Boondock Inn Vintage Sled Event 2026

Day 3 was the vintage/classic show day at the Boondock Inn. I had planned to add a few photos and details here but I decided that the video I had been working on would do a better job of covering the day.

If you’re not into old sleds, you probably wouldn’t find this video very interesting. But if you want to see what this event is all about, or if you like seeing vintage and classic sleds and hearing the sweet sound of those motors, crank up the volume and enjoy.

The video runs about 5 minutes and hopefully will give you a sense of why this event is so cool.

Boondock Inn Semi Retired Iron Classic 2026

Thanks for sharing Kelly. I'd forgotten about the side by side Ski Doo, plus the sound of the One Lungers warming up made me smile.

Thanks for the video Kelly, can’t wait till next year!

Congratulations Kelly on the "Best restored" award!! That Chap and the insight you gave into it was really cool! as it was truly ahead of its time. I know you had said there was no need to get into the mechanics of the sled, that was the only thing I wish had dug into a little deeper, was my favorite restoration thus far and am anxiously awaiting the next one! What is funny though is some of the sleds in that gathering although they are technically vintage it doesn't seem like that long ago which makes me vintage LOL!! Do you know if that black Kawasaki LTD is an Interceptor model? don't see many of those around anymore. Thank You for posting!!

Congrats on the Best Restored Award. I knew I liked that sled for a reason, LOL! Nice job! The weather was timely for the event, hope we had enough snow for you.

Seriously cool! Congratulations on the win!

At the beginning of the video hearing the ole single cylinders and then the ride in the woods really took me back to those days. Those days of no trails/grooming once a month and the slow pace going through the woods. After years of handling 4 strokes at speed that simple sound and serene woods was a welcome memory. I did not forget that back in the day the plumb of oil, fouled plugs, and trying to pull start till sweat was pouring down my forehead and heart pounding…

Thanks guys, people did like the Chaparral. Like Mezz said, there is just something about this sled that people finding appealing. And yes Mezz, there was no shortage of snow.

euphoric1 said:

Congratulations Kelly on the "Best restored" award!! That Chap and the insight you gave into it was really cool! as it was truly ahead of its time. I know you had said there was no need to get into the mechanics of the sled, that was the only thing I wish had dug into a little deeper, was my favorite restoration thus far and am anxiously awaiting the next one! What is funny though is some of the sleds in that gathering although they are technically vintage it doesn't seem like that long ago which makes me vintage LOL!! Do you know if that black Kawasaki LTD is an Interceptor model? don't see many of those around anymore. Thank You for posting!!

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Yeah, the 90’s and early 2000’s sleds are getting more popular every year and it doesn’t seem possible that these sleds are 25 – 30 years old already. Where have the years gone?

The LTD was its own model and was based on the Invader but from what I read, had a lot of innovations and was a relatively low production model. Sharp sled.

heckler56 said:

Seriously cool! Congratulations on the win!

At the beginning of the video hearing the ole single cylinders and then the ride in the woods really took me back to those days. Those days of no trails/grooming once a month and the slow pace going through the woods. After years of handling 4 strokes at speed that simple sound and serene woods was a welcome memory. I did not forget that back in the day the plumb of oil, fouled plugs, and trying to pull start till sweat was pouring down my forehead and heart pounding…

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A lot of that still goes on during these rides. And of course, there’s always the question of whether or not what you’re riding will even finish the ride This is such a great event because it has a combination of on and off -trail riding so you get to experience exactly what you said.

While on the way home I was already thinking about what I might bring if I can make it next year. The long tracked vintage sleds I saw this year really have me intrigued but that’s a whole different direction from past projects. Doubt I could get something like that done in time for the ride next year though. I think the Kawasaki has proven it’s worth a serious look and maybe that’s where I should put my effort.

Congratulations Kelly! No surprise at all. That looks like a fantastic event. Looks like a lot of sleds!

mspease said:

Congratulations Kelly! No surprise at all. That looks like a fantastic event. Looks like a lot of sleds!

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Thanks Mark. Yes, there were a LOT of nice sleds on the rides and at the show.

Paul, from the Boondock Inn, along with help from Dan (DWZ), and a few other volunteers, work hard to make this event happen and their effort shows in how smoothly it runs.

On the ride the day before the show, I got several comments on the paint on the Cyclone and people were surprised it was a stock John Deere color, not a custom mix. So, between the color and, as Heckler56 pointed out, the big 440 sticker on the hood, I really thought the Cyclone might have the edge if either sled was determined to be a winner.

In the end, I guess the SSX had that cool factor going for it and was seen by the people in attendance as a unique, advanced sled for its day. Some said they had never seen a liquid cooled Chaparral in person and didn’t realize that such a sled was even built.