january 2015 gearing up - alaska coast magazine · 2015-03-03 · yamaha sales event deep snow days...

JA N UA R Y 2015

Gearing upIron Dog prepares for historic

race start in Anchorage

Hope on the horizonAfter devastating injury,

rider vows to recover

Sno-X resurrectionKincaid to host

2nd annual races

Morgan Sales Nome

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2 • Alaska SnowRider • January 2015• www.RideAlaska.com

photo courtesy of www.mountainbikingzane.wordpress.com

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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

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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:

Jake Schlapfer carves through powder during a 2013 ride near Trapper Creek.

SNOWRIDER FILE

Volume 25, Number 3

S OMETIMES IT IS DIFFICULT to time the request for my rants here with the editor’s proposed schedule for

the publication of the actual issue of Alaska SnowRider that it will appear in. I end up writing columns that seem to have no basis in reality when you look out the window. I will write about the latest dump of snow or cold spell, and when you look out, you see grass on the yard. Having the deadline a month or more out from the publication date has led to some interesting mixtures of comment and reality.

For some of you who have had the drudgery of reading these ramblings of mine over the past few seasons, it is likely you thought that I wrote most of them after several sessions with the mobile duck fart kit. I won’t even give that thought any space for discussion. Note that I didn’t deny it, just saying. … Let it go.

Now that the Janaury edition of SnowRider is upon us, there are some things to remind everyone of. Some of these are directly associated with the New Year, some are taking up space in my frontal lobes. You decide which are which.

A) Time is running out to take back all the gifts that you got for Christmas that are hideous.

B) The relatives who bought you the hideous gifts are now gone until fishing season. Use this time wisely. It’s unlikely you will bump into them in the return line.

C) It’s now likely that most of the rocks and stumps that you discovered in November and December are submerged for the rest of the winter. Go screaming back over them with contempt. (I threw that one in for my buddies in the parts departments.)

D) All the clubs in the state are having general membership meetings. Go to one. Participate and learn something or someplace new.

E) Take a friend snowmobiling. Each of us has friends who don’t snowmobile. Take them out and make sure they have a good time. Feb. 11-20 is “Take a Friend Snowmobiling” week. Teach them some basic safety skills, ensure they are warm and take them somewhere fun. Go slow and stop a lot to show off what we do all winter.

F) Expand your safety/training skills. Either take a course in something you are unfamiliar with or volunteer to lead a seminar or discussion at your local club meeting.

G) Remove the Christmas tree. It really will not last in your living room until the first bonfire of the summer. Make sure the cat is not hiding in the branches. Sorry about that, Moe.

H) Begin the process of rationalizing breaking the New Year’s resolutions that no one believed anyway.

I) Do something unexpected for a service man or service woman’s family. They have just spent Christmas without the part of their family who spent it protecting us. Make sure they realize we know that.

J) Leave your copy of SnowRider somewhere that someone else will pick it up and read it. Maybe highlight the membership page?

Most important, enjoy our season. Despite the best efforts of global warming advocates, Alaska remains a winter marvel. Be safe and delight in our incredible state and all it has to offer.

Introduce a friend to the sledSnowmobile sport can grow one newbie at a time


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BY JUSTIN MATLEYThe world’s longest, toughest, snowmachine race is always exciting, and

the 2014 match was no exception. But last year, when news was shared about a possible first-time-ever, downtown Anchorage start, it was a little hard to focus on the race in motion while daydreaming about the year ahead. After three decades of racing, an Anchorage start is one of the biggest developments Iron Dog has ever known, up there with the 1998 addition of Fairbanks as the race finish. And now, after much planning and community support, Iron Dog has made good on their plans, adding another of Alaska’s largest communities to the course. For 2015, spectators and supporters can experience a more festive and approachable Iron Dog than ever before. All we need to do is show up in downtown Anchorage on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 20-21, and share in Iron Dog’s excitement for this monumental improvement.

Largely spearheaded by Iron Dog’s executive director Kevin Kastner, the Anchorage start has been brewing since 2010, with a massive effort to gain official cooperation and approval during the latter half of 2014.

“There’s been quite a few months of buildup to this, of course, so once we got the full approval from not only the municipality but JBER, the (Alaska) Railroad and the Port of Anchorage, yeah, we were really excited from both the perspective of the board and staff, and to a degree the racers have been real supportive,” Kastner says. “They recognize that it brings additional atten-tion not only to the race but to them and their supporters.”

A benefit to the new start location is improved accessibility. Fans from all around the Anchorage Bowl, and those flying in from outside Alaska, can finally get a firsthand sense of the action and meet the race teams without braving the long drive to Big Lake. As for the racers, a ceremonial start means a bit of fun for them, too.

Spectators will find the Iron Dog teams more available and approachable. As Kastner puts it, they’ll be in a “nonrace mode” compared to the Big Lake start when teams are keenly focused on race preparations and visualiz-ing what they’ll encounter down the trail. Kastner also emphasizes just how much of an improvement the downtown Anchorage start will be for sponsors

and volunteers.“Everyone will be able to duck into a local business to get warm, grab a hot

bite to eat, have a coffee or beer, and relax and have a great time,” he said.For this reason, Iron Dog organizers expect a lot more participation on all

fronts. But if accessibility, firsthand experience and comfort amenities aren’t enough to entice a bigger crowd, then perhaps the additional festivities are. Iron Dog has a lot more to offer than a parade of snowmachines.

“Maybe some people aren’t interested in cross-country snowmachine rac-ing but they’re interested in vintage races, the kids’ Iron Pup 120 race, or the freestyle show with X-Games riders showing another snowmachine extreme,” Kastner says. “From a spectator standpoint, it’s more exciting and will appeal to a broader audience.”

According to Iron Dog, fans also can expect plenty of hospitality from sponsors and vendors, food, T-shirt giveaways, and other fun.

As for any drawbacks to hosting in Downtown, there aren’t many. Of course people will need to navigate to the best parking options (watch for parking promotions from EasyPark and additional signage), and there are additional concerns with snowmachines or other moving vehicles involved with the race, and road closures and how that might affect certain businesses has been taken into consideration.

Fortunately, downtown Anchorage, including the Mayor’s Office, busi-nesses and nearby residents are no strangers to hosting enormous events. Anchorage will now have a Triple Crown of knockout events to spark spring tourism and the economy. Iron Dog followed closely behind by Fur Rondy and then the Iditarod should make for some exciting, fun-filled weeks. Com-bined with Anchorage Centennial celebration activities, Anchorage, at 100 years old, looks to be ushering in a new era of tourism and prosperity. Visit Anchorage president and CEO Julie Saupe had already reported an increase in tourism and visitations to Anchorage in late-2014 even prior to new events and expos, and the prospects for continued growth through these events is promising.

