the John Dee Roll Call

[gary_in_neenah]

The last time we had a roll call of current members was 2012 and I'm thinking maybe we should update. I've included a link to the old thread and it's interesting to see the many members that still post and the many that have gone on to other things. You can read the old thread by clicking this link; http://forum.johndee.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?35002-Re-Introduce-Yourself&highlight=riding+year

I'll get things rolling for 2019 by saying you already know my name and town. Neenah, Wisconsin is part of the Fox Cities metro on the western shore of Lake Winnebago. Neenah was the birthplace of the Kimberly Clark Corporation. We also have a foundry that makes all those Man Hole covers you see just about anywhere in the world. Oshkosh Truck is next door in Oshkosh making some awesome machines for the military. Appleton to our north has one of the largest retail malls in the state along with Appleton International Airport.

I was fortunate to retire early but I still go to work everyday, it just doesn't happen to be a part of the Rat Race that got me here. I've been snowmobiling since Arctic Cat had Leopard Print seats on their Panthers. So ya, I'm one of the Older Dogs on here. In the summer I ride a Can Am Spyder, in the winter you'll find me on Ski Doo's Blizzard. My wife and I both enjoy travel when we have the time, past trips have included Gettysburg, Washington D.C. and Boston, Mass.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9vm_nYe8rU

Let's see who else we have from John Dee.com

 

[skiroule]

Well, Kelly back here for a second go-around on this topic. Reading the old thread, some things have changed, some haven’t.

After retirement, we moved back to our old home town in northern MN about three years ago (something my wife and I said we would never do). There are some benefits though, we live in the country now and I can ride out of the front yard. Plus, it puts us less than an hour away from a little place we have on the Canadian side of Lake of the Woods where we spend almost all of the non-frozen water months chasing the wily Walleye.

Like Gary, I took up a new occupation and now work a couple of days a week at a local hardware store, which is like a dream job for me. I get paid to solve customer hardware problems, cut glass/plexiglass, sharpen chainsaws and skates, cut keys, mix paint, fix screens, cut/thread pipe and so on.

One thing that hasn’t changed is that I’m still re-living my younger years with the vintage sled restoration stuff. Figure I have enough projects to last me until I’m about a hundred at the rate I’m going.

Really enjoyed my past mountain riding trips and would like to make just one more but maybe the mind is more willing than the body.

 

[switch07]

Old Switch here still breathing and taking nourishment. Our snow riding days are over now unless I get the itch and my son-in-law will fix me up with a ride from his dealership. I guess you would call me semi retired as I still travel for my company, PCMC in Green Bay. Only thing is now I travel in comfort with our Winnebago Tour Class A motorhome. So I spend most of my winter south of the Mason Dixon line where it’s nice and warm. Summer time will find us back at our place in Door county entertaining the grandchildren and running around in our Yamaha Viking UTV. It’s nice to take the coach up north to ride the same trails we road in the winter months for all those years, only warmer now. Wendy and I are looking forward to me pulling the pin for good next year and really taste the freedom that an RV lifestyle brings. I still hang out here on JD and follow the adventures that everyone shares and I think back to all the good times I’ve had on a sled. I do still own a sled, but she lives in Eagle River in the museum, a 1969 Ski Doo 12-3 fully restored. Stop in and say hi to her sometime! Keep the rubber side down my friends, ride safe!

 

[sweeperguy]

