MISORVA Jan Feb 2023

Michigan Snowmobile & ORV Association

4543 S. Division Ave Wyoming, MI 49548 (616) 361-2285

Fax (616) 363-0661 • www.misorva.org

Office Staff

Executive Director: Karen Middendorp karen@misorva.org • (616) 293-6256

2022 Executive Board

President: Jeramey Valley jvalley@mac.com • (989) 751-6863

Immediate Past President: John Newman newman029@gmail.com • (586) 596-0369

Vice President: Jim Kelts jkelts49@gmail.com

Secretary: Stephanie Hubbarth Bergen shb16@sbcglobal.net • (586) 524-5802

Treasurer: Mark Pankner (989) 798-0113 cell mpankner340@gmail.com

MICHIGAN MICHIGAN

Michigan Snowmobile & ORV Association News is published six times a year for $10 – September, November, January, March, May and July – by Midwest Sports Publishing Network (MSPN), 6595 Edenvale Blvd Ste 180, Eden Prairie, MN 55346. Application to mail at periodicals postage prices is pending at Eden Prairie, MN and additional entries.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Michigan Snowmobile & ORV Association, 4543 S Division Ave, Wyoming, MI 49548.

Past President, John Newman, gives us a look at the General Membership Ride. Consider partaking in the fun at a future event. You won’t be disappointed.

Features

4 WELCOME TO 2023

MISORVA has a new president and his name is Jeramey Valley. Learn more about his background and involvement in organized powersports in this From the President column.

10 MICHIGAN AWARDS

The Ogemaw Hills Snowmobile Club was honored with the Club of the Year award. Read more about their history and involvement in the sport.

12 CLUB SPOTLIGHT

PUBLISHER Joel Mellenthin

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Kale Wainer

COPY EDITOR / ADMINISTRATOR Paula Jones

ART DIRECTOR Corey Friesen

ADVERTISING SALES Diane Voight, Dwain Stadie

PHOTO ARCHIVES C. J. Ramstad

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Kevin Beilke, David Fischer, Jim Urquhart

CONTRIBUTIONS: Letters, manuscripts, stories, materials and photographs are welcome but cannot be returned unless sender provides a SASE. Michigan Snowmobile & ORV Association News is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos and drawings. Submission of articles and letters implies the right to edit and publish in all or part.

ADVERTISING

MSPN

Phone: 952-473-7870 or 800-989-MSPN

Fax: 952-473-7805 • sales@mspninc.com www.mspnads.com

Send all advertising materials to: MSPN, Ad Department, 6595 Edenvale Blvd Ste 180, Eden Prairie, MN 55346

The all-new Club Spotlight feature will appear in every issue of MISORVA highlighting some of Michigan’s premier snowmobile and ORV clubs and volunteers.

16 FRESH DIRT

Kawasaki and Yamaha have released their 2023 off-road models and we feature two of their hottest UTV and ATV options.

What’s Inside

4 President’s Message

6 Executive Director

On the Web

8 Michigan News

23 Marketplace

Additional photos from MISORVA events can be viewed at mspninc.com/events/photos.

Digital issues of this magazine can be viewed and downloaded for free at misorva.org or mspninc.com/publications/michigan-snowmobile-news/.

For a full calendar of events in Michigan and beyond, visit mspninc.com/events.

Upcoming MISORVA Events

Visit misorva.org for a list of updated MISORVA events.

Magazine Deadlines

Copyright © 2023 by MSPN. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without consent of the publisher.

The deadline for Club Flashback, Club News, Calendar of Events, photos and more submitted for the Mar/Apr 2023 issue is 2/15/23. Send all submissions to kale@mspninc.com or Attn: MISORVA, 6595 Edenvale Blvd Ste 180, Eden Prairie, MN 55346

By: Jeramey Valley PRESIDENT

WELCOME TO 2023 FROM YOUR NEW MISORVA PRESIDENT

I’dlike to introduce myself as the newly elected president of MISORVA after being the vice president for two years and a member of the board of directors for even longer. Now would seem to be a great opportunity to provide the obligatory intro and background.

Thinking back, I can’t help recall one of the brief bios I wrote way back when I was running for an officer position in another large motorized recreation organization. As a young buck and avid rider, I was compelled to share my exuberance for the sport and my commitment to it (and them) at the time.

Riding was the primary impetus for wanting to be involved. I wanted to make sure there were places to ride, keep places from being closed and help others enjoy the passion I had. To be able to ride, you needed “something” to ride, and by that time I had amassed quite a collection of various machines including dirt bikes, trucks, sleds and ATVs (long before UTVs existed).

Rattling off that collection list in a “brief bio” can come across as bragging, but what I didn’t qualify, was the fact all my “stuff” was old, purchased used and barely amounted to a paltry sum. My main sled at the time was a ZRT 600 that was literally a fire sale and ended up needing most everything made of plastic or rubber replaced (with used parts of course). My bike was 6 years old and I was the third or fourth owner. You get the idea — certainly not something to be bragging about. My point? At the time, I focused too much on what I was riding, and failed to express my desire to help keep the sport remain sustainable, progress it forward and expand it to others who could share in the fun.

