Zen's Canadian Snowmobile Blog

SLED TALK RADIO for 2011

2011-09-09T11:45:00.000-07:00

Audio Podcasting for promoting Snowmobiling in the Twenty First Century.

Who we are, and what we talk about on SLED TALK RADIO:

We are an online snowmobile podcast filled with news, views, and interviews, that cover topics which are of great interest to sledheads world wide. We scan the snowmobile world every week for articles that help keep our listeners up to date on the latest developments in our sport. We talk about snowmobile shows and events such as snowmobile racing, snowmobile fairs and trade shows such as the Toronto International Snowmobile Show and Hay Days.

We speak to participants about local "show and shine events", snowmobile club news, and snowmobile fund raisers. We talk about organized snowmobiling and interview key people in the sport such as Ed Klim, president of the ISMA (International snowmobile manufacturers association) and Keith Twombly, President of the MUSA (Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association). We have interview over 500 guests in five years, on over 200 broadcasts.

Guests on our Snowmobile Show: Our talk show guests come from many provinces in Canada, and State, even as far south as California and Florida. Over the past five years, we have spoken with the people who's companys make the snowmobile industry prosper such as Choko Design, Woodys Traction Products, Braaap Films, Curve Industries, Autolite, and many more. We tend to focus our efforts on the smaller companies that need promoting, because they don't have the big budget like the OEMs.

We talk to snowmobile dealers, motel owners, and snowmobile rental outfits On the trail. We also feature guests who are involved in the Organized Snowmobiling side of the sport, and also the real snowmobile guy that rides with his family and friends; that's the most important listener as far as we are concerned. Without Mr. Joe Average Snowmobiler, there simply is no sport.

[i]Our Focus is The REAL Snowmobiler:[/i] We spend much of our time talking to real snowmobilers who calls in from the actual snowmobile trails in real time, to share a report about his day, the weather, and the trails. Others call in on their cell phones from the local snowmobile events in their community to share the colour commentary on the ground. They call from the Winter X games out west, and from the moose hunting regions of Newfoundland. One day we will talk to Video Mike on his treck to Alaska with the Michcanska group, the next day we chat with a Zamboni driver in a Quebec hockey arena in Montreal.

We enjoy talking to members of snowmobile clubs who are involved in building and maintaining the snowmobile trails. Sometimes we talk to a club member inside the groomer, while he is working. It is fair to say that we are focused mainly on the grass roots snowmobilers. All of our efforts are driven from a desire to share the joy of snowmobiling, and we often feature guests who talk about safety and family fun.

Our primary purpose is to have a fun safe time snowmobiling, and to encourage others to do the same. We need continued support from the Big Boys to continue. So far, we find everyone we talk to, is very supportive of the idea of an all inclusive snowmobile radio program, available for free on the Internet. Safety - Family - Fun - that's our three main interests.

Technical Broadcast Delivery: Although we are not yet producing a professional grade show, we do have fun creating a one hour show every week, and we do the best we can using "Skype" to contact and record our interviews on phone conversations. Our show, SLED TALK RADIO is available on over 200 podcast re-broadcasting port sites, in the form of a "pod-cast". This is an

MP3 file which is the future of media that everyone is moving towards. You can download the snowmobile show into your electronic device, be it a cell phone, lap top, or i-pod, then you can listen to it at your leisure. The show is often played through the speakers of the snowmobiler's vehicles, as they drive for hours to the trail head. (They plug it into the main stereo system and it comes out the speakers) They might even listen to five or ten one hour episodes on their way to their weekend snowmobile destinations.

We have an estimated 7,000 episode files downloaded every day in the peak of the snowmobile season. Search Engines such as Google help us to promote the show. Click on this link to see how many thousands of sites talk about our show. (over half a million results!)

We believe that Podcasting is the wave of the future in effective modern media. We at SLED TALK RADIO are a few years ahead of the curve. We are well positioned to be the number one snowmobile audio podcast in the world, and we are a very effective tool for promoting a healthy future for our snowmobile industry. Thanks for your support and for listening!

