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Yamaha 2015 Snowmobile lineup
PreSort STD U.S. Postage P A I D Willoughby, OH Permit No. 111
Vintage Event
OSSA Sled Raffle Winner
Ohio Snowmobiler P.O. Box 1512 Concord, Ohio 44077
2014 n I e d i R A OSS
Spring Banquet & Meeting Your OSSA needs your help in electing future Board Members and Officers. Learn what’s new in Ohio’s future concerning snowmobiling. See what the OSSA has been doing to promote and secure trails in our state. The Snowmobiler of the Year and Business of the Year will also be announced. Meet your current OSSA Officers, Board Members, and members of other clubs— there’s plenty of time to socialize after the meeting! When: Saturday, April 5th, 2014, from 3-7pm Where: Quail Hollow Resort
11080 Concord-Hambden Road, Painesville, OH 44077
Cost: $25 per person Send payment and RSVP by March 15th, 2014 to OSSA
P.O. Box 1512 Concord, OH 44077
Please make checks payable to O.S.S.A
(Include the names of who the payment is for and your club name)
Questions? Please call Anna Kothera at 440-834-1030 Ohio State Snowmobile Association • Environment • Safety • Community
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Ohio
r e l i b o m Sn ow Cover:
P.O. Box 1512 • Concord, Ohio 44077 Published By L.B.L. Litho, Inc. 1-877-9 SNOMAG • FAX: (440) 350-0108 Local Phone: (440) 357-9854 info@ohiosnowmobiler.com
Yamaha 2015 SR Viper
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Features
Staff Publisher: Brian Gidley Larry Gidley Editor in Chief: Advertising Director: Denise Sanzo Sandy Durisin Graphic Designer: Production Engineers: Josh Siferd Keith Moore Clark Scheurman Alaina Maloney Technical Editor: Lois Gidley Contributing Writers: Jerry Bassett Bill Bradfield Lucas Cooneyon Barbara Hollingsworth Marlys Knutson Anna Kothera Kevin Murphy Tracie Pasko Valdi Stefanson Wade West Notice: The Ohio Snowmobiler is published by L.B.L Litho, Inc. for the Ohio State Snowmobile Association. The views and opinions expressed by our contributors and advertisers are not necessarily those of the Association of Ohio Snowmobile Clubs or the Ohio Snowmobile Magazine and it’s staff.
Circulation: The Ohio Snowmobiler is the official publication of the Ohio State Snowmobile Association and is distributed as part of the membership benefits of O.S.S.A. It is also circulated through select promotional distributions. The Ohio Snowmobiler is published six times a year (September/October, November, December, January, February, and March/April).
The Advertiser’s Index is on page 16.
Treasurer Jennifer Hines 6407 Fassett Street Ashtabula, OH 44004 440-992-3434 hines57@roadrunner.com Secretary Barb Weaver 369 Footville-Richmond Jefferson, OH 44047 440-576-0635 bawblw@roadrunner.com
bers
Disclaimer: The contents of advertisements which appear in the Ohio Snowmobiler are solely the responsibility of advertisers.
Vice President Brian Kothera 17159 Mumford Rd. Burton, OH 44021 440-554-3231 justlabs@nowonline.net
Board Mem
Warning: Some of the photographs in this publication show action that may be potentially dangerous. We encourage safe operation of all snowmobile equipment and advise you not to attempt to duplicate any action that is seen on these pages. Let your experience and skill guide you.
President Gary Hines 6407 Fassett Street Ashtabula, OH 44004 440-992-3434 440-344-3555 Cell hines57@roadrunner.com
Officers
Editorial: All manuscripts, materials, photographs, and artwork submitted are at mailer’s own risk and must include a self-addressed envelope with sufficient postage for return. No responsibility will be assumed for unsolicited materials. Contents copyright 2014 by L.B.L. Litho, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction is prohibited unless expressly authorized in writing by publisher. Printed in USA.
O.S.S.A. Spring Meeting____________________________ 2 O.S.S.A. Board Messages_________________________ 4-5 Dates to Remember_______________________________ 5 Waconia-Largest Vintage Event_______________________ 6 O.S.S.A. Sled Raffle Winner__________________________ 7 20 More Years of Global Cooling____________________ 8-9 Tips For Staying Safe on Ice_________________________ 9 O.S.S.A. Ride-In Highlights_________________________ 10 Spotlight Photo__________________________________ 11 Yamaha 2015 Lineup__________________________ 12-13 Arctic Cat – The Return of the “Catillac”_______________ 14 Polaris Racers Win Third Soo I-500__________________ 15 2015 Manufacturers Sneak Peek Tour________________ 16 Lost Snowmobiliers Found Alive in Wyoming___________ 16 Club Scoop____________________________________ 18 MichCanSki World Tour 2015______________________ 18 Polaris Racers Win Iron Dog_______________________ 19 Eric Chepes 19146 Nelson Rd. Garrettsville, OH 44231 216-387-0562 magiccarpet61@yahoo.com Travis Cotterman 11038 Clay St. Montville, OH 44064 440-773-7598 travis.cotterman@nawaste.com Tim Doerr 15692 Thompson Rd. Thompson, OH 44086 216-870-8891 doerr@windstream.net Chip Hofstetter 11148 Clay St. Huntsburg, OH 44046 440-477-0054 mprproduction@aol.com
Anna Kothera 17159 Mumford Rd. Burton, OH 44021 216-410-8861 anabanana058@hotmail.com
Barry Weaver 369 Footville-Richmond Jefferson, OH 44047 440-576-0635 bawblw@roadrunner.com
Jon Kus 16301 Burrows Rd. Thompson, OH 44086 440-269-0097 cranes4me@yahoo.com
Ken Weisbarth 7540 N. Ridge Road East Madison, OH 44057
Mike Pasko & Tracy Pasko 11810 Hilldale Rd. Mantua, OH 44255 Tim Rooth 6135 Winchell Rd. Hiram, OH 44234 330-569-3250 pickle8d@windstream.net Autumn Snyder 116 West Jefferson Rd. Jefferson, OH 44047 440-812-1100 mkautumn@embarqmail.com
Charlie Zawislak 17250 Leggett Rd. Montville, OH 44064 Alternates Chip Chepes 14510 Bass Lake Rd. Newbury, OH 44065 440-567-1185 frontlinebuilders@windstream.net
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14March/April
Hello Ohio Snowmobilers. Mother Nature has been very good to us this year. The cold weather and abundant snowfall, have given us the opportunity to snowmobile our trails and enjoy the winter scenery.
part about our sport.
In February, at the OSSA Ride-In, I met some wonderful new friends as well as re-acquainting with some dear old friends. We all had a great time. The camaraderie with fellow snowmobilers is just awesome. If there was a problem, we all jumped in and tried to fix it. That is the great
The Gaylord trails were fabulous and, no matter what direction you headed the conditions were great. The group I led had several “adventures”. A couple of roll overs, helping a lost snowmobiler, and pulling someone from the deep snow when they ventured slightly off the trail were just a few of our “adventures”. We all had a good ride, collected some fun run stamps, and at our lunch stop had some wonderful homemade pie with ice cream. Does life get any better?
es
Officer Not
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www.ohiosnowmobiler.com
The evening activities included card games, corn hole, the pool and hot tub, and the intense puzzle assembly. Thursday’s theme was wearing your snowmobile brand clothing. All 4 brands were well represented. The comments were flying as to who was the best brand and let’s just say, they were very creative. The food that night was pizza, made fresh from the hotel chef. Many different combinations of toppings were offered and no one went away hungry. Friday was Hawaiian night. The Nemitz family from Jefferson went all out with grass skirts, and shorts on a balmy 2 degree evening. The fabulous food was smoked brisket, sloppy Joes and sub sandwiches of every combination. In the Atrium, the corn hole tournament was going on. Everyone had fun and the pool and hot tub were in full use. Saturday brought on sunny skies and smooth trails beckoning us to take a ride. The sled traffic was heavy on Saturday as the weekend travelers were in full force. Most groups returned early and headed to the hot tub. The evening’s banquet was a fitting end to a great week end. The delicious meal was served to a full capacity room and everyone was having a good time. The fun run winner was announced, as well as the corn hole winners, 50/50 winner, and silent auction winners. Club photos were taken and then the real entertainment started. Auctioneer Tim Doerr and his trusty assistant, Autumn Snyder started the bidding on the club donated baskets. The bids were flying fast and furious. There were even husband and wife bidding against one another. The crowd loved every moment. Thanks to the clubs who participated in this fund raiser. A special thank you was given to 2 very special members. Mike & Tracy Pasko, OSSA board members, as well as members of the Troy Snowmobile Association. They rode upon a snowmobile accident, Saturday. They assisted the victim by giving their snowmobile coats to keep the young lady warm while awaiting the rescue squad. Mike gave the crowd a brief description of how the accident took place. He stated that this could happen to any one of us. Slow down and think. It’s just that simple. This is just another example of the great caring people we have in the OSSA, willing to get involved and offer assistance.
