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This last weekend Team Summit made the trip from the Sierra’s to the Rockies for some real riding. Team Boondockers lead by Dan Gardiner, Phatty and Ryan Nelson showed them why Utah has the greatest snow on earth. I was able to spend one day with the entire group of 15+ riders and get to ride with some friends from Team Summit for the first time.

What a great bunch of guys. Everyone was there for one purpose and that was to see if Oberti could side hill. Actually no it was to just have fun, but we did find out that Oberti can ride, maybe it is his new sled or new sense of desire not to total this one, but he sure turned some heads. Smasher showed us he can side hill with the best of them and hopefully soon Smasher and Gardiner get the opportunity to duel it out. Jesse and Shane laid it all out on the line hitting some sick drops. Billy Goat even showed us how crazy he is as he climbed some sick shoots and showing us all up. Luckily we with the help of King and Gardiner they were all captured on film.

It was a great ride and I hope to be able to ride with them again. Everyone really made it worth it. Thanks to the entire Team Summit Crew for taking the trip out.

Wow, this winter sure has had its ups and downs thats for sure. Snow started a little late, but I was able to get a couple of rides in early. Unfortunately even though the snow was great I had problems of a different kind. Worked for months on both sleds, an 05 900 RMK and an 05 M7. Thought I had all the problems taken care off and even improved each sled slightly. It sure was a kick in the pants when things didn’t turn out like I wanted.

So I’ll let you in on my little winter roller coaster. First off the M7’s first ride was cut short about 2 miles from the truck as exhaust valve solenoid gave out. So while that was in the shop getting fixed I took the 9 out for its maiden voyage this year. That turned out to be worse than the M7’s run. Ended up taking the motor. Now I’m sitting waiting for some additional parts for the M7 to make it the sled I want and waiting for Polaris to stand behind their warranty and cover my sled that went down because of a bolt that was stripped in the crankcase.

Did that stop me from riding. I don’t think so, always have a Plan C if needs be. Luckily I’m able to be able to still be riding an 08 M8 that I have access too. I’ve been able to ride in new areas, with new people and go big. Even found some great gaps and cliffs that will be calling my name once the M7 is up for the challenge.

Its always a fathers dream to have one of his boys follow in his footsteps. I was able to take my boy on his first real ride. Boy did he have some fun. It was of course an easy ride, but one of the more fun rides I’ve been on in a while.

The little guy really held up to all the elements. It was cold and snowing, but that didn’t phase him. He just kept wanting to play in the snow. He really enjoyed getting people unstuck using dad’s shovel. He was able to experience all the joys of sledding on in one ride. It won’t be long before he is pushing his dad to be better.

All true riders have at least felt the urger to get out there and ride there sleds this year. I’ve been having this urger for about three weeks now. There was a huge storm that allowed some individuals just two hours north of me. I just about made the trip at that point, but decided to hold off and wait for another storm. Unfortunately there wasn’t another storm for quite a while and so I never hit the hill.

I just couldn’t stand it anymore I had to get on the snow. I’ve been working on an 05 M7 that I’ll be using for more of a free style sled this year. It needed a lot of work to get back into running condition and I was ready to finally test it out. Saturday I made the trip to Togwotee, WY to feed the need to ride. When we got there the snow was even better than I expected and we were able to play for a good 4+ hours in powder even.

However there was downside to the trip. Even after all the work I’ve put into the M7 it still will not rev over 5600 rpms. After messing with the sled for about an hour on the hill I ended up taking it back to the trailer and doubling up with a buddy. The good thing is I was able to find out the problem before the good snow got here, but it was a pain not being able to ride my own sled saturday.

Last year was a great year for snow, downside is we didn’t pull the camera out enough. Too busy enjoying the snow. I’ve taken what video we did gather and put together. I did this mainly for those of us in the video, but know that others would enjoy. We had some problems with the video camera throughout the year with either the battery dying early or it not recording or if it did record it had a dirty head so the recording was pretty crappy.

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I probably spent a total of 40hrs on the video over the course of the past three months. Hope you enjoy.

There are a group of guys out there that aren’t only participating in the sport of Snowmobiling, but helping to revolutionize the industry at the same time. Team Summit and Boondockers teamed up to put on an event that was a HUGE success. Thousands of people headed to Reno to participate in the first ever Reno Snowmobile Film Festival. We even took the 10hr drive over to enjoy the event.

Saturday morning woke up early and started on our trek from Salt Lake City to Reno NV. A good 8hr drive without stopping. The drive started out really good as we headed across the salt flats. The weather was exactly how we would want it for this time of year…..SNOWING!!! That was the best part of the drive. However this did put a damper on things as we hit the pass between Wendover and Wells. Trucks were blocking the highway as they spun out trying to make it up the pass. After a half hour or so of just sitting in the middle of the pass we decided it was time to just make our way through the commotion. So we snaked our way in, around and through the stuck semis leading the way for others.

You can just image the excitement of winter approaching as we headed to watch film from last season. Making the trip even that much better. As we landed in Reno the mountains were dusted with a layer of snow. If that wasn’t enough. Team Summit and Boondockers really put together a show. In my opinion the two best films of the year were showed on the big screen in their entirety. Below the screen Custom Sled after Custom Sled. Even the new Polaris 800 Assault with Boondockers Nos Kit, SlP Pipe and Can and other goodies, Polaris had to bust this sled out of production in time for the show. Culters even provided a custom T8 for the event.