Please spread the word. Please 'embed" our show on your snowmobile web site. Please contact us to be included in our next show to discuss your snowmobiling passion!

Listen Now! http://www.sledtalkradio.com

Cheers

Zen Waiter
CEO Zenwaiter Internet Services
306-354-2216

Zen's Canadian Snowmobile Blog is produced and owned by Zenwaiter Internet Services, Box 53, Mossbank Saskatchewan Canada e-mail zen@zenwaiter.com We welcome your snowmobile stories and photos, and all your ideas. zw

Toronto International Snowmobile ATV and Powersports Show, Now Sled Talk Radio Sponsor

2011-09-08T11:36:00.000-07:00

We are proud to announce the inclusion to our SLED TALK RADIO SHOW line up of key sponsors, the Toronto Snowmobile Show, managed by Mike Blakoe.

Listen to the Toronto Show Episode audio podcast here

I interviewed Mike last week for a new episode of our snowmobile podcast, and I think it went very well. We talked about all the new features on the 2011 slate, many of which are ideas I have never seen at a snowmobile trade show, in Toronto or anywhere.

Snowmobilers everywhere rely upon the local snowmobile trade shows to get reasonable prices on basic snowmobiling supplies, like a new jacket, boots for the kids, or a trail pass for the season.

The Toronto show is always a hit, and attracts in excess of 30,000 sledheads every year.

Please click this link and have a listen to me and Mike - rappin' about the show. Cheers.

PS I changed the name of Zen Talk to SLED TALK. I think it was a no brainer. I want to focus more on the show, and less on me as a snowmobile personality.. hahahh yeah right ! hahaah If I die this winter of a massive heart attack, someone else can keep this online snowmobiel audio podcast going.. or not. Whatever.

This is year FIVE for Sled Talk, we have featured over 500 guests and 200 episodes. We have earned a little bit of respect, but not much! hahaha Never the less, I know we get 7,000 downloads a day in the winter. Hey, Someone is listening out there!!

STAY SAFE OUT THERE (yes I know, I am yelling!)

bye
zw

Read my News Press release below!! AND Get your ass to the Toronto Show! Then you can be a guest on my show to tell me all about what you saw and liked.

Click here for Press Release...
http://www.free-press-release.com/news-sled-talk-radio-snowmobile-audio-radio-podcasting-the-wave-of-the-future-for-promoting-snowmobiling-1315502585.html

Zen's Canadian Snowmobile Blog is produced and owned by Zenwaiter Internet Services, Box 53, Mossbank Saskatchewan Canada e-mail zen@zenwaiter.com We welcome your snowmobile stories and photos, and all your ideas. zw

New Snowmobile Movie - BRAAAP 11

2011-08-27T14:29:00.000-07:00

New Snowmobile Movie - BRAAAP 11

Zen's Canadian Snowmobile Blog is produced and owned by Zenwaiter Internet Services, Box 53, Mossbank Saskatchewan Canada e-mail zen@zenwaiter.com We welcome your snowmobile stories and photos, and all your ideas. zw

Snowmobiling Season & Danger Underway

2010-11-26T19:11:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year when snow flies, and snowmobilers slip quietly beneath the ice to a watery grave, only to reappear the following day as bloated corpses on the front pages of our newspapers and websites, everywhere. Hundreds of people are maimed and killed in car crashes every day, but the media ignores them, it's old news, but as soon as a snowmobile breaks through the ice, it's front page news.

It's the time of year for those who have purchased their first snowmobile to get into stupid terrible, avoidable wrecks. They ignored the warnings, and ignored the advice which said "Join a snowmobile club, and take the safety classes." Now it's too late; they're dead or seriously injured for life.

It's the season for snowmobile thieves to go back to their trade, and no unattended snowmobile is safe. Lock it or loose it.

It's the early snowmobile season, a time to get hit in the face with branches that dangle over the trail, and be blinded for life because you thought you didn't need to be wearing eye and face protection.

