NW Ontario Snowmobile News Janaury 2013

January 2013

Sioux- Hudson Area Will Hold Special Snowarama Event!

GET PREPARED BEFORE YOU RIDE Safe Snowmobiling Starts at Home KNOW THE LAW AND GET TRAINED BEFORE YOU RIDE 33rd Annual Dryden Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids

Atikokan Sno-Ho Snowmobile Club Ready For a Great 2013 Snowarama Event!

More 2012 Amsoil Duluth National Snocross Action NORTH SUPERIOR PUBLISHING INC.

More 2012 Amsoil Duluth National Snocross Action

More 2012 Amsoil Duluth National Snocross Action

PAGE 2

SNOWMOBILE NEWS JANUARY 2013

www.slednews.com Exciting Sled From Arctic Cat For The High Performance Rider: 2013 Arctic Cat F 800 Sno Pro RR

BY SCOTT A. SUMNER

NW Ontario Snowmobile News Last model year was the 50th anniversary of Arctic Cat and they celebrated it with the introduction of a dramatic new chassis in the Pro Cross and Pro Climb models.

Consumer acceptance has been great and in 2013 Arctic Cat continues to advance this new platform to provide the avid snowmobiler a great product to ride.

Pretty cool from Arctic Cat for 2013 is the new F 800 Sno Pro RR “ What they did was take the race sled set up and put in the 800 motor. It has the EVOL shocks and the same basic detailing as the race machine with two colours available and the big Arctic Cat decal on the tunnel.” said Jason Johnstone, General Manager of Smith’s RV Centre in Thunder Bay who attended the launch of the new sleds in Orlando this March. The RR is also available in the 1100 Turbo model.

Another unique change for Arctic Cat for 2013 is with the popular Sno Pro 500

where you can reflash the ECU and install a throttle block. This will limit the RPM to 6300 and the maximum speed to 35 MPH so it is good for the transition rider of 10 to 14 years old to get into the sport. It is a clever way to allow the young person to grow into the sled for a long time.

The XF Cross Tour is also new for 2013 with some added features such a higher

windscreen, heavier duty bumper as well as tunnel bag standard. It is meant for tour riding but with big HP and a 141 inch track.

Arctic Cat were happy with the sales results this past year ending up second in total North American sales behind BRP according to Johnstone. “ They had the best growth in the crossover series which

was their top seller. In 2014 Arctic Cat will build their own engines and may phase out some 2 strokes especially in their touring models.”

The 2013 Arctic Cat sleds have some new decals and a few mechanical updates based on the rider experience of this past season. “ We have increased our Procross order this year at Smith’s RV. The Procross version sled can sell for $14,000 but if you are passionate and really love the sport, really what is the difference between spending $10 or $11,000 or $14,000 for something you are really going to enjoy.

You can’t put a price tag on something you are really are passionate about. It is just like other sports such as golf in the summer or riding ATV's or going RV’ing or boating. If you love it and it is going to make you the happiest a few thousand dollars won’t stop most people.” smiles Jason Johnstone.

You can see the full line up of 2013 Arctic Cat sleds at www.arcticcat.com

KNOW THE LAW AND GET TRAINED BEFORE YOU RIDE The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) remind snowmobilers that their safety, peace of mind and enjoyment while sledding this winter start with being compliant with the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act (MSVA) and being properly trained.

Many of the rules governing motor vehicle drivers apply to snowmobile operators, such as speeding, failing to stop at a road crossing and driving with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) that exceeds the legal limit. Failure to comply with the law carries penalties including fines, loss of driver’s licence, criminal charges and/or

imprisonment.

“A rider whose BAC is between 0.05 and 0.08 (known as the “Warn Range”), can be issued the same 3-day warning that suspends a driver’s licence on the road,” said OPP Sergeant Lise Grenier, Off Road Safety Program Coordinator of the OPP Highway Safety Division. “This means that on the snow, the offending rider can no longer drive his/her sled to complete their ride.” More serious alcohol offenses will result in licence suspensions that will prematurely finish a rider’s snowmobiling season. Consequences also get tougher for repeat occurrences and riders are reminded that the Ontario Zero Tolerance law for drivers 21 and under also applies to snowmobiles.

To ride legally, snowmobile operators must always carry: - Valid driver's licence (or if under age 16, a Snow Vehicle Operator’s Licence) - Proof of snowmobile ownership - Sled registration (including properly placed registration numbers and validation sticker on sled) - Proof of sled insurance (pink slip) - Approved snowmobile helmet (for each rider) - While snowmobiling for recreation on an OFSC Prescribed Trail, a 2013 Snowmobile Trail Permit (properly displayed on the sled) with permit receipt The OFSC and OPP also advise snowmobilers to get properly trained. The OFSC offers two courses approved by the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO): OFSC Driver Training is a 6-hour classroom style course for snowmobilers aged 12 years and older. The Right Way is an interactive version of Driver Training for adults. Information about both courses is available at ofsc.on.ca.

The OPP is committed to saving lives on Ontario’s highways, trails and waterways through the reduction of preventable injury and death. Initiatives are developed and delivered through the Provincial Traffic Safety Program. Visit opp.ca for more information.

The OFSC is committed to proactive leadership in promoting safe, responsible riding, on and off Ontario snowmobile trails, by building safer snowmobiling knowl-

SNOWMOBILE NEWS JANUARY

edge, attitudes and behaviours through rider education, safety legislation development and enforcement. For more information, visit ofsc.on.ca.

PAGE 3

Sioux- Hudson Area Will Hold Special Snowarama Event!

by Mike Starratt I believe we have something special up here in the Sioux- Hudson area when it comes to Snowarama. We had a great turnout last year with 32 riders with trail

and lake riding up Lac Seul to one of the lodges on the Lac Seul First Nation for a lunch, picture taking, and a visit to a large sand bank. I've been able to get both trail permit members of the OFSC and non-permit holders (riders without permits) together to enjoy a ride up Lac Seul and raise money for a great cause.

The ride begins in Sioux Lookout at the OPTA (Objibway Power Toboggan Assoc.) club house where we meet and registration is held. From there we ride the "A" trail west between Sioux Lookout and Hudson to the Eastside Cafe, where we pick up

food is all donated by our local grocery store Johhny's Fresh Mart. We then return to Hudson after some picture taking, drop off the non OFSC riders and continue back on awesome groomed "A" trail to the OPTA club house for the the wrap -up in

the area, mark off Jan 26, and meet us at 9:00 at the OPTA club house at 108 Abram Lake Road. I would also like to mention the many people and businesses that help out; Tracey Ellek, Mascotto's Marina, Sioux -Per Auto Parts, Mahkwa Lodge,

the non-permit riders and the Lac Seul Police service. We then drive through Hudson and get on to Lac Seul, head through French Man's head to Kejick Bay and White Fish Bay (all part of Lac Seul Band #28), enjoying the sights of nature and beauty of Lac Seul along the way.

Once at White Fish, Mahkwa Lodge puts on a great meal for all participants. The

Sioux Lookout.

Trucking, Johnny's Fresh Mart, Eastside Cafe, Lac Seul police service, Lakeside Marina Ltd, Railside Sports & Marine, Sioux Lookout Rotary, OPTA, Robin's donuts, and Lac Seul Floating Lodges.

One change this year, to spark more interest, is that I was able to get Arctic Cat dealer Railside Sports and Marine Joe Presta from Dryden and Ski-doo dealer Mike Smith from Lakeside Marina in Red Lake to come and join the ride and bring along their new 2013 sleds. So, if your in

2013 Cadillac ATS

2013 Cadillac ATS * Preferred Equipment Group * 2.5 l i4 DI, DOHC, VVT * Transmission, 6 Speed Automatic * Audio system, AM/FM Stereo, Dual USB Ports, SD Card Slot * Seats Front Bucket * Choose your own options!

Starting at $36,790 399 Memorial Avenue Thunder Bay, On P7B 3Y4

PAGE 4

License & Taxes Extra

Tel: (807) 683-4900 Fax: (807) 345-8005 Toll Free: 1-800-465-3915

SNOWMOBILE NEWS JANUARY 2013

33rd Annual Dryden Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids Dryden Snowmobiliers will hit the trails February 9th for the 33rd Annual Dryden Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids. Dryden Power Toboggan Club is thrilled to support Easter Seals Ontario

in this family-oriented and community spirit event, which allows us to promote snowmobiling in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. Taking place on Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs groomed trails, this event encourages winter enthusiasts to raise funds to support children and youth with physical disabilities.

This year’s event will take place at the Dryden Flying Club located at Olson’s Landing at 11:00 am for registration, followed by a ride from 12 to 2. We are pleased to have the Dryden Rotary Club as our partners for this year’s event.