I'm Steven Mitchell, 55 live in Oakdale Mn. Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie Mi. I've been riding since 1971. Learned on my Grandpa's 69 Scorpion Mark II (it was my Dad's when new, he sold it to his Dad so he could go to welding school). I've got a 69 Scorpion now
I got my snowmobile safety certificate a year early, at 11 not 12. I was born Dec of 63, in Jan of 75 there was a snowmobile safety class, I bagged my Dad to let me take it. (wanted to ride with friends not just with him) He said we'll try, if they let you in fine, if not you'll have to wait till next year. GOT IT!
The following Christmas (my birthday also) my Dad got me a 72 AC Lynx. I have this one now
I'm a union equipment operator for a major ashpalt company. So i have winters off to snowmobile as much as I want, or can afford. I operate an Elgin street sweeper, hence the user name sweeperguy.
I have a small enclosed trailer that is fully insulated (including the floor is spray foamed underneath). I have it wired for lights and several outlets. I run a generator and heat it with a 1500 watt electric heater.
Saves me thousands of dollars in hotel bills. No planning hassles of needing reservations somewhere, I can just up and go at a drop of a hat. If not enough snow at original destination, just keep driving till snow is deep enough, find somewhere to park. Walmart's are usually a good spot to set up camp. A lot of them are on trails, and they allow overnight camping in their lots. They actually publish a road atlas, for RV'ers, that show all Walmart locations. To encourage you to stop there overnight and spend money there.
My boss at the last company I worked for, (only sweeping company, not asphalt, but we swept for a lot of asphalt companies). Turned me on to Johndee around 2014, after coming up bust (for snow cover) on a sled trip. He said it was the best site for accurate snow depth.
Very much enjoy this site. Glad I'm on board, most likely will be for MANY years.

 

[Modman440]

The one and only Modman440 checkin in nothing changed really father to 4 beautiful kids. Building mod sleds and living life. Based outta fort wayne IN with a northwoods cabin in Trout Lake MI.

MOD

 

[blkhwkbob]

Sweeperguy, I just bought the same trailer. Any reason why that board in front doesn't go all the way across? I can't figure it out.

 

[euphoric1]

Im Brian Lehman, I live in Waterford Wi, I have been snowmobiling since the late 70's I own an outdoor power equipment business, about the only riding I get is a week un the U.P. I like to pile up the miles in that time. I enjoy trolling on lake Michigan, did some tournament fishing on lake Michigan until I opened up my own shop (pretty much put kabosh on fun things for a while) I have a seasonal trailer in Sheboygan Wisconsin. I have one son 21 years of age who I started taking snowmobiling when he was 4 and has grown to love the sport as much as I do. Im 46 years of age and don't plan on quitting until either I wake up in a pine box or my body just wont allow me to enjoy the sport any more. " we don't stop playing because we get old.... we get old because we stop playing"

 

[mezz]

My name is Meester Bleezard, I am now 58 yrs. old & even though I did not take part in the previous roll call, I am still here (miraculously), just not on the sled anymore. After 34 years of pounding the backwoods of the Keweenaw, I was forced to stop due to a DVT clot in my right leg in 2016. Been on this site since 1999 & still enjoy it & the people that partake in it. I am not a social media guy, this is the one & only site I care to be on, there are no others like this. Thank you to John & all of you for visiting here & sharing. -Mezz

 

[sweeperguy]

Sweeperguy, I just bought the same trailer. Any reason why that board in front doesn't go all the way across? I can't figure it out.

My only guess would be so they save $1.53 on the build. If one ski hits it the other won't touch the skin, unless your highballing into the trailer.
I thought it was messed up too.

 

[Carbide]

Names Brad. Born in the mid 60s. Been snowmobiling on and off for decades. Have had several Polaris 700 and 800 sleds Took a decade off, then jumped back in with a few 4 strokes. Yamaha Apex'. I enjoy cleaner smelling clothes and the longer engine lives. Yeah yeah..they are heavy blah blah blah. I ain't carrying them around on my back...
They are a blast and plenty fast.

I also just switched to 4 stroke dirt bikes. Currently I have a 2018 YZ250FX as well as a 2008 WR250X sm.
Looking to get a few more good rides in before deer season starts.

I have been a lifelong motorcyclist and got my endorsement immediately after turning 16.
I have ridden over 300,000 miles to date, including countless laps around Road America, BIR, Laguna Seca and other race tracks around the country.

I have been a machinist since the early 80s, and have been with the same medical device manufacturer now for 32 years. Most of it as a CNC machinist but have been a supervisor for the last 4.

 

[maddogg]

Andy here. Been a member for quite some time. Born in the 80's, own a few sleds (older) and spend my days working and with my twin boys and wife.

 

[eagle1]

Wow, read part of old thread. Amazing how many have come and gone. Good times.
My name is Guy and Gary's neighbor to north. Lol
Didn't start sledding til I was 23, when I walked in dealership bought a new sled and trailer. That was 1996. Hooked ever since. Think it was 1999 when I joined the site and can't thank John enough for introducing me to UP!!!