It's the season for hitting hidden rocks on thin trails, a nasty surprise that can trash your sled and send you to the hospital with a broken hip and crushed vertebra.

It is also the time of year, where the sober, smart, experienced snowmobiler, is going over his safety check list, taking his teen age kids to safety classes, and giving his snowmobiles a thorough going over to be sure everything will be as safe a humanly possible this season. He or she also lays out all his protective gear and warm clothing, to see that it is all ready to go.

It's also time to check out your new updated snowmobile maps, and see what has changed in your favorite area, and study maps and info on the Internet, for the new places you may want to explore, always consulting with local club members for the best safest trails to ride. It's time to e-mail them with your questions. Responsible members of organized clubs will be glad to respond quickly, and honoured that you want to come and discover the trails which they work so hard to maintain. Often, they are willing to come out and guide you around.

It's time to engage your smart snowmobile brain - yes - put the old brain into gear and let out the clutch slowly. If you just dump your sled onto the trailer, and go out half cocked to ride any damn place that looks like it has white cover, then you have proven you are an idiot who can look forward to trouble, and a visit to the local infirmary.

It's time to THINK before you RIDE. Leave the alcohol out of this sport, and do a little planning. Never ride alone, and slow down. Hitting a tree really hurts. "Ouch".

If I sound a little mean and lot condescending, it is only because I bury hundreds of snowmobilers every winter. I read every snowmobile accident media story all winter... and they have already started to come in every day. It breaks my heart, because 98% of them are preventable. All it takes is a little planning, and a little thinking.

It's time to use your head.

zen

Listen to Snowmobile Radio Podcasts for Free at http://www.zentalkradio.com/

Do you suffer from blocked arteries? http://www.heartandbodyextract.ca/

Zen's Canadian Snowmobile Blog is produced and owned by Zenwaiter Internet Services, Box 53, Mossbank Saskatchewan Canada e-mail zen@zenwaiter.com We welcome your snowmobile stories and photos, and all your ideas. zw

It's Snowing in S. Saskatchewan

2010-10-26T09:59:00.000-07:00

Snowmobile Season 2010 - 2011 Has Begun
11 am, Oct 26, 2010, Mossbank Saskatchewan. A blizzard is raging outside the Zen Shack this morning, and the ground is slowly turning white for the first time this year - It Is Officially WINTER as far as I am concerned, and a new blanket of snow will purify the landscape and my entire world.

All is forgiven. It's a brand new year. Fuel up the machines. Check the trailer tires. Get the sled gear out of the basement. Make a check list and check it twice. Let's roll!

I love winter. The old Zen Shack, 1906, has new windows, and a new roof. There's a new door on the front of the house, gauranteed to keep out the wind and cold. My health is greatly improved over the past twelve months, and the sled has been checked out by my mechanic. I think I'll be able to do some local riding this winter, and if I can afford it, I'll drive from here about a thousand miles, to Northern Ontario and go for a two week cruise on their fabulous trail system.

The Zen Talk Radio Podcast is on a roll. I have produced twelve snowmobile audio podcast shows since August. I have spoken to sledheads, manufacturers, snowmobile show reps, fund raising orgs, playboy models, film makers, tour guides, snowmobile businessmen, and freaks! We've talked about racing, touring, clubs, grooming, safety, and unity in the snowmobile ranks. We have even fought for freedom in the past weeks and months. The show is dynamic, and not too bad for a simple un-funded podcast.

The Zenwaiter web site has been updated, and is full of news items and fun video clips. I have updated the snowmobile events pages and promoted upcomming grass drags, water cross, racing and fund raising events.

Now it's time to ride, so start praying for a serious snow year, and ride safe.

Have Clogged arteries? Fix the now! Visit www.heartandbodyextract.ca

Snowmobile Season 2010 - 2011 Begins.

2010-09-15T08:12:00.000-07:00

Greetings From Saskatchewan Canada!

