Planes, Automobiles, Snowmobiles and a Ship: My Adventure in the Quebec Maritime Region
Polaris Employees Celebrate the Life 5 tips for safe winter driving Hunting 5 winter driving fuel-efficiency tips
SNOW BIKE: MOTOX MEETS SNOCROSS
The 2017 Chevrolet Cruze
5 winter driving fuel-efficiency tips (NC) With its cold winds, long nights, and merciless snows, winter can be an ordeal for both you and your car. But beyond all the extra windshield washer fluid and maintenance your ride will need, your fuel budget will likely see the biggest bump — gas use can spike by over 25 percent, adding more to an already-too-large chunk of your budget.
should, so take it smooth and steady behind the wheel to see some savings.
This is because the cold winter air puts more aerodynamic drag on your vehicle and your engine has to work harder to plow through all that snow and slush. But you can fight back with a few surprisingly simple tricks:
2. Plan ahead. Beyond driving more gently in general, you can cut down on gas use with some simple planning. By keeping a careful eye on traffic ahead and keeping your speed down, you can save yourself the painful start-stopping that drives up your gas use, and still arrive on time. Working to curb those bad habits can save you time at the pump and aggravation on the road. And whenever possible, plan your route ahead of time using radio traffic alerts or a smartphone app that helps you avoid any gas-guzzling jams.
1. Chill out and go easy. Aggressive driving uses much more gas than you'd expect. Speeding up and slowing down suddenly makes your engine work harder than it
3. Don't idle to start up. Are you using a remote starter or starting your engine then running back inside to let your vehicle warm up? Don't fall for the driveway-idle
trap — not only does it suck up gas and increase emissions, idling for more than 30 seconds doesn't give any extra benefit. All you need to do to warm up your car is to drive it gently for a few minutes. You'll be
your tires at least once a month to make sure they're inflated correctly. Driving on tires that are under-inflated by as little as 8 psi can cut their life by more than 10,000 km and drive up your gas use to boot. 5. Use a block heater. Block heaters warm up your car's engine before you start and can cut down on gas use dramatically by eliminating the need for you to warm up the engine at all. Use a timer on the block heater for added convenience; just set it to turn on about 2 hours before you need to drive, and you're off to the races with a pre-warmed engine, gas in your tank, and money in your pocket.
warmed up and on your way in no time. 4. Keep an eye on your tires. Tire pressure changes with air temperature, so check
Find more information online at vehicles.gc.ca. www.newscanada.com
5 tips for safe winter driving (NC) Whether it's two feet of snow on the driveway or slush that turns a parking lot into a hockey rink, Canadians face some unpredictable harsh winter driving conditions. Here are five tips to help ease your mind and stay safe while on the roads this winter. 1. Get winter tires fitted. In addition to superior handling and braking, winter tires provide better traction than all-season ones, helping to shorten braking distance by as much as 25 per cent. You can put them on your vehicle when temperatures dip below 7°C. Remember that air pressure decreases in colder weather, so don't forget to check tire pressure at least once a month during the season.
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2. Stay alert (and in control). Everyday operating becomes much more difficult in wintery conditions such as snow, sleet, and ice. When out on the road be sure to give yourself plenty of room and time to turn or stop on a dime. 3. Handle skidding like a pro. Chances are you'll encounter conditions that cause your vehicle to skid at some point this season. Though this may sound counterintuitive, you should turn into the skid and accelerate. This shifts the weight of your car from the front to the rear, helping you to safely regain control. 4. Don't be afraid to leave your car outside. Today's vehicles undergo more rig-
orous testing using realistic weather conditions than ever before. For example, General Motors puts its vehicles through extensive cold weather testing. “We know
these conditions of prolonged inactivity and can identify any issues before a vehicle hits the market.” This should give you peace of mind when away for a long weekend. 5. Create a driving 'survival kit.' Compile a kit full of safety and emergency winter equipment and leave it in the trunk at all times. Include items like water bottles and non-perishable foods as well as a first aid kit, flashlight, map, gloves, blanket, booster cables, windshield wiper fluid, and candles.