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The Ohio Snowmobiler - The Official Publication of the Ohio State Snowmobile Association
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www.ohiosnowmobiler.com
March/April
Brian Kothera
vice President And The Winner is………………………
Hello OSSA members, just returned from the OSSA Ride In. One word sums up this long weekend of snowmobiling, WOW. There was plenty of snow, there was lots of grooming going on and the trails were not all whooped out until Saturday afternoon. We started off our trip up in Munising which is about an hour North of the bridge. We stayed at Bay Mills Resort & Casino which has been advertised in this magazine. This is a very nice place to stay that has great trail access. Should you go decide to stay there ask for the snowmobiler’s package, I think it is the best deal around besides the OSSA Ride In package that is. Well enough about that lets get to the winners of the OSSA Sled Raffle. Here they are in order as the prizes appear on the ticket starting with the Grand Prize Winner. OSSA Sled Raffle Winners Grand Prize Winner…… Brent Carrick from Geneva 1 Prize. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mike Brass from Geneva
8th Prize . . . . . . . . . . . . . Herb Ashby from Mentor On The Lake
2nd Prize. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andy Lower from Dorset
9th Prize . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eric Chepes from Parkman
3rd Prize. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steven Sekanina from Jefferson
10th Prize . . . . . . . . . . . . Brian Knipper from Dorset
4th Prize. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shawn Evangelista from Geneva
11th Prize . . . . . . . . . . . . Tony Bitner from Montville
5th Prize. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chrissy Quigley from Newbury
12th Prize . . . . . . . . . . . . Frank Dietrich from Jefferson
6th Prize. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bret Duristin from Leroy
13th Prize . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Pickett from Jefferson
7th Prize. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bill Ziegler from Middlefield
14th Prize . . . . . . . . . . . . Troy Snowmobile Association, Ltd. from Troy
st
In closing this is my last article as Vice President for the OSSA and I enjoyed serving you the best I could. I had an eye opening experience going to Snowmobile Congress and finding out how the other states operate their organizations and even other countries for that matter. It was definitely a pleasure serving alongside Gary Hines, this man deserves more credit than he gets along with his wife Jennifer. My work has picked up considerably making it difficult to remain and do an efficient job. There are lots of people that seem to have opinions on how and what needs to be done. Very few actually step up to the tasks at hand to do what this association has done and it all be on their personal dime to further the this sport. I do know one thing, that if you want this sport to prosper at all, then you must join a club. I know that most of you reading this are already a club member, now drag your friends kicking and screaming, if need be, to get involved and join a club. Trails as you know don’t drop out of the sky, nor do the wild roses and the trees vacate themselves from the trails. Most importantly we as your Association can not get you the representation that our sport so desperately needs if you don’t get involved. Remember ride smart, ride safe, and respect the trail you’re on and the landowners who allow you to ride on them.
IMPORTANT DATES
MARCH
APRIL
2 Grand River Trail Riders – 1:00 3 Troy Snowmobile Association – 7:00 4 Flying Tigers – 6:30 5 Thompson Ledge Runners – 7:00 9 Stateline Sno-Trackers – 7:00 Parkman Polar Bears – 6:00 11 Newbury Snowmobile Club – 8:00 Wakeman Sno-Ballers – 8:00 12 Delaware Co. – 7:00 South County Ditch Bangers – 12:00 13 Montville Highlanders – 7:30 15 Pymatuning TrailBlazers 25 Wakeman Sno-Ballers – 8:00
2 Thompson Ledge Runners – 7:00 6 Grand River Trail Riders – 1:00 7 Troy Snowmobile Association – 7:00 8 Newbury Snowmobile Club – 8:00 Wakeman Sno-Ballers – 8:00 South County Ditch Bangers – 12:00 10 Montville Highlanders – 7:30 13 Stateline Sno-Trackers – 7:00 Parkman Polar Bears – 6:00 19 Pymatuning TrailBlazers 22 Wakeman Sno-Ballers – 8:00 26 GRTR Raffle – 5:30
The Ohio Snowmobiler - The Official Publication of the Ohio State Snowmobile Association
The average snowfla ke falls at 3.1 mile s per hou r
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Waconia Ride-In 2014 -- World’s largest vintage event The 2014 Waconia Ride-In that was held in late January came with significant anticipation. After all, the entire snow-belt was experiencing a good old fashioned winter. Read cold temperatures and plenty of the white stuff that did not melt between snowfalls. For the “Waconia crew” this meant days and days of snow clearing and site preparation. No problem because we knew that our full slate of events would go on, without weather interruptions like last year when the warm weather forced cancellation of the trail ride. NO – this year was going to be full on! Moreover, with Yamaha as the featured brand and a few Yamaha powered cousins (Roll-o-Flex & Sno Jet) thrown in for good luck, there was much buzz as the magical weekend approached.
As it turned out, the weather was a factor --- but it was the cold and wind that played its hand unlike the previous year. Saturday, it was cold but bearable for the swappers, racers and the 540 machines on the trail ride. It was odd to make the rounds and hear someone next to you say HI, but not recognizing the person because of the facemask or hood obscuring their face. No problem, really, because the Ballroom was warm and noisy with those that were warming up and ogling over the special display sleds. On display were nearly 20 examples of Yamahas, from their 1968 inaugural year through the early 1980’s. With their stellar racing heritage, you can imagine the significant race machines for all to see. Notables included the “Giant Killer”, aka. the 1971 SR433 that captured the 1971 World Championship in Eagle River in a contest of speed often described as the most exciting race in snowmobile history. You see, a young Mike Trapp battled head-to-head with Yvon Duhamel’s 797 Ski Doo Blizzard, and the little Yamaha prevailed in a race with thirteen lead changes! Another display included five Yamaha racers owned by Leon Koch of Crivitz, Wisconsin. Also, I overheard more than one observer comment that the 1978 SSR on display is the prettiest snowmobile ever built. Meanwhile, on Saturday night, temperatures were dropping and the Northwest wind picking up. The local TV station weather forecasters were scaring their audience with exaggerated claims of “dangerous wind chill” and unanimous in stating that “travel is not advised”. Yes, on Sunday it was cold and yes, attendance in the judged show was down. The ORA oval racers soldiered on out on the Lake Waconia ice, with registrations up by 15% compared to the year before. However, the winds created blizzard conditions and eight of the scheduled 44 races were scrapped for safety reasons. Event organizers moved up the awards ceremony by an hour to allow everyone to get homeward bound a little early. If you would rather see than read about Waconia 2014, check out this great YouTube production. You can almost feel the Polar Vortex when watching: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGwTB1GP88E A great family story came to light on Sunday afternoon. A bit away from the show, we spied a family of four standing in front of pine trees and a collection of four restored Yamahas. I saw ponytails and thought, WOW – these are teenaged girls on an outing with their parents. As it turned out, we met a lovely family from Southern Minnesota. It was Mom who told the story of her father owning the local Yamaha dealership. Her future husband happened to purchase a new Yamaha from her father. A daughter was introduced and a result was this 2014 family photo shoot. Dad restored the machines in front of them, including the one that he purchased that fateful day. Even the girls seemed to be “handling” the situation. I heard that at first, they stated that the matching vintage Yamaha snowmobile suits that they were wearing were “dorky”. That was until several other people told them that they looked great in their vintage Yamaha attire. Now all of a sudden it was hip to be cool at the Waconia Ride-In. 2015 will mark our 25th year! We Set the dates of January 23, 24 laris and Arctic Cat side-by-side. Bring your favorite Minnesota Icon and let’s have some fun! Keep current at: http://www. mwvss.com Submitted by: Valdi Stefanson
will honor the two Minnesota manufacturers in a theme titled MINNESOTA ICONS. and 25th, 2015 on your calendar. Expect to see Po-
www.ohiosnowmobiler.com
. O.S.S.AW inner
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Sled Raffle
After a year of selling OSSA snowmobile raffle tickets, the time came to pick the winner. The first ticket drawn was Brent Carrick, of Geneva Ohio. The phone call was made and much to his disbelief, Brent finally was convinced that we were not pulling his leg. The lucky winner purchased the ticket from Grand River Trail Riders member Kevin Hines. Brent stated he bought 3 tickets from Kevin at work, and never really expected to win anything.