Greetings fellow sledheads and snowmobilers, and yes, even snowmachine enthusiasts (for those in Alaska).

Another summer has come and gone, and here in Southern Saskatchewan, it was a particularly wet one. The water has destroyed much of the crops.

By late June of this year, the radio announced that 50% of all Saskatchewan farm land was under water, and or, put out of business by the heavy rains and flooding. The past two weeks has also been wet, and has delayed the harvest.

Much of the crops that did survive the spring deluge, will be turned back into the dirt. Meanwhile, Russia passed a law this summer to outlaw grain exports, due to their own crop failures. Add to that the Globalist's push for us to turn our wheat into gasoline and deisel fuel, and the result will surely be famine for the third world.

The American economy is in tatters, and still on the way down. Obama is having people who criticize him arrested. The Police State in America and Canada is gearing up for a fight with their own people. There are feds everywhere in black uniforms, 'supporting' city and state police agencies. The full on Marshal Law clamp down is right around the corner, and the Carbon Tax hovers over our heads, soon to come down and crush what's left of our small businesses.

The fake environmental movement, a guise for the implementation of the carbon tax, is choking out all our outdoor activities with hyped up regulations and fines. Fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, atving and boating are under attack. The government wants us to feel guilty about being alive. "We are destroying the planet!" they tell us. We need to stand up and say "No More!"

Okay, that's enough for now. Don't get me started on H1N1 vaccination scams, the troops overseas, and the phoney Global Warming scam.

Is there is anyone left reading this? Hey, how you doon? Hahahahahaha.

Does anyone have any disposable income left to come snowmobiling in Canada? Not many I bet.

To all snowmobile businessmen still listening out there, my suggestion is to start offering the better, more luxurious lines of products for snowmobilers. Instal Jacuzis in your Motels and Hotels for sledheads. Upgrade your beds, your food, your creature comforts. Fill up your wine cellars with the very best bottles. Get ready to serve the rich and the elite, cause Mr Middle Class Sledhead is disapearing. He's almost gone. He has lost his job, and is concerned with food and paying the mortgage.

Let me see... what else is on my mind? (sound of wind blowing through an empty room).

Hmmm. Oh yeah... The gangsters of St-Zenon Quebec have already attacked my web site. They got an early start. Last week they hacked into my photo albums and my Bulletin Boards, to remove all evidence and memories of CRAZY AL and DANNY who were MURDERED in St- Zenon at the REFUGE B&B on Lake Stanislas. Good job scum! You can hack into my websites and remove all memories of the day you shot and KILLED TWO GOOD MEN in cold blood in ST-ZENON, but you will still face judgement from GOD. He does not forget. You are gonna burn in eternal hellfire for ETERNITY! Enjoy. God is not mocked.

By the way, I am going to put those pictures of the Murder at the Refuge ALL OVER the Internet, and make it TEN TIMES easier for people to find. Every time you hack me, I will TEN TIMES my efforts. WE WILL NEVER FORGET what you did to Alain Lasalle and Daniel Siguin. For more, you readers can go to the pages..

Hmmmm... what else is there to rant about? (the sound of a pebble rolls around the bottom of an empty barrel.)

Ahhhh yes ... Rex is now living in Tenessee, but will be visiting Quebec again this winter to ride. He has kept in touch with me. I asked him to join me up in Ignace Ontario this winter, but he declined. TOO FAR he says!

Hmmm... Sexy Ron down in NY STATE has been trying to get through to me, and has failed. I still love you guys down there in Glenn's Falls, but I have been busy remodelling my front porch all summer. I can actually work a five hour day now! On the tools! My heart must be slowly getting stronger.

Connecticut? Yes. Our snowmobiling pal who also makes wrought iron fences has been in touch. Mr Bolduc. All he can talk about is sledding in Quebec! He shows me his photos from Chibougamau, from his huge loop last year.

New Hampshire? Yes... Our pal Dave Lavoie, AKA Pyro, of Pyromate.com is still recovering from his snowmobile crash on the lake in front of the Refuge two years ