OSM OCTOBER

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW OCT 14, 15, 16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE

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VOL 26 • NO 2 • OCTOBER 2011 • 5.95 $

DISPLAY UNTIL DEC 31, 2011

INSIDE

HEAD BUYER’S GUIDE DAILY COMMUTE: YAMAHA APEX SE POLARIS SWITCHBACK ADVENTURE THE 310 CHALLENGE TOURING THE ST. LAWRENCE

HEAD BUYER’S GUIDE

TEAM FX NO TRAIL. NO PROBLEM.

BREAK NEW TRAIL WITH CONFIDENCE KNOWING FXR HAS YOUR BACK

THE TEAM FX IS EQUIPPED WITH F.A.S.T FLOATATION ASSISTANCE TECHNOLOGY BE PREPARED IF THINGS GET WET*

>> OCTANE HELMETS

>> RECUIT GOGGLES New wind-resistant tri-laminate inserts and wider tri-density molded face foam. The Recruit Goggle is specifically engineered to seal properly for winter applications.

Extremely lightweight, the Octane Helmet makes your ride more about the experience and less about the gear. Meets SNELL M2010 to ensure your safety (sizes XS/2XL). The optional FXR Breath Box and FXR Premium Winter Kit will seal off leaks and keep the weather off your mind.

TEAM FX JACKETS available colours are:

>> TEAM FX JACKETS The Team FX Jacket is built for rugged winter days, with a removable liner, insulated shell, and efficient venting. Features F.A.S.T. (Floataion Assistance System Technology), delivering added peace of mind.*

TEAM FX PANTS available colours are:

>> FUEL GLOVES

>> TEAM FX PANTS

Warm and comfortable, the Fuel Glove is the ideal companion on the trail. Fleeced lining for a luxurious feeling. Features an adjustable wrist strap, shock cord adjustable storm cuff and pre-curved fingers, you could say it fits ‘like a glove’.

The Team FX Pant will keep you warm and comfortable on cold days with easy to use 4-way full leg zippers with integrated dry vents.*

WANT MORE COLORS & STYLES

>> BACKSHIFT BOOTS The all new Backshift Boot incorporates a new waterproof seam-sealed membrane system with removable moisture wicking liner.

*IMPORTANT - Team FX jacket and pant must be worn together to Provide floatation assistance for up to 2 hours. Non Coast Guard Approved.

SCAN OR GOTO FXRRACING.COM

VISIT FXRRACING.COM TO LOCATE A DEALER NEAR YOU

FEATURES 32

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SCENE IT - SUMMER GATHERINGS SCENES FROM SOME SUMMER ACTIVITIES

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DAILY COMMUTE 2011 YAMAHA APEX SE

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CROSS OFF ON-TRAIL, OFF-TRAIL AND ALL POINTS IN BETWEEN

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2012 POLARIS SWITCHBACK ADVENTURE WHAT CHUCK RIDES

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310 CHALLENGE ONE TANK OF GAS AND 300 MILES OF TUNDRA

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HEAD BUYER’S GUIDE

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THE GOLDEN YEARS SKI-DOO CITATION 4500

102 RIDING THE SHORES OF THE ST. LAWRENCE RIVER

COLUMNS 16

DRIFTS - PUBLISHER NOTES RICHARD KEHOE

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TRAIN TRACKS

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TUCKER HIBBERT

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WINGING IT WITH LEVI LEVI LAVALLEE

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FOR THE RECORD

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PAUL THACKER

106 NUTRITION & TRAINING DREW ROBERTSON

108 KELLY SHIRES BREAST CANCER SNOW RUN

p.84

SUZY STENOFF

120 FLOATBOWL PAT BOURGEOIS

DEPARTMENTS 20 34 36 38 40 42 100 112 117 122

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INDUSTRY NEWS CRUISIN’ YOU TUBE HUCKIN’ THE WEB TAKE 5 - MAJOR MOTION QUICKDRAW - DAN GILLUND ANCHOR OF THE MONTH - SKI-DOO ESCAPADE BONE COLLECTORS NBFSC REPORT OSM LISTINGS LAST GASP - MILT REIMER

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HEAD BUYER’S GUIDE

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COVER STORY

CROSS OFF p.56

SPECIAL INSERT SHOW PROGRAM TO THE TORONTO INTERNATIONAL SNOWMOBILE, ATV AND POWERSPORTS SHOW

SHOW PROGRAM OCTOBER 14 -16 INTERNATIONAL CENTRE

4)08 t XXX UPSPOUPTOPXNPCJMFBUWTIPX DPN atvworldmag.com

FREE PARKING COURTESY OF

p. 123

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TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

VAPOR TRAILS

Use as intended was the way as Tyler “Swarmy” ripped the bold-wrapped 800 Switchback Assault with an orbital flight path.

Location: Off Limits Air-Strip, West Yellowstone, Montana Rider: Tyler Swarm Photographer: Todd Williams

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

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TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

CUMULUS NIMBUS ROCKUS

The future forecast calls for less is more, and the Sno Pro 500 proves the point with an oh-so-right balance of power to weight.

Location: 10,000 feet, West Yellowstone, Montana Rider: Richard Kehoe Photographer: Todd Williams

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

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VOLUME 26 NUMBER 2 OCT 2011 FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES CONTACT

1-888-661-7469 President & Publisher: Richard Kehoe Editorial Director: Pat Bourgeois Managing Editor: Rick Bloye Technical Editor: Jeff Edwards Art Director: Darryl Aspin Production Manager: Tendra Crossman Photographers: Wayne Davis , Todd Williams, Jim Urquhart, Paul Mason, Midwest Sports Publishing Network General Manager: Michael Blakoe Sr. Manager Sales & Marketing: Andrew McEwan Advertising Sales: 1-888-661-7469 Kim Graham, Peter Derry, Warren Geer Contributing Writers: Ross Antworth, Ken Avvan, Pat Bourgeois, Tendra Crossman, Tim Erickson, Tucker Hibbert, Richard Kehoe, Levi LaVallee, Ed Long, Jason MacDonald, Andrew McEwan, Drew Robertson, John Sandberg, Suzy Stenoff, Paul Thacker, Jim Urquhart Subscriptions 1-888-661-7469 or info@osm-mag.com

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OSM is published six times a year by OSM Publishing Ltd. Office address and undelivered copies and change of address notice is: 1195 Stellar Drive - Unit #4, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada L3Y 7B8. Telephone (905) 898-8585. Printed in Canada by Dollco Printing • Copyright 2011 OSM Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts.

Subscription rates for magazine (includes Trail Map Atlas) $19.00 per year, $29.00 for 2 years. $37.00 for 3 years.

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities

ON SNOW MAGAZINE Unit #4, 1195 Stellar Drive Newmarket, ON L3Y 7B8 ph: 905-898-8585 fax: 905-898-8071 toll-free ph: 888-661-7469 toll-free fax: 888-680-7469 email: info@osm-mag.com www.osm-mag.com

LEARN MORE AT: TERRAINDOMINATION.COM

SCAN* THE CODE SEE THE PROOF TM

PERFORMANCE. VERSATILITY. NO COMPROMISES. SWITCHBACK® PRO-RIDE™ CHASSIS • 136" progressive-rate suspension for better comfort and control

ADVENTURE CARGO SYSTEM • Lock & Ride ® saddlebags are quickly removed without tools

RIDER ACTIVE CONTROL • Incredibly light and responsive chassis

WIND PROTECTION • Side-panel-mounted wind deflectors and tall windshield Rider pictured is a professional on a closed course. Polaris ® recommends that all snowmobile riders take a training course. Do not attempt maneuvers beyond your capability.

Always wear a helmet and other safety apparel. Never drink and ride. *Message and data rates may apply. ©2011 Polaris Industries Inc.

DRIFTS

PUBLISHER NOTES

RICHARD KEHOE

FOUND A LITTLE KITTY

D

onʼt you just love September? Once again we loaded our trucks and trailers, and made our way to Haydays for the first snowmobile meeting of the season. What a blast! Edwards, McEwan and I took the long road to Minnesota, meeting up with our boys Pat, Macdonald and Erickson.

Haydays is the first large scale snowmobile event of the season, and itʼs awesome to see everyone having fun again; meeting up, kickinʼ tires. Thereʼs always way too much to do at Haydays.

We took in some drag racing, visited the corporate booths with an outdoor flavour, checked out new products and one of our all time favourite parts of Haydays… The Swap Meet.

Itʼs great to meet friends at a show like this. We werenʼt the only ones that made Haydays a meeting point. Sure itʼs work for us, but our interest and passion for snowmobiling means friendship. The six of us met like summer forgotten snowmobiling buddies, reconnecting to our passionate pastime. We toured all the corporate booths set up in the dry field, with the mercury rising to a cool 32 Celsius or 94 Fahrenheit; somebody please turn on the AC! When the temp started dropping, the exhibitors started to fizzle out, one by one, ending the corporate sled tour.

Kicking around in our booth, I decided that I needed a new ride for this yearʼs Wobble. I really wanted to join in this year and have my own ride. The Wobble is a vintage sled ride, and you need to be piloting a ʻLeafer ʼ to ride in this one.

Bourgeois lit up like a four year old on Christmas morning, “Gentlemen to the Swap!” This was the beginning of a snowmobile experience that we were all waiting for.

Six grown men walking through the swap, with cash in hand; ready to barter, ready for the deal, and ready to make a

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deal! Six buddies brought together by snowmobiles; laughing and ready to shop like wives at a two for one shoe sale, we were riled up and ready for a bargain.

We walked the Swap until the early hours of the morning. As we laughed like children walking up and down the grassy isles, looking at everyoneʼs stuff, sifting through for a glimpse of that precious ride. I use the word stuff, because everything isnʼt in good shape. Thereʼs some new, old, vintage and junk. I did however, find some good old Canadian maple syrup. We would wander up to a bunch of people standing around playing cards, hanging out and talking sleds. If they had a Leafer on site weʼd ask, “Hey, how much? Does she run?” Even if you werenʼt really interested, you ask cause you gotta do your research. The most common answer was, “Three pulls and sheʼll fire, buddy.” We must have started over a dozen Leafers. Just then the moonlight shone bright; illuminating that little kitty that would soon be mine, and mine alone. I found my new Leafer.

Barely visible was a 1979 Arctic Cat Jag 300, hidden in the back. I asked, “Is she a runner... and how much?” The bartering began, and with the help of a little bantering from the guys, we took the old girl home for $80! When we started her up, a big plume of smoke took to the sky, and the scent of stale gas sweetened the deal. That gas was probably 25 years old. As she turned over, the hooting and hollering from six of us guys grew even louder while the headlight went from a pale glimmer of hope, to bright amber. Yes she was a runner, and her purr resembled a car from the movie Uncle Buck.

The Jag sat in our booth for the next few days. Groups would walk by and ask us the same questions, and we joked and entertained every one of them. And just like that, the Leafer was now on the open market for $150. As the day went on, the more offers and potential sales we had, and the more we were able to clean her up and fix the little things. Other than the fuel of course, the effect of a blue plume and scent of old fuel added to the experience. MacDonald gave her more compression by hand tightening the spark plugs; they were shaking when she ran. After a little love, she started on the

first pull. Then Erickson noticed that it was studded when showing a potential buyer the condition of the track. Edwards was selling it solely based on the quality of the trailer hitch and load capacity.

Bourgeoisʼ sales pitch highlighted the early 70s Cheetah seat that was installed on this mighty little Jag. When McEwan was pitching a potential, he would say, “You think you like it now, just wait ʻtil you drive it!”

The entertainment, laughs and fun that the Jag brought us, especially after we would fire her up, was priceless. Add in the cheers from the six of us, and sometimes even the potential and their buddies would join in, ʻYEEEEEEHAAAAAAAAAAAA!ʼ This is what Haydays and snowmobiling is all about.

When you experience a trip like this, it really shows how snowmobiling brings friends together. Needless to say, I just had to keep the Jag. Late Saturday afternoon, I made the decision to take her off the open market.

Sheʼs not for sale. Sheʼs going to be Wobbled.

Our next big event is this coming October, at the Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports Show.

Itʼs a great time, so check it out - October 14-16, Toronto International Centre. Iʼll see you there.

Until next time, Iʼll be in the garage; buffing the hood, fixing the windshield and telling my swapping stories. ✪

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

dayco.ca

Dayco was here.

Ride with confidence.

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NEWS

PHANTOM RIDER

The folks from Phantom snowmobiles, makers of the industry’s only kid friendly sized snowmobiles, have once again teamed up with the Canadian Snowcross Racing Association (CSRA) to offer a one of kind learn to ride/race program for youths ages 7 to 13. By becoming a member of CSRA and agreeing to participate in at least five scheduled CSRA events this season, Phantom and CSRA will serve up 250cc Phantom buggies, support, guidance, and a place to ride and race. The objective of the program is to learn the safe fundamental operation of a snowmobile, while at the same time learning about fair play, sportsmanship, physical fitness, and responsibility.

Perhaps more importantly, the program will feed the enthusiasm of younger riders, and help foster the continued health of snowmobiling for future generations. In addition to the program, Phantom is also offering pre-race service schools, where kids and their parents can learn proper tips and techniques on snowmobile preparation and service. Phantom even provides fully prepped back-up sleds at each CSRA event, in case a participant is unable to compete due to mechanical issues. What’s more, the Phantom Rider Safety and Skills Development Program does more than reward young riders on the track; a host of prizes and incentives will also be handed out over the course of the season including reading tablets, Toronto Blue Jays and Maple Leaf tickets, a new 2012 Phantom snowmobile, and a family trip to Disney World. To learn more visit: www.cpirecreational.com

600 EQUIPPED KITTY Speculation and hype was at a fever pitch in the days leading up to the SnoBaron’s Haydays shindig, on the outskirts of Minneapolis, St. Paul this past September. The Arctic Cat marketing machine stirred the pot with news of a new sled unveiling, and the buzz went flash mob leading up to the event. Despite lots of speculation, the new sled would be a direct injected two-stroke; the most obvious conclusion of a new 600 carbureted racer in the new ProCross chassis came to fruition. Said to be both lighter and stronger than the championship caliber Sno Pro 600 racer from last season, the new ProCross based Sno Pro touts the new, tall spindle Arctic Race Suspension; all-new race version of the Slide Action rear suspension; two track options for snocross (1.7” lug) or cross-country (1.25” lug); and the fixed center to center Torque Sensing Link (TCL). The new racer is splattered with plenty of Arctic Green on the PTO side, and an inverse scheme of white on the mag side. After cleaning house on tracks across the country last season, the new Cat will still be labeled as the one to beat for the coming season. As for a direct injected kitty, we don’t anticipate such technology from Cat until model year 2014 at the earliest.

FOUR MORE TO THE HALL

This past September 17th, four more members of the snowmobiling community were inducted in the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame (ISHOF) in Eagle River, Wisconsin. The list of inductees who will join the other 84 members who are already part of the fraternity include; photojournalist Wayne Davis; Michigan Snowmobile Association activist Bill Manson; racer, collector, and historian Les Pinz; and Ski-Doo technical wizard and training guru Gordon “Gordy” Radtke. The induction weekend included many associated activities including the 11th annual World Championship Vintage Snowmobile Show and Reunion at the Eagle River Derby Track; new displays at the antique and vintage museum; new inductees into the recently formed World Championship Derby Hall of Fame, and a host of receptions and gatherings at various locations. To learn more and/or to plan a visit, direct your browser to: www.worldsnowmobilehq.com

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TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

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TUCKER LOOKY-LOU NEWS

Our pal Tucker and the kids at Digital Ink Design and Graphics have teamed up to produce a line of authentic T-Train graphic packages for all the latest Cat models including the new ProCross and ProClimb, as well as the older Twin Spar and Crossfire buggies. These kits are the real deal and contain all of Tucker’s officially licensed sponsors. They’re sure to add 4-5mph to your buggy and attract plenty of gawkers, once you slow down.

Check ‘em out at: www.digitalinkdesign.net

AN AVALANCHE OF AWARENESS

Last season, Ski-Doo served up several avalanche safety awareness programs across western Canada that were free to the public and hosted at various Doo dealers across western regions. This season, the Quebec builder is expanding those offerings south of the border as well. Hosted at dealerships, the programs are open to all snowmobilers and are informative, interactive, and could very well save your butt. The programs are orchestrated with support from the Canadian Avalanche Center (CAC) and a complete list of all 40 scheduled programs can be found on the Ski-doo website.

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW

While most guys are out polishing the gelcoat on the powerboat, we’re busy preparing for the biggest Snowmobiling/Powersports show on earth. The Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports Show returns October 14-16 at the Toronto International Centre. Mark you calendars now, get a kitchen pass from the wife early, and we’ll see you therel. www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com 22

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TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

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NEWS

NEW BOOK, OLD CATS To commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Arctic Cat, our pal John Sandberg and the crew at Arctic Cat published a new book titled “50 Years of the Cat.” It’s a 160-page pictorial journey through Arctic Cat’s dramatic history. More than 400 photographs – many of which are shown for the first time ever – and hard-cover binding make it a true collector’s item. We scored a few copies while at the Cat 50th and it is one of the best snowmobile related books we’ve seen, period. Even if you don’t bleed green, this book should be on your shelf. Available through Arctic Cat dealers - P/N 5224-012, $24.95 U.S./$29.95 Canada. Get yours now, and pick up another for the holiday season.

COUCH POTATOES WANTED If you love to ride, and we suspect you do…duh! You can garner some cold, hard cash by riding with a newb this winter. The 4th annual Take a Friend Snowmobiling campaign, orchestrated by the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association, (ISMA) encourages individuals and clubs to take a first-timer snowmobiling this winter. The barriers to snowmobiling are many, and often times it was a friend or family member who took us out and showed us the ropes. The Take a Friend campaign asks us to do the same. By participating and sharing your experience and results with ISMA, you become eligible to win $5,000. Visit: www.gosnowmobiling.org for more details.

YOUR ENGINE ONE STOP SHOP!

SNOWMOBILE ATV/UTV BIKE MOTOCROSS WATERCRAFT

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EXCHANGE PROGRAM FOR CYLINDERS, CRANKSHAFTS AND COMPLETE ENGINES (LONG AND SHORTBLOCK)

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www.cvtech-aab.com Available at your nearest dealer 24

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TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

BONUS! $50 MAIL IN REBATE OFFER ON SPOT SATELLITE GPS MESSENGER. Not a smart phone user? Or, you want a completely stand-alone SPOT device? Providing a vital line of communication with friends and family when you want it, and emergency assistance when you need it, the SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger works with just the push of a button.

SPOT uses 100% satellite technology, so it works where cell phones don’t. Be prepared for anything the outdoors throws at you. Visit findmeSPOT.com/rebate50 for details.

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NEWS

OLD SCHOOL POLARIS RACER

In racer years, it has been a long run for the Polaris IQ Race buggy that first started life as a back room project in Roseau, and as a version of a slimmed down Fusion; yeah that’s right pal, a Fusion. The IQ Race sled has been tremendously successful for big P, helping the company regain face, and championships in racing circles, after floundering for nearly a decade. While entering its 8th competitive season, the Polaris racer returns with suspension calibration tweaks, retro-graphics, and more importantly, a deep and talented pool of racers, with many returning veterans and some shiny new faces. Of those new faces, we found young upstart Swede, Johan Lidman, who made his North American season debut last year aboard a Cat. As in seasons past, the IQ was honed in the Roseau shop to be a snocross racer first and foremost, but chassis and suspension set-up recommendations are available for those looking to campaign real world terrain.

LAVALLEE RETURNS TO LAVALLEE

No surprise, but a team press release from the LaVallee camp announced the return of none other than Levi himself and last season’s teammate Bobby LePage to the LaVallee Polaris/Loctite team. Yeah we know…shocker! Competing on the ISOC National snocross stage, the team has added fresh face Jake Scott from Port Jefferson, New York to the team and hauler. Jefferson also competed on the big tour last year in Sport and Semi-Pro classes and did well, finishing sixth in Sport Super Stock and previously winning 13 Championship titles on the Eastern Racing Circuit. We will be watching the entire crew compete along with the eyes of the snowmobile world when the season opens in Duluth, Minnesota November 25th.

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TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

MORE MOVING BRASS AT POLARIS

BREAK IT RIGHT

In the big corporate world, the brass ring is always moving, and so too are the upper levels of management, as a behind-the-scenes shell game of office politics is played out. To those of us who just want to make noise with gas, on a buggy that works, the office shuffle means little. No matter, it seems a new chief is in place at Polaris for the snowmobile division. Former head Scott Swenson will now focus on the Polaris small vehicle business which includes the recent GEM acquisition, and past Director of ATV Marketing and Product Management, Mike Jonikas, who started at big P in 2000, will take over the snowmobile reigns. We were pleased to see Mike at Haydays; getting his khakis dusty and glad-handing the sweaty throngs of enthusiasts who were walking the grounds. Congrats Mike and welcome to the snow world.

YOUR 2012 ADVENTURE STARTS WITH THE EDGE

Our buds at AMSOIL Our buds at AMSOIL recently sent us a few bottles of their new SAE 30 Break-In Oils for… yeah you guessed it, breaking in our new buggies correctly this winter. According to the lubrication wizards in Superior, Wisconsin, the new lube is designed specifically for those first crucial minutes and hours when a motor is fresh, and its use sets the tone for future durability and engine life. The lube also promotes efficient piston ring seating, while protecting cam lobes, lifters, rockers and other critical parts during the break-in period. With new buggies costing well past the $10K mark, the specially formulated lubricant is a no brainer. See your local AMSOIL retailer or visit: www.amsoil.com

PERFORMANCE PERFO ORMANCE MEETS LUXURY LU UXURY 2012 6000 SWITCHBACK YYou ou wantt performance, wind protection protection versatility? and vers satility? You You want a new adventure! advennture!

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Rider pictured is a professi professional ional on closed course. Polaris recommends that all snowmobile riderss take a training course. Do not attempt ma maneuvers aneuvers beyond your capability capability.. Always wear a helmet and other safet safetyy apparel.

For safety training in Cana Canada da please contact your local Polaris dealer dealer.. Never drink and ride. 2011 Polaris industries Inc.