DOWNTOWN ANCHORAGE TO HOST IRON DOG CEREMONIAL START IN 2015

The new dogs in town

See page 25 for more Iron Dog details

An 2014 Iron Dog racer leaves the White Mountain checkpoint. SNOWRIDER FILE


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SKI421_SkiDoo Summit 8.375x10.875_ASRdec.indd 1 11/14/14 9:43 AM

Q&ATHE

JERRY MEEKSNOWMACHINER PROFILE

WBY JOY SULLIVAN

e caught up with Jerry Meek, a Kenai Peninsula resident and BRAAAP Films athlete, to take

part in our monthly Alaska Rider Profile series. Meek and his riding buddy Leif Hagen submitted a video for North Road Productions Amateur Sled Video Awards and won the overall competition. The prize was being featured in a BRAAAP video. With that he was introduced into the sled industry and has continued to ex-cel and push the boundaries as an athlete. To follow Meek find him on Facebook @ facebook.com/jmeek7.

Q: When did you first take interest in snowmachining?A: My dad got me my first bump sled when I was 13. It was a short track 500 and I lived on that thing the first year I had it. I had a couple of years here and there that I got to ditch bang but I didn’t get into mountain riding until 2012. I got hooked pretty bad that year and was able to put on 1,200 miles in the backcountry.

Q: Is there someone in the industry who inspires you?A: I’d say I love watching Cory Micku ride. That guy is so good! He’s just got style about his riding that’s noticeably different. But my main inspiration for snowmachin-ing has always been my buddy Jed Brown. I’ve seen that kid do things on a sled that I’ve never seen any pro do! He has such a unique way he shreds – it’s ridiculous.

Q: What would you like to accomplish in your riding career?A: I think my main goal is to just be in the mountains. When you’re up there, you feel closer to God, and the worries of home life, work and everything else doesn’t exist. It’s a beautiful thing. But also I definitely

want to improve my whip game and get better at re-entries. While in Canada, I got a taste for the chute climbing and I could see that becoming an obsession, for sure.

Q: What snowmachine are you riding this season?A: I just got a 2014 SkiDoo FreeRide 800 154. I picked it up this summer so I haven’t gotten to try it out. I rode the 2014 XM Summit in British Columbia and loved the eTec motor so I kinda have an idea of how it rides. I can’t wait to try it out. I rode a 2012 Polaris 800 155 Assault the last two years and absolutely loved it. It never gave me any issues in the 1,700 miles I put on it. Honestly I just wanted to try a different setup. I’ll probably switch back to Polaris when they come out with the next genera-tion RMK. It should be good.

Q: Since we all know rid-ing pays in fun, what is your day job?A: I have an awesome job as a process operator at the Tesoro refinery in Nikiski. It’s a great place to work, and there are a lot of riders working out there so we’re always talking shop.

Q: What keeps you in Alaska?A: I love Alaska, I’ve lived here most of my life. I’ve traveled quite a bit and there aren’t many places like it. It’s just so majes-tic. When we have a good winter, it’s hard to beat. I can’t see myself ever moving unless someone offered the right job and house in Squamish, B.C.

Q: Aside from riding, what other activities do you enjoy?A: Mostly I try to spend as much as I can with my beautiful wife. We love to travel and I can’t wait to get her in the moun-tains on a sled! When I’m not riding sleds, snowboarding is my passion for sure. I also love downhill mountain biking, road cycling, and I just got into white water kayaking so that should be fun.

Q: You are a multifaceted athlete, you ride, film and produce ... do you ENJOY doing all of that?A: Filming is fun, but most days I just want to ride. If it weren’t for my partner Leif Hagan wanting to put a video together we never would have gotten on the BRAAAP team. Last year’s trip to BC was awesome for filming because Jaya

(owner of BRAAP Films) was doing all of the camera work and he is a wizard with a camcorder. It was really neat to be able to just ride and let him work his magic. I definitely got some great filming tips from him as well. My ‘Adventure Vid-eos’ as I like to call them, are just all about putting

memories together. The Lord has blessed me with a fairytale life, an amazing family, and a solid group of friends and I love being able to put it all into a video and add some music to it.

Q: What kind of music motivates you as a rider?A: I would have to say dubstep and electronic is my main hype for riding, but I also listen to a lot of rhythm & blues, George Thorogood type stuff too. Classics are key.

Jerry while filming with BRAAAP in British Coloumbia. “WHILE IN CANADA, I GOT A TASTE FOR THE CHUTE

CLIMBING AND I COULD SEE THAT

BECOMING AN OBSESSION, FOR

SURE.” —Jerry Meek


Q: You got to go to British Columbia to film for BRAAAP last season. What was the highlight of that trip?A: Definitely it would be riding out of Sicamous with Rene St. Onge! He’s got a sweat lodge about 15 minutes from the trail head. Once you get into the moun-tains, the terrain is endless. You can ride two to three foot of fresh powder all day and never cross your tracks. The variety of terrain is probably what makes BC the mecca for backcountry riding. Pillows, tree riding, cornices, cliff drops ... it’s all there.

Q: What sled did you ride while in BC filming?A: We rode the 2014 SkiDoo XM Summit 154 and the 2014 Pro RMK 800 155 both great sleds.

Q: What are some of the differences in BC riding with Alaska riding and which do you prefer?A: Probably the biggest difference is the snow type and availability of pillow drops. There were pillows everywhere! And the snow is perfect. Here in Alaska, the snow can often be a little heavy. And in Colorado I feel like it’s too light. But BC is the perfect consistency. Also you really have to pay attention to avalanche danger in BC. Bigger

mountain faces means more potential for slides. I love Alaska riding on a good year but I choose a day of riding in BC over Alaska any day.

Q: Who are your current sponsors?A: BRAAAP Films, Rehab Wraps, Pen-insula PowerSports, IceRock Outerwear, AFX Helmets, & Eagle Valley Lodge.

Q: What does the future hold with you and BRAAAP?A: I’d say my hopes are to get to meet and ride with more of the BRAAAP crew on their home turf. And maybe a couple of them can get up here to check Alaska out. Being on a team opened a lot of doors for me to ride other areas with guys like Rene and Jaya that know the terrain and love the sport. Not to mention the free riding lessons we got from Rene! I just hope we get some snow this year so we can put together a decent segment for next year’s film.Jaya Lange owner of BRAAAP Films said this: “Jerry and Leif are amazing kids to work with, they are polite, aggressive, and snow smart! Really love finding guys like this that are up and coming, with potential for so much more! I look forward to many more years to come. Jerry is a ballz out rider and funny as hell!”Go to Braaap.com to see local athletes Jerry Meek & Leif Hagan represent Alaska.

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ALL PHOTOS COURTESY JERRY MEEKwww.RideAlaska.com • January 2015 • Alaska SnowRider • 9

CLUB NEWS

AMMC racing season announcedFor anyone who is ready to sign

up or renew their AMMC Racing Membership for the 2015 season, the club’s RaceDay online registra-tion is up and running. Thanks go to the Alaska Spine Institute for sponsoring the software for the club this season. Contact an AMMC Racing Board of Directors member for information on how to use this new system. http://ammc.myracedayapp.com/sign_in

JBER Snowmachiners Club to hold safety course

North Road Productions offers an entry-level riding-safety course at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at Turnagain Pass. JBER Snow-machiners Club is hoping to get as many members out there as possible. To attend, R.S.V.P. on the JBER Snowma-chiners Club Facebook page under the event link.