customers can leave cars parked in extreme cold for several days at a time,” explains Chris Jones, General Motors of Canada cold weather development centre supervisor. “Our 36-hour 'soak' mimics
www.newscanada.com
www.slednews.ca Polaris Employees Celebrate the Life and Accomplishments of David Johnson, One of the Company’s Three Co-Founders in1954. MEDINA, Minn. (Oct. 9) – Polaris employees and Polaris riders worldwide are celebrating the life and mourning the passing of one of the company’s cofounders, David Johnson. He passed away yesterday in Roseau, Minn., after an extended illness. He was 93 years old. Since he helped start Polaris in the early 1950s, David focused his career on product engineering and manufacturing, and developed a deep connection with Polaris employees during his four-plus decades with the company. In the years following his retirement in 1988, he remained one of the faces of Polaris as he enjoyed visiting the Roseau manufacturing facility and often gave tours at the Polaris Experience Center located near the plant. “David Johnson embodied the Polaris culture and work ethic, and his positive impact on the company continues to inspire us today,” said Polaris Chairman and CEO Scott Wine. “David valued hard work, passion for the riding experience, and an unwavering spirit of innovation. He set a tremendous example with his dedication and commitment to the company and employees. We are saddened by his passing and offer our sincere condolences to Eleanor and David’s family and friends.” After working together for a few years, David and his two cousins, Edgar and Allan Hetteen, officially founded Polaris
for the versatile winter machines. David later said that while Polaris did not invent
It was an honour to meet David Johnson and his wife Eleanor and talk about his career over a lunch in Roseau, MN Rest in Piece Polaris produced a variety of products, including several agricultural products such as straw cutter attachments for combines. But David Johnson and several coworkers who were avid outdoorsmen envisioned a vehicle – a snow machine – they could use in winter to reach their remote hunting shacks. In late 1955, David and his cohorts created the first Polaris snowmobile, a machine that made its first run across a snowy Roseau field in January 1956. Polaris began producing snowmobiles and helped create the global market
the snow machine, the company was the first to successfully market snowmobiles. With David in production roles such as Vice President of Manufacturing, Polaris became the snowmobile industry’s longtime market share leader, the dominant brand in snowmobile racing, and the brand known for delivering the best ride and handling. By the time David retired in 1988, the company had begun to diversify and was also producing and marketing off-road vehicles. David was inducted into the
Snowmobile Hall of Fame in 1999, and he received numerous honors from snowmobile clubs and associations worldwide. David Johnson is survived by his wife of 68 years, Eleanor, and their children, Rodney, Mary, Mitchell, and Aaron. Information about funeral services is forthcoming. All Polaris employees are honorary pallbearers for the service. About Polaris Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) is a global powersports leader with annual 2015 sales of $4.7 billion. Polaris fuels the passion of riders, workers and outdoor enthusiasts with our RANGER®, RZR® and POLARIS GENERAL™ side-by-side off-road vehicles; our SPORTSMAN® and POLARIS ACE® all-terrain off-road vehicles; VICTORY® and INDIAN MOTORCYCLE® midsize and heavyweight motorcycles; SLINGSHOT® moto-roadsters; and Polaris RMK®, INDY®, SWITCHBACK® and RUSH® snowmobiles. Polaris enhances the riding experience with parts, garments and accessories sold under multiple recognizable brands, and has a growing presence in adjacent markets globally with products including military and commercial off-road vehicles, quadricycles, and electric vehicles. www.polaris.com # #
SNOW BIKE: MOTOX MEETS SNOCROSS New Race Class at AMSOIL Championship Snocross
What happens when you combine the best of snocross along with your favorite aspects of motocross? The Snow Bike. One part dirt bike, two parts snocross sled- equally something completely amazing. The concept: taking a motocross bike, slap on a track and a front ski for the wheels and you’ve GOT yourself a Snow Bike. It rides like a motocross bike, but with the additional roost and ripping found at snocross with increased maneuverability. After riding or watching a Snow Bike race, the first question most folks ask is: what took ‘em so long? This is definitely the next big thing. A new race class will debut this year at AMSOIL Championship Snocross, “The Snow Bike Race Class.” AMSOIL Championship Snocross Race Director, Jesse Strege, can’t wait to get the first Snow Bike race started at the AMSOIL Snocross National in Duluth, “This is going to be a very exciting class for the racers and fans. The Snow Bike Class will be at all 8 races on the National Circuit and we are expecting a competitive field. ”
Class Rules: Snow Bike Engine limited to 700cc, 4-stroke or 2 stroke. Racers must be 15 years of age or older. No studs, naturally aspirated and must follow all ISR general Snocross rules, ISOC flag mandates and policy. ACS Snow Bike racing starts November 25-27 in Duluth. Want to learn more or sign up? info@ISOCracing.com About ISOC Racing The International Series of Champions (ISOC) is the premier snowmobile race organization in North America, sanctioning AMSOIL Championship Snocross powered by RAM events.
