snobuilder
Well-known member
Just been thinking about snowmobiling history a bit since reading a recent article in Snowgoer about one of the Polaris founders, David Johnson.
Alot of us older sledders know of the huge influx of sled mannies back in the 60's that was all inspired by the pioneers like poo, cat and doo, but the 'goer article shined a little more light on the grass roots a sleddin.
I also borrowed this article that a fellow sledder dug up and posted on another site that shows the tourism side of snowmobiling and reminds us of another snowmobiling pioneer, Lowell Patterson, a Laona based Forest Ranger back in the 60' and 70's.
Kinda couples it all together and was the beginning of where we is today....
Fond Du Lac Commonwealth Reporter 29 December 1972 › Page 18
NICOLET FOREST'S 100 mile Snow Safari is challenging snowmobilers again this winter. The Safari, which started three years ago as a "business promotion" for the communities of Carter, Wabeno, Freedom, Laona, Crandon, Newald and Armstrong Creek, has brought about .$200,000 in business to Forest County. An estimated 4,000 snowmobilers completed the 100-mile trip last year, and this season twice that number are expected. The trail was originally mapped out by Lowell Patterson, District Ranger of the U.S. Forest Service in Laona. For snowmobilers, the objective was to complete the 100 miles. Proof of completion is given at the end of the trip by presenting a card that has been signed by one of the sponsors in each of the towns through which the safari passed. A snowmobiler who has completed the trip is awarded a chevron, which was designed by Patterson. Actually, snowmobilers are probably traveling farther than 100 miles. The trail is closer to 129 miles, having expanded considerably since its beginning three years ago. The trail is open to anybody who wants to try it. It's designed to be covered in two consecutive days. Hotels and motels exist along the trail to provide overnight accommodations. The trail is now regarded as less of an endurance test, and is ideal for families who want to make the trip. Some tips on loading a snowmobile on a tilt-bed trailer seem appropriate with snowmobilers headed for trail rides in different parts of the state. It is most important to remember never to drive a snowmobile on a trailer. The recommended procedure is to either use a winch or push the machine on by hand. Nylon rope, chain or rubber bungees should then be used to tie the machine securely in the back, front and on both sides. Before heading home, the snowmobiler should make sure the trailer hitch is securely fastened and safety chains attached. The trailer light connection should be tested to see that it works properly. Snowmobilers should mark Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 27-28, 1974 on their calendar. That's when the third annual Pow-Wow Snowmobile Derby, which is sponsored by the Weyauwega , held at the Waupaca County Fairgrounds. The USSA sanctioned races will have a guaranteed purse of $57,500. A year ago, more than 200 drivers competed. Two complete races w ill be held each day, with a 520 advance entry fee and $23 late fee in modified classes and $15 advance and $18 late fee in stock classes. More information on the races can be obtained by writing Y-O-Wega Pow-Wow, Box 574 Weyauwega. Mike Koll, who has followed the racing circuit in recent years, favors USSA sanctioned races over Southern Wisconsin Snowmobile Racing Association (SWSRA) events. "More safety precautions are taken at the USSA races," the rural Fond du Lac man pointed out. The SWSRA was formed last year, and recently its races at Sun Prairie attracted more than 400 entries.
Alot of us older sledders know of the huge influx of sled mannies back in the 60's that was all inspired by the pioneers like poo, cat and doo, but the 'goer article shined a little more light on the grass roots a sleddin.
I also borrowed this article that a fellow sledder dug up and posted on another site that shows the tourism side of snowmobiling and reminds us of another snowmobiling pioneer, Lowell Patterson, a Laona based Forest Ranger back in the 60' and 70's.
Kinda couples it all together and was the beginning of where we is today....
Fond Du Lac Commonwealth Reporter 29 December 1972 › Page 18
NICOLET FOREST'S 100 mile Snow Safari is challenging snowmobilers again this winter. The Safari, which started three years ago as a "business promotion" for the communities of Carter, Wabeno, Freedom, Laona, Crandon, Newald and Armstrong Creek, has brought about .$200,000 in business to Forest County. An estimated 4,000 snowmobilers completed the 100-mile trip last year, and this season twice that number are expected. The trail was originally mapped out by Lowell Patterson, District Ranger of the U.S. Forest Service in Laona. For snowmobilers, the objective was to complete the 100 miles. Proof of completion is given at the end of the trip by presenting a card that has been signed by one of the sponsors in each of the towns through which the safari passed. A snowmobiler who has completed the trip is awarded a chevron, which was designed by Patterson. Actually, snowmobilers are probably traveling farther than 100 miles. The trail is closer to 129 miles, having expanded considerably since its beginning three years ago. The trail is open to anybody who wants to try it. It's designed to be covered in two consecutive days. Hotels and motels exist along the trail to provide overnight accommodations. The trail is now regarded as less of an endurance test, and is ideal for families who want to make the trip. Some tips on loading a snowmobile on a tilt-bed trailer seem appropriate with snowmobilers headed for trail rides in different parts of the state. It is most important to remember never to drive a snowmobile on a trailer. The recommended procedure is to either use a winch or push the machine on by hand. Nylon rope, chain or rubber bungees should then be used to tie the machine securely in the back, front and on both sides. Before heading home, the snowmobiler should make sure the trailer hitch is securely fastened and safety chains attached. The trailer light connection should be tested to see that it works properly. Snowmobilers should mark Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 27-28, 1974 on their calendar. That's when the third annual Pow-Wow Snowmobile Derby, which is sponsored by the Weyauwega , held at the Waupaca County Fairgrounds. The USSA sanctioned races will have a guaranteed purse of $57,500. A year ago, more than 200 drivers competed. Two complete races w ill be held each day, with a 520 advance entry fee and $23 late fee in modified classes and $15 advance and $18 late fee in stock classes. More information on the races can be obtained by writing Y-O-Wega Pow-Wow, Box 574 Weyauwega. Mike Koll, who has followed the racing circuit in recent years, favors USSA sanctioned races over Southern Wisconsin Snowmobile Racing Association (SWSRA) events. "More safety precautions are taken at the USSA races," the rural Fond du Lac man pointed out. The SWSRA was formed last year, and recently its races at Sun Prairie attracted more than 400 entries.
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