his is a reward to our dealers to thank them for a good year in 2004,” explained Parts Unlimited National Sales Manager Lou Lopez. “The reason that we do this is to spend some time with our dealers outside their dealership having fun and burning some miles on the trails together.”
Increased participation by dealers, vendors, and media made this one of the best Snow Rides ever. Qualifying dealers hailed from eight states, and for the first time ever, a dealership from outside North America also participated. A diverse group of the industry’s top suppliers represented soft goods, hard parts, general accessories, consumables, and snowmobile media.
     The Lac Vieux Desert Resort and Casino in Watersmeet, Michigan, hosted the 11th annual Snow Ride, providing great meals and evening entertainment as well as immediate access to the great trails of the western Upper Peninsula.
     “Parts puts on a great show every year,” says Rusty Sergent, owner of Pro Source, a Rockford, Illinois aftermarket specialist. “I’ve been to six or seven.” He goes on to say, “I came up just to see the Arctiva line. I plan the rest of my year on what I see at this show. We do a lot of clothing. It was crucial to us to see what Parts did with the clothing.”
     But it’s not just the products that bring Sergent back year after year. “It’s the camaraderie,” Rusty reveals. “The people are great. You really get to enjoy the people.”
First-timer Doug Wendlandt, co-owner of Crafts Trading Post in Marshfield, Wisconsin, agreed. “It’s nice to get out and talk to your peers and see how business is going,” he said. “Besides, it’s snowmobiling. It’s better than work.”
     Dennis Roes was very impressed with his first Snow Ride. “Being able to talk with representatives from each manufacturer, and the information that I can take back to my people, you can only gain,” explained the sales manager of NESCO, a multi-line dealership in Gouverneur, New York. “They explain things you can’t get out of a book. A lot of people here really changed my mind about some things, and we’re going to sell more of their stuff.”
     The nineteen sponsoring vendors put on a superb and diverse show. “You get to preview some of the new products that will be introduced later in the year,” explained Parts Unlimited Regional Sales Manager Gary Cartwright.
     New items shown included the heavily redesigned 2006 Arctiva apparel line, the new Z1R Snow Stance helmet, the new FX-97 modular and FX-11 helmets from AFX, a new shock spring compressor tool from CMP, and a new Moose 50-inch ATV snow plow. And many recently introduced products like the Camoplast Ice Claw track, NGK Iridium spark plugs, Sportech’s “diamond plate” windshields, and PowerMadd’s Pro Series hand guards were also available for close inspection and discussion with manufacturer representatives.


Snow Ride veteran Rusty Sergent of Pro Source enjoying himself on his Yamaha Viper.


Camoplast’s Bruce Dashnaw was riding a Ski-Doo Rev MX-Z equipped with the new higher profile Ice Ripper pre-studded track that is available for the first time this season.


Troy Romanek, representing Carl F. Statz & Sons, jumps his new Polaris Fusion.

Pro Source’s Rusty Sergent at beautiful Bond Falls, one of the many scenic attractions of the Upper Peninsula.
Joe Horstman from Klotz Lubricants enjoyed the great trails of the western U.P. on a Polaris Classic Touring.

The Lac Vieux Desert Resort and Casino served as headquarters for the 2005 Snow Ride. Accommodations and food were outstanding, the casino on the premises provided entertainment, parking was plentiful, and gas was right next door.
Pascal Labbe (left) and Bruce Dashnaw show samples of two of the exciting new high performance tracks from Camoplast.

Snow Goer’s Mark Rosacker (left) congratulates Russ Diethert, owner of Headwaters Polaris on winning $500 worth of advertising in the sport’s oldest and largest paid circulation magazine.