INVOLVEMENT BACKGROUND

Born on a sled, my mother had a brand new Lynx 292 (electric start too) when she was expecting with me. My folks say after riding with her, I chose to arrive a bit early to get more sledding in that winter.

I grew up on the family farm, which I now run. (Row crops and we’re small in size) My awesome wife and wonderful kids help with the farm as well as the other items we’ll get to. My mother is still extremely involved in the farming operation and takes pride in running her own tractors, starting and maintaining her chainsaws (yes, plural) and generally putting the youngsters to shame in the “staying busy” category.

I’m going on my 33rd year in information technology. I’m the founding member, and current officer, in the Great Lakes Dual Sporters, a club for street legal dirt bikes that is very active with non-competitive rides, trail maintenance and grading on the ORV System. The club hovers around 900 members and is comprised of some of the greatest people you’ll meet.

I’m also active in ORV Trail Maintenance (50-inch trails and bikeonly), trail creation, repair and grading for over 20 years. This year marks GLDS’s entry into being a Snowmobile Trail Grant Sponsor as we take on the trails around Atlanta, taking the reins from the great folks at Canada Creek Ranch. My son, wife and myself have been busy brushing, signing and even had made one panning pass already on the system with the hope of good snow and flat trails by the time you read this.

I also run a small company, VVMapping, which produces motorized recreation trail maps. Both for GPS units and for print. (You might have seen MSA/MISORVA offering some of our products over the last 13 or so years.) We ride and GPS to document the trails and build maps from that. We cover a number of states both sleds and wheeled machines. Yes, that does mean I’ve ridden all of the trails in Michigan and the majority of the other states we cover. No, we don’t re-ride them all every year, but we do strive to stay on top of the ever-moving target to ensure the hard work put in the by the clubs is available and showcased to the riding public.

Here’s to looking forward and driving MISORVA to be the major player for motorized recreation in Michigan, supporting both snow and dirt, equally and equitably, with the great team we have with the board of directors, my fellow officers, our executive director and office staff.

After a day of riding the action on the trails, come to Little River Casino Resort and keep riding the action into the night! We offer the best casino gaming, plus, we are located in the heart of Michigan’s great outdoors, where adventures like riding, fishing, hunting, hiking, skiing, golfing, and much more await you! When it comes to the best excitement in Northern Michigan, we’re right on track!

LRCR.COM • 1-888-568-2244 • MANISTEE, MI

YOUR MEMBERSHIP DUES

BY: KAREN MIDDENDORP

I would like to take a minute to thank Bill Manson for the 20+ years of laying the groundwork and mentoring me to pick up the ball and continue to run just like he instilled in me all those years we worked together! Thank you, Bill, for teaching me the best lessons, I will continue to work diligently for you, and the members and supporters of MY chosen recreation.

If you look at motorized recreation as a three-legged stool, between DNR, the users, and MISORVA, we must always maintain two legs of the stool. As your legislative voice we are consistently pushing forward and pursuing relationships on a local, state and national level. In our partnerships with DNR, we are the voice of necessary changes and improvements between legislators and DNR in the same way we are with the user community! It is all these levels working together to keep motorized recreation moving forward. This is a direct result of your membership dues…

A VISIT TO LANSING

While in Lansing this past summer, I had the opportunity to meet with Tim Novak who had just accepted the position

of state trail coordinator. I asked Tim if he was a motorized enthusiast he replied, “NOT YET.”

I told him I’d like to help with that — Tim Novak has been on board for a few months and is proactively working with MISORVA to plow through some needed changes, shortcomings and improvements in the programs! Tim agreed to meet with MISORVA president, John Newman, our Legislative Committee chair, Paul Anderson, and myself to look over the Traverse city area. Tim drove my cart with kid-like enthusiasm, he had questions and asked about the partnership with MISORVA and changes we were pursuing looking for explanations. We had a good constructive conversation, we talked about volunteer relationships with the trail maintenance groups, accountability of the DNR partners in the programs and working together to improve the programs and how we might do things a little better together. Tim seems to be excited to experience our recreation and learn about the changes and improvements we would like to see in the future! This is a direct result of your membership dues…

LEGISLATIVE LUNCH

In February, we facilitated a legislative lunch. The Legislative Ride, usually held in person with our legislators on snowmobiles, was canceled due to a sharp rise in COVID cases. So always thinking on his feet, Paul Anderson suggested a legislative luncheon! The event was well attended by representatives, senators and lots of staffers! Great conversations and connections were established and reestablished! The event was held in the Capitol Building and all costs to the association were covered by a grant from the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association. The event was very successful and a great source of networking. It is these relationships that have helped awareness of what motorized users bring to our state. This is a direct result of your membership dues…

