included in the
S&P Small-Cap 600 stock price index.
Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel and vehicle accessories is available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime from the Polaris homepage at
www.polarisindustries.com.
Team advisor Bower said the winning sled
was built on a 2010 Polaris 600 IQ Shift chassis and powered by a Delphi DU174 electric
September 2010
Snowmobile Storm
39
POLARIS TO REALIGN
MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS
Realignment expected to improve long-term competitive positioning
resulting from logistical and production cost savings while expediting
delivery times
MINNEAPOLIS (May
20, 2010) – In an effort to improve its
long-term competitive positioning, increase
operational efficiencies and position the
company for future growth, Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) today announced plans
to realign its operations and refocus on its
core strategic manufacturing processes. The
Company will create manufacturing centers
of excellence for Polaris Products by enhancing the existing Roseau, Minn. and Spirit
Lake, Iowa, production facilities and establishing a new facility in Mexico.
Polaris Industries Inc.
“Pursuing opportunities in new markets
outside the United States, while concurrently evaluating our cost structure to improve our long-term competitive positioning
are key components to our growth strategy.
This decision was based on a thorough review of our worldwide operations and will
allow us to improve our ability to meet the
quality, delivery and cost standards desired
by our dealers and customers.”
The realignment of Polaris’ manufacturing
footprint will strengthen the Company’s position in the powersports industry, as it will
enable Polaris to have production facilities
closer to customers in the southern United
States and global markets the Company currently serves or expects to serve in the future. When the manufacturing realignment
is completed the Company will have capabilities to manufacture ORVs (both ATVs and
side-by-side vehicles), which represents
more than two-thirds
of the Company’s sales,
in multiple locations
depending on customer demand.
The Company is currently evaluating several
possible locations in the Monterrey/Saltillo
area of Mexico for the new facility. The realignment will lead to the eventual sale or
closure of Polaris’ Osceola, Wisconsin manufacturing operations over time. The realignment allows the Company to dedicate
capital for strategic investments in painting,
welding and assembly operations by outsourcing certain non-strategic component
manufacturing processes. The Mexico facility is expected to maintain Polaris’ industry
leading quality while improving the Company’s on-time delivery to customers and
provide significant savings in logistical and
production costs.
Snowmobile assembly
will remain in the
“While this was a difficult decision for us, Roseau facility and Vicgiven the impact on our employees at the tory motorcycle assemOsceola facility, we believe the creation of bly will remain in the
these manufacturing centers of excellence Company’s Spirit Lake
will strengthen our company over the long- facility. As part of the
term and enable us to maintain our lead in a manufacturing realigncompetitive market,” said Scott Wine, CEO, ment, certain Osceola
40
Snowmobile Storm
September 2010
manufacturing processes will be moved into
the Roseau, Spirit Lake and Mexico facilities
to more effectively utilize Company resources. In addition, certain manufacturing
processes and equipment are intended to be
sold to suppliers whom will continue to supply components to Polaris. Other non-strategic component manufacturing operations
currently performed in the Osceola facility
will be outsourced. The realignment will
begin immediately and is scheduled to be
complete in 2012. The Company will look to
have the new production facility in Mexico
operational beginning in the first half of
2011.
Polaris is currently in negotiations with several suppliers to sell certain non-strategic
component manufacturing processes and
equipment in the Osceola facility. If successful, Polaris’ intent is that the suppliers will
continue to manufacture these components
in the current Osceola location. Polaris will
operate the Osceola manufacturing facilities
during the transition period. Upon completion of the transition, Polaris will provide the
affected employees severance benefits and
work closely with the Wisconsin Department
of Labor and other state and local agencies
to offer employment assistance and other
services.
