Doran Manufacturing celebrates 55 years
This company has many accomplishments to be proud of.
A multi-faceted company: Doran produces high quality products, including those which are useful for riders. — photo courtesy of Doran Manufacturing, LLC
Doran Manufacturing, LLC recently marked the company’s 55th year in business with an internal celebration with their team members to properly acknowledge past accomplishments and to confirm the focus and direction for the future. “With so many companies struggling to survive and thrive, we chose to conduct an extensive review of our business. We discovered that Doran has a proud and deeply rooted legacy of establishing long-term relationships with our customers that is founded on treating their problems as if they were our own” said Jim Samocki, general manager. “As with every company, we have been faced with a number of challenges to our business, but our team members have been integral to keeping the company on course. They continually working to fulfill the higher purpose for the products in the key markets we serve, including: h3. Terminals and terminal boards: We create and provide customized solutions to simplify complex assembly issues. h3. School bus: We protect children. h3. Truck fleets: Our truck fleet customers lower their costs, improve their overall safety and become more competitive while we are contributing to saving the planet, one tire at a time. h3. RV: We provide a safer and more peaceful RV experience. h3. Motorcycle: We are preventing accidents and saving lives. “Ultimately, these beliefs support the key operating principle of our owners, which is to continue to make Doran an unusually good place to work and have a career. We are looking forward to providing new solutions to our customers’ problems and expediting the next growth phase for our business,” concluded Samocki. Cincinnati-based Doran Manufacturing continues to produce and assemble terminals and terminal boards for small electric motors in the original factory that was established in 1954. In addition, the company has been designing, assembling and supplying transportation safety products for school buses, RVs and commercial trucks for more than thirty-five years. Product categories include tire pressure monitoring systems for RVs, truck fleets and motorcycles; monitors for LED/incandescent lights and Sleeping Child Check monitors for school buses. For more information on Doran’s product lines, please call toll-free 1-866-816-SAFE (7233) or visit the company’s website at "www.doranmfg.com(Doran Manufacturing)":http://www.doranmfg.com. You can also contact them via e-mail at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or write to Doran Manufacturing, 2851 Massachusetts Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45225.
Power sports on the prairie
The success story of a leading Saskatchewan retailer.
The place to shop: The new location of Leisure Sports is a feast for the eyes. — photo courtesy of Dwight Bergstrom
Leisure Sports is proud to be Saskatchewan’s longest continuously operating power sports retailer. We have been serving folks from all over Canada since 1971. Being ideally located in the Saskatchewan boreal forest and Lakeland district, there is always great interest in accessing these recreational areas via power sports products, on a year round basis. During this time period we have been a dealer for many brands: Bombardier, Suzuki, Arctic Cat, Polaris and Yamaha. Throughout our 38 years in business, it has been very interesting to see the evolution of power sports products and accessories from 1971, to those that are available today. h3. Bigger and better Leisure Sports has recently relocated the dealership to a much larger facility, and we are now sharing space with Points West Sales. This move has given Leisure Sports the opportunity to offer our customers a much improved facility—including a larger showroom, service department, parts department and yard space. The new location also offers our customers greater ease of access, as the new location is on Highway #2 which is the major north/south highway through Prince Albert. Leisure Sports’ major retail sales category is marine products, and we are currently selling Glastron Boats, Premier Boats, Crestliner Boats, Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Volvo Penta Sterndrives. Points West Sales at this location is currently a dealer for Midwest Power Sports Products, Big Tex Trailers and is one of Prince Albert’s largest pre-owned vehicle dealers. With the new larger location, Leisure Sports has recently been approached by other major power sports companies to become their dealer as well. h3. Great responsibilities As a longtime power sports dealer, I am very impressed with the Midwest ATV, side-by-side and motorcycle, in terms of quality and performance for the dollar. In addition to selling new products, we also take on the big job of buying and retailing pre-owned power sports products of all brands. Our parts, accessory and service departments offer a large selection of marine and power sports parts and accessories. We welcome marine and power sports product owners of all brands to take advantage of the goods and services that these departments offer. Whether you reside in the Prince Albert district or are a tourist visiting here in one of Canada’s finest recreation areas, we look forward to your visit, pouring you a cup of coffee and serving you in any way that you require. We welcome you to the new location of Leisure Sports with Points West Sales: 2nd Avenue - Highway #2 South, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan h3. Contact us at: * Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) * Phone toll free: 1-888-433-8233 (Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Alberta) * Phone: 306-764-1443 * Website: "www.leisuresportspa.com(Leisure Sports Spa)":http://www.leisuresportspa.com
Dual-sport adventure
A Crowsnest Pass company offers multi-day wilderness excursions.