TRUE CHAMPIONS

We continue to work with Representative Ken Borton and the DNR to pass HB 4535 and HB 4536 through the Senate committee. We are still waiting on the Senate floor for a vote. The legislation passed through the House with a 101-2 vote! Representative Borton and the others that are helping us pursue the legislation are true champions to all motorized recreation! This is a direct result of your membership dues…

MISORVA partnered with Representative Steve Johnson and Representative John Roth, SAW and DNR to introduce HB 4205 and 4206. This legislation allows Free Snowmobile Weekend. This legislation has passed and the date for Free Snowmobile Weekend 2022 will be Feb. 11&12, 2023! This is a direct result of your membership dues…

TAKE CONTROL

INTERNATIONAL SNOWMOBILE CONGRESS

In June, I traveled to Iowa to attend the International Snowmobile Congress. At this event all the snowmobile states come together and share ideas and talk with manufacturers. This is an educational event with great speakers and gives an excellent forecast of what we may be seeing in our state either currently or possibly in the near future. The networking at the event is a wealth of resources of leaders from all the snowmobile states. This is a direct result of your membership dues…

CAMP GRAYLING

We are continuing to keep a vigilant watch on the Camp Grayling Expansion, this could have a large impact on the area trails. We are asking for clearer answers to the impact this will have on the area and until we as an association have the answers to the many questions we remain opposed to the expansion. This is a direct result of your membership dues… Your membership dues are more than just a $35.00 check — they are a direct representation of the user voice! In state or out of state. MISORVA is the only unified voice supporting motorized recreation in Michigan. MISORVA thanks you for that support!

Parkview Acres

Parkview Acres

MI DNR UPDATE: COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT ESTABLISHES GOGEBIC COUNTY TRAIL RE-ROUTE

Dec. 8, 2022

Editor Note: One week after printing the January issue of Midwest Rider and reporting a trail re-route had been submitted for approval, this great news crossed our desks from MISORVA.

Atrail reroute agreement has been reached in Gogebic County that will allow an important snowmobile trail segment to remain open this winter.

Snow River Mountain Resort (formerly Big Snow Resorts aka Indianhead and Blackjack) – part of Midwest Family Ski Resorts – announced in a Sept. 13 email the resort would no longer allow snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle operation on resort property.

The closure along Snowmobile Trail UP 2 eliminated trail access between Wakefield and Ironwood, affecting the communities of Bessemer and Ironwood most directly. The trail is managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Gogebic Range Trail Authority.

After several weeks of work trying to develop a reroute, an agreement was reached this week.

“This is great news for snowmobiling and the communities that rely on its economic lifeblood in the western Upper Peninsula. We will continue to work on establishing this route in concert with our numerous partners involved in this effort.” - Ron Yesney, U.P. trails coordinator with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Division

The key to finding the reroute solution were private landowners Cory and Sandra Leuzzo, who granted permission for the trail to be rerouted over their property.

Other entities that aided the DNR and Gogebic Range Trail Authority included, the city of Wakefield, Bessemer Township and the Gogebic County Road Commission.

The reroute will be located south of U.S. Highway 2 and connect Ramsay with Wakefield. The trail will also use a significant portion of Old U.S. Highway 2.

“The city of Wakefield and Bessemer Township both retained the right to cancel their permits for the trail reroute with 14-daysnotice,” Yesney said. “The trail permissions will stay in place as long as the trail remains safe and conflicts between motorists and snowmobiles along Old U.S. 2 and Cemetery Road do not occur.”

Snowmobilers should travel at a safe speed, observing municipal speed limits and ride with caution and respect.

THE MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILE FESTIVAL RETURNS FOR 2023

The Michigan Snowmobile Festival is all about riding and is deemed Michigan’s Richest Snowmobile Fun Run! With no cost to register, the popular event will be held on February 3-4, 2023 in Gaylord, Michigan.

To participate, simply sign up online or in-person during the event. Each participant must sign up individually. Registration packets will be available from noon – 6pm on Friday or 8am –noon on Saturday. The first 100 people to pick up their registration packets will receive a free hat (you must be present to receive your hat).

Maps with highlighted stops will be given out at registration, along with slips to turn in at each stop. Snowmobilers do not have to start at the same time, follow the same route or make it to every stop. Please note, most stops do not open until 11am. If businesses are not open when you arrive, you may drop your slip

in the locked box located outside. A guided ride will start at 10:30 a.m. from the Tourism Bureau office on Saturday. Participants will be entered in a certificate drawing for the stops they go to and all slips will go in for our cash drawings. You have a better chance of winning the cash drawings if you visit each stop!

All slips will be picked up at 5pm sharp on Saturday, so have your entries in before then. This year’s stops will be announced soon!  Our afterparty will take place at the Eagles Hall at 515 S. Wisconsin Ave. from 5pm – 10pm with complimentary food, a cash bar and live music from Exit 282 starting at 5:30. Prize drawings will take place throughout the evening. You must be present to win and 18 or older for all drawings. The grand prize will be $1,000 cash, 2nd place is $500 cash and 3rd place is $250 cash.

