Snow january 2014

January 2014

Go Snowmobiling Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids In Northwestern Ontario

More Amsoil Duluth Snocross Action Grand Portage Lodge and Casino Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids Sioux Lookout Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids Annual Dryden Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids 35th Annual Atikokan Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids

Lots Of Snow Near Beardmore Ontario

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Arctic Cat Manufactures a 2 Stroke Snowmobile Engine

Sioux-Hudson Area Gearing Up for Easter Seals Snowarama Sioux-Hudson Snowarama With the end of January coming up, the Sioux-Hudson area is gearing up for their annual Snowarama ride for Easter Seals on January 25, 2014. 2013 proved to be another successful event with a record turnout and a record of fundraising dollars.

For 2014, we have a new planned route and a few more added sponsors and are hoping to continue our success.

to support us with our efforts with beautifully groomed trails and use of the clubhouse. As in the past, the ride will start from the OPTA clubhouse and continue on the OFSC groomed “A” trail to Hudson.

From Hudson, we will be joined by nonpermit snowmobilers at East Side Cafe for a new lake ride loop on Lac Seul. Once we have returned to Hudson, the ride continues on the L701 (Hudson-Sioux Loop) back to Sioux Lookout for a total ride dis-

The route design incorporates both OFSC permit holders and non- permit holders and allows for everyone to enjoy the sport of snowmobiling and raise money for a worthwhile cause. The funds raised through our Snowarama event, stay to help the families in the area. Between Sioux Lookout and Hudson there are 6 Easter Seal families.

The local snowmobile club, the Ojibway Power Toboggan Assoc. (OPTA) continues

tance of about 100kms. Our event winds up this year at Dick & Nellies Bar and Grill in Sioux Lookout.

This year we are happy to receive support from returning sponsors; Lac Seul Floating Lodges, East Side Café, Robin’s Donuts, Aztak Auto, Sioux-Per Auto Parts, Lakeside Marine, Ojibway Power

Toboggan Assoc., The Rotary of Sioux Lookout, Railside Sports & Marine, Reichert Trucking, Lac Seul Police Service, the Fresh Market and Mascotto’s Marina. Joining us also this year is Dick & Nellies Bar and Grill and McKinstry Chrysler from Dryden, ON. With the volunteers and sponsors working hard, we are hoping for another great year.

Come out and join us snowmobiling for a great cause!

Michael Starratt

More Amsoil Duluth Snocross Action

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SNOWMOBILE NEWS JANUARY 2014

www.slednews.com Arctic Cat Manufactures a 2 Stroke Snowmobile Engine

BY SCOTT A. SUMNER

NW Ontario Snowmobile News The world of 2014 is much different than the early 90’s when I started getting back

into the snowmobile sport in a more active way. Gas emissions were talked about then but the stringent requirements we have today and those on the way are much more difficult to meet. I think this is what has

Yamaha began with their first usage of a 4-stroke engine in the RX1. Ski Doo continued on with their high tech ETEC 2 stroke engine that has been a huge success. Now it was Arctic Cats turn with their new CTEC

engine, their own version of direct injection.

It was fun to watch the 2014 Arctic Cat El Tigre 6000 come out of the box at Smith’s RV Centre in Thunder Bay. This late build

up properly and had no leaks. The engine sounded pretty quiet and pretty smooth. I would say it is the smoothest 2-stroke engine we have seen from Arctic Cat. It has really good balance to it because they’re able to manufacture it in St. Cloud themselves and have a little bit more control over that part of it. We will keep our fingers crossed and hopefully it is going to be a good unit.” said Galon.

The unique new dash of the Arctic Cat El Tigre 6000 ES gives air temperature, coolant temperature and a little bit more information for the rider. “ I think this is the future of snowmobiling staying with 2 stroke because they are making them cleaner, better and with durability of the engine.

The oil for the CTEC comes in a bag. It is

caused the snowmobile companies to look at ways to improve their sleds as it relates to emissions.

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really thin looking oil and I would not substitute any other brand as that is what the engine was designed to use, ” said Galon. “ The computer on the engine controls the oil flow, which means more precise oiling.

This keeps the engine cleaner and also even adjusts the oils during the break in period of the sled. ” Troy did a little pre mix at 120 just as a precaution but it really doesn’t need it as the computer provided more oil during breaking in. You should check the owner’s manual for break in information. “ I would ride it at normal trail speeds 1/4 to 1/2 throttle during break in period. The better you break it in the longer it will last. I think this is a pretty hot little machine andonce the engine falls into other models it will be even better.”

sled arrived in Thunder Bay just before Christmas and was part of a short run build with many dealers only getting one sled this season.

