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Arctic Cat and Yamaha that formed their innovative partnership in building the 120 SRX, this cooperation is sign of the times and we will certainly see more OEM partnerships in the future. And an honourable mention also goes to Polaris with their new innovative lighter weight, QuickDrive that replaces a chaincase and features less maintenance this too is great. But the final decision was made and the SCO Innovation Award goes to Ski-Doo. With their new Summit mountain sled, specifically the award goes to the new tMotion rear suspension. This in-
novative rear suspension along with all the other components makes power turns easier to achieve than any other sled on the market. When riding the new Summit in the standing position, with both feet on one side of the running board, all the rider needs to do is turn the skis and lean over. There is no pulling required, as you will find with other sleds. The tMotion rear suspension can make any Flat Lander look good when mountain riding. The “T” in the tMotion stands for twist, this rear skid flexes latterly in the tunnel making this sled easier to side hill. Comparing the new Summit to other Mountain sleds Watching a newbie trying or learning to do a power turn for the first time is always entertaining. The first couple of tries, they will lift the one ski off the snow, and then they try a big handful and pull the sled too far and they fall off the direction they are pulling, while the sled is often left on its side. This practice goes on and on. If the new rider is persistent
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Ski-Doo’s tMotion allows the rider to do power turns and mountain riding with less effort
SNOWMOBILE! Central Ontario
they may have it figured out in half a day’s time, but it does take some trial and error to get their balance just right. The new Summit will take this learning curve to a much quicker result and far more enjoyable for the newbie rider. January 2013
Message From The Editor:
the ages of 7 to 14, and his program is a turn key program that includes everything, snowmobiles, parts and the complete snow gear, all the training and it has a built in student incentives. He had this program put together in short order and he is still developing this program today and I know you will be hearing more about Moffatt’s program in the future.
OFSC District 6 Snow Country DA Report Page 8 Missing Link Page 8 North Renfrew Page 8 Bonn Trea Page 9 OFSC District 7 Muskoka Sno Bombers Page 13 MLSTA Page 13 Highland Rovers Page 13 Tall Pines Page 13 Happy Wanderers Page 14 Snowcrest Page 16 SMART Page 16 OFSC District 11 NNTA Almaguin Page 17 West Nipissing Page 17 S. Shore Restoule Page 17 Argyle Riders Page 18 Mattawa Page 18 North Bay Page 18 Near North Page 19 Extras SCO Innovation Award Page 2 Great Northern Ride Page 5 Explorers’ Edge Page 10 Central Region SAVEPage 12 How To Page 19 Faces and Places Page 21 SCO Contest Page 22 Race News Page 23
The 3 Amigos and their Traveling Road Show
SNOWMOBILE! Central Ontario magazine is published three times a year and is mailed free of charge to permit holders of OFSC Districts 6, 7 & 11 who have completed the OFSC member benefits page of the permit application. We do allow members and clubs to opt out of receiving and paying for this publication. Subscriptions are available at $10.95 per year, please send your request to the address below or contact us by email. SNOWMOBILE! Central Ontario has an online component available year round. Also, our contributing districts will be online in conjunction with the magazine, another communication tool for our members and interested snowmobilers. Return undelivered items to SNOWMOBILE! Central Ontario at the address listed below.
Home of the RAN and RAP Tours Known How To Contact Us: for TNT-Trails and Tourism in Central Ontario. Mail: Snowmobile! Central Ontario ISSN 1925-1262 62 Hiawatha Drive Port Sydney ON P0B 1L0 Editor and Publisher: Bob Island bob@snowmobilecentralontario.com Phone: 705-385-1964 Fax: 705-385-4141 Advertising Director: Larry Horton Web: www.snowmobilecentralontario.com larry@snowmobilecentralontario.com Contributors: OFSC Districts 6, 7 & 11
Notice: SCO can not be held responsible for the material that is sent in from its various sources. We trust that the information is true and accurate. Always wear a helmet and the appropriate snowmobile gear. We endorse the policies and safe practices as set by the OFSC (Ontario Federation Snowmobile Clubs). Reproduction of any material published in Snowmobile! Central Ontario magazine is strictly prohibited without written permission of the publisher. Address changes should be sent to the address above. On the cover: The cover shot, by Bob Island, The Great Northern Riders on the west coast of Newfoundland.
January 2013
Moffatt and I flew into Vancouver It’s That Time of Year Again, Let’s and then got on another flight north to Go! Go! Go! Whitehorse Yukon, once we landed; we People often say to me that I have the met up with a gent named George Sampbest job in the world; referring to all son and some warm weather, a cool the travel, sled testing and going to 25C, the norm at this time is -50C. exotic places with lots of snow. But this Sampson flew in from Quebec and met only happens in the winter season, which us there, he is the owner and director is so demanding on the snowmobile of the Pro Eastern Tour, he runs the magazine editor. The balance of the ice oval series that races in Ontario, year is organizing stories and securing Quebec and in the Eastern United States, ads, doing the business side of the media and this is the same sanctioning body world. One of these trips is Sneak Peek. that promotes/organizes the races in Every year in the middle of January, all Eganville ON. February 22, 23, 24th. snowmobile editors gather together to The 3 of us set out on a course from check out all the new iron from all 4 Whitehorse and headed north to promote manufacturers. This year we all meet in this snowmobile package, called Come Minneapolis on January 21st- 24th for Ride with Us! In the past, Sampson has a Sneak Peek at the 2014 models. Editors worked in the Yukon for several years are always busy gathering information and he knows several people there. Samplike this throughout the winter season, son had the connections and knew who in preparation for future stories for their to talk too about this program. We publications. stopped at a few towns/ first nation reserves, along the way, to make sure that But here is something out of the ordinary, I have a different story to talk our appointments for later in the week about; I had an advertising client call were still on. We made it to Mayo, a me out of the blue, in the middle of small town that has a mixed population December. He asked me if I was inter- of First Nations and White. It was here ested in going to the Yukon to follow a we had our first presentation at the story. He immediately had my attention First Nation Community Center in Mayo. and after a brief description of the trip, There were several advisers and councilors from the First Nation of Nacho my answer was, “Yes!” Nyak Dun that sat in on the presentation. Yukon Bound It went well and the group was very inThis ain’t no Gold Rush Tour; this terested in the program and wanted to was snowmobile trip of another kind. take it to the next level. This First Bill Moffatt, CEO and product develop- Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun, in English ment manager of Phantom Snowmobiles means, First Nation of the Big River had an idea for a snowmobile program People its main population lives here in for Yukon’s youth. Moffatt wanted to Mayo. The languages are English and go around meeting with the different Northern Tutchone, the originally spoken First Nation’s communities and make a language. This community of this First sales pitch for his youth program. His Nation is self governed and many memsnowmobile that is half the size and bers are still very traditional, as they half the price is a perfect fit for the continue to live off the land and conyouth. He also has a rider training pro- tinue to pursue their traditional gram that includes everything, from lifestyles. rider training to maintenance to go The next day we continued our along with his sleds. His program is journey to Dawson City, a thriving called; Come Ride with Us and his plan tourist attraction in the summer has a curriculum with real substance. months, no so in winter. This is far His target audiences are children from
SNOWMOBILE! Central Ontario
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north as we traveled and I had no idea how far north we really were. Until I noticed the daylight, it was short and almost non existent. The daylight was only a few hours, but it was more like overcast as the sun creped along the horizon. I also noticed the satellite dishes mounted on the homes here, the first one I saw looked broken, and I thought someone should fix this, until I noticed all the dishes were pointing down at the horizon. These units were not broken; this was the correct direction for a good signal. I talked with a mother of two children about the sun light through the seasons and she told me, “you get used to the winter sun, but in the summer it’s really bad, I can’t get my kids to bed, they think if the sun is up, they should be up. The problem here is 24 hour sunlight. I usually put tin foil on the windows to get them to sleep.”
The following day on this traveling road show was a stop at the Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation in the central Yukon. We were greeted with open arms from this First Nation community, as we were invited to join in on their Christmas Party and dinner. After this com-
munity gathering we all went over to their Council Chambers. This is where we gave the presentation on the, Come Ride with Us program, to the Chief and several of his council members. This presentation also went well and they too wanted to take it to the next level.
Moffatt is presently working on a package previously described for the First Nation Communities of Mayo and Carmacks. The program also includes a snowmobile riding competition between these 2 communities. These young riders will be dressed in the appropriate riding gear sporting their First Nation Colours. Now doesn’t that sound like fun?
There will be a follow up on this story and several stories in future issues of Snowmobile Central Ontario, until then Ride and Enjoy!
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SNOWMOBILE! Central Ontario
January 2013
The 12th Annual Great Northern Ride on the Rock
By Bob Island
The Great Northern Ride (GNR) continues to amaze and deliver great times and great fundraising year after year. This snowmobile and charity organization seems to leave a lasting impression on people everywhere they go from coast to coast. The GNR charity rides has raised over a million dollars for handicapped children over the past 10 years, they continue to raise more funds for kids every year and at the same time having a blast on the sled ride. The GNR rider’s win-win philosophy has a captivating combination that keeps people involved year after year. Personally I have traveled with this group for over 5 years and every time we have tons of fun with this crowd. Last season, this group has decided to take the 12th Annual GNR to extremes, going east in Canada to the west coast of Newfoundland. In the past they have gone as far west as Cold Lake Alberta, back across Saskatchewan into Manitoba. They have traveled northern Ontario, up to Mosonee and back. This group has traveled extensively in and through out Ontario and Quebec. And time after time this ride is successful, having the ultimate snowmobile experience and raising tons of funds for handicapped kids. There is no question; the GNR does have lots of WOW factor!
Marblewood Village is where we all stayed, the staff here was outstanding
of 8 riders each and they all had lots of stories to tell. Our group went towards the world famous Gros Morne National Park. Traveling through the park was interesting and this can only be by snowmobile in the winter.
The trucks arrived and we unloaded the sleds, this an exciting time filled with anticipation for the weeks riding ahead
Once we made it to the Gorge, the visibility was bad, our guide said with a smile, “Dars a Gorge down der!” We all smiled back; regardless, this was still an interesting ride and the place to be riding in lots of snow. This area in Newfoundland is lined with fjords that run deep, that are hemmed by giant granite walls. This land was carved by volcanoes and tectonic upheaval that is 20 times older than the Rockies, in one word, awesome!
One rider decided to see if the Grey next year and bringing my entire staff Jay (Whisky Jack) would come to him as a holiday bonus.” for a snack. A few minutes later everyone Thursday we left from Marble was in on the action!) again with a large group and Mountain Photo by Richard Kennedy The Blow Me Down Mountains, this is a popular place to ride on the West Coast of Newfoundland
The following day we left from right from our hotel Marblewood Village in Steady brook, this time with no guides. We had a small group and a few of these riders in our group were on these trails the day before and they wanted to go back and to show us what they had found. We rode the main trails and went to a small village called Half Way Point. This was our lunch and fuel stop, the scenery here was outstanding and something you would expect from National Geographic. After lunch we headed off trail into the Lewis Hills and did some of our own exploring that made for a great day.
Here is a comment I heard that day, at one stop, GN Rider Brad Lockhart, owner of Lockhart’s Odyssey (Ontario Ski-Doo Dealer), “This is the best riding I have ever done, and I’m coming back
we had a guide with us. Our guide’s name was Rick Seaward, who specialized taking riders into the Lewis Hills. He was prepared for everything, he took us to a spot that had some steep hills and the younger riders in our group had to play. This hill must have been over 1000 feet and it was steep and the ice was also a serious consideration. But Keith Saunders, the oldest rider in the group, decided he was going to take a shot at this hill, using his Ski-Doo GSX 1200 touring sled.
When we left this sheltered area and went into the open part of the Lewis Hills, this is where we found, wind, drifting snow and several riders were getting stuck. Please keep in mind that this is the end of March last year and back in Ontario at this time, the snow was long gone.
On the Tuesday morning we woke up to another surprise, we were blessed by the snow gods once again, with another 6” of fresh snow. Our group went back the staging area where are sleds were parked and we left to find the, Sink Hole. We had several groups riding with us that day, we also had two guides that were outstanding and showed us around to the best spots. They even found a sheltered spot for our lunch stop.
Riding the Rock
Our first day of riding was on Monday and it was somewhat icy, but the sledding experience was still better than expected. Each group would head off into different directions to accommodate the 80 plus GN riders. The logistics of having 80 riders together creates too much congestion, the GNR organizers had figured this one out long ago and they break the crowd into smaller groups and then they all meet up together later in the evenings. There were 10 groups January 2013
Tuesday’s riding group stopped for a lunch break
Later that afternoon, on our back, we all stopped at the warm up shelter on the trail. These warm up shelters are all over the island and are a welcomed site on a cold day. We noticed some birds that were watching us closely.
SNOWMOBILE! Central Ontario
Page 5
We were blessed with fresh snow everyday all week, until the Friday when the sun came out for the first time and lit our last day with blue bird skies. The Great Northern riders were ecstatic. Everyone headed out for the day’s ride and everyone had lots of stories to tell and photographs to share.
This young as - you -feel man shows everyone that even a Touring Sled can be used in the mountains
There isn’t anywhere else that can offer such a great snowmobile experience like the one that is found in Newfoundland. So many of the riders would often say, “that’s the best day of sledding I’ve ever had!” this was a comment that was often heard over dinner every night. Western Newfoundland has a longer season when compared to other places on this continent. The elevation is low, so it is easy for anyone to handle, which is not the case in the Rockies. With outstanding scenery Western Newfoundland has the best all around package going; with a mix of trail, back country and mountain riding. This package is
hard to find anywhere in North America and paired with your extended season makes; Western Newfoundland the best kept snowmobiling secret in North America. The Great Northern Screech-In
On our last evening at Marble Mountain was one to remember, after dinner there was a brief meeting followed by our Screech-In. This traditional Newfie celebration was done by a couple of young ladies. Denise and Dayna Dewling, they were twins. They were filled with energy and handled the entire GNR crowd like a couple of polished pros. The screech-in was a huge success that everyone enjoyed. This event was followed with fireworks on the ski hill.
One never grows tried of the scenery in the West Coast of Newfoundland
This display of fire on the hill was appropriate to end this trip of a lifetime with several colourful Big Bangs! The ride home in the morning was really early and the only direct flight out of Newfoundland to Toronto. Ouch!
say about our Ride on the Rock, “after 12 years of the GNR and riding in different destinations all over Canada, if we were ever to repeat a ride, Newfoundland would be the place, an awesome experience.” Further, talking about some of the logistics Cassie said, “There were several Nay Sayers with concerns about this Newfoundland trip in the beginning and one of these concerns was there wasn’t anyway the GNR would be able to raise enough charity funds, in fact it was our best year yet, and we raised over $167,000 for kids on this ride.” Cassie, excited as ever, went on to explain the plans for this year’s GNR event, this year the GNR dates The Dewling Twins were able to are from Feb 24th to Mar 2. This year’s Screech-In 80 riders and the GNR ride will be traveling throughout Northsupport staff, all in the same evening Eastern Quebec, best of luck guys and keep up the Great Ride and the Great A Big Thank you goes out to DJ Work! Callahan of CSR, Donnie O’Keefe of For more information on the GNR the NLSF, all the Newfoundland guides check out their website at that kept us steering in the right direcwww.greatnorthernride.com tion, all the staff at Marble Mountain Resort and Marblewood Village Resort, Dayna and Denise Dewling for our warm screech-in ceremony and everyone else that made our trip one to remember. The western coast of Newfoundland is blessed with near perfect snowmobile conditions and this snowmobile paradise is warmed up with all the people that we met. Thank you to all again and it was all of you that made this trip of a life time! Future of the Great Northern Ride In a recent interview with Bob Cassie, the GNR founder, leader and spokesman, here is what he had to
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The 2012 GNR 80 + riders and support staff that survived the Rock! January 2013
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OFSC District 6 OFSC District 6 Snow Country 40484 Hwy 41 Pembroke ON K8A 6W5 1 877-376-7669 / 613-735-8882
• Bonn-Trae S/C • Eganville Sno-Drifters • Griffith & Matawatchan Sno-Dusters • Haliburton County S/A
District 6 Update By Terry Vaudry, District Administrator Our Snow Country clubs are busy readying the trails for the 2012-2013 season. There is never a shortage of tasks this time of year for a snowmobile club, with groomer maintenance/repair, signage, stakes, brushing, trail building and rerouting, obtaining land-use permission, clubhouse maintenance, attending club and district meetings, the list goes on and on. The most important resource a snowmobile club has is its volunteers. Organized snowmobiling was built on the backs of dedicated volunteers from the beginning, and this continues to be the most important resource a snowmobile club can have. It is amazing when you see firsthand what is accomplished by volunteers at the club & district level. If you think a trail permit is expensive, just imagine what our permits would cost if we had to pay people to clear and brush trails, sign our trails, and operate the groomers.
• Keetna S/C • Maple Leaf Snow Skimmers • Missing Link S/C • North Renfrew S/A •Opeongo Snow Birds
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Missing Link S/C: New This Season
Another very important group of volunteers are the landowners that allow use of their land during the winter By Marlene Gibson, months. Simply put, there would be no Club Secretary trails without the generosity of local As some riders may know, landowners. When you see one along the Esso station in Rolphton the trail, make sure to give a big wave suffered a loss due to fire and thanks. Many of our original vol- this past spring. As such, unteers are no longer able to contribute. there is no longer fuel availIt is important that a steady supply of able in Rolphton. The only new snowmobilers step up to the plate location to get fuel between Deep River to fill these shoes. Getting involved and Mattawa this coming season is can be a simple as going to a club meetYates General Store in Stonecliffe. ing to see firsthand what goes on at your club. A bit of time on your part can greatly help the club. It’s also a great opportunity to meet new people, make new friends and riding partners. Remember: If you enjoyed the ride thank a Volunteer. If you want to By Karen Crain, keep riding- become a Volunteer! For Club Secretary assistance getting in touch with your Our Club has been very active in the local District 6 Club, please contact the off-season, with four projects completed Snow Country office at toll free 877- on the TOP A-trail west of Deep River. 376-7669 fax 613-735-7646 or email These projects totalled about $80,000 snowcountryscsa.ca with the Club paying 10% and the Ontario Tourism Development Investment Fund paying the balance. Our first project was the TOP A-trail reroute (9kms) - (14kms west from Deep River) The A-trail will now proceed down the pipeline then proceed left back over to the existing A-trail near Heart Lake. Our project #2 was the TOP A-trail from Moore Lake (pipeline) to Harvey Lake (6 kms to Club boundary with Missing Link). There was stone/rock removal, widening, brushing & trail improvements. Our project #3, the TOP A-trail (Deep River) improved the approach for the 2 large culverts that were installed last year, making it safer for sledders & groomer operators. Our 4th project, was the TOP A-trail (west of Deep River) - Re-decking & handrails for the bridge at Kennedy Creek. Thanks to all the volunteers
We have a new staging area (not on the map) now available, we are just waiting for our sign to arrive, and the new staging area is at the intersection of Pine Valley Road and Hwy #17 in Stonecliffe. This staging area has space for approximately 10 - 12vehicles and trailers. Watch for our “Snowmobile Park and Ride Sign”
North Renfrew Snowmobile Association: Trail Updates
who made these projects possible. All of our trail work was completed by early December; however Mother Nature sent us a big storm on Dec 20/21. The TOP A-trail was not too bad, but Club trails have lots of downed trees and have several face slappers. Volunteers have been busy, but there is still a lot of work to be completed. Groomer started packing on Dec 22 and as of Saturday Dec 29th; the TOP A-trail became OpenLimited. Gas is not available this year at the Rolphton’s Esso as it burned down this past summer & has not yet been rebuilt. Gas is available in Chalk River, Deep River and Stonecliffe. Map boards are located at intersections: TOPS A–South boundary, 131 & 136, 136 & 132, 132 & 132A, TOPS A & 131, TOPS A & A101Q, TOPS A–North Boundary. Please visit our website at www.nrsa.ca or Facebook for our local Club map, which you may wish to print for yourself or other fellow snowmobiler friends are welcome. For more info, please check our website for more details www.nrsa.ca Thanks for your continuing support and happy trails!
