Exceptional Snowmobiling: The Laurentians, Quebec Fly And Ride!
Community Traffic Awareness Committee: Get a Grip on Winter Driving Tucker Hibbert flawless at X Games Aspen to win ninth consecutive gold medal
Neebing Novice Devils are Hometown Hockey "Cheer Like Never Before" National Finalist!
Staal Foundation Open presented by Tbaytel Tees off for 2016
Tucker Hibbert flawless at X Games Aspen to win ninth consecutive gold medal Monster Energy / Arctic Cat / Ram Truck’s Tucker Hibbert captured his ninth consecutive gold medal with a flawless performance at X Games Aspen 2016. The now 14-time X Games medalist took the holeshot and led every lap of both his qualifying race and the final Thursday evening at Buttermilk Mountain.
Tucker Hibbert - #68 Monster Energy / Arctic Cat / Ram Truck “I feel honored to win nine golds in-a-row. It’s an awesome experience to come to X Games, compete and have the success we [the team] have had. It feels great. All the hard work is paying off and it’s a lot of fun.”
Hibbert immediately adapted to the 45-second track lined with icy turns and technical jumps turning the fastest lap in practice. With far inside start line picks in his qualifying round and the final, he pulled strong holeshots to get through the tight right first turn clean before heading into the uphill rhythm section.
“I didn’t have any expectations for the track. Every year it’s different so I don’t try to anticipate what it’s going to be. It’s definitely an advantage to be able to adapt and ride any kind of track and do it well. I think that’s a key to my success. With my experience and all the different conditions I’ve raced in, it’s an advantage for me.”
In the 20-lap, 10-rider final, Hibbert focused on riding smart and smooth as the track began to break down and develop ice edges. He was never challenged for the lead to take the win by over 10 seconds.
“We got in some really solid testing before X Games. Steve from Speedwerx worked hard with us to get our clutching setup for the holeshot and it showed.”
With this gold medal, Hibbert is the first X Games winter athlete to win nine consecutive gold medals and now holds the most medals in a single discipline. Next up for Hibbert is the fifth stop of the ISOC National Snocross tour in New York where he’s competing for his tenth Pro National Championship. For more information on his race schedule, visit tuckerhibbert.com.
2014: Gold
Tucker Hibbert - X Games Statistics
2013: Gold
• Youngest and oldest to win X Games
“I don’t have a master plan or big goal of winning a certain amount of medals. I want to keep racing as long as I’m competitive and am still enjoying it.”
Tucker Hibbert - X Games Snocross History 16th Appearance at X Games 2016: Gold 2015: Gold
Snocross gold 2011: Gold 2010: Gold
• Most X Games winter event gold in a single discipline
2009: Gold
• Second on the X Games winter gold list
2008: Gold
• Second on the X Games winter overall medal list
2007: Gold Fast Facts 2006: DNQ • Hometown: Pelican Rapids, Minnesota 2005: Silver 2004: Silver
• Nine-Time National Snocross Champion - 114 Pro National Wins
2003: Bronze
• 14-Time X Games Medalist
2002: Silver
• 2012 and 2010 FIM Snowcross World Champion
2001: DNF 2000: Gold
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www.slednews.com Exceptional Snowmobiling: The Laurentians, Quebec Fly And Ride! BY SCOTT A. SUMNER
Great Outdoors This winter has been a different one for many areas of North America with less snow than normal. Even at my hometown area of Thunder Bay, Ontario the snow conditions were not as abundant as usual. It was time to travel to an area that traditionally has great snow conditionsQuebec! Snowmobiling in Quebec has always been the best for me. The people there just seem to have a passion for the sport that is unmatched elsewhere on the planet! My trip this year began with two quick Air Canada flights leaving at 7am and after a stop in Toronto, arriving at the very unique Mont Tremblant airport (La Macaza). When stepping off the plane Serge Lariviere who along with his wife Isabel own the airport first greeted me! It was off to a fireplace and leather couches to greet my hosts and riding partners for this trip! After a nice lunch in this log structure terminal building we changed into our snowmobile suits and walked out front to our waiting 2016 Ski Doo sleds! It really is a sweet set up and very unique in the world. As we were quickly on our way, we passed with in 30 feet of an idling private jet that had just landed at La Macasa- fun to see!