NEW THIS YEAR, for Dryden Snowarama participants only: With every $50.00 in pledges you collect, you will receive a ballot to win a 50” Plasma tv donated by our local sponsors.

Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids would not be a success without the support of the snowmobiling community. We hope to see you on the trials on February 9th.

Snowmobilers from across Ontario are revving up their engines for the annual Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids events taking place across Ontario. This unique fundraising experience combines thrilling snowmobile riding with an opportunity for snowmobile clubs and snowmobilers to join in the camaraderie of family activities to help children and youth with physical disabilities.

Taking place on OFSC trails,

Snowarama challenges winter enthusiasts in communities all over Ontario to raise donations for Easter Seals.

Whipper Billy Watson originally conceived the event in 1975 and so far OFSC clubs have helped raise more than $16.3 million in over 20 communities.

Donations to Snowarama directly assist financing for vital mobility equipment such as walkers, wheelchairs and communication devices and summer camp.

Easter Seals owns and operates two

fully accessible camp properties and is recognized as an industry leader in providing specialized camping experiences for kids with physical disabilities.

For more information, and to register for Snowarama, please visit our website at www.snowarama.org

Next Issue: NW Ontario Snowmobile News Ad Copy Deadline: February 5, 2013 Call Sylvia at 807-623-2348

SNOWMOBILE NEWS JANUARY 2013

PAGE 5

2011/12 ONTARIO SNOWMOBILING BY THE NUMBERS (Revised July 31, 2012. All numbers based on best data available at the time.)

TRAILS 32,658 – Approximate kilometres of OFSC Prescribed snowmobile trails.

15,591 – Approximate kilometres of TOP (Trans Ontario Provincial) Trails (part of 32,658).

22,213 – Approximate kilometres of OFSC trails on private land (part of 32,658).

10,445 – Approximate kilometres of OFSC trails on public land (part of 32,658).

14,024 – Number of landowners with OFSC trails on their property. $2,000 – Average cost per kilometre to build a new trail. $1.9 million – Amount dedicated by the OFSC to the 2011/12 Trail Fund. $494 million+ – Dollars invested by clubs in OFSC snowmobile trails since 1985. $1.2 billion – Annual economic activity generated by OFSC snowmobile trails. $112 million+ – Annual provincial tax revenue from spending by snowmobilers.

CLUB GROOMING & OPERATIONS $496 – Average annual dollar per kilometre cost to operate OFSC trails.

334 – Number of pieces of large grooming equipment owned by OFSC clubs or associations. $24 million – Approximate value of OFSC grooming fleet.

58,223 – Number of grooming hours logged by clubs/associations during the 2011/12 season.

786,010 – Litres of fuel used by club/association groomers during the 2011/12 season.

PERMITS & RIDERS $250 – Regular price of a 2012 Seasonal Trail Permit. $200 – Price of a 2012 Seasonal Trail Permit if purchased on or before Dec. 1, 2011.

77,530 – Number of all trail permits sold during the 2011/12 season. $14.6 million – Total revenues raised from trail permit sales during the 2011/12 season.

140,000 – Approximate number of OFSC family snowmobilers.

165,000 – Approximate number of active snowmobiles in Ontario (includes utility and work sleds).

47% – Percentage estimate of active sleds with OFSC trail permits during the 2011/12 season.

150 million – Approximate number of kilometres snowmobilers ride on OFSC trails in a normal winter.

68% – Of snowmobilers are married.

61% – Of snowmobilers are aged 25 – 49.

41 – Average age of snowmobilers. $68,000 – Average household income of snowmobilers.

88% – Of snowmobilers own a home.

35% – Of snowmobilers own a cottage.

72% – Of snowmobilers own 3+ vehicles.

25% – Of snowmobilers are MOPEs

(Managers, Owners, Professionals and Executives).

64% – Of snowmobilers live in Southern Ontario.

66.3% – Of snowmobilers are 45 or older. $4,000 – Average amount spent by each snowmobiler every year on snowmobile?related recreation, tourism and products.

OTHER 45 – Years the OFSC has been the voice of organized snowmobiling in Ontario.

229 – Number of snowmobile clubs belonging to the OFSC during the 2011/12 season.

217,293 – Number of students graduated

by OFSC Driver Training since 1976.

700,000+ – Estimated hours served by club volunteers operating the system during the 2011/12 season. $19.1 million – Estimate of total OFSC and club expenses during the 2011/12 season. $68,602 – Amount dedicated to OFSC Environment Fund during the 2011/12 season.

