I’M GOING TO THE SNOWMOBILE CAPITAL OF THE WORLD! AND THESE ARE THE SNOWMOBILE’S IM TAKING!

[@clintbruderer2278]

Hey guys! Rocky’s dad here. Your comments are appreciated! Can’t wait to meet some of you and let the ZRT sing!

[@Slayer66037]

You guys are going to be one state north of me!!!! Imma have to try to make it up there love you guys

[@RanWhenParked.]

Your ZRT is bad ass. Can't wait to see it in person.

[@southwind73]

I may come up there, however I would be on my 93 Polaris Storm 750!

[@clintbruderer2278]

@ bring it! That would be awesome

[@DFerg-gn8lu]

Great to hear you're coming here! Mid Februrary should be good, but you do have to plan for warm and cold.. If snow is poor, might want a side-trip to the UP (upper Michigan) Keep up the great videos! Love The Cats!

[@OldSchoolArcticCats]

Thank for the info. I will definitely keep an eye on the weather. Hopefully we get some more snow. I appreciate you watching the channel.

[@JayWeinrick]

❤ sounds like an awesome time !!!

[@terryattewell5842]

Great content. I so want to pick up a good shaped ZRT 600 some day soon. I just bought a new 2023 ZR 6000 and would love to add a ZRT 600 to my staple.

[@davidanderson1763]

Im watching this Sunday J12. I'm in northwest Wisconsin. We just got about 5-6 inches. Otherwise it was brown. Might want to run jets close to stock. Studs on hardpack and scratchers for low snow conditions.

[@nwertz97]

Just a heads up. The Snowmobile Hall of Fame in St. Germain (about 15 miles west of Eagle River) is having their Ride with the Champs event that weekend. I'm from Ohio and attended that event twice. Expect to see a lot of classic sleds on the trail that weekend (if snow conditions improve). From my experience, carbide wear rods are a must. By Saturday afternoon, the corners will be blown out and icy. Studs in the track are not a must, but be cautious of icy hills and, if necessary, ride the edge of the trail in those situations for traction. The trails in that area cross a lot of lakes, so be prepared for that and investigate the ice conditions. I've only ever rode in Michigan (both lower and UP) and WI. The north woods area of WI is by far my favorite. Have fun and stay safe.

[@OldSchoolArcticCats]

Wow! That’s some great info, I’m going to check that event out, I’m going to make sure to check the ice and bring some extra carbide rods! Thanks for the tip!

[@Krm-customs]

I live in northern Wisconsin currently. February is a gamble. Especially this year and last. So far we don't have squat for snow you might end up having to detour your trip a little further north into the u.p. The downside is the trails on the weekend get absolutely beat on. Depending on your route you drive if you guys need anything give lmk I have a heated shop and any tools you could need.

[@matthewcloutier175]

I live in Door County, jack for snow here. I am not sure about Eagle River. I do not think they got any snow as of yet....I went to Chatham, Michigan on the 9th. that is where its at ...:)

[@OldSchoolArcticCats]

Wow thanks for the offer! I appreciate the info. I’m going to cross my fingers with the snow. Thanks again..

[@RylanFrank-k8t]

@@OldSchoolArcticCatshey man we barely have any snow here

[@tonyfox9151]

I used to have a 1981 440 Panter and a 1977 El Tigre 440. Very fast. Always rode in New York state.

[@southwind73]

I’m from Wisconsin myself, hope you have good snow for your ride by then. I think you will need jetting, with your tracks you probably ok without traction aid.

[@OldSchoolArcticCats]

Thanks for commenting.. I appreciate the info.

[@Soihadsomesparetime]

Rode in northern MN and MI upper peninsula from 1990 - 2008. Jet for -20 @ 1400’ When i took my 2000 Thundercat mt to west yellowstone, I had to put shorter needles in the flat slide carbs and lighter weights in the primary clutch. The opposite will be your case. If you dont you will melt pistons in a mile because it will run lean. Safe travels

[@heynow3788]

I ride what I grew up dreaming about riding. Maybe I'm missing out on all the new tech and performance but that's too expensive for me to justify. I appreciate your videos of the sleds I'm familiar with 👍

[@OldSchoolArcticCats]

That’s exactly like me. These were all sleds I dreamed about owning when I was kid. I appreciate you watching the channel.