The Company expects
to record pretax transition charges to its income statement in the
range of $20 million to
$25 million and incur
capital expenditures up
to $35 million over the
next few years related
to the implementation
of the manufacturing
realignment. The Company expects the Osceola facility exit costs,
comprising largely of
one-time employee ter-
mination benefits, to amount to approximately a third of the total transition charges,
while the start-up costs related to the new
Mexico facility and other centers of excellence will comprise the balance. Transition
charges to be incurred in calendar year 2010
are expected to be in the range of $8 to $10
million. The Company’s current earnings
guidance of earnings per share of $3.48 to
$3.60 for the full year 2010 will not change
as a result of this announcement. The realignment is expected to generate pre-tax
costs and expense savings in excess of $30
million on an annual basis when the transition has been completed. The Company expects to begin realizing some of the cost
savings as early as 2011.
About Polaris
With annual 2009 sales of $1.6 billion, Polaris designs,
engineers, manufactures and markets off-road vehicles (ORVs), including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and
the Polaris RANGER™, snowmobiles and Victory motorcycles for recreational and utility use and has recently introduced a new on-road electric powered
neighborhood vehicle.
Polaris is a recognized leader in the snowmobile industry; and one of the largest manufacturers of ORVs
in the world. Victory motorcycles, established in 1998
and representing the first all-new Americanmade motorcycle from a major company in nearly 60 years, are
rapidly making impressive in-roads into the cruiser and
touring motorcycle marketplace. Polaris also enhances
the riding experience with a complete line of Pure Polaris apparel, accessories and parts, available at Polaris dealerships.
Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “PII,” and the Company is included in the S&P Small-Cap 600 stock price index.
Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel and vehicle accessories are available
from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime from the
Polaris homepage at www.polarisindustries.com
September 2010
Snowmobile Storm
41
Complications of “Snow Fever”
By Jack B. Stumble
the snow...what snow? I checked the calendar
and I slumped with a frown as it only showed the
20th of September.
As the summer leaves turned to a golden shade of
amber and each morning held the foretelling nip
of winter, my throttle thumb
started to get itchy... I was get‘Can it even snow in
ting a serious case of “snow
September?’
fever” and just had to start getI thought.
ting ready for the upcoming
Only one way to find out!
snowmobile season.
‘Can it even snow in September?’ I thought. Only one way to
find out! It’s time for a snowdance...
I dollied my snowmobile into
the grassy backyard and threw
my helmet, gloves and boots on
I started raiding the closets in
over my shorts and t-shirt.
search of my helmet, boots, suit
and gloves: I poked through pockets, throwing out Armed with a couple old snowmobile belts and a
old tissues and organized my gear. I packed and
re-packed my survival bag, tossing out any
munchies that had taken on the persistent odor
of two-stroke smoke and replaced them with edible snacks.
It’s time for a
snowdance...
After my clothing and gear were ready to roll, it
was time to attack my sled... I popped open the
hood and peeked in the tool bag. I found extra
tools to replace the ones that grew legs and
walked off and freshened up the extra spark plugs
that had jiggled themselves silly from the stutterbumps. I closed the hood and went to check out
the trunk... There was a dead sandwich still residing in the dark recesses; left uneaten due to
massive sandwich abuse from a soda can. So I
tossed out the old yuckies and gave my sled a nice
washing with a tad bit of wax. After polishing until
my arms fell off, the snowmobile was gleaming
brighter than Rudolph’s nose and was ready to hit
42
Snowmobile Storm
September 2010
stereo-blaster I began gettin’ jiggy; hopping
around the snowmobile in a wild fashion with no
regard for style or dancing ethics. I think the loud
music and my erratic behavior frightened the
neighbors because they quickly recalled their children back into the safety of their homes. After a
couple of songs and a near cardiac arrest I ceased
the snowdance. However, no snowdance is complete without firing up the sled.
