The 2014-15 Pine Lake Cross-Country Download

For more than three decades, the first major cross-country race of the year has happened on Pine Lake near Gonvick, Minn.

If you read the Team Arctic press release from the weekend, you know that Team Green won 14 of 20 finals while capturing more than 70 percent of all the podium places. It was an excellent start to the race season.

As always, this weekend of racing would reveal some interesting story lines and fodder for speculation.

Click to read the lowdown on what happened.

Team Arctic Delivers a Swift Kick (Off) to the 2014-15 Cross-Country Season

This past weekend marked the first race of the 2014-2015 USXC cross-country season, held on Pine Lake.

Team Arctic grabbed 14 of 20 class victories and more than 70 percent of all podium places. Pretty spectatular.

Click to read the Team Arctic press release.

2014 Arctic Cat Engineering Ugly Sweater Contest

There were only winners among the losers* in the 2014 Arctic Cat Engineering Ugly Sweater Contest.

Click to read more.

*Loser SWEATERS, not people.

Pine Lake Weekend: A Cross-Country Tradition

This weekend, many of the sport’s top cross-country racers will gather on a small lake in northwestern Minnesota in hopes of finding a groove, a few extra MPH and a suspension/traction setup that will carve with precision and control.

The event: the Gerald Dyrdahl Memorial Pine Lake 200.

How will the Arctic Cat ZR6000R XC fare, with its 600 C-TEC2 DSI engine and its consumer ProCross chassis? Will the new Polaris AXYS have the speed? Is the Ski-Doo MXZX 600RS the fastest? Will this be the year that Yamaha climbs on the podium?

We will know the answers in little more than 48 hours.

Here's a preview.

TGIF: The Dec. 19, 2014 Christmas Edition

I'm thankful that jolly ol' Saint Nick is a card carrying member of the NRA.

I'm thankful for the sunglasses. At night.

I'm thankful that I didn't actually SEE mommy kissing Santa.

And I'm thankful it's Friday, Dec. 19th, 2014 (and that Christmas is next week).

Scheele & Pake: A Team Arctic Family (and Familiar) Tradition

Standing atop the podium of last week’s ISOC National Snocross in Fargo, ND, were two names familiar to anyone who followed Team Arctic terrain racing in the 1990s and early 2000s: Scheele and Pake.

The difference between then and now is the first names.

In the 1990s it was Aaron and Brad. Last weekend at Fargo, it was Anson and Andy.

Click to read some more.

Printable Arctic Cat Belt Charts

Do you wonder (or need to know) the dimensional difference is between various Arctic Cat snowmobile belts?

Uncertain of which belt you need for ANY Arctic Cat snowmobile from 1967 to 2015?

Click for two printable pdf documents that are suitable for display in your living room this holiday season (or in your shop).

Merry Christmas from Arctic Cat (Now Get Out and Ride!)

Arctic Cat delivers another excellent Christmas video.

Agreed, we should all get out and ride!

Team Arctic Rolls Over ISOC National Snocross in Fargo

Team Arctic had another stellar weekend of ISOC National Snocross success, scoring 9 wins (out of 15 classes) and 18 of 45 podium places.

Click to read the team's official press release.

Trailside Chatter #3: The Sound of Snowmobiles Smashing

Funny how a snowmobile or ATV hitting an immovable object takes only a fraction of a second, but the sound of smashing alloy and plastic reverberates in my head for eternity.

Do you know this sound? Is it a soundtrack?

Click to read more.

TGIF: The Dec. 12, 2014 Edition

I'm thankful the Cat guys have made my Tiger smokin' fast.

I'm thankful that after winning yet another snowmobile race, the first thing shoved into my face is no longer a microphone, but a Mark Ten cigarette instead.

I'm thankful the creepy guy in the red hat is my brother, otherwise I'd be genuinely nervous.

And I'm thankful it's Friday, Dec. 12, 2014.

Extra Stuff: 2015 Arctic Cat Snowmobile Accessory & Reference Guide

The glossy four-color Arcticwear & Accessories catalog that comes out every year has the newest stuff from Arctic Cat, but it doesn't contain ALL the accessories available for Arctic Cat snowmobiles.

But this handy-dandy 2015 Accessory Reference Guide surely does, with updated/new products (as well as older products for previous generation snowmobiles) not featured in the color accessory catalog.

Plus there's a lot of useful extra information, such as estimated installation times for various kits and parts; the actual dimensions for various bags from the color catalog; spare parts for bags and helmets; high altitude kits; optional suspension springs; belt and clutching charts; carb info and more.

Click HERE to download the pdf to your computer. It's a 3.5MB file, so it might take a few moments.

One Lungers: The Andy Englund Story

I never met Andy Englund. After watching this wonderful short film about his story, I surely wish I had met him.

This is definitely worth watching.

Better Than Marginal: First Ride of the Season

Despite the marginal (at best) conditions, my first snowmobile ride of the 2014-15 season was a total blast for me and my son.

And it was yet another reminder that great rides don't require perfect conditions or big miles.

Click to see what I'm talking about.

TGIF: The Dec. 5, 2015 Edition

I'm thankful for the handling and towing ease of the shorter-statured Arctic Cat Lynx.

I'm thankful for the extra traction provided by the cleated track.

I'm thankful my wife never looks at the roof of her car.

And I'm thankful it's Friday, Dec. 5, 2014.

"95" Nate Ewing: An Unsung Hero at Duluth Snocross

For a few brief laps, Nate Ewing of Big Lake, Minn., became the unsung hero and crowd favorite at the recent ISOC Duluth snocross.

Launching a 20-year old sled against the odds has a way of endearing yourself to the masses.

Click to read a little bit about the man, the legend.

Braaptized: Tucker Hibbert's 2014-15 Duluth Snocross Season Opener

Here's a great video recap of Tucker's Hibbert's 2014-15 sncross season opening braaptism^TM.

Lots of sweet Speedwerx engine sounds in this baby!

Championship Winning Season for Dale 29er Lindbeck

Dale "29er" Lindbeck is Team Arctic's uber champion during the summertime, with a career watercross win/championship record that's as long as it is impressive.

He checks in with a brief recap of another great IWA season in which he won another Championship.

Click for 29er's recap.

Duluth Recap: What I Learned at the 2014-15 Opener

As it has for 23 years, the season opening Duluth snocross national served up great racing while answering many of the questions that characterize a new season.

Click to see some pix and read some observations from a grizzled veteran.

Duluth: Team Arctic Sends a Message about the 2014-15 ISOC Season

When it comes to the results of the first ISOC National snocross of the season, Team Arctic has a lot to brag about:

Eight of 16 class wins. Forty-five percent of the podium finishes.

Bam!

Click to read the press release from Cat.