Ross Spoonland of Pine River, North Dakota, purchased this 2010 Arctic Cat Z1 Turbo EXT in late November (2009) from Hamm’s Repair, the Arctic Cat dealer in Warren, MN. His first ride on it was during the last week of December. His last ride… the first week of March 2010.
In-between, Ross notched 7,250 miles, including one 658-mile day on Feb 26 (read THIS STORY about it from the Grand Forks Herald).
Logging more miles in 10 weeks than many “hardcore” riders log in 5 years is pretty impressive, so I asked him a few questions:
AI: What do you think about your Z1 EXT?
Spoonland: I really like this machine… especially the power, handling and ride. I also have a 2008 Crossfire 800 that I put 9,476 miles on in the two previous seasons, but I didn’t ride it all this season as the Z1 was too much fun to ride!
AI: Any modifications to the EXT?
Spoonland: I added some accessories: Woody’s Gold Digger studs, dually 8-in. carbides, front bumper, running board grip plates, tall windshield, tunnel rack, tunnel mat, tunnel bag, ice scratchers and an aftermarket remote start (Astrostart RS-711XR). I also have a Garmin GPSMAP 276c and a SPOT Satellite Messenger mounted on my machine.
AI: Any advice for riders who want to go 600-plus miles in a day?
Spoonland: Here’s a couple of things I’d suggest: a route that has gas available after-hours (some remote areas do not have credit card pumps); clear sunny day for snow definition/visibility; late week ride days (Thursday/Friday) offer a better chance of freshly groomed trails and less traffic; watch the forecast for a day with little wind (no use riding 600 miles on blown-in, bumpy trails); and as before any ride, make sure sled is maintained and ready to go.
AI: Any plans for big rides this next season?
Spoonland: I have already laid out a preliminary 1500 km, one-day ride through North Dakota, Minnesota, Ontario and Manitoba. Plus I plan to do a lot of 250-300 mile day rides as in past years.