on the back of the sled. Thinking, ‘safety first’, I
put my helmet back on, jumped up on the machine and got into the pole-position. Narrowing
my eyes, I imagined I was stationed at the edge of
an endless meadow blanketed with two feet of
virgin champagne powder and I pinned the throttle…
The bad news was that the old piece of wood that
was blocking up the rear-end of my snowmobile
In an effort to regain breathable air, I removed my was really old and quite brittle… I suppose the
combination of going mach 9
helmet and proceeded to pull
and too much jumping around
the rope on the snowmobile…
I was instantaneously
on the machine caused the
and I pulled, and pulled…and
lurched forward with
wooden piece to disintegrate.
pulled. After ten to fifteen exenough speed to make an
My track, which was now turnhausting minutes, I pulled up on
astronaut
envious.
ing at over 80 MPH, landed
the kill switch and the sled fired
firmly on my grassy lawn and
on the very next pull. The smell
of two-stroke smoke filled my nose as well as the gained extremely good traction. I was instantasurrounding block as my machine began to warm neously lurched forward with enough speed to
up. Excited to rev up the sled a bit, I found an old make an astronaut envious. I left a 15” wide
piece of wood and propped it under the grab-bar trench of dirt across the grass behind me as I flew
through the backyard with the greatest of ease...
right until a large tree jumped in my path…
Fortunately the annoyed neighbors were concerned enough about my mental health to call the
police during the snowdance so after my sled impaled the tree help arrived almost immediately.
The neighbors and their children emerged from
their homes and stared as the paramedics gingerly extracted me from within the branches of
the tree and loaded me into the ambulance.
The good news was that my insurance covered
the replacement of the snowmobile. The doctors
said the cast should come off within a couple of
months and that the limp won’t be very noticeable… However, I think the next time I get “snow
fever” I’ll just go in the house and watch a snowmobile video instead…
September 2010
Snowmobile Storm
43
Spice Up Your
Sack Lunches!
If you are 4red of turkey or bored with bologna,
then “Rider Recipes” is for you!
You’ve Got Good Taste!
Pot-on-otvehreh-omPeimpaede pizza!
We love le:
t that is
place in the po
il,
fo
n
4
in
za
iz
Wrap the p
r before leave
ffl
u
m
ile
b
o
m
snow
aGached to the
u’ve reached
yo
e
m
4
e
th
y
B
ad.
ing the trailhe
t pizza!
t you’ve got ho
o
sp
ch
n
lu
r
u
yo
Staff
of: Snowmobile Storm
From the Sled
What’s your favorite lunch-on-the-sled?
During the cold winter season, nothing hits the
spot like a warm potato soup!
6 medium potatos,
6 tbl buGer
diced
6 tbl flour
4 carrots, diced
1 1/2 cups milk
6 stalks celery, diced
salt and pepper to
2 quarts water
taste
1 medium onion
In a large pot, cook potatos, carrots and celery in
water un4l tender. Drain, saving the liquid and set
veggies aside. In same pot, saute onions in buGer,
s4r in flour, salt and pepper. Gradually add milk,
s4ring un4l thickened. Add veggies and enough
liquid to desired consistency.
Make soup the day before riding then re-heat that
morning and fill a non-glass thermos full of soup
and place securely on snowmobile. Ride and
enjoy!
From the Sled of: Snowmobile Storm Staff
Think Outside
The Lunchbox
Where do you stash lunch?
If we take a cold lunch we like to keep it in a
handlebar bag. It’s readily handy and it doesn’t
get smooshed!
From the Sled of: Snowmobile Storm Staff
What’s Your Best Rider Recipe?
Send your recipe or food idea to:
E-mail: snowstorm@quixnet.net
Subject: “Rider Recipes”
All submissions used will be entered into a
quarterly drawing for a $50 gi: card!
44
Snowmobile Storm
September 2010
Come Hom
e to Dinn
Before
we l e a
ve to g
bonele
os
ss pork
r
ibs in th nowmobiling
with BB
I put s
e
Q sauc
ome
e, A-1 S crock-pot on l
Smoke
ow. Sm
auce, W
and a l
o
t
o
h
iGle wa
r
ribs are
ter. Wh cestershire, L er
falling a
i
q
e
u
n
pa
id
w
Serve w
ith pota rt and the hou e get home t
h
s
t
e
o
e
s or rice
smells a
From th
mazing
and a s
e Sled o
!
alad.
er
f: Snowmo
bile Sto
rm
Staff
Rider Recipe Rules: By submiPng your recipes and ideas you agree to allow Snowmobile Storm the right to
publish them and also agree that they are your own works and do not infringe on any copyright laws.
BlueRibbon Coalition Supports H.R. 5580
National Monument Designation Transparency
and Accountability Act
By Brian Hawthorne
BRC Public Lands Policy Director
POCATELLO, ID (July 28)—The BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC), a national trail-based recreational advocacy group, has announced its support of the
National Monument Designation Transparency
and Accountability Act (H.R. 5580).
This legislation would help limit the amount of
land that can be designated as a National Monument as well as preventing arbitrary restrictions
on various multiple-use activities including vehicle-based recreation and access to public lands.
H.R. 5580 has been introduced in the House by
Representative Devin Nunes (CA) and in the Senate by Senator Mike Crapo (ID).
Greg Mumm, BRC’s Executive Director said, “We
applaud the recent effort of Senator Crapo and
Rep. Nunez to establish some common sense
guidelines for use of White House powers under
the Antiquities Act. We hope to see a day when
all elected officials see the value of including citizens in a process which fundamentally impacts
their ability to use or connect with public lands.”
The President should not have unchecked authority to designate new National Monuments.
The Antiquities Act of 1906 was never envisioned
by its authors to be used as a tool to set aside millions of acres where historic multiple-use activities and recreation occur.
Don Amador, BRC’s Western Representative said,
“H.R. 5580 would encourage local stakeholder involvement and create a public process. BRC believes land-use legislation should be developed
from the ground up rather than being crafted behind closed doors in Washington D.C.” Amador
noted that many of these National Monument
proposals could impact designated OHV areas on
federal lands throughout the West including the
Stonyford OHV Area on the Mendocino National
Forest in Northern California and the San Rafael
Swell in Utah.
The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national recreation
group that champions responsible recreation, and
encourages individual environmental stewardship. It represents over 10,000 individual members and 1,200 organization and business
members, for a combined total of over 600,000
recreationists nationwide. 1-800-258-3742.
www.sharetrails.org
September 2010
Snowmobile Storm
45
Access Update
By Curt Kennedy
USA Director - Public Lands
Here’s hoping you had a great summer and are
looking forward to a change in seasons! I want
to take this opportunity to fill you in on an issue
that I see as potentially one of the most critical
travel management issues impacting snowmobilers (particularly in the West) that has ever hit the
radar screen.
Winter Travel Management Petition – In July, the
Winter Wildlands Alliance (WWA) circulated a
draft petition that will be presented to the USDA
Forest Service. WWA made the distribution to a
huge list of organizations in hope of getting significant support for forcing the Forest Service to
amend the 2005 Travel Management Rule by removing the over-the-snow vehicle exemption and
remedying the discretionary management of
over-the-snow vehicles on National Forest system
lands. So what does this 32-page document (before appendices) really mean to the snowmobiler?
mobiles from the mandatory designation scheme
provided for in the new rule.
