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The Citizen, 2003-02-12, Page 9CRAfG AUCHOLSON Tested and true By Craig Nicholson (©2003 by Craig Nicholson. All rights reserved.) As regular readers know, 1 snowmobile between 12,000 and 15,000 kilometres each winter in search of new experiences for my touring articles, columns, and radio and television features. So in any given season, 1 rack up more saddle time than most riders do in four to six years. That’s a lot of wear and tear, and snowmobilers often ask me what gear I use and how it stands up to my abuse. I have two highly recommended snowmobile suits: Reima Extreme (www.reima.com) for long tours in the coldest months and TekRider (www.TekRider.com) for spring and mountain riding (check out their new XC TekPants!) I always wear a Super Sport TekVest underneath any jacket for crash protection and additional warmth. On balmy days, I doff my jacket and just ride with my TekVest. My next layer is a lightweight Bikers jacket (www.clarysports.com) made with Gore Windstopper™ that virtually eliminates wind chill. I also wear their ST Wind Plus balaclava. Next to my skin, men’s midweight underwear from the Ski-Doo Intense Energy Collection (www.ski-doo.com) keeps me warm and dry. My Ski- Doo Modular helmet is the best way I’ve found to prevent fogging up of my eyeglasses — and with my heavy breathing, that’s quite an accomplishment! I trailer with a two-bed enclosed trailer by Hyland Limited (www.hylandtrailers.com). This unit tows with exceptional ease and stability. Its unique aerodynamic clamshell design lifts at the touch of a finger and stays up for quick loading on its newly extended 12’ bed. Last season, I trailered almost 15,000 km. to find snow and my Hyland trailer was as good as new by Police investigate theft of snowmobiles Huron OPP are investigating the theft of two snowmobiles which occurred during the weekend. On Feb. 8 police were contacted at 9:30 a.m. to attend a residence in Grey ward of Huron East. Sometime during the night, probably between 2.and 9 a.m., an unlocked garage was entered on Cranbrook Road and a 1999 Skidoo Formula Z was taken. The machine bears the Ontario licence plate number 870588. The next day at 1:15 a.m. a snowmobiler from the Sarnia area called police to stay his machine had been stolen. The vicim had run out of gas on the trail near Cardiff Road in Morris-Tumberry. He left the 2001 Arctic Gat at about 9:30 p.m. Feb. 8 and when he returned at 1 a.m. it was gone. The machine is valued at $7,500 and bore licence plate number 896707. Anyone who can help police with their investigations is cassed to call the local OPP or Crimestoppers. the end of the season! Inside my Hyland, I install nine- track Guide and Slides (1-800- 570-3449) to direct my skis and protect the bed from carbide tears. Then I attach the best snow­ mobile securement system I’ve tried, the Ultimate Snoclamp (www.snoclamp.com), which locks the outside skis into place without my even having to climb onto the trailer bed. I secure the back end of my sled with their new Power Strap, the best tie down I’ve found. I’m not much for performance enhancements, but I do recommend studs for extra control, traction and braking in icy conditions. I’ve tried many different kinds, and as you can imagine, 15,000 km. later their effectiveness is virtually gone. Except for one make: Top Gun Carbide II Trail Stud by Fast-Trac (www.fasttractraction.com). Since using Fast-Trac studs, I’ve never lost one, damaged a track or run out of traction by season’s end. I also use an amazing product in my tow vehicle. The IXL Anti-Friction Metal Conditioner (www.ixl.on.ca) is compatible with all petroleum products and synthetic oils. It reduces metal friction by 75 per cent and prolongs engine wear in dry and cold start conditions — and under the load of towing. Check out their Tri-Chem Gas Treatment too! Until next time, remember that snowmobilers care about the environment too. For trail condition reports check out ofsc.on.ca Craig Nicholson is a regular contributor to Snow Goer, Canada's Snowmobiling Magazine. The Intrepid Snowmobiler also appears on radio and on Snowmobiler Television. The opinions expressed are solely those of the author. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2003. PAGE 9. Taking gold The Hullett Central Public School boys volleyball team were tops when they took on other central Huron school, Jan. 30. The winning team members are, in back, from left: Anthony Wilts, Sean Martin, Joel Salverda, Mike Roy, Eric Radford and teacher/coach Mr. Drennan. In front: Tony Bean, Brad Lapp, Derek Dolmage and Josh Nurse. Mike Curtis is lying in front. (Janice Becker photo) PEOPLE AROUND CRANBROOK By Peter Hagedoorn Call 887-6935 Schneider, Isabelle Craig, Norm Dobson, Shirley Verstoep, Alan Edgar, Beryl Smith. The next euchre will be held Feb. 21 at 8 p.m. at the Cranbrook Hall. The results of the darts for fun on Jan. 29 were: high lady, Edna McLellan, 125; high man, Murray Houston, 120. On Feb. 5 it was: high, Peggy Keffer, 92, Murray Houston, 125. Darts for fun continues every Wednesday evening at the Cranbrook Hall. The Cranbrook party of Feb. 7 was hosted by Peggy and Murray Keffer, Page and Lukas and Edna McLellan and Neil Hatt. Winners were: travelling lone hand, Mary Huether; 50/50 draw, Edna McLellan; high lady, Viola Adams; high man, John Subject; low lady, Linda Stevenson; low man, Adrian Verstoep; most lone hands, Elunid McNair, Marion Harrison; lucky tallies, Lois Schneider, Mervin Here it comes Blyth Tyke netminder Kennan MacDonald stretches to stop a flying puck as it nears his stick. Blyth took on Seaforth in the first round of the Brussels Tykes tournament Sunday. (Janice Becker photo) ARCTIC CAT What Snotvmobiling's All About.™ Jim Bauer Service to most makes of small engines Automotive farm and tire service 519-345-2248 Mike Kells ' ANNUAL MEETING NOTICE The 130th Annual Meeting of the HOWICK MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY Will be held at 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, 2003 Wroxeter Community Hall This meeting has several purposes: 1) to receive the Annual Statement 2) to appoint an auditor for 2003 3) to elect 2 directors for a 3 year term The retiring Directors are Don Eadie and Lloyd Michie, both are eligible for re-election. Policyholders interested in running for election must be a policyholder in good standing for the previous year and must notify the General Manage*, in writing, of their intent to run by the close of the business day, Wednesday, February 19, 2003. Guest Speaker - Martin Brown, Sergeant; Support Manager Brant County OPP Topic - Mutual Protect Plan to attend and participate in the operation of your Company. Blyth Junior Broomball A sincere thank you to Linda Pease, the Junior Broomball co-ordinator for our Blyth League Also thank you to the many coaches, parents and volunteers. The 2002/03 Season wound up this past weekend in Barrie with eight teams representing Blyth, at the Junior Provincial Championships. It was exciting! We are eagerly looking forward to the next season!