[@purehonda23]

I live in Wisconsin and I'm so pumped for this us Wisco guys love to ride

[@RanWhenParked.]

Heck yeah brother! 😊

[@deanretzlaff2253]

You may need to do some clutching also..most mountain sleds are clutched differently then our flat lander sleds..I love your dad’s 95 zrt 800..I had one of those and loved it..

[@OldSchoolArcticCats]

Thanks for the comment. My dad’s ZRT is so cool.

[@joshgessinger4509]

Hey Rocky Wouldn’t worry about studs unless ur going to worry about winning drag races. Only one reason i stud i like winning drag races lol!! Use to ride a 800 RMK back in 2000-2002 some conditions id get better hole shots than with studs and had a lot of fun doing 3/60’s or 180’s on ice or plowed icy roads lot of fun. But jetting id say ur going to want to jet up. Ur definitely going to be able to pull more weight in primary ur going to make more HP.

[@OldSchoolArcticCats]

Thanks Josh, I’m definitely going to look at bigger jets. Thanks for the tip about studs. I was going to add ice scratchers on all these sleds as well. My T cat has 60g weights in the primary right now..

[@kollinspencer847]

I remember when the channel was still in the triple digits. Has come a long way! By the way in march are you still doing a vintage ride in Utah?

[@OldSchoolArcticCats]

Yes.. We will do a ride in Utah.. we will figure out the exact dates and keep everyone posted.

[@OldSchoolArcticCats]

Thanks for your support on the channel! That’s awesome to hear from a long time subscriber!

[@corbensquirrel8245]

Wish I could go I'll be back in school then. As of now, I'd go into Michigan right away. We are going to Eagle River this weekend and there is no snow on the trails, but the race tracks should be fine.

[@jasonsanford4905]

It’s a gamble if we have enough snow, hopefully we start getting more snow after next weeks cold snap. Might have to plan on going up to the U.P. Yes you might want to think about giving your track a Mohawk with studs. I’m hoping to see you up there on my 1997 zr580.

[@razer440]

Ohh man I wish I could make it! That sounds like fun!! You will have a great time in the Western part of the U.P! I hope you make some videos!.

[@geoffwithag3007]

Hey brother love the channel! I was just in Eagle River Jan 3-7. Booked a cabin a month before the trails opened hoping there’d be snow. Unfortunately the trails weren’t open but hopefully you’ll be good in February. If not, what we ended up doing was trailering another hour and 20 minutes north to Toivola MI. They get a lot of lake effect snow up there. Dropped the sleds at 4 Seasons Convenience Station…cost $15 for the whole day to park. Trail 3 runs right through the parking lot. Took trail 3 North to Houghton and hit trail 17 loop. It’s about a 90 mile ride round trip. Keep up the awesome content!

[@jeremysuteu2563]

jetting yes 100% also check into the clutch weights im up on the canadain side of lake of the woods ive been on or surround by cats since 1990 now i ride a 162 turbo nytro but still have my fleet of sleds including my 1992 jag my dad bought in 93 for us

[@OldSchoolArcticCats]

I appreciate the info, I will definitely be checking the clutch weights.

[@craigmiller5372]

I live about 10 minutes from Eagle River and we got about four or 5 inches of fluffy snow over the last couple days. Before that there wasn’t much of anything. Luckily, it has been cold and the lakes and swamps are pretty frozen. A lot of the trails use lakes in this area. The UP is fairly decent with snow but you’d probably have to travel 30-40 minutes north of Eagle River to get to the heavier lake affect area. Hopefully in another month will have more snow but not much in the forecast for the next week or so. If you’re in Eagle River usually snowmobiling to the north and the east are the better trails as it’s all national forest that way. I’ve never had a snowmobile with studs and been here my whole life. I know the corners can be get kind of icy depending on the weather but generally if you slow down when you need to you’re good to go. They just had the vintage world championship races this weekend in Eagle River and the world championship races next weekend. Would be nice if there was snow for that so people could snowmobile to it but I’m not sure that’s going to happen. Hope you guys can make it and you got a long drive to get here!

[@OldSchoolArcticCats]

Wow, great information! I am going to keep an eye on the forecast for snow.

[@airman6822]

Hey Rocky, Sounds like a good trip. Me and my buddy just got back from the UP. We put on about 350 miles over the last couple of days. Trails are kind of hit and miss up there right now, the only saving grace is lake affect snow, and some cold weather. Sounds like you’re looking for a lot of tips, I’ll probably just send you an email where I can explain a few things. I’ve been snowmobiling in northern Wisconsin in the UP for 40 years, and can probably give you some tips. I think the main things you’re going to need to worry about is a good set of carbides, making sure your slides are in good shape and your running gear is in working order. However, I’m kind of bummed. That’s the only weekend that I can’t make it up there because I have a prior family commitment. I’m sure you’ll have a great time!

[@OldSchoolArcticCats]

Wow thanks for the tips and for the offer to send an email. I will keep you in mind for the next trip!

[@sashenepetruzalek6682]

I live in Phillips Wisconsin and I hope you love Wisconsin. I've lived here for all my life and snowmobiled since I was 5. ITS THE BEST

[@MrJeffyb69]

I would say if you are just wanting to trail ride, if you have the means, stud them, even the minimum helps ( around 90 or so, depending on track) ! Now this also requires some tunnel protectors and the fact you can only stud up to a 1.75" lug track, normally, unless you install the screw in type studs that go into your lugs. Also keep in mind, if you stud, you want to go with a bigger carbide wear bar on your skis! Now I do see a lot of sleds in northern Michigan not doing any studs ( Assaults, Backcountry's, Riots, etc..) riding the trails all the time. It's a gamble, if its good snow, you're fine, but if it's icy 😲

[@matthewbegin3462]

Appreciate the content Rocky, you do a great job on your Videos.. You guys will have a great time , i am sure you will meet some people that will give you some good info!!

[@OldSchoolArcticCats]

Thanks for the comment! I'm really looking forward to the trip.

[@MichaelKnight-s2y]

Awesome channel 👍 i enjoy your videos

[@OldSchoolArcticCats]

I appreciate you watching the channel!

[@Moto-Hobo]

In Ontario, Canada, almost every snowmobile is studded, and we have lots of trails to ride. It helps with braking, too, obviously.

[@Quadguy83]

Depending on what your sleds are id think about cooling. I ride a mountain sled in northern michigan and need to run scratchers on my sled yo keep cooling

[@OldSchoolArcticCats]

I was thinking about that. I will definitely add some ice scratchers to all the sleds. Thanks for the tip.

[@cliffyelland2096]

Glad to hear you got some F7's. I don't know how the long track's going to affect it. My son has a green 2004 F7 EFI Sno Pro EXT, it's a great little machine!

[@OldSchoolArcticCats]

Thanks for sharing! That sounds like a sweet sled.

[@beegeezy88]

Rocky, you’re a stud! Miss ya brother!

[@OldSchoolArcticCats]

Bryce! Thanks for checking out the channel! It has been way too long!

[@thewillofus.defend1351]

It sucks that arctic cat isn’t going to make sleds anymore…. They were the best.

[@Ligmajohnson1989]

I’d try to find a shorter lug truck with studs. I had a bad wreck with a crossfire with a 2 inch paddle track on a steep icy trail. Also over heating can be a major issue if the trails are pounded or icy with a paddle track

[@OldSchoolArcticCats]

Thanks for the advice. I’m definitely going to install ice scratchers on all the sleds.