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

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DOO MORE POWER

The holy grail of racing is, and always will be power, and after several seasons of less than ideal results with the XP derived racer, Doo looks to regain their racing crown they held with aplomb during the days of the first generation Rev, with more of it. To do so, they unveiled a new 600block race motor for their 2012 MXZ 600 RS racer. The new motor touts a new case, patent pending crankshaft, and new cylinders that in total, is said to deliver six more horsepower. Joining the new stable of ponies under the predominantly black hued sled, is the returning R-Motion skid (which was dubbed the PCX last season but shares the geometry) and a new front suspension that includes new steep caster geometry, courtesy of a revised upper control arm. Joining the suspension changeover are new tall spindles for improved cornering and additional clearance. Of course, with new power and suspension, much time has been spent calibrating the new combo with revised clutching, engine mounts, venting, and gearing. Aside from the black cowl, much of the machine has been powder coated including rails, tunnel, and spindles, in order to alleviate excessive snow build-up. For now it appears the new RS is snocross only focused, with no mention of low-lug track options and ditch taming calibrations. We hope such cross only focus is only temporary.

NEWS

CALABOGIE LAUNCHES CSRA SEASON One week after the season kicks-off stateside, the national Canadian tour does the same December 2-4 at the Calabogie Ski Resort in Ottawa Valley, Ontario. Both a national and regional points event, it’s one of the biggest events of the season, and all eyes are on the ski-resort as new sleds, new racers, and a new season of expectation is set into motion. Racers and fans alike will want to visit the CSRA site to get up to date on many key changes including new classes, rules, and scheduling. As we were about to apply ink to paper, the entire national CSRA schedule was nearly buttoned up, with just one date still clinging to the TBD tag.

To stay in tune with the latest, visit: www.snowcross.com.

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February, 17-19 Grand Prix Track, Valcourt, QC. February, 25-26 Tim Horton Event Center, Cochrane, ON. March, 24-25 Chicopee Ski Club, Kitchener, ON. March 30 April 1 - Horseshoe Valley Resort, Craighurst, ON.

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

E15 PARTIALLY APPROVED

Last season we warned you of the possible pending approval of E15 fuels in the United States. The ethanol-blended fuel uses 15% of the corn-derived alcohol, upping the mixture from the current approved level of 10%. While the debates on the impacts of more corn in tanks are wide ranging, as snowmobilers we know that unless properly calibrated for this change, pistons and combustion chambers will pay the price. Currently, OEMs have to account for the differences between “real” premium fuel, and corn blends by altering fuel mixture and timing. The leaner and hotter burn of ethanol at an even higher ratio will make the situation dicier. While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) recommend that E15 not be used in such vehicles as snowmobiles, a current “partial” approval was passed, pertaining to on-road vehicle models 2001 and newer, thus setting the stage for future trouble. A host of issues including inadvertently using E15; the attractive lower cost of E15 due to higher levels of subsidies; incomplete federal research on the effects of E15; and of course, the door being left open for broader mandates has snowmobile manufacturers nervous, and should have owners equally nervous of the potential results.

CANADIAN COVERT SNOWMOBILE

According to a Canadian news source, the Department of National Defence is looking for a development partner to create a new stealth snowmobile for covert military operations in the far Canadian Arctic. A public tender for a hybridelectric snowmobile that would allow Canadian forces to enter the frozen tundra in covert fashion, sounds like something movies and video games are made of. What’s more, the Canadian federal government has set aside $550,000 to build the prototype. While we love the sci-fi images that the operation can conjure up, at a measly $550K, the full-on development of a hybrid snowmobile will likely remain little more than science fiction.

AUTHORIZED POLARIS DEALER

NEW AND USED INVENTORY PARTS AND SERVICE ACCESSORIES

Spoiled Sports 905-436-6487 www.spoiledsports.com 1898 Baseline Rd.

Bowmanville, ON Rider pictured is a professional on closed course. Polaris recommends that all snowmobile riders take a training course. Do not attempt maneuvers beyond your capability. Always wear a helmet and other safety apparel.

For safety training in Canada please contact your local Polaris dealer. Never drink and ride. 2011 Polaris industries Inc.

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

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IND US TR Y

PHANTOM SNOWMOBILE DEALERS

NEWS

WHAT HAPPENS IN CANADA, STAYS IN CANADA

Motovan, a big time Canadian distributor of all things powersports, recently acquired Steen Hansen Racing (SHR) of Edmonton Alberta. Steen Hansen, a distributor as well serving western Canada, will compliment the Motovan efforts by giving the company stronger distribution to the other western side of the land mass. According to James Paladino, the head-man at Motovan, SHR will continue to operate independently and the purchase emphasizes the company’s commitment to the powersports industry. For enthusiasts, the move should result in more choices and quicker availability to parts and accessories when it matters most.

ISOC NATIONAL SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED While walking the sandy soil of Haydays this Factory Competition & Technical Centre BROCK NORRIS MOTORSPORTS Indian River ,Ontario brocknorris@nexicom.net (705) 772-3601 RAILSIDE Sports & Marine Northern Region Distributor Hwy 17 E, Dryden , Ontario 1-888-299-3517 Crewe's Motorsports 998 Topsail Rd, Mount Pearl, NL (709) 746-1302 COUNTRY CORNERS Arctic Cat 586 Main Street, Exeter Ontario (519)-235-3456

BLOMINDON Performance Aylesford, Nova Scotia (902) – 847-7223 QARRILUK Outfitting Iqaluit, Nunavut (867)-979-6280 BORDERLAND ESSO 5959 Hwy 11/71, Box 96 Emo, Ontario P0W1E0 (807) 482-2580

Grise Fiord Inuit Co-op Ltd. P.O.Box 11, Nunavut,X0A0J0 (867) 980 9913 DS Motorsports 71 Lakeshore Drive North Bay ,Ontario (705) 494-9800 TEAM ROSKO Powersports P.O. Box 343 Kirkland Lake,Ontario (705) 567-4411 DENNIS MOTORS 833 Ellerslie Rd, Ellerslie , PEI (902) 831-2229 FANTASY FALLS SHELL 4794 Hwy 11-17, Kakabeka Falls, Ontario (807) 577-8767 BRD Motorsports 8806 Hwy#12 Orillia,Ontario (705) 325-3512 TAK ENTERPRISES Inc. Central Canada Distributor Box 219, Oak Bluff, Manitoba (866 )762-3202

OUTDOORS (1983) Ltd. 8 McCurdy Dr., Gander NL (709) 651-2942

WARP 9 Sports Hwy 10 North Orangeville,Ontario (519)942-9959

ALLTYPE Motorsports 9562 Yellowhead Trail NW Edmonton, AB, T5G 0W4 (780) 477-.5198

Tusket Motor Sports 316 Hwy 308 N Tusket, Nova Scotia (902) 648-3111

past September, we were handed the latest and greatest International Series of Champions (ISOC) National Snocross schedule, and were assured by a pair of “well-built” young ladies that it was going to be the best season ever. Hey… who are we to argue with attractive women?

November, 25-27; AMSOIL Duluth National, Duluth, MN December 10-11; Ironwood National, Ironwood, MI January 6-8; Canterbury National, Shakopee, MN February 3-4; Vision KIA Easter National, Farmington, NY February 11-12; Michigan National, TBD March 2-4; Fargo National, Fargo, ND March 10-11; ERX National, Elk River, MN March 16-18; Nielsen Enterprises Grand Finale, Lake Geneva, WI

Name that

HOOD

CAN YOU FIGURE OUT THESE POLARIS MODELS?

1

2

3

4

5

6

To learn more about Phantom Snowmobiles Visit phantomsnowmobiles.com ANSWERS: 1. 1969 CHARGER ; 2. 1979 APPOLO ; 3. 1959 SNO-TRAVELLER 4. 2010 RUSH ; 5. 1997 INDY 700 SKS ; 6. 1980 CENTURION 30

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TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

The perfect transitional sled for kids, teenagers and

that experience with your kids.

Phantom Snowmobiles are rider friendly, feature all the elements of full sized sleds and are 1/3 the cost of a full sized sled.

We support the CSRA driver safety & Skills program

To learn more about Phantom Snowmobiles visit

ACC ESS

ON SNO WM AGA ZIN E

SCENE IT? SUMMER GATHERINGS

PHOTOS: PAT BOURGEOIS, RICHARD KEHOE, JEFF EDWARDS

Some of the most incredible displays of everything Arctic Cat was on display in Thief River during the August celebration including this amazing collection from the Ische family.

ALL ACCESS

We visited the World Championships of Watercross in Grantsburg, Wisconsin in July and rediscovered watercross fans are as unique as the racing they love.

The snug fitting one-piece Cat suits were out in force at the Arctic Cat 50th Celebration, including a through the decades fashion show.

Today’s modern skippers have a suspension set-up that can actually absorb the wake. Pilots like Brian McCurdy Jr. easily achieved full-plane.

The Cat celebration was a who’s who of legendary Cat racers, kingpins and fans. Here 1969 Eagle River World Champion, Roger Janssen signs Cat historian and author John Sandberg’s 50 Years of the Cat book.

Speed has always been king at Arctic Cat, and was especially true during the 1970s when Cat helped to create three unique Boss Cat speed focused sleds.

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No matter where we turned this summer, old sleds seemed to be more popular than the new stuff.

Even a casual fan of vintage couldn’t help but be impressed by this pristine Sno-Jet collection.

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

Deep in the Haydays swap, the party never stops. This raucous crew was on the pipe well past 2:00am on Friday night.

Despite 35 years of watercross, buggies and their riders still find their way to the bottom of the lake. Yes kids, that is Santa Clause driving the boat.

Watercross fans are happy… real happy.

Lock up your daughters…

Starsky and Hutch were on the loose at Haydays

The biggest crowd of the Haydays weekend was at the Cat booth just prior to the unveil of their new 2012 600 Sno Pro racer.

The weather was hot at this year’s Hay Dizzle, but this guy insisted on supporting the leather…Hope he’s wearing Gold Bond.

Big fins were popular back in the day, this well-cooled cylinder and head was part of a Skiroule RTX display of sleds and parts on sale at a Midwest swap meet.

After three pulls, a deft touch on the decompression lever, and a hope and prayer, this 1970 Ski-Doo “black-dot” rumbled to life.

It’s now sitting inside the OSM trailer.

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

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GREAT SNOWMOBILE RELATED VIDEOS WE WANT TO SHARE WITH YOU FROM YOUTUBE VIEW ALL THESE BY VISITING WWW.OSM-MAG.COM AND CLICKING ON THE CRUISING YOUTUBE BANNER You got a favorite online snowmobile video you think is worthy of this page?

Let us know. Send us the link to info@osm-mag.com and you could score a swank OSM t-shirt.

TOP PICK

THINNING THE HERD We are continually amazed by the impeccable riding skill exhibited by snowmobilers.

VIEW AT WWW.OSM-MAG.COM

FOOT LOOSE, FANCY FREE

At first view we thought this guy was auditioning for the remake of Foot Loose…On snow.

VIEW AT WWW.OSM-MAG.COM

OOOOOO SHINY

In retaliation, killer raccoons have been diverting sledders from trails by dangling shiny objects from trees.

VIEW AT WWW.OSM-MAG.COM 34

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POND SCUM

Keeping the green slime from accumulating requires constant aeration.

VIEW AT WWW.OSM-MAG.COM

SWAN DIVE

After smooth talking a free pass from the law, Captain Clueless makes his “sober” get-a-way.

VIEW AT WWW.OSM-MAG.COM

Marketer Shows, OSM, Richard Kehoe Productions, Inc. or Patrick J. Bourgeois and its affiliates are not responsible for the content or actions of others in these videos. The comments expressed and the activities performed in these videos do not reflect the opinions and position of Richard Kehoe Productions, Inc., Marketer Show, OSM or Patrick J. Bourgeois and its affiliates and is no way an endorsement of such comments or activities.

HUCKIN’ THE WEB

BIOKLEEN

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Quickly clean and efficiently maintain your sled, gear, trailer and snowmobile accessories. Make snowmobile tunnel cleaning and polishing quick and easy with SledBrite products.

Scala Rider is a product that is developed by Cardo Systems. The Scala Rider G4 redefines the notion of high-end communication for snowmobile helmets, it offers sled to sled intercom at a remarkable range of up to 1 mile/1.6 Kilometres. This website provides you with all the information about the product you will ever need, you can also buy the product directly from the website.

This product will make your ride that much more fun and it also keeps it safer when you are in communication with your fellow riders making sure that no one gets left behind.

TEAM INDUSTRIES www.team-ind.com

Team industries website is jammed with useful information for both the snowmobile racer and the every day rider. You will find everything from company news to services available.

They also have a slew of products available for purchase. Working with several OEM's TEAM has contributed innovative solutions for power-train, engine, suspension, and other components. Check it out.

ON SNOW MAGAZINE www.osm-mag.com

OSM North America's Best Snowmobile Magazine - Where you’ll keep in touch with today’s snowmobile gear, tourism, sleds and aftermarket parts and accessories.

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Hartman, Inc. 36

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See Websi te for Full Catalo g& Free Tech Tips

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TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

Major Motion XXX In what is best described as one continuous 2-hour stunt film (bring plenty of popcorn to keep yourself interested), Vin Diesel plays Xander Cage in this 2002 release.

Every type of vehicle, jump, stunt, and explosion you can think of is in this film, including, you guessed it, snowmobiles. With our hero hurtling down the side of a mountain, on a snowboard, out running a massive avalanche (hey we didnʼt way it was believable); a horde of Yamaha Pro-Action V-Max snowmobiles and one lone yellow Ski-Doo S-chassis give chase, only to be swallowed up by the massive avalanche.

DIE HARD 2 Staring Bruce Willis as John McClane, this 1990 action film features an epic snowmobile chase as terrorists rally with guns blazing aboard jet black Yamaha Exciters. Our hero guns down two, and then gives chase. Sparks fly as bullets ricochet off the Exciter hoods in what must have been factory optional armor, until McClane jumps a tractor-trailer and the Exciter explodes in flaming glory. Whew.

A VIEW TO A KILL No doubt, Roger Moore was the man, and frankly our favorite James Bond of the bunch. In the 1985 View to a Kill action/thriller, Mr. Bond… James Bond gives credence to none other than the single ski Ski-Doo Alpine. Our boy Bond first promptly ejects the “bad-guy” from the Alpine, before taking over the controls on his way down a treacherous mountain. Not long after, machine gun fire forces our hero from the single ski beauty, just second before it burst into flame. We cry every time we watch it.

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With only precious time to enjoy our passion doing the “real thing”, snowmobile flicks have become popular over the past decade with films from the likes of Slednecks, 509, Thunderstruck and more, finding their way into sledderʼs dvd players. For the record, snowmobiles and film have been bedmates since the heyday of the early 1970s, with several OEMs taking a seat in the directorʼs chair. Even the silver screen has taken a shine to our beloved winter buggies; here are five big screen gems that feature our tracked friend.

GRUMPY OLD MEN Filmed in Center City, Minnesota and starting Jack Lemmon as John Gustafson; Walter Matthau as Max Goldman; and Ann-Margret as Ariel Truax, as the attractive new neighbor who flames the long time rivalry between John and Max as hormones are introduced into the mix. While the snowmobile scene is brief with Ariel driving an Arctic Cat down the neighborhood street (legal in most snowmobile friendly communities), true winter scenes that include ice fishing and the punchy one-line put-downs make it a classic…Ya Schmuck.

TRUE LIES This 1994 film directed by James Cameron, yeah the same guy who did Titanic and Avatar, was an action blockbuster in its day. Staring the now tabloid maligned Arnold Schwarzenegger along with Jamie Lee Curtis and Tom Arnold, the movie is filled with explosions, shooting, and chase scenes that include horses, motorcycles, and snowmobiles. The Arctic Cat EXTs however were no match for action hero Harry Tasker (Arnold) as he makes his exit by blowing up a few and even out-running one down a snow covered street. Talk about realism.

We were surprised by just how many major flicks from the past three decades have given the snowmobile world love, or at the very least made fun of our over the snow buggy.

Here are a few more that didnʼt make our list. Snowball Express, Snow Dogs and Die Another Day. Got a favorite not listed? Let us know at info@osm-mag.com

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

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d r i v e p ow e r. c a 40

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1976 SCORPION SNO-PRO ONE OF ONLY TWO RACE SPECIFIC SCORPIONS BUILT FOR THE 1976 SEASON, THE SCULPTED HOOD HOUSED A LIQUID 340 TWIN AND TOUTED A UNIQUE INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION. THIS PARTICULAR SKETCH FEATURES SNOWMOBILE HALL OF FAMER AND LEADING SNOWMOBILE HISTORIAN LES PINZ AT THE HELM AS HE NAVIGATED THE CHATTERED ICE IN ALEXANDRIA, MINNESOTA, IN WHAT WAS KNOWN AS THE DAYCO HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR.

About the Artist Dan Gillund is a carpenter by trade, but developed a talent for drawing and combined it with his passion for snowmobiles and all things classic. The Ham Lake, Minnesota native has been dabbling in colored pencil sketches like the one you see here for the past several years, and when we spied his work at an area swap meet this past summer, we were more than impressed. Many of his drawings have been done at the request of friends, collectors, and past racers. Some of his completed originals and prints are available for sale, and we hope to show you more of them in future issues of OSM. For more information you can reach him at dgillund@msn.com

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

Visit us at The Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports Show – Booth #3426

Preview Our “NEW” 2011-12 Website Video

of the month

Anchor

Ski-Doo Escapade

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TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

Anchor of the Month Ski-Doo Escapade NAME: ________________________________________________________ Shimmering metallic coal gray with orange, red and gold striping.

COLOR: _______________________________________________________ Stunning isn’t it? ______________________________________________________________

WIDTH:

109” (277cm) (105.9cm) ___________________ WIDTH: 41.7” ___________________________

54” (135.8cm) wishful 504lbs (226.9kg) HEIGHT: ____________ WEIGHT (DRY): A ___________________________ of 1988 BIRTHPLACE: Valcourt, Quebec - Canada BIRTH DATE: Spring ___________ _________________________ Dedicated two-up touring snowmobiles were still in their early AMBITIONS: ___________________________________________________ stages of development when Ski-Doo stretched the Escapade to a then ______________________________________________________________

staggering track length of 139-inches, and outfitted it with a king/queen seat. ______________________________________________________________ Hoping to fan the flames of the yet to be discovered two-up market, the ______________________________________________________________ Escapade sucked the fire instead of blowing on it. ______________________________________________________________ Leaving showrooms out the front door versus the back. Yellow; TURN-ONS: ____________________________________________________ why the hell didn’t they paint me yellow!? ______________________________________________________________ Speed and two riders at one time.

TURN-OFFS: ___________________________________________________ MY FAVORITE MUSICIAN IS:

Ziggy Stardust ____________________________________

What?!, Buck Rogers, Buttercup NICKNAMES: Stratos ___________________________________________________ While the Escapade failed to move the touring needle for DARK SECRETS: ________________________________________________ Ski-Doo, they eventually hit the mark in the mid-90s when the Grand ______________________________________________________________ Touring began to deliver everything plus the kitchen sink, and was ranked ______________________________________________________________ at, or near the top of the touring category when the yearly odometer ______________________________________________________________ turned over to a fresh 2000. While they shared little in common, the later ______________________________________________________________ flagship touring models from Valcourt should give a tip of the hat to the ______________________________________________________________ beleaguered Escapade. ______________________________________________________________

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

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TRAIN TRACKS TUCKER HIBBERT

PEOPLE AND PASSION

Rob and I were racing to get set up on Saturday morning.

For the record, I won with my 2010/2011 X Games sled.

S

ummer slipped away extra quick this year. Even without racing AMA Motocross events, I spent more days on the road than at home. It was a fun summer, filled with new experiences, but the highlight was easily the last week of July, when die-hard Arctic Cat fans doubled the population of my hometown to celebrate 50 years of Cat. I grew up in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, home to Arctic Cat snowmobiles and ATVs. Within 60 miles of TRF, if you or someone in your immediate family doesnʼt work at Arctic Cat, your neighbor probably does. Itʼs a small town with good values, and filled with people who are passionate about snowmobiles.

My long-time partner in crime, Rob Dahlen, was the mastermind behind the Hibbert Racing display. He laid out a plan to display the history, and share the

Mackinzie and Mandi were all smiles, sitting in the shade under the merchandise tent.

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stories of 40 years of Hibbert Racing.

In preparing for the display, the first order of business was to dust off the cobwebs and polish up both my Dadʼs (Kirk) and my trophy sleds. Luckily, my Dad was smart enough to hold onto a few of his special sleds, and Iʼve been collecting since the beginning of my pro career. Our final display included my Dadʼs 1990 I-500 winning EXT, my 2011 FIM World Championship Sno Pro that I raced in Finland, and everything inbetween. Along the way we learned that twelve sleds donʼt fit into my race trailer.

Next in line was to decide what gear to display. Each year, I save a set of gear from all of my major events. The past ten years was easy, but getting back to my early years of racing took some work.

Once we got my stuff in order, we tackled my Dadʼs piles and boxes of gear. Thatʼs

PHOTOS BY MACKINZIE ENGELSTAD

when the bench racing got good. Before I knew it, we were pulling out riding gear and memorabilia that I had never seen.

No doubt, getting ready for the event was half the fun, and in the end, we settled on eleven full sets of race gear to display next to the sleds.

We wanted to give fans a complete experience, so for the first time, we opened the doors of the Monster Energy/Arctic Cat race trailer. We stripped down my 2011 ISOC Pro Open Points Championship Sno Pro, set it up in the middle of the trailer, and covered the walls and workbenches with memorabilia.

The kitchen was stocked with Monster Energy and homemade monster cookies, complete with custom black and green M&Ms. Thank you to Monster for sending me nearly 2000 cans to give-a-way, and to Robʼs Mom, Rosie for baking 500 blue ribbon worthy cookies! It didnʼt take long to run out. The trailer tours were a big hit.

We werenʼt the only ones working overtime to perfect our display. Droves of people from across North America pulled together their prized possessions,

My hero, Roger Skime and I. He didnʼt stop smiling once during the weekend. I donʼt think I did either.

Jan Flemstrom and his buddy came all the way from Sweden. Jan played a big role in helping me get set up in Sweden for the 2010 World Championship. By the looks of this picture, he was telling one of his many amusing stories.

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

Distributor Ontario and Western Canada 1 800 661-9438 www.transcanimports.com

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in order to proudly display them for thousands of fellow Cat fans.

After two days filled with stories, laughs and a few tears, I left the event exhausted and speechless. The 50th reminded me that Arctic Cat is a company built on people and passion.

Iʼm fortunate to represent a homegrown brand, dedicated to providing people with a quality product to explore the outdoors and spend time with their friends and family. I get to travel the world to be an ambassador for this company, and share the ride with people I love. Bottom line is; Iʼm a lucky guy. ✪

www.tucker-hibbert.com Twitter.com/hibbert68 Facebook.com/TuckerHibbert Youtube.com/TuckerHibbertTV

The monster cookies easily earned 41 and 68 stamps of approval.

41 fans were out in full force.

I was pumped that my Uncle Rex and Cousin Jared drove out from Wyoming. Besides swapping old racing stories, it looks like my Dad and Rex were engineering future snowmobile or tractor technology…in the dirt.

An early morning shot of the Hibbert Racing line-up.

AS WARM AS YOUR MOMMA’S CHICKEN SOUP US Army Natick Proven ‘Toray’ Dermizax Fabric Construction Insulated Jacket with Wicking Liner Waterproof, Windproof And Breathable Fully Taped Waterproof Seams Throughout

To locate a dealer near you visit www.motorfist.com Toll Free: 1-877-FIST-411 (877-347-8411) 46

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FOLLOW US

FACEBOOK.COM/MOTORFISTGEAR TWITTER.COM/MOTORFIST

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

Headhsot by Todd Williams • www.toddwilliamsusa.com

WINGING IT WITH LEVI LEVI LAVALLEE

TRAVEL TALES

never would have guessed that a snowmobile guy could be so busy during the off-season, and it certainly wasnʼt always the case. During my first few years as a pro, my summers were mellow. When the snow season ended, I spent most of my time building jumps, riding dirt bikes and wake boarding. Since then, each year has gotten more and more busy, which by no means is a bad thing.

To give you an idea of just how much I have going on outside of racing, this past year I went to British Columbia, Illinois, and Idaho for dealer appearances; North Dakota for the KC Pro West snowmobile banquet; a Minnesota Wild hockey game; Santa Monica for a week of training; and had a foam pit crew appreciation weekend.

Oh, and did I mention, that was all in the

first month after the end of race season!

I know that those who donʼt travel much may think itʼs a cool life, but there are some things about travel that just suck; like the actual flying part. I live about 3 1/2 hours from the Minneapolis airport, and for many years I would have to spend 7 hours in a car round trip, every time I flew. It wasnʼt so bad when I only traveled a few times a year, but now I fly as often as once a week. With so much travel, Iʼve started to fly direct from the Brainerd, Minnesota airport, which shaves my driving time down to just 2 hours. Aside from the hassle of flights and airports, the other aspects of travel have been awesome.

During my trip to British Columbia, I met up with Cory Davidson (not the super fast Cory of cross country fame), but the other

cool Cory who works for Polaris in those parts. He took me around to visit a couple of different dealerships, and I met some great people that share the same passion for snowmobiling as I do. While there, Cory took me out ripping in the mountains, in a Polaris Ranger RZR side-by-side. I jumped at the opportunity, and Cory co-piloted me through some amazing country; and believe it or not, I was able to keep it shiny side up the entire time!

A few weeks later, I went out to Idaho and had some more fun! Again, I did some dealer appearances and then met up with Brett Jensen from Polaris, who took me up in the mountains with a pair of long track Polaris RMK snowmobiles. I have done a lot of cool thing on sleds, but that was the first time I rode a mountain sled in the mountains! I have been fortunate enough to ride in the mountains a handful of times on my race sleds, but I had never ridden a true mountain sled. After experiencing how much fun mountain riding is with the right sled, I definitely hope I get to do it again!

A recurring trip I have taken the past few years is the KC Pro West year-end banquet. KC Pro West is a snowmobile racing series for the young, up and coming snowmobilers (age 4-14), that promotes safety, good character, and good sportsmanship among other things. I have been able to go to their year-end banquet the last few years and give out the trophies, sign some posters, and swap racing stories with some of the kids. Every year I leave the banquet with a few lasting memories.

There was the limbo competition one year where I thought my shrunken adult size

Working the Loctite display at the Lowe’s company party.

Snocross in summer is what makes Sno Motion a must attend event.

Ripping with my buddy Cory Davidson and the Polaris RZR in British Columbia

Chilling at Haydays with some best dressed fans.

I

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TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

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would give me the advantage, but that wasnʼt the case; those kids kicked my butt! Then there was the KC banquet where I must have signed every pair of sunglasses in the building, thanks to one inventive young rider who asked to have his goody bag sunglasses signed. It only took one pair, and soon every kid there had to have their shades autographed.

However, last yearʼs banquet is the most memorable to date. I was busy signing posters, when one young girl decided to be a trend setter and quietly asked me to “sign her face”. I tried talking her out of it, but she was determined to have my signature on her face.

Any similarities are purely coincidental.

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49

Once she had it, all the kids were in line asking for the same. In the end, at least for one night, that little girl accomplished her goal, and took Kim Kardashianʼs “trend setting” spotlight away. Ha ha!

I could keep writing for days about the rest of the things that took place this summer; like going to Vegas for AMA Supercross; North Carolina to show people how awesome Loctite is at the Loweʼs Company Party; San Diego for a site check for this yearʼs Red Bull: New Year. No Limits Jump; two Fourth of July parades; the Middle East for the troops; Summer X

Games in LA; Sno Motion in Michigan (snocross race in August on real snow!); Kurtʼs Polaris open house in Montana and learning that tannerite makes a darn big boom while there; New York City is still super busy; and Hay Days is still the place to be if snowmobiling is your passion!

Snow season is coming quick and I have a packed schedule ahead, including plenty of training, but Iʼll leave you with story involving my buddy Evan Daudt. Evan has been spending time training with me this fall, and during an end of session run, he slipped during a last lap sprint. He put his

My good friend Travis Pastrana and I, checking out the scene for this winter’s Red Bull: New Year. No Limits event.

This girl set the trend at the KC Pro West year-end banquet.

hand out to break his fall and felt something give. The picture tells the story, yet two days later, Evan was back at it… youʼre an animal Evan!

Until next time.

- Levi

Stay Connected TeamLaVallee.com Twitter.com/Levi_LaVallee Facebook.com/LeviLaValleeFanPage

No doubt, Evan Daudt is one tough hombre’.

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stemosw Twonsey… n in o atible with compotorcycles! m The scala rider G4 PowerSet for Snowmobiles is a wireless, hands-free Bluetooth communication system. With easy installation on virtually any snowmobile helmet, you can talk to riders in your group, use your cell phone, get GPS instructions, or listen to music…all without taking your hand off the throttle.

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FOR THE RECORD PAUL THACKER

THANKS TO THE HATERS

Pointing our guests in the right direction along with Joe Wiegele of No.Style Productions and Lifestyle11.com

W

ith all that has happened over the past year, you would think I would simply be content to hang out at home, and heal at a nice slow pace. Yeah right! Iʼm actually busier now than Iʼve ever been and Iʼm not complaining one bit. Always moving forward…thatʼs my motto.

Last issue I gave you a sampling of the “e-legs” I had a chance to sample from

The days can be long and the nights way too short at Haydays, thus a good breakfast is necessary.

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Berkeley Bionics. I was lucky enough to do the trials at Craig Hospital, and Berkeley was so happy with the way things went, they asked me to come on board as a company ambassador and test-pilot for the legs! I couldnʼt be more excited about the opportunity, and Iʼm even more excited about walking (before I can on my own) on a regular basis. I recently attended my first conference as a Berkeley representative in Vegas and it was a huge success. In fact, Iʼm already on the schedule for more. I hope they have a “work for product” program.

Always pushing the envelope, Iʼve also

✪ 11

started discussions with some folks in their R&D department about possible changes that would allow me and others in a similar condition, to ride a snowmobile standing up. The wheels are always turning.

I recently returned from Alaska and my last stop was at the SnoBarons Haydays World Championship Grass Drags and Swap Meet in Minnesota. Iʼm sure youʼve heard of this infamous event, but if youʼve never been, Haydays represents the kickoff event of the season and is one of, if not the largest, snowmobile event on the planet. It all happens in a hay field, and itʼs fairly standard operating procedure to have an amazing time. I spend a good amount of my time visiting with sponsors, approaching new ones, seeing old friends and making new ones. This year was no exception. We had an amazing compound/display, complete with a portable DJ for kicking the tunes. One of the best parts of Haydays is the evening social hour (or is it hours? – ha ha) when most of the people have left the venue and only industry folks remain. Everyone tends to gather, enjoy an adult beverage, and talk about how fast we were or how big we all used to go. Itʼs one of my favorite parts of the event, or the year for that matter.

This year, the gathering took place right in front of my trailer. Everyone was having a fantastic time when it was brought to my attention that my freshly wrapped trailer had been keyed down the entire side and across the front of my coach. I was both speechless and mad as hell.

The new rig was freshly wrapped just days before Haydays… looking good.

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

The wrap can be fixed, but I always have a hard time understanding how someone can be so disrespectful of anotherĘźs hard earned property.

The damage got me thinking‌Iʟm sure there are those who feel I was handed

Bobby Joe Otte of Team Mad Customs was feeling hospitable.

everything I have today on a golden platter. For the record, nothing could be further from the truth. I grew up in a trailer park‌ yeah thatʟs right; a single wide, aluminum can. To say my childhood was modest would be a stretch. Both of my parents worked their asses off to make sure we had what we needed. Their work ethic was instilled in me at a very early age, and it has never left. I worked summer jobs as a kid, both as a dock hand for the air taxi and pumping gas at the local service station, all in an effort to earn enough money to buy my first snowmobile (a John Deere Liqufire 440 which I eventually jumped through the local video sign that I had to pay for the entire next summer‌I was 12). No one has ever handed me anything.

Granted, IĘźve had some great support and supporters over the years, but IĘźve also worked and sacrificed to get to where IĘźm at. Even now, when I have plenty of excuses to pack it in, I continue to represent the companies, the fans, and the sport that has supported me and allowed me to fulfill my dreams. I have no plans on slowing down.

So to the person that tore up my SH** at Haydays‌thank you. Thanks for

motivating me even more than I already am, and to inspire me to continue down this hard earned road to success. I hope it made you feel better, because I definitely feel better about my choices and my life. They say if you have haters, then you must be doing something right‌I guess IĘźm doing just fine. âœŞ - PT11

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âœŞ

53

2011

By Jason MacDonald

YAMAHA

APEX SE

The Big Missile W

About the Mac and His Commute Each issue, our resident wrench, OSM fleet manager, semi-professional comedian, and halfass announcer, Jason MacDonald, applies words to page in order to give us his hold-no-punches take on one of our season-long loaners from the winter past. No stranger to the business, Jason has been immersed, and frankly nuts for snowmobiles for as long as he can remember. His first sled was a 1971 Skiroule S-400 that he now hopes to ride again, with me scoring a replacement model at an area swap meet. Since then, MacDonald has done it all when it comes to snowmobiles, including sweeping dealership floors, sales, service, technical diagnosis, technical writing, technical training, and wrenching for I-500, snocross and NSSR competitors. The Mac-nCheese rides our long term loaners to work on a daily basis, and spends the time between the coming and going, boasting of riding skills, stomping on egos, combing his flowing locks, and when he finds time, manages the daily service load of a bustling metro area powersports dealer. In a nutshell, “Mac” has been passionately addicted to snowmobiles for 33 years, worked at dealership for 16, a manufacturer for 5, and has had grease under his nails and scabbed knuckles the entire time…and thatʼs how he likes it.

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hile we would have never guessed it early in the season, the big pony 2011 Yamaha Apex SE became one of those sleds that we looked forward to riding each and every day of the season. Whether I was commuting to work, or running an errand to pick up Mac-n-Cheese, the big Apex was more often than not, my ride.

No doubt, at first glance when you peek out the front window and find the jet-black tuning fork sitting dutifully in the front yard, it appears a bit plump in size; sort of like the girl you went to prom with 20-years later. But once you are in the saddle, itʼs easy to recognize the high quality and precise fit and finish that Yamaha is known for. Turn the key and allow the big four stroke to quickly come to idle and not long after; operating temperature. A sensual trigger in my brain

was immediately at full alert as the Apex burbled forth a stunning staccato of inline four, power strokes. If sound is your catalyst, the Apex will fulfill your world.

As the only maker to completely embrace four-stroke technology across their line (with all due credit being given to the Bravo LT), the company has taken some hits for having machines that are a bit overweight. Such is often the case when you rely on cams and valves to do your breathing. For 2011, they added Electronic Power Steering (EPS) to the mix and it not only delivers easy steering effort, it does an incredible job of hiding the heft, especially at slower trail speeds.

In just 300 miles, we found the need to replace the stock worn carbides, and opted for a set of 6-inch Woodyʼs Trailblazers to get the machine pointed in the ride direction. The new bars literally

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

transformed the black giant; ridding the Apex of a nagging push in the corners, and instead delivering a fine balance of sharp cornering without the extra effort often associated with more aggressive bars.

With handling sorted, we set out to find a better balance between already plush ride qualities, and compliment it with the ability to absorb occasional craters without molar loosening results. The SE package comes equipped with a set of FOX Floats in the front and a massive FOX MegaFloat mono shock in the rear skid. We set the front air pressure at 72psi and the rear MegaFloat at 160psi to get the balance we were seeking. However, when ridden aggressively, the rear seemed to blow through the travel and bottom harshly on square edged bumps, but worked well in the mid-stroke at keeping the machine as graceful as possible without excessive pitch. No matter the settings, this would not be a staffers first choice for all day mogul bashing, but if the trail were groomed or even sprinkled with normal trail chatter it would be a different story.

Taking into account that the Apex is sitdown trail sled, the ergonomic relationship of the seat to handlebars was top notch.

Only occasionally did bruised knees taint our ergonomic love as they made contact with the faux gas tank cover. The placement of the bars and controls seemed to fit my 6-foot frame like a well worn glove, but the sore knees reminded me from time to time that perfection is indeed hard to achieve. Still, for an all day slog, the perch is more than acceptable. Factor in the above average wind protection and blazing

hot hand and thumb controls, and the comfort quotient increases even further. Only when the trail turns rough will you be wanting a more rider-upright or forward position, and when things get really rough, the transition from sitting to standing is difficult at best.

Itʼs on those same bumps that youʼll feel the overall heft of the big missile, but again, keep in mind that navigating such terrain is not the intended purpose of the EPS equipped big bore.

When the trail opens and the thumb warmer element meets the grip, the Apex lets out a wail that is flat out intoxicating.

The acceleration is right here, right now as the tach needle swings wildly up to and

beyond the 10,000rpm mark. With a firm pull, the Apex builds speed beyond the posted limit with ease. At such speeds, the additional weight of the Apex is likened more to love handles. The ballast keeps the Apex ultra stable, even when the needle meets the Benjamin mark. Of course fuel mileage works in reverse proportion to the speed, but still manages to post better than two-stroke sleds ranked in the same power category, and driven at the same flipper to the post manner.

Another nag was an occasional squawk heard during aggressive back-shifting, brought on from belt scrub on the secondary sheaves. Adjustment seemed to have little impact, and we eventually learned to overlook the noise, and focus instead on perfect corner exits.

If we were riders of well groomed trails and had the time to cover thousands of miles a year, this would be the machine of choice. Itʼs very easy to navigate, delivers a low fatigue ride, offers decent wind protection, and drinks fossil fuels in moderation compared to other big bore contenders. Four-stroke, Electronic Power Steering, FOX Float shocks, reverse, and electric start are the buzzwords that seem to make the 2011 Yamaha Apex, well…buzz. ✪

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

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CROSS

OFF

BY PAT BOURGEOIS

, and all r l i a r t f , of rossove c , On-trail n e e est n betw points i esent the hott is pr ne sleds re 2012. Which o d ul or class f which one sho d list? r u right, an o y f ss of you cro

NO REASON TO KEEP FLOGGING THE HORSE; IF YOU HAVE A PULSE YOU KNOW THAT THE SLIGHTLY STRETCHED WONDER KID BUGGIES, BETTER KNOWN AS THE CROSSOVER CLASS, HAS BEEN THE FIRST KID PICKED FOR DODGE BALL FOR THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS. LIKE THOSE BLACKENED BANANAS SITTING ON YOUR KITCHEN COUNTER, GROWTH AND INTEREST IN OTHER ON-TRAIL CATEGORIES HAS SHRIVELED UP TO A WISPY SLIVER OF ITS FORMER SELF. ONLY THE DO-IT-ALL CROSSOVER SLEDS CONTINUED TO SEE LIFE, AND THIS YEAR IS NO DIFFERENT. THE 2012 CROSSOVER BUGGIES TOUT THE NEWEST TECHNOLOGY AND ARE GRABBING ALL THE HEADLINES; SOME MUCH DESERVED, OTHERS BETTER SUITED FOR SUPERMARKET TABLOIDS. 56

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CROSS OFF

Arctic Cat XF800 SnoPro

Cat

With an all new chassis, front suspension, and hidden drivetrain efficiency, the new feline is dead sexy, and has Cat faithful not just foaming, but believing once again in the promised performance of their much beloved northern Minnesota brand. The rumbling big Suzuki returns from its previous year debut, with power that is refined by Cat standards, and is ferocious in terms of delivery. More importantly, the new ProCross chassis is light and way more agile than the Twin Spar it replaced, which for 2012 has been shuffled in the pecking order to a more deserved role in the Touring and Utility ranks. The ProCross is dripping with new technology, most notable being a tapered, boxed sectioned tunnel, a 30-degree mounted tall spindle front suspension, and a simple-smart fixed centerto-center distance called the Arctic Drive System (ADS). The sled is truly new from the ground up, save the power options and a familiar rear suspension. But aside from all this goodness, itʼs the damn sexy lines, and spot on ergos that has more than the Cat faithful clawing for the XF 58

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Perfect Fit

“Haven’t I sat her e before” ergonomics are sim ply that good, especially for tall-f ramed riders. For a first year effort, the “feel” of the new Cat feels like an old friend.

Butter Smooth Steering

The ProCross has retained the minimal effort ste ering that the Twin Spar displayed . Unlike the Twin Spar, it turns too.

Rumble Down Und

er The big Suzuki 80 0 returns with minimal changes. Ot her than having a high thirst for injection lubricant last year, the motor pulls like a big blo ck running on nitromethane.

Fine Italian Shoes

Rarely does a first year design grab you by the cra cker and make you fall in love. Mo st new looks require an adjustm ent period (think original Rev) before your heart goes pitter-p atter; not here.

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

CROSS OFF

Polaris 800 Switchback ProR It was probably less than 30seconds from the time you finally digested the unusual, but intriguing Pro-Ride chassis and suspension found on the Rush, that you asked the question, “Can you make it longer?” Two years later, Polaris responded, “Yeah, we can do that.”

The new 2012 Switchback is in many ways, simply a stretched Rush, with longer rails and tunnel, giving the Pro-Ride design more traction, more comfort, and more models in the big P stable. More significant is how a few more inches out the back door, in turn is changing our opinion about the ProRide concept in terms of ride and handling. In short trim, the Rush felt unbalanced, and we were never able to find our happy place. But the Switchback has us at least smiling.

The longer vehicle brings balance to the fold, both aesthetically and dynamically, by delivering improved

ride traits, especially in the stutters.

In addition, the longer tubular rear and tunnel section has created a more pleasing to the eye vehicle that dare we say, is starting to look right? Ride activity has also been softened by the adoption of a new race bred front suspension. The new extruded spindle system delivers improved turn-in, albeit with more steering effort, but requires less tank and cowl acrobatics to navigate the apex. Polaris has also addressed the storage nag that has been associated with the Pro-Ride suspended buggies, through their accessory division. The hard-sided storage bags and rear rack found on the all-new Adventure sled can be easily fitted to any Switchback.

Liberty 800 power returns after finally getting it right a year previous. While down on the stat sheet, the semi-direct fed twins spool with 600 cube quickness and smoothness. This could very well be the sled to motivate those who once had a passion for the north, start to make the switch back.

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Polaris

Longer is Better

We always felt th at the Switchback platfo rm in IQ trim just felt right, and now the same can be said for th e Pro-Ride version. The longer rail has balanced both the look and feel.

Over-Achiever and

Eater The pony meter in the dyno room may say the Libert y twin is on the south side of the “number”, but the domestic twin is in the hunt on the snow, both in terms of speed and gas statio ns.

Butt Thanks

Perhaps one of th e biggest improvements made to the Pro-Ride equation this year is the addition of more padding and 2-inches of width on all Switc hback seats.

More Shoulders

It seems the longer rail and associated calibrat ions have given the 136” Pro-R sk id more range from crater to stu tter without additional tuning tw eaks.

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

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61

CROSS OFF ride calibrations, near perfect ergos, and the best twisted trail handling in the industry. The Backcountry model focused here, compliments those trail traits with additional off-trail goodies in an attempt to balance its crossover capabilities. In Backcountry trim, the 137-inch rail spins a 16-inch wide PowderMax track with 1.75-inch lugs (spring customers could also opt for a 16”x137”x 1.5” lug track), and is complimented by DS (deep snow) Pilot skis, a tall riser block at the bars, and mountain strap. In Backcountry trim, the Renegade delivers near benchmark on trail capabilities, albeit restricted due to its additional powder focus. Yet, if you truly love to cross over and make your own tracks, this could be your sled.

More Direct

Doo

Ski-Doo Renegade Backcountry The idea behind a true crossover snowmobile has always been the ability to navigate both on-trail and off-trail with equality. Yet the true appeal of the segment has been the improved on-trail traits the stretched design delivers, along with the “idea” of having a vehicle that can let you eat cake too. Having been credited for creating the crossover segment through a dash of marketing moxie over 10-years ago, the latest generation of stretched Ski-Doo XP buggies have proven to be on-trail stars.

The rider-right ergonomics, lightweight

Less fuel, less oil, and less hassle is now more available. The direct injected 800 E-TEC is being produced in big numbers no matter the model…this is good… very good.

Freedom Fighter

chassis, standard tunnel mounted storage, and corner carving precision has made the Renegade the crossover of choice year after year. With so much goodness, little has changed for 2012 across the Renegade line. Key items of note include expanded availability of the E-TEC 800R engine; much wanted rear seat storage on the spring only X models; improved powder snow capabilities thanks to a Pilot DS ski on select models; braided steel brake lines nearly across the board; and the always hyped spring only color and graphic packages. Assuredly, the Rev chassis in both first generation and secondgeneration configurations has been a stellar on-trail machine, with forgiving

The Backcountry is clearly tuned for off-trail free riders - big lug track, mountain skis, and stand-up ergos will feed the powder hungry, while leaving trail diners with stomach cramps.

Stow Away

While we like the addition of the dual door storage at the rear of the REX-XP Narrow seat, the standard XP seat offers more comfort and more storage.

Loose the Handle

Soon all two-strokes will tout electric start, and pull-cords will be nothing more than a memory, like crank down windows. Ski-Doo is nearly there now, with their slick push-button start and instant fire of direct injection.

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TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

CROSS OFF

Yamaha Nytro XTX The Nytro XTX has in some ways become the red headed stepchild of the crossover segment. After bursting on the scene with much promise and interest, poor handling and a weight problem soon left the Nytro the last one in line for potato salad at the family reunion…forced to room with smelly Uncle Buck in the popup camper. Still, there was goodness under its unique upward jutting cowl and futuristic shape. The three-holed fourstroke 1049cc Yamaha engine was sweet music to any ear, with instant throttle response, throaty growl, meaty power band, buttermilk smooth run quality, fuel-efficient burn, and never lift the hood reliability. Whatʼs more, the cast, over-strucutre chassis was stout, able to house the extra heft of a fourstroke mill and support a suspension touted as big bump capable. The stretched 144-inch skid of the XTX version helped to calm the initial quirky handling of the Nytro, while also providing improved ride balance to the equation. Still, there was much room for

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improvement, and year over year, Yamaha engineers have whittled away the quirks. The newest version of the Nytro XTX is without question the best to date. Two key factors play into this change of heart, and they work in perfect harmony to dramatically alter the once unpredictable Nytro demeanor. Upfront, a new ski dubbed the 8HV uses a shorter keel with more trailing bite to reduce nervousness and darting. To the rear, Yamaha partnered with Camoplast to re-

engineer their original RipSaw, resulting in the appropriately named RipSaw II. The new track reduces the amount of side-bite, thus allowing the track and subsequently the rear of the Nytro to slide and pivot through a corner versus bite and push. Those two changes, joined by the tipped rail CK 144 rear suspension, new seat material and foam, and dual clicker front suspension shocks with both compression and rebound control, creates the most palatable Nytro XTX to date.

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

ng Tipped Thrainil ki allows

the Nytro A tipped rear r in hard te or sh ” it’s XTX to “think e rear s. By lifting th pack condition ck, pa ow sn e off th of the track d an shortens the wheelbase . ns ke ic qu g handlin

Three forledGGoenesis

Yamaha

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705-295-4283 www.gatewaypowersports.ca TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

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No other category is perhaps more diverse and at the same time, more closely matched than the power quotient. The big 800 Suzuki stuffed into the ProCross chassis for example, is a torque-laden beast with gobs of horsepower and elbow snapping acceleration. However, rough off-idle run quality, and thirst for crude, in both fuel and injection oil, knocks it down from the pole position. Just down the road in Roseau, the Liberty 800 appears to have finally found the right combination of piston design and fuel calibration which, in turn allows the word quality to be placed into its bucket of positive attributes. Yet, despite its smooth acceleration, and

quick rev nature, it needs to eat less and produce more to truly make the grade. That left us to mull it over between the 800 E-TEC Rotax and the four-stroke Genesis, and while hard to believe, it was very evenly matched.

The 800R clearly produces more power, weighs less, and is oh-so close in terms of fuel usage, but we had to give the nod to the more refined Genesis 1049. The torque of the triple four-stroke is as linear as it can get, and is equally as thick. But it was the turn key run quality, reputation for reliability, and a lifespan that will clearly outlast the chassis that allowed it to edge out the others, despite producing less and weighing more.

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Serving as the backbone to the vehicle, the chassis plays a primary role well beyond support for powertrain and suspension. Attributes such as comfort and ergonomics are inherently linked to the chassis and were taken into account as we studied all four, rigid, over-chassis designs. With each delivering an element of rider up-right or rider-forward ergonomics, we had to ultimately tip our hat to the all-new ProCross from Cat. While unproven to

some extent in consumer trim, the new technology, bubbling from its aluminum underpinnings is poised to shake up the status quo. The most notable new tech nugget is the Arctic Drive System (ADS) that fixes the center-to-center distance challenge between the crankshaft and jackshaft for improved performance and longer belt life. Joining this is the boxed and tapered rear tunnel, simplified overtop steering system, and the best ergonomics weʼve enjoyed to date.

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ism – c i t e l h t A ion Suspens

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Polaris

The crossover suspension battle heats up for 2012 with the introduction of the new ProCross models and associated Arctic Race Suspension, along with the improved performance of the stretched Pro-Ride suspension from Polaris. In recent years, be it in short track or crossover dimensions, the Ski-Doo SC-5 rear skid and dual A-arm front has edged out the competition, thanks to its ability to tackle more varied terrain with greater control and comfort, while having to be adjusted less. Truth be told, if the Renegade had employed the new rMotion in longer rail lengths, Ski-Doo would win the argument once again.

However, the longer rail on the Polaris Pro-Ride in coordination with the new front suspension and improved ride calibrations,

gives it the suspension edge in 2012. With calibration revisions, new spring rates, a new front suspension and most importantly, a longer rail, the Polaris Pro-Ride design gained some much needed ride quality balance and at the same time, reduced the need to be constantly tuned for conditions. The Pro-Ride is still far from perfect, and the three competitors can currently one-up the Pro-Ride in various conditions and circumstances. For now, the Pro-Ride big crater capabilities and technical coolness gives it the edge. However, with Arctic Cat perhaps just needing a year of calibration, Ski-Doo possibly opting for a long railed rMotion, and the unknown advancement lurking at Yamaha, the suspension battle is far from over.

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o o D

The ability to carve a corner is paramount, especially in todayʼs big bump focused suspensions.

While being able to charge head long into a whooped out section of trail is an amazing feeling, being able to cut under your buddy in the turn is even better.

In the world of crossover, turning becomes even more

difficult due to longer rails and more aggressive tracks pushing the vehicle through the corner.

Both Yamaha and Polaris looked to improve their turn this season, with Yamaha opting for new ski geometry and shape, and Polaris adopting their race proven front suspension with decreased caster and friction.

Arctic Cat meanwhile, is sporting a new chassis and new Arctic Race Suspension, and the initial results were extremely impressive in prototype calibration. Time and tuning could very well have team green leading the pack through tight wooded trails. That leaves us with Ski-Doo and their proven design, which continues to slice trails better than anyone else.

Even in Backcountry trim, the Rev XP can set a line and hold it almost anywhere in the turn, allowing riders to cut under or carry speed deeper than anyone else.

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Old Forge, NY (315) 369-6334 | Boonville, NY (315) 942-2399 TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

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TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

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On-Trail Traits XF 800 SnoPro

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From comfort, to handling, to storage, to amenities, and much more; in order to avoid being crossed off our on-trail traits list, a snowmobile needed to perform well in many categories. Simply put, it was the sled with the best all around trail riding experience, and this year we were surprised to give the nod to the new kid on the block; the Arctic Cat XF. From its spot on ergos and butter smooth steering effort, to its all around comfort and standard storage capabilities, the XF delivered.

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Our experience tells us, crossover sleds rarely cross over to offtrail duties, but when they do, the Renegade Backcountry is best suited for the job. While finding and holding the tip-in balance point remains contentious in our book, the wide, deep lug track, and mountain bred ergonomics with standard mountain grab strap gives the “gade” the off-trail edge. While the Nytro has plenty of flotation with its 144-inch RipSaw II under foot, the added weight of the Genesis hampers its maneuverability. Meanwhile, both the Polaris and Cat are oh-so close, and frankly, if the Switchback Assault were in the mix, the results would likely change.

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No need to rub your eyes, we were frankly as surprised as you were when the final line was drawn. Despite being the new kid on the block with plenty to prove; the comfort, refinement, and all around capabilities of the XF were enough to avoid our red ink. For certain, there remains plenty of unknowns with the new ProCross that will be sorted out, but if the XF first draft is this good, we canʼt wait to experience the final cut. ✪

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

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TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

2012 POLARIS

SWITCHBACK ADVENTURE

BY TIM ERICKSON

HEY, MR. NORRIS! HERE’S YOUR RIDE. our pal Mr. Norris were going to single-handedly take down a terrorist cell in remote mountainous reaches of Pakistan in the dead of winter, he would tell Polaris to send him a 2012 Switchback Adventure.

Knowing Mr. Norris is a stickler for stuff that just works, he’d be satisfied with the power coming from the Polaris 600 Cleanfire two-stroke, semi-direct twin.

While thirsty by today’s standards, Chuck would complain about mileage. He most certainly would appreciate the clean run quality, regardless of elevation; something very useful when sneaking up on mountain camps. With snow deep enough to cover the baffle, the Adventure is a relatively quieter machine as well, with tight, rattle-free underhood harmonies - all useful traits when encroaching enemy combatants.

A stout mid-range, accompanied by on-target clutching, is a nice combo for Chuck to rely on for a quick getaway after he stares tyrannical leaders to death, and wicked henchman enter the scene with full clips and backup artillery.

If

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2012 POLARIS SWITCHBACK ADVENTURE The strength of the Pro Ride chassis may not withstand a direct hit from a 25mm cannon, but Chuck is elusive – and those potential captors and killers wouldn’t get him in the crosshairs, due in part to the Adventure’s handling. During the getaway, Chuck could charge head-long into whooped out paths, knowing the ProRide skid shines when the holes get deep and the throttle is massaged vigorously.

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The Switchback handles well and goes where the driver intends because Chuck tells it to. The good news is that you have the same control, thanks to rider-active handling. Rather than simple steering, the driver is in command of how aggressively it corners, based on input – useful for our hero to swerve to avoid a barrage of gunfire. The driver is also in control of weight transfer, though the spring

calibrations make the newest Pro-Ride rear suspension models less sensitive to setup and driver input. Past models had stark differences in weight transfer.

The Adventure has other comfort creatures that Chuck doesn’t need, but appreciates. The grenades on his beltline have uncluttered pins, thanks to side wind deflectors that push icy Old Man Winter bits aside. The seat – wider in the rear and tapered in the front – offers both sport and comfort options if seated fore and aft, respectively. Chuck prefers to stand, and the running board traction is sufficient for secure footing when returning rearward fire.

Finally, the standard saddlebag luggage is pure utility for this one-man army to carry his weapons cache – when combined with the luggage rack, total gear capacity is 45 pounds.

OK, so you’re not Chuck or any other action adventure movie star, and you don’t have to stock the saddlebags with teargas, a few ’9s and an Uzi. But, if you have to navigate Pakistan or even a bombed-out trail between here and your 300-mile destination, you’ll feel better and enjoy it more on his ride. Chuck said so.

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

2012 POLARIS SWITCHBACK ADVENTURE

Top Features that Measure Up The XP Experts SKI-DOO CLUTCH KITS CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE FOR ALL OUR PRODUCTS

The Adventure Cargo System includes a rack (with optional rear cargo bag) and the two easily detachable saddlebags. Weatherproof seals help keep contents dry, and the bags have inner liners and carry handles, making it easy to transport your gear.

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The 136-inch Cobra track is a great companion to this machine’s handling and usage intent. Lugs are 1.352 inches and it rotates around the Pro-Ride rear suspension, which feeds energy into this top-tunnel over-structure. In total, the vehicle is comfort calibrated to keep it connected to the ground, whether on smooth trails, or hitting bombed-out craters that would swallow one of those stupid Smart cars. Progressive indeed!

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310

CHALLENGE

BY PAT BOURGEOIS

One tank of gas, one self-proclaimed fuel sipping king, and 300 miles of desolate tundra.

Screw OPEC, here comes the ACE.

hen the Ski-Doo 600 ACE was first unveiled last winter, the message was clear – efficiency, and the new 600 four-stroke twin was playing the lead role.

Dubbed the ACE, which is a clever acronym for Advanced Combustion Efficiency, every detail of the fuel-injected parallel twin engine was designed for maximum efficiency. From its dimensional bore and stroke, to its intake and exhaust track shape for volumetric efficiency, to subtle details intended to reduce mechanical friction; the entire engine was designed to sip minimal fuel while hitting its targeted 60-horsepower.

Efficient technology lurked beyond the engine as well. A new primary clutch that was designed to be lighter and more simplistic was affixed to the crank, while cooling details, water pump design, and the oil pump operation were all refined to perform better, and do so using less fuel robbing energy.

W RED

CENSO

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TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

10

For mechanical tech geeks, the entire make-up of the 600 ACE and the nine models it powers for 2012, is a fascinating study of design, materials, and fancy engineering words. For newbs and others who enjoy simple, reliable power, yet not too much of it, the ACE was the answer.

Then there was “the number” - 310 miles. To clarify, when the ACE hit the snow pack, Ski-Doo officials boasted it “delivered the industry’s best fuel economy,” and by a wide margin; up to a whopping 29-mpg, or 8L/100km. Do the math and that equates to 310 miles, or 500 km to a tank of gas.

Hogwash you say? We thought the same, so we did what any red blooded doubting Thomas would do – we topped off the tank, found 300-plus miles of desolate trail, and attempted to achieve maximum efficiency.

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310 CHALLENGE

Odometer – 0 Miles

Fuel tanks not only vary on volume, but dreaded air pockets could potentially rob us of precious fossil fuels. We delicately shook our ACE to ensure every last cavity was filled with the petro, paid the man, and shoved the nozzle back into the pump for the last time.

Odometer – 48.5 Miles

We chose to ride in Minnesota’s far northeastern Iron Range country. The trails in this region are plentiful, always well groomed, and consist of long stretches without roads, towns, or other hazards that could slow us down, or more importantly; lower our mpg. A light snow atop near frozen ice made for ideal conditions. Even the fuel gauge on the Bearcat had yet to move from F at just under 50 miles in.

Inside, my wingman looked as fresh and excited as he did when we left. The sweet smell of Aloe and Cucumber Suave hand lotion helped Timmy catch his second wind, and he was ready to chase the ACE snow flap through the dark of night again.

Odometer – 125.7 Miles

Odometer – 96.3 Miles

A good wingman is hard to find.

Fortunately, I coerced staffer Tim Erickson to saddle up on our trusty Bearcat. Don’t laugh; after spending the better part of a week aboard the beast, the high capacity feline is a good man to have along… just like Tim

While we had yet to knock out a 100 miles, Mother Nature calls at unexpected times. We shut down the ACE to conserve the nectar, and used the beam of the Bearcat to illuminate the way to well equipped privies.

Odometer – 112.6 Miles

Not knowing where our journey would end, or when for that matter, the Bearcat played the role of pack mule. Salty meat, fresh cheese, and a few sleeping bags would be enough to ensure we’d make it through the night… wherever that might be.

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Glowing like a beacon on the horizon, the Side Lake store offered a warm beverage, a bag of Cheetos, and a chance to stare down a trail map for the next section of trail. Hopes of finding any type of “real” shelter to sleep in for the night looked grim.

Something must have been in that Aloe hand lotion, as we stumbled across the Antler Lodge within 10 miles of giving up hope, and planning on riding through the night. Northern Minnesota sure does have some nice racks.

The locals in this part of the country clearly take pride in their real estate.

With fuel available, we topped off our support vehicle – 8 gallons even put the mpg of the big Cat at 15.71, damn good for a vehicle fully loaded and most likely would tip the scales in excess of 1,000 pounds. I waited patiently while Tim topped off.

Odometer – 187.9 Miles With daylight, groomed trails, and a steady pace just under 50mph, we racked on the miles until an unexpected cooking accident forced us to stop for lunch. Tim

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

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310 CHALLENGE had hoped to heat up a few cans for Stew, fresh venison, and Chef Boyardee® on the expanse of exhaust pipe under the Bearcat cowl.

Inconsistent heat regulation forced us to consume the half heated pasta packets early.

The smell of instant cooked pasta filled the air when a can decided to eject its well-cooked load into the bowls of the beast.

HOW I ENTERTAINED MYSELF AS WINGMAN I don’t know if it was sitting behind a huge pane of Lexan on the Bearcat, the cushy seat, the modest pace I was riding following the ACE, or it was just that I wasn’t testing a sled for a change … I had to find ways to entertain myself while playing wingman.

Here’s my top 5.

Odometer – 211.1 Miles All had been going smoothly till we hit the 200mile mark. Up until that point, the fuel gauge on the ACE clung to the half full mark.

Our spirits were soaring, and I prematurely declared to myself that the 310 mark was “in the bag”. Tim and I actually stopped and laughed out loud on how ridiculous the fuel economy was. I was getting frisky with the throttle, still being careful not to hold it wide open or stab it quickly. But the scenario turned quickly, as fuel bars disappeared and the fuel light began to flash intermittently.

1 2

Odometer – 251.8 Miles With a few last surges, a wheeze, and a pop, the ACE coasted harmlessly to a stop…shy of our goal, but still remarkable at 251.8 miles.

A visual check confirmed the obvious. While the ACE failed to make the claimed ideal distance of 310 miles on a tank, coming up less than 60 miles shy, the range was impressive. While we made a conscious effort to be easy on the throttle, we also rode the little XP with enough vigor to enjoy it. Our skis left the ground on more than one occasion, and rear tail whips on the exits of snow bermed corners did happen. With a spec listed 10.6-gallon tank, we managed to squeeze out 23.75 miles to the gallon!

My wingman thought of nearly everything for the 310 Challenge, save filling up the Jerry Can. After hitting nearly 24mpg, we truly believe the 310-mile range and associated 29.25mpg is attainable with the ACE. On this day, we came up 2-gallons shy of the mark, and a one-hour hike from the fuel.

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Even though the core mission was to run the ACE ’til dry, I called Bourgeois a dumbass for running out of gas.

Cooking with a four-stroke is a different world.

Pull-tab Chef Boyardee® ravioli can’t withstand a two-mile run at wide open throttle, next to four-stroke plumbing that gets hot quickly.

3

The Bearcat is a packrat.

Consider the contents I carried as wingman: a Gerber hatchet, a cable saw, a portable GPS, waterproof matches, fire-starter, spare gloves, a 200w power inverter, two sleeping bags, more jerky than reasonable for two men going 300 miles, a 2.5 gallon loaded fuel can, a cop flashlight, a duffel bag of spare clothes … the list goes on.

4

The packed equipment and rider added ballast to an already well-built sled with massive steel bumpers, a 20”x156” track and other sturdy-gauge heft. I was rolling more than 1,000 pounds. Deer were the ones watching for me.

5

The next time I climb onto a Bearcat, I want to drive it to Hudson Bay. I felt part warrior, part adventurer. As equipped as I was out there, I had the tools to survive for weeks, and machine enough to travel to the most remote places.

Needless to say, I was getting tired of staring at the Ski-Doo snowflap. Who’s up for being my wingman?

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

D A E H er’s

y u b guide ARCTIVA GOGGLES The bold graphics on the Arctiva Goggles will fit anyoneʼs personality and helmet, suit and ride. These goggles feature dual pane lenses and an ergonomically designed shape that fit into the port hole. To make the look a little more unique, Arctiva goggles have a slight bubble shape that enhances visual acuity. For more information visit www.arctiva.com Who Should buy these? Riders that like to match their gear, and riders that want to be noticed but not stand out.

Z1R PHANTOM SNO-TRON HELMETS If youʼre in the market for a full face lid that has good value, good lines, cool paint with the snow camo pattern worked in, you may want to step up and purchase the Z1R Phantom. There are numerous color choices to work in around the camo if you want to match your uniform or sled. Other feature comforts worth talking about; a chin curtain and breath box will keep you comfortable and the fog-free double lens shield will make sure you enjoy the view while youʼre out blazing the trails.

For more information visit www.z1rhelmets.com Who Should buy these? People that want to work a little camo into their diet, and touring riders.

Who should you buy this for? The rider you know that is always complaining theyʼre face gets cold on the trail, someone who always has cool stuff.

SPY GOGGLES If theyʼre good enough for Tucker who has put his name on them, then theyʼre good enough for you. The all new Tucker Hibbert signature SPY goggles have been designed and refined by TTrain himself. Specifically made for snowcross, but donʼt let that stop you from wearing them on the trail. They will exceed your expectations, and who doesnʼt like pinstripes? This goggle includes Hibberts backlatch system, a contrasting white nose guard plus a bonus dual pane snow lens and clear motocross lens. They are available through Tuckers Hibberts Online Store. www.tuckerstore.mybigcommerce.com Who Should look at buying a set? The legendary hockey type commentator Don Cherry, the Men in Black, or the dude in the group that always has the best stuff.

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TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

GEAR FOR YOUR NOGGIN’

HMK HAT Do everyone a favor and cover that mullet up, especially after riding for a few hours and being in a sweaty helmet. No worries HMK is here to help your hair do whether itʼs been teased or mullified. Be quick to purchase one of these hats, since Big Foot debuted the “TEAM” hat, they have been flying off the shelves.

Hey if he can look good wearing a “TEAM” hat, so can you. There are a few different colors to choose from. For more information visit www.hmkusa.com Who Should buy these? Big Footʼs cousin Sasquatch, hairy people and people that are prone to getting helmet head.

CARDO SYSTEMS SCALA RIDER G4 Weʼve all ridden with that person that comes up to you and says “Didnʼt you see me? Iʼve been trying to get you to stop for the last 10 minutes. Iʼve gotta go find a tree.” Cardo Systemsʼs Scala Rider® communication systems come with ultra-thin microphones especially designed to fit your helmets comfortably. Sledderʼs with Scala Rider can talk freely to each other and their group and make important decisions without stopping to have trailside meeting. Software Version 3.1 introduces multiple new features for riders including a click-to-link feature enabling calls between the rider and any other snowmobile G4 PowerSet user within range. Great news for the gadget guy or the gadgetty girl, you can also connect your MP3 and mobile phone to it, giving you the freedom to skip work and work from your sled or allow you to order pizza. For more information visit www.cardosystems.com Whoʼs in to this? Everyone that rides should be looking at it, couples that like to communicate clearly, even Crockett and Tubbs when chasing bad guys for a beat down.

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buyguide ION HELMET If you are not planning on laying down a lot of cake to have a quality helmet, the ION helmet by Ignition products might be what you are looking for. This modular helmet has a lot of similar features to that of a big buck modular lid. There is a wide range of sizes (XS-XXXL) so youʼre sure to find one that fits you.

For more information visitwww.ignitionproducts.com.

Who Should buy these? Smokers that donʼt want the hassle of taking a helmet off, or people that talk too much. Riders that want to stretch their snowmobiling dollars as far as possible.

OGIO BRACE CASE Each year more and more riders are smartening up, putting more thought in to safety. Just one bad calculation can make for a nasty outcome and a safety brace is the way to go. Once you own your brace, youʼll need a place to store it and keep it in good condition. The new OGIO brace case fits Leatt and Alpinestars braces, with molded EVA foam case for ultimate protection. For more information visit www.ogio.ca.

Who Should buy these? Anyone who owns a brace. Why wouldnʼt you want to protect what protects you.

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TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

GEAR FOR YOUR NOGGIN’

POLARIS AF2.0 HELMET If you are in the market for a full face helmet and thinking of more of a vintage look with all of todayʼs bells and whistles, Polaris has thought of you.

The AF-2.0 delivers outstanding protection and comfort, effective anti-fog technology. The best news about it is that it is SNELL 2010 and DOT certified. The polycarbonate shell gives great protection, the moisturewicking QwickDry liner is removable and washable to keep the helmet interior smelling fresh, allowing you to sweat all you want. The PureSeal™ Technology is a highly effective anti-fog system that prevents a riderʼs breath from fogging the dual-pane shield. For more information visit www.polarisindustries.com Who Should be interested in owning one of these? Past members of Polaris Thrill Team, people stuck in the 70ʼs with bell bottoms like Disco Dan, those that like a high end stylish piece, and of course TX riders and Rush Retro riders.

SCOTT 350 SERIES HELMET The design says itʼs for a younger crowd, so if youʼre closer to retiring than you are to having your first real girlfriend or boyfriend, this may not be the best color scheme choice for you. Weʼre not saying that a 60 something dude isnʼt cool or wouldnʼt look cutting edge in this, itʼs just that the new 350 Bolt has multi colored bold graphics and the features you need for it to be functional for your everyday use. With integrated intake and exhaust vents you know it is going to keep the moisture from building up. There is a breath box available that will keep the hot air from rising and fogging goggles. And no, the breath box will not keep all hot air from rising, so take it from our intern, it doesnʼt work on Mexican food. Most importantly the 350 Bolt is DOT/2010 SNELL approved. For more information visit www.scott-sports.com Who Should buy these? Gassy individuals, riders that consider themselves stylish. Eddy Grant should have worn this when he made the music video for Electric Avenue.

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buyguide SCOTT HUSTLE SNOWCROSS If you like protecting your beak as much as we do, you will like the Hustle goggle which is specifically designed with snowcross in mind. These goggles are trail ready, they just have enough protection that you will feel like your invincible. Trail riders will like it as much as a racers do because it keeps the wind chill down.

Features include, 100% UV protection and the patented Fit System for optimized face lift you can be sure that you can get a complete seal to your face and with Lens Tech No Fog lens treatment you can be certain youʼll see that big double, or the big tree in the corner. The Hustle also has big hypoallergenic face foam that helps keep the wind out of your eyes and your face warm. For more information visit www.scott-sports.com Whoʼs hustling up a pair? Trail riders and snowcrossers alike, and the Robert Redford cool type.

SMITH FUEL V.2 SWEAT The new Snow Fuel v.2 Sweat X packs some cool custom graphics with F.A.T 3-Layer, extended face foam and Yellow dual-pane, anti-fog Airflow lens creating a style that integrates the widest range of helmets on the market. A snow mask is included to keep the effects of wind and roost to a minimum.

Smith has brought six different color schemes to choose from.

For more information visit www.smithoptics.com Who Should be buying these goggles? Superstars, riders and racers alike.

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240 HP Z1 TURBO PACKAGE DYNO SERVICES DYNO JET TRACK DYNO MACHINE SHOP & WELDING BIG BORE ENGINE KITS CLUTCH BALANCING TRAIL & RACE PORTING CARB BORING & TUNING CYLINDER REPLATING & EXCHANGE PROGRAM GRASS & ASPHALT & ICE DRAG SET UPS HUGE SELECTION OF ENGINES, PARTS, TUNING COMPONENTS, USED PARTS & USED SLEDS

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

GEAR FOR YOUR NOGGIN’

509 EVOLUTION CARBON FIBER HELMET If youʼre in the market for one badass helmet, then 509ʼs carbon fiber is the way to go. The all new 509 Evolution FULL CARBON FIBER helmet is based on the Evolution helmet shell, however itʼs pillow light. This helmet also features an upgraded premium liner, and best of all, this Carbon Fiber helmet wonʼt set you into the red. For more information visit www.509films.com Who should have one of these on their head? People with weak necks, riders that want lightweight and protection, Maverick and Goose would support the Carbon look.

LEAD DOG HELMET LIGHT Anyone that disagrees with the theory of, ʻthe more light the betterʼ scares us.

Especially when youʼre riding through trees and along trail systems. The Lead Dog is a helmet light that is connected directly to your helmet so it illuminates what you are looking at. You might think that your light on the front of your sled is good enough but when you want to look directly at trail signs or trail reflectors this is your best bet. For more information on the Lead Dog visit www.helmetlight.com People that should consider making this purchase? Night riders, border partrols, ownerʼs of a Phazer – you might as well look like your sled.

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buyguide 509 BLACK OPS POLARIZED GOGGLE If you feel like youʼre a special opps kinda rider, then youʼll be all over these. The name says it all and will give you the “Donʼt mess with me Hoss” attitude. The Black Ops come standard with a polarized smoke lens and features a new matte black frame color and a 509 metal badge on the strap. For more information www.509films.com Who should be wearing these? People that donʼt have to back anything up, any of the Rangers or Delta team in Black Hawk Down, Heck Chuck Norris would even be tougher with these.

FXR OCTANE HELMET The new FXR Octane helmet is making an aggressive entry to the market, in seven color options. There is a look for everyone, FXR made sure of it. The helmet pictured here is the Orange/White and has a lot of paperwork behind it that you can frame and put on your wall next to your middle school diploma. What paperwork? How about its SNELL M2010 (sizes XS/2XL) approved, DOT and ECE 22.05 (all sizes) approved. The FXR Octane is one of the lightest polycarbonate helmet to meet SNELL approval ratings, and is available with the optional winter kit. This winter kit doesnʼt consist of a block heater, jumpers, or a flashlight, it turns the Octane helmet from a moto/snowcross helmet into a full face helmet with a shield. Itʼs very unique and practical. For more information visit www.fxrracing.com Who should be wearing this? Someone that wants one helmet to do everything with, racers, and the Julio type guy that steals the Show with his good looks and nifty accessories.

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D HEAer’s

buyguide RECRUIT GOGGLES (ICE BLUE) FXR has six different color ways available for the Recruit goggle. The wind resistant tri-laminate inserts keep the wind out and makes sure that your anti fog double lens stays clear. With UV protection and tri density moulded face foam they keep your eyes protected and sit comfortably on your face. For more information visit www.fxrracing.com

FLY RACING F2 CARBON SNO-CROSS ADULT HELMET If youʼre looking for a tough helmet step right up to the new F2 Carbon helmet. Itʼs a fullon carbon fiber/Kevlar® helmet designed with Megan Fox hot type graphics and as tough as George St-Pierre, with a price thatʼs so good. Key stats to remember for the F2 is that itʼs SNELL M2010, DOT, ECE and AS approved. That means the helmet is qualified to be worn, but are you qualified to wear it. For more information visit www.gammasales.com Who should be sporting this helmet? People with letters of qualifications behind their name (if you donʼt understand this, donʼt worry, itʼs not you), racers that leave everything on the track but take their pride and prize money home every weekend and the guy that always manages to leave with the trophy girl.

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HABER VISION Do you suffer from fogging goggles and from glare from the snow and ice? Sure we all do.

Sounds like a midnight infomercial with Sally Struthers selling degrees, “Go from professional letter openers, to a Doctor over night”…Well, Haber Eliminator Fan goggles can be your ticket to ending fogging and glare. By using a fan to take the moisture out and better anti fog coatings and improved venting systems not to mention that the lenses are polarized making for better vision with sun and glare. The Haber Eliminator adds another layer of protection making your goggle even more resistant to fogging. For more information on the Haber Vision goggle visit www.habervision.com Who Should buy these? Anyone that has a degree on their wall that stemmed from late night TV, heavy foggers and those that never want to fog or have a problem with the glare.

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

D HEAer’s

buyguide SHREDDER BALACLAVA Who isnʟt in the mood for a new Balaclava? ‌Now say it like this, Bala-clllllllllava. After sweating and breathing heavy in yours for years, treat yourself to a new one. The new Shredder balaclava is perfect to help keep you warm on the trail. Just always remember to take it off when you go into pay for your fuel. Itʟs a proven fact that gas clerks feel uneasy when masked people enter their stores. Available in 9 color schemed windproof plastisol prints that eliminate wind in key areas, while allowing breathability on the top of the head. For more information visit www.fxrracing.com Weʟre not sure who shouldnʟt be wearing one of these other than riders that donʟt snowmobile and frequent gas stations late at night.

ARCTIC CAT SNO PRO HELMET The new MX Sno Pro Helmet from Arctic Cat combines high-tech features with an ultra-light design for high performance conditions. Thanks to its lightweight shell made from carbon fiber, Kevlar and fiberglass, the entire helmet weighs just 2.9 lbs. for all-day riding comfort in the most demanding conditions. The dual-intake ventilation system allows controlled airflow into and through the helmet for optimized temperature management. A removable/washable anti-microbial Ultralux liner wicks away moisture for added comfort, and rubberized eye-port edging keeps goggle straps in place. Meets D.O.T. and SNELL standards for protection. Itʟs available in black or orange in S – 2XL sizes at your local Arctic Cat dealer.

Visit www.arcticcat.com to find a dealer near you, or call 1-800-3-ARCTIC. Who should purchase this?

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TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

GEAR FOR YOUR NOGGIN’

GMAX 54S FULL FACE MODULAR HELMET Cigars were given out when the newest member of GMAX family was introduced to the snowmobile world. The GMAX 54S Modular Snow Helmet has a new modular design which allows the “flip-jaw” to rotate further back on the crown of the helmet.

The further rotation of the flip jaw increases the riders line of sight when in the raised position. The interior of the 54S has a long list of features that included, built in speaker pockets for communication and mp3 devices, removable/washable interior, removable chin curtain and breath guard. And an inner flip tint sun lens. For more information on the GMAX Full Face Moduular helmet visit www.gammasales.com Who should consider this helmet? All trail riders, trail riders and more trail riders.

ARCTIC CAT AVIATOR HAT The new Aviator Hat from Arctic Cat is constructed of a durable polyester/lycra with synthetic fur lining to keep you warm and stylish. Itʼs available in Pink in three sizes XS, S/M and L/XL. Visit www.arcticcat.com to find a dealer near you, or call 1-800-3-ARCTIC. Who should buy this? Pink ladies Olivia Newton-John and Michelle Pfiffer, and trophy girls.

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THE GOLDEN YEARS MEMOIRS OF AN ADDICT: CHAPTER “14”

SKI-DOO CITATION 4500

G

ert was born in Quebec, but lived most of her first 7 years in Muskoka; more specifically Bala and Gravenhurst, Ontario. Adopted from the factory in November 1981, Gert sat in a dark, windowless and unheated shed until Christmas morning (Dec 1981) at which time Barry Jonesʼ Mother-in-law took off the big ribbon and bow.

As luck would have it, Gert was all shined and gassed up with no place to go.

It did not snow in Bala until around January 17, 1982. After it finally snowed and the roads were plowed, and the snow was pushed back to form 3 foot high banks, Barryʼs Father-in-law took Gert out for her maiden voyage along River Street.

Apparently, Gert was not happy with the

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By Ed Long

treatment she had received to date, and used her pent up energy to immediately launch herself over the bank and into the bush, on the curve beside Carr Lake.

Gert spent the next week at the local SkiDoo dealership, getting fitted with the second of three front bumpers that would ever adorn her, and the second hood and windshield.

In the summer of 1984, Gert changed owners and moved to Barryʼs house in Gravenhurst, where she could be seen jockeying the local Pedwell, Schell and Jones kids around the block on a regular basis. At this time, there was approximately 2000 miles on the odometer and other than the bumper, hood, windshield and some plugs and belts, few repairs had been made. Barry and Gert could be seen guiding the Bala and Streetsville club riders around the Timmyʼs Easter Seal ride on Lake Muskoka for many years. On one occasion, we stopped for a break and someone asked how thick the ice was.

Barry picked up the hatchet and chopped into the ice, expecting to see clear blue chips flying. The hatchet went right through and Barry and Gert dropped about 10 inches, at which point they landed on the thick ice. Once we got our breath and hearts back into our chests, we lugged both of them out of the air pocket, up onto the good ice. Gert was also a regular on the Bala Snowmobile Club Christmas and Halloween parade float: Addicted.

I brought Gert home to Streetsville, ON. in 1990, and sold her to a local lad a few years later, with 16,000 miles on her odometer.

Besides the hood and bumpers, the only items repaired or replaced in 16,000 miles, were an occasional rear wheel, slide rails, plugs and belts. The belly pan rusted out and was replaced with a stout aluminum plate. During this repair, it was noted that the exhaust pipe tip was almost completely broken off. The engine received a new set of rings and gaskets (base and head only) at around 12,000 miles.

The Citation 4500 and its sister sled, the Moto-Ski Mirage II were in my opinion, the best value (for the dollar) leaf spring SkiDoo, up to the introduction of the Safari series. From personal experience, the chevron patterned track on the Moto-Ski offering was far superior to the straight bar pattern on the Citation series. However, the track on the Citation was lighter and

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

THE GOLDEN YEARS MEMOIRS OF AN ADDICT: CHAPTER “14â€? more flexible, resulting in a slightly higher top speed. During the Bala Winter carnival, I borrowed the radar gun from the office, and radared sleds for a small donation to the club. As I recall, the Citation SS/Mirage Special with twin Mikuni carburetors, reached a top velocity of 72 MPH, whereas the 4500/Mirage II single carb sled topped out at 61 MPH. A few years later, the OPP Safaris, loaded down with safety and rescue equipment, reached a top speed of 55MPH (all speeds recorded at 1,200 feet +/-). This was also the day I first saw Dave SmithĘźs Alouette Super; another story for another day.

The Citation 4500 came with a slightly tapered bench seat, large enough for one large driver or two average sized passengers.

We found with BarryĘźs weight (260lbs.) or two people on board, the rear springs were inadequate for all but the smoothest of trails, or rides on Lake Muskoka. Dave at CampbellĘźs Landing, sourced a heavy duty set of springs which solved the problem.

Technically the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. This sled was an overachiever. The sled was 263cm long, 93cm wide and 98.4 cm high, with a claimed dry weight of 169 Kilos. The 377

twin cylinder, axial fan cooled motor was bullet proof and found on many Ski-Doo offerings over the years. The motor was suspended in [as opposed to mounted on] the bulkhead at three points, which reduced the vibration felt through the feet and the ape hanger handlebars.

The Bombardier-Rotax 369cc, piston ported twin, provides more performance than a power plant this size should. It was not unusual for this little sled to outperform some of the competitionĘźs 440s, especially in SS or Mirage Special form. In the later years, the engine was equipped with CDI ignition and oil injection, while electric start was, to the best of my recollection, a $300.00 option. Engine performance is for nought if you cannot get the power to the track. The Instant Torque drive and cam action driven clutches on the Citation gave steady, reliable and predictable service.

Fortunately, long belt life meant not having to loosen the jackshaft at both the secondary and disc brake to change the belt on a regular basis. Believe me when I tell you, it was a chore in the heated shop and a knuckle buster on the trail.

The Citation 4500 is the middle child in the Citation line up. The 4500 received a

dose of economy by using a single VM34 Mikuni carburetor. This also improved its versatility compared to its big sister the SS, as there was seating for two and less track spin. With a fuel capacity of just 28.4 litres, it was best to be aware of where you were going and when the local gas station was closing for the day. The full size [289.6cm x 38.1cm] all rubber track, along with a relatively light 169 Kilo sled makes the Citation a good, but not great, deep snow performer. The relatively high centre of gravity made cornering on the trails a bit of a challenge, but aided in side hilling and boon docking where the sled was quick to respond to driver input.

There was no magic formula built into the sleds suspension. Up front the sled came with multi-leaf spring skis and shock absorbers. The ski legs were offset to give the Citation a wider 81.9cm ski stance. The basic Torque Reaction slide rail out back, came with a simple adjustment system and an adequate six inches of travel. The suspension came with four coil springs and one basic, oil filled shock absorber. Spring tension was adjustable by using the spark plug wrench on the four adjuster blocks. As usual with so many sleds of this era, storage was an afterthought. The Citation series had a large, irregular shaped storage bin under the hood. While the size of the bin was reasonable, accessing it could be a chore. Saddlebags were a welcome Christmas present.

In October 1981, Bombardier advertising stated, “You, the smart handler,â€? and in November 1982, magazine advertising stated, “The only small sled feature is the price.â€? Both statements adequately describe this basic, economical and fun sled. âœŞ

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BONE COLLECTORS

SPOILED SPORTS

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ith the yard resembling the movie IRobot, we were excited to spend the day checking it out. This man before us with unbelievable ʻcollectingʼ skills, can save your ride…whatever year it is. And chances are, he has the part for you. His name is Dave Todd.

Dave is the owner of Spoiled Sports a full line Polaris Dealership, machine shop, fabricator, etc., and whatever your needs, it can be done on site. Daveʼs other business of used parts, which has

100

been in operation since ʼ88, is what we were coming to take in.

Arriving at Spoiled Sports Polaris in Bowmanville, Ontario, we were dying to check out the Bone Yard. Having no idea what weʼd actually find, as itʼs deceiving from the road since the yard is well hidden, we were more then pleasantly surprised.

Just past the dealership which was erected in ʼ93, there is a large gravelled parking lot with 10-12 transport trailers lined up in a giant square. Some of the trailers have a roof between them

allowing for covered outdoor storage and somewhat resemble tunnels. One tunnel leads to a graveyard of vintage Colts and chassis - If McGuiver had to get out of a jam, heʼd have no problems rigging something up here.

In the Bone Yard, thereʼs industrial shelving behind the trailers loaded with interesting things, storage is available under the trailers for wrecks and parts that have been sent to death row. Itʼs just a matter of time before they rust out or be freed to a new home. When I was opening the doors on the trailers to check out what was hiding behind them, I had no idea what we would find. To my surprise, everything was very well organized, with electricity installed in all units. The trailers are set up more like rooms. There are racks and racks of carbs, engines, suspensions, clutches, pipes, seats, hoods, you name it, he had it. Thereʼs also a must see watercraft park just off to the side… totally amazing.

If youʼve been searching for a used part, guaranteed Spoiled Sports Polaris has got it, and some! (905) 436-6487 just ask for Dave.

Amazing what you will find deep within. The tunnel ended in an opening where there was a grave of a Colt.

The must see watercraft park. Kids love it.

Donʼt be scared Sally…just open it.

Anyone would be shocked to see what was in these trailers.

Skid Row

Racks of stuff, the more you look the more you find.

Deep under, and past the El Tigre, thereʼs a stack of ancient Polaris hoods.

Separated at birth, Dave Todd and John Force reconnect.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Just hang on Brother, itĘźs under here.â&#x20AC;?

50 feet of carbs

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Clutch Kits, Y-Pipes & Compete Exhaust Systems

TX 500 triple, found under 50 pounds of tarps.

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RIDING THE NORTH SHORE OF THE

ST. LAWRENCE RIVER PHOTOS COURTESY OF © Le Québec maritime / Marc Loiselle

LOCATED ON THE NORTH SHORE OF THE ST. LAWRENCE, THE CÔTE-NORD – MANICOUAGAN REGION IS IDEAL FOR SNOWMOBILERS IN SEARCH OF WILDERNESS AND WIDE OPEN SPACES. TRANS-QUÉBEC TRAIL #3 (TQ3) CONSISTS OF 1647 KILOMETRES OF TRAILS THAT WEAVE THROUGH THE REGION ALONG THE NORTH SHORE FROM EAST TO WEST. © Le Québec maritime / Marc Loiselle

iselle arc Lo e/M maritim uébec © Le Q

TQ3, which offers spectacular views of the St. Lawrence Estuary, is wide, carefully maintained and well-marked. There is also several service centres located along the trail where you can purchase fuel and have a bite to eat. The trail is ideal if you plan to cover many kilometres in one day.

If it is not practical for you to transport your own snowmobile to the region, you can rent one. Hamilton & Bourassa offers rental and guide services. This is a practical and fun way to discover the region and all of its treasures.

The Tadoussac Bay and Saguenay Fjord areas offer a number of observation points for admiring breathtaking seascapes. In Sacré-Cœur, you can enjoy the Ferme 5 Étoiles Family Vacation Site, which offers several packages to snowmobilers of all levels. Various accommodations are available as well, including B&Bs, condos and cottages. You can even spend the night in a yurt or tepee. The site also offers guided snowmobile tours ranging from a half-day to five days.

As you continue eastward along your journey, you might see an ice-covered St. Lawrence River. In Escoumins, you can spend the night at Auberge de la Baie, where you will receive a warm welcome and stay in a comfortable room. In the morning, you will be served breakfast in the dining room. You can also spend a 102

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Loiselle e / Marc ec maritim © Le Québ

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RIDING THE NORTH SHORE OF THE ST. LAWRENCE RIVER night at Baie du Soleil Couchant B&B in Longue-Rive. This charming log house is not located directly on Trans-Québec trail #3, but snowmobilers can access it easily.

The warm welcome you will receive from your hosts, the cozy atmosphere of the log house, the view of the bay and a hearty breakfast will have you coming back for more.

A few kilometres away, a 30-metre bridge crosses the river at Portneuf-surMer. If your schedule allows for it, plan to cross the bridge in the evening when it is illuminated. The setting is absolutely magical!

The Manicouagan River, the largest in the region, is very familiar to snowmobilers. The snowmobile bridge over the river is 213 metres (700 feet) long and 27.4 metres (90 feet) above the surface of the water. It is the longest snowmobile bridge in North America and is guaranteed to thrill.

The city of Baie-Comeau is located on the other side of the Manicouagan River,

where you will have access to lodging, meals, fuel and entertainment. Located on the shores of the St. Lawrence River, Hôtel Le Manoir is always ready to welcome snowmobilers, and the facility offers a snowmobile shelter and repair shop. Modern amenities combine with the unique charm of this old French-colonial style manor. In addition, the dining room offers succulent dishes featuring seafood, grilled meats and regional cuisine.

A few kilometres east of Baie-Comeau in the Baie-Trinité area, you can take an 11-km detour to Pointe-des-Monts and visit one of the oldest lighthouses in North America. The lighthouse is located on a long, rocky ridge that juts into the St. Lawrence, offering an unparalleled, panoramic view. On clear days, you can even see the wind turbines on the other side of the river, in the Gaspésie!

Snowmobilers who do not wish to backtrack may cross over to the south shore of the St. Lawrence aboard the N.M. Camille-Marcoux, a ferry between

© Le Québec maritime / Marc Loiselle

Baie-Comeau / Godbout and Matane in Gaspésie. Ferry service is available year round. The trip is approximately two hours and twenty minutes in length, giving you ample time to gaze at the iceriddled St. Lawrence before embarking on new trails (TQ5).

Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Tadoussac Lodging: Ferme 5 Étoiles Family Vacation Site quebecmaritime.ca/ferme5etoiles Day 2: From Tadoussac to Longue-Rive (132 km) Lodging: La Baie du Soleil Couchant B&B quebecmaritime.ca/soleilcouchant Day 3: From Longue-Rive to BaieComeau (220 km) Lodging: Hôtel Le Manoir quebecmaritime.ca/manoirbcomeau Day 4: Return trip between Baie-Comeau and Pointe-des-Monts (260 km) Lodging: Hôtel Le Manoir Day 5: From Baie-Comeau to Les Escoumins (285 km) Lodging: Auberge de la Baie quebecmaritime.ca/aubergebaie Alternative: Ferry to Matane (Gaspésie) quebecmaritime.ca/matane_bcomeau Day 6: Return to Sacré-Cœur (66 km)

Additional information For trails, packages and to order trail maps, visit snowmobilequebecmaritime.ca.

You can reach Hamilton & Bourassa, which offers rental and guide services, at 418-296-9191.

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NUTRITION AND TRAINING DREW ROBERTSON

BEAT SHIN SPLINTS ello OSM Readers! Summer is over, HayDays has passed, the leaves on the trees are turning colors, and we are looking skyward for the first hint of snow! All summer we’ve been dedicated to the gym, eating right and now we are ready to ride…well almost. Each year after the first ride, I get emails declaring, “Help, I have shin splints so bad that I can barely ride!” So, in this article I will be giving you some suggestions to prevent the dreaded shin splints.

Before we get started, I’d like to thank the athletes that came to the second annual Evolved SX Motopark boot camp, and all of our amazing Sponsors. The athletes went through a grueling five day camp, while discovering that the mind is an important factor in both training as well as racing. I would like to thank OSM, Motopark, Intensity Nutrition, OTSFF sports marketing, J&R Hall Transport and Christian Brothers Racing. Keep your eyes open for more camps to come, both off and on the snow.

H

Now let’s talk about shin splints, what causes them and what we can do to prevent them. First, what causes shin splints? There are many causes of shin splints, and they are categorized into two main groups: overload and biomechanical inefficiencies. Shin splints are commonly associated with sports that require a lot of running or weight bearing activity, and caused by the impact force associated with these sports. The sudden shock force and change of direction leads to muscle fatigue, thus losing their ability to adequately absorb the damaging shock force. The second group is biomechanical inefficiencies, and the major inefficiency is that of flat feet! Flat feet lead to over• pronation. Pronation occurs just after the heal strikes the ground, when the foot flattens out and rolls inward. Over• pronation occurs when the foot and ankle continue to roll excessively inward and it’s the excessive inward rolling that causes the tibia to twist, which in turn, over• stretches the muscles of

the lower leg. Other biomechanical causes would include: poor running mechanics, tight, stiff muscles in the lower leg, running with excessive forward lean (and this would be the body position on the sled), forward lean and knees slightly over the toes, running with excessive backwards lean (and this would happen on the sled under acceleration), landing on the balls of your foot, and running with your toes pointed outwards.

Since about half of all lower leg problems are caused by biomechanics inefficiencies, it makes sense to get the right advice on footwear. Your feet are the one area you should not "skimp" on. The best advice I can give you concerning footwear is to go and see a qualified podiatrist for a complete foot• strike or gait analysis. They will be able to tell you if there are any concerns regarding the way your foot• strike or gait is functioning.

After your foot• strike has been analyzed, have your podiatrist or competent sports

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footwear salesperson recommend a number of shoes that suit your requirements. Good quality footwear will go a long way in helping to prevent many lower leg problems.

First of all, a thorough and correct warm• up will help to prepare the muscles and tendons for any activity to come. Without a proper warm• up, the muscles and tendons will be tight and stiff. There will also be limited blood flow to the lower legs, which will result in a lack of oxygen and nutrients for those muscles. This is why, in previous articles I have stressed doing the dynamic warm• up prior to working out or riding!

Secondly, flexible muscles are extremely important in the prevention of most lower leg injuries. When muscles and tendons are flexible and supple, they are able to move and perform without being over• stretched. If however, your muscles and tendons are tight and stiff, it is quite easy for those muscles and tendons to be pushed beyond their natural range of movement. To keep your muscles and tendons flexible and supple, it is important to undertake a structured stretching routine.

Stretching is one of the most under• utilized techniques for improving athletic performance and getting rid of those annoying sports injuries. Don't make the mistake of thinking that something as simple as stretching won't be effective

Stretching Exercises • Kneeling position, the runner points his toes out behind and gently sits back on heels, pressing the tops of the feet towards the ground.

• Standing arm’s length from the wall, place hands on wall, keep feet and knees straight, and lean forward as far as possible.

• Standing with feet flat, bend knees forward as far as possible, keeping heels on floor.

• Because research shows that your muscles are more elastic after they’ve been warmed up, stretching should take place after a ride, workout, or physical activity.

Strengthening Exercises • With a partner, hold down the other’s feet which are flat on the ground. With resistance on their toes, have them lift their toes up.

• Sitting with left ankle on right knee, apply pressure to inside of foot (near large toe) with hand, and turn foot up and in, using leg muscles.

• Same position as above, apply pressure to outside of foot (near small toe) with hand, and turn foot down and out using leg muscles.

• Same position as above, apply pressure to top of foot (near toes) with hand, and lift foot using leg muscles. Repeat with right ankle on the left knee.

• Sitting on a table or chair, attach a weight (a bucket filled with rocks works well) around the foot. Without bending your knee, move the foot up and down from the ankle.

• Anchor one end of an elastic band to the leg

of a table or sofa. Stretch the band, and then loop it around the end of the foot. Move the foot up and down and side to side against the bands resistance.

• Draw each letter of the alphabet in the air, with the big toe of each foot.

• While standing erect, raise up and down onto your toes several times. If that is too easy, you can make it more challenging by performing the same exercise while standing on a step and allow your calves to stretch over the edge of the step.

• In a sitting position, lower and raise the feet with the heels on the ground, as high and quickly as possible for 60 seconds. I have athletes do this exercise during the school day while sitting at their desk.

• Walking on toes – take 25 to 30 steps per leg; do this during your warm• up, 2• 3 times per week.

• Walking on heels • take 25 to 30 steps per leg; do this during your warm• up, 2• 3 times per week.

• Walking with feet tur ned inward and outward; take 25 to 30 steps per leg. Do this during your warm• up, 2• 3 times per week.

• With socks off, gather up a towel that is flat on the floor, using only the toes.

• Pick up marbles using your toes.

Till next time, eat well, train hard and have fun!

Coach Drew • drew@evolvednutrition.com

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WOMEN RIDING FOR WOMEN

The

weekend of February 3rd, 4th and 5th, the Muskoka trails will be painted pink for the 13th annual Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Snow Run. Each February for the past 12 years, this very special weekend event has taken place.

The location is changed every few years to a different resort in a snowy paradise, amongst the wonderful snowmobile trail system. This year the venue will be held again at Hidden Valley Resort in Huntsville, with the entire resort being dedicated exclusively to those taking part in this extraordinary affair.

Chances are that you may have heard about this charity ride over the years,

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and although the mind might quickly ponder, “Oh, another charity ride/event,” make no mistake, this is one event that deserves the admiration that its reputation has built. The idea behind this allwomen snowmobile event is a snowmobile ride and experience that will not soon be forgotten, while at the same time, paying it forward. The theme of “Women helping Women” speaks volumes about the funds that are raised annually at this event, helping to financially assist those diagnosed with breast cancer, (across the country) while battling this disease. Although the ride is for women only, there is a strong male force that ensures, through volunteering and fundraising, that all participating in this event will have a wonderful and memorable experience. The amazing and helpful grounds crew members welcome you upon arrival and offer their assistance – everything from unloading your machine, to parking your vehicle and trailer if you desire!

This is an event and charity that is volunteer driven. The dedication of the organizing volunteer committee ensures that this is no ordinary group ride or event. The event kicks off on the Friday afternoon, allowing ladies time to get

themselves settled in at the resort, meet the registration team while picking up their fundraising incentive gifts,(complete with a fabulous goody bag) and to shop at the pink market. Early evening the Friday night MeetʼnʼGreet really kickstarts the festivities and is hosted by Carey Moran from KICX FM. You never really know what Carey has up her sleeve each year, but she will ensure that you have a great time. The MeetʼnʼGreet is a great opportunity to meet with other riders, catch up with old friends from previous rides, and just relax and have fun. Inclusive with dinner, games, prizes, laughter and of course; judging of the decorated bra contest (everyone is invited to submit their own creation).

The following morning is all about the ride, after enjoying a wonderful buffet breakfast. When a participant registers for the event, they choose which team to ride with, based on their riding ability.

Teams are further broken down into to smaller groups to ensure maximum enjoyment for all. The beauty of this design is that there is a team for everyone; whether it is your first time riding, or if you love to zoom along on the trail! While everyone is enjoying the morning and preparing for the amazing

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

KELLY SHIRES BREAST CANCER SNOW RUN

ride, a secret panel of judges are covertly making notes and taking pictures of the snowmobiles, which have been decorated for the decorated sled contest.

Each team then departs on its designated route after the opening ceremonies, which is a celebration that is hard to capture in words. Teams will meet up at the designated lunch location, nestled on the trails. Each team then departs from the lunch destination to arrive back late afternoon at Hidden Valley Resort, where they are treated to hot chocolate and treats before they hit the showers and get ready for the evening ahead. The festivities kick off in the evening with cocktails, a scrumptious

plated dinner, speeches, awards and an amazing silent auction. We have a very special guest speaker and emcee lined up for this yearʼs event. For those who are not quite ready to call it a night, we invite you to join us as we dance the night away. Sunday morning participants are treated to a buffet breakfast before they leave for their journey home, full of new memories and the knowledge that they have made a difference in the life of someone battling breast cancer. Itʼs a feeling that words cannot fully capture.

Whether itʼs a small or a large commitment, working together we ARE making a difference. Our sincere appreciation goes to everyone who participates in this event and to our great crew of volunteers. Heartfelt appreciation to all our sponsors, including platinum level sponsors – BRP Inc., Choko, Factory Recreation, (Ski-Doo dealer in Midland) FXR, Royal Distributing, and The Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV and Powersports Show (a full list of sponsors can be found on the charity website).

There is a way for literally everyone to get involved; from participating to fundraising, volunteering, or simply supporting the companies that champion

the charity!

The Charity and the event were cofounded by good friends Kelly Shires and Suzy Stenoff 13 years ago (prior to Kelly losing her battle to the disease on October 31, 2004). When Kelly was diagnosed with breast cancer, she immediately knew she wanted her focus to be on others in the same situation.

She knew and had personally experienced everything from the initial diagnoses, the physical, emotional, mental and financial aspects of the battle against the disease. In realizing each aspect, she knew there was a large deficiency in the financial component.

Most of those going through treatment are too ill to work, and many do not

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KELLY SHIRES BREAST CANCER SNOW RUN

qualify for any type of government assistance at a time when they need to focus on their health and recovery. OHIP and private health plans do not cover all expenses related to going through a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

This is where Kelly knew a difference

Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Snow Run could be made. Her dream and legacy carry on today though each participant and volunteer.

The Kelly Shires Foundation helps financially assist breast cancer patients across Canada with items that are not covered by OHIP or private medical plans. To learn more about the event or to make a donation, please visit: www.breastcancersnowrun.org. For more information on the charity, visit: www.kellyshiresfoundtaion.org. The Quebec chapter celebrates its 7th annual event in February. For details please visit: www.randonneedesneiges.org

DONATION FORM

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MASTERCARD

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Space is limited for the ride, so itʼs your choice be a part of this amazing experience. Registration is simple and can be done online at: www.breastcancersnowrun.org .You wonʼt regret it! Itʼs time to take a quick reading break and logon to your computer to make a difference!

Make sure you come and visit us at our booth at the Toronto Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports Show at the International Centre – October 14 – 16th! (Follow the pink carpet to our booth; we canʼt wait to see you!

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The New Brunswick Federation of Snowmobile Clubs La Fédération des Clubs de Motoneige du Nouveau-Brunswick NBFSC’s 30th Anniversary- Classic & Antique Ride-Ins for 2012 The primary focus of the NBFSC’s 30th Anniversary is to celebrate, in this case, our tremendous success with the introduction of Classic and Antique Trail Permits in 2007.

New Brunswick, the NBFSC was first snowmobile jurisdiction to offer to snowmobilers an option other than a “one fits all” trail permit or registration (that is more common in the USA). That was six seasons ago; it is now hard to believe how many opponents there were to this idea.

Fortunately though there were more supporters and the motions to accept were passed by a majority of the member clubs in May of 2007.

Joining the NBFSC in 2012 will be representatives of the Antique & Classic Snowmobile Club of Canada (ACSCC). They intend to attend one of the three planned NBFSC 30th Anniversary Ride-Ins this winter tourism season. Their website is www.acscc.com The President of the ACSCC, Shawn Horner, actually became a member of the ACSCC almost 8 years ago. He was hooked immediately after attending the ACSCC A.G.M. at the Cook’s (late ACSCC President, Bill Cook) farm.

The Golden Oldies Antique Snowmobile Club (GOASC) is the New Brunswick based enthusiasts who also have preserved the past and former classic, antique and vintage snowmobiles you may have owned, ridden or wanted to own. Their motto is Timeless Iron. They host a number of snowmobile shows or “show and shines” throughout New Brunswick. We are excited to have them also attend our 30th Anniversary events.

On January 21st, 2012; O’Donnell’s Cottages, www.odonnellscottages.com will be our host for the season’s first 30th Anniversary Event. Held in the centre of the province just off Provincial Trail #42, not far from Provincial #58 and right on Local Trail #586 will be our provincial Ride-In for everyone. As we will all winter, special attention will be given to all those older sleds; fan cooled, free airs, leaf springs and tillotson carburetors. We will be especially looking for anybody who has a 1982

sled, any brand, running. More prizes, special rides, Fund raising for Easter Seals and a grand old time bonfire on the shores of the Miramichi.

Next, on January 28th, 2012; Adair’s Wilderness Lodge, www.adairslodge.com will be our host for the weekend, Saturday’s Ride-In, all the day’s events, Fund raising for Easter Seals and special guests, the Antique & Classic Snowmobile Club of Canada. We will cap off this old time snowmobile event with a giant bonfire at the lodge. Find Adair’s on NBFSC Local Trail #811, not far from NBFSC Provincial Trail #31. Join the NBFSC for the second of three provincial Ride-Ins and Classic & Antique events in 2012.

Third, on March 17th, 2012; Chalets Restigouche, www.chaletsrestigouche.com will be the host for the third provincial Ride-In devoted to the celebration of 30years of snowmobiling, and snowmobiles. You can reach us right on NBFSC Provincial Trail #17; through the door yard of Chalets Restigouche. We are looking for all those sleds no longer made – Sno Jet’s, Moto Ski’s, Scorpion’s, Rupp’s, Evinrude-Johnson’s, Boa Ski’s, Chaparral’s, Snow Cruisers, Snow Prince’s, Alouette’s, Skiroule’s, Kawasaki’s, John Deere’s, Manta’s, Massey Ferguson’s and Mercs.

(There were over 100 manufacturers!). Fund raising for Easter Seals, special classes and prizes and our traditional bonfire will close this final event of the NBFSC’s 30th Anniversary.

Today, variations of Classic, Antique or Vintage Trail Permits are sold in many more parts of Canada and the USA. Our success is now everyone’s success and the overall winner is snowmobiling. And a funny thing has happened; while those of us from the past were worried about the future….it is those older sleds that have brought so many back to the trails, clubs and Federation.

As Shawn Horner stated in his election address; “we need to pass on the history and enjoyment of the hobby.

I hope to continue to add new members (snowmobilers), to bring in young people learning about classic and vintage sleds and increase the sense of community among our members”.

Join us all winter and visit our website; www.nbfsc.com this autumn and winter to receive updates, stories and photos of the ‘White Gold’, we love.

www.nbfsc.com Snowmobiling is New Brunswick’s Winter Tourism…

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30e Anniversaire de la FCMNB Randonnées “Classiques & Antiquités” 2012 L’objectif primaire du 30e Anniversaire est de célébrer ; dans ce cas-ci, notre immense succès avec l’introduction des permis de sentiers “Classiques” et “Antiquités” en 2007.

Au Nouveau-Brunswick, la FCMNB fut la premère juridiction de la motoneige à offrir une option autre qu’un seul permis ou immatriculation unique pour tout le monde (ce qui est plus commun aux É.-U.). C’était six saisons passées ; il est maintenant difficile de croire combien de personnes s’opposaient à cette idée. Heureusement, il y en avait plus en faveur et les motions pour accepter furent adoptées par une majorité des clubs membres en mai 2007.

Des représentants du “Antique & Classic Snowmobile Club of Canada” (ACSCC) viendront se joindre à la FCMNB en 2012. Ils prévoient participer à l’une des trois Randonnées du 30e Anniversaire de la FCMNB prévues durant la saison du tourisme d’hiver. Leurs site Web est le www.acscc.com Shawn Horner, le président de l’ACSCC, est devenu membre de l’ACSCC presque 8 ans passés. Il devint un accro immédiatement après avoir participé à l’AGA de l’ACSCC tenue à la ferme de l’ancien président, Bill Cook, décédé depuis.

Le “Golden Oldies Antique Snowmobile Club” (GOASC) regroupe les enthousiastes du NouveauBrunswick qui ont également conservé les motoneiges anciennes et classiques d’autrefois qu’ils ont eu eu, conduit ou bien voulaient avoir.

Leur devise est “Timeless Iron” (Métal intemporel).

Ils organisent plusieurs expositions à travers le Nouveau-Brunswick. Nous sommes très heureux qu’ils vont participer à nos événements du 30e Anniversaire.

Le 21 janvier 2012 ; O’Donnell’s Cottages, www.odonnellscottages.com sera notre hôte pour le premier événement du 30e Anniversaire de la saison. Le premier événement du 30e Anniversaire aura lieu au centre de la province, juste à côté du Sentier provincial #42, pas loin du Sentier provincial #58 et directement sur le Sentier local #586 ; la Randonnée est pour tout le monde. Comme pour le reste de l’hiver, on va accorder un peu plus d’attention à toutes les motoneiges plus anciennes : refroidissement par ventilateur, air libre, ressorts à lames et carburateurs Tillotson. Nous serons surtout intéressés par quiconque aura une motoneige de 1982 ou plus vieille qui fonctionne encore, peu importe la marque. Plus de prix, randonnées spéciales, levée de fonds pour le Timbre de Pâques, ainsi que du bon temps autour d’un feu de joie sur les bords de la Miramichi.

Ensuite, le 28 janvier 2012 ; Adair’s Wilderness Lodge www.adairswlodge.com sera notre hôte pour la fin de semaine, la Randonnée du samedi, tous les événements de la journée, la levée de fonds pour le Timbre de Pâques et des invités d’honneur, soit le Club de motoneiges anciennes et classiques du Canada. La journée se terminera par un immense feu de joie à l’hôtel. Vous trouverez Adair’s sur le Sentier local #811 de la FCMNB, près du Sentier provincial #31 de la FCMNB. Venez vous joindre à la FCMNB pour la deuxième de ces trois Randonnées provinciales en 2012.

Et la troisième de la série : 17 mars 2012 - Chalets Restigouche www.chaletsrestigouche.com sera l’hôte de la troisième randonnée provinciale consacrée à la célébration des 30 ans de motoneige.

Vous pourrez nous rejoindre directement sur le

Sentier provincial #17 de la FCMNB ; en traversant la cour de Chalets Restigouche. Nous aimerions y voir toutes les machines qui ne se font plus – Sno Jet, Moto Ski, Scorpion, Rupp, Evinrude-Johnson, Boa Ski, Chaparral, Snow Cruisers, Snow Prince, Skiroule, Kawasaki, John Deere, Manta, Massey Ferguson et Mercs. (Il y avait plus de 100 fabricants !) Une levée de fonds pour le Timbre de Pâques, des classes spéciales et des prix spéciaux, ainsi que notre feu de joie traditionnel vont clore cet événement du 30e Anniversaire de la FCMNB. De nos jours, des variations sur les permis de sentiers Classique, Antiquité ou d’Époque sont vendus à travers une partie du Canada et des ÉtatsUnis. Notre succès est devenu le succès de tout le monde et le grand gagnant, c’est le sport de la motoneige. Une drôle de chose s’est produite ; alors que plusieurs de nous se préoccupaient de l’avenir… ce sont en fait ces vieilles machines qui ont ramené tellement de gens sur les sentiers, dans les clubs et à la Fédération.

Tel que le notait Shawn Horner dans son discours électoral : « Il nous faut transmettre l’historique et la jouissance de ce passe-temps. J’espère continuer à ajouter de nouveaux membres (motoneigistes), d’amener des jeunes gens à en apprendre plus sur les motoneiges classiques et d’époque, tout en augmentant le sentiment de communautés parmi nos membres ».

Joignez-vous à nous durant tout l’hiver et visitez notre site Web : www.FCMNB.com cet automne et durant l’hiver pour y recevoir des mises à jour, des anecdotes et des photos de « l’Or Blanc » que nous aimons tous.

www.nbfsc.com

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The New Brunswick Federation of Snowmobile Clubs La Fédération des Clubs de Motoneige du Nouveau-Brunswick President’s Report…

NBFSC Club President, Jody Tower I hope that everyone enjoyed their summer and are now getting ready for another great season on the snow! This season is going to be exceptionally special, as it’s our 30th anniversary! We have a lot planned for everyone with all makes and models so check out our web site for up to date information on what’s happening. www.nbfsc.com With two Board of Directors meetings already behind us, since our Annual General Meeting in May, things are moving forward in a positive way with many new ideas. After a SWOT analysis the BOD approved the following;

www.nbfsc.com

Three Long Term Critical Priorities • Sustainability Funding for Groomers • Threat to Winter Tourism • Public Bridges on Public Lands Three Short Term Critical Priorities • Volunteer Strategic Task Force • Complete Trail Signage improvements • Install GIS Tracking System I am pleased to say that we have already had positive movement in most of the above.

The Regional Development Corporation has offered $400,000 for groomers. The BOD has offered six clubs the opportunity to up-grade their groomers, with two new ($100,000 each) and four refurbished or used ($50,000 each). These are 50% grants, a huge help in moving the yardstick forward, again a big thank you to RDC / Province of New Brunswick!

Another success from the past season is the Inkerman, Le Goulet area (Zone 3) with our Joint use section. This is a huge undertaking by the NBFSC and NBATVF in sharing infrastructure on trails in this area along with short pieces of trail to access services, etc. in the winter season. A lot of effort has been put in this area to make this positive and successful for all.

We almost achieved our goal last year of 80% compliance so we will strive to make this happen again this year. I would like to thank all the other agencies that were a major part of this achievement from the Province of New Brunswick; DNR, TAP, DPS ORVE, DOT with out these partners we would have never made it to where we are at now. I would also like to thank the NBATVF and the clubs in the area, for their efforts / dedication to educate non-supporters.

We have been working very closely with our Provincial Government on the Public bridges on public lands file. We only use the bridges during our lease agreement (15 Dec – 15 April) each year and as you all know we can actually make our own snow bridges in the winter. However, it is time consuming and shortens our trail life with the thaw. We have given some suggestions / ideas to the Ministers and await Government response. On a positive note, no bridges have been removed thus far. The Provincial Government has been listening to our concerns and working with us to find solutions, which is all very positive and I would like to thank them for the opportunity and support.

A Short Term Critical Priority, we are placing GPS’ in our groomers this year. This will help the federation / clubs in many ways; it will give us an accurate map, up to date grooming status, take the burden off the volunteers in updating the web site for grooming info, safety for groomer operators, up to date GIS file and trip planning, to name a few. We are very excited about this new venture and what it can or will do for us in the future.

At all our 30th anniversary events this year, we are partnering up to raise money for Easter Seals. We have been partners for the past 30 years and it is our charity of choice. As we all know, volunteers are dwindling in many activities these days and there are many more charities looking for their share, as we have seen in Snowarama over the years. So for the 30th year we would like to make it special for them and raise more than we have in the past. Please plan on attending our 30th anniversary events and sponsor / donate to Easter Seals.

I am extremely pleased to pass on that BRP Ski-doo and its dealers will continue again this year with the BRP Ski-doo Million Dollar Club Support Program. This will be the 4th year for this program, last year it gave NBFSC clubs $26,310. Please see our web site www.nbfsc.com or www.ski-doo.com on complete details and how to get your certificate.

In closing I think it will be a very successful and positive year for the NBFSC with lots of exciting opportunities. Keep our fingers crossed for lots of snow! Please keep an eye on our web site for our “What’s New” articles and up-dates with our 30th anniversary events and to just to stay in touch. www.nbfsc.com

Snowmobiling is New Brunswick’s Winter Tourism…

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Rapport du Président…

J’espère que tout le monde a passé un bel été et que les gens se préparent maintenant pour une autre merveilleuse saison sur la neige ! Cette saison va être exceptionnellement spéciale, puisque c’est notre 30ième Anniversaire ! Nous avons planifié beaucoup de choses pour tout le monde, ainsi que pour toutes les marques et tous les modèles ; allez donc visiter notre site Web pour de l’information à jour concernant les événements prévus. www.nbfsc.com Ayant déjà deux rencontres du Bureau de direction derrière nous depuis notre Assemblée générale annuelle en mai, les choses vont de l’avant d’une manière positive et avec plusieurs nouvelles idées. Après avoir effectué une analyse FFPM, le BD a approuvé les points suivants : Trois priorités critiques à long terme • Financement durable pour les surfaceuses • Menace au Tourisme d’hiver • Ponts publics sur les terres publiques Trois priorités critiques à court terme • Groupe de travail stratégique sur le volontariat • Compléter les améliorations à la signalisation des sentiers • Installer le système de repérage SIG Je suis heureux de vous annoncer que nous avons déjà eu des mouvements positifs dans la plupart des points ci-hauts.

La Société du développement régional a offert 400 000 $ pour des surfaceuses. Le BD a offert à six clubs la possibilité de moderniser leurs surfaceuses, dont deux nouvelles (100 000 $ chaque) et quatre remises à neuf ou usagées (50 000 $ chaque). Il s’agit de subventions de 50 %, une très grande aide pour faire avancer les choses ; encore une fois, un gros MERCI à la SDR et à la province du Nouveau-Brunswick !

Un autre succès découlant de la dernière saison, c’est l’usage conjoint de notre section dans la région Inkerman - Le Goulet (Zone 3). Il s’agit

d’une réalisation majeure pour la FCMNB et la FVTTNB dans le partage de l’infrastructure des sentiers dans cette région, ainsi qu’avec de courtes sections de sentiers d’accès aux services, etc. durant la saison d’hiver. Beaucoup d’effort a été consacré dans cette région pour faire en sorte que ce soit positif et fructueux pour tout le monde. Nous avons presqu’atteint notre but l’an passé avec une conformité à 80 % ; nous allons donc nous efforcer de faire la même chose cette année. Je veux remercier toutes les autres agences qui étaient une partie majeure de cet accomplissement de la part de la province du Nouveau-Brunswick : MRN, T&P, MSP – VHR, MDT ; sans ces partenaires, nous n’aurions jamais été en mesure d’en arriver où nous en sommes en ce moment. Je veux également remercier la FVTTNB et les clubs de la région pour leurs efforts et leur dévouement à éduquer les non-supporteurs.

Nous avons travaillé très étroitement avec notre gouvernement provincial sur la question des ponts publics sur les terres publiques. Nous utilisons seulement les ponts durant notre bail d’utilisation (15 déc. – 15 avril) à chaque année et, comme vous le savez tous, nous pouvons présentement fabriquer nos propres ponts durant l’hiver. Cependant, ça prend du temps et cela réduit la durée de vie du sentier avec le dégel.

Nous avons soumis des suggestions / idées aux ministres et nous attendons la réponse du gouvernement. D’un point de vue positif, nul pont n’a été enlevé jusqu’à présent. Le gouvernement provincial a entendu nos préoccupations et il travaille avec nous pour trouver des solutions ; tout cela est donc positif et je veux les remercier pour cette opportunité et pour leur appui.

Une priorité critique à court terme : nous installons des GPS dans nos surfaceuses cette année. Cela va aider la Fédération / les clubs de plusieurs manières : en plus de nous donner une carte exacte et nous tenir toujours au courant de la situation avec le surfaçage, cela va alléger le fardeau des bénévoles quant à la mise à jour du site Web en matière d’information sur le sur-

façage, plus de sécurité pour les chauffeurs de surfaceuses, un dossier SIG à jour et aider à la planification des parcours, pour ne nommer que quelques-uns des avantages. Nous sommes très enthousiastes à propos de cette nouvelle affaire et pour tout ce que cela pourra, ou pourrait, accomplir pour nous à l’avenir.

Dans le cadre de tous nos événements entourant le 30ième Anniversaire cette année, nous sommes en partenariat avec Timbre de Pâques pour recueillir des fonds. Nous sommes partenaires depuis 30 ans et c’est l’oeuvre de charité de notre choix. Comme nous le savons tous, les bénévoles sont moins nombreux dans plusieurs activités de nos jours et il y a beaucoup d’autres oeuvres de charité qui veulent leur part du gâteau, comme nous l’avons constaté avec Snowarama au fil des ans. Donc, pour la 30ième année, nous aimerions que ce soit spécial pour eux et recueillir plus que nous l’avons fait par le passé. Veuillez penser à participer à nos événements du 30ième Anniversaire et parrainer / donner au Timbre de Pâques.

C’est avec grand plaisir que je vous annonce que BRP Ski-doo et ses concessionnaires vont continuer, une fois de plus cette année, avec le Programme d’un million de dollars pour appuyer les clubs. Il s’agira de la 4ième année de ce programme ; l’an passé, il a contribué 26 310 $ aux clubs de la FCMNB. Veuillez consulter notre site Web www.nbfsc.com ou bien www.ski-doo.com pour y obtenir tous les détails et sur comment recevoir votre certificat.

En terminant, je pense que ce sera une année très positive et fructueuse pour la FCMNB, avec de nombreuses possibilités stimulantes. On se garde les doigts croisés pour recevoir beaucoup de neige ! Gardez l’oeil sur notre site Web pour y consulter nos articles “Quoi de neuf ?” et les mises à jour sur nos événements du 30ième Anniversaire, ainsi que pour rester en contact.

www.nbfsc.com

La motoneige est le Tourisme d’hiver du Nouveau-Brunswick…

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DINING & ACCOMMODATIONS

To advertise your business in this section call: 1-888-661-7469 ONTARIO

ONTARIO

Dwight/Muskoka ÜMAP PGS. 21 & 31 Lakewoods Cottage Resort

Gowganda r SEE MAP ATLAS PG. 13 Quick’s Gowganda Lake Lodge

RR #1, Dwight, Ont. P0A 1H0 (705) 635-2087 vacation@lakewoods-resort.net www.lakewoods-resort.net Located on Oxtongue Lake Road, just off Hwy. 60, 25 minutes east of Huntsville. All cottages have fully equipped kitchens, 3 or 4 piece baths, Satelitte T.Vs and most have fireplaces.

Located directly on Oxtongue Lake, there are hundreds of miles of well groomed trails right at the door. Cottages range from $65 to $140 per night. VISA/MasterCard accepted. Your hosts Jane and Jeff Belhumeur.

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Hwy 560, General Delivery, Gowganda, ON P0J 1J0 info@gowgandalakecamp.ca (705)624-3446 www.gowgandalakecamp.com Fax(705)624-2166 Our 4 season resort has groomed trails to our door. Located in the center of A107C and the south end of L136 (north shore of Gowganda Lake) or drive directly to us on Hwy 560. We have 5 deluxe cabins, 4 which will hold up to 6 people, and 1 cabin that will hold up to 10 people. All units are fully furnished with 4 pc baths, full kitchens and satellite TV. General store, LCBO, beer store, and fuel are all on site. Meal plans are available with reservation. Accomodation as low as $30 pp/pd.

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Haliburton SEE MAP ATLAS PG. 32 Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve

North Bay/Astorville q MAP PG. 18 Kashaga Lodge

1095 Redken Dr. Haliburton, Ont. K0M 1S0 (705)754-2198 www.haliburtonforest.com haliburtonforest@sympatico.ca

info@kashagalodge.com

When visiting Haliburton Forest, you will be hard pressed to absorb the beauty of the scenery, the quality of trails and the wilderness atmosphere all in one day. For this reason, accommodations are available at the Base Camp. 2 and 3 bedroom housekeeping units equipped with kitchens or kitchenettes, 3 piece bath, sitting area and propane fireplace! Reservations should be made in advance. *There is a 2 night minimum on weekends.

• Park & Ride from your deck • 1 to 6 bedroom cottages with kitchens • Cottages in 2 different towns • Direct access to 3 different trail systems • FREE Thurs night with sledding weekend • 5 minute ride to town • On-site Ice Fishing Huts

2456 ONTARIO

North Bay/Astorville q MAP PG. 18 Cozy Camp Cottages RR #1, 49 Trails End Rd., Corbeil, Ont. P0H 1K0 Phone: (705) 752-2085 • Toll Free-1-877-752-2085 www.cozycampcottages.com Lct 18 miles south-east of North Bay on Lk. Nosbonsing, just off TOP Trail A102D. Modern housekeeping cottages. Fully equipped including microwaves, coffee makers, gas bar-bque's. Rentals by the season, weekly, weekends or mid-week when riding is the Best! Guide Service available. Ice Fishing Packages also available. Snowmobilers serving snowmobilers.

Check us out on the web! Your hosts Brian & Diane.

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4660 County Rd #21, Haliburton, ON, K0M 1S0 www.kashagalodge.com 1-888-330-3746

HALIBURTON’S FAVORITE SNOWMOBILE PACKAGE!!!

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ONTARIO

Matheson SEE MAP ATLAS PG. 14 Perry Lake North Country Lodge RR #3, Matheson, Ontario P0K 1N0 Highway 101 between Matheson and the Quebec Border, 1 hour east of Timmins, Ontario Phone: 705-236-4455 • Fax 705-236-4141 www.perrylakelodge.com • info@perrylakelodge.com • Located on scenic L-91 off the Top A trail at Ramore • Endless bush trails at our door.

• Lounge area with stone fireplace and a scenic view of Perry Lake.

• Satellite TV, LLBO, and gas available at the main lodge.

• Gourmet meals to burgers in our dining room.

• First rate accomodations: lodge rooms or fully equipped cottages.

• Trailer parking for guests

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ONTARIO

Port Severn sSEE MAP ATLAS PG. 30 Driftwood Cove Resort

Wawa . SEE MAP ATLAS PG. 11 Wawa Motor Inn

93 Port Severn Road North Port Severn, Ontario L0K 1S0 (705) 538-2502 www.driftwoodcove.com • info@DriftwoodCove.com • Four Season Resort perfect for week or weekend getaways for Snowmobilers, ATV’ers, Fisherman, Cross Country Skiers any outdoor enthusiast • Our cottages and housekeeping units are spacious, cosy & spotlessly clean, great for large or small groups • Located just off Hwy 400 at Exit #156, follow the signs to Driftwood Cove.

• Ample parking for trailers and guests • Spectacular well groomed OFSC trails accessible from property, local trail maps available on site

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118 Mission Road, Wawa, Ontario P0S1K0 Tel: 705-856-2278 • Fax: 705-856-2171 Toll Free: 800-561-2278 Email: wawamoto@shawbiz.ca Website: www.wawamotorinn.com Your Superior Vacation Experience featuring 50 main building rooms, 20 cozy log rooms and 18 rustic Chalets with fireplaces. All main building rooms are 100% smokefree. Enjoy fine dining in the Fireside Dining Room and Lounge; home of the largest fireplace in the North. Easily accessible to snow trails and ample parking.

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NEW BRUNSWICK

NEW BRUNSWICK

NEW BRUNSWICK

Bathhurst Auberge Ressources Inn Maple Products

Bathhurst Atlantic Host Hotel

Edmundston Quality Inn

P.O. Box 910, 1450 Vanier Blvd., Bathurst, NB E2A 4H7 (506) 548-3335 • 1-800-898-9292 Fax (506) 548-9769 thehost@nbnet.nb.cawww.atlantichost.com Known to all sledders as the place to stay in Bathurst.

Located on Trail #19, or take exit #310 on Rte 11. Loading ramps, indoor sled parking, heated repair bays. Fuel nearby.

Comfy, clean rooms, excellent restaurants, pub-style lounge, heated indoor pool, sauna, whirlpool, even a racquetball court. And did we mention we’re the only hotel in New Brunswick located directly on NBFSC trails?

919 Canada Rd., Edmundston, NB E3V 3X2 (506) 735-5525 • 1-866-612-9800 Fax (506) 739-6243 WWW.CHOICEHOTELS.CA/CN529 (case sensitive) • Located directly on Trails #12 & 17.

• Free long term parking for trucks & trailers.

• Fuel, Oil & Repairs nearby.

• Indoor Pool, Sauna & Jacuzzi.

• Enjoy Victoria Restaurant.

Join us at PJ’s Bar & Grille or our Victoria Restaurant. Ask any knowledgeable snowmobiler and they will tell you that the Edmundston area is among the best maintained Trails in Eastern Canada. At Quality Inn, we have snowmobile packages available starting at $47.95 per person (based on double occupancy).

Package consists of one night’s accommodation, hot breakfast for two and trail map. Call now to book your accommodations to "Blaze Throgh the North".

9428 Route 180 C.P. 602, Bathurst, N.B. E2A 3Z6 Yvette Theriault & Michel Landry (506) 544-6872 Bed and Breakfast. Resources Road 1 Mile after Caribou Mine Open Year Round. Pure Maple Products, Brunch in Maple Season.

Relais pour monteneiges et VTT. Snowmobile & ATV Relay.

Situated in Northern New Brunswick, Beautiful Rooms with Satellite TV and Internet. 12,000 kilometers of snowmobile trails and ATV Trails. Please call Yvette or Michel for more details.

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2 Lodging 5 Gas 3 LLBO 6 Rentals 1 ATV Friendly 7 Sales 4 Food 8 Repairs

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SALES AND SERVICE

To advertise your business in this section call: 1-888-661-7469 ONTARIO

BOBCAYGEON UXBRIDGE

ONTARIO

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Archers Small Engines BRINGS NEW LEVELS OF PERFORMANCE & RELIABILITY TO YOUR ARCTIC CATS

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Archers Small Engines 264 William St. Cobourg, ON K9A 3A2

We have a large inventory of all types of trailers including snowmobile, ATV, utility, motorcycle, horse, livestock, equipment and dump trailers. Always a large selection of open and enclosed trailers in stock as well as a large selection of parts and accessories. We also provide a full in house service department for repairs and maintenance.

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519-925-2089 1-866-925-2089 www.scottreinharttrailers.com MANITOBA

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2 Lodging 5 Gas 3 LLBO 6 Rentals 1 ATV Friendly 7 Sales 4 Food 8 Repairs

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FLOAT BOWL PAT BOURGEOIS

THE NEXT DIMENSION

A

few issues back, I talked about the risks, challenges, rewards, and in some ways the absurdity of some of the bold statements made by manufacturers, aftermarket companies, and the media as it relates to our small sport. More specifically, I commented on the true impact of “game changing” products, and what it truly takes to change-the-game. Obviously I struck a chord with some, as that column generated more feedback than all others combined during OSMʼs still brief tenure as an international publication.

Taking brand loyalty out of the mix, most readers agreed with my take, and after further reflection, I stand by my words.

Depending on who you believe and what you consider the “first” snowmobile, our little industry is roughly 60-years of age; not bad for a sport seasonal in nature, and experienced roughly 4 months a year. For those of us who are immersed in snowmobiling, the technology and changes weʼve experienced during that time has been nothing short of amazing. What started out as hand fabricated “implements” from existing parts and pieces, has blossomed into high-tech marvels, dressed in perfectly polished plastic and metal.

Yet despite all the changes and advancements, there remains much status quo. It was a realization made evident while cruising the Haydays swap grounds late Friday evening.

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For those who have never been, Haydays is home to what is quite possibly the largest snowmobile swap meet on the planet. It contains everything, and I mean everything including the kitchen sink…seriously; and scattered amongst the throngs of sled parts and thousands of snowmobile enthusiasts are snowmobiles from every decade, in every condition.

On this particular night, a nonsnowmobiling friend joined us on our swap quest (free beer will make some guys do anything). As we walked row after row, and tip, fondled, pulled, and rolled dozens of snowmobiles, a passing comment from my friend stuck with me, “theyʼre really all the same, arenʼt they.”

At first I was taken back by his ignorance; or more accurately, his lack of respect for my Holy Grail evening of swapdom. But after mulling it over further, he was right… smack dab on the button right. No matter the age; condition, brand, or model, they all were the same. Save the occasional Raider or Alpine, every snowmobile we stopped to investigate with greater interest was the same as the last – two skis of about equal length and width; a similar track; a front mounted engine; a belted constant velocity transmission, and a simple cog-to-track drive system.

Maybe Iʼm oversimplifying things, but when it comes to the basics, snowmobiles have changed little. Even some of the more

detailed components such as hyfax width; spark plug type; drive belt dimension; and general track width and length, have remained nearly the same for more than 40-years.

Regardless of this, dreaming by enthusiasts, and striving to design the next big thing by insider engineers is constant.

Case in point – nothing gets the blood pumping faster, or a conversation more animated, than a compelling image of a concept snowmobile. Even our designer here at OSM, who admittedly is not a snowmobile junkie like many of us, is absolutely gaga over concept snowmobile drawings and ideas. Too bad they are little more than fantasy.

You see, even when significant change does happen in the industry, it does so with at least one foot firmly planted in the past.

The reasons for this are cost and common sense. Many of the design concepts of the modern and not so modern snowmobile simply work; and until a better solution is found, theyʼre going to stay that way.

Hyfax for example is 32 millimeters wide… has been for a long time, and most likely will be for years to come. The reasons for this are many – it works; itʼs already tooled and available; its compatible with many other attributes of the sled such as track windows and suspension rails; and perhaps most importantly, itʼs affordable.

No doubt every snowmobile engineer at every manufacturer dreams of having a clean design sheet; no pressing deadlines; an unlimited design and tooling budget; and zero repercussions if the project fails to meet objectives. If this were the case, those futuristic concept sleds we ogle over could very well become reality. However, in the real world, all of the above parameters, and many more are in play. When a manufacturer does design its next new model, engineers do so under many restraints; forced to use significant old content combined with a smattering of new.

Such is reality when budgets, deadlines, results, and company profits are in the mix.

Despite these realities, the manufacturers continue to do a remarkable job of constantly improving and accelerating snowmobile design and technology. The next dimension in snowmobile technology is out there…and its hyfax is 32 millimeters wide. ✪ - Pat

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

Milt Reimer FXR As a past snowmobile terrain racer and living in the often cold tundra known as Winnipeg, Manitoba; FXR owner and president, Milt Reimer, knows how to keep warm. His powersports inspired outwear company was launched in 1996 in his basement, and since then, Milt and his passionate crew have catapulted the company to the forefront of the snowmobile outerwear industry. Miltʼs own needs as a racer compelled him to design and develop high performance outerwear incorporating MX inspired design with race ready function and performance. FXR now has its own product development and production control agency in Seoul Korea with distribution centers in Canada, USA, Scandinavia, and Russia. The brand has been so successful, both Yamaha and Polaris have worked with Milt and his staff to co-develop and brand clothing for their respective brands. We had a few minutes to chat with Milt while at Haydays and get his last gasp taken between billows of sand and a booth teaming with customers.

Last place you traveled to?

Down to Haydays; itʼs about a 7-hour drive from our office near Winnipeg.

Last time you went over 100mph?

Same trip to Haydays! This guy kept passing me and then slowing down, so the next time he tried to pass me I decided to see how fast he would go. He quit around 95.

Last thing you ate?

Toasted tomato sandwich, fresh from the garden. That means winter is around the corner.

Lasting impression from a snowmobile ride?

I rode my buddies Arctic Cat Turbo tuned for 250hp on pump gas and set up for river riding, last year. It was insanely fun and I loved it so much I ordered one myself this past spring.

Last thing you crashed?

I crashed my mountain bike this summer at about 30 mph on a ski slope. I bunny hopped down a drop and landed in wet grass and ate it hard. That was five weeks ago, and my hip and femur still hurt.

Last time you pulled an all-nighter?

Last time you crashed a snowmobile?

Honestly canʼt remember. I tend to fall off snocross sleds on a fairly regular basis when we are out testing, but those things are pretty tough.

Last time you were cold?

Riding on my mountain bike in early June with a bunch of guys and the weather turned. The temperature dropped down into the low 40s with a brutal wind. Within an hour, my toes were numb.

Last time you had to go to the hospital?

Iʼve been very luck in that regard. I separated my shoulder racing motocross back in 2005 and did some knee damage playing hockey 2 years ago, but Iʼm all good now.

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It has been awhile, but the Indianapolis motorcycle show always involves some late nights, but as for a true all-nighter… it was probably in 2006 at a dealer meeting in Sweden. Those Swedes know how to have a good time!

Last snowmobile you rode?

A few years ago I bought one of Blair Morganʼs 2006 Ski-Doo 600 mod sleds. It was crazy fun…so light and fast and the suspension was amazing on big hits. Itʼs still my favorite sled and I always like to end the season with one last ride on it because it leaves me wanting more.

Last great idea you had?

We have a few very interesting product ideas in development right now, and guaranteed we will have a few surprises for folks in the next couple of years. That said, my best idea was to stop crashing and landing on my head. I had a bad motocross crash three years ago that resulted in severe whiplash and spinal shock. I remember I couldnʼt move for at least 5 minutes after the crash. Iʼve been lucky since, but I know the risk, no matter the vehicle. As the saying goes, “live to ride, ride to live”.

Last time you traveled abroad?

The most memorable was in Egypt in early February; we were on one of the last flights to land in Cairo the day the revolution took a turn for the worse. We were stuck in a hotel downtown right in the middle of it all for two nights. I could hear the crowds chanting and cheering outside in the afternoon and see the fires all around us at night. Luckily the hotel had a wall around it, which helped the staff fight off looters at night.

Last person you were impressed with?

Actually its people, my FXR Korea production manager Bryan and his staff in Seoul, and my development team here in Winnipeg. They walk on water and execute “mission impossible” on a daily basis.

Last bone you broke?

Cracked a few but have never broken anything.

Just donʼt ask me how many concussions Iʼve had. I seem to be a bit of a lawn dart!

Words of wisdom?

A large part of success is failure. You have to be prepared to fail in numerous areas, then have the courage to implement the knowledge gained to build a better program for success.

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

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FREE PARKING COURTESY OF

ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Iȱamȱpleasedȱtoȱextendȱmyȱwarmestȱgreetingsȱtoȱeveryoneȱ attendingȱtheȱ24thȱannualȱTorontoȱInternationalȱSnowmobile,ȱATVȱ&ȱ PowersportsȱShow.ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Itȱisȱnoȱsurpriseȱthatȱtheȱfirstȱpersonalȱsnowmobilesȱwereȱinventedȱ andȱsoldȱinȱCanadaȱoverȱ50ȱyearsȱagoȱ—Canadaȇsȱwildernessȱisȱanȱincredibleȱ nationalȱtreasure,ȱandȱtoȱseeȱmostȱofȱit,ȱyouȱneedȱtoȱgoȱoffȬroad.ȱIȱamȱproudȱthatȱ ourȱgovernmentȱhasȱinvestedȱinȱtheȱexpansionȱandȱmaintenanceȱofȱourȱnationalȱ trailȱsystem.ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Withȱitsȱnumerousȱexhibitsȱandȱdemonstrations,ȱtheȱTorontoȱ InternationalȱSnowmobile,ȱATVȱ&ȱPowersportsȱShowȱoffersȱvisitorsȱaȱchanceȱtoȱ dreamȱaboutȱourȱwonderfulȱoutdoorȱrecreationȱopportunities,ȱwhileȱcomparingȱtheȱ latestȱmakes,ȱmodels,ȱaccessories,ȱandȱservicesȱofferedȱbyȱtheȱindustry.ȱIȱamȱ certainȱthatȱeveryoneȱwhoȱenjoysȱtheȱpowersportȱlifestyle,ȱorȱisȱcuriousȱtoȱlearnȱ moreȱaboutȱit,ȱwillȱleaveȱtheȱshowȱbetterȱinformedȱandȱeagerȱtoȱgetȱonȱtheȱtrails.ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Pleaseȱacceptȱmyȱbestȱwishesȱforȱaȱmostȱmemorableȱevent.ȱ ȱ

ȱ

ȱ

ȱ

ȱ

ȱ

ȱ TheȱRt.ȱHon.ȱStephenȱHarper,ȱP.C.,ȱM.P.ȱ ȱ

OTTAWAȱ 2011 126

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TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

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©2011 Bombardier Recreation Products Inc. All rights reserved. ®, ™, and the BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. or its affiliates.

EXHIBITORS

PATHPRO TM

HALL 1 Altman International Inc. Amsoil AMVN Snowmobile Club Arctic Cat ATV WORLD Magazine Baffin Inc. BRP - Ski-Doo, Can-Am CLD D’Antoine Labelle CVTech - AAB Dalton Industries Dayco Dyno Port/BenderRacing Elka Suspensiion EPI Performance Fabrication TJD Factory Recreation Fast Enterprises GLOBALSTAR GO Video H2R Distributin Inc. Haber Vision Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve

CAB High Command Distributing HONDA Canada ICHU Spring James Bay & Eeyou Istchee Tourism John Deere JT’s Snowmobile Repair Kinetic Fuel Technology Inc. Kootenay Rockies Tourise Limerick Lake Lodge & Marina Lucas Oil Marine Cradle Shop Inc. Martinwood MCB Performance Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Motovan Motorsports Inc. North Trail Oneida Country Tourism Ontario Snowcruises OSM OTPC On Time Precision Components PD International Pigmalion Services Group Inc.

Qualipieces Québec Authentique Lanaudiere-Mauricie Quebec Maritime Ride Grey Bruce Rip Charger RMG Mgmt Group Roetin Industries, LLC Rosseau Road Enterprises Round Algonquin Park Shad USA Sled Leds Snowmobile Hood Cleaner Starting Line Products Inc. Stud Boy Tourisme Abitibi-Temiscamingue Tourisme Chaudiere-Appalaches Tourisme Laurentides Tourisme Saguenay - Lac Saint-Jean Twin Seasons Rec Wiseco Piston Canada Wossner Pistons USA York Fire & Casualty Insurance

Don’s Speed Parts Double X-Treme Snowmobile Calendars Equinox Industries Ltd. EXI Flitz International Gamma Sales Graphic Design Happy Feet HSM Marketing Kelly Shires KFI Products Kimpex Leather Master Memo-Vision Original Swat

ORPS Parts Power Cycle Radioworld RJ Motorsports Rox Speed FX Royal Distributing SCOTT Select Marketing Canada Ltd. Sled Divas SledWraps Ultimax Belts View Doo Wellington MFG Woody’s

Megnetic Wear Miska Trailer MTN Snow Equipment Muskoka Tourism Northeastern Ontario/Ontario’s Wildernes Region OFATV OFSC Corporate OFSC District 1 OFSC District 10 (PSSD) OFSC District 11 (NearNorthTrailAssoc) OFSC District 12 (City of Sudbury) OFSC District 13 OFSC District 14 OFSC District 15 OFSC District 2 OFSC District 3 (Campbellford) OFSC District 4 OFSC District 5 OFSC District 6 OFSC District 7

OFSC District 8 (MidOntarioSnow Trail) OFSC District 9 Ontario Tourism OPP OTSFF Canada Ottawa Valley Tourist Associations Peak Performance Polaris Industries Ride For Dad ROCKSTAR Sled for a cure Sleddealers.ca Southern Georgian Bay Split Rail Skis / True North Log Homes Suzuki of Newmarket Toronto Star Toronto Sun Trailers Plus University of Waterloo Clean Snowmobile Wigamog Resort Conference Centre & Spa Yamaha Motor Canada

Gulistan Leather Canada Hurricane Performance JAZ INTERNATIONAL Learning Curves M/S Longtime Racewears Pimp My Sled Promex Distributing Roadpost Inc.

Seven Oaks Press Inc. Sled Image Smart Shopper Sno-Bus Manufacturing Co. Steering Corp.

The Orthotic Works Tricked Toys

HALL 2 3 Second Heat 509 Inc. A Vicious Cycle Action Van & Truck World Amsoil Arnie’s Cat House Bikeman Performance Caliber Inc. Camoplast Cardo Systems, Inc. Choko Design CPI Recreational Products Cudney Racing Cuir Bullfaster Inc CYT Snow Gear

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HALL 3 Alumite Enterprises ARGO Black Gear Adventures Blizzard Canadaian Kawasaki Motors Inc. Clary Sports Loisirs Country Corners Country Corners County of Haliburton CSRA Custom Sled Village Deer Haven Dodge Ram ECD Customs Edge Performance Edgewater Park Lodge Haliburton ATV Association Heat in a Click Hitch City Kawartha ATV Association McCoys Racing

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CurtisCab.com 131

24th Annual Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports Show October 14, 15, 16 2011 at the Toronto International Centre If you have attended in the past, there is no need to remind you that this is the BIG SHOW. This is the place to bring your family and meet up with your friends, where Snowmobiling and ATVing continues to grow!

SHOW HOURS Friday Oct 14th

Saturday Oct 15th

Sunday Oct 16th

1:00 pm - 9:00 pm

10:00 am - 7:00 pm

10:00 am - 5:00 pm

OUTDOOR EVENT TIMES • OUTSIDE HALL 3 Ultimax Freestyle Show

Friday October 14th 3:00 pm Saturday October 15th 11:30 am 3:30 pm Sunday October 16th 11:30 am 2:30 pm

ATV Obstacross

Friday October 14th 3:30 pm Saturday October 15th 12:00 pm 4:00 pm Sunday October 16th 12:00 pm 3:00 pm

Dayco 120 Snowmobile Race Saturday October 15th 11:00 am 3:00 pm Sunday October 16th 11:00 am 2:00 pm

SHOW INFO CALL 1-888-661-7469 or visit the Show Office located in Hall 1at the Toronto International Centre.

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TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

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TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

THIS IS THE SHOW THAT OFFERS SOMETHING FOR EVERY FAMILY MEMBER. WHATEVER YOU’RE LOOKING FOR, IT WILL BE AT THE TORONTO INTERNATIONAL SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A SNOWOBILE OR ATV, IT WILL BE THERE. ACCESSORIES, CLOTHING, HELMETS, GLOVES, SUITS, GOGGLES – WILL ALL BE THERE. LOOKING TO GO FOR A GREAT RIDE? YOU CAN PLAN YOUR TRIP AT THE SHOW BY VISITING ONE OF THE MANY TOURISM BOOTHS. IF YOU’VE BEEN STRUGGLING WITH HOW TO GET YOUR SLED OR ATV TO THE TRAILS OR EVEN THE LOCAL SHOP, THERE WILL BE A HUGE ASSORTMENT OF TRAILERS TO CHOOSE FROM. IF YOU NEED A LITTLE SOMETHING TO TOW EVERYTHING TO WHERE YOU’RE GOING, WE HAVE YOU COVERED THERE AS WELL. CHECK THE NEW RAMS! DODGE RAM WILL BE ON SITE OFFERING TEST DRIVES RIGHT AT THE SHOW!

GREAT FEATURES

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Once you enter the Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports Show, you’ll be blown away with the amazing list of exhibitors and the feature events in place around the show. The first thing that you will need to check out is the huge Manufacurer Displays, showcasing all of the 2012 sled and ATV line-ups. There are more corporate manufacturer displays at this snowmobile and ATV Show than any other across North America! You’ll see ARGO; Arctic Cat; Can-Am; Dodge; Honda; John Deere; Kawasaki; Polaris; Ski-Doo; CPI and Yamaha. All the vehicles you’ll want to see and own are all here, under one roof, over one weekend.

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TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

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AFTERMARKET

There are numerous aftermarket distributors as well, such as; Gamma Sales, Kimpex and Motovan. These disrtibutors are real experts, and will be displaying their latest and hottest products, welcoming you to their booth for a closer look, and answering any questions you may have.

TRAILERS

Trailer manufactures and distributors such as; Blizzard MFG; Triton; Northtrail; Miska; Marine Cradle Ride; United Expressline; Nash Trailers and many more will be on site and available, with every type of trailer you’ve considered when moving your ATV or snowmobile. Whether you are in the market for an enclosed or open bed, single or four bed, budget or expensive; you name it, it will be there at the Show.

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MORE RETAIL!

There is more retail than in any previous year. More deals, more savings and more new products will be on display all weekend long. This is the only place where you will actually be able to touch, feel, and purchase anything you want for the sport you love.

Royal Distributing will have the largest booth, at over 20,000 square feet, located in Hall 2. Other larger retailers include: Arnie’s Cat House; Choko; Country Corners Arctic Cat; Deer Haven; Edge Performance; Factory Recreation; Newmarket Suzuki; Newmarket Yamaha; Peak Motorsports; Rosseau Road; SCOTT and many, many more. Whether you are just looking, or thinking of purchasing; you know it’s going to be here at the Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports Show - Oct 14-16, 2011.

PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS

Performance products are continuing to grow at the show, and no matter what type of performance you’re looking for, be it; suspension; engine; traction; clutching; lightweight or custom, etc., there will be plenty of everything to choose from including: Bender Perfomance; Cudney Racing; Speedwerx; D & D Perfomance; ROX, Camoplast; Woody’s; Stud Boy; Roetin; EPI; Woosner Pistons; Wiseco; CV-Tech; Rip Charger Turbos; ISHU Spring; Split Rail Skis; Hurrican Performance; Elka Suspension; FOX Shox; Fast Enterprises; Dalton Industries; Dyno Port Performance; Qualipiece and so many more. You won’t be dissapointed!

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

TOURISM

Tourism is huge at this Show, and with a whopping 10,000 sq. ft. of tourism booths, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get where you need to you go! 2,000 sq. ft. of tourism regions and operators from the Province of Quebec and over 6,000 sq. ft. of Ontario based toursim. Other areas represented are; Western Canada; New Brunswick; Newfoundland and Labrador; New York and many other States in the USA. No matter where youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re off to, representatives from each region will be available to provide helpful information, handy pamphlets and useful maps. This is the largest gathering of snowmobile and ATV tourism at one place, at one time.

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Not only can you check out the amazing exhibitor displays, but there are also special events and features that are included with your admission. The Royal Distributing Outdoors Event Area is full of â&#x20AC;&#x153;must seeâ&#x20AC;? events for the entire family. Headlining the Royal Distribtuing Outdoor Event area is the ROCKSTAR Energy Drink Snowmobile Freestyle Event, presented

by Ulitmax Snowmobile Belts.

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW â&#x20AC;˘ OCT 14-16, 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE â&#x20AC;˘ www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

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ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK FREESTYLE EVENT

This event is a Feature Attraction and has been a show favourite for the last eight years. This event is not to be missed, with snowmobiles flying through the air in every manner thinkable! Rockstar’s own Justin Hoyer will be flipping his snowmobile for the crowds. This will Friday October 14th 3:00 pm

Saturday October 15th 11:30 am 3:30 pm

mark Hoyer’s second appearance at the Show. Heath Frisby will also be back in Toronto again this year, putting up what he always does; an upside down sled for the tens of thousands who watch. Frisby was one of the first freestyle riders to perform at the Show, and was the first to flip in Toronto. Both Frisby and Hoyer have won their share of medals at X-Games, including X-Game Gold! Joining Hoyer and Frisby will be a familiar Canadian face, Jeff Mullin. Jeff is always a fan favourite; always tireless and often hitting the ramps until outdoor management has to stop him. Make sure to scream and yell at this event. Remember the louder you are, the bigger they go!

Sunday October 16th 11:30 am 2:30 pm

SPONSORED BY

OUTSIDE HALL 3

$100,000 IN ROYAL DISTRIBUTING GIFT CARDS! $100,000 in Royal Distributing Gift Cards will be given away to show attendees at the Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports Show this October 14-16, 2011 at the Toronto International Center. Visit the Royal Distributing booth where they’ll be offering you an incentive to purchase merchandise in their huge display located in Hall 2. Royal Distributing will be giving away $100,000 in Royal Gift Cards at the ticket wickets during the Show to 10,000 lucky Show Attendees.

The first 4,000 people purchasing show admission tickets on Friday October 14th, first 4,000 on Saturday October 15th, and the first 2,000 people on Sunday October the 16th, will receive a $10 Real Royal Distributing Gift Card! These gift cards will be redeemable over the weekend of Oct 14-16, 2011 in the Royal Distributing booth during the Show and are limited to $10 per purchase over and above their other discounts and sales. Happy Shopping!!

ALSO! Royal Distributing offers you the chance to win your show admission back! One in every 20 random customers will win their $17 show admission back!

PLUS! Royal Bucks are back! Pickup your Royal Bucks at the show entrance and SAVE HUGE on parts, accessories, clothing and helmets at the SHOW! Each show attendee will also get a pack of Royal Bucks worth $204!

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TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

THE DAYCO HP/HPX 120cc SNOWMOBILE RACES Also a fan favourite at the Royal Distributing Saturday October 15th Outdoors Event Area is the Dayco 120 Race.

11:00 am Dayco Canada manufactures the Dayco XTX3:00 pm HP-HPX Snowmobile and ATV belts, and has been sponsoring this crowd pleasing event for Sunday October 16th eight years. This spectacular event at the Show 11:00 am continues to pack the grandstands, and racers 2:00 pm come in from Ontario, New York and Ohio to compete for track supremecy. There are three classes for racers to compete in: Stock 4-7, Stock 8-12 and Open Mod 8-12. It’s incredible to watch these little sleds rally around the challenging SPONSORED BY wood chip course, set up with whoops, bumps and doubles mixed in with many rights and lefts.

Every little racer walks away with a trophy.

OUTSIDE HALL 3

ATV OBSTACROSS RACING The ATV Obstacross, sponsored by ATV World Magazine, is returning again for the sixth year with some exciting bar bashing racing. It always gets the crowds cheering and standing on their feet. As always, these racers lay it all out on the track for the fans, pushing their ATVs through some of the gnarliest terrain and obstacles. atvworldmag.com

SPONSORED BY

Friday October 14th 3:30 pm Saturday October 15th 12:00 pm 4:00 pm Sunday October 16th 12:00 pm 3:00 pm

OUTSIDE HALL 3

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TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

stemosw Twonsey… n in o atible with compotorcycles! m The scala rider G4 PowerSet for Snowmobiles is a wireless, hands-free Bluetooth communication system. With easy installation on virtually any snowmobile helmet, you can talk to riders in your group, use your cell phone, get GPS instructions, or listen to music…all without taking your hand off the throttle.

to get your point across by using hand signals and sign language. Save your voice and hands for more important things…like letting out a big “woohoo!” and squeezing that throttle.

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CUSTOM SLED AND ATV VILLAGE Another must see at the show is the OSM Custom Sled and ATV Village. You never have to look too far to see the lights and action surrouding the Custom Sled and ATV Village. Axxxtion Sports Calendars is sponsoring the Custom Sled and ATV Village. Calendars will be for sale in the Village and models will be present within the display, so check out these custom vehicles from across North America. Take advantage of the sights, and feel free to bring your camera. The OSM Custom Sled and ATV Village is located in Hall 3A - just follow the lights, noise and flashes!

HALL 3A

ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC SNOWMOBILE CLUB OF CANADA The Antique and Classic Snowmobile Club of Canada has as been exhibiting at the Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports Show for an incredible twenty-four years.This booth has become an exciting feature at the Show and is an attendee favourite.

HALL 3A

2012 800 RUSH PRO-R THE DOMINATION CONTINUES THE RUSH PRO-R HAS PROVEN ITSELF TO BE THE PERFORMANCE TRAIL SLED OF CHOICE FOR THOSE THAT WANT TO ATTACK THE TRAIL

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905-681-7270 www.peakpowersports.ca 142

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Rider pictured is a professional on closed course. Polaris recommends that all snowmobile riders take a training course. Do not attempt maneuvers beyond your capability. Always wear a helmet and other safety apparel.

For safety training in Canada please contact your local Polaris dealer. Never drink and ride. 2011 Polaris industries Inc.

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

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ONTARIO FEDERATION OF SNOWMOBILE CLUBS The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs will be at the Show with not only the corporate booth, but also with all of their programs, including Ontario Trail Permits for sale. The OFSC corporate booth will be in Hall 3 along with their District booths, and the Districts will have their maps on hand. If you are considering becoming a volunteer within the OFSC, you can find out more at the show. And back again is the OFSC Driver Training Classes. If you would like to take a course to obtain your snowmobile drivers licsense, you can do it right at the Show. Children over 12 can legally operate their own snowmobile once they have successfully passed the course, and the course is available at the Show. For more information please call the OFSC at (705) 739-7669.

DRAW FOR TRAILS The Draw for Trails is back: MTN Snow Equipment, OSM and The Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports Show will be giving away a 7’x 12’ drag. The FREE draw is an effort to give snowmobilers a better trail, and to help a club save money while improving their fleet of drags. The MTN Snow Equipment drag itself is 7’ x 12’ long, with a pintle hitch nose cone, an additional 4 ½” long with four pivoting blades made of 3/16” thick material, with a cylinder for the wheels. It’s up for grabs, and all you need to do is fill out a ballot at the Show or enter online at torontosnowmobileatvshow.com, osm-mag.com, or atvworldmag.com. Be sure to check out the MTN Snow Equipment Drag, at the Show in Hall 3!

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Dalton is Canada’s distributor for CURVE XS performance snowmobile skis and Accord Snow Studs.

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LOOKING TO JOIN AN ATV CLUB? Looking to Join an ATV Club? Well the OFATV is making a big splash at the show this year as they will be in attendance with their clubs, maps and draws. They will be drawing for a winner of this year’s OFATV raffle, where the top prize is a Can-Am Outlander 400 XT, so be sure to visit them in Hall 3. Also in Hall 3 is the Haliburton ATV Club and EOTA. No matter where you like to ride, there is probably a club that’s perfect you!

LOOKING FOR SOME NEW GEAR? Looking for some new gear? Good, because there is so much to choose from. It’s absolutely incredible how much gear is available at this Show.

There are closeouts from last year and the prices will make you scratch your head. But most importantly, there will be all the new fashions for 2012; all in one place, at one time. Look at it all, compare it all, and purchase what you need for the upcoming winter season, right at the show!

YOU CAN COUNT ON FREE PARKING As usual, the parking at the Toronto International Centre is free, and proudly sponsored by Scala Rider. Snowmobilers and ATVers have never been charged for parking at the Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports Show, as we would prefer to save show attendees a little money so they can put it towards their Snowmobile or ATV. Scala Rider is the proud sponsor of the FREE PARKING, so be sure to visit the Scala Rider by Cardo Systems booth in Hall 2.

Looking good has never been this easy.

DIVINE JACKET Available is sizes XS-3XL

DIVINE BIBS Available is sizes XS-3XL

DIVINE GLOVES Available is sizes S-LG

Come see us at the Toronto Snowmobile Show, booth # 2400 Oct. 14-16th

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TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 14-16, 2011 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

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