After the paperwork was completed and the taxes paid, the 2012 Polaris Indy 600 was delivered to the Carrick home. The Carrick family resides on a very busy snowmobile route, and they are excited to hit the trails and see what fun snowmobiling is all about.
Congratulations Brent and family!!
The Ohio Snowmobiler - The Official Publication of the Ohio State Snowmobile Association
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Climate Scientist Who Got It Right… Predicts 20 More Years of Global Cooling By Barbara Hollingsworth
Former Vice President Al Gore. (AP) (CNSNews.com) – Dr. Don Easterbrook – a climate scientist and glacier expert from Washington State who correctly predicted back in 2000 that the Earth was entering a cooling phase – says to expect colder temperatures for at least the next two decades. Easterbrook’s predictions were “right on the money” seven years before Al Gore and the United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for warning that the Earth was facing catastrophic warming caused by rising levels of carbon dioxide, which Gore called a “planetary emergency.” “When we check their projections against what actually happened in that time interval, they’re not even close. They’re off by a full degree in one decade, which is huge. That’s more than the entire amount of warming we’ve had in the past century. So their models have failed just miserably, nowhere near close. And maybe it’s luck, who knows, but mine have been right on the button,” Easterbrook told CNSNews.com. “For the next 20 years, I predict global cooling of about 3/10ths of a degree Fahrenheit, as opposed to the one-degree warming predicted by the IPCC,” said Easterbrook, professor emeritus of geology at Western Washington University and author of 150 scientific journal articles and 10 books, including “Evidence Based Climate Science,” which was published in 2011. (See E asterbrookL coming-century-predictions.pdf)
In contrast, Gore and the IPCC’s computer models predicted “a big increase” in global warming by as much as one degree per decade. But the climate models used by the IPCC have proved to be wrong, with many places in Europe and North America now experiencing record-breaking cold. Easterbrook noted that his 20-year prediction was the “mildest” one of four possible scenarios, all of which involve lower temperatures, and added that only time will tell whether the Earth continues to cool slightly or plunges into another Little Ice Age as it did between 1650 and 1790. “There’s no way to tell ‘til you get there,” he told CNSNews.com. But he lamented the fact that governments worldwide have already spent a trillion dollars fighting the wrong threat. “How does it feel to have been right?” CNSNews.com asked Easterbrook. “To be really truthful, it’s wonderful. There’s nothing that makes you feel better than to be right and be able to say, ‘I told you so,’” replied Easterbrook, who was also an official reviewer of the IPCC reports. “But I’m not gloating about it because it’s not good news. It’s bad news.” “And in many respects, I hope that I’m wrong. And the reason I hope that I’m wrong is because it’s going to cost several million people their lives if I’m right. In Third World countries where food and water are a problem right now, it’s going to get worse. Cold is way worse for humanity than warm is.”
with a similar temperature cycle demonstrated by isotope ratios found in Greenland ice cores going all the way back to 1480. “We don’t know what the driving mechanism is, but it’s very consistent. It’s happened five times a century and every time it’s happened, there’s been a corresponding change in global temperature, either warm or cool,” Easterbrook told CNSNews.com. “What I did was I projected this same pattern forward to see what it would look like. And so in 1999, which was the year after the second warmest year on record, the PDO said we’re due for a climate change, and so I said okay. It looks as though we’re going to be entering a period of about three decades or so of global cooling.” “And so in 2000, I published a paper with the Geological Society of America in which I predicted that we were going to stop warming and begin cooling for about 25 or 30 years, on the basis of taking the temperature records that go back a century or more and simply repeating the pattern of warming and cooling, warming and cooling, and so on.” “And that in fact has happened. We have now had 17 years with no global warming and my original prediction was right so far. But we have still probably another 20 years or so to see if the cooling trend continues, and if it does, then my prediction will be right and my methods will be right. And so what it boils down to is, so far so good.” Easterbrook added that his long-term prediction until the end of century is “a lot more nebulous” due to the still-unknown effect of the sun, which has entered a “grand solar minimum” occurring every 200 years. “Everything we think depends on what’s going to happen with the sun.”
Easterbrook said he made his earlier prediction by tracing back “a consistently recurring But based on past climate data, he says the pattern” of alternating most likely scenarios are “either deep coolwarm and cool ocean ing, or a return to another 25-year cycle of cycles called the Paciflight warming/cooling, but nothing even apic Decadal Oscillation proaching the 10 degrees warming the IPCC (PDO) that occurs natfolks are predicting.” urally every 25 to 30 years. He discovered that When CNSNews.com asked Easterbrook if the PDO corresponded anybody from the IPCC, which “ignored all The Ohio Snowmobiler - The Official Publication of the Ohio State Snowmobile Association
www.ohiosnowmobiler.com
the data I gave them,” ever admitted that he had been right, he laughed.“No, every time I say something about the projection of climate into the future based on real data, they come out with some modeled data that says this is just a temporary pause, like a tiger waiting under the rug.” Easterbrook noted that 32,000 American scientists have signed a statement that there’s no correlation between climate change and carbon dioxide levels. “I am absolutely dumbfounded by the totally absurd and stupid things said every day by people who are purportedly scientists that make absolutely no sense whatsoever…. “These people are simply ignoring real-time data that has been substantiated and can be replicated and are simply making up stuff,” he told CNSNews.com. Driven by a quest for money and power, he added, “what they’re doing in the U.S. is using CO2 to impose all kinds of restrictions to push a socialist government.” “One thing many people don’t realize is that CO2 by itself is incapable of causing significant climate change. Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is 39/1,000ths of one percent. It’s nothing. Ninety-five percent of the greenhouse effect is water vapor, and water vapor is not changing. … “No doubt CO2 has been climbing, but the total change in atmospheric composition [since 1945, when CO2 levels began to increase] is one 9/1,000ths of one percent. So how are you going to have a 10 degree climate change by changing this tiny amount? You can’t do it,” he says, which is why the trillion dollars already spent worldwide on reducing carbon dioxide has had little effect. “The people who are climate deniers are the people who are denying global cooling,” Easterbrook told CNSNews.com. “We haven’t had any global warming in 17 years, and they are denying that. And so we’re not the deniers. They’re the deniers.” See more at: http://www.cnsnews.com/ news/article/barbara-hollingsworth/climatescientist-who-got-it-right-predicts-20more-years-global#sthash.iTTGbqf8.dpuf
Top 10 Tips
for Staying Safe on Ice
How to Avoid Danger - and Survive if You Can’t Story by Snowmobile.com Staff, Created Oct 10, 2007
Snowmobiling can be a great winter outdoor activity, enjoyed in either a club environment or just with one or two friends. But it is also one where safety is paramount, and every rider can always learn and share more information about how to stay safe. Here’s a list of 10 safety tips: Use designated ice surfaces Many communities have designated outdoor ice surfaces that are maintained by knowledgeable staff. The ice should be regularly tested to ensure that it is safe for recreational use. Measure ice thickness in several locations No ice with without some risk. Local conditions like currents and water depths affect ice thickness. White ice has air or snow in it and should be avoided. New, clear, hard ice is the safest. The lifesaving society offers these guidelines. · 3 inches or less–stay off · 4 inches–ice fishing, walking, cross-country skiing · 5 inches–one snowmobile or ATV · 8-12 inches–one car or small pickup truck · 12-15 inches–one medium truck (pickup or van) Avoid traveling on ice at night or when it is snowing Reduced visibility increases your chances of driving onto an open or weak ice area–a frequent cause of ATV and snowmobile-related drownings. Never go onto ice alone Before you leave shore, tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to return.
Stay off ice that has formed over moving water (rivers and the narrows between lakes) Currents and moving water can quickly change ice thickness, making it dangerous. Wear a thermal protection buoyant suit If you don’t have a buoyant suit, wear a lifejacket or PFD over your snowmobile suit or layered winter clothing to increase your survival chances. Take safety equipment with you Pack ice picks, a rope and a small personal safety kit (pocket knife, compass, whistle, fire starter kit and cell phone) in your pocket. Avoid alcohol Alcohol impairs your judgment and coordination and speeds up the onset of hypothermia. Don’t drive on ice, but if you can’t avoid it, have an escape plan Open your windows, unlock your doors and turn on your lights to make a quick escape easier. Some experts recommend that you keep your seatbelt unfastened and your door slightly ajar as well. Don’t wear a lifejacket while riding inside an enclosed vehicle; the extra bulk and flotation could hamper your escape through a window. Always supervise children on or near ice
Self Rescue 101
And if you do happen to fall in the ice, remember these important tips: Stay calm and call for help In the first few minutes make a conscious effort to get your breathing under control and call for help. Do not attempt to remove your clothing Air trapped in your clothing will keep you afloat and prevent hypothermia. Kick vigorously into a horizontal, floating position Swim back in the direction from which you came. The ice you just traveled over has already proven capable of holding your weight. Reach forward onto the broken ice without pushing down Ice picks or some other sharpened object can provide life-saving traction. Kick vigorously into a swimming position Bring your feet and legs near the surface. Continue kicking while using your arms to help propel yourself forward and onto the ice like a seal.
©2005 Tread Lightly!
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Do not stand up on the ice Using your arms, gently lift your torso to drain some water from your clothing and reduce your
weight. Then, push yourself forward onto your stomach or crawl or roll away from the hole to distribute your weight over a greater area. Look ahead to make sure you’re going in right direction and do not stand up until you’ve reached ground or solid ice. Seek shelter and protect yourself from hypothermia Once you are out, hypothermia is still a threat. If shelter is reasonably close by (less than 30 minutes away), go; if not, stay where you are. If you go, keep moving and find shelter quickly Wring out wet clothing and keep moving to warm up. Do not overexert yourself. If you stay, protect yourself from the elements Wrap yourself in some kind of wind break or insulation. If you can, get off the ice and build a fire. Dry yourself off thoroughly and change into dry clothing if possible. If not, remove your clothing, wring it out and put in on again. Important: At no time should an untrained rescuer venture onto the ice to perform a rescue. If someone has fallen through thin ice, the same thing may happen to a rescuer who tries to approach the hole.
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2014
e d i R A S S O My husband and I attended the 2014 OSSA Ride In. This year it was held at Alpine Lodge in Gaylord, Michigan. With the hotel being under new ownership and rumors flying around, we weren’t sure what to expect. We had a great time. The staff was pleasant and helpful. The food was wonderful. It was a nice turnout. The easy access to the trails was good. On our first full day, we rode to Houghton Lake. We put roughly 150 miles on. I’ve never ridden on a frozen lake. It was a little scary at first, but you quickly get over that and ride on. The trail system is amazing. The miles you can ride and the places you can see. Our second day of riding showed us what can happen when you ride to fast. We came up on an accident on one of the trails. It had just happened moments before. It was on a skinnier wooded trail. The curves are a little dangerous because of not being able to see on coming sleds. Fortunately the accident was not fatal. But being in the woods and the time it takes the rescue to get to the location was nerve wrecking. Speed and visibility was a factor in this accident. Luckily the girl is not paralyzed, which was a concern. She did have a broken leg. The other rider was able to walk away from this. We all like to ride fast at times. I just ask that when you are on trails, take it a little slower on the curves or the hilly wooded areas. Not all riders may be as experienced as you are. For some it may be their first time on a sled or on the trail system and not familiar with the area whether in Michigan or Ohio. I hope that if you had attended the Ride In that you had a great time. I hope to see you out on the trails next year. Have fun and ride safe!
Tracie Pasko OSSA Board Member
e-In
Spotlight
PHOTO
Autumn Snyder Modeling New Safety Goggles for riding a sled February 8, 2014 was our Annual Ride-In. It was held at the Alpine Lodge in Gaylord, Michigan. Approximately 150 showed up.The trails were great. Plenty of snow & plenty of things to do. During Banquet Night we learned new quotes (Putting It In) or (Taking It Out) at 5:45. The evening was great with Blackened Chicken, Carved Beef, mixed Veggies, Mashed Potatoes & salad & rolls. Woody’s had donated satchels which we put Chap Stick in that was donated by Cadillac Visitors Bureau. We also added an itinerary and a pen. Thank You Anna Kothera
T
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val. Products ce Company.
Brimfield 3982 St. Rt. 43 Be prepared when the trails open! 330-673-6723
Contact us to insure your Snowmobile before your next ride.
T
TAYLOR INSURANCE Est. 1951
Brimfield 800-211-6723 3982 St. Rt. 43 330-673-6723 www.dtainsurance.com Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies.Home office: Columbus, OH 43215-2220. Subject to underwriting guidelines, review and approval. Products and discounts not available to all persons in all states. Nationwide, the Nationwide framemark and On Your Side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.
TAYLOR INSURANCE Est. 1951
6710 N. Ridge West (Rt. 20) Geneva, Ohio 44041-7663 440-466-1914 Fax 440-466-1917
Featuring:
Standard FeatureS:
• All Aluminum Frame (Triple Tube A-Frame Tongue) • Spring Axle w/EZ Lube Hubs • D-Ring Tie-Downs • 12v Dome Light w/Switch • Rear Ramp Door Spring • Screwless .030 Aluminum Exterior and much more...
Avalanche Standard FeatureS:
• All Aluminum Frame • “Bullet-Style” L.E.D. Exterior Lighting • 3/4” Rain Block Flooring • Integrated Ramp Door Flap • Bonded .030 Metal w/ Screwed Seams Only
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www.richmondtrailersales.com
Yamaha conquers new heights with 2015 Snowmobile lineup CONTACT: Wade West Snowmobile Marketing Manager Yamaha Motor Corp. USA Pleasant Prairie, WI 262-947-6100 (Pleasant Prairie, WI)— Yamaha announced its largest 4-stroke snowmobile product line today with nine new models in the SR Viper line, including four Limited Edition models only available during the Spring Power Surge program. “We made a commitment to our dealers last year that we would continue to bring new product to their showrooms every year for the next five years,” said the head of Yamaha’s North American Snowmobile team, Peter Smallman-Tew. “This is the second year of that plan, and we are excited to offer new SR Viper models for the deep snow market and some new product for the trail rider as well.” Mountain Three new SRViper M-TX models headline the new product launch. The deep-snow sleds are packed with design features riders demand—adjustable, narrow ski stance on the new SRV-M front suspension, 2.6-inch lugs on the legendary Power Claw track, short mountain seat to accommodate rider movement and a tall, vertical steering post. Consumers have options in shock package as well as track
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length. The SRViper M-TX 162 and 153 both come in the SE package, with FOX FLOAT 3 front shocks, while the M-TX 153 sports coil springs over HPG front shocks. The Phazer M-TX returns with its lightweight 2-cylinder engine and agile boondocking chassis setup. CROSSOVER Yamaha adds a new twist to the burgeoning crossover segment. These models are defined by their versatility and capabilities in a wide range of terrain and conditions. This is where the X-TX family has led the market, with its 141 and 144-inch track lengths. The new SRViper S-TX DX is built on the same 141-inch platform as the SRViper XTX SE, but it takes versatility a step further, with its modular rear bumper system. “The S-TX gives owners even more choice in the kind of sled they want,” explained Smallman-Tew. “The modular rear bumper comes stock with a cargo rack, but the accessories team will offer a host of additional pieces that fit right in. Saddlebags, additional racks and even an accessory passenger seat make the Viper S-TX DX a true crossover sled.” The S-TX DX is rounded out by the DX, deluxe feature package: tall windshield, comfort-tuned coil spring suspension, heated seat and the large wedge bag behind the seat. The super-nimble Phazer X-TX marks its sophomore year on the market with a color change to black and Yamaha Blue.
