I'm thankful that the freaks and ghouls weren't real, and that it was only a movie.

I'm thankful (and hopeful) the nightmares will soon cease and life will be back to normal.

And I'm thankful it's Friday the 13th, June 2014.

If I'm not riding a (insert long list of various vehicles here), then the next best thing is standing around talking about them.

And a shop like John Anderson's is the absolute perfect place for such conversations to occur.

Click for a little shop talk.

Last week I spent a couple days at Arctic Cat in Thief River Falls, talking with colleagues, shooting photos, checking out which vehicles were on the assebly lines and generally pestering everyone.

Here's a report on that trip.

I'm thankful it's June, the official start of summertime wedding season.

I'm thankful I found my soul mate (and that he rides it like he stole it).

I'm thankful there's NOTHING that will prevent us from sharing the rest of our lives together.

And I'm thankful it's Friday, June 6, 2014.

The 2014 Minnesota Mud Nationals take place today through Sunday at Quadna Mountain in Hill City, Minn.

It's an event tailored to anyone who loves ATVs, ROVs, riding, mud and libations.

Last year Arctic Cat ATV engineer Mike Poolman (left in top, above) snatched a class victory aboard his modified TBX. He'll try to defend his title this year, as well as pilot an Arctic Cat Wildcat in the RUV class.

Best of luck to Poolman and all the other Arctic Cat riders this weekend! Stay dirty.

Big news coming out of Arctic Cat this morning... Claude Jordan has stepped down as President and CEO.

Former President and CEO Chris Twomey will be the interim chairman and CEO until the company finds a permanent replacement.

Click to read the news release.

I'm thankful for summer.

I'm thankful the ladies love wheelin' in bikinis.

I'm thankful we opted for the amphibious 6-wheeler models, because these ladies are looking to go swimming.

And I'm thankful it's Friday, May 30, 2014.

Riding, testing, calibrating, rebuilding... there's a lot happening at the FOX SHOX Midwest Service Center, a fact I learned firsthand during a visit this past March.

Click to see what's new there, and for FOX-equipped 2015 Arctic Cat snowmobiles.

I'm thankful for the extra flotation of the 16 x 174 x 3.0-in. track when boondocking in the back country.

I'm thankful to once again set a high-mark.

I'm thankful we were able to eliminate the inside ski lift during cornering by simply eliminating the skis.

And I'm thankful it's Friday, May 23, 2014.

Mike Miller's email message to me began with this:

"I bought a 2007 Crossfire 1000 off Craigslist. I had never seen such a turd in all my life (and I've been a snowmobile mechanic for over 25 years).
 
The entire way home I kept thinking, "What have I got myself into and why am I doing this again?"
 
The answer to Mike's question lies in his remarkable ability to restore snowmobiles.

Click to see what I'm talking about.

I don't normally do Public Service Announcements here, but this is an exception.

Someone please buy this Arctic Cat DVX... because doing so could help save lives.

Click for a wheelie wacked CL ad.

I'm thankful for a smokin' fast sled.

I'm thankful for the hit I feel when it's on the pipe.

I'm thankful I didn't get the Marlboro gig because I'd rather be known as the Mark Ten Man.

And I'm thankful it's Friday, May 16, 2014.

The success of racing snowmobiles is measured by the experience, not the finish order.

And by this measure I feel like a World Champion.

Click to read more.

With the Pantera and Lynx once again joining the El Tigre in the Arctic Cat line for 2015, now is a good time to listen to this vintage 30-second Arctic Cat radio advertisement from 1975 that highlights the same models.

Just click the player link below.

Thanks mom, for all that you've taught me.

The wisdom you've imparted to me helps guide the things I do and the choices I make.

I hope you're proud!

I'm so thankful it's Friday, May 9, 2014.

Happy Mother's Day!

Midwestern cross-country racing has been healthiest only when there was a premier 500-mile, point-to-point event.

For 2015, USXC is launching the Winnipeg-to-Willmar I-500 XC race, a four-day 600-mile romp across legendary terrain.

Click to read the significance of this event.

The folks at Arctic Cat are looking for your help to determine the featured products for the 2015 Cat's Pride Club membership kit.

Click to read more and provide your feedback.

I'm thankful to have experienced another awesome winter of snowmobiking.

I'm thankful that I can react to the change of seasons with a quick conversion to moto.

I'm thankful for the law firm of Briggs, Stratton and Tecumseh.

And I'm thankful it's Friday, May 2, 2014.

January 1976. Eagle River, Wisconsin. The World Championships of oval racing.

There, in a moment of calm before the racing storm that would unfold in less than 24 hours, Team Arctic’s Dave Thompson (right) and Yamaha’s Dick Trickle shared their thoughts while sharing a Pabst.

A Pabst!

Click for some additional cheer.

I'm thankful for the go-anywhere freedom we enjoy with our new Trail Boss.

I'm thankful for the added safety that the rear handrails provide for our children.

I'm thankful for the upcoming Mud Nationals.

And I'm thankful it's Friday, April 25, 2014.