TGIF: The July 18, 2014 Edition

I'm thankful that when the snow melts to reveal the sand dunes, my trusty steed is ready to adapt via a front-end-wheel kit.

I'm thankful I can scout out the sweetest sand cornices and jumps and, once identified, that I can air it out while wearing my straw hat.

And I'm thankful it's Friday, July 18, 2014.

Aired Out: Update to 2015 Arctic Cat 6000/8000/9000 models

Arctic Cat announced an update to the side panel on all 2015 ZR, XF and M models in the 6000, 8000, and 9000 engine series.

The revised side panel features a new external duct that directs more air onto the clutches, reducing their operating temperatures.

Click to breeze through some more info and pix.

Race-Ready: Updates to the 2015 Arctic Cat ZR4000RR

Arctic Cat updated the 2015 ZR4000RR with new, race-focused features aimed at higher performance and improved handling.

It gets the TEAM driven clutch, wider A-arms and new skis.

Click for more detailed information.

TGIF: The July 11, 2014 Edition

I'm thankful for the sheer joy and adventure of backcountry boondocking.

I'm thankful my new watercross race sled is ready to rip.

I'm thankful for Outdoor Life magazine.

And I'm thankful it's Friday, July 11, 2014.

Inside THE Glass House: A Day with Kenny Halvorson, Fiberglass Artist

You know the magnificent (and mean-looking) 1972 Arctic Cat EXT hood/belly combo? It was primarily designed and crafted in fiberglass by Kenny Halvorson.

The same Kenny Halvorson who produced most of the patterns and molds for Arctic Cat from the early '70s through 1981.

Ditto for the reproduction Z, EXT, big mouth Panther and Sno Pro hoods that grace the majority of rebuilt, restored and/or reproduced show sleds throughout the world.

They and many more are the creation of Kenny Halvorson and his crew of craftsmen.

Click to read about a master of glass.

TGIF: The July 4, 2014 Edition

I'm thankful it's July... time to rev up my WetBike.

I'm thankful I can just sit here, cool as $#!T, while she waves at me from on the beach.

I'm thankful for the fireworks that are gonna happen as soon as I'm done ripping some waves on my trusty steed.

And I'm thankful it's Friday, July 4, 2014.

All-New Arctic Cat Snowmobile Accessories for June '14

Once a month Arctic Cat distributes info to the media highlighting select new products, some of which are so new they didn't make it into the accessories catalog.

This month the batch includes an all-new 3.0-in. lug PowerClaw track for mountain sleds, SPY-built goggles, Tucker Hibbert Series FOX Shox and a women's BackCountry jacket.

Make the jump to see and read about them.

Q&A with Michele McCraw, Arctic Cat Snowmobile BOM Tech

For the gears to turn smoothly and on time at a company like Arctic Cat, there must be people whose job is to create and adhere to a master plan.

Michele McCraw is one of those people.

As a BOM (Bill of Materials) Technician, McCraw is responsible for the documentation of 62 current model snowmobiles, plus a large number of prototype and future model year sleds.

It’s a huge responsibility that’s critical to the assembly and specification documentation of these snowmobiles.

Click to read about her job and some cool facts about current Arctic Cat snowmobiles.

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.