Sled Prep: Before I Even Click Off One Mile

"Before I even clicked off a mile, I (_____fill_in_the_blank____) to my sled," are words that live in infamy with a group of my snowmobile friends.

But as much as we joke about it, there actually are a few things I do to a new sled before I take that first ride.

And with enough snow on the ground here in the Twin Cities area, here are some pix of the process before I take my first ride this afternoon.

2017 Line of Tucker Hibbert Merchandise

Just in time for the gifting season, Tucker Hibbert just released his 2017 line of merchandise, giving fans (and dogs) a chance to wear and use some sweet gear.

From Hoodies to T-shirts and onesies (that Otis dog LOVES to wear) to hats, beanies, coffee mugs and more, there's something for every fan.

Click for some cool pix and info on how to stock up.

Stunning: Flight 365 Photo Annual is Available to Order

If you're a fan of snowmobile racing and appreciate stunning photography that captures the action and the actors, then this year's Flight 365 Photo Annual is truly a must-have.

The third volume book is at the printer and will be available in time for Christmas. For Arctic Cat fans in particular, there are major features on Zach Herfindahl and Dale Lindbeck, as well as the sport in general.

It's large format 13 x 10 x 1-in. and only $10!

This is one of those books you love, keep, and then keep loving for decades.

Click for more info. Or click the photo above to order one.

Product Spotlight: ProVantage Winch Kit & Wireless Remote

Got an ATV or side-by-side? Then you either already have a winch, or you will within 24 hours of the first time you need one.

The newest ProVantage Winch Kit and accessory Wireless Remote from Arctic Cat are exactly the kind of saviors you'd expect them to be.

Click to see what I'm talking about.

Product Spotlight: Soft Cab Kit for New Arctic Cat HDX

Winter's here! And wouldn't it be nice to drive a sweet new Arctic Cat HDX that's equipped with a comfy Soft Cab Kit!?

Click for your ticket to fully enclosed comfort.

Product Spotlight: Comic Kids T-Shirts From Arctic Cat

Want to know the easiest way to save the world from the dark forces of destruction?

Unleash the inner-super hero snowmobiler in your kid with a Comic T-Shirt from Arctic Cat.

Yep, it's that simple. Click for more world-saving info.

Product Spotlight: (Knee saving) Tank Pads

If you're one of those snowmobilers who use your knees to squeeze and rest against the plastic console around the fuel tank of Arctic Cat ProCross or ProClimb models, having a pair of Tank Pads will put a smile on your face.

Extra comfort, extra grip!

Click for some info.

NOHRSC Snow Depth Report for Dec. 5, 2016

From a bird's-eye perspective, it's looking like winter in the U.S. and Canada.

For more in-depth snow analysis, CLICK HERE to jump to the NOAA snow depth web site.

See & Hear Tucker Hibbert's Duluth 2016-2017 Snocross Recap

Check out the video recap of Tucker Hibbert's 2016-2017 ISOC Duluth weekend.

(Loving the sound of that engine!)

Christian Brothers Racing Recaps Duluth National

Click to read the Christian Brothers Racing race recap from the 2016-2017 ISOC season opener in Duluth.

Down & Dirty: The 2016-17 Duluth Snocross Report

Last weekend marked the 25th Annual Spirit National snocross in Duluth, Minn. And like every preceding year, it brought chaos, uncertainty, excitement, some great racing and, perhaps, a peek at what to expect for the rest of the season.

Click for a photo essay and the observations of a hack who's been to all 25 of these events.

TGIF: The Nov. 25, 2016 CC Edition

I'm thankful that on this Thanksgiving weekend, family and friends gathered to celebrate.

I'm thankful that those who celebrated with Canadian Club did NOT have to earn it the hard way.

And I'm thankful it's Friday, Nov. 25, 2016.

Cat's Pride Club Membership Kit for 2017

How to get your favorite Arctic Cat rider a sweet gift for the holidays AND avoid getting trampled by a Black Friday rush for a discounted television:

Cat's Pride Club membership!

You give (or get) a quality performance pullover; hat; and membership pin with free shipping.

Click for more info.

About To Go Green: A Q&A with Tucker Hibbert

This Friday, Team Arctic snocross ace Tucker Hibbert will hit the gas on another season as the absolute commander of professional snocross racing, having won more races and championships than anyone in the history of the sport.

It's GO! time with the 68 team, with just days before the green flags drops.

Yet somehow in-between building race sleds, stocking the race semi, testing and gearing up for Duluth, Tucker found time for an interview.

Click to see how things are shaping up for the champ.

The Winds of November at Arctic Cat

I spent a day at Arctic Cat in TRF last week, where people were fired up about an impending snow storm coming to Minnesota and a winter that was about to begin in earnest.

Engineering...production...test riding...all the good stuff!

Click to see what was going on Arctic Cat.

TGIF: The November 14, 2016 Edition

I'm thankful for joy I feel on a color-coordinated ride over hill and dale.

I'm thankful for the wind-cheating qualities of 100-percent polyester.

I'm thankful the skis only appear to be stuck where the sun doesn't shine.

And I'm thankful it's Nov. 14, 2016.

Black Cats: The Intro Video

The new Arctic Cat Black Cats video. Sweet!

Bid 'em Up! Vintage Sled Auction Nov.

Oh my! Check out the sweet Colby-drone footage of the 200-plus antique and vintage snowmobiles that are up for auction on Nov. 26 in Zumbrota, Minn.

Then click for more info.

Arctic Cats at SEMA Show

Arctic Cat recently attended the annual SEMA show in Las Vegas, where several custom-built machines were on display along with demo rides of the new Wildcat X with RG Pro suspension platforms.

Click to see some of the machines.

Flashback: 1966 Rhinelander Hodag Cross-Country

In the early 1960s, the premier snowmobile race in North America was the Rhinelander (Wis.) Hodag Marathon.

A cross-country race, the Hodag ran through the Wisconsin Northwoods, including going down main streets in towns like Eagle River, Three Lakes and others.

It helped set the stage for the first derby on Dollar Lake near Eagle River in 1964, which would become the Eagle River World's Championship.

Click for some great pix from the 1966 edition of the Hodag, and check out the sweet Model 100 and 140 Arctic Cats!