Oh, you wanted extreme?
Alberta’s Corner Grass off-road event tests some of the best riders
The Corner Grass hare scramble obstacle course provides miles of hair-raising excitement. — Photo by Jay McGregor
Anyone who has been to a motocross event is well familiar with the rush of watching riders whip through the course at high speeds and altitudes. The open-throttle race catches the imagination of the spectators, who are understandably seized by the moment, thinking that the ride can’t get any more thrilling than this. h3. Oh, but it can. The Corner Grass Racing Team based in Alberta consists of four members who take the thrill of off-road riding to a new, extreme level. Lee Fryberger, the manager and one of the riders, has a long history as a mechanic and an off-road racer. He said that as a youth he had “big, wild dreams of being an off-road star.” In 1995, he won the Alberta Expert XC Championship and took second in the national competition that same year. He continued on for several years, racing on the international circuit and racking up medals in the International Six Day Event in France and Slovakia. For one of the rides, Fryberger rented a Husaberg, a bike that so impressed him that when the opportunity arose to become a sales representative for the brand, he leapt. The position allowed him to see the amount of preparation necessary to compete at a higher level, and the seeds for the Corner Grass event were sown. h3. Filling the void At that point in time, some of Fryberger’s friends, such as Canadian off-road racing phenom Shane Cuthbertson, were racing in six-day events in Europe. However, they were hankering for some of the same extreme racing, which was not widely available in North America. “It doesn’t seem to be grasped or cherished as much in North America,” said Fryberger. “The right people don’t promote it because it never happens here.” However, Red Bull hosted an event in 2007 called Last Man Standing, an off-road endurance event in Texas in which Cuthbertson finished sixth. The resulting press and the desire for a Canadian series of off-road racing events—along with Fryberger’s long relationship with Husaberg—spurred Fryberger, Cuthbertson and two close racing buddies, Jay MacGregor and Nick Riewe, to work together to create both a team and a world-class off-road event: Corner Grass. “Jay MacGregor owns land in Compeer and he designed the grass track and then he and Nick put the obstacle course together,” said Fryberger. The resulting course has become the site of an annual hare scramble event with obstacles that test riders in ways that don?t even cross the minds of most sane people: wonky wooden bridges, thickly treed forest areas, log piles that look ready for chopping into kindling and much more. The community of Compeer has pitched in to support the event, putting on a show that is drawing dedicated fans and curious spectators year after year. “We’re trying to elevate Canadian talent,” said Fryberger. “Every time one of the guys goes to an event internationally, they come home more confident, and that confidence builds locally. They push harder and the next guy in line has to train harder and go harder.” The resulting press for the event and the team has helped secure high-level endorsements from Red Bull and Husaberg, and the increasing exposure and marketing is generating buzz for all concerned. It’s a dream come true for the Alberta riders who were looking for a way to turn up the throttle. “I have no idea when it will end but it’s been a lot of fun,” said Fryberger. “It’s been a great ride so far.” For more information on the Corner Grass event and the team, visit "www.cornergrass.com(Corner Grass)":http://www.cornergrass.com. You can see more high-octane off-road events at "www.endurocanada.com(Enduro Canada)":http://www.endurocanada.com, "www.redbullromaniacs.com(Redbull Romaniacs)":http://www.redbullromaniacs.com, "www.erzbergrodeo.at(Erzber Grodeo)":http://www.erzbergrodeo.at, and "www.husaberg.com(Husaberg)":http://www.husaberg.com
Alberta key contacts
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Outlaw Eagle 2011 World Jet Boat Marathon
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Alberta Beach
Get out and ride!
Ecko Marine Ltd. carries top brands like Can-Am, Sea-Doo, Ski-Doo and Evinrude at great prices. We proudly serve Edmonton, Calgary and other Alberta locations, where we specialize in ATVs, snowmobiles, PWCs and boats, and stock thousands of other accessories, parts and clothing items. Offering both new and pre-owned machines, and giving you the most friendly and efficient service, we are confident that you will be one of our many satisfied customers. Check out our extensive online inventory, and make plans to stop in and see us anytime!
Ecko Marinewww.eckomarine.com
Grande Prairie, ABWe are your four-season destination!
Stanford Hotels & Resorts are the ideal accommodations for riders! Take advantage of our $89.00 ride rate. The Grande Prairie location offers ground floor rooms, meaning you are never far from your pride and joy. As well, the inner courtyard parking lot gives you peace of mind during your stay. Choose Stanford Hotel Grande Prairie if you are looking for that home away from home feel and great service! We are your four-season destination, so check out our summer rates for motorcyclists, which includes a complimentary bike wash.