This exemption, since its inception, has riled the
non-motorized community (primarily cross-country and backcountry skiers) to a point of pure
adrenaline-driven obsession to force winter travel
planning onto the table and specifically seek a
designated route process for snowmobiles. The
lengthy WWA petition supports the need for such
regulation of snowmobiles by focusing their perception on the following points: (1) violation of
certain Executive Orders mandating control over
OHV’s, protection of resources, promotion of
safety and minimization of user conflicts; (2) adverse impacts of snowmobiles on air and water
quality; (3) soil and vegetation damage; (4) noise
pollution; (5) wildlife disturbance and disruption/damage to habitat (citing examples of ungulates, indigenous fish, subnivian mammals,
white-tailed ptarmigan, Canada lynx, wolverine,
wolves, grizzly bears and threatened, endangered
and rare species – Whew! Did I leave anything
alive out?); (6) snowmobiles are a significant contributor to climate change; (7) snowmobiles are a
public safety hazard; and (8) snowmobiles create
tremendous conflicts with other winter recreationists. It is interesting to point out the petition then goes on to provide an emotional
testimonial of selected recreationists in every
state within the western Snow Belt on how snowmobiles have totally ruined their winter backcountry experience.
First, a few comments about the 2005 Travel
Management Rule are in order. In plain English,
this rulemaking essentially provided that all National Forests would initiate new travel planning
that would designate roads, trails and areas that
are open to motor vehicle use and to identify
such uses on a map. The rubber-tired community knows it best as a “designated route”
process. Under the 2005 Rule the Forest Service
came to the appropriate conclusion that crosscountry use of snowmobiles presents a different
set of management issues and environmental impacts than cross-country use of other types of Specific remedy sought by the WWA petition
motor vehicles and therefore exempted snow- rests with four main requests. They want the
46
Snowmobile Storm
September 2010
over-the-snow vehicle exemption from the 2005
Travel Management Rule removed. WWA request’s the Forest Service to issue clear directives
and guidelines as to how National Forest system
units should implement Winter Travel Management Planning. They want a timeline established
for Winter Travel Management Plans and Maps
(and are recommending five years from the date
of the rule change). Finally, they want Winter
Travel Management planning and implementation
to be fully funded.
Of course, they have their own ideas on what
Winter Travel Management Planning should look
like. They think it should specifically incorporate:
(a) criteria directed at all forests where documented over-the-snow vehicle use exists; (b) a
minimum snow depth and seasonal closures for
OSV use; (c) preserving quiet as a landscape characteristic for OSV travel management and the Forest Service should develop a national standard for
OHV noise levels; (d) a requirement for public
input from all types of winter users with a focus
on protecting resources and fairness to all users;
(e) a requirement for establishing a variety of
high-quality, quiet recreation opportunities for
non-motorized winter users in addition to providing motorized opportunities; (f) full use of the designation process that identifies roads, trails and
areas for motor vehicle use recognizing the smallest area for the appropriate use that can be enforced by recognition of physical boundaries such
as ridges, creeks, fences, roads, etc.; (g) specific
monitoring and enforcement plans under which
violation can trigger closures or adjustments to
boundaries; (h) consistent standards for managing agency-recommended Wilderness (in other
words do not allow any snowmobiling in recommended Wilderness, a practice which has occurred within some National Forests); (i) analysis
of future trends and technological innovations in
order to avoid new and greater impacts; and, finally, (j) climate science and snowpack forecast-
ing as a tool for prescribing where OSV use is appropriate and where quiet recreation should be
retained or restored.
The WWA petition cites 64 “references” deemed
to be from scientific and/or expert sources that
they dribble throughout the document as further
support for their perspective. However, it is interesting to note that 51 of these 64 references
are dated prior to the year 2000 (many are in the
70’s and 80’s) which obviously excludes the
tremendous advancement that has been made
within the snowmobile community related to
everything from technology (lower emissions, less
noise) to education.
The above is pretty much a verbatim summary
from the actual draft petition. However, I feel
compelled to make a few closing observations on
this issue. I don’t think the snowmobiler should
be concerned about justifying the legitimacy of
snowmobiling on National Forest system lands,
because we have made great improvements in the
sleds and how we use them to satisfy a desired experience. Similarly, I do not take umbrage to
skiers or other non-motorized users seeking an experience that is different than ours. Where things
get cloudy is taking a position that our “values”
are inferior to theirs and consequently our desired
experience should not be allowed.
