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THE FACTS ARE IN: SNOWMOBILING = EXERCISE!

2020 Ski-Doo MXZ X-RS 850 E-TEC

Comparing The Sport’s Most Aggressive Trail Sleds

The Tough New Breed Of Utility Sleds FLASHBACK: The Ground-Breaking Wildcat 650

FEBRUARY 2020 • $4.99

Top 101 Trailside Pitstops For 2020

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CONTENTS F E B R U A R Y

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A great trailside pitstop should have memorable food, an inviting atmosphere and a place to hang your helmet.

REG UL A RS

6 ENGAGEMENT SPORTECH SOLD Plus, a strong snocross season start and a new vintage book

8 SNOWMOBILE CLUB SPOTLIGHT

F E AT URE S

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2020 AGGRESSIVE TRAIL SHOOTOUT For those who like to ride fast with full-feature amenities, we review the Arctic Cat ZR 8000 137, Polaris 850 Indy XCR 129, Ski-Doo MXZ X-RS 850 E-TEC and Yamaha Sidewinder SRX LE – four sleds worth your time and consideration.

BIG LAKE SNO-CRUISERS Group trips and specialty brews make for one fun club

10 FLASHBACK 1988 ARCTIC CAT WILDCAT Bringing back the 650

50 SNOWMOBILE SCIENCE

24 MIXING WORK AND PLAY

LIGHT SOURCES What’s really behind the light for your ride

32 101 GREAT SNOWMOBILING PITSTOPS

ULTIMATE GLOVE TEST Plus reviews of the Klim Havoc GTX Boa Boot and HMK Vista Magnetic Goggle

The 2020 Polaris 800 Titan XC 155, Ski-Doo Expedition Xtreme 850 E-TEC and Yamaha Transporter 600 offer an interesting balance between work and play time. Learn more about which best suits your needs for this season.

Every year we compile the 101 best snowmobiling pitstops that offer riders food, fuel and a lively place to catch a break. The list has become an honor for many establishments, and is made solely from suggestions by those who know best – riders like you! See if your favorite destination made this year’s list.

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SLEDHEAD HEALTH CLASS What exactly happens inside your body and mind each time you ride? We sought answers from three medical professionals to officially determine once and for all the medical benefits of snowmobiling.

52 COLD TESTED

D E PA RT ME NT S 4 .............. BREAKING TRAIL 12 ........... UPGRADES 58 ........... WHAT’S HOT/ ................. WHAT’S NOT

call 763-383-4492

BREAKING TRAIL B Y J O H N T. P R U SA K / E D I TO R

The Thrill Of The Chase

21.7 Inches of snow that fell in Duluth, Minnesota, Thanksgiving weekend. It was also whipped around by very strong winds, leading to the cancellation of the Amsoil Championship Snocross series opener.

7,428 Light-hearted jokes or digs on mainstream media and social outlets poking fun at a snowmobile race being cancelled due to too much snow. OK, I made up the number, but it was a lot!

2 Months until the next issue of Snow Goer, and it will include information on all of the 2021 models. It’s time to start dreaming of the possibilities!

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One night a couple of decades ago, a then-relatively recently married friend of mine was trying to excuse his wandering eye.

To protect his identity on this sensitive topic, let’s call him Mike.

Mike adored his bride, they had started a young family together and, from the outside, he seemed to have a perfectly happy marriage.

Yet that night, he was flashing a toothy grin and “making eyes” at half of the decent looking women in the bar, and then engaging in rather flirtatious banter with various ladies with whom he interacted.

“You know what I miss most about being single?” he asked rhetorically when walking back over to our table after chatting up an attractive blonde. “The chase. It’s not that I have to go home with any of these women – I just want to know that I could.”

Frankly, he was a little creepy in the way he said it, and considering that our wives were friends I was rather uncomfortable with the whole situation, but I must admit that I did know what he meant. The exhilaration of “the chase” sometimes is an appealing part of many situations. Different billionaires have expressed similar afflictions when describing why they still work as hard as they do, despite already accumulating an exorbitant amount of wealth – the pursuit of the next acquisition or innovation can be intoxicating, and sometimes more important than the money the deal will make.

Oddly, that brings me to snowmobiling. Ideally, it would snow like mad every winter right outside of my window. Last season, for example, in February we were able to ride for weeks directly from our storage building on the outskirts of the Minneapolis suburbs for the first time in about five years. It was absolutely glorious to be able to ride at any time without hooking up a trailer – it made me truly feel connected to the folks who live in places like inland Maine or Michigan’s Upper Peninsula or Grand Lake, Colorado, for example, who can generally plan on riding a lot every winter by just driving their sled out of their garage and heading out to play.

And, to be clear, I’m certainly hoping, praying, begging and pleading for a long, snowy winter again this year, for all of us. This is in no way a complaint about that particular situation.

Yet during a recent conversation with some snowmobiling friends, one topic that came up was “the chase” that we sometimes do – chasing snow to go riding, no matter how far away it might be – and what great times we’ve had on those trips. Each of us shared vivid memories of time spent behind the truck windshield pulling a loaded trailer for hours past snowless, frozen ground, or when local temperatures in the 40s and 50s, to reach a far-away destination. We recalled memories of friends, neighbors and acquaintances – ready to rake their yards and commence other spring clean-up duties – openly questioned our sanity and wondering if we must be hallucinating if we thought we were going to find snow on the other end of a road trip.

Yes, some of those l-o-n-g hours in the truck did seem to drag on, but when we finally reached the snow line often times it almost felt like we were getting away with something – like we were beating the system! Let those people back home walk the dog with a light jacket or stare out the window at brownish-gray grass – we were unloading sleds in a winter paradise and going riding, getting ready to make memories enjoying the greatest recreational sport of all!

I’m going to say it one more time, in case anybody missed it the first time: I truly want local snow for all of us, this winter, next winter and the 17 winters after that. But if that’s not what we receive, I’m going to find joy in the thrill of “the chase.” It can be a pain in the rear end – a rear end that’s planted in the truck seat far too long – but virtually every snow-chasing trip I’ve ever made has been worth the adventure.

Either way, we’re hoping to see you on the trail somewhere this winter.

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EDITOR/PUBLISHER: John T. Prusak MANAGING EDITOR: Nick Longworth CREATIVE SERVICES MANAGER: Dodi Vessels MEDIA COORDINATOR: Christiam Martinez CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: T.J. Krob, Jeff Oberg, David Wells PHOTOGRAPHER: Wayne Davis NATIONAL SALES DIRECTOR: Mark Rosacker 763/383-4400 ext. 4433 ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVE: Laura Kiesler 763/383-4430 BIG EAST & ROCKY MOUNTAIN SNOWMOBILE SHOW DIRECTOR: Susan Clement DIGITAL MARKETING COORDINATOR: Karen Kalinyak DIGITAL SOLUTIONS MANAGER: Nici Lawson

CEO: Marion Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR: Bernadette Wohlman SR. VICE PRESIDENT/ AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT: Joanne Juda-Prainito VICE PRESIDENT/SNOW: John T. Prusak SNOW GOER (in Canada, Snow Sports – the Canadian version of Snow Goer US) (ISSN#1056-4209) is published six times per year – January, February/ March, April, October, November and December – by EPG Media, LLC, 10405 6th Ave. N Suite 210, Plymouth, MN 55441. Periodicals postage paid at Plymouth, MN 55441 and additional mailing offices. The annual subscription rate is $16.97 per year in the U.S. For Canadian subscriptions, add $7 per year. For subscriptions mailed outside the U.S. & Canada, add $14 per year.

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Snow Goer is a registered trademark of EPG Media, LLC © 2020 by EPG Media, LLC. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited unless expressly authorized by publisher. For information on e-prints or reprints, contact Marcia Brewer at Wrights Reprints at 877/652-5295

A Canadian-based “super team” featuring drivers from Norway and Finland claimed the first three major snocross finals of the winter on the U.S.based Amsoil Championship Snocross circuit. Meanwhile, two different U.S.-based racers went up to Canada and won the winter’s first two major oval sprint races.

Confused? Allow us to explain – and also assure you that this is going to be a very exciting season of snowmobile racing in North America!

In snocross, the season got off to a staggered start after weather forced the cancellation of the first planned race weekend in Duluth, Minnesota. But when it officially started rolling in mid-December in suburban Fargo, North Dakota, the teammates of Manitoba-based Boss Racing Ski-Doo truly were the bosses!

It started on Friday, December 13, when Finlander Aki Pihlaja won on a bumpy course with surprising rookies Jacob Yurk and Oskar Norum joining him on the podium. The following night, Pihlaja’s Boss Racing teammate and the sport’s defending champion Elias Ishoel grabbed the checkered flag in heavy snowdust in front of Adam Renheim, with Norum third again. They raced

again on Sunday in a make-up race for a missed round at Duluth, and Ishoel and Pihlaja finished first and second.

In oval racing’s premier class – now called Pro Champ 440 – two-time defending World Champion Blaine Stephenson and two-time defending season points champion Gunnar Sterne split the opening weekend in Beausejour, Manitoba.

Snowmobile racing of all sorts is getting up to full steam across the Snowbelt – stay tuned to SnowGoer.com throughout the season for the latest competition and racing news! And, while you’re there, check out the fantasy sports based Snowmobile Racing Challenge game – predicting the finishing order at any individual event could earn you a gift certificate from presenting sponsor More Freakin’ Power, so you can jump into the game and play at any time.

Snow Goer Releases Vintage Snowmobiles Book Those intrigued by snowmobiling’s colorful and interesting history need to look no further than a new offering from Snow Goer.

This season a new, full-color, 126-page book from International Snowmobile Hall of Fame journalist David Wells has been released titled “Snow Goer‘s Vintage Snowmobiles.”

In total 57 sleds are featured, from notable names to blips in history. Each sled receives a multiple page spread featuring full details, reviews and specs from brands that might be gone, but are certainly not forgotten.

The book retails for $34.95 and is available through many online booksellers.

But if you order it directly through enthusiastbooks.com and use the code “SnowGoer” during checkout, you’ll receive a 20 percent discount.

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HOLESHOTS

Early Races Showcase The World’s Best

▶ The Woody’s Challenge trophy and oversized check will be given out at a different event this year. The Challenge – initiated by International Engineering & Manufacturing, maker of Woody’s traction products – has a history dating to 1991 and for years was the most coveted prize at the ISR World Series of Ice Drags before moving to snocross briefly and then to a specialty race at the Soo I-500 the past seven years. For 2020, it will be awarded to the Sweet 16 Friday night winner at the Eagle River World Championship Snowmobile Derby. ▶ An icon in the ongoing effort to keep public lands accessible to motorized recreation and to convert old rail lines to public trails passed away in November.

Clark Collins, founder of the Idaho-based BlueRibbon Coalition in 1987 and a tireless fighter for sports such as ours, died November 30 after a battle with cancer. He was 77. The sport of snowmobiling owes him sincere gratitude for his efforts. ▶ XPS isn’t just for your injection oil reservoir any more, snowmobilers!

That’s the message from Ski-Doo’s parent company Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), which is expanding the XPS brand to a broad range of oils, lubes, cleaners, waxes, degreasers and more. In fact, the XPS portfolio was launched with 20 new lubricants and 21 new “care” products recently for sleds, off-road vehicles, motorcycles, boats, cars and more. ▶ We’ve detailed the developments of niche-market electric snowmobiles in the past, and will continue to do so until when-and-if the silent, emission-free machines become mainstream. While a handful of companies attempt to perfect the technology, there’s another to add to the list – Hurtigruten’s eSled, produced from a partnership between adventure travel company Hurtigruten Svalbard and Finnish startup company Aurora Powertrains. No word yet on official distance and top-speed specs. ▶ The Winter Recreation and Over Snow Vehicle Management Proposed Action is one of several winter travel plans being considered for the Sierra Nevada. Under the proposal by the U.S. Forest Service, wintertime access to popular destinations in the Tahoe Basin would change from the 51 percent of acreage open to snowmobiles currently to 49 percent. It’s only 2 percent, but it might very well represent your favorite area or passage. Be sure to keep an eye on land access issue updates at SnowGoer.com to stay informed and make your voice heard.

Chris Carlson, Sportech Move In New Directions Perhaps one of the most intriguing business stories to evolve out of the snowmobile world entered another chapter in December when Chris Carlson sold his Sportech company to a $1.6 billion private equity firm called Monomoy Capital.

Carlson and his father, Dallas Carlson, created Sportech out of their garage in 1993 with a single snowmobile product – the Lightshield – that fit the Polaris “standard” chassis. For a time, it seemed like 80 percent of the Polaris sleds we met on the trail had one of Sportech’s Lightshield’s propped in front of the headlight cutout.

Other snowmobile products quickly followed, including “Wedge” windshield attachments, handlebar hooks, clutch helixes, custom graphics and – the next big breakthrough – the Cobra windshield line.

In the early 2000s, Sportech evolved into the company it is today – primarily a plastics hydroforming company that specializes in windshields and cab enclosures sold to major UTV/Side-BySide original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). It soon thereafter got out of the aftermarket business – selling off the consumer-focused parts of the business so it wouldn’t compete against its OEM customers.

Sportech’s growth has been hard to fathom – from Chris Carlson working out of his garage to 350 full-time employees, two large manufacturing facilities and approximately $140 million in annual

The Carlson family involvement in snowmobiling included Andrew Carlson’s ascent to the top class in snocross.

sales. But while Carlson’s primary business veered away from the snowmobile market, his passion for the sport has stayed intact.

For years he ran one of the largest snocross racing teams, Carlson Motorsports, and 11 years ago Carlson and partner Todd Plaisted transitioned the team’s practice track into ERX Motorpark – an immensely popular, 400-acre facility that holds bi-monthly snocross races as well as other snowmobiling events in the winter, plus off-road truck racing and various activities in the spring, summer and fall.

“I’m a snowmobiler – I love it.”

— Carlson told Snow Goer recently “I’m a snowmobiler – I love it,” Carlson told Snow Goer recently. “I mean, I enjoy Rangers, I enjoy ATVs, I’m certainly a fan of motorcycles, but at the end of the day when I get together with people in the [snowmobile] industry, that’s my jam.

“Yesterday when I was driving and I saw the first groomed trails [of the season] in the ditch, I still get excited. I’m 55 years old and I’m just as excited as when I was 8 years old riding an old Rupp – I love it! While it was hard from a business standpoint [to pull away from snowmobiling], because I love racing and I love snowmobiling, I knew that it was going to be very difficult to scale the business in that space.”

In what should come as a surprise to nobody who knows driven entrepreneurs like Carlson, he doesn’t plan to just kick up his feet up and count his money.

Instead, he and his family have started the Carlson Family Lightshield Foundation to support worthy causes, and they also plans to buy into some businesses outside of the powersports market to help them grow and evolve.

“Most people that know me get it, but a lot people from the outside say, ‘What, are you going to golf now?’ or ‘Are you go-

ing to just sit around and have coffee with your wife?’” Carlson said. “To a true entrepreneur, that’s scary! To not have a deal, a business, a game? For us it was really about being ready to do something new.

“I think as human beings, we love change, we need change, it’s part of growth, it’s part of the challenge process, and for entreprenurs that’s magnified,” Carlson said. “Certainly I love that business, I love the industry, it was a great run. But, with my kids, as it turned out I’ve raised a couple of entrepreneurs – they didn’t have a lot of interest in running [Sportech]. So, from a succession planning standpoint, they said, ‘Dad, this is something that you did and we love it, it’s awesome, but we want to do our own thing.’ We’re really looking forward to working with our kids and buying and building some businesses together, and then doing some really cool, powerful, meaningful stuff with our foundation.”

He still also has really big plans for ERX, including finding ways to use the facility to help support and grow the sport of snowmobiling.

With Sportech being a private company wholly owned by the Carlson family being purchased by a private equity firm, terms of the sale were not disclosed. When asked directly, Carlson was cagey: “It’s enough for oil and gas for sleds, and shot gun shells, and maybe a dozen leeches next summer. Then we’ve got to get something going,” Carlson said. “I’m not asking for sympathy, but I am officially unemployed and have no income right now, so I need to get something going!”

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Big Lake Sno-Cruisers Known nationally for having more than 10,000 lakes within its borders (and of course for being the home to Team Snow Goer), the state of Minnesota is also home to the Big Lake Sno-Cruisers of Big Lake – a club that hosts hot dish cook-offs held in coordination with a local brewery. Who wouldn’t be intrigued?

What’s the best in-season club event or activity that makes membership fun?

“Each winter we plan a snowmobile trip to explore snowmobiling in a different area of our beautiful state. Last winter we rode in the Park Rapids, Minnesota, area and we are heading to Moose Lake, Minnesota, this winter.

“We also plan monthly club rides from our trail shed around our local trail system and maintain community partnerships. Last winter we teamed up with Lupulin Brewery to host a hot dish cook-off with a ‘Sno-Cruiser’ special beer on tap. We’re very excited for that again in the future.”

What is the club’s best/most attended off-season event or activity?

“Before each meeting, ‘grill master’ Ken prepares a delicious feast and other club members bring a dish to share. We spend roughly a half-hour catching up, and getting to meet any guests or new members before our monthly meeting begins. We advertise on our Facebook page so that everyone is welcome to attend. We begin our meeting by welcoming guests and having them share a small bit about themselves.

“We also have summer outings – a bus trip to the Grantsburg Watercross was a great time. We will also meet for dinner or go out bowling.”

ested in our sport and have some fun!

“We attend area events like National Night Out with a groomer so kids can sit in it and also try to find new members through exposure.”

Besides safety training, does your club do anything to get/keep youth involved with the club?

“All of our club activities are family friendly, and we highly encourage family participation during our club

Big Lake Sno-Cruisers How has the club tried to attract new members to join?

“We assist with two area antique snowmobile rides each season. We help with the road crossings, and hold a fun raffle during these events – it’s a great opportunity to meet others inter-

Established: 1970 Total Members: 54 families Miles Of Trails Maintained: 140 Contact: Jason Hendrickx, president, 320/292-5926 Biglakesnocruisers@gmail.com

rides. We welcome youth to come help put up the trail so they are able to see fruits for their labor.

“We have kids ride on our parade float and we partner with the local bowling alley to offer family fun day to offer $5 per person admission to allow them to take in unlimited fun on anything the bowling alley has to offer. If our towns host events, we try to get either a snowmobile or groomer there so the kids can sit on them to get them talking about wanting to ride a snowmobile.”

One interesting thing that the club does for the good of the sport is…

“We work on our trail system 12 months a year to make each year better than the last.”

There are many great reasons to join a club. For a list of clubs go to snowgoer.com.

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1988 Arctic Cat Wildcat The 650s Are Back!

BY DAVID WELLS

The venerable 634 Hirth was probably the most widely used engine of the entire vintage era – available in Arctic Cat, Polaris, Moto-Ski, Rupp, Skiroule, Sno Jet and at least 20 other brands. Ski-Doo and others that didn’t use it often had their own proprietary 650-class engines.

But by 1972, the 650s had virtually disappeared as almost every manufacturer adopted Skiroule founder Rejean Houle’s voluntary ban on engines over 440cc as a safety measure to help wane threatened anti-snowmobile legislation.

Although Mercury and OMC (Evinrude and Johnson) did continue to offer modestly powerful 650s for a few more seasons, they received relatively little publicity and did not sell well.

It would be more than a decade before the snowmobiling public could purchase a decently powerful 650 sled again.

The World’s Fastest?

Arctic Cat initiated the abandonment of the industry’s voluntary engine size limitation when it introduced the new Suzuki Spirit engines for 1976, offering a 500cc powerplant with the performance of a 440, but better torque, fuel economy and longevity due partly to lower operating RPM. Subsequently, industry engine sizes slowly crept up to 600cc when they hit a plateau.

Later, after three years of development, staff in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, introduced what one snowmobile commentator of the day described as, “the most obscenely powerful sled ever – the 1988 Arctic Cat Wildcat 650.” Promoted by Arctic as “possibly the fastest snowmobile on earth,” the Wildcat was powered by an all-new Suzuki liquid-cooled twin that vibrated at idle like a Magic Fingers bed, but made over 100 horsepower – a historic new mark for a true production sled.

Exactly 100 pre-production Wildcats were built for racers, dealers and further internal evaluation. Production sleds 10

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“The thing pulled like a freight train – torque like I never saw on a sled before.”

Pictured is one of the pilot-build 1988 Wildcats, which is a part of Thomas Sno Sport owner Tom Rowland’s collection, as displayed at Arctic Cat’s 50th Anniversary celebration in 2011.

— Russ Audet of Lewiston, Maine

big trails – the thing just plugged along, never working up a sweat.”

But the new Wildcat wasn’t all sweetness by any means.

“The clutch was really bad,” Audet remembered. “The OEM one was toast at 1,000 miles. I don’t think it could handle the harmonics of a big-torque twin.”

Arctco replaced the clutch on his Wildcat with an updated unit that didn’t fare much better.

The Wildcat was also very heavy, had a hard seat and a very stiff suspension despite the outboard shocks and springs that were usually seen on softer-riding skid frames like those used on the earlier IFS Trail Cats. “I swear you could drop it off a roof and it still wouldn’t bottom out,” Audet remarked.

reaching customers had numerous and noticeable changes including a different bulkhead, hood, dash and seat, plus 38mm carbs in place of the 40mm ones found on pre-production units. The new big-bore Cat was an instant hit.

“The thing pulled like a freight train – torque like I never saw on a sled before,” recalled Russ Audet of Lewiston, Maine, who switched his pre-season order at the time from an El Tigré 6000 to a Wildcat after learning that his riding buddy had ordered one of the new 650 Cats. Fuel economy could be surprisingly efficient, too. “I remember getting 18 MPG on the

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1988 Arctic Cat Wildcat Manufacturer: Arctco Inc., Thief River Falls, Minnesota

POWERTRAIN Engine: 650cc Suzuki Spirit AA65L1 liquid-cooled casereed twin with two Mikuni VM-38 slide valve carbs, capacitor discharge (CD) normally closed ignition (NCI) and twin tuned pipes into muffler Lubrication: Oil injection Power output: 105 hp at 8,000 rpm Electrical output: 120 watts Clutches: Comet 102C flyweight drive and Arctic reverse-cam die-cast aluminum driven

CHASSIS Type: Riveted and painted aluminum with welded steel sub-frame, extruded aluminum bumpers, thermoplastic urethane (TPU) belly pan and nose cone and fiberglass hood Claimed dry weight: 485 pounds Front suspension: A-frames (AFS) with coil springs and hydraulic shock absorbers Ski stance: 37 inches Rear suspension: Aluminum slide rails with adjustable external dual outboard coil-over-shock springing in back and one

The Wildcat 650 had some serious competition as Polaris also offered an Indy 650 triple for the first time in 1988.

Audet recalls that one of his buddies had a 650 Indy, and the two sleds were closely matched on hard pack, but said his

coil-over-shock assembly on the front arm Track: 16- by 121-inch molded rubber with triple internal drive Brake: Mechanical disc with parking brake Fuel capacity: 9 gallons Standard equipment: Adjustable handlebar, handlebar warmer, speedometer/odometer and trip meter, tachometer, engine temp light, Kelch fuel gauge, oil gauge, low oil light, seat back storage compartment, snow flap MSRP: $5,699

Wildcat was definitely superior at making fresh tracks through the powder on frozen lakes.

Categorical Success My old buddy “Dangerous Dan,” who

was known to race trains (alongside them, not on the tracks) with his Wildcat, always said that Arctco named the new machine perfectly because it really was “a wild Cat.” And this “wild Cat” defi nitely redefi ned the big-bore performance sled, as all manufacturers soon began offering machines in the over-600 category. As such, it was really the fi rst iteration of the modern big bore liquid twins that power highend performance two-stroke sleds of the present day.

The Wildcat evolved considerably throughout the model’s lifetime, including soon increasing displacement to 700cc. It lasted 10 years in the Cat lineup but was eclipsed by the Thundercat starting in 1993 as snowmobile engine displacement, horsepower, weight and price all continued to rise.

Nevertheless, the 1988 Wildcat remains one of the more important mile markers in the evolution of today’s ultra-performance snow sleds, and that makes it a very collectable machine among many.

WE HAVE SLEDS IN STOCK! FRANCIS CREEK | WISCONSIN | USA | 920.682.1284

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TOBE

ARCTIVA

TRITON

Novo V3 Mono Suit $879.95 (shell)

Pivot 3 Jacket And Pant

2020 TC Trailer

$929.95 (insulated)

$149.95-169.95 (each)

Raise your standard of performance, functionality and quality for snowmobile outerwear.

From the removable hood to the full-leg zippers, a rider is protected from top to bottom, while also being covered

by Tobe’s 2.0 guarantee – a lifetime warranty against manufacturer and material defects.

TobeOuterwear.com

Derived from the success of its Pivot 1 and 2 lineups, Arctiva is now offering bold new color schemes to further personalize its Pivot series.

Fully insulated (200 gram) and waterproof, Arctiva says it will keep you warm and dry while looking fresh. Available in five different men and three women combos.

Arctiva.com 800/369-1000

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UP NORTH TECHNOLOGIES

GMAX

Contact local dealer

Dual-Position LinQ Adapter

$174.95-284.95

The year-round crossover trailer for all things powersports has now gotten better, featuring fulllength Quickslides offering adjustable tie-down positions the entire length of the trailer bed, an easy flip-switch that illuminates a bright interior dome light and integrated rear loading light and sleek, screwless aluminum side-walls.

TritonTrailers.com

$199-249

Meticulously designed for maximum performance in demanding weather, the AT-21S is billed as GMax’s new “flagship adventure helmet for all.” ECE-approved featuring a quick-release buckle, and includes a clear dual-lens shield, a cold weather breath box and chin curtain.

Youth sizes weigh only 3 pounds (adult sizes 3.2 pounds).

GmaxHelmetsUsa.com

The new dual-position adapter installs onto the tunnels of many Polaris, Arctic Cat and Yamaha models to allow Ski-Doo LinQ system accessory capability. Second-generation design features optimized material selection, component design and processing methods (a welded, monocoque structure design eliminates fasteners and reduces weight).

UpNorthTechnologies.com

AT-21S Helmet

COMPARISON / AGGRESSIVE TRAIL SHOOTOUT Arctic Cat ZR 8000 RR 137

Polaris 850 Indy XCR 129

Ski-Doo MXZ X-RS 850 E-TEC

Yamaha Sidewinder SRX LE

BY JOHN T. PRUSAK; PHOTOS BY WAYNE DAVIS

HOSTILITY UNLEASHED! The Meanest, Roughest, Toughest Hombres To Ever Run Down The Trails

W

hen conditions are right, few things in life compare to the exhilaration of performance snowmobile trail riding.

For some, those conditions include a wide, weaving path with see-through turns and arcing bends where engine RPM can stay high and handling is paramount – the rider slides back and forth across the seat, leaning hard into turns and timing throttle and brake inputs while sweat beads on the forehead.

For others, the ideal scenario is a rugged ditchline or powerline cut – standing high above the handlebar and seat, ripping through the mogul field with abandon, catching occasional air off some rises or field approaches while shifting body position on the running boards to control the machine’s attitude when on the ground or in the air. There are also riders for whom raw 14

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horsepower is most important – and being the fastest rider across a lake or field is about as vital as life itself.

The ideal aggressive trail machine has to be able to handle hostile scenarios with confidence, while also being able to satisfy the rider in all of the other, more common and controlled situations that arise over the course of a winter. Because, no matter how tough of a rider somebody may think they are, nobody off the race track should ride at 10/10ths all the time.

In what annually is one of our most fun tests, we grabbed the latest-and-greatest aggressive trail sleds from the four factories and tortured the machines and ourselves in varying conditions.

This year’s test includes the 2020 Arctic Cat ZR 8000 RR 137, Polaris 850 Indy XCR 129, Ski-Doo MXZ X-RS 850 E-TEC and Yamaha Sidewinder SRX LE.

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COMPARISON / AGGRESSIVE TRAIL SHOOTOUT Arctic Cat ZR 8000 RR 137

Polaris 850 Indy XCR 129

Ski-Doo MXZ X-RS 850 E-TEC

Ski-Doo MXZ X-RS 850 E-TEC An MXZ X-RS 850 E-TEC is to an aggressive trail rider what a bottle of a highly refined, time-aged scotch is to a drink aficionado.

In one sense, each is ultra-smooth and expertly finished, with the utmost attention-to-detail given to its creation and production – each is a thing of beauty, really, that should be appreciated and respected for its craftsmanship.

In another sense, both are tough and strong as hell – able to deliver a knock-out punch and maybe best left in the hands of an expert, who knows how to handle the sort of havoc and hilarity it can create.

There’s no question that, among the two-strokes in this group, the Ski-Doo is the most sophisticated and polished. From its buttery smooth and nearly silent idle to the way body panels fit together and the attention paid to the tiniest details in its 16 16

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Yamaha Sidewinder SRX LE

build, a modern Ski-Doo borders on being a piece of art.

Once moving, however, an aggressive rider can unleash the beast that lives within all of the beauty – about 165 ravenous ponies are tucked between the slick side panels, rugged reinforcements are built into those well-painted running boards, and the snazzy-looking shocks stand ready to soak up the hardest of hits.

Updates for 2020 are limited on the MXZ X-RS 850 – a rectangular 7.2-inch wide all-digital gauge replaces the circular digital/analog combination gauge of old, and dashes of silver on the otherwise yellow model from 2019 were replaced with more yellow for 2020, with well-placed subtle touches of red at the spindles and across the back of the seat. The option packages also changed slightly for 2020: The sled could be spring-ordered with a 1.25- or 1.5-inch Ice Ripper XT track for 2020 vs.

2020 Ski-Doo MXZ X-RS 850 E-TEC Engine: 849cc liquid-cooled, E-TEC direct fuel-injected, two-stroke twin Bore x stroke: 82 mm x 80.4 mm Fuel: 91 Octane Chassis: REV Gen4 L x W x H (inches): 115.2 x 47.9 x 48.1 Ski stance (inches): 42.4 Listed dry weight: 493 pounds Front suspension, travel, shocks: RAS 3, 10 inches, KYB Pro 36R Easy-Adjust Rear suspension, travel, shocks: rMotion, 10.7 inches, KYB Pro 40 Easy-Adjust Track: 15- x 137- x 1.25-inch RipSaw Fuel capacity: 9.5 gallons MSRP: $14,699

a 1.25-inch Ripper or 1.6-inch Ice Cobra the prior year. Also, buyers could now get the running board-mounted Quick Adjust dials for the rear suspension in 2020 without having to also get the Pilot TS skis. Our test machine had the Total Adjustment Package, which featured both systems.

The X-RS comes in the modern REV Gen4 chassis, which props the rider on a tall and narrow seat behind a slightly bent handlebar that sits atop a 4.7-inch forward-adjustable riser and wears cool-looking transparent handguards. The bar is also tied into a rack steering system that Ski-Doo says helps control bump steer, at the cost of a slightly wider turning radius. At the driver’s feet are running boards that have been reinforced for a stand-up riding style, with wide evacuation holes. Open toeholds and caved-in ErgoStep side panels allow for maximum driver mobility.

Ripping through moguls, the MXZ feels light and free – its rMotion rear end deadens energy like no other stock rear suspension, and the running board-mounted dials allowed our testers to easily crank up the spring rate as well as the compression rate on the KYB Pro 40 rear shock when it came time to really hammer through the bump course. The front suspension was decent, but when the machine was pushed hard the driver need to take extra care to stay on their intended line. The 850 twin, meanwhile, revved easily and ran very cleanly – a longstanding trait of E-TEC equipped machines.

Back on the trails, it was more of the same – excellent engine performance from the big Rotax and outstanding bump absorption from the rMotion rear, but fewer rave reviews from the front end.

“I’m still a huge fan of the rMotion suspension, but I’m not liking the front suspension – it’s twitchy, does not track straight over rough moguls, and leaves me busy at the bars,” a rider noted.

On freshly groomed corduroy trails,

though, the RAS 3 front end would hold its line and the machine could run with anything in this group. Our test mule featured the adjustable Pilot TS skis, of which we’re big fans in theory because of the rider’s ability to dial in more or less runner on days with changing conditions. That said, the machine’s handling wasn’t as precise as it could be, particularly in bumps, and after our test Ski-Doo has since added more forward keel to its Pilot TS design for production 2020 models to try to improve handling consistency.

The forward-adjustable handlebar – which attracted raves from our team – was preferred in position two by most riders when both standing and sitting, but having the ability to change it is huge: We can’t imagine wanting a Gen4 chassis sled without it, but particularly an aggressive machine like this one that truly encourages riders to sit, stand, lean, twist and turn.

The sled’s style, fit-and-finish and run quality were also mentioned by many – it truly is a cut above its competition in that way. Straight from the factory, though, the MXZ X-RS is one cold ride that leaves its rider hanging in the breeze – the plastic insert that press-fits in place of a windshield blocks absolutely nothing, and the narrow layout of the REV Gen4 doesn’t help either.

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COMPARISON / AGGRESSIVE TRAIL SHOOTOUT Arctic Cat ZR 8000 RR 137

Polaris 850 Indy XCR 129

Ski-Doo MXZ X-RS 850 E-TEC

Polaris 850 Indy XCR 129 To Polaris riders past and present who spent time on or beside race courses in the 1990s, the letters X-C-R will forever be something special. The moniker stood for Cross (X) Country Racer when introduced as a race version of the 1992 Indy 440, and in the hands of select racers it did magical things and collected many trophies.

The name was watered down later in the ’90s and into the early 2000s when it was spread throughout much of the Polaris lineup – from twins to triples to youth sleds – and the letters 18 18

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Yamaha Sidewinder SRX LE

didn’t necessarily signify any special features or performance attributes anymore. It then died on the vine for about 14 years before being resurrected for model year 2017.

When the letters returned, they harkened back to their glorious origins. Modern XCR models feature reinforcements and upgraded parts directly from Polaris cross-country racing efforts. However, the XCR package was only available on a Rush or Switchback. For 2020, though, the circle has been closed, as the XCR moniker has been reunited with the Indy nameplate – and it’s still an aggressive package!

The name of the sled is 850 Indy XCR 129, but it truthfully has a 128-inch track, thanks to the math involved with the 2.52-pitch track. It surrounds a beefed-up version of the second-year Pro-CC rear suspension, with reinforced rails, stiffer springs, a four-wheel rear axle and aluminum rear coupling blocks. Elsewhere on the sled the package includes an aluminum overstructure, added tunnel bracing, IQR handlebar and an upgraded brake that’s mounted on an upgraded jackshaft.

All of those reinforcements are nice, but it’s not like the base Indy 129 is a fragile machine made out of eggshells and butter – where most aggressive riders will really benefit from the XCR package is in the shocks. High-end, position-sensitive Walker Evans Velocity shocks are found on the skid’s rear arm as well as the precise-handling Axys dual A-arm front suspension.

They feature hi/low compression clickers and are designed with varying rates to provide a quality ride with heavy-duty bottoming resistance.

Everything mentioned in the last two paragraphs is what separates the XCR and base Indy XC models – where the Indy XCR varies from the 2019 Rush XCR that it replaces is in its coupled rear suspension and 128-inch track replacing a 120-inch tread. Both are nice upgrades that could be felt on the first bomb down the trail. The track length made the handling a bit more stable/less twitchy, though it still felt like a short-tracker and was quicker to change directions through tight sections than the 137-inch Cat or Yamaha.

The biggest difference between the Rush and Indy XCR machines, though, came when those twisting trails were fraught with stutter bumps. The Pro-CC is notably superior in this situation compared to the Rush’s uncoupled Pro-XC design. The Pro-CC wasn’t as bump-isolating as an rMotion, for instance, but it was definitely smoother than the Pro-XC design found in Rush and Switchback models while still making the rider feel connected to the trail surface, tracking straight through the moguls and having fun.

In the huge powerline moguls, the XCR was quite good but fell short of great. For whatever reason, our test team found itself out-of-time with the moguls more often on the Polaris than when on the Cat or Ski-Doo. Some clicker adjustments improved our luck but, frankly, due to availability problems with the factories we didn’t have the sled for as much time as we did the other three machines in this test and we weren’t able to completely dial it in to our liking. The test sled was playful, light feeling and fun, but needed refinement. We’ve got one in our 2020 test fleet – check out SnowGoer.com in-season reviews.

On the trails, the 840cc Patriot ran strong, building RPM quickly and lighting up the track whenever we wanted. Firstyear assembly problems with a subset of the engine’s production build have been well documented, and Polaris responded with several updates – from revised manufacturing processes to new/revised bearings, engine mount, piston profile, check valve and more. The 2020 models we tested at Rode Reports also ran stronger and more consistently than the 2019 version – with no flat spots in the power curve or occasional lean-bog feelings. That was definitely the case in this XCR, it was crisp!

Also spot-on was the trail handling of the machine: We could

2020 Polaris 850 Indy XCR 129 Engine: 840cc liquid-cooled, Cleanfire semi-direct injection, two-stroke twin.

Bore x stroke: 85 mm x 74 mm Fuel: 91 Octane Chassis: Axys L x W x H (inches): 117 x 47 x 46 Ski stance (inches): 42.5 Listed dry weight: 475 pounds Front suspension, travel, shocks: Axys dual A-arm, 9.3 inches, Walker Evans Hi-Lo Speed Comp. Adjustable Velocity 2.0 Rear suspension, travel, shocks: Pro-CC, 16.2 inches, Walker Evans Hi-Lo Speed Comp. Adjustable Velocity 2.0 Track: 15- x 128- x 1.25-inch Ice Ripper (or 1.35 Cobra, or 1.75 Backcountry) Fuel capacity: 12 gallons MSRP: $14,698

plant the inside ski where we wanted it and rail through turns – the Pro-Steer skis lived up to their name!

The ergonomic layout of the machine also received mostly favorable remarks. Riders loved the relatively high seating position, the height of the bars, the feeling of the controls, the standard handguards and the ability to crawl all over the chassis. Some complained, however, about having their shin jammed up against the dash panel when leaning hard into turns.

The loudest complaint, oddly enough, on our exact test vehicle was visual: “Yuck!” one rider commented on the baby-blue spindles and ski tips. Luckily the sled could be spring-ordered in much more appealing combinations than what you’ll see in the photos that accompany this story!

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COMPARISON / AGGRESSIVE TRAIL SHOOTOUT Arctic Cat ZR 8000 RR 137

Polaris 850 Indy XCR 129

Ski-Doo MXZ X-RS 850 E-TEC

Yamaha Sidewinder SRX LE While the other machines in this test certainly have the capability of going quite fast, even the other factories would acknowledge there is only one sled in this group about which you can truly say it is “built for speed:” the Sidewinder SRX LE. Sucked down closer to the ground than the other machines and featuring the highest output engine ever stuffed into a stock snowmobile, the SRX is custom-built to be a dream machine for the go-fast crowd. While riders on the other contenders may at times imagine themselves as a winning snocross- or cross-country-racing legend, the owner of this black beauty envisions a clear path ahead, with other drivers watching him or her pull increasingly farther away in a cloud of snowdust.

For 2020, the Sidewinder SRX LE gets updates to its suspension geometry, shock settings, feature package and colors and

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Yamaha Sidewinder SRX LE

graphics. It starts up front, where new alloy spindles mount the A-arms slightly higher and add a heim joint to the upper A-arm. Yamaha officials say the new geometry lowers the roll center of the vehicle to provide flatter cornering.

The adjust-from-the-handlebar, three-position Fox iQS3 shocks are back for a second year on the ski suspension as well as on the Dual Shock SR 137’s rear arm. New for 2020, though, a rider can separate the settings of the rear shock from the front pair, utilizing new Driver 1 and Driver 2 presets on the gauge – that’s a worthwhile upgrade in our book.

Yamaha also polished the appearance of its flagship machine, opting for a stealthy black and liquid silver look that harkens back to first-generation SRX models from the 1980s.

An embossed SRX logo on the seat, improved high-gloss Lexan tunnel decals promised to be more durable, a tether cord and

push-button electric start were also added.

2020 Yamaha Sidewinder SRX LE Bombing the Sidewinder SRX down a trail, the incredible Engine: 998cc liquid-cooled, fuel injection, turbo-charged fourturbocharged powerplant leaves an instant impression on the stroke triple driver. “Even though the Sidewinder engine has been around Bore X stroke: 80 mm x 66.2 mm for a few years now, it is still exciting every time I squeeze the Fuel: 91 Octane trigger – I never get tired of that power,” one test rider noted.

Chassis: SRV The power hit is intoxicating whenever the hair dryer starts L x W x H (inches): 125 x 48 x N/A adding boost to the cylinders.

Ski stance (inches): 42 (adjustable) The chassis layout is unchanged – a driver is propped at a Listed dry weight: N/A Front suspension, travel, shocks: SRX independent double wishgood height on a long seat, with handlebars that swing in a wide bone, 10 inches, Fox 1.5 Zero iQS arc, wide running boards with big snow evacuation cutouts and Rear suspension, travel, shocks f/r: Dual Shock SR 137, 13.5 a practical joke of a windshield: dress warm and hold on tight. inches, Monotube HP Gas 1.5/Fox 2.0 Zero iQS The twin-screen horizontal gauge feeds vital information to Track: 15- by 137- by 1-inch RipSaw the driver, while handlebar-mounted controls look neat but are Fuel capacity: 8.9 gallons starting to get rather complex, especially on the left side, where MSRP: $17,999 electric start, reverse, gauge settings, shock settings, headlight dimming, hand and thumb warmers and more are all controlled on symbol-marked toggles and buttons.

The tether cord is new. Yes, we know, it’s easy to just wrap coming out of turns and also extended braking distances. It that red cord around the handlebar rather than attaching it to you’re planning to ride this sled hard, traction studs should be a yourself, but resist the temptation: You may only need the shutserious consideration. down ability of a tether once in your snowmobiling life, but that Test riders raved about the amazing engine output, the one time could be very important! chassis’ high-speed composure and the overall look of the maAmong these machines, the driver impressions of the SRX chine, while ranting about the lack of wind protection (not even were definitely the most condition-dependent. On a freshly handguards) and those dreaded skis. groomed wide and weaving trail one morning, we found bliss Overall, the team unanimously felt that this is a remark– with the leader running away from the other machines when ably well-targeted machine for its intended audience – which able to utilize the engine’s full capabilities. Sliding back and includes lake racers, mid-week trail riders and folks who want forth across the seat to plant the inside ski on sweepers, the mathe aura of having the best-looking, meanest sled built. But that chine tracked exactly where we wanted while the engine sang rider better know that they are not going to be able to effectively its sweet music. With its dual-rate springs and lowered settings chop through the sort of monster whoops where other macompared to other Sidewinders, the SRX shined in these chines in this test shine. conditions the previous year as well, so no real benefit was found to the front suspension alterations on this model.

Later that day when the trail got rough, and the following day when we had the machine again in loose snow, the SRX became more of a handful. The nose-heavy weight bias of the machine that came in handy to plant the skis the first morning made the machine more work through moguls, and our crew once again deemed the often-maligned dual-keel Tuner skis the machine’s weakest point – pushing sometimes and then occasionally grabbing and causing ski lift in others; it’s a condition NEVER RIDE ON DULL RUNNERS AGAIN that’s not mirrored on the Arctic Cat ZR 9000 Thundercat, which features the Get the most control and performance out of same chassis/suspension/track/engine ORDER TODAY AT your sled all season. combination, but different skis.

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COMPARISON / AGGRESSIVE TRAIL SHOOTOUT Arctic Cat ZR 8000 RR 137

Polaris 850 Indy XCR 129

Ski-Doo MXZ X-RS 850 E-TEC

Arctic Cat ZR 8000 RR 137 If the Arctic Cat ZR 8000 RR 137 was a person, it would be that friend from high school who had the devilish glint in his eye and was always trying to talk you into doing something risky – but who things always seemed to work out for in the end!

The RR in its name stands for Race Replica, and this rowdy machine lives up to the billing – it’s a snarling beast with an

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Yamaha Sidewinder SRX LE

attitude that includes an interesting combination of features that made it a joy to run in a variety of conditions when it was running correctly, including nasty powerline whoops, rugged stutter bumps and groomed trails.

For 2020, several updates are included in the package – some of which are shared with the Sidewinder SRX LE in this same story. That includes new Arctic Race Suspension II geometry,

which moves the A-arms 1.5 inches higher on a new spindle – with the target being better handling and flatter cornering due to a lowered roll center. This machine runs taller than the lower-slung SRX, and that means these changes also bring more ground clearance. The option of push-button electric start is also shared between the machines.

The ZR 8000 RR, though, also gets a notably revised engine package in its C-TEC2 8000, with new cylinders, pistons, combustion chamber, fuel rails and more, changing it from a dual-stage injection method to semi-direct injection. The level of change to the engine while maintaining its displacement caught some observers by surprise – with many wondering why Cat didn’t punch out the cylinders to match Ski-Doo and Polaris in the 840-850cc displacement range – but Cat officials say this package will allow them to sufficiently compete in the so-called 165 HP class. That said, Cat isn’t claiming any horsepower gains with this new package – targeting instead smoother running, cleaner burning and improved responsiveness.

In a shout-out to knowledgeable race fans, the RR features white skis – a trademark of recently retired snocross legend Tucker Hibbert – that look great, but the matching white front bumper and short white windshield were less appealing to our crew.

The sled comes in the ProCross chassis, with well-fitting second-generation body work, a twin-screen horizontal gauge and an LED headlight. To match the RR designation, it comes with reinforced running boards, that low white windshield and handguards as standard equipment. The ergonomics are roomy, with a just-right-height handlebar, long seat that narrows at the driver’s knees and aggressive running board trim.

Shocks on its ARS II dual A-arm front and Slide Action rear suspension are Kashima-coated Fox Zero QS3R models with 1.5-inch bores above the skis and on the skid’s front arm, and a 2-inch bore on the rear arm. We love the QS3 theory – allowing riders to easily switch between soft, medium and firm with the flip of a dial – but wonder if the RR customer in particular would be better served with shocks with more external adjustability: This seems like the ultimate customer for 20-some-odd position clickers.

When bombing through a mogul course that pushed the shocks to their limits, however, our test team (which included former snocross racers) had few complaints about the dampers.

We definitely used all of the travel in this situation, but the rear arm in particular didn’t have a harsh bottom – helping to propel the riders forward and stay on an intended line when in full-go mode. We found the bottom of the front arm shock far more frequently however.

On weaving trails is where we felt the biggest year-over-year change on this Cat. While the new front end geometry didn’t seem to affect the SRX much, our test riders used terms like “Indy car handling,” “slot car” and “corners like it’s on rails” when describing their experience with the two different RR models we tested during the week.

In stutter bumps, the rear suspension also impressed the test team. “If you stayed on the gas you could stay on-time and it would propel itself forward in stutters – you could feel

2020 Arctic Cat ZR 8000 RR 137 Engine: 794cc liquid-cooled, semi-direct injected two-stroke twin Bore X stroke: 85 mm x 70 mm Fuel: 91 Octane Chassis: ProCross L x W x H (inches): 125 x 48-49 x 48 Ski stance (inches): 42-43 (adjustable) Listed dry weight: 521 pounds Front suspension, travel, shocks: Arctic Race Suspension II, 10 inches, Fox 1.5 Zero QS3R Kashima Rear suspension, travel, shocks f/r: Slide-Action, 13.5 inches, Fox 1.5 Zero QS3R Kashima/Fox 2.0 Zero QS3R Kashima Track: 15- by 137- by 1.25-inch RipSaw II Fuel capacity: 11.7 gallons MSRP: $14,695

the energy from the stutter bumps, but [the sled] felt connected to the trail,” one tester noted. Another said, “The rear suspension doesn’t have a flashy or heavily marketed name (like rMotion or Pro-CC) and is a very traditional design, but it works really well.”

The engine, though, remained a bit of a mystery after multiple test rides. At times it was throwing a code to the gauge and cutting out – one wise tester was able to diagnose and fix part of the problem on one pre-production sled that was related to the exhaust valves, but there were other hiccups as well. Some Cat 800s we tested were very strong and ran right with the 850 E-TEC and Patriot 850; other demo models struggled to keep up. Post Rode Reports Cat officials claimed they had better tuned the models for production, but only seat time this winter will show exactly what Cat has to offer with this new engine package.

Test riders loved the way they could move around on the machine and attack bumps and jumps. The quick stab ability of the brake also drew praised. Complaints included seat foam that was too soft, the limited suspension adjustability and vibration sent through the chassis at idle or lower RPM – and the fact that the RR package is not offered as a 121-129inch model anymore.

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COMPARISON / 2020 UTILITY SLED COMPARISON Polaris 800 Titan XC 155

Ski-Doo Expedition Xtreme 850 E-TEC

Yamaha Transporter 600

2020 Ski-Doo Expedition Xtreme 850 E-TEC

Unlimited Capabilities New Breed Of Utility Machines Rewrites The Rules

BY JOHN T. PRUSAK; PHOTOS BY WAYNE DAVIS

F

or most readers, a snowmobile is frankly a playful toy for overgrown girls and boys. Their use is purely recreational – a way to get away from the toils of the work week.

There are other snowmobilers, though, who live the polar opposite lifestyles. For them, their snowmobile isn’t an escape from work: it’s a vital tool needed for the work itself, like a tractor is to a farmer. For some – utility workers, ranchers, safety personnel and more – we’re talking about paid employment.

For others – ice fishers, hunters/trappers, remote cabin owners, etc. – the tasks at hand may not be full-time employment, but the snowmobile is a means to help accomplish a different 24

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task. Not surprisingly, the needs of these groups are often quite different than the people found zooming down trails or carving in powder bowls… most of the time, anyway.

The difference, of course, is that you won’t find many farmers who will detach the implements to partake in a Saturday afternoon blast through the trees with their buddies on their tractors! Utility sleds increasingly serve a dual function – they must be capable of handling important work tasks dependably, but they should also be proficient at entertaining their rider, and maybe a passenger, too.

Manufacturers have responded to these identified needs.

There are still relatively stripped-down, affordable utility models available like the Ski-Doo Tundra or Yamaha VK540 II,

but the lid has been blown off of the top-end of the market with high-end machines featuring incredible capabilities fed by some of the sport’s most aggressive and modern engines.

To learn more, we spent time with top utility sleds that three of the manufacturers brought to the Rode Reports testing event last spring – the new-for-2020 Ski-Doo Expedition Xtreme 850 E-TEC and Yamaha Transporter 600 models plus the third-year 2020 Polaris 800 Titan XC 155. At the time of our tests, Arctic Cat did not have a utility machine in its 2020 lineup so the brand was not included. It should be noted, though, that the Yamaha Transporter is in many ways a rebadged 2019 Arctic Cat Norseman X 6000, and at least one Norseman model (an X 8000) is returning to Cat’s lineup for 2021, so some test riders’ notes on the Yamaha may apply to your needs, Cat fans.

Ski-Doo Expedition Xtreme 850 E-TEC Machine platforms are not designed in a matter of months, so it would be unfair to say that Ski-Doo’s new Expedition platform is a direct “answer” to Polaris’ model year 2018 Titan launch.

However, it’s clear that both brands saw a market for ultra-capable, big-power, wide-track utility beasts, and it’s possible that the Polaris effort to fill it pushed Ski-Doo to go even further with the multi-faceted new Expeditions.

It’s like Ski-Doo said, “The Polaris machine has a huge cargo box? We’ll make ours bigger. Polaris has easy attachments for an ice auger? We’ll make that – and also one for a chain saw. Polaris used its 800cc two-stroke? That’s cute: We’ll utilize our 850.”

Similar to how Polaris has three Titan versions (SP, XC and Adventure), Ski-Doo brought out three of its own (Xtreme, SE and LE) new high-end Expeditions. The version available for our test was the Expedition Xtreme 850 – with high-quality KYB shocks, a single-passenger seat and without the large storage box – which matched up well with the available Polaris 800 Titan XC. The new Expedition Xtreme is found in the wide-bodied version of the REV Gen4 chassis, featuring RAS 3 dual A-arm suspension geometry up front and an updated SC-5U rear suspension with an articulating rear section for easy backing.

The driver sits on a wide seat, with feet planted on running boards with big cut-outs for snow evacuation. The handlebar is propped atop a 5.7-inch riser and features hooked ends, with a

2020 Ski-Doo Expedition Xtreme 850 E-TEC Engine: 849cc liquid-cooled, E-TEC direct injected, two-stroke twin Bore X stroke: 82 mm X 80.4 mm Fuel: 91 Octane Chassis: REV Gen4 L x W x H (inches): 131.3 x 44.5-46.5 x 51.1 Ski stance (inches): 38.4-40.2 (adjustable) Listed dry weight: 595 pounds Front suspension, travel, shocks: RAS 3, 8.7 inches, HPG Plus Rear suspension, travel, shocks f/r: SC-5U, 9.4 inches, HPG Plus/ KYB Pro 36 Easy-Adjust Track: 20- by 154- by 1.8-inch Cobra WT Fuel capacity: 11.1 gallons MSRP: $14,649

flexible mountain strap in the center. Flexible hand guards are standard equipment, along with a mid-height 14-inch windshield, while Ski-Doo’s new 4.5-inch gauge shares all of the important data with the driver. Other than a general wider feel and the H-L-N shift handle on the right side, from the cockpit a rider might think they’re on a Backcountry crossover.

Behind the driver, though, is a long, reinforced tunnel with a mid-sized storage case directly behind the seat, followed by a lengthy composite platform with multiple cut-outs for SkiDoo’s Multi-LinQ system – on which dozens of accessories can be attached from Ski-Doo’s 16- and 20-inch LinQ platform.

Riding on a 20- by 155-inch track, not surprisingly the Xtreme feels somewhat immense when first guiding it down a groomed path, but it stays well planted despite the relatively narrow (adjustable between 38.4-40.1 inches) stance of its Pilot DS-3 skis. Most astonishing on the trail, though, is its relatively low noise level – usually sleds spinning this big of a shoe and utilizing a multi-gear chaincase howl and whine like mad, but Ski-Doo engineers spent a lot of time to take significant noise out of the driveline, and it shows. It was significantly quieter than the Polaris Titan.

Leaving the trail to cut between the trees toward distant cabins, the Xtreme clawed through fresh, deep snow well – showcasing the premium flotation of the huge track. It certainly wasn’t as agile, for instance, as Ski-Doo’s narrower and lighter Tundra Xtreme, but it walked through anything. Any worry of getting augured-in next to a tree, though, was partially eased by the sled’s articulating rear and push-button reverse – which allow a driver to keep both hands on the handlebar while switching between forward and reverse multiple times to pack down an escape route.

One of our test riders did get a bit crossed up and tip the Expedition on the side of a creek bank – getting this big boy flopped back over on its skis was gut-wrenching work!

Power from the 850 E-TEC engine was immense – a stab at the throttle lit up the track and could pull the skis off the ground, and on groomed paths at altitude we crested 80 MPH with ease in high gear. When the machine was shifted into low gear – changing the gear set from a 2:1 ratio to a 3.59:1 ratio – it would still wheelie like mad but the acceleration curve wasn’t as sharp, though it would still make impressive speed. An extra, front-mounted radiator adds to the cooling package – which is important on big utility sleds that get used in varying conditions, from deep powder to mainly frozen ground and snirt.

The Expedition is rated to tow 1,200 pounds and haul another 150 pounds on the tunnel, though an accessory hitch and rear bumper can increase its rated tow capability to 1,500 pounds.

Our crew heaped praised upon the Expedition Xtreme for the wind protection afforded by the tall window, hand guards and wide body panels, general stability, low sound level and incredible capabilities. Complaints were minimal – some thought the sled should utilize wider skis for improved front-end flotation, but folks seeking that might opt for the Expedition SE or LE, which feature new Pilot 7.4 skis. With the Xtreme aimed at being the most playful of the new REV Gen4 Expeditions, Ski-Doo went with its mountain ski on this model.

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COMPARISON / 2020 UTILITY SLED COMPARISON Polaris 800 Titan XC 155

Ski-Doo Expedition Xtreme 850 E-TEC

Yamaha Transporter 600

Polaris 800 Titan XC 155 Up until a couple of years ago, it seemed like the Polaris snowmobile strategy was to narrow the focus of its lineup to a couple of key segments – two-stroke-powered trail, crossover and mountain sleds – and leave some smaller segments for the other factories to fight over – like utility and four-stroke.

Then in the work segment the brand started edging its way back into contention – first by adding fan-cooled Indy Voyageur models in 2014 to its utility lineup that otherwise only had the longstanding, venerable WideTrak. The Voyageurs were proficient middleweights, certainly capable of light-hauling and backcountry transportation – with 15-inch tracks measuring either 144 and 155 inches in length.

Voyageurs gave Polaris panache in the far north, plus in Scandinavia – key markets for these types of sleds. They didn’t, however, really set the brand apart in the work-and-play cross26

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over market – they were seen as very nice “me-too” machines.

If the Voyageurs created a ripple for Polaris in the utility pond, the Titan models unveiled for 2018 were a 600-pound cannonball that sent waves throughout the segment. The Titans literally and figuratively cut a new path, thanks to a 20by 155-inch track coupled with big displacement two-stroke power, both placed in a purpose-build chassis platform that raised the bar on high-end utility machines.

The brawny Titans easily towed 1,200 pounds in a sleigh, featured huge rear racks and were launched along with a broad range of accessories so consumers could build their own dream machine for work, play or both – starting with either a Titan SP with base-level IFP shocks, a tall window and mega-wide ProFloat skis; a Titan XC with QS3 shocks and Gripper skis; or a Titan Adventure, with a 2-up seat, monstrous rear storage box, gargantuan windshield, mirrors and a GPS-enabled gauge. Team Snow

2020 Polaris 800 Titan XC 155 Engine: 795cc, liquid-cooled, Cleanfire semi-direct injected, twostroke twin Bore X stroke: 85 mm X 70 mm Fuel: 91 Octane Chassis: Axys L x W x H (inches): 129 x 45 x 48.5 Ski stance (inches): 39-41 (adjustable) Listed dry weight: 605 pounds Front suspension, travel, shocks: Axys, 9.3 inches, Fox QS3 Compression Adjustable Rear suspension, travel, shocks: Titan Articulated, 16.5 inches, Fox QS3 Compression Adjustable Track: 20- by 155- by 1.5-inch Cobra (1.375-inch RipSaw or 1.8inch Cobra also available) Fuel capacity: 14 gallons MSRP: $14,499

Goer spent a season with a 2018 Titan Adventure and found bliss – it was amazing what such a huge machine could handle.

Since their launch, the Titans haven’t changed much – updates have been limited to spring-order custom colors and features. Time spent on the Titan XC at Rode Reports, though, rekindled our fond memories.

When first throwing a leg over a Titan, a driver is sometimes a bit startled by its girth. A wide seat props a driver above a wide tunnel that enables room for the 20-inch track. Soon after applying the throttle, though, some – but not all – of that big-machine feel starts to fade. Power from the semi-direct injected 795cc twin moves quickly through the clutches to the monster track, and if a driver is aggressive with the throttle the rear suspension will transfer weight quickly and carry the skis several inches above the ground. Interestingly, the light front end feeling can occur at any time – not just from a dead start:

travel steadily at 40 MPH, give the fun flipper a hard jab and the skis start to dance.

That amount of transfer from the Titan Articulating rear suspension can be a driver’s best friend if properly controlled and anticipated, but sometimes a more moderate approach to throttle inputs makes more sense and keeps the sled tracking where you want it. Fox QS3 shocks allow the rider to choose between soft, medium and firm compression rates on all four corners – and on “soft” the ride feels particularly cushiony and forgiving, though it did exhibit a fair amount of body roll.

Off-trail when headed to a job site, the Titan takes extra effort to weave between trees and stay on its intended path when compared to the Expedition Xtreme – the Titan almost seems to dare small saplings to stay in its way! The Polaris skis floated on top of powdery snow better than the Ski-Doo’s, but the Titan’s 1.5-inch Cobra track seemed to trench a bit more than the Xtreme’s track. The Titan XC is also available for order with a 1.35-inch RipSaw or 1.8-inch Cobra.

In low gear our Titan test mule exhibited an interesting powerband: It would rev up nicely and get up to about 32 MPH, then it would plateau for awhile before rebuilding engine speed and topping out at about 50 MPH. Ski-Doo engineers made a big deal out of how much effort they put into making their Expeditions’ transmission easy to shift, but the Polaris’ felt about the same – it also moved effortlessly between high and low.

The Titan XC in our test was equipped with the optional, easy-to-read Polaris Interactive Digital Display (PIDD) gauge with GPS and Bluetooth messaging, among other functions – features that we could easily envision its user finding handy.

It also earned extra credit points for its long list of other user amenities – including a 12 volt outlet, visor plug in, hitch, high-output electrical system and the fact that it had a recoil starter rope to go along with the electric start.

Points were lost, though, for the incredible amount of track howl noise, and one rider in particular thought the tunnel-topping rear platform – while handy with easy attachment Lock & Ride accessories – should have more natural tie-down points for straps.

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COMPARISON / 2020 UTILITY SLED COMPARISON Polaris 800 Titan XC 155

Ski-Doo Expedition Xtreme 850 E-TEC

Yamaha Transporter 600

Yamaha Transporter 600 For some traditional Yamaha enthusiasts who have longed for the return to what they may deem the “good old days,” the introduction of the 2020 Transporter 600 could be either a defining or a dividing moment in time.

For the optimists in that group, the Transporter is the first liquid-cooled two-stroke-powered snowmobile in Team Blue’s lineup since 2006. Could it be an exciting first step toward more performance-based Yamaha two-strokes snowmobiles in the future?

Some pessimists dispel that enthusiasm, noting that the Transporter is “just a utility machine” that has about 95 percent Arctic Cat DNA – though Vipers and Sidewinders are also on Cat-developed chassis, at least Yamaha enthusiasts know that the all-important powerplant came from Team Blue. Not so with the Transporter – its skis, windshield and seat, plus colors and graphics, are the only thing that separates this rig from an all-Arctic Cat Norseman X 6000.

So why did Yamaha do it? What does its creation signal?

And most importantly for many of folks in the utility market, how does this machine roll? It’s doubtful many Yamaha faithful ever spent seat time on one of Arctic Cat’s utility crossovers, so this will be new territory for them.

The Transporter is built upon the SRV chassis (called a ProCross in Cat clothing), with nice-fitting second-generation body panels up front, plus a long tunnel behind the driver that holds a single-bar rear cargo rack above a spinning 153-inch Power Claw track with 2.25-inch lugs.

Power comes from a 599cc, dual-stage injected, liquid-cooled twin with three-stage variable exhaust valves built

by Arctic Cat at its St. Cloud, Minnesota, facility, that’s rated at about 125 HP. Direct comparisons with the other two machines in this test are difficult – the Transporter’s track is just 15 inches wide compared to 20 inches on the Expedition and Titan, its engine spins about 30-40 fewer horsepower off the crankshaft, and it truly isn’t aimed at the “extreme” (or should we say “Xtreme?”) end of the utility market. It’s actually more competitive against the aforementioned Polaris Indy Voyageur – accordingly, its pricetag is also more than $2k lighter than the two big dogs.

The Transporter rides on the SRV dual A-arm front end – including its trademark widely spaced A-arms and tall spindles – with flotation-focused Yamaha Mountain skis set at a narrow 38-inch stance. In back is the Dual-Shock SR 153 Torsion rear – it has a short articulating section at the back for easier backing when off-trail and improved trail handling, though it can be locked down if preferred. Both suspensions utilize monotube, aluminum-bodied gas shocks.

During a cruise down a groomed path the sled initially feels like you’re on a crossover snowmobile – the handlebar is mounted a bit high and has a mountain strap, and the seat is a bit tall, but otherwise the sled includes features a rider would find, for instance, on a different Yamaha X-TX model, except with a lighter, two-stroke engine between the body panels.

Normal-width running boards with snow evacuation slots, electric start with a recoil backup, push-button reverse gear and 28

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2020 Yamaha Transporter 600 Engine: 599cc, liquid-cooled, dual-stage fuel-injected, two-stroke twin Bore X stroke: 73.8 mm X 70 mm Fuel: 91 Octane Chassis: SRV L x W x H (inches): 132 x 48 x N/A Ski stance (inches): 38 (adjustable) Listed dry weight: N/A Front suspension, travel, shocks: SRV Independent Double Wishbone, 9 inches, Monotube Aluminum-bodied HP Gas 1.5 Rear suspension, travel, shocks: Dual-Shock SR 153 Torsion, 13.5 inches, Monotube Aluminum-bodied HP Gas 1.5 Track: 15- by 153- by 2.25-inch Power Claw Fuel capacity: 13.7 gallons MSRP: $12,399

a full-function dual-screen gauge are all standard equipment.

Once the rider tries hustling this machine through bumpy corners or looks more closely at details, though, the differences become more obvious. With the long track and narrow stance,

handling in bumpy corners takes some concentration, and ski lift is not unusual. Our test mule, though, frankly didn’t feel very well set up – overall it felt rather unbalanced in the suspension, and the clutching was also “off” compared to previous Norseman models we rode with the same general package. We know the Transporter has better capabilities than it showed in our test ride.

Off-trail the Transporter performed admirably. Acknowledging that the target customer may be different, but compared to the other two machines in this test the agility of having a 15-inch track vs. the Titan and Expedition’s 20-inchers could definitely be felt when picking our way between the trees. There was some flotation fall-off with the narrower shoe, but the track’s length and lugs allowed it to impressively claw through loose powder, which we were blessed with plenty of during our test.

You won’t find a fancy cooling or electrical system on this machine, or a multi-gear transmission. It also doesn’t have a bunch of available custom-attaching accessories available like the Ski-Doo LinQ and Polaris Lock & Ride. It does, though, come with a non-complex rear rack that can be utilized in multiple ways with tie-down straps or bungees plus a rear tow hitch, so it can be a valuable companion.

For Yamaha-biased utility buyers, the Transporter is significantly most powerful, better suspended and more modern than the fan-cooled VK540, and notably lighter and more agile than the VK Professional II – giving it a strong niche within the brand’s lineup. After debuting in Europe for model year 2019, Yamaha decided to bring it to North America for 2020. Will it lead to more Yamaha two-strokes on either side of the Atlantic?

Stay tuned to find out.

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TALKING SHOP WITH DAN ADAMS: POLARIS 2020 RMK® KHAOS® 155 As a professional snowmobile rider and Next Level Riding Clinic owner Owner and instructor Instructorin inthe theWyoming Wyoming backcountry, Dan Adams is one of the most experienced, skilled and safest mountain riders in snowmobiling. We sat down to get his take on the Polaris 2020 RMK® KHAOS® 155. Here’s what he had to say. complete rider comfort.

POLARIS: We use language like agile to describe the Khaos®, how would you describe it?

DAN: So, it’s funny because the moment Chris Burandt and I first got to see the RMK Khaos last January, we started to pick it apart. You see the word Khaos and think, oh it’s an RMK with a graphics package and better shocks. What you don’t realize until you get on the sled is how much it reduces the riding effort. To talk about the new rear suspension geometry, the Walker Evans ® Velocity Shocks or the React® Front Suspension doesn’t really mean anything until you get on the sled and feel how agile and playful it is. What was most surprising to me with the Khaos was that it was so simple. You can just get on and ride.

The thing I’m constantly telling people is they’re going to get complacent after hours of riding. Your sled becomes part of you and you accept how it corners, takes bumps and handles in general. The Khaos is a sled that after hours of riding you start to think – hey I’ve been ripping around for hours and I’m not tired, and I’m not really working that hard. So yes, the Khaos is playful, but more importantly it just makes riding easier in any terrain or snow condition.

POLARIS: What features really stand out?

DAN: The RMK Khaos is exactly what we’ve been attempting to build at Next Level for years, it’s an amazing sled. The success of the sled speaks for itself. Without any modifications you get adjustable shocks, a lightweight front end, a powerful machine Polaris can really stand behind. No matter where you ride, sea level or mountain top, the RMK Khaos can adjust to that spcific type of riding and the rider’s body weight. I think that the RMK Khaos is exactly what riders have been looking for – it’s the perfect all-mountain sled.

POLARIS: Thoughts on the 800 Cleanfire® and SnowCheck exclusive 850 Patriot® engines?

DAN: The way Polaris comes up with new products and ups the ante each year is astonishing. The 800 H.O CleanFire® engine was the most amazing engine when it came out – well now that there’s an 850 Patriot ™ Engine which is also amazing. The 800 sled that is available in-season is the one I rode when I was in Chile with Chris Burandt; it is a proven, high-performance engine, and there’s a lot to be said for that 800 powerplant.

POLARIS: So what kind of rider should hop on the Khaos®?

DAN: This sled is not only for an experienced backcountry rider but for a new snowmobiler as well. New riders can adapt to the terrain and conditions quickly because it takes less effort. Think of it this way, Khaos requires less of our input to get that sled to do what we want it to do. Remember, it’s still an all rider-controlled snowmobile. You can still ride this sled like the Pro-RMK. To answer your question about who the sled is for – it’s people willing to get past the idea that it’s only built for the Caleb Kasterkes or the Chris Burandts or the Dan Adams of the world. That’s not the case. It’s ready for any number of riders seeking all-mountain performance.

POLARIS: And what about more advanced mountain and backcountry riders?

DAN: For those riders looking at what mountain riders are doing [side hilling, jumps, re-entry, hop-overs, pirouettes] this sled is a great choice. Great shock package, very light front end, and extremely nimble. As an experienced rider, you can push the limits with a snowmobile like this one.

Visit Polaris.com/khaos or stop by your nearest Polaris dealer to learn more about the 2020 RMK® KHAOS® 155.

RMK FAMILY EXPERIENCE THE RMK® AND DISCOVER WHY IT'S THE W O R L D ' S G R E AT E S T M O U N TA I N S L E D . G O T O P L A C E S Y O U ' V E I M A G I N E D B U T F E W H AV E B E E N . G E T T H E R E T H E O N LY W AY Y O U C A N - O N T H E L I G H T E S T M O U N TA I N S L E D I N T H E I N D U S T R Y.

polaris.com/snowmobiles Polaris recommends that all riders take a safety training course. Do not attempt maneuvers beyond your capability. Always wear a helmet and other safety apparel. Never drink and ride.

101 GREAT SNOWMOBILE PITSTOPS Even hearty trail riders need to stop sometime.

Whether it’s for a bite to eat, a comfortable place to rest or fuel in the tank, a great pitstop provides the break you need to turn your trip from good to great. Often found off-the-beaten-path, these establishments are the real gem of the snowmobiling community.

Every year Snow Goer compiles the 101 Best Pitstops after soliciting nominations from those who know best – people like you!

Cross-reference this list with where you’re headed, and set a goal to see how many you can visit.

ALASKA

MAINE

FORKS ROADHOUSE in Trapper Creek

TWO RIVERS LUNCH in Allagash

“Food and music in the heart of snowmobiling Heaven.”

- Michelle LaRose; also nominated by Rob Moore

“Grleat comfort food, plus Darlene knows everything that’s going on with the trails.”

- Larry McCullough

LIBBY CAMPS in Ashland

COLORADO

“The lodge, food and people are the best.”

- Tim Phinney; also nominated by Jon Cameron

HAHN’S PEAK ROADHOUSE in Clark “Great food with a diverse menu, ideal location, live music on weekends and every amenity a snowmobiler could want right on-site.”

- John T. Prusak

ELECTRIC MOUNTAIN LODGE in Paonia “Food is always fantastic, lodging is always reasonable and the owners jump to assist with everything.”

- Scott Jones

WILDWOODS TRAILSIDE CABINS in Brownville “Great atmosphere, food and lodging for snowmobilers.”

- Mike Grass; also nominated by Kathie Lee and the Ebeemee Snowmobile Club R&M COUNTRY STORE in Eagle Lake “Great comfort food specials daily, plus the best pizza and burgers around.”

- Donna Horrigan

LAKE PARLIN LODGE AND CABINS in Johnson Mountain Township “It’s a great pitstop to catch a meal, restock on fuel or chat with locals about conditions.”

- Kirk Staples

RIVER DRIVER’S RESTAURANT & PUB in Millinocket “Great food, right on the trail, lodging, upscale bar, gas and more.”

- Scott Lee BLUE MOOSE LODGE in Monticello “Great homemade food, and the staff is awesome.”

- Mitch McNulty SHIN POND VILLAGE in Mount Chase “The people make it special – from the groomed trails to the lodging and food; it‘s the perfect location.”

- Derek Comeau

IDAHO MEADOW CREEK LODGE in Island Park “Typically standing room only during lunch hours with nothing but snowmobilers. They manage to ind a way to snowmobile-in all the food and supplies to keep everyone having a great time.”

- Brian Dick

BLUE MOOSE LODGE LIBBY CAMPS

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BOWLIN CAMPS LODGE in Patten “Rustic, remote location – a sporting camp with excellent fuel, food and trails.”

- Mike Haggerty DEAN’S MOTOR LODGE in Portage “Great food, great people and great location.”

-Albert Sionni; also nominated by Dave Hallett

DEAN’S MOTOR LODGE

THE HIDEAWAY BAR

PITTSTON FARM in Rockwood “Good food, gas, grooming and you can feed the local deer your leftovers.”

- David White; also nominated by Carol Davis

LAKEVIEW RESTAURANT in St. Agatha “Great food, great rooms and premium fuel. They are very active in the local club and even run one of the groomers.”

- Larry McCullough

HAWK’S NEST LODGE in West Forks “From the roaring Dead River out the window to the pleasantly surprising Thai food menu – it can’t be beat!”

- Chris Johnson

MICHIGAN BROWNSTONE INN in Au Train “Friendly service and a full menu right outside Munising and on the Alger County SORVA trail system.”

- Nick Longworth

ANTONIO’S RESTAURANT in Bergland “Amazing breakfast with large portions.

The staff is super friendly. Located right on the snowmobile trail.”

- MaKenzie Long; also nominated by Alex Dreznes

SILVER LAKE RESORT in Channing

EAGLE HARBOR INN in Eagle Harbor, Michigan “It’s small and clean, and the variety on the menu is spectacular, including pizza with lobster on it.”

- Dick Decker, also nominated by Jamie Zelm

JACK PINE LODGE AND CAMPGROUND in Manistique “Never been disappointed with the great food they have, especially the burgers. Rustic atmosphere since the 1940s. On groomed trail with fuel on-site.”

- Rick Tucker; also nominated by Nick Longworth

THE DUNES SALOON LAKE SUPERIOR BREWING COMPANY in Grand Marais

ROOT CELLAR LODGING in Marenisco

“A lot of good meals and right across from the gas station – always welcomes snowmobilers.”

-Ray Podvorec

“Right on Lake Gogebic – excellent food and bar right on a snowmobile trail.”

- Chuck Colegrove

THE UP NORTH LODGE in Gwinn

HOOP’N HOLLER TAVERN in Merriweather

“Very good food, service and exceptionally snowmobiler-friendly.”

- Ray Podvorec

“Awesome Rueben sandwich; it’s a pretty popular joint and always a great experience.”

- Richard Slepicka

BEAR BELLY BAR & GRILL in Lac Labelle “A great menu, gas and a convenience store.

They offer lodging as well.”

- Jamie Zelm

PINE STUMP JUNCTION in Newberry

BIERE DE MAC BREW WORKS in Mackinaw City “Gastro-pub style comfort food. Sled parking is am le and the e s a o y i e la e inside iendly staff and quick service.”

- Phil Siebigteroth THE HIDEAWAY BAR in Mancelona “Great atmosphere, great burger, fries and my favorite chicken noodle soup.”

- Ed Klim

“I love it when it’s busy and full of sleds. Food and atmosphere are excellent. Top notch hospitality.”

- Bob Dockham; also nominated by Joe Dekar and Mike Keith

OLD TAVERN INN in Niles “Usually packed with snowmobilers and extremely sled-friendly. It’s also the oldest business in Michigan still operating in its original building – dating back to 1835! Most well-know for its incredible ham sandwiches and goulash.”

- Chris Riley

“Great homemade meals, easy trail access!”

- Ray Podvorec VOTE D A PITS TOP SNO TOP BY W GO MAG ER READAZINE ERS

BAY MILLS RESORT & CASINOS in Brimley “Great view with a large seating area, plus a casino.”

- Roger Paras

FOGGY’S STEAKHOUSE & LOUNGE in Christmas “You can’t beat the food and Yooper hospitality.”

- Jim Duke

THE MARINER NORTH RESORT in Copper Harbor “Great food and really nice place to stop after going through Copper Harbor.”

- Matt Semmen; also nominated by Jamie Zelm

www.gogebiclodge.com

LIV WE E CAMB!

GREAT SNOWMOBILING FUN ON LAKE GOGEBIC IN MICHIGANS U.P. • Cottages • Bar & Dining Room • Heated Garage • Satellite TV • Sauna

• 6 New Ultra-Modern Chalets • Premium Unleaded Gas /Amsoil Products • Snowmobiling (On Trail #1) • Open Daily for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

HOST: THE BERQUIST FAMILY • (906) 842-3321 N9600 Highway 64 • Marenisco, MI 49947 • 8 miles North of US 2 on M-64

Like us on Facebook for Deals & Steals

www.facebook.com/gogebiclodgeresort FEBRUARY 2020

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TRESTLE INN ZORBAZ

PINEHURST RESORT

TAHQUAMENON FALLS BREWERY & PUB

ZORBAZ in Detroit Lakes

in Paradise “Near Lake Superior in the eastern U.P. ‘The falls’ ow ate is a o nd allons e se ond so they a e etty im essi e b t the esta ant is the eal eason lo e the sto always ood food and thei own b ewed oot bee - Brad Plett

ide f om the t ail a oss the la e and i ht to the doo ma in food with lots of oom - Brian Davidson

BEAR TRAP INN in hin leton ine la e to sto fo l n h o dinne alon between nisin and and a ais - Len Neisler

TRESTLE INN in Finland e fe tly lo ated i ht off of the omahaw ail has ool ba woods ambien e ood b e s and was sta ted by a snowmobilin le end - John T. Prusak

ail

THE TANGLEWOOD INN in hin leton eat food and eat salad ba - Bernard Marucci

LEAF VALLEY MERCANTILE BAR & GRILL in a ield o ated a few miles no th of le and ia and i ht on the t ail system eat b e s and food - Jeff Oberg

HUNGRY JACK LODGE & CAMPGROUND in MOSQUITO INN in Toivola wood sto e l s a s and hoo s fo yo to d y yo ea ood staff food and m si i ht off the t ail - Leif Gustafson

and a ais n the n int ail - Jason Zimmer

eat lod in food and staff

ROUGH CUT GRILL AND BAR in ila a eat la e to a and ide f om ent al innesota wne is a snowmobile n t and has ite a olle tion of sleds he smo in o f ies a e a m st ha e when yo sto as station i ht ne t doo as well - Mark Rosacker

PINEHURST RESORT in aytahwa sh osts many e ents fo the lo al l b and also the nodeo i e a es hey ha e as and a on enien e sto e - Brian Davidson

ASH TRAIL LODGE in Orr he best la e to et an awesome meal tasty d in s and the e is always f el oil belts and mo e lo ated on the sh ail - Jodi Jewell

LOBOS BAR & GRILL in Park Rapids ld and sti wood sto es la es to d y yo ea l s i a and emi m as - Leif Gustafson

eat idin destination in the tas a tate a ea ome days yo will see a o le h nd ed sleds - Brian Davidson; also nominated by Nick Longworth

ANCHORAGE INN in on ille

OLD MILWAUKEE CLUB SALOON & EATERY in Pequot Lakes eat b e s a e the food of hoi e - Marty Sampson

LAKEVIEW INN in Aitkin

eat staff lenty of s a e and a lot of helmet hoo s an t o w on with thei i a o b e s l s as on site - Jeff Jacobsen

est b e s a o nd - Paul Hein

TIMBERWOLF INN in a ell

KNOTTED PINE INN AND TAVERN in sabella THE THIRSTY STURGEON in Wolverine eat food be e a es and atmos he e - Eric Richard; also nominated by Tim Bowen and Sheryl Marsh

MINNESOTA

VOYAGAIRE LODGE in Crane Lake e of a f n destination idin th o h oyae s a and the in t ime ib is massi e and deli io s - Matt Prusak; also nominated by Lisa Barsness

CEDAR CHEST RESTAURANT AND BAR in Crosslake eat ibs hen the lot is f ll all with lo als d in the wee yo now this is the la e to o t loo s small b t it is two le els o e loo in the la e and the staff is so m h f n - Dave Guenther 34

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ea tif l ba with eat food and some of the state s best t ails - Paul Hein

JACK’S SHACK in

e o oasted hi en that s so ood it s wo th a s e ial t i n staff and at ons to ee yo ente tained as well - Jeff Jacobsen

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OLD MILWAUKEE CLUB SALOON & EATERY

NEW HAMPSHIRE SWIFT DIAMOND RIDERS WARMING HUT/CLUBHOUSE in Stewartstown

ICE CRACKING LODGE AND RESORT

“Open for breakfast and lunches on weekends through March, this place has it all – a great menu, 24/7 gas, onsite parking and access to fabulous trails.”

- Dan Gould

BACK RUB PUB & LODGE in Pittsburg ICE CRACKING LODGE AND RESORT in Ponsford “My group’s riding destination for years!

Fun and easy trail ride to get to. They also have gas and great food – I suggest the thunder burger!”

- Brian Davidson; also nominated by Nick Longworth

SAL’S ANGUS GRILL in Stillwater “Great appetizers and even a 1.5 pound cheeseburger – the Buddy Burger. You won’t be disappointed!”

- Scott Eilertson FORTUNE BAY RESORT & CASINO in Tower “Fun, food, lodging, events, central snowmobile location and local support.”

- Lisa Barsness

MUGG’S OF MILLE LACS in Wahkon “Owners are 100 percent supportive of snowmobiling. Great trails maintained by a great club right out the door. Try the peanut butter and jelly burger or come to the ‘S.N.O.W.Fest.’”

- Mark Rosacker

MONTANA ANTLERS LODGE in Cooke City “Wonderful food, good drinks and tons of friendly snowmobilers.”

- T.J. Krob MINERS SALOON in Cooke City “A popular snowmobile bar with great pizza.”

- Jason Erickson

WILD WEST PIZZERIA & SALOON in West Yellowstone “Great pizza and chicken wings, plus a friendly bar staff.”

- Jeff Oberg

“You’re always surrounded by riders telling great stories. The food is excellent and the friendly service is second to none.”

- Nick Vosinek

NEW YORK

DAIKER’S in Old Forge lo e the i e la e bea tif l iew of the la e and it’s right off the trail.”

- Melissa Orlins; also nominated by Jason Pope

CEDAR LODGE in Parishville “Great food and very snowmobile friendly – always a stop on each ride!”

- Dan Manor

NORTH DAKOTA PAIN RELIEVER in Nekoma “Amazing food and the motto is ‘you won’t leave hungry.’”

- Chase Heck

PENNSYLVANIA

TAILWATER LODGE ALTMAR in Altmar “They have awesome food (coming from a restaurateur) and the ambiance is very woodsy and comfortable for all patrons.”

- Randy Beach

HIGHMARKET INN & SPORTS in Constableville “The most hospitable place to eat on the Tug Hill plateau.”

- Robert O’Donnell

NORRIDGEWOCK HOTEL in Eagle Bay “Only accessed by snowmobile in the winter months; great food, atmosphere and awesome owners. Overnight housing available and gas on-site.”

- Kevin Darcy

MCKEAN TAVERN in McKean “They are always ready to help our club, the McKean Snowriders, by offering free lunches to the groomer operators and helping promote our poker run.”

- Steve Danylko

THE FRIENDLY INN in Roulette “An ideal pitstop that has a dining room with a great wood stove, as well as a barroom featuring a pool table. Particularly tasty are their soups and battered fries.”

- Bob Kirchner

CHARLIE’S INN JUNCTION CAMPGROUND in Harrietstown “Right on the main trail, good food and good people; 24-hour gas and rooms and cabins available trailside.”

- Rick Craft TUG HILL HOOK AND LADDER in Lowville “Great food and atmosphere on Tug Hill!”

- Greg Renninger LONG HORN RESTAURANT & PUB in Luzerne “They cater to snowmobilers and the food is excellent. The homemade soups served in a bread bowl are perfect to warm you up before you hit the trail again.”

- Pete Aitkin; also nominated by Ed Ford

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in Hill City “An oasis on the south end of the Black Hills trail network for decent food, fuel and supplies.”

- Steve Lovell; also nominated by Wendy Siroshton

“Right on the trail with great food and service at a fai i e hei b ea fasts will ill yo fo a whole day.”

- Eric Vogel; also nominated by Jason Lepak and Ron Van Langen

VERMONT DERBY COW PALACE in Derby “Always been known for its elk, which is raised on property, and the log home feel of the lodge style décor. The menu caters to everyone and the parking lot is always jammed with snowmobiles.”

- Nick Vosinek

ESSEX HOUSE AND TAVERN in Island Pond “The restaurant is housed inside a fully renovated hotel that is locally owned. The staff is beyond friendly and exceptionally supportive of the local club.”

- Joe Maida

CHEZ PIDGEON RESTAURANT in Norton “Located right on the Canadian border, this restaurant is all about sledding. Pub style dining in an open setting.”

- Nick Vosinek

GRANARY RESTAURANT in Boulder Junction “Plenty of room for our gear and our rear, and lots of parking, too. Just a fun place where the staff is always happy to see you and the food is great.”

- Pamela Hoffman OTTER BAY RESORT in Cable “Great burgers, gas and awesome, friendly employees.”

- Joseph Check

PLA-MOR BAR & RESTAURANT in Cable “Serves the biggest wings you’ve ever seen!”

- Chuck Colegrove

GREENHILLS LOG CABIN in Conover “Great pizza and a wonderful atmosphere.”

- Jeff Stueland TJAN’S 12 PINES in Eagle River “Known for their pizza, it’s a great local place that has the atish a e ail oin i ht th o h its parking lot.”

- Todd Achterberg LOUIE’S LANDING in Hayward “Awesome food and the owner is the area’s groomer and trail boss and always has an actual trail report.”

- Dan Stromer WILLY’S STILL in Hurley “Very welcoming and always a great time. The Willy’s burger is delicious!”

- Nichole Cooley; also nominated by Anthony Oechsner, Rodney Martin, Nikki Petranek and Drew Guelzow

BAUER’S DAM RESORT in Conover “One of the cleanest cabins we’ve stayed at in the Northwoods – great food and homemade soups.”

- Gerry Meier

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JOANY’S SIDEKICKS in Knight “Great food, good music, good times and gas on-site. Try the homemade pizza and Sidekicker sandwich.”

- Jason Jedele SHAMROCK PUB N’ EATERY in Lake Tomahawk “Right on the main trail. The food is excellent including many unique items not found in most eateries. A popular destination for over 50 years.”

- Dan Ehler

BEHNKE’S BUCKSNORT RESORT in Tripoli “One of the best pitstops you will visit – the food is great, but the atmosphere’s even better.”

- Steve Schlick VALHALLA VIEW PUB & GRUB in Washburn “24-hour fuel and good food in the middle of killer logging roads.”

- Brad Johnson

BENT’S CAMP RESORT in Land O’ Lakes “Excellent food and service. They do a great radar run that thousands of people come out for every year.”

- Matt Semmen

WYOMING LAVA MOUNTAIN LODGE in Dubois “It has it all – food, fuel, lodging, convenience store, trailer parking, rental cabins, easy highway access and trail access right out the front door.”

- James Jackson

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THE BOATHOUSE in Minocqua “This place is great because it’s easy to access from the lake, trail or road, with great menu selections.”

- Jamie Zelm

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- Doralyn Thomas; also nominated by Jeff Pickhardt

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BIRCHES in Park Falls “The same family has owned it for almost 70 years – best pizza north of Chicago; great service, beautiful accommodations, views, ample parking and fuel on-site.”

- Scott Kurinsky

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SKYVIEW LODGE & SUPPER CLUB in Presque Isle “Right on a snowmobile trail. The food is great, and you may want to ask about the homemade ice cream grasshopper!”

- Chuck Colegrove

YACHT CLUB in Presque Isle “Friendly people, good food and cozy atmosphere.”

- Donald Plonsky MOONDANCE BAR & GRILL in Rhinelander “The menu has great staples like burgers and chicken paddles, but the best part is a rotating menu of homemade soups that are perfect for cold conditions.”

- Brad May

THE TIMBERS BAR AND GRILL in St. Germain “Great food, excellent refreshments. Plenty of sled parking and great owners – smiles and fun all around.”

- Dave Scanavino

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A Sledhead Health Class What exactly happens each time you ride?

BY: NICK LONGWORTH

YOUR HEART IS RACING; arms, chest – sweaty. You can feel your pulse rising and the sweat roll down your neck, slowly to your shoulder blades, beginning to soak the fabric pressed tightly against your skin.

Your eyelids are nearing frostbite; fingers, toes – creeping cold. You can barely feel the numbing effect of the surrounding air that’s below zero degrees Fahrenheit; trying to catch a breath, an inhale sends icicle daggers to your lungs.

It’s not a panic attack, or cardiac arrest. It all happens while you’re snowmobiling… But what’s really happening?

We’ve often wondered what the body goes through during a snowmobile ride, and how it varies given the length or elevation of the adventure. Other than the proverbial, “it’s a workout,” we’ve pondered how a rider’s skin, organs, muscles extremities and even mental health are affected by doing what we love. Is it actually good for us? Or could this passion potentially be wearing out our bodies prematurely?

We sought answers by consulting F. Lincoln Avery, M.D., Associate Medical Director of Maine Medical Partners (MMP) Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in South Portland, Maine; David Plummer, M.D. FACEP, Assistant Chief of the Department of Emergency Medicine for Hennepin Healthcare System in Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Steve Hoffmeister, Physical Therapist with Marshfield Clinic Woodruff Center in Woodruff, Wisconsin.

Collectively the trio has dedicated their lives to helping people better understand their own anatomy to live more happily and compete more successfully, and perhaps just as importantly – they’re also sledheads themselves.

The Backcountry And Flatlander Effect It goes without saying that many muscles in the body receive exercise through the simple exertion of force by standing upright against gravity and expelling calories moving around.

Your legs, back and arms will all be used, no matter the style of riding you do – that’s basic common sense.

To delve further into the details regarding how and which muscles are used to the extent they are, in January of 2019 the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations (CCSO) compiled the work of researchers from the University of Guelph to release the Snowmobiling Physical Activity Health Study that detailed the health benefits of snowmobiling.

The study collected information from more than 4,000 people who rode snowmobiles at least once per week, and focused on three specific groups of riders: flatland trails, flatland backcountry and mountain. Participants were surveyed on courses created in Haliburton, Ontario (representing groomed trails), Maniwaki, Quebec, (backcountry) and Revelstoke, British 38

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F. Lincoln Avery, M.D.

Steve Hoffmeister, P.T.

David Plummer, M.D. FACEP

Columbia, (mountain) for each riding condition.

The data was collected and published by the snowmobiling organization, and essentially summarizes the entire gamut of benefits provided by the sport; because the group helped fund the study, its rosy results can be taken with a grain of salt.

However, even taken objectively both the mental and physical benefits of snowmobiling are appealing to anyone seeking to maintain an active lifestyle.

According to the report, measuring in the unit of Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) to determine the amount of calories burned, “on average, riding a snowmobile used 5.6 METs (meaning a snowmobiler is using 5.6 times as much energy while riding than if they were sitting at home watching TV).

The 5.6 METs is roughly equal to the energy used during downhill skiing or snow shoveling, and categorizes snowmobiling as ‘moderate intensity physical activity.’”

A variety of tasks directly related to snowmobiling, such as digging out a stuck machine, can also increase a person’s MET exertion – digging out a sled in deep snow can require the use of 8.3 METs. However, only 40 percent of groomed trail riders report normally having to dig-out their sled, while 81 percent of mountain riders dig-out at least once per ride (most riders reported between 5 and 15 minutes to complete a dig-out).

The Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines recommend that adults accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (at least 3 METs) a week to obtain a variety of health benefits. Similarly, the United States Department of Health and Human Services issued the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans in 2008, and in it also recommends 150 to 300 minutes per week.

In theory, the “sledhead lifestyle,” taken as a whole, can contribute to a weekly-recommended exercise routine, effectively reducing the risk of developing a variety of diseases including heart attack, stroke, cancer, type-2 diabetes and osteoporosis.

But while all riding requires a certain level of exercise, there’s distinct differences between the muscles used while riding trails, and those used when attempting to traverse a

steep side-hill at elevation, the study noted.

“For example, long stretches of perfectly flat, straightgroomed trail require little muscular input from the operator,” Dr. Plummer said.

“When turns are introduced into the ride you begin to recruit muscles across the chest and back that are similar to, and can mimic one-armed presses or one-armed rows common in weightlifting. A left-hand turn will recruit muscles in the right chest and shoulder, including the pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, anterior deltoid and triceps – not to mention the muscles required for gripping the handlebar firmly (which flexes the forearm),” explained Dr. Plummer, whose winter outdoor time is spent snowshoeing, skiing and snowmobiling (he currently rides a variety of snowmobiles including vintage sleds).

“At the same time, the left hand can engage muscles in the back neck and shoulder, including the paravertebral muscles, the rhomboids and the latissimus dorsi in the posterior deltoid,” he said. “The difficulty and stress across these muscles depends on the consistency of the snow and the speed of the turn – the torque applied to the steering column.

“In addition, sitting on a snowmobile is not passive; it’s what I would term ‘active sitting.’ The operator will use a variety of muscles just to remain upright under changing conditions. The core muscles – the trapezoid, abdominal obliques and abdominal rectus muscles – all work together to accomplish stability.”

Mountain riding conditions require spending more time standing and shifting weight as a rider leans to turn the snowmobile in deep snow, and to maintain balance on hills – standing, stabilizing and changing positions all require extra energy. The study findings help explain why mountain riding is more often higher intensity. When riding on groomed trails, shifting weight is less frequent and riders can be less active.

“With trail riding you’re looking at using primarily core muscles, grip strength, neck and back muscles,” said Dr. Avery.

“With mountain climbing you’re standing all day maneuvering and stretching more – everything from your calves, quads, back, core, biceps/triceps and grip strength are all really important. It also depends how aggressive you’re going to get.”

Since 2014 Avery has helped build MMP’s Sports Medicine department. He has worked and ridden in the Portland, Maine, area since 1987 and among other experiences has also been a physician for the U.S. Alpine Ski Team since 1989.

While admittedly not a frequenter of mountains in the West, he enjoys the backcountry riding and side-hilling offered in Maine, saying, “This is Maine, so we get up to 4,000 feet [elevation] – it’s not like the real Rockies or Revelstoke.

It’s much more tight, and not as open, so we’re climbing pretty steep areas that just aren’t as long.”

During the study riders were equipped with sensors to detect movement of the upper thigh – vertical or horizontal – as well as body position.

The devices reported that mountain riders were standing 2.5 times more during a ride than flatland backcountry riders, and almost 4 times more than flatland trail riders. Riders in moun-

Anterior Deltoid Pectoralis Major Triceps

Posterior Deltoid

Paravertebral Muscles

Abdominal Muscles

Forearm

Quadriceps Calves

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Oxygen Usage During Snowmobiling

tainous locations spent 76 percent of their time at “moderate or vigorous intensity,” while groomed trail riders spent 31 percent at the same. Backcountry riding involving turning and weight shifting, but less hill climbing spent an average of 63 percent of their ride working at the same intensity. The average snowmobile ride on groomed trails lasted 6 hours, and on mountain terrain was 5 hours.

Given the multitude of muscles used during any type of snowmobile riding, routine exercise can help minimize their detriment during continued activity, resulting in a person being able to ride longer with less discomfort.

“With snowmobiling, the ‘core’ muscles, general arm and

Source: Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations

quadriceps strength are important for balance and shock absorption. Working on these muscle groups can improve performance and enjoyment of riding as well as minimize tomorrow’s soreness,” Hoffmeister said. A physical therapist for more than 30 years, he also enjoys outdoor winter activities, including snowmobiling.

“In general, riders can help avoid next-day soreness with arm presses, arm rows, squat-type exercises and mild to moderate core exercises,” Plummer said. “On more technical rides where the operator may encounter rugged terrain with bumps or inclines, the operator will increasingly be required to use quadriceps and gluteal muscles to act as stabilizers, weight shifters and shock absorbers. These muscle activities can be both unexpected and of long duration, and are particularly responsible for the next day soreness often experienced.”

“I can tell you what I should recommend, and what people will actually do because they’re busy working during the week,” said Dr. Avery with a laugh.

“A good personal fitness routine doesn’t have to be P90X, because as you get older you can actually get hurt doing some of those things… [Do] anything where you’re conditioning your thighs, back, stomach and oblique muscles, biceps/ triceps and grip strength.”

Heart Health, Oxygen And Fatigue During exercise muscles undergo fatigue as intensity of stress is endured, ultimately increasing the rate in which the heart must beat to increase blood flow in an effort to help them recover.

It’s a simple domino effect, and it hasn’t changed since we were taught it in elementary school health class.

According to the CCSO report, data collected in the study showed that riders on groomed trails had a heart rate that was on average 68 percent of its maximum, backcountry riders averaged a heart rate of 71 percent and riders 40

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in the mountains had an average heart rate of 82 percent.

“Casual trail riding doesn’t get heart rate up to a very beneficial level as quickly, whereas aggressive mountain or backcountry riding can raise heart rate to levels well within or beyond accepted ‘aerobic exercise’ levels,” Hoffmeister said. “Elevating heart rate through physical activity promotes better cardiovascular health and function as well as promoting improved overall health.”

“The full range of riding will effect your heart differently; three days of digging someone out every half hour is like a marathon – sitting armpit high in snow and trying to lift out a 450-pound sled gets the heart beating fast,” Avery said. “Going for a walk is maybe equivalent to easy trail riding, all the way up to a sustained sprint, depending on what you’re doing.”

Although short-term heart rate will increase during snowmobiling, long-term effects and benefits of sustained heart rates through snowmobiling are not entirely clear yet.

“One might conclude by extrapolating data that this increased exercise and increased heart rate may have beneficial effects for overall heart health,” Plummer said. “Although this is a reasonable expectation, this correlation has never been studied and therefore never proven in peer-review medical literature with relation to snowmobiling.”

Muscle fatigue can be determined by measuring the percentage your muscles lose strength following an exercise. Losses in strength are temporary and a normal part of the adaptation that ultimately leads to muscles getting stronger as the body repairs them.

Measuring how much grip strength decreases is a good indicator of upper body muscle fatigue, while measuring reductions in maximum jumping height is a way of measuring lower body fatigue.

The study found that following an estimated 20-minute ride, a snowmobiler’s grip strength decreases by about 6 percent (indicating upper body fatigue). Lower body fatigue was not observed fol-

Snowmobiling Versus Other Physical Activities

Source: Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations

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lowing short test rides. However, those that stood more during challenge to conquer long distances or ascend a hill, or figuring their ride were more likely to exhibit lower body fatigue. out a strategy of getting through deep powder. The sense of There are also external factors. The body adapts to altitude adventure, the sense of accomplishment – those are all really by breathing faster to acquire more oxygen, which means your powerful things, particularly for somebody who doesn’t enjoy heart is pumping faster. Both your heart rate and your resting a lot of outdoor sports.” breathing rate increase, causing seemingly routine tasks to “[Snowmobiling is] an invigorating method to get outdoors. take more effort.

Initially that doesn’t sound important, but authors are increas“The ‘altitude effect’ is pretty obingly demonstrating that even short vious perceptually, but a lot of people intervals of outdoor activity can reduce don’t think about it – then all of a stress, improve circadian cycles and sudden you’re at a base of 9,000 feet sleep cycles and even improve mental and playing in 12,000 feet and that is focus and ‘clarity’ in a manner similar a huge change in altitude. Your ability to the results of meditation,” Plummer to carry oxygen isn’t as good as somesaid. “I’ve found this certainly true in one who lives a mile high,” Avery said. my personal experience.”

“Cold air is denser and so it actually Because of the prolonged effects — F. Lincoln Avery, M.D., Associate Medical Director has more oxygen – a lot of snowmoof physical activity on mental health, of Maine Medical Partners (MMP) Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in South Portland, Maine bilers know that because they change many snowmobilers who ride on their carburetion, jets and clutches weekends can continue to produce for altitude. A lot of people also notice mental health benefits for the rest of it sleeping – they wake up in the middle of the night panting the week even if they find it difficult to ride every day. and feeling like they’re short of breath.”

Snowmobiling also increases exposure to natural light, “Increasing oxygen demands at elevation can also have a outdoor time and physical activity, which are all typically repositive ‘training affect,’ promoting your body to use oxygen duced during the winter and contributors to Seasonal Affective more efficiently,” Hoffmeister explained. “This is why runners Disorder (SAD). and bicyclists will often train in higher elevations.”

“There is an increased need for ventilation, both to take-in Stay Safe enough oxygen to power the muscles and to expel carbon dioxThis is not to say that snowmobiling is entirely God’s gift to ide, which is the metabolic byproduct. The lungs inflate more both mental and physical exercise – there are also natural fully and more often than in a resting state,” Plummer said. precautions to keep in mind.

To adapt to elevation conditions more quickly, all three “[There are] several common overuse injuries such as a suggested routine adjustments for body maintenance, and to shoulder rotator cuff tendinitis on older riders due to the arms fight the urge to “go hard out of the gate,” unless you want to go being elevated and using them in a different position. People home feeling sick. also get thumb tendinitis from hitting the throttle along with “Stay away from alcohol, but carbohydrates are really the triceps and elbow due to the push involved with steering,” important the first couple of days. You really want to ease into Avery said. “Back injuries are the No. 1 issue. Sitting is a tough it, which is hard to do. Neglecting this can accelerate altitude position on the back – you may have heard the expression sickness, which can feel like the flu or worse,” Avery said. “If ‘sitting is the new smoking’ and particularly on older sleds, it you’re used to altitudes your body produces more hemoglobin wasn’t a good position for the back.” so your oxygen-carrying capacity has adapted and works more “[Snowmobiling] might exacerbate injury in people with efficiently. When you’re on a timeline it’s really hard to do, but pre-existing back conditions, including compression fractures try to moderate and not push yourself too much physically – or bulging discs,” Plummer said. “When not properly suspendwhich is counterintuitive because you want to enjoy and make ing the body to absorb shock, riders may experience recurrent the most of your trip.” axial loading that can exacerbate these conditions. I would say that anyone with pre-existing back conditions or anyone who Beyond Exercise is pregnant should ride with caution. In addition, all operators Mental health awareness has become increasingly important should demonstrate a sufficient degree of fitness to obtain and throughout the entire world in recent years. No longer are sustain a riding position that requires balancing or shock-abpeople expected to suffer through often debilitating diseases sorbing, as well as the arm strength to make turns.” silently. Research has shown that physical activity – either And then of course, there’s also the cold. alone or in combination with medication – can be an effective “The most common injury sustained while snowmobiling treatment for both depression and anxiety. is frostbite,” Plummer said. “Cold conditions and wind-chill The physical requirements of snowmobiling can often be a are definitely exacerbated with speed. Riders who may feel perfect match to compliment a medication routine. overly protected when preparing in a heated, closed room may “The psychological aspects of snowmobiling are huge and discover exposed areas of skin when riding.

I think a big reason why people do it – you’re in areas that you “Varying degrees of cold injury feel different to the rider, often can’t access during the summertime, seeing nature in with the worst injuries progressing through a time of disa totally different way,” Avery said. “Typically you’re riding comfort to numbness and complete loss of sensation. In other with people and there’s a sense of camaraderie in terms of the words, patients may not feel the worst injury at all.”

“The sense of adventure, the sense of accomplishment – those are all really powerful things…”

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“If you start getting cold, the body starts to prioritize major organs. Even if you’re covered up and don’t have exposed skin, your extremities will start to lose blood supply as your body starts to send the warmth to vital organs,” Avery said.

A thermal injury – whether hot or cold – progresses through similar phrases. Initially damage is superficial and the underlying nerves remain intact – that’s when one is alerted to the beginning of the condition, since the area is painful.

During colder and continued durations the injury will progress deeper so that the superficial nerves become injured.

If continued, skin will freeze with ice crystals forming in cells and blood vessels – an emergency that requires proper methods of reforming.

“The modern approach to this may even require thrombolytic or ‘clotbusting’ drugs to restore blood flow to the skin,” Plummer said. “Physicians experienced in this field should only do the last two steps, rewarming and consideration of drug delivery. An area should not be rewarmed at the scene, on the snowmobile or anywhere else but in a hospital.

Improper care of severe frostbite can result in skin loss or limb loss, requiring skin grafting or amputation.”

At the end of the day, regarding snowmobiling as a legitimate physical activity that can be worked into and count as part of one’s weekly activity – as the old adage goes, you get out what you put in.

“It’s both a ‘yes’ and ‘no’. Consider riding a bike; one can ride their bike on a perfectly flat surface for a very short distance slowly, or one can engage in a highly technical, long ride that includes inclines,” Plummer explained. “Whether or not either of those two activities is a legitimate physical activity depends on the patient’s baseline level of fitness, which is a function of age or underlying chronic conditions. The former would not be a legitimate physical activity for Lance Armstrong, but it is for my 103-year-old neighbor.

“The same is true for snowmobiling – if one engages in a technical-enough ride where muscles are used frequently then it can be a legitimate activity.

Similarly, physical activity can also be sustained with slow-speed technical rides – increased heart rate does not require high speeds.”

“I can’t say enough about the sport…

It’s literally cool,” Avery said.

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1,000+ Stores Nationwide • HarborFreight.com

1000 LB. CAPACITY MOTORCYCLE LIFT

Three position tire vise opens to 6-1/8"

Diamond plate steel platform and ramp

Customer Rating

NOW

9 $3499 $

Removable steel ramp with dual mount pins for security

44999

7" Wide tire stop

SAVE 560 $

COMPARE TO

BLACK WIDOW

90999

ITEM 69904/68892 shown

SUPER BRIGHT LED /SMD WORK LIGHT/FLASHLIGHT • Super-Strong, Ultra-Lightweight Composite Plastic • Magnetic Base & 360° Swivel Hook for Hands-Free Operation • 3 - AAA Batteries (included) • 144 Lumens

ANY SINGLE ITEM*

ALL IN A SINGLE SUPER POWERFUL LIGHT ITEM 63878/63991 PERFORMANCE $ 52 64005/69567/60566 MODEL: W2364 TOOL 63601/67227shown

13

*25035840 * 25035840 Cannot be used with other discounts or prior purchases. Original coupon must be presented.

Valid through 3/4/20 while supplies last. Limit 1 FREE GIFT per customer per day.

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 3/4/20*

SUPER COUPON

•

Integrated leg-lock for safe operation

*25039355 * 25039355

MODEL: BW-1000A

5 STAR REVIEWS Customer Rating

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Heavy duty hydraulic pump lifts 1000 lbs. to a max. height of 29.5"

$

WITH ANY PURCHASE

OVER 5,000

SUPER COUPON

Customer Rating

SUPER COUPON

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$1 9

40" x 72" RAPID PUMP® 3 TON STEEL MOVING HEAVY DUTY LOW PROFILE BLANKET FLOOR JACK

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69

$

14999

SAVE $34

99

$

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MODEL: TR6201C

ITEM 61160/63456/46319 shown

Customer Rating

$124

99

SAVE $ 71% 2699 $

KOBALT

ITEM 56269/64294 shown

SUPER COUPON

1 SELLING JACKS IN AMERICA

#

PNEUMATIC 8 GALLON, 150 PSI ADJUSTABLE OIL-FREE AIR COMPRESSOR ROLLER SEAT • Air delivery: NOW 300 lb. capacity 4.1 SCFM @ 90 PSI NOW 99

Customer Rating

*25038215 * 25038215 Limit 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot Sale item, compressors, floor jacks, safes, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, welders, Admiral, Ames, Atlas, Bauer, Central Machinery, Cobra, CoverPro, Daytona, Diamondback, Earthquake, Fischer, Hercules, Icon, Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan, Zurich. Not valid on prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 3/4/20.

159

MODEL: 300841

• Weighs 78 lbs.

Customer Rating

SAVE $90 SAVE 60% COMPARE TO

4

$ 99 NOW

9

$ 98

$3

PRATT RETAIL SPECIALTIES MODEL: HDMOVBLAN ITEM 69504/62336/47262 shown

99

NOW

COMPARE TO

TEQ CORRECT $ 99

$9999 $10999

189

MODEL: T830018Z

ITEM 56618/56619/56620/56617 shown

*25042057 * 25042057

*25054597 * 25054597

*25090002 * 25090002

*25093848 * 25093848

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 3/4/20*

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 3/4/20*

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 3/4/20*

LIMIT 2 - Coupon valid through 3/4/20*

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2/10/50 AMP, 12 VOLT MECHANICS BATTERY CHARGER AND GLOVES ENGINE STARTER Customer Rating AVAIL. IN SM,

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SUPER COUPON

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• 1250 lb. capacity

MED, LG, XL, XXL

Customer Rating

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NOW

NOW

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59

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77 SCHUMACHER $ ITEM 60581/3418 MODEL: SE-1250 60653 shown ELECTRIC

5

$ 99 COMPARE TO

VALEO $ 99

14

MODEL: 25521

$3 99

$499 COMPARE TO

SAVE 66% ITEM 62434, 62426, 62433, 62432, 62429, 64178, 64179, 62428 shown

EXTREME MAX $ 73

NOW

$7999

SAVE $38

118

MODEL: 556941033

$

8999

ITEM 95896

SAVE 60%

9

$ 99

COMPARE TO

RANGEMAXX

MODEL: 1312-92

5

$ 99

ITEM 63135/61451 shown

*25095343 * 25095343

*25095903 * 25095903

*25102217 * 25102217

*25105497 * 25105497

LIMIT 2 - Coupon valid through 3/4/20*

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 3/4/20*

LIMIT 2 - Coupon valid through 3/4/20*

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 3/4/20*

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3/8" x 14 FT., GRADE 43 5000 LUMEN LED TOWING CHAIN HANGING SHOP LIGHT

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SUPER COUPON

• 5400 lb. capacity

NOW

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NOW COMPARE TO $

MIBRO

$1 9

6499 SAVE 69%

$

MODEL: 426920

ITEM 40462/60658/97711 shown

99

39

99

SUPER COUPON

HEAVY DUTY CHAIN BREAKER 400 LB. RECEIVER-MOUNT Customer Rating MOTORCYCLE CARRIER

$999

46-3/8"

SAVE 33% ITEM 64410

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29

99

$1 999

SAVE

$

COMPARE TO

50% $ 99 1999 ITEM 15 66488

TRU-PITCH MODEL: PE2560

$9999 $

12999 $

COMPARE TO

ULTRA-TOW

18999 SAVE Customer Rating $

MODEL: 365378

ITEM 99721/62837 shown

90

*25106484 * 25106484

*25110851 * 25110851

*25129283 * 25129283

*25130881 * 25130881

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 3/4/20*

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 3/4/20*

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 3/4/20*

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 3/4/20*

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Customer Rating 10 FT. x 17 FT. 4 PIECE, 1" x 15 FT. PORTABLE GARAGE RATCHETING TIE DOWNS Customer Rating

COMPARE TO

290

75 SHELTER $ MODEL: 76377 LOGIC

9 SAVE $1 6 $

120 $ 19999

ITEM 62859/63055/62860 shown

Customer Rating

$

NOW

1239 $699

ITEM 61524/62322 63056/63057/63150/56668/63094 shown

22

MODEL: 5505

COMPARE TO

ANVIL

$

66

NOW

$2999

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KEEPER $ 80

• 350 lb. capacity

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99

18" WORKING PLATFORM STEP STOOL Customer Rating

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130 PIECE TOOL KIT WITH CASE

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ITEM 68998/63248/64080/64263/63091 shown

COMPARE TO

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39

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NEOCRAFT MODEL: 60635 ITEM 62515/66911 shown

$1 999

SAVE 50% $2999

*25133036 * 25133036

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*25140229 * 25140229

*25141188 * 25141188

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 3/4/20*

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ITEM 63537/64195 63852 shown

269 $229

NOW

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534

MODEL: W7250-K2

COMPARE TO

A

68

B

MODEL: DW1369

$

1899

ITEM 5889/62281/61637 shown

*25145060 * 25145060

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LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 3/4/20*

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SUPER COUPON

MOTORCYCLE WHEEL CHOCK NOW

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$

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1,750

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Item 64434, 64432, 64162, 56104, 56105, 56106 Professional Performance

HIGH OR LOW

VOLTAGE CONTROL

AC

OUTPUT

VARIABLE CONTROL EASY TO USE

DC CLEAN WELDS

CONVENTIONAL TRANSFORMER TECHNOLOGY

5512 SAVE 54%

COMPARE TO

ASTRO

COMPARE TO

Standard Performance

2"

$

119

99

Customer Rating

90 AMP @ 20% DUTY CYCLE

ITEM 63583/63582 shown

32 LBS.

SAVE IRONTON $17999 $80 COMPARE TO

MODEL: 45433

ITEM 56248/56329/63958 shown

SAVE 1,470

FLUX 125 120 VOLT EASY FLUX 125 INPUT WELDER WELDER

-1/

$24 $3999

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MODEL: 51648

13

99

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64

R PE N SU UPO CO

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3499

ULTRA-TOW $ 99

• 9800 cu. in. of storage • 1000 lb. capacity • Weighs 175 lbs.

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390 LUMEN MAGNETIC SLIM BAR LED WORK LIGHT

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DEWALT $ 14

CE YOUR CHOIRS OF 6 COLO

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29999

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$

99

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Customer Rating

15 LBS.

WEIGHT

99

ADVANCED INVERTER

$

19999

ITEM 56359/56355 shown

LIGHT & COMPACT

TO $ SAVE COMPARE LINCOLN 439 $259 ELECTRIC

179 99

$

MODEL: K2513-1

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*25171691 * 25171691

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189

22999

ITEM 69512 61858 shown

MODEL: GP-101040150

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9 PIECE, 1/4", 3/8" AND 1500 LB. CAPACITY STEEL 1/2" DRIVE WOBBLE SOCKET ATV/MOTORCYCLE LIFT range: 4-3/4" to 16-3/8" EXTENSION SET •• Lift Four lockable work heights

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SAVE 56%

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KLUTCH $ 99

22

MODEL: 40033

ITEM 61278/67971 shown

Customer Rating

4-1/2" ANGLE GRINDER

Customer Rating

SAVE $46

NOW

MODEL: T66751X

NOW

COMPARE TO

$7999 $9999

COMPARE TO

BIG RED $ 87

$1499 126

SAVE 44% PERFORMAX $ 99

$

17

MODEL: 2411-1

ITEM 2792/61632/60536 shown

99 1499 $9

ITEM 69645/60625 shown

*25183914 * 25183914

*25194743 * 25194743

*25197645 * 25197645

*25198041 * 25198041

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 3/4/20*

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 3/4/20*

LIMIT 2 - Coupon valid through 3/4/20*

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Customer Rating

10" PNEUMATIC TIRE

12 TON INDUSTRIAL HEAVY DUTY FLOOR SHOP PRESS

NOW

$3 5

$ 99

99

$

129

$99

8

MODEL: FR1055

Customer Rating

ITEM 69385/62388/62409/62698/30900 shown

$999

$

99

$

STRONGWAY

MODEL: 46270

NOW

$1 29

14

99

2

$ 99

TO vCOMPARE FIRST ALERT

19999

COMPARE TO

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WIRELESS SECURITY 4" MAGNETIC ALERT SYSTEM PARTS HOLDER

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$

ITEM 33497/60604 shown

32 99

SAVE 69%

MODEL: SFA600

COMPARE TO

TITAN

ITEM 61910/62447/93068 shown

5

$ 99

MODEL: 11194

SAVE 78% Hardware sold separately.

ITEM 62535/90566 shown

*25206555 * 25206555

*25209359 * 25209359

*25214653 * 25214653

*25232656 * 25232656

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3/8" x 50 FT. RETRACTABLE 3" HIGH SPEED AIR AIR HOSE REEL CUT-OFF TOOL

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4000 WATT MAX. STARTING GAS POWERED GENERATOR • 10 hour run time

Customer Rating

NOW

$59 COMPARE TO

KOBALT

$

99

MODEL: SGY-AIR184

99

SAVE $39 $ 7999

ITEM 69265/62344/64685/93897 shown

$

99

SPEEDWAY $ 38

16

MODEL: 7625

SAVE $ 99 57% 9

$6

Wheel kit sold separately.

ITEM 60243/47077/69473/60374 shown

*25244876 * 25244876

*25246336 * 25246336

LIMIT 2 - Coupon valid through 3/4/20*

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 3/4/20*

1,000+ Stores Nationwide • HarborFreight.com *Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 3/4/20.

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Customer Rating

Not available in AZ, OH, OK and VA.

NOW COMPARE TO

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SUPER COUPON

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$299

35999

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99 NOW

COMPARE TO

HONDA $

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ITEM 63080/69729/56172/56174/63079 shown ITEM 63089/56173/56175/63090, CALIFORNIA ONLY

COMPARE TO

PERFORMAX

$

3197 SAVE 81%

MODEL: 48201

ITEM 61259/90764 shown

*25258141 * 25258141

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At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare to” price means that the specified comparison, which is an item with the same or similar function, was advertised for sale at or above the “Compare to” price by another national retailer in the U.S. within the past 90 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.

I’ve Sled it Once I’ll Sleigh it Again!

WELCOME ATV’S •MOTORCYCLES •SLEDS •HUNTERS •FISHERMEN

“The Place” to meet, eat and sleep in Voyageurs National Park.

Snowmobile rentals.

VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK Crane Lake, Minnesota www.visitgrandrapids.com/snowgoer

Make Tracks this Winter.

Gas up.

LEt’s Ride.

E LY, M I N N E S O TA

Explore hundreds of miles of uninterrupted trail riding on some of the best groomed routes around. Visit ironrange.org for maps and information on lodging, food and more.

Restaurant • Lounge • Pool

218-365-6565

grandelylodge.com 46

1-800-882-6287 voyagaire.com

/ F E BR UA RY 2 02 0 /

SN OWGO ER.CO M

We’re right at the of Tomahawk and intersection Yukon Trails

•MODERN CABINS •GAS/OIL •ON/OFF SALE •BWCA CANOE OUTFITTING 9702 Hwy. 1 • Isabella, MN (218) 323-7681 www.knottedpine.com

TWO HARBORS

SMALL RIDES. BIG RIDES. BIG SANDY.

Playin g outside

NOT just for kids The trail begins and ends here.

Take in our lodge rooms, villas, cabins, on-site bar and restaurant, indoor pool, hot tub and sauna.

twoharbors.com 218-426-5040 bigsandylodgeandresort.com 20534 487th Street, McGregor, MN 55760

IN PURSUIT OF

GREAT TRAILS AND WARM HOSPITALITY

Every day is a wonderland in our Winter! Cozy cabins, lodges and hotels await. Find new ways to enjoy

Minnesota’s favorite season.

AmericInn Roseau 218.463.1045

3.5 hours north of the Twin Cities

Direct Trail Access

AmericInn Tofte 218.663.7899

Lake Vermilion

Direct Trail Access Free hot, home-style breakfast Indoor pool and whirlpool Comfortable, quieter rooms

In Northern MN where the Taconite & Arrowhead trails meet.

ridevermilion.com AmericInn.com 800.634.3444

800-648-5897

FEBRUARY 2020

/

SNOWG O ER.CO M

/

47

Centrally located on Arrowhead Trail RESTAURANT & BAR Cabins • Lodge Rooms • Satellite TV

Plenty of Trailer Parking NEW Log Cabin with Jacuzzi & ireplace NEW 2 Log Cabins with Lofts & ireplace FOOD - LIQUOR - GAS - OIL

EXPLORE THE BACK COUNTRY Experience Extreme Snowmobiling and the Comfort of Elephant Lake Lodge.

Antique & Classic Snowmobile Race March 14, 2020

www.melgeorges.com Box 185, Orr, MN 55771

800-205-9001 • 218-374-3621

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

www.snowgoer.com/subscribe 48

/ F E BR UA RY 2 02 0 /

SN OWGO ER.CO M

STOP BY YOUR P OL AR IS ® SNOWMOBILE DEALER TODAY! CANADA

MINNESOTA

Edfield Motors Ltd.

Chopper City Sports

Box 717, Hwy. 310 N Foam Lake, SK S0A 1A0 phone: 306-272-3832 edfieldmotors@sasktel.net

7191 Highway 65 NE Fridley, MN 55432 phone: 763-572-2100 choppercity.com

COLORADO

Davis Motorsports

HK Powersports Laconia

471 Babcock Blvd E. Delano, MN 55328 phone: 763-972-5045 davismotorsportsdelano.com

phone: 603-524-0100

Hansen Sports

Troy Powersports

14879 State Hwy. 6 Deerwood, MN 56444 phone: 218-678-2051 hansensonbaylake.com

136 N Main St. Troy, NH 03465 phone: 603-242-7839 troypowersportsnh.com

408 Welcome Lake Road Beach Lake, PA 18405 phone: 570-729-7402 billcase.com

Jackson Sports LLC

NEW MEXICO

SOUTH DAKOTA

166 Industrial Pkwy.

Jackson, MN 56143 phone: 507-847-3977 jacksonsports.com

Rosedale Motorsports

Midwest Powersports, Inc.

English Brothers Polaris 67809 US-50 Montrose, CO 81401 phone: 970-249-0101 englishbrotherspolaris.com

CONNECTICUT Land N Sea Powersports 2974 E. Main Street Waterbury, CT 06705 phone: 203-755-2682 landnseamarine.com

IOWA Myers Polaris, Inc. 304 E Main St. Fairbank, IA 50629 phone: 319-635-2311 myerspolaris.com

MAINE Central Maine Powersports 845 Main Street Lewiston, ME 04240 phone: 207-689-2345 centralmainepowersports.com

MICHIGAN County Wide Powersports 8535 M119 Hwy Harbor Springs, MI 49740 phone: 231-347-8822 countywidepowersports.com

Headwaters Polaris N 4705 US Hwy. 45 Watersmeet, MI 49969 phone: 906-358-8888 headwaterspolaris.com

J & L Motorsports 7811 E. Monroe St. Tecumseh, MI 49286 phone: 517-423-9559 jandlmotorsports.net

Linwood Cycle Sales 1517 N Huron Rd. Pinconning, MI 48650 phone: 989-697-4425 linwoodcycleonline.com

Pat’s Motorsports, Inc. 10612 Hwy. M-38 Greenland, MI 49929 phone: 906-883-3536 patsmotorsports.com

Lakes Area Powersports 8322 State Hwy 371 NW Walker, MN 56484 Phone: 218-547-1558 lakesareapowersports.com

Northway Sports 21429 Ulysses Street NE East Bethel, MN 55011 phone: 763-413-8988 northwaysports.com

Podein’s Power Equipment 517 South Main Street Stewartville, MN 55976 phone: 507-533-8841 podeinspowerequipment.com

Ray’s Sport & Cycle 20890 US Hwy. 169 Grand Rapids, MN 55744 Phone: 218-326-9355 rayssportandcycle.com

Stacy Do It Best Hardware 6125 Stacy Trail PO Box 70 Stacy, MN 55079 phone: 651-462-4342 stacyhardware.com

Tousley Motorsports 1400 E County Rd. E White Bear Lake, MN 55110 phone: 651-483-8296/ 800-TOUSLEY tousleymotorsports.com

Tri-K Sports 5839 W Hwy. 12 Maple Plain, MN 55359 phone: 763-479-3719 tri-ksports.com

Up North Power & Sports

Mt. Hood Polaris

18884 Eagle Bend Rd. Park Rapids, MN 56470 phone: 218-237-5670 upnorthpowermn.com

27850 SE Hwy 212 Boring, OR 97009 phone: 503-663-3544 mthoodpolaris.com

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Polaris of Portland

HK Powersports Hooksett phone: 603-668-4343 hkpowersports.com

250 SE Division Place Portland, OR 97202 phone: 503-872-0000 polarisofportland.com

Mittelstaedt Sports & Marine, Inc. S1472B State Rd. 33 La Valle, WI 53941 phone: 608-985-7118 mittelstaedtsports.com

Nextgen Powersports 235 US Hwy. 63 Clear Lake, WI 54005 phone: 715-263-2244 nextgen-powersports.com

PENNSYLVANIA Bill Case Polaris

Nextgen Powersports of Chippewa Falls 9443 Highway 124 Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 phone: 715-723-2237 nextgen-powersportscf.com

Power Pac

8994 4th St. NW Albuquerque, NM 87114 phone: 505-897-1519 rosedalemotorsports.com

1608 Morningside Dr. Milbank, SD 57252 phone: 605-432-9111 midwestpowersports.net

3802 S. Central Ave. Marshfield, WI 54449 phone: 800-232-0293 powerpacequipment.com

NEW YORK

WISCONSIN

Sport-O-Motive

Don’s Polaris Sales & Service

A+ Power Sports & Trailer Sales, LLC

5501 Neubert Road Appleton, WI 54913 Phone: 920-734-9994 sport-o-motive.com

278 Moose River Trail Old Forge, NY 13420 phone: 315-369-3255 donspolaris.com

622 E. Court St. (Hwy. 11) Elkhorn, WI 53121 phone: 262-723-8822 AplusRide.com

Edelmann Sales Inc.

Bill’s Service Center

172 Edelmann Lane Troy, NY 12180 phone: 518-663-5573 edelmannsales.com

213 600 Hwy. 97 Stratford, WI 54484 phone: 715-687-3128 info@billsservicecenter.com

Fun Unlimited

Carl F. Statz & Sons Inc.

2068 State Hwy. 812 Gouverneur, NY 13642 phone: 315-287-4144 fununlimitedpolaris.com

6101 Hogan Rd Waunakee, WI 53597 phone: 608-849-4101 carlfstatz.com

Ingles Performance

Gruett’s Inc.

415 Besaw Rd. Phoenix, NY 13135 phone: 315-598-7422 inglesperformance.com

101 Main St. Potter, WI 54160 phone: 920-853-3516 gruettsinc.com

Waite Motorsports

Hayward Power Sports

18014 Goodnough St. Adams Center, NY 13606 phone: 315-583-5680 waitemotorsports.com

12305 W State Rd 77 Hayward, WI 54843 phone: 715-462-3674 haywardpowersports.com

Wild Horse Powersports

Lakewood Motorsports

2775 Route 9 Malta, NY 12020 phone: 518-371-2087 wildhorsepowersports.com

Sportland 2 Powersports 7221 South 13th Street Oak Creek, WI 53154 Phone: 414-764-2800 sportland2.com

Sportsman’s Service Center 6364 US HWY 45 Three Lakes, WI 54562 phone: 715-546-2196 sportsmansservice.com

Track Side 1651 Hwy 45 N Eagle River, WI 54521 phone: 715-479-2200 tracksideinc.com

Twin Lakes Marine 134 Lance Drive Twin Lakes, WI 53181 phone: 262-877-2462 twinlakesmarine.com

17168 Saint Marys Rd. Lakewood, WI 54138 phone: 715-276-7067 lakewoodmotorsports.com

OREGON Byron’s John Day Polaris 821 West Hwy. 26 John Day, OR 97845 phone: 541-575-0828 byronsjohndaypolaris.com

All riders pictured are professionals on a closed course. Polaris recommends that all riders take a safety training course. Do not attempt maneuvers beyond your capability. Always wear a helmet and other safety apparel. Never drink and ride. For you nearest dealer, call 1-800-POLARIS or go to TERRAINDOMINATION.COM ©2016 Polaris Industries Inc. F E BRUARY 2020 /

S N OWGO E R. C O M

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49

BY T.J. KROB

Let There Be Light The Differences In Illumination Light a match – start a fire. Flip a switch in your house – turn on a light bulb. Step out from under a shady tree – soak in the sunlight. Twist a knob in your truck – fire up an engine. This light exists everywhere and is an essential part of our daily lives.

Travelling at a blistering rate of 299,792,458 meters per second (or the “speed of light”), visible light is a form of energy given off by atoms at a wavelength between 400-700 nanometers.

The structure of the human eye is capable of differentiating millions of independent colors and permits perceiving objects through varied distance, giving perception of depth. Light enters our body through the cornea, regulated by the pupil through the focusing lens.

Once photons arrive at the awaiting retina, the optic nerve delivers the information to the brain to be formed into the objects we see.

Starting with Humphry Davy’s first electric light and progressing to Thomas Edison’s first light bulb, years of technological advancements have restructured how artificial light is created – much to the benefit of humans. The incandescent light – housed in a sealed bulb – uses a wire filament that glows to produce light (and infrared heat) when connected to electrical power. This same principle and product carried over into automobiles and other vehicles to provide illumination toward an intended direction.

Also incandescent, halogen lamps mounted on the front of cars and many snowmobiles contain a tungsten filament sealed tightly in a transparent quartz cylinder, with a trace amount of halogen elements such as iodine or bromine plus krypton gas. These elements work to keep the filament protected and the quartz free of the burning tungsten deposits. Relative to a household light, bulbs of this construction are more du50

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rable, run at higher wattage to produce more light and operate through a longer service life.

Running at full power, a halogen bulb reaches 540 degrees Celsius, but the presence of the halogen cycle prevents the weakening of the tungsten or blackening of the quartz. Due to the high operating temperature, any external impurity such as oil from human hands can degrade the stability of the quartz lamp, producing hot spots leading to explosion.

Luckily, a clear lens shields the overall bulb structure from debris or excessive outward heat transmission. This popular technology is common to the Ski-Doo and Arctic Cat machines through the 2020 model year.

Behind the bulb itself a reflector is employed to distribute the light in an intended direction. This reflector shape can vary from a stamped aluminized parabola found in round headlights, to highly intricate complex sets of vapor deposited aluminum facets. Take a quick glance through the headlamp lens of any 2020 snowmobile to examine this cleverly designed reflector.

Where the bulb is positioned within the reflector will greatly affect its overall performance and prominence of light. For highway use, American-made two-filament, halogen-equipped vehicles position the low-beam filament

SN OWGO ER.CO M

slightly above/left/forward of the focal point. This specific location controls the upward flare of light, reducing blinding of oncoming traffic. The high-beam filament is placed directly at the focal point to deliver the maximum amount of light collected by the reflector. A clever addition to the lens of a halogen lamp includes a dichroic coating that permits visible light to pass directly through, but reflects back infrared radiation onto the already hot filament to further increase its temperature (thereby increasing its light remittance). By doing so, the filament heats to a greater degree than it could via the vehicle’s electrical power alone.

Other improvements to the classic halogen bulb include tinting of the quartz itself in a blue color to change the tone of the lighting. The gas mixture inside newer bulbs can include xenon gas to further amplify the light emitting ability of the tungsten filament. Both of these alterations target the coloration of the delivered light, which as snowmobilers we should greatly appreciate and know well as the color of our own goggle or face shield lenses can – or should – shift based on the weather/lighting conditions of the day. Blue or gray tinted lenses reduce the amount of light transmitted into the eye for sunny days, while clear or yellow tint lenses permit more

light to pass through for cloudy/flatlight days (hence why fog lights are often yellow). Given your usual classic riding condition, which lighting type or color would you rather have on your machine?

Considered an upgrade to traditional halogen lamps, High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps have become more prevalent in automobiles since the mid-2000s – projecting bright, white-bluish light over the roadway. Yet to be found on snowmobiles, HIDs do not heat an element like incandescent lights, but instead operate by arcing electricity between two electrodes separated by a small gap about 4mm apart, exciting the xenon gas contained within and emitting a plasma discharge similar to a neon sign.

Lamps of this construction require a step-up voltage ballast to ignite the initial arc, but then taper back in power consumption as the light warms to temperatures exceeding 800 degrees Celsius, eventually placing less load on the electrical system than a traditional halogen. Similar to standard headlights, a reflector and lens combination work to

direct the light in the desired pattern.

A relative newcomer to the lighting world is the Light Emitting Diode (LED), which uses none of the gas/filament type structures, instead providing illumination via electrons moving within a semiconductor. As the prevalence of silicon has skyrocketed, the cost of creating circuit materials for LEDs has dropped drastically.

A rudimentary description of a semiconductor is a material with a varying ability to conduct electrical current based on an aluminum-gallium-arsenide platform doped with impurities.

Depending on the construction, one end of the structure can be of a P-type material – having extra positive-charged particles – while the opposite has an N-type containing more negative particles, with a depletion zone between. When the positive end of the diode is connected to a negative lead of the circuit, and the negative side of the diode is connected to a positive power source, the diode generates light as the electrons drop to a lower atomic orbital.

The degree of this drop depends on the construction of the LED, with a higher level drop corresponding to brighter light, and a low drop being hardly visible (sometimes even infrared), along with the elemental materials selected governing the color of the light produced – known as degrees Kelvin – indicating the shade.

These lights draw low amperage, lending to high efficiency within a small footprint, extreme durability and excellent intensity. This light setup can be un-encased, having no projection device such as rope lights or electronics unrelated to the lighting purpose, or can be accompanied by a reflector to direct the light to the desired areas (such as with headlights). This is now featured on select Yamaha, Arctic Cat and Polaris snowmobiles, and offered by Ski-Doo as an accessory.

It’s clear to see that lights are numerous in our modern world and have a clever way of brightening your day – all brought to you by the joys of scientific exploration.

FEBRUARY 2020

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COLD TESTED

Glove Test Warm Hands Are Happy Hands

Castle TRS 3-Finger Mitt – $89.99 Wanting to try something that I hadn’t used since I was a kid, I gave the TRS 3-Finger Mitt from Castle a shot. If they could provide the same sweet memories the pair I wore while riding my 1979 Jag around Northern Iowa, I knew they’d be a great choice.

Before last season, we reached out to virtually all of the major clothing manufacturers in the snowmobile market and asked them to send us a couple sets of gloves for our test team to evaluate. We received a wide variety and tested as many as we could in various conditions. Below are five pair that stood out as some of our favorites.

Arctiva Meridian Glove – $85 I found the Meridian to be a suitable match for most riding conditions. Offering 200 gram Thinsulate insulation on the top of the hand and thumb as well as 100 gram in the palm and fingers, the water and windproof gloves felt thin to the touch, but also offered ample protection during any conditions. A breathable Hipora membrane liner provided additional protection from the elements, and the pre-curved shape gave it a nice ergonomic fit.

Don’t be fooled, though – these are not your mom’s old mitts. Out of the box I noticed how comfortable they were, the soft leather material and pre-curved design made it feel as though I had worn them many times. Inside, the luxurious Bemberg lining was comfortable, and surprisingly it separated the pinky, ring and middle fingers while keeping them in the same warm enclosure. The index finger, meanwhile, had its own slot and was free to add dexterity.

