TGIF: The June 27, 2014 Edition

I'm thankful that Arctic Cat mountain engineer/test rider Shay Smith could confidently air it out while snowmobiling in Montana this past week.

I'm thankful it will be at least six months before I see the 8-ft. 4-in. Smith again, because he might forget that I posted this photo and thus won't crush me into a whimpering ball of fear.

I'm thankful that shirtless snowmobiling is the new black.

And I'm thankful it's Friday, June 27, 2014.

Vote Tucker Hibbert for a 2014 ESPY!

On Tuesday, Tucker Hibbert was nominated for an ESPY (Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly) Award in the Best Male Action Sports Athlete category!

This is a huge deal for the Team Monster/Arctic Cat racer and the sport of snowmobiling.

And best of all, YOU can affect the outcome.

Simply CLICK HERE to go to the ESPN Link to vote for Hibbert. It's free and takes less than 6.8 seconds.

Click for more info.

Humor Alert: Best Man Video for Brian (and Alicia) Dick's Wedding

Last week, Team Arctic racer/engineer Brian Dick got married to Alicia Voss.

For the wedding, Brian's brother Adam and a friend created this awesome video speech that documents Brian's, ahem, training sessions for snowmobile racing.

If you've ever wondered what makes Brian so fast and such a good engineer, this video might explain it.

Note: Adam delivers a few expletives, so be warned.

Congrats Brian and Alicia!

Mountain Cats...Waiting to Pounce

February 23, 2014.

Centennial range of the Bitterroot Mountains, west of Island Park.

Pre-production 2015 model year Arctic Cat M and XF snowmobiles.

Arctic Cat engineers, test riders a couple lucky extras, including the photographer.

TGIF: The June 20, 2014 Edition

I'm thankful there's a kit for everything.

I'm just as thankful for lake-banging as I am for ditch-banging.

And I'm thankful it's Friday, June 20, 2014.

We're STILL Snowmobiling on Minnesota's North Shore!?!

It's truly been an amazing winter and spring here in the Midwest, with the longest riding season that I can remember.

And since yesterday was my birthday, Kale (left) and I posed for a moment outside of the Trestle Inn, during a b-day celebration ride on Minnesota's North Shore.

Can this possibly be true??

Anyone else put some miles on your sled yesterday?

A Recent Barn Find

I recently stumbled upon this sweet vintage snowmobile barn find while on a family trip in Southeast Minnesota.

Click to enjoy some dust-covered sleds that might one day be rescued. Or not.

TGIF: The Friday the 13th (June 2014) Edition

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.

John's Shop: Anderson's Perfect Hangout

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.

Sun Shines Bright: Arctic Cat Trip Report in June 2014

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.

TGIF: The June 6, 2014 Edition

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.

Minnesota Quadna Mud Nationals

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.

Claude Jordan Steps Down as Arctic Cat CEO: Twomey Named Interim CEO

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.

TGIF: The May 30, 2014 Edition

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.

FOX SHOX Midwest: A Day Inside (and Outside)

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.

TGIF: The May 23, 2014 Edition

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.

Master Craft: Mike Miller's Magic Restoration

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.

Do a Craigslist Kindness (and Help Saves Lives)

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.

TGIF: The May 16, 2014 Edition

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.

Racing's Greatest Reward

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.