You can confront any card-carrying member of
WWA and most of them would say “Gee, we are
not expecting to eliminate snowmobile opportunities on public lands!” But, in reality, if you sort
through the minutia of the petition, which has obviously been prepared by a team of lawyers who
likely have never been on a snowmobile, they are
going for the whole enchilada. They want to twist
the facts as much as possible to set criteria in
place that will make it impossible to allow for
cross-country travel on public lands using a snow-
September 2010
Snowmobile Storm
47
mobile. This places us in the all-too-familiar position of justifying our existence, particularly if we
want any cross-country experience. It also establishes an elite playground for a small handful of
people who are intolerant to sharing public lands.
As organized snowmobiling prepares to debate
what winter travel planning should look like, I urge
you to stay on top of this issue and proactively get
involved in every inch of the way. When the time
comes to write letters and make phone calls, this
may very well be the most important action you
will ever take to preserve your winter way of life.
America’s Great Outdoors Initiative – In April of
this year, President Obama established the America’s Great Outdoors initiative. The goal is to develop a 21st century conservation agenda that will
build on innovative community-level efforts to
protect America’s open spaces, conserve America’s natural and cultural resources and re-connect
Americans to the great outdoors. The Secretaries
of Agriculture and the Interior, the Administrator
of the EPA and the Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality and their staffs are undertaking
listening and learning sessions throughout the
country for ultimate preparation of a report in November that, among other things, can identify an
action plan. Ken Rossum and I attended the listening session held in Salt Lake City on August 3rd.
Admittedly, it was impressive to see Secretary Ken
Salazar, Mayor Ralph Becker, Governor Gary Herbert, numerous County Commissioners and a host
of other heavy-hitters engaging on the topic of
America’s special places. The audience looked
like a who’s-who in the environmental and conservation community, but there were also some
good comments from multiple-use-minded people.
It will be interesting to see what comes out of this
initiative as an action plan. On the one hand it is
48
Snowmobile Storm
September 2010
always important to address how we are going to
preserve our natural resources. On the other
hand, it is disheartening to see the lack of attention toward recreation and responsible development of our resources in tandem with that
preservation effort. If enough people highlight
recreation and responsible uses of public lands in
the listening sessions throughout the country, I
think this could be a good thing. If it is just a disguise to pickle more of our public lands then we
got hood-winked again. Stay tuned!
New District Ranger – In May, Steve Ryberg, who
was the District Ranger for the Evanston-Mountain View Ranger District retired. He had a long
history of level-headed decision-making on this
great section of Utah and Wyoming. Although we
were sorry to see Steve leave the Forest Service,
at the same time we were very excited to hear
that Rick Schuler has been named as his replacement. I have had the pleasure over a good number of years to work with Rick on various issues
and at important events. Without a doubt he is a
tremendous credit to the agency and he brings to
the table an open-mined perspective that is a winwin for the environment and public lands users.
Congratulations, Rick, and USA wishes you the
best of success in that important role!
“You Asked For It” is a reader-based ques4on-and-answer column.
It’s a great opportunity to ask and answer ques4ons
from your fellow snowmobilers.
Any snowmobile-related ques4ons will be considered.
READER
Q&A
STARTER QUESTION:
What is your most-useful gizmo, gadget or wizmo
that you take snowmobiling with you
and why do you like it?
ANSWERS:
Send your answers to:
snowstorm@quixnet.net
Subject: “You Asked For It”
The ques4on above will be
published next month along with
the reader answers.
Send us your answers!
Have a ques4on? Send them to:
E-mail: snowstorm@quixnet.net
Subject: “You Asked For It”
Submissions used will be
entered into the
quarterly drawing
for a $50 giM card.
