December 2010 - Snowmobile Storm

Volume 2 • Issue 11 November, 2011
IN THIS ISSUE:
•Pro-Rider Spotlight: Ken Evans
• Christmas Shopping Guide
• 2011 WA State Snowmobile Associa$on Expo and
Swap Meet
...and more
TM
Cover Headlines
Christmas Shopping Guide
Photo by Alpine Assassins
Pro-Rider Spotlight:
Ken Evans
Page 12
On the Cover: Ken Evans
Cover Photo by Alpine Assassins
2
Snowmobile Storm
November 2011
Page 40
In This Issue...
Adver"ser Directory..................7
Photo Contest..........................8
Pro-Rider Spotlight:
Ken Evans..................................12
News.......................................16
Dealer Lis"ng: Yamaha..............22
A.er the Storm.........................28
Christmas Shopping Guide........40
Reader Gallery.........................44
Avalanche Resources...............46
Industry News...........................48
Racing News.............................49
Safety.........................................52
Land Use and Legistla"on.........54
Marketplace.............................58
Rider Recipes.............................59
Coloring Contest....................60
A Moment’s Thought................61
Rider-Julio Eiguren-Photo by ThunderStruckFilms.com
November 2011 Snowmobile Storm
3
U P COM I N G E V E N T S
Photo by ThunderstruckFilms.com
Iowa State Snowmobile
Associa$on State Conven$on
and Snow Show
November 11-13, 2011
www.iowasnowmobiler.com
Snowmobile USA
November 11-13, 2011
Wausau, WI
h@p://www.snowmobileusa.com/
shows.shtml#novi
Idaho Snowmobile Show
November 18 & 19, 2011
Boise, ID
h@p://www.intermountainshow.co
m/show/index.cfm?showid=2
Winter Snow Show
December 3 & 4, 2011
Valparaiso, IN
h@p://www.indiana
snowmobilers.com/
Ironwood Pro Vintage
Snowmobile Olympus
December 30, 2011January 1, 2012
Ironwood, MI
h@p://www.facebook.com/pages/
Ironwood-Pro-VintageSnowmobile-Olympus/
146034262139291?sk=info
Interna$onal Snowmobile
Safety Week
January 15-21, 2012
SnowJam 2012
January 21, 2012
Mapleton, ND
www.snowjam.org
Take a Friend Snowmobiling Week
February 11-20, 2012
44th Interna$onal
Snowmobile Congress
June 6-9, 2012
Snowmobile Storm Adventure Magazine is for educa"onal and entertainment purposes and we are not liable for any
injuries or damages caused by extreme riding. Ride responsibly, sober and with a buddy. Be aware of avalanche dangers, always carry avalanche safety equipment and become educated on how to properly use the equipment.
Remember that he who rides and walks away can live to ride another day.
November 2011 Snowmobile Storm 5
Publisher’s Ramblings
The Best Gi!s Never Invented
Snowmobile Storm Staff
Editor:
Diana Grant
Publisher:
Minisa Robinson
Contact Informa"on
Advers"sing and Billing,
Photo or Ar"cle Submission:
970-625-4141
2410 Acacia Ave
Rifle, CO 81650
[email protected]
Ad and Graphic Design:
970-618-6170
15805 CR 245
New Castle, CO 81647
[email protected]
Snowmobile Storm Adventure Magazine and the
Snowmobile Storm name, masthead and logo
are property of Grant Publishing, LLC and are
protected by copyright. Any use or reproduc"on
in whole or in part without the express wri@en
consent of Snowmobile Storm is strictly prohibited and will be pursued to the full extent of the
law.
www.snowmobilestorm.com
Copyright 2010-2011
Grant Publishing, LLC
All Rights Reserved.
Designed and Published in U.S.A.
6
Snowmobile Storm
November 2011
The Christmas season is rapidly approaching and this issue of the
Snowmobile Storm features the Christmas Shopping Guide. It’s a
collection of great gift ideas for the avid snowmobiler. For the moment, however, let’s take a look at a few other great gift ideas that
have yet to have been invented...
• nuclear-powered thermal socks and undies
• a condensed and dehydrated ER staff: when in trouble, just pull
them out of your pack and add water
• an adrenaline-powered snowmobile
• a gas-stretcher
• cologne that smells of 2-stroke smoke
• a snowmobile suspension that feels like you’re sitting in a Jacuzzi
tub with a glass of wine, a masseuse and a violin quartet
• duct tape that actually looks like skin
• a more convenient way for women to tinkle in 4 feet of snow
• a snowmobile that’s trained to load itself on the trailer, tie itself
down and put on its own cover... of course you’ll need a truck that
will drive itself back to town as well.
• a helmet with built-in oxygen for those low-earth-orbit jumps
• after a good lunch, an efficient
methane-to-gasoline conversion device
• truck keys with a built-in, snow-proof
tracking device
• a future-telling helmet with speakers:
when you hear “Don’t even think about
it...” you might reconsider that longdistance jump
Have the Happiest of Thanksgivings!
-Minisa Robinson
Advertiser Directory
BackCountryRebels.com..................25
Flying V Products..................................19
Habervision.........................................45
Hampton Inn & Suites..........................27
Lead Dog Helmetlight...........................27
Mountain Tech Yamaha.................27, 58
Pinedale Tourism..................................27
Photo by thunderstruckfilms.com
Rifle Area Chamber.............................25
Rifle Snowmobile Club.........................19
Rifle Truck and Trailer...........................19
Rio Grande County...............................26
SureLoad LLC........................................26
Thunderstruck Films.............................4
November 2011
Snowmobile Storm
7
Photo Contest
ce
a
l
P
t
s
!
r
0
Fi
5
s$
n
i
W
Take Your Best Shot
and send it to:
Snowmobile Storm
“Take Your Best Shot”
2410 Acacia Ave
Rifle, CO 81650
or E-mail: [email protected]
Subject Line: “Take Your Best Shot”
Please include :
Your name, address, and e-mail.
A cap$on for the photo and the name of the
photographer. JPEG and PDF files only please.
Bea
just north of Pean
Photo by
Contest Rules: Submissions sent by mail will not be returned. By submiQng your photo you agree that Snowmobile Storm Adventure
Magazine has the right to publish the photo and may use the photo anywhere in the publica"on with photo credits given. You also agree
that your photo is your own original work and does not violate any copyright laws. The first place winner will receive $50.
8
Snowmobile Storm
November 2011
Thanks for participating and good luck!
Winner
autiful day on Mt. Baker, Washington,
nut Knob and above the clouds! Photo of Jake Allen.
Jerry Allen, Photo Submitted by Jake Allen.
November 2011
Snowmobile Storm
9
The Hidden Snowflake
The October
2011 Winner:
Congratula"ons to Ron Byrd of Rifle,
CO the winner of the October 2011
contest!
The snowflake was hidden on page 73
of the October Snowmobile Storm. It
was located in upper right-hand corner.
ly
n
O
e
l
p
Exam
Can you find it?
In each issue of the Snowmobile Storm there will be a hidden
snowflake. If you find it you could win $25! The color of the
snowflake may change from month to month but the image will
always be the same.
Send us your name, e-mail and mailing addresses and the correct page number of that month’s snowflake. You will be entered
into a drawing that month to win $25.
The winner of the drawing will be announced in the next issue.
Send your informa"on to:
[email protected]
Subject: “Hidden Snowflake”
We Reward our Readers!
Snowmobile Storm is a reader-based adventure magazine. This means that we rely on you, the readers, to
par"cipate in the produc"on of the e-magazine. For your involvement, we’d like to offer you an informa"ve, exci"ng and entertaining magazine with contests, games and rewards.
Every reader submission that is published in Snowmobile Storm will be entered into a quarterly drawing for
a $50! So the more photos, ar"cles and fun that you submit: the be@er your chances are to win!
The next quarterly drawing will be held in December and the winner will be announced in the December
edi"on of Snowmobile Storm. Good luck!
Send your submissions to:
[email protected]
10
Snowmobile Storm
November 2011
Ken Evans
NAME: Ken Evans
AGE: 35
HOMETOWN: Seattle, WA
OCCUPATION: In summer I do excava"ng, and in the winter,
I am an instructor and guide for a snowmobile touring company. Year round I co-manage Alpine Assassins.
YEAR YOU FIRST STARTED SNOWMOBILING:
1998
WHAT DRIVES YOU CRAZY: Narrow minded environmentalist with incorrect facts that try to shut
CURRENT BRAND OF SNOWMOBILE: 2011 Ski Doo our land down, & people who don't follow through
Free Ride
with what they said they were going to do.
FAVORITE ASPECT OF SNOWMOBILING: There’s
nothing like the freedom of the backcountry, especially when you can enjoy it with the camaraderie of
friends.
LITTLE KNOWN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF: I’m really
a Jedi. Shhhhh! It’s a secret. I might be the only
person to know. But, I do have the decoder ring to
prove it
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TERRAIN TO RIDE AND
WHY: Big mountain country offers a never-ending
playground and provides the most opportuni"es to
go big and explore new territory.
DESCRIBE YOUR BEST SNOWMOBILING MOMENT:
Honestly, I don’t have a singular moment. Every
day in the backcountry is a new day, and I keep
going back to see what each day will bring and what
new limits we can push.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE(S) TO RIDE AND
WHY: Well, variety is the spice of life! If you’re
looking for wide open territory above the tree line,
Sonora Pass is the place. Castle Peak offers an abundance of "ght trees and cliff drops, and I love climbing 6000 feet straight from the parking lot to the
mountains in Revelstoke. Wyoming offers a lot of
uncharted territory to explore, and Utah’s a quick
and easy drive away where I can ride with a great
crew on fun terrain.
DESCRIBE YOUR WORST SNOWMOBILING
MOMENT: There aren’t words to describe seeing
your buddy go down. I don’t think any of us will forget the moment when Grant Korgan broke his back
last year deep in the Sierra. But, the spirit that kept
him coming back for more in the backcountry is
what is guiding his recovery now
WHAT DO YOU FEAR: Failure!
WHAT YOU DO BEST: I like to go big. I like to go WHAT ARE YOU BEST-KNOWN FOR: Going big, I
first. And I’ll pre@y much take anything on. I would guess. But for me, I always wish I’d gone a li@le bigsay cliff, jumps, boon dock, and hill-climbing are my ger.
things.
12
Snowmobile Storm
November 2011
Rider- Ken Evans- Photos by Alpine Assassins
November 2011
Snowmobile Storm
13
Ken Evans
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR OFF-SEASON
ADVENTURES: I grew up doing a ton of sports, but
now I focus mainly on motocross and mountain biking when I’m not on my sled.
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOURSELF: Hmm. Where to
start. Without giving away any Jedi secrets…I was
born in So. Cal but moved to Sea@le at age 10 and
lived there un"l I moved to Lake Tahoe for college
and skiing. I grew up compe"ng in swimming (both
FAVORITE MOVIE: Dumb and Dumber & Taladega in-pool and off-shore), soccer, and skiing. When I
Nights
wasn’t busy with that, I also enjoyed motocross,
mountain biking, jet skiing, hiking, camping, and an
FAVORITE FOOD: Sushi
occasional lazy day on the boat. Tahoe offered the
perfect place to enjoy all of my hobbies, and when
WORDS TO LIVE BY: “Dream as if you’ll live forever, I moved there I found a passion in snowmobiling
Live as if you’ll die today” James Dean
and met my beau"ful wife. My buddies and I
launched Alpine Assassins as a way to market our
LIST OF SPONSORS: ADS motor sports, Thin Air love of sledding and bring it to the public. But my
motor sports,HMK,509,RSI,Texas Tea,Avi Vest,Boss love of extreme sports always has me looking down
seats,Java Sushi,Intero real-estate,custom floor the road, too. One day in the future, I’d like to race
care,Full Thro@le Tahoe,SS auto brokers.
off-road desert trucks.
14
Snowmobile Storm
November 2011
November 2011
Snowmobile Storm
15
ashington tate nowmobile
ssociation xpo and wap eet
The weather was nice enough that the outdoor exhibitors enjoyed plenty of visitors.
rticle b att ead
ashington tate nowmobile ssoc
For sledders in the Pacific Northwest, the official
kick-off to the snowmobile season is the annual
WSSA Snowmobile Expo and Swap Meet held in
Puyallup, Washington, at the Fairgrounds. Well…
consider the season kicked off!
By the time 9am rolls around, the markdowns are
already starting as sellers are looking to the future and don’t want to haul their used parts and
sleds home. Besides, if they can sell early enough,
then they can hit the Expo and (indoor) Swap
th
th
October 15 and 16 were the dates, and snow- Meet opening at 10am with more cash in their
mobilers enjoyed two days of reasonable weather pockets.
to shop, talk and swap. No, they weren’t 70-degree blue-sky days, but other than a bit of drizzle The gates opened right on time to an anxious
on Sunday morning, they were fine.
crowd. Exhibitors and swappers on the inside
were ready and waiting, with most having set up
If you are an Expo regular, there is a set drill: Early on Friday afternoon/evening. Just about anything
Saturday morning, before sunrise, you need to be a snowmobiler could want was on hand.
in the Blue Parking Lot across from the Fairgrounds for the outside swap scouting out the New and used snowmobiles of course. You could
deals. Sellers like this area as it is cheap and the find hundreds in the Swap Meet area, outside in
atmosphere relaxed, despite the fact there are the dealer displays, and inside the main Showplex
some strict rules regarding displays and they are from the major manufacturers.
at the mercy of the elements if it is cold and wet.
I don’t have a clue how some guys were buying Open and enclosed trailers, sled decks and everyand hauling parts off so early when I couldn’t thing to make hauling and towing safe and coneven see what they were.
venient could be had.
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Snowmobile Storm
November 2011
Looking for new apparel? Klim,
MotorFist and other quality
gear was being sold at bargain
prices and the selection was
great. Need a helmet? There
were hundreds to choose
from!
Expo is a great time to start
thinking about a winter vacaThe show was a bit crowded during the early part of Saturday
tion. Where do you want to go?
but thinned out for a.ernoon and on Sunday.
Somewhere in Washington? It
was covered. Out of state like to Oregon, Idaho memberships, answer general questions and sell
or Montana? You bet. All of the locations on dis- WSSA Store merchandise. State Parks was on
play cater to ‘our type’. Maybe you need to rent hand to talk about the grooming program and
a snowmobile for family coming into town? It budget constraints; Department of Natural Resources to explain why a Discover Pass was going
was covered.
to be required at some previous sno-parks; and
In addition to the always popular snowmobiling the Forest Service to remind snowmobilers that
DVDs, there was jewelry (to keep the ladies some areas would be closed or access limited due
happy!), radio controlled toys, satellite TV sys- to last spring’s storms.
tems, generators, a smattering of UTVs, affordable tools, and lots of other cool things to keep In addition, several snowmobile clubs were on
hand. The Cascade Drift Skippers were sharing inyour attention.
formation on their club activities and presented
Organized snowmobiling was also front and cen- a $1,000 check to their local groomer to cover
ter with the WSSA booth just inside the main en- some fall trail maintenance. The Mt. St. Helens
trance. Board members were happy to renew Trac Riders were collecting money to help rebuild
the Marble Mountain Shelter that was
lost to fire last winter. The Northwest
Glacier Cruisers were selling raffle tickets for a full Klim outfit. And the SnoJammers were explaining the benefits
of their year-round club that enjoys
many summertime activities together
including rafting and ATV riding.
This dealer in the Blue Lot wasn’t following the rule of
‘snowmobiles must remain on trailer’,
but they had a good selec"on of new machines.
What else was there to see and do?
Visit with the WSSA Safety Team at our
tricked-out trailer; enjoy the vintage
snowmobile display hosted by the Pacific Northwest Vintage Snowmobile
Club; buy a raffle ticket for a snowmobile trailer; talk to an insurance agent
November 2011
Snowmobile Storm
17
about snowmobile policies; inspect a trail • Victoria Wilken-Farrell from St. Paul (OR), wingroomer up close and personal; and even buy a ner of a HMK Backpack set-up with jacket, bibs,
new slide-in camper.
gloves, probe and saw (package value $1,299).
• Charlie Clifton from Mt. Vernon (WA), winner of
A snowmobile safety certification course for a Marion Sled Bed Truck Deck with Super Clamps
youths was held all day Saturday and other sem- (package value $2,499).
inars were available for the adults. Amber Holt, • Rick Hein of Port Orchard (WA), winner of a True
Backcountry Basics, gave tips on improving snow- Adventure Gear Backpack set-up with beacon,
mobile control in the backcountry; Matt Potratz, shovel with saw, probe and SPOT Safety Transsnowmobiler, writer and inspirational speaker, mitter (package value $699).
gave a talk on his near-death experience in an av- • Tohni Rainwater from Graham (WA), winner of
alanche and the long recovery afterwards; a Yamaha EF2000ISC portable generator (value
Dwayne Paynton, Backcountry Access, explained $1,099).
avalanche beacon use; and Torklift Central cov- • Dave Thorpe of Molalla (OR), winner of a Triton
ered safe towing and hauling.
aluminum trailer (value $2,499).
The Expo Committee works hard to put together
prize packages to be given away throughout the
two days and this year they were exceptional.
Congratulations to the following winners:
• Zeke Hargett from Sedro Woolley (WA), winner
of a Polaris Versa Winch, Cyclops Helmet Light
and SLP Ice Scratchers (package value $549).
And it wasn’t just WSSA giving stuff away. The
Priest Lake (ID) Chamber of Commerce gave away
a few prizes too:
• Lisa Dart from Eatonville (WA) won a one-night
stay at Hills Resort at Priest Lake.
• Joel Carlson from Bellevue (WA) won a onenight stay for up to six people at the Come Back
Inn at Priest Lake.
• Barbara Deldene from Puyallup (WA)
won a cookbook.
And what about the Pacific Northwest
vintage Snowmobile Club? They gave
away a classic 1980 Yamaha Enticer 300
to young Jonathan DeBartula from Battle Ground. You know he is a happy
camper!
Brycelyn Osterhoff was canvassing the rack looking for just the right
top. Looks like she found it!
18
Snowmobile Storm
November 2011
The preliminary attendance count, (approximately 8,000 for the weekend),
was down somewhat this year and the
crowd on Saturday afternoon seemed to
thin a bit earlier than in previous years.
The show closed at 6pm on Saturday
evening and once the last of the snowmobilers had left, the vendors secured
their exhibits and headed out for the
night.
On Sunday morning, re-stocking the displays
began at 8am. Around the show’s opening at
10am, a light mist was falling. But it was shortlived and as the day progressed, the sun peaked
out from behind the clouds a couple of times.
Sunday is the better day for bargain hunters. Sellers who returned to the Blue Lot Swap usually discount heavily compared to Saturday. The
selection over there is minimal though.
Inside the Fairgrounds there are lots of discounts
too. Both dealers selling new items, and swap
vendors selling used, don’t want to haul everything home. Combine this with a smaller crowd,
and the shopping is downright pleasant.
Expo and future events. This is an annual meeting and the manufacturers are always impressed
with the facilities, the management of the show,
and the outstanding volunteer force.
At 3pm, the Expo and Swap Meet wound down
and vendors were busy packing up; they were
anxious to hit the road. Some were headed
home, while others were going to be leaving for
the next snowmobile show.
Plans are already underway for the 2012 WSSA
Expo and Swap Meet, again in Puyallup at the
Fairgrounds. Mark your calendars now: October
20th and 21st. We’ll see you there!
On Sunday afternoon, the snowmobile manufac- Want to see more photos from the 2011 WSSA
turer representatives met with key WSSA Board Expo & Swap Meet? Visit www.wssa.us and foland Expo Committee members to talk about this low the link!
Swap Meet
and
Pig Roast
in Rifle, Colorado
NOVEMBER 12TH, 2011
Garfield County Fair Grounds, North Hall
Swap Meet: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Pig Roast: 12:00 p.m. • $7 per plate
For More Informa"on: 970-625-0134
November 2011
Snowmobile Storm
19
COLORADO:
Mountain Tech Yamaha
28395 County Road 317
Buena Vista, CO 81211
719-395-0438
www.mountaintechbv.com
Lis"ngs Cost $30 or less per month. • For more details click here.
Or call 970-625-4141
20
Snowmobile Storm
November 2011
nowmobiling ebsites and aceboo xpand
rticle b d lim
HASLETT, MI, October 18, 2011 – As
should all enjoy and embrace it
we look at the last 20 years of comand expand our communications
munication transformation, most
with snowmobilers and nonare amazed.
Communication
snowmobilers alike, expressing
amongst
snowmobilers
has
to them the reasons we enjoy
changed forever and it appears the
winter recreation and snowmoevolution will continue. The manubiling.
facturers and many in the industry
are now active on the Internet with
The snowmobile manufacturers
active web sites, Facebook, and
continue to work on expanding
Twitter. The technology makes the
and growing the Go Snowmobilpassing of news and information
ing web site www.gosnowmobiling.org. Within two years our
more participatory and more soactive viewership has expanded
cial. This is having a profound efto over 3.5 million visitors annufect on our society. As an industry,
ally.
we will be able to take advantage
of this emerging technology in
We also have a Facebook page
communicating trail conditions, riding conditions, avalanche bulletins, weather fore- https://www.facebook.com/GoSnowmobiling . We have
casts, road conditions, and snow conditions, many friends on our Facebook page and we are
looking for more. We are finding that people
meeting notices and more.
throughout the world want to enjoy the winter
The increased participation in electronic media and the great outdoors. Research has shown us
has lead to a decline in readership of newspapers the viewers and readers of our information are
in North America. However, in other parts of the very interested in snowmobiling. The level of inworld, newspaper readership remains very high. terest continues to be very high with those visitNewspaper readership in North America has ing our web sites. A majority of people living in
fallen approximately 30 percent, while in Europe, the snowbelt area, have expressed a high desire
readership has fallen less than 4 percent. Other to go snowmobiling, rating their interest a 9 on a
parts of the world are realizing a renewed inter- scale of 1 to 10. We know many individuals are
est and growth in newspaper readership. Under- visiting our web sites and reading our informastanding the opportunities in communication tion; therefore we need to keep our web site up
gives all of us reason to be more involved in com- to date, honest and entertaining.
piling and discussing information and news.
It is important we understand that, as a snowThe news agenda is no longer controlled by the mobile community, we offer “unique” informapress barons and specific outlets but now is as tion that is not readily available. We offer a form
participatory as the coffee shops once were. Spe- of recreation that is unmatched and exciting. We
cific snowmobile and tourism related magazines have a great opportunity to express to other inappear to be thriving when matched with elec- terested folks the reasons we snowmobile are
quite simple:
tronic media.
To view the scenery,
The challenge in all of this new communication To be with friends,
access is accountability to make sure the infor- To get away from the usual demands of life,
mation we use is transparent and factual. Much To do something with our family and friends,
of the information discussed on the internet is To be close to nature,
NOT fact-based and misinformation needs to be To participate in an active, exciting activity that
ensures we will be tired at the end of the day and
confronted.
will be able to experience a great night’s sleep.
These changes give us much to celebrate, so we
22
Snowmobile Storm
November 2011
“Dude, what do you mean you
haven’t signed up for the
Storm?!”
Announcing the quickest way to send a message
since a note-on-a-rock.
(and slightly more civilized)
To join the Snowmobile Storm mailing list
text STORM to 22828
November 2011
Snowmobile Storm
23
cross the !o"ntr
nowmobilers are
more than j"st nowmobilers
rticle b !hristine $o"rdain
merican !o"ncil of
nowmobile ssociations
well as sit through hours of meetings to be sure
everything is in order for the start of the season.
It’s the snowmobiler who volunteers their time
The season is just weeks away — that precious to travel to these meetings and events, most
season we wait for ……. Winter! I stopped to often at their own cost. They give up their weekthink about the typical snowmobiler. We are not end to help organize and sit through meetings
just about snowmobiling. We care about many just so they know the trail system is ready to go
things and are involved in a variety of activities, when there is enough snow on the ground. Typorganizations, and events. I’m not sure “typical” ical?
applies to the definition of a snowmobiler.
Most often, included in the planning sessions are
Sure, the men start tinkering with their sleds charity events that are organized by the snowwhen the summer temperature dips below 70 de- mobiling community. Snowmobilers are very
grees. They know it won’t be long before they’re charitable people. The snowmobiling community
heading to their favorite riding area. They start not only donates thousands of hours, but they
thinking about their favorite riding area – or the also raise millions of dollars each year for a wide
area they frequent most often. What needs to be range of charities across the country.
done before the snow flies and the season starts?
Many snowmobile associations and clubs have
Because many of the trails are multiple use, many also added to their list of events Military Events.
have been used by other users since the last They are now treating members of our Armed
snow. We know the obvious work list: snowmo- Forces to a day of snowmobiling. They invite
bile signs will need to be installed, the trails will them out, often including their family, suit them
need to be brushed, fences may need to be and take them out riding so they can show their
erected, staging areas will need to be cleaned up appreciation for all they do for our nation.
and ready. But what else? Has there been storm
damage, what improvements could/should be Snowmobilers never think to contact the media
made an so on – the list goes on and on. Who or seek publicity for these types of activities.
They do these fundraising activities because they
does this work? The snowmobilers.
care. They simply do them out of the goodness of
Fall also is the season for snow shows and con- their hearts. That is very typical of a snowmoventions. Again, the snowmobilers are the first biler!!
ones there to help set up the snow shows, man
any booths that need assistance, and direct traf- Many snowmobilers that are out working on
fic all the while, promoting snowmobiling to any- many of the issues find themselves working regone that will listen. Fall conventions are a great ularly with the same land managers. The land
time to catch up with old friends, catch up on is- manager that is doing his job, going day to day,
sues and make plans for the coming winter, as checking off their to-do list, working on – not en24
Snowmobile Storm
November 2011
joying the public lands. Many of those snowmobilers have started to invite the land manager to
go snowmobiling – so he can enjoy the fruits of
his labor. This also helps him see challenges we
face, as well as the accomplishments and benefits. Why do snowmobilers go this extra step?
Because they care, they are committed.
Snowmobilers are about so much more than just
snowmobiling. It’s spending time with their
friends and family. It’s being the very best stewards of the land. It’s about doing the right thing
without seeking credit. It’s about values.
Here’s to the dedicated and committed snowmoSnowmobilers want everyone else to understand bilers!! Keep up the good work!! You make us all
their passion for the sport. They want people to proud to be snowmobilers!!
experience the fun. They want others to see the
winter wonderland like we see it. Trees hanging American Council of Snowmobile Associations is
low from the fresh snowfall. Crystal blue skies your Voice for Snowmobiling on National Issues.
that make the snow sparkle like diamonds. Fresh You can find additional information on ACSA at
air and the beauty that awaits…..wildlife strolling www.snowmobilers.org or follow us on Facebook
about, swans floating on the river, the serenity of at http://www.facebook.com/AmericanCounthe setting, just a typical day on a snowmobile. cilOfSnowmobileAssociations?ref=ts
Enjoying nature and the environment at it’s best.
November 2011
Snowmobile Storm
25
&he 'nternational nowmobile
edia !o"ncil(s )ew *oo
The International Snowmobile Media Council now has a logo!
Designed by Minisa Robinson, publisher of the Snowmobile Storm, the logo incorporates the
ISMC's great combination of snowmobiling and writers. Many thanks to the members of the ISMC
for their input and comments on the logo.
26
Snowmobile Storm
November 2011
28395 County Road 317
Buena Vista, CO 81211
719-395-0438
www.mountaintechbv.com
on the next page:
The areas that we ride are transformed into another world
during the winter months, sometimes morphing into an
unrecognizable landscape of white. Here’s a chance to enjoy
nature’s beauty both before and after the storm.
TAKE A “BEFORE AND AFTER THE STORM” PHOTO OF YOUR FAVORITE RIDING AREA
And send it to: Snowmobile Storm • “AEer the Storm” • 2410 Acacia Ave • Rifle, CO 81650
or E-mail: [email protected] • Subject Line: “AEer the Storm”
Please include : Your name, address, and e-mail. • A cap$on for the photo and the name of the photographer. JPEG and PDF files only please.
May 2011
Snowmobile Storm
27
Photo by Minisa Robinson
Photo by Diana Grant
28
Snowmobile Storm
May 2011
May 2011
Snowmobile Storm
29
Rider-Trennis Baer-Photo by ThunderstruckFilms.com
30
Snowmobile Storm
November 2011
Photo by John Kuersten
November 2011
Snowmobile Storm
31
Rider-Julio Eiguren-Photo by thunderstruckfilms.com
Photo by Diana Grant
34
Snowmobile Storm
November 2011
Rider- Ken Evans- Photo by Alpine Assassins
November 2011
Snowmobile Storm
35
edia + 'nside ecrets to ,ress !overage
rticle b .an /o"ld
nowmobile ssociation
of assach"setts
Media 101: Inside Secrets To Press Coverage
By Dan Gould
Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts
Create a Press Release Template
If you want to be taken seriously you need to create a press release template - in advance. It
should have your organization’s logo and basic
contact information, such as mailing address,
phone, email, websites, staff and officer’s names.
Preparing a template ahead of time allows you to
send a press release at a moment’s notice.
Snowmobilers do great things, so why don’t they
get more press? The answer is simple, most clubs
Press Release Ingredients
and associations don’t communicate with their
Your press release should always have these basic
local press.
ingredients: Who, What,
Where, When, and Why.
How Do The Big Organizations Get Press CoverMany press releases have
age?
these very words written
Large organizations hire pubic relations compain bullet points with the
nies
facts following each bulThey produce press releases on a regular basis
let, while others are writThey have a data base of media companies in
ten in a less formal
their address book
manner. A title is a good
They are pro-active!
idea, too. Here is an example:
Nothing written above is magical or reserved for
“Snowmobile Ride for the
big P.R. companies, anyone can do it. The lack of
Military”
a plan is the number one reason for failure within
Who: The Snowstars
our community.
Snowmobile Club, contact
Jane Doe, 508-555-1212,
Devise a Media Plan
[email protected]
Form a media committee. A single volunteer will
What: In honor of our mildo.
itary, the Snowstar Club is hosting a free snowBuild a media database. You can find all the conmobile ride and barbeque for local servicemen
tacts with a quick web search.
and their families.
Familiarize yourself with local reporters - read the
Where: Snowstars’ Clubhouse, located at 32 Marpapers, watch the news.
shall Street, Sturbridge, MA
When: January 12, 2012, 10 A.M – 3 P.M. Best
Oftentimes the editor the association/club
time for media is 11:30 A.M.
newsletter and website is best qualified to lead
Why: The Snowstars Snowmobile Club are proud
the P.R. committee.
to recognize local military families with a day of
outdoor fun. Volunteers will lead vets and active
Build a List of Story Ideas
duty servicemen on an exciting snowmobile adCharity fundraisers
venture on local trials.
Military functions
Safety programs
A few tips:
Family events
KISS: Keep It Simple Stupid… be brief and to the
Legislative rides
point
Work on public lands
Don’t send your club newsletter, it will get deProjects that benefit the public
posited in the round file
36
Snowmobile Storm
November 2011
Include the best time for coverage and photos.
Don’t keep the press waiting around
Grammar & spelling count
Include the name and cell number of a person at
the event who will assist the press
If the location is hard to find, include basic directions
formation
Get the reporters contact info for future use
Offer hand-outs and business cards
Extra Credit: Handouts That Promote Snowmobiling
Economic impact
Membership numbers
Charitable fundraising
Send The Press Release To Everyone!
The more editors see it, the better chance it will Community service
Copies of your publication
get covered.
Upcoming events
News Desk
History or facts
Regional News Desk
Major projects and accomplishments
Sunday Editor
Photo Department
Photo Opportunities
Sports Department
Photos catch the reader’s eye, sometimes a photo
Features & Lifestyles
and caption say it all
Outdoors Editor
Tell your story with visuals: Photographers want
Calendar / Events
Any reporters or photog- to see something interesting
raphers you may already Action shots are best, people sitting around a
table are not compelling
know.
Offer the photographer a ride
Email is the best way to Help the photographer with I.D.’s, business cards
communicate, editors are nice
can forward it to reporters and photogra- Cater To The Press
phers. Send the notice Do not make them wait around! Get them in &
about a week before the out in a timely manner.
event takes place. Post You may like the cold, the reporter may not. Gimthe press release on your mie shelter, coffee & donuts.
website and community
Small Publications: What You Should Send
websites.
Weekly publications and community websites
Be Prepared For The Interview, Know The Facts. have tiny staffs, often one or two people. They
Prepare a club and association fact sheet. This happily accept photos and stories from the public. This is a great opportunity to promote your
should be on your website already.
Be informed about the event, the reporter will ask club. Email them your press release and…
Digital photos with detailed captions
questions.
If there is a controversial issue be sure you are fa- Short & sweet stories
Follow-up with a brief phone call, just to intromiliar with the facts.
duce yourself
During the Interview
Deliver your message in a concise simple manner Remember, reporters and photographers are always looking for interesting stories, they appreDon’t be afraid to use a cheat sheet
Don’t ad-lib. If you don’t know the answer, prom- ciate story ideas and photo opportunities.
ise to get back to them
Follow-up is important, send additional informa- Dan Gould has been a photojournalist for over 30
years. As chief photographer of the Worcester
tion ASAP.
Reporters have tight deadlines, respect their lim- Telegram & Gazette and telegram.com he manages the daily assignments of the photo departited time.
Point them to your website as a resource of in- ment.
November 2011
Snowmobile Storm
37
nowmobiling conomic 0enefits
1ealized orldwide
rticle b d lim
HASLETT, MI, November 1, 2011 – The snowmobile community generates over 28 billion dollars
in economic activity in North America. Snowmobiling supports over 90,000 full time jobs and generates millions of tax dollars. There are many
ways that snowmobiling impacts on the economy. The production and sales of snowmobiles
and the related products generates substantive
economic impact and employment. In addition,
there are thousands of snowmobile dealers and
distributors of snowmobile parts that generate
significant economic impact locally and nationally.
tivity for the community supporting snowmobiling.
All local businesses thrive during season, as those
local businesses provide meals and lodging, gasoline, repair parts, and more.
Snowmobiling provides considerable health benefits, and the economic impact of healthy vibrant
citizens must be considered. Studies show that
snowmobiling requires positive physiological demand that has a beneficial effect on health and
fitness. It has been determined that recreational
snowmobiling is associated with moderate intensity cardiovascular demand and fatigue inducing
muscular strength challenges similar to other activities such as alpine skiing and rock climbing.
The rigorous physical activity associated with
snowmobiling is recognized as being positive by
the American College of Sports Medicine and
should be considered to be a benefit to the overall economy and to the local region.
The largest single impact of snowmobiling can be
seen in studying the Tourism Activity reports. In
addition to snowmobile tourism, there are many
snowmobiling events which generate millions of
dollars of economic impact which are not considered in economic impact studies. Whether it is a
snowmobile grass drag, an oval race, snow-cross
race or a hill climb, they all collectively have a positive impact on the economy.
Snowmobiling generates snowmobile trails and
supports family activities which helps build friendCommunities that embrace snowmobiling benefit ships and better communities - and a healthy acdirectly from recreational snowmobiling. Snow- tive populace.
mobilers build trails that make communities more
attractive in the winter and summer. Trails are
one of the most sought after community amenities anywhere in North America for prospective
homeowners.
Along those lines there is a considerable amount
of money spent developing and maintaining trails
by the snowmobile clubs and associations along
with related government agencies and trail partners. The many weekends in September and October involving trail clean-up, brushing, signing
and general repair generate positive economic ac38
Snowmobile Storm
November 2011
Photo by Diana Grant
November 2011
Snowmobile Storm
39
HABER ELIMINATOR
Tired of fogged-up goggles while snowmobiling?
HaberVision has solved this problem and stops fog dead
in its tracks with the flip of a switch.
The Haber Eliminator Fan Module is lightweight, low profile and installs easily into most goggle brands. Set the
switch to auto mode and this clever device with a "ny
sensor turns on only as humidity rises. Air flows up and
out of your goggle keeping your eyes moist and doesn't
interfere with your vision.
$65
G`adqÅDkhlhm`snqÅE`m
Combine this technology with a HaberVision Polarized
Goggle with low light lens colors and reducing glare for
the ul"mate performance.
$119
Dkhlhm`snqÅOnknqhydcÅE`m www.habervision.com
Affinity Member Code SNOWSTORM
Fnffkdr
303-459-2220
LEAD DOG HELMET LIGHT
Key features and benefits:
• Improved visibility in all direc"ons
• Illuminate signs and trail reflectors
• Be seen by other riders at greater distances.
• Removes easily for use as a work light AND fits in a
pocket!
• Housing GLOWS RED when spotlight is on.
www.helmetlight.com
907-277-4433
$84.95
Kd`cÅCnfÅGdkldskhfgs
40
Snowmobile Storm
November 2011
RIFLE TRUCK & TRAILER
1465 - 2011 Charmac 24' Gooseneck Cargo/Car
Hauler/Sled/ATV Trailer -$17975.00
24' Long, 5' Side Ramp (Driver Side), 1 1/8" Plywood
Floor, FULLY Insulated Walls and Ceiling, Man Door Passenger Side, Extra (15) Tie-Downs, Rear Ramp Door with
Assist Cable, CWT 6395 GVWR 14000
hHp://www.rHrailer.com
$17,975
Bg`ql`bÅ24
FnnrdmdbjÅSq`hkdq
2011
SURELOAD HYDRA-HOLDER
The Hydra-Holder is a universal bo@le holder, it will
hold most 20 & 24 oz bo@les. The Hydra-Holder
mounts onto the handle bars, making the beverage
easily accessible at all "mes.
hHp://www.sureloadonline.com
509-226-2716
$65
Gxcq`-Gnkcdq
November 2011
Snowmobile Storm
40
THUNDERSTRUCK 10
Ten major films into their careers and Team Thunderstruck is s"ll turning the snowmobiling industry upside
down! From massive jumps to insane powder to crazy
first ascents, Thunderstruck 10 truly adds a glimmer of
extreme to the sledding masses! While other film companies were wallowing in the clouds and bad weather,
Team Thunderstruck searched out the sunshine and the
deepest snow and took full advantage of it! Riding from
November un"l June and every sunny day in between, sit
back and take a breath as you watch this 10th installment from award-winning producer Jim Phelan.
$29.95
hHp://www.thunderstruckfilms.com
SgtmcdqrsqtbjÅ10 CUC
THE SLEDSHARK SLED LIFT
The SLEDSHARK snow li. is a must-have for any
Snowmobile or Snow Bike because it is mandatory
to li. and spin the track and drive system with the
engine running to properly lube the chains and
check adjustment of both chain, belts and also suspension tuning. It is designed to simply li. the back
of the tunnel with one push on the handle. It has a
li.ing fork that fits the width of the tunnel and fits
the bumper tube or W shaped bumpers. The SLEDSHARK has a li.ing cam that li.s the back of the
tunnel and then cams over the center to stay up
and also has a safety pin to lock it in the up posi"on.
$250
LÅRdqhdr
$250
www.flyingvproducts.com
208-699-9403
RÅRdqhdr
$305
RkdcÅAhjdÅRdqhdr
42
Snowmobile Storm
November 2011
VISIT PINEDALE, WYOMING
Visit Pinedale, Wyoming! A snowmobiler’s dream in the
undiscovered Wind River Mountains...trails and lakes galore…unencumbered by civiliza"on…Your next adventure
could be in us…Enter to win a “Bring Your Own Sled”
Weekend Getaway at h@p://www.visitpinedale.org/
hHp://www.visitpinedale.org/
DmsdqÅsnÅVhmÅ`
FREE
AqhmfÅXntqÅNvmÅRkdc
VddjdmcÅFds`v`x
WESTERN RIVIERA
$495: Snowmobiles/Dinner/Lodging Package at Lakeside
Motel in Village of Grand Lake at west entrance to Rocky
Mountain Na"onal Park (Valid December - March, holidays excluded)
• Lakeside King Room for two nights
• Dinner for two at El Pacifico Restaurant ($40 Value)
• Two single snowmobile rentals for four hours from
Grand Adventures
$495
Contact us for other package op"ons.
O`bj`fdÅhmbktchmf:Å
Rmnvlnahkdr,ÅChmmdq,Å
`mcÅKncfhmf
hHp://www.westernriv.com
November 2011
Snowmobile Storm
43
Photo by Mark
etz •
rrest G
to of Fo
Pho
44
Snowmobile Storm
November 2011
Foley
y Gin
Photo b
Getz
Send Your Photos to
[email protected]
Subject “Photo Submission”
All submissions are entered into the
quarterly drawing for a $50 gi. card!
Avalanche
Hotlines and Safety Resources
ALASKA
Chugach:
Chugach Na"onal Forest Avalanche Informa"on Center
www.cnfaic.org
907-754-2369
Cordova:
Alaska Avalanche Informa"on Center
www.alaskasnow.org
Juneau:
City & Borough of
Juneau
www.juneau.org/avala
nche
907-586-5699
ARIZONA
Flagstaff: Kachina Peaks
Avalanche Center
www.kachinapeaks.org
CALIFORNIA
Eastern Sierra:
Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
esavalanche.org
760-924-5510
46
Snowmobile Storm
Mount Shasta:
Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
www.shastaavalanche.org
530-926-9613
Truckee:
Sierra Avalanche Center
www.sierraavalanchecenter.org
530-587-3558
CANADA
Glacier Park
Rogers Pass
250-837-7500
Regions in Alberta and
B.C.
Canadian Avy Center
800-667-1105
COLORADO
Colorado Avalanche Informa"on Center
avalanche.state.co.us
Crested Bu@e
970-349-4022
November 2011
Front Range
970-482-0457
Idaho Panhandle
208-765-7323
Grand Mesa
303-275-5360
Sun Valley / Sawtooth
NF
Sawtooth Na"onal Forest Avalanche Center
www.sawtoothavalanche.com
208-622-8027
Pikes Peak
719-520-0020
Roaring Fork (Aspen)
970-920-1664
San Juans
970-247-8187
Sangre De Cristo
303-275-5360
Sawatch Range
719-395-4994
Summit County
970-668-0600
IDAHO
West Central
Paye@e Avalanche Center
www.payetteavalanche.org
208-634-0409
Lola & Bi@erroot NF
406-549-4480
MONTANA
Bozeman
Galla"n Na"onal FOrest
Avalanche Center
www.mtavalanche.com
406-587-6981
Northwest Montana /
Glacier Country
Glacier Country Avalanche Center
www.glacier
avalanche.com
406-257-8402
Southwest Montana
406-587-6981
West Central Montana
/ Missoula
West Central Montana
www.missoulaavalanche.org
406-549-4488
West Yellowstone
406-646-7912
Cooke City
406-838-2341
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Mount Washington
Mount Washington Avalanche Center
www.mountwashingtonavalanchecenter.or
g
603-466-2713
OREGON
Northern Oregon
503-808-2400
Joseph
Wallowa Avalanche
Center
wallowaavalanche
center.org
UTAH
Utah Avalanche Center
utahavalanche
center.org
888-999-4019
Logan
801-524-5304
Moab
435-259-7669
Salt Lake City
801-364-1581
WASHINGTON
Northwest
Northwest Weather &
Avalanche Center
www.nwac.us
206-526-6677
WYOMING
Jackson Hole
Bridger-Teton Na"onal
Forest Avalanche Center
www.jhavalanche.org
307-733-2664
November 2011
Snowmobile Storm
47
BRP Ski-Doo Snowmobiles:
10 Models BAT Certified for
Yellowstone and
Grand Teton National Parks
Valcourt, Québec, October 19, 2011 – BRP has
ten 2012 Ski-Doo snowmobile models certified for use in Yellowstone and Grand Teton
National Parks where some of the toughest
emission standards are enforced. These BRP
products stand alone as the only 2012 models
to be certified with no modifications or kits.
The Rotax 4-TEC 1200 engine is designed more
for performance. This engine meets the demands of experienced riders across the world
by delivering a lightweight and powerful
fourstroke package that translates to easy
handling and quick acceleration in the REV-X
chassis. BRP’s unmatched leadership in advanced technology powertrains, including the
Snowmobiles must be certified as Best Avail- ACE 600 and 4-TEC 1200 engines, has conable Technology (BAT) by the National Park tributed significantly in powering Ski-Doo
Service to enter Yellowstone and Grand Teton snowmobiles to the number one sales posiNational Parks. BAT certification is one of the tion in the industry.
most stringent standards for air and noise
emissions in the world, requiring hydrocarbon Ski-Doo models certified for BAT are offered
emissions of less than 15 g/kW-hr, carbon in one-rider and two-rider configurations, inmonoxide emissions of less than 120 g/kW-hr, cluding: the Grand Touring SE, Grand Touring
and sound level limited to 73 decibels.
LE with the Rotax 4-TEC 1200 engine, and the
Grand Touring Sport, MX Z Sport, MX Z TNT,
These ten Ski-Doo snowmobiles are all Renegade, Tundra LT, Tundra Sport, Expediequipped with four-stroke engines, either the tion Sport, and Skandic WT, all equipped with
ultra-quiet and efficient Rotax ACE 600 engine the Rotax ACE 600 engine.
or the more powerful Rotax 4-TEC 1200 powertrain. The certified Ski-Doo snowmobiles re- Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP),
quire no modifications or throttle limiters to a privately-held company, is a world leader in
meet the BAT standards.
the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and marketing of motorised recre“BRP is committed to providing responsible ational vehicles. Its portfolio of brands and
recreational products that meet or exceed our products includes: Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmocustomer’s needs while being as environmen- biles, Sea-Doo watercraft and boats, Evinrude
tally friendly as possible,” said Robert Lumley, and Johnson outboard engines, Can-Am allvice-president, Sales and Marketing, Ski-Doo terrain and side-by-side vehicles and roadand Sea-Doo. “Unlike our competition, these sters, as well as Rotax engines. BRP products
ten machines require no modifications. All are distributed in more than 100 countries.
customers using these models across North
America are getting this same kind of fuel www.brp.com
economy and efficiency, not just sleds limited
to Yellowstone or Grand Teton national Sea-Doo, Ski-Doo, Lynx, Evinrude, Johnson,
parks.”
Can-Am, Rotax, Grand Touring SE, Grand Touring LE, 4-TEC, Grand Touring Sport, MX Z
BRP’s Rotax ACE 600 engine was designed for Sport, MX Z TNT, Renegade, Tundra LT, Tunefficiency, with every aspect focused on max- dra Sport, Expedition Sport, Skandic WT and
imizing output, minimizing fuel consumption, the BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier
reducing maintenance and extending Recreational Products Inc. or its affiliates. All
longevity. Fuel economy on some models is an other trademarks are the property of their reindustry-leading 8 L/100 km (29 mpg).
spective owners.
48
Snowmobile Storm
November 2011
Christian Bros. Racing on Drift for XC
Team of the Year to Race DRIFT in Snocross and Cross-Country
Plymouth, Minn. (Oct. 11, 2011) – After claiming
championship titles in both oval and cross-country competition in 2011, DRIFT Racing Gear is
going wide-open into national snocross competition for 2012 with the Christian Bros. Racing team
of Fertile, Minn.
One of the most comprehensive and professional
independent teams in snowmobile racing, Christian Bros. Racing (CBR) launches into 2012 as the
ISOC and USCC Team of the Year with an elite
corps of racers including: Pro Rookie of the Year
Logan Christian; pro front runner Garth Kaufman;
2010 X Games bronze medalist Cory Davis; and
120 Champion Evan Christian.
Gear supervisor. “The racers will sport the
newest DRIFT Racing Suit and associated gear,
while the mechanics and support personnel will
stay warm and stylish with high-quality DRIFT
jackets, pants, gloves and casual sportswear.”
CBR will sell select DRIFT gear via a vending trailer
at all snocross and most cross-country events.
Look for the CBR racers and crew in the latest
high-performance DRIFT Racing jackets and bibs
at all ISOC and USCC races. For more information,
go to www.driftracing.com and www.christianbrosracing.com.
About DRIFT
“Our cross-country team chose DRIFT gear last DRIFT, based in Plymouth, Minn., designs, proseason because of its quality, style and excellent duces and sells high-performance race apparel
fit, said CBR team co-owner, Dwight Christian. for snowmobile and motorsports enthusiasts.
“Wearing DRIFT, we won the USCC Pro Champi- DRIFT gear is available at powersports dealerships
onship with Ryan Simons. Now both teams will throughout North America. For more information
DRIFT
products,
go
to
chase championships wearing the latest DRIFT about
www.driftracing.com.
race gear.”
The 2012 CBR all-star cross-country team consists
of defending Pro Champion Simons; defending I500 champion Brian Dick; and four-time Pro class
winner last season, D.J. Ekre.
“Adding the high-horsepower Christian Bros.
snocross team to the DRIFT program will launch
us high in the sky and on the podium in this very
visible form of racing,” said Tom Schaefer, DRIFT
November 2011
Snowmobile Storm
49
MASTERS Racing Circuit
Announces Schedule
The Mid America Snow and Terrain Extreme Racers Circuit will open the Snow Drag Season on Saturday, Jan 14th, in Merrill, Wisconsin. The following Saturday, the popular Winternationals Snowmobile Hillclimb at Whealkate Bluff will take place. The date for that is Saturday, January 21st.
The Snow Valley Riders Snowmobile Club will host the 3rd Annual MASTERS Racing Circuit Sanctioned
Snow Drags at the Sidnaw (MI) Airport on Saturday, Feb 11th . The Drag portion of the MASTERS Racing Circuit will return to Marquette (MI) Mountain on the Saturday of Easter Weekend in April.
The MASTERS Racing Circuit has been sanctioning Snowmobile Drag Races and Hillclimbs since 1993.
According to the Circuit President, Skip Schulz, the MASTERS is looking at adding at least two more
Drag Races this year. Those competing in the Points Series will also have the Ice Drags in St. Germain
(WI) to compete at this coming winter.
For more information on the MASTERS Racing Circuit, contact Schulz at 906-884-9101, or e-mail at
[email protected]
50
Snowmobile Storm
November 2011
Want to Win?
Then Join in the Fun!
Check out the many contests, games and prizes that Snowmobile Storm offers:
“Take Your Best Shot” Photo Contest:
Winner receives $50 for the best photo. The contest is open to everyone and all snowmobile related photos will be considered.
“The Hidden Snowflake” Contest:
Can you find it? Each month a single snowflake will be hidden somewhere within the Snowmobile
Storm. The winner of the contest will receive $25.
“Reader Adventure” and “I Survived” Ar"cles:
Write an adventure or survival story and recieve $25 for each ar"cle published in Snowmobile
Storm. Tell us about your adventure! Anything from riding a new area, having a great ou"ng, to
running into trouble and more. Were you stranded or have a close call? Send us your survival story.
Send ar"cles to [email protected] Subject: “Reader Adventure” or “I Survived”
“Pro Rider Spotlight” Feature:
Get to know the pros! Learn more about the professional snowmobilers, industry leaders and upand-coming riders. If you are a snowmobiling pro and would like to be considered for the Pro Rider
Spotlight, answer the ques"ons from the Pro Rider Spotlight page and send the answers and a couple photos to: [email protected] Subject: “Pro Rider Spotlight”.
“Rider Spotlight” Feature:
Nominate your friend or family member for the Rider Spotlight, or send us your informa"on if
you’d like to be considered for next month’s featured rider. Simply answer the ques"ons from the
Rider Spotlight page and send the answers and a couple photos to:
[email protected] Subject: “Rider Spotlight”.
“Rider Recipes” Feature:
Do you have a great idea for lunch? Send us your recipes! Anything yummy that travels well while
snowmobiling, different places to carry lunch or easy fixin’s for a.er the ride. For each recipe we
use you’ll be entered into the quarterly drawing for a $50 gi. card.
“Kids Coloring Page” Contest:
All kidos 10 and under can join in on the coloring fun! Simply print the single black and white page,
make it beau"ful and send it back to us. The winner will have their work of art published in the
next issue of Snowmobile Storm.
Permissions and Representations:
By submiQng photos and/or content to the Snowmobile Storm Adventure Magazine, you are officially submiQng your photos and/or content for considera"on for use in the Snowmobile Storm Adventure Magazine and on www.snowmobilestorm.com. By submiQng your photos and/or content, you agree that you are the author of the photos and/or content and you own or have the necessary rights to all copyrights
or other proprietary rights in your photos and/or content. You retain ownership of your photos and/or content that you submit to the
Snowmobile Storm Adventure Magazine, and if your photo and/or content is published in the Snowmobile Storm Adventure Magazine, you
will be a@ributed using the photo/author credit informa"on you provide. However, by submiQng your photos and/or content to the Snowmobile Storm Adventure Magazine, you grant the Snowmobile Storm Adventure Magazine and its affiliates a worldwide, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, and display your photos and/or content in the Snowmobile Storm Adventure Magazine and on
www.snowmobilestorm.com.
November 2011
Snowmobile Storm
51
CONSIDERATE, COURTEOUS AND RESPONSIBLE
By: Lanny Grant
Garfield County (Colorado)
Search & Rescue, Inc.
Being a responsible, safe snowmobiler means
being considerate and courteous to other riders
and winter recreationalists. When meeting or
passing someone on the trails be aware of your
speed and the snow conditions. To pass another
rider or trail user make sure that the trail width is
sufficient and that you have enough unobstructed
distance ahead to safely get by without endangering anyone. The same rules for safe passing
when driving on a highway also apply to snowmobiling. There are no ‘double yellow’ or ‘solid
yellow’ lines on our snowmobile trails to remind
us when it is unsafe to pass; riders must use their
own judgment and common sense to make these
decisions. Do not pass on blind corners or while
approaching a hill or rise that obstructs the view
of oncoming traffic. Remember that many of
today’s sleds have aggressive tracks that can create a blinding ‘snow wash’ for the person being
passed; the greater the speed of the passing sled,
the greater the chance of reducing visibility for
others, depending on the trail conditions.
Another very important issue of responsibility for
snowmobile operators is the consumption of alcohol. ‘ZERO TOLERANCE’ means absolutely NO
DRINKING when snowmobiling. This includes driving to and from the trailhead in your vehicle as
well as while operating a snowmobile. This is the
only policy that safe riders can follow when snowmobiling. The image of our sport has for too long
been tarnished by the abuse of alcohol among
riders. If you want to have a beer or drink, wait
until you are safely at home or in town and the
driving is over for the day. Many states are experiencing increased numbers of fatal snowmobile
accidents that are directly related to excessive
speed and carelessness due to alcohol consumption. Even small amounts of alcohol will significantly affect a driver’s reaction time,
co-ordination and judgment.
Snowmobiling requires the best of our ability to
make clear decisions and quick reactions. The
myth that alcohol will warm a person that is cold
is very dangerous; the reality is that alcohol will
constrict blood flow to the extremities and can
accelerate the onset of hypothermia and death.
When following other riders, allow adequate The future of snowmobiling depends upon each
spacing between sleds so that each operator can rider’s actions and sense of responsibility. Please
see. This is especially important when riding with ride carefully and enjoy the upcoming season.
large groups and in powder conditions.
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Snowmobile Storm
November 2011
SAFETY TIP OF THE MONTH
Photo by Diana Grant
SINGLE FILE
Ride single file when snowmobiling on marked trails and always stay to the right side of the trail.
If you and your party must stop on the trail,
pull over to the right as much as possible on a straight and clear secNon of trail.
Never park or stop in the middle of the trail or on a blind corner.
November 2011
Snowmobile Storm
53
BLM Releases EA That Could Affect Future
of Bonneville Salt Flats
By Ric Foster
Public Lands Department Manager
BlueRibbon Coalition
The Salt Lake Field Office of the Bureau of Land
Management (BLM) has released the Intrepid
Potash Mine and Reclamation Plan Modification
Environmental Assessment (EA) for a 60-day public comment period. The public comment period
runs from September 9, 2011, to November 7,
2011.
The proposed project area is located in Tooele
County, Utah, near Wendover, Utah. The EA describes the potential environmental impacts of
the current mining operation and addresses future salt removal and replenishment. The EA
with maps is available for review on the BLM’s
website
at
www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/salt_lake.html.
WHY THIS IS SO IMPORTANT:
The Bonneville Salt Flats (BSF) is where racing
began. From the early 20th century, legendary
racers have sought to break land speed records
or achieve a personal best. In addition to its professional racing programs, Bonneville remains at
the heart of every racer’s dreams.
The Bonneville Salt Flats is a unique geological
formation that is also central to the history of motorsports and the industries that support motorsports. Scores of world land speed records have
been set on the densely-packed remnants of a
huge prehistoric lake. The area is so flat, it is possible to see the curvature of the earth. The BSF
has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been designated an Area of
Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC).
BSF. The potash operation is located on federal
lands leased by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:
PLEASE email the Bureau of Land Management
BEFORE November 7, 2011. (See Comment suggestions below.)
IMPORTANT: If you have had the pleasure to visit
this spectacular area and have the time to write
a bit about how valuable this resource is, please
do so!
Comments must be in writing (paper or electronic) and must be received by November 7,
2011. Email Comments To: [email protected]. Mail written comments to: Bureau of Land Management, Salt Lake Field Office,
Attn: Cindy Ledbetter, 2370 South 2300 West,
Salt Lake City, Utah 84119. Fax comments to:
801-977-4397.
Please reference the “Intrepid Potash Mine Plan
EA” when submitting your comments.
For further information, please contact Cindy
Ledbetter, Environmental Coordinator, at (801)
977-4300.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact BRC.
Thanks in advance for your support,
Brian Hawthorne
Public Lands Policy Director
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 102
Ric Foster
Public Lands Department Manager
For decades, the Salt Flats have decreased in size, BlueRibbon Coalition
strength and thickness because salt has been re- 208-237-1008 ext 107
moved by an adjoining potash mining operation
and not adequately replaced. By the mid-1990s, COMMENT SUGGESTIONS:
the historic raceway had lost over 18 inches of • The Bonneville Salt Flats (BSF) is a national
salt crust. Originally 96,000 acres in size, the BSF treasure, a rare and unique resource. For mohas been reduced to about 30,000 acres and torsports enthusiasts, it is the place where hunthose lands are threatened unless the salt re- dreds of records have been set in a variety of
moved to extract potash is then returned to the automotive and motorcycle classes.
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Snowmobile Storm
November 2011
• BLM must adopt “Alternative B” from its proposed Environmental Assessment. Alternative B
establishes a permanent salt replacement program to help protect the BSF.
The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national (non-profit)
trail-saving group that represents over 600,000
recreationists nationwide The Combined Federal
Campaign (CFC) season is here. Federal employees, please mark BlueRibbon Coalition and Check
• Alternative B is supported by the mine opera- #11402 on your CFC pledge form to support our
tor, Intrepid, and will require a minimum one-for- efforts to protect your access. Join us at 1-800one replacement of salt that has been removed 258-3742 http://www.sharetrails.org
for potash mining.
As a non-profit, grassroots organization funded
• The BLM has had the responsibility to manage primarily by membership dues and donations, we
and preserve the BSF since 1946, when the racing greatly appreciate your support. Visit
area’s salt depth was at least 5 feet. It is now only http://www.sharetrails.org/make-a-differencea few inches thick. BLM must live up to its obli- now to help fund our efforts to protect your
gation to institute its own supplement program trails!
to replenish the salt.
Snapshot Spot
Photo by Diana Grant
November 2011
Snowmobile Storm
55
Park Service to Implement One-Year Rule for
2011-2012 Winter Use Plan
Yellowstone Will Open to Snowmobiles this Winter Season
By Jack Welch
Special Projects Consultant
BlueRibbon Coalition
Update: More good news from the Park Service.
On September 29th the Park Service announced
that the gates will open for the 2011-2012 Winter
Season for snowmobile and snowcoach access to
Yellowstone National Park. The opening date is
set for December 15, 2011
What does the “Implement One-Year Rule for
2011-2012 Winter Use Plan” mean? It simply
means that our combined efforts as part of
58,000 comments submitted on the DEIS made a
difference! The Park Service has now determined
that many issues need to be further analyzed before a new long range Winter Use Plan can be put
in place for the 2012-2013 season and beyond.
This additional analysis will be conducted using
what is known as a Supplemental Environmental
Impact Statement (SEIS).
I have attached the Park Service Media Release
with more information on the “One Year Rule”
and what are some of the major issues the Park
Service wants to analysis. One of the most important areas to be revisited is “Opportunities for
non-commercially guided access” which is very
important to snowmobilers! Yes, looking at NOT
requiring snowmobilers to hire a commercial
guide to access the park! The other areas to be
revised are variable preset use limits, air quality
and sound modeling assumptions, proposed BAT
for snowcoaches, adaptive management framework, cost of avalanche mitigation on Sylvan
Pass, and 10:30 entry requirement.
56
Snowmobile Storm
November 2011
As you can see these areas to be revisited that I
listed above are the main issues our collective
comments zeroed in on during the comment period on the DEIS! Yes, the Park Service listened
and now we have another chance to comment
during the SEIS process. Please review the Park
Service Media Release attached and be prepared
to join in the new SEIS process that will be starting after the issuance of the Record of Decision
(ROD) and one-year rule in December 2011.
Enjoy our victory and make your plans to come
and enjoy Yellowstone and Grand Teton National
Parks this winter on a snowmobile!
Note: As additional information on items covered
in this summary are announced by the Park Service they will be posted at our dedicated website
of www.saveyellowstonepark.com
Department of Energy Reports Show Severe
Damage to Marine Engines from E15
WASHINGTON, D.C. – October 25, 2011– On Friday the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy released the
results of two studies on the effects of using fuel
that is 15 percent ethanol in volume (E15) in marine engines. The studies were conducted on engines provided by two marine engine
manufactures; Both are members of National
Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).
The long-awaited reports show significant problems with outboard, stern drive and inboard engines. Results of the reports show severe damage
to engine components and an increase in exhaust
emissions, reinforcing the recreational boating industry’s concern that E15 is not a suitable fuel for
marine engines.
Emissions and durability testing compared E15
fuel and fuel containing zero percent ethanol (E0)
and examined exhaust emissions, exhaust gas
temperature, torque, power, barometric pressure, air temperature, and fuel flow. Specifically,
the report showed degraded emissions performance outside of engine certification limits as well
as increased fuel consumption. In separate testing on engine durability, each tested engine
showed deterioration, including two of the three
outboard engines, with damages severe enough
to prevent them from completing the test cycle.
The E0 test engines did not exhibit any fuel related issues.
NMMA President Thom Dammrich says, “Current
proposals by the ethanol industry to increase the
amount of ethanol in gasoline should seriously
concern all boaters and owners of other small engine equipment. Although NMMA strongly supports renewable fuels as a means to reduce
America’s dependence on foreign sources of oil
and improve the environment, there is growing
evidence that ethanol is not the answer to America’s energy challenge.”
For more information, please read the full versions of the Emissions and Durability test or the
Fuel Endurance test from the Department of Energy. For questions or media inquiries please contact Lauren Dunn at 202-280-6928 or
[email protected].
Both Volvo Penta and Mercury Marine provided
test engines as well as the testing facilities. The
U.S. Department of Energy approved the final
analysis of the results.
About NMMA: National Marine Manufacturers
Association (NMMA) is the leading association
representing the recreational boating industry in
North America. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines,
trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and
anglers throughout the U.S. and Canada. The association is dedicated to industry growth through
programs in public policy advocacy, market statistics and research, product quality assurance
NMMA worked with its manufacturer members and promotion of the boating lifestyle. For more
in securing the resources and facilitating the test- information visit www.nmma.org.
ing for these reports. NMMA supports further
testing that will provide additional understanding about the negative effects of E15 on marine
engines.
November 2011
Snowmobile Storm
57
Everything from Spark Plugs to Snowmobiles...
SNOWMOBILE PARTS & ACCESSORIES
SureLoad LLC
509-226-2716
O"s Orchards, Washington
[email protected]
www.sureloadonline.com
SureLoad LLC provides a safe way to load your sled on hard, slick surfaces. We also designed an easily accessible boOle holder that mounts
on your handle bars. The Hydra-Holder will hold most 20 & 24 oz bottles.
OILS AND LUBES
Jack Welch Independent
Amsoil Dealer
303-342-7185
Colorado - Wyoming
[email protected]
www.lubedealer.com/welchautomo"ve
Synthe$c 2-Cycle Oils: AMSOIL Synthe$c 2-Cycle Oils reduce harmful
heat and fric$on in high-revving snowmobile engines. They burn
cleaner than other oils for reduced plug fouling and engine deposits.
AMSOIL Synthe$c 2-Cycle Oils deliver increased reliability and overall
performance compared to conven$onal oils.
LODGING
Visit Pinedale.org
307-749-1533
Pinedale, Wyoming
[email protected]
h@p://www.visitpinedale.org/
A snowmobiler’s dream in the undiscovered Wind River Mountains...
trails and lakes galore... unencumbered by civiliza$on... your next adventure could be on us... enter to win at visitpinedale.org.
Western Riviera Lodging & Events
970-627-3580
Grand Lake, CO
[email protected]
www.westernriv.com
$495 Snowmobiles/Dinner/Lodging Package at Lakeside Motel in Village of Grand Lake at west entrance to Rocky Mountain Na$onal Park
(Valid December - March, holidays excluded)
• Lakeside King Room for two nights
• Dinner for two at El Pacifico Restaurant ($40 Value)
• Two single snowmobile rentals for four hours from Grand Adventures
LISTINGS ONLY $15 PER ISSUE, PER CATEGORY
For more informa"on or to post a lis"ng: [email protected] • 970-625-4141
Photo by Diana Grant
58
Snowmobile Storm
November 2011
Spice Up Your
Sack Lunches!
If you are "red of turkey or bored with bologna,
then “Rider Recipes” is for you!
You’ve Got Good Taste!
What’s your favorite lunch-on-the-sled?
BBQ Pork Sandwich
Pot-on-the-Pipe
a
and place into a litYour BestseCrvhinilgi of your favorite chili ed
top. Just for
a zipper
Scoop up a
zer baggie with
yummy chili.
heavy-duty freerity, you can double-bag your enjoy.
tle added secu to your muffler pot, ride and
Then place it in
ff
Sta
rom: Snowmobile Storm
F
The day before riding, place 3 Pounds of boneless pork ribs into
a slow-cooker. Add a 14 oz. can of beef broth and fook on high
for 4 hours, or un"l the meat can be easily shredded. Remove
the pork and shred it well using two forks. Then place the pulled
pork into a oven-safe dish and s"r in an 18 oz. bo@le of your favorite BBQ sauce. Bake in a preheated (350 degrees) oven for
30 minutes or un"l heated well.
Use the great-tas"ng meal to make a great BBQ Pork Sandwhich
for the next day of riding.
From: Snowmobile Storm Staff
Come Hom
SAGE-R
What’s Your Best Rider Recipe?
Send your recipe or food idea to:
E-mail: [email protected]
Subject: “Rider Recipes”
All submissions used will be entered into a
quarterly drawing for a $50 gi. card!
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From
Rider Recipe Rules: By submiQng your recipes and ideas you agree to allow Snowmobile Storm the right to publish them and also agree that they are your own
works and do not infringe on any copyright laws.
November 2011
Snowmobile Storm
59
Age___
Kids Coloring Page
60
Coloring Contest! Print this coloring page, work your magic and send it along with your name and hometown to:
Snowmobile Storm • Coloring Contest • 2410 Acacia Ave • Rifle, CO 81650 or scan your picture and e-mail it to:
[email protected] • Subject: “Coloring Contest”. We’ll publish the winning picture in next month’s magazine!
*Contest open to children 10 years of age or younger. For privacy children’s first name and home town only will be printed.
Snowmobile Storm
November 2011
Photo by ThunderstruckFilms.com
"Do not follow where the path may lead.
Go instead where there is no path
and leave a trail.”
Harold R. McAlindon
November 2011
Snowmobile Storm
61
Rider-Brett Coupal-Photo by ThunderstruckFilms.com
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Photo by Diana Grant