Big Lake WinterFest shifts its celebration date

Big Lake WinterFest 2015: It’s “Movin,’ Groovin,’ and Shakin’ ” better than ever. Join the fest this year as they enjoy longer days, spring sunshine and celebrate the waning days of the beautiful Big Lake winter. The Big Lake WinterFest moves to its new date – Satur-day, March 21 – to combine with the Big Lake Chamber of Commerce Ice Fishing Derby.

WinterFest 2015 offers ice fishing, Big Lake trails family fun run, the ever-popular Bunny Boot Bling contest, sled dog races, dog weight-pull competition, snowmaching raves, beer garden, helicopter rides, concert on the ice, fireworks and more.

The full schedule of events should be posted early this month at biglakewinterfest.com or on Facebook. For additional information, con-tact Ina Mueller at 907-230-0935 or [email protected].

Kincaid 120 race set for Jan. 10 at motocross track

The Alaska State Sno-X Lions Club has reached an agreement with the municipal-ity of Anchorage to hold its second annual Kincaid 120 Race at the Kincaid motocross track. According to members of the club, it has been working tirelessly with the muni to find a permanent location for its races. With the city’s recent approval, it looks as if the race now has a permanent place to become tradition.

The main focus of the Alaska State Sno-X Lions Club is to get Sno-X back in Alaska, member Katie Ferguson said. The group is starting with

120 racers, and working to make hitting ramps as safe as possible for kids and adults interested in freestyle.

Gates open at 10 a.m. Jan. 10 for practice and late sign-ups, and rac-ing begins at noon. Due to noise restrictions, all sleds must be sound checked prior to entering the track. There will be more information and a sign-up available on the club’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AKSnoX.

Chilkat Snowburners to host annual Alcan 200 The 46th annual Alcan 200 Snowmachine Race fires up on Jan. 16, at the Fogcutter Bar with rider sign-up at 5 p.m., as well as the Calcutta auction.

Saturday morning, Jan. 17, is race day. There is a rider’s meeting at 9 a.m. and the race takes off from Mile 42 at the Canadian border, at 10 a.m. sharp. The riders race toward Dezadeash Lodge, where they wait to restart and rip back down to the finish line.

Last year’s overall winner was Haines resident Chris Brooks, crossing the finish line with a time of 1 hour and 27 minutes. Brooks will be back this year to defend his title.

Following the race on Saturday evening is the awards banquet and dinner at the American Legion.

COURTESY CHILKAT SNOWBURNERS


http://ammc.myracedayapp.com/sign_in

http://ammc.myracedayapp.com/sign_in

mailto:[email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/AKSnoX

https://www.facebook.com/AKSnoX

COURTESY CHILKAT SNOWBURNERS

www.RideAlaska.com • January 2015 • Alaska SnowRider • 11

BY JOY SULLIVAN

I’ve been writing tales of survival in the backcountry for a while now, and this was the first time I had a really difficult time

getting the words down. In all of my features, there has been a recurring theme – the happy ending. In this story, the ending has yet to be written.

However, the gravity of the situation is extraordinary. I can only hope that in sharing, you might get a glimpse into the amazing character that is Richard “Chuckie” Smith, and that his story can bring awareness to the entire sled community.

Richard Smith, or Chuckie to his friends and family, was born and raised in Barriere, British Columbia. Although his day job at Winvan Paving paid the bills, his passion was riding. To say Chuckie was a hard worker doesn’t really do him justice. His seasonal work as an asphalt road paver would shut down in the winter, so to support his wife and kids he took on a second job. He would travel to Alberta and work for Valhalla helicopters doing the arduous job of heli-logging. Spending months away from his family, working seven days a week on twelve-hour shifts, Chuckie rarely got a break. Family was his priority. A hands-on father, Chuckie was loving and patient. A kid at heart, he was genuine when it came to his children. Losing his own father recently to lung cancer, he was all too aware just how precious life is.

Chuckie had no trouble making friends and rarely made an enemy. When he wasn’t working, he tried to spend as much time as he could with his family and enjoying his many hobbies. He was the type of guy who could do anything and excel at it.

His favorite hobby was snowmachining, and as soon as the snow would fly nothing could keep him from his passion. One of the things that attracted him to his wife, Drea, was her shared enthusiasm for the sport. He was impressed that she was self sufficient; loading, unloading and hauling her sled. Their mutual love for riding brought them together. Best friends from the start, they built a pretty amazing life together.

As most wives can sympathize when you have children, especially little ones, sometimes our hobbies get put on the backburner. That

Shattered dreamsIn one moment on the mountain, a life is forever changed

COUR

TESY

AN

DREA

SM

ITH


was the case with Drea, which is why Chuckie had been persistent in trying to get her back out on her sled. She hadn’t rode the previous two seasons and felt rusty. She was concerned she wouldn’t be able to keep up with him. Chuckie seemed undeterred, assuring her they could go slow, just have some fun together trolling the pipeline in the Coquihalla area, a place they used to frequent. Using childcare as an easy out, Drea declined. Chuckie, undaunted, was on the phone within minutes calling up his buddies and planning a trip to the Brandy Wine area by Whistler. By that evening the dirtbike in the back of his truck had been replaced by a sled.

The morning of April 13, 2014, Chuckie slipped out of the house without saying goodbye, not wanting to wake his family. Drea sulked about being left behind, and had hoped that her refusal to go would suspend his plans. But deep down, she knew better and really couldn’t blame him. So she loaded up the kids and they headed to the zoo to meet up with friends. It was their daughter’s first time visiting the zoo, so Drea was frequently texting Chuckie pictures throughout the day. Normally his reply was instant, unless he was riding, then he would respond when he took a break. But that day she didn’t hear from him. She tried not to worry and they went about their day.

By 5 p.m., that evening Drea had returned home. The kids were wound up from the day’s events and ran around the house clutching their Happy Meal dinners when the phone rang. The caller ID was a friend Chuckie was riding with, which wasn’t unusual. Plenty of times before, someone would call to let her know her husband’s phone battery was dead and that they were heading back. Expecting a similar conversation she answered, but this time was different. The voice on the other end of the line was strained, almost hesitant. He told her that Chuck had been in an accident and had been airlifted to Vancouver General Hospital.

The last thing she heard was him saying was, “He was breathing when they left.”

She began to cry asking, “What do you mean he was breathing ... is he not breathing now?” Her children rushed all around her, begging her to open their juice boxes and asking if it was Daddy on the phone, pulling at her as her hands released the phone letting it topple to the floor.

That was the very moment their world was shattered.It was a bluebird day, not a cloud in the sky. Chuckie and three buddies

set out for a day of riding. They were all experienced riders and fully equipped with packs, GPS, avy beacons, probes, shovels, and two-way radios. All were riding new and well-maintained sleds and sporting appropriate riding attire, including helmets.