lodges to stay. “Pourvoirie Cecaurel was the first owned by my father in 1985 and I purchased it from him in 2000. The lodge was started originally in 1955 and I was first a fishing guide here at age 10. We are located on two sandy points in summer and winter,” said Nicolas Morin. “ There is lots of area to explore. We have a lodge restaurant, marina, fly shop, a museum which has recently won a prize, a campground, 12 rental boats, 12 canoes to use on our 7 kilometers lake, tent ready to camp and full equipment. We have 14 cottages, 100 camp sites and 40 docks in the marina.” The clients of Pourvoirie Cecaurel come from Montreal, Ottawa, Europe especially France and the USA. The Mont Tremblant airport is about 60 km away by snowmobile or 35 minutes by car. “ We have trails right to our restaurant and are at the trail head. You can also do backcountry snowmobiling in a beautiful area here- it is possible and really popular. We have a great BRP dealer hereConstantineau Mont Laurier with 150 rental sleds available each year which are
on the snowmobiles. We had time this afternoon and stopped in at waterfall, at some look out points and then came to Nicola’s lodge. The trip in to the waterfall is about 20 km in and out so the first day we did 95 km after landing at the airport at 11:45 Am.” said Misha. “ We will be going to Mt Laurier to visit the rental centre tomorrow and then to Devils Mountain, which the highest point in the north part of
Nicolas Morin, owner of the first lodge we would stay at, Pourvoirie Cecaurel and Misha Beauraguard, snowmobile guide and myself were quickly on our way for a 100 km ride. It was a beautiful ride on well-groomed trails with a stop at a very nice waterfall along the way. This area of the Laurentians, just north of Mont Tremblant, is home to many 4 to 5 star
the winter but he slowly started building new cabins, opened a dining room and new bar and added snowmobile trips. “We have 18 snowmobiles for rent that are new each year with all the gear and we can rent more if required. We opened for snowmobiling this year December 22 but it depends on the snow. We have had a good season so far with lots of snowmobile clients and a good area to ride,” said Eric Nadeau. “ Our clients are from Quebec, Europe and the US. This area has snow this season while some areas down south have less snow. The rate to stay is $109 per person with breakfast and dinner. We have 16 cabins and can host up to 98 people with a staff of 17 to 20 to make your stay a good one!.” It was fun to have Simon Constantineau, GM & Vice President of the Constantineau Mont Laurier BRP dealership riding with us and staying in our cabin at Club Fontbrune. His father started the business in 1958 as a gas station and then added tractors with Massey Ferguson.
brand new,” said Nicolas who was a construction manager in Montreal previously and build all the structures at Pourvoirie Cecaurel including the office, the cottages and main restaurant building. “ I love my job because I can do construction as well as talk to all the clients here. A good snowmobile ride for me is with some friends to the top of the lake with a small fire and we eat lunch.” The best way to ride the snowmobile trails in Quebec is with a guide. We were fortunate on this trip to have Misha Beauraguard, a snowmobile guide and outfitter since year 2000. He grew up in Ottawa but has lived in the area for over 15 years. Misha also does guiding for bear hunting and woodcock hunting with dogs. “ You can land at the Mont Tremblant Airport, change into your suite and jump
the Laurentians at 750 meters high. We will also see the Windigo waterfall on our way to the Pourvoirie Club Fontbrune. There are many lodges in the high Laurentians, at least 8 or 9 to choose from with different quality and different trails. There is gas and food everywhere.” Misha loves riding snowmobiles and puts on 10,000 to 15,000 km per year. Most of his clients are from France and now Brazil as well as the USA. He wants to open new markets in Ontario and the rest of Canada for these unique fly in snowmobile trips. After a great breakfast at Pourvoirie Cecaurel we were off for a 150 km ride to our next lodge destination, Club Fontbrune. Eric Nadeau is the President of Club Fontbrune and owned the facility for 13 years after buying it from a Belgium owner. Previously the lodge was closed in
“ We started with snowmobiles first as a Ski Whiz dealer, then Polaris until in 1973 with BRP Ski Doo. There was another dealer that had a fire and we had the offer to get the Ski Doo brand. Our market share is good here and we are big in rental sleds.” said Simon Constantineau. “The rental business is very good and was started by my father 25 years ago with 2 machines then. My grand father was still in the business then and didn’t want snowmobile rentals but my father started a separate company. Today we have gone up to as many as 350 rental sled but now have 150. The rental sleds are brand new each year. We also rent side by sides, Spyder motorcycles, ATV’s and personal watercraft.” The clients of Constantineau Mont Laurier BRP for snowmobile rentals are 40 to 50 % European. Their facilities have expanded on the same site, buying other warehouses and now own a full street block. There is a staff of 50 people at Constantineau Mont Laurier BRP.