On and off pavement: Guides Darrell Hilliard and Russ Thompson have travelled far together. — photo courtesy of Dual Tracks
Fuelled by their passion for adventure, Darrell Hilliard and Russ Thompson of Lundbreck, Alberta, started Dual Tracks, a company that specializes in multi-day backcountry tours on dual-sport bikes in the Rocky Mountains. Hilliard and Thompson, who both have a background in the oil and gas industry, have shared an avid interest in motorcycles of all kinds for most of their lives. “We’ve known each other since high school and have ridden together for years,” said Hilliard. Hlliard and Thompson gravitated to dual-sport bikes for their versatility. “The dual-sports will get you 90 per cent of the places a hardcore dirt bike would, but you don’t have to load and unload,” Hilliard said. “You just get back to the highway and go. You get more saddle time.” h3. Defining paths When Hilliard and Thompson relocated from Calgary to Lundbreck, they found vast wilderness to explore. In an area that is in close proximity to Waterton Lakes National Park, the Continental Divide and Kananaskis Country—all accessible by gravel backroads—the men spent much of their free time in the mountains on their bikes. Over the course of several years, Thompson and Hilliard combed the area to the point that they had developed many multi-day routes, which Thompson mapped out and tracked with his GPS. Thompson uses his GPS quite a lot as a specialist in pipeline relocation. In 2007, Hilliard and Thompson decided to create a company and developed formal multi-day tours and other services. “We have introduced dual-sport skill-enhancement seminars as well,” said Hilliard. For Hilliard, one of the most gratifying aspects of running Dual Tracks is assisting his clients in developing their skills. h3. Exploring remote backroads One favourite route of Hilliard’s involves riding west on the scenic stretch of Highway 3 from Lundbreck into B.C. Before the town of Sparwood, you leave Highway 3 and ride south along the Michel Creek drainage. From here, one route heads down to the now-closed Flathead border crossing several kilometres west of Akimina-Kishenina Provincial Park. This ride to the U.S. border follows the western edge of a dramatic limestone wall near Flathead Pass before meandering south along the Flathead River valley. On the way back, the route heads northwest through more spectacular country and eventually emerges from the gravel road back onto Highway 3 just west of Fernie. “Every time you go in there, you never know what the day is going to be like,” said Hilliard. “It becomes more technical. It is beautiful in there.”
Lodgings designed with riders in mind
Cheechako Cabins was thoughtfully created for outdoors enthusiasts.
Trails through the trees: Entrancing terrain characterizes the area around Cheechako Cabins. — photo courtesy Lowell Summers
Nestled in the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies, Cheechako Cabins provides exceptional lodgings that have a special point of interest for any RidersWest reader. They are located in one of the most sublime locations for outdoor activities, especially for ATVing. Owners Lowell and Bonnie Summers share a love of the outdoors that is reflected in the success of their business. “We moved to Nordegg in 1997,” Lowell Summers explained, “and began building Cheechako Cabins. We, along with our daughter, Sarah, who lives in the area with her husband, are the owners/operators/managers of the business.” h3. Identifying a need The alpine environment was irresistible, and the Summers’ followed their vision to create lodgings that would appeal to the growing number of outdoor enthusiasts. “I retired from the military in 1997,” said Summers. “Bonnie and I decided we liked the idea of living in a mountainous area, and that grew into the idea of rental cabins. We’ve never regretted our decision. Our intent was to provide accommodation for individuals, couples and families who would like to experience the outdoors.” h3. Inspired design ATVers can settle in at the cabins, and conveniently head off to the trails without having to make a long trip to get to their destination. “ATVers like our place, mainly because they have direct access to many kilometres of trails,” said Summers. “There’s no need to haul their machines to a start point. We can also provide maps of the local trails to supplement the recently updated Bighorn Backcountry brochure produced by the Alberta government’s department of Sustainable Resources and Development (SRD).” The cabins are also dog-friendly and private. They are situated in such a was that they have a minimal negative impact on the surrounding environment, so nature lovers can appreciate all aspects of their stay. They are designed in the style of the early miners’ cabins, in honour of the mining history of Nordegg, and feature private covered decks. “Cheechako is a northern aboriginal word meaning newcomer or tenderfoot,” said Summers. “Which is basically what Bonnie and I were when we moved here (from Edmonton) and began carving the place out of the land.” For more information on Cheechako Cabins, visit "www.cheechakocabins.com(Cheechako Cabins)":http://www.cheechakocabins.com.
Rising to the challenge
Shane Cuthbertson revels in pushing himself in extreme racing.
Daredevil: Shane Cuthbertson takes a mind-blowing jump. — photo by Jay McGregor
Shane Cuthbertson, one of the members of the Corner Grass Racing Team, rediscovered his love of high-octane speed around the age many riders are giving up the sport for good. Cuthbertson rode BMX bikes as a child and dirt bikes on family outings into the mountains. Around age 16, he started racing in motocross events, turning pro when he was 18. However, like most young men that age, he was easily distracted by other pursuits—such as girls and parties. “Then I got married (to wife Charla) and had kids and got serious and back into (racing) again,” said Cuthber. “When I got back on my bike again, things felt easy. It just clicked and away I went.” However, motocross didn’t offer quite enough hair-raising challenge for Cuthbertson. As much as he relished the dirt and the speed, he was increasingly taken with more extreme off-road racing and found himself drawn to events such as Red Bull’s Last Man Standing and Romaniacs. “That seemed to be right up my alley and I did all right for a working guy,” said Cuthbertson. The courses push Cuthbertson to perform in ways most riders never experience. He loves the feeling of working against physics—man and machine against nature—as well as the on-the-spot problem solving that extreme off-road requires. “There are sections that are nearly impossible to ride,” said Cuthbertson, who described almost fully vertical up-and-downs, mud pits and other obstacles. “When the top guys are getting through those sections, I wonder if they’ve done that riding or if they had to push their bikes like I did—or throw their bikes.” However, he draws on his past family rides through the bush to excels at some of the more technical portions of the course. “We would always find the nastiest, ugliest thing that we thought we might be able to climb over,” said Cuthbertson, “so I have a pretty good skill set already. I have the mind frame that I’m not going to be conquered and I’m either going to get over it riding or carrying my bike.” This year, Cuthbertson is working to improve his record and is looking forward to putting his new bike, a 2009 Husaberg FE570, to the test. He’s also introducing his boys, Chase (6) and Kale (3) to the sport. He’s devoted to his family, his team and his favourite pastime. “My goal is to be a better rider, to strive to be the best,” he said.
