Here we go again, another year of remembering when and what things were like back 30 years ago. This is my sixth and final year of doing this story. If you haven’t heard, my wife Patti and I have sold this wonderful magazine after 53 years as a family publication. It will continue to be a family publication, just not our family. Patti has been with the magazine since 1974, and I came on board in 2003. The new owners plan to keep thing pretty much the same, with a few changes. One change in the works is a summer ATV/ORV issue.
Remember When is a series that we started years ago, and it still amazes me how things have changed. Our September 1990 issue covered most of what happened since we printed our February issue.
The third annual “For Woman Only” snowmobile event was held in Traverse City, Michigan. Again, Polaris teamed up with Easter Seals of Michigan to sponsor this great event. This year 37 women participated and raised more than $37,700 dollars for a great cause. Women came from Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky as well as Michigan. Activities were planned for Friday night, with a meet-and-greet pizza party. This year, the women could bring their husbands or boyfriends. Fred Egeler, MSA president, and past president Bill Manson hosted a fun-filled weekend for the 27 gentlemen who accompanied their gals — with some challenging riding of their own.
After a more than 6 – mile ride with a stop for lunch, the women met up with the guys back at the Waterfront Inn. An awards banquet and dinner were held Saturday night. The big winner of the night was Pam Patterson, who raised the most money — $4,404. Pam is from Kentucky and drives to northern Michigan to ride every year. Many other awards were giving out throughout the evening.
Winter in West Yellowstone, Montana, is a “magical experience” never to be forgotten. Karen Holcomb has been a longtime writer at the magazine and one day was asked by Tom McIntyre of Passageways if she would like to come along and do an article about spring riding in West Yellowstone. Karen had to admit she was concerned about her limited snowmobile experience. She learned she could enjoy the same experiences as the rest of my group, just at a slower pace.
Passageways took care of it all: airline tickets, lodging, snowmobile rental and guided tours. Makes it simple to take this trip. A unique feature of the Passageways vacation is there is no set agenda. Riders are free to do as they choose. Kick back and relax or hit the snow all day and use the guides that are provided. There are several different day trips you can also do. Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Mammoth Hot Springs, Two Top Mountain, Big Springs and Black Bear Canyon, to name a few.
West Yellowstone is fantastic, especially in the winter. The beauty is breathtaking around every turn and hill you climb. As a first- timer to the mountains, this was an awesome sight to see. To stand and look in nearly every direction and see those majestic, towering white mountain peaks silhouetted against the brilliant blue sky — priceless.
The 1990 MSA Campout was wet, cloudy and cold at the Mackinaw Mill Creek Campgrounds. But that didn’t stop the more than 160 campers who came out for a fun-filled weekend. The general consensus was that the MSA 1990 summer campout was a success despite the uncooperative weather. MSA campers are resilient; they did not let the damp weather dampen their spirits.
Ogemaw Hills Snowmobile Club held its annual Poker Run on Feb. 24, with more than 200 people in attendance. The snowmobilers braved sub-zero wind chills and blowing snow as they blazed 75 miles of trails during the run. The trail wound through Au Sable State Forest, where trees were covered with snow and riders met up with club members at five checkpoints. One checkpoint had hot bean soup, hot dogs and hot coco for the riders. All who attended agreed it was a great time.
ISIA recognized the outstanding contributions to snowmobiling made by snowmobilers in Michigan, New York and Saskatchewan, Canada, as it presented its annual Snowmobiler Of the Year awards. Bill Manson, immediate MSA past president, was named U.S. Snowmobiler of the Year. His work as MSA president in building both the association’s membership and attendance at the the annual convention, and streamlining the association’s records was cited, along with his successful efforts on behalf of trail funding legislation in state. Well-deserved, Bill.
The Muskegon Pro Enduro 400 was held Feb. 16-18. From a field of 29 of the Midwest’s and Canada’s most competitive drivers, Troy Pierce of Greenbush, Minnesota, and co-driver Duane Baur won this race that was shortened after 201 laps due to deterioration of the ice on turns 3 and 4. Commending Michigan for carrying on the Enduro Program, Pierce stated, “If it wasn’t for Michigan and the MIRA program, this could very well be a lost circuit. Overall, a great weekend of racing held in Muskegon, Michigan.
500 Miler is NOT a race at all, it is simply a test of rider stamina, fuel management, navigation, riding skill and machine reliability. The 4th annual 500 Miler was held Jan. 18-20 in the Grand Marais area. 24 hours, 500 miles. 127 started the run and 79 finished. No bad at all. Despite breakdowns, blown tracks and engine failures, we think it was a great success.
Fun stuff happening 30 years ago. Remember When…