Continued Next Page
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Exceptional Snowmobiling: The Laurentians, Quebec Fly And Ride! BY SCOTT A. SUMNER
Great Outdoors Continued From Previous Page Simon Constantineau is a graduate engineer that previously worked for BRP in R & D at Valcourt. “ The sport had been part of my life from the beginning being born into it and always working at the dealership. My main goal was to be part of the engineering team of BRP but I decided to make our life here at Mont Laurier and carry on the family dealership,” said Simon who loves riding snowmobiles. “ In 2006 I started back country riding and from there really enjoy it and now it is most of my snowmobiling. I get a Summit sled each year but still can do some trail riding. Life is good and we are doing well. It is about working hard to keep the customer happy and the market share strong.” In Quebec food is an important part of their lives and we had another excellent breakfast before beginning our journey to Pavillon Beauregard Lodge. On the way we stopped for lunch at Notawissi and saw not only snowmobilers but also many out
on their ATV’s! It was fun to stop and talk with Steve Aubet, President of Club Pitman snowmobile club. In this club they have 266 km of trail and there are 140 members. There are 11 clubs here in this area all together. In Quebec there is a license fee for snowmobiles from the government each year that costs $ 40.00 and this club gets about $70,000 per year from these fees to operate the trail with their total budget of $110,000. The trail permit in Quebec is $300.00. “ We have two groomers. I have been with the club for 31 years and first began in 1970. The season started before the Christmas this year but it is better after Christmas.” On the way to our next overnight destination we stopped at Windigo that offers 4 star lodging and a restaurant. There are 25 chalets with up to 5 bedrooms each with their own bathroom and 20 condos with 1 bedroom. Their restaurant is in a log chalet with Quebec cuisine.
“ We offer skating snowshoeing, cross country skiing and provide all the equipment. We also have activities like fat bikes
again. We are 4 star rental tourism and want the people to feel free and rent for two or three nights. We don’t get inside
available. We opened in 2003 at first with no motors but they were allowed in 2007 when we added snowmobile and ATV’s
your unit unless you ask. Mostly our guests are from Montreal, Ottawa and Europe. We are doing well and working hard with good clients coming back, so it is encouraging. The area is well known for snowmobiling, a niche product with an upscale lodging.” said the GM of Windigo Benoit Chevalier is the GM of Pavillon Beauregard Lodge located in Laurentide about 3 1/2 hours drive from Montreal and 1 1/2 hours from Mont Laurier. This would be our next destination for our third overnight stay in the Laurentians! “ This building existed from early 60’s as a private club. This is the first year we have opened in the winter in 8 years. Our current owners are from Montreal and have sent multi millions to make the property five stars. For example we have just run electrical poles lines 26 km here. Before it was only diesel generators,” said Benoit. At Pavillon Beauregard Lodge you can do off trial and on trail snowmobiling with good snow. They are by reservation only so you have to call ahead to get the proper services and menu. They can also do corporate meetings with a main lodge, conference room, 5 cabin with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, 2 cabins with 2 bedrooms and 2 with only one bedroom. In total they can host 24 to 48 people at one time. Continued Next Page
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Exceptional Snowmobiling: The Laurentians, Quebec Fly And Ride! BY SCOTT A. SUMNER
Great Outdoors Continued From Previous Page “ We want you to be cozy here in a pristine setting with a 7 mile lake and 110
square miles on our property. Snowmobiles pay $165 per night, per person, with breakfast and a 5-course dinner included. We can rent snowmobiles for a group. I feel very lucky to work here. You can even helicopter in to our landing pad and we will get ready for five star services as needed. “
said Benoit. Our snowmobile trip included a ride of 500 km over 4 days and it was now time to return home to the Mont Tremblant airport for the 4 hour trip home to Thunder Bay. Mt Tremblant has 18 flights per week from Toronto and Montreal with Porter and Air Canada. It really is a very unique experience and should be experienced by many. You will ride a 2016 Ski Doo sled of your choice and have a first class time with great people to help you every step of the way on your snowmobile adventure!
www.cecaurel.com www.fontbrune.ca www.notawissi.com www.lewindigo.com www.laurentians.com www.pourvoirieinukshuk.com www.pavillonbeauregard.com
Many thanks to Nicolas, Misha, Simon and everyone for their help on this trip!
www.fconstantineau.com
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Neebing Novice Devils are Hometown Hockey "Cheer Like Never Before" National Finalist! BY SCOTT A. SUMNER
Great Outdoors The Neebing Novice Devils are one of the Hometown Hockey "Cheer Like
Never Before" National Finalists and need your help to vote for their local team to "Win" the Rogers Hometown Hockey "Ultimate NHL Experience". The "Ultimate NHL Experience" includes a trip to Vancouver to watch the Oilers vs. Canucks on Saturday, April 9, 2016, a Vancouver Canucks game day skate, a meet and greet with players and
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alumni, a once in a lifetime opportunity to perform your cheer live in the Canucks dressing room, and a surprise equipment package from Bauer! The link to the Neebing Minor Hockey Novice Devils web page provided below has been setup to allow supporters to both view the winning cheer and then vote for the team during the "Public Vote". This "Public Vote" will determine the winner of the "Ultimate NHL Experience" and begins on or around 10:00pm on March 27th, 2016 until 11:59pm on April 1st, 2016. The link for Thunder Bay's Hometown Hockey "Cheer Like Never Before" National Finalists - The Neebing Novice Devils: http://www.neebinghockey.com/page/sho w/2116307-devils-2015-2016-
Staal Foundation Open presented by Tbaytel Tees off for 2016 Executives from The Staal Foundation Open and the Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada today announced the return of the incredibly successful tournament for a third year. The 2016 Staal Foundation Open presented by Tbaytel will be held July 11th - 17th at Whitewater Golf Club in the Municipality of Oliver Paipoonge. The announcement was made in conjunction with the City of Thunder Bay with a new focus to create enhanced linkages between the Staal Foundation Open pre-
sented by Tbaytel and the communities of Northwestern Ontario. “We have enjoyed incredible success with the Staal Foundation Open presented by Tbaytel over the past two years thanks to hundreds of sponsors, volunteers and par-
ticipants. Our vision is to return in 2016 with even greater impact and build stronger linkages with the communities of Northwestern Ontario. We want to ensure that more people, in more regional communities, have the opportunity to share in the PGA TOUR experience. To make this vision a reality, we need new partners, sponsors and ideas at the table,” said Scott Smith, Executive Director of the Staal Foundation Open. Tbaytel is returning as presenting sponsor and will help connect the tournament to residents and businesses in Thunder Bay and across the region. "We continue to be a very proud supporter of the Staal Foundation Open and the benefits the tournament has brought to our community. This event has not only provided generous contributions to charities supporting children with Cancer and shown significant support of local golf development but it has generated substantial economic activity. These outcomes reflect Tbaytel's guiding principles and help to create stronger, healthier and more vibrant communities throughout Northern Ontario,” said Dan Topatigh, President and CEO of Tbaytel. Further details of the 2015 economic impact study conducted in conjunction with the Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance’s Sports Tourism Economic Assessment Model (STEAM) Pro, were released today demonstrating the substantial economic impact of the tournament. The event generated an estimated $4 million of economic activity in 2015 with 5,500 out of town visitors attending the event and 16,000 total participants. In addition, $190,500.00 was contributed to local charities. As part of the new focus for 2016, changes have been made to the organizing team. Gary Woodbeck has assumed the role of Director of Operations and local agency; Firedog Communications has been retained to manage marketing and communications.