Standing out
Small-town shop wins Outstanding Snowmobile Dealership award.
A Shared Passion: Owners Irene and Darren Strawson enjoy the products they sell; also pictured here is Darren’s mother, Edith, who is a part owner of the business. — photo courtesy Irene Strawson
*Name:* Irene Strawson *Position/company:* Co-owner of Barrhead Motor Sports in Barrhead, Alberta. *Products and services:* We are a Polaris snowmobile dealership. We also sell the Polaris ATVs and we sell Honda motorcycles, ATVs and power equipment. We also sell the Polaris Rangers, the side-by-side units, and we sell Argo. And then our service and parts department back those products. *Past lives:* Before we bought this dealership we had a construction company and a trucking and backhoe company. *What led you to open Barrhead Motor sports?* Well, we enjoyed the sport ourselves and so decided to get into it. *What is the shop like?* It has a very full show room. We’ve got a brick building on a two-acre parcel of land in the town of Barrhead. We are on the edge of the industrial park. We are right on the snowmobile trail to leave town and the staging area is right across the road from us. *Describe an average day:* We come in in the morning and open shop about a half an hour before we open up to the public and just get everything all up and running and get prepared. Then we are dealing with customers. We have 13 staff and are always looking for ways to improve. *What do you like most about your job?* Seeing something—a project pull together and seeing good results. Dealing with the staff and seeing how they develop and get things done. Dealing with the public can be very rewarding too. *Describe your relationship with your customers:* I would say its pretty good. WIth it (Barrhead) being a small town, a lot of customers come in and we can call them by their first name. When you are in a bigger urban setting you don’t get that kind of service or local recognition. They come in and know that I know them, which is really nice. You’ve already got a relationship. *What do you ride?* Any of the trips that I go on the sled of choice for myself is the Polaris 700 RMK—that’s been my favourite for years. We don’t get out and ride as much as we’d like to. We did more riding, I think, before, a few years ago when we weren’t quite as big as we are now. *What does it mean to you to have won the 2008 Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations (CCSO) award for Outstanding Snowmobile Dealership?* Naturally, we were pretty excited about it—all the staff. It’s rewarding for them to be recognized on that level. Our customers and our local sled club are the ones who nominated us. Can I just put a little thank you in there to all of our staff for doing an outstanding job?
New perspectives
A special ATV tour brought Andrew Zwicker closer to nature and history.
Natural High: Wayne George, owner of Turtleback Adventures, loves to share the stunning scenery and history of the West Kootenay with his clients. — photo by Andrew Zwicker
The view is astonishing and the air is fresh at 4,200 feet near the summit of Mount Sentinel, which towers over Castlegar and the Kootenay and Columbia River valleys. However, the high altitudes of the trails that crisscross the mountains in this area are not the only unique points of view you will experience on an ATV tour with Turtleback Adventures. Based out of Castlegar, Turtleback Adventures is owned by Wayne George who runs it from his home in the Kootenay River Valley. George utilizes the multitude of old logging and wagon roads in the area to provide guests with adventure tours to high and hard-to-reach places. With six ATVs and his new Yamaha Rhino two-up, George can take groups of up to 13 people out to experience the gentler side of ATVing. As a certified ATV instructor with the Canadian Safety Council, his ATV tours are safe and fun for all ages—from 16-year-olds to those who are in their 80s. “Last summer I was out on the quads with an 84-year-old guy on vacation,” said George. Drawn to the area through a great vision granted to him by the Great Turtle Clan, Wayne’s aboriginal heritage plays a large part in his tours. His low-key persona and wisdom are infectious as he narrates everything from the history of the land to the spectacular mountain viewscapes seen on the tour. George’s vision was the driving force behind him relocating from Kettle Point, Ontario, to Vancouver Island and ultimately to the Kootenays where he has been running Turtleback for the past four years. The company logo is a representation of the vision in which George rode upon the back of a great turtle to the bottom of the ocean where two giant salmon expressed their approval of him. Then the turtle brought him back to a new land with geography looking much like that of the Kootenays. “It bothered me for many years, that vision,” said George, “until I finally had to go, had to move to the West Coast to understand and live out the vision. That is what brought me out west.” It is this story, among many others, that George is passionate about sharing with guests as he tours them through the surrounding mountains. Although these trips are fully customizable to what his guests would like to do or see, some of the more popular routes involve using the old rail beds in the area to access high viewpoints. Travelling over high wooden trestles and through train tunnels of the old C&W Railway while learning about the culture and history of the area is truly a unique way to get in touch with the Kootenay landscape. Guests also love the historic mine tours where they can ride through abandoned ghost towns and feel the spirit of the area’s mining past. There are frequent stops along the way at viewpoints, spots where there are wildlife viewing opportunities and even the occasional bear track in the mud. A hearty lunch is supplied to re-energize the guests for their ride back down the mountain and home again. Many of those guests come back as George has built a loyal base of customers that repeat year after year. There have even been a number of high profile celebrities who have toured with Turtleback Adventures, including the actress Goldie Hawn. Getting to know George over the course of a tour is like cracking the cover of a great novel as his numerous stories, anecdotes and knowledge of history draw you in as they unfold before you. It is his curious and welcoming personality that make the tours with Turtleback unique and it is what keeps his guests coming back year after year. See "www.turtlebackadventures.com(Turtleback Adventures)":http://www.turtlebackadventures.com or phone (877) 288-0477/(250) 399-0047 for more information on Turtleback Adventures.