September 2010
Snowmobile Storm
49
Yellowstone Update:
Park Service Releases Draft Range of
Alternatives for Yellowstone Winter Use Plan
By Jack Welch
BlueRibbon Special Project Consultant
The good news- The Park Service listened to our
collec4ve scoping comments from earlier this
year. Our comments have been incorporated into
the just-released dra:, Six Alterna4ves for the
Yellowstone Park Winter Use Plan. These alterna4ves will be reviewed over the next few
months and will serve as a cri4cal part of the dra:
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that will
be released for public comment.
BlueRibbon considers this a posi4ve step. Jack
Welch, BlueRibbon Special Project Consultant,
stated "The six dra: alterna4ves have all the raw
50
Snowmobile Storm
September 2010
materials to make a very good Winter Use Plan."
Welch con4nued "we look forward to the webinars and conference call to ask ques4ons about
the alterna4ves. This list provides the tools for a
workable long-term solu4on."
Please take 4me to review the dra: alterna4ves
and remember to stay informed on the Yellowstone Winter Use issue. Visit our dedicated website of www.saveyellowstonepark.com.
September 2010
Snowmobile Storm
51
BlueRibbon Coalition Land Use Update:
BLM Proposing Supplementary Rules for
Arkansas River Travel Management Area
By Ric Foster
BlueRibbon Public Lands Dept. Manager
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Colorado is proposing supplementary rules for public lands included in the Arkansas River Travel
Management Area in Chaffee, Custer, and Fremont Counties, Colorado. These rules would implement several decisions from the Arkansas
River Travel Management Plan (TMP), approved
May 21, 2008. The proposed supplementary rules
address off-road vehicle use, mountain bike use,
and recreational target shooting. The Arkansas
River Travel Management Area covers public
lands located within Chaffee, Custer, and Fremont
Counties, Colorado.
plementary rules, and explain the reason for any
recommended change. Where possible, comments should reference the specific section or
paragraph of the rules that the comment is addressing.
For further information, contact Leah Quesenberry, Royal Gorge Field Office, (719) 269-8500,
e-mail leah_quesenberry@blm.gov.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns,
please contact BRC.
Thanks in advance for your support,
Please send comments to the following address Ric Foster
by September 21, 2010. Comments received or Public Lands Department Manager
postmarked after this date may not be consid- BlueRibbon Coalition
ered in the development of the final supplemen- 208-237-1008 ext 107
tary rules.
The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national (non-profit)
Please mail comments to Leah Quesenberry, BLM trail-saving group that represents over 600,000
Royal Gorge Field Office, 3028 East Main Street, recreationists nationwide The Combined Federal
Canon City, Colorado 81212, or e-mail comments Campaign (CFC) season is beginning. Federal emto rgfo_comments@blm.gov and include “Pro- ployees, please mark BlueRibbon Coalition and
posed Supplementary Rules” in the subject line. Check #11402 on your CFC pledge form to support
our efforts to protect your access. Join us at 1You may mail or hand-deliver comments to Leah 800-258-3742 http://www.sharetrails.org
Quesenberry, BLM Royal Gorge Field Office, 3028
East Main Street, Canon City, Colorado 81212, or As a non-profit, grassroots organization funded
e-mail comments to rgfo_comments@blm.gov primarily by membership dues and donations, we
and include “Proposed Supplementary Rules” in greatly appreciate your support. Visit
the subject line. Written comments on the pro- http://www.sharetrails.org/make-a-differenceposed supplementary rules should be specific, be now to help fund our efforts to protect your trails!
confined to issues pertinent to the proposed sup-
52
Snowmobile Storm
September 2010
Photo by Snowmobile Storm
September 2010
Snowmobile Storm
53
Age___
Kids Coloring Page
54
Coloring Contest! Print this coloring page, work your magic and send it along with your name and hometown to:
Snowmobile Storm • Coloring Contest • 2410 Acacia Ave • Rifle, CO 81650 or scan your picture and e-mail it to:
snowstorm@quixnet.net • Subject: “Coloring Contest”. We’ll publish the winning picture in next month’s magazine!
*Contest open to children 10 years of age or younger. For privacy children’s first name and home town only will be printed.
