Alaska SnowRider Magazine – March, 2015

M A R C H 2 015

Arctic ManTeams ready

to go fast or go home

Going it aloneConsequences

increase for solo travelers

AMMC race results

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www.RideAlaska.com • March 2015 • Alaska SnowRider • 3

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4 • Alaska SnowRider • March 2015 • www.RideAlaska.com

KEVIN HITE ASSA President

P U B L I S H E R John Woodbury

S A L E S & M A R K E T I N G D I R E C T O R Jill Tillion

B U S I N E S S M A N A G E R Linda Cushman

E D I T O R Melissa DeVaughn

M A N A G I N G E D I T O R Joy Sullivan

[email protected]

P R O D U C T I O N M A N A G E R Meranda Carter

Alaska Adventure Media 6921 Brayton Drive, Suite 207

Anchorage , Alaska 99507 (907) 677-2900 • Fax: (907) 677-2901

www.RideAlaska.com [email protected]

E D I T O R I A L C O N TA C T Joy Sullivan

[email protected]

Published by Alaska Adventure Media under exclusive written contract with the Alaska State Snowmobile Association. The appearance of advertising in this publication does not consti-tute endorsement by ASSA or Alaska Adventure Media of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patron-age without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron.ADVERTISING RESPONSIBILITY: All advertisements are accepted and published by the Publisher upon the representation that the agency and/or advertiser will indemnify and save the Edi-tor/Publisher/ agents harmless for any loss or expense resulting from claims or suits based upon contents of any violation of right of privacy, plagiarism and copyright infringement.Contents of the Alaska SnowRider are not the official viewpoint of Alaska Adventure Media or their agents.Alaska SnowRider is the official publication of the Alaska State Snowmobile Association, P.O. Box 240405, Anchor-age, AK, 99524-0405.Permission in writing from the publisher is required for any reprint or reproduction of this publication. ASSA and Alaska Adventure Media reserve the right to revise, edit or reject any advertisement or editorial.DEADLINES: All advertisements and news are due by the 10th of each month prior to publication.

www.AlaskaSnowRider.comOn the cover:

Tyson Johnson pulls Jayson Hale through the hook-up portion of the 2013 Arctic Man course. The duo finished second in

the men’s snowboard division.

JOHN WOODBURY

Volume 25, Number 4

I want to thank everyone who suffers through my monthly column (not the least of which are my editors) and want to let you know this is my

last of the season. Not that I have been fired yet, but this is our last edition for the 2014/2015 season. I hope most of you are reading this at Arctic Man… As far as I know, that is the only area with any snow whatsoever.

In addition to the start of the Iron Dog and a first time ever ceremonial start in Anchorage, both the Anchorage Snowmobile Club and the Iron Dog organization sponsored an “ Alaska Snowmobile Summit, 2015”. This event gave many of us the op-portunity to gather snowmobile representatives from organizations and clubs all over the state to discuss and prioritize goals for Alaska’s snowmobiling com-munity in the near and distant future.

Organizations participating included the Anchor-age Snowmobile Club, the Lake Louise Wolfpack, the Fairbanks Snow Travelers, Caribou Hills Cabin Hoppers, the Snowmads of Homer and Anchor Point, the Curry Ridge Riders, Tok Trailblazers, Big Lake Trails, Willow Trails, ASSA as well as involved enthusiasts from this media organization and cur-rent and former lodge owners. In addition, State Parks Director Ben Ellis made time to update us on the current status of the Snow Trac registration program.

We opened the agenda with the stated goal of coming out of the meeting with three clear goals that we could agree upon to focus our attention and time on to move Alaska Snowmobiling into the future.

Obviously the 600 lb gorilla in the room was the Snow Trac program. Most of the afternoon’s discussion centered on the program, its perceived and acknowledged problems, and what we wanted to do with it. When we started to prioritize the above mentioned three items, it became evident that num-ber one was what to do with the POS (Point of Sale, or Snow Trac) program. Numbers two, three, four and five all depended on the outcome of number one.

The number one directive that ever participant in the conference had was fixing Snow Trac. There were

three ways discussed that that fix could be effected.1. Move Snow Trac from a DNR advisory board

into a Snow Trac dedicated board under the Gover-nors Divison of Boards and Commissions. This op-tion gives Snow Trac much more authority to direct the program as it sees fit

2. Move Snow Trac into an NGO that would ad-minister the snowmobile registration money outside of the current government options.

3. Leave the program where it is and attempt to fix/influence it as it stands.

There were pros and cons to each option. We re-ally don’t have time in the space we have here to fully cover all of the discussions, but each option had its adherents. With our limited space here, we can only cover the majority choice.

The majority chose to pursue Option 1, moving Snow Trac from the DNR oversight to a regional board that would be assigned to the Governor’s Divi-sion of Boards and Commissions. This option gave Snow Track several advantages. They would still re-port a division of state Boards, but would have much greater autonomy and visibility for the processes and outcomes. Additionally they wouldn’t be subject to the budgetary process via the division of parks and the DMV. The budgetary process would be different, and they would be responsible for their own budget requests, not necessarily tied into the DMV process.

When part of the discussion you have is the direc-tor of state parks telling you that he has no issue with the program moving away from his department and “to strike now while the iron is hot”, likely tells us we are on the right track. Throughout this summer, those attendees who were at the conference will all be individually and as a group, contacting legislators and staff with the intention of being successful with Option 1. Space limitations keeps this column short, but I will be preparing a complete report on the Summit. Please contact your club board members for the entire package of information.

In the meantime, enjoy the time you have to fix and get your sled ready for next season. By then we may be talking to our SnowTrac board members who have a new structure…..

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CLUB NEWS

Race #3 and Final Race, Feb. 7600 Semi-Pro (Money) Pos. BIB # Driver Location Make Time1 #3 Karpik, Luc Eagle River Ski Doo 30 Points2 #46 Kleewein II, Kenneth Palmer Polaris 27 Points3 #114 Leslie, Bryan Anchorage Polaris 23 Points4 #626 Schachle, Christopher Wasilla Polaris 17 Points5 #25 Mcdonald, William Eagle River Polaris 15 Points6 #423 Conlon, Troy Fairbanks Polaris 14 Points7 #4 E Burgess, Hunter Wasilla Ski-Doo 13 Points8 #831 Armstrong, Ryan Wasilla Arctic Cat 10 Points9 #530 Bullard, Virgil Fairbanks Arctic Cat 9 Points10 #790 McDonald, Tyler Wasilla Polaris 5 Points11 #211 Daniels, Pat Big Lake Polaris 4 Points12 #627 Kunkle, Travis North Pole Polaris 3 Points13 #213 Riddle, Jeremy Fairbanks Arctic Cat 2 PointsDNF #52 Beech, Joe Palmer Arctic Cat 0 PointsDNF #33 French, Jesse Eagle River Polaris 0 Points0-600 Women (Money) Pos. BIB # Driver Location Make Time1 #30 Herrin, Sarah Kenai Ski-Doo 30 Points2 #39 Barber, Shana Willow Polaris 25 Points3 #59 Springer, Nichole Wasilla Polaris 24 Points4 #682x Nerup, Brooke Palmer Arctic Cat 20 Points5 #355 Boe, Kelci Wasilla Ski-Doo 15 Points0-600 Jr. fan (Trophy) Pos. BIB # Driver Location Make Time1 #54 Black, Ryder Palmer Ski-Doo 30 Points2 #56 Conrad, Kali Palmer Ski-Doo 27 Points3 #26j Sherbahn, Zowie Anchorage Arctic Cat 24 Points0-600 Pro (Money) Pos. BIB # Driver Location Make Time1 #111 Schachle, Robby Wasilla Ski-Doo 30 Points2 #06 George, Brad Wasilla Ski-Doo 26 Points 3 #361 Weisz, Zack Wasilla Polaris 23 Points4 #41 Saccheus, Bob Anchorage Ski-Doo 21 Points5 #478 Wood, John North Pole Arctic Cat 18 Points6 #66 Watson, Eric Wasilla Ski-Doo 15 Points7 #69 Gocke, Andy Willow Polaris 10 Points0-600 Jr. Liquid (Trophy) Pos. BIB # Driver Location Make Time1 #682 Whittock, Kyle Palmer Arctic Cat 30 Points

January 17120 Pro Stock Pos. BIB # Driver Location Make Time1 #01 Arlt, Robert Anchorage Polaris 28pt2 #6 Earns, Boone Big Lake Polaris 26pt3 #99 Butcher, Drake Big Lake Arctic cat 25pt4 #79 Skrukrud, Jaxxon Anchorage Arctic Cat 22pt5 #53 Blydenburgh, Garret Alaska Arctic Cat 17pt6 #34a Dillard, Trenton Wasilla Polaris 14pt7 #98 Fritts, Haley Wasilla Polaris 9pt8 #7 Burger, Wyatt Big Lake Arctic Cat 8pt9 #8a Caverly, Jozlin Palmer Ski-Doo 8pt10 #024 Downey, Kaelyn Palmer Polaris 5pt

11 #3a Caverly, Makayla Palmer Ski-Doo 3pt120 Super Stock Pos. BIB # Driver Location Make Time1 #74 Tuttle, Talin Anchorage Arctic Cat 29pt2 #64 Little, Jason Wasilla Polaris 29pt3 #2 Sottosanti, Faith Wasilla Polaris 24pt4 #025 Phillips, Felicity Anchorage Arctic cat 22pt5 #75x Skrukrud, Jaylin Anchorage Arctic Cat 22pt6 #36 Ferguson, Kenzie Anchorage Polaris 20pt7 #50 Hunt, Hudson Anchoarage Arctic Cat 19pt8 #32 Rodrigo-Legarda, Julien Anchorage Polaris 17pt9 #35 Christie, Jade Wasilla Polaris 16pt10 #27 Phillips, Addisyn Anchorage Arctic cat 14ptnull #97 Birdsall, Bryce Palmer Arctic Cat 9ptnull #123 Causey, Chuck Palmer Polaris 5ptDNS #50A Charles, Kelley Wasilla Arctic Cat null #18 Gueco, Allie Wasilla Arctic Cat 10ptnull #40k Hammers, Kenzie Big Lake Arctic cat 9ptnull #51 Hunt, Jager Anchorage Arctic Cat 5ptnull #15 Leader, Danielle Wasilla Yamaha 5ptnull #16x Leader, Lilliana Wasilla Yamaha 2ptnull #31 Moore, Lucy Wasilla Arctic Cat 1ptnull #29 Phillips, Maddox Anchorage Polaris 4ptnull #90 Sherbahn, Briley Anchorage Arctic cat 3ptnull #45 Surian, Harley Anchorage Polaris 10ptnull #82 Walker, Henry Wasilla Arctic Cat 4ptnull #127 Nelson, Alison Wasilla Polaris 4pt120 Improved Stock Pos. BIB # Driver Location Make Time1 #36 Ferguson, Kenzie Anchorage Arctic cat 26pt2 #76 Tuttle, Trey Anchorage Arctic Cat 25pt3 #22 Drinkhouse, Gavin Wasilla ArcticCat 24pt4 #11 Burger, Abby Big Lake, Arctic Cat 21pt5 #122 McCarty, Cash Anchorage Arctic Cat 21pt6 #89 Cape, Barry Eagle River Arctic Cat 18ptChamp Pos. BIB # Driver Location Make Time1 #26 Nicoll, Keldin Big Lake Polaris 30pt2 #100 Koloski, Buckshot Anchorage Polaris 24pt3 #88 Fritts, Kade Wasilla Polaris 24pt4 #14 Caverly, Blake Palmer Polaris 24pt5 #6 Earns, Boone Big Lake Polaris 16pt6 #49x Starnes, Olivia Anchorage Polaris 16pt7 #71 Helm, Wyatt Big Lake Polaris 13ptPro 206 Pos. BIB # Driver Location Make Time1 #43 McDonnell, Aidan Wasilla Polaris 30pt2 #17 Leader, Nikoli Wasilla Yamaha 23pt3 #13b Andersen, Andy Sutton Arctic Cat 224 #77 Stoddard, Macie Anchorage Arctic Cat 21pt5 #5 Davis, Madison Anchorage N/A 16pt6 #44 Davis, Hunter Anchorage N/A 16pt7 #20 Stoddard, Cole Anchorage Polaris 15pt8 #80 Putnam, Billy Blaise Wasilla Polaris 10ptnull #44 Wilkes, Kaylee Wasilla Yamaha 0pt

The AMMC 120 Racers pose for a group photo. COURTESY AMMC

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CLUB NEWS

Big Lake Aurora Lions third annual Hatcher Pass Polaris Night Race The Mat-Su Vintage Snowmachine Racers Club held its third annual Hatcher Pass Polaris Night Jan. 17, and what an awesome night it was for the event. The weather could not have been better. There were 66 race entries, tons of spectators and 120s. Thanks go to volunteers Cody, Robby, Becky, Ricky, Kali, Collin, Devin, Vonice and more. More thanks

The Old Guys dicing it out in Turn 4. DOREEN KITTER

Tom Whitstine holds his first place trophies for the 600 open and +45 open classes SHERRY WHITSTINE.


to Sturgeon Construction, Neeser Construction, Yukon Rental and Slayden for supplying the lights and fuel for the lights. The Over 55 Final had numerous lead changes. Jim Miller made a great return showing. Steve Cary from Fairbanks made it side by side at the finish with Miller edging him out by inches. Chuck Eppolito won the 0-500 Class with a huge holeshot on his beauty of a Yamaha GPX 433. Cohen Hannaman put a move on Robert Schachle, Jr., in Turn 3 of the last lap and won the Junior Class. Shawn Nestor took top honor in the Over 45 Class edging out Donnie Bull.

IRA Pro 0-1000cc1. #44 Wyatt Schmiege2. #151 John Clague3. #91 Robby Schachle4. #191 Billy Wilkes5. #20 Gabe KitterDNF #111 Tony Hardwick

IRA Pro 0-600cc1. #18 Mike Estes2. #86 James Sweetsir3. 30 Frankie Harris4. #88 Al Palma, Jr

IRA Semi-Pro1. #18 Myles Wilson2. #19AK Scott Swingle3. #250 Nick House

IFS OPEN1. #727 Dean ScottDNF #737 Chris Scott

Jr Class1. #79 Cohen Hannaman2. #55 Robby Ian SchachleDNS #248 Hunter Craig

Women1. #18 Shyla Schachle2. #80 Alyssa Humphreys

Single Cylinder/0-300 Twin1. #808 JC Collvins2. #222 Dave Jensen3. #772 Steve GianiDNS #762 Charles BalzariniDND #248 Troy CraigDNS #84 Randy Heimerl

0-400cc1. #179 Cody Hannaman2. #222 Dave Jensen3. #3 Titus Gumley4. #292 Dan Pruski5. #729 Matt Knapp6. #76 David HornDNF #44 Martin BrownDNS #11 Victor Molodkin

Over 451. #80 Shawn Nestor2. #166 Donnie Bull3. #173 Tom Whitstine4. #19AK Scott Swingle5. #248 Craig Clayton6. #771 Steve Giani7. #283 Charlie Bailey8. #17 Steve CaryDNF #222 Dave JensenOver 551. #157 Jim Miller2. 317 Steve Cary

DOREEN KITTER

Continued on page 25

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April 6-12, 2015 Summit Lake, AK

Arctic Man


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The fast trackArctic Man tests mettle, sanity of high-speed athletes

Two pre-race Arctic Man parties are being hosted to celebrate the 30th an-niversary. Tilted Kilt in Anchorage hosts a pre-race party 5-10 p.m. March 6 at 801 Old Seward Hwy. Roundup Steakhouse in Fairbanks hosts a party 6-10 p.m. March 7 at 2701 Cushman St. Both events will feature 30th-anniversary race mer-chandise and more. For more details, go to www.arcticman.com.