Troy Galon is a Cat Master mechanic and been to Thief River Falls many times for training. He started in the business at age 15 and now is 51 with 35 years of experience mostlyon snowmobiles and outboards.

Troy got the new ZR El Tigre 6000 ES sled in his shop after it was removed from the crate and delivered by forklift. It was interesting to watch the steps a dealer goes through to get a new sled ready for the trail.

First it was attaching the skis, measuring the toe out from 0 to 1/4 inch. “ 0 is for the racer guys who just want to point and go and for the trail guys they like the sled to track a little better. We make sure the track is aligned next and has 20 pounds pull. I set them a little bit tighter than that because the track will loosen in a few hundred miles.

You should have it looked at again at the dealer but some don’t come in so a little tighter is better.” said Troy Galon.

Next Troy installed the shock absorbers, put some engine oil in it, made sure the chain case was full, the antifreeze was full, put some fuel in and then installed the battery. He then tested the handlebars, powered it up,warmed up the engine, put the point of sale pin code in and the El Tigre 6000 ES was pretty much ready to ride. “ I started the engine, made sure it warmed

SNOWMOBILE NEWS JANUARY 2014

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Go Snowmobiling Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids In Northwestern Ontario On Saturday, February 8, 2014, snowmobilers from across Thunder Bay and Grand Portage are invited to hit the trails for the Grand Portage Lodge and Casino Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids and become part of the most successful winter season fundraiser for Easter Seals Ontario.

Now in its 11th year, Grand Portage Lodge and Casino Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids has raised more than $250,000 in support of children and youth with physical disabilities in the community.

To celebrate our 11th year at Grand Portage Lodge and Casino, with every $100 in pledges you will receive a ballot to win 1 of 4 vacation prizes!

A trip for two to Las Vegas. (travel voucher including airfare from Duluth and hotel, value of $1200.00) Two nights at Mystic Lake Casino and Hotel Including $200.00 in spending money Two nights at Hollow Rock Including breakfast for two and $25.00 in free play A night at Fortune Bay Resort and Casino Including $100 in spending money There is a minimum of $100 in pledges to participate and includes a bonfire on the trail, a fabulous dinner featuring a carving station, and entrance to the dance with live entertainment on Saturday night. There will be prizes for the top fundraisers, as well as other prizes, and the more pledges you bring in, the more chances you have to win one of the travel packages. This year, participants can also register for the event and collect pledges from friends and family online. Visit snowarama.org to register and invite all your contacts to support you

online. By submitting pledge forms before February 5, 2014, your name will be entered into a draw for a prize.

grooming already. It will be one of our best snow years to date. The long trail will be a run up to Hungry Jack on the Gun Flint for about 130 miles round trip. Our

Funds raised at this event help provide financial assistance for children with physical disabilities for essential mobility and communication equipment and fully accessible summer camping opportunities.

Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids would not be a success without the support of the snowmobiling community. We sincerely hope we can count on your support and participation again this year.

Tony Swader is the Trust Lands Administrator and President of Grand Portage Trail Riders “ We have lots of snow here. The sled dog race finished last night with great conditions. The trails are coming along very well and we have been

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local route on the reservation is between 30 to 50 miles. There will be a bon fire at trail centre where we will have hot dogs annd hot chocolate for the riders. The public is welcome to come up and join in on the bon fire. You can take your vehicle to where the bonfire.” “ It is a lot of fun for us to work on Snowarama and it is a really good cause for the kids. For us it is great to see them making improvements each year.” “ We have a little over 100 miles of groomed trails on the reservation. We have gas and it is nice you don't need a trail pass. The MN trail pass is $36 and good for 1 year and available at Rydens 66” Rhonda Harrison of Easter Seals “ The event at Grand Portage is now in the 11th year. We average about 100 riders and fill up the casino each year. You can register online at snowarama.org We have 4 Snowarama events in NW Ontario and it kicks off our fundraising season. The Snowarama has been running for 39 years now in Ontario and have raised over $16.9 million.”

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Join us on Saturday, January 25, 2014 for the annual Sioux Lookout Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids. This year’s event will take place at the Ojibway Power Toboggan Association Club House, located at 108 Abram Lake Road. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m., followed by a ride to Hudson for permit members, then a tour of Lac Seul. Non-permit holders are welcome, but must have own means of getting to Hudson to start the ride at East Side Cafe, and ride up beautiful Lac Seul. The ride will end on the L701 trail (Hudson-Sioux Loop) with a windup to follow at Dick & Nellies bar and grill. Riding along in our event this year is the team from Mc Kinstry Chrysler. After the ride Check out the award winning RAM trucks, to pull or haul your sled.