Snowmobile Storm
September 2010
just for fun!
Fall is in the Air, Winter is Around the Corner!
WORD SEARCH
Find the Words:
amber
autumn
breezy
chilly
colorful
fall
frost
golden
halloween
harves4me
hues
leaves
migra4on
miGens
october
powder
pumpkins
school4me
september
snowmobile
snowstorm
snowy
windy
winter
yellows
September 2010
Snowmobile Storm
55
Everything from Spark Plugs to Snowmobiles...
LODGING
PROFESSIONAL CLUTCH COMPONENTS
Silverton-Molas Pass Cabins
Dalton Industries
Snowmobile Tours & Guide Services LLC
902-897-3333
888-970-5512 • Silverton, Colorado
Truro, Nova Sco4a, Canada
info@redmtmotelrvpk.com
info@daltonindustries.com
www.redmtmotelrvpk.com
www.daltonindustries.com
Cabins, rentals and snowmobile tours. Kids and pets are welcome. Free
Industry’s largest selecon of clutch tuning compoWIFI. Winter family fun and adventures. Join us! Call Toll Free 888nents: Helixes, springs, “Quick Adjust” flyweights,
970-5512. Groomed trails with guides!
Pins for TRA, ATV/UTV components and more! Dalton is Canada’s distributor for CURVE XS performance snowmobile skis and Magnum
Snow Studs. New! online ordering at our affiliated company www.drivepower.ca
ILS AND UBES
O
L
RP Enterprises
970-884-2101
Bayfield, Colorado
rogerap@msn.com
Welch Automo ve
303-324-7185
Golden, Colorado
jrwelch@frii.com
www.lubedealer.com/welchautomo4ve
Know the Facts- AMSOIL Saves You Money! AMSOIL extended drain
intervals means fewer oil changes, long term savings and convenience,
you sll get beXer wear protecon and improved fuel efficiency. Become an AMSOIL Preferred Customer or Dealer. Visit my website
www.lubedealer.com/welchautomove
SNOWMOBILE GUIDED TOURS
Silverton-Molas Pass Cabins
Snowmobile Tours & Guide Services LLC
888-970-5512 • Silverton, Colorado
info@redmtmotelrvpk.com
www.redmtmotelrvpk.com
Cabins, rentals and snowmobile tours. Kids and pets are welcome. Free
WIFI. Winter family fun and adventures. Join us! Call Toll Free 888970-5512. Groomed trails with guides!
For more informa4on or to post a lis4ng: snowstorm@quixnet.net • 970-625-4141
56
Snowmobile Storm
September 2010
Advertiser Directory
Dalton Industries................................56
G-Force Powersports...........................15
Habervision.........................................5
Helmet Light.......................................9
Rifle Area Chamber.............................15
Rifle Truck and Trailer...........................15
RP Enterprises....................................56
Silverton-Molas Pass Cabins.................56
Ski Country Shell & Towing....................9
Welch Automo4ve............................9, 56
X-treme Mountain Racing......................9
A Moment’s Thought
It is not how much we have,
but how much we enjoy,
that makes happiness.
• Charles Spurgeon
September 2010
Snowmobile Storm
57
Pass it On!
Like the Storm? Then share it with others!
• Share the web address link with others in your address book,
• Share Snowmobile Storm on social networks,
• Click on the
envelope at the boGom of the screen to share the
Snowmobile Storm Adventure Magazine with your friends, buddies, parents,
kids, aunts, uncles, dogs, cats...
58
Snowmobile Storm
September 2010
September 2010
Snowmobile Storm
59
C ALL
OR E- MAIL TO
R ESERVE YOUR AD SPACE NOW !
WE
ARE OFFERING
VERY LOW ADVERTISING RATES !
Contact us for more
information:
970-625-4141
SNOWSTORM @ QUIXNET. NET
60
Snowmobile Storm
September 2010