John Deere Snowmobiles

7/21/08: These pictures came to us from Steve Landon of The Winning Edge magazine:

This is Jim Wohfiel of Pontiac, MI, at the Soo I-500 in 1979 when he finished 9th. He started the race in 42nd after posting a qualifying speed of 75.20 m.p.h for a four lap average speed. The sled appears to be a 1978 Liqufire with a custom IFS.

Here is another one of it that shows the sled starting at an event in Michigan - The 1979 Gladwin 150 Enduro. Hall of Famer Dan Kirts #45 won the race on a Ski-doo. Look at the mixture of sleds in the field and you can tell this was the era of transition between IFS and rigid snowmobiles.

On Friday, February 20th, 2009, there will be a "Horicon Reunion" snowmobile show! It is being hosted by the JD Sled Riders of Horicon in conjunction with JDsleds.com. A location is still being finalized in Horicon, but we hope to be able to display sleds both inside AND outside, and have the ability to ride on the river and the marsh. We will have food, classes, judging, and awards.

That Friday evening, Don (WinnipegStPaul9) is working on hosting a fish fry at the 19th hole in St. Germain. We plan to wrap up the awards in Horicon early in the afternoon so that anyone who wants to attend the dinner will be able to.

On Saturday the 21st is the official 2009 Ride With the Champs event held by the Snowmobile Hall of Fame! This year comes with a new twist: We will be having a new, more aggressive vintage ride, starting at the Hall of Fame in St. Germain, and heading up to Lake Gogebic in Bergland, MN. Then back to the hall, about a 150 mile round-trip. It has been dubbed the "Vintage Challenge". If you wish to attend, PLEASE bring a sled that is in excellent mechanical condition. Rebuilt engine & carbs, all bearings replaced, etc. We know that break-downs are likely unavoidable, so recovery teams will be in place.
There will still be a normal local vintage ride if you don't wish to run the Vintage Challenge.