This year, participants can also register for the event and collect pledges from friends and family online. Visit snowarama.org to register and invite all your contacts to sup-

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

SNOWMOBILE NEWS JANUARY 2014

port you online.

Funds raised at the 2014 Sioux Lookout Snowarama help provide children with physical disabilities with essential equipment needed for mobility and communication, as well as summer camping opportunities at Easter Seals’ two fully accessible camps. It can cost families an additional $10,000 to $40,000 a year to raise a child with a physical disability and most families can’t do it on their own. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids would not be a success without the support of the snowmobiling community. We sincerely hope we can count on your participation this year. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mike Starratt at 737-4777 or Tracey Ellek at 737-3050, or call the Thunder Bay office of Easter Seals at 1-800-267-3778 or rharrison@easterseals.org. “ The event is growing with new ideas every year.” said Rhonda Harrison. www.easterseals.org

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Go Snowmobiling Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids In Northwestern Ontario Join us on Sunday, February 16, 2014 for the Annual Dryden Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids!

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

The Family Day weekend has been designated a FREE PERMIT WEEKEND. To gain access, log on to the OFSC website at www.ofsc.on.ca and print a weekend permit.

Bring this permit with you as it must be presented at our event and kept with you when you ride.

This year, participants can also register for the event and collect pledges from friends and family online. Visit snowarama.org to register and invite all your contacts to support you online. Should you require additional forms, contact Sunset Country Realty or The Rotary Club of Dryden.

Funds raised at the 2014 Dryden Snowarama help provide children with physical disabilities with essential equipment needed for mobility and communication, as well as summer camping opportunities at Easter Seals’ two fully accessible camps. It can cost families an additional $10,000 to $40,000 a year to raise a child with a physical disability and most families can’t do it on their own. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids is only successful with the generous support of the snowmobiling community. We sincerely hope we can count on your participation this year. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Easter Seals

Thunder Bay office at 1-800-267-3778 or rharrison@easterseals.org.

We look forward to seeing you on the trails!

Dryden with Hydro One building a new office, some mining activity and Alternative with premanufactured homes. They want to build some spec homes.

Barry Lynch, Broker of Sunset Country Realty and on the trail patrol of Dryden Power Tobbagan Club.

Easter Seals Ontario along with the Atikokan SnoHo and Kiwanis Club of

“ Our main trail from Dryden to Sioux Lookout is now open. I have been a Snowarama participant for over 30 years and won a Ski Doo MXZ as a fundraiser in a draw for all of Ontario.” “ We want to get more pledges this year.

There is lots of ridership but we need to get more pledges with more participation. This year is on the Family Day weekend so don't need the OFSC permit to ride. Our permits sales in Dryden have increased with 150 to 200 sold.” “ We will have two rides between 1 or 2 hours in length south of Dryden with a long and short version. It will be a looped trail so everyone will be in 1 direction.” “ We are optimistic on the economy in

Atikokan are gearing up to host the 35th Annual Atikokan Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids on Saturday, January 25, 2014, kicking off the 2014 Snowarama season.

This year, participants can also register for the event and collect pledges from friends and family online. Visit snowarama.org to register and invite all your contacts to support you online.

We invite you to be part of this year’s event, filled with a variety of fun, family-friendly activities throughout the day and night. This year’s festivities include a 100 km sled ride north to White Otter Castle, a hearty lunch and dinner at the Royal Canadian Legion, awards, auction and evening entertainment.

If you have an item you would like to

SNOWMOBILE NEWS JANUARY 2014

donate to the auction, please contact Val at 807-597-4389.

Registration will take place at the SnoHo Chalet, O’Brien Street Charleson Pit on Saturday, January 25, beginning at 9 a.m.

Participants are required to raise a minimum of $100, either pledged online or collected on the day of the event. Additional pledge forms can be downloaded from www.snowarama.org or are available by contacting the Easter Seals at 1-800-2673778 ext. 4. Special Event permits will also be available for sledders from the SnoHo Club on the day of the event.

Funds raised at the 2014 Atikokan Snowarama help provide children with physical disabilities with essential equipment needed for mobility and communication, as well as summer camping opportunities at Easter Seals’ two fully accessible camps. It can cost families an additional $10,000 to $40,000 a year to raise a child with a physical disability and most families can’t do it on their own. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids would not be a success without the support of the snowmobiling community. We sincerely hope we can count on your participation this year. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Twila from your local snowmobile club at 807-597-2422 or snoho@atikokaninfo.com We look forward to seeing you on the trails!