Right on track
At the helm of Greater Vancouver Powersports is an ex-motocross racer turned businessman.
A Proud Papa: With a motorsports enthusiast as a father, Ava, who is Mike Skiba’s 10-month-old daughter, is a lucky girl. — photo courtesy Mike Skiba
*Name:* Mike Skiba *Position/company:* Owner and general manager of Greater Vancouver Powersports (GVP) in Surrey, B.C. *Products/services:* We sell and service Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP). We sell Can-Am ATVs, Sea-Doos, Sea-Doo boats, Ski-Doo snowmobiles and the new Can-Am Spyder Roadster. We are the only full line Bombardier dealer in the Lower Mainland to sell Sea-Doo Boats and the Can-Am Spyder Roadster. We have three full-time techs and a service writer (servicing all the BRP products), a support person, two sales staff, three staff in parts and accessories, an office manager and a finance person. *Past lives:* I grew up in Grande Prairie, Alberta, and I’ve been in Surrey since 1996. I was kind of a motocross guy as a kid. My brother and I used to race motocross pretty heavily in Western Canada and then I got injured when I was 18 so I couldn’t ride anymore. *How did you get started?* I was going to BCIT and my ex-partner was looking for a working partner at the Polaris dealership in Langley, B.C., so I bought into that and worked there for six years. I learned a lot about the business and then I sold out in 2002. I explored other business opportunities but I missed the people associated with the powersports business, and I decided to get my own dealership going. We opened the doors to Greater Vancouver Powersports on December 1, 2004, in a 5,000-square-foot building—it’s hard to believe we functioned in that small of a space. *What is the shop like?* Today, we have a 12,000-square-foot shop, including a 5,000-square-foot showroom and 7,000-square-foot service area with storage. We currently have 12 employees and are growing. What truly makes our shop is our top-notch GVP team of staff. Everyone that works here is passionate about the business. Our parts and accessories team has a reputation of accessorizing our units like no one else. *How would you describe your relationship with your customers?* Customer service is paramount to us. We’re fortunate to have a good customer base. This year has brought new challenges—given our growth—to be able to maintain a high level of customer service. We are actively reconfiguring our service department and have hired additional technicians to better meet our customer demand. It’s a work in progress. It’s certainly been a challenge to keep up with the unanticipated fast growth of our dealership. Now it is getting to the point where we’re big enough that I don’t personally know a lot of our customers; I used to know everybody but I’m trying to move myself out of the everyday duties to work on the business instead of in the business. That’s the toughest part for me—it was easier for me to be a sales guy but to be a general manager is a tougher job and it’s a new one for me. *Describe an average day for you:* I am usually up and off to the gym by 5:30 a.m. and then I return home to have a quick breakfast with my wife and daughter. I am then off to the shop to help the service guys get some of the product outside—get the service department fired up—and then I go on to the day-to-day stuff. I try to be home around 7 p.m. to tuck my little girl in. *What do you like most about your job?* I love the new product. Every year there’s new and exciting things coming out from the manufacturers. I love the excitement that the customers have when they’re picking up their new toys from our shop. We try to get out and ride all of our product we sell so I encourage the staff to ride by giving them demos. We’re pretty excited about the new Can-Am Spyder, a three-wheeled street bike. This is quite the head-turning bike. *How often do you ride?* Well, I just had a baby girl (she’s 10 months now) so that has taken a lot of my time but my wife and I are having a lot of fun with her. I’ve ridden about three or four times this year and normally I ride a lot more than that. *Describe your community:* Surrey is growing so fast—it’s probably one of the fastest growing communities in Canada. It’s growing like crazy so that has really helped our business. I think, given the economy in general, people are spending more money on fun—whether it is sledding, ATVing or boating—and they are doing it with their families and friends. *What are the best places to ride in your area?* People generally have to drive for about an hour to find some ATVing. There is some stuff locally but it just depends on what they’re looking for. Stave Lake, Herrling Island and Larson Hill up the Coquihalla are good for ATVing. For sledding, we ride a lot at Whistler.
A business adventure
Lisa Levasseur is one of the few people who can make a living doing what they love.