TRAIL Yamaha’s 2015 trail sled offering returns to the snow with some key new components. All SRViper trail models ride on a pair of new, Yamaha-exclusive Deep-Keel Tuner skis. The ski is specifically engineered to deliver the same great ride on the Viper series as they do for other models. The SRViper R-TX SE and L-TX SE return with their 129 and 137-inch, respectively 1.25” lug Rip Saw II tracks, FLOAT 3 front shocks and sport-tuned suspension calibrations. The SRViper R-TX DX and L-TX DX feature new names from ‘14 to better indicate their comfort-minded component package. Yamaha continues to be the exclusive brand for Electric Power Steering in 2015. The Apex SE and Apex models combine the big power of the 4-cylinder Genesis Top Performance engine with EPS for the ultimate big power cruiser. If ultimate power isn’t your thing, take a long hard look at the RSVector and RSVector LTX. Year in and year out, the Vector models, with their ultra reliable, fuel injected triple, comfort-calibrated suspension package and power steering find themselves on industry top ten lists for best sled on the market. The Phazer R-TX, with its torquey 500cc twin, returns to the line as well. MULTI PURPOSE The touring and work crowd will find top–tier features like electric power steering, ample storage space and comfortable suspension calibrations in the 2015 Yamaha line. The
RSVenture GT and TF both return, the latter with a slightly longer track length for greater fresh snow flotation. The brawny RS Viking Professional and distinctive Venture MP also appeal to the more utilitarian snowmobile customer with their ample storage capacity and standard tow hitches. The youngest sledders in the group will enjoy the fresh graphics package on the SRX 120, powered by a rugged and reliable 123cc Yamaha engine. NEW LE MODELS Yamaha also announced an expanded Spring Power Surge program that runs through April 15, 2014. “We have built a robust spring deposit business over the years by offering incredibly strong warranty and finance combined with high quality exclusive items like custom jackets and bags for customers who come in and make a commitment to their dealers,” said Smallman-Tew. “But we saw an opportunity to expand our spring business by offering unique, limited edition snowmobiles during the Spring Power Surge. Our new LE line offers snowmobilers an opportunity to order a head-turning sled that also boasts component upgrades.” There are four LE models available during the Spring Power Surge program. The SRViper M-TX 162 LE carries the same track and chassis package as the in-season SE model, but carries upgraded FOX FLOAT 3 EVOL shocks on the front suspension for added performance in the rough mountain environment. The SRViper X-TX LE boats a host of upgrades over the SE model by virtue of its deep-snow component package. Like the M-TX models, the X-TX LE boasts the vertical steering post, short mountain seat, single-keel mountain skis and a 15 x 144 x 2.25-inch Power Claw track. The X-TX LE maintains the trail width 42-43” ski stance. The SRViper L-TX LE offers buyers an additional measure of deep snow performance with a
1.75-inch Back Country track. However, the L-TX LE keeps the coupled Dual Shock SR 137 rear suspension for excellent on-trail comfort and performance. The final model in the LE offering is the R-TX LE. Unlike the other limited edition models, the R-TX LE will have a pair of color options: LE Yamaha Blue and Orange and a more competition-minded White and Yamaha Blue color scheme. Both models have the new Dual Shock SR 129 Race rear suspension with a pair of clicker-adjustable shocks and beefy torque arms. Up front, both colors will feature FOX FLOAT 3 EVOL RC shocks with both compression and rebound clicker adjustability. There will be two tracks available on the R-TX LE, however. The Yamaha Blue and Orange model spins the 1.25” Rip Saw II track, while the White/Yamaha Blue sled will rock a 1.7” Snocross track for those who crave competition. All LE models are only available by putting a deposit down at your local Yamaha Snowmobile Dealer before April 15, 2014.
For more information, including full specs and feature information, visit Yamaha-snowmobiles.com or stop in at your Yamaha Snowmobile Dealer. Connect with fellow snowmobilers at facebook.com/YamahaSnowmobilesUSA. Check out this link to see three of the best deep snow riders around - Chad Jorgensen, Chris Brown and Randy Swenson. http://youtu.be/xbyw_y8yLg
Snowmobile & ATV
AUCTIONS White Star
Selling over 5,000 snowmobiles and ATV’s every Motorsport year since 1974 s Au Bronson ctions, Inc. in southern Michigan. , Michigan Pictures, auction price reports, maps, motel listings, and all information to buy or sell are at: Phone
517-369-1153 FAx
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AUCTION DATeS March 1 April 5 May 3
You only pay $25.00 per item to sell. No other fees or selling commissions. 10% Buyer’s premium added to all purchases.
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2015 Arctic Cat Pantera 7000 Preview The return of the “Catillac.”
Story by Jerry Bassett, Photography by Jerry Bassett, Arctic Cat, Feb 25, 2014
Admittedly we give Ski-Doo a great deal of credit for understanding the long haul, two-up touring niche. The company’s factory doors open onto the famed Quebec super-trailway system and Quebec snowmobilers are noted for enjoying long-mile weekend or weeklong “safari” cruises. Ski-Doo’s Grand Touring models have set the standard for those riders with air-controlled suspensions, adjustable handlebars and an entire catalog of addon accessories. That may be about to change as Arctic Cat has taken the wraps off what we think might well be a higher standard in two-up touring. Arctic Cat’s 2015 Pantera 7000 is the new “Catillac,” bettering a history that dates back to the 1970s with the original Catillac and reinvigorated in the 1990s as a luxury offshoot of the first Arctic Wishbone Suspension (AWS) Prowler. The latest Pantera differs, though, as the previous designs were built off existing models. The 2015 Pantera may share some pieces and technologies from other modern Cats, but you need to view it as a new-from-thesnow-up design.
Built on an all-new ProTour chassis, the 2015 Arctic Cat Pantera 7000 challenges the status quo. Using manufacturing techniques learned from ProClimb and ProCross chassis development, the Pantera introduces a cruiserspecific platform best suited to two-up luxury snowmobiling. The ProTour chassis embraces a flatter angle better suited to touring sleds than the steeper angled mountain-oriented ProClimb design. Made in a singular process rather than the two-piece ProClimb construction, the ProTour platform draws its strength from unique to the Pantera forgings, castings and stampings that mate the aluminum tunnel to the basics of Cat’s ARS front end. Features: • Built in conveniences include a belt holder that sits just back of the Pantera’s optional 4.3-gallon auxiliary fuel tank. • The Pantera adds fiberglass overload springs to an elongated version of the Slide-Action rear suspension. • An extra tall windshield works with side panel mounted deflectors to redirect oncoming cold air over and around the Pantera’s riders. • Arctic Cat internal floating piston shocks with coil spring assistance control the Pantera’s 10-inches of front suspension travel. • With a capacity to carry 15-gallons of fuel, the Pantera 7000 will cruise the trails many miles better gas stops.
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The Ohio Snowmobiler - The Official Publication of the Ohio State Snowmobile Association
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March/April
s... Racing New
Polaris Racers Gabe Bunke & Aaron Christensen Win Their Third Straight Soo I-500; Win is Fifth of Bunke’s Soo Career
Brothers Ryan & Travis Faust Team Up to Finish Second for Second Year in a Row Contact: Marlys Knutson marlys.knutson@polaris.com
Bunke Racing drivers and crew members gathered around the first-place trophy and winning sled after co-drivers Aaron Christensen (front left) and Gabe Bunke (front right) earned their third consecutive Soo I-500 victory.
MEDINA, Minn. (Feb. 5, 2014) – Polaris enduro racers Gabe Bunke and Aaron Christensen enhanced their place in snowmobile racing history on Saturday, Feb. 1, by winning their third straight Soo International 500 race on the famed Soo I-500 track in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. The victory was the third Soo win of Christensen’s career, and the fifth of Bunke’s career. For the second straight year, the second-place team was made up of brothers and co-drivers Ryan Faust and Travis Faust driving a sled owned by Bunke Racing. The Fausts were joined by co-driver Spencer Kadlec, a fellow Polaris cross-country racer who in the 2013 Soo race was a co-driver on the winning Bunke Racing team. Finishing third to complete a Polaris podium sweep in the 2014 Soo I-500 was the sled campaigned by Beard Motor Sports with Michael Haynes as the lead driver. The 2014 Soo I-500 was dominated by Polaris race sleds, as the race has been in recent years. Polaris race teams clamed six of the top 10 finishing positions, and 13 of the top 20 finishing spots. The two Bunke Racing sleds were the only sleds to run all 500 laps, and the third-place Beard Motor Sports team had completed 499 laps when the checkered flag flew. The winning Bunke Racing team had posted the sixth-best qualifying speed, and the Faust brothers qualified ninth.
Members of the two Bunke Racing teams posed after finishing 1-2 in the 2014 Soo I-500. The drivers (and their finishing position) are (l-r): Spencer Kadlec (2), Travis Faust (2), Gabe Bunke (1), Aaron Christensen (1), and Ryan Faust (2).
Bunke and Christensen are elite cross-country racers who compete in the Pro classes on the USXC circuit, as do the Faust brothers. Bunke has also raced snocross and ice LeMans in his career, and has competed in the Soo I-500 several times. Later this month he will run for the first time in the Iron Dog cross-country race across Alaska, where he will be a Pro class teammate of Scott Faeo. In recent years, Bunke has begun to position himself for the next stage of his career, his post-driver years. He owns Bunke Racing, which campaigns cross-country and enduro sleds, and his son Taylor is among the drivers racing cross-country for the team. Working with the Polaris Racing staff, Gabe Bunke has been instrumental in recent years in the development of Polaris cross-country and enduro race sleds. Yet the elder Bunke remains at the peak of his game as a driver. Along with winning a thirdstraight Soo I-500 and preparing for the Iron Dog, he is the current points leader in USXC Pro Open points, and is second in Pro Stock points. Gabe Bunke previously was on the winning team at the Soo in 2005 (with co-drivers Josh Davis and Corey Davidson) and 2002 (with Mike Gentz, Jr.). News Release Contact: Marlys Knutson Phone: 763.542.0533 marlys.knutson@polaris.com Along with a trophy, winner’s purse and place in history, this year’s winning drivers also won the
honor of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at a Detroit Tigers Major League Baseball game this spring. Bunke and Christensen are scheduled to throw out the first pitch on Saturday, April 5, when the Tigers host the Baltimore Orioles at Comerica Park in Detroit. Listed here in order of finish are the Polaris race teams in the 2014 Soo I-500, with the primary driver listed. 1. Bunke Racing, Gabe Bunke 2. Bunke Racing, Ryan Faust 3. Beard Motor Sports, Michael Haynes 6. Yovich Racing, Brian Anderson 7. R&R Racing, Josh Ware 8. Kovar Racing, Dan Maki 11. Russell Racing, Shane Felegy 13. Team Applebees, Karl Schwartz 14. Hoos Racing, John Hoos 15. Team Blu Racing, Cardell Potter 16. Eckert Racing, Kyle Eckert 18. Team Diamond, Mitch Diamond 20. R&R Racing, Rich Spranger 22. Tommie Bauer Racing, Tyler Nickels 24. Team Traction, Greg May 25. Piche Racing, Larry Young 26. Gentz/Bouchard Racing, Chad Dyrdahl 30. Holeshot Motorsports, Billy Skea 32. Performance Dyno Racing, Jeramie Piippo 33. LMB Speed Shop, Eric Bouman 36. Felzke Farms, James Heiler 37. Mayer Racing, Anthony Mayer
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14March/April
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www.ohiosnowmobiler.com
2015 Manufacturers Sneak Peek Tour Dates Announced
Story by Lucas Cooneyon Thursday February 20, 2014
With an excellent winter boosting sales in the right direction, three of the four snowmobile manufacturers are gearing up to show off their 2015 models with the Manufacturers Sneak Peek tour beginning March 7, 2014. Touting all-new models, new technology, new colors, and the latest spring early order programs to go with them, the Sneak Peek tour is your best chance to see the new 2015 models in person before next winter. Enthusiasts who attend will enjoy an up-close and personal look at the latest 2015 models from Polaris, Ski-doo, and Yamaha. All three brands will be under one roof, showcasing nearly 50 new snowmobiles along with samplings of other products including ATVs, motorcycles, side-by-sides, and personal watercraft. With so much to see, it’s the perfect opportunity for a night out with your family and riding friends. Most shows are free to attend, and along with the new 2015 snowmobiles, you can talk directly with factory representatives to get the inside scoop on the new models along with details on exclusive spring programs. The complete tour schedule, hours of operation, and venue details and directions can be found at www.snowsneakpeek.com.
Midwest/Eastern United States Tour
Western United States Tour
March 14-16 West Yellowstone, Montana March 7-8 Old Forge, New York March 20-23 Jackson Hole, Wyoming March 10 Syracuse, New York March 25 Denver, Colorado March 14-16 Lake Geneva, Wisconsin (Ski-Doo will not be represented at this event) March 29 Salt Lake City, Utah March 18 Grand Rapids, Michigan March 31 Boise, Idaho March 19 Birch Run, Michigan April 2 Puyallup, Washington March 22 Boxborough, Massachusetts April 4 Spokane, Washington March 25 Buffalo/Hamburg, New York March 27 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania April 1 Milwaukee, Wisconsin April 3 Wausau/Rothschild, Wisconsin April 5-6 Minneapolis/Blaine, Minnesota April 8 Fargo, North Dakota Sat Feb 22, 2014 7:58pm EST
Five snowmobilers found safe after lost in Wyoming mountains
By Kevin Murphy
(Reuters) - Five snowmobilers were found safe on Saturday after going missing Thursday in the Bighorn Mountains of north central Wyoming, officials said. The adult men were found together at about 1 p.m. local time after an extensive 30-hour search, said Lt. Mark Conrad, a spokesman for the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office. He said they did not report needing medical attention. The group, made up of two pairs of fathers and sons and a fifth man, disappeared after setting out Thursday afternoon from the Bear Lodge Resort for a snowmobile ride in the mountains, Conrad said. Authorities were alerted early Friday morning that the men were missing, and they launched a search with more than 40 volunteers, he said.