 

[durphee]

good thread....Name is Eric, live in Oglesby, Il and I am an Instructor of Environmental Biology at a small college. Been into snowmobiling since I was young but my parents sold their sleds when I was 5 due to my fathers back issues. Always wanted to get one when I was younger but couldn't afford one. Had to wait til I was out of graduate school and finally make some money to pick up my first sled, still remember unloading it. I am on my 3rd sled currently (2017 Polaris Assault) and looking for a newer Assault. I have three boys (15, 14 and 12) who enjoy sledding also. We live in Hayward, WI for about 7 weeks during the summer, although summer baseball is getting into the way a little bit. We own a cabin up in Hayward that my grandfather purchased 72 years ago. I have always loved the Northwoods and love the fact my boys get to spend a lot of time up north also. I enjoy reading johndee and can't wait for the sledding season to start! Think Snow!

 

[skibob]

Name's Bob, been around since at least 2009(I think), hardly ever post, just lurk & check the site all fall/winter & about 1x a month in the summer.

Started snowmobiling around 1976, when I got to ride an old Johnson brand snowmobile that my brother-in-law had. Would ride that thing all over his land all day & refill the gas tank 3-4 times! I was hooked & have been riding on & off ever since.

Currently living in Central Illinois by Springfield, but lived out in Idaho for around 4yrs, so I got to ride all over out west. Got all 3 of my girls hooked when they were younger.

Riding a 2016 Renegade X 1200 4tec that I just bought off a guy this summer. 51yrs old & will be working until 64 or so
Usually make 2-3 trips a season to Northern WI. (Mercer area) & up to Bessemer, MI. as well.

Can't say enough great things about this site. Seems like I learn something new every time I log on!

 

[600_RMK_144]

I'm Steven Mitchell, 55 live in Oakdale Mn. Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie Mi. I've been riding since 1971. Learned on my Grandpa's 69 Scorpion Mark II (it was my Dad's when new, he sold it to his Dad so he could go to welding school). I've got a 69 Scorpion now View attachment 60710
I got my snowmobile safety certificate a year early, at 11 not 12. I was born Dec of 63, in Jan of 75 there was a snowmobile safety class, I bagged my Dad to let me take it. (wanted to ride with friends not just with him) He said we'll try, if they let you in fine, if not you'll have to wait till next year. View attachment 60711 GOT IT!
The following Christmas (my birthday also) my Dad got me a 72 AC Lynx. I have this one now View attachment 60712
I'm a union equipment operator for a major ashpalt company. So i have winters off to snowmobile as much as I want, or can afford. I operate an Elgin street sweeper, hence the user name sweeperguy. View attachment 60714
I have a small enclosed trailer that is fully insulated (including the floor is spray foamed underneath). I have it wired for lights and several outlets. I run a generator and heat it with a 1500 watt electric heater.
Saves me thousands of dollars in hotel bills. No planning hassles of needing reservations somewhere, I can just up and go at a drop of a hat. If not enough snow at original destination, just keep driving till snow is deep enough, find somewhere to park. Walmart's are usually a good spot to set up camp. A lot of them are on trails, and they allow overnight camping in their lots. They actually publish a road atlas, for RV'ers, that show all Walmart locations. To encourage you to stop there overnight and spend money there. View attachment 60713 View attachment 60715
My boss at the last company I worked for, (only sweeping company, not asphalt, but we swept for a lot of asphalt companies). Turned me on to Johndee around 2014, after coming up bust (for snow cover) on a sled trip. He said it was the best site for accurate snow depth.
Very much enjoy this site. Glad I'm on board, most likely will be for MANY years.

Is that a TC167? LOVE MINE! So easy to pull!!!!

 

[rtrev]

I am Randy (member since 2010, but non member since early 2000's) from Farmington, MN, but born and raised in Tomahawk, WI Born in the late 60's and have been sledding since a teen, but hit it more seriously in 1998. A late bloomer. Lover riding in the U.P. Started by always going to the Porcupine Mountains, Watersmeet, and other areas in the lower U.P. Now we start in Twin Lakes or further north. Love White Pine Motel when I get up that way. Have a few buds that have a place in Painesdale where we stay occasionally too. I was introduced to the U.P. by a fellow rider. Never went up that way, even though I lived in Tomahawk when I was young. Amazed at the amount of snow they got. Been there so many times now! Used to be more off trail than on, but now the body is falling apart and its about 40/60 now. LOL!! Been a Doo guy, upgrading every 3 years to another overpriced machine! But love it! Currently have a 2018 850 Renegade Back Country with 1.75 on it. Still need to be trail friendly for me when I ride south of the U.P. I once had a Mountain Grand touring!!!! I ride with my wife a lot. But she wont drive and I thought if I put a paddle track on it, it would be great when on my own!!! NOT! That one lasted 2 years though. Rode with a friend of mine from Lake Linden that I rode with, that came up with that name after staring at it, scratching his had and saying: ***???? Had 8" riser bar and hand guards too!!! LMAO. Now, on each one up I get, I have to purchase a conversion seat and make it a 2up when the little lady comes along. They make it so easy now a days, you can do it in 40 seconds.

 

[jedoyle]

My name is Jim. Live in the Cedar Rapids, IA area. Took up this great sport about 13 years ago. First sled back then was a '96 Jag 440. Needless to say I looked like a big guy on a little sled but hey it got me started. Used to base out of Boulder Junction, WI area but then one low snow year we ventured north to the UP & have never looked back. Why not drive another hour for 125-150 more inches of snow. I currently own a 2018 Freeride 137 but have owned many Polaris sleds over the years in addition to a couple of Arctic Cats. My wife loves to ride as much as I do & my Dad, who is soon to be 75 years old, also rides. Lucky for me my folks bought a house in the UP last year so it has been really nice to leave sleds & gear up north instead of hauling everything every trip. We love the UP & all it has to offer. Finally, thanks to John Dee for providing such a great site!

 

[700xcsp]

Matt here, been a member since 1999 when i bought my First Brand New Sled and headed North for the First time. Been coming up every year at least 3-4 times, Love it in the Northwoods, beats the Burbs of CHI any day.
First sled was a 1960's John Deere that me and my brothers used to pull each other around the house with our Old Wooden sleds, seemed like we did that all day every day when we had snow, only way to keep us out of trouble or fighting! From there we moved up to early 70's Artic Cats, had a couple 70 Poo's and then went to new in 1999 with the Indy 500, Been a Poo guy ever since until last year when i started purchasing early 1990 Yamaha Phazer II's and a Sno Sport. Love the early 90's Yammy's. Currently have 6 sleds, (2) 1991 Phazer II's, both red and white but each one is opposite each other, red hood on one, white hood on the other both MINT, (1) 1990 Sno SPort. 1986 Kitty Kat and 1996 Kitty Kat and finally 2001 Polaris 600 XCSP.
Love the Sport and hope to spend many more weekends up North

 

[scottiking]

Scott Hennessey here-
I was Scotticat many many years ago on here till I bought and RMK and then switched my name to Scottiking
i have had 4 cats since switching names but never went back to Scotticat!
i ride a 2019 Alphafa currently!

I had a NCN cam at the Shack across the street from Krupps resort and shared the cam page with Krupps for that cam and then a little under a year ago we bought a camp on lake Roland just about a city block away from the Shack!
i call that the Lakeshack and moved the cam over to there about Christmas of last year!
i kept the shack for rental property bust since I live in Woodbury MN is was hard for me to be far away and I ended up selling the shack and that closing is this Friday so I will be down to one camp again!
So if you go to the NCN cams you will notice the change in the sponsored name!
i have the same 6’ snowman and the 10’ snow stick on the cam but the back drop is of Lake Roland!
I plan to put the snow stick out this weekend so watch for that!

Scottiking OUT

 

[sweeperguy]

Is that a TC167? LOVE MINE! So easy to pull!!!!

Yes it is. Yea pulls nice. I've got a small truck, Ford Explorer Sport Trac. That's one reason I went with it. Have had it 3 years now, very happy with it.