After the show you could meet the riders, get autographs of posters and dvds that were available for purchase at the show. If you were lucky enough you could have even won some great prices. Fox supplied two sets of Fox Float 2 Shocks, Sly Dog had a set of skis, 509 sent some goggles, t-shirts, and dvds, Fly Racing had shirts, hats, belt bucks and other items, as well as many many other companies helping support the cause and making it possible for all proceeds to go to help Blair Morgan and Spinal Research.

If you weren’t able to make the show this year, you missed a great show. However the best part about the show is that it was such a success that next year expect a 2 day event, with Manufacturers attending and who knows maybe even additional films showed durning the event. The Reno Snowmobile Film Festival is finally here and it is going to stay!

Thanks to the Grand Sierra Resort for being an excellent host and providing the theater. The many companies that donated prices for the auction that all proceeds went to the Blair Morgan Spinal Research Fund. As well as the Dealers and Manufacturers that provided the Sleds as eye candy before and after the show.

To view additional photos of the show click here.

If you have read some of my other work you will se that I’m all about the snowmobile movie industry. I remember back when I was just a kid watching Redneck Fury, Slednecks 1, 2 Stroke Cold Smoke, and others. Recently I’ve give my view on movies such as Elevation 3 and Boondockers Alive. Its now time I give you my thoughts on the new Team Summit Video.

Elevation 3 was one of my most favorite films last year right there with Boondockers 4. I didn’t think they could make it any better. Elevation 3 gave you a good look at each rider and really helped make the video that much better. This years “Shred the Gnar” surprised me as it blew Elevation 3 out of the snow. Better Rider interviews, better footage, and great videography. Team Summit are some of the best riders out there and the video gives you a good look at not only their talent but the types of individuals they really are. This is one movie that needs to be in everyone snowmobile video collection. Check it out at Team Summit.

Amazing. I had the opportunity this weekend to get with Aaron Case who earlier that day was able to meet up with Dan Gardiner and get a copy of the semi finalized version of the new snowmobile video Boondockers aliVe. What an opportunity.

Getting to know one of the greatest riders has been an experience out of a dream. Then to be able to work with him on the so many different levels other than just riding has been even better. Dan Gardiner Films has always been some of my favorite sled videos to watch but the experience I had Friday evening topped everything.

Dan has a philosophy that a great snowmobile video is hours of footage, but an intense 45 mins of extreme powder riding with some sick drops and even better gaps. Dan has done an excellent job of take the best footage he has and seamlessly assemble it into a video that wishes you were there for every moment. Boondockers aliVe has some unique features that will make your stomach climb up your throat, your jaw drop, and leave you wanting more, so you hit play again.

My Props go out to Dan Gardiner in his efforts to produce what I have seen as the best Snowmobile Video yet. Equally is those riders that have taken the risks, became some of the best and continue to impress us every year. Whether it is new terrain, larger drops, wider gaps, or deeper powder (if you have seen any of the other Boondockers videos you might ask how they can get deeper, well get this video and you will see just how deep it can get), Team Boondockers always puts on a show.

I’ve been informed that since I have been able to watch aliVe, Dan has gone back changed some section, increased the intensity and made it even better. It is now off and being duplicated and is supposed to hit the truck for shipping August 8th. If you are trying to decide which video to get this year you might have a hard decision and there are many out there, but if you love powder and want to get a video you will want to watch over and over again I recommend getting Boondockers aliVe, oh and if that isn’t enough you will receive the first Boondockers Magazine included with every copy of the DVD. A 60 page insert telling you all about Boondockers, learn more about the riders, find out where some of the footage is filmed and the real stories behind the film.

So tonight was one of those nights where all I could do is think, and think about snow. I tried going to bed, but with no luck. It was as if it was the middle of the season and I’m getting ready to go on a huge trip. Kind of like an 8 year old waiting for christmas morning. I close my eyes and all I see is snow and sleds and mountains. I picture myself climbing hills, dropping cliffs and jumping gaps.

That is all I’ve been able to think about the past two or three days. I have pictures all over reminding me how great last season was. Then I jump on here and watch some of the videos, doesn’t matter if they are snowmobile ones, ski videos or snowboard vids. They all get me excited for the snow to come. To bad it won’t be here for another three or 4 months.

I will be one of the first to say that having the winter stay around for as long as it did was much needed. It was getting depressing only having a riding season that lasted from late December to early March the past two or three years. This year we were able to start having great rides during Thanksgiving again and then keep the fun rolling into late May early June pushing some of us.

Now it is summer, the snow is for the most part off the peaks around hear and its all about getting work done so we can enjoy a great riding season all over again. Hopefully it starts in the next three months. I’ve have the opportunity to have access to my fathers boat this year, which unless fuel prices change quick won’t get much use, but some.

The 4th of July weekend was the first weekend we have been able to get out on the water. I was a great day, sun shining, low 90’s and the water looked appetizing. I was the first to hit the water and that was just to launch the boat. I wasn’t in the water long, but I think I have been in warmer water in March. Of course not wanting to ruin the fun or looks on other as they jumped in I held my cool as I slowly lost feeling in my feet. The best part was when my 6 year old nephew jumped in, he turned into one of those lizards that run on water. It was great.

I will say as much as I enjoyed the snow staying around it is putting a little damper on some of the summer activities. Hopefully it warms up enough that we can get two or three good days on the water and then I’m ready for it to freeze again. Bring on the Snow!