At one point, the crew decided to take a break and eat, but Chuckie,

resolved to utilize every second he could riding, picked out a line on a mountain he wanted to conquer. His friends watched as Chuckie made his ascent. It was hard to make him out against the rocks on the hillside, and the blinding sun made it all the more difficult to keep track of him. They watched as he appeared to turn out, then they heard the sound of his sled hitting rocks, and immediately sprung into action to find him. One of the riders trying to locate Chuckie rolled his sled on the steep incline and fell off his sled, landing near Chuckie.

The conditions where they found him were post avalanche and closely resembled concrete rather than snow. He was unresponsive, but breathing and had no obvious breaks or bleeding. His helmet was intact, with only a few scratches and a broken visor. There was no cell reception, but one of his friends recalled a spot they had rode earlier where he was able to get

COURTESY ANDREA SMITH


a signal. Retracing his steps he returned there to call 911, and from there they used the two-way radios and GPS coordinates to relay back to search and rescue, who had dispatched a helicopter to Chuck’s location.

It took two hours from the time of the crash for rescue personnel to reach Chuckie. He was taken via helicopter to Vancouver City to be treated at Vancouver General Hospital.

At Vancouver General, Chuckie was immediately rushed into surgery. He needed an ICP stent and monitor implanted into his skull to relieve the pressure on his brain. He had a laundry list of injuries that were non-life-threatening. Fractures to his skull, rib and leg. He also had a lacerated kidney and a partially collapsed lung, all of which would heal on their own without requiring treatment. The devastation was in the traumatic brain injury, in medical terms: Diffuse Axonal.

Diffuse Axonal isn’t the result of a blow to the head, rather from the brain moving back and forth inside the skull as a result of acceleration or deceleration. When this occurs, it causes the brain to move within the skull, where axons, the parts of the nerve cell that allows the neurons to send messages between them, are disrupted. As tissue slides over tissue, it causes a shearing injury. This produces the lesions that are responsible for unconsciousness, as well as the vegetative state that takes place after a traumatic brain injury.

When Drea arrived at the hospital Chuck’s prognosis was grim. She was told his family needed to come as soon as possible as they did not expect him to survive. But Chuckie kept fighting and the family held out hope. Even after several days of beating the odds, they were still told that as he stabilized and came out of his coma, his brain injury was so severe he would remain in a vegetative state with little to no quality of life.

Drea stayed vigilant at his side for months,

watching him face death several times and miraculously pulling through. They spent two months at Vancouver General, then Chuckie was transferred closer to home at Surrey Memorial Hospital. There he was placed in the critical care tower for four months until he was deemed “medically stable.”

Although Chuckie has no spinal cord injury he remains “neuro- paralyzed.” He can move his hands and limbs slightly, and just recently he began holding up his head. He is unable to communicate and requires complete care. Cognitively doctors are uncertain if Chuck has understanding, but his family has observed signs that he recognizes pictures of his children. He is classed as minimally conscious now, which surpasses their initial diagnosis of being locked in a vegetative state.

Drea remains hopeful and active in his recovery. She has great faith in his strength and determination, noting he himself was never a quitter. She believes his athleticism and healthy lifestyle will give him an edge with this type of injury.

Drea is now in the process of modifying their home to accommodate Chuckie. Purchasing equipment like a patient lift, hospital bed, feed pump, and seeking out training to be able to care for her husband. Her goal was to have him home with his family on Christmas morning. The couple’s 4-year-old son Ryder has become withdrawn and distant since his father’s accident. To him, Dad was his world, his hero. A man once so vibrant and so full of energy, it is hard for Ryder to grasp why Dad doesn’t walk or talk anymore.

Their 1-year-old, Brooklyn, is growing up so fast. Seven months have passed since the accident and Daddy is missing those precious milestones. There is a huge void in their community and friends/families lives.

The Smiths had no living will, no power of attorney and no insurance. That is one of the

lessons Drea so desperately hopes people can learn from their ordeal – that young families take care of those things presently so that if the unthinkable occurs there is some legitimate preparedness to depend on.

Chuckie snowmachined his entire life and was extremely experienced. He had taken avalanche and first aide courses. He was adamant about carrying the proper gear and being aware of weather conditions. He made it a point to keep his sled running in top condition.

Nobody knows for sure what went wrong on the mountain that day. It is just another powerful reminder that life can change in a heartbeat.

You can never predict or fully prepare for the fickle and often precarious nature of the backcountry. But you can do your best to educate yourself on advanced first aide, and outfit yourself with pertinent safety gear/equipment. It is also essential that you and the people riding with you go over an emergency-response scenario so that in the event of an actual crisis you are ready in body and mind to react.

Today Chuckie is in a short-term rehab facility in an Acquired Brain Injury program, with emphasis on physiotherapy. Fortunately being there, they have more freedom on treatment options. His family has opted for an unconventional therapy that is called Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. It is the medical use of oxygen at a level that is higher than atmospheric pressure. Chuckie’s family has high hopes in this therapy and believe they see improvement.

The family asks for prayers and positive energy for Chuckie. You can follow their story on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/supportforchuckie. If you want to donate financially to the Smith family you can go to https://www.youcaring.com/SupportForRichardChuckieSmith.


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M E C H A N I C ’ S M I N U T E

Brandon Burmeister

Snowmachine suspension a critical component to comfortable riding

Dear Mechanic’s Minute: How do I adjust the suspension on my sled so it fits me best?

– Need a smooth ride

Dear Need a smooth ride: It is important to understand the basics of your snowmachine’s suspension and to have your suspension adjusted to your weight and riding style. A properly adjusted suspension can make the difference between a good and bad day of riding. It is important to keep up on the maintenance of your suspension.

Be sure to grease the fittings on rear suspension arms and check for excessive wear on shock bushings. The first step you need to take to achieve a well-working suspension is making sure your shocks are work-ing correctly. You can do so by removing your shocks and removing the spring off your shock body. Next, fully compress the shock and make sure it operates smoothly and returns to its fully extended position, while doing so be sure to listen for any air or fluid that may escape the shock. It is recommended that shocks be rebuilt every 1,000 miles (de-pending on riding style).

Almost all suspensions have some sort of adjustment. The most com-mon and important adjustment is the suspension ride height. Having the correct ride height will give you better handling and positive weight transfer throughout your snowmachine’s front and rear suspension. When setting up your suspension, always make sure your snowmachine is on a flat surface. We measure ride height by measuring from the rear bumper to the ground. To achieve the correct ride height, you will need to adjust your torsion springs. Pull up on your rear bumper and then let go; you want your machine to drop back down 1 to 2 inches. If it drops down more than that you will need to adjust the torsion spring adjuster blocks. The block has five settings with 1 being the softest and 5 being the stiffest.

