Ryde FX AIR 2.0 springless shocks use a patented oil porting and internal cylinder design that incorporates twin gas chambers that provide dual-spring rate adjustability.
These lightweight shocks provide excellent feel and responsiveness for high-speed handling and rough trail riding, plus a high level of rider comfort.
Visit www.denniskirk.com or call 1-800-970-2309.
Press Release –
With only days left before the April 15, 2008 end of the 2009 Yamaha Spring Power Surge (SPS) program, it is important to recap one of the many Yamaha Advantages: All SPS buyers will receive a FREE 4-YEAR WARRANTY on their new 2009 snowmobile (1 year factory warranty, plus 3 years of Y.E.S.)!
“Yamaha believes in its products,” explained Snowmobile Marketing Manager Wade West. “Our engineers are driven to design the best snowmobiles in the world. Yamaha products are known for their excellent durability and reliability as well as their performance, ride comfort and handling. By offering a full bumper to bumper warranty program for four years, we feel we are giving our customers extra value and even more peace of mind in their purchase.”
Following are some of the many benefits of Yamaha’s fully transferable, bumper-to-bumper warranty program:
• No deductible. There’s never a deductible to pay on covered repairs.
• Fully transferable: Increase value on your Yamaha. Your 4-year Y.E.S. protection plan is transferable, which can increase your Yamaha’s value if you decide to sell or trade it in later. There is no fee for the transfer.
• Affordable 5th year available. 2009 SPS buyers can add an extra year onto the end of the coverage for about $100. That’s 5 years of coverage at an incredible price for a limited time only!
• TRIP benefit. Y.E.S. coverage automatically includes TRIP — Travel and Recreation Interruption Protection that’s in effect from the date of Y.E.S. plan purchase, even during the factory warranty period. With TRIP, expenses related to a covered failure can be covered as well, up to $150 per occurrence! This means unexpected food or lodging expenses, transportation expenses, even a rental vehicle can be covered – and that’s each time you have a covered warranty or Y.E.S. repair.
• Nationwide coverage. Have the nationwide network of Yamaha dealers behind you.
• Peace of mind. Repairs become Yamaha’s problem, not yours. Y.E.S. will be there to help make it right.
Press Release –
What a great snowmobiling season! Along with the successful launch of its new Go Snowmobiling Campaign, the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) celebrated a good, old-fashioned Canadian winter across most of Ontario.
The first of what proved to be a record snowfall season in many areas came in November. Many OFSC trails opened for the Christmas holidays, providing a real boon for winter tourism operators in rural and northern areas that benefit most from its annual $1.2 billion economic impact.
Then the snowmobiling season extended through Spring Break and the Easter Weekend, while OFSC trails continued to remain open for good spring riding through the end of March in many areas. Even today, some snowmobile trails in Northern Ontario remain available for limited spring riding.
“Thanks to great snow conditions, thousands of people got to go snowmobiling for the first time or to discover it again, said Go Snowmobiling Campaign Coordinator John Blaicher. “Overall, permit sales were up by about 2%, while actual participation increased as more snowmobilers rode more often, with more family and friends, to more places, and covered greater distances.”
The OFSC estimates that snowmobilers rode over 150 million kilometres on its 41,000 of snowmobile trails. Another sure sign of a good winter is that many OFSC clubs groomed their trails for 12 weeks or more. Meanwhile, sled sales have reportedly increased by double digit percentages in some regions, while many snowmobile dealers also sold out of parts, accessories and clothing.
All of this reaffirms a strong future for snowmobiling in Ontario, especially considering the results of a recent study conducted by the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association.
It concluded that: “On a 10-point scale, non-snowmobilers across North America rated their desire to go snowmobiling as high as an 8 or 9.”
This season, non-snowmobilers got their wish thanks to Go Snowmobiling and to Old Man winter, and many more are expected to try it for the first time as Go Snowmobiling ramps up for winter 2009.
The OFSC wishes to thank its almost 7,000 club volunteers and more than 15,000 landowners for their part in making the winter of 2008 an outstanding success.
The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs is dedicated to providing strong leadership and support to member clubs and volunteers, to establishing and maintaining quality snowmobile trails which are used in a safe and environmentally responsible manner, and to furthering the enjoyment of organized snowmobiling.
Press Release –
With over four decades of experience in racing and developing snowmobiles, Team Arctic Race Manager, Russ Ebert has announced that he will be transitioning to a new role within the walls of Arctic Cats engineering department.
In two race seasons, Team Arctic racers benefited immediately from his knowledge, patience, experience and hands-on involvement as Race Manager.
Although he won’t admit he’s responsible, in his short two year term, Ebert amassed a trophy case that could fill the entire race shop; including multitudes of snocross podium wins, two X Games titles and various snocross championships in several classes.
On top of that, other weekend-after-weekend wins and championships stacked up in Hillclimb, Oval and Cross Country competition.
Russ had this to say, “At the end of the day, I wanted to lead Team Arctic to victory. I think we were very successful in doing so last year, as well as this year. I’m proud to say our Team Arctic racers are top notch and I’m very proud of them. They give it their all, and that’s all I can ask for!”
In his new developmental role, Ebert will continue to focus his passion of being a “hands-on guy” as he continues improving the already potent Sno Pro 600.
“Team Arctic racing will always be in my blood, and I really enjoy getting my hands dirty by providing the best equipment to racers. For a first year race sled, the Sno Pro 600 proved its durability, and I’m fortunate enough to help make it the ultimate race weapon for next season!”
Ebert won’t be confined to engineering, as he will also be on hand as a Team Arctic ambassador at several 2008-09 National and Regional snowmobile races.
An announcement will be made shortly of Ebert’s replacement as Team Arctic Race Manager.
Press Release –
Racers like “King of Kings” Keith Curtis added to the legendary history of Polaris Deep Snow RMK models with winning performances at the 33rd annual World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Curtis led the way as Polaris racers won 60% of the event’s Stock class titles and 40% of all the Pro classes during the event held March 27-30.
Polaris hillclimbers earned 53% of the Stock podium positions and Curtis won three Stock titles – Stock 600, Stock 700 and Stock 800 – aboard Polaris RMKs powered by Liberty engines.
He proceeded to win the “Stock King of the Hill” title, and then advanced to the battle for the ultimate honor of “King of Kings.”
Competing against the Improved Stock and Mod class Kings, Curtis and his stock 800 RMK Dragon demonstrated real Polaris “Winning Performance” as he reached the summit of Snow King Mountain in just 1 minute, 8.628 seconds to earn the top honor at the sport’s most historic and prestigious hillclimb.
Polaris hillclimber Parker Brown set a new record for fastest run to the top of the mountain. Brown won the Mod 800 class by reaching the top in just 56.419 seconds – several seconds faster than the times of this year’s Kings of the Hill and the fastest summit run in Jackson Hole history.
Polaris hillclimbers who won class titles at the 2008 World Championship were:
• Keith Curtis: Stock 600, Stock 700, Stock 800, Stock King of the Hill and King of Kings
• Trent Backus: Improved 700 Stock – where Polaris racers swept the top three positions
• Norm Hebert: Improved 800 Stock
• Parker Brown: Mod 800
• Matthew Pitman: Amateurs
Polaris RMKs – Rocky Mountain Kings – provide deep snow riders with exactly what they need to climb high peaks and ride in powder country: a strong yet extremely lightweight chassis, the sport’s best ride and handling and outstanding Liberty power.
RMKs are easily prepped for hillclimb competition, and as Keith Curtis demonstrated on his stock 800 RMK Dragon, stock RMKs are more than capable of outperforming modified competitive sleds.
Polaris hillclimber Dolan Phelps earned three podium spots at the World Championship with a second in Improved Stock 700, second in Stock 800 and third in Stock 1000.
Charlie Lopeman took third in both Pro Masters Mod and Open Mod and fellow Polaris hillclimbers to earn podium positions were: Dustin Haderlie (second, Improved Stock 600); Darin Gould (second, Pro Masters Mod); Cole Willford (third, Stock 600); Michael Crockett (third, Improved Stock 600); Erin Beukelman (third, Improved Stock 700); and Jay Stickney (third, Improved Stock 800).
Press Release –
September 26 – 28, 2008
The inaugural OFSC Go Snowmobiling Show was a great success and attracted thousands of enthusiastic snowmobilers anxious to see the latest sleds and plan their season. Our second show promises to be even better!
The show is dedicated to snowmobiling and the visitors love it! The OFSC Go Snowmobiling Show continues to be the first show of the season and the only show with all the 2009 models from the sled manufacturers – Arctic Cat, Polaris, Ski-Doo and Yamaha.
This is an unmatched opportunity to promote and sell your products to avid snowmobilers eager to see the latest products and services.
No OFSC Trail Permit Dollars are used to produce this show.
Proceeds from this show go directly into the OFSC trails. As a non-profit, volunteer driven organization, we are dedicated to providing strong leadership and support to member clubs and volunteers, to establishing and maintaining quality snowmobile trails which are used in a safe and environmentally responsible manner, and to furthering the enjoyment of organized snowmobiling.
Proceeds from the sale of trail permits provide primary funding for both the trail operations of local snowmobile clubs and their provincial organization.
The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs is the largest snowmobiling organization in the world.
Thank you to all that support the OFSC and the Go Snowmobiling Show working together to grow a GREAT SPORT!
By: AJ Lester
The sheets have been pulled of the 2009 iron and although it seems for the most part free-riders are overlooked, the Engineers in Roseau are making some headway in what I’ll go out on a limb and refer to as a “new” segment.
The new Polaris 800 Assault is as close as we have ever been to a factory-built, dealer available free-ride rig. The Assault will more closely answer the call of high altitude free-riders as it comes in only one shoe size, 146-inch.
This all-new ride carries factory-installed Pro Taper high rise bars, piggyback air suspension and minimalist cut-backs everywhere. Matte colors and basic but aggressive graphics pave the way for this boondockin’, free-ride-bred 800cc monster.
For flatlanders an identical package with a 121 pushed by the 600 Shift mill would work perfectly and could carve out this segment with a reasonably priced, potent motor package.
As much as this sounds like an endorsement for a new Polaris sled I didn’t say it was perfect. Since I’m not a thin air rider, and only get to ten thousand plus a few times a year, the Assault isn’t the sled for me, and probably not the sled for the majority of flatland free-riders using groomed trail systems to get to the backcountry. However the idea is perfect.
Face the facts – the majority of free-riders are looking for a big horsepower, lightweight sled that goes up and over as well as over and off. This means big suspension, handlebars that are more comfortable when you’re standing than sitting, and a short track with an aggressive paddle.
Most traditional riders think a X-over sled answers these questions. They really don’t. A 136-inch trail sled with a 1.25 paddle is longer than it needs to be and due to the extra length, heavier. The perfect compromise is a 121 track with a 1.5 lug.
The added height on the lug will move as much snow as the 136 does with a 15-inch shorter footprint – making powder carving through the pines a much easier maneuver. In short would Polaris offer the Assault in a 121 version with a 1.5 lug? The majority of free-riders breathing sea level air will agree this package makes for a potent boondocker while still maintaining a level of trail-ability.
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, free-riders don’t worry about the number of miles racked up in a day – it’s not about how tight the seams on the hood fit or how many MPG we got on the last gas stop. It’s the experience, the thrill of lining up a tight climb that looks impossible knowing if you bail there’s a video camera to produce necessary evidence you actually tried.
It’s important to note the majority of mountain riders don’t use their sleds on trails, for the most part the sleds are purpose-built and are destined for nothing but high altitude and big powder. These riders don’t buy trail permits and aren’t looking to support and use the local trail systems.
Back at sea level growing numbers of free-riders are still interested in getting out for a day’s ride on trails and the majority will still buy trail permits because they want to use the trail system to find uncarved public land while still supporting local clubs and organizations.
I’ll say this again – free-ride doesn’t mean irresponsible. Although we’re not a huge segment we are growing, we are buying snowmobiles, accessories gas and food, and in doing so supporting a sport that can’t afford to turn anyone away.
There’s little doubt this has been one of the best winters in at least five seasons for many areas across North America.
Of note has been the wide spread nature of snow from east to west on both sides of the border.
We’ve heard from riders in Maine, Vermont, New York, Michigan, Minnesota and everywhere in between praising both early and abundant snow this season. There was especially wide spread snow coverage during the critical Christmas/New Year week.
To say the market has responded would be inadequate. From what industry insiders tell us (remember, we’re not supposed to know what snowmobile sales are doing) sales at the end of December had made a 20 point shift from November.
Apparently sales were down 10 percent going into December (a result of last season’s generally soft winter) and soared up almost 10 percent by the end of December.
We’ve heard non-current inventory reduction estimates as high as 40 percent through January. What we do know is this: when it snows and wherever it snows, you buy new sleds.
In early February, stories of strong sales persisted across the North American snow belt.
You Can Ride For An Extra Month Here!
Story & Photos by Mike Lester
I can’t remember the last time I went snowmobiling this late in the season. If I put on any miles in late March it’s typically a really mushy mix of snow and muck or, ‘snirt’, as we like to say. Last week I tallied 120 miles on perhaps the best trails I’ve ridden this season – five days before April!
My brother, Matt, and I were invited to Maine to stay at one of the State’s nicest resorts for outdoor enthusiasts. Northern Outdoors is located on Highway 201 in The Forks, Maine. Between The Forks, West Forks and Caratunk – or the tri-city area, there’s a whopping annual population of 190 people. During the summer, the area’s population explodes as tourists flood in to tackle the mighty rapids. For snowmobilers though, this place is the launch point to some of the greatest riding around.
We were privileged to stay in one of Northern Outdoor’s private chalets equipped with three full bedrooms, kitchens upstairs and down complete with fridge, stove, dishwasher and microwave, 2 bathrooms and a spacious living room area on each floor. Plus satellite TV kept our minds occupied following amazing meals in the main lodge.
Our sleds set out from the resort and headed down wide, winding, tree-lined trails on the Forks Area Scenic Trail or FAST, as it’s commonly known. Again, remember we’re talking about late season riding here – almost April. There’s enough snow right in town to make even a short ride worthwhile and within the first ten minutes of our ride we’d already seen 16 deer. The trail leads us further north and soon Mother Nature starts to lay down some fresh, new fluff.
At a brief pit stop, our guide, Greg Caruso tells us we’ll be taking a 5-mile detour because there’s something cool he wants us to see. No sweat; let’s roll. On we go. I’m positively amazed at the trails. Through my helmet I can hear the sound of rushing water getting louder and louder until finally we stop by Grand Falls on the Dead River. Greg tells us that by spring, the water is expected to raise from roughly 1000 cubic feet per second, to upwards of 8000 CF/S or more, in early spring. We take a few minutes to soak it all in, then head back out on the trails.
Next we head over to Coburn Mountain. On a clear day you can see for miles from the peak, but on this day, with the snow falling and clouds looming overhead, the peak was hidden as we stopped at the base. We took a small trail just wider than our ski stance and headed straight up.
If we had encountered someone coming the other way, I have no idea how we’d have gotten around. At the halfway mark, sitting at around 1500 feet elevation, the trees were so heavily covered by a recent ice storm they seemed to be hunched over like an elderly man carrying a load on his back. Off we went again, straight up, this time reaching the peak at 3800 feet!
Our next stop was the Bulldog Camp at the base of Bulldog Mountain. Where we were riding you’d never expect to see anyone – in fact in about 4 hours of riding we’d only seen three other snowmobiles.
This clean and quaint little cottage is the best spot in the area (and maybe the only spot in the area) to stop for a hot meal. To our amazement the place was full and the snowmobilers inside were as surprised to see us, as we were to see them! After a great meal, some sharing of stories and a quick gas-up we rode out and around on the Shutdown Mountain Loop.
A seemingly endless supply of trails lined the countryside. As Greg puts it, “I could show you about a hundred different ways to get to the same spot.” But first, a quick detour took us to the clear cuts in the saddle of Johnson Mountain off the Alpine Trail System.
Deep powder covered the hillside and our sleds held on as we all showed off a bit of free riding, taking a much-needed break from a hard day at the office. We must’ve spent at least a half an hour carving up the hillside before we headed back out on the Alpine Trail System.
The rest of the afternoon consisted of more of the same and we only saw a small handful of snowmobilers the entire day. It was five days before April and I rode the best conditions of the entire season in this amazing hidden paradise for snowmobilers.
The Morning Sentinel reports that there could be as many as five more weeks of snowmobiling in Northern Maine with up to six feet of snow covering the ground and holding firmly. (http://morningsentinel.mainetoday.com/news/local/4901295.html). Northern Outdoors plans to extend its operating dates up to at least April 6th and perhaps beyond if conditions hold and they invite you to enjoy some great sledding at special 50 percent discounted post-season rates.
visit NorthernOutdoors.com and call 1-800-765-7238 for more information.
Press Release –
Racers and spectators alike gathered at the Chicopee Ski Resort in Kitchener, Ontario for the second-last round of the CSRA Regional Series. With the sun shining and mild temperatures, the weather couldn’t have been better. Thanks to the abundance of snow on the Chicopee Ski Hill there was definitely no shortage of the white stuff.
In the Pro Super Stock race it was #93 Iain Hayden (Ski-Doo) of Espanola who took the win ahead of #73 Lee Butler (Polaris/Royal Distributing) from Northbrook. #202 Joey Sagan (Ski-Doo/Royal Distributing) of Elmvale held on for third place.
When the Pro Open race took to the track it was #999 Michael Van Dolder (Ski-Doo/Flying Dutchmen Racing) who pulled out with the lead only to suffer a crash on the down-hill section, leaving #73 Lee Butler to take over the lead and eventually the win.
The Semi-Pro races seemed to be all about the starts as time and again the holeshot winner was chased and rarely caught. In the Semi-Pro Open race it was #173 Corey Watkinson (Arctic Cat/Shorline Racing) of Port Carling who rocketed off the start and grabbed the win ahead of Cochrane’s #115x David Joanis (Polaris/Royal Distributing). It was #35 Paul Wilson (Ski-Doo/Rosko Powersports) from Elmvale who rounded out the top three in third position.
The Semi-Pro Super Stock race was run in a 4-moto format with point totals determining final standings. #115 David Joanis came out on top taking first position overall ahead of #173 Corey Watkinson who proved consistency pays off with a second place overall followed by #511 Jaymie McPhail (Ski-Doo/Dayco) of Haliburton who finished third.
Going back to the qualifier and final format, the Semi-Pro Stock race saw #511 Jaymie McPhail take the lead off the start leading an impressive battle with #115x David Joanis with Joanis coming out on top with first place leaving McPhail to finish second ahead of #219 Jamie Byers (Polaris/Byers Equipment) from Orillia in third position.
Racing in a four-moto format, the Semi-Pro Women had their work cut out for them. In the end it was #55 Angela Vacchino (Arctic Cat/Shorline Racing) of Timmins taking the win. #111s Stacey Orr (Ski-Doo/Rosko Powersports) of Coldwater took second place ahead of #114x Stephanie Simard (Polaris/Royal Distributing) of Chibougamau, Quebec in third place.
Team Vincent Motorsports sponsored this weekends Ski-Doo Freestyle Challenge. Ten children aged 10 – 13 were provided with the use of a brand new Skidoo Freestyle snowmobile, full race gear, and pro instruction Saturday before they each competed in their very first Snowcross race on Sunday.
After some instruction on Saturday from Pro racer #111j Jonathan Orr, 12-year-old Dalton Wojcik took the holeshot and the win. We look forward to having Dalton represent Team Vincent Motorsports in the Freestyle Challenge final taking place April 4th and 5th at Horseshoe Valley Resort in Barrie, Ontario where the lucky winner will be awarded with a brand-new 2008 Ski-Doo Freestyle snowmobile.
The final round of the CSRA National Series take place next weekend, April 5th & 6th, as part of the Canadian National Snowcross Championships at Horseshoe Valley Ski & Resort.
*Subscribing indicates consent to receive newsletter content to the provided email. Of course, you can unsubscribe at any time.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
SNOWTRAX has established itself as the most watched snowmobile TV series in North America.
Each season, the SNOWTRAX crew guides viewers through informative and entertaining content; revealing the inside scoop on the latest snowmobiles, accessories and riding destinations that make snowmobiling winter's greatest adventure sport.
SNOWTRAX can be viewed weekly during the winter season in Canada on City TV, Wild TV, REV TV and Sportsman Channel Canada and across America on Sportsman Channel.
© TRAX MEDIA INC 2022