One of The Boys: Lisa Levasseur’s love for sleds, ATVs and horses has helped her cope with health challenges; here, Levasseur is pictured with friends Pat Godin (L) and Tim Bartaux. — photo courtesy Lisa Levasseur
*Name:* Lisa Levasseur *Position/company:* General manager of Terracana Ranch Resort in Valemount, B.C. *Services:* All-Inclusive sledding packages, ATV trips, hummer tours, riverside log cabins, a full-service restaurant and bar and spa massage therapy—with mountain riding adventure guiding and rentals coming soon. *Past lives:* I spent eight years working in California at one of the top Arabian training stables. I bought and sold horses and property with my dad and we started Excella Arabians Training Stable in Stony Plain, Alberta. Then, I was crippled through work, injury and disease; I went through a couple of surgeries and eventually realized training horses was not an option anymore. I had initiated and invested in Warehouse Billiards in Stony Plain, Alberta, so I started managing it and my brother and I bought out our partners and opened a second location in Spruce Grove. I also volunteered as much time as possible at our corporate head office but I crippled myself again and sold out. After another surgery, I started working for my dad managing the construction of Thorton Court Hotel in downtown Edmonton. *How did you get started?* A German family developed the property about 20 years ago with local contractors, including my neighbour, but eventually they shut it down. My dad always wanted a ranch resort—maybe with my love for horses in mind. He ran accross Terracana and bought it when our company was dealing on the Canoe Mountain project about seven years ago. Terracana went through a number of managers during the first couple of years and I was sent to put the right staff in place; after that, I refused to leave. *What is the property like?* On the ranch end of things, we’ve been naturally raising our own black angus beef for our restaurants and now selling to the public. I never sold my horses so they are living out their retirement until someone comes along that can help me do more with them. Our neighbours handled all the trail rides, but we’re starting up some unique horse adventures now that they’ve gotten out of it. On the resort end, it is the perfect getaway in the summer with beautiful riverside log cabins—surrounded by breathtaking mountain views. We specialize in corporate retreats with great meeting facilities and all the outdoor adventure activities for team building. My staff and I tend to spend more time with our summer guests socializing and out fishing and hummer touring. A lot of our sledders have started coming out in the summer for ATVing. We have more ideas in the works, such as developing housing lots so people can buy into and share this lifestyle. *How would you describe your relationship with your customers?* Fun and very rewarding. We’ve had a tough time getting this place off the ground and they’ve really supported us and helped out. Can you imagine some of them even giving up play time to do things like build fences or round up cattle? What can I say—I love them! *What do you like most about your job?* The people. But I have to say I wouldn’t enjoy my job if it weren’t for all the support from the awesome staff I have—they are a big part of it all, as is my dad. *How often do you ride sleds, ATVs and horses?* Not as often as I’d like, but plenty considering I’m supposed to be in a wheelchair. *Describe your community:* The economies here are depressed but the lifestyle is rich with all the beauty that surrounds. Generally, the people here understand what is valuable in life and they’d give you the shirt off their back.
True to his roots
Scott Stevenson's love of motorsports are at the heart of his business
Fun Times: Scott Stevenson checks out the obstacle course at the St. Jean ATV Derby. — photo courtesy Scott Stevenson
*Name:* Scott Stevenson *Position/company:* Owner of Scott Rod’s Ltd. in Morris, Manitoba. *Products and services:* Our main focus is ATVs. We do sales and service on ATVs but we also service snowmobiles, and motorcycles, and we sell new and used parts for cars and trucks. We are a Kawasaki dealer but we do upgrades on all makes and models. We sell Kawasaki ATVs, Mules and now the Teryx. *Past lives:* I was born and raised in Morris. I was in business with my dad for about 10 years; we ran an auto recycler—that's where I get my business background. For 10 years we shared the business but even when I was eight or 10 I was there tinkering, pulling stuff apart and putting stuff back together. As a kid, my dad was big into snowmobiling and my background is really in snowmobiling. I've always had my own sled to ride since I was about eight years old. Up until I got into this business, I owned a snowmobile and now I own an ATV and I love it. I don't regret it either way and I like both summer and winter. *How did you get started?* I actually started and opened up as an auto parts specialty store. That’s where the name Scott Rod’s comes from. I was supplying restoration parts for old cars and trucks and standard parts for your regular Cavalier. But a couple months in, it was a little bit slow and someone said, “There’s nobody in our area that deals with snowmobile or dirt bike parts,” and I thought “What the heck, I’ll try it.” It’s been less than three years and now 95 per cent of my business is powersports. I'm a Kawasaki dealer and I love the way my business has turned over to the powersports business—it's a lot of fun. *What's the shop like?* It’s a small shop. We operate out of a pretty small building. My showroom takes up two-thirds of my building and my shop takes about one-third of it. I’ve got one full-time tech and we're busy all the time. *How would you describe your relationship with your customers?* I would say it’s good. I’m in a community of 1,700 people and the majority of my customers come from within a 20-mile radius (the nature of rural Manitoba is kind of close). So I’d say I have a pretty close relationship with at least 90 per cent of my clientele. You can tell it’s different than running out of a big city shop when your customers come in and tell you “Hey, we’re going on a ride this weekend. Do you wanna come with us?” A lot of the guys that I sell to, I ride with. It’s nice. *Describe an average day:* My wife and I are both self-employed and we have two young boys in school so the day starts at 7 a.m., and ends at midnight. They are long days but it’s what I want to do. It’s nice to be happy to go to work every day. *What do you like most about your job?* The interaction with customers and the fact that I get to work with toys all day. I’ve always been kind of a mental case when it comes to anything powersports-related—whether it’s auto, bike or sled racing. Bigger, faster, stronger. *How often do you ride?* I wish I could ride more; I probably ride a few times a month. In southern Manitoba, quad runs are really popular so I travel all over to these different runs. Just south of me is St. Jean, Manitoba, which has Canada's largest ATV derby. With something like that, I don’t even get a chance to ride—because I'm there as a vendor—but I’ll travel anywhere from three to four hours away to go to these other little town’s derbies so that we can go for a ride. The nice thing is that my tech and I both ride. So when a customer comes in, we can really give them all the details. We’re not just a salesman behind a counter trying to sell you the product on the floor, but we actually use the product that’s on the floor. If we ever have any problems with any of the aftermarket stuff, we’ve tested it, we know that, we don’t buy it and we don’t tell our customers to buy it. It doesn’t necessarily mean we’re steering them towards something that’s worth more money, we’re just steering them towards something that’s better value. You can save 20 bucks on something and regret every minute of it if it doesn’t work. *Describe your community:* It’s a pretty religious little town. There are 1,700 people and we have seven churches. So I don’t have to worry if my kids are waiting on the corner for the bus. It is nice being in a small town. There’s lots of advantages and there’s a few disadvantages but we’re only half an hour out of Winnipeg. And our town is just big enough that we have a nice grocery store and hardware store.