individuals who will bring a fresh perspective and help the tournament achieve its vision for 2016,” said Scott Pritchard, Director, Tournament Business Affairs of the Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada. “When the City of Thunder Bay was first approached and asked if we would support a PGA Tour Tournament the answer was a resounding YES! That decision was wise as the Staal Foundation Event has proven itself to be a world-class tournament year after year. We are very proud to be affiliat-
ed with the Mackenzie Tour,” said Mayor Keith Hobbs, Mayor of Thunder Bay. To tee-off the 2016 event, the Staal Foundation Open presented by Tbaytel and the Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada presented an engraved putter to the City of Thunder Bay to represent the new linkages that will be created in 2016.
“We continue to be overwhelmed by the support from Thunder Bay for The Staal Foundation Open presented by Tbaytel. Gary Woodbeck and the team at Firedog Communications are community-minded
Next Issue Deadline:
Great Outdoors March 16, 2016 Contact Sonia @ 631 -4244 or Sylvia @ 629-7599 www.northsuperiorpublishing.com Page 7
Community Traffic Awareness Committee: Get a Grip on Winter Driving The Community Traffic Awareness Committee (CTAC) is urging Thunder Bay drivers to Get a Grip on their safety this winter. The organization asserts that installing winter tires allows drivers to maintain control on the roads despite
unfavourable weather conditions, effectively reducing collisions. CTAC hopes that by addressing the need for winter tires, responsible driving practices will be encouraged across the region during what is often the most dangerous time of the year.
Tom Marinis, with the Ministry of Transportation and member of CTAC says;
“Northwestern Ontario drivers can face unrelenting winter conditions and heavy snowfall. We are reminding drivers that installing winter tires is of the utmost importance as all-season tires begin to lose their grip in temperatures as mild as +7°C. Although it is a seasonal concern, not uti-
lizing winter tires can have just as much impact on your safety as going too fast for road conditions.”
James Iannetti, General Manager, Canadian Tire Thunder Centre says; “Unlike winter tires, all-seasons don’t have the channel patterns for traction in deep snow.” Iannetti recommends applying studs to winter tires as an additional safety
precaution. “Installing winter tires can shorten stopping distance up to 60 feet, and inserting studs prevents sliding even further. This traction in snow and cold weather could mean the difference between getting to your destination and getting into a very serious collision.” Iannetti reminds motorists: “When shopping for winter tires - look for the three peak mountain snowflake symbol located on the sidewall of the tire”
Ontario drivers can look forward to a recently introduced insurance discount for those who use winter tires as part of an initiative to improve road safety and lower insurance premiums in the province. “The mandatory insurance discount is great for
motorists who may be deterred by the price of installing winter tires,” says Marinis.
City and highway commuters, as well as commercial drivers, are encouraged to also check road conditions before departing to ensure safe driving. “Ontario 511 is a great resource for every type of driver as it gives 24/7 access to Ministry of Transportation road information on provincially maintained highways,” continues Marinis. “This information is a great supplement to vehicle preparedness, and very accessible via phone or online at Ontario.ca/511. The weather may be beyond our control, but we all have control over our safety on the roads.”
2016 Chevrolet Silverado!
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The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Has Landed! 399 Memorial Avenue Thunder Bay, On P7B 3Y4
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Tel: (807) 683-4900 Fax: (807) 345-8005 Toll Free: 1-800-465-3915