*Taxes and applicable fees will be added to this rate.Stanford Inn - Grande Prairiewww.grandeprairiestanfordhotel.com
Calgary, ABImproving your safety with Smart-Antenna technology
At Ortovox we consider safety our number one priority. We are known globally for high-quality mountain sports products for summer and winter, which meet the highest standards of quality, functionality and design and allow a safe mountain adventure. We offer top-of-the-line products, such as the new S1+ avalanche transceiver, which combines two unique transceiver innovations, and the 3+ transceiver, a three-antenna device with a special extra function to first enhance your own safety. The intelligent position recognition system analyzes the position of the antennas and automatically switches to the optimal transmitting antenna. There is no longer any such thing as the 'worst position.'
Ortovox Canada Ltd.www.ortovox.com
AlbertaDiesel performance is our passion.
At North American Diesel Performance, we carry aftermarket parts for all major manufacturers of diesel trucks such as Dodge, Ford, GMC, Chevrolet and even for your car or RV. We are your one-stop shop for the latest technology from the best brands in the industry. We stock par ts from ATS Diesel Performance, Magnaflo Performance Exhaust, DIESEL POWER®, PPE, Howes, Dr. Performance, Amsoil and much much more! There are endless possibilities and customizable packages for every type of driver. We test each product in our own diesel trucks before we make them available to you, and we are the leaders in our industry because diesel performance is our passion.
North American Diesel Performancewww.nadp.ca
Drayton Valley, ABFirst Choice Recreation: Your BRP dealer for sales and service
First Choice Recreation is your BRP dealer for all sales and warranty on Can-Am and Ski-Doo products. We work on all makes and models of ATVs, SSVs and snowmobiles, with special attention to customer service and quality new and used inventory. We stock bike chains, filters, oil, brakes, spark plugs and more. We also have a large selection of quad and snowmobile belts, tires and rims, helmets, gloves, goggles, footwear, clothing and accessories to suit every rider.
First Choice Recreation LTD.www.firstchoicerecreation.com-
Camrose, Alberta
We service what we sell
Welcome to Camrose Arctic Cat, where the variety of powersports products is second to none. Whether you're waist-deep in snow or just itching to get to the track, we're here to help. We're happy to help you find either the perfect recreational vehicle or the parts you've been looking for. Check out our products page to see what we have; and if you need help in making your selection, call or stop in—we're always ready to help! At Camrose Arctic Cat in Camrose, Alberta, you'll find ATVs, Snowmobiles, utility vehicles and other powersports gear from industry leaders like Arctic Cat.
Camrose Arctic Catwww.camrosearcticcat.com
Edmonton, ABWe've got your sport covered
Martin Motor Sports is proud to be your first stop for all your recreation needs. As the exclusive MasterCraft dealer in Alberta and Saskatchewan, we are committed to providing you with high quality products and unparalleled customer service. We've got your weekends covered with full parts, service, finance and accessories departments, along with a very knowledgeable and experienced staff. Whether it's spring, summer, winter or fall we've got the right product for you! We carry Can-Am ATVs and Roadsters, Sea-Doo watercraft and sport boats, Manitou pontoon boats, Supra, Moomba and MasterCraft luxury boats and Ski-Doo snowmobiles, to name a few. Martin Motor Sports is your one-stop shop for everything recreation.
Martin Motor Sportswww.martinmotorsports.ca
Mighty Peace River, ABCome join us on the wide open roads
The Land of the Mighty Peace stretches across northwestern Alberta, from the British Columbia border along the Northwest Territories border, deep into Wood Buffalo National Park. The Peace River has created a magnificent theatre of nature, inspiring scenery, rolling hills, and stunning river banks.
Riding through this magnificent territory is an experience you will never forget. Find yourself surrounded by breathtaking boreal forests and stop along the way to visit one of the many fine attractions in the area. The Mighty Peace Country offers something for all; urban exploration and nightlife, a vast and relaxing nature, history, fishing, camping and adventure. The Mighty Peace Tourism Association is now offering a waterproof circle tour map featuring plenty of roadside attractions and icons, as well as discounted accommodations just for our rider friends.Mighty Peace Tourism Associationwww.ridenorth.ca
Cranbrook, BCYour four-season headquarters to enjoy all outdoor activities
Voted by Trip Advisor as "Top 10 in the country for best value" for three years running, this new lodge is located at the west entrance to Cranbrook, overlooking the 250-acre Elizabeth Lake Lodge Bird Sanctuary. Every unit has a full kitchen with a real hardwood floor entrance. The rooms feature Windsor beds, flat-screen TVs and heated Italian tile in every bathroom. There is high-speed wireless and plug-in Internet, and lots of secure parking for longer units. An RV park and History of the Kootenays mini-golf course are also located on the premises.