705-385-010 9
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SNOWMOBILE! Central Ontario
January 2013
Snow Country! Trails Up Date: By Terry Vaudry, District Administrator A quick update on some trail changes from last season.
• TOP A near Deep River has been rerouted onto more TransCanada pipeline corridor. The old section of trail is now #131 • TOP A/B around the Timberline Clubhouse outside Pembroke has been emergency rerouted around a landowner lockout.TOP A east of Cobden has been rerouted slightly to avoid a swampy area. • #107 services access to Renfrew is now open.-#106 is now open which bypasses the Village of Douglas.-E102 between Eganville and Griffith has been rerouted to the east of Breens Store at Foymount Road. • E101 between Griffith and Denbigh has re-opened.TOP B near Round Lake trail improvements are complete, a rough section of trail has been repaired
This gentleman points out that this machine is maintained and operated by club volunteers.
and the trail has been moved off the road along Gunns Road. • B102 at Wilno has been rerouted around a landowner lockout. • #175 between Madawaska & Lake St Peter trail improvements are complete which should allow an earlier opening. • #168 south of Combermere has reopened. Enjoy the Ride!
Bonn Trae S/C: Please Get Involved By Jeff Raisbeck,
Club Social Director
We may have snow and lots of it, but every club could use more volunteers. With record-breaking snowfalls in December and a tight volunteer base to draw from, the Bonn Trae Snowmobile Club found themselves in a mad dash to find the time and the groomers to stay ahead of the snow. A good problem one might say, but simply put ... we need more help. A lot of work goes into maintaining snowmobile trails as they have to meet the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Club (OFSC) standards. With the first monthly directors meeting starting in September, the work begins. Our devout volunteers secure land from landowners for the season, build the trails to OFSC specs, sell sponsorship signage, put up signage, clear the trails of brush, then comes permit sales and fundraising activities. Once the snow arrives countless hours of trail grooming and trail reporting begins. After the sledding season, volunteers remove the signage and staking that was placed at the beginning of the season. Acknowledgment and thank you cards are distributed to our committed landowners January 2013
and the club treasurer cleans up the books for another year. To close off the season, volunteers look forward to the club appreciation spring dinner, the perfect opportunity to yet again rehash stories of the trails, weather conditions and discussions of next year’s improvements. It may seem like a lot of work and you may ask yourself “why would I sign up for this”? Well, first of all you can participate as much or as little as you can commit, you can also select those activities that best suit your interests. Not only are you contributing to one of your favourite winter pastimes, you are involving yourself with a group of sledders that are passionate about the same issues as you are and collectively you can make change. The gratification knowing you made a difference in providing a safer and better snowmobile community is worth participating on its own. Please contact your local club and see how you can help, meet new friends and have pride in your ride. Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something. ~Author Unknown
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A New Loop for Touring Snowmobilers
Here is an idea that is long overdue, a touring loop in Districts, 7, 10 and 11. Snowmobiling in an area that is often forgot about, but this is a section of trail that will satisfy all snowmobilers, even the avid snowmobiler. SCO (Snowmobile Central Ontario) has worked hard to bring you a new organic regional loop in the RTO 12 region. This same tourism regional office is also known as Explorers’ Edge, this is how we came up with the name, Explorers’ Edge Loop.
region in the shoulder seasons, including winter. With Districts 7, 10 and 11 found within its borders, they welcomed an opportunity to speak to Snowmobile Central Ontario about the riding here. “Here in our region you’ll find the very popular Round Algonquin Park (RAP) Ride,” said James Murphy, Executive Director of EE. “But you’ll also find thousands of kilometres of OFSC trails that run through three Districts. Avid riders will probably discover that an actual loop around the entire region is possible, with shorter day trip options This tour offers prizes for those inavailable. Someone who knows the terested in this suggested ride this searegion will be able to travel that route, son, for those who are interested see and explore the many fine dining, atthe details below. tractions and accommodations along What is Explorers’ Edge the way.” We here at SCO couldn’t In 2009 the Ontario Ministry of agree more that an organic regional Tourism, Culture and Sport established thirteen regional tourism organizations (RTO) to promote tourism in the province. Included in the mix is RTO 12, also known as in the marketplace as Explorers’ Edge (EE). With the mandate of promoting tourism in Algonquin Park, the Almaguin Highlands, Muskoka, Parry Sound and Loring-Restoule. EE Here is the view from the groomer’s works hard to bring visitors to the seat of the D103B Trail
Page 10
loop exists, and we set out to prove it. In consultation with avid riders across the region, including Al Dare of Wilson Lake Resort in Port Loring (who is also a founding board director of RTO12), and Bill Park, owner of Rosseau Road Power Sports & Marine Ltd. and president of the South Seguin Snowmobile Club, we mapped out OFSC Zachary’s Restaurant in Dorset trails to help us define “Explorers’ Edge Loop” that runs the perimeter of the Highway 11 and the TOP D. There are region. fuel stops, restaurants like Muskoka Midway Cafe and places to stay, like Explorers’ Edge Loop the Pine Lodge Inn that are trail accesIn preparation for this ride, you sible. Heading out towards Baysville, should consider obtaining OFSC maps south east on the D103B, this trail will for Districts 7, 10 and 11; this will give take you there. Baysville also has fuel you a good overview layout, and help and restaurants. Continuing south on you interpret the written directions the D103B, down to the TOP B, then that follow below. We are also suggesting travel east to the D101B and then north that riders use the OFSC TOP trails to the village of Dorset. This village because of the many services that are also has fuel, motel and Zackary’s’ available on this route, but snowmobilers Restaurant. Riders need to get off the can choose their own routes main trail and take a short trail ride There are many places to stage for into Dorset, just follow the signs. Back those interested in the EE Loop ride; on the D101B and head north to Dwight, throughout Muskoka, Parry Sound, services are available in this village as North Bay, and all around the region. well, but one must take a short ride off Let’s get started, say we are starting the main trail into town for these servoff in Port Sydney, this town is close to ices. Continuing further north on the
SNOWMOBILE! Central Ontario
January 2013
D1010B, travel to the next town of Kearney, via the D101B that runs into the TOP D that leads towards Kearney. If you need fuel or services, it’s a short ride into town from the main trail. Carrying on north and if you have time just a short ride north from this town, on TOP D, there is a short trail off to the east, the AL301, which takes you to, what the locals call the “Ice Caves”. This spot has been a destination for many sledders in the past, 1/2- 1 hour trip off the main trail. The loop continues north on TOP D all the way to Powassan. On this interesting route of tight and twisties there are services in Sundridge and South River, but you need to take secondary trails into these towns. The AL306 into Sundridge gives you several options to many services like the Caswell Resort, fuel on Hwy 124 and Northridge Inn and Resort. Once you have made it to Powassan on TOP D, you need to head west on the D102C and then onto C110D towards Restoule. Note: This loop does offer lots of services when compared to other tours, but please, do not pass a gas station without filling up, please be prepared. Restoule has fuel, restaurants and the Crow’s Nest Motel and Restaurant. The next town on the loop is Port Loring, continue on the D102C to, south
Start your
trail goes through their parking lot. There are so many places here there are too many to list. You may find that you pass the Quality Inn on the trail; this is the iconic Jolly Roger, which has been the place to stay for sledders for a long time. Carrying on, go south on the TOP C, this trail for the most part parallels the 400 highway while heading towards Bala. The TOP C goes through the Wahta Mohawk reserve and joins up with the C101D, which takes you towards Bala, there is a short hop into Bala if you need fuel or services, but carry on in the same direction on the C101D towards Gravenhurst and hook There are plenty of places to stay up to the TOP D north on the other side of town. This trail takes you to Bracebridge, lots of services here on the trail and then continuing north takes you back to your starting point in Port Sydney.
west on C106 to Arnstein then west on the C105D into Port Loring, this town has fuel, restaurants, two resorts and the Northland Motel. You can continue on the D102C down to the village of Ardbeg, where the Logger’s Station House has fuel and a restaurant. Once you are in Ardbeg double back for a short distance, from Ardbeg on the 604/ C104D and head west to the TOP C and then head south towards Parry Sound on TOP C. Once you are in the Parry Sound are there are tons of services, they even have a Tim Hortons that is not far from the trail.
Its okay to ask for directions while doing the EE Loop
and accommodations along the route, to help make your tour even more pleasurable. This is not a race or rally; it’s a tour for those looking for something different. Snowmobilers must have a valid OFSC permit properly displayed on their sled. Explorers’ Edge Snowmobile Loop Contest
To make your tour in the region even better, Snowmobile Central Ontario readers can enter to win one of ten $50 gas cards this winter courtesy of Explorers’ Edge! To enter, and to learn more about this great region, visit www.explorersedge.ca/EEloop And post photos of your tour in the region at facebook.com/explorersedge.
A Loop for Everyone in Ontario’s Favourite Travel Destination
Explorer’s Edge Loop is a trail ride that everyone can enjoy, from the seasoned rider to the newbies out for their in the Parry Sound area, all of which first tour. Thanks to the many snowhave trail access. At the south end of mobile clubs along the way, this route town use the 209 trail, you will pass is well signed and easy to follow. There through the Log Cabin fine dining; the are also lots of services, restaurants,
Hopefully all trails on your tour will look like this!
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SNOWMOBILE! Central Ontario
Page 11
Central Region SAVE Team Update In a recent interview with the OPP, SCO was able to get some interesting facts on snowmobile accidents and the problem areas that are still causing snowmobiling fatalities here in Ontario. SCO sat down with Sergeant Larry Butterfield of the OPP Central Region SAVE Team. (Snowmobile, ATV, Vessel Enforcement) The following is what he had to say about this disturbing situation.
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SCO: What immediate history do snowmobilers have with fatalites around their sport?
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Sgt. Larry: Last year there were 12 fatal accidents here in Ontario, with 13 people that lost their lives, one of which SCO: The other significant issue you menwas a passenger. tioned was impaired driving, what are SCO: What are the causes and where are your thoughts on this? these accidents happening? Sgt. Larry: Yes, after looking at a 10 Sgt. Larry: Six of these accidents year study on snowmobile fatalities, alwere attributed to speeding and three cohol is still a problem. Looking at were loss of control. But these 13 fa- these numbers over the years, it is the talities also were equally divided, half same thing year after year; the number on the lake and with the other half, of fatalities is mirrored from year to there was alcohol involved. Only three year, with both 50 % fatal accidents on of these accidents happened in Central the lake and impaired driving added Region, while the balances of these fa- into the equation leads into a bigger talites were in the North East region problem. Alcohol mixed with speeding, of Ontario. as they say, is a recipe for disaster! SCO: How have snowmobilers done with SCO: So where do you see the future of this problem in the past? these issues heading? Sgt. Larry: In the 2006/2007 season Sgt. Larry: The OPP believes in and there were 14 fatalities in Ontario. In will continue to target social intelligence. 2007/2008 there were 16, in 2008/2009 The OPP will continue to target speedthere were 22 fatal collisions. In ing on the trails with the use of radar. 2010/2011 snow season there were 17 And we will continue to target drinking fatalites, 5 of these were in Central and driving. Our SAVE Team officers Region. Out of these accidents, the are well informed and prepared for this causes had the same pattern and hap- up coming season. Hopefully we can pened in the same type of places as see a decline in these numbers in the last year. future. SCO: Looking at last year’s numbers, it SCO would like to thank Sergeant looks like we are headed in the right direc- Larry Butterfield of the OPP Central tion. Region SAVE Team for this knowledge Sgt. Larry: No, we’re not. Remember and input into this SCO story and stay last year’s short season and this can tuned for our next issue of SCO. This explain why there were so many acci- is when Sgt. Larry talks about the dents in the North; this simply has to noise issue with snowmobiles in his do with available snow and the location next interview. of the snow to ride on. Our northern office noticed a big increase in snowWill Rogers, who died in a 1935 mobile traffic last season. plane crash, was one of the
SCO: Let’s talk about the speeding issue, both on the trails and on the lake. Post Your Videos
for speeding on the lake, even if the snowmobile club has a designated marked trail with stakes on the lake. The speeds that the modern snowmobile can reach are high and snowmobilers are hitting, ice huts, islands and ice ridges (pressure cracks). There is no law against this speed, therefore there is no enforcement, but snowmobilers should drive within their limits and while night riding never out drive their headlights. These are significant problems that continue to contribute to the high numbers of fatalities. The number of fatalities on the trail is significantly lower; the 50 kph limit along with the enforcement has something to do with this. There is no doubt that speed kills.
Sgt. Larry: First off, there is no law
SNOWMOBILE! Central Ontario
greatest political sages . There are two theories to arguing with a woman. Neither works.
January 2013
OFSC District 7
• Algonquin S/C • Baxter S/C OFSC District 7 Muskoka Box 987, 1 Robert Dollar Dr., Bracebridge ON • Du-Ya-Wanna S/C P1L 1V2 1 800-328-7245 / 705-645-3123 • Happy Wanderers S/C
Muskoka Sno-Bombers: The Backbone of Sustainable Trails
• Highland Rovers S/C • SMART S/C • Hill & Gully Riders • Snowcrest Riders S/C • MLSTA • Tall Pines S/C • Muskoka Sno-Bombers
By Dustin Cleveland,
Club Secretary The Township of Muskoka Lakes is unquestionably dominated by privately owned lands and as such the importance of consent from private landowners for snowmobilers to use their land cannot be overstated. Landowners are without debate the backbone of sustainable snowmobile trails in Muskoka, and this example, to follow, is an absolute testimony to this. We recently lost permission to access lands in the area of Baldwin Road, resulting in a considerable section of Trans Ontario Provincial TOP connector C102D as we knew it, to be lost. Although an Alternate Trail has been established through the use of alreadyexisting trails, it does not refute the fact that the loss of one consenting landowner can cause desolation for the Club and for trail users. The reasons for land use permission being revoked may include any number of factors, and in this case, the property changed hands and unfortunately the buyer was not consenting. But for other cases a small number of snowmobile trail users, probably within the number of fingers I can count on just one hand, have abused the privilege of accessing private property. For one example, leaving the groomed portion of the trail and physically vandalizing private property. These cases can and should be prevented. A snowmobile trail is a fragile entity, and takes time and effort to conduct. However just one act of disrespect can
leave the Club and all other snowmobile trail users at a loss. The Prescribed Snowmobile Trail Land Use Permission form, a legal document, clearly states the following in relation to staying on the trail: “I, the owner/occupier of the premises do hereby give the undersigned named local snowmobile club permission to legally enter, establish, groom, maintain, and sign and use that potion of the premises herein designated by me for the exclusive purpose of allowing valid permitted and exempted snowmobiles and their riders to use said designated premises for snowmobiling”. This season, and for all the seasons to come, on behalf of all landowners, club members, and permit holders, I ask you to respect the trails and keep in mind what is involved in creating and maintaining these trails we all enjoy each season. Until next time, keep it between the corridor markers!
By Gary Irving, Club President I am proud to say that the Highland Rovers S.C. were the first in District 7 to open a portion of our trail system, the TOP D from Kearney to Bear Lake where we join up with District 10. Chas Clark, our District 7 Governor and I had mentioned in the previous issue of Snowmobile! Central Ontario that we had received a grant from the OFSC to repair and
upgrade our section of the TOP D (Seguin Trail) and we had just completed the upgrade before the snow hit the ground. This along with our dedicated groomers made it possible to provide riders with some early season riding. I was out on December 28, 2012, for my first ride and was surprised to see the volume of sleds out already. We are all itching to get some sled time after a long wait for winter to arrive. Right now, there
This shows an old section of Secondary Trail 33, where land use permission was revoked in 2006 because of vandalism to private property. Please stay on the marked trails!
Highland Rovers: Update
January 2013
are a lot of trails open in the Province, which is certainly a good start to
what I hope is a long and snowy sled season after. Happy Sledding to All!
By Margaret Kenwright, Secretary Ride Around Lake Muskoka, this is a Great Day Trip. Start from anywhere around Lake Muskoka and the trails will bring you full circle, it’s easy! No back-tracking and no getting lost. The second time, try it in reverse for fun – well ok, in forward gear, but in the other direction. The route described in this story is in a clockwise direction around Lake Muskoka. Choose the spot easiest for you to access and jump right onto the trail. A favourite day ride for us is to start at C101D at Southwood Road. Traveling north, towards Bala, C101D covers wide open granite ridges and then curves somewhat through hilly woods. Wooden bridges and some corduroying takes care of the creeks. A large trail map is at the intersection of C101D and C114 where we turn towards Bala. The TOP C114 is a picturesque, rolling trail created last year to help reduce lake crossings, and extends to Muskoka Road 38. A short distance to Hwy 169 and through town, the trail continues on snow-based Bala Falls Road. Before the trail heads into the woods again, we pass Bala Falls, where all the Muskoka lakes flow into the Moon River, then Georgian Bay. Past the Cranberry Marsh, just north of Bala, we pick up C102D toward Port Carling. Both trails are tight
and have hilly turns in the woods and the long, wide hills of the hydro rightof-way are really enjoyable and scenic. Crossing the locks in Port Carling, Lake Rosseau is on one side with the Indian River on the other. Every year, the Township of Muskoka Lakes stores and then installs the floating bridge near the small locks. Leaving Port Carling when we cross Silver Lake and trail C102D that continues across Brandy Lake, through Milford Bay with its farmlands and then on to Bracebridge. These trails from Brandy Lake through to Bracebridge are maintained and groomed by the SnoBombers. Turning south onto TOP D trail, we enter the wonderful Pipeline toward Gravenhurst. If you have never ridden it, the experience is well worth the road travel in Gravenhurst. Continuing on TOP D trail, we can pick up C101D again and continue home. Snowcrest Riders keep the pipeline and C101D in great shape even with lots of weekend traffic. There are several good restaurants and fuel stops are in Bala, Glen Orchard, Port Carling, Bracebridge and Gravenhurst. Check out the MSR (Muskoka Snowmobile Region) Trail Map for locations. Call MSR at 705645-3123 or 1-800-328-7245, or visit www.msrsnowtrails.com for permit and trail map distributors.
By Gordon R.McBride, Club Director
challenge to groom due to the extreme terrain. Kawagama and Lake of Bays are unsafe for the most part while some small lakes are frozen, however the ice remains thin. Cold weather should firm these two lakes in the coming weeks. As always check before you venture out onto any ice. Trail details and social events can be found on our website www.tallpines.org. Check out our Poker Rally on the events page, this a fun event and a great cause raising funds for the camp's dialysis facility as well as our club.
MLSTA: Ride Around Lake Muskoka, RALM
Safe Sledding!
Tall Pines S/C: Update Our groomers have been out to pack the trails already and we now await a decent snow fall in order to properly groom and officially open the Tall Pines trail system. Trail work on trail #62 to Kennisis Lake and D101B past Maple Ridge Road, that was mentioned in the last issue have been completed. We hope our members find the changes beneficial particularly on trail #62 which has always been a
SNOWMOBILE! Central Ontario
Page 13
tager on Raven Lake and if you out the groomers for packing much haven't heard him perform you really less actual grooming. Hopefully the heavens have opened and snow is on should attend. the ground. That said there isn’t much else to report on our trail preparation work other than the routine stuff is done. It’s up to the snow gods to kick start things. In the meantime, this article By Dan McCormack, our portion of the MSR trail system. will continue last issue’s trend of foThere are lots of nasty rocks and “water cusing on some sled history. This time Club Director crossings” which need more attention let’s highlight Ski-Doo and talk about There is still not enough snow to from Mother Nature before we can send J. Armand Bombardier, here was a man truly get things properly underway on with an eye for making things work. hgrsnowmobileclub.on.ca | info@hgrsnowmobileclub.on.ca info@hgrsnowmobileclub.on.ca hgrsnowmobileclub.on.ca He long wanted to produce a machine capable of carrying a person over snow, REMEMBER WHEN...? WHEN...? in the heartland of Quebec where there REMEMBER was a lot of snow. As early as 1949 he built a machine with an engine which he designed, but was far too expensive to produce. He sought out other suitable e n g i n e s, but there were was little to choose from. He M P settled on M-4 A the Kohler 0 1 single hop S cylinder n c e w Rd. a n engine and e a i n t M e a d o D103B M in 1959 the il r H G R B e a v e TOP Tra Ski-Dog 3 1 2 Sydney was introduced. Its’ simplicity was its’ Port attraction. He used rubber drive sprockets turning an endless rubber belt. It caught on quickly and by 1963 over 5000 machines had been produced. By Interested Interested to to display display your your s sled led c call all Larry Larry at at 705.385.1964 705.385.1964 then the name had been changed to B BAR-B-QUE AR-B-QUE • GROOMER GROOMER DISPLAY DISPLAY • H HGR GR M MERCHANDISE ERCHANDISE Ski-Doo - a name which became absolutely synonymous with the new w i n t e r sport. No m a t t e r whether you were riding a yellow machine with a black belly stripe or some other make, you were SkiDooing. Mr. Bombardier died in 1964 and the www.edgeperformance.ca company continued to grow, now under the control of other family
The rally is followed by a dinner, awards and music provided by Lou Moore once again. Lou is a local cot-
Happy Wanderers S/C: Snap-Shot of Ski-Doo History
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SNOWMOBILE! Central Ontario
members. The $30,000 advertising budget in 1964 expanded to $5 million by 1970. A dealer network of over 2,000 got the product onto the snow. By 1970, the Rotax engines were the mainstay power source, because Bombardier bought the Austrian company outright to ensure continued supply. Competitor Moto-Ski was bought out in 1971 to obtain additional production capacity. Numerous suppliers who produced seats, chrome plated parts; plastic mouldings and winter clothing were also bought out and amalgamated into the Ski-Doo organization. In the early ‘70s, Ski-Doo owned 40% of the world snowmobile market and this was, at a time when there were about 150 competitors rather than just 3. In 1974 Ski-Doo produced its’ 1,000,000th snowmobile – a TNT and by 1994 the 2,000,000th machine, the Ski-Doo Summit. Quite impressive if you consider that’s an average of 57,000 + machines a year up to that time. Ski-Doo’s success had drawn the attention of the huge Outboard Marine Corporation in the late ‘60s. They were looking for a fast way into the snowmobile market to compliment their Johnson and Evinrude outboard line. It’s a little ironic that Ski-Doo held off OMC giant back then and ultimately bought the remnants of OMC Company out in 2001. Ski-Doo even took a run at Polaris Industries in 1980, but they were unsuccessful due to U.S anti-trust laws. Over the years, many of us have owned a variety of Ski-Doo products bearing famous model names such as Elan, TNT, Blizzard, Nordic and of course the Olympique. Those names were iconic in their time - so much so, that Canada Post issued a commemorative stamp marking the retirement of the Olympique name in 1979. Yellow has largely been the trademark for SkiDoo, although several models over the years have had other colour schemes. The first departure from yellow was probably the 1972 Nordic which was mostly black. Like all of the machines of the early snowmobile era, Ski-Doo had their strengths and weaknesses. Back then, my old snowmobile suits where jammed with spark plugs for those extra long 5 mile rides, when plug fouling put me onto the side of the trail or the end of a tow rope. Even so, I look back to those days with some fondness of those machines as they had unmistakable character to go along with the colourful characters that drove them. Congratulations to Ski-Doo for bringing the great sport of snowmobiling to the masses. January 2013
Snowcrest Riders S/C: Accomplishments By Bob Clarke, Club President
As I am entering the last year (6th) of my third term as President of Snowcrest Riders Snowmobile Club, I am taking a moment to look back at the accomplishments of this organization over the last five years.
We have replaced three of our four club sleds, refurbished two sled groomers and purchased new one. We upgraded and purchased all new safety equipment, and upg raded much of our smaller equipment such as chainsaws, ice drills and brushing equipment. We built a 240 foot bailey bridge to reopen and improve 30kms of Top Trail, with funding from the Provincial and Federal Governments. We replaced the Scot-Trac Groomer with a newer Piston Bully 100 and this past June received a 2012 New Holland Tractor with a new drag. Snowcrest Riders have hosted Chamber of Commerce after hours meetings and have partnered with the Town of Gravenhurst with the first ever Town of Gravenhurst Snowmobile Tourism Task Force. Yours truly was appointed Chair of this municipal task force whose mandate was “to work collaboratively to examine ways to maximize the
snowmobile industry offerings in Gravenhurst, offering a diverse range of activities and positioning Gravenhurst as a four season tourism destination”. We have presented a 7 page business plan to the Town of Gravenhurst that deals with areas that require improvement. Snowcrest Riders began an annual fundraising golf tournament 3 years ago, and have added a snowmobile safari to our annual Pancake Brunch. We have raised approximately $35,000.00 for charity and continue to support community events. All of these accomplishments are a true testament of the dedication, efforts, and achievements of our Admin staff, groomer operators, landowners, businesses that support us, our club volunteers, and to everyone who purchases a trail permit from Snowcrest Riders. All of the above, working together makes our communities stronger and sustainable in the winter months while providing a family recreation. Some of our landowners are also local business people and understand how working together has a positive impact on our communities. Thank you all and a job well done.
Algonquin S/C:
January 2013
By Lisa Martin, Club Treasurer As I sit and write this I am watching the snow fall and the weather network is forecasting colder weather for the week ahead. Hopefully we can get out and start packing our trails soon to prepare them for the groomer. Last fall a group of club volunteers got together, to re-
place the railings and decking on the Copp Bay Bridge. Thanks to Don Martin, Ron Martin, Tom Wideman, Michael Wideman, Randy Martin, Jack Martin, Kaylee Martin, Bruce Martin, Cody Dietrich, Jim Fouracre, Brent Holden and Michael Holden. The work was done in the pouring rain and shows the dedication of the volunteers to get the job done. On December 22nd another group of volunteers got together to put in the floating bridge. This bridge connects the SMART club and the Baxter club on trail 15 across the Black River. Ron Martin, Don Martin and Greg Rapson had tried to place it in the week
before, but the water was too low and they needed more manpower. I would like to thank Ron, Don, Greg, Jeff Rapson, John Swailes, Bob McKellar, Bud Knowles, Andy Dunlop, Pat Coulis and Wendell Macllellan. With that extra manpower and a couple of extra inches of water the bridge was in place in 1 hour. Without volunteers these jobs, and many others, would not get done. Having these jobs done is essential to being able to open our trails safely. We are all excited about getting on the trails. It is important to remember, and this cannot be said enough, that as a rider you are the one responsible for how and where you ride. Use the resources available to you to help you make smart and safe decisions so that your experience is enjoyable and safe. Use the OFSC and local clubs’ trail status reports. Ride only on OFSC designated trails and stay on those trails. Know the weather and how it can impact trail conditions let someone know where you are going and when you plan on returning. Keep to the posted speed limits on the trails and always ride on the right side. Do not drink and ride. Let’s make this a fatality and injury free riding season. Visit us at www.smartsnowmobile.ca for club and trail updates. RIDE SAFE. RIDE SOBER. RIDE SMART.
Eat. Sleep. Play. www.northridgeinn.com
New Director
Meet Algonquin Snowmobile Club’s new director, Terry Wilson. He is channeling his Viking heritage, looks after fundraising for the club and he specializes in an offer you can’t refuse!
SMART: Thanks Volunteers
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Page 15
District 7: TOP D Improvements
By Chas Clark District Governor Last issue I told you that a $178,000 bid had been approved by the OFSC’s External Funding Task-
Before
Before
During
Repaired
After
this an early open trail. Indeed, the trail was groomed on Boxing Day and opened limited availability on December 27th, the first trail open in District 7. This was not all plain sailing, as it was discovered that the wood decking on one of bridges, on this section of TOP D, was completely rotten and this was repaired by the local club with club funds. What was great is the local ATV club came and helped out with the repair as they use this trail during the non- winter months. Perhaps, and this is just a thought, that this may be the future where the local snowmobile and ATV clubs combine into one club, to look after and fund the tr ails that they both use throughout the year. I was trail patrolling this stretch of trail before the New Year and I was stopped by a sledder who wished me a Happy New Year! He also thanked me and the volunteers for all the hard work we put in to make the trail so good for the riders. That really made me feel that our efforts are appreciated, so next time you see a club volunteer or groomer on the trail, stop and thank them and give them the warm feeling that they are appreciated and valued.
just before Highway 11. This is OFSC and their Framework where the groomer constantly broke for Change (FFC) through the ice giving the snowAfter mobiler a wet and rough ride. You will all have heard of the force for the repair of TOP D beThe work was completed on budg- Framework for Change (FFC) that tween Sprucedale and Rochester et and on timescale with the added was presented by our President at Lake Road near Kearney. A typical bonus that we could now declare the AGM at Blue Mountain. There section was the infamous waterholes
have been several bulletins on this subject that have come out since last September. This coming weekend is the first meeting by the Governors to review the initial research and modelling that has been carried out by the OFSC staff on a proposal that could radically change the face of organized snowmobiling in Ontario. Following my District Board meeting where FFC was debated at length, I know that there are many questions that need to be answered, so keep your eye out for the next OFSC bulletin on this topic. Have a great season on the trails, be safe and enjoy the winter. Let it snow!
Look closely at this rear suspension, there is an ice scracher mounted on this rail. SCO is courrently testing several ice scratchers that are on the market. So stay tuned for our next issue of SCO for these results
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January 2013
OFSC District 11 OFSC District 11 Near North Trail Assocuation Box 237 160 Pinewood Park Dr. North Bay ON P1B 8H2 866-338-6682 / 705-495-4333
• Almaguin District S/C • Argyle Ryders S/C • Bonfield S/C • French River Snow Devils • French River Snow Voyageurs
• Mattawa & Area S/C • Temagami Trails / • Near North Snowdrifters NNTA S/C • Nipissing Veuve River S/C • West Nipissing S/C • North Bay S/C • South Shore / Restoule S/C
Almaguin Distict S/C: Touring the Bonfield and North Bay Trails trip up to the North Bay. We covered the area on Feb.28th to Mar.1st. We had just received a good dump of fresh snow, the conditions were great, so we headed north on freshly groomed ADSC trails picking up TOP D north to C105D that brought into South River for fuel. We also staid for lunch at Antonio's at this stop. We had to share the trail with several dog sled teams out for a run, but they seemed to appreciate us slowing right down and letting them pass. There is a fair bit of road running on the TOP D trail in both the Trout Creek and Powassan areas, but due to the fresh snow this was not a problem. We took A102D across well marked Nosbonsing Lake to the A trail to BF201 to our hosts at The Dinner Bell Motel & Restaurant. This a great place to stay, and eat or can
be used as staging. As they were full at the time, we rode over to their overflow B&B on the lake where we were treated, like Royalty. Day 2 we rode the NB 300 series trails in and
By Rheal Rivet, we can really start the 2013 snowmobiling season. Even though the snowDistrict Rep We would like to take this oppor- mobile trails in West Nipissing are not tunity to wish you all a prosperous and officially open, our relentless volunteers healthy New Year 2013. Our second are still working hard to make sure the wish is to get an abundance of snow so trails are in top shape. For example, that snowmobilers can enjoy their planks have been replaced on the Temagami River Bridge and improvefavourite sport. m e n t s We are presentwere made ly writing this using a article in Otbulldozer tawa as we have to D-trail been blessed between with our first To m i ko grand-daughter Lake and and are here to A -Trail lend a hand. It back in is unfortunate May. Hope that West Trail improvements by volunteer to see Nipissing does Claude McGrath everyone not have all the snow that our Nation’s Capital has re- out for our Poker Run, (see the events ceived to date; it sure has plenty of it page) this activity has been held for and have no place to put it. From our the past 35 years and is always a soldconversations with the volunteers at out event year after year. Please enjoy home, we still need another 12 cen- this upcoming snowmobiling season, timetres of snow and more cold weather we encourage you ride safely and enjoy to freeze the creeks and ponds before our trails.
By Helen Vaillancourt, Club Treasurer Since 1965, my husband and I have put thousands and thousands of kilometers on our sleds travelling over Ontario and Quebec. Snowmobiling out of North Bay, District 11 offers many opportunities for day trips to Mattawa, Temagami, Restoule, Port Loring, Sturgeon Falls and even Temiskaming Quebec (BTW, A Quebec trail pass not needed here as long as you don’t go any further than the first restaurant) Longer trips involving overnights to New Liskeard, Cochrane, Timmins, Smooth Rock Falls and Hearst were easily done. Going west from North Bay to Sudbury, Espanola and Sault Ste Marie are well mapped out. Another great trip 5 day trip has been west to Nairin Centre, Espanola and then north to Chapleau, Timmins, Cochrane, Kirkland Lake and back home. Quebec Trips have involved going to Quebec City, right from our back yard, 4 days down,
By Blair Ballantyne, ADSC Director
We were the first ones to leave a mark on these perfect trails
Well we had a white Xmas and we are all anxiously waiting for the first ride when the trails open up. This reminds me of one of our last rides near the end of last season. Two of our Sled Head friends, my wife and I took a three day saddlebag
West Nipissing S/C: Update
January 2013
ever ridden, even rivaling the super snow highways in the Cochrane area. What a blast! We took A102Q to AD south to our lunch and fuel stop at The Portage Restaurant. After another great meal we headed down A2 and back to Bonfield to our B&B homeaway-from-home. Day 3 we took the TOP A trail south to A101D and over to the TOP D south and then swung back home. Our thanks go out to the Bonfield and North Bay clubs for a great ride. When they get the snow, they sure put down an amazing product! If you haven't had the chance We shared the trail with several to ride in this area yet, you owe it to dog sled teams out for a run yourself to check this area out. Hope around the Mattawa River Provincial everyone had a great holiday and Park area. Every trail was groomed we'll see you on the trails. Ride Safe, to perfection and their trail NB308 Happy Trails! that takes you north to A102Q has got to be one the best trails we've
South Shore Restoule S/C: Share Your Trips
visiting the carnival for 2 days and then 4 days back. Trailering to Rimouski Quebec and spending 6 days on the trail on the Gaspe Peninsula is a favourite. Most of your readers have planned and taken snowmobile trips. Consider giving your itinerary to your club office so that when requests come in for trip planning and ideas, your office will have some help at hand. Your plan should show day by day, total kilometers, the trail numbers to be travelled, where to fuel up, the name of the hotel for the evening and its phone number as well as the cut off time if one has to cancel the accommodation.( One time we ran into huge impassable snowdrifts in the Gaspe and had to change our whole route “on the fly”, cancelling reserved accommodation, booking other rooms etc) It’s important that phone numbers be confirmed and accommodations booked ahead of time. Share your trips with your club. Good snow and good plans equal good experiences.
Will Rogers, who died in a 1935 plane crash, was one of the greatest political sages ever known. “Never slap a man who's chewing tobacco.”
SNOWMOBILE! Central Ontario
Page 17
Argyle Riders S/C: Ready for Winter By Jake Weller, Club President We are out packing the trails and getting ready to stake. We will post on our website when the trails are open and the lakes are staked, hopefully this will happen shortly. We are going to open an Alpine trail from the AR509 to the D102C which will create a scenic trail and shorter route when traveling the land trail from Ardbeg. Signage and stakes will be installed so this trail will be easy to find. The Argyle Riders have re-decked the bridge on the Wolf River and a complete re-build of the bridge at Weller’s Folly has been completed and ready for use. It looks quite impressive if we do say so ourselves, not as much fun as it used to be with no chance of falling out through the sides anymore! Once again, thanks to all our permit buyers who again supported us this year, without you we would have no club. A note of interest; if you go online and buy your permit, it costs our club $11.00. On second thought, I must approach the OFSC office and see if
Mattawa & Area S/C:
they will allow us to deduct $11.00 from the portion we have to send them for each permit we sell directly to our members. Just an update on the painted turtle and hog nosed snake debacle (refer to Argyle Riders.com if you did not receive the last newsletter). The volunteers were out packing the trails towards ESS Narrows when the blade on the groomer pushed up a foreign looking object. You know what it was? Yep, it was a painted turtle and hog nosed snake all intertwined and hibernating for the winter. I’m thinking we’re going to have a new reptile next summer. Maybe the area is going to be full of Snurdles! Now this is a whole new set of problems; protected area, biological study, new road crossings, signage postings, enforcement, consultation with environment, oceans and fisheries and the MNR before any construction projects can begin. This should be good for at least a dozen jobs, with any luck these jobs will happen in our area. Hopefully we can have a good season once and everyone can get their monies worth.
Trillium Foundation Supports South Shore Restoule S/C The Ontario Trillium Foundation provides grants to non profit organizations to help fund a variety of projects. While the application forms are daunting to an amateur, as everything must be done online, financials imported etc., it was worth while to persevere. Recently
that runs through the foot hills of the Laurentian Mountains reports from both Matt Viel the MASC Groomer Supervisor and the rider ship are that this trail has become even more scenic and legendary than ever before. We hope that you will come explore this route this winter. We have been hard at work developing information signage and trail guide billboards for the trail system and are expecting to have everything completed by mid January. We would like to thank NECO Community Futures Development Corporation for their support. While you are touring the Mattawa-Bonfield area, you may have the opportunity to stop at one of our areas local business, while there ask for MASC 50/50 tickets, they are $2 each and you can win up to $2000 cash! (Draw is March 30th 2013) and all proceeds will go back to improving the trails you ride! Stay in touch with our club and receive operations status updates directly through our website www.mattawasc.ca or facebook www.facebook.com/mattawasc. We hope that the cold and snowy weather will Our new bridge on A112A trail continue to produce what looks to be the completion of two new bridges by another great winter and are looking Calvin Forest Products Ltd. on the forward to seeing your smiling face on newly designated TOP A112A trail the trail this winter! By Jeff McGirr, Vice President I am pleased to report on behalf of the Mattawa & Area Snowmobile Club permit holders and volunteers that many of our trails are listed as ‘limited availability’ in fact the MASC was the first club south of District 15 to offer available riding. This ‘limited status’ did not come without a ton of effort from volunteers, the support through permit sales from our members and Mother Nature’s cooperation. We are also pleased to report that MASC permit sales are up over last year! And this increase in support from you will be reflected in the trails we all ride. With
North Bay S/C: Trail Update
we were awarded a grant to purchase a Mogel Master Drag to replace an ancient, many times repaired drag. This new drag will do a better job on our By Brian Baker, trails and will save down time. We are grateful for the support of the Trillium Club President Well here we are and unfortunately Foundation. we’re not out on the trails enjoying our passion. It’s hard to believe that Will Rogers, who died in a 1935 plane crash, was one of the greatest political sages ever known. Enjoy the following we are experiencing an almost carbon Never miss a good chance to shut up. copy of last year’s poor winter weather. Always drink upstream from the herd. NBSC and our contractor, RanDon If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging. Crane & Leasing, recently completed two new steel replacement bridges on TOP AD. Both bridges were funded by Ontario’s Tourism Development Fund by way of the OFSC, with our club paying approximately 10% for this project. Please remember that NB301, MA150 and MA101 have been designated a TOP Collector trail connecting TOP A to TOP A1, a distance of 90 kilometres. The new designation is TOP A112A and the new signs are already installed and the new numbering is included on this year’s District 11 t. N untsville, O NP 1H 11T4 T4 Centre St. N.,., H Huntsville, ON P1H 6699 C entre S trail guide. We have decided to leave the NB301 signs in place for at least Fax: 7705-789-8818 05-789-8818 F ax: 7705-789-3305 05-789-3305 this season along with the new A112A
FESTING FESTING
TOYOTA T OYO OT TA
R Real eal P People eople S Selling elling R Real eal Cars Cars Toll T oll F Free: ree: 1 1-800-387-8818 -800-387-8818
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SNOWMOBILE! Central Ontario
signs. Due to budgetary and grooming issues, NB303 and NB305 have been permanently closed. Trail NB304 will be open from NB308, the Olrig Forest Access Road, to the Lookout where the trail will end. Our nine trail guide boards will be installed this season and we have a few new sponsors, including Scott Hutchison Contracting. Our ‘Think Snow Fundraising Auction’ was held December 1st at The Portage and we had an excellent turnout at this event, it’s our club’s major fundraiser of the year. We have sent out a newsletter to all of our new trail permit buyers who included their e-mail address on their permit application. We are trying to improve our communications with our riders by making them aware of our website at www.nbsc.ca as well as our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/NorthBaySnowmobileClub and Twitter at https://twitter.com/Northbay_SC Please send us your comments to info@nbsc.ca January 2013
How to set up your Sled’s Suspension By Bob Island
past decade of snowcross seasons travelling with Factory Teams like; Ryde FX, Scheuring Speed Sports Amsoil Team and the OTSFF Race Team. We had the opportunity to discuss sled suspensions and the proper setup for both race and today’s trail riding. The following Q and A is Robinson’s suggestions for suspension setups. Basic Set-ups
SCO: Ok, where do you start?
Scheuring Speed Sports the Amsoil Team on the podium
AR: The first consideration is shock springs. The OEMs do a great job for 75% of the riders, the other 25% that includes lightweights and heavyweights, if you can’t set the appropriate pre-load on your suspension, it will never work properly. For example: If a heavyweight rider has the spring settings in the stiffest position and the sled is still sagging too far down, the fix is the rider will need to upgrade to a stiffer set of springs. The OEMs have a range of springs available for different suspension setups.
Near North Snowdrifters SC: Big Improvements! By Neil Gutjahr, Club President The season has begun and as of New Years Day we have begun to open trails. The Near North Snowdrifters manage trails from Sundridge to Trout Creek. Our club has spent a great deal of this season’s budget on trail creation. We have a new trail that connects directly to Sundridge on Lake Bernard. The extension of our NN410 (on the west side of Hwy #11) has eliminated a bunch of road running. There are now a couple of kilometers of new trail west of the tunnel on the C105D trail that runs east and west through the Village of South River, this trail passes under the new Hwy 11 via a tunnel. We received sponsorship support from 30 local businesses as well as the thumbs up from the following municipalities; Sundridge, South River, Machar Township, Strong Township,
and Joly Township. We want you to come snowmobile here, stay a while and please buy your permit from us. There is a lot of activity here, we also have dog sledding and ice fishing! Watch for new billboards on our trail system located in key intersections, including the South River and Sundridge arenas. Also new this year is a laminated map for sledders that you can slip easily into your tank bag pouch for convenient viewing. They can be obtained at any of our permit distributors as well as some of our sponsors. The Near North Snowdrifters’ website is extremely informative; please visit for designated parking info, an up-to-date map, trail conditions, permit purchase and many other details about the area and our wonderful sport of snowmobiling. www.nearnorthsnowdrifters.com
QUÉBEC/CANADA
SCO: What do you mean by pre-load?
AR: That is a term used to describe the spring adjustments for the proper ride height. Even today’s economy sled models have adjustable spring positions or pre-load that gives individual riders the option to accomIt has come to our attention that modate their weight and riding many snowmobilers do NOT have ability. their suspension set up properly. If you ask them a question about their suspension, their reply is often, “It came from the dealer this way.” SCO has interviewed several dealers on this issue and here is their take on this issue, “We leave the suspension set-ups to the owner, we don’t know how they ride, so we leave the suspension the way it came from the factory.” So many riders do not take time to figure out their own set-ups and just go riding. As a snowmobiler, I can understand this thought, the excitement of “just go riding” especially after the first snowfall! But the proper set-up will improve your ride and it will enable you to get the best ride possible from your sled.
SCO had the opportunity to talk with Adam Robinson who is an expert in the world of motocross and snowcross suspensions. He has spent the January 2013
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OF THE
IN
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N45’ 22.679”, W 078” 55.540’ Page 19
SCO: After you have the pre-load set, what next?
AR: Pick out a block a time in order to make some adjustments, make notes for each step of the way. Ride the sled through a particular section with the stock settings, on most premium sleds on the bottom of the front shocks there is a compression setting adjustment. Before you make any adjustments though, find the stock setting by counting the number of clicks all the way in, record that number, and return it to the stock setting. The next part is trial and error with adjustments of NO MORE than two clicks at a time. Test ride and record the results .These test rides should be over the same terrain on the same day. SCO: What type of reaction do you look for in the front?
This Polaris set-up is goof proof, the clicker has a directional arrow for hard and soft
front is always done first and once you are happy with the front adjustments, then you move to the rear. The rear suspension generally has two shocks and torsion springs, like the front, set the springs first. First you measure from the rear bumper to the ground then measure with the SCO: There has been a lot of talk about rider in full gear and position in the the front, what about the rear? same location. There should be a drop AR: Absolutely, but remember the of 1 to 1 ¼ inches with the rider on
AR: If the front is too soft it will bottom too easily and roll in the corners, if the front is too hard the suspension will not have enough travel and will send too much feedback to the rider. There is a balance here, which each individual will call perfect.
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the sled, this is called rider sag, and once you have achieved the rider sag, you can move to the front rear shock. This shock is the most forgotten yet the most important. This shock does the majority of the work in the rear suspension, it takes all of the hits from bumps first, and it also controls weight transfer contributing to bite/traction on acceleration. Weight transfer is very important for corner to corner acceleration because the skis need to be on the ground. If the sled is wheeling on acceleration, there is another adjustment: the limiter straps can be tightened up one notch. Remember to make only one adjustment at a time and test ride every adjustment, making notes as you go along. SCO: Is there is standard set of adjustments that anyone can use?
AR: No, these adjustments are individual and are a personal preference. Besides, the OEM stock settings are for the middle of the road, you can make your personal settings based on the OEMs settings, but many prefer their own. SCO: What about a new sled? Can a new rider get a head start on suspension adjustments?
AR: The only thing that they can set is shock spring pre-load, after that, the best thing for a new sled is to ride it and experience the stock settings. Later on you can change, but always use the stock settings as a guide. Advanced Set-ups
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mileage or a sled that has been ridden really hard. Now for some adjustments, some shocks have High Speed Compression damping (HSC) and Low Speed Compression damping (LSC). The difference between these two adjustments is; low speed is for small trail bumps, while the high speed is for; you guessed it, big spine tinglers! During our interview with Robison, he made a point about these compression settings, these settings really do change the characteristics and handling of the sled. Once the HSC and LSC are dialled in for a racer, he leaves it alone, he spends most of his time changing the springs and dialling in pre-load settings. There is also rebound adjustments, this setting controls the rate of extension of the shock or how fast the shock comes out after being compressed. All of these settings make difference, so as previously mentioned, take notes, to keep track of where you have been and keep track of where you are going. Ride smooth and ride Safe! New Shock Purchases
If you are considering a new or aftermarket shock purchase, you should really look into to support service that goes along with the shocks. This is critical, Robinson recommends FOX Shocks, he said, “they really extend themselves to the consumer”. FOX Shocks have been a standard on many performance models on both Arctic Cat and Yamaha snowmobile for several years. They have several models that range from Trail, Cross country and snowcross race shocks, so whatever your needs, Fox is a worthy consideration. Now for some more good news, we have a FOX SHOX Dealer in our area; the name is FLYBYU Motorsports in Utterson, just south of Huntsville. For more information see their ad in SCO’s Marketplace section.
Here is a close look at a race shock remote reservoir from Ryde FX, the blue dial is LSC and the red dial is HSC
come with premium shock package, these are rebuildable and they loaded with adjustments. First a note on rebuilds; our research has shown that this very seldom happens. Shocks should be, at the very least, taken apart and cleaned, with fresh oil added and be recharged with nitrogen every two years or every year on a high Page 20
SNOWMOBILE! Central Ontario
FOX FLOAT 2 shocks came standard on many new OEM sled models January 2013
Members of the Muskoka Sno Bombers having a trail side rest.
Zach one of many Algonquin SC volunteers checking out the trails.
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BRAKES
January 2013
These sledders are amazed with the tracks on Algonquin SC goomer.
Hey were do you put the gas in this thing?
RIMS
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Blair Ballantyne sent this picture in after sharing the trail with this moose on the loose.
Jack Bradley is at the International Airport in Costa Rica and he can’t wait to go sledding.
AUTO ACCESSORIES
SUSPENSION
SNOWMOBILE! Central Ontario
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SCO Touring Contest Announced
Snowmobile Central Ontario has teamed up with the good people at Gamma Sales. This distributor has offered up several prizes for touring participants and for club volunteers that work on the EE Loop. There are prizes from Coldwave to be given to the club volunteers; these prizes will be distributed through the Districts as a draw. The winners of these prizes will be published in the next issue of SCO. Touring participants also have a
Bonnechere Cup, Eganville
PRO Champ #74 Dustin Wahl
February 22, 23, 24, 2013
For the past 38 years, The Bonnechere Cup has hosted professional Eastern Pro Tour ice oval snowmobile racing at the Benson Sports Oval. The Bonnechere Cup has snowmobiles reaching speeds of 100mph, as well as vintage and ATV races on the ice. Some of the greatest names in snowmobiling history have experienced the ‘thrill of victory and the agony of defeat’ right here at our track. Names like Lee, Vandolder, Riemenschneider, Wahl, Vessair and of course, Villeneuve, have all shaped the course of their careers at the Bonnechere Cup. Come and see for yourself, history will be made again, as the top drivers chase down another $20,000 + prize purse.
Club Events
January 23: Algonquin SC’s Annual Chili Cook off at the club house near McCann Lake January 26: Snowcrest RSC Annual Pancake Breakfast: Begins at 10am at the Walkers Point Community Centre on Walkers Point Rd. All you can eat breakfast, $8.00 per person. Page 22
chance win GMAX and ZOAN helmets and Coldwave gloves for their EE Loop stories and photos. Please email your stories and photos of your EE Loop experience to the SCO editor, at bob@snowmobilecentralontario.com At the end of the season the SCO staff will select the best story and the best photo, first prize for the best story is a helmet and second prize for this contest are a pair of Coldwave gloves with the same prizes for the best photo and the
February 2: NRSA Snowmobile Poker Run, in Chalk River, ON visit www.nrsa.ca for more details February 2: Another highlight in West Nipissing is the Crystal Falls Annual Poker Run. February 2: Argyle Riders Poker Run starts Saturday at the Argyle Lions Community Center with registration open at 10:00AM February 8, 9: The SMART club to host its annual Valentine’s Day Ride starting at the Groomer Shop, Pancake breakfast from 8-9 am followed by a ride on the trails, also a BBQ at the end. Cost is $30.00 per person. Call 705-686-7653. February 9: Tall Pines / Dorset Lions Camp Poker Rally, that our annual poker rally will be held at the Lions Camp again this year, just off County Road #8, Dorset February 16: Hill & Gully Riders Annual Open House and Antique Snowmobile Shine and Ride. Located at maintance shop - Beaver Meadow Rd. February 16: Snowcrest RSC Annual P E T (Prostate Extreme Team) Ride of Hope: Registration on Friday February 15, 2012, the place to stay at the Residence Inn by Marriott February 17th: 3rd Annual “Family Day & Fun Run Stonecliffe: www.missinglinksc.ca March 2: 16th Annual “Bow-Tie Classic” Snowmobile Rally & Silent Auction, Cost: $ 20 per hand with a $1000.00 Grand Prize. Stonecliffe, Website: www.missinglinksc.ca MLSTA Club Rides / Saturdays: January 26 & February 23; Wednesdays: February 6, 13, 27. Destinations will be emailed prior to each ride. Add your name to our email info list! Contact margaret@medwin.com. We leave at 10am from a meeting place on the trail and return by 4pm. Please join us!
second best photo. All submitted stories and photos will become the property of SCO which has the right to edit these submissions for their own use. All prizes are final with no returns or exchanges. Best of luck to all and above all else, Ride and Enjoy! If for some unknown reason, that part of the EE Loop trail network has limited conditions; SCO is advising participants to do most of the EE Loop as soon as possible. So be creative, do
CRSA Snowcross Racing Schedule
Feb 2-3, 2013, Amsoil Kawartha Cup, Lindsay, ON Feb 9-10, 2013, National and Regional Event, Barrie, Feb 15-17, 2013, Grand Prix Ski-Doo De Valcourt, Valcourt, QC Feb 23-24, 2013, CSRA Triple Crown Event, Sudbury, ON Mar 23-24, 2013, National and Regional Event, Kitchener, ON Mar 29-31, 2013, National and Regional Event Finals, Barrie, ON
Pro Eastern Tour Ice Oval Racing Schedule
FEB 2-3 Manitoulin Pro Challenge Manitowaning, Ontario www.manitoulinprochallenge.com (705) 859-3335 FEB 9-10 Boonville Snow Festival Boonville, New York, USA www.boonvillesnowfestival.com (315) 942-4756 FEB 15-17 Grand Prix Skidoo de Valcourt Valcourt, Québec, www.grandprixvalcourt.com (450) 532-3443 FEB 22-24 Miwel/Toromont-Cat
SNOWMOBILE! Central Ontario
your tour, but above all, have fun and send us your stories and photos! For more information on this touring contest visit www.snowmobilecentralontario.com Snowmobile Central Ontario would like to thank the OFSC Districts 7, 10 and 11 and all the clubs and their volunteers in these districts, we know and appreciate all the hard work that is being done, thank you all! Bonnechere Cup & Canadian Vintage Championships Eganville, Ontario, www.bonnecherecup.ca (613) 628-3633 MARCH 2-3 Le Grand Prix CFMOTO St-Évariste-de-Forsyth, Qc, (418) 459-6555 MARCH 9-10 Grand Prix Desjardins de Roberval Roberval, Québec
OFSC: Try Our Trails
For anyone who has ever wanted to try snowmobiling, Family Day Long Weekend provides an ideal opportunity – and now Ontarians are invited to test drive available OFSC trails at no charge for a permit! In cooperation with the Honourable Bob Chiarelli and his Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO), the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) is celebrating Ontario’s mid-winter statutory
holiday long weekend with the launch of a 2013 “Try Our Trails” Permit to encourage more people to get outdoors and enjoy winter by going snowmobiling on OFSC trails. The new permit is available at no cost to those who preregister online and is valid only from 12:01 AM Saturday, February 16 until 11:59 PM on Monday, February 18, 2013. January 2013
Interview with Nolan Rosko-Fong #715
Nolan Rosko-Fong is an 8 year old from Kirkland Lake, his favourite things to do are snowboarding, and dirt biking, but he loves snowmobiling. Nolan does have an older brother Jakob who races Pro Lite on the Rockstar Energy Racing Team, Nolan does look up to and
WINTER
ASPEN 2013
Iain Hayden, OTSFF’s Team Rockstar Energy Polaris, a snowcross racer from Ontario. Invited to compete in X-Games Snowcross.
Snowmobile Hall of Fame to recognize Blair Morgan
DATE OF INDUCTION: February 16, 2013 CAREER SPAN: 1997 - 2008 BRANDS REPRESENTED: Arctic Cat, Ski-Doo AGE AT INDUCTION: 37 Once in a generation, the trajectory of a supreme talent meets the potential of a rare opportunity, and a new era is born. For snowmobile competition in
idolizes his older brother’s racing success. SCO: What do you like about racing Novice 250? NR-F: When I started racing the smaller 120 Mini Z there was no air time, now with the Phantom 250 its fast and I like the air time, it’s easy to handle and fun to ride. SCO: What’s the difference between your 250 and 300? NR-F: The 300 is really fast and gets big air, you know what, I like my 250 better because it’s easier to handle. SCO: How did you do at the races in
Cochrane? NR-F: I won the 300cc class and got two 2nd place finishes in the 250 class. SCO: What is your favourite part about racing Novice 250? NR-F: I really like the feeling being out front and that you are winning, but it’s not about winning it’s about having fun and riding my 250 is lots of fun. SCO: Is there anyone you would like to thank? NR-F: yeah, Uncle Joe, my Dad the mechanic, Bill Moffatt for sponsoring me, my mom, my brother, my Aunts
This event e r a b ly featuring 200 when comof the world's pared to 5 best snowsand 10 ports athletes, years ago will take place when this Jan. 24 event was through Jan. dominated 27, 2013 in by CanadiAspen, Colo. ans. This year there are five disciplines of Invited Snowcross X-Games snowmobiling including Adaptive, Best Participants 2013 Trick, Freestyle, Snowcross, and Speed Athlete Name Country & Style. Zach Pattyn USA Taking a close look at the snowcross Mathieu Morin, from Quebec CAN list of participants, from the list of 20 Derek Ellis USA below there are only 5 Canadians invited Colby Crapo USA this year, this number is down considthe 1990s, this occurred when Blair Morgan discovered the sport of snowcross. The result was a monumental leap in popularity of both racer and sport, and cataclysmic changes in the sport of snowmobiling. Blair Morgan was more than just a talent: He was a tour de force, arriving unheralded out of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, in 1997 with blazing speed, creativity and a unique style that transformed snowcross and made him an instant fan favourite. Drawing upon his successful career in motocross, Morgan singlehandedly popularized the stand-up style of racing that revolutionized both snowcross and the entire sport. He was the inspiration for all OEMs to start building the rider-for-
ward designs that are toady’s snowmobile standards. In one glorious decade, Morgan would redefine the upper limits of success, winning 89 National events, 13 points championships, five ESPN X-Games gold medals and multiple Racer of the Year honours from the sport’s media. Though his greatest exploits were in competition, Morgan is also credited with launching the sport of snowmobile freestyle thanks to his finish line displays early in his career. With his domination came rewards, as Morgan reestablished the viability of truly full-time professional snowmobile racer for the first time since the end of the Sno Pro oval era. He was among the first snowmobile racers to create their own professional team and the
and Uncles, my Grand Parents and anyone else that I missed.
Snowcross racing at Calabogie Peaks
Tucker Hibbert Levi LaVallee Tim Tremblay, from Quebec Ross Martin Robbie Malinoski , actually Canadian Darren Mees Kody Kamm Emil Ohman Logan Christian Justin Broberg Cody Thomsen Kyle Pallin Garth Kaufman Petter Narsa Johan Lidman Iain Hayden, from Ontario Dave Joanis, from Ontario
USA USA CAN USA USA USA USA SWE USA USA USA USA USA SWE SWE CAN CAN
only person to have a signature-edition snowmobile from two different manufacturers. A career-ending injury from a motorcycle accident forced his retirement from competition in 2008.