GAYLORDMICHIGAN.NET

MICHIGAN AWARDS

OGEMAW HILLS NAMED SNOWMOBILE CLUB OF THE YEAR

OHSCONLINE.COM

By: Jim Kelts

The2022 Snowmobile Club of the Year was awarded to Ogemaw Hills Snowmobile Club of West Branch, MI. The award was presented at Michigan Snowmobile & ORV Association Annual Board of Directors Meeting held in Gaylord, MI on October 22, 2022.

The Ogemaw Hills Snowmobile was first formed in December of 1967, 55 years ago. At the first meeting there were 200 plus local West Branch enthusiasts and business owners. The club continued to grow and was incorporated in 1972. Over the many years there were many challenges as in any organization, but over the years of great leadership by the club’s board of directors and its membership, the club has continued to prosper.

Many years ago, then Michigan State Representative Frank Alley, had the forethought to set aside five acres of state-owned property in Ogemaw County for the purpose of developing a recreation park, which was to become Frank Alley Memorial Park. The property was gifted to the township because by law the property could not be given to the club. The club was then given a lease with the township for the property. As part of the lease a pavilion was constructed with barbecue grills, picnic tables and a bathroom facility built and maintained by the club and open to the public. Since then, the club had a groomer barn built and then another separate larger barn was built to store additional equipment and perform maintenance. Ten years ago, a club house was added to one side of the first barn for holding club meetings and other events.

The club brushes, grades, signs and grooms 104 miles of snowmobile trails during the winter snow season and grades ORV routes during summer months within Ogemaw County. This year in the fall months, the club through its volunteers, spent 700 plus man hours preparing trails for the winter season.

Every year for the last nine years the club has held a Vintage Show, Ride and Open House on the club’s grounds. This year on February 26, 2023, the club will be holding its 54th year anniversary celebration with holding this year’s Show, Ride and Open House at Frank Alley Memorial Park at 2846 North Fairview Rd. West Branch, MI. from 10am.-4pm. Vintage Ride normally gets underway around noon-ish. Last year we had 210 registered vintage sleds on the ground and of those 110 sleds participated in the 20 mile ride on of course well groomed trails. The event had an estimated 1,000 visitors from all over Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and even one who flew up from Florida just to attend our show.

The club has for the last two years opened up our facilities for a bicycling race known as the “Sasquatch Gravel Chase.” The race is hosted by and benefits MyMichigan medical patients at West Branch MyMichigan Medical Center. The race is held on two different courses. One being 18 miles and the other being 40 miles all on gravel roads.

Ogemaw Hills Snowmobile Club is very active in supporting the West Branch community. The club last year donated a total $7500 to various organizations to include a scholarship to a graduating West Branch High School student, Toys for Tots, Eastern Michigan Food Bank, Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum, and MISORVA to name a few.

CLUB SPOTLIGHT

ANTRIM COUNTY SNOWMOBILE CLUB (ACSC)

ANTRIMCOUNTYSNOWMOBILECLUB.ORG

FACEBOOK: ANTRIM COUNTY SNOWMOBILE CLUB

EDITOR NOTE: MISORVA is going to feature a new Michigan club every issue to spotlight the many volunteers within who work tirelessly to perfect the trail systems spanning the great state of Michigan. Whether snowmobile or ORV, without the clubs and volunteers, there would be no trails to adventure on. Hopefully through these Spotlights, the importance of what they do will shine through and even inspire you to explore the areas they work so hard to perfect. If you’d like to see your club highlighted here, please send your story and photos to: kale@mspninc.com

The Antrim County Snowmobile Club (ACSC), is located in Alba, Michigan and has been a club for over 30 years. With 240 members strong and 23 commercial sponsors, it’s no surprise the club has 15 groomer operators to maintain 79 miles of snow-only trails. ACSC considers themselves a dual-sport club (snowmobile and ORV) even though ORV trails in Antrim County don’t exist at this time. We asked them a few more questions…

and manpower for local food pantries, charities, schools, veterans groups, etc. We also have a lot of fun!

MISORVA: You mention fun…what club events are held each year, social events, rides, fundraisers?

ACSC: We host a veterans ORV ride, club ORV rides, golf outing, Christmas party (proceeds to local food pantry), club rides (snowmobile) each week when trails are open, vintage snowmobile ride participant, Wertz Warriors stop on their annual snowmobile tour raising money for Special Olympics.

MISORVA: How many trail cleanup days do you have and what other ways can riders help in making the trails the best then can be each season?

ACSC: 1 day annually when we work on signing and brushing.

MISORVA: What areas could the club use more help if there are people wanting to volunteer?

ACSC: We need members in the clubhouse on Saturdays (10am4pm) during snowmobile season (conditions permitting) to chat with riders as they stop in to warm up and get a quick snack or trail map.

