TGIF: The May 1, 2015 Edition

I'm thankful for the quality time we've been spending together on our snow machine.

I'm thankful I ignored the advice of everyone, and went with the three-wheeled trackless beauty.

I'm thankful when you give me that look, which is much more fun than so many of your other looks.

And I'm thankful it's the first day of May in 2015.

Talking Race History: Brian Nelson Podcast

Former Team Arctic and Enduro Team Deere cross-country champion Brian Nelson experienced some remarkable moments during his illustrious racing career. 

Here he recounts many of them in a podcast conducted by veteran snowmobile journalists Gord Avann and Hal Armstrong. 

Nelson's memory and attention to detail is uncanny and a great listen. At nearly an hour and forty minutes, it's a long one. But definitely worth the time. 

Rox Retro Arctic Cat El Tigre Custom

This past summer-Fall, Chris Olin and the gang at Rox Speed FX in Grand Rapids, Minn., built another one of their stunning custom sleds: a retro El Tigre-themed 2015 Arctic Cat ZR 6000.

Like all Rox customs, this sweetheart combines creativity, coolness and key attention to detail.

Click for a modern blast from the past.

TGIF: The April 24, 2015 Edition

I'm thankful for the freedom I feel when I hit the open road, er, trail.

I'm thankful for extra stability and confidence I feel on the trike set-up.

I'm thankful the stand-up style of riding won't become popular for another 25 years.

And I'm thankful it's Friday, April 24, 2015.

The Chase: A Day in the Life of an Arctic Cat Collector Tom Ische

With more than 50 rare and historic Arctic Cat snowmobiles in his collection, Tom Ische epitomizes the passion and expertise required to amass such treasure.

He is a master of the chase.

Last week I spent a day with him combing the Thief River Falls area of vintage parts, during which he procured seats, suspensions, engines, hoods and information. We even walked around a dump (supposedly) containing some of Arctic Cat's most historic machines.

Click for rare glimpse into the world of snowmobile collecting.

Craigslist Scam: How We Celebrated Kale's 40th Birthday

Last Friday was my friend Kale's 40th birthday.

To celebrate (and help Kale assuage his mid-life crisis), I joined him and our friend Pat for a day of work, er, adventure to see a vintage 1970 Arctic Cat Panther being sold by some scammer on craigslist.

Click so see exactly how a craigslist scam unfolds.

New Strategic Hires for Arctic Cat

Arctic Cat announed new strategic marketing and sales hires, reflecting company president Chris Metz's vision for future growth, including increased focus on customer engagement.

Welcome aboard Greg and Brit (and congrats on the promotion, Mike)!

Click to read the press release. 

Wes Selby's Custom Arctic Cat Hill, er, Snocrosser

Beginning today, Team Arctic's Wes Selby will compete at the Ultimate Snowmobiler event in Crested Butte, CO.

His sled: this fully custom Arctic Cat ZR SX-R snocrosser-turned-HCR-with-a-Speedwerx-800-supercharger!

Huh?

Click to read a brief description.

TGIF: The April 10, 2015 Edition

I'm thankful what can happen when we combine ATVs, pallets and beer.

I'm thankful that I can trust Billy Bob with my life. 

I'm thankful we've done stunts like this so many times, that the rest of the gang don't even pay attention any more. 

And I'm thankful there's plenty more of this action happening later today, because it's Friday, April 10, 2015. 

A Mega-Sonic Epic Journey (and Interview) with Steve Brand

First, CLICK ON THIS to download and read a wonderful .pdf diary of Steve Brand's 26-day, 4,687-mile Mega Sonic Memory (snowmobile) tour.

It is SO worth reading for the sheer adventure and wisdom of a 60-year old guy who has been in the snowmobile industry for nearly four decades.

Then read the interview to learn more about everything from rediscovering snowmobiling, riding solo and more from the man who brought us TekVest.

TGIF: The April 3, 2015 Edition

I'm thankful me and boys can kick back a few tall cool ones b'for heading out to our fav'rit honey hole.

I'm thankful this here wheeler is built right here in the good ol' U-S-of-A.

I'm thankful a little noodling is all it took to clean me up real good.

And I'm thankful it's all good on this Friday, April 3, 2015.

Tucker Hibbert to Race a 4-Stroke!

Today’s racing news is as much a shock as it is compelling: In a recent conversation I had with Team Arctic’s Tucker Hibbert, the snocross racing legend confirmed to me that he will race a 4-stroke machine this coming season!

Could this be a watershed moment in the history of big bump racing?

Click to read a short interview with Hibbert about his plans for 4-stroke racing.

(Just be sure to read the WHOLE story.)

Iron Dog Cross-Country on NBC Tonight

Airing tonight!

This looks SO cool. Gonna get my XC adventure groove going...

TGIF: The March 27, 2015 Edition

I'm thankful for the improved mountain performance characteristics offered by a vertical steering post, new lightweight spindle, narrow ski stance and reshaped skis, as well as the gear-carrying versatility of the new rear rack.

I'm thankful that I can ease into summer gracefully while still enjoying my favorite wintertime activity.

I'm thankful that if you have to ask, you wouldn't understand.

And I'm thankful it's Friday, March 27, 2015.

Tucker Hibbert's Lake Geneva Recap

Check out this great recap of Tucker Hibbert's 2015 Lake Geneva snocross crush-fest.

Gotta love Steve Houle's tuned pipe secret, and Kirk saying they've got more good stuff in store for next season!

TGIF: The March 20, 2015 Edition

I'm thankful that, somewhere deep in Siberia's boreal forests, the Soviet military is guarding against unruly SledNecks.

I'm thankful the Cold War ended.

I'm thankful for the Limited Edition Turret model 2-up Touring available as a Spring-only option.

And I'm thankful it's Friday, March 20, 2015.

Listen to the Legend: Roger Skime Talks Snowmobile History

Listen to the legend, Roger Skime, talk about Arctic Cat snowmobile history.

Hero!

The End is Near: Last (Snowmobile) Ride of 2015?

Winter here in Minnesota came to an abrupt end last week, as an 80-degree swing in temps and highs in the upper 60s fairly destroyed what little snow had accumulated in the past few months.

But there WAS some late season snow still hanging on in the Gunflint area of Minnesota's North Shore.

So with my son on spring break and my friend Tom Rowland always game for an adventure, on Tuesday we attempted what might be our last ride of the season.

Click to see if we succeeded.

Done & Dusted: Team Arctic's 2015 Lake Geneva Snocross Results

Team Arctic wrapped up the 2015 ISOC Snocross season with six wins and the premier championship title.

Congrats to all the Team Green racers and crew!

Double-jump to read the press release.

Ready For Primetime: All-New 2016 Arctic Cat Prowler HDX 700 XT

On the heals of introducing a slew of new Prowler, ATV and Wildcat models last fall, Arctic Cat recently unveiled the new 2016 Prowler HDX 700 XT EPS.

New plastic, more storage, reduced sound, improved ergo's...there's a lot of new stuff to like about this utility machine.

Yes it's a 2016 model and yes, it's available now at your local dealer.

Click for the details.