Bair’s Polaris. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 North Ridge Yamaha. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Yamaha SR Viper . . . . . . . . . . . . . Insert Nationwide Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Richmond Trailer Sales. . . . . . . . . . . 11 White Star Auctions. . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Yamaha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover
Heavy snowfalls impeded visibility, but the men were finally located together near Horse Creek Mesa, Conrad said. They survived overnight temperatures that fell near zero degrees Fahrenheit for two nights, he said. “They did the right thing. They hunkered down in the snow,” Conrad said. “We were elated to find them.” Similar searches that extend more than 24 hours in such harsh conditions often bring grim results, he said. The men, all from North Dakota, were riding their snowmobiles to an outpost about 20 miles from the lodge to eat. But they failed to refuel their machines for the return trip and ran out of gas, Conrad said. (Reporting By Kevin Murphy in Kansas City, Missouri; Editing by David Gregorio) The Ohio Snowmobiler - The Official Publication of the Ohio State Snowmobile Association
American Powersports 3690 Speedway Dr. Findlay, OH 45840 419-422-9253 www.americanpowersport.com Andover Tire & Auto Repair P.O. Box 870 Andover, OH 44003 440-689-0003 Bair’s Polaris 6956 Portage St. NW North Canton, OH 44720 330-499-4544 www.bairsinc.com Barry’s Auto Repair 369 Footville-Richmond Rd. Jefferson, OH 44047 440-576-8852 Bay Mills Resort & Casino 11386 W. Lakeshore Dr. Brimley, MI 49715 906-248-3715 www.4baymills.com Best Friends Restaurant 1741 State Route 534 South Geneva, OH 44041 440-466-0041 Building Technicians Corp. 4500 Clay St. Geneva, OH 44041 440-466-1651
Frontline Builders, Inc. P.O. Box 602 Newbury, Ohio 440-567-1185 Grand River Manor 1153 Mechanicsville Rd. Geneva, OH 44041 440-466-9229 Great Lakes Auto Network 2824 N. Ridge E. Ashtabula, OH 44004 www.greatlakesautonetwork.com Gwinn Brothers Construction, Inc. 1453 Kinsman Rd. N. Bloomfield, OH 44450 440-685-4700 Hake Racing 31216 Tower Rd. Salem, OH 44460 330-222-2639 www.hakeracing.com Iron Horse Saloon 13468 Main Market Rd. (St Rt. 322) Burton, OH 44031 440-834-4400 www.ironhorseohio.com JD’s Pit Stop 2635 Route 322 Orwell, Ohio 44076 440-437-2028
Colebrook Lounge 812 State Route 322 Orwell, OH 44076 440-422-3131
Johnny K’s Powersports 420 Youngstown-Warren Rd. Niles, OH 44446 330-544-9696 www.johnnykspowersports.com
Concord Advisors 7466 Auburn Rd. Concord, Ohio 44077 440-358-0605 www.concordadvisors.com
Kiene Recreation 4500 Rd. R/Putnam Rd. Pandora, OH 45877 419-384-3800 www.kienerecreation.com
Concord Motorsports 8109 Crile Rd. Concord, OH 44077 440-354-4140 www.concordmotorsportsohio.com
LBL Printing, Inc. Publisher, Ohio Snowmobiler Magazine 365 W. Prospect St. Painesville, OH 44077 1-877-9 SNOMAG www.lblprinting.com
Crawford Insurance 55 South Forest St. Geneva, OH 44041 440-466-1144 www.crawfordinsurance.com Creekside Inn 1938 State Route 322 Orwell, OH 44076 440-437-5223
The Waters Inn 10565 Old 27 South Gaylord, MI 49735 989-732-5636 www.thewatersinn.com
North Ridge Yamaha 5929 North Ridge West Geneva, OH 44041 440-466-2712 www.nrys.com
Trailite Sales, Inc. 5240 US 20A Delta, OH 43515 800-448-7922 www.tritontrailers.com
Pro Polaris 4873 S. County Rd. 25-A Tipp City, OH 45371 937-667-1250 www.polarispro.com
Twin Motors 7540 North Ridge East Madison, Ohio 44057 440-428-8946 www.twinmotors.net
Richmond Trailer Sales/ JMS Customs 6710 N. Ridge West Geneva, OH 44041 440-466-1914 www.richmondtrailersalseoh.com
Village Tobacco LLC 53 E. Main St. Orwell, OH 44076 440-437-2016
Ron’s Repairs 5420 Adams Ave. Ashtabula, Ohio 44004 440-862-2105 SAK Automotive 7998 Mayfield Rd. Chesterland, OH 44026 440-729-0999 www.sakautomotive.com Shelatz Appliance Repair 37 Wall St. Jefferson, OH 44047 440-576-2543 Sledheads of Frederic 6636 North Old 27 Frederic, MI 49733 989-DIG-SNOW www.sledheadsUSA.com
Loudermilk Tractor & Cycle Inc. 7606 Center Road, RT. 45 Ashtabula, OH 44004 440-969-1211 www.loudermilks.net
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Website:
Mangia Mangia 11081 Kinsman Rd. Newbury, OH 44065 440-564-2227 www.mangiamangiagood.com
o.s.s.a.
COMMERCIAL ASSOCIATES
Sonny Lanes Inc. P.O. Box 768, 696 St. Rt. 534 Geneva, OH 44041 440-466-4371 The Forest Lodge and Campground 44078 Rt. 66 Marienville, PA 16239 (on Trail #11) 814-927-8790 www.theforestlodge.net The Shop 8518 South Lake Rd. Jamestown, PA 16134 814-720-5843
Join the O.S.S.A.! Member Benefits:
• Host Annual Go Snowmobiling Event • Host V.I.P. RIde for Elected Officials and Media • We work closely with O.D.N.R. to establish public trails. • Legislative contact on State & National levels to protect our right to ride on public lands. • $100.00 Charity Club Match adjusted to budget yearly. • A sample of our Charity Donations: A. Pink Ribbon Riders B. Easter Seal Society C. Salvation Army D. Local Volunteer Fire Dept. • We compile all Snowmobile Charities from Ohio for International Charity Report • We attend many meetings to keep the Snowmobiler up to date: 1. RTP Appropriations Board 2. SRV Fund Board 3. Rails to Trails 4. Western Reserve Greenway Trail 5. The Ohio to Erie Trail 6. OH Dept. of Natural Resources • We are members of: 1. International Snowmobile Council 2. Mid-West Chapter of American Council of Snowmobile Assn. 3. Blue Ribbon Coalition 4. North Shore Trail 5. Western Reserve Greenway Trail 6. Rails to Trails • An OSSA delegate attends the International Snowmobile Congress, Mid-West Chapter and various other conventions. • We have a Snowmobile Safety Program for all ages. • Annual SPRING Meeting - OPEN to all Snowmobilers in Ohio. Opportunity to vote for or become a board member. • O.S.S.A. Magazine (6 Issues), which anyone can write articles for, publisher approved. • We publish a book annually in the fall, to assist Snowmobilers in finding: A. Dealerships B. Service & Repair C. Trailers D. Lodging E. Travel - Destinations F. Parts & Equipment • Information Booklets on how to organize Snowmobile Clubs & other Snowmobile events. • Membership Dues Pay For • Touring & Trails Information • The opportunity to take part in Local, Regional, State & National events. • Plus! With your Membership, you will receive six monthly magazines of Ohio Snowmobiler.
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www.ohiosnowmobiler.com
Northcoast Snowmobilers 2719 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, OH 44870 Matt Durek 419-239-7012
Grand River trail riders
Club Trip - The club trip was cancelled due to lack of snow. Barry Weaver thanked Michelle and Ed Borris for planning the trip. 50/50 Raffle - The 50/50 ticket was drawn at Montville Pig Roast on January 18, 2014. Rick and Patty Hoyson were the winners. They donated $100 of their winnings back to the club. Congratulations and thank you, Rick and Patty!!!! Fund Raisers - Ken Weisbarth suggested that the club hold a scrap drive to raise money for the club. It was recommended that the event be held in May after the reverse raffle. Reverse Raffle - The next Reverse Raffle has been set for April 26, 2014 at the Expo Center at the Ashtabula Fairgrounds. The charities that we chose for the next reverse raffle are the Western Reserve Greenway Trail and Pink Ribbon Riders. Tickets for the raffle are being distributed. Any tickets that are paid for before the March meeting will be put into a drawing. The winner of the drawing will have their money returned to them and will receive their ticket for free. Door prizes are needed for the reverse raffle. Any item that you can obtain would be greatly appreciated!! First Rideable Snow Contest Winner - Rod Butcher announced that Deb Armington-Ranowiecki won the first rideable snow contest with the date of December 14, 2013. The prize awarded was a $20 gift certificate to Mike’s Bikes & More. Elections - Nominations were made for officers and board members as listed below: President – Barry Weaver Vice-President – Rod Butcher Secretary – Michelle Borris Treasurer – Barb Weaver Trail Boss – Tom Nemitz Publicity – Joe Hines Board Members: (Terms are up for Rod Butcher and Paul Carpenter) Paul Carpenter, Gary Hines, Frank Snyder, Tom Stowe Nominations and voting will take place at the March meeting. OSSA Spring Banquet & Meeting - Will be held at Quail Hollow Resort in Painesville on April 5th, 2014 at 3:00 P.M. Anyone planning on attending needs to RSVP and make payment by March 15, 2014. All payments need to be sent to OSSA, P.O. Box 1512, Concord, OH 44077. Submitted by, Michelle Borris, Club Secretary
