RWTC 2014

[400brian]

We have returned!

The usual gremlins were in attendance, maybe a bit more than usual.

As far as I know, no one was hurt, nor were any machines destroyed.

The X8 finished the Vintage Challenge for year number 6. But the wife's sled refused to run once it was warm.

ETD members Brian Nelson, Jon Carlson, and Tom Otte rode with us on the Challenge.

Jon Carlson and the HOF Board made an announcement about next year. I will let Don and Joe fill you in on that.

[400brian]

What a great weekend! Good people, great weather, great snow conditions, what a fun time.

The JD riders were out in force, and once again led by example of how to do this.

Tod Meyers is the "Dator Man". Three Vintage Challenge finishes on a Dator! His son Chris also did his second VC, this time on a 340/S. Matt Gabler's Dator clone was out all weekend, looking and running great. Wade and Mindy Bennett were riding all weekend, Wade on his '78 race sled, Mindy on a late model Cat.

Joe Wanie was the rock star of the group, as people who were just riding by would stop to check out the custom LF.

Keith Byline (sp?) and John ( Badger ) were out there all weekend, as were Don, Bob, and Marna Amber. Things didn't work out as planned for Grumpy, but his grandson Tucker was on one of JDJR's sleds all weekend, riding them like he had stole them! Dustin Erickson had a '78 LF out for the VC, and while he wasn't satisfied with the performance he was getting, finished the ride no sweat.

I've got a story to tell about my wife and a brandy alexander, that will have to wait for the full write-up.

Rainville rode the VC on Cari's Sprintfire. Thanks to Kenny Waters for a fresh engine that had just been installed before the trip. I don't think the hood was ever opened on that sled, my X8, Matt's clone or Wade's '78. There may have been others, they'll have to pipe up.

Here is a shot of Chris Meyers at the fuel stop at Cisco on the return trip of the Vintage Challenge. He had decided to take a whizz, and had jumped into the ditch, only to find himself stuck in waist deep snow. No we did not help him get out.

[JDT]

Rumor has it that Joe is going to run a Sprint in next years I-500.
Something about the additional suspension travel.....

[lwb140]

What a fantastic week and a half . ! I always question myself for leaving home before the trip , but the fun times make me anxious for next year before I even get home !!

[JDXspec]

It is official I completed the vintage challenge. While the LF needs some clutching tlc, it made it will little complaint. I had to tighten the secondary spring while at Fish Tales to try to compensate for having too heavy primary clutch weights in it. The engine would run about 5500 rpm while trail riding Until i could hold it down across the lakes. The eng would eventually would run 7000 above 50 mph. It eventually caused my plugs to start fouling toward the end of the ride from working the eng hard. The only other issue i had was my brake hung up once. it smoked my brake pad abit. It was bad enough Matt (behind me on his dator clone) thought it was his brake from the smell off my brake. Quick open of the hood free the brake lever, and a minute later we were down the trail again.

I'll let Brian do the full write up of the ride as he does a better job telling the story. I had a great time hope i can do it again next yr.

[kenwaters]

Guys,

Glad everyone had a good time. Too bad Cari did not get to use the Sprintfire again. I hope to join in again next year, sounds like everyone had a great time.

[jdsledsrgr8]

It was another great weekend. I am so happy and proud to be apart of the JDSLEDS group. We are the most giving group (thus the SHOF award), we have outstanding participation of return hall of fame riders (lots of ETD attend every year, Jon Carlson and Brian Nelson were riding right there with us for 155 miles) and we have the highest participation on the rides (of the 25 VC riders over half of them were on Deere).

Not to mention we just have a ton of fun.

Compared to 4 years ago, we are getting the hang of the 155 mile challenge. We are better prepared and better at riding the course. This year without a doubt was the quickest and frankly we hauled the mail for many of miles. Stimy 3 years in a row doing it on a Dator; amazing. His 13yr old son completing it on a 340s awesome. I have a new found appreciation for a Sprintfire after Joe rode it like he stole it. Always awesome to ride with Brian, Wade, Wade's wfie and new attendee Dustin. Brian is a midmount legend and Wade completing the I500 puts him in very elite Deere company.

It is just awesome and I encourage everyone to take in the experience. Next year it is even going to be more special. Just make plans to travel to MN versus WI.

Now off to Canada with the clone for a 4 day stretch of snowmobile in only ice fishing.

[Jd sled rider]

Where in Mn will it be held? I was hoping to attend to meet some of the people, and see if my liquifires could make the run! I have all year to get ready, and with Richard Acre as a neighbor, I hope we can have a couple that will survive. Maybe I can even talk him into coming along. Thanks Lincoln.

[400brian]

I would prefer that Don or Joe relate the details on this...

To the best of my knowledge the RWTC will be held in St Germain a week earlier than this year, on Feb 7, 2015.
I booked the room at the Whitetail for that date on my way out. In fact, I was told that they are blocking out the entire motel for us until 5 weeks before the event, at which time any room not reserved will be open to the public.

A second event will be held in Alexandria MN the next week, in conjunction with the Winnipeg to Wilmar I-500 race.

[WinnipegStPaul9]

I'll start a new topic (2015 SHOF Events) and try to explain.

DA