Prsrt Std. U.S. Postage PAID Bend, OR Permit No. 473 Volume 30, No. 7 MARCH 2008 Official Publication of the Oregon State Snowmobile Association www.oregonsnow.org P.O. Box 6328 Bend, OR 97708 A Message From Your President John Vogel, OSSA President Well, here it is March and we don’t have the snow we nor- mally have at this time of year. This causes multiple problems that we all need to be aware of when we are riding. Remember that rocks and stumps are going to be just under the surface of the snow in those areas that normally have more at this time of year. Grooming of the trails is much more difficult due to the lack of snow and warmer weather, which makes some trails rougher than normal. Culverts in ditches along with rocks, ditches flowing water under the snow and sign post will not be covered and make for an accident waiting to happen. The warm days coming on often make for icy conditions at night and in the morning hours, so ride accordingly. All of these fac- tors have contributed to accidents this season, so please ride safe. Be sure you thank the groomer volunteers that spend so many countless hours taking care of the trails we all enjoy. While your trail system is fresh in your minds, take note of any trails needing attention for summer maintenance. We must maintain safe and clean trails that are well marked and hazard free. Peggy has diamonds and arrows if needed. Remember to keep in contact with your local Forest Ser- vice during the off season and be involved with any issues that may affect our sport. If an issue arises in your area that needs attention, contact your Director and we can all help as we all have to work together. I know OSSA and I keep harping on this, but it is very important for the survival of our sport. Don’t forget about the International Snowmobile Congress (ISC) being held in Boise, Idaho on June 11-14, 2008. Details posted at www.idahosnowbiz.com. If you need anymore infor- mation about this event contact Peggy or me. Remember to ride safe, so you can ride another day and Paxton ~ Winner of the Snowman Building Contest at Moon Country’s “The Big Event” have a great spring and summer. Peggy Sez... posed actions are and how it will that affect snowmobiling. One we love our sport. Snowmobiling are now an organization of 30 by Peggy Spieger, affect snowmobiling in your area. focus this year will be the impor- is a year round commitment and clubs dedicated to improving OSSA Executive Director Know your District Ranger and tance of the Recreation Trails working together is essential to communication and relationships his/her recreation staff. Be famil- Program fund. Many of our preserve our sport. Our organiza- with each other as well as other Spring riding is here which iar with the travel management clubs have snow shelters and tion (OSSA) was started in 1973 winter recreationists. OSSA means warm days and cold nights plan in your area and make sure groomer facilities that have been by a handful of people who always works to keep you on the challenging our trail caretakers that snowmobiles are considered built with RTP dollars. Some loved snowmobiling and wanted snow. We need the support of all statewide. The groomer operators over the snow vehicles and stay clubs have received RTP money to make it better. They had a snowmobilers to help achieve our sometimes feel like they are try- exempt from the trails only rule. for other projects. vision which we honor today. We goals. ing to do an impossible job when Keep us advised whenever we The International Snowmobile the snow melts and then freezes can help. OSSA maintains contact Congress will be in Boise, Idaho repeatedly causing rough and with local, state, regional and in June with participants from uneven trails. Hard icy conditions national decision makers; we Canada, Sweden and the United can also make your snowmobile work together with ACSA to pre- States. ISC represents CCSO more difficult to control and as vent more areas being closed to (Canadian Council of Snowmo- the snow continues to melt, snowmobiles. bile Organizations), ACSA stumps and rocks may be an John Vogel and I will be going (American Council of Snowmo- additional hazard. The landscape to Washington, D.C. in April bile Associations), and Snofed changes with each snow level so along with representatives from (Swedish Snowmobile Owner ride with care snowmobilers and all other snowmobile states. Each Federation). It will be some time have fun. Many areas will have of us will meet with the Senators until ISC will be this close to good riding well into April. and Congressmen and their staff home again. Check it out at Keep in touch with your local from our respective states famil- www.idahosnowbiz.com . forest. Know what the local pro- iarizing them with land use issues We all snowmobile because Page 2 OREGON SNOWMOBILE NEWS www.oregonsnow.org MARCH 2008 Breathe in. Breathe out. Breathe in. Breathe out. From atop one of these machines you wonder, who needs air when you can have the exhilaration of an Arctic Cat® M1000 and a steep incline to fill up your lungs? Particularly with all this machine offers. Like the new FLOAT skid that’s pretty as heaven and provides performance to match. Lighter suspension. And of course, a blistering 1000cc power mill to push you up, up and away. As we see it, that’s living. Because IT’S IN OUR BLOOD. Our new FLOAT skid is 8 lbs. lighter. Something you’ll appreciate as you blast into the Always wear a helmet and don’t drink and ride. ©2007 Arctic Cat Sales Inc., ®™ Trademarks of Arctic Cat Inc., Thief River Falls, MN 56701. atmosphere. FOR MORE FEATURES, VISIT THE M SERIES SECTION AT ARCTICCAT.COM. MARCH 2008 OREGON SNOWMOBILE NEWS www.oregonsnow.org Page 3 March storms. helped numerous folks out of –Correct date (These dates have been Moon Country’s biggest news serious danger. Brian Rouse, March 9 – Daylight Savings switched due to snow condi- is that our “Big Event” came off who was himself rescued last Time resumes tions. Check the hotline 410- pretty good considering we were year, has joined SAR and spoke March 15 – Crater Lake Ride not sure how to do it. Local deal- about what SAR meant to him – Correct date Continued on Page 14 ers, including Cascade Motor- after his tragic experience when sports, Cascade Harley-Davidson, he and his dad went for a couple GK Motorsports, Power Yamaha, hour ride and got caught up in a Peak Performance, Towers for storm that cost his dad his life. Snowmobiles, had their tents set The Poker Run was attended by up answering questions, provid- many who just happened to be in ing demo rides, and just having a the sno-park that day. Mark by Susie Fagen-Wirges good time. The Deschutes Wirges proved you didn’t have to County Search & Rescue were ride to win, as he took home the Oh boy, is winter going by there with their command trailer winning pot. He deserved it too, fast or what? In just a couple of and nine members explaining as he spent the day helping out days it will be March. Hope- exactly what they do when a call the DJ, Wade Fagen, and acting fully, there will be some great comes in for help. SAR is a non- as the go between for his invalid spring riding if we get the usual profit volunteer group that has wife and the rest of the group. Two of the stylish snowmen were The Big Event ~ Dick Dufourd, Larry Reiser, Dave Lynn & built by a couple of youngsters who each won a prize for their Chuck Tolboe creation. Plans are being made to do this again next year as it was a great way to show off our sport. The Candlelighters play day was postponed due to weather ONE HESITATES TO HIBERNATE and is re-scheduled for March 22nd. Hopefully, it will be a great day and many children will BAR & RESTAURANT be able to attend. The annual charity banquet Snowmobile Rentals was held on Feb. 23rd. The Shilo Cabin Rentals • Fuel Inn restaurant served a great meal Restaurant & Lounge and many wonderful items were raffled off. Open Friday, Sat. & Sun ~ Except between Christmas & New Years Elections are coming up in Located on the Trail Between April for two board positions. Mt. Bachelor & Diamond Lake Anyone interested in being on the board is encouraged to talk to a 2 Miles off Hwy 58 board member about being nomi- Crescent Lake, OR nated. www.crescentlakeresort.com Upcoming events for Moon Country: (541) 433-2505 March 8 – Paulina Lake Ride The Big Event ~ DJ music was provided. I’LL SEE YOUR 8000 FEET AND RAISE YOU 3000 CASCADE HARLEY-DAVIDSON, BUELL and ARCTIC CAT 541-330-6228 | cascadeharley.com | 63028 Sherman Rd., Bend Page 4 OREGON SNOWMOBILE NEWS www.oregonsnow.org MARCH 2008 MARCH 2008 OREGON SNOWMOBILE NEWS www.oregonsnow.org Page 5 Page 6 OREGON SNOWMOBILE NEWS www.oregonsnow.org MARCH 2008 Snowmobilers Cheer Great Winter Weather Madison, Wisconsin this season - the beginning of 2001. The drop Snowmobile Manufacturers Support Outreach to New Snowmobilers the MOST in recorded history. in temperature in the past year Meteorologist Anthony Watts has been a whopping 0.63oC Contact Ed Klim notes there has been a global drop (1.13oF).