Rhonda Harrison, Easter Seals “ Atikokan holds one of the orginal Snowarama events from when Whipper Billy Watson was involved. The Kiwanis and So Ho Clubs run the event. People come from all over NWOntario to this event and it is one of the biggest in the province.”

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Lots Of Snow Near Beardmore Ontario Beardmore areas have been known for years as having a much higher amount of snow than the surrounding area, also known as one of Canadas snow belts.

One just needs to travel here in the winter to see that this stretch of Hwy 11, winding through the Palisades of The Pijitawabik, has a lot of snow. It’s no wonder that Beardmore has the largest Snowman in Canada!

Death Valley is one of our off trail experiences you will enjoy and the need for a good powder machine is essential if you are going to attempt to climb these hills. Off trail riding is just something else we offer in our 2400 sq.km of Greenstone! But with any off trail travelling, extra care must be taken especially on the TransCanada Pipeline.

Visit our web site for more info! www.snowclub.ca

I regularly watch Snowtrax TV and other associated snowmobiling shows and find them very informative, helping me to make the right decisions in all aspects of the sport. It also gives you a chance to see what riding areas are out there, as well as the types of terrain.

Here in Greenstone, we are commonly known as the flat landers, making me a little envious and jealous of other riding areas with hills and mountains. Yes, for the most part we are in a flatland area, but we do have some pretty challenging riding areas here as well. Not currently accessible by a nicely groomed trail, Death Valley as we call it, has been a haven for local snowmobiler for many years. It is located a few km’s west of Beardmore Ontario, on the TransCanada Pipeline right of way. With the Lake Nipigon effect, the MacDiarmid and

Michel Lafrance

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SNOWMOBILE NEWS JANAURY 2014

2014 SNOWARAMA FOR EASTER SEALS KIDS FACT SHEET * The annual Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids is the largest and most renowned snowmobiling fundraising activity in Ontario. * Easter Seals is proud to be an Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) charity of choice. * Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids cele-

brates its 39th year in 2014. * Since 1922, Easter Seals Ontario has been dedicated to helping children and

See Our Last Issue of the Season: NW Ontario Snowmobile News February 2014 Ad Copy Deadline February 7th Call our Marketing Department at 807-623-2348

youth with physical disabilities achieve their potential. * With the help of local clubs and strong community support, Snowarama events have raised over $16.9 million for Easter Seals kids in Ontario. * Founded by the famous wrestler Whipper Billy Watson in 1975,

Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids raised over $130,000 in its first year, with 12 events across Ontario. * Today Snowarama attracts hundreds of participants and volunteers each year in communities throughout Ontario, including Atikokan, Collingwood, Dryden, Espanola/North Shore, Kemptville, Manitoulin, Morrisburg, North Huron, Pontypool, Sault Ste Marie, Sioux Lookout, Stoney Lake, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Timmins, Walkerton. * Local clubs and members from the community raise pledges for Easter Seals and flock to ride the picturesque OFSC groomed snowmobile trails across Ontario.

Nordic ski events are held at some locations. * Each local Snowarama features their own unique event highlights such as breakfast, a barbecue and hot chocolate stops throughout the day to refresh and refuel the committed participants. * This year, Easter Seals presents the second annual Snowarama Weekend Ride in Barrie. It will feature an all-inclusive

weekend, including a 2-night stay at Horseshoe Resort. * OFSC is a non-profit, volunteer driven organization, mandated by its member clubs to act on a provincial level for the

event, contact Easter Seals for a complete package of event materials including pledge forms, posters, registration sheets, banners and the support you need to ensure that your event is a success.

greater good of organized snowmobiling.

For more information about the OFSC, visit www.ofsc.ca. To host a Snowarama

Visit www.snowarama.org.

Welcome To White River Snowmobilers!

Owners Marvin822-1876 & Joanne Picard Phone

126 Queen Street, Longlac, ON

216 Hwy 17, White River Pat & Linda Leadbeater

Paws Northern Cabins Ltd PO Box 460, White River, Ontario P0M3G0 Phone 807-822-1987 peggydavejones@yahoo.ca

We welcome you to the White River area and hope you enjoy snowmobiling here!

Peggy & Dave Jones

North Central Co-op Inc. Freshmart Store 204 Elgin Street, PO Box 400 Welcome White River, Ontario P0M3G0 Snowmobilers!

807-822-2389 807-822-1272 ncci@renegadeisp.com

SNOWMOBILE NEWS JANAURY 2014

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SNOWMOBILE NEWS JANUARY 2014