International Series of Champions,  the promoters of AMSOIL Championship Snocross, announced today that ACS sponsor United States Air Force will return to the series' sponsorship lineup for the 2013-'14 competition season.

The organization will back both the Feb. 7-8 Seneca/Allegany (N.Y.) Air Force Snocross and the March 7-8 Air Force Snocross at Buffalo River Race Park in Glyndon, Minn.

AMSOIL Championship Snocross has been a strategic partner for the USAF's key messages to potential recruits over the past three competition seasons. The Air Force Recruiting Service (AFRS), which looks to add approximately 26,000 annually for 150 different career fields (with more than 8,500 career opportunities in the mechanical area), enjoys the synergy that the high tech world of professional snowmobile racing offers - along with the Air Force-quality fans the series attracts.

 "Like Snocross, the United States Air Force uses teamwork and finely-tuned equipment to accomplish its mission," said Col. Marcus Johnson, AFRS Strategic Marketing Division chief. "From working on engines of an F-22 Raptor to engineering the next generation of quad rotors, all of our missions require Airmen to be innovative and have technical acumen."

For more information on the Feb. 7-8 Seneca/Allegany (N.Y.) Air Force Snocross and the March 7-8 Air Force Snocross at Buffalo River Race Park in Glyndon, Minn. link to www.isocracing.com. And for more info on the USAF link to www.airforce.com

Brian Dick won the three-lap USXC Pro Open in Willmar, Minn. on January 18.

He finished five seconds ahead of second place. Brian finished second in the 10-lap, 100-mile Pro Stock race, logging the fastest MPH of the event.

“Our Arctic Cat snowmobiles are really dialed in and it showed in our MPH - we had the fastest sled on the track today. That helped get us the win in Pro Open and a solid finish in Pro Stock,” Dick said.
Zach Herfindahl took third in Pro Open, backing up his teammate on the podium. In Pro Stock he lost his brakes after one lap but still managed to finish in 11th place and the points cushion he had coming into the event meant he would still leave Willmar as the Pro Stock points leader.

“We had a good run in Pro Open but unfortunately I lost my brakes in Pro Stock. I thought we had a good chance at taking the win in that class, but we still have the points lead so that’s a positive,” Herfindahl said.

Meanwhile, CBR snocross rider Tyler Adams spent the weekend racing at the Eagle River World Championship Snowmobile Derby in Eagle River, Wisconsin, where he led the Pro Open snocross final during the Friday Night Thunder event for 12 out of 15 laps. The next day he competed in a Great Lakes Snocross event in Illinois where he swept the Pro Lite class.

[caption image="http://cs.amsnow.com/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-38-chartier2014/3823.derby2014250.gif" position="right" targeturl="http://cs.amsnow.com/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-38-chartier2014/4744.derby2014.gif"]Malcolm Chartier hoists the World Championship Snowmobile Derby trophy with Derby Queen & Princess' in Divas SnowGear at his sides. Photo by Divas SnowGear[/caption]Returning champion, Malcolm Chartier, led every lap of the 51st World Championship Snowmobile Derby grabbing another world title win, according to the WAOW.com.

Marine City, Michigan-native, 25, becomes the ninth racer in Derby history to win back-to-back titles.

Chartier nearly lapped the rest of the field in the late stages of the race.

Wausau-native Matt Schulz finished as a runner-up for the second time in three years. Schulz was looking for his first title since 2010.

Here are the results

January 18 kicked off International Snowmobile Safety Week 2014. So, what do we do to keep it safe on the trails?

One of the first things the AmSnow crew always puts on before they ride is a chest protector. This type of protection is often overlooked by riders and simply not worn. This year you’ll see a lot of our riders wearing the SV1 Trail Protective Snow Vest from EVS. These vests are built with a puncture resistant internal EVA and PP armor construction to protect against collisions and abrasions.

Beyond the collision protection, these vests also give our riders another layer of warmth. They can be worn under your jacket or outside, as the Hi-Vis reflective piping makes the rider highly visible. The full front zip closure make for easy-on/easy-off and it’s relatively light weight too.

EVS also makes race version of their SV1 vest which has an optional compatible neck brace and conforms to all ISR guidelines.

The bottom line here is to be as safe as you can when you’re out in the powder. EVS has been a great option for our riders. There are many companies out there who make similar products. Find what works best for you, and be a smart, safe rider.

For more information on EVS protective gear check out www.evs-sports.com.

By Ross Halvorson

Rear suspension idler wheels are a wear item on most sleds built in the last 30 years. They may vary in material, size and style, but they haven’t really changed much since the mid ’70s. Luckily for us, many of them are also re-buildable with a simple bearing swap. Typically a large snap ring holds the bearing in position, allowing them to be serviced instead of trashed. Unfortunately, some wheels are not repairable due to over-molded, permanently installed bearings or the bearing is part of the wheel itself.

Also, if the outer rubber layer is damaged, the entire wheel should be replaced.

After removing the snap ring with a set of snap ring pliers, you can use a large socket or similar round stock to pound or press out the old, worn bearing. After cleaning the snap ring groove and bearing cup, a replacement bearing can be pressed or lightly tapped into place. Do not pound on the center when installing the new bearing however. Again, a large socket can be used to help seat the bearing. After installing the snap ring and making sure it’s properly seated, your wheel is now ready to be reinstalled in the skid. - Joe Rainville

Thursday night the 23rd the Winter X Games freestyle competition will take place in Aspen, Colo.

Idaho local Heath Frisby will be looking to add to his collection of medals wearing his FLY Racing gear and F2 helmet. Colten Moore will be making the trip from Texas looking for the gold and carrying on the torch for his brother Caleb who tragically passed away from injuries at last year’s games. Sam Rogers will be battling for a medal in his Triple 9 Optics goggles, FLY Racing gear, and helmet. Willie Elam will be looking to bring home a medal for his newborn daughter, and Joe Parsons will be sending it in his F2 helmet.

Saturday’s event will be the Long Jump competition in which Heath Frisby, Colten Moore, and Willie Elam (if he qualifies), will also be looking to send it for some medals.

Sunday the 26th, FLY athletes will be competing for medals in Snocross action. Look for Tucker Hibbert in his FLY Racing F2 helmet as he looks to add to his plate of accomplishments. If T-Train takes the gold, he’ll earn his seventh consecutive gold medal and 12th X Games Snocross medal. Ross Martin will be piloting his Jack Links Polaris and F2 helmet hoping to land on the podium bringing home another medal. The adaptive Snocross will be one of the most exciting races to watch as last year’s final saw lots of excitement and great racing. “Monster” Mike Schultz, Jim Wazny, Doug Henry, and Garret Goodwin will all be out there in FLY Racing gear and helmets battling for the gold!


Television Broadcast Schedule
Thursday, January 23 – Snowmobile Freestyle Final – 9 p.m. – 11 p.m. ET ­– ESPN
Saturday, January 25 – Snowmobile Long Jump Final – 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. ET – ABC
Sunday, January 26 – Snowmobile Adaptive Snocross Final – 2 p.m.–6 p.m. ET – ESPN
Sunday, January 26 – Snowmobile Snocross Final – 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. ET – ESPN

ESPN and Aspen Skiing Company have reached an agreement to keep the X Games in Aspen/Snowmass, Colo. through 2019.

After a comprehensive bidding process, ESPN chose to continue its long-term relationship with Aspen Skiing Company, already the longest-tenured X Games host city. 

“For the last 13 years, Aspen/Snowmass has been a fantastic location for the Winter X Games and we’re excited about extending our stay in Aspen/Snowmass and continuing our great relationship with Aspen Skiing Company," said Scott Guglielmino, senior vice president, programming and X Games. “While the level of interest from other locations was excellent, the opportunity to continue our collaboration with Aspen Skiing Company proved the most promising for long-term growth and development of the event.”
 
ESPN’s X Games Aspen 2014 will celebrate its 13th year in Aspen from January 23-26, 2014, with live coverage on ESPN and ABC. The premier winter lifestyle event will again showcase the talents of more than 200 athletes from across the globe competing for medals and prize money in the sports of Snowboard, Ski and Snowmobile. Snowboarder X and Snowmobile Long Jump will return to the X Games Aspen list of disciplines in 2014 after a brief hiatus.
 
In addition to the sporting competition, X Games celebrates the intersection of sports and music that exists in the culture of the X Games.  In 2014, X Games Music Presents will return to downtown Aspen’s Wagner Park Jan. 25 and 26 with four globally recognized musical guests as part of the X Games Aspen 2014 event. International dance music superstar Tiësto anchors the event on Sunday, which also includes a set by Axwell, while Phoenix, and Matt & Kim take center stage on Saturday.
 
The announcement means Aspen / Snowmass joins Austin as the two host locations of X Games.

Tucker Hibbert will attempt to become the first athlete to win seven consecutive gold medals at Winter X Games.

Sunday’s Monster Energy SnoCross event at Buttermilk Mountain will mark the 11-time medalist’s 14th appearance at X Games.

"Going into X Games, I have a lot of confidence. I know we’re (the team) doing everything we can to be prepared so I’m excited to get to Aspen and ride the course. The X Games track is always my favorite track of the year – big jumps, technical sections and big banked turns," Hibbert said.

It’s already been a record-breaking season for Hibbert. Earlier this month, he eclipsed legend Blair Morgan’s long-standing snocross pro national win record to become the most-winning racer in the history of the sport. Hibbert’s currently six-for-six on the 2013/2014 ISOC National Snocross tour and has a firm grip on points in the Pro Open Championship.

The snoCross field will be cut from 24 to 15 riders. Watch Hibbert race for the gold medal seven-peat live on ESPN Sunday from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET.

Rocky Mountain Snowmobile Racing racers and fans were treated to blue skies at the 2014 Roost the Butte event held at Crested Butte Mountain Resort on January 18-19, 2014. 

Levi LaVallee, Kyle Pallin, Jake Scott, Paul Thacker, Kody Kamm, Justin Broberg, Ross Martin and Andrew Carlson used the SnoCross and HillCross tracks as an opportunity to practice for the upcoming X Games. 

“The track conditions here are great” said Levi LaVallee, “it’s a fast, challenging course and the large SnoCross track is a real treat compared to the 35-36 second lap times we have in the Midwest.”       

This marks the second consecutive year that Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) has hosted the event.       

Race Recap
On Saturday, the racing action saw riders compete in the SnoCross and SnoOval disciplines.  Throughout the day SnoOval races were held adjacent to the SnoCross track, and in a repeat of Grand Lake, Tony Cook (Polaris) swept nearly every class he entered. Matt Reed (Yamaha) did edge him out in the Vintage 500 Fan class, and in the Vintage 500 Liquid class it was Tracy Smith (Yamaha) with the win. Dean Charpentier was also a winner taking first in Vintage 800 Stock and second in Vintage 800 Modified on his Polaris.  Following multiple exhibition rides by the X Games athletes, Saturday’s events wrapped up with RMSR’s Pro-Lite SnoCross. The full field saw Round 1 winner Taylor Meuwissen (Arctic Cat) take the holeshot and early lead, but a mistake in lap two took him off the track leaving Wes Chapman (Arctic Cat) in the lead. Champan had a flawless ten-lap ride averaging almost sixty second lap times and took the win. A.J. Stoffle (Ski-Doo) got a slow start but came from behind to finish second to with Dylon Moss (Polaris) rounding out the podium. 

Sunday’s events moved riders and crew to the Gold Link runs of Crested Butte Mountain Resort for HillCross and SnoDrags. Pro Stock 800 HillCross was the feature class of the day, with additional purses from Tyler’s Backcountry Awareness and CBMR. The sixteen rider class saw Keith Carrico (Ski-Doo) take the win followed closely by Craig Jones in second (Ski-Doo) and JT Hotchkiss (Polaris) finishing third. The highlight of the SnoDrag competition was certainly the Pro Open class where the  best turbo tuners showed their stuff. Jonathon Durmas, son of longtime Polaris racer Dennis Durmas, piloted a very fast Polaris to win the Pro Open class, but was not far behind were fellow Polaris riders Chad Westbrook in second and Josh Robarge in third. SnoDrag also features Stock classes and “run what you bring”, which is always a fan favorite.

Winter X Games started last night in Aspen, Colo. with Colten Moore winning the gold in the Snowmobile Freestyle competition.

The Snowmobile Freestyle event at Winter X sees the eight best freestyle riders in the world hitting a technical, jump-filled course on Buttermilk Mountain in Aspen, CO. Each rider hits the course twice in this best-score-wins format.

Moore proved to the judges why he deserved gold – and doing it all for his brother Caleb, who tragically passed last year. With strong tricks including a cliffhanger and superflip, Moore scored a 91.33 on his first run, taking an enthusauc and emotional victory lap on his second. Joe Parsons showcased what he could do in the 75 seconds of a run, scoring a 86.33 and taking silver. Heath Frisby scored a 86.00 and a bronze.
 
The night was extra special for Parsons, who now has an incredible 13 medals to his name.
 
Parsons was last to go in the finals. He unleashed with a cordova flip, a KOD indy flip, and his signature gator wrestler, an incredible backflip variation he unveiled at last year’s X. After his run it was uncertain if he had enough, but when the scores dropped his clutch score of 86.33 he narrowly edged out his teammate Frisby for the silver.
 
Heading into Frisby’s 2nd and last run, he sat in 7th needing a big score. He delivered too:  an underflip, indy super flip, a big no-footed can flip, and a KOD flip substantially improved his score. The 86.00 locked him in for the bronze.

The J. Armand Bombardier Museum unveiled the three millionth Ski-Doo assembled by BRP at its Valcourt plant.

The ceremony was open to the public and attended by Valcourt Mayor Renald Chênevert, BRP President José Boisjoli, and Museum Director Mario Landry. BRP donated this special snowmobile to the Museum.

 “BRP’s three millionth snowmobile will remain here in the community of Valcourt, and it will become a true artifact of the region’s history. It was generously offered to us, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the entire BRP team for this invaluable donation,” said Mario Landry, Director of the J. Armand Bombardier Museum.

The Museum will be offering a variety of different activities in the coming weeks—an ideal time to enjoy guided tours of the Museum. On Saturday, January 25, the first 50 visitors to the Museum will receive a surprise gift. Those who come to the Museum on Sunday, January 26 can enjoy a free ride on a 1957 R12 snow vehicle—a recent acquisition by the Museum—and on snowmobiles from the 1970s, ‘80s, and ‘90s. This activity is being organized in conjunction with the Pionniers de Valcourt club. For more information, see the Museum Web site at bombardiermuseum.com.

Mike Schultz won his fourth consecutive gold medal in SnoCross Adaptive on Sunday.

He finished more than 13 seconds ahead of silver medalist Garrett Goodwin and bronze medalist Doug Henry, who both use custom snowmobile seats for paraplegic racers.

In the final, Henry came out of the first turn near the front of the pack. He went on to run most of the race in fourth place before finally battling to 3rd late in the race to take the bronze.
 
Sunday's win in Aspen brings Schultz overall X Games medal count to seven, six of them gold.

SnoCross Adaptive Final
Place     Name     Time
1     Mike Schultz     4:36.557 R
2     Garrett Goodwin     4:50.254
3     Doug Henry     4:54.665
4     Jim Wazny     5:05.602

Tucker Hibbert won his seventh consecutive gold medal in the Snowmobile SnoCross on Sunday, making him the record holder for the most back-to-back gold medals of any Winter X Games athlete.

Hibbert, previously tied at six gold medals in a row with Snowboard SuperPipe Shaun White.

Hibbert was the top qualifier in the first heat, then lapped some of the field in the final. He took an early lead, squeezing ahead of Kamm for the hole shot, then staying out in front, leaving Kamm and Broberg to battle it out for second place.

On Sunday, Hibbert beat silver medalist Kody Kamm by 13.75 seconds on the course. Justin Broberg got the bronze.

"It means the world, man, it's awesome," Hibbert said. "It's a tough race when you're in the lead, and the track was getting pretty gnarly toward the end. ... I'm pumped to have the seven-peat. I get older every year and I just wonder if this is going to keep going. We'll find out next year."

Snowmobile SnoCross Final
Place    Name    Time
1    Tucker Hibbert    12:27.984
2    Kody Kamm    12:41.743
3    Justin Broberg    12:43.969
4    Tim Tremblay    12:51.629

[caption image="http://cs.amsnow.com/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-39-wos/7455.woman-on-snow50016.jpg" position="left" targeturl="http://cs.amsnow.com/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-39-wos/2867.woman-on-snow16.jpg"]Frigid temps couldn't keep Asst. Editor Christie Green or the Women On Snow riders from having fun and snowmobiling. [/caption]"How cold does it have to be for you not to go snowmobiling?" Ironically, I received this question from a coworker last week. I told him I would let him know.

This past weekend, eighty of the bravest and toughest snowmobilers I have ever met allowed me to tag along on their snowmobiling trip in Eagle River, Wis. They pushed it through temperatures that reached a HIGH of 0 and a low of -15. That's not including the wind chill. They rode around 150 to 200 miles with huge smiles on their faces even while dealing with helmet fogging and freezing fingers. Some of these snowmobilers have had almost 30 years of experience. What some maybe shocked by was this group was made up of 100% women!

The Women of Snow invited AmSnow to attend this year's weekend event in Eagle River, Wis. at the Eagle Waters Resort. Being the female member of the team, I jumped at the chance to go attend this iconic event that has been going on since 1978.

The event started back in 1978 when two Eagle River women decided to take a 307-mile, two day tour on snowmobile, without their husbands. Today that may seem not uncommon, but at the time snowmobile clubs were not even letting women on their annual club rides. Pretty soon word spread and with the help of Ski-Doo, women from around the Midwest were trailering up to Eagle River each year for the ride.

This year’s trip cost $300 and it included lodging at the newly renovated Eagle Waters Resort, delicious-hot meals and gas. If you came with a full tank, you left with a full tank!

[caption image="http://cs.amsnow.com/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-39-wos/3487.woman-on-snow5002.jpg" position="right" targeturl="http://cs.amsnow.com/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-39-wos/0363.woman-on-snow2.jpg"]Women On Snow's green group enjoys a warm beverage at Pitliks. [/caption]Sisterhood of the snowmobiling pants
This ride had a family or sorority welcoming atmosphere.  Many of the snowmobilers were sisters, moms and daughters. Friends encouraged others to come up and give it a try and then it passed on to their daughters. Many husbands dropped off their wives and daughters and headed to the cabins while the women had fun playing in the snow.

The "Queen of Snowmobiling," Bev Dittmar was my Friday night tour guide. Bev has been involved since the beginning of the event and was one of the first women ever allowed on a snowmobile club trip. She has, also, been on the Wis. Governor's Council for years. Her knowledge of the area and local lore of the trail stops left me in awe. She tore down the trails with vigor making sure to let oncoming snowmobilers know we deserved respect when they thrust onto our side of the trail. Her daughters and granddaughter were a part of the group adding to the warm family atmosphere.

My roommate Jamie Zachman was the daughter of my Saturday tour guide, Marie Simmer. And two of my other warm and friendly roommates, Megan Calzavara and Dana Druker, were the daughters of Patty Calazara. Patty is in charge of the tail of the black group, making sure that everyone safely makes it to the stops.

[caption image="http://cs.amsnow.com/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-39-wos/8787.woman-on-snow50018.jpg" position="right" targeturl="http://cs.amsnow.com/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-39-wos/6371.woman-on-snow18.jpg"]Saturday night's banquet had a 'Life in the Northwoods' theme with most attendees dressing up in costume. [/caption] Funewbies’s pink crowns
As a sort of initiation rite, all new snowmobilers to the trip are welcomed with a pink hat and told they are Funewbies. We were told to decide what the “Fu” stood for. There were Funewbies of all ages and marital statuses. A common theme I heard was "well I always ride with my husband / boyfriend and I just wanted to test myself on my own."

Our pink hats were to be worn at all times with the promise of a graduating to a black hat if we proved ourselves. The hats made a nice way to identify ourselves at the pitstops and created a shared experience. We warned to never lose the hat though! If you lost it you had to buy a drink for the women. Saturday night, after eating a delicious meal of boiled white fish and fried fish, Funewbies graduated at the banquet. We marched to front of the women all dressed in north woods themed costumes and received our black hats. It felt like we were a part of this big family now.

[caption image="http://cs.amsnow.com/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-39-wos/8053.woman-on-snow50010.jpg" position="right" targeturl="http://cs.amsnow.com/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-39-wos/8176.woman-on-snow10.jpg"]Sportsmen's Chalet is a popular spot for snowmobilers and was a trail stop during the Women On Snow weekend. [/caption]Northern Wisconsin’s love letter to snowmobilers
In the Northern woods of Wisconsin there is a appreciation for snowmobilers that makes one feel at ease and welcome. The trails were groomed to perfection and the lakes were marked with large construction barrels to keep everyone safe. In Eagle River, the town has a sign for snowmobilers to push the walk signal to keep the lights green longer so they can cross. On our last ride one pickup truck hauling a snowmobile trailer actually stopped in the middle of the highway with his flashers on to let us safely cross!

The trails have a little of everything. Steep hills are met with winding trails that make it feel like frontier land. Railroad grade trails are smooth and make it easy to push it a little more than on the winding trails. The Women On Snow’s appreciation for the snowmobile clubs can be seen throughout the weekend. All trail stops are made at restaurants and bars that have a deep connection to the clubs and Woman on Snow. All funds collected at the raffle on Saturday night banquet goes to the clubs.  

[caption image="http://cs.amsnow.com/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-39-wos/6153.woman-on-snow5001.jpg" position="right" targeturl="http://cs.amsnow.com/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-39-wos/7536.woman-on-snow1.jpg"]Bev Dittmar with the owners' of Pitliks. [/caption]Lighting up the night
My 2014 Polaris Indy and I started our adventure Friday afternoon with the first ride of the weekend. The Indy loved the bumps and turned the corners of the winding trails through the forest with little darting. The lakes were frozen solid and riding over the frozen waves gave an adrenaline rush.  We stopped at local favorite, Pitliks, in the Sugar Camp Chain of Lakes for a drink. The restaurant and resort has been run by the same family since 1928. The owners have been involved in the Eagle River Derby and the local snowmobile club since they beginning. Listening to the history and passion they have for snowmobiling was a great start for the night. The owner even built the Eagle River derby track!

After Pitliks we took off for dinner at Club Denoyers in Eagle River.  Winding through the trails and mashing the throttle on the lake in the dark made the ride seem more enchanting then during the day. Club Denoyers owner’s, the Nagy family, have owned the restaurant and been a part of the snowmobile clubs since the beginning too! We noshed on a dinner of steak and shrimp with a mini chocolate pudding pie.

[caption image="http://cs.amsnow.com/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-39-wos/8078.woman-on-snow50013.jpg" position="right" targeturl="http://cs.amsnow.com/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-39-wos/3632.woman-on-snow13.jpg"]The river made for a great stop to take pictures and enjoy the beauty of winter![/caption]An 8 hour wild ride
We woke to bitter cold on our full day riding, but fresh snow made the cold seem tolerable. And when the Indy roared to life with just pulling the clutch once I felt more reassured. My guide for the day, Marie owned a cabin in Eagle River, and you could tell she knew the ins and outs of the trails. When it got bitterly cold she was there to rescue us. Right on the spot she was able to come up with shortcuts across lakes and unknown trails to get us to stops quickly without even looking at a trail map! Riding down the railroad beds and winding through the trees to meet large snow covered lakes made for a dream ride and made it easier to forget about the frigid temps.

Our first stop was to Johnny Nick's for hot chocolate. Every stop, including this one, had an area for helmets and jackets making us feel welcome.

[caption image="http://cs.amsnow.com/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-39-wos/7652.woman-on-snow5008.jpg" position="right" targeturl="http://cs.amsnow.com/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-39-wos/3821.woman-on-snow8.jpg"]The black group stopped at the White Tail Inn to catch up with other members of Women On Snow and have lunch. [/caption]After the trail stop we crossed Little St. Germain waving to the ice fishermen and headed towards lunch. At one point we started to pass the bubbling and rushing river. After seeing frozen lakes this was a nice surprise. Marie hit the brakes in front of me and jumped off. At first I didn't know what was going on. Until she said, "Want to take a picture of the river?" Talk about a great photo op!

All the groups met at White Tail Inn in St. Germain, Wis. for a hot bowl of beef stew. The stew gave us the energy to push on. After warming our gear in front of the massive fireplace with log cabin façade and enjoying tales from other groups of mishaps, we geared up and headed out.

We started winding down the trails and headed towards our next stop Sportsmen's Chalet. The owners are heavily involved in fundraisers for snowmobile clubs and it has become a favorite spot for riders. After laughing about how cold it really was outside, at this point -12. We bundled up and headed to the gas station.

Filling the babies up
These women have got the gas pit stops mastered! They line up two by two and fill up then pass the handle to the next one. By never shutting the pump off they are able to fill up on one bill. We had two fill ups during the trip and both were done with ease and within less than 10 minutes.

Sunday's Send off
To end the weekend a smaller group of the women tore down the trails to Sportsmen's Chalet, 20 miles away. We shared stories of the weekend and discussed the prospects for next year's ride. After sharing laughs over hot chocolate and hot cider, we headed back to the resort for a champagne brunch.

Not only was the weekend a nice getaway for the women, but it boosted a lot of the women's self esteem. One of my roommate's said to me "I came here on my own and did this. I can do anything." Being a newer rider to night riding and after having a mishap on my last trip this trip definitely helped my confidence on a sled too!

For more information on attending this great event visit Women on Snow's website or email woserjudy@aol.com.

I would like to send a special thank you to the Women of Snow  for making sure my weekend was great. I would, also, like to thank the local clubs in Eagle River, Wis. for keeping the trails pristine. Seeing the support and love for snowmobiling in the area was such a nice treat. In addition thank you, Bev Dittmar and Marie Simmer for being amazing leaders and tour guides. Without you two I would have been lost in the northwoods. Also, a special thanks to my four lovely roommates who made sure I had an amazing trip!

By Christie Green

AmSnow and Bully Dog have announced the winner of the Bully Dog Tuner giveaway.

The new Bully Dog Tuner is a compact, dash or windshield-mounted control panel with wire leads. It is connected to the engine’s control module to regulate and monitor performance parameters according to vehicle load requirements. You can increase power up to 25 percent or boost fuel economy!

The lucky winner of the Bully Dog giveaway is Frank Vallone from Appleton, Wis.

Find out more about Bully Dog's Tuner at http://www.bullydog.com/

Bunke Racing claimed two podium finishes at the USXC Oslo 100 in Oslo, MN.

Bunke Racing led the Polaris race team with two podium and two top five finishes. In between blizzard warnings, Saturday’s race brought back snow-filled ditches with long straight runs, just the type of track the racers at Bunke Racing love.

Gabe Bunke, on his Energy Release/Autolite Polaris IQR edged out Ryan Simons on his Arctic Cat and took home a 1st in the Pro-Open. In the Pro-Stock 600, Gabe pulled in a 2nd and Pro racer Spencer Kadlec came in strong with two 4th place finishes. Semi-Pro racer, Taylor Bunke secured a 7th place finish in the Semi-Pro Improved class.

“Our team really had a great day in Oslo. We had our sleds dialed in and the suspension and motors were working extremely well. We were also very pleased with our new USI SPX Skis; they handled the terrain on the course and kept us on top. I am feeling really good with our set-up’s and equipment and am excited for the next USXC race- which is the I-500.” said Bunke.

A Michigan man won Klim's gear contest when he guessed the correct weight of 612 pounds to win the Klim experience of a lifetime.

Ryan Walker, from North Branch, Mich., and his brother, Mitchell, will get to experience Klim by receiving a five day all expense paid trip for two to Klim’s corporate headquarters in Rigby Idaho.

Mitchell will be joining the Navy in late spring.

In Rigby, Ryan and Mitchell will be treated to a tour of Klim’s headquarters, where they will receive a full set of Klim Gear.

Once outfitted with all of the latest Klim gear they will head out for three amazing days of riding with Matt Entz of Mountain Skillz, and hill climb champion Cole Wilford. After that it’s off to the World Hill Climb Championships in Jackson Wyoming complete with complimentary pit passes!

Klim’s professional photo and videographers will follow them throughout the entire experience which will be featured in the 2014 consumer catalog.

And if all that isn’t enough, they will be going home with the complete trilogies of Thunderstruck and Boondockers videos.

Just a quick weekend trip and you’ll see why Eagle River, Wis. is the self-proclaimed “Snowmobile Capital of the World.”

With a Friday off of teaching for the Mrs., we trailered up early for what we hoped would be a bonus half day of riding before the weekend. As the only day of the trip with a double-digit high temp, we really hoped to make the most of it. Unfortunately Mr. Murphy and his law had other plans.

After dropping our traveling companion and her sled off for the Women on Snow weekend, we continued to our lodging destination at the Days Inn (Hey, it doesn’t always have to be fancy, just clean!), checked in, unpacked and eagerly dressed for a ride. Two 4-stroke cruisers awaited us in the trailer ready to hit the snow. Or so we thought.

I fired up the first sled and backed her out of the trailer, no problem. But when I hit the start button on our second sled… nothing. BIG problem! I went through the basic trouble-shooting checklist: battery, fuses, etc. Everything checked out OK. After a few more attempts and a call to the dealership, we determined there was bad connection in the relay between the battery and starter.

Using my amateur hot-wiring skills (not recommended) we got it started. Definitely not my preferred method, but I could at least get us through the afternoon. Wrong again!
Not even five miles in, the machine dies mid-trail with the wife on it. If you’ve experienced your wife driving the sled that dies, you know it’s NOT good! I’m lucky there wasn’t a baseball bat within reach!

I limped it back home, but in the morning the only option was to take it to the nearest dealer. Luckily, Track Side in Eagle River (www.tracksideinc.com) was only a two block tow from the hotel. I can’t say enough about Butch, Mike, Ryan and the whole crew at Track Side. It’s a class act all the way around! They had us back up and running within an hour!

It was a little later than expected, but the fun could finally begin! We headed north from Eagle River to Phelps for lunch at the Great Escape Bar and Resort and stumbled across their 2nd annual blindfolded snowmobile race. A scholarship fundraiser for the local schools, for $20 teams of two ride 2-up on a designated course with the driver wearing a helmet covered in duct tape. The second team member gives directions from the back of the sled. Sleds and blacked-out helmets are provided by Great Escape. Definitely worth a stop just to see!

From there we headed west through Conover, Star Lake and made a quick gas stop in Sayner. There are numerous trails to get you to these snowmobile-friendly communities and it didn’t seem to matter which one we picked, they were all in tip top condition thanks to the many local clubs and volunteers who maintain them.

After fueling up, we headed to Slo’s Pub, a very popular stop in the Arbor Vitae/Woodruff area, for one last warm-up before turning for home. Our trek back to Eagle River took us through St. Germain, right past the Snowmobile Hall of Fame. In all, it was 115 miles round trip. Not too shabby for a half day.

Sunday we awoke to more fresh snow (an almost daily occurrence in the area). We couldn’t resist, we had to get one more romp in before heading home.

We followed trail 7 south to Sugar Camp in search of a breakfast nook. I really have to say ‘hats off’ to the Eagle River Sno-Eagles for this ride. That trail was absolutely pristine! Smooth, wide and gently winding, it’s exactly what you look for in a Sunday morning ride.

We had a few swings and misses searching for a shack open before noon on a Sunday, but we stumbled upon The Cookery. This place is not on the Eagle River map. You have to follow the signs once you hit Sugar Camp Lake. But as usual, the best places are not on the map and this place did not disappoint.

Just less than 40-miles round trip, we were back in time for checkout. We loaded up and headed for home with a full understanding of why Eagle River is the Snowmobile Capital of the World.- Ross Halvorson

Polaris hit its first ever $1.0 billion sales mark for a quarter in the fourth quarter with sales increasing 20%. North American retail sales increased 10% in all product lines for the full year of 2013.

Overall the company's fourth quarter income increased 23% to $108.7 million, up from $88.6 million in 2013's third quarter.  Full year income increased 22% to a record $381.1 million, up from $312.3 million in 2012.

Polaris reports record sales for the full year at $3,777.1 million. This was an increase of 18% up from 2012. Fourth quarter sales increased to $1,083 million from $900.647 million. The fourth quarter ended December 31.

“The past year was one of the most transformative in the Company’s history, as we introduced more new products than ever before, concluded a strategic acquisition, and continued the development of our global operational footprint. These and other milestones helped us attain our first $1.0 billion dollar sales quarter," said Scott Wine, Polaris’ Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Snowmobile sales for the quarter decreased 13% to $134.9 million from $154.6 million last year. Polaris built and shipped a greater number of snowmobiles earlier in the season during the 2013 third quarter, compared to the fourth quarter, to free up plant capacity. Full year 2013 sales increased  7% compared to 2012 to $301.7 million from $282.97 million.

"Snowmobile selling season has started strong with industry retail sales increasing in the high-teens percent range for the season-to-date period ended December 31, 2013," said a Polaris representative in the financial report.

Off-Road Vehicles sales increased 16% for the quarter to $659.1 million from $567.1 million in the previous year.  International ORV shipments were strong with sales increasing 24% in the 2013 fourth quarter compared to the same period last year. For the full year sales were up 13% to $2,521.6 million from $2,225.9 million in 2012.

Polaris divided On-Road Vehicle sales between Motorcycles and the Small Vehicles division.

Motorcycle sales were up 94%  for the quarter, from $35.4 million in 2012 to $68.8 million in 2013. Sales for full year were up 12% to $219.8 million from $195.8 million in 2012.

"The Indian Motorcycle re-launch plan continued during the 2013 fourth quarter as an increasing number of dealers began retailing the brand new motorcycles, production volume accelerated at the Spirit Lake, Iowa manufacturing facility and aggressive marketing generated exceptional exposure and attention for the brand," said a Polaris representative in the financial report.

The Small Vehicles division saw a 286% increase from $46.3 million in 2013's fourth quarter from $11.99 million in 2012. For the full year sales increased 177% to $122.8 million up from $44.4 million in 2012.

Parts, Garments and Accessories sales increased 33% for the quarter to $174.7 million from $131.6 million in 2012. All product lines and product categories experienced double digit percent sales increases for the 2013 fourth quarter and full year compared to the prior year periods. Full year results were up 33% to $611.3 million from $460.8 million in 2012.  The 2013 fourth quarter sales increase includes the incremental PG&A related sales from the Klim and Aixam acquisitions.

 Polaris' debt-to-total capital ratio increased due to the repurchase of 3.96 million shares of Polaris’ common stock from Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. in November 2013.

For the full 2014 fiscal year sales are expected to increase 11 to 14% over full year 2013 sales.

Wisconsin’s Kody Kamm “bumped” Tucker Hibbert out of the way off the start and rode to his first victory of the 2013-’14 ACS season.
Hibbert’s undefeated came to a crash on Friday in Deadwood, S.D.

It was determined by ISOC officials that Tucker Hibbert passed another rider in a section of the Deadwood track that was under the yellow caution flag. Hibbert was DQ’d from Friday’s race.

ISOC’s President & Race Director, Carl Schubitzke: “A couple of us sat down and watched the video after the race from three different angles and one clearly showed Tucker jumping while a flagman was waiving the yellow flag. It’s unfortunate, but we have to be consistent with these calls. We’ve black flagged a few others as well this year. The rules are the same for everybody.”

Full Pro Open coverage
If there was one venue where AMSOIL Championship Snocross fans could have marked their calendar with ‘Anybody’s race’ it would have been Deadwood. Hibbert struggled here last year and, given his history with Kamm (the two had an aggressive run-in at the previous round in Shakopee, Minn.), this would be a make-or-break weekend for Hibbert’s run at a perfect season.

With Hibbert selecting the very inside line with the No. 1 gate pick and Kamm lining up right beside him with the No. 2 pick, Hibbert got out a little bit ahead – but was quickly met at the apex of the first turn berm and hit in the side by Kamm, forcing Hibbert off the track. Hibbert would run his Arctic Cat nearly two-thirds of the way around the track before re-joining the field in 10th place.

“Oh man, I bumped Tucker a little bit, held my line,” said Kamm of the incident. Hibbert would be unavailable for comment as of press time.
With Kamm up front, 2012 ACS Pro Open champ Tim Tremblay (Scheuring Speed Sports/AMSOIL/Ski-Doo) would grab 2nd place, followed by No. 10 qualifier Kyle Pallin (Mystic/LaVallee Racing/Polaris). Six quick laps later on the tight, paper clip-shaped Deadwood track - with Kamm putting up a blistering 25.5 second lap time (to Hibbert’s 26:13) – the Polaris racer was up by eight seconds on the overall Pro Open points leader.

At the midway point of the 22-lap contest Hibbert had moved up to 4th and was beginning to challenge Pallin for 3rd, but Kamm and Tremblay were gone. And unless something happened, like a wreck, things didn’t look good for Hibbert’s win streak (which stood at 6-0 entering Deadwood tonight).

Kamm and Tremblay would lock up into an intense battle late in the contest, with Tremblay taking the lead from Kamm on the white flag lap. But Kamm held strong – wrestling the lead back from the former champ – en route to 1st place.

“Tremblay passed me on the last lap, but I was able to square him up on the next turn and take the lead back – held on to the end,” said Kamm.

Moments after that back and forth battle, Tremblay would go down, handing 2nd place to Pallin. This would have meant a podium for Hibbert, but the point leader made an uncharacteristic error and was flung off his sled – salvaging a 6th place finish in the end.

David Joanis (Royal Distributing/Arctic Cat) hung strong and made his first Pro Open podium, with Justin Broberg (Hentges Racing/Polaris) and Johan Lidman (Warnert Racing/Ski-Doo) placing 4th and 5th, respectively.

“The last two laps were unreal – people going down all over the place. It was just brutal out there,” said Joanis. “I pushed as hard as I could – so happy it paid off.”

Pro Lite
In one of the more thrilling, wide open Pro Lite events of the year Corin Todd would rise to the top for the win amongst the carnage, joined by Andrew Carlson ((Polaris Racing/Sportech/PMC) in 2nd and Travis Muller (Warnert Racing/Ski-Doo) in 3rd. The two were rather unlikely podium placers given Carlson ran off the track chasing the holeshot and Muller, the No. 1 qualifier, got tied up Andrew Lieders (LaVallee Racing/Polaris) and got back going in last place.

Leading the race from the early going after coming out in front on the holeshot with Todd and Nick Pattyn (Stud Boy Racing/Ski-Doo) was Judnick Motorsport/Polaris’ James Johnstad. Friday’s winner at the last round in Shakopee, Minn., Johnstad looked to have the race under control when, on lap ten, the Minnesotan unloaded in the rhythm section and smashed his chest into the handlebars of his Polaris – and just like that was out of the race.

Todd, who was riding equally fast and, in this case, a bit more consistent, took over the lead and never looked back, opening up a 14-second lead by the checkers at lap 14.

“There was a lot of carnage out there,” admitted Todd. “It was a long race and I picked lines carefully, tried to keep my head about me and avoid all the trouble. The track came together well and that ended up being a great race.”

Charging from the back of the pack up to 4th, Carlson took charge of 3rd place when Johnstad went down, setting his site on Pattyn – who would also crash (for the second time) and yield his 3rd place podium position to Carlson. Muller would then get by Pattyn on the white flag lap, coming all the way back from last to make 3rd. Pattyn would hold on for 4th in a spirited effort with Kevin Wallenstein (Ingles Performance/Ski-Doo) rounding out the top five.