Pre race Parties

A R C T I C M A N 2 0 1 5 3

By Melissa DeVaughn

Adrenaline junkies have one thing in common: that tight-throated amped-up excitement that comes

from pushing the envelope, blended with an appreciation for athleticism at its peak.

It’s exactly what Arctic Man delivers each year. Long before X Games riders were flipping off ramps and skiing upside-down tricks, guys – and gals – on snow-machines, downhill skis and snowboards were testing their high-velocity limits in the Hoodoo Mountains of Alaska.

Arctic Man celebrates 30 years this April 6-12 as perhaps the only race of its kind. What started out as a bet between skiers and snowmachiners, and played out as a small speed-skiing challenge among a group of friends, is now a much-anticipat-ed weeklong event that turns a middle-of-nowhere highway pullout into a minor city complete with camping, food, entertain-ment and more.

Arctic Man 2015 promises another year of mind-blowing athleticism as snowma-chiners fine-tune their towing skills while brave-hearted downhill skiers and snow-boarders hang on tight and reach speeds in the range of 90 mph. Teams focus heavily on coordination while enduring unheard-of speed and uphill racing that you won’t find in an average ski race.

“We have unbelievable snow there — it’s fantastic,” said Howard Thies, race founder and organizer. “If you’ve been worried about snow the rest of the year, you don’t have to here.”

To fully understand the “only in Alaska” insanity that is Arctic Man, you have to see it for yourself, April 10, in the Hoodoo Mountains north of Paxson.

“If you’re a racer it’s an adrenaline rush,” Thies said. “If you’re a spectator it’s one of the most profound races in the world.”

Here’s how it works: The skier or snowboarder plunges from a 5,800-foot peak known as the Tit, drops 1,700 feet at speeds reaching 60 mph, and navigates a creek — all while staying upright, of course. Eventually, these athletes appear in an open valley where hundreds of specta-

tors watch the most important phase of the race, the hook-up. There, the snowma-chiner tries to match speed with the skier, allowing him or her to take hold of a tow-rope, similar to a water-skiing rope, to be hauled off at high speed, uphill. It’s tricky, and crashes are common – but these pros even know how to crash in harmless style.

With luck, the team is in sync and they’ll rip off without much time lost, catching a little air before disappearing into another creek, the 2.25-mile snow-machine pull.

If the snowmachiner has the skill to ride hard and fast despite the tugging on the rear, and only if the athlete in tow can stay on course and handle the excessive speeds of up to 90 mph, they’ll be con-tenders for the championship.

Cresting another mountaintop, the skier is released like a slingshot for a second downhill run toward the finish line to complete the total 5.5-mile course.

As Thies said, there’s nothing like it, and the surrounding countryside and mountaintop viewing is, in itself, spec-tacular.

Thies said the 30th anniversary gives racers and spectators more reason to celebrate.

“Tilted Kilt (an Anchorage bar) is now our new bar and we’re excited about that,” he said. “We’re going to have some special events in the bar that we are still working out.”

One such highlight, he said, is the arrival of a mechanical bull and salmon

for riding contests to see who can stay on longest.

That is sure to be a hit. There also will be other bar games for the 21- and older crowd.

Still, Thies stressed, the event is family friendly.

“We have tried to build this up to more of a family event over the years, not just a wild party,” he said. “The Anchorage Mo-tor Mushers Club is coming back again, and we will do a small snow cross for the kids and a mini Arctic Man for them as well. We will not do the hillcross that we have done in the past.”

Also not on the race schedule is the adaptive race, which was featured in both 2013 and 2014. Thies said a scheduling conflict has lured most of the higher-level adaptive racers to an event in Colorado, so he decided to scrap it for this year.

“Paying to get up here is a challenge for

14 • Alaska SnowRider • March 2015 • www.RideAlaska.com4 A R C T I C M A N 2 0 1 5

a lot of racers,” he said, adding that with the sponsorship of Alaska Airlines, he will be awarding four round-trip airfare tickets to top racers from the Lower 48. He planned to attend the Rahlves’ Bonzai Tour March 14 and 15 and award the tick-ets to the winners of that X Games style downhill competition.

“If they win that division I’m going to tell them, ‘I’ll give you a round-trip ticket to fly up and race,’ and I’ll start with No. 1 and if he can’t go I’ll ask No. 2 and I’ll go down as far as I need to,” Thies said.

Thies said the stronger the competition, the closer to new records the race will reach — although the current record of 3 minutes 52.72 seconds with an average speed of 79.2 mph, set by Marco Sullivan and Tyler Aklestad in 2013 — is pretty rock solid.

“Think about that,” Thies said. “Five and one-half miles in 3 minutes and 52 seconds on a pair of skis being pulled by a snowmachine. It’s insane.”

True, the race and thousands of specta-tors riding through the mountains on snowmachines might seem intimidating, but Arctic Man has remained a festive gathering that anyone can enjoy with most everyone being courteous and typically Alaska-friendly.

“The whole thing is to come and have a good time, be safe, don’t drink and drive,” Thies said. “We have a bus that will take you home. The bus is free if you want to tip the driver, that would be nice.”

As always he warns of the risk of drink-ing and driving – or riding – and with Alaska State Troopers on the premises to maintain safety, reckless behavior will not be tolerated.

Centrally located in the Arctic Man compound, the bar tent is surrounded by hundreds of RVs and vehicles, trailers, snow toys, and the nearly 15,000 people that know how to throw a party. This iconic event draws a mob of colorful char-acters from around the globe, complete with costumes and elaborate campsites.

Thies invites everyone back for a great time. He stressed that if you had a parking spot last year, whether you know your number or not, those spots are secure until March 1. After that, the many folks on the waiting list get their shot at a coveted campsite, and you’ll have to make another reservation.

Visit the Arctic Man website for an updated race roster, camp registration information and event schedule, www.arcticman.com.


Monday, April 69 a.m.-5 p.m. Course closed for

course setup and packing.Tuesday, April 7

9 a.m.-5 p.m. Racers, please watch for preparation crews. Course sections open for prac-tice. Watch for ‘section closed’ signs.Wednesday, April 8

9 a.m.-5 p.m. Racers, please watch for packing crews and set-up crews. Course sections open for practice. Watch for ‘section closed’ signs.Thursday, April 9

9 a.m.-5 p.m. Canyon Pull closed (no access to canyon). Ski-ing sections, hookup and drop-off open for practice. Noon-2 p.m., Avalanche Rescue Workshop. 2 p.m. Mandatory racers’ meet-ing at release point for course inspection and start-position drawing. 5-7 p.m., AMMC Race registration, Bar Headquarters. 7 p.m. Mandatory racers meeting at main tent for bib pickup, pre-race instructions, questions and answers.Friday, April 10

10:30 a.m. Tech inspections at hookup. 11 a.m. Forerunners start, with race to follow. Noon Race start. If race is postponed, the race will be held on Saturday with the same schedule as above. Saturday, April 11

10-11 a.m. AMMC Registra-tion. Noon, Arctic Man Kids Races at Snow Cross. 4 p.m., p.m. AMMC Drag races. 7 p.m. Awards. 8 p.m. AMMC awards Bar Headquarters. 10 p.m. raffle. (Saturday is the backup day if race not held on Friday.)Sunday, April 12

Backup day if race not held on Saturday.

2015 Arctic Man Event Schedule

Arctic man has two credos. Everyone knows the first one: “Go fast or go home.”

But the second and most important one is a Howard Thies exclusive: “Bring your com-mon sense.”

The A-Man compound will be full of people to include State Troopers and medical support, so the dangers are greatly decreased, but no one wants to have to rescue you, give you propane because you forgot yours, or share their doughnuts when you run out of food. A trip to Arctic Man requires preparation and planning.

Food vendors are usually present, but bring enough eats with you to last the dura-tion of the event. Be sure to have ample fuel for your generator, snowmachines and vehicle. Fuel is expected to be available for sale at the compound, so in the very least bring money to buy it. Propane will not be available, so top off and bring extra.

April is considered springtime for much of the northern hemisphere, yet specta-tors have experienced temperatures in the minus-20s at Arctic Man, which means ultra-warm clothes and reliable equipment are crucial.

If you plan to ride in the mountains and nearby trails, be sure to tell someone where you’re headed, carry a GPS, carry a beacon and avalanche probe (everyone in the party), ride within your limits and, by all means be cautious of others and wildlife. Ride with others who know the area and stay clear of glaciers, ice bridges and sketchy terrain.

Do not drink and ride. Consider this a warning, Thies says, because if you drink and ride, you’ll likely end up in jail. Also, don’t fight. The Arctic Man compound is a small city, complete with your average city laws and regulations. Follow the rules and have a good time.

If you go

A R C T I C M A N 2 0 1 5 5

Brad Krupa hands off the rope to skier Nick Possenti during their 2010 race.


1 mile3,000'

4,000'

5,000'

3,500'

4,500'

5,500'

6,000'

23456

5,500'

6,000'

START elevation 5,800'

HOOK UPFINISH

ARCTIC MANSKI & SNO–GO CLASSIC

Skier’s/boarder’s release point. Fastest point in the race. Site of crashes in past.

Watch the competitors roll to a stop and the results roll in. Finish line antics are legendary.

One of the most difficult parts of the race, where snowmachiner and skier connect.

FIRST AID/RELEASE

5.5 88.3

4:01.49

MILES, course length

MPH, record speed byJohnny Martin & Petr Kakes

MINUTES, record time byScott McCartney & Tyson Johnson

6 A R C T I C M A N 2 0 1 5

3:52.72 MINUTES, record time by Marco Sullivan & Tyler Aklestad

92.3 Eric Heil & Len Story


HELI-PAD

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R1-R45TO ARCTIC MAN RACE

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A R C T I C M A N 2 0 1 5 7

18 • Alaska SnowRider • March 2015 • www.RideAlaska.com8 A R C T I C M A N 2 0 1 5

2015 POLARIS800 PRO RMK

PALMER5953 E Blue Lupine Dr.

Palmer, AK 6665Phone: (907) 373-4639

Toll Free: (877) 409-4639FAX: (907) 373-4647

WILLOW Mile 66 Parks Hwy Willow, AK 99688 Phone: (907) 495-4639

Toll Free:(866) 495-4639 FAX: (907) 495-5010


Following the raceIf getting to Arctic Man just isn’t an

option — maybe the budget is limited or you can’t get the time off of work — don’t worry. Arctic Man organizers have created many ways in which you can follow the race from the comfort of home.

Radio station KZND-FM 94.7 will be announcing times and places to the crowd via Arctic Man’s on-site station 107.5 FM, and also will send race updates and online communications beyond the race venue via social media, including Facebook and Twitter.

Facebook updates will occur in the morning and evening — find the Arctic Man page at www.facebook.com/pages/Arctic-Man/177882763753. Twitter updates will be at www.twitter.com/arcticmanalas-ka.

Getting thereThe spectacular Hoodoo Mountains are

the venue for this annual event, which at-tracts nearly 15,000 spectators each year. To get here from Anchorage, follow the Glenn Highway to its intersection with the Rich-ardson Highway, at Glennallen. Turn left (north) on the Richardson for approximate-ly 82.5 miles. From Fairbanks follow the Richardson south. Follow the Richardson for another 62.5 miles past Delta Junction.

General GPS coordinates for the Arctic Man campground are 63°12’7.21”N, 145°30’35.30”W.

Side events & entertainmentArctic Man race director Howard Thies

says to expect the usual forms of entertain-ment, Alaska Motor Mushers Club races, jumping, drags, live music, food, beer tent — all the things that make Arctic Man just that much more fun.

Of course, spectators are always encour-aged to get creative and make their own forms of family-friendly entertainment as can be seen by the elaborate camps, cook-outs and general camaraderie.

Snow conditionsArctic Man organizers say there is loads

of snow in the Hoodoos. With much of the region lacking in good snowfall, Arctic Man is one of your best hopes for spectacu-lar, spring riding.

Bar tent and shuttle busAs a free service, Arctic Man guests can

be transported from the bar tent back to their camp on a shuttle. The shuttle is for anyone who has been drinking … not just the lightweights. So hop on board and tip the driver. After all, he or she is putting up with a rowdy bunch.

If you plan on drinking, walk — don’t ride — to the bar. Make a plan to use the shuttle. Watch out for friends and family. If needed, put them on the shuttle to save them the embarrassment of winding up on the Alaska State Troopers TV series. It’s a poor representation of Alaska, and gives Arctic Man a bad name.

Roadside services cautionThe Paxson Lodge and fuel station likely

will be closed after shutting down two years ago. If driving up from the south (Wasilla, Anchorage, Valdez) fuel up in Glennallen, and plan accordingly.

Cell phone coverageArctic Man organizers would like to

thank AT&T for the cell phone service they’ve provided for the past few years. 4G service will again be available.

OuthousesDo you consider yourself a king or Arctic

Man? Then you deserve a proper throne. If you don’t want everyone messing up your RV toilet or if you don’t think it will function properly in the extreme cold, then call (907) 452-1480 to secure your very own outhouse.

FirewoodFires are permitted in your camp area.

Bring your own wood or purchase wood from the provider at Arctic Man. Just be sure to call well in advance to make ar-rangements so you’re not left out in the cold.

Rules of the camp include no burning of pallets (nails have been a problem in the past) and no throwing glass in the fires. And, as weird as it is to write these words — feel free to bring a couch but do NOT leave it behind, attempt to burn it or dump it in the Dumpsters.

To purchase firewood, call (907) 803-8300 or (907) 895-5586.

helpful tips

A R C T I C M A N 2 0 1 5 9

Carly Davis pulls teammate Ryan Wolosyn through the hook-up area during their 2013 race.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Arctic-Man/177882763753

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Arctic-Man/177882763753


The Arctic Man compound is plowed and constructed annually and offers limited space for campers and RVs. Camping groups must reserve campsites and register

with Arctic Man organizers. The cost to do so after Feb. 15 is around $145. After March 15, the cost is $155. PayPal credit card payments are available online. Previous Parking Pad users must download a registration form, make payment and mail the reg-istration form to race officials. New Parking Pad users must use the online form and will be contacted with further information.

Campsites include plowed parking, access to the medical tent, outhouses, garbage Dumpster and the opportunity to be close to all the action. Previous Arctic Man campers have the first op-portunity to reserve their campsite. After March 1, however, all sites are up for grabs.

Find the registration form online at www.arcticman.com. Be prepared to be placed on a waiting list as sites are often claimed long before event day.