MISORVA: What are the mustsee areas of your trails and what is the most popular attraction or trail in your system?

ACSC: Trail 766; The Jordan Valley is a popular stretch that we groom that follows the banks of the Jordan River. Along this trail, riders can stop at the fish

MISORVA: Where can riders get up to date trail reports and/or printed maps?

ACSC: Our website contains links to trail reports and some live trail reports can be found on our Facebook page. We do have trail system maps paid for by local sponsors, which are available at the clubhouse and local businesses.

MISORVA: What is the cost of a membership and why should people join?

ASCS: Annual is $20 single member, $25 family, $40 commercial. Membership provides access to club events (ie: Christmas party including food and beverages), plus being a part of an organization helps give back to the community all year long donating funds

hatchery (open year around) to warm up and tour the state facility. On each end of this stretch, there are fuel and dining options as well.

MISORVA: What is the largest issue your club encounters?

ACSC: Off- trail snowmobile riding. These trails cross through private landowner property. Please stay on the designated trail system.

MISORVA: Where is your trail system area?

ACSC: We groom and maintain Trail 4 and 76 in northern lower peninsula (See map in the picture)

MISORVA: Where are the staging areas in your trail system?

ACSC: Our clubhouse is located at 5515 Kregula Rd. Mancelona, MI. This is a staging area as well as the staging area approximately seven miles east of Mancelona, on County Road C38.

MISORVA: What are any current or future plans and/or upcoming projects the club is working toward?

ACSC: Our club is currently conducting a snowmobile raffle to raise money for a new 60’ x 80’ social hall/equipment building to adjoin to our current clubhouse. As we continue to grow in membership, we need a larger area to gather and host both club and community events, as well as store grooming equipment when not in use, or if repairs need to be made. We will be adding a webcam link to our website soon, to show current snow conditions outside the clubhouse.

safe riders

HOW TO YIELD, PROTECT, STAY SAFE AND ENJOY

We all know being out on Michigan’s trails are enjoyable. Knowing the rules for mixed-use trails and interacting respectfully with other users helps ensure a fun and safe day in the outdoors. Here’s some safe riding tips from the Michigan DNR.

ALL USERS

• Stay on the trail – they are marked for a reason. Rocks, fencing and barbed wire are just a few examples of what could be hidden under the snow.

• Be aware of two-way traffic and trail groomers, and “Ride Right” by keeping on the right side of the trail.

• When you see nonmotorized trail users coming from the opposite direction; please slow down, pull over and yield the right-ofway.

• Always yield to uphill motorized traffic. Uphill traffic may have difficulty starting again if stopped.

• If you stop on the trail, use designated stop areas and remove your helmet. Never stop side-by-side, in the middle, at the crest of a hill, on a corner or in the intersection of a trail. A helmet masks your features and can be intimidating.

• Leave no trace – pack it in; pack it out. If you see litter, please pick it up.

• If you love Michigan’s trails, get involved and join your local trail organization!

ORV USERS

• Respect riding conditions and trail closures.

• During snowmobile season (Dec. 1-March 31), it’s preferred that ORV riders use trails and/or open roads not open to snowmobiles.

• ORVs are not legal on snowmobile trails

located on private and federal lands.

• Snowmobile trail groomers lay smooth paths for snowmobiles. If you encounter a groomed snowmobile trail, it’s imperative that you ride slowly or choose another trail, so you don’t undo the work of trail groomers or inadvertently tear up the trail.

• Make sure that you are riding trails with an ORV confidence marker.

• ORVs can tear up terrain easily (even when the ground is frozen). ORV grooves can pose a safety risk by causing snowmobile skis to be pulled into an ORV track. Reckless and careless operation are civil infractions, including fishtailing, doing donuts, locking up the brakes and riding in a manner that causes environmental damage.

SNOWMOBILE USERS

• Ride only on designated and signed snowmobile trails, backcountry areas, county or local roadways and frozen bodies of water. Respect trail conditions and posted closures.

• Share the trail. Some designated snowmobile trails are also open to ORVing and other nonmotorized users.

• If snowmobiling in the backcountry, please stay on public lands and avoid private property, active logging operations and sensitive areas like forest plantations.

• About 75 percent of DNR-managed snowmobile trails are located on private or federal lands. Respect private land owners.

MICHIGAN.GOV

michigan rides

MISORVA 2022 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING RIDE

Submitted by: John Newman, MISORVA Past President

WhenOctober’s General Membership Meeting (GMM) was fast approaching, I spoke with Jeramey, our (then) Vice President, about some riding options. And with the meeting in Gaylord again, I was looking for something new. I decided this year the ride would be on the west side of I-75 on the Blue Bear Loop for a fall color ride.

I contacted Rick Norey with the Kalkaska County Sand and Snow group and spoke with him about the ride and asked if anyone in their club would be willing to lead us. He said he would check and get back with me. He contacted me later that week and advised that Matt Catalano would be willing to lead our ride. I met Matt at the ORV Instructor Certification course put on by the DNR in June. I knew he would do a great job, and informed Rick that his members were more than welcome to join us.

