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Charlevoix, Quebec: The Land of Unbelievable Snow

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By: John Arkwright

Unbelievable! How’s that for an opening line? We’re supposed to tell it like it is and that’s as close as this writer can get to an accurate description of the riding experience in Charlevoix.

Last winter many areas experienced mild temperatures and less than stellar snow conditions; not so in the Charlevoix region of Quebec. It was a record year for snow.

We flew into Quebec City and spent our first day riding in the hills north of Mont Saint-Anne with a couple of relaxing stops at the on-trail relais Quebec snowmobiling is famous for.

Next day we headed for Baie Saint-Paul riding back country in the mountains. What a day of snowmobiling! The mountainous terrain is really challenging and demands your utmost attention.

Many snowmobiling tourists think the only place you find good mountain riding is in the West. They’d be surprised to experience the scenery and mountainous geography of Charlevoix. With this much snow and the jagged, changing elevation, riding skill is tested to the max.

You’ll get stuck more than once and deeper than you could ever imagine. This type of riding will humble the best flatland riders and yet, at the end of the day, you’ll be telling your friends you had an absolute blast!

The rest of our visit was spent riding the groomed trails of the region and it is typical Quebec style snowmobiling with trails groomed 16 to 20 feet wide, as smooth as highways. Combine this with the majestic, panoramic views of the mountains and awe of the mighty St Lawrence River and you have it all.

For maps and information on Charlevoix call 800-667-2276 and visit Tourisme-Charlevoix.com

OFSC GO SNOWMOBILING SHOW SEPT 28 – 30, 2007

Press Release –

New Show Benefits from OEM Corporate Exclusivity and Being First in Market for the 2008 Snowmobiling Season

The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) celebrates its 40th anniversary by launching the OFSC GO Snowmobiling Show, September 28 – 30, 2007 at the Toronto Congress Centre, 650 Dixon Road – Toronto’s #1 consumer show venue. As the leader of organized snowmobiling in the province and the provider of the trail product that cornerstones the snowmobiling industry, the OFSC invites all stakeholders to exhibit at the OFSC GO Snowmobiling Show.

The corporate booths of the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) — Arctic Cat, Polaris, Ski- Doo and Yamaha — will exclusively anchor the OFSC GO Snowmobiling Show.

The best that snowmobiling has to offer will also be on display for three days at the Toronto Congress Centre.

OFSC GO Snowmobiling Show attendees will find everything they need to go and enjoy snowmobiling, including clothing, accessories, trailers, plus numerous snowmobiling destinations and lodgings, thanks to a major presence from tourism partners representing Ontario and other provinces.

The OFSC GO Snowmobiling Show will be the first snowmobile show in Canada for the new season and the only fall showcase of the complete OEM 2008 line-ups in Toronto. It will also highlight OFSC clubs and districts, providing excellent person-to-person interface opportunities between club volunteers and those curious to know more about all aspects of snowmobiling.

All proceeds from the OFSC GO Snowmobiling Show will help grow the industry by supporting organized snowmobiling and OFSC snowmobile trails in Ontario.

“Our GO Snowmobiling Show is part of a much larger OFSC initiative to renew and rejuvenate snowmobiling in Ontario,” said OFSC President Bruce Robinson. “As the home team for organized snowmobiling, the OFSC believes we have a responsibility to increase participation by actively promoting the enjoyment of recreational snowmobiling with family and friends as THE winter lifestyle of choice.”

Filling a niche that has been a void in the market, the OFSC GO Snowmobiling Show is positioned to provide consumers with both an introduction and invitation to “GO Snowmobiling” and to embrace the snowmobiling lifestyle. Among the OFSC GO Snowmobiling Show’s target market are those who may never have snowmobiled, but are looking for new winter fun; those whohave tried snowmobiling and want to do more; and those who used to snowmobile and want to try it again.

“Recent consumer research, conducted by both the OFSC and the International Snowmobile Manufacturers’ Association (ISMA), clearly identifies a large group of consumers who are interested in snowmobiling for the first time or doing more snowmobiling,“ stated Robinson. “We also know that many existing family and recreational snowmobilers want to attend an upscale show whose primary focus is snowmobiling. Our models for the style of show we want to host and the type of consumer we want to attract include the FCMQ Quebec Snowmobile Show, the MMIC Toronto Motorcycle Show and the Toronto Cottage Life Show.”

By promoting through both the OFSC membership and manufacturer warranty lists, and the OEM dealer networks and the mainstream and snowmobiling media, the OFSC GO Snowmobiling Show is also uniquely positioned to deliver a core of dedicated snowmobilers, many of whom do not currently attend snowmobile shows or are looking for a new and different show experience.

The OFSC Go Snowmobiling Show will provide a special opportunity for the public to learn about this highly enjoyable recreational activity first hand from many knowledgeable OFSC and OEM representatives. So the OFSC GO Snowmobiling Show will be a very distinctive show that introduces, opens up and builds a new consumer market for the snowmobiling industry.

“The OEM’s are very excited about providing corporate support to the OFSC GO Snowmobiling Show because we believe in what the OFSC is doing to grow snowmobiling in Ontario,” said Ed Klim, ISMA President. “We invite everyone with a business stake in the growth of our industry to join us in supporting this crucial GO Snowmobiling initiative by the OFSC.”

More information about the OFSC GO Snowmobiling Show will be available soon on the OFSC website.

Meanwhile, mark your calendar for the OFSC GO Snowmobiling Show, September 28 – 30, 2007 at the Toronto Congress Centre, 650 Dixon Road.

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.

ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE MAGAZINE LANDING SOON

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The latest issue of All-Terrain Vehicle will be landing on your doorstep and on newsstands any day now!

This issue features our annual BEST IN CLASS Awards where you’ll see who took top honors in a list of prestigious categories.

You’ll also read about Suzuki’s new 450 KingQuad EFI and get the scoop on our 500 class shootout where we put 4 of the top players in this popular category to the test.

Plus, get all the info no the 650i Brute Force, Honda Rancher 420 EFI and Husqvarna’s HUV.

Be sure to get your copy and also head over to ATVMAG.COM for exclusive editorial you won’t find in the magazine!

SKI-DOO SLEDS AUTHORIZED IN YELLOWSTONE

Press Release –

The U.S. Department of Interior has approved four of BRP’s 2007 Ski-Doo snowmobiles powered by the Rotaxä V-800 four-stroke engine for use in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks.

Since November 2004, snowmobiles entering Yellowstone must meet strict National Park Service (NPS) regulations to receive “Best Available Technology” (BAT) certification.

The newly approved 2007 Ski-Doo models include:

* Legend Trail with V-800
* Legend Touring with V-800
* Expedition Sport with V-800
* Tundra with V-800

Those four snowmobiles are built on the lightweight RF chassis and powered by the new Rotax 4-TEC V-800 four-stroke engine, the most fuel efficient engine in the snowmobile industry with up to 25 mpg U.S. or 9.4 litres per 100 km.

“These are fun-to-ride snowmobiles with the latest four-stroke engine technology specific to snowmobiling,” said Yves Leduc, vice-president and general manager for Snowmobiles, Watercraft, ATVs and Sport boats. “We’re proud to offer Ski-Doo snowmobiles that not only meet the parks’ regulations, but are sleds that consumers will really enjoy.”

Yamaha’s R&D Nytro Race Sled Exposed

Press Release –

Boss Racing’s Defending Champion, Robbie Malinoski, and Yuji Nakazawa make their Yamaha debut on the WPSA Power Sports Snowmobile Tour at the Amsoil Duluth National this weekend.

The pair is taking Yamaha’s 4-Stroke Challenge to the race track by campaigning R&D Nytro race sleds in this year’s Pro Open class. The program is the first of its kind in snocross.

“With rumors running rampant about what these two champion racers might be driving this season, we thought we’d do something else unprecedented,” explained Yamaha Race Manager Greg Marier. “We’re going to throw the doors open before race day and tell fans what they can expect to see on the snow at Spirit Mountain.”

First glance at the R&D Nytro race sled will tell fans that this is truly a developmental sled, not a finished and polished machine. The chassis is built to allow the development team to change suspension mounting locations and geometry.

The ergonomics are fully adjustable, giving the drivers the opportunity to provide their feedback on what the ideal should be. Engine mount location has moved around, as the team is field-testing the best location for balance and handling.

Malinoski is excited to get the season started. “I know that the whole year is geared toward R&D, but I’m coming into each race at least to earn a podium finish. The sled has a lot of power already, and we’re not even through first race yet.”

Going into the first race, this is what the R&D Nytro race sled will have onboard. The engine is a Nytro-based, 3-cylinder 973cc 4-stroke powerplant, according to the ISR racing rules.

The front suspension, bulkhead, and side panels are a derivative of the Phazer design. The rear suspension uses a developmental torsion spring design. Current sled weight is equal or less than other mod sleds on the track.

“I am confident we’re going to win some races this winter and really change people’s minds about Yamaha’s 4-stroke sleds,” said Boss Racing Owner Garry Querel. We have seen some amazing technology from Yamaha so far and I am confident that we will meet any challenges head-on and bring home wins on race day!”

Best-Selling Snowmobile Book Back In Print

SUPERTRAX’ own CJ Ramstad’s illustrated history – Legend, Arctic Cat’s First Four Decades – is back in print after its fourth printing this past summer.

The best-selling snowmobile book of all time, it’s the compelling story in words and pictures of the red Arctic Cats of the 1960s, the Black Panther and Sno-Pro EXTs that defined the 1970s, the trials of the market collapse of the early 1980s and the triumphant emergence of a pioneer returning to dominance once again with the new Panthers, Wildcats and ZRs of the 1980s and 90s.

This colorful book tells the tale of the ever-changing product, the engineering, the racing and all the details with a collection of photographs sure to spellbind any one interested in snowmobiling and its history.

Available now at bookstores, Arctic Cat dealers and through CJ’s photo website SNOWPOD.COM

Muskoka: Confidence Inspiring Cruising

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By: Mark Lester

The incredibly posh northern offices of Supertrax International are located smack dab in the middle of some of Ontario’s best snowmobiling.

Last winter this editor’s self-guided tour originated from Supertrax headquarters, located just east of the Muskoka Region in Haliburton County. From here you can run miles and miles of 12 to 16-foot wide white top and enjoy some of the finest riding in North America.

My wife and I loaded up a pair of 4-strokes and pointed toward Muskoka’s Bracebridge, Ontario.

Our route included honing the MSR’s Tall Pines Snowmobile Club trails through the town of Dorset and a visit to the famous Oxtongue Shelter where we linked with the Algonquin Snowmobile Club’s trails, another MSR member.

From here we pointed our ski-tips toward Canada’s largest resort hotel, the Deerhurst Inn and stopped for an excellent lunch there.

Departing the Huntsville area we headed toward the town of Port Sydney on Mary Lake. Another mid-winter squall was dumping copious quantities of our favorite form of precipitation on Muskoka. At some points we actually had to sweep destination signs to verify our route.

After refueling in Port Sydney and encountering ever deepening snow, we had mixed emotions. We were enjoying the amazing trails groomed by the Muskoka Snow Bombers between Port Sydney and Bracebridge but knew every mile we rode drew us closer to our destination, the Riverside Inn in Bracebridge.

After enjoying a great dinner and overnight at the Riverside we loaded up and left the Riverside’s safe, secure snowmobile parking lot and headed toward Gravenhurst, then the town of Baysville on the beautiful Lake of Bays for lunch and a power ride home, sampling what we believe to be some of the finest lake running anywhere in the world.

Our two day trek produced better than 200 miles of riding and was handled in total comfort and confidence without a guide.

Call 1-800-328-7245 and visit SnowmobileInOntario.com for maps and more information.

Electric Wheels for your Sled

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We recently attended a show in Laval Quebec and were introduced to a cool new concept for your snowmobile.

TJD Fabrications out of Riviere-du-Loup, Quebec has introduced an excellent way to limit the beating your carbides take as well as increasing the handling of your sled while crossing roads or hard-packed surfaces.

The SW Electric wheel system mounts to your skis and can be activated by flicking the switch located on the left handlebar of your snowmobile. Activation time is less than 8 seconds and then you can safely cross the road while confidently handling your sled.

The SW Electric is independently automated so you do not need to stop the snowmobile to activate it and handling over hard surfaces will increase dramatically as the wheels will grip the road and lift the skis from the ground.

For more information, visit TJD.ca and call 418-863-5885.

When Should a Drive System Be Serviced?

Question:

I have a 98 Pantera with 3600 miles on it. Is there any guideline as to when drive systems should be replaced? They aren’t worn out, but have been subjected to several winters’ use.

Jerry Brecke

Excelsior, MN

Response:

Regardless of the model year of your Scooter I suggest at 3,600 miles you should have the clutches removed, disassembled, cleaned and serviced.

I also highly recommend you drain the chain case and replace with fresh oil.

While your sled is approaching 10 years of age, with only 3,600 miles there should be lots of good miles left in the unit.

Good luck!

Motorhead Mark

TOP SECRET: Yamaha Race Sled Spy Photos

We had suspected the new Yamaha race sled would look more like a Phazer than the Vector based version Yamaha raced last year.

Our team came across these top secret spy photos of the Yamaha racer in action.