Those features combined with Thinsulate insulation – 250 gram in the back of the hand and 150 gram in the palm – to create a great combination that worked well in temperatures 30 above to 15 below zero Fahrenheit.

Fly Racing Aurora Glove – $65 Leather palms provided extra grip, while also proving durable through a full season of testing (we found no rips despite heavy usage). Found standard on many – but not all – gloves, I also appreciated the drawstring to cinch tight to prevent air leaks before fully taking off.

The gloves feature a pocket on the top of the hand designed to conceal a heat pad. Although it’s a convenient feature, I didn’t find myself needing to use it due to the gloves being warm enough under most conditions.

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A lightly insulated glove with a full-size build, the Fly Racing Aurora truly fit like a glove (pun intended) once they were properly aligned, but their double-cuff design meant it took an extra step to get them in place.

They are made from a combination of high-grain leather and durable nylon, with added leather in high-wear places. Insulation is 115 gram Thinsulate throughout the body, but 20 gram in the palm for an easier feel of the handlebar. Unique is the twin cuff – an inner neoprene cuff stays close to your wrist/ lower forearm for comfort and to block

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breezes, while the synch cord is tied to the outer cuff. It’s an interesting design, but matching it up to my jacket took extra effort. We’re talking an extra 5 seconds or so per glove, though, so it was hardly a deal-breaker, and it was worth it for how nice they felt when properly in place.

The gloves are said to be “touch screen compatible” and I was able to gain some control over my smart phone screen and take a few pictures while wearing them, although it took a lot of swipes. Overall, they are a comfortable, durable, nice-fitting pair.

FXR CX Glove – $85 The first set I tried last winter are the ones I kept coming back to time and again: the FXR CX Gloves. Made from a durable nylon outer shell with full-grain leather in the palm, the gloves feature an excellent combination of 250 gram Thinsulate in the back of the hand and thumb, plus 100 gram in the palm. That gave me the warmth I needed while still permitting me to have a good grip on the bar and allowing the warmth of the handlebar heater to permeate through to my digits.

The interior featured polyester fleece which was soft to the touch. It did,

STOP BY YOUR ARCTIC CAT SNOWMOBILE DEALER TODAY! though, bunch up in a few places over the course of the season – though the material was easily moved back into place.

Features I appreciated about the glove were the wide cuff with two synch straps (one on the cuff, the other at the wrist) which made them easy-on and easy-off but still allowed me to snug them up; the durability of the palms; the stylish reflective patch across the knuckles; and the serious wiper on the left index finger.

They were good looking, comfortable gloves that kept me content on all but the very warmest days.

Klim Inversion Pro – $89.99 On spring days and other above-freezing afternoons when I was on spirited rides, I was very glad I had a set of Klim Inversion Pro gloves in my backpack. They are a thin, small, completely uninsulated glove that just barely covers hands and wrists. First impressions, though, weren’t spectacular because when you first try them on you feel a lot of seems inside the fingers.

ILLINOIS

MotoProz

OHIO

Route 12 Arctic Cat

339 1st Ave. N Mazeppa, MN 55956 phone: 507-843-2855 motoproz.com

Kiene Recreation

1306 E Rand Rd. Arlington Heights, IL 60004 phone: 847-818-8859 route12arcticcat.com

MASSACHUSETTS Pittsfield Lawn & Tractor 1548 W Housatonic St. Pittsfield, MA 01201 phone: 413-443-2623 plt.com

MICHIGAN Adventure Centre Arctic Cat 892 Co. Rd. 480 Marquette, MI 49855 phone: 906-226-7000 upcat.com

Bob’s Arctic Cat 11020 Dennison Rd. Milan, MI 48160 phone: 734-439-2149 bobsarcticcat.com

Grace Performance 2203 Wadhams Rd. Kimball, MI 48074 phone: 810-989-9050 graceperformance.com

M & M Powersports 90 Navy St. Hancock, MI 49930 phone: 906-482-9990 mmpowersports.com

MINNESOTA Throw them on during a warm ride, however, and they border on excellent.

The Gore Windstopper material does an unbelievable job of knocking down breezes, while goat leather in the palm, fingers and the back of the knuckles adds durability while giving unrivaled finger feel and dexterity. Well-placed impact foam inserts on lower knuckles add a level of protection.

I liked them so much I ended up wearing them on a lot of motorcycle rides as well! That said, remember that they are light, uninsulated gloves – not designed for single-digit mornings or rides back to the truck at the end of the day.

- STAFF REPORT

Century Power Sports Hwy. 36 and Co. Rd. 5 Stillwater, MN 55082 phone: 651-439-2035 centurypower.com

Country Cat 38585 Co. Rd. 186 Sauk Centre, MN 56378 phone: 320-352-3534 countrycat.com

4500 Road R Pandora, OH 45877 phone: 419-384-3800 kienerecreation.com

RV Sports, Inc 1412 3rd St. W. P.O. Box 411 Thief River Falls, MN 56701 phone: 218-681-1007 rvsports.com

PENNSYLVANIA Reading Boat Works, Inc. 1084 Cedar Hill Drive Reading, PA 19605 phone: 610-926-4739 readingboatworks.com

Sette Sports Center, Inc. 2299 Austin Rd. Owatonna, MN 55060 phone: 507-451-6922 settesportscenter.com

WISCONSIN Morse Powersports Center 4150 Hwy. 13 Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965 phone: 608-254-8341 morsepowersports.com

Thomas Sno Sports 1019 Highway 23 Ogilvie, MN 56358 phone: 320-556-3467 thomassnosports.com

Road Track & Trail, LLC 10 min. SW of Milwaukee (I-43) Big Bend, WI 53103 phone: 262-662-1500 roadtrackandtrail.com

Westside Sports 508 Ash Ave. NW Wadena, MN 56482 phone: 218- 631-1113 westsidesports.biz

TA Motorsports Inc. 525 American Dr., PO Box 244 Francis Creek, WI 54214 phone: 920-682-1284 tamotorsports.com

NEW HAMPSHIRE Livingston’s Arctic Cat 123 Henniker St. Hillsboro, NH 03244 phone: 603-464-5454 livingstonsarcticcat.com

WYOMING Mountain Valley Motorsports 422 W. Yellowstone Ave. Cody, WY 82414 phone: 307-587-6218 mountainvalleymotorsports.com

Troy Powersports 136 N Main St. Troy, NH 03465 phone: 603-242-7839 troypowersportsnh.com

NEW YORK Arctic Adventures 2050 Rte. 32 Rosendale, NY 12472 phone: 845-658-8844 arcticadventures.com

Lighthouse Motorsports and Marine 3316 151st Street West Rosemount, MN 55068 phone: 651-322-4420 lighthousemotorsports.com

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COLD TESTED

HMK Vista Magnetic Goggle

From the first time Mark from Snow Goer handed me the HMK Vista Magnetic googles, I knew they were special. He said, “They are magnetic, pull the lens off.”

With minimal finger pressure on the edge of the lens, the eight impact-tested magnets released the lens from the frame. “No way!” I gasped with excitement.

You see, not only are goggles a challenge for me from a fogging standpoint, but I also ride a lot starting in the afternoon in the daylight and continuing well after dark. This requires me to bring two sets of goggles along. With the HMK Vista, I just need to bring a different color or clear lens, which is much easier to transport. When riding in the mountains, the light can also change from bright sun to flat light several times per day. Swapping lens takes approximately 6.5 seconds – boom!

I also liked the style. Although noth-

ing unique, I love the look of the spherical polycarbonate dual lenses and the peripheral vision of that google type. One of the disadvantages of a spherical lens is their susceptibility to scratches. After logging more than 35 riding days last year with these Vista goggles, though, I found the lenses to be very scratch resistant. After handing them abuse such as a few boondocking miscalculations that resulted in tree branches against the lens as well as wiping rain, wet snow and sleet off the lenses several times, they still look like new.

The thick layered foam fits tight against my face which kept out the cold, limited fogging from heavy breathing (I get winded tying my shoes) and added to the comfort. This size and design of the frame worked well in many different brands of helmets. The silicone-lined strap held the goggles in place on my helmet and kept its shape after countless

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INFO

I have to admit, I am kind of a goggle freak. Similar to how many shoes my wife must have, I seem to need a similar amount of goggles – in part because I’ve ridden with a motocross-style helmet when snowmobiling for 34 years.

Vista Magnetic Goggle – $129 (including two lenses) HMK Hood River, Oregon 541/386-3262; HmkUSA.com

VALUE: Though not “cheap,” the MSRP is certainly acceptable, and the easy-changing nature of the goggles means you’ll have to own fewer pairs of goggles overall.

CONVENIENCE: Swapping lens colors takes only seconds and is easy and foolproof.

COMFORT: Well designed to fit in helmets, with a soft thick pad that is warm, comfortable and prevents fogging, but no nose piece is available.

times on-and-off.

Living in Minnesota, I regularly ride in well-below-zero degree temperatures, but I also partake in cardio challenging days out west: In both instances the difference between a good goggle and a great goggle is quickly exposed. The HMK Vista shined in all conditions. I have been known to be a skeptic, and at first I was concerned that there would be a gap between the lens and the frame due to the magnets, but that was not the case. The design has tight tolerances and I never felt any wind. It’s also designed to be large enough to accommodate prescription glasses. I didn’t wear them, but I had a few friends try them on with glasses and they had no issues.

I also consider them a good value, at $129.99 for the googles with two lens options. You can pick from smoke (sunny days), photochromatic (adjusts to light levels), yellow (clouds and low light), clear (night riding) and rose (flat light). Extra lenses are also a value at only $29.99.

- JEFF OBERG

Klim Havoc GTX Boa Boot

The Havoc GTX Boa is the world’s first snowbike-specific boot designed for the extreme abuse encountered during a day of single-powerskiing.

Klim partnered with Michelin to incorporate the WIC winter compound material inspired by the Michelin X-Ice3 or X-Ice North2 tires into the boot’s sole.

This rubber is resistant to cold temperatures, resists abrasion and has a softer/ more compliant feel while retaining anti-slip properties.

Since material selection is key, Klim also worked hard to create the proper sculptures on the sole to enhance stability, utilized grooves and a step pattern for water evacuation or grip in snowy conditions, and inserted a key reinforcement in the instep to combat footpeg wear during riding.

To combat the elements, 600 gram Thinsulate insulation provides ample warmth, while Gore-Tex is guaranteed to keep you dry. An oversize upper Velcro closure holds the reinforced shin plate protector tightly to the body of the boot. A heavy duty Hypalon mid-wrap strap provides additional front protection yet is flexible for easy on/off. Despite all of these extra zones of coverage, the Havoc maintains a slimmed toe profile to provide easy shifting.

I tend to be rather abusive on footwear, but the Havoc boots were exactly what the doctor ordered. My feet were never cold, even at temperatures of negative 25 degrees Fahrenheit while wearing thin socks. On spring days my feet were never wet or sweaty.

I also like to wear all boots tight – like really, really tight – which is where the Boa closure system is so essential. The single Boa on the Havoc boot is extreme-

INFO

Thoroughly enjoying a day of snowmobiling or other fun outdoor activities is never possible with cold, wet and uncomfortable feet. Beyond warmth and waterproof requirements, comfort and protection are also chief goals of an over-the-snow boot.

Thankfully, Klim set out to create a boot aiming for an A+ grade in each subject.

Havoc GTX Boa Boot – $399.99 Klim Rigby, Idaho Klim.com

TREAD: The sole functions as advertised, providing grip and reducing wear.

COZINESS: Wear them all day during the ride – or even for an enjoyable night on the town.

UNIQUE: Though certainly not everybody would want to wear a tall and tight MX-style boot, those used to wearing this style in the summer will appreciate the winter application.

ly convenient for on/off, yet I found myself riding for a few minutes, then squatting/bending to further tighten the knob a few clicks as the material became more compliant under repeated flexion.

The overall height of the boot is slightly taller than most, which is welcomed when wearing shin guards – for feeling secure/protected – with an extra bonus that the top of the Havoc closure doesn’t feel thick or bulky.

Durability was generally good, though the scratch rubber and leather construction at mid-body beneath the Klim patch logo began to deflect outward, leaving a slight crease in the material as the boots broke in. Further miles will tell if this section begins to fatigue or crack.

The boot works fantastically aboard a snowbike, and now my choice for ’biles too.

- T.J. KROB

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STOP BY YOUR S K I -D O O SNOWMOBILE DE ALER TODAY! CANADA

Grace Performance

Tousley Motorsports

PENNSYLVANIA

Monroe Powersports

Bay Marine Trenton

2203 Wadhams Rd. Kimball, MI 48074 phone: 810-989-9050 graceperformance.com

1400 E County Rd. E White Bear Lake, MN 55110 phone: 651-483-8296/ 800-TOUSLEY tousleymotorsports.com

Kurtz Motorsports, Inc.

2820 County Hwy. D.R. Monroe, WI 53566 phone: 608-325-5056 mpsskidoo.com

70986 M-62 Edwardsburg, MI 49112 Phone: 269-663-8424 kruppspowersports.com

Trueman-Welter’s Powersports

UTAH

1600 HWY 55 E Buffalo, MN 55313 phone: 763-682-2200

U.S. 27 Motorsports & Trailers

trueman-welterspowersports.com

6980 N. 3600 W. Honeyville, UT 84314 phone: 435-279-8421 frankmayskidoo.com

MONTANA

VERMONT

Jerry’s Enterprises Inc./ Yellowstone Adventures

Walt’s Sales & Service, Inc.

528 Old Highway 2 Trenton, ON K8V-5W6 phone: 877-394-6691 bay-marine.com

Beric Sport Inc 50 3E Ave. Val d’Or, QC J9P 1R2 phone: 819-825-5822

Lintlaw Service Ltd. Hwy. 49 and Main St. Lintlaw, SK S0A 2H0 phone: 306-325-2020 lintlawservice.com

CONNECTICUT Hunter’s Recreational Products, Inc. 263 Church St. Wallingford, CT 06492 phone: 203-269-2183 huntersskidoo.com

Land N Sea Powersports 2974 E Main St. Waterbury, CT 06705 phone: 203-755-2682 landnseamarine.com

Krupp’s Power Sports

5301 N US Highway 27 Saint Johns, MI 48879 Phone: 989-224-8874 us27motorsports.com

MINNESOTA Centre Powersports & Recreation 43164 County Road 112 Sauk Centre, MN 56378 phone: 320-351-7669 CentrePowerSports.com

Danner Sales 7915 Cahill Ave. East Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076 phone: 651-451-0121 dannersales.com

IDAHO Bott Yamaha

Lakes Area Powersports

100 Maple Street Idaho Falls, ID 83402 phone: 208-522-1700 bottsales.com

8322 State Hwy 371 NW Walker, MN 56484 Phone: 218-547-1558 lakesareapowersports.com

IOWA

Leo’s South

Gary’s OK Body Shop

16375 Kenrick Avenue Lakeville, MN 55044 phone: 952-435-5371 leossouth.com

1704 1st St. W Independence, IA 50644 phone: 319-334-3731 garysskidoo.com

MASSACHUSETTS Pittsfield Lawn & Tractor 1548 W Housatonic St. Pittsfield, MA 01201 phone: 413-443-2623 plt.com

MICHIGAN Dee’s Marine and Powersports 20344 S. Nunneley Road Clinton Township, MI 48035 phone: 586-790-9100 deesmarine.com

Fish & Hunt Shop Sales, Service, Rental

Ollie’s Service 111 Donna Ave. Alexandria, MN 56308 phone: 320-763-4455 olliesservice.com

Olson Power And Equipment, Inc. 38560 14th Ave. North Branch, MN 55056 phone: 651-674-4494 olsonpower.com

Ray’s Sport & Cycle 20890 US Hwy. 169 Grand Rapids, MN 55744 Phone: 218-326-9355 rayssportandcycle.com

131 Dunraven St. West Yellowstone, MT 59758 phone: 406-646-7735 yellowstoneadventures.com

NEW HAMPSHIRE HK Powersports Laconia phone: 603-524-0100

HK Powersports Hooksett phone: 603-668-4343 hkpowersports.com

Troy Powersports 136 N Main St. Troy, NH 03465 phone: 603-242-7839 troypowersportsnh.com

NEW YORK Arctic Adventures 2050 Rte. 32 Rosendale, NY 12472 phone: 845-658-8844 arcticadventures.com

Ingles Performance 415 Besaw Rd. Phoenix, NY 13135 phone: 315-598-7422 inglesperformance.com

Seymour’s Motorized Sports, Inc. 1350 Rte. 9 New Loudon Rd. Cohoes, NY 12047 Phone: 518-785-1004 seymoursmotorsports.com

OREGON SK Northwest Ski-Doo

151 Bryson Rd. Allenwood, PA 17810 phone: 570-538-2160 kurtzmotorsports.com

Frank May Ski-Doo, LLC

1972 Rte. 5 Derby, VT 05829 phone: 802-766-5583 waltsvt.com

WISCONSIN Donahue Super Sports 6821 Highway 54 East Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494 phone: 715-424-1762 donahuesupersports.com

Ecklund Motorsports 325 N Mall Dr. Appleton, WI 54913 phone: 920-734-7134 ecklundmotorsports.com

Hayward Power Sports 12305 W State Rd 77 Hayward, WI 54843 phone: 715-462-3674 haywardpowersports.com

Nextgen Powersports 235 US Hwy. 63 Clear Lake, WI 54005 phone: 715-263-2244 nextgen-powersports.com

Nextgen Powersports of Webb Lake 30328 County Road H Webb Lake, WI 54830 phone: 715-259-3311 nextgen-powersportswl.com

Rob’s Performance Motorsports 601 Highway Y Johnson Creek, WI 53038 phone: 920-699-3288 robsperformance.com

Sportland 2 Powersports 7221 South 13th Street Oak Creek, WI 53154 Phone: 414-764-2800 sportland2.com

Track Side 1651 Hwy 45 N Eagle River, WI 54521 phone: 715-479-2200 tracksideinc.com

Jay’s Power Center 1355 E Main Street Reedsburg, WI 53959 phone: 608-768-3297 jayspowercenter.com

Lakewood Motorsports 17168 Saint Marys Rd. Lakewood, WI 54138 phone: 715-276-7067 lakewoodmotorsports.com

Len Ebert & Sons N8495 US Highway 45 Clintonville, WI 54929 phone: 715-752-4428 lenebert.com

250 SE Division Place Portland, OR 97202 phone: 503-872-0000 sknorthwest.com

W 17148 Main St. Curtis, MI 49820 phone: 906-586-9531 fishandhuntshop.com ®, TM and the BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. or its affiliates.

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SEND PICTURES TO: Snow Goer Hot/Not, 10405 6th Ave. N., Suite 210, Plymouth, MN 55441 or email high resolution images to NLongworth@snowgoer.com.

Be sure to include your full name, city/state and a suggested caption.

Tracks only

Spectacular views from the Colburn Mountain in Maine

(Submitted by Kevin Mikkelsen of Corcoran, Minnesota)

(Submitted by Guy Gagnon of Southington, Connecticut)

▶ Final Rides

“The sun was setting on our snowmobile season, but the memories were the beauties.”

(Submitted by Tracey Dunlap of Coatesville, Pennsylvania)

“Your Uber is here!”

“Negative 32 degrees Celsius, but a great ride!”

(Submitted by Paul Cayen of Corbeil, Ontario)

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(Submitted by Tim Ryan of New Prague, Minnesota.

Caption suggested by Glen Mathews on the Snow Goer magazine Facebook page)

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