The day of the ride was perfect, we headed out after Matt and went north to Starvation Lake for lunch at the Hideaway Bar. The bar was ready for our group thanks to Rick with glasses and pitchers of water on every table when we walked in. The food was excellent and they got us out and back on the trail quick.

We made our way back to the parking area and several riders decided to call it a day, but most of the group continued south to the CCC bridge for a photo op and then back to the parking area. It was a great day and big thanks to Rick Norey and Matt Catalano for riding with us and all the prep work they did to make the day a fantastic day on the trails.

FRESH dirt

ALL-NEW KAWASAKI TERYX KRX 4-SEATER ANNOUNCED

KAWASAKI.COM

Kawasaki is proud to announce the arrival of its Teryx KRX4 1000 sport side-by-side lineup for 2023. The all-new fourseater opens the doors for families to enjoy outdoor adventures in class-leading comfort and brings the high-performance and dependability needed to dominate any adventure.

The all-new four-seater is built off of the platform of the highly dependable Teryx KRX® 1000 side by side with a 999cc paralleltwin engine that is paired with a CVT transmission and built on a highly-rigid frame with an integrated Roll Over Protection Structure (ROPS). Kawasaki engineers placed great emphasis on carefully designing a roomy rear passenger space large enough to comfortably accommodate full-sized adults. Thanks to its rugged performance, advanced technology and superb comfort, the Teryx KRX4 1000 is ready to take you and your family or friends on an adventure for the memory books.

The Teryx KRX4 1000 can be found in three different trim packages; the Teryx KRX®4 1000 SE that comes equipped with a KQR™ Sport Roof, WARN® VRX450 powersport winch, FOX 2.5 Podium LSC shocks, and multi-function all-digital instrumentation; Teryx KRX®4 1000 eS, which features FOX 2.5 Live Valve Internal Bypass shocks; and the Teryx KRX®4 1000 e S Special Edition that includes a KQR™ Sport Roof, WARN® VRX45 powersport winch, and high-grade Hifonics® audio system.

KAWASAKI TERYX KRX®4 1000 eS HIGHLIGHTS

• 999cc Liquid-Cooled, Parallel Twin Engine with Selectable Power Modes

• Highly Rigid Frame that Incorporates the ROPS as a Stressed Member

• 18-Inches of Front Wheel Travel and 21-Inches of Rear Wheel Travel

• FOX 2.5 Live Valve Internal Bypass Shocks

• Kawasaki Electronic Controlled Suspension (KECS)

• Large-Volume CVT with Centrifugal Clutch

• 31-Inch MAXXIS Carnivore Tires Mounted on 15Inch Aluminum Wheels

• Large Rear Cargo Space

• TFT Color Instrumentation with Smartphone Connectivity

• Over 50 Kawasaki Genuine Accessories Available (sold separately)

FRESH dirt

YAMAHA’S NEW 2023 GRIZZLY 700 EPS SE

YAMAHA-MOTOR.COM

1.

Big-Bore Engine Designed for Trail Riding

The Grizzly® EPS SE brings Yamaha’s renowned riding excitement without losing an ounce of comfort, thanks to its potent 686cc engine designed for smooth, quiet running and enhanced midrange power.

2. High Performance Ultramatic® Transmission

Yamaha’s class-leading Ultramatic® transmission is proven to be the most durable CVT transmission on the market, combining immediate response with advanced features like natural, allwheel engine braking for extra control and confidence.

3. Trail-Ready Chassis

With plenty of ground clearance and adjustable suspension, the Grizzly EPS SE tackles rough terrain with ease. The long-travel shocks, wide-arc A-arms and full-body skid plates ensure the Grizzly EPS SE is ready to go wherever you are.

4.

Yamaha’s Exclusive On-Command® 4WD

Unlike so many computer-controlled 4WD systems on the market, the Yamaha On-Command® system keeps the rider in charge. With selectable 2WD, limited-slip 4WD and a fully locked differential 4WD modes, the Grizzly EPS SE delivers power predictably and consistently.

5. Class-Leading Power Steering

Reduced fatigue, excellent control and trail feel all come standard with Grizzly EPS SE’s best-in-industry speed-sensitive Electric Power Steering (EPS).

6. Special Edition Features

The Special Edition Grizzly EPS further enhances rugged terrain capability and confidence with 27-inch Maxxis Zilla tires, 14-inch aluminum wheels and high-quality painted bodywork in Titan/ Midnight Blue colors.

deeper dive

2024 ARCTIC CAT CATALYST PLATFORM FURTHER DETAILS

As we were going to press with this issue, Arctic Cat shared some more details about their all-new 2024 CATALYST platform. Pre-orders are expected to start sometime the first quarter of 2023. So far, they have our attention.