Next we will adjust the limiter straps. Limiter straps control ski lift, distance the center spring can travel, and the weight the center spring has to carry. With the machine sitting on the garage floor, your straps should have a little bit of slack. Once you have that adjusted, your ma-chine is ready to take to the trail to adjust your compression dampen-ing which is your top adjuster on your shock body. It is best to start out around 0, then stiffen until your shocks don’t bottom out. This adjust-ment can take some time, but the end results will be worth it.

Your owner’s manual shows great pictures, step-by-step instructions and charts showing which setting is best for each riding style.

Mechanic: Brandon BurmeisterShop: Alaska Mining & Diving Supply Co.Contact: 3222 Commercial Drive, Anchorage, 277-1741, www.akmining.com


SAFETY MATTERS

Debra McGhan

For many Alaskans, weekends in the winter include snowmachining, skiing, snowboarding, dog mushing or hiking in the mountains. For the thousands of visitors who come here in the winter, it’s all about the “wild rush”: Think Iditarod, Arctic Man, Tailgate Alaska, Mountain Man Hill Climb.

There are thousands of miles of terrain to explore and boundless opportunities to ride the snow that blankets the mountains, valleys and meadows of this state. But for decades, Alaska has ranked No. 1 per capita in the nation for avalanche-re-lated fatalities and injuries. And as we all know, getting caught under a mountain of snow is definitely not a good way to end your weekend.

In November 2014 a group of snow-safety specialists, government agencies and policy makers gathered in Anchorage for the annual Snow Safety Summit to talk about the challenges facing the state of Alaska. The question posed: “What can be done to reduce the trend of avalanche fatalities and improve education and information sharing?”

The group of more than 75 individuals at the summit divided into teams, with each team given a scenario that represented a real incident that has occurred in Alaska, incidents that required emergency response and snow-safety specialists to resolve. These ranged from a group of snowmachine riders setting trail for the Iditarod, to a group of young men who headed to Hatcher Pass to ride their snowboards for the day, to a couple snowshoeing in the Eagle River Bowl. All of these real incidents ended in tragedy when one or more of the people involved were caught and killed in an avalanche.

As the team members discussed their scenarios and the resources they had available within their group to address the challenges they faced, it quickly became apparent that the State of Alaska seriously lacks resources for dealing with catastrophic snow-safety emergencies. And added to the challenge, the state has no coordinated education program for the preventative side of the problem.

The good news is that dedicated volunteers and a small group of profession-als have stepped up to confront this challenge. Thanks to the Alaska Avalanche

Information Center (AAIC), Alaska Avalanche School (AAS), and other nonprofit organizations, along with support from the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center (CNFAIC,) there is a growing movement that is building a network of services for the public.

After each of the groups presented their scenario, available resources and plans to address their challenge, it was agreed that more resources and effort are needed to improve the future of snow safety in a state where winter spans more than half the year.

Facilitated by Foraker Group vice president Mike Walsh, the group discussed ideas and options for dealing with the problem of snow safety.

“I think this group needs to focus on the value they can bring to the public,” suggested Dave Hamre, the summit keynote speaker. Hamre, who is currently employed by the Alaska Railroad, has been involved with snow safety for decades. He has worn many hats during his career in Alaska including founder of Chugach Powder Guides, consultant for Alcan Snow Management Services, snow-safety specialist for Alyeska Pipeline Service Co., snow-safety director for the World Extreme Skiing Championships (WESC) and numerous other private consulting contracts. Plus he’s put a lot of miles on his skis.

Hamre shared some of the history of snow safety in Alaska going back to the forming of the Alaska Avalanche Warning Center in the late 1970s. He explained that the effort was launched following an exceptional avalanche season in 1979 that resulted in numerous fatalities.

“There was a lot of startup pain and challenges associated with that effort,” Hamre told the group. “There were more than 10 state agencies involved and it was unwieldy trying to get anything accomplished. Plus it required a lot of money to get a seat at the table.”

He believes the reason the avalanche center ultimately failed was because they were unable to clearly define the value they provided to the public. His suggestion to the group at this year’s summit: Pay attention to the lessons from the past.

THE STATE OF SNOW SAFETY IN ALASKAA group of Level 3 students travel a ridge to check avalanche conditions. DEBRA MCGHAN


He said he thinks the success of the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center (CNFAIC,) which was started in 2001 in Girdwood to provide advisories for the Turnagain Pass area after a 1999 slide took out six people, is based on the fact they follow a national model that has defined standards, utilizes paid forecasters and has enough funding to produce a good product. Plus they have a ‘Friends’ group that provides a substantial portion of the agencies funding.

“It’s tough for the federal government to cut funding to an agency that has a solid constituency base supporting it,” said Hamre. “I think that model, which is based on other successful National Avalanche Centers, can be replicated here in Alaska, but it’s going to take time, support from the state and a lot of give and take by a lot of people and agencies to make it happen.”

Mike Buck, another longtime snow safety specialist in Alaska, agreed. Buck has more than 20 years experience working, living and teaching in Alaska and currently works for the Alaska Department of Labor in the Occupational Safety and Health Department. Today he is looking at the problem from the standpoint of protecting workers.

“Evolution and opportunity,” Buck told the group in a video presentation. “That’s what skiers, snowmachiners and avalanche professionals have been expe-riencing since the early, crazy days of WESC. We still have a very independent-minded approach here in Alaska. We pride ourselves on being cutting edge, high adventure, adrenaline-rush professionals. But the risk tolerance is often elevated to unrealistic heights.”

Buck believes that avalanche safety is poised for a fundamental change here in Alaska. He encouraged the group to work collaboratively in order to guide the process utilizing the best of the best this group has to offer for the overall good of the industry both in Alaska and across the United States.

“This is right now a major evolutionary period that provides an opportunity to do the right thing and propel Alaska’s avalanche professionals to a higher level,”

Buck said. “We must work together to make this happen.”The Board of Directors for the Alaska Avalanche Information Center, a not-

for-profit network of five grassroots avalanche centers operating outside of the CNFAIC’s jurisdiction, hosted this year’s summit in their continuing effort to help bring this all together.

How can you help make sure Alaska has a solid network of avalanche forecast center that you can locate easily, get dependable information from and learn about opportunities to get educated? You can join the movement. Become a member of your local avalanche center, use the website to get forecast information, or post a personal observation. Learn more at www.alaskasnow.org.

The 2014 Alaska Snow Safety Summit. DEBRA MCGHAN

Sandra Fletcher, with the Alaska Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health, speaks to the gathering of snow safety profession-als. DEBRA MCGHAN

“We pride ourselves on being cutting edge, high adventure, adrenaline-rush professionals. But the risk tolerance is often elevated to unrealistic heights.”

— MIKE BUCK


http://www.alaskasnow.org

Iron Dog gets nod in Alaska Sports Hall of Fame

At 2,031 miles, the Iron Dog is the “longest and toughest snowmachine race in the world.” And that’s not just a slogan anymore. Voters have named the Iron Dog Race the top “event” to be inducted into the 2015 Class of the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame, where it will join other great Alaska events such as the Iditarod, Mount Marathon Race and the Great Alaska Shootout.

