From my experience this past weekend in Snowshoe, W.Va., those three words pretty much sum up the AMSOIL Snowshoe GNCC.
Mud: Class winners often disappear for lengthy amounts of time back to their trailers to clean up for the podium.
Blood: One of the most grueling courses in event history. It’s no wonder racers despise that long drive up to the top of the mountain, even seasoned pros like Kailub Russell.
Beer: There certainly was no shortage. In one of the rowdiest race crowds I’ve ever seen, there was always a beer to be offered and a friend to be made. It made for one of the most entertaining events I’ve been to in quite some time.
How it started: The Blackwater 100
In the mid-70’s, a local preacher reached out to promoter Davey Coombs in hopes of putting on a motorcycle race in Davis, W.Va., to draw people and dollars to the area.
Coombs devised a course that began in town and ventured off into the surrounding harsh environment. Finishing just one of the four 25-mile laps was considered an accomplishment.
The Blackwater 100 dissolved in 1993, but Coombs went on to create the GNCC Series, with the Snowshoe event celebrating the Blackwater’s heritage.
Nestled nearly 4,500 feet above sea level, Snowshoe Mountain Resort provided a unique setting for the AMSOIL Snowshoe GNCC in its 13th year.
Racers lined up in the heart of the village on Snowshoe Drive and started on the asphalt (unique to all other GNCC events). After they left the village, racers traversed down one side of the mountain through rock gardens, massive tree roots and the infamous Howard’s Hole (where you’ll find the mud and the beer) only to climb back up to the other side of the mountain.
This event saw sections of trail that hadn’t been touched since 2008. Coupled with the above-mentioned obstacles, the few miles racers hit on the open ski slopes offered a moment to relax before racers kicked themselves back in gear.
They wait in the wings of Howard’s Hole with their coolers and high spirits. When an ATV or dirt bike rider falls victim to a mud hole, they come to the rescue, freeing them to continue racing. They tell them what lines to take, cheer them on and certainly know how to have a good time.
But, most importantly, they love their state and they love GNCC racing.
In the end, Walker Fowler and his Yamaha took the checkers in the ATV class, while Kailub Russell won the dirt bike class on his KTM.
Be sure to check out our GNCC Snowshoe highlights on our Instagram and our Facebook album for all the sights and sounds #TeamAMSOIL found this past weekend on the mountain.
AMSOIL INC. is located in the heart of snowmobile country – Wisconsin, so we know a thing or two about the best places to snowmobile.
Did you know the snowmobile was invented in Wisconsin? Carl Eliason brought to life his idea of a “motor toboggan” in 1924. The rest, as they say, is history.
Today, the upper Midwest is a mecca for devoted sledheads and casual snowmobile enthusiasts alike.
No matter the destination, thousands of miles await sledders eager to hit the snowy terrain. We put together a list of the best places to snowmobile across the Midwest. Read on for more.
Best places to snowmobile in Wisconsin
Eagle River
Known as the “Snowmobile Capital of the World,” Eagle River is home to a 500-mile trail network that is meticulously maintained by local snowmobile clubs and volunteers.
There is breathtaking scenery and an endless supply of local hospitality. There’s a reason it’s been ranked several times as ‘Best of’ in various categories from national publications.
Before you go, find a full list of area trails here and check out current conditions here.
St. Germain
Connected to Eagle River trails, St. Germain is a natural segue for snow travelers hopscotching throughout the region.
With groomed trails stretching hundreds of miles and a local snowmobile-club-sponsored Trail Patrol, St. Germain offers excellent riding conditions that draw thousands of travelers each year.
Find helpful links on resorts, rentals and trail conditions here.
Cable
Home to one of the largest trail systems in the nation, Cable offers more than 1,200 miles of interconnecting snowmobile routes that weave throughout the Chequamegon National Forest.
It’s known for its quiet and solitude among nature’s best scenery.
Find everything you need to know about this route here.
Iron County
Just along the Michigan border, you’ll find a place that sees an average of 200 inches of snowfall per year, more than 500 groomed trails and 175,000 acres of off-trail forest land.
Along the way you can catch views of 200 lakes within a 30-mile radius among fellow snowmobilers making their way through old mining towns in the region.
Find more info on what Iron County has to offer here.
The U.P. of Michigan has earned legendary status among snowmobile enthusiasts from all over.
With more than 3,000 miles of groomed trails, it’s been voted “Most Scenic,” “Best Powder Riding,” “Best Trail Riding” and “Best Overall Snowmobiling Area” by readers of Snow Goer Magazine.
For those looking to put their skills to the test, it also holds the title of “Most Challenging” for its technical trail offerings.
You can find all things related to planning the perfect Michigan U.P. trip here.
Lake Gogebic
Some call this snowmobile district the best-kept secret in Michigan.
Located in the western U.P., it features hundreds of miles of groomed trails that weave throughout the forest and offer access to scenic overlooks. The route possibilities are endless, whether riders are looking for a day trip or an overnight adventure.
Check out this website for everything you need to know about this picturesque snowmobiling region.
Gaylord
Located in the lower peninsula, Gaylord averages more than 180 inches of snowfall each year and offers more than 300 miles of groomed trails.
It’s also home to the annual Michigan Snowmobile Festival, where fellow enthusiasts unite over runs, music and good family fun.
You can plan your entire trip, including trail maps and live snow cams, right here.
Best places to snowmobile in Minnesota
Brainerd
A starting point of the legendary Paul Bunyan Trail, Brainerd Lakes is a hub to snowmobilers descending on Minnesota looking for a great route.
Covering approximately 120 miles, the Paul Bunyan Trail leads north past the Bemidji, Minn., region with well-groomed trails and several snowmobile-friendly stops along the way.
Find maps, trail markers and all the stops you need to plan for here.
Bemidji
This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Bemidji.
Situated at a crossroads for two of the state’s largest trail-system routes, Bemidji trails can lead riders anywhere in the state they wish to go. There are lakes, streams, bogs and rolling hills that offer beautiful scenery in any terrain.
Best places to snowmobile in North and South Dakota
South Dakota Badlands and Black Hills
A little farther West is an up-and-coming snowmobile hub in the state of South Dakota amidst the scenic Badlands and Black Hills region.
More than 350 miles of marked and groomed trails await travelers seeking a journey through canyons, caves, forests and summit overlooks. Plenty of meadows for ideal powder riding surround the beaten path, with snowmobile-friendly pit stops scattered throughout.
SnoWest Magazine and SuperTrax International ranked the Black Hills snowmobile trail system as one of the top 10 places to ride.
Spearfish Canyon is worthy of its own mention despite it being just north of the aforementioned Black Hills region.
In fact, sledders could easily make this their start or end point on a Black Hills tour.
This spot has produced loyal fans who return each year for the scenery, world-class lodging and a glimpse of the filming locations for the classic film “Dances with Wolves.”
In our research, Spearfish Canyon came up several times as the premier place in South Dakota to create your snowmobile adventure.
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