FOCUSING ON A CENTRALIZED DESIGN

When developing the CATALYST platform, Arctic Cat engineers kept stringent focus on Centralized Designs to ensure the highperformance platform reacts quicker to the rider’s input and body english. What’s that mean for us riders? We get a platform requiring less effort to corner, carve and throw around — ultimately improving our rider skills.

So, where did engineers focus attention?

• Having a low center of gravity is key and they focused on starting down low in the middle and placing heavier components in a centralized location with lighter components on the exterior.

• At the heart of the narrow, balanced platform, features Arctic Cat’s exclusive laydown engine design, the C-TEC2 600, 2-stroke with 125-class horsepower. More details will come on all the engine changes, but the compact design is lighter with stainless-steel exhaust and the airbox is located up front.

• Introduced on 2022 models, the benefits of the ADAPT CVT System enhance the lightweight centralized design focus of the CATALYST platform. Lighter than previous CVT systems before it, ADAPT has a 5 percent reduction in inertia and its compact width is perfectly paired to the all-new body panels which are narrower and sleeker than the Procross GEN II bodywork.

• The CATALYST platform is loaded with attention to rider balance details the majority of us don’t think about like gas tanks and the fuel they hold. Engineers spent time optimizing the shape of the 10.4-gallon gas tank to keep weight centralized and enhance rider ergonomics, but they went many steps further to maintain constant fuel pick-up and equal out platform balance by decreasing the amount of fuel sloshing for a variety of riding styles and applications.

When you think about all the quick accelerations, firm braking and ride angles a snowmobile is subjected to both on the trail, and off, a traditional flat bottom fuel tank is sloshing its gasoline from side-to-side and front-to-back thousands of times with a fair amount of force.

DRASTIC WEIGHT REDUCTION

Arctic Cat kept weight loss at the forefront of the CATALYST design process resulting in a 10 percent weight reduction for new Trail, Crossover and Mountain models.

Where’d they lose it?

• The reduction was accomplished using less plastics and parts, lighter seats, a new intake configuration (with a better seal), use of the ADAPT CVT system, shorter and lighter weight heat exchanger and a new belt drive system with less than half the components of the current chaincase system. The engine is also mounted with a long carbon fiber composite Torque Control Link (TCL) with integrated clutch guard which decreases weight and improves engine vibration dampening.

• We’ve already talked about CATALYST’s new low-thermal conductive running boards — a first in the industry — they are lightweight, strong and durable, but the best part, the material prevents snow from sticking to minimize additional in-the-field ride weight where it matters most.

DURABLE AND EASY SERVICING POINTS

• An ultra-high-strength steel, one-piece chassis with an aluminum tunnel provides extra support and durability where needed without being bulky. The improved weld joints on the chassis mitigate stress, providing a strong, more efficient design that is easier to service.

• Unlike many competitive units, CATALYST features a one-piece tunnel that is easily and quickly replaceable.

• The new drive system is belt-driven — unlike the current chaincase — resulting in fewer parts for significant weight reduction, easier serviceability and maintenance, and enhanced performance. It features an adjustable center distance for multiple gearing options and allows for easy belt replacement.

• The all-new bodywork panels utilize a toolless design making them easy to remove to access key components such as belts, oil reservoir and coolant. The all-new lightweight seats are easily removeable with a quarter turn to access the battery location quickly.

IMPROVED ERGONOMICS

• CATALYST’s ergonomics make the rider one with the sled. Its narrower design, along with the optimized shape of the gas tank, give the rider more area to maneuver in the rider cockpit.

• The rider will appreciate a new recoil rope routing for easier pulling and less rope wear.

• The running board design decreases vibration to the rider’s feet.

• The ergonomics coupled with the centralized design makes for an agile, easily maneuverable sled minimizing rider fatigue and gives the rider more confidence and control.

ALL-NEW STYLING

• The aggressive exterior leads state-of-the-art, cutting-edge snowmobile design with an agile, sleek, aerodynamic styling featuring a signature LED headlight setting it apart from the competition much like the auto industry.

• Sliding lap joints were used where possible to provide seamless transitions in bodywork for better fit and finish.

OPTIMIZED SUSPENSION AND STEERING FOR DIFFERENT RIDING STYLES

• The suspension and steering focus between models differentiates where needed but keeps commonality where it makes sense, providing a platform that works for all model segments.

• The Trail and Crossover models have the belt case (remember, no more chaincase) rotated rearward, providing added ground clearance and allowing the front and rear suspension to move rearward for optimal sled balance.

• The front suspension has geometry changes including upper A-arms that have been lowered and shortened, new lightweight, yet more durable, ball joints and restyled spindles combining to give the rider a more position-reactive snowmobile that hugs the trail while skis stay flat in the corners.

• Adopted from the snocross track, the Trail and Crossover CATALYST platform models have a ratio steering rack system that feels like power steering, providing a light, but tight feel.

