Riding the Almaguin Trails

This past weekend I was back getting some saddle time on the 800 Dragon Switchback and F5 LXR Cat.

The trails were perfect and there was lots of fresh snow.

With just over 1000 miles now logged on the 800 Dragon, it was time to see what this baby would do on Lake Bernard outside of Sundridge.  Our test sled is bone stock and not studded.

Top speed observed was 96 mph on the lake@ 8100 rpm.   The sled delivered a solid 10 mpg on our 200 mile run. This is comparable to the 800 Crossfire we also have in our test fleet.

There is lots of places to explore on this trail system and including the ice caves and ice falls on the trails between Keaney and Huntsville. This photo was taken on the way to Sundridge.

The F5 is a ladies best friend on the trails this winter. The light wgt. plenty of wind protection and good fuel mileage has put the F5 at the top of the list of the Snowgoer fleet this winter with Carol.

Family Day Weekend.

Our family and another family spent the weekend near Dwight and Dorset Ontario. Even after a mild spell the lakes and trails were in super shape! I'll stop typing and let the pictures speak.

"Go Snowmobiling - Give It A Try" tour

I dropped by the Pike Lake Country Club in Mount Forest to check out the tour that introduces new people to the sport of sledding. Here is the fleet of sleds from all the OEMs and a group of new riders and guides/instructors helping them out.

A two tier tractor trailer is used to haul the fleet of sleds from location to location.

I took out a 600 E-Tec so I could check out the trails.

WOW! Nice trails for a person's first ride!

When I got back I put a set of BRP hand muffs on the MXZ, as my fingers got cold at -22. Good thing the newbies were fully outfitted with the latest in warm clothing. (The next person to ride the REV will thank me for installing those muffs.)

A busy weekend!

Well, some weekends are just busier then others, and this was one of those "busy" ones. I was in the groomer with Graham Snyder on Friday, then off to a clubhouse with Hal on Satuday, and then on Sunday I was off to the Snow-X races in Barrie with my son Eric.

Grooming near Waterloo Ontario, a young family of sledders gets to ride a freshly groomed trail.

The view from up top as a group of sledders give Graham the thumbs up.
Happy trails.............
Saturay morning and I was off to the FEB clubhouse near Belwood Lake. See the sign indicating the clubhouse direction and the notice that the kitchen is open? How can anyone get lost with all those signs?

Lots of sleds come and go all day at the FEB clubhouse.
You know you are in farm country when you see a "John Deere REV".

Iniside the clean clubhouse, there's good food, coffee, hot chocolate, friendly service, no smoke and no beer.


This is Gerry Reid, the local and district president. He is one of those hard working dedicated volunteers who makes snowmobiling possible for the rest of us. He will be on STV soon.


On Sunday, my son and I were off to the Snow-X races in Barrie. That is a rare 1981 Scorpion Sidewinder being entered in the vintage snow-x. In the background is the Georgian Downs race track, with heated indoor viewing and open bleachers too.

The flag drop s for a vintage race, with a Centurion, SideWinder, King Cat and SS25 all trying to be 1st heading into turn one. They got the holeshot on a huge field of vintage racers. Vintage snow-x is really becoming popular with fans and racers.


Wow, a GPX, Jag, SnoTwister, and TNT coming off their first lap. What a site.



This is Calie-Ann Sagan, former 120 racer then figure skater and now snow-X racer.

Calie-Ann will be racing this pink Factory Recreation/Royal Distributing sled this year.

The Pro introduction takes place , and the CSRA's "Iron Man" Ric Wilson is first in line.

The Monster Cat has the Monster Energy girls on hand to inspire the crowd.

At the snow-x races you will often see my son Eric with me. Here he is testing out the new HD gear we are using on SnowMobiler TV.

Anxious racers wait for their turn to show their stuff in front of the grandstand.

Here is a familiar site this season, Lee Butler has everything going his way this year and he holds off several former CSRA title holders to win another Pro-race.

John Mochrie is happy, as one of his racers wins another pro event. Royal Distributing sponsored the event, so John is doubly pleased at the overall success of the event and the results!