Arctic Man - Alaska Coast Magazine

M A R C H 2 015
Arctic Man
Teams ready
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Going it alone
Consequences
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AMMC race results
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www.RideAlaska.com • March 2015 • Alaska SnowRider •
3
Volume 25, Number 4
PU B L ISHER
John Woodbury
SAL E S & M AR K E T IN G D IR E C TO R
Jill Tillion
BUSIN E SS M ANAG ER
KEVIN HITE ASSA President
Linda Cushman
Snow Trac moves to brighter future
I
want to thank everyone who suffers through
my monthly column (not the least of which are
my editors) and want to let you know this is my
last of the season. Not that I have been fired yet, but
this is our last edition for the 2014/2015 season. I
hope most of you are reading this at Arctic Man…
As far as I know, that is the only area with any snow
whatsoever.
In addition to the start of the Iron Dog and a
first time ever ceremonial start in Anchorage, both
the Anchorage Snowmobile Club and the Iron Dog
organization sponsored an “ Alaska Snowmobile
Summit, 2015”. This event gave many of us the opportunity to gather snowmobile representatives from
organizations and clubs all over the state to discuss
and prioritize goals for Alaska’s snowmobiling community in the near and distant future.
Organizations participating included the Anchorage Snowmobile Club, the Lake Louise Wolfpack,
the Fairbanks Snow Travelers, Caribou Hills Cabin
Hoppers, the Snowmads of Homer and Anchor
Point, the Curry Ridge Riders, Tok Trailblazers, Big
Lake Trails, Willow Trails, ASSA as well as involved
enthusiasts from this media organization and current and former lodge owners. In addition, State
Parks Director Ben Ellis made time to update us
on the current status of the Snow Trac registration
program.
We opened the agenda with the stated goal of
coming out of the meeting with three clear goals that
we could agree upon to focus our attention and time
on to move Alaska Snowmobiling into the future.
Obviously the 600 lb gorilla in the room was
the Snow Trac program. Most of the afternoon’s
discussion centered on the program, its perceived
and acknowledged problems, and what we wanted to
do with it. When we started to prioritize the above
mentioned three items, it became evident that number one was what to do with the POS (Point of Sale,
or Snow Trac) program. Numbers two, three, four
and five all depended on the outcome of number
one.
The number one directive that ever participant in
the conference had was fixing Snow Trac. There were
4
three ways discussed that that fix could be effected.
1. Move Snow Trac from a DNR advisory board
into a Snow Trac dedicated board under the Governors Divison of Boards and Commissions. This option gives Snow Trac much more authority to direct
the program as it sees fit
2. Move Snow Trac into an NGO that would administer the snowmobile registration money outside
of the current government options.
3. Leave the program where it is and attempt to
fix/influence it as it stands.
There were pros and cons to each option. We really don’t have time in the space we have here to fully
cover all of the discussions, but each option had its
adherents. With our limited space here, we can only
cover the majority choice.
The majority chose to pursue Option 1, moving
Snow Trac from the DNR oversight to a regional
board that would be assigned to the Governor’s Division of Boards and Commissions. This option gave
Snow Track several advantages. They would still report a division of state Boards, but would have much
greater autonomy and visibility for the processes and
outcomes. Additionally they wouldn’t be subject to
the budgetary process via the division of parks and
the DMV. The budgetary process would be different,
and they would be responsible for their own budget
requests, not necessarily tied into the DMV process.
When part of the discussion you have is the director of state parks telling you that he has no issue with
the program moving away from his department and
“to strike now while the iron is hot”, likely tells us
we are on the right track. Throughout this summer,
those attendees who were at the conference will all
be individually and as a group, contacting legislators
and staff with the intention of being successful with
Option 1. Space limitations keeps this column short,
but I will be preparing a complete report on the
Summit. Please contact your club board members for
the entire package of information.
In the meantime, enjoy the time you have to fix
and get your sled ready for next season. By then we
may be talking to our SnowTrac board members who
have a new structure…..
• Alaska SnowRider • March 2015 • www.RideAlaska.com
EDITOR
Melissa DeVaughn
MANAGING EDITOR
Joy Sullivan
[email protected]
PRODUC TION MANAGER
Meranda Carter
Alaska Adventure Media
6921 Brayton Drive, Suite 207
Anchorage , Alaska 99507
(907) 677-2900 • Fax: (907) 677-2901
www.RideAlaska.com
[email protected]
ED I TO R IAL CO N TAC T
Joy Sullivan
[email protected]
Published by Alaska Adventure Media under exclusive written
contract with the Alaska State Snowmobile Association. The
appearance of advertising in this publication does not constitute endorsement by ASSA or Alaska Adventure Media of the
products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this
publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin,
age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or
any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron.
ADVERTISING RESPONSIBILITY: All advertisements are accepted
and published by the Publisher upon the representation that
the agency and/or advertiser will indemnify and save the Editor/Publisher/ agents harmless for any loss or expense resulting
from claims or suits based upon contents of any violation of
right of privacy, plagiarism and copyright infringement.
Contents of the Alaska SnowRider are not the official
viewpoint of Alaska Adventure Media or their agents.
Alaska SnowRider is the official publication of the Alaska
State Snowmobile Association, P.O. Box 240405, Anchorage, AK, 99524-0405.
Permission in writing from the publisher is required for any
reprint or reproduction of this publication. ASSA and Alaska
Adventure Media reserve the right to revise, edit or reject any
advertisement or editorial.
DEADLINES: All advertisements and news are due by the
10th of each month prior to publication.
www.AlaskaSnowRider.com
On the cover:
Tyson Johnson pulls Jayson Hale through
the hook-up portion of the 2013 Arctic
Man course. The duo finished second in
the men’s snowboard division.
JOHN WOODBURY
www.RideAlaska.com • March 2015 • Alaska SnowRider •
5
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6
• Alaska SnowRider • March 2015 • www.RideAlaska.com
CLUB NEWS
The AMMC 120 Racers pose for a group photo. COURTESY AMMC
AMMC Triple Crown Ice-X Race Series
Race #3 and Final Race, Feb. 7
600 Semi-Pro (Money)
Pos.
BIB #
Driver
Location Make
Time
1
#3
Karpik, Luc
Eagle River Ski Doo
30 Points
2
#46
Kleewein II, Kenneth
Palmer
Polaris 27 Points
3
#114
Leslie, Bryan
Anchorage Polaris 23 Points
4
#626
Schachle, Christopher
Wasilla Polaris
17 Points
5
#25
Mcdonald, William
Eagle River Polaris
15 Points
6
#423
Conlon, Troy
Fairbanks Polaris
14 Points
7
#4
E Burgess, Hunter
Wasilla
Ski-Doo
13 Points
8
#831
Armstrong, Ryan
Wasilla
Arctic Cat 10 Points
9
#530
Bullard, Virgil
Fairbanks Arctic Cat 9 Points
10
#790
McDonald, Tyler
Wasilla Polaris
5 Points
11
#211
Daniels, Pat
Big Lake
Polaris
4 Points
12
#627
Kunkle, Travis
North Pole Polaris
3 Points
13
#213
Riddle, Jeremy
Fairbanks Arctic Cat 2 Points
DNF
#52
Beech, Joe
Palmer
Arctic Cat 0 Points
DNF
#33
French, Jesse
Eagle River Polaris
0 Points
0-600 Women (Money)
Pos.
BIB #
Driver
Location Make
Time
1
#30
Herrin, Sarah
Kenai
Ski-Doo
30 Points
2
#39
Barber, Shana
Willow
Polaris
25 Points
3
#59
Springer, Nichole
Wasilla
Polaris 24 Points
4
#682x
Nerup, Brooke
Palmer
Arctic Cat 20 Points
5
#355
Boe, Kelci
Wasilla
Ski-Doo
15 Points
0-600 Jr. fan (Trophy)
Pos.
BIB #
Driver
Location Make
Time
1
#54
Black, Ryder
Palmer
Ski-Doo
30 Points
2
#56
Conrad, Kali
Palmer
Ski-Doo
27 Points
3
#26j
Sherbahn, Zowie
Anchorage Arctic Cat 24 Points
0-600 Pro (Money) Pos.
BIB #
Driver
Location Make
Time
1
#111
Schachle, Robby
Wasilla Ski-Doo
30 Points
2
#06
George, Brad
Wasilla
Ski-Doo 26 Points
3
#361
Weisz, Zack
Wasilla
Polaris
23 Points
4
#41
Saccheus, Bob
Anchorage Ski-Doo
21 Points
5
#478
Wood, John
North Pole Arctic Cat 18 Points
6
#66
Watson, Eric
Wasilla
Ski-Doo
15 Points
7
#69
Gocke, Andy
Willow
Polaris
10 Points
0-600 Jr. Liquid (Trophy)
Pos.
BIB #
Driver
Location Make
Time
1
#682
Whittock, Kyle
Palmer
Arctic Cat 30 Points
January 17
120 Pro Stock
Pos.
BIB #
Driver
Location Make
Time
1
#01
Arlt, Robert
Anchorage Polaris
28pt
2
#6
Earns, Boone
Big Lake
Polaris
26pt
3
#99
Butcher, Drake
Big Lake
Arctic cat 25pt
4
#79
Skrukrud, Jaxxon
Anchorage Arctic Cat 22pt
5
#53
Blydenburgh, Garret
Alaska
Arctic Cat 17pt
6
#34a
Dillard, Trenton
Wasilla
Polaris
14pt
7
#98
Fritts, Haley
Wasilla
Polaris
9pt
8
#7
Burger, Wyatt
Big Lake
Arctic Cat 8pt
9#8a Caverly, Jozlin
Palmer Ski-Doo8pt
10
#024
Downey, Kaelyn
Palmer
Polaris
5pt
11
#3a
Caverly, Makayla
Palmer
Ski-Doo
3pt
120 Super Stock
Pos.
BIB #
Driver
Location Make
Time
1
#74
Tuttle, Talin
Anchorage Arctic Cat 29pt
2
#64
Little, Jason
Wasilla
Polaris
29pt
3
#2
Sottosanti, Faith
Wasilla
Polaris
24pt
4
#025
Phillips, Felicity
Anchorage Arctic cat 22pt
5
#75x
Skrukrud, Jaylin
Anchorage Arctic Cat 22pt
6
#36
Ferguson, Kenzie
Anchorage Polaris
20pt
7
#50
Hunt, Hudson
Anchoarage Arctic Cat 19pt
8
#32
Rodrigo-Legarda, Julien Anchorage Polaris
17pt
9
#35
Christie, Jade
Wasilla
Polaris 16pt
10
#27
Phillips, Addisyn
Anchorage Arctic cat 14pt
null
#97
Birdsall, Bryce
Palmer Arctic Cat 9pt
null
#123
Causey, Chuck
Palmer
Polaris
5pt
DNS
#50A
Charles, Kelley
Wasilla
Arctic Cat
null
#18
Gueco, Allie
Wasilla
Arctic Cat 10pt
null
#40k
Hammers, Kenzie
Big Lake Arctic cat 9pt
null
#51
Hunt, Jager
Anchorage Arctic Cat 5pt
null
#15
Leader, Danielle
Wasilla
Yamaha
5pt
null
#16x
Leader, Lilliana
Wasilla
Yamaha
2pt
null
#31
Moore, Lucy
Wasilla
Arctic Cat 1pt
null
#29
Phillips, Maddox
Anchorage Polaris 4pt
null
#90
Sherbahn, Briley
Anchorage Arctic cat 3pt
null
#45
Surian, Harley
Anchorage Polaris
10pt
null
#82
Walker, Henry
Wasilla
Arctic Cat 4pt
null
#127
Nelson, Alison
Wasilla
Polaris
4pt
120 Improved Stock Pos.
BIB #
Driver
Location Make
Time
1
#36
Ferguson, Kenzie
Anchorage Arctic cat 26pt
2
#76
Tuttle, Trey
Anchorage Arctic Cat 25pt
3
#22
Drinkhouse, Gavin
Wasilla
ArcticCat 24pt
4
#11
Burger, Abby
Big Lake, Arctic Cat 21pt
5
#122
McCarty, Cash
Anchorage Arctic Cat 21pt
6
#89
Cape, Barry
Eagle River Arctic Cat 18pt
Champ Pos.
BIB #
Driver
Location Make
Time
1
#26
Nicoll, Keldin
Big Lake
Polaris
30pt
2
#100
Koloski, Buckshot
Anchorage Polaris
24pt
3
#88
Fritts, Kade
Wasilla
Polaris
24pt
4
#14
Caverly, Blake
Palmer
Polaris
24pt
5
#6
Earns, Boone
Big Lake
Polaris
16pt
6
#49x
Starnes, Olivia
Anchorage Polaris
16pt
7
#71
Helm, Wyatt
Big Lake
Polaris
13pt
Pro 206 Pos.
BIB #
Driver
Location Make
Time
1
#43
McDonnell, Aidan
Wasilla
Polaris
30pt
2
#17
Leader, Nikoli
Wasilla
Yamaha
23pt
3
#13b
Andersen, Andy
Sutton
Arctic Cat 22
4
#77
Stoddard, Macie
Anchorage Arctic Cat 21pt
5
#5
Davis, Madison
Anchorage N/A
16pt
6
#44
Davis, Hunter
Anchorage N/A
16pt
7
#20
Stoddard, Cole
Anchorage Polaris
15pt
8
#80
Putnam, Billy Blaise
Wasilla
Polaris
10pt
null
#44
Wilkes, Kaylee
Wasilla
Yamaha
0pt
www.RideAlaska.com • March 2015 • Alaska SnowRider •
7
CLUB NEWS
The Old Guys dicing it out in Turn 4.
DOREEN KITTER
Big Lake Aurora Lions third
annual Hatcher Pass Polaris Night Race
Tom Whitstine holds his first place trophies for the 600
open and +45 open classes SHERRY WHITSTINE.
The Mat-Su Vintage Snowmachine Racers Club held its
third annual Hatcher Pass Polaris Night Jan. 17, and what an
awesome night it was for the event. The weather could not
have been better. There were 66 race entries, tons of spectators
and 120s. Thanks go to volunteers Cody, Robby, Becky,
Ricky, Kali, Collin, Devin, Vonice and more. More thanks
2016
SNOW CHECK
- GOING ON NOW!
HUGE REBATES
on
2015s and prior years!
Financing available
WWW.AKCYCLECENTER.COM
*2015 snowmobiles that were ordered under the SnowCheck program do not qualify. Polaris recommends that all snowmobile riders take a training course. Always wear a helmet and other safety apparel. Never Drink and
ride. Extended warranties & financing offers are available. See your local dealer for details. Limited to stock on hand.
NOW YOU’RE!
GOOD TO GO
SALES • SERVICE • PARTS • ACCESSORIES
4908 Old Seward Hwy, Anchorage, Alaska
Tuesday-Friday 9:30am-6pm • Saturday 9:30am-5pm
8
• Alaska SnowRider • March 2015 • www.RideAlaska.com
279-9478
1-800-478-4555
Early-bird Discounts on winter passes
Winterthrough
passes
available now!
October 15th
to Sturgeon Construction,
Neeser Construction, Yukon
Rental and Slayden for
supplying the lights and fuel
for the lights. The Over 55
Final had numerous lead
changes. Jim Miller made a
great return showing. Steve
Cary from Fairbanks made
it side by side at the finish
with Miller edging him out
by inches. Chuck Eppolito
won the 0-500 Class with a
huge holeshot on his beauty
of a Yamaha GPX 433. Cohen
Hannaman put a move on
Robert Schachle, Jr., in Turn
3 of the last lap and won the
Junior Class. Shawn Nestor
took top honor in the Over 45
Class edging out Donnie Bull.
IRA Pro 0-1000cc
1. #44 Wyatt Schmiege
2. #151 John Clague
3. #91 Robby Schachle
4. #191 Billy Wilkes
5. #20 Gabe Kitter
DNF #111 Tony Hardwick
IRA Pro 0-600cc
1. #18 Mike Estes
2. #86 James Sweetsir
3. 30 Frankie Harris
4. #88 Al Palma, Jr
IRA Semi-Pro
1. #18 Myles Wilson
2. #19AK Scott Swingle
3. #250 Nick House
IFS OPEN
1. #727 Dean Scott
DNF #737 Chris Scott
Jr Class
1. #79 Cohen Hannaman
2. #55 Robby Ian Schachle
DNS #248 Hunter Craig
Women
1. #18 Shyla Schachle
2. #80 Alyssa Humphreys
AT THE PETERSVILLE
TURNOFF
30/50 amp
RV Sites $15-20
Rooms $99 and up
• Cafe • Espresso
• Hot Showers
The Perfect Beginning
on your Trail
to a Great Ride!
8 a.m.-7 p.m. Thurs-Mon
On-site access to groomed trails
www.trappercreekinn.com • 907-733-2302
Single Cylinder/0-300 Twin
1. #808 JC Collvins
2. #222 Dave Jensen
3. #772 Steve Giani
DNS #762 Charles Balzarini
DND #248 Troy Craig
DNS #84 Randy Heimerl
0-400cc
1. #179 Cody Hannaman
2. #222 Dave Jensen
3. #3 Titus Gumley
4. #292 Dan Pruski
5. #729 Matt Knapp
6. #76 David Horn
DNF #44 Martin Brown
DNS #11 Victor Molodkin
Over 45
1. #80 Shawn Nestor
2. #166 Donnie Bull
3. #173 Tom Whitstine
4. #19AK Scott Swingle
5. #248 Craig Clayton
6. #771 Steve Giani
7. #283 Charlie Bailey
8. #17 Steve Cary
DNF #222 Dave Jensen
Over 55
1. #157 Jim Miller
2. 317 Steve Cary
Continued on page 25
www.RideAlaska.com • March 2015 • Alaska SnowRider •
9
S
e the date
v
a
4.19 &
4
Egan C . 20
enter,
Ancho
rage
Come celebrate
Alaska's newest industry
and the legal use of marijuana.
Learn how to start your
own canna-business at the
Marijuana Industry Summit!
Classes on:
•RUNNING A SUCCESSFUL CANNABIS BUSINESS
•COMPONENTS OF A WINNING APPLICATION
•UNDERSTANDING THE CHALLENGES AND RISKS
• WHAT RESPONSIBLE LEGISLATION IS
Learn from the experts
State and local policymakers will be present during
"town meeting" sessions; legal insights from Alaska,
Oregon, Colorado and Washington lawyers;
Security seminars and much more.
Live entertainment!
�th guest lecturer
Greta M Carter
Nationally recognized cannabis
activist and entrepreneur wth
a proven track record of
successfully building
cannabis companies.
To pre-purchase tickets and to register for the Cannabis
Training Institute, please visit the "Events" page at
www.cannabistraininginstitute.com/events.
Tickets will also be available at the door.
**CTI seminar pricing is in addition to the $14.20/day entry fee
into the Marijuana Industry Summit and Alaska 420 Fest.
Check out and network with scores of vendors.
This event is 21-and-older and open to the public.
Daily admission fee to the Summit is $14.20.
Additional fees may apply to the concert series.
Vendors and sponsors, please contact your
Adventure Expos rep, (907) 677-2900, or
[email protected].
Find us on
facebook
Call for vendors!
booth space now
available
www.ak420fest.com • www.marijuanaindustrysummit.com
10
• Alaska SnowRider • March 2015 • www.RideAlaska.com
Arctic Man
April 6-12, 2015
Summit Lake, AK
ARCTIC MAN
GIVEAWAYS!
Visit us daily to enter
Come see us at
Toy Haulers & Trailers for All Seasons
Introducing
the CRICKET Trailer WWW.WHITESPRUCE.COM
2 ARCTIC MAN 2015
ARCTIC MAN!
Across from
the Bar tent
Tree Haus Tent
Trailer $3,295
12 • Alaska SnowRider • March 2015 • www.RideAlaska.com
k
c
a
r
t
t
s
a
f
The
tests
rctic Man
A
s
d athlete
h-spee
nity of hig
a
mettle, s
By Melissa DeVaughn
drenaline junkies have one thing
in common: that tight-throated
amped-up excitement that comes
from pushing the envelope, blended with
an appreciation for athleticism at its peak.
A
It’s exactly what Arctic Man delivers
each year. Long before X Games riders
were flipping off ramps and skiing upsidedown tricks, guys – and gals – on snowmachines, downhill skis and snowboards
were testing their high-velocity limits in
the Hoodoo Mountains of Alaska.
Arctic Man celebrates 30 years this
April 6-12 as perhaps the only race of its
kind. What started out as a bet between
skiers and snowmachiners, and played out
as a small speed-skiing challenge among a
group of friends, is now a much-anticipated weeklong event that turns a middle-ofnowhere highway pullout into a minor city
complete with camping, food, entertainment and more.
Arctic Man 2015 promises another year
of mind-blowing athleticism as snowmachiners fine-tune their towing skills while
brave-hearted downhill skiers and snowboarders hang on tight and reach speeds in
the range of 90 mph. Teams focus heavily
on coordination while enduring unheardof speed and uphill racing that you won’t
find in an average ski race.
“We have unbelievable snow there — it’s
fantastic,” said Howard Thies, race founder
and organizer. “If you’ve been worried
about snow the rest of the year, you don’t
have to here.”
To fully understand the “only in Alaska”
insanity that is Arctic Man, you have to
see it for yourself, April 10, in the Hoodoo
Mountains north of Paxson.
“If you’re a racer it’s an adrenaline rush,”
Thies said. “If you’re a spectator it’s one of
the most profound races in the world.”
Here’s how it works: The skier or
snowboarder plunges from a 5,800-foot
peak known as the Tit, drops 1,700 feet
at speeds reaching 60 mph, and navigates
a creek — all while staying upright, of
course. Eventually, these athletes appear in
an open valley where hundreds of specta-
tors watch the most important phase of
the race, the hook-up. There, the snowmachiner tries to match speed with the skier,
allowing him or her to take hold of a towrope, similar to a water-skiing rope, to be
hauled off at high speed, uphill. It’s tricky,
and crashes are common – but these pros
even know how to crash in harmless style.
With luck, the team is in sync and
they’ll rip off without much time lost,
catching a little air before disappearing
into another creek, the 2.25-mile snowmachine pull.
If the snowmachiner has the skill to
ride hard and fast despite the tugging on
the rear, and only if the athlete in tow can
stay on course and handle the excessive
speeds of up to 90 mph, they’ll be contenders for the championship.
Cresting another mountaintop, the skier
is released like a slingshot for a second
downhill run toward the finish line to
complete the total 5.5-mile course.
As Thies said, there’s nothing like it,
and the surrounding countryside and
mountaintop viewing is, in itself, spectacular.
Thies said the 30th anniversary gives
racers and spectators more reason to
celebrate.
“Tilted Kilt (an Anchorage bar) is now
our new bar and we’re excited about that,”
he said. “We’re going to have some special
events in the bar that we are still working
out.”
One such highlight, he said, is the
arrival of a mechanical bull and salmon
www.RideAlaska.com • March 2015 • Alaska SnowRider • 13
Pre race Parties
Two pre-race Arctic Man parties are
being hosted to celebrate the 30th anniversary. Tilted Kilt in Anchorage hosts
a pre-race party 5-10 p.m. March 6 at 801
Old Seward Hwy. Roundup Steakhouse
in Fairbanks hosts a party 6-10 p.m.
March 7 at 2701 Cushman St. Both events
will feature 30th-anniversary race merchandise and more. For more details, go
to www.arcticman.com.
for riding contests to see who can stay on
longest.
That is sure to be a hit. There also will
be other bar games for the 21- and older
crowd.
Still, Thies stressed, the event is family
friendly.
“We have tried to build this up to more
of a family event over the years, not just a
wild party,” he said. “The Anchorage Motor Mushers Club is coming back again,
and we will do a small snow cross for the
kids and a mini Arctic Man for them as
well. We will not do the hillcross that we
have done in the past.”
Also not on the race schedule is the
adaptive race, which was featured in both
2013 and 2014. Thies said a scheduling
conflict has lured most of the higher-level
adaptive racers to an event in Colorado, so
he decided to scrap it for this year.
“Paying to get up here is a challenge for
ARCTIC MAN 2015 3
a lot of racers,” he said, adding that with
the sponsorship of Alaska Airlines, he
will be awarding four round-trip airfare
tickets to top racers from the Lower 48.
He planned to attend the Rahlves’ Bonzai
Tour March 14 and 15 and award the tickets to the winners of that X Games style
downhill competition.
“If they win that division I’m going to
tell them, ‘I’ll give you a round-trip ticket
to fly up and race,’ and I’ll start with No. 1
and if he can’t go I’ll ask No. 2 and I’ll go
down as far as I need to,” Thies said.
Thies said the stronger the competition,
the closer to new records the race will
reach — although the current record of
3 minutes 52.72 seconds with an average
speed of 79.2 mph, set by Marco Sullivan
and Tyler Aklestad in 2013 — is pretty
rock solid.
“Think about that,” Thies said. “Five
and one-half miles in 3 minutes and 52
seconds on a pair of skis being pulled by a
snowmachine. It’s insane.”
True, the race and thousands of spectators riding through the mountains on
snowmachines might seem intimidating,
but Arctic Man has remained a festive
gathering that anyone can enjoy with most
everyone being courteous and typically
Alaska-friendly.
“The whole thing is to come and have a
good time, be safe, don’t drink and drive,”
Thies said. “We have a bus that will take
you home. The bus is free if you want to tip
the driver, that would be nice.”
As always he warns of the risk of drinking and driving – or riding – and with
Alaska State Troopers on the premises to
maintain safety, reckless behavior will not
be tolerated.
Centrally located in the Arctic Man
compound, the bar tent is surrounded by
hundreds of RVs and vehicles, trailers,
snow toys, and the nearly 15,000 people
that know how to throw a party. This
iconic event draws a mob of colorful characters from around the globe, complete
with costumes and elaborate campsites.
Thies invites everyone back for a great
time. He stressed that if you had a parking
spot last year, whether you know your
number or not, those spots are secure until
March 1. After that, the many folks on
the waiting list get their shot at a coveted
campsite, and you’ll have to make another
reservation.
Visit the Arctic Man website for an
updated race roster, camp registration
information and event schedule, www.
arcticman.com.
4 ARCTIC MAN 2015
14 • Alaska SnowRider • March 2015 • www.RideAlaska.com
go
u
o
y
If
Brad Krupa hands off the rope to skier Nick Possenti during their 2010 race.
A
rctic man has two credos. Everyone
knows the first one: “Go fast or go
home.”
But the second and most important one is
a Howard Thies exclusive: “Bring your common sense.”
The A-Man compound will be full
of people to include State Troopers and
medical support, so the dangers are greatly
decreased, but no one wants to have to
rescue you, give you propane because you
forgot yours, or share their doughnuts when
you run out of food. A trip to Arctic Man
requires preparation and planning.
Food vendors are usually present, but
bring enough eats with you to last the duration of the event. Be sure to have ample
fuel for your generator, snowmachines and
vehicle. Fuel is expected to be available for
sale at the compound, so in the very least
bring money to buy it. Propane will not be
available, so top off and bring extra.
April is considered springtime for much
of the northern hemisphere, yet spectators have experienced temperatures in the
minus-20s at Arctic Man, which means
ultra-warm clothes and reliable equipment
are crucial.
If you plan to ride in the mountains and
nearby trails, be sure to tell someone where
you’re headed, carry a GPS, carry a beacon
and avalanche probe (everyone in the party),
ride within your limits and, by all means be
cautious of others and wildlife. Ride with
others who know the area and stay clear of
glaciers, ice bridges and sketchy terrain.
Do not drink and ride. Consider this a
warning, Thies says, because if you drink
and ride, you’ll likely end up in jail. Also,
don’t fight. The Arctic Man compound is a
small city, complete with your average city
laws and regulations. Follow the rules and
have a good time.
www.RideAlaska.com • March 2015 • Alaska SnowRider • 15
2015 Arctic
Man Event
Schedule
Monday, April 6
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Course closed for
course setup and packing.
Tuesday, April 7
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Racers, please
watch for preparation crews.
Course sections open for practice. Watch for ‘section closed’
signs.
Wednesday, April 8
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Racers, please
watch for packing crews and setup crews. Course sections open
for practice. Watch for ‘section
closed’ signs.
Thursday, April 9
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Canyon Pull
closed (no access to canyon). Skiing sections, hookup and drop-off
open for practice. Noon-2 p.m.,
Avalanche Rescue Workshop. 2
p.m. Mandatory racers’ meeting at release point for course
inspection and start-position
drawing. 5-7 p.m., AMMC Race
registration, Bar Headquarters. 7
p.m. Mandatory racers meeting
at main tent for bib pickup, prerace instructions, questions and
answers.
Friday, April 10
10:30 a.m. Tech inspections
at hookup. 11 a.m. Forerunners
start, with race to follow. Noon
Race start. If race is postponed,
the race will be held on Saturday
with the same schedule as above.
Saturday, April 11
10-11 a.m. AMMC Registration. Noon, Arctic Man Kids
Races at Snow Cross. 4 p.m.,
p.m. AMMC Drag races. 7 p.m.
Awards. 8 p.m. AMMC awards
Bar Headquarters. 10 p.m. raffle.
(Saturday is the backup day if race
not held on Friday.)
Sunday, April 12
Backup day if race not held on
Saturday.
ARCTIC MAN 2015 5
ARCTIC MAN
SKI & SNO–GO CLASSIC
5.5
92.3
88.3
3:52.72
4:01.49
MILES,
course length
MPH,
record
speed
by
Eric Heil
& Len
Story
Johnny Martin & Petr Kakes
START elevation 5,800'
MINUTES, record
recordtime
timebyby
MINUTES,
Marco
Sullivan
&
Tyler
Scott McCartney & TysonAklestad
Johnson
6,000'
5,500'
Skier’s/boarder’s release point. Fastest
point in the race. Site of crashes in past.
5,000'
FIRST AID/RELEASE
4,500'
4,000'
3,500'
6
5
FINISH
6 ARCTIC MAN 2015
4
Watch the competitors roll to a stop and the
results roll in. Finish line antics are legendary.
3
2
HOOK UP
1 mile
3,000'
One of the most difficult parts of the race,
where snowmachiner and skier connect.
16 • Alaska SnowRider • March 2015 • www.RideAlaska.com
ARCTIC MAN
PARKING LOT MAP
RICHARDSON HIGHWAY MP 197.5
< ANCHORAGE
FAIRBANKS >
PRIVATE
PRIVATE
HELI-PAD
600-699 ZZ
RUNWAY 700-955
800
SPECIAL SITES
BAR
700
SNOW CROSS
600
955
HOWIE LANE
SPECIAL SITES
VENDORS
599
MAIN PAD 101-599
ACE SE
R R
AN C O U
M
FF
TIC Y O
C A
AR S T
TO E A S
PL
IN >
< OUT
E
R1-R45
1-100
www.RideAlaska.com • March 2015 • Alaska SnowRider • 17
101
530
488
444
487
443
397
352
396
351
307
260
306
259
217
171
216
170
ARCTIC MAN 2015 7
2015 POLARIS
800 PRO RMK
WILLOW
Mile 66 Parks Hwy
Willow, AK 99688
Phone: (907) 495-4639
Toll Free:(866) 495-4639
FAX: (907) 495-5010
8 ARCTIC MAN 2015
PALMER
5953 E Blue Lupine Dr.
Palmer, AK 6665
Phone: (907) 373-4639
Toll Free: (877) 409-4639
FAX: (907) 373-4647
18 • Alaska SnowRider • March 2015 • www.RideAlaska.com
Carly Davis pulls teammate Ryan Wolosyn through the hook-up area during their 2013 race.
helpful tips
Following the race
If getting to Arctic Man just isn’t an
option — maybe the budget is limited or
you can’t get the time off of work — don’t
worry. Arctic Man organizers have created
many ways in which you can follow the race
from the comfort of home.
Radio station KZND-FM 94.7 will be
announcing times and places to the crowd
via Arctic Man’s on-site station 107.5 FM,
and also will send race updates and online
communications beyond the race venue
via social media, including Facebook and
Twitter.
Facebook updates will occur in the
morning and evening —
­ find the Arctic
Man page at www.facebook.com/pages/
Arctic-Man/177882763753. Twitter updates
will be at www.twitter.com/arcticmanalaska.
Getting there
The spectacular Hoodoo Mountains are
the venue for this annual event, which attracts nearly 15,000 spectators each year. To
get here from Anchorage, follow the Glenn
Highway to its intersection with the Richardson Highway, at Glennallen. Turn left
(north) on the Richardson for approximately 82.5 miles. From Fairbanks follow the
Richardson south. Follow the Richardson
for another 62.5 miles past Delta Junction.
General GPS coordinates for the Arctic
Man campground are 63°12’7.21”N,
145°30’35.30”W.
Side events & entertainment Roadside services caution
Arctic Man race director Howard Thies
says to expect the usual forms of entertainment, Alaska Motor Mushers Club races,
jumping, drags, live music, food, beer tent
— all the things that make Arctic Man just
that much more fun.
Of course, spectators are always encouraged to get creative and make their own
forms of family-friendly entertainment as
can be seen by the elaborate camps, cookouts and general camaraderie.
Snow conditions
Arctic Man organizers say there is loads
of snow in the Hoodoos. With much of the
region lacking in good snowfall, Arctic
Man is one of your best hopes for spectacular, spring riding.
Bar tent and shuttle bus
As a free service, Arctic Man guests can
be transported from the bar tent back to
their camp on a shuttle. The shuttle is for
anyone who has been drinking … not just
the lightweights. So hop on board and tip
the driver. After all, he or she is putting up
with a rowdy bunch.
If you plan on drinking, walk — don’t
ride — to the bar. Make a plan to use the
shuttle. Watch out for friends and family.
If needed, put them on the shuttle to save
them the embarrassment of winding up on
the Alaska State Troopers TV series. It’s a
poor representation of Alaska, and gives
Arctic Man a bad name.
www.RideAlaska.com • March 2015 • Alaska SnowRider • 19
The Paxson Lodge and fuel station likely
will be closed after shutting down two years
ago. If driving up from the south (Wasilla,
Anchorage, Valdez) fuel up in Glennallen,
and plan accordingly.
Cell phone coverage
Arctic Man organizers would like to
thank AT&T for the cell phone service
they’ve provided for the past few years. 4G
service will again be available.
Outhouses
Do you consider yourself a king or Arctic
Man? Then you deserve a proper throne.
If you don’t want everyone messing up
your RV toilet or if you don’t think it will
function properly in the extreme cold, then
call (907) 452-1480 to secure your very own
outhouse.
Firewood
Fires are permitted in your camp area.
Bring your own wood or purchase wood
from the provider at Arctic Man. Just be
sure to call well in advance to make arrangements so you’re not left out in the cold.
Rules of the camp include no burning
of pallets (nails have been a problem in the
past) and no throwing glass in the fires.
And, as weird as it is to write these words —
feel free to bring a couch but do NOT leave
it behind, attempt to burn it or dump it in
the Dumpsters.
To purchase firewood, call
(907) 803-8300 or (907) 895-5586.
ARCTIC MAN 2015 9
Camping Registration
T
he Arctic Man compound is plowed and constructed
annually and offers limited space for campers and RVs.
Camping groups must reserve campsites and register
with Arctic Man organizers. The cost to do so after Feb. 15 is
around $145. After March 15, the cost is $155. PayPal credit card
payments are available online. Previous Parking Pad users must
download a registration form, make payment and mail the registration form to race officials. New Parking Pad users must use
the online form and will be contacted with further information.
Campsites include plowed parking, access to the medical tent,
outhouses, garbage Dumpster and the opportunity to be close
to all the action. Previous Arctic Man campers have the first opportunity to reserve their campsite. After March 1, however, all
sites are up for grabs.
Find the registration form online at www.arcticman.com. Be
prepared to be placed on a waiting list as sites are often claimed
long before event day.
Fuel and propane
While the actual Arctic Man race is a high-octane affair, a lot of time
is spent visiting friends around the many campfires that help heat up
Arctic Man city.
10 ARCTIC MAN 2015
Fuel will be available for purchase at the Arctic Man compound, but it’s an excellent idea to bring extra fuel to ensure your
vehicle or generator can keep you warm for the duration of the
event. Propane will not be available, and folks have been known
to run out.
The nearest fuel station is a long haul away, so plan accordingly.
REMEMBER: Store fuel properly so as not to create a fire
hazard. Also, NO fireworks are allowed. Don’t even think about
bringing them.
20 • Alaska SnowRider • March 2015 • www.RideAlaska.com
The 30-year itch
Putting on a race like Arctic Man
takes organization, innovation
I
n 1985, Howard Thies sat at a bar with some buddies. And, as is
the case in many a bar conversation, a challenge arose. “I bet him
I could beat him from top to bottom,” said Thies, the skier, to his
opponent, a snowmachiner.
Off they went, covering the same Hoodoo Mountains course that has
been raced every year since — Thies on his downhill skis and his challenger upon a snowmachine.
Thies made it down first, and an iconic Alaska tradition was born.
Since then, Arctic Man has become a highly anticipated event for skiers,
snowboarders and snowmachiners alike. It’s a place where like-minded
winter recreationists can test their mettle — in some of the most spectacular backcountry on the road system.
And it takes time and effort to pull off. In the months leading up to
Arctic Man, Thies said he and a handful of helpers organize events and
sign contracts with participating supporters.
On the day of the race however, it takes a small village to help launch
the races. “We probably have 30, 40 people helping out,” Thies said.
This year’s event celebrates 30 years of crazy competition, and with it
Thies has added a new twist.
“Tilted Kilt is our new bar and we’ve never had them before, so we are
excited about that,” Thies said. The Anchorage bar will haul its staff and
goods to the Hoodoos to man the bar, put on games and 30-anniversary
events, and host music to help racers and spectators alike get into the
festive spirit.
Also, Thies added, two 30th anniversary pre-race parties are planned
— one at Tilted Kilt in Anchorage on March 6, and another at the
Roundup Steakhouse and Bar in Fairbanks on March 7.
www.arcticman.com
www.coast-magazine.com
Photography by John Woodbury
6921 Brayton Drive, Suite 207
Anchorage, AK 99507
Arctic Man Ski and Sno-Go
Classic guide produced by:
Alaska Adventure Media
Coast magazine
SnowRider magazine
[email protected]
(907) 677-2900
Project Manager: Melissa
DeVaughn
Cover Photo: Tyler Aklestad pulls skier Marco Sullivan through the
hook-up area en route to their record-setting victory in 2013.
Arctic Man’s
unofficial economic
impact
“Between fuel, motorhomes, beverages and everything else you buy,
if we’re not a 3- to 4- to 5-million dollar head for the economy, you can
kiss my ass in front of city hall,” says Howard Thies of his famed Arctic
Man event. “Think about it; thousands of motorhomes driving from
Anchorage and Fairbanks spending on fuel, if they don’t own them
they rent them, buying food for the show, everything they buy traveling
along the road. If we didn’t sell 400,000 gallons of fuel I’ll be shocked.
Rentals at $275 a day, propane—people just don’t realize what this
means for the economy. We are a huge economic boost is the bottom
line,” he says.
For those who have been to Arctic Man and anyone that purchased
new gear, a generator, space heater or purchased a new RV specifically
for this annual event, that sounds like a convincing argument.
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www.RideAlaska.com • March 2015 • Alaska SnowRider • 21
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ARCTIC MAN 2015 11
A S S A 2 014 -15 M E M B E R S H I P F O R M
Alaska
Snowmobile
Alaska State
State Snowmobile
Association
Association
PURPOSE
AND OBJECTIVES
PURPOSE AND
OBJECTIVES
2011-2012
Goals
2014-2015Goals
Goals
2011-2012
To
To encourage
theencourage
formation of the
clubsformation
statewide andof clubs statewide and
goal for this season is The
increasing
#1 goal for this season is increasing
promote good
Sportsmanship,
and responsible safeThe
promote
goodsafe
Sportsmanship,
and#1responsible
well asour member numbers as well as
use of snowmobiles
use of snowmobilesboth our member numbers as both
participating clubs around Alaska. We will
participating clubs around Alaska. We will
Sponsor enactment of favorable regulations
beregulations
actively pursuing new board members
Sponsor
of favorable
concerning ownership
andenactment
use of snowmobiles
be actively pursuing new board members
represent a wide range of snowmobile
concerning ownership and use ofwho
snowmobiles
who represent a wide
activities and regions.
Cooperate with Public Land Use Regulatory
Agencies whileCooperate
reserving thewith
right to
opposeLand Use Regulatory
activities and regions.
Public
regulations deemed
unfair
or
not
in
the
best
Agencies while reserving the right
to will
oppose
ASSA
be participating in legal and
interests
of our members
regulations
deemed unfair or not in the best
range of snowmobile
advisory boards that seek to develop
ASSAawill be participating in legal and
interests
our members
statewide trails system.
Maintain a legislative committee
to serve of
members
statewide
P.O. BOX 240405
Anchorage, AK 99524-0405
P.O. BOX 240405
Anchorage,
AK 99524-0405
1-888-8AK-SNOW
(1-888-825-7669)
566-0210
1-888-8AK-SNOW
(1-888-825-7669)
566-0210
President
Kevin Hite
www.aksnow.org
President
Kevin Hite
advisory boards that seek to develop a
statewide trails system.
Maintain a legislative committee to serve members
We will also continue to be the main legal
Support the use of snowmobiles pertaining
to an
statewide
resource
and
information
clearinghouse
for
individual's livelihood.
We will also continue to be the main legal
the ongoing battle
Support the use of snowmobiles pertaining
to anfor statewide access for
Support local search and rescue efforts
motorized winter recreation inresource
Alaska andand information clearinghouse for
individual's livelihood.
will develop constituent relationships
that battle for statewide access for
the ongoing
Recognize competition as an important part of
benefit
our
organization.
Supportand
local
search
recreational Snowmobiling
support
such and rescue efforts
motorized winter recreation in Alaska and
competition.
will develop constituent relationships that
ASSA will
continue
Recognize competition as an important
part
of to monitor and offer
The Associationrecreational
treasures the natural
beauty of
benefit our organization.
Snowmobiling
and input
support
such
to the
Sno-Trac Board concerning
Alaska and values its natural resources; therefore
the allocation of Point of Sale Revenues.
we will promote the protection of thecompetition.
environment
ASSA will continue to monitor
from irrevocable harm.
The Association treasures the natural beauty of
Alaska and values its natural resources; therefore
we will promote the protection of the environment
from irrevocable harm.
and offer
input to the Sno-Trac Board concerning
the allocation of Point of Sale Revenues.
www.aksnow.org
The Alaska State Snowmobile Association is not liable for personal Insurance. Therefore, I hereby release and discharge ASSA, its agents, and /or officers from any and all claims,
demands, actions, judgements and executions which the below signed now have or may have in the future for themselves or for the below signed heirs, executors, administrators or assign
for any and all personal injuries and property damage which have been caused by or may arise out of the participation of myself or my family in any ASSA Sponsored event. I, the belowsigned, hereby acknowledge that have read this release and understand all of its terms. I execute it voluntarily with full knowledge of its significance.
Signature
Date:
Recreational Snowmobiling is being threatened in Alaska. To retain access to your favorite places to ride and in order to represent snowmobilers' rights on statewide issues in
Juneau, we need your support. We encourage every Alaskan Snowmobiler to:
•
•
•
Join Your Local Club- Be represented on Local Issues
Join your State Association- Be represented on State Issues
Register your snowmobile-it's the Law. These are the only numbers Federal, State and Local governmental officials will use for funding and access issues.
An ASSA membership provides each Alaskan Snowmobiler with:
•
•
•
•
A subscription to the Nationally acclaimed Alaskan Snow Rider!
Eligibility for membership with Denali Alaska Federal Credit Union (Financing for that Snowmobile or Tow Vehicle!)
Insurance privileges through American Income Life
Representation on Statewide issues.
New Membership
Renewal Membership
Name: ______________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________
City: ___________________State: _____________Zip: _____________
Phone: __________________E-Mail___________________________
____Regular Membership-$20 per Season (October 1—Sept 30)
____Family Membership- (up to 4 People)- $35 per year
____Snowmobile Club-$50 Per Year
____ASSA Business Membership-$100 per Year
SAFETY MATTERS
Debra McGhan
Michael Herdina sits on the peak of Knife Ridge in Colorado. DEBRA MCGHAN
Going alone
Adventurer’s cautionary tail transcends all winter sports
M
ICHAEL HERDINA grew up in Anchorage and has spent
more than 50 years skiing and exploring the mountains
alone. He’s well aware of the advice that you should travel
with a partner but admits, that rarely happens.
For close to 20 years I was his most frequent partner, but since I
fell skiing and hurt my hip four years ago, I haven’t been able to go
as often. He has a few friends he skis with but most days he prefers
to travel alone at his own pace.
“I don’t like to wait for people,” he said. “Or maybe you could say,
I just don’t play well with others.”
For more than a decade Herdina has spent time each winter
exploring the terrain around Wolf Creek Ski Area in Colorado.
There is a lot of backcountry skiing at this small, family resort, and
Herdina has grown familiar, and reluctantly admits, a little careless.
Recently he’s had a couple of close calls where he realized a partner could have been a great benefit. His story is about skiing, but
it applies to anyone who spends time — whether by snowmachine,
skis, snowshoes or on foot — in the backcountry.
One day Herdina skied into an area that turned out to be a range
of steep cliffs with a series of waterfalls. He tried to stop when he
realized where he was, but he was moving too fast and caught his
ski on a rock that launched him headfirst down the hill. He landed
on a broken tree stump that jabbed him painfully in the back.
“I felt that stump poking me in the back and realized, I could
have been impaled and died.”
I remember one skiing adventure with him when we met up with
a group of other skiers about our age and ability. Because I generally
only ski with Herdina, I was thrilled with the idea of skiing with
other people, especially women. I happily followed the group, but
when we arrived at the lift, Herdina was nowhere to be seen.
I spent the next four hours trying to find him. When we finally
reconnected he said he just likes picking his own line and took a
wrong turn that separated him from the group.
Whether it happens by design or accident, being alone in the
wilderness takes special considerations.
Joe Royer, a 40-year veteran helicopter ski guide based in
Lamoille, Nev., understands the reasons and challenges of traveling
alone.
“Many of us who work in the mountains do not have the luxury
of having a fulltime ski partner,” Royer said in a presentation at
the 2014 International Snow Science Workshop, in Banff, Canada.
“Simply you either go alone or you don’t go.”
But, he advised, following careful protocols and always sticking
with your plan can mitigate a lot of risk.
“There are things you have to take when you’re alone, like some
means of communication in case you do get in trouble and need
help,” Royer said. “But ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what you
want in your pack, what you might ultimately need.”
Other advice Royer shared included: Communicate your plan
with someone you trust, and then follow it. And don’t explore new
places during high hazard times.
I immediately thought of Herdina.
He recently called me to tell me he’d learned another valuable
lesson about skiing alone and knew he needed to scale back his risk
tolerance.
Wolf Creek had received more than five feet of snow in a storm
www.RideAlaska.com • March 2015 • Alaska SnowRider •
23
SAFETY MATTERS
and Herdina was alone and happily plowing through the trees in
waist-deep powder when he caught a ski on a branch. It popped his
ski off and sent him crashing headfirst into a tree well. Snow filled
his nose and mouth and he found himself trapped, struggling to
breathe and fighting off the rising panic.
“My ski was literally pointed straight at the sky and wedged
against the tree. I was folded in half and hung there stuck. I kept
struggling to flip myself around.”
Only a few hundred feet from the lift, he thought about calling
for help but figured either people wouldn’t hear him or might think
he was joking around. And he admitted, he was embarrassed by
his predicament. He was prepared to accept he’d gotten himself
into this situation and would figure a way to get himself out. It took
more than 20 minutes of wiggling, wrestling and resting before he
was able to reach his binding and pop out of his ski. Lucky for him,
the incident left no scars and only another reminder that a partner
could be a good asset.
Herdina said the joy of spending time in the mountains outweighs the risks of going alone for him. But he does admit he pays
extra attention when packing his gear.
“I wear a survival whistle around my neck and carry emergency
gear and communication. I’m also more aware and cautious in
extreme weather conditions and when exploring new terrain.”
Whether you plan to travel alone or just find yourself in that
situation, it pays to go prepared. At the minimum carry some type
of communication device, make sure you stay alert and aware, and
tell someone who knows the general area where you will be and
when you expect to return.
Learn more at urocksafety.com.
24
• Alaska SnowRider • March 2015 • www.RideAlaska.com
Going it alone on the ski slopes, Herdina prepares to make a run at
Wolf Creek Ski Resort. DEBRA MCGHAN
CLUB NEWS
Club news continued from page 9
3. #95 Ron Soule
4. #771 Steve Giani
5. #167 Jim Bailey
0-440 Stock
1. #246 Craig Clayton
0-500cc
1. #8 Charlie Eppilito
2. #128 Jimmy Leseman
3. #80 Shawn Nestor
4. #283 Charlie Bailey
5. #95 Tony Petito
DNF #11 Robby
Schachle
DNS #18 Devin
Schachle
Open
1. #11 Robby Schachle
2. #179 Cody
Hannaman
3. #28 Steve Martinez
4. #128 Jimmy Leseman
5. #148 Alex Martinez
6. #771 Matt Giani
7. #235 Dave Jensen Jr
8. #80 Gabe Kitter
9. #8 Jerimiah Bensen
We had 24 120’s sign up for a night race “under the lights”.
120 Stock PLUS
1. #99 Drake Butcher
2. #01 Robert Alt
3. #34 Trent Dillard
120 OPEN
1. #100 Buckshot Ko
loski
2. #14 Blake Caverly
3. #4 Hunter Davis
Shyla Schachle putting down some fast laps on her Yamaha.
DOREEN KITTER
Alaska Motor Mushers
have busy winter, despite low snow
The first race of the 2015 season for Alaska Motor Mushers
Club kicked off Jan. 17. Not only was it the first race of the season,
it was also the first race in a style of racing that Alaska has never
before seen. The Triple Crown Ice Cross is a combination of cross
country, snowcross and endure-style racing. The race is run on an
unplowed, marked course that can range between 1.5-2.5 mile lap.
Three heats are ran, with the number of laps depending on how
many miles each class will run for the day.
The first Ice Cross on Jan. 10 brought a large group of racers
ranging from juniors to vets, for a total of 36 registrants. The
course was only about 1.5 miles and the races were competitive.
Kris Eichenberg took home a well-deserved first-place trophy for
our Pro Class, as did Kenneth Kleewein II for Semi-Pro, Sarah
Herrin for Women’s Class, and Bill Wilkes for Vet Class. Our
junior riders were also representing at the first Ice Cross. Kyle
Whittock took the frist-place trophy for Junior Liquid Class and
Kali Conrad took first for the Junior Fan Class.
Race No. 2 of Ice Cross took place on Jan. 24, and we saw some
new racers on a new and longer course. AMMC placed the new
course on top of and around the first track. This gave some added
bumps and corners to make the race interesting for the riders and
fun to watch for the crowd. We saw three new ladies come out for
our Women’s Class and they all put on a great race.
Our first place finishers for Race No. 2 were: Pro Class Bill
Wilkes, Semi-Pro Luc Karpik, Womens Nichole Springer, Vets Bill
Wilkes, Junior Liquid Kyle Whittock, and Junior Fan Ryder Black.
The final race in the Triple Crown Series took place on Feb. 7.
The course was 2.4 miles long, with some of the classes racing an
estimated 72 miles by the end of the day. Again our races were very
competitive and great to watch. The first place trophies went to: Pro
Class Robby Schachle, Semi-Pro Luc Karpik, Womens Sarah Herrin, Junior Liquid Kyle Whittock, and Junior Fan Ryder Black.
Final champions for our First Annual Ice Cross Series are as
follows: Pro Class Robby Schachle, Semi-Pro Kenneth Kleewein
II, Women Sarah Herrin, Junior Liquid Kyle Whittock, and Junior
Fan Kali Conrad. All racers that participated in the Ice Cross will
have their series points converted into cross country points which
will go towards the final end of season champion points total.
Our next adult race is our annual cross-country Larry Heal
Memorial Race on March 21. Racers can also attend the Valdez
Mayors Cup on March 14 for added AMMC points.
Our youth 120 class has grown tremendously this year. Our
first race was on Jan. 17th and we saw a total of 55 kids racing; the
biggest group ever to race 120’s with AMMC. AMMC made some
changes to our 120 classes this year and added in a completely
new class that requires a Briggs & Stratton 206 Engine. All of the
kids were excited to be back out on the track and ready to see the
green flag drop! The first place finishers were: Champ Class Keldin
Nicoll, Pro 206 Class Aidan McDonnell, Pro Improved Stock Robert Arlt, Improved Stock Kenzie Ferguson, and Super Stock Talin
Tuttle.
Race No. 2 for our 120 riders was on Feb. 8th and we saw 54 kids
come out to race. The course had a few extra bumps and turns, but
the kids did great. Right now the 120 riders are getting ready for
their grand entrance at the Iron Dog Start! AMMC will have 50
120 riders representing our club at Iron Dog on Saturday Feb. 21.
The next points race will be in Big Lake on March 28th. Come on
out and support the next generation of riders.
AMMC would like to give a big thank you to all of our sponsors!!
Team CC Ski-Doo, AkSys, Alaska Spine Institute, Alaska SnowRider, Mr. Lube, Alaska Trailer Rentals, Burkeshore Marina, Alaska
House of Yamaha, Big Lake Arctic Cat, Big Lake Power Sports,
Performance Yamaha, Divas Snow Gear, Projekt907, Bandi Signs,
Monster, Motorfist, UClear, Recreational Motorsports, Matanuska
Valley Federal Credit Union, Fish Creek Sales, Arctic Mini Motor Sports, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302,
MTA, Nesquik
—Jessica McDonnel, Alaska Motor Mushers Club
www.RideAlaska.com • March 2015 • Alaska SnowRider •
25
BRIEFS
Polaris racer Bunke
scores first semi-pro win
Taylor Bunke won his first career win as a Semi-Pro racer in
cross country during Jan. 31-Feb. 1 races in Park Rapids, Minn.
Ryan Faust took third in the Pro Stock class, where five Polaris
racers are in the top 11 in points.
Bunke, in his second season in the Semi-Pro classes, finished
second in the first day of racing, then was the top finisher on
Sunday to win the Semi-Pro Improved class aboard a RUSH,
built on the new AXYS platform. That gave him two podium
finishes in four races and put him second in class points.
Alex Hetteen finished third in the Semi-Pro Stock class and
is currently third in Stock points.
Faust, also racing on a RUSH in Pro Stock, finished back in
the field on the first day but rebounded to cross the line third
fastest on Sunday.
Bobby Menne (131 Racing) took fourth, Spencer Kadlec
(Bunke Racing) was sixth, and Travis Faust (Faust Racing)
finished ninth.
With two strong finishes in the past two races, Menne left
Park Rapids second in Pro Stock points, followed by five more
Polaris racers in the top 11: Justin Tate (2-Eight Motorsports) is
fourth in points, Ryan Faust is fifth, Gabe Bunke (Bunke Racing) is sixth, Kadlec is ninth, and Travis Faust is in 10th.
Jeff Hayford won the Sport 600 Open class and finished third
in Sport 600 Stock, and Robert Loire finished second in both
classes. Loire is the points leader in both Sport classes, Daniel
Herberg is second in Sport 600 Stock points, and Hayford is
third in Open points.
Jill Tangen won the Women’s class at Park Rapids and is the
class points leader. Kelsey Pladson (Bunke Racing) finished
third and is also third in points.
Due to the lack of snow, USXC cancelled the I-500 race
scheduled for mid February. The next USXC event was set for
Feb. 28-March 1, before press time, to allow for results.
Polaris snowcross
racer Kamm dominates
Kody Kamm of Hentges Racing won one of the most exciting Pro Open finals of the season during a Jan. 30-31 weekend
of ISOC National racing in Deadwood, S.D., and Ross Martin
(Judnick Motorsports) reached the Pro Open podium both
nights.
Kamm was the top qualifier prior to the Friday night Pro
Open final, but it was Martin who got the hole shot to show he
would battle for the win. Kamm passed Martin for the lead at
the end of the first lap, then series points leader Tucker Hibbert
moved into second and pressed Kamm for the remaining 21
laps on the tight, technical course.
Kamm countered every Hibbert passing attempt, retained
his speed as he worked his way through traffic, and won his
first final of the season. Martin finished third, and three fellow
Polaris racers also finished in the Top 10: Justin Broberg (Hentges Racing) was eighth, Corin Todd (Leighton Motorsports)
was ninth, and Jake Scott (Team LaVallee) finished 10th.
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• Alaska SnowRider • March 2015 • www.RideAlaska.com
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In the second night’s Pro Open final, six Polaris racers
earned Top-10 finishes and Martin and Kyle Pallin (Team
LaVallee) reached the podium by finishing second and third,
respectively. Justin Broberg (Hentges Racing) was fifth, Jake
Scott (Team LaVallee) was seventh, Andrew Lieders (Team
LaVallee), took eighth, and Corin Todd (Leighton Motorsports)
finished 10th.
After the weekend’s racing, Pallin was second in Pro Open
points, Kamm was fourth, and Martin was fifth. Broberg was
ninth in points, Scott was 10th, and Todd was 11th.
In the Pro Lite division, Polaris racer Ryan Springer (Carlson Motorsports) won on the first night and was joined on
the podium by third-place finisher and teammate Andrew
Carlson. Trevor Leighton (Leighton Motorsports) was fourth,
James Johnstad (Judnick Motorsports) was sixth, and Travis
Muller (Cottew Motorsports) finished ninth. Leighton retained
the lead in Pro Lite points while Carlson was third, Springer
was fourth, Travis Muller (Cottew Motorsports) was fifth, and
James Johnstad (Judnick Motorsports) was sixth.
In the Pro-Am 30+ class, Scot Adams (Never Enough Racing) finished third, and in the Pro-Am Women’s final, Tonie
Sledz (Sledz Racing) finished third and Amanda Duitsman
(Plaisted Racing) was fourth. In the weekend’s two Sport-class
finals, Jacob Yurk (Team Vermillion) earned a second, and
Durk Roper (Roper Racing) reached the podium with a thirdplace finish.
Polaris freestyler Moore
soars to gold medal in X Games
Polaris snowmobile freestyle rider Colten Moore combined
acrobatic freestyle moves with speed on the race course to
win the 2015 Winter X Games Snowmobile Speed & Style gold
medal earlier this season in Aspen, Colo. Moore, 25, won the
fourth Winter X Games medal of his career as he outscored fellow Polaris rider Joe Parsons in the final round of the Polarisdominated event.
Three of the four semifinalists were on Polaris snowmobiles
and it was an all-Polaris final as Moore beat Parsons 90.62
to 83 and won the third X Games gold medal of his career in
snowmobile events.
This was the first time Moore competed in Snowmobile
Speed & Style. He has competed in the Winter X Games since
2010, winning gold in Snowmobile Freestyle (2012 and 2014)
and earning the silver medal in Snowmobile Best Trick in 2012.
Away from the snow, the 25-year-old Texan also competes in
freestyle competition on Polaris off-road vehicles.
For Parsons, the silver medal was his fifth Winter X Games
medal in Snowmobile Speed & Style, and his first medal ever
won on a Polaris snowmobile. He has now earned 14 Winter X
Games medals.
Moore, Parsons, and X Games legend Levi LaVallee were
the Polaris riders to reach the semi-finals. Moore beat LaVallee
87.75 to 87 in one semi to advance to the final, and Parsons won
his semi 84.67 to 83.33 over Cory Davis to advance.
NEW
LOCATION
on corner 4th
and E
MAD HATTER
est. 1971
est.1977
Large selection of winter
sledding gear from:
(907)278-0278
(907)278-0278
Corner of 4th and E
5th
436 Ave
W. 4thMall
Ave
Mad Hatter Alaska
(907)349-3071
(907)349-3071
Dimond Center
Dimond Center
www.madhatterak.com
www.RideAlaska.com • March 2015 • Alaska SnowRider •
27
Calendar
ALASKA SNOWRIDER EVENTS LIST
C. WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY
Post your snowmachine events on Alaska’s snowmachine calendar, www.ridealaska.com!
March
Mar. 7
AMMC 120 Races Big Lake at Islander Lodge
Mar. 1
Mat-Su Vintage Snowmachine Racers Club
Fairbanks Tired Iron ( http://fairbankstirediron.org )
Mar. 3
Caribou Hills Cabin Hoppers
General Meeting at Mykel’s Restaurant 6:30 pm
Mar. 6
Tilted Kilt Arctic Man Party
5-10 p.m., Tilted Kilt, Anchorage
Mar. 7
Arctic Man Party
6-10 p.m., Roundup Steakhouse,
Fairbanks
Mar. 6-9
Alaska Avalanche Information CenterAIARE, Level 2, Valdez
Mar. 7
Lake Louise Snowmachine Club
Wolf Pack Weekend & Basket Auction at Lake Louise Lodge
Mar. 7-8
Mat-Su Vintage Snowmachine Racers Club
Big Lake Spring Classic 500
IRA 250 miles each day, with Vintage
Points Race before IRA each day.
Mar. 14
Mat-Su Vintage Snowmachine Racers Club
Valdez Mayors Cup ( http://valdezsnowmachineclub.com )
Mar. 14
Alaska Avalanche Information
Center
UAF Backcountry Skiing & Snowboarding class with AIARE Level 1,
Black Rapids Lodge
Whatever your s
ens
dve
e of a
We've got
your back...
and more.
(907) 563-8876
(866) 637-3422
www.alaskaspineinstitute.com
28
• Alaska SnowRider • March 2015 • www.RideAlaska.com
nture
Mar. 14 : Lake Louis Snowmachine Club
Glennallen School Wrestling Club
Basket Auction at Lake Louise Lodge
Mar. 21
MARCH 2015
April
Apr. 7
AMMC
Larry Heal XC
Caribou Hills Cabin Hoppers
General Meeting and ELECTIONS at
Mykel’s Restaurant 6:30 pm
Mar. 21
Apr. 8-12
Mar. 22
Apr. 11
Lake Louise Snowmachine Club
Annual Spring Fun Run
Mat-Su Vintage Snowmachine Racers Club
“Big Rob” Vintage XC 50 & Poker Run
(Fun Run)
Mar. 28
AMMC
120 Race Big Lake at Islanders Lodge
Mar. 28
Lake Louise Snowmachine Club
Annual Antique Fun Run ($30 Entry
Fee)
AMMC
Arctic Man
Lake Louise Snowmachine Club
Rocket Club
Apr. 12
Lake Louise Snowmachine Club
Rocket Club Launch
Apr. 24-26
AMMC
Alyeska Motor Madness
Submit snowmachine related
events to ridealaska.com.
www.RideAlaska.com • March 2015 • Alaska SnowRider •
29
OFFICERS
COMMITTEES
President & Southcentral Rep.
Kevin Hite, Anchorage
522-6373
ASSA Convention
& Trade Show
Kevin Hite, Anchorage
522-6373
Vice President
Vacant
Treasurer
Brant Grifka, Eagle River
694-3458
Membership
Cindy Hite, Anchorage
522-6373
BOARD MEMBERS
Central Representative
Glenn Swan, Eagle River
694-8747
Western Representative
Vacant
Public Relations
Vacant
Alaska Snow Rider
John Woodbury, Anchorage
677-2900
Raffle
Kevin Hite, Anchorage
522-6373
Access Chair
Joe Gauna, Anchorage
243-6776
CONTACT
Southeast Representative
Vacant
ASSA Hotline: 566-0210
Interior Representative
Stephen E. Enochs, Fairbanks
452-5845
1-888-825-7669
Kenai Peninsula Representative
Vacant
ASSA Hotline Toll Free:
ASSA Web Site:
www.aksnow.org
Industry Representative
Bruce Friend, Anchorage
349-8575
Business Representative
Nick Olzenak, Anchorage
277-1741
STATEWIDE CLUBS
ALASKA MOTOR MUSHERS
PO Box 871753 • Wasilla, AK, 99687
Fax: 376-7966
President: Wayne Devore
FAIRBANKS SNOW TRAVELERS
P.O. Box 80053
Fairbanks, AK 99708-0053
479-4933
ALASKA TRAILBLAZERS
P.O. Box 36 • Tok, AK 99780
883-7669
JUNEAU SNOWMOBILE CLUB
P.O. Box 32882 • Juneau, AK 99803
723-8948
ANCHORAGE SNOWMOBILE CLUB
P.O. Box 232196 • Anchorage, AK 99523
Hotline: 566-0272
anchoragesnowmobileclub.com
KODIAK SNO BRUINS
Box 3492 • Kodiak, AK 99615
486-3828
AURORA INTERNATIONAL INC.
P.O. Box 520581 • Big Lake, AK 99652
892-6372
LAKE LOUISE SNOWMACHINE CLUB
HC01 Box 1684B
Glennallen, AK 99588
Corky Mathews, 250-2098
CARIBOU HILLS CABIN HOPPERS
P.O. Box 375 • Clam Gulch, AK 99568
252-1782
MAT-SU MOTOR MUSHERS
P.O. Box 876135
Wasilla, AK 99687-6224
CHEECHAKO SKI BENDERS
P.O. Box 834 • Kenai, AK 99611
283-7664
MAT-SU VINTAGE SNOWMACHINE
RACERS CLUB
Email: [email protected]
Web site: matsuvintageracers.com
President: Craig Clayton, 232-7518
CHILKAT SNOWBURNERS INC.
P.O. Box 870 • Haines, AK 99827
Diane Lapham, 766-2503
COPPER COUNTRY
SNOWMOBILE CLUB
HC 01 Box 300 • Gakona, AK 99586
822-3440
CURRY RIDGE RIDERS
P.O. Box 13218 • Trapper Creek, AK 99683
Hotline: 689-7669 or 352-3669
President: Randy Crosby
e-mail: [email protected]
website: www.curryridgeriders.com
DELTA SNOW SEEKERS
P.O. Box 137
Delta Junction, AK 99737
Tom Waggoner, 895-4196
30
NORTHERN LIGHTS
SNOWMOBILE CLUB
2039 B Coman Dr.
Eielson AFB, AK 99702
David Lemelind, 372-2016
RESURRECTION SNOW RIDERS
P.O. Box 2132 • Seward, AK 99664
224-3537
SNOMADS, INC.
P. O. Box 3646 • Homer, AK, 99603
[email protected]
www.snomadsonline.org
VALDEZ SNOWMACHINE CLUB
P.O. Box 3689 • Valdez, AK 99686
Laura Sax, 835-2373
• Alaska SnowRider • March 2015 • www.RideAlaska.com
17 Locations Statewide
1-800-PAIN FREE
Now Open In
ANCHORAGE (907) 27-REHAB (277-3422)
BETHEL (907) 543-7601
BARROW (907)852-3099
DUTCH HARBOR (907) 581-2204
FAIRBANKS (907) 451-7246
www.RideAlaska.com • March 2015 • Alaska SnowRider •
31
ALASKA STATE SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION
P.O. BOX 240405, ANCHORAGE, ALASKA 99524-0405
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT #936
ANCHORAGE, AK