District & Club News from OFSC Districts 6, 7 & 11
Volume V olume 3 Issue Issue 3
February Februaryy 2013 2013
INTRODUCING THE YAMHA-CAT OR THE CAT-AHA, YOU DECIDE! 2014 EARLY SLED RELEASE
2014 Yamaha SR Viper XTX SE Publication Agreement Number 42105034
$4.95 CDN
ENOUGH WITH THE NOISE ICE SCRATCHER PRODUCT TEST
Enough with the Noise
Have you ever been in a situation, where you were standing around outside conversing with fellow snowmobilers' and a sled comes by with a loud exhaust? If so, you know what it sounds like and you probably have heard the negative comments that surround this unnecessary noise. There is no doubt that noisy sleds upsets landowners and closes trails, there is no excuse for this issue. The following is a list of reasons for staying with your stock exhaust. Hopefully this may change some thoughts about aftermarket exhausts. Let’s put an end to noisy sleds!
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Reason #1 SCO talked with Chris Bondi, the owner of Bondi Engines, a specialist in building race engines for snowmobiles, motorcycles and for the power sport industry. Bondi has so many championships under his belt there are to many to list. Here is what Bondi said about, aftermarket exhausts, “the biggest thing about aftermarket exhaust mufflers, is the loss of power, these units do not have the proper back pressure, this causes a loss in torque.” He continues, “These aftermarket mufflers claim a 2 HP increase at peek power, but they do not tell you the loss off power at mid range and at the lower end.” Bondi’s final word, “The only way to get more power is to build a complete engine package on the Dyno, that’s the only way to know for sure, just putting on an aftermarket race muffler, is a loss of power.” Reason #2 During an interview with Sergeant Larry Butterfield of the Highway Safety
Division S.A.V.E Unit (Snowmobile, ATV, Vessel Enforcement Unit), this is what he had to say about noisy sleds during our interview. SCO: What is your take the noisy sleds? Sergeant Larry: It is the O.P.P.’s position to target noisy sleds; we are definitely enforcing the muffler legislation as priority this season. SCO: Can you explain the muffler legislation? Sergeant Larry: The SVA, (Snow Vehicle Act), has sections or laws against, no muffler, improper muffler or a modified muffler. All of these offenses have a fine of $85.00, plus the victim surcharge for a total of $110.00. Now it wasn’t that long ago that, Arctic Cat had a ZRT model that was extremely loud from the factory, but since it was stock, there is no fine for this. SCO: Here is another example, a little over 10 years ago, Ski-Doo had a problem with their mufflers, these parts were rotting out from the inside, these machines were crazy loud, what about this case? Sergeant Larry: The SVA, (Snow Vehicle Act), doesn’t have a section or law against this either. SCO: Why do Harley Davison motorcycles get away with their excessive noise? Sergeant Larry: Harley Davidson
SNOWMOBILE! Central Ontario
and other motorcycles are under a different legislation, the HTA (Highway Traffic Act) and these machines meet a different set of requirements that has nothing to do with the SVA. SCO: So what is the O.P.P.’s bottom line on the noisy sleds? Sergeant Larry: The O.P.P. considers themselves as ambassadors of the sport, we what to promote the sport, so targeting noisy sleds is a priority. We will be enforcing the SVA like we just talked about and anyone who does NOT have a stock muffler gets a fine under the SVA legislation.
Reason #3 It has been proven the noisy sleds close trails, let’s work together and protect our sports future. If you are passionate about snowmobiling and its future, say something to the next sledder that is causing problems. Just tell them, Enough with the Noise!
February 2013
Message From The Editor: OFSC District 6 Snow Country Opeongo Snowbirds Page 6 DA Report Page 6 My Volunteer Page 7 North Renfrew Page 7 OFSC District 7 Muskoka Du-Ya Wanna Page 11 Happy Wanders Page 11 Baxter Snow Riders Page 12 Snowcrest Page 12 Sno Bombers Page 13 Tall Pines Page 13 OFSC District 11 NNTA Almaguin District Page 18 Bonfield Page 18 Mattawa Page 18 North Bay Page 19 South Shore Page 19 West Nippissing Page 19 Extras Enough with the noise Page 2 2014 Yamaha Page 4 2014 Artic Cat Page 8 SCO Race News Page 15 Product test Page 16 2014 Ski Doo Page 20 Faces and Places Page 22 Industry Profile Page 23
The State of the Industry
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 2014 Yamaha SR Viper XTX SE.
February 2013
In this issue you will find a number of 2014 OEM sled early releases. New sleds from every manufacturer except Polaris, their release date is not until March 5th. All of this information was released to the snowmobile magazine editors four weeks ago; when I was traveling with this group to view the entire new product at the OEM Sneak Peek. While I was at the Arctic Cat event I had a flattering and memorable moment, I had a conversation with Arctic Cat’s Product engineer Lynn Berberich. We had a conversation about fitting the new Yamaha engine into the ProCross chassis; Berberich was one of the lead engineers in this project and he went into great detail about his assignment. He talked about how difficult it was to fit because of its rear facing exhaust ports. In this conversation Berberich brought up the topic about a story in an earlier issue of SCO, Volume 3 Issue 1. This story was about the new Yamaha SRV 120, the story had a small portion about the new mini sled, it was more about the Yamaha and Arctic Cat partnership and why this is a good thing considering the state of our industry. I also pointed out that more of this type of cooperation will be welcomed in the future. Berberich said to me, “You nailed it; I smiled when I read that story.” He continued, “I read every publication cover to cover, that story impressed me.” I was flattered, but my take on this story was a simple report along with some reflections into the future. Many magazine editors would like you to think they have a crystal ball and can predict the future; I do NOT buy into this hype. If you attended these OEM events and have test rode every make and model for the last 10 years, then you too can see the future and make predictions, as it’s not that difficult. Magazines editors are privy to some inside information from each manufacturer and they get to see what they are all doing, while each manufacture has to wait to see what the competition is doing like the rest of the general public. This is somewhat awkward as an editor when
SNOWMOBILE! Central Ontario
you talk to an OEM representative about their new product and how it’s ahead of its time, while you already know what the other OEMs are doing and maybe its not so ahead of its time. The OEMs all listen to the same market voice and sometimes you would think they share notes, but this not the case. Personally, I would like to be a fly on the wall, when Team Yellow and the Red Camp hear about the “Mutual Supply Agreement” with Yamaha and Arctic Cat. Certainly that will be an interesting and lengthy conversation. I believe that this partnership with these two OEMs is the biggest news for 2014. It’s this type of cooperation that can still feed the future of R and D at a reasonable price, making it profitable for both OEMs and being able to deliver a better product to the customer. It’s the state of the industry that that is driving this type of development and I believe that this is a good thing for the future of snowmobiling.
The state of the snowmobile industry is not just the manufacturing of snowmobiles, its everyone that is in the business. This includes the manufactures, dealers, all the way down to people in the north who work in the restaurants, lodges and even this magazine that are trying to make a living on the snowmobile business. It seems to be getting harder and harder every year for everyone. The industry has been in a steady decline since 1998 and it has been more noticeable over the past five years. Quebec’s permit sales are down to 90,000 and Ontario is also down more and more every year. The OFSC is trying to reorganize their permit structure to save costs for the consumer and try a different Zone System in the future to try and sell more permits, whether goes through or not, it’s another example of the state of the industry that is driving this change. So why do people continue this thing called snowmobiling, its simple, its people you and me that have a strong passion for the sport. Much the same reasons so many stay in this business, it’s about their passion, Whether it’s the OEM or Mom and Pops' restaurant on the RAP tour, regardless of the state on the industry, we are in it for the promising future. Like so many of us, we all believe in a bright future that is filled with tons and tons of snow, a future that has a long snow season, a dream that so many of have, this dream is what keeps all of us in this sport! Until next time, Ride and Enjoy! Page 3
2014 Yamaha Snowmobiles
2014 SR Viper LTX SE leads the charge
During a recent snowmobile event in Minneapolis, SCO had the pleasure to witness the entire new Yamaha line up for 2014. When we were at the product presentation there was a buzz in air that was filled with excitement. Something else was new; there were 2 Canadians from Yamaha Motor Canada in attendance, Peter Smallman-Tew, Yamaha Motor Canada Vice President and North American Snowmobile leader and Chris Reid, Snowmobile Product Planning Manager. This Canadian pair was there to help launch new product and to announce the new North American Yamaha Snowmobile Team. Peter Smallman-Tew was talking about the snowmobile business and said, “We are more committed today than ever before” during his opening remarks. He also explained that there is now a new structure for the Yamaha’s snowmobile operations, he said, “we talk as one voice, not Yamaha U. S, not Yamaha Canada, we are now one North American voice.” In closing Smallman-Tew referred to the new product line and said, “This is just the tip of the iceberg of where we are going in the future!” Canadian Product Planning Manager Chris Reid started the new product presentation; he was the key person working with Arctic Cat in this new “Mutual Supply Agreement” over the past few years. Reid went into great detail about the new Viper line and how they are using the Yamaha 1049cc high performance 3-Cylinder Genesis Page 4
SCO’s voted the best looking sled for 2014, the SR Viper RTX SE
engine. This is same industry dominating liquid-cooled engine as you have loved for years. This engine is fitted into the Arctic Cat ProCross chassis and is called the Viper. This new Viper line is built in the Arctic Cat assembly plant in Thief River Falls Minnesota. Just like the mutual agreement these two companies had last year for the SRX 120 mini sled, this new Viper line has grown into a full sized sled and program for both Yamaha and Arctic Cat. This Mutual Supply Agreement is a long range deal, “a five year agreement”, said Chris Reid. SR Viper RTX SE, Rough Trail Version The all new SR Viper RTX SE is for the performance minded snowmobiler, it’s got all the right stuff for the rough trail. The performance is built right into this sled from the ground up and has the suspension and the power to deliver a great ride for the sledder who demands the best. The
drive train on this model is powered by the1049cc 3-Cylinder Genesis engine. Its fuel injection, is a closed loop system with an exhaust 02 sensor, it’s calibrated for all temperatures and altitudes. Yamaha is claiming that this motor has great throttle response and delivers great performance. This new model also has the Yamaha’s EBRS System. This drive train has several safety and protection features that are built
into this unit. One thing the Yamaha Viper line has, is the Yamaha clutch system, not so on the Arctic Cat models. The new Viper RTX SE handling is something that Arctic Cat customers have grown to enjoy on their ProCross chassis. Now this same chassis is used on the Viper line. It’s has a centralized mass design, with approximately 60% of the unit mass is centered in the machine. This new SRV chassis has a twopiece, tipped-tunnel that puts the rider into the ‘attack’ position. The chassis is tapered from 15 inches at top (seat base) to the wide running boards. This design facilitates a narrow seat for ease of movement without sacrificing track width, this seat and gas tank configuration is far narrower than other Yamaha models with big engines. The upper frame consists of several geometrically triangulated spars. The front shocks mount directly to the leading spar at angles designed to transfer
Yamaha 1049cc high performance 3-Cylinder Genesis engine, with 4 valves per cylinder
Yamaha clutch systems are available throughout the Viper line
The SRV chassis has a pyramidal upper frame design that adds strength without weight
The rear facing stainless steel header has a few extra bends before it meets the muffler and it’s cooled by snow
SNOWMOBILE! Central Ontario
February 2013
the trail force into the strongest part of the chassis. This force is transferred into the chassis at 30 degrees from the centerline; this swept back attachment point affects the sleds approach angle preventing it from diving directly into holes or ruts. The new Viper RTX SE is fitted with Fox FLOAT2 Air Shocks on the front, these shocks have no
The Dual Shock SR 129 rear suspension. Notice the open U shaped “floating” front-arm pivot, it’s open to allow for movement so it doesn’t force the front arm to collapse when it’s coupled
spring, so it keeps stiction down to a minimum and they are lightweight. In the rear the new SR Viper has a performance tuned Dual Shock SR 129 rear suspension. This unique “floating” front-arm pivot doesn’t force the front arm to collapse immediately when the rear arm ‘couples’ when it begins to compress. The resulting benefit is a controlled (or eliminated) ski lift during acceleration with optimized use of the front arm stroke at all times. The rear skid is wrapped with a 15 x 129 x 1.25” Rip Saw II track and has 2.86 pitch, for the ultimate traction and control. The SR Viper RTX SE is a sport model with a low windshield and comes with 2 colour options; Racing Blue and White or Vivid Red and Black. SR Viper LTX SE, Rough Trail Version The SR Viper LTX SE is an all new long track model that is also a performance sled with a low windshield and is much like the Viper RTX SE; its SRV Chassis has a longer tunnel version of the SRV Chassis to match its longer 137” track length. This sled comes with the Dual Shock SR 137 rear suspension 15 x 137 x 1.25” with a Rip Saw II track and has a 2.86 pitch. On the front it has Fox FLOAT2 Air shocks; much like the SR Viper RTX SE above, this model comes in Racing Blue and White or Vivid Red and Black. Apex SE The Apex SE returns along with several other traditional Yamaha models to give Yamaha customers have a choice between a Yamaha snowmobile or the new mutual agreement sled, a sled that is a mix of Yamaha and Arctic Cat. Most traditional Yamaha models return with the tuner ski that has a dual keel design and new colours and graphics February 2013
for 2014. SR Viper, Groomed Trail Version The SR Viper comes in Black and Red has a functional mid-height windshield, this sled is intended for those who like to put on large mileage day after day. This groomed trail version model has a Comfort-tuned Dual Shock SR 129 rear suspension that is calibrated for a smooth ride. This rear skid is wrapped with a 15 x 129 x 1.25” Rip Saw II track and has 2.86 pitch. The difference in suspension over the SR Viper and the SR Viper RTX is the shocks and calibration. The SR Viper has Comfort-tuned rear and front suspension; on the front it has HPG front shocks w/ coil springs. These rebuildable High Pressure Gas Shocks offer a smooth ride and consistent performance. The SR Viper also comes with a heated seat, to provide a warm butt on cold days. This model also comes with a large behind the seat bag, making this SR Viper a perfect sled for those who like to ride short and long haul trips.
traction and control. The SR Viper LTX comes with the convenient large behind the seat bag. And this model does have a heated seat, functional mid height windshield like the SR Viper and it too comes in Black and Red. 2014 SR Viper XTX SE 2014 SR Viper XTX SE like the SR Viper LTX SE, it too has the SRV Chassis with a long tunnel, but this model has a longer Performance-tuned Dual Shock SR 141 rear suspension with a 15 x 141 x 1.6” Cobra track. What makes this rear skid different from other SR Viper models is that, this rear skid is not coupled and the front arm has a fixed mount. The rear shock has the lighter Fox FLOAT2 air shock. This on and off trail machine
has a low sporty windshield and is fitted with some mountain accessories, like the riser bar and a fixed mountain strap. On the front of this crossover machine are Fox FLOAT2 front shocks and it’s fitted with plastic mountain skis. It also comes standard with a belt and tool pouch. The SR Viper XTX SE model comes in a choice of Racing Blue and White or Vivid Red and Black. Important Note: whether you buy a Yamaha SR Viper or the Arctic Cat 7000 version of this mutual agreement, it good to know that both the Yamaha team and the Arctic Cat team of engineers and technicians are working together to come up with the best calibrations possible for these new sleds.
2014 SR Viper XTX SE
“HERE WE GROW AGAIN” SR Viper comes with a functional windsheild
Hwy. 17w. North Bay
2014 SR Viper
SR Viper LTX, Groomed Trail Version 2014 SR Viper LTX also carries the SRV Chassis with a longer tunnel, to accommodate the Comfort-tuned Dual Shock SR 137 rear suspension. The front suspension is fitted with Comfort-tuned HPG front shocks with coil spring to provide a smooth ride for those long tours. This model does have the longer suspension that will bridge the bumps better than the shorter tracks. This model comes with 15 x 137 x 1.25” Rip Saw II track for great
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SNOWMOBILE! Central Ontario
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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
News from Opeongo Snowbirds S/C:
By Cheryl Reid, President Opeongo Snowbirds Snowmobile Club Over the Christmas break we where hit with a huge snow storm. The heavy snow closed in our trails with trees bent over and blocking our way. As we are a very small club and sell very few permits because of the lack
you to Randy Dunlop who volunteered tirelessly throughout the two weeks it took to accomplish this task. We were able to open all our trails by December 23rd. If you remember what the OFSC Interactive Trail Map looked like on Christmas day… we were a green island in a sea of red! Since then our two groomers have been out everyday keeping our 200 km of trails in perfect order. As one of the few areas in the province with snow for most of January, it has been a very busy month. We hope that next year when we are faced with the same problem we can again count on the generous support of those in areas with no snow to pitch in and get these trails open for all to enjoy! Happy Sledding.
of population in this area, we had no funds to clear the trails. We put out a desperate call to our friends and neighbours in the snowmobile world and where blessed by some donations to get the job done. A huge thank you for the generous financial donations from: Central Hastings Snowmobile Club (Madoc), D2, Southern Sno Riders (Delhi), D5, Spectacle Lake Lodge (Barry's Bay), John Beckett (Opeongo volunteer), Osgoode Carlton Snowmobile Club (Osgoode), D1, and Phil deKemp (Opeongo volunteer). A huge thank
• Keetna S/C • Maple Leaf Snow Skimmers • Missing Link S/C • North Renfrew S/A • Opeongo Snow Birds
• Peterson Pathfinders • Timberline S/C • Whitewater Sno-Goers
Must See Trails in Snow Country! By: Terry Vaudry Distict Administrator
Most areas of District 6 have been busy with sledders enjoying their favourite pastime. As one of the only regions in the province this season with available (green means go) trail we’ve been seeing huge traffic levels, despite what Mother Nature had thrown at us. The cost of maintaining trail keeps going up, and we are struggling financially to provide trail for your use. Please consider buying your 2014 Ontario Trail Pass from a District 6 member club next season. Our snowmobile clubs do the best job they can with the trail system year in and year out, and these trails offer many opportunities to plan a trip or a day excursion. In Snow Country! there are some fantastic club trails off the beaten path and offer a great way to get away from it all. As well there are many businesses catering to snowmobilers along the TOP trail system so you’re never too far away from the services you need. A big part of the fun of snowmobiling is travelling to a new area for a few rides with friends. Being mobile with a snowmobile trailer can extend your season as well; often there are good conditions just an hour or two away. Clubs within Snow Country! offer many riding opportunities for snowmobilers, including quiet scenic trails, major TOP routes and trail accessible establishments that want and appreciate your business.
Probably one of the most popular regions in Snow Country! lies between Pembroke, Barry’s Bay & Bancroft. There are quite a few ways to tour through this area, and you can loop back and never put a carbide on the same trail. Another trip you might consider is east of Pembroke towards Renfrew. You can easily extend this into a loop and ride back through Eganville and Douglas or Cobden & Beachburg on your return. Make sure to stop by the Irving Big Stop in Pembroke which offers night riders 24 hour fuel availability and a great restaurant. The Timberline clubhouse outside Pembroke is open weekends and for a warm-up & bite to eat when you return. Keetna S/C, North Renfrew S/A and the Missing Link S/C west of Pembroke have some of the most scenic club trails in this area and these are all located off the main TOP corridors. This riding area is within a short snowmobile ride from Ottawa or North Bay or by trailer if snow conditions in your area aren’t so great. Every season this area usually sees tons of snow, which can extend your riding time.
Grab a 2013 Snow Country! District Six trail guide, pick a trail and get going folks. You’re always welcome in Snow Country!
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SNOWMOBILE! Central Ontario
February 2013
By: Bonnie Bloedow "Winter Widow" of Sam Bloedow President, Keetna SC I am writing this as the "winter widow" of Keetna volunteer, Sam Bloedow. Snowmobiling has been Sam's passion since he was just a lad. He spent countless hours on countless weekends for years, riding the trails all over Ontario, loving each and every snow adventure. He then developed a desire to make trails or rather snow highways, in addition to riding the trails. He enjoyed the trails so much he decided that he wanted to help make the experience as good for other riders. This became his new passion. Sam moved to Pembroke and began volunteering for the Keetna club in 2001as a groomer operator. Then, because he is a licensed mechanic, he became the club's groomer maintenance and repair mechanic as well as an operator. In addition to this, over the years, he became involved with the organization of grooming scheduling, then became Vice President and is now the President of Keetna Club. Each year as the winter approaches, I prepare myself for the weekends he will inevitably be spending with his big blue "girlfriends" the TS110 & the TS115. From time to time he and TS110 invite me along to spend time with them. We pack a picnic lunch , a thermos of
tea and hit the trails for a shift of grooming. What a rewarding experience. (not to mention quality time with spouse :) A shift in the groomer can range from six hours to fifteen hours, or more on occasion , depending on the route and obstacles. This year saw a lot of brushing after the snow and rain we had. Sam's chainsaw, along with the chainsaws of many other volunteers as well as the service of an excavator, saw many many hours of brushing just to make the trails passable and open for the groomer to get through. After a long shift all night in the groomer and no matter how tired he might be, one big "thumbs up" from a happy rider is all it takes to recharge his batteries and remind him of why he continues to volunteer hundreds of hours each year to making trails and keeping the groomers running well. I am very proud of my volunteer Sam, for his dedication, commitment and passion for making beautiful trails for riders with a passion to enjoy! I wouldn't have it any other way. To all of the other "winter widows" of snowmobile club volunteers, my hat is off to you and to your volunteers for all of their continued dedication and hard work. Without these volunteers the beautiful trails in District 6 would not exist.
By: Karen Crain, Club Secretary Our club would like to extent a BIG THANK YOU to our neighbours, the Missing Link Club, who brought down their brusher to help us clean up our trails in late December. Their equipment took 3 days to accomplish what would have taken our volunteers many man-hours & weeks to complete. Snowmobilers are now able to take advantage of our wider club trails & that there are less face slappers. On behalf of NRSA, I would like to thank our members for purchasing your OFSC season & classic trail permits from our club. Your commitment as a permit/club member will enable us to continuing providing snowmobilers with groomed trails & trail improvements. Our area has been very fortunate
to remain open through all the weather that mother nature has thrown our way. While other areas have seen their snow come & go we have been able to take advantage of the rain & mild temperatures by creating a good base & trails are in great shape. Our groomer coordinator & his team have been very active in ensuring that our trails are in great shape. We are so lucky to have such a great group of volunteers that spend many hours maintaining the groomer/drag & grooming table top trails for all snowmobilers. NRSA has 2 staging areas for snowmobilers to park their vehicles & trailers. These locations have sign & map boards, 1. On Highway 17 east of Chalk River at the Chalk River Business Park. 2. On Highway 17 at Rolphton – beside the burned down ESSO.
North Renfrew Snowmobile Association:
February 2013
Our 2nd annual volunteer chili dinner & games night was a great success with 31 volunteers coming out to have a great social evening. I heard that there was one major come back as the ladies had the men 9 to 1 in euchre, but the men stormed back to win. Ladies will be out for revenge in March at the burger night, more details to follow shortly about this social event. Our 2nd annual snowmobile poker run was held on Saturday, Feb. 2, the winners were: Marvin Dupuis - First Prize (donated winnings to Club &Lion's Hall) Lise Hunter - Second Prize (donated winnings)
Chris Carroll - Third Prize (donated winnings)
The winners very generously donated their money back to the Club. A huge THANK YOU! to them. As always, without the help of volunteers, the poker run would not have been possible. A very special thank you to those who contributed to the grooming of the trails, putting the signs out to mark the trails (and then taking them in), registering of the sledders and the operators of the Hot Dog Stand. Thanks to all who purchased poker
Thank you for the nice trails
hands (most of them were volunteers or members of the NRSA!). A Spring Yard Sale is being planned again for this year and it would be greatly appreciated if everyone would think of the Club if you have any items to donate. You can call Rosalee at 613-586-2355 or Karen at 613-5861951 if you have items to donate and we would be happy to pick them up. Don't forget to visit us at www.nrsa.ca or on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NorthR enfrewSnowmobileAssociation We appreciate your continuing support & happy trails!
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SNOWMOBILE! Central Ontario
Page 7
2014 Arctic Cat Snowmobiles
ZR 8000 Sno Pro Limited
The Year of the Arctic Cat Engines Arctic Cat’s 2014 reveal had an interesting twist; they had the North American Snowmobile magazine editors meet at their engine assembly plant in St. Cloud, Minnesota. This was an ideal location to launch their 2014 snowmobile product, especially when they revealed their new 600cc 2-stroke that is built on the premises. Brad Darling, one of Arctic Cat’s top brass, made the opening remarks and reflected on the state of the industry. He said that the U.S. sled market is down by double digits this year, while the Canadian market is up by a single digit and Russian market is a growing steady for Arctic Cat. He also said that Arctic Cat is still number one in sales for the 4-stroke snowmobile market. Arctic Cat has a lot going on for 2014, so let’s get started! New for 2014, Arctic Cat is the only snowmobile manufacture to use three different engine manufacturers; they still have the same engine supplier deal with Suzuki and will carry on with all same engines as in the past. They have the new mutual agreement supply deal with Yamaha to supply engines for their new 7000 Series and they are now making their own 600cc 2-stroke engines in their St. Cloud engine assembly plant. We had a tour of this facility and its first rate. The tour was impressive right from the start and all Page 8
ZR 6000 EL TIGRE, powered with Arctic Cat’s new 600cc two-stroke
the way through to the finish. Arctic Cat’s new C-TEC2 600, this is the first snowmobile engine designed engineered and produced by Arctic Cat. Featuring clean engine technology with Dual-Stage Injection, it uses open window pistons and has electronic oil metering. The C-TEC2 600 reflects the decades of engine design knowledge from the same Arctic Cat engineers who created the laydown engine, Exhaust Pipe Temperature Sensor and batteryless EFI. “Every component of the C-TEC2 600 was designed and sourced by Arctic Cat,” said Donn Eide, Snowmobile Engine Design Manager at Arctic Cat. The C-TEC2 600 delivers 123 horsepower. This motor has APV electronic exhaust valves; Exhaust Pipe Temperature System (EPTS); a knock
sensor and engine reverse technology. Its lightweight crankshaft makes it exceedingly robust and it has a quick response. This engine meets Tier III EPA regulations for emissions, but it’s recommended to run on 91 octane premium fuel. Arctic Cat is claiming that this new engine will meet or exceed the competition’s E-TEC 600 in performance and in both; fuel and oil consumption. This is very intriguing and will no doubt give snowmobile magazines lots to talk about next year. BTW, this engine is only available in the new EL TIGRE models. The Return of the EL TIGRE For 2014, Arctic Cat has brought back their old name EL TIGRE, this retro name is to go along with the new engine numbering system. Arctic Cat is now using the following designation
SLED SERIES
ENGINE
MANUFACTURE
HORSE POWER
5000
C-TEC4
1100cc Suzuki 4 stroke
125 hp
Arctic Cat 2 stroke 600
123 hp
6000
The new 6000-Series Arctic Cat CTEC2 600, its 2-stroke engine with dual-stage injection
for their new engines see the graph below. For 2014, there are more name changes; the F-sleds have been replaced with the old ZR designation. For example; the ZR 5000 LXR 5000 returns with the Series C-TEC4 1100 Suzuki 4-Stroke engine. New Models, the ZR 6000 EL TIGRE and ZR 6000 EL TIGRE ES, these sleds are powered with the new 6000-Series Arctic Cat C-TEC2 600 2-stroke engine with Dual-Stage Injection, a light weight machine that will perform and handle better than any previous Arctic Cat 600. The 2014 Arctic Cat Updates 2014 models have the following updates; lightweight ski spindles that deliver nearly 1-lb. weight reduction. There is also a new race-version master cylinder
C-TEC2 Dual stage Injection
7000
C-TEC4
1049cc three cylinder Yamaha 4 stroke
135 hp
8000
800 H.O.
Suzuki 2 stroke
160 hp
9000
C-TEC4
1100 turbo Suzuki 4 stroke
135 hp
SNOWMOBILE! Central Ontario
February 2013
on the RMC hydraulic brake for enhanced braking. There is a new frontarm mounting geometry on the FastTrack SLIDE-ACTION rear suspension that decreases track tensioning during suspension compression, delivering improved comfort and compliance. There is new seat foam and a new shape featuring added height, new sculpting and for improved ergonomics and for greater overall comfort. There is a new driven clutch sheave with larger cooling fins to reduce the drive belt temperature for improved performance and durability. The 2014 Sno Pro and Limited models now have the new FOX FLOAT 3 ski shocks, with a new feature for improved air valve access for easier pressure adjustments. On the LXR Arctic Cat models the IFP rebuildable gas shocks are on the front suspension and Arctic Cat IFP rebuildable gas shocks are on the rear suspension. All of these models also get a new deluxe digital gauge that has several functions.
Deluxe Digital Gauge
2014 the 7000 Series, the ZR 7000, ZR 7000 LXR, ZR 7000 Sno Pro and ZR 7000 Sno Pro Limited, all these models are powered with the 7000-Series C-TEC4 Yamaha 1049cc
In 2014 Arctic Cat continues with their model lines in their XF Crossover, M-Series Mountain sleds, Touring, Utility and the ZR120 mini for the
2014 XF7000, powered with Yamaha’s 4-stroke
three cylinder 4-stroke engine with EFI. These models are part of the Mutual Supply Agreement with Yamaha. For more information on these sleds, see the 2014 Yamaha Snowmobile section in this issue. What makes the 7000 sled different from the Yamaha SR Viper are the Arctic Cat clutches, Arctic Cat fuel system, Arctic Cat ECU and some other subtle differences. Important Note: whether you buy a Yamaha SR Viper or the Arctic Cat 7000 version of this mutual agreement, it good to know that both the Yamaha team and the Arctic Cat team of engineers and technicians are working together to come up with the best calibrations possible for this model. 2014 8000 Series, ZR 8000, ZR 8000 LXR, ZR 8000 Sno Pro, ZR 8000 Sno Pro Limited models all come with the 8000-Series Suzuki 800 H.O. 2stroke engine that is batteryless and has EFI, APVvalves and EPTS. The ZR models also get the 2104 updates that are listed above. 2014 9000 Series, ZR 9000 TURBO, ZR 9000 TURBO LXR, ZR 9000 TURBO Sno Pro, ZR 9000 TURBO Sno Pro Limited models all come with the 9000-Series C-TEC4 Suzuki1100 4-Stroke engine with intercooled turbo-charger, producing 177 hp and 121 ft.-lbs of torque. These models also get the 2014 Arctic Cat updates.
2014 XF 9000 CrossTour
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ZR 8000 Sno Pro
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kids. All of these models have several of the updates listed above and some models have even more, see your Arctic Cat dealer for more information.
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Page 9
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proof carefully. Any errors or omission after Central Ontario publication, or the publishe ot be the responsibility of the Your Snowmobile Support LOCALREQUIRED Snowmobile Club RESPONSE WITHIN 48 HOURS. TRAIL publication, or the publisher. CONSIDER THE AD APPROVED. PLEASE R PERMITS: QUIRED WITHIN 48 HOURS. AFTER WHICH, WE AD APPROVED. PLEASE RESPOND ASAP. Larry Horton Bracebridge, ON
Page 10
Fax: 705-645-3383
BUY WHERE YOU RIDE SNOWMOBILE! Central Ontario
Advertising Representative
February 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
Du-Ya Wanna S/C:
• Highland Rovers S/C • Hill & Gully Riders • MLSTA • Muskoka Sno-Bombers
We hope everyone has enjoyed this winter, snow conditions not withstanding. Our packers and groomers have been busy on the trails doing what they can with the limited snow, but then the weather turns and wipes out what progress they have made. I think we can all agree, January was not the best snowmobiling month we have ever had. Most of us are getting used to 1 January thaw, but 2 !!! Here’s hoping February and March stay cold and the snow hangs around for a while. Early in the season we put out a
thank you to the landowners whose property we cross and the volunteers who work on the trails, but it seems we forget the organizations, shops and the actual people who sell the trail permits. These people take time away from their work to help us and at this time we would like to give a big thank you to all these outlets across the province and especially those here in Huntsville. Right now the snow is falling, the trails are calling so, happy snowmobiling.
Dan McCormack, Director Happy Wanderers. What a ride ! The weather that is…. once again we have been faced with a winter that can’t make up its’ mind. Everything from -30C to plus 10 temperatures in the same week ! I really don’t need to tell you fellow riders the havoc this causes us in trying to get the trails up to standard so I’ll leave it there. Last month I wrote a condensed version of Ski-Doo’s history and on that trend I’ve chosen Arctic Cat this time. Arctic Cat’s origins began with a company named Hetteen Hoist & Derrick based in Rosseau Minnesota back in 1955. Edgar Hetteen’s company specialized in custom farm implements . A local resident in Rosseau approached the company and asked for a “gas powered motorized sled”. Hetteen’s brother- in- law came up with one and the profit from that first sale allowed the struggling company to make payroll ! A second order came in and a third. By the end of 1956 the company had built 75 machines and the following year 300. At this point, Hetteen Hoist and Derrick changed its’ focus entirely onto snowmobile production and renamed itself Polaris Industries. That’s right – Polaris Industries. In 1960, the market for snowmobiles was still hit and miss and Hetteen decided on a promotional stunt - he took some of the machines to Alaska in March and along with three friends completed a 1,100 mile trek in 18 days from Bethel to Fairbanks Alaska. In retrospect, I
would call that a very brave (maybe foolish) risk given the probable (un)realiability level of those machines. It paid off to some extent by drawing a huge amount of attention from the media but also caused Hetteen problems with his investors back in Rosseau who felt he had ignored his local company duties. The dispute resulted in Hetteen leaving Polaris Industries and by January 1961 he opened a new company called Polar Manufacturing to begin building commercial grade snowmobiles for forestry & hydro electric companies. After that first successful year, the company was renamed Arctic Enterprises and produced its’ first recreational model - a red machine called the Arctic Cat 100. The machines were sold through 19 Distributorships around the US and a growing legion of dealers. Hetteen left Arctic Enterprises in 1964 and in the hands of new managers the company continued to grow. 1966 saw the introduction of the Arctic Cat Panther – the first of the traditional black Arctic Cat machines. Like many snowmobile companies at the time, Arctic Enterprises diversified into other areas by producing Silverline Boats, mini-bikes, lawn mowers and even bicycles. This expansion cost the company dearly with disastrous year after year losses which peaked in 1974. Snowmobile demand had waned considerably since 1970 and by 1976 there were 13 competitors in the field. This dramatic change in competition actually helped Arctic Enterprises recover for a time
HWSC What a Ride!
February 2013
• SMART S/C • Snowcrest Riders S/C • Tall Pines S/C
and by 1979 had sales in excess of $185 million. In spite of this, 1980 and 1981 still resulted in staggering losses and the banks got jittery – they called in the company loans in February 1981 and 11 days later Arctic Enterprises filed for bankruptcy protection. What was their 20th Anniversary year was also the demise of the company. When the company assets were auctioned off, a group of former employees of the company rallied together and bought everything they could. They formed Artco Incorporated and resumed snowmobile production in August 1983. There was obviously a lot of brand loyalty for Artic Cat snowmobiles because production could barely meet demand. During the ‘90s Arctic Cat began producing Tigershark personal watercraft and had reasonable sales success although not enough to justify
production after 1999. Artco, at the urging of its’ 1200 dealers renamed itself Arctic Cat Incorporated in 1996 so as to capitalize on its’ primary brand recognition. The company had already entered the fertile ATV market and has never looked back since. In the ensuing years Arctic Cat has consistently been a leader in engineering development bringing to market numerous innovations in design which have often been adopted by others Arctic Cat owners are among the fiercest supporters of their brand. Arctic Cats are renowned for their speed and durability. The company itself has a colourful history full of ups and downs but always found a way to carry on to greater heights. Hats off to the guys (and girls) at Cat who put their best into their product.
CANADIAN TOUR for All 2014 OEM Snowmobiles Most shows are free, to see the new 2014 snowmobiles, you can talk directly with factory representatives to get the inside scoop on the new models along with info on spring programs. The complete tour schedule of operation, show details and directions can be viewed at www.snowsneakpeek.com March 25-26 Kanata, Ontario / April 19-20 Barrie, Ontario
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SNOWMOBILE! Central Ontario
2014 Trail Permit Included Page 11
Long History of Snowmobiling in Baxter
NOW MAKING POWER! SKI-DOO 800R Series 2011 - 2013
SKI-DOO 800 E-Tec 2011 - 2013 LONG-LASTING AIRBOOTS
By: Diane Ross-Langley President Baxter Snow Riders The Port Severn and Honey Harbour area have a long history of snowmobiling. Dog sled teams originally created some of the trails to bring supplies back to the island residents. Children were transported to schools by snow machine. This area also produced some of the best puddle jumpers and racers. Some things changed and others remained similar. There are still dedicated volunteers that give up weekends to work on the trails to clear, rebuild, reroute, sign, stake and brush so that the groomer and riders can enjoy them. We have an experienced Trail Patrol team that provides information and education on the trails. We have Driver Trainers who look forward to teaching our future snowmobilers. Our groomer operators take a lot of physical jarring to their bodies as they pack the trails on runs up to eleven hours preparing the trails for the drag. We were recently outfitted with a Mogul Master drag that so far has left the trails in pristine conditions. We are reviving our Wednesday Wanderer trek, meeting at Bressette House at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays and starting a Saturday morning ride. Our Annual BBQ is scheduled in February. For
updated information. Along with the newsletter, we continue to have our Facebook fan page click "Like" to join http://m.facebook.com/profile.php?v=f eed&id=179513518767123&refid=17 Or visit our public forum on our website – www.baxtersnowriders.com To join our forum, please email volunteer@baxtersnowriders.com for a user name and password. The Baxter Snow Riders membership has changed dramatically over the years. In the past, full time and longterm residents made up the Executive and Directors. Presently, half the Board and membership is seasonal residents. As a result, our meetings are held on Saturday mornings bright and early. We are working closely with our neighbouring clubs in District 8 and District 7, sharing resources, knowledge and experience as well as supporting their events. The end product, of course, is a positive experience for all snowmobilers. Baxter Snow Riders have goals for the future and they include having the best trails that we can and a building for the groomer with plans for a clubhouse. Snowmobiling for us is twelve months of the year. Bring on the snow, we are ready for it.
By Sandi Clarke, Office Administrator Winter…….love it or hate it, we are in Canada, we are going to get a winter. Whether it be cold, rainy and damp or freezing and snowing. It’s going to happen. Personally, I would rather see above 25 degrees year round (except Christmas, I do like a white Christmas). Since I have been with the Snowcrest Riders I have become a “weather nerd”, I have the Weather Network up on my computer and Blackberry from November 15 until the end of March and of course the radar is up as well. (no wonder my computer is slow). I don’t like -36, but it’s good for the trails, I had to keep reminding myself that week we had nothing warmer than -18, yeah, it’s good for the trails. I don’t like cleaning the snow off my car and I hate driving in it...but it’s good for the trails. And I am constantly doing the snow-dance to the point that my chiropractor ab-
solutely loves me. I am actually jealous when they have snow squalls in other destinations, how come they always get them. The wind is in the right direction, the temperature is perfect...WHERE ARE MY SNOW SQUALLS? After having some of our Snowcrest Riders trail system open, along came the January thaw. We had + temperatures in the double digits, lots of rain and even a thunder storm! Everything that had been frozen was opening up again. Then, the high winds & cold returned for a couple of days, and then less than 10 centimeters of fluffy snow. We received several calls from permit buyers wanting to know why we were slow getting the trails groomed. We do our best to educate those that call with questions like this. We explained to them that the areas that refroze do not have enough ice to carry the industrial groomers. At least if we had more snow, if the groomer did bust
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Kort Duce Photos for American Snowmobiler Magazine
SNOWMOBILE! Central Ontario
February 2013
open the ice in some of the wet areas, snow from the drag could be pulled in to fill the wet spots so they would pack & freeze again. Without the snow, the groomers would cause more damage to the trails. We'll have to wait for more snow. Most permit buyers understand after we explain this to them, others not so much. We understand they have bought their permit and want to ride on smooth groomed trails. Hey, I and our Board of Directors including our Club Pres-
ident purchase our trail permits as well. We want our groomers out on the trails as soon as possible so we can enjoy the trails too. Not to mention, doing our best to have trails open to support the local businesses that support us. I have decided not to talk to Mother Nature anymore, she needs to be fired!! But, when the snow does come (and it will) and it turns really cold (and it will), I will be totally ready to hit the well-groomed trails in Snowcrest Coun-
By: Dustin Cleveland, Club Secretary In this last publication of the season I delivered important club news to you, beginning with the announcement of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled to be held at the Muskoka Riverside Inn in Bracebridge April 18th, 2013 at 7:30 PM. As this is a public meeting everyone is welcome to attend. Among items on the Agenda is the election of two executive officers and three directors. Board positions are usually held for a period of two years. Board positions to be filled at the 2013 AGM include Treasurer, Secretary, and three Directors-at-large. The positions of President, Vice-President and the remaining three directors-at-large shall hold their position until the 2014 AGM. To run for these positions one must be a permanent resident of the District and must be a member in good standing of the Muskoka Sno-Bombers at least 45 days prior and consecutive to that of the election. Membership includes those who have purchased an annual membership or an O.F.S.C. Trail Permit from the Muskoka Sno-Bombers. Also pertinent to business of the evening are a selection of non-Board positions. Not restricted or limited to a term or period, these positions include those such as Trail Stewards, Trails Boss/Groomer Manager, Volunteer Coordinator, Signage Coordinator, Trail Patrol Coordinator and so forth. If you are interested in learning more about these roles or wish to hold one of these positions please contact me at dcleveland_21@yahoo.ca and/or attend the 2013 AGM. Secondly, I cannot recall an Autumn that was free of trail renovations; they present themselves each and every single year. Looking ahead to Autumn 2013 a myriad of trail renovations are already in the planning phase and shall surely enhance an already gorgeous trail network.
Some of the renovations forecasted to occur include the re-route of Trans Ontario Provincial (TOP) Connector C102D inbetween Secondary 34 and TOP Trunk D. Some plans have been made but are yet to be confirmed, please look forward to the news in a later issue. Another re-route planned to occur is along Secondary 37 just north of Highway 141, to eliminate a portion of road travel. Finally, the 7th Annual Muskoka Sno-Bombers Golf Tournament will take place in September 2013 and if it is anything like it has been in previous years it shall be an excellent day for the Muskoka snowmobiling community. Please visit our website www.sno-bombers.com for further details about this and other events. Until next time, best wishes for a happy and healthy summer.
Muskoka Sno-Bombers Club News:
PERFORMANCE
and buy that really cute, expensive, hugely warm sweater I saw in the dress shop window. The areas that refroze, do not have enough ice to carry the groomers. At least if we had more snow, if the groomer did bust open the ice in some of the wet areas, snow from the drag could be pulled in to fill the wet spots so they would pack & freeze again. Without the snow, the groomers would cause more damage to the trails. We'll have to wait for more snow.
Gord McBride Director It is February 12th and we just completed our 33rd Annual Poker Rally on February 9th. Attendance was consistent with last year which was a sur-
prise due to the major snow storm that hit southern Ontario the day before dropping approximately thirty cms of snow on Toronto and surrounding areas. This made it difficult for many to travel north to attend the event.
Tall Pines S/C Poker Rally Results:
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February 2013
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try because I know we have some of the best groomer-operators and when they say the trails are ready, they are ready. Somehow they manage to take a very little amount of snow and turn it into some the best trails available. There may be a little “clicking” here and there, they may not be the trails from twenty years ago when there was a three foot base, but I will be out on my sled, enjoying all that winter has to offer...after all we are Canadians! This is what we do, but I still may go
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Page 13
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We received approximately 20 cms of fresh snow from this storm which made for excellent trail conditions for the ride.There were 147 riders and a total of 208 ( including riders and volunteers ) attending the dinner and awards function afterwards. Patti Gunter won the $2,000 1st prize with a Royal Flush. Patti was very gracious and donated $1,000 back the camp facility. The 32 inch TV prize for the highest pledges went to Peter Wright with $2,935. 50/50 draw winner Jim Soule also donated his $690 winnings back to the camp. A big thanks to the approx 35 volunteers that make this function a success....there are too many to list! Further poker rally details will be posted on the club web site www.tallpines.org Other club news ....Raven Lake and Kawagama Lake from Marina Bay to trail # 68 were staked January 29th just before rain came close to wiping out what snow we had the following 24 hours. A big thanks to Jim Spears
Eat. Sleep. Play.
for helping Garry Evans and myself stake. Groomers were sent out just before the rain to ensure that the trail base would be flat once cold temps set in again...mission accomplished. Within days the trails were rideable, yet icy underneath once we received enough snow . Garry and Shone Evans staked the balance of Kawagama to the east end February 7th. Warm temps and rain forecast February 11th once again threatened our system however we seemed to have dodged the bullet this time with only nominal rain and an additional three inches of snow by the evening. The long term forecast is showing decent riding weather ahead! CANADIAN TOUR for All 2014 OEM Snowmobiles Most shows are free, to see the new 2014 snowmobiles, you can talk directly with factory representatives to get the inside scoop on the new models along with info on spring programs. The complete tour schedule of operation, show details and directions can be viewed at www.snowsneakpeek.com March 25-26 Kanata, Ontario April 19-20 Barrie, Ontario
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*Polaris terrain domination Challenge with Levi LaVallee Sweepstakes. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A purchase will not increase your chances of winning. Sweepstakes begins on January 4, 2013, at 10:00:01 a.m. Ct and ends on February 28, 2013, at 11:59:59 p.m. Ct. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the district of Columbia (excluding hawaii) and Canada who are 21 years of age or older. Void in hawaii and where prohibited. to enter, take a photo of yourself next to the Levi LaVallee standup at participating Polaris dealerships then visit polaris.com/ridewithlevi and follow the on-screen directions to upload your photo and complete and submit the online entry form. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. Correct answer to mathematical skill-testing questions required for Canadian winner. Limit one entry per person. For details, see complete Official rules at www.polaris.com/ridewithlevi. Sponsor: Polaris industries inc., 2100 hwy 55, Medina, Mn 55340. **2.99% Finance rate for 36 Months: Offer subject to credit approval. Applies to the purchase of a new 2013 and prior Polaris models until 2/28/2013. Offer may not be combined with certain other offers, is subject to change and may be extended or terminated without further notice. terms up to 36 months available for purchases based on credit approval criteria. Fixed APr of 2.99%, 6.99%, or 9.99% will apply. An example of monthly payments required on a 36-month term at 2.99% is $29.08 per $1,000 financed. An example of monthly payments required on a 36-month term at 9.99% APr is $32.26 per $1,000 financed. See participating retailers for complete details and conditions. Professional rider on a closed course. Polaris recommends that all snowmobile riders take a training course. do not attempt maneuvers beyond your capability. Always wear a helmet and other safety apparel. never drink and ride. Š2013 Polaris industries inc.
SNOWMOBILE! Central Ontario
February 2013
Sno-Keelzz, a Snowcross Product Test
SCO had a question sent in from a reader, they asked about, those things that the racers were using on their skis at the Winter X-Games. What are they? It turns out that it’s a Canadian invention. SCO talked with inventor
Hayden back in control of Another Pro Championship
#93 Iain Hayden CSRA points leader
Team Rockstar Energy Polaris Racing’s Iain Hayden regained the points lead in the CSRA Pro Open Mod Snowcross Championship at the Grand Prix De Valcourt snowcross classic in Valcourt, QC, Febuary17th. This year the Grand Prix, which is a combined CSRA and SCM Racing event and this race, was part of the CSRA points chase. On Saturday points were up for grabs again and Hayden recorded a good run in the qualifiers, claiming 4-2 results. In the final, the defending champ found himself going into turn one in third place, where he resided until about the halfway mark. At that point a broken shock saw Hayden having to nurse his Polaris IQ around the track, losing three positions in the process. Because none of the CSRA contenders made it into Saturday’s final, including Hayden’s archrival in the championship, Dave Allard, Hayden sixth place was good enough to put him back in the Pro Open Mod points lead. In Sunday’s qualifiers, Hayden was on top of his game, grabbing 4-1 results that put him on the front row for the start of the final. As in Saturday’s final, he rounded the first turn in third place but this time he ran a trouble-free race February 2013
Allan McLeod, about his race legal Sno-Keelzz product. These Sno-Keelzz are to prevent the snow from "blowing" over the tops of the skis in certain grainy/heavy snow conditions, when this loose snow does blow over the ski sideslips in corners. The SnoKeelzz mounts; either directly to ski backbone frame or to frame using short standoffs to get the Sno-Keelzz right to the ski edge for maximum ac-
and finished in that position. “Saturday was a bit of a drag, especially the final, but things still turned out okay, as I managed to take over the points lead again. The racing was tough this weekend and nobody gave up an inch, the way it always goes when you have two racing organizations co-sanction an event,” Hayden said.
Canadian Racer Ryan Simons Wins USXC I-500
Steeped in tradition, the list of winners of I-500 cross-country snowmobile race reads like a who’s who of snowmobile racing. This past weekend Arctic Cat’s racer Ryan Simons added his name to that list when he won the 40th running of the prestigious race. Unlike it’s original point-to-point format which brought racers from Winnipeg to St. Paul or vice-versa for so many years, the current race centers around the home of Arctic Cat snowmobiles in Thief River Falls, Minn., and riders follow a unique course each day, logging roughly 160-miles a day for three days down frozen rivers, snow-filled ditches,
Team Arctic’s racer Ryan Simons
tion. These are made from Hi-Impact resistant low temp HDPE, the same material as C&A Pro skis. Racer Jakob Rosko-Fong likes the Sno-Keelzz after testing, he said, “they work well and I think it helps keep the other guy's ski off the top outside edges of my ski, I really like this.” This new product will available through Sled Pro, a distributor here in Ontario.
woods and minimum mainten a n c e roads. The race began on Thursday, February 7. Simons opened a lead of nearly three minutes on Day 1, but only after a big crash. “I had a big crash on the first day,” said Simons. “It was a potentially race-ending crash, but I got lucky and was able to finish the day and the crew fixed the sled up for Day 2.”On Day 2 Simons opened his lead up to 10 minutes after a near flawless run. Over the 160-mile course that included two fuel stops and various stop signs at road crossings, Simons held a 66MPH pace. To give you and idea how fast that is, an off-road trophy truck like you see in the Baja 100 typically runs about a 60MPH average speed. “My mechanics Hector Olson and Cory Berberich told me I had to dial it back or the sled wouldn’t last the race distance,” said Simons. “I had the lead and now they told me it was about finishing, so I didn’t ride as hard as I did on the first day.” After two days of clear skies, the third and last day of the race dawned gray with freezing drizzle. With poor visibility from flat light and moisture freezing on his goggles, Simons again slowed his pace but held his 10-minute lead for the rest of the race distance. “I was definitely slower again on the last day, but I knew I had a big lead and I didn’t want to make any big mistakes in the flat light,” Simons said. “Also, the intake screens on the sled froze over so the sled was
SNOWMOBILE! Central Ontario
Sno-Keelzz
down on power since it wasn’t getting any air.” A brutal race where attrition is a huge factor in the results, for many cross-country racers the I-500 becomes a source of frustration and many become obsessed with winning it.
Europe’s FIM World Snowcross Championship
Adam Renheim wins FIM World Snowcross Championship
Swedish snowcross champion Adam Renheim captured his first FIM Championship on Friday, February the 8th, riding his Ski-Doo to finishes of 1-2-2 in the three race main event format. For Renheim, the biggest challenge during the event was just getting into the finals. A crash in the first corner of the qualifying round meant having to go through the last chance qualifying race to secure a spot in the championship rounds. Renheim started the season racing the AMSOIL Championship Snocross tour in the United States. After competing in the first two rounds with mixed results, Renheim returned to Sweden to focus on repeating as the national champion and becoming a World Champion. Over 25,000 spectators were on hand to witness the event which was broadcast live in HD for the first time. Page 15
Product Test: Ice Scratchers
Snowmobiles with ice scratchers isn’t a new thing, mountain snowmobilers have been using these accessories for years. As a matter of fact several mountain models come with ice scratchers as standard equipment. With the recent Ontario weather and its constant melt downs, ice scratchres are making more and more sense. Have you ever
come to a lake crossing and found that there is no snow, just glare ice. Riding through this situation is bad for a modern snowmobile. Machines depend on the snow for lubrication of the sliders and depend on the snow dust to be tossed on the heat exchangers for engine cooling. With out snow, or the lack of snow, the engine will overheat and the sliders will stick to the track. With no snow IT’S ALL HERE! for lube, the ficYOUR YEAR ROUND tion created from VACATION GETAWAY the track cleats passing by the nylon slides, will create heat, this Overlooking The Beautiful Ottawa River heat will melt the Snowmobilers Welcome nylon and make 44 Modern Motel Units • Cable TV • Licensed Dining Room the cleats stick Excellent Home Cooked Meals • Trails To Door • Gas Nearby to the heated ny701 Valois Dr., Hwy 17E, Mattawa, ON P0H 1V0 lon, and this sit705-744-5583 | Fax: 705-744-0799 | www.valoismotel.com uation stinks,
both in smell and in mechanical failure. All of this can be avoided by using ice scratchers. SCO has recently done a product test on different ice scratchers and the following is what we found. Installing Traditional Wire Spring Ice Scratchers
The RSI kit includes everything for a short track sled, make sure the kit includes the idler wheel adapters
The traditional wire spring scratchers are hard to mount to a short track
mountain style sleds. The problem here is mounting the scratcher far enough ahead to make a snowy / ice dust difference. RSI, an aftermarket accessory
The RSI kit with the idler wheel adapters installed, notice the wire wrap around the idler wheel adapter
manufacture from Minnesota, makes an idler wheel adapter that mounts both the idler wheel and the spring scratcher together enabling one to get the ice scratchers mounted towards
The cable system comes complete and is the easiest to install
snowmobile, they are easy to install on a long tracks that are found on the
RICKWARD’S
the front. Installation can be done in the sled, but in this case we took the rear skid out to replace the sliders at the same time. We needed to drill a lager hole in the rails to mount the lager bolts that come with this kit. Getting the wire spring scratchers mounted as far forward as you can, this is key and the adapters make this possible. There is warning all over the packaging and it is also well known in the mountains that you never back-up with
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The cable system mounting bracket, ready for the cable install Page 16
SNOWMOBILE! Central Ontario
February 2013
this style of ice scratchers. If you do, they will destroyed, bent beyond repair. Installing the Newer Cable style Ice Scratchers The cable system is from ACS, a Canadian manufacturer based here in Ontario. This system is easy to install, just drill 2 ¼” holes close to the edge of the running boards. Now bolt on the mounting bracket and then bolt the cable on using a pair of 9/16 wrenches. Mount the cable with some pressure on the cable so the carbide has a chance to dig into the ice. The carbide tips are replaceable, so you can always keep it sharp.
leave a snow /ice cloud like the wire spring system. This system is also very awkward when not in use, it was hard to tie up and our technicians felt it would lose its tension when it was tied
up. We are recommending that you remove the scratchers and carry them in your tool pouch until they are needed and can be installed on the fly with two wrenches.
This photo shows the cable system in action leaving a scratch line
These photos show an overhead view of the cable system and wire spring in action
This photo shows the scratch lines left from the tested ice scratchers
Testing the Different Ice Scratchers In order to keep things equal and constant, we used the same test sled, same driver, maintaining the same speed over the same test area. During testing the wire spring scratchers worked really well, better than expected. It is easy to fold the wire scratchers over the rails when not
in use or when you are ready to backup. This system works better than the cable system, but is harder to install. We believe this success of this system is due to the additional spring pressure that is put on the end that scraps along the ice. The extra spring pressure is significant over the cable system. The cable system does work and it was easy to photograph, but it doesn’t
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This photo is NOT blurry, there is a snow cloud that follows the wire spring scratchers, this snow cloud is what you want! February 2013
SNOWMOBILE! Central Ontario
Page 17
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
Almaguin District S/C By: Blair Ballantyne Director ADSC Hello from the ADSC. I hope everyone is having a safe season so far and that you have been able to take advantage of the efforts of our groomer operators. They are doing the best they can with the snow and equipment that we have. All our trails were shaping up quite nicely after the 15cm. we just received on Jan. 28. Well here it is January 31 after another major meltdown yesterday and we've had to close our trails again. Everything is freezing up again and hopefully the Snow Gods will bless us with plenty of new snow so we can reopen again soon. By the time you are reading this we will hopefully have had another successful Poker
Run on Feb. 9 and possibly even our annual Rider Appreciation Family Day BBQ on Feb.16. If any of you have ever considered doing some volunteer work with your local club I strongly urge you to do so. I guarantee you will find it a very rewarding experience. You'll meet some great people & even have some fun. I've sent along some pictures of some of our hard working volunteers redecking a bridge on a new section of the D trail at the north end of our trail system. It was a beautiful day in October and the many hands made light work of a big job that anybody riding our trails or doing the RAP tour will appreciate. Have a safe rest of the season, PRAY FOR SNOW!! Happy Trails.
Mark Lepage, Club Volunteer Here we are halfway through the season and really we are just getting rolling. The Jan thaw of 2013 really did wipe a lot of snow away. It’s too bad as the BSC had spent hundreds of man hours packing, grooming and getting all the signage ready when the thaw happened. Moving on, over the weekend we had 26 cm of fresh snow and all trails are freshly groomed, today the temperature is a mere -30 degree without the wind factor. It really saddened me that during the thaw that someone decided to ride all the trails in Boulter Twp on a quad. It really screwed up the trails to the point of actually being dangerous to ride. If they had been left alone, the trails would have been just fine. The best thing to do when temps get that warm is to stay off trails so they don't get damaged. The BSC volunteers had to re-pack and groom all these trails to bring them back into shape, volunteer hours that shouldn’t have been required. The BSC was lucky this year in that we were able to get out over the Christmas vacation and get all the trails up and going. This hopefully will allow for an eight to ten week season this year for our members. The BSC truly believes that if you put the product out there, that people will buy
permits. We have been able to do that because of our dedicated volunteers. Even though we had a couple of breakdowns, the work got done. Thanks to all who got the equipment repaired and rolling so quick. With this I believe being the last newsletter of the year, I would be remiss in not thanking everyone from the dedicated volunteers, the merchants that sell our permits, our members who buy our permits and all who help keep the BSC, the best little club in the District. It truly is a group effort and the directors of the BSC would like to thank all. Here's to the rest of what I hope will be a great season and hope to see you all next year.
• 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
Mattawa S/C Positive Comments from Ridership Snowmobilers from across Ontario, United States and Europe have been enjoying the Mattawa & Area Snowmobile Club trails this winter, we have received many positive comments from the ridership and this support helps maintain our enthusiasm and keeps driving us forward striving to do better. It is important for all snowmobilers to recognize the hard work by volunteers, stopping trailside to let a groomer operator know how much you appreciate their hard work is like the fuel in your sled that drives you forward. We would
IH groomer. Without Matt’s dedication, hard work, perseverance and enthusiasm we wouldn’t have the fantastic trails that we have today. We would also like to thank Scott Adams for his hard work helping Matt out on the trails. Next time you are out riding and see a groomer on the move, or a club volunteer out on the trails take a moment and stop and thank them for everything they do! Mattawa & Area Snowmobile Club has 50/50 tickets for sale – buy one in a local business for a chance to win up
News from Bonfield S/C
Page 18
Mathew Veil beside completed Tourism Billboard on TOP A112A trail
like to recognize our Groomer Supervisor Mathew Veil who to date has put in over four hundred hours of operating time as well countless hours helping to install signage, clearing brush and maintaining the Mattawa & Area Snowmobile Clubs new CASE
to $2000 cash! (Draw March 30th 2013) Please visit our website www.mattawasc.ca Please visit our facebook page www.facebook.com/mattawasc
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February 2013
North Bay S/C Web Page and SouthShore Restoule S/C Facebook Updated Daily: Groomer Operators’ Meeting:
By: Brian Baker, Club President Well here it is seven days after the big rains and meltdown in late January. We were all very discouraged as our trails had just opened and were in great condition with a good base and there was severe flooding and washouts everywhere. A week later, with lots of hard work by our Groomer Volunteers, we are almost back to normal. Looking at the OFSC Interactive Trail Map, it appears that a lot of clubs to the south did not survive the meltdown and that is very unfortunate. All three of our groomers have put on a lot of hours and both the Redbridge and north groomers are putting in over 24 hours of work to open up the section of A102Q between NB308 and Temiskaming. All of our nine trail map signs have been installed and most have a mailbox which we regularly fill with District 11 trail guides. The Mattawa Area Snowmobile Club (MASC) has really improved their club’s trail map signing and congratulations to them for such a huge improvement. Our District Trail Patroller of 2012, Al Clark and I encountered two sledders without any trail permits on the past weekend. Al took several photos of their registration numbers and told them to buy a trail permit at The Portage within 24 hours or we
would forward to the OPP requesting that charges be laid. I have stopped posting on both Hardcoresledder and Freedomsledder due to abusive comments from a few but it is not worth the time and aggravation to cater to everyone with a personal reply. Our NBSC website and Facebook are updated almost daily and the response has been terrific. We also send regular e-mails to those on our trail permit buyer’s list so if you want to be added just send a note to info@nbsc.ca The logging companies are currently plowing approximately 25 kilometres of Forest Access Roads which we utilize for our trails. Logging work is underway on A102Q, A112A, NB308 and NB300. We have met with Nipissing Forest Management as well as Tembec, Janveaux Forest and Sturgeon Falls Brush who are doing the work. Both groups have agreed to cooperate with each other and improve signing so that the hazards can be reduced. Hopefully we can get another six to eight weeks of great snowmobiling before the season comes to an end. We certainly don’t want a repeat of last year’s meltdown in the first week of March. NBSC has a small group of great volunteers who do a tremendous job maintaining our over 300 kms of trails in great condition. See you next season.
By Rheal Rivet This season, snow has not been in abundance; however, there is not enough to declare all of the trails in West Nipissing available. Nevertheless, due to the record rainfall we received last week, it was a challenge to mark the trails on the lakes because of the presence of slush. There are low spots in our trail system where water has accumulated up to two feet in depth. While the ice in these places is enough to support snowmobiles, it cannot support the groomers. With the forecast calling for continuous cold weather, these places should soon be safe for the groomers to do their job. As always, please check our website for the latest trail conditions; they are updated daily. Now for the good news, our club has been approved for a much needed
new groomer next year. The choice of which machine to buy is still not official, because the committee is still looking at different options. Lastly, our volunteers ...these dedicated and relentless people are still cutting some branches which could cause minor problems on our trails. It is also impossible to write these articles without special mention of the landowners who give us permission to cross their properties, because without these people, we simply would not have a trail system. If you know any of these landowners, we encourage you to make an effort to go and see them and say thank you. Again, for the remainder of this snowmobiling season, we encourage you to ride safely and enjoy our trails.
By Helen Vaillancourt, Club Treasurer At the beginning of the grooming season, the operators with the SouthShore Snowmobile Club gather at the clubhouse to review the policies of the club. Rules as to ice crossings and the thickness of the ice, the correct use of SPOT, the importance of accurate logbook reporting, not only of route taken but also of any matters that need attending to on the trail, the importance of a circle check before going out on the trails etc. This year a new groomer and drag was on display. At a special session, each operator for that particular groomer was taken out individually for a training session by personnel from The Shop Industrial. New operators this season will be trained by experienced operators and will not go out alone until they are deemed competent. Over the years we have found this an excellent time to bring the operators together, to go over the club policies and to insure that we get off to a good start once the snow comes.
In Memoriam Within the past ten days we have lost two long time friends and members of our Board of Directors with the SouthShore Restoule Snowmobile Club. Bruce Wain had over thirty years with us, first with the Restoule Snowmobile Club and later with the amalgamated club. Bruce coordinated the groomer operators, looked after the signage of the trails, helped with brushing and trail repair, and set up for the Snow Runs and special events. He visited businesses in his area for sponsorship. He went out on rescue runs to retrieve stranded operators or sledders. The second long time friend we lost is, Rolly St Pierre, who had served many years with the SouthShore Restoule Snowmobile Club. Rolly operated a groomer, looked after signage for the Astorville area and worked on trail repairs and brushing. He knew the people in his area and was often called upon to speak with and solve landowner issues. Volunteers such as these two men are hard to replace. They will be sorely missed.
West Nipissing S/C: New Groomer Next Year
February 2013
SNOWMOBILE! Central Ontario
Page 19
2014 Ski-Doo Snowmobiles
2014 MXZ REV-XS leads the charge
Ski-Doo’s marketing people are on top and they always deliver a first rate presentation and this year was no exception. Pascal Vincent, BRP’s Snowmobile Product Manager was quick to point out that they have improved their market share and they are still number one during his opening remarks. They are very excited about the success of gaining market share in all segments, especially with their new 2013 Summit line, this success was way more than expected. What’s New for Ski-Doo in 2014; they have expanded the REV-XS platform throughout the model lines. The REV-XS has a striking style, improved wind protection, added storage, easier serviceability and more aggressive ergonomics. The REV-XS platform now moves to several new models, including MXZ X RS, MXZ TNT, Renegade, Adrenaline, Renegade Backcountry, GSX LE and the Expedition Sport sleds. 2014 MXZ X-RS This model has several highlights, it’s now in the REVXS chassis and this chassis has several additional reinforcements for 2014. It also comes with an adjustable forward steering post. This model has the rMotion rear suspension, its rear shocks has the Easy-Adjust compression adjuster with 22 clics, a whole range of adjustments. This rear skid is wrapped with a 1.25 inch lug RipSaw track. On the front of the new MXZ X-RS are lightweight chromoly front suspension lower A-arms and a pair of KYB Pro 40 aluminum piggyback front shocks, this stronger front end is fitted with Pilot 5.7 skis for the best in steering capabilities. MXZ X-RS also has a Brembo racing brake with braided stainPage 20
less-steel brake line for a very positive feel when braking. The 2014 MXZ XRS has the unmistakable yellow painted tunnel, hand wind deflectors and 6 in. / 15 cm windshield for that aggressive look. It also has the convenience of gauges and a Multifunction digital gauge with display and 5 minutes high sampling rate record mode. Ski-Doo Drops another ACE! Rotax ACE 900 engine BRP is expanding its line of ultra efficient Rotax ACE snowmobile engines for 2014 with the ACE 900 motor. This inline threecylinder 4-stroke engine uses the same Advanced Combustion Efficiency, as in the ACE design of the ACE 600. The new ACE 900 is to deliver outstanding fuel economy, lightweight performance and low cost operation. Not only does it offer more power than the ACE 600 at 60hp, the ACE 900 at 90hp is a break through in usability and customization features with the debut of BRP’s iTC electronic throttle technology. This is the world’s first throttleby-wire snowmobile. The iTC technology has a set that includes three driving modes and Learning Key functionality. BRP rates the engine at up to 23.3mpg (10L/100km) in its ECO driving mode. It also requires no air radiator
2014 MXZ X-RS has a bold new look for 2014
in touring applications, because of its efficiency and cooling system enhancements. ACE 900 Technical Details This 4-stroke engine has 899cc, and it’s an inline triple. It has 12:1compression, 4 valves per cylinder, DOHC, hydraulic valve and chain adjustments. Its fuel system is electronic fuel injection (EFI) with a single 46mm throttle body. When this motor is at 7,250rpm operation it develops 90hp, it has 3-into-1 exhaust system and uses a dry sump oil lubrication system and it has a powerful 420W magneto charging system. The ACE 900 is the first sled to use the iTC throttle-by-wire technology. This system has 3 driving modes: Sport, Standard and ECO. This system is easy to control with a switch on the dash. Sport Mode brings out the full performance of the ACE 900 engine. When this mode is selected, the idle is increased by 200 rpm to pre-charge the plenum and deliver a snappy response, full
The all new 2014 Rotax 900 ACE SNOWMOBILE! Central Ontario
power and rapid acceleration and yes it has engine braking is this mode. Standard Mode is where most owners will ride most of the time. It’s a mid setting with normal acceleration and good fuel economy. Its linear acceleration ensures smooth clutch engagement, therefore smooth take offs. No engine braking in this mode. ECO Mode both reduces fuel consumption and delivers a relaxed performance. Unlikemany automotive eco style systems that only “coach” the driver into reducing fuel consumption, the iTC technology's ECO mode is an active system that modifies engine performance and notably reduces fuel consumption. Speed limiter: 44mph (70km/h) and in this mode there is no engine braking. Note; BRP rates this engine’s fuel economy at up to 23.3mpg (10L/100km) in its ECO driving mode only. The Learning Key was adopting a concept from Sea-Doo watercraft, the Learning Key feature of iTC technology
The all new 2014 GSX LE 900 ACE February 2013
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limits the performance of the when the owner determines it necessary. Potential applications might be to assist novice snowmobilers in gaining experience safely, commercial usage or rental operations. The actual learning key is a special D.E.S.S. (Digitally Encoded Security System) electronic tether key indicated by a green cord. It’s programmed by dealer at 44mph (70km/h) or 25mph (40km/h.). The 3 modes are still active but the snowmobile will always be to the programmed speed limit. 2014 GSX LE This new model has several highlights, as it too is now in the REV-XS platform. The rear suspension is rMotion, the industry bench mark. The track is also an industry bench mark with its lightweight 1.25-inch lug RipSaw track. The new 2014 GSX LE has an aluminum handlebar with integrated J-hooks, a Multifunction digital gauge with display and a temperature gauge. Yes, this model has electric start and it also has12V power outlet and a heated visor power outlet. This model has a very functional 15 inch windshield with integrated hand wind deflectors for added protection. It has a large GSX expandable tunnel bag along with the LinQ system available for the ultimate in bags and accessories. This GSX LE has different engine choices but the newest engine added to the line up is the ACE 900. 2014 Grand Touring LE, this model continues in the REV-X platform. What’s new? Are the rMotion rear suspension and the SilentDrive System that has been added to this model. This SilentDrive system has new track drivers that are more rounded, a new interior track design and suspension modifications to reduce track sound by 70%, this system also has less vibration
The new SlientDrive System reduces tracksound by 70%!
that can transfer to the riders feet. The track itself is a 15X137X1” with a RipSaw pattern. The Grand Touring LE comes standard with lots of rider wind protection; side panel wind deflectors and 24-inch high windshield. The 2014 Grand Touring LE has 4stroke engine options, the new ACE 900 and 4-TEC 1200, regardless of what 4-stroke engine, this power is fitted with the new eDrive 2 drive clutch for smoother operation. This touring sled comes standard with a cargo rack, adjustable backrest and passenger grips and a quick attach modular seat. It also has the convenience of a Multifunction digital gauge with display, temperature gauge and a 12V power outlet along with heated visor outlets for the driver and the passenger. SCO has chosen the previous 2014 Ski-Doo models to best describe the 2014 changes. There are several models in the different segments with the same changes already covered, but the best thing to do is talk to your Ski-Doo dealer for all the latest information on the 2014 Ski-Doo models.
The 2014 Grand Touring LE February 2013
SNOWMOBILE! Central Ontario
Page 21
Algonquin Snowmobile Club’s Annual Chili Cook Off is another success. This year’s winner Tammy Maschmann
Another sunny winter day on the trails, gotta love it!
Tall Pines SC's Groomer, could go lots of places!
The Kawagama Lake Gang rides again!
I know we made the right turn back there... I must have a map here somewhere
OOPS! This Classic sled has no permit, trail patrol explains, he now has to buy a full season permit
Hill & Gully Riders Open House and Antique Sled Display Saturday February 16
Best trails in a long time thanks to Mother Nature and our BR180
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SNOWMOBILE! Central Ontario
N45’ 22.679”, W 078” 55.540’
February 2013
Industry Profile
Jake Lacourse, Director of Sales and Marketing for Clarion Resort Pinewood Park. ``It’s very gratifying to see repeat snowmobilers come and stay with us during other seasons.``
SCO recently had an opportunity to interview Jake Lacourse the marketing Guru for North Bay’s Clarion Resort Pinewood Park. This was an easy interview to do as Lacourse was up-beat and excited to talk about the snowmobile biz. Everything he had to say was cheerful and positive as he talks about his snowmobile customers, one can tell that he looks forward to
working with his snowmobilers every year. His dedication and passion for what he does is obvious and he is certainly is a pleasure to deal with. The following is what Lacourse had to say during our interview. SCO: Please tell us about the snowmobile industry and how is relates to your business. Jake Lacourse: The snowmobile business is vital for our winter operations. We fill rooms with snowmobilers, 35-40% capacity in January and March and 50% of all our rooms in February. A lot of our snowmobile business is repeat customers, I find snowmobilers are a loyal group of people and once they find a place they like, they come back year after year. SCO: Could you expand on these repeat customers. Jake Lacourse: We have a large core group of repeat customers that have been coming to us for years. They know what have to offer and they come back again and again. Our resort has groomed trials to the door, a secure look up, restaurants, a Tim Horton’s that is close by and two choices of fuel stations. We also have a hot tub and a very unique to the area, an outdoor heated swimming pool. Our repeat cus-
Outdoor Heated Pool Open Year Round Hot Tub and Sauna Full Spa Onsite Snowmobile Packages Available
This North Bay Resort is not dependant on lake acess. Easy directions from the TOP Trail D: First take SSR710, then onto SSR703 Perfect staging location (ability to leave vehicles and trailers) while off sledding for the day or off on a multi-day tour Fully licensed bar & restaurant on site - Fuel across from Resort Drying towels, permits, and trail maps available at front desk Secure snowmobile lockup
tomers know that we cater to snowmobilers and they appreciate what we do, I believe this is why they continue to come back to us. SCO: Do you cater to a specific group of snowmobilers? Jake Lacourse: Our customers vary from group to group; sometimes there are families or couples groups. Sometimes it will be a group of guys that want to stay here and use our facility as a staging area as they go of for a multi-day tour. Some do the RAP tour and some do the RAN tour and some make up their own tours. We try to our snowmobiler customers happy, what ever their needs. SCO: The Clarion has been advertising with SCO for years, do you have advice to anyone that is thinking of advertising in SCO? Jake Lacourse: We believe that we are tapping into a market of people looking for a good place to stage and snowmobile from and we also believe that our ad in SCO is working for us. We have several copies of SCO in our lobby all the time and you can see the reader interest first hand. Anyone in the snowmobile business that is not in SCO, should be, they are missing out and they need to get in there.
Makes a Difference
By Terry Wilson, SCO reader Thank you SCO for all of your excellent work bringing the issue of dock bubblers to the public's attention. In the last few days my brother, Peter, and I have taken our snowmobiles around approx. 60% of the shoreline of Lake of Bays. The noted dramatic difference from the last winter to this is the clear evidence that cottage owners have listened to and acted on your information expressed in your articles and presentations. During our rides, without exception all observed functioning bubblers were signed and in the majority of cases marked with flashing amber light. Perhaps more important, owners have controlled the operation of the bubblers to significantly reduce the area of open water around their docks. One example- Last winter a bubbler operating near the shallow narrows between Turners Island and the mainland caused the narrows to have open water virtually all winter. This year this same bubbler has been restricted and the open water confined to an area of about 3 metres around the piers. Thanks to SCO, your diligence, knowledge and persistence have made Lake of Bays safer for all of us that participate in winter activities on the ice. Again thank you!
Perfect Starting Point for the
RAP & RAN Tours!
Location #26 on the NNTA District 11 Map
1-800-461-9592
201 Pinewood Park Dr. North Bay, ON www.clarionresortpinewoodpark.com
Clarion Resort Pinewood Park, A Snowmobiler Friendly Resort
SPRING
POWERSURGE GET IT ALL WHEN YOU PLACE A $500 DEPOSIT ON A NEW 2014 YAMAHA SRVIPER SERIES SNOWMOBILE 1 A FREE 2-YEAR WARRANTY 2 6.49% APR FINANCING FOR 60 MONTHS* 3 ULTIMATE YAMALUBE MAINTENANCE KIT** 4 OUTLAST® ‘VIPER’ JACKET & YAMAHA ROLLER BAG
HURRY, THIS IS A LIMITED TIME OFFER. PLACE YOUR DEPOSIT ON A NEW 2014 YAMAHA SRVIPER SERIES SNOWMOBILE BY APRIL 20, 2013. VISIT YOUR DEALER OR YAMAHA-MOTOR.CA FOR MORE DETAILS. UNIT MUST BE DELIVERED BY NOVEMBER 30, 2013.