ISOC produces, stages, builds the track, live streams and packages the national race circuit for broadcast on CBS Sports. In addition, ISOC produces nine regional Snocross races in the mid west. Visit www.snocross.com for more information, fan and racer memberships, schedule details and listings for 17 exclusive one-hour shows on CBS Sports. A live stream link during events is free to fans at www.snocross.com/livestream.
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Planes, Automobiles, Snowmobiles and a Ship: My Adventure in the Quebec Maritime Region BY SCOTT A. SUMNER
Great Outdoors At this time of the year the thoughts of many people are about traveling somewhere warm to escape winter. I guess I’m exactly opposite as the colder weather and snowmobiling are high on my list!
Quebec is my favourite destination anytime of the year but the wintertime offers some fantastic snowmobiling opportunities and recently my travels would be to the Quebec Maritime region. My trip began with a flight to Toronto, then Montreal and Mont Joli. A unique experience on these flights was when Air
Canada placed a Boeing 777- 400-passenger jet on the Toronto to Montreal route, a 45minute flight. The 777 is a plane you usually see flying to Europe but an earlier cancelled flight meant they had to play catch up with passengers. It was a fun experience! After landing in Mont Joli in a Dash 100, we drove to Rimouski.
League called Oceanic. “ You will start your snowmobile trip here in Rimouski with your guide, Steve Gaudreau who loves to ride. It is then on to Saint Gabrielle and to Matane to Matane Motorsports. Then you will take the ferry from Matane to Godbout and ride the south shore to Bai Comeau and then Forestville
The Quebec Maritime region is composed of the 5 eastern regions in Quebec. The main economy here is fishing and research on fish species. Also Sydney Crosby played hockey here in the Quebec Major Junior
for an overnight. The last days ride is to Sacre Coeur and then on to Quebec City by car.” said Suzie Loiselle, Media Relations Officer for the Quebec Maritime region. A very unique part of this trip for me as a snowmobiler would be crossing the St Lawrence River by ferry with your snowmobile. This is only ferry where you can take your snowmobile on the ship along with other cars and trucks including transport trucks. “ You can bring your own sled or rent a sled here, which are usually brand new Ski Doo sleds. We have over many km’s of snowmobiling trails that are well groomed. There are guides to help you and a system in place where you can call and ask for information anytime. You can do loops from one main hotel or longer routes.” said Suzie. “ The Gaspésie Tour can be over 800 km and can take up to a week. A normal riding day is about 200 km. We can have up to 6 meters of snow here similar to the Mont Vain in Lac St Jean Saguenay. We have the longest snowmobile bridge in the world here as well.” Our ride began well in crisp cool weather aboard our new Ski Doo Renegade 900 ACE sleds. The trails were beautiful as usual in Quebec- wide, well groomed and picturesque! My only wish was for a full-faced helmet. At home I am used to a motocross style helmet and goggles but the cool weather made for a helmet change for day 2. Continued
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Planes, Automobiles, Snowmobiles and a Ship: My Adventure in the Quebec Maritime Region BY SCOTT A. SUMNER
Great Outdoors Continued Our second riding day began with an early start to board the ferry, M/V CamilleMarcoux at 7:30am. The ship is 37 years old with a new replacement coming. New regulations on security and environment require the change. In 1975 the ship cost $13 million while the new one is $147 million. People take the ferry for work to save time in their travels. You can save over 500 kilometers by not traveling back to Quebec City to reach the other side of the St. Lawrence. The ferry goes twice a day in the winter and
three times in summer. The snowmobile ferry cost is $42, a car is $42 plus each person pays an additional $17.50 and a transport truck is about $360. The route to go to GodBout is 55 km and Bai Comeau 61km. The water at the crossing is very deep, up to 1000 feet. The water is saltwater with a
change at Lac St Jean to a salt and clear water combo.
in a lifetime, as there are big mountains and the sea in the same picture. We call it the Little Rockies. When you talk about snowmobiling 8 out of 10 will say Gaspésie is the best. We saw a group here today riding from Paris, France.” In this area of Quebec you can begin the snowmobile season at the end of October and ride until early May. You can bring your own snowmobile or rent one there and have a guide. If it is your first time it is good to have a guide according to Steve. Snowmobiles rent for $200 to $250 per day and a guide will cost $ 300 per day but a riding group can split the guide cost.
close to the Saguenay River with some really high views.” The property is adjacent to the Saguenay Fjord, some 300 meters deep in places. The lowest water depth is salty and very cold while higher up is milder and freshwater. You can see whales from here.
My snowmobile adventure had come to an end and it was off to Quebec City by car for the return flights home. This part of the world is absolutely beautiful and can be experienced in the winter especially well by snowmobile. For further information visit www.quebecmaritime.ca
Our final day of riding was bitterly cold
again with winds of up to 70 km. However, when you are well dressed the riding is fun especially with a few stops along the trails to warm up with hot chocolate! We arrived at a very unique property called Centre de Vancance Fere 5 Etoiles. (that means a 5 star farm in English) The farm is sitting on 700 acres and offers different types of cabins and many activities to enjoy. “ We have an orphaned animal centre where we take animals and give them a second chance. There are nearly 40 species here including moose, fox, cougars, wolf, deer and bison. All of the animals were in trouble and orphaned or taken from zoos in the US which were closing.” said Dereck Blouin Perry, Outdoor Sports Guide. “ We also have nice dining, many snowmobile rentals from 1 hour to 6 day guided tours as well as dog sledding with a 50 dog kennel here. There is snowshoeing, ice fishing and trapper interpretation. You get to see and pet the animals. Many of our cabins bring us
“ We see many grain ships coming by on the north part of our route. The water tide here can be 11 feet. We get up to 600 people on board in summer time and during the winter we get 200 to 300 people. There have been snowmobiles on board each day. We even break ice with this ship.” said Mathew Harrison, Stewart. After driving our snowmobile off the ship it was directly on a 250 km ride to Forestville. Today the weather was warmer but near blizzard conditions made for some difficulty seeing. My guide on this trip was Steve Gaudreau who was born near Quebec City and ran his own rental company in Quebec Eastern until recently. He sold to Matane Motorsports recently because it was 7 day a week job and Steve wanted to spend more time with his family. He still loves snowmobiling and continues to do some guiding. Steve is also a test pilot for a Quebec snowmobile web site and this year is riding a Arctic Cat XF 7000. “ We started our ride in Rimouski with Matane Motorsport on their new Ski Doo Renegade 900 ACE’s. It was windy and cold but the trail was excellent and well groomed with sunny conditions,” said Steve. “ The Gaspésie region allows for trips of 5, 6 or 7 days. You must take that full trip once
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HUNTING By Sherry Aalto You can smell it in the air…that fresh scent of hunting season! The Rutting Season spurs on the primal instincts of our two footed animals! At one time, hunting was the way to survive and provide for the family. The art of hunting was passed down from generation to generation, not only as a means to survive but also as a showmanship of courage and wit! Hunting in Northern Ontario offers three types of hunting. There is small game, water fowl and big game. The first sign of the leaves turning to colour, along with the first snow fall, fills the atmosphere with excitement, like shockwaves. It is not just that hunting is an anticipation, but for many people it remains necessary when it comes to adding to the
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horn of plenty on the dinner table for the family. Hunting has been around since life on earth. It is the natural food chain process. All animals are instinctual hunters, including humans. Today, hunting is considered more of a sport than a method of survival. So, when one thinks of hunting, there is are entire seasons dedicated to the sport! In preparation for the event, one must adhere to a few rules. First one must obtain a hunting license and a firearms license. Then one must wear the proper safety attire. That would include a safety jacket or vest with Hunter Orange reflectors. Hats, gloves, socks, underwear, and overhauls are all part of hunting attire. Also you must acquire proper clothing for inclement weather, including proper foot wear and outer wear. Then there is the purchasing of a firearm, cleaning solutions and oils to properly maintain your firearm. Carrying cases for the firearm, ammunition, gun lockers for storing firearms
and separate storage for ammunition. Maybe a four wheel vehicle is in order, equipped with a lift kit and how about a winch for hauling yourself out of a swamp or hauling in the prize? Then there is planning for time
off from your place of employment. Then there is getting just the right party of friends and family together for the event. Next would be the grocery order for when day is done. Don’t forget the cards, emergency kit and how about blankets and pillows and fuel for heating your accommodations? And you thought this was going to be like…just walk out the back door and shoot something! Funny! Black bear season begins mid-August. Small game, wild fowl and big game, including moose and deer begins mid-September through mid-December. With hunting season running into December, expect to see snow on the ground in the middle of November. This makes hunting and tracking that trophy a lot easier in Northern Ontario! Did you know that many northern resort, lodge, wilderness and fly-in operators easily transform themselves into a hunting paradise. Hunting lodges are important for non-resident moose hunters. All non-resident moose hunters must be registered guests at a tourist outfitters lodge to be eligible for a moose license. BE SURE TO CHECK FOR GAME HUNTING RESTRICTIONS AND SCHEDULES IN YOUR AREA OF CHOICE BEFORE PLANNING YOUR HUNT. A complete summary of hunting regulations are available from any district office of the Ministry of Natural Resources. Also for hunters, may we present a few gun facts: First and most important is your ‘shot placement’ when shooting game! It does not matter what firearm you are using, if you do not have the correct shot placement or hit the vitals of your game animal, you have failed your mission. Another gun fact is knowing what ‘bullet drop’ is and learning what conditions effect ‘bullet drop’. This is very important for the ‘shot placement’. Each year most hunters fire off a few rounds and hit their game target but, to really become expert at ‘shot placement’, practice shooting is most necessary. A good firearm will last you all of your life and you will be able to pass it down to your children and then onto the grand children. Most people in Northern Ontario would spend $1000.00 on a lap top, but when it comes to rifles for hunting, a lot of them are conservative for the spending on a good firearm. Therefore, a good suggestion would be to invest in a really good rifle when it comes to hunting game. You will not ever regret it. Take the time to go to the sports shops and talk to the knowledgeable sales people who are there to help make your hunting experience safe and successful. Having the right equipment means all the difference in the world in safety, maintenance and confidence when it comes to hunting any game.
The 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatch! BY SCOTT A. SUMNER
Great Outdoors The 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatch is all new, introduced to North America and will attract a new buyer to GM. The Hatch gives you more of a cross over experience with flip and fold back seats and offers more versatility. “ The Cruze has been a very popular car for us, our best selling small car. The Hatch version will give us a new audience to go to,” said Pat Spina, Sales Manager of Badanai Motors Thunder Bay. “ We stock several different models of the Cruze at all times. They range in price from $17,000 to $28,000. Currently we are limited in production on the hatch model but have 12 ordered and 3 on the ground.”
5.9 liters per 100 kilometers. GM is coming out shortly with a diesel engine for the Cruze. The 2017 Cruze Hatch can include Apple Carplay, Android Auto, 4G LTE WI-FI and Chevrolet Mylink. It offers space to spare and has the DNA made up of adventure. “ The car business has been very good this year with lots of sales, 0% financing and GM is offering attractive incentives to the consumer.” said Pat. You can see the the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatch at Badanai Motors in Thunder Bay!
The Cruze is very efficient on gas at
2017 Chevrolet Silverado!
2017 Chevrolet Silverado Z71 Double Cab * Preferred Equipment Group * Ecotec 5.3L DI V8 VVT, AFM * 6 Speed Automatic Transmission * Auto Locking Rear Differential * Heated Front Seats * True North Edition * Mylink(TM) audio* * 8 inch Colour Touch * LED Cargo Box Lighting *
The 2017 Chevrolet Silverado! 399 Memorial Avenue Thunder Bay, On P7B 3Y4
Tel: (807) 683-4900 Fax: (807) 345-8005 Toll Free: 1-800-465-3915
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NEW LEGISLATION TAKES ACTION TO PROTECT AND ENHANCE TRAILS SYSTEM
tion. Recently, Ontario passed legislation that will sustain and improve the province's trails system, helping to build a healthier and more prosperous Ontario. The Supporting Ontario's Trails Act, 2016 will strengthen Ontario's extensive trails system. It will protect and enhance thousands of kilometres of the province's urban, suburban, rural and remote land and water trails while also encouraging its expansion by: • Providing the trails community with enhanced tools to effectively develop, operate and promote trails • Removing barriers to help connect and expand trails across the province • Increasing trail awareness and promoting local tourism by enabling the recognition of Ontario trails of distinction, supporting communities and jobs across Ontario • Enabling the development of a classification system to help users find trails that match their interest and ability. The new legislation also makes amendments to existing legislation to address liability, trespassing and protection of property issues. Protecting and improving Ontario trails is part of the government's economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes investing in talent and skills, including helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history and investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.
QUICK FACTS • Ontario has the second-largest trails network in Canada, with about 2,500 trails spanning over 80,000 kilometres that support recreation, tourism and active transporta-
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• From 2009 through 2015, the province invested approximately $130 million to support Ontario’s trails. • Through Ontario’s 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games Legacy, Ontario has supported the completion of 254 kilometres of the Trans Canada Trail Ontario resulting in a continuous route of over 2,000 kilometres, connecting communities from Ottawa to Windsor and Fort Erie to Huntsville. • Ontario Parks protects and manages approximately 2,200 kilometres of trails and boardwalks. • Thousands of kilometers of trails and roads are on provincial Crown land that are open for the public to use free of charge. • In 2014, hiking expenditures by Ontarians added $559 million to Ontario’s GDP and created more than 18,000 jobs across the province with an annual economic benefit of nearly $1.4 billion.