These stunning images from the Grafton, ND, USCC race last weekend, taken by excellent photographer Aaron Kennedy, illustrate the rugged beauty, drama and adventure of cross-country competition.

They perfectly capture why I love cross-country.

Click to see a few.

The Christian Bros. Racing team had an excellent weekend in Grafton, ND, where they smoked a couple Pro and Semi Pro classes.

Click to read their press release from the weekend.

Tom Rowland from Thomas Sno Sports is hosting his 2nd Annual Arctic Cat Snowmobile Demo Ride at his dealership in Ogilvie, Minn., on Wed. Jan. 12.

Click for more info.

It's amazing how dramatically a full day's rain can affect what had been a phenomenal snow pack over parts of the country. Dang.

Good news is, there’s still rideable snow in many areas, and incredible snow in others. Keep the faith.

Click for a larger image, and for the NOHRSC link.

A winter storm blew into Grafton, ND, prior to the start of the United States Cross-Country (USCC) season opener, and... Arctic Cat racers won 12 of 18 classes with 11 podium sweeps.

Click to read the press release.

CLICK HERE then answer: How drunk was this guy, and what is his New Year's resolution?

Dude has some strong reasons why he won't join a snowmobile club.

Watch here, or click to see a larger format.

This past weekend, Brian Nelson (left) was joined by his longtime friend and legendary mechanic/engineer, Hubert Fixsen (right). The cumulative knowledge of these two icons is staggering.

Click to see pix and video.

Even more snow for much of North America since last week...good!

Here's the Snow Depth report for Tuesday, Dec. 28.

Click for a larger image, and for the NOHRSC link.

Donn Eide is a 40-plus-year veteran of Arctic Cat, and is currently the Engine Design Manager. Though he won't exactly say it, he's the head-honcho of Arctic Cat's snowmobile engine department.

He was kind enough to answer a bunch of questions. Click to read them.

Merry Christmas to everyone here, from me and my family.

Thanks for being a part of our "bigger" family.

Here's a super-cool story written by racer/ArcticInsider/Freestyler/Ditchbanger/Tailstander Shane Gerwing, about his experience prepping and racing a ZR440 at the ERX Grassroots race this past week.

Click to read it.

I hope I don't jinx Mother Nature, but this is shaping up to be the best winter that I can remember for much of North America.

Here's the Snow Depth report for Tuesday, Dec. 21.

Click for a larger image, and for for the NOHRSC link.

Much progress has been made in Brian Nelson's three-sled vintage I-500 project.

Click to see a few pix and a short video.

Rider: Brian Nelson

Machine: 1979 el tigre Cross-Country

Location: North of Brooten, Minn.

Conditions: Lots of snow, good chop/rough for testing the sleds and our backs.

Miles: 103

Fun-Factor: 10

CLICK HERE to read a cool story posted on Vintagesleds.com about the ties that bind us together, and to our brand.

Here are some random photos from my archives. In no particular order, of no particular signifigance, but posted for your (and my) viewing pleasure.

Click to see them.

Arctic Cat has created a video greeting for the Holiday season.

Click HERE to see it.

Here's the North American snow depth map for Dec. 14, 2010. Looking good.

Click for a larger image, and for for the NOHRSC link.

Fun. Cheap. Entertaining. New and vintage. Lots of track time. Family atmosphere.

Just some of the words to describe the ERX Grassroots Snocross Series, which begins this Thursday in Elk River, Minn.

Click to read more.