[@cliffyelland2096]

Sounds like a dream trip to me. Definitely need to re-jet. My brother had a 650 Wildcat Mountain Cat set up for the Rockies in Alberta, elevation about the same as you ride. He brought it back home to Saskatchewan, elevation about 2000 ft. Burned it up across a lake.

[@OldSchoolArcticCats]

I appreciate the tip, I will definitely check the jetting!

[@RanWhenParked.]

So excited for this trip. Definitely re-jet. I know you guys dont have to worry about it out there but your Definitely going to run scratchers to keep it cool on hard pack. Most trail sleds run 1.25" Will want to at least run some studs for traction. Very excited for this trip!

[@timhendrickson696]

Expect 10-30 degrees. Studs will help but are not necessary. You will have snow by then. Stay in Eagle river by the derby track. I believe it's a Best Western. Hope that helps

[@lewisbrazil5485]

I ran a 1 . 25 track with 4 inch carbides worked well unless its total ice, good luck

[@WiscoSledheads]

Hopefully we have some snow by then! Our cabin (1.5 hours southeast) has about 3 inches. UP is probably the best bet. If I don’t commit to going on my Canada trip again (same weekend) I’d love to join! I might not be rippin 90s cats but I’ll bring the 88 Cougar 😎

[@OldSchoolArcticCats]

I’ll keep you posted on the snow situation! And you’re more than welcome to join us!

[@BrittanyEckstein-s1o]

Make sure you change your jets

[@michaelhoobler7520]

Yes on studs and jet for 2000 feet will be mint👍😎

[@northofhwy8180]

Definitely rejet the carbs. And definitely get an air b&b over a hotel.

[@ahsineeslarson3912]

You guys need to make a stop on the Chippwa flowage in Hayward WI.

[@Larry_longo69]

Might have to bring a few wedge chassis! The real question is, will any of my trucks make it 22hrs haha

[@OldSchoolArcticCats]

Larry that would be awesome if you could make the trip with us back east!

[@517sledjunkies]

Honestly, you shouldn’t really need any traction aid. I don’t run studs. I run a paddle track on the trail. It does fine. I can’t wait to ride with you brother!

[@OldSchoolArcticCats]

This will be awesome! Can’t wait to ride with you guys!

[@DarrenShaw-ev5tb]

Good things happen 2 Good folks Rocky ! - Your content is makin a Yellow guy like Green even more ! ( Lol

[@OldSchoolArcticCats]

Awesome! Thanks for the kind words!

[@davidnunn6608]

That sounds like an awesome time.

[@fc3sboy1]

Bring short track stuff . Long track will suck to ride on the trails up here

[@brucewunderlich4949]

I hope you have snow. No snow as of January 12 and no snow in the 14 day forecast 😢

[@OldSchoolArcticCats]

I will keep an eye on the forecast. Pray for snow!

[@ricksspeedshop8468]

We are in Phillips that weekend, west of Eagle River. Maybe we can meet somewhere. Hopefully we get some snow. Everything is closed right now. Last year most trails never opened. B&Bs are the key. No studs should be needed unless it's icy. Usually it's packed and groomed tight. Best bet is to head west to Onienda/Pierce Counties.

[@larrywarner9314]

Jetting, and clutching will be your issues, a few studs won't hurt for trail riding, I live in Pennsylvania and the elevation is about the same as Wisconsin so plus keep in mind of the temperature when jetting.

[@markkopfman1283]

Swing by the Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum. They will be having their show that weekend

[@WiscoSledheads]

Also yes, would recommend studs (depending on how you ride)… they’ve saved my ass quite a few times in icy corners! Shoot me a message if you’d like to chat about it all!

[@mikebentheimer8121]

No trails open in Wisconsin as of January 12. Hoping that’ll change soon.

[@ejsman36]

Should come up to Northeast NY to the Tug Hill plateau region! One of the best sledding places west of the Adirondacks in NY!

[@joeidalski6047]

Love the channel

[@robertseastrand7692]

We just got 6-8 inches of snow here in Northern Minnesota. Ready to hit the trails!

[@OldSchoolArcticCats]

Perfect!

