DigDug 0 Posted November 24, 2011 Hello from the great white north!!! I just wanted to pop in and say hello to my warm-weathered friends down south. My bikes are all put up for the winter - it's not much fun fighting the icy roads up here, so I think that gives me some time to play with my new toy. I just picked it up today - my first real 2-stroke! It's a 2008 SkiDoo Summit 800. 800CCs, two cylinders, oil injected so no pre-mixing, only 100 miles on the clock, 150 horsepower of snow throwing fun! This motor would make one heck of a motorcycle powerplant I'm sure! It has reverse, but it's not done with gears. You hit a button, the motor slows to almost a stall, then spins backwards! I'm hoping to take it out this weekend and run it around a bit before I head off to the Pacific for a two week trip. Of course, I did wind up picking up a couple other 4-stroke toys too. After spending 1/2 an hour digging just the truck out of the driveway (not even 1/4 of the driveway) after the first hard snow, I hit Lowes and picked up one of these: And since the truck is running 260,000 miles. Plus won't fit into the garage (who wants to scrape snow and ice every day when it's dark out until 9am). The bike isn't a viable commuter so I picked up another 4-stroke toy/commuter: I'm really enjoying the assignment so far. Yeah, it's cold, yeah, it's snowy, yeah, the riding is pretty much done for a few months (on two wheels anyways), but the views are amazing. Here's a couple shots from a local training flight the other day: I'm already making plans for the ride all the way north next summer. Hoping my schedule will allow me to take a few weeks off and get on the 950 for a nice long trip! Who is coming? Have a great time down there everyone and stay in touch! Keep the rubber side down!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Strega 0 Posted November 24, 2011 SWEET!!! I think I need to plan an AK trip Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Covered in Dust 163 Posted November 24, 2011 SWEET!!! I think I need to plan an AK trip +1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dirt dame 561 Posted November 24, 2011 Looks like plenty of chilly fun. Nice street car, too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jim 0 Posted November 24, 2011 Doug, Awseomeness!! Working with my detailer to see if I can get a couple of years at AKCOM for my next assignment. Planning on coming up your way next Jun on my way to the top. Take care and enjoy the flying. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TrophyHunter 15 Posted November 24, 2011 Very nice. Even growing up in snow country, I never got on one of those. Enjoy it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
racerbill 0 Posted November 24, 2011 Thats a great 2 stroke Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagstr 288 Posted November 24, 2011 That Rubicon is a Looker. Have fun on the new assignment! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kkug 147 Posted November 24, 2011 Awesome -- Do you get to ride out of the garage and hit the trails or do you have to trailer it ? That sled is badass ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Czechsix 1 Posted November 24, 2011 Very cool...pun intended. When did they start putting ski's and tracks on 2 smokes? Bizarre idea, guess it would work though Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Strega 0 Posted November 24, 2011 SWEET!!! I think I need to plan an AK trip +1 Lets start planning Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RogerTOWM 0 Posted November 25, 2011 Very nice. Even growing up in snow country, I never got on one of those Snow blowers. Enjoy it. Fixed this for you Trophy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hobiee 28 Posted November 25, 2011 SWEET!!! I think I need to plan an AK trip +1 Lets start planning All over this one Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PastaPilot 17 Posted November 26, 2011 Snowmobiles (or snowmachines if you're in Alaska) are so much fun. I used to ride in NY but haven't been on one in 20ish years. The biggest drawback is the horrible gas mileage. I guess it's just like dirtbikes only the top offs are 3x as much fuel. The payback is the insane acceleration. Comparable weight to power ratio as Formula 1. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DigDug 0 Posted January 20, 2012 Snowmobiles (or snowmachines if you're in Alaska) are so much fun. I used to ride in NY but haven't been on one in 20ish years. The biggest drawback is the horrible gas mileage. I guess it's just like dirtbikes only the top offs are 3x as much fuel. The payback is the insane acceleration. Comparable weight to power ratio as Formula 1. No kidding! I've had the chance to get the machine out and ride it a bit. Wow! just WOW! Imagine a machine, 100 lbs lighter than my 950 Adventure with 50% more horsepower! Add to that, the fact that the weight is all up front so it doesn't "wheelie" as easy and you get a ROCKET on groomed trails where it's smooth and traction is good! Now, in deep powder, you use all of that power (think deep sand on a bike, only softer) to keep the sled foating on top. Here's a few pictures: Trial run down the lakeside trail. Hero shot: Hardcore dual-sporter: True Alaska SUV (plane on skis): What happens when you don't stay on the gas in the deep powder (lots of digging, lifting and pulling to get it out - typical noob mistake) Great scenery: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hobiee 28 Posted January 20, 2012 I know most will say i'm crazy but i miss the snow quite a bit. awesome pics Doug Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Uncle Champ 116 Posted January 20, 2012 Whats the white stuff on the ski's in the garage? Actually guys if you have a bucket list put snowmobiling on it , it's a BLAST! Don't cross thin ice though, or do with LOTS of gas. Let me see with a paddle and a ski on the 950, hmmmm. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beezzz 6 Posted January 21, 2012 WOW!!!! This is impressive. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
paulmbowers 236 Posted January 21, 2012 My idea of hell: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dsfox 0 Posted January 21, 2012 HI Doug!...Awesome toys....and beautiful pics... RARELY happens but you actually made me appreciate the snow for a moment!!...something magical about the quiet peace and beauty of the forest after a snow storm.. (I worked outside year round in New England for many years, used snow shoes to survey)........perhaps why I now MORE enjoy palm trees...Take Care and keep in touch... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blind_in_1_ear 0 Posted January 21, 2012 My idea of hell: add a pissed off boss yelling at you(*in the ear bud from the lodge ), and that was a winter i spent in the Sierras.YOUR adventure looks more fun! enjoy it! ....pictures brought me back to those times...ah.... memories, thanks DigDug!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Crawdaddy 96 Posted January 23, 2012 Nice new set of toys! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites