I'm thankful the Marketing folks backed off on their original plan to use bricks instead of plywood.

I'm thankful the Engineering folks coughed up a few extra front bumpers for the sled.

I'm thankful the Lawyers will eventually wake up and put an end to this nonsense.

And I'm thankful that it's Friday, March 28, 2014.

Back in January, three friends and I commenced on a two-day, 423-mile ride from Arctic Cat's St. Cloud, Minn., engine facility, to its headquarters in Thief River Falls.

It involved bitter cold temps, Paul Bunyan, crazy amounts of snow, Nimrod, candy cigarettes and four Arctic Cat ZR 6000 El Tigre snowmobiles.

We dubbed it "Honor the Engine Ride Odyssey" or HERO, to commemorate the new Arctic Cat 6000 Series 600 C-TEC2 engine with DSI.

Here's our story.

I'm thankful that dormant grass means I have more time to work on my inventions.

I'm thankful that some of us still believe that snowmobiles will one day again roll out of Horicon, Wis.

I'm thankful the term "ditch pickle" is reserved for that other brand.

And I'm thankful it's Friday, March 21, 2014.

I'm thankful the Andersons share our passion for snowmobiling, fine art and humanities.

I'm thankful the wonderful tenor could hit the same notes as our trusty Johnson Skee Horse.

I'm thankful for the endless opportunities afforded by a snowmobile and cutter.

And I'm thankful it's Friday, March 14, 2014

Is the new 2015 Arctic Cat ZR 4000RR an excellent consumer sled or a race replacement for the Sno Pro 500?

Yes.

Click to read the details.

I’m feeling a lot of love for the new 2015 Arctic Cat ZR 4000 models, and I know I’m not the only one.

If I were to put the two machines in human terms, I’d say each is like a first-love: the kind of gal who you might later say goodbye to because you’re smitten with something a little more exotic.

Click to read why.

I'm thankful for long days in the saddle on well-groomed trails.

I'm thankful for the 173-in. track, mountain-version that's coming in 2015.

I'm thankful that nobody can beat my fuel mileage or oil consumption.

And I'm thankful it's Friday, Feb. 28, 2014.

Want to see the new 2015 Arctic Cat snowmobiles in person?

Start by heading over to your local dealer, who likely has three on display (and perhaps for demo-ing).

You could also hit one of five shows where nearly all models will be on display.

Click for some show-and-tell.

I'm thankful for the wind-in-the-hair freedom I feel when I drive my snowmobile.

I'm thankful for the thrill of ditch-banging.

I'm thankful the X-tra tall windshield option allows my to drive in short sleeves.

And I'm thankful it's Friday, Feb. 21, 2014.

The wraps are OFF of the 2015 Arctic Cat snowmobiles.

Click for the top-10 things to know about the newest model lineup... sort of the Cliff's Notes version.

The 2014 Snowmobile Hall of Fame weekend in St. Germain, Wis., offered great people, stories, snowmobiling, history and blown corners.

Click to see some of the highlights.

I'm thankful for that feeling I get when I look into your eyes.

I'm thankful for this excellent parking space next to the pool.

I'm thankful we're going to ride the wunder wheels off this thing.

And I'm thankful for this very special Friday Valentine's Day in 2014.

If you were at the USXC I-500, you are probably sick of the ArcticInsider.com radio ad that played on KTRF. In which case, I apologize.

But if you weren't there and you want to hear it, click the player below for 30 seconds of blatant self-promotion.

I’m thankful in two years I’ll have my 30 and won’t have to deal any longer with slednecks like these two.

I’m thankful the fine amount on this citation will wipe the shiteatin’ grin off this punk’s face.

I’m thankful I caught them when I did… anyone dumb enough to ride 2-up on one of these contraptions is bound to commit more criminal behavior.

And I’m thankful it’s Friday, Feb. 7, 2014.

Last weekend was the 3rd Annual Vintage Snowmobile Show & Ride in downtown St. Hilaire, Minn.

Event organizer, town mayor, closet Arctic Cat lover and all-around great guy Steve Dahlen checks in with a brief description of the event.

Click to read it.

I'm thankful that Fred's inlaws from the Hamptons gave him a set of used polo clubs for Christmas. 

I'm thankful we convinced Fred to play with a ball instead of baby seals.

I'm thankful the team now agrees that we play our very best snowmobile polo, with the greatest forward progress, when we hold the clubs in our left hands.

And I'm thankful it's Friday, Jan. 31, 2014.

Two weekends ago, at the USXC lake cross-country race in Willmar, Minn., Team Arctic racers Ryan Simons and Brian Dick tested the sled they will race at the upcoming Soo 500 enduro.

For the first time ever, the duo will race a Speedwerx massaged 7000-Series Yamaha 4-stroke engine in the ZR R race chassis.

Click to read a few more details.

I'm thankful that Aunt Ethyl bequeathed to us her Lawrence Welk signature organ.

I’m thankful Northwest Piano & Organ switched from sled dogs to iron dogs for moving equipment from their truck to customers’ homes.

I’m thankful we’re doing this in January instead of June.

And I’m thankful it’s Friday, January 24, 2014.  

I'm thankful the authorities will be here momentarily.

I'm thankful they have radio communication with the K9 unit and the horse mounted officers.

I'm thankful that all of us scofflaws have agreed to NOT crack any 2-up-riding jokes once the authorities arrive.

And I'm thankful it's Friday, Jan. 17, 2014.

While I can’t guarantee that you will win the above 2014 Arctic Cat F5, I CAN ABSOLUTELY promise you that by participating in the Snowmobile Hall of Fame Raffle, that you will support a truly great organization AND have a chance at riding away on the F5.

I like your odds!

The raffle is just one way to participate in the SHOF. Better yet, I recommend attending the entire 2014 Induction and Ride with the Champs.

Click for more info