[@robertm7554]

😢 No snow. I would go straight to the U.P. Check out Marquette in the U.P. The UP200 “February 13-17, 2025 A 12-dog mid-distance race that covers 228 miles of challenging terrain. This race is an Iditarod qualifier.” This would be some great content for your channel.

[@OldSchoolArcticCats]

Thanks for the tips.. I appreciate the comment

[@jeffnicks2128]

Not going to be around that weekend I’m about 45 minutes from there, trails are not open right now but it is snowing firecats will be fine I run a 144 with a 1.5 track everything around here is usually jetted 0-5000 ft there’s about 3 inches of ice under snow right now we need about 6 inches of wet heavy snow to bond with ice have a good one rocky

[@OldSchoolArcticCats]

It’s awesome that you’re so close! Thanks for the heads up on the conditions.

[@bigfish5386]

I'm not trying to be a Debbie downer but I think I would have a back up plan. The trails never opened up in the eagle river area last year and it's looking to be the same trend for this year. I have a cabin just out side eagle river and it has been a bummer of a sledding season so far.

[@Friscorockhead]

Michigan, and the whole Midwest hasn't had a normal winter in years...4 or 5 at least. It's been pretty bad. Parts of the UP has snow now, and the longterm forecast looks decent...cold at least. If anyone in the Midwest has snow, it'll be the UP. I grew up riding in Michigan, and we mostly didn't have studs. They have some pros and cons. I wouldn't go through the trouble of studding your sleds just for a trip. I never liked the idea of a stud puncturing the heat exchanger. You'll be fine without studs.

[@jimmywoller7320]

Dude you’re going to have a ball. You MUST stop at the snowmobile hall of fame in St.Germain, just outside of Eagle River. I’m interested in coming out to ride with the group!

[@OldSchoolArcticCats]

Awesome! We would love to have ya..

[@mikebrudos8159]

Does the 151 f7 have ice scratchers?

[@OldSchoolArcticCats]

No but I will be installing some..

[@joshuagunderson6065]

Not much snow here in Wi better start praying. Northern Wi is all slow trail stuff to dangerous to go fast. I live southern Wi it’s mostly just go fast full throttle everywhere flat long fields. One my sleds is studded one isn’t more power more spin of track packed trails are ok without studs. Your bring some long track bs that’s not really needed in Wi

[@gordonliddy9418]

We don't have any snow here. There wasn't any even up in Minneapolis on Friday.

[@prestonbear8981]

Paddle tracks on freshly groomed set up trails are an overheating nightmare, so don't go out first thing in the morning if they were groomed overnight. Studs def not needed. I would jet up 2 sizes. If not, at least pick your needles up 2spots and stay out of long full throttle pulls

[@jjm2948]

Traction aid not really needed, it’s nice to help with stopping but that’s about it and adds tons of rotational mass

[@Robert-hb2zi]

Don't do traction for one trip . Jetting probably.

[@JoeSlater-j9t]

I have a 93 900 thundercat I like him their custom bad looking and run good

[@JesseCampbell-l7k]

Come to Canada we will go sledding good trails

[@mikeortmanns3062]

Hopefully it snows I live in crivitz Wisconsin trails are closed and no snow

[@RylanFrank-k8t]

Hey man we don’t have any snow here because I live in Eagle river

[@jodypierson3137]

Try to get ahold of Zach Herfindahl , he’s from eagle river , he’s busy racing cats right now but maybe he can set you up with a contact ,and if your going through northern Minnesota gunner Arlo is all cat he does the shop talk podcast cat racer and knows everyone in cat, and if you stop in Grand forks ND I would like to meet you , have fun out there

[@OldSchoolArcticCats]

I appreciate the tips. I will look these guys up. If I’m in your area I will hit you up. Thanks for the comment!

[@user-d9t3f]

If you are in that area you should go to Thief River Falls MN and vist the Arctic Cat manufacturing facility, I'm not 100% sure they are giving out tours tho consider what is happening.

[@jdbagger]

It's not how fast you can go, It's how fast can you get to 75 mph that our ditch banging motto!!!

[@cade7458]

Prepare for warm temps and negative temps Wisconsin is bipolar

[@stenny1970]

Here in Wisconsin you never know what temp it would be outside - Could be 30 Below 0 to 50 above If there is snow when you come and want to ride into the U.P. ride up to Copper Harbor MI

[@fc3sboy1]

Eagle river rocks unfortunately we have no snow right now. You will need to go to Marquette Michigan to find snow

[@joeross2555]

Snows low up here in houghton/keweenaw county but the old cats and poos dont mind it 😂

[@atv55803]

you want studs you could hit cold weather and good carbides and belts other than that make sure you got good hi fax too low snow condition exits still we just got 6 new in Duluth MN area last night and i can hear the sleds are on the trails riding still sucks though we need another foot the trails wont get groomed until then upper up in Michigan has a good base you might have to blast up there like move the whole thing up there for snow there having the championships right now in eagle river I know a dude that there I`ll ask him what the trails look like if you have deep lug tracks its should be ok studding is expensive but we need it for corners and braking just remember the there are a shit ton of road crossing and driveway approaches you ride over and culverts in the ditches be super careful near all these areas you`ll see many stop signs on all the road crossing make sure you stop many times you cant see the traffic coming either so take you time and look they still don`t have enough to ride in eagle river just found out they got just a few inches last night 1 /12 /24

[@MrJeffyb69]

You're pretty accurate about the elevation in Eagle river, the "Googles" says 1647' 🙂

[@JesseCampbell-l7k]

I have a fast f7 we could line up but also a 1000 sno pro that really goes

[@ajbertelson9871]

Hope they have snow

[@GabrielCarlberg]

I want to come bott i live in Sweden and im only 13

[@OldSchoolArcticCats]

Thanks for watching the channel! Sweden is a little far to travel. If you ever make it to the USA we will definitely have to go for a ride! We will be filming the entire trip so you can ride along with us..

[@hondamanatc4life983]

I'm up in New York I have a 1994 Arctic cat cougar 550 but the frame is shot

[@DiyClassics]

Almost made me spit my drink haha. That's no where close to being the capital of snowmobiles hahahahaha. Come here to Québec Canada for the real snowmobile capital

[@KennyKuntz]

Make sure you clutch for the lower altitudes

[@jdbagger]

Hit or miss on on cold and snow, 99 zr 600 batteryless with 136" track I run 96 studs, on my 2000 powder special 700 carb I run 144" I ran 128 studs that on mine in sw metro of mpls Mn

[@vannorman1116]

Head up to the U.P. This winter is a gamble here. Lottsa brown around

[@cade7458]

Cold as shit

[@fc3sboy1]

Studs and alot of them . Jet for sea level

[@terryzig]

Pray for snow.

[@SteveWappes]

Go ride the u p of Michigan the real trail system

[@TriddlerDD]

Sunday morning? It's church time boya

[@Supercharged111]

A city with 76" of annual snowfall calls itself the snowmobile capital of the world? That's bold. There's probably a dozen more with the same claim to fame. I'm in the U.P. and we've already received that much. Not many places out this way with any real amount of snowfall though even in the U.P. Do your homework, that's a long haul.

[@shanemerritt8231]

Lots of food in the soo !

[@JayWeinrick]

St Ignace Mi

[@joshkoltes]

Aaaand clutching

[@terryzig]

Be sure to stop in Rhinelander.

[@careypalmquist6118]

I WANNA GO !!

[@tjheinz057]

Revelstoke is the snowmobiling capital of the world. Sconny is far down the list.

[@Friscorockhead]

Maybe these days. The Midwest...Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota are definitely the traditional capital of snowmobiling. Mountain sleds didn't even exist prior to the 90s. They've been trail riding in the Midwest since the snowmobile was invented.

[@tjheinz057]

@@Friscorockhead MN boy here!

[@stics9989]

You don't need no stinkin' studs.

[@shanemerritt8231]

Head on over to the soo !