Fuel and propaneFuel will be available for purchase at the Arctic Man com-

pound, but it’s an excellent idea to bring extra fuel to ensure your vehicle or generator can keep you warm for the duration of the event. Propane will not be available, and folks have been known to run out.

The nearest fuel station is a long haul away, so plan accord-ingly.

REMEMBER: Store fuel properly so as not to create a fire hazard. Also, NO fireworks are allowed. Don’t even think about bringing them.

Camping Registration

10 A R C T I C M A N 2 0 1 5

While the actual Arctic Man race is a high-octane affair, a lot of time is spent visiting friends around the many campfires that help heat up Arctic Man city.


Arctic Man’sunofficial economic

impact“Between fuel, motorhomes, beverages and everything else you buy,

if we’re not a 3- to 4- to 5-million dollar head for the economy, you can kiss my ass in front of city hall,” says Howard Thies of his famed Arctic Man event. “Think about it; thousands of motorhomes driving from Anchorage and Fairbanks spending on fuel, if they don’t own them they rent them, buying food for the show, everything they buy traveling along the road. If we didn’t sell 400,000 gallons of fuel I’ll be shocked. Rentals at $275 a day, propane—people just don’t realize what this means for the economy. We are a huge economic boost is the bottom line,” he says.

For those who have been to Arctic Man and anyone that purchased new gear, a generator, space heater or purchased a new RV specifically for this annual event, that sounds like a convincing argument.

The 30-year itchPutting on a race like Arctic Man takes organization, innovation

In 1985, Howard Thies sat at a bar with some buddies. And, as is the case in many a bar conversation, a challenge arose. “I bet him I could beat him from top to bottom,” said Thies, the skier, to his

opponent, a snowmachiner. Off they went, covering the same Hoodoo Mountains course that has

been raced every year since — Thies on his downhill skis and his chal-lenger upon a snowmachine.

Thies made it down first, and an iconic Alaska tradition was born. Since then, Arctic Man has become a highly anticipated event for skiers, snowboarders and snowmachiners alike. It’s a place where like-minded winter recreationists can test their mettle — in some of the most spec-tacular backcountry on the road system.

And it takes time and effort to pull off. In the months leading up to Arctic Man, Thies said he and a handful of helpers organize events and sign contracts with participating supporters.

On the day of the race however, it takes a small village to help launch the races. “We probably have 30, 40 people helping out,” Thies said.

This year’s event celebrates 30 years of crazy competition, and with it Thies has added a new twist.

“Tilted Kilt is our new bar and we’ve never had them before, so we are excited about that,” Thies said. The Anchorage bar will haul its staff and goods to the Hoodoos to man the bar, put on games and 30-anniversary events, and host music to help racers and spectators alike get into the festive spirit.

Also, Thies added, two 30th anniversary pre-race parties are planned — one at Tilted Kilt in Anchorage on March 6, and another at the Roundup Steakhouse and Bar in Fairbanks on March 7.

www.arcticman.comPhotography by John WoodburyArctic Man Ski and Sno-Go Classic guide produced by:Alaska Adventure Media Coast magazine SnowRider magazine

www.coast-magazine.com6921 Brayton Drive, Suite 207 Anchorage, AK [email protected](907) 677-2900Project Manager: Melissa DeVaughn

A R C T I C M A N 2 0 1 5 11

Cover Photo: Tyler Aklestad pulls skier Marco Sullivan through the hook-up area en route to their record-setting victory in 2013.

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Alaska State Snowmobile

Association

P.O. BOX 240405

Anchorage, AK 99524-0405

1-888-8AK-SNOW

(1-888-825-7669) 566-0210

President

Kevin Hite

www.aksnow.org

PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES

To encourage the formation of clubs statewide and promote good Sportsmanship, safe and responsible

use of snowmobiles

Sponsor enactment of favorable regulations concerning ownership and use of snowmobiles

Cooperate with Public Land Use Regulatory Agencies while reserving the right to oppose regulations deemed unfair or not in the best

interests of our members

Maintain a legislative committee to serve members statewide

Support the use of snowmobiles pertaining to an

individual's livelihood.

Support local search and rescue efforts

Recognize competition as an important part of recreational Snowmobiling and support such

competition.

The Association treasures the natural beauty of Alaska and values its natural resources; therefore

we will promote the protection of the environment from irrevocable harm.

2011-2012 Goals

The #1 goal for this season is increasing

both our member numbers as well as

participating clubs around Alaska. We will

be actively pursuing new board members

who represent a wide range of snowmobile

activities and regions.

ASSA will be participating in legal and

advisory boards that seek to develop a

statewide trails system.

We will also continue to be the main legal

resource and information clearinghouse for

the ongoing battle for statewide access for

motorized winter recreation in Alaska and

will develop constituent relationships that

benefit our organization.

ASSA will continue to monitor and offer

input to the Sno-Trac Board concerning

the allocation of Point of Sale Revenues.

Alaska State Snowmobile

Association

P.O. BOX 240405

Anchorage, AK 99524-0405

1-888-8AK-SNOW

(1-888-825-7669) 566-0210

President

Kevin Hite

www.aksnow.org

PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES

To encourage the formation of clubs statewide and promote good Sportsmanship, safe and responsible

use of snowmobiles

Sponsor enactment of favorable regulations concerning ownership and use of snowmobiles

Cooperate with Public Land Use Regulatory Agencies while reserving the right to oppose regulations deemed unfair or not in the best

interests of our members

Maintain a legislative committee to serve members statewide

Support the use of snowmobiles pertaining to an

individual's livelihood.

Support local search and rescue efforts

Recognize competition as an important part of recreational Snowmobiling and support such

competition.

The Association treasures the natural beauty of Alaska and values its natural resources; therefore

we will promote the protection of the environment from irrevocable harm.

2011-2012 Goals

The #1 goal for this season is increasing

both our member numbers as well as

participating clubs around Alaska. We will

be actively pursuing new board members

who represent a wide range of snowmobile

activities and regions.

ASSA will be participating in legal and

advisory boards that seek to develop a

statewide trails system.

We will also continue to be the main legal

resource and information clearinghouse for

the ongoing battle for statewide access for

motorized winter recreation in Alaska and

will develop constituent relationships that

benefit our organization.

ASSA will continue to monitor and offer

input to the Sno-Trac Board concerning

the allocation of Point of Sale Revenues.

Recreational Snowmobiling is being threatened in Alaska. To retain access to your favorite places to ride and in order to represent snowmobilers' rights on statewide issues in Juneau, we need your support. We encourage every Alaskan Snowmobiler to: • Join Your Local Club- Be represented on Local Issues • Join your State Association- Be represented on State Issues • Register your snowmobile-it's the Law. These are the only numbers Federal, State and Local governmental officials will use for funding and access issues. An ASSA membership provides each Alaskan Snowmobiler with: • A subscription to the Nationally acclaimed Alaskan Snow Rider! • Eligibility for membership with Denali Alaska Federal Credit Union (Financing for that Snowmobile or Tow Vehicle!) • Insurance privileges through American Income Life • Representation on Statewide issues.

New Membership Renewal Membership

Name: ______________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________ City: ___________________State: _____________Zip: _____________ Phone: __________________E-Mail___________________________ ____Regular Membership-$20 per Season (October 1—Sept 30) ____Family Membership- (up to 4 People)- $35 per year ____Snowmobile Club-$50 Per Year ____ASSA Business Membership-$100 per Year

The Alaska State Snowmobile Association is not liable for personal Insurance. Therefore, I hereby release and discharge ASSA, its agents, and /or officers from any and all claims, demands, actions, judgements and executions which the below signed now have or may have in the future for themselves or for the below signed heirs, executors, administrators or assign for any and all personal injuries and property damage which have been caused by or may arise out of the participation of myself or my family in any ASSA Sponsored event. I, the below-signed, hereby acknowledge that have read this release and understand all of its terms. I execute it voluntarily with full knowledge of its significance.

Signature Date:

A S S A 2 0 1 4 - 1 5 M E M B E R S H I P F O R M2014-2015 Goals


SAFETY MATTERS

Debra McGhan

M ICHAEL HERDINA grew up in Anchorage and has spent more than 50 years skiing and exploring the mountains alone. He’s well aware of the advice that you should travel

with a partner but admits, that rarely happens. For close to 20 years I was his most frequent partner, but since I

fell skiing and hurt my hip four years ago, I haven’t been able to go as often. He has a few friends he skis with but most days he prefers to travel alone at his own pace.

“I don’t like to wait for people,” he said. “Or maybe you could say, I just don’t play well with others.”

For more than a decade Herdina has spent time each winter exploring the terrain around Wolf Creek Ski Area in Colorado. There is a lot of backcountry skiing at this small, family resort, and Herdina has grown familiar, and reluctantly admits, a little careless.

Recently he’s had a couple of close calls where he realized a part-ner could have been a great benefit. His story is about skiing, but it applies to anyone who spends time — whether by snowmachine, skis, snowshoes or on foot — in the backcountry.

One day Herdina skied into an area that turned out to be a range of steep cliffs with a series of waterfalls. He tried to stop when he realized where he was, but he was moving too fast and caught his ski on a rock that launched him headfirst down the hill. He landed on a broken tree stump that jabbed him painfully in the back.

“I felt that stump poking me in the back and realized, I could have been impaled and died.”

I remember one skiing adventure with him when we met up with a group of other skiers about our age and ability. Because I generally only ski with Herdina, I was thrilled with the idea of skiing with

other people, especially women. I happily followed the group, but when we arrived at the lift, Herdina was nowhere to be seen.

I spent the next four hours trying to find him. When we finally reconnected he said he just likes picking his own line and took a wrong turn that separated him from the group.

Whether it happens by design or accident, being alone in the wilderness takes special considerations.

Joe Royer, a 40-year veteran helicopter ski guide based in Lamoille, Nev., understands the reasons and challenges of traveling alone.

“Many of us who work in the mountains do not have the luxury of having a fulltime ski partner,” Royer said in a presentation at the 2014 International Snow Science Workshop, in Banff, Canada. “Simply you either go alone or you don’t go.”

But, he advised, following careful protocols and always sticking with your plan can mitigate a lot of risk.

“There are things you have to take when you’re alone, like some means of communication in case you do get in trouble and need help,” Royer said. “But ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what you want in your pack, what you might ultimately need.”

Other advice Royer shared included: Communicate your plan with someone you trust, and then follow it. And don’t explore new places during high hazard times.

I immediately thought of Herdina. He recently called me to tell me he’d learned another valuable

lesson about skiing alone and knew he needed to scale back his risk tolerance.

Wolf Creek had received more than five feet of snow in a storm

Going aloneAdventurer’s cautionary tail transcends all winter sports

Michael Herdina sits on the peak of Knife Ridge in Colorado. DEBRA MCGHAN


and Herdina was alone and happily plowing through the trees in waist-deep powder when he caught a ski on a branch. It popped his ski off and sent him crashing headfirst into a tree well. Snow filled his nose and mouth and he found himself trapped, struggling to breathe and fighting off the rising panic.

“My ski was literally pointed straight at the sky and wedged against the tree. I was folded in half and hung there stuck. I kept struggling to flip myself around.”

Only a few hundred feet from the lift, he thought about calling for help but figured either people wouldn’t hear him or might think he was joking around. And he admitted, he was embarrassed by his predicament. He was prepared to accept he’d gotten himself into this situation and would figure a way to get himself out. It took more than 20 minutes of wiggling, wrestling and resting before he was able to reach his binding and pop out of his ski. Lucky for him, the incident left no scars and only another reminder that a partner could be a good asset.

Herdina said the joy of spending time in the mountains out-weighs the risks of going alone for him. But he does admit he pays extra attention when packing his gear.

“I wear a survival whistle around my neck and carry emergency gear and communication. I’m also more aware and cautious in extreme weather conditions and when exploring new terrain.”

Whether you plan to travel alone or just find yourself in that situation, it pays to go prepared. At the minimum carry some type of communication device, make sure you stay alert and aware, and tell someone who knows the general area where you will be and when you expect to return.

Learn more at urocksafety.com.

SAFETY MATTERS

Going it alone on the ski slopes, Herdina prepares to make a run at Wolf Creek Ski Resort. DEBRA MCGHAN

http://www.alaskasnow.org


Club news continued from page 9

CLUB NEWS

Alaska Motor Mushershave busy winter, despite low snow

The first race of the 2015 season for Alaska Motor Mushers Club kicked off Jan. 17. Not only was it the first race of the season, it was also the first race in a style of racing that Alaska has never before seen. The Triple Crown Ice Cross is a combination of cross country, snowcross and endure-style racing. The race is run on an unplowed, marked course that can range between 1.5-2.5 mile lap. Three heats are ran, with the number of laps depending on how many miles each class will run for the day.

The first Ice Cross on Jan. 10 brought a large group of racers ranging from juniors to vets, for a total of 36 registrants. The course was only about 1.5 miles and the races were competitive. Kris Eichenberg took home a well-deserved first-place trophy for our Pro Class, as did Kenneth Kleewein II for Semi-Pro, Sarah Herrin for Women’s Class, and Bill Wilkes for Vet Class. Our junior riders were also representing at the first Ice Cross. Kyle Whittock took the frist-place trophy for Junior Liquid Class and Kali Conrad took first for the Junior Fan Class.

Race No. 2 of Ice Cross took place on Jan. 24, and we saw some new racers on a new and longer course. AMMC placed the new course on top of and around the first track. This gave some added bumps and corners to make the race interesting for the riders and fun to watch for the crowd. We saw three new ladies come out for our Women’s Class and they all put on a great race.

Our first place finishers for Race No. 2 were: Pro Class Bill Wilkes, Semi-Pro Luc Karpik, Womens Nichole Springer, Vets Bill Wilkes, Junior Liquid Kyle Whittock, and Junior Fan Ryder Black.

The final race in the Triple Crown Series took place on Feb. 7. The course was 2.4 miles long, with some of the classes racing an estimated 72 miles by the end of the day. Again our races were very competitive and great to watch. The first place trophies went to: Pro Class Robby Schachle, Semi-Pro Luc Karpik, Womens Sarah Her-rin, Junior Liquid Kyle Whittock, and Junior Fan Ryder Black.

Final champions for our First Annual Ice Cross Series are as follows: Pro Class Robby Schachle, Semi-Pro Kenneth Kleewein II, Women Sarah Herrin, Junior Liquid Kyle Whittock, and Junior Fan Kali Conrad. All racers that participated in the Ice Cross will have their series points converted into cross country points which will go towards the final end of season champion points total.

Our next adult race is our annual cross-country Larry Heal Memorial Race on March 21. Racers can also attend the Valdez Mayors Cup on March 14 for added AMMC points.

Our youth 120 class has grown tremendously this year. Our first race was on Jan. 17th and we saw a total of 55 kids racing; the biggest group ever to race 120’s with AMMC. AMMC made some changes to our 120 classes this year and added in a completely new class that requires a Briggs & Stratton 206 Engine. All of the kids were excited to be back out on the track and ready to see the green flag drop! The first place finishers were: Champ Class Keldin Nicoll, Pro 206 Class Aidan McDonnell, Pro Improved Stock Rob-ert Arlt, Improved Stock Kenzie Ferguson, and Super Stock Talin Tuttle.

Race No. 2 for our 120 riders was on Feb. 8th and we saw 54 kids come out to race. The course had a few extra bumps and turns, but the kids did great. Right now the 120 riders are getting ready for their grand entrance at the Iron Dog Start! AMMC will have 50 120 riders representing our club at Iron Dog on Saturday Feb. 21. The next points race will be in Big Lake on March 28th. Come on out and support the next generation of riders.

AMMC would like to give a big thank you to all of our sponsors!!Team CC Ski-Doo, AkSys, Alaska Spine Institute, Alaska Snow-

Rider, Mr. Lube, Alaska Trailer Rentals, Burkeshore Marina, Alaska House of Yamaha, Big Lake Arctic Cat, Big Lake Power Sports, Performance Yamaha, Divas Snow Gear, Projekt907, Bandi Signs, Monster, Motorfist, UClear, Recreational Motorsports, Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union, Fish Creek Sales, Arctic Mini Mo-tor Sports, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302, MTA, Nesquik

—Jessica McDonnel, Alaska Motor Mushers Club

3. #95 Ron Soule4. #771 Steve Giani5. #167 Jim Bailey0-440 Stock1. #246 Craig Clayton

0-500cc1. #8 Charlie Eppilito2. #128 Jimmy Leseman3. #80 Shawn Nestor4. #283 Charlie Bailey5. #95 Tony PetitoDNF #11 Robby

SchachleDNS #18 Devin

SchachleOpen1. #11 Robby Schachle2. #179 Cody

Hannaman

3. #28 Steve Martinez4. #128 Jimmy Leseman5. #148 Alex Martinez6. #771 Matt Giani7. #235 Dave Jensen Jr8. #80 Gabe Kitter9. #8 Jerimiah BensenWe had 24 120’s sign up

for a night race “under the lights”.

120 Stock PLUS1. #99 Drake Butcher2. #01 Robert Alt3. #34 Trent Dillard120 OPEN1. #100 Buckshot Ko

loski2. #14 Blake Caverly3. #4 Hunter Davis

Shyla Schachle putting down some fast laps on her Yamaha. DOREEN KITTER


BRIEFS

Polaris racer Bunke scores first semi-pro win

Taylor Bunke won his first career win as a Semi-Pro racer in cross country during Jan. 31-Feb. 1 races in Park Rapids, Minn. Ryan Faust took third in the Pro Stock class, where five Polaris racers are in the top 11 in points.

Bunke, in his second season in the Semi-Pro classes, finished second in the first day of racing, then was the top finisher on Sunday to win the Semi-Pro Improved class aboard a RUSH, built on the new AXYS platform. That gave him two podium finishes in four races and put him second in class points.

Alex Hetteen finished third in the Semi-Pro Stock class and is currently third in Stock points.

Faust, also racing on a RUSH in Pro Stock, finished back in the field on the first day but rebounded to cross the line third fastest on Sunday.

Bobby Menne (131 Racing) took fourth, Spencer Kadlec (Bunke Racing) was sixth, and Travis Faust (Faust Racing) finished ninth.

With two strong finishes in the past two races, Menne left Park Rapids second in Pro Stock points, followed by five more Polaris racers in the top 11: Justin Tate (2-Eight Motorsports) is fourth in points, Ryan Faust is fifth, Gabe Bunke (Bunke Rac-ing) is sixth, Kadlec is ninth, and Travis Faust is in 10th.

Jeff Hayford won the Sport 600 Open class and finished third in Sport 600 Stock, and Robert Loire finished second in both classes. Loire is the points leader in both Sport classes, Daniel

Herberg is second in Sport 600 Stock points, and Hayford is third in Open points.

Jill Tangen won the Women’s class at Park Rapids and is the class points leader. Kelsey Pladson (Bunke Racing) finished third and is also third in points.

Due to the lack of snow, USXC cancelled the I-500 race scheduled for mid February. The next USXC event was set for Feb. 28-March 1, before press time, to allow for results.

Polaris snowcross racer Kamm dominates

Kody Kamm of Hentges Racing won one of the most excit-ing Pro Open finals of the season during a Jan. 30-31 weekend of ISOC National racing in Deadwood, S.D., and Ross Martin (Judnick Motorsports) reached the Pro Open podium both nights.

Kamm was the top qualifier prior to the Friday night Pro Open final, but it was Martin who got the hole shot to show he would battle for the win. Kamm passed Martin for the lead at the end of the first lap, then series points leader Tucker Hibbert moved into second and pressed Kamm for the remaining 21 laps on the tight, technical course.

Kamm countered every Hibbert passing attempt, retained his speed as he worked his way through traffic, and won his first final of the season. Martin finished third, and three fellow Polaris racers also finished in the Top 10: Justin Broberg (Hent-ges Racing) was eighth, Corin Todd (Leighton Motorsports) was ninth, and Jake Scott (Team LaVallee) finished 10th.

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In the second night’s Pro Open final, six Polaris racers earned Top-10 finishes and Martin and Kyle Pallin (Team LaVallee) reached the podium by finishing second and third, respectively. Justin Broberg (Hentges Racing) was fifth, Jake Scott (Team LaVallee) was seventh, Andrew Lieders (Team LaVallee), took eighth, and Corin Todd (Leighton Motorsports) finished 10th.

After the weekend’s racing, Pallin was second in Pro Open points, Kamm was fourth, and Martin was fifth. Broberg was ninth in points, Scott was 10th, and Todd was 11th.

In the Pro Lite division, Polaris racer Ryan Springer (Carl-son Motorsports) won on the first night and was joined on the podium by third-place finisher and teammate Andrew Carlson. Trevor Leighton (Leighton Motorsports) was fourth, James Johnstad (Judnick Motorsports) was sixth, and Travis Muller (Cottew Motorsports) finished ninth. Leighton retained the lead in Pro Lite points while Carlson was third, Springer was fourth, Travis Muller (Cottew Motorsports) was fifth, and James Johnstad (Judnick Motorsports) was sixth.

In the Pro-Am 30+ class, Scot Adams (Never Enough Rac-ing) finished third, and in the Pro-Am Women’s final, Tonie Sledz (Sledz Racing) finished third and Amanda Duitsman (Plaisted Racing) was fourth. In the weekend’s two Sport-class finals, Jacob Yurk (Team Vermillion) earned a second, and Durk Roper (Roper Racing) reached the podium with a third-place finish.

Polaris freestyler Moore soars to gold medal in X Games

Polaris snowmobile freestyle rider Colten Moore combined acrobatic freestyle moves with speed on the race course to win the 2015 Winter X Games Snowmobile Speed & Style gold medal earlier this season in Aspen, Colo. Moore, 25, won the fourth Winter X Games medal of his career as he outscored fel-low Polaris rider Joe Parsons in the final round of the Polaris-dominated event.

Three of the four semifinalists were on Polaris snowmobiles and it was an all-Polaris final as Moore beat Parsons 90.62 to 83 and won the third X Games gold medal of his career in snowmobile events.

This was the first time Moore competed in Snowmobile Speed & Style. He has competed in the Winter X Games since 2010, winning gold in Snowmobile Freestyle (2012 and 2014) and earning the silver medal in Snowmobile Best Trick in 2012. Away from the snow, the 25-year-old Texan also competes in freestyle competition on Polaris off-road vehicles.

For Parsons, the silver medal was his fifth Winter X Games medal in Snowmobile Speed & Style, and his first medal ever won on a Polaris snowmobile. He has now earned 14 Winter X Games medals.