• The Mountain platform has a driver position optimized for floatation and provides a lower center of gravity for improved climbing, carving and descents. With its centralized and constant center of gravity, the platform works in tandem with the rider instead of the rider muscling the sled. The design provides less weight shift to-and-from the skis for a more enjoyable, smooth and agile ride experience. A 36-inch wide ski stance features a longer lower spindle and shortened top of spindle for an increased lower A-arm clearance from the bottom of the ski. This new design provides increased belly pan and track driver clearance through the rough terrain commonly found in the backcountry.

• The mountain platform features centerline vertical steering and was made possible by integrating it with the new intake and exhaust positions within the front bulkhead. The new spindle steering geometry, paired with a vertical steering system, and adjustable ski stance reduces steering effort which creates a less fatiguing, better ride experience in the backcountry.

IMPROVED COOLING

• The CATALYST platform utilizes an all-new heat exchanger design with an optimized fin profile to provide additional surface area to improve cooling performance in low snow conditions.

misorva

MISORVA Board of Directors and Regions Map

District 1

Ernie Reimann 906/367-1566 • erniereimann@gmail.com

Joe Chavis 906/265-7185 • upchavis@hotmail.com

Dave Karls 906/661-1200 • linda.karls7722@gmail.com

District 2

Don Britton 906/249-9594 • brittonjd@charter.net

Keith Churill 906/202-3568 • chur1171@charter.net

Rob La Londe 906/280-2218 • rlalonde@charter.net

Sean O’Neill 847-602-0456 • oneillsean@gmail.com

Keith Lynch 906/280-2193 •upsesky@yahoo.com

Chad Leiter chad.leiter@gmail.com

Donna Cody 906/450-9295

snowmobiledonna@gmail.com

District 3

David Satchell 989-743-5612 • catsatch@gmail.com

Roy Hart 989/370-3779 • roylhart@yahoo.com

Rich Rottier 616/550-8201 • richrottier@yahoo.com

John Griffin 906-484-6032 johngriffinrealestate@yahoo.com

Grant Dewitt 906/876-2388 • grantinhulbert@yahoo.com

District 4

Ken McCrum 989-657-4168 • kmccrum@charter.net

John Houk 989-734-7359 • rjhouk@frontier.com

Archie Cole 231-631-8865 brickheadcole3@outlook.com

Ron Schroeder 810/210-0686 • sleddog654@gmail.com

Kaye Houk 989-734-7359 • kjh64@frontier.com

Alan Kava 231-497-9260 • amkava@aol.com

Andrea Eder 989-350-0208 lovemydaisy1019@yahoo.com

District 5

Dave Gentry 989/450-1375 • morki74@hotmail.com

Gary Blazer 989-469-2541 • oharele@aol.com

District 6

Ted Truckey 269-506-1568 • truckeyfamily@gmail.com

Dave Titus 269/845-2401 • dave7649@aol.com

Paul Anderson 586-215-6849 •paul@sledsolutions.com

Pete Finch 231 884 9601 pete@coyotecrossingresort.com

District 7

Todd Maschke 989/551-3913 • tmask2013@hotmail.com

Lyle Curry 586-747-8509 • lylecurry23@yahoo.com

Brian E Hicks 989-871-4767 • bdhicks@tds.net

Emerson Corder 989/329-3981 • emersonscorder@gmail.com

Nick Ferrante 248/756-0695 • npferrante@gmail.com

Dan White 313/520-3828 • drdirt800@msn.com

District 8

Steve Veltman 231 861 2442 • veltmanhardware@aol.com

Dave Nuechterlien 989-284-9305 • stoc895@gmail.com

Jim Berens 616/328-2521 • fsr401@sbcglobal.net

Randy Belliel 586/764-0973 • rjbelliel@comcast.net

Brad Beardsley 231/519-3723• sandmanbb1@yahoo.com

Cheryl Ziola 989/280-5453 • carlcheryl@hotmail.com

Mike Keith 231/750-4986 • xcrkeith@gmail.com

District 9

Lee Palmer 574-286-7457 • palmlee@yahoo.com

Jeff Mariucci 517-231-1624 • jeffmariucci@gmail.com

David Low 616-550-2707 • ddlow@att.net

Joshua Driscoll 616/218-5759 • jserepair@gmail.com

trail tools

UTILIZING DRYWALL SCREW GUNS FOR TRAIL SIGNAGE

Welove sharing tips and tricks to make your lives easier out on the trail. We saw this one posted on social media by a club member who suggested using a cordless drywall screw gun for installing trail signage. Quick, easy, portable and screws all attached without a mess to carry –brilliant and we love it! They happened to have a DeWalt model which we’ve shared a bit of info below, but depending on your preference, you could explore options from other cordless tool brands.

The DeWalt DCF6201 Cordless Collated Magazine Attachment features a tool-less adjustment button, easy clean-up, screwdrive depth gauge for precision, and magazine attachment release buttons for easy removal. You can pair this to DeWalt’s DCF620M2 20V MAX XR Brushless Li-Ion Drywall Screwgun which is fast, powerful, and has perfected ergonomics so professionals can work efficiently.

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