Teaching safe practices
Young riders in Bonnyville will learn ATV safety this summer
Seeing the need: On April 4, 2009, Glen Smith and Terry Coulombe held a registration day in Bonnyville for a free ATV safety course for youth. — Photo courtesy of Glen Smith
When one thinks about ATVing, what often comes to mind are thoughts of fast, exhilarating riding or good times spent with family and friends; rarely is someone’s first thought of ATVing related to safety. However, while ATVing is a lot of fun, it must also be done safely. h3. Spreading awareness Glen Smith is an instructor for HSE Integrated Ltd., Canada’s largest national industrial safety services company. Mainly, Smith teaches classes about oilsands safety, and last year he took the Canadian Safety Council ATV instructors training course, as a lot of the workers he trains drive quads for their job. With this knowledge, Smith decided that he would try to implement a program in Bonnyville, Alberta, to teach young people about ATV safety. “I decided that we needed to do something about quad safety in the area,” said Smith. “We have had a couple of bad accidents with youth in the area.” In winter 2008, Smith, HSE Integrated and Terry Coulombe, the owner of T&T Power Sports Ltd. in Bonnyville, all became involved with creating an ATV safety course for youth; they worked on setting up a program that would be free of charge for any child. To test the program and see how many participants it would attract, Smith and Coulombe held an open house on April 4 of this year, and more than 100 children signed up. “We don’t want any charge for the kids,” said Smith. “HSE is providing the books, so it’s free of charge that way; (Coulombe) is providing the quads and I am providing my time. It is on my own time, not (company) time. It will be Saturdays and days off in the evenings. I am going to do it in my own backyard.” For the children to be certified by the ATV Canadian Safety Council, Smith can teach only four children at a time. He sees this as a bonus, as the course will be so much more than just an awareness class. “I have grandkids and I have been riding ATVs for a good part of my life,” said Smith. “My kids have been raised on them. ATVs were getting a bad name—and it wasn’t the ATV, it was the riders that were giving them a bad name. And I was sick of hearing about kids getting hurt. I thought, ‘Well, if I can save one life or one injury by doing something, then it will be worth it,’ so that is why I decided to do it.” During the course, Smith will be teaching the youth basic safety training for ATVing, such as getting onto your quad from the left side because that is where your brake is, as opposed to the right side where the quad’s throttle is located. “It is not the ATV,” said Smith, “it is just the awareness. Kids need to learn a little about wearing helmets and just the basics of ATVs. It is not the real hard things that are hurting them—it’s the basics. It is what I call rider active—knowing how to shift your weight and how not to get yourself into situations that you can’t get out of.” At the culmination of the course, Smith said, the kids will be given a certificate from the Canadian Safety Council. He is looking forward to teaching the youth about ATV safety. “Out of 100 kids,” said Smith, “if I can get to 50 per cent of them, that is 50 kids that are trained better than when I started.” Due to the mandatory small class sizes, Smith doesn’t know if he will be able to teach the course to all the children who signed up. He is looking for volunteers to assist him in instructing a couple of the classes; anyone who is interested can call Smith at 780-826-5300.