Iron Dog began in 1984 as a 1,000-mile race from Big Lake to Nome. It was dou-bled to the current distance at the 10th annual race in 1994 and now goes from Big Lake to Nome then on to Fairbanks. In 2015, the race will have a ceremonial start in downtown Anchorage for the first time.

The Alaska Sports Hall of Fame will hold an induction ceremony in February at the Anchorage Museum auditorium.

The event will be free and open to the pub-lic. The date and time will be announced at a later time.

“The Class of 2015 reflects the tremen-dous diversity of sport we have in our state,” said Alaska Sports Hall of Fame Executive Director Harlow Robinson. “The selection panel and the public voters had to make difficult choices, but once again finished with an exceptional group.”

More than 1,500 people participated in the public voting process. The accumula-tive public vote total constituted one ballot equal to a selection panel member’s ballot.

The selection panel member are Bob Eley, retired sports editor, Faibanks Daily News-Miner (chairman); Beth Bragg, sports editor, Alaska Dispatch News; Lew Freed-man, Chicago, former Anchorage Daily News sports editor and author of numerous books about Alaska sports; George Hous-ton, longtime Juneau Douglas High School basketball coach; Mike Janecek, Palmer, longtime high school coach and athletics administrator; Danny Martin, sports edi-tor, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner; Kathleen

Navarre, Kodiak and Dimond High School coach and administrator; Steve Nerland, Anchorage, American Legion baseball manager; and Mike Sica, longtime Alaskan sports broadcaster and journalist. Results of Internet voting by the public constituted the panel’s 10th vote.

Yamaha rider feels success in Michigan races

The cross country season opener in Hough-ton, Mich., took place in early December, and Yamaha rider Matt Piche took the win in the Pro Stock on his Viper racer. Yamaha re-ported that it had strong performances from the up-and-coming classes as well.

“Everyone on the team wanted to come out strong at the first race of the year,” said Yamaha Cross Country Crew Chief Brian Strawsell. “We knew we had a sled that would be competitive and that Matt and Re were ready to race. Everything just worked well for us.”

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Ski-Doo X-Team racer repeats as Dominator champion

Ski-Doo X Team riders opened the snocross season in Duluth, Minn., at the ISOC season opener in winning fashion with Tim Tremblay of Scheuring Speed Sports capturing his second straight $10,000 prize at the Friday night Domina-tor race. The annual Spirit Mountain race is always a high-energy affair as snocross racers gather from across North America, on what is the U.S. Thanksgiving week-end, for their first taste of competition.

X-Team Top Five Results

SPORT 1 3rd-Leo Patenaude-Ingles Performance-200-Hartland, Vt. AMATEUR 1 Team Yamaha rider Matt Piche heads for the win on his Viper. 447 PHOTOGRAPHY


A S S A 2 0 1 3 - 1 4 M E M B E R S H I P F O R M

5th-Wade Acker-DaSilva Racing-367-Bristol, Vt. JR 14-15 2nd-Raphael Lemieux-144-Mascouche, Quebec SPORT 2 4th-Brady Love-444 Motorsports-444-Kenora, Ontario PRO-AM 30+ 3rd-Bauerly Racing-318-Otsego, Minn. 4th-Ross Bauerly-Bauerly Racing-821-Minneapolis 5th-Patrick Brodeur-Walls Unlimited-811-Derby, Vt. PRO-LIGHT 1 1st-Elias Ishoel-Makita/GMC/NSK-200-Oppdal, Sor Trondelag PRO-OPEN 1 4th-Tim Tremblay-Air Force/Ford/Amsoil-11-Ste Jeanne D’Arc, Quebec PRO-OPEN 2 3rd-Lincoln Lemieux-Air Force/Rockstar/Amsoil-13-St. Johns-bury, Vt. PRO-AM WOMEN 1st-Marcia Renheim-Jimmy John’s/Boss Racing-311-Lima, Swe-den

For more information on Ski-Doo snowmobiles visit www.ski-doo.com, or the On Track blog site for racing specific informa-tion.

– courtesy of Steve Cowing, Ski-Doo

Polaris snocross racers dominate in Duluth opener, Pro Lite final

Polaris snocross racers started the 2014-2015 ISOC National season with a powerful performance as they earned three of the weekend’s six Pro Open podium spots, and they dominated the Pro Lite class – including finishing first through fourth in the weekend’s second Pro Lite final. The ISOC National tour opened Nov. 28-30 in Duluth, Minn., with the AMSOIL National at Spirit Mountain.

Kyle Pallin (Team LaVallee) reached the podium in both Pro Open finals with third- and second-place finishes, which put him second in Pro Open points after two rounds of racing.

Ryan Springer (Carlson Motorsports) won one Pro Lite final, and Andrew Carlson (Carlson Motorsports) finished fourth and third in the weekend’s finals, making Carlson the points leader.

Pro Open: Pallin and Kamm have sights set on title In the weekend’s first Pro Open final on Saturday, Nov. 29, Kody

Kamm (Hentges Racing) finished second and Kyle Pallin took third. Justin Broberg (Hentges Racing) finished sixth and Jake Scott (Team LaVallee) finished 11th.

In the second Pro Open final held on Sunday, Pallin once again reached the podium with a second-place finish, and Kamm finished fourth after making it into the final via the last chance qualifier (LCQ). Jake Scott finished eighth and Justin Broberg (Hentges Racing) finished 10th.

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After two rounds of Pro Open racing, Pallin was second in points while Kamm was third. Broberg was in eighth, Jake Scott was in ninth, Ross Martin (Judnick Motorsports) was 12th, and Andrew Lieders (Team LaVallee) was 13th.

Pro Lite: Podium dominance and a 1-2-3-4 sweep In the weekend’s first Pro Lite final, Jake Angove (Fort Fremont Rac-

ing) reached the podium with a second-place finish. Andrew Carlson was fourth, Travis Muller (Cottew Motorsports) was fifth, and Zak Mason (Leighton Motorsports) was sixth.

In Sunday’s Pro Lite final, Polaris Terrain Domination was on full display as Polaris racers finished 1-2-3-4. Ryan Springer (Carlson Mo-torsports) earned the victory, Zak Mason took second, Andrew Carlson was third, and Trevor Leighton (Leighton Motorsports) finished fourth.

Andrew Carlson, who finished second overall in Pro Lite points last season, left Duluth as the class points leader. Zak Mason was third in points after two rounds, Trevor Leighton was fourth, Jake Angove was sixth, Ryan Springer was eighth, James Johnstad (Judnick Motorsports) was 10th, and Travis Muller (Cottew Motorsports) was 11th.

Ross Martin takes second in AMSOIL Dominator

In the AMSOIL Dominator, the non-points feature traditionally held on Friday night of the Duluth racing weekend, Ross Martin reached the final by winning the LCQ and finished second in the finale. Martin, a two-time winner of the AMSOIL Dominator, had to start one row be-

hind the other two racers in the final, and his determined bid to win the special trophy and $10,000 winner’s purse fell just short. The AMSOIL Dominator field is made up of the weekend’s top Pro Open qualifiers. They face off in three-lap head-to-head duels until just three racers are left for the final.

More podium finishes in Pro-Am and Sport classes In the weekend’s Pro-Am +30 final, Justin Tate (2-Eight Motorsports)

finished second as five Polaris racers earned top-10 finishes. Patrick Brodeur (Walls-Unlimited) took fifth, Luke Routh (RF3 Industries) was seventh, Bruce Jesionowski (Snirt Racing) finished ninth, and Scot Adams (Never Enough Racing) took 10th.

Four Polaris racers finished in the top 10 in the Pro-Am Women’s final, led by Janell Smith (Team NorthStar) in fourth. Amanda Duits-man (Plaisted Racing) finished sixth, Jakki Farmer (Farmer Racing) was seventh, and Jessica Martel took 10th.

Jacob Yurk (Team Vermillion) won the weekend’s first Sport final, and Jake Geeseman (Wollenberg Motorsports) took second in the sec-ond Sport final. Geeseman had finished fifth in the first final, which left him third in Sport points after the season’s first two rounds of racing. Yurk was fourth in points, and Cole Cottew (Cottew Motorsports) was fifth.

The second round of ISOC National racing was the U.S. Air Force National at Buffalo River Race Park in Glyndon, Minn., near Fargo, N.D. in mid-December.

For more information on Polaris snowmobiles visit www.polaris.com

– courtesy of Marlys Knutson, Polaris

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Best viewing areas for the ceremonial start in AnchorageA majority of the action in downtown Anchorage will take place on Fourth

Avenue for two to three blocks from D Street to G Street. Iron Dog teams will first head east on Fourth Avenue between G and E streets, then turn north on E Street, and finally along Second Avenue heading downhill past First Avenue and across Ship Creek before vanishing through Port of Anchorage property on their way onto JBER property.

Spectators will be able fill the sidewalks along this route, or even stand in Barrow Park or the hill on either side of Second Avenue. From the Iron Dog starting line to First Avenue is also the same route that will be used for an initial parade of teams. There’s plenty of room for all to watch the action.

Vintage and Iron Pup exhibitions will take place on Fourth Avenue from the starting line all the way to D Street and back.

As for the Flying Iron Freestyle Show, fans can watch the aerobatics at the EasyP-ark lot on Third Avenue, between C and E streets. The lot will be sectioned off with a specific spectator area and hospitality tent adjacent to the snowmachine ramp and landing area.

Don’t let parking get you downParking isn’t a problem. Arrive early and take your time finding a good spot.

Iron Dog is cooperating with EasyPark and other facilities to ensure spectators have improved signage and even parking promotions to save a couple bucks. There are multiple parking garages within a couple blocks of all the events. Find a garage that’s connect with the Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall at Fifth Avenue and B Street, another garage connected to the bus station at G Street and Sixth Avenue, a garage at Fifth Avenue and K Street, or seek out one of many paid and free parking lots nearby. An-other alternative is to park along the Delaney Park on 10th Avenue. It’s a bit farther to walk, but always a sure bet.

Race Restart in Big LakeIf you missed out on the Anchorage ceremonial start, you’ll have one

more opportunity to wave the racers off on their journey. Iron Dog rolls up its sleeves and gets down to business on Sunday, Feb. 22, in Big Lake, on the lake. Race teams will be released in succession starting at 10 a.m. As in past years, each team can be watched as in past years as they speed away across icy Big Lake before vanishing into the Alaska wilderness.

Fans won’t find as much of a festive atmosphere as compared to the Anchorage start, but they will see the serious side of the race teams and wit-ness their anticipation to compete.

Sunday, Feb. 228 a.m.

Teams must be parked on the ice and start unloading. (Don’t be late!)9 a.m.

Race teams must be positioned at the start in the race pit.9:45 a.m.

Color Guard, National Anthem and announcements.10 a.m.

First Green Flag drops and continues in two-minute intervals.12:30 p.m.

End of the restart. (Time to pack up for Nome and Fairbanks.)

Iron Dog details Starting Line EventsIf you’re looking for a little

more action to please your entire family, Iron Dog, in co-operation with other organiza-tions such as Mat-Su Vintage Racing Club and Alaska Motor Mushers Club, and spon-sors like Hard Rock Café and EasyPark, have a few things in store to liven up the moments before and after the releasing of the race teams. Enjoy the festive mood on two separate days.

Friday Evening, Feb. 207 p.m.

The first Flying Iron freestyle show will kick off in downtown Anchorage. If you love watch-ing freestyle exhibitions you’ll have another chance to see the show on the following day after the Iron Dog Start.

Saturday, Feb. 219:30 a.m.

Vintage snowmobile “Shine & Show” and Iron Pup kids in front of Hard Rock Café. Rac-

ers must be positioned at the race pit.

10 a.m. Meet and greet the Pro Class racers.

10:30 a.m. Mat-Su Vintage Racing Club’s vintage snowmobile parade.

11:00 a.m. Closing of the pit area.

11:30 a.m. Color Guard, National Anthem and announcements.

12:05 p.m. First Green Flag drops for the first team

1:45 p.m. AMMC’s Iron Pup Kids Parade

2:30 p.m. Flying Iron freestyle show at the EasyPark Coho parking lot (Third Avenue & E Street).

An after party will be held at Hard Rock Café, and specta-tors can expect music, vendor hospitality, prizes and gifts, food and fun activities mixed with the scheduled events.


AD DEADLINE JANUARY 12TH, 2015

R A C E S TA R T

M O V E D T O

A N C H O R A G E

Support the Iron Dog, your favorite team or favorite checkpoint with an ad in THE OFFICIAL AND EXCLUSIVE 2015 IRON DOG RACE GUIDE


907.835.INFOfor current event info visit www.valdezalaska.org

Check facebook for current info.

2014 Mayors CuPSATURDAY MARCH 15TH200 mile cross country snowmachine race.

Awards banquet after the race at 6pm Eagles Hall

Registration March 14th from 6 pm.

2nd annual Snowfest SATURDAY MARCH 29THSnowfest is a snowmachine freestyle exhibition that takes place in town.

Snowfest also includes a snow cross race and kidi-snowmachine track

for the kids, and the day of fun ends with live music,

bon fire and a beer garden.

MOUNTAIN MAN snowmachine HILL CLIMBAPRIL 17TH-19THThis is the 25th anniversary Valdez Mountain Man Hillclimb. This event takes place in Thompson

Pass, just north of Valdez on the Richardson Highway, where snowmachiners attempt to cruise

their machines up a 1,700-foot slope to successfully reach the top and claim a winning time. This

is a spectator-oriented event with high-stakes action.

at the Eagles Hall. SPONSORED BY THE VALDEZ SNOWMACHINE CLUB

Mayors Cup Snowmachine RaceMARCH 14, 2015, a 200-mile cross country race.

Wounded Warrior Poker RunMARCH 28TH, 2015, the groomed snowmachine course is 13 miles long and open to

everyone including families, kids and beginners.

Tailgate Alaska-Snowboard World Freeride Championships APRIL 3-12, 2015- the foremost backcountry freeride event which hosts the World

Freeriding Championship.www.worldfreeridefestival.com.


CalendarJANUARY 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

Alaska SnowRider Events List Post your snowmachine events on Alaska’s snowmachine cal-endar, www.ridealaska.com.

January J a n 4 Mat-Su Vintage Snowmachine Club Points Race No. 1 Oval

J a n 6 Caribou Hills Cabin Hoppers General Meeting at Mykel’s Restau-rant, 6:30 p.m.

J a n 17 JBER Snowmachiners Club North Road Productions Avalanche training course at Turnagain

J a n 1 6 Chilkat Snowburners 46th Annual Alcan 200 Rider sign up and Calcutta Auction at Fogcut-ter Bar, 5 p.m.

J a n 17 Chilkat Snowburners 46th Annual Alcan 200 - 9 a.m.: Riders Meeting 10 a.m.: Race starts at Mile 42 Haines Highway

J a n 17 Mat-Su Vintage Snowmachine Club Points Race No. 2 OVAL - Night Race - Drag - 120s and more

J a n 1 8 Chilkat Snowburners Drag Races (time and location to be announced)

J a n 2 4 Big Lake Aurora Lions Club Natural Terrain Race 100-Mile Big Lake - Any Snowmachine

J a n 2 5 Big Lake Aurora Lions Club IRA 100 Miler - 1 Mile Oval Race - Big Lake

February F e b 1 Lake Louise Snowmachine Club Super Bowl Sunday at Lake Louise Lodge

F e b 3 Caribou Hills Cabin Hoppers General Meeting at Mykel’s Restau-rant 6:30 p.m.

F e b 7 Mat-Su Vintage Snowmachine Club Willow Winter Carnival - Closed Course - Fun Race

F e b 7 a n d 8 Caribou Hills Cabin Hoppers Tustumena 200 Dog Race in the Caribou Hills

F e b 8 Mat-Su Vintage Snowmachine Club Points Race No. 3 Oval

F e b 1 4 Lake Louise Snowmachine Club Sweetheart Fun Run

F e b 1 5 Mat-Su Vintage Snowmachine Club Points Race No. 4 Oval

F e b . 2 0 - 2 1 Iron Dog race start, downtown Anchorage

F e b 2 1 Mat-Su Vintage Snowmachine Club Iron Dog Start Event Show and Shine/Parade

F e b 2 1 Caribou Hills Cabin Hoppers NAPA Fun Run

F e b 2 7 a n d 2 8 Caribou Hills Cabin Hoppers WOW Run

F e b 2 8 Lake Louise Snowmachine Club 30 Years in the Miles/Delaquito Family Party at Black Jack Fun Run at Lake Louise Lodge

Find event specifics and updates on these club and event websites: Alaska Motor Mushers Club: www.ammcracing.org Anchorage Snowmobile Club: www.anchoragesnowmobileclub.com Alaska Trailblazers Snowmobile Club: Located in Tok, online at Facebook Arctic Man: www.arcticman.com Caribou Hills Cabin Hoppers: www.akchch.org Curry Ridge Riders: www.cur-ryridgeriders.com Fairbanks Snow Travelers: www.snowtravelers.org Homer Snomads: www.snomadson-line.org Lake Louise Snowmachine Club, the Wolf Pack: www.lakelouises-nowmachineclub.com Oxygen & Octane: www.oxygenan-doctane.com Tired Iron Vintage Races: www.fairbankstirediron.org Trek Over the Top: www.trekover-thetop.com Valdez Snowmachine Club: www.valdezsnowmachineclub.com Willow Winter Carnival: www.waco-ak.org Don’t see your event yet? Submit snowmachine-related events to ridealaska.com.


http://www.ammcracing.org

http://www.ammcracing.org

http://www.arcticman.com

http://www.snowtravelers.org

http://www.snowtravelers.org

http://www.snomadsonline.org

http://www.snomadsonline.org

http://www.lakelouisesnowmachineclub.com

http://www.lakelouisesnowmachineclub.com

http://www.oxygenandoctane.com

http://www.oxygenandoctane.com

http://www.fairbankstirediron.org

http://www.fairbankstirediron.org

http://www.trekoverthetop.com

http://www.trekoverthetop.com

http://www.valdezsnowmachineclub.com

http://www.valdezsnowmachineclub.com

250 Hospital Place, Soldotna, AK 99669 • www.givingheals.org

It is time to register for the 2015 Way Out Women snow machine ride benefiting cancer patients right here on the Kenai

Peninsula. Riders can sign up individually or as a team.

For more information, contact Kathy Lopeman at 283-7602/398-4853 or the Central Peninsula Health Foundation at 714-4626.

You can also print a registration packet from www.givingheals.org.

WOW

Ladies, Rev Your Engines!

Ride

100% of the funds raised support Kenai Peninsula cancer patients

7th Annual Wild & Wooly Contest

• continental breakfast before the ride

• WOW goody bag

• limited edition t-shirt

• entry for door prizes,

costume contest

and silent auction

• Post ride Lunch

$100 entry fee includes:

Annual 11th

February 9:00 am at

Mile 16 Caribou HillsFreddie’s Roadhouse

28th


Susit

na R

iver

SUNSHINE

HOUSTON

SUSITNA

DeshkaLanding

TALKEETNA

WILLOW

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67

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8

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Skwentna

1110

9 0 7 . 7 3 3 . 2 7 2 6

Shell Lake Lodge

Luce’sGas • Food • Beer

Wine • Lodging Telephone • Billiards8 Mile Yentna River

[email protected]

S k w e n t n a R o a d h o u s eG P S : 6 1 5 8 ’ 1 4 N 1 5 1 11 ’ 4 1 W

F O O D • F U E L • L O D G I N G

Northwoods LodgeOn Fish Lakes Creek• New Game Room!

• 9’ Billards• Superb Food

• Deluxe Cabins• Beer & Wine• Gas • Sauna• Gas • Sauna

www.northwoodslodge.net907.733.3742

Yentna & river drainages

Ta l V i s t a L o d g e ( Ta l a c h u l i t n a )907.733.3066 • www.talvistalodge.com

IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE! CALL 677-2900

LODGING, FOOD, FUEL& The Area’s Only

Full Service Bar

Located 19 miles west of Skwentna on

beautiful Shell LakeReservations Recommended

907.733.2817

GPS: 61 51’40.26N 151 24’17.50W

Put yourbusiness

on the map!Call

677-2900today!

Your Winter Recreation Destination!

1

3

10

6

2

Google GPS:N61.934665 W150.973617



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

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:

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

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

PERMIT #936ANCHORAGE, AK

A S S A 2 0 1 3 - 1 4 M E M B E R S H I P F O R M2013-2014 Goals

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