Yuri Brosgol (left), from European dealer Belt, Inc., wins a plush sweatshirt from Chris Lepinski of Smith Optics while Parts Unlimited’s Lisa Reif
looks on.
     “We’ve had so many good responses on the guards,” related PowerMadd’s Randy Shimanski “and on how well they’re holding up.”
     “Lots of questions on the Ice Claw track,” reported Camoplast’s Bruce Dashnaw. “They’ve asked the question, not knowing that we were working on a taller lug Ice Claw.” And that wasn’t the only traction product drawing interest, either. “Dealers are interested in the new ease of installation program we are working on,” reported International Engineering’s Larry Tiede. The Woody’s rep was constantly busy discussing pre-holed tracks with attending dealers.
     “The spring shock compressor tool is new for us,” explained Paul Beeksma from Cambridge Metals and Plastics (CMP). “It’s for the bigger shocks these days. All the snowmobiles are coming with 17 and 18-inch shocks.” He also showed their Pro Series Gravel Guard that installs on a receiver hitch. “A lot of guys are spending 8 or 9 thousand dollars on an enclosed trailer and this keeps the front end from getting all dinged up,” he explained.
     AFX was also showing a new helmet they are making for the military. It incorporates some very interesting features not currently available in production helmets that could be signs of things to come.
     As usual, the Arctiva snow apparel line was the center of attention for many dealers. “I sell a lot of this Arctiva line because I wear it,” said Chris Ashley, co-owner of N-MAN Motorsports. “If you like it, you’re passionate about selling it,” the Constantia, New York, dealer explained. “I’m looking at this (new) Arctiva line. This is going to catch on big time.”
     The vendors also provided a smorgasbord of product samples and prizes for the dealers. Evening door prizes ranged from assorted gift certificates and apparel items including helmets to accessories like gear bags and Klotz snowmobile survival kits to hard parts that included a Wiseco piston kit, and all the Cometic gaskets on display at the evening showcase. The most unusual giveaway was a free Marketplace ad in Snow Goer magazine. And all participants went home with event souvenirs from Parts Unlimited and the various vendors.
     “The industry is strong,” observed Cometic’s Greg Poe. “We’ve got snow in a lot of areas.” The gasket rep displayed a rather considerable assortment of his product and was kept busy discussing it with many dealers. “Everybody’s always looking to go faster,” he said. “We can do some things to help with thinner gaskets, but there is only so fast that you can go on the trail.”
And speaking of the trail, that’s exactly what everyone was looking forward to seeing. The trails of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula are renowned for their quality and quantity, and Decker’s Snow Venture Tours were on hand again to guide and support the attending dealers.
     Following the traditional Monday morning group photo by Wayne Davis, ten assorted ride groups fanned out over the western U.P. to head for attractions like the peninsula’s north shore, Houghton, Bond Falls, and Lake Gogebic. Each group was led by an experienced Decker guide and included a mix of dealers, vendors, and Parts Unlimited personnel. And this year, a crew from the SnowTrax television show, which is partially sponsored by Parts Unlimited, was on hand to join in the fun. Most ride groups logged well over a hundred miles each day, with the hard chargers better than doubling that total.
Maybe more importantly, the trail riding also provided an opportunity to try out various products in real world riding. TekRider’s Steve and Nancy Brand were busy demonstrating the safety features and comfortable fit of their TekVest, while Smith Optics provided a complimentary set of Snow Warp Star goggles for anyone who wanted to try them out. “They liked how the goggles kept the snow out of their faces,” Smith’s Keith Lepinski reported afterwards, “as well as the nose pieces to keep their face warm.”
     And more than accessories were being demonstrated out on the trails of the western U.P. “With the changing (trail) conditions over the last two days, dealers were really interested in swapping sleds and riding our sleds with studs,” disclosed Woody’s Larry Tiede. Meanwhile, Joe Horstman provided complimentary oil refills for any participant who wanted to try Klotz Snowmobile Techniplate in their machine, and he also provided some emergency chain case oil out on the trail.
Leon Polyakov and Yuri Brosgol were among those hitting the snow trails of the U.P. for the first time. Their company, Belt, Inc., distributes a wide variety of Parts Unlimited products to Russia and eastern Europe. Neither had actually ridden a snowmobile before, but they took to it like ducks to water and rode as part of Tom Anderson’s group. “I’ve wasted 47 years of my life,” Leon exclaimed enthusiastically as he dismounted for lunch at the famous Root Cellar restaurant on Lake Gogebic. “We got converted,” was Yuri’s take on snowmobiling when the event was all over. “We never realized that the snowmobile industry was so well organized and has such infrastructure behind it,” Leon revealed.

Lou Lopez and Don Gonzales from Parts Unlimited and Doug Hill of AFX helmets watch with pleasure while more dealer door prizes are awarded following dinner.

Parts Unlimited’s Gary Cartwright (left) and TekRider’s Steve and Nancy Brand prepare to award a TekVest to a lucky dealer.

Chris Hillestad, NGK spark plug’s Recreational Market Manager, enjoys an article in Snow Goer magazine while awaiting the opening of the evening Showcase product display.
International Engineering’s Randy Oberson discusses the latest Woody’s traction products with a couple of performance and safety-conscious dealers.

The all-new and heavily redesigned Arctiva apparel selection was introduced at the Snow Ride. Several new styles have been added to make Arctiva a more diverse line.
Grefe Automotive’s Jim McVeigh was attending his fifth Snow Ride at Watersmeet. He likes meeting the vendors and seeing the products, and was particularly interested in Woody’s Dooly carbides and Arctiva apparel.

Decker Tours owner Chuck Decker adding oil to his machine in the morning. The tour operator provided trail guides and recovery service for disabled sleds at the Snow Ride again this year.

PowerMadd’s Randy Shimanski discusses the finer points of merchandising and selling their Pro Series hand guards with a dealer.

Doug Hill of AFX helmets spent a lot of time showing new products and additional innovations not yet on the market to interested dealers.
Sportech’s Warren Swanson discusses the latest in exceptional accessories with a dealer. The company’s signature beanies are a popular giveaway at the Snow Ride.

Sportech’s gag product was a full coverage windshield for the venerable Ski-Doo Elan.
Parts Ride originator Bruce Schumacher (left) and Sportech’s Chris Carlson with the accessory manufacturer’s gag product, a full coverage windscreen for old Ski-Doo Elans.

Keith Lepinski of Smith Optics talks trail vision with a group of dealer personnel. Smith again provided a sample of their outstanding Snow Warp Star goggles to anyone who wanted to try them out on the trail, and many dealers took the chance to demo them.
The Z1R helmet display included the exciting new Snell-approved Snow Stance full-face helmet.

Lou Lopez, Parts Unlimited’s National Sales Manager, thanks the assembled dealers for a job well done and invites them to enjoy themselves while picking up details on new products at the Snow Ride.
NESCO’s Dennis Roes works his way through the buffet line at dinner. The food at Lac Vieux Desert Resort was really outstanding, prompting many diners to head back for seconds.

As always, dinner is an event not to be missed at the Snow Ride.
Todd Achterberg of Decker’s Snow Tours and Gary Cartwright of Parts Unlimited go over the trail ride organization and procedures in advance of the first day’s ride.

Snow Goer’s Mark Rosacker eases a new Firecat down the front ramp of their trailer while Parts Magazine’s Ted Perkins stands by to assist if needed.
Parts Unlimited’s Matt Norman illustrates the snow depth in the U.P with a good “stick” job. “I was following behind one of my dealers in some deep snow just off the track,” Matt recalled. “He darn near stopped and I was right behind him and had to stop, and in doing so got stuck for the FIRST time on that trip. I also got stuck later that afternoon.”

Mike Atto’s trail group was one of several that enjoyed lunch at the famous Root Cellar restaurant on the shore of Lake Gogebic.

Allyn Roseboom of Mike’s Sports heads for the trail on his beautiful and well-equipped Yamaha RX-1. He was one of many repeat attendees at the 11th Snow Ride.
Tony Coffield and Pete Cannor of Carlisle Power Transmission (CPT drive belts) award a door prize to Royal Taylor of Pro Source.

International Engineering’s Randy Oberson draws another door prize winning ticket from the tray held by Parts Unlimited’s Lisa Rief as Gary Cartwright stands by to announce the winning number.
NESCO’s Howard Moore heads for the trail on a fire engine red Firecat. “It was awesome,” the northern New Yorker said afterwards about the Snow Ride at Watersmeet. “It was my third one. I hope to go again next year.”

Troy Romanek of Carl F. Statz & Sons refueling his Polaris Fusion.
Leon Polyakov, CEO of European dealer Belt, Inc., enjoys the ride on Decker guide Tom Anderson’s Yamaha RX-1.

Jim McVeigh from Grefe Automotive on the trail at his fifth Snow Ride.
Yuri Brosgol, of European dealer Belt, Inc., enjoyed his first-ever snowmobile ride at Watersmeet. He did just fine on a rental Super Sport from Headwaters Polaris.

Royal Taylor of Pro Source enjoyed the great trails of the western U.P. on his Yamaha Viper.
Arctiva Product Manager Don Jensen demonstrated one of the new Arctiva suits out on the trail. It matched this Ski-Doo Rev GSX very well.

With the 2006 snowmobile selling season right around the corner, it’s time to start planning your trip to the Parts Unlimited Snow Ride. “You just don’t want to miss this,” says dealer Rusty Sergent. “You really don’t.”
Leading snowmobile industry vendors agree. “It’s the classiest event in the industry,” says Sportech’s head man Chris Carlson.
Consult with your Parts Unlimited representative now to determine how you can qualify to attend this prestigious, enjoyable, and profitable event this coming winter.

Tom Anderson’s ride group takes a trail break. Left to right are Andrew Horstman (Klotz), Leon Polyakov and Yuri Brosgol (Belt, Inc.), Royal Taylor (Pro Source), Tom Anderson (Decker Tours), Joe Horstman (Klotz), Rusty Sergent (Pro Source), and Jim McVeigh (Grefe Automotive).

Troy Romanek from Carl F. Statz & Sons enjoys the superb U.P. trails on a gorgeous new Polaris Fusion.

Andrew Horstman of Klotz Lubricants gives thumbs up to the trail riding of the western Upper Peninsula.

Parts Unlimited’s Eric Jorgensen kicks up some snow with his Ski-Doo MX-Z that is equipped with a sharp Clik graphics package.
Decker trail guide Mike Atto leads his group down onto the ice of Lake Gogebic after lunch at the famous Root Cellar restaurant.


     Snow Ride 2006 will establish another milestone in the lengthening history of this all-star industry event. For the first time ever, the Parts Unlimited Snow Ride will be held in scenic New England.
     Scheduled for the end of January in the ruggedly beautiful White Mountains of northern New Hampshire, this season’s Snow Ride promises to be a very special event for some very special dealers.
     This will be a truly outstanding opportunity for you to get away from the drone of daily activity to enjoy yourself with friends and business associates, converse with leading industry vendors to learn about some great new products, and ride outstanding trails in picturesque surroundings.
     Consult with your Parts Unlimited representative today about participation qualification, and join forces with other leading Parts Unlimited dealers and personnel to discuss transportation issues. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity!


Parts Magazine
Volume 12 #8

Parts Magazine Index