Delaware Co. Snowmobile Club 222 Hyatts Rd., Delaware, OH 43015 Dale Huffman 614-496-9463 2nd Wednesday of the Month; 7:00 PM (Oct-Mar) Location to be determined Call Dale to verify Flying Tigers Snowmobile Club www.flyingtigerssnowmobileclub.org 2018 Kevin CT NE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663 David Marshall 330-243-1799 dvmarsha@roadrunner.com 1st Tues. of the Month (Sep-Mar); 6:30 PM Kozmo’s Grille, 37 First St., Massilon Forest County Snowmobile Club P.O. Box 131, Endeavor, PA 16322 Paulette Wood 440-867-8682 SnowWing@windstream.net Time and Locations Vary Grand Lake Recreation Club 5542 Island View Dr., Celina, OH 45822 Tom Godshaw 419-268-2385 Every other month starting in Oct.; 2:00 PM South Shore Sportsman’s Club Grand River Trail Riders www.grandrivertrailriders.com P.O. Box 22, Austinburg, OH 44010 Barry Weaver 440-576-0635 Time and Locations Vary. Most at Quinn’s Family Restaurant; 5:00 PM First Sunday of the Month Montville Highlanders Snowmobile Club P.O. Box 123, Montville, OH 44064 Chip Hofstetter 440-477-0054 2nd Thursday of Every Month; 7:30 PM Montville Community Center Newbury Snowmobile Club 10310 Fairmount Rd., Newbury, OH 44065 Wayne Mansfield 440-564-9828 2nd Tuesday of the Month; 8:00 PM Newbury Town Hall; Newbury, OH
Parkman Polar Bears Inc. P.O. Box 576, Parkman, OH 44080 Kyle Miller 440-991-6431 2nd Sunday of the Month; 6:00 PM Parkman Community House Pymatuning TrailBlazers Club P.O. Box 28, Jamestown, PA 16424 Jay Richards 440-344-6135 3rd Saturday of the Month Clubhouse off Burns Rd South County Ditch Bangers P.O. Box 353, Orwell, OH 44076 John Watson 2nd Tuesday of the Month; 12 Noon Bill Hodge’s Residence Stateline Sno Trackers www.sno-trackers.org P.O. Box 37, Conneaut, OH 44030 Scott Rood 2nd Sunday of the month; 6:00 PM (Sept-June) Club House on Root Rd Thompson Ledge Runners info@thompsonledgerunners.org P.O. Box 187, Thompson, OH 44086 Tim Doerr 440-298-1639 1st Wed. of the Month; 7:00 PM (Sept-Mar) Thompson Town Hall Troy Snowmobile Association Ltd. troysnowmobileassociation.com P.O. Box 233, Burton, OH 44021 Brian Kothera, justlabs@nowonline.net 1st Monday of the Month; 7:00 PM Mulligans Pub; 13768 Main Market Rd. (St. Rt. 422), Burton, OH 44021 Wakeman Sno-Ballers P.O. Box 6, Wakeman, OH 44889 Rolf Krupp 419-706-2864 wakemansnoballers@live.com 2nd & 4th Tues. of the Month; 8:00 PM Wakeman Eagles
MichCanSka World Tour 2015
Michigan-Canada-London-Sweden-Finland-Russia-Paris
A great snowmobile adventure and vacation in some great cities and countries Adventure: Dream it. Plan it. Do it.
For more information: MichCanSka
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The Ohio Snowmobiler - The Official Publication of the Ohio State Snowmobile Association
Polaris Racers Todd Minnick & Nick Olstad Win 2014 Iron Dog Cross-Country Race Across Alaska on Terrain Dominating 600 Switchback PRO-R Sleds Winners’ Polaris Sleds Deliver Terrain Domination® Contact: Marlys Knutson & Tremendous Reliability marlys.knutson@polaris.com
MEDINA, Minn. – Polaris racers Todd Minnick and Nick Olstad won the grueling Iron Dog cross-country snowmobile race across Alaska on Saturday, Feb. 22, on a pair of 600 Switchback PRO-R snowmobiles. In the ultimate display of Polaris Terrain Domination®, the pair completed the 2,031-mile race across punishing Alaskan landscapes in trouble-free fashion aboard durable, dependable Polaris sleds.
Winners Took Lead and ‘Never Looked Back’
The team of Mike Morgan and Chris Olds finished third, also on Polaris 600 Switchback PRO-R snowmobiles, to join the winners on the podium at the finish line in Fairbanks.
Morgan and Olds were the race leaders at the midway point, and Minnick and Olstad arrived in Nome in third place. Minnick and Olstad proceeded to set an incredibly fast pace and ran trouble-free over the second half of the race to earn the victory.
Five teams on Polaris sleds finished in the top 10. Along with the first- and third-place teams were: • Archie Agnes and Arnold Marks finished sixth, both on 600 Switchback PRO-R models. • Shane Barber and Ryan Sottosanti finished seventh, both on Polaris 600 Switchback PRO-R sleds. • Gabe Bunke and Scott Faeo finished 10th, both on 600 INDY sleds. Three more Polaris teams finished in the top 20: In 11th place was the team of Archie Beetus and Ryan Folsom, both riding 600 INDY snowmobiles; in 13th was the team of Kyle Conner on a 600 Switchback and Jerrod Vaughn on a 600 Switchback PRO-R; in 16th was the team of Tyler Delimont and Larry Jones, both on 600 INDY models. Two teams of racers on Polaris sleds successfully completed the race for the first time. In 21st place was the team of Doss Daley and Cory Easterling, both on 600 Switchback PRO-R sleds. Finishing 22nd on Polaris 600 Switchback sleds was the team of Michael Fuller and Eddie Kinn. The win was the second Iron Dog victory on Polaris sleds for the team of Minnick and Olstad, who won together in 2009. Olstad was also on the winning team in 2005. Minnick, 34, and Olstad, 31, are both from Wasilla, Alaska. Minnick was racing in his 12th Iron Dog, while Olstad was racing in his 10th Iron Dog. The 2014 Iron Dog victory is the 14th Polaris win in 30 Iron Dog races – the most of any manufacturer. It is also the fourth win in the past six years for Polaris. Chris Olds and Tyler Huntington won as teammates aboard Polaris sleds in 2010 and 2011, and Minnick and Olstad won in 2009.
The 2014 race started in Big Lake, Alaska, on Sunday, Feb. 16. The Pro teams raced to Nome, where the midway banquet was held on Feb. 19 before racing resumed Feb. 20 with the Pro teams charging for the finish line in Fairbanks.
“We passed the second place team at Unalakleet,” the fourth checkpoint in the second half of the race, Minnick said. “Then we passed the first place team at Galena [the sixth second-half checkpoint]. As soon as we took the lead, we never looked back. We started the final day of racing with a 21-minute lead and won with a 23-minute lead, so we actually stretched it out just a bit.”
Switchbacks Deliver Unmatched Performance & Reliability
Minnick said the winning team’s 600 Switchback PRO-R sleds delivered outstanding performance and bulletproof durability in the rough racing conditions. “This was our second year on Switchbacks and we absolutely love them,” he said. “It’s an absolutely unbelievable sled for this particular race. They’re extremely reliable and friendly to ride over all the different terrain conditions we experienced. They’re by far the best sled available for this race.” Upon reaching Nome, the mid-point of the race, teams were allowed to service their sleds, but Minnick and Olstad had little to do. “The only things we did was tighten chains, tighten tracks and change carbides. Some teams on other [brands of] sleds had to change their carbides several times, but we were able to maintain ours for half the race. So at Nome, we just gave the sleds a spit shine and sent them back out,” he laughed. “That was about all we did.”
Minnick said race conditions were as rough as most Iron Dog observers had ever seen. “There was zero snow for the most part,” he said. “It was dirt, rocks, water, you name it – definitely the most grueling Iron Dog to date. Very marginal snow conditions.” Plus, racers had to traverse mile upon mile of frozen tussocks, large tufts of grass that, when frozen, can resemble boulder fields. “It was hundreds of miles of straight dirt, ice, and tussocks,” Minnick said. “I don’t think there’s anything worse than tussocks, just frozen hard. Honestly, you could be going 10 miles an hour and you’re out of control, just waiting to get cartwheeled off your sled, which happened to some guys.” But he and Olstad found the Switchbacks with their 136” tracks and terrain dominating suspension crossed that unforgiving terrain smoothly.
“It was like riding a combination a couch and a Cadillac,” Minnick said. “There is no better-riding sled for that terrain, and the same can be said for when there’s snow. It’s really a win-win situation.” Minnick said he and Olstad plan to return for the 2015 Iron Dog on Polaris snowmobiles. “Absolutely, without a doubt. We hope to run the same program – hopefully with the same results,” he said. “Think of it: We logged over 2,000 miles, about 36 hours of running time, and the only thing we did was change the ski carbides. These Switchbacks were just phenomenal.”
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