SATVA is starting to roll
The new ATV association puts the focus on safety and stewardship
A Unified Voice: : The Saskatchewan All Terrain Vehicle Association (SATVA) is a new organization that represents the riders of the province and promotes environmental awareness along with improved safety. — photo courtesy SATVA
The Saskatchewan All Terrain Vehicle Association (SATVA) is now in its second year of operation and Ken Anderson, president of the association, is hoping to spread the word about the organization and its mandates. “The goals and objectives are maintaining the right to ride in the province,” said Anderson. “(We’re) working with the various departments in the provincial government for the operation and maintenance of trails; for obtaining a substantial growth in the number of ATV safety instructors in the province; (and) working with Tread Lightly on environmental issues.” The organization is still in the early stages of development, but as ATVing is increasing in popularity—for recreational riders as well as farmers and ranchers—Anderson said the need for such an organization is apparent. “The ATV fraternity/industry here is reaping the benefits of the growth in Saskatchewan,” said Anderson. “That continued growth is going to have an impact everywhere, so we want to be ready to make sure that we have the resources and vehicles available to become good corporate citizens within the province.” Anderson believes that a central association can act as an advocate for riders and provincial ATV clubs as well as promote the activity as one that can be safe, environmentally low impact and accessible to all. “You need a voice—you need an umbrella organization within the province—so the ATV clubs and individuals riding ATVs have a . . . source of information,” said Anderson. Anderson believes that making riders aware of the many issues surrounding ATV use is important in order to curb some of the more dangerous or destructive activities that give all riders a bad name. “There are some issues where (the riders) do not respect private property or they do not respect the wetlands or marshes or areas that are environmentally sensitive,” said Anderson. “That is a big public awareness that has to be brought to their attention—that there are trails out there; that there are trails that are going to be developed. We do not need a bunch of criticism that seems to be consistent province to province about destroying the environment or not being sensitive to those issues.” Anderson is hoping the new provincial body will also help to increase safety awareness among riders in Saskatchew-an. One of the goals of the SATVA is to reduce the number of ATV-related accidents and injuries through the introduction of more safety programs and safety instructors provincewide. “We’re developing plans,” he said. “We’re working with the All Terrain Council of Canada, the Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Council, Tread Lightly and other groups like that to implement some of these plans—the bottom line being to make it a safer environment for us to operate in (and) hopefully reduce the bad publicity and bad incidents. “If we can do that, we expect that there will be more clubs and more members joining the association.”
Inside the Industry key contacts
Hit the road, Jack
Over 15 years ago, Jack Industries designed and manufactured the Seat Jack. Today, we create 25 different passenger seat models to fit all Arctic Cat, Polaris, Ski-Doo and Yamaha snowmobile sport models, from 1992 and up. They’re easy to install, durable, comfortable and safe.
Another invention of ours—Retrack Jack—offers a safe and secure option for loading your recreational machines. This system features telescoping ramps that fasten in the box of a pickup truck. The ramps, which are made of galvanized steel, can be adjusted for loading and unloading a snowmobile or a four-wheeled vehicle. They are designed with Teflon runners and anti-skid supergrips. Visit our website for more information about Seat Jacks, Retrack Jacks and all other Jack accessories.
Your Honda headquarters
At B&F Sales & Service Ltd., located in Grand Forks, B.C., we specialize in superior customer service. Our large supply of Honda products includes ATVs, motorcycles, lawn and garden wares, generators, snowblowers, walk-behind mowers and water pumps.
Equipped with a fully stocked parts department, we'll help you find all the accessories and dress-up items you've been searching for. Our qualified technicians are ready and willing to help with any question or concern you may have.
Let our friendly sales staff and competitive service be the reasons why you choose B&F Sales & Service Ltd. for all your recreation needs.
Saskatchewan
Give your seat new life with SaddleSkins
Snowmobiles have special cover requirements. Extra cold weather can cause ordinary vinyl to split and crack. Travelcade SaddleSkins for sleds are made of a heavy-duty cold weather material that is impervious to cold down to more than minus 40 degrees. All features of the original seat are retained rear compartment, lights, side buffers all duplicated in our replacement covers.
SaddleSkins are available for motorcycles, ATVs and snowmobiles with original manufacturer s fit and design. Their weather-resistant vinyl endures all sorts of riding conditions, and replaces duct tape and unsightly tears at an economical price.
WARN XT and RT Winch Series: the best winches in the world are now even better.
The complete line of WARN Powersports winches lets you ride with confidence knowing that when you need to pull yourself out of the muck or move a heavy load, you'll be up to the task time and time again. Both the XT Extreme Terrain and RT Rugged Terrain winches are designed specifically for powersports vehicles. Standard features includes weather-resistant sealed construction; rugged and reliable three-stage planetary geartrains; patented disc brakes for enhanced control; efficient electrical systems for less battery drain; easy-to-use clutch dials; and legendary WARN quality. You can be assured these winches are the best on the market.
Both the SaddleSkins and WARN Powersports winches are available at Recreation Supply Co. Ltd. in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
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Mighty Peace River, AB
Come 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. 
Manitoba, BC
The fun starts here, at Enns Brothers Powersports
When a person in Manitoba wants to have fun and enjoy the pleasures that power sports and vehicles have to offer, they come to Enns Brothers Powersports
Located in three locations (Winnipeg East, West and Portage La Prairie), Enns Brothers will be Manitoba's first choice for motorized products, accessories and servicing. Our customers and suppliers trust us for honesty, knowledge, fairness and professionalism. Our dynamic team can help you with all your powersport needs in a friendly and efficient manner, and you will feel welcome and supported in every one of our locations.