Owners Marvin & Joanne Picard

126 Queen Street, Longlac, ON

PAGE 6

SNOWMOBILE NEWS JANUARY 2013

GET PREPARED BEFORE YOU RIDE Safe Snowmobiling Starts at Home The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) are reminding riders that a snowmobile can quickly take you away from areas where services, communities and emergency assistance are easily accessible or available.

Responsible snowmobilers take charge of their own safety and well-being by preparing their sled, gear and equipment before the first ride of the season. In addition to getting properly trained and knowing the law, there are other factors to consider when getting ready for safe snowmobiling: Service Your Sled - Avoid breakdowns that can leave you stranded by having your sled professionally serviced before your first ride.

Carry a Repair Kit - Ensure that you

have either the sled manufacturer’s tool kit or one of your own on board, including owner’s manual, spare belt and spark plugs.

Inspect Your Gear & Equipment - Make sure that everything still fits and works properly, and that nothing is missing before you head out.

Prepare for First Aid - Pre-assembled first aid kits can be found at outdoor stores and online and so can information about first aid courses.

Get a Survival Kit - Any unexpected day or night spent out in the cold will be easier with assistance from a good survival kit, found at outdoors stores and online, including information about winter survival courses.

Go High Tech - Devices like GPS, cell phones, satellite phones and SPOT Personal Trackers can be very useful in

avoiding or dealing with emergency situations.

Contact Companions - Snowmobiling is more fun with riding buddies, and safer too, so avoid riding alone by getting in touch with friends and family who can join you on the trails.

Review Safety Tips – As experienced as you may be, it’s always smart to renew your familiarity with your sled’s safety manual and the Safe Riders messaging on the OFSC website ofsc.on.ca>safety.

Ontario’s highways, trails and waterways through the reduction of preventable injury and death. Initiatives are developed and delivered through the Provincial Traffic Safety Program. Visit opp.ca for more information.

The OFSC is committed to proactive leadership in promoting safe, responsible riding, on and off Ontario snowmobile trails, by building safer snowmobiling knowledge, attitudes and behaviours through rider education, safety legislation development and enforcement. For more information, visit ofsc.on.ca.

-

The OPP is committed to saving lives on

SNOWMOBILE NEWS JANUARY 2013

PAGE 7

Atikokan Sno-Ho Snowmobile Club Ready For a Great 2013 Snowarama Event!

by Twila Smitsnuk 30+ year Snowarama Participant/Volunteer Atikokan Sno-Ho Club Director "The Atikokan Sno-Ho Snowmobile Club Incorporated is proud to be partners with Easter Seals and the Atikokan

Kiwanis Club for the past 35 years, in the Atikokan Snowarama. Our role has been primarily to provide a safe trail for the event, but our clubhouse is also used for the registration and the trail head for the event.

Our trail route has varied over the years, the original route was primarily over lakes with small portions of portages and trail. Some of the local riders still prefer to use these routes for a bit of adventure as they are unmaintained and unmarked.

The current trail is nearly 100% trail rid-

ing, which is marked with signage to meet the standards of the OFSC and is packed and groomed to provide a safe and comfortable ride for all participants.

The trail is approximately 100 kms return trip, fuel is available at Browns' Clearwater West Lodge, as well as lunch

provided by the volunteers from the Atikokan Kiwanis Club.

Our club volunteers work very hard to

ensure the trail always provides a wonderful experience for all the riders who participate, whether novice or seasoned.

Upon return to Atikokan the Legion Ladies Auxiliary provide a tasty turkey dinner to all participants. Dancing finishes the event off once the revealing of the amount of funds raised for the Snowarama. A big "Thank You" is owed to all the volunteers of Easter Seals,

Your Snowmobile Headquarters

Maintenance

Accessories

His & Hers Clothing

Thunder Center

Thunder Bay South

939 Fort William Road Phone: 807-623-1999

1221 Arthur Street West Phone: 807-475-4235

PAGE 8

SNOWMOBILE NEWS JANUARY 2013

Atikokan Kiwanis and our Club who make Atikokan's Snowarama one of the most popular and highest fund raising events in Ontario. Riders of all ages, 2

years old to 72 years young, from all around Northwestern Ontario, participate in the Atikokan Snowarama event and we would like to say THANK YOU to them all, on behalf of the organizers and the children and families who benefit from the funds raised."