Elizabeth Lake Lodgewww.elizabethlakelodge.com
A global company with a proven track record
Camoplast Solideal is a world leader in the design, manufacturing and distribution of off-road tires, rubber tracks, undercarriage systems, wheels, body dressing parts, under-the-hood plastic components and assemblies, molded skis, engine covers, thermal and air induction systems. As a strategic supplier to leading Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), we deliver our products directly to their assembly lines. We use the full power of our experience, engineering expertise, innovation skills, support and best-in-class manufacturing capabilities to deliver high-performance products of unrivalled quality and value. On the strength of a global team of close to 8,000 dedicated experts, we operate advanced research and development centres, manufacturing plants in Canada, the USA, Europe and Asia, and distribution facilities on all continents.
Camoplastwww.camoplastsolideal.com-
Calgary, AB
Go over the top!
What better way to spend those bleak winter days than by riding in the breathtaking scenery of the Canadian Rockies? Over the Top Rentals offers new 2012 Arctic Cat, Ski-Doo and Polaris mountain sleds. Thrill-seekers will enjoy our Yamaha Nytro Turbo. Over the Top Rentals is in a great location in south Calgary, just five minutes off Deer Foot Trail. We offer to shuttle sleds to the Crowsnest Pass and B.C. for weekend rentals, and we also rent avalanche beacons. For more information on our company, including the tour options available, visit our website www.overthetoprentals.com.
Over The Top Rentals 
Get in on the action
If you consider yourself a powersports enthusiast and are interested in breaking into the industry, the Outdoor Power Equipment Technician Program or Motorcycle Mechanic, Pre-Employment Program is right for you. Offered at GPRC Fairview College Campus, these programs provide students with the skills that are in demand by North America’s recreational powersports industry. Students obtain the current knowledge of emerging technologies, combined with relevant, hands-on experience; and that’s exactly what employers are seeking. Furthermore, students in either program are eligible to write the Alberta Apprenticeship exams, their first step towards obtaining their Journeyman status in the trade. For more information, call Les Ashton or Brad Chorney at 1-888-999-7882.
Grande Prairie Regional Collegewww.gprc.ab.ca/fairview-
Fort Saskatchewan, AB
Elk Island Sales Inc.
Quality products from Polaris and Victory.
Elk Island Sales Inc.www.elkisland-polaris.com -
Polaris - Honda - Argo - Husqvarna
Dedicated to providing our customers with service, quality products and competitive pricing.
Athabasca Outdoor Productswww.athabascaoutdoors.ca -
Bonnyville, AB
A rock-solid reputation of providing excellent service, support and satisfaction.
At Motion Motor Sports, we offer you the best service available, the best parts and accessories, and a staff that understands all aspects of the motor sports business.
Motion Motor Sportswww.motionmotorsports.com -
Alberta
So many Arctic Cat models to choose from.
At Checker'd Flag Sports in Hanna, Alberta, every recreation enthusiast will feel welcome. See our lineup of cutting edge Arctic Cat models, and be amazed at what we have to offer.
Checker'd Flag Sportscfs@telusplanet.net -
Alberta
Offering the best in Yamaha and Arctic Cat machines
Northside Motorsports in Edson, Alberta, is proud to sell your favourite brands, and provide excellent customer service.
Northside Motorsportsnorthside.sales@telus.net - www.ralphsmotorsports.comAlberta
We carry a full line of ATVs, snowmobiles and accessories
Combining an awesome selection of machines and gear with premium customer service, repairs and financing options.
Ralph's Motorsportswww.ralphsmotorsports.com -
Alberta
The best name in powersports products
Come to Southland Powersports to find your ideal off-road bike, Yamaha ATV and other recreational vehicles.
Southland Powersportssouthpower@shockware.com -
Alberta
Using our vast experience to serve you better
Camrose Motorsports is proud to bring you the latest Honda power equipment; Honda and Bombardier recreational products; accessories, apparel and safety gear.
Camrose Motorsportswww.camhonda.ca -
Alberta
Let the good times roll, and see our latest specials on new and used machines
We are a dealer for New Holland agriculture and Kawasaki equipment, parts and service as well as Kawasaki ATVs, Mules and motorcycles, and many others.
Challenger New Holland Ltd.www.challengernh.ca
Grande Prairie, ABWindsor Motorsports: A small store, with big deals!
At Windsor Motorsports, we ensure that you have the best bargains possible. Shop from our impressive selection of ATVs, motorcycles, scooters, pit bikes and boats, not to mention a variety of quality previously owned machines. We carry the top brands, such as Suzuki and PitsterPro, and we have financing options to suit every budget, so gear up and head down to our store today.
Windsor Motorsportswww.windsorrv.com