Tumbler Ridge, BC
Discover the wonder and beauty of Tumbler Ridge
Tumbler Ridge is unique, as it has all the amenities of a larger town, while retaining its small town culture. With its beautiful geographic location and rich history, this is truly the perfect location. Tumbler Ridge has plenty of activities and events occurring regularly to help keep you involved in the community. If you’re looking for other ways to stay active, our local terrain will be waiting for you to bring out your ATV or off-road bike, and witness the exquisite scenery of Tumbler Ridge.
Grande Prairie, AB
We are your four-season destination!
Stanford Hotels & Resorts are the ideal accommodations for riders! Take advantage of our $89.00* rider rate which includes a complimentary bike wash. 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 winter rates for sledders.
*Taxes and applicable fees will be added to this rate-
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 about the career opportunities – with job openings available across the country following graduation, call Les Ashton or Brad Chorney at 1-888-999-7882.
East Central. SK
The destination for every level of rider
You will find a surprise around every corner in Saskatchewan’s East Central region. The stunning transformation of the landscape from prairie to boreal forest showcases nature in its most grand form. Vast numbers of birds migrate through the area, making this an incredible destination for bird lovers. Unique communities are part of the mix, including four vibrant cities and a dynamic Ukrainian culture. Add a natural healing spa and a host of exciting events, not to mention a landscape that is truly an off-road enthusiast's dream. It is no wonder that our area won nine Rider’s Choice Awards for our spectacular ATVing terrain.
Kootenay Rockies
Create your dual sport adventure today!
Dual Tracks Inc. is a dual sport motorcycle adventure company with guides who have years of backroad riding experience. We would like to introduce you to a DS motorcycle experience as we ride through the spectacular foothills and mountains of southern Alberta and British Columbia.
Dual Tracks offers adventure tours and training for either multi-day or multi-week sessions, as well as both half- and full-day rides. We supply bikes if needed, and meals for full-day participants.
Let us provide you with an unforgettable, challenging and safe DS ride. We believe that a great ride is best shared with others, hence our motto, "Dual Tracks, ride with friends."-
Big River, SK
Convenient, comfortable and affordable
Ride from your door and enjoy an overabundance of ATV trails.
The Timberland Motel is located in a woodland setting with more than 20 lakes within 12 miles of our front door, but in Big River you can fish right where the town dock extends into Cowan Lake.
We are located on the Trans-Canadian Snowmobile Trail, so you can snowmobile right up to the door of your comfortable room. The Timberland Motel features a range of amenities, such as air conditioning, wireless high-speed Internet, an outdoor hot tub and much more.
The motel itself is also for sale, so rent a room now and see the incredible potential in this modern, clean facility.
The small shop with big service
Season's Edge Recreation has been serving Nipawin and surrounding area for more than 12 years, and we are dedicated to our customers' needs. Like our customers, we are also snowmobile and ATV enthusiasts.
Here at Season's Edge we ride what we sell so we are able to understand and respond to your needs. We know how important it is for you to have a great experience every time you ride.
On our days off, we look forward to jumping on our toys and hitting the trails or venturing out into the back country, so don't be suprised if you meet up with us next time you're out for a ride.
Cranbrook, BC
There is always something to do in Cranbrook
The City of Cranbrook is nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains, and offers visitors an array of fun activities. For winter guests, this warm and welcoming community is conveniently close to a full range of sledding locations. With literally hundreds of excellent sledding trails nearby, snowmobilers can experience everything from beginner to extreme mountain riding in the area. Cranbrook is also known as the sunniest city in B.C., so expect to find brilliant blue skies and sunshine to top off the mountain vistas you will enjoy while out on the trail.
Kootenay Rockies
Warm up after your sledding adventure
Prestige Hotels & Resorts are elegant, full-service hotels and resorts, located in the Okanagan and Kootenay Rockies—destinations known for some of the most renowned snowmobiling terrain. The Prestige offers deluxe rooms and amenities, executive and designer suites. All guest rooms feature quality comforts such as voicemail, data ports, high-speed Internet access and pay-per-view movies. Facilities also include a pool, hot tub, athletic club, restaurant and lounge—so there are several relaxing options to choose from upon your arrival. We are proudly 100% smoke-free. Inquire about our getaway and recreation packages, and make us your first choice in accommodation when you plan your next sledding excursion.
Cranbrook, BC
A quality motel in the heart of the Kootenay Mountains
Surrounded by the pristine Kootenay Mountains, the Travellers Motel features newly remodeled suites that will make your stay a quality one. We are conveniently situated just 10 minutes from the airport, and offer special rates for seniors and corporate guests. Also for your convenience, we have complimentary parking, a laundry facility, direct dial phones, smoking rooms, wireless internet and a continental breakfast. Kick back and enjoy our barbecue area, or one of our two new bubble tubs. Bring your four-legged travelling companion, because our motel is pet-friendly.
Cranbrook, BC
We go to great heights for you!
At the Nomad Motel, we offer several amenities to make our guests feel comfortable. With a 46-inch heated outdoor pool, large family suites and a children's playground, our facility is ready to welcome you and your family. We also offer corporate, group and senior rates, free high speed internet, and fax and photocopy services to suit your business needs. Take advantage of our guest laundromat, free VCR and movie usage, continental breakfast and cable TV with movie channels. Pet-friendly rooms are available as well. All of our rooms are air conditioned and have refrigerators and other basic necessities to make your stay fun and relaxing.