If you had told me last week to block off Tuesday, December 7th, to go for the first snowmobile ride in Minnesota, I would have told you, you’re crazy – At my house, there was nothing but semi-green grass.
Thanks to some early snow, a call and nudge from Tom at Thomas Sno Sports (TSS), I did indeed join a group of friends for a snowmobile ride in Grand Rapids, MN yesterday, and it was nothing short of fantastic.
My absolute favorite ride trips come with ZERO plan and ZERO expectations, hence the First Ride title of report. And this is how Tom presented the ride to me on our phone call – “I’ve got three snowmobiles and the itch to ride. Lets find snow somewhere Tuesday.” Count me in.
Photo: ArcticInsider.com – Joining Tom and I were (L-R), Willie Ewing, Paul Hein, (Tom Rowland) and Chris Olin, owner of Rox Speed Fx who welcomed us, but was unable to join the ride. Willie graciously volunteered the use of his tow rig and trailer for our adventure, which spoiled all of us. Thanks Willie!
Photo: Paul Hein – Our base camp at Rox Speed FX in Grand Rapids, MN. December 7th had to be one of the earlier rideable snow conditions I can think of. We were fortunate enough to break-in some 2022 Arctic Cats.
Based on recent snow totals, we started our early morning in Milaca at TSS thinking about riding in McGregor, then it shifted to driving slightly more north to a parking lot we were familiar with in Hill City, then after a quick call to Chris at Rox to inquire about snow conditions, he offered the use of his shop/parking lot just south of Grand Rapids. The resemblance of a plan was set in motion.
Photo: ArcticInsider.com – Our 2022 rides for the day (L-R) were Thundercat with EPS and ATAC, ZR6000 Limited, Riot 8000 and ZR8000 RR.Photo: ArcticInsider.com – All of our 2022 units started with ZERO miles.
Our 2022 snowmobiles all started with ZERO miles, and the conditions were perfect for breaking them in. In a separate story, Ill give a few ride opinions of these units.
Photo: ArcticInsider.com – A quick rip to the end of the Rox property led us to the Shinglemill trails with our ultimate goal of making it to Hill City, MN for lunch. Above, Willie couldn’t help but give his new Thundercat a little touch of throttle in the fresh powder.
In short, the first ride conditions were excellent. The snow varied in depth, but for the most part, we were the first to break/pack trail on a fresh 10-inches and didn’t hit anything.
Photo: ArcticInsider.com – The terrain in Grand Rapids area consists of many twisting trails through rolling hardwoods with a mix of swamp sections. So far, this early in the season, the swampy areas were freezing nicely, and trails were free from most obstacles like fallen trees. We avoided any areas with large water crossings as the lakes had recently skimmed over and weren’t rideable. Photo: ArcticInsider.com – We weren’t far into our ride, when we crossed paths with two local riders who were out to enjoy the day and start packing the trails. They warned us our ride on that particular trail would be cut short due to a large fallen tree about a mile ahead. Once we found it, instead of going off-trail around it and trespassing, we made a “Log bridge” to cross over it and continued to Hill City. Photo: Paul Hein – Along the way, we made it to one of my favorite shelters in the Grand Rapids area. I refer to it as the West Shelter, but I could be completely wrong with that reference. During the height of riding season, this shelter always has an incredible fire going and quite a few times, 50-plus snowmobilers hanging out here. (L-R) Tom, Willie, KalePhoto: ArcticInsider.com – Its hard to pass up the opportunity to take a quality scenic bridge-crossing photo. It won’t be long before more snow comes with more riders and groomer passes, and these early trail grasses will disappear.Until then, we were happy to be the first to make tracks.Photo: ArcticInsider.com – We were successful making our way to Hill City, MN where we stopped for lunch at Harry’s Bar and Grill. The owner had just pulled a pig off the smoker, and we were treated to fresh pulled pork sandwiches. I’d highly suggest stopping there for great food and friendly atmosphere where Snowmobilers and Off-Road enthusiasts are welcomed.
The mileage total at our lunch stop in Hill City hovered around 30 miles. Based on time left in the day, we collectively decided to head back towards the Rox shop, which would be a nice conclusion to our 60-mile adventure by sunset.
Photo: ArcticInsider.com – Tom’s grandkids love this helicopter in Hill City, so before we headed back to Rox, he wanted to take a winter photo in front of it.Photo: ArcticInsider.com – Our ride back to the Rox shop consisted of more trail breaking/packing and looking at our GPS to see where the heck we actually were. These intersection stops were some of the best parts of the day which included quick funny story sharing, trail direction questioning, and that one particular time I may have woodpecker’d over the windshield of the RIOT I was riding, kissing the hood, but landing on my feet like an samsquanch-sized gymnast…all while attempting to turn the snowmobile around at .5mph. [SIGH] Did I mention this was the first ride of season?Photo: ArcticInsider.com – We poked our head inside the Rox shop to say our Good-byes, and I was enamored with their wall of fame upon entry. Rox had recently celebrated their 50th custom build, most of which were highlighted in National Magazines adorned to this wall.Photo: ArcticInsider.com – Rox is hands-down the leader in rider ergonomics for snowmobiles with their adjustable risers and Flex-Tec handguards. Here, Ryan (R) gives Willie, Tom and Paul a quick tour. Chances are, if you’ve ever called Rox for tech support or other questions, Ryan was who you talked with. Photo: ArcticInsider.com – Our crew poses for a quick photo with some of the great staff at Rox. Ryan in middle, Dalton (yellow shirt), Rita and Baylee.Photo: ArcticInsider.com – Willie Ewing and this 2022 Arctic Cat Thundercat will be attempting to set a world record – Riding 24hrs and 2,000 miles.
On our route back to Rox, I snapped the above photo of Willie Ewing on his 2022 Thundercat. I first introduced you to Willie during Haydays this past Fall (Read Story Here) and outlined his World Record attempt to ride 24hrs straight and top 1,908 miles. Periodically throughout the season, Ill share updates about Willie and his Thundercat. You can follow him on your own at 1day4kids.com and on Facebook and Instagram.
I hope snow has visited your areas, and you’ve been fortunate enough to lay down those first tracks of the season. For me, they are some of the most memorable rides. – Kale