Moore, Parsons, and X Games legend Levi LaVallee were the Polaris riders to reach the semi-finals. Moore beat LaVallee 87.75 to 87 in one semi to advance to the final, and Parsons won his semi 84.67 to 83.33 over Cory Davis to advance.

(907)278-0278 Corner of 4th and E

436 W. 4th Ave

(907)349-3071Dimond Center

www.madhatterak.comMad Hatter Alaska

Large selection of winter sledding gear from:

MAD HATTERest. 1971

(907)278-0278 5th Ave Mall

(907)349-3071Dimond Center

www.madhatterak.comMad Hatter Alaska

Large selection of winter sledding gear from:

MAD HATTERest. 1971

NEW LOCATION on corner 4th

and E

est.1977


CalendarMARCH 2015

A L A S K A S N O W R I D E R E V E N T S L I S T

Post your snowmachine events on Alaska’s snowmachine calendar, www.ridealaska.com!

C. WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY

Submit snowmachine related events to ridealaska.com.

MarchM a r. 1Mat-Su Vintage Snowmachine Rac-ers ClubFairbanks Tired Iron ( http://fair-bankstirediron.org ) M a r. 3Caribou Hills Cabin HoppersGeneral Meeting at Mykel’s Restau-rant 6:30 pm

M a r. 6Tilted Kilt Arctic Man Party5-10 p.m., Tilted Kilt, Anchorage M a r. 7Arctic Man Party6-10 p.m., Roundup Steakhouse, Fairbanks M a r. 6 - 9Alaska Avalanche Information Cen-terAIARE, Level 2, Valdez

M a r. 7AMMC 120 Races Big Lake at Is-lander Lodge M a r. 7 Lake Louise Snowmachine ClubWolf Pack Weekend & Basket Auc-tion at Lake Louise Lodge M a r. 7- 8 Mat-Su Vintage Snowmachine Rac-ers ClubBig Lake Spring Classic 500IRA 250 miles each day, with Vintage Points Race before IRA each day. M a r. 14 Mat-Su Vintage Snowmachine Rac-ers ClubValdez Mayors Cup ( http://valdezs-nowmachineclub.com ) M a r. 14 Alaska Avalanche Information CenterUAF Backcountry Skiing & Snow-boarding class with AIARE Level 1, Black Rapids Lodge

M a r. 14 : Lake Louis Snowma-chine ClubGlennallen School Wrestling Club Basket Auction at Lake Louise Lodge M a r. 21 AMMCLarry Heal XC M a r. 21 Lake Louise Snowmachine ClubAnnual Spring Fun Run M a r. 22 Mat-Su Vintage Snowmachine Rac-ers Club“Big Rob” Vintage XC 50 & Poker Run (Fun Run) M a r. 2 8 AMMC120 Race Big Lake at Islanders Lodge M a r. 2 8 Lake Louise Snowmachine ClubAnnual Antique Fun Run ($30 Entry Fee)

April A p r. 7 Caribou Hills Cabin HoppersGeneral Meeting and ELECTIONS at Mykel’s Restaurant 6:30 pm A p r. 8 -12 AMMCArctic Man A p r. 11 Lake Louise Snowmachine ClubRocket Club A p r. 12 Lake Louise Snowmachine ClubRocket Club Launch A p r. 24 - 2 6 AMMCAlyeska Motor Madness

Whatever your sense of adventure

We've got your back...and more.

(907) 563-8876 (866) 637-3422

www.alaskaspineinstitute.com

http://fairbankstirediron.org

http://fairbankstirediron.org

http://valdezsnowmachineclub.com

http://valdezsnowmachineclub.com



ALASKA MOTOR MUSHERSPO Box 871753 • Wasilla, AK, 99687Fax: 376-7966President: Wayne Devore

ALASKA TRAILBLAZERSP.O. Box 36 • Tok, AK 99780883-7669

ANCHORAGE SNOWMOBILE CLUBP.O. Box 232196 • Anchorage, AK 99523Hotline: 566-0272anchoragesnowmobileclub.com

AURORA INTERNATIONAL INC.P.O. Box 520581 • Big Lake, AK 99652892-6372

CARIBOU HILLS CABIN HOPPERSP.O. Box 375 • Clam Gulch, AK 99568252-1782

CHEECHAKO SKI BENDERSP.O. Box 834 • Kenai, AK 99611283-7664

CHILKAT SNOWBURNERS INC.P.O. Box 870 • Haines, AK 99827Diane Lapham, 766-2503

COPPER COUNTRYSNOWMOBILE CLUB

HC 01 Box 300 • Gakona, AK 99586822-3440

CURRY RIDGE RIDERSP.O. Box 13218 • Trapper Creek, AK 99683Hotline: 689-7669 or 352-3669President: Randy Crosbye-mail: [email protected]: www.curryridgeriders.com

DELTA SNOW SEEKERSP.O. Box 137Delta Junction, AK 99737Tom Waggoner, 895-4196

FAIRBANKS SNOW TRAVELERSP.O. Box 80053Fairbanks, AK 99708-0053479-4933

JUNEAU SNOWMOBILE CLUBP.O. Box 32882 • Juneau, AK 99803723-8948

KODIAK SNO BRUINSBox 3492 • Kodiak, AK 99615486-3828

LAKE LOUISE SNOWMACHINE CLUBHC01 Box 1684BGlennallen, AK 99588Corky Mathews, 250-2098

MAT-SU MOTOR MUSHERSP.O. Box 876135Wasilla, AK 99687-6224

MAT-SU VINTAGE SNOWMACHINE RACERS CLUB

Email: [email protected] site: matsuvintageracers.comPresident: Craig Clayton, 232-7518

NORTHERN LIGHTSSNOWMOBILE CLUB

2039 B Coman Dr.Eielson AFB, AK 99702David Lemelind, 372-2016

RESURRECTION SNOW RIDERSP.O. Box 2132 • Seward, AK 99664224-3537

SNOMADS, INC.P. O. Box 3646 • Homer, AK, [email protected]

VALDEZ SNOWMACHINE CLUBP.O. Box 3689 • Valdez, AK 99686Laura Sax, 835-2373

OFFICERS

President & Southcentral Rep.Kevin Hite, Anchorage522-6373

Vice PresidentVacant

TreasurerBrant Grifka, Eagle River694-3458

MembershipCindy Hite, Anchorage522-6373

BOARD MEMBERS

Central RepresentativeGlenn Swan, Eagle River694-8747

Western RepresentativeVacant

Southeast RepresentativeVacant

Interior RepresentativeStephen E. Enochs, Fairbanks452-5845

Kenai Peninsula Representative Vacant

Industry RepresentativeBruce Friend, Anchorage349-8575

Business RepresentativeNick Olzenak, Anchorage277-1741

COMMITTEES

ASSA Convention & Trade Show

Kevin Hite, Anchorage522-6373

Public RelationsVacant

Alaska Snow RiderJohn Woodbury, Anchorage677-2900

RaffleKevin Hite, Anchorage522-6373

Access ChairJoe Gauna, Anchorage243-6776

CONTACT

ASSA Hotline: 566-0210

ASSA Hotline Toll Free:

1-888-825-7669

ASSA Web Site: www.aksnow.org

STATEWIDE CLUBS


ANCHORAGE (907) 27-REHAB (277-3422)BETHEL (907) 543-7601BARROW (907)852-3099DUTCH HARBOR (907) 581-2204FAIRBANKS (907) 451-7246

17 Locations Statewide

1-800-PAIN FREENow Open In

ALASKA STATE SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATIONP.O. BOX 240405, ANCHORAGE, ALASKA 99524-0405 PRSRT STD

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

PERMIT #936ANCHORAGE, AK

Documents

Alaska SnowRider Magazine – March, 2015