www.anchoragesnowmobileclub.com

The official publication of the Anchorage Snowmobile Club
Season 2015-2016, Issue 2
October 2015
A note from Roger Holland,
Your Humble Newsletter Editor
The Anchorage Snowmobile Club
ASC was formed as a non profit corporation
in 1991 to support Anchorage
snowmobilers interested in having more
places to ride and better snowmobile
access. ASC promotes the sport of
snowmobiling with the primary objectives
being family recreation and pleasure.
ASC works for fair and equitable access
regulations, the development of trails
and related issues, and “Safety First”
including “Zero Tolerance” in all winter
sports.
Officers and Board of Directors
The ASC Board of Directors is composed
of 17 positions, four officers and
13 board members. The Board is generally
responsible for making decisions
regarding funding of the club, access
issues, club rides and events, and sharing
additional club duties as required.
President:
Vice Pres.:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Gene Gerkin
Jerry Siok
Pheng Scott
Sean Robbins
It’s been awhile since the Anchorage Snowmobile Club sponsored a “Swap
Meet,” but this year’s Meet is scheduled for the 17th of October from 10:00
AM until 3:00 PM at the Enstar Natural Gas parking lot on International Airport Road. It’s a great opportunity to buy, sell, or trade snow-machines or
snowmobile related equipment. I bought my second snow-machine and a
trailer at an ASC Swap Meet, and I think I got a great deal! Even though I am
now on my fifth and sixth machines, I still have that trailer and use it every
year. Even if you don’t know that you want to buy just yet, come on by and
check out the inventory. This is also a great opportunity to pick the brains of
people who do a lot of riding!
As in previous years, ASC will be having another great snow machine raffle
this year with only 1,000 tickets to be printed. The tickets are sold for $20
each, and the first, second, and third place winners will be selected at our
December 17th General Membership meeting. We will be selling tickets at
the October, November, and December general membership meetings or
until we sell out. ASC Board members can be contacted directly if you’d like
to purchase raffle tickets!
ASC Raffle Details
Grand Prize:
2015 Ski Doo Summit SP 600 HO ETEC + $500 in-store credit.
Sponsored by AMDS!
Second Prize:
Board: Michelle LaRose, Tim Cook, Kevin
Hite, Jay Bonk, Dave Agosti, Pheng Scott,
John Scudder, Jerry Siok, Sean Robbins,
Gene Gerken, and Vicki Gerken,
and two vacant seats.
Making Tracks
Making Tracks is the official publication
of the Anchorage Snowmobile Club
(ASC) and is published September thru
March, seven issues. ASC offers its business
and individual members the opportunity
to advertise in Making Tracks.
Please feel free to direct any questions regarding the ASC Newsletter to Roger Holland
at [email protected]
Or
[email protected]
Anchorage Snowmobile Club
P.O. Box 232196
Anchorage, AK 99523-2196
ASC Hotline 689-7777
$1000 Gift Card to Marita Sea & Ski/Alaska Power Sports.
Sponsored by Marita Sea & Ski/Alaska Power Sports!
Third Prize:
Garmin Rino 650 GPS.
Sponsored by Sportsman’s Warehouse!
It’s still early in the season, but you can check out the meetings that are
scheduled and rides that are listed on the ASC Event and Ride Schedule.
More rides and events will be added as the season progresses so please
check the website often for updates. Also, the overnight rides are very popular and sell out fairly quickly. If you are interested, don’t delay!
Make New Friends,
Join Anchorage Snowmobile Club
You’ll Never Ride Alone
Anchorage Snowmobile Club
POB 232196
Anchorage, AK 99523
(907)689-7777
www.anchoragesnowmobileclub.com
Making Tracks
2
October 2015
ASC Business members are very important to the club. They provide financial support, demonstrate their support of
snow machining by the business community, and many of them provide snow-machiners with goods and services so
that we can enjoy our sport. When the opportunity arises, take YOUR business to one of OUR business members
listed on this page, and please let them know that you appreciate their support of our club.
GOLD MEMBERS
Alaska Mining & Diving Supply, 3222 Commercial Dr, Anchorage, AK
907-277-1741
www.akmining.com
Alaska Spine Institute, 3801 University Lake Dr, Ste. 300, Anchorage
907-762-6315
www.alaskaspineinstitute.com
Coca-Cola of Alaska, 128 West 1st Avenue, Anchorage, AK
907-272-8511
www.odomcorp.com
907-257-7245
www.denalifcu.org
Sheep Creek Lodge, HC89 Box 414 MP 88 Parks Hwy, Willow, AK
907-414-8747
www.sheepcreeklodgeak.com
Team CC—Wasilla, 491 S Willow Street, Wasilla, AK
907-357-3200
www.teamcc.com
Team CC—Eagle River, 16770 Snowmobile Lane, Eagle River, AK
907-694-3200
www.teamcc.com
White Spruce Trailers, 7201 Brayton Dr, Anchorage, AK
907-488-3004
www.whitespruce.com
Alaska Performance RV and Marine, 6820 Arctic Blvd, Anchorage, AK
907-522-8965
www.alaskaperformancerv.com
Alpine Creek Lodge, PO Box 121, Cantwell, AK
907-743-0565
www.alpinecreeklodge.com
Anchorage Yamaha, 3919 Spenard Road, Wasilla, AK
907-243-8343
www.anchorageyamaha.com
Eagle Quest Cabins and Lodge, PO Box 1134, Willow, AK
907-495-1116
http://eaglequestalaska.com/
Learn To Return, 5761 Silverado Way Unit Q, Anchorage, AK
907-563-4463
www.survivaltraining.com
Mt View Car Wash, 124 Taylor Street, Anchorage, AK
907-274-3128
www.mtviewcarwash.com
Ron Webb Paving & Snow Removal Inc, PO Box 230228, Anchorage, AK
907-349-3724
www.ronwebbpaving.com
Susitna River Lodge, PO Box 786, Talkeetna, AK
907-733-0505
www.susitna-river-lodging.com
Trapper Creek Inn & RV Park, PO Box 13209, Trapper Creek, AK
907-733-1444
www.trappercreekinn.com
Denali Alaskan Federal Credit Union, 3440 E. 36th Avenue, Suite 230,
Anchorage, AK
SILVER MEMBERS
BRONZE MEMBERS
Alaska Snow Cat, PO Box 13355, Trapper Creek, AK
907-355-1572
Bentalit Lodge, PO Box 52, Skwentna, AK
907-733-2716
www.bentalitlodge.com
Dr Gregory Grubba DDS, 4200 Lake Otis Parkway Suite 301, Anchorage, AK
907-562-1958
www.drgrubba.com
The Club recognizes the support of all our business members and advertisers listed above.
We ask that you remember them when a need arises for goods and services they provide.
PRINT THIS PAGE and keep it handy for easy reference.
AND DON’T FORGET THIS YEAR’S RAFFLE!
THE GRAND PRIZE:
2015 SKI DOO SUMMIT SP 600 HO ETEC WITH ELEC START
AND $500 IN-STORE CREDIT! Sponsored by ASC and AMDS!
2nd Prize:
$1000 GIFT CARD SPONSORED by ASC AND
MARITA SEA & SKI/ ALASKA POWER SPORTS!
3rd Prize:
Garmin RINO 650
SpONSORED bY ASC AND SpORTSMAN’S WAREHOUSE!
www.anchoragesnowmobileclub.com
Prizes may not be
exactly as shown.
Making Tracks
3
October 2015
Ride info for the 2015-2016 season.
Always check the ASC hotline or web page and Facebook for up to date information
Date Skill
Event/Ride
Time
OCTOBER 2015
8
ASC Board Meeting
6:00 PM
17
ASC SWAP MEET
10AM-3PM
21
General Membership Meeting 7:00 PM
NOVEMBER 2015
12
ASC Board Meeting
6:00 PM
18
General Membership Meeting 7:00 PM
DECEMBER 2015
10
ASC Board Meeting
6:00 PM
12
Int
Bunco Bump
10:00 AM
16
General Membership Meeting
7:00 PM
Ride Leader
Comments
ASC Staff
Public Works Bldg.
ASC Staff
Enstar Parking Lot
IBEW Hall, 3333 Denali St
ASC Staff
Public Works Bldg.
IBEW Hall, 3333 Denali St
ASC Staff
Jerry Siok
Public Works Bldg.
Click for Info
IBEW Hall, 3333 Denali St
South Denali
19 Fam
9:30 AM
Michelle LaRose
Click for Info
JANUARY 2016
ASC Board Meeting
14
6:00 PM
ASC Staff
Public Works Bldg.
General Membership Meeting
20
7:00 PM
IBEW Hall, 3333 Denali St
23 Adv Cooper Landing to Lost Lake
TBA
Dave & Jon Agosti
Click for Info
FEBRUARY 2016
5-7 Int
Talvista Lodge Ride #1
Over Night Les & Brenda Kincaid
Click for Info
11
ASC Board Meeting
6:00 PM
ASC Staff
Public Works Bldg.
13
Int
Mt. Susitna Area Ride
9:00 AM
Kevin Hite
Click for Info
13-16 Fam
Bentalit
Over Night
Kurt Julsen
Click for Info
18
General Membership Meeting 7:00 PM
IBEW Hall, 3333 Denali St
19-21 Fam
Bentalit
Over Night
Kurt Julsen
Click for Info
25-28 Fam
Susitna River Lodge
10:00 AM
Gary Brown
Click for Info
MARCH 2016
3-6 Uncat
Trek Over the Top
Multi Day
Click for Info
10
ASC Board Meeting
6:00 PM
ASC Staff
Public Works Bldg.
16
General Membership Meeting 7:00 PM
IBEW Hall, 3333 Denali St
Les & Brenda Kincaid
18-20 Int
Talvista Lodge Ride #2
Click for Info
19
Nelchina Glacier Ride
9:00 PM
Roger Holland
Click for Info
APRIL 2016
2
Int
Kanicula Glacier Ride
9:00 PM
Jerry Siok
Click for Info
14
ASC Board Meeting
6:00 PM
ASC Staff
Public Works Bldg.
22
Spring Fling
6:00 PM
Anchorage Sheraton
Skill Levels: Fam = Family, Int = Inter mediate, Adv = Advanced, Uncat = Uncategorized
www.anchoragesnowmobileclub.com
Making Tracks
4
October 2015
General membership meetings are the 3rd Wednesday of each month
during September-March.
Meetings are held at the IBEW Hall, 3333 Denali St. in Anchorage,
and the meetings start at 7pm.
***NEXT MEETING WILL BE 21 October 2015 ***
CLICK HERE FOR
BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP
INFORMATION
CLICK HERE FOR
INDIVIDUAL OR FAMILY
MEMBERSHIP INFO
www.anchoragesnowmobileclub.com
Making Tracks
5
Gene Gerken, ASC President. Originally from Minnesota,
Gene grew up snowmobiling and came to Alaska in 1976.
He has served on and off of the ASC Board since it began in 1991. His most
attended
and
most
known ride and probably
longest in time snowmobile ride was from Deska
Landing to Sleeping Lady; 55+ snowmobiles;
the stream of snowmobile headlights that evening was phenomenal;
and he didn’t lose anyone. Gene is also the President of the Personal Watercraft Club of Alaska, and loves his adventures out into the
ocean.
GENE
Jerry Siok, your Vice President, is a retired geologist and
an avid winter
sports
enthusiast. He enjoys
both backcountry
telemark skiing &
JERRY
riding
in
deep
powder.
Jerry &
his
wife
Sue
moved to Fairbanks in the early
80’s to attend UAF
and have called
Alaska home ever
since. Jerry is always looking for new ride areas and
deep snow. He is passionate about retaining and expanding snowmobile trail access and introducing new riders to
the sport. As a past ASC Board member, he led rides to
the Kanikula Glacier, Tokosha Mountains and Bunco
Bump. Sue & Jerry spend a lot of time in the South Denali
area throughout the year. Their current Ski Doo rides are
a 2010 Backcountry 600 & 2013 Summit 800. Jerry still
gets stuck, but continues to have fun in this great outdoor
sport.
Sean Robbins is the ASC Treasurer. He joined the
Board in 2013, and was
unanimously elected treasurer in 2014 merely by being naive enough to ask
“So, what’s involved in being treasurer?” An avid ATVer, Sean took up snowmachining a few years ago.
His favorite parts of riding
with the club is getting out
and seeing new areas,
while at the same time having the security of other
SEAN
October 2015
riders available to help get unstuck. He has completed
the “Trek Over the Top” between Tok and Dawson City
three times, including in -40 degree weather! He works
as a contractor for BP, serving as the Lead Project
Scheduler. He is also the founder of the Ian Robbins
Memorial Trick or Treat in the Heat (www.totith.org), a
charity fundraiser which holds Halloween in early September in multiple Anchorage Bowl neighborhoods.
Jay Bonk, club
member off and
on since 1989,
but an avid snow
machiner since
1975. He enjoys
riding as much as
he can especially
now that he’s
retired. Favorite
places to ride
includes Hatcher
Pass, Eureka, Paxson, and New Foundland.
JAY
Kevin Hite was born in Detroit, High School and College
in Oklahoma….Came to Alaska in 1977 for a summer job
and never left. Joined the ASC in early 80’s, served on
several committees, then the Board, and then as President. I was selected to help revamp the Alaska State
Snowmobile Association in the mid 1990’s and after serving on that Board in various positions, I was elected President. During this term, I helped create and bring into being
the
SnowTRAC
program for
Snowmobiles. I also
serviced two
terms on the
SnowTRAC
Board.
I
stepped
down several
years ago as
an officer of ASSA, then was asked back. This is my second service period for both ASSA and ASC. As ASSA
President, I am a member of the International Association
of Snowmobile Administrators, Western Council of Snowmobile Associations and have represented Alaska in several international councils. My snowmobile goal for the
immediate future is to help facilitate changes in the
SnowTRAC Board, assist that program in setting a robust
trail, and safety and education program on the right track
for the future of our sport.
KEVIN
Dave Agosti is a life-long Alaskan and a member of ASC
since 2011. This is his first year as a Board member.
He’s been riding snowmachines since he was a teenager
and enjoys flying, hunting, fishing and camping. Winter is
his favorite season for exploring the beauty of Alaska. He
rides a 2013 Summit 800 ETEC 154 searching out fresh
powder and challenging
www.anchoragesnowmobileclub.com
Making Tracks
6
(BOARD MEMBERS, Continued from Page 5…)
mountain terrain in less-traveled areas like Skookum Glacier, Super Bowl, Thompson Pass, Summit, Grandview,
Whittier or Nellie Juan.
Safety in the outdoors is a
priority, and he prepares
with training in avalanche
safety and outdoor survival
skills.
He carries avalanche & satellite beacons,
safety equipment, prepares
for every trip studying
weather and avalanche
conditions, and wears protective riding gear. Dave
is Vice President and coowner of Refrigeration &
Food Equipment Inc, a
family-owned business operating in Anchorage for 50
years. His wife and two children frequently join him on
outdoor adventures and riding into the family cabin near
Talkeetna.
DAVE
Tim Cook, ASC Board Member. I have a couple of mottos:
“If I am not stuck, then I am not where I want to be,” and
“The two most fun things about sleds must be working on
them and getting them unstuck, because that is all I ever
seem to do.” In real
life, I am an attorney
most of the year, and I
commercial fish Bristol
Bay in the summer. My
son and daughter used
to ride with me, but
they are both in college
now (which explains
why I cannot afford a
new sled). If you want
to ride Lost Lake, Whittier, Placer, Eureka, Valdez (I lived
there for a while), Willow side of Hatchers, or Yoder Road,
hit me up. - Tim
TIM
Vicki Gerken, ASC Board Member. Originally from Kentucky, has lived in Alaska since 1979 and started serving
as secretary for the ASC shortly
after the club stated in 1991 and
has served on and off on the
board since that time. Snowmobiling has always been a part of
her life since she met her husband, Gene. In the winter, they
snowmobile; in the summer they
take their wave runners from
Whittier out into Prince Williams
Sound.
VICKI
Michelle LaRose called Alaska home in 2003 by way of
Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where she lived for 15 years
prior. She is a Manager for a General Aviation business
at Merrill Field since 2007 (ever flown upside
down?!). Active in many sports, she, like you, was look-
October 2015
ing for a fun and energetic
bunch of great people that
enjoy snowmachining and
joined ASC in 2008. She
has led many ASC club rides
and has great stories about
the adventures. Michelle
performs regularly in a Palmer-based band called “NoWake” rockin’ the house with
her electric bass. She also
races a highly-modified red
& white Volkswagen Beetle
every summer at Alaska
Raceway Park in Palmer
and is a homeowner in
Wasilla.
MICHELLE
John Scudder, joined the Anchorage Snowmobile Club in
1995 and became an ASC Board member in 1999. He
served as the ASC President from 2004-2008. He served
on the Chugach
State Park Citizens
Advisory
Board from 20032009, promoting
motorized use in
the Park. He is
currently serving
his 4th year on
the State of Alaska
SnowTRAC
Board and his 5th
year on the Curry
Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club Board. He is a member of
various snowmobile clubs throughout Alaska.
JOHN
Pheng Scott, ASC Secretary, is originally from Springfield, Ohio. I’ve been a Club Member since 2007 and this
is my second year as the ASC Secretary. I enjoy running,
fishing, RVing, and ATV
riding during the summer. I
have a BLAST riding my
2011 Ski Doo, Rotax, 600 E
-Tec in the winter. I like the
day rides at Big Lake, Petersville, Eureka, and Nancy
Lake, but I love the overnight rides at Bentalit and
Talvista. I’m looking forward
to riding in new places this
year with the Club. I served
20 years, 3 months, and 14
days in the United States Air
Force and Retired on 1 Oct
2012…I LOVE BEING RETIRED! I stay busy volunteering with the Anchorage Running Club, ASC, Relay for
Life, Veteran’s Affair, and attending classes towards my
Master’s Degree at Wayland Baptist University. I Love
taking pictures on our Club rides, so don’t be surprised if I
ask you to SMILE!
www.anchoragesnowmobileclub.com
PHENG
Anchorage Snowmobile Club
PO Box 232196
Anchorage, AK 99523-2196
(907)689-7777
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
The Anchorage Snowmobile Club would like to thank the IBEW
for allowing us the use of their facilities for our meetings
during the upcomuing 2015-2016 season.
The IBEW has supported us with this generous donation for many years
and as last season has passed and this new one rolls in, we say,
THANK YOU IBEW!!
The Club recognizes the support of all our business members and advertisers
listed on page 2. We ask that you remember them when a
need arises for goods and services that they provide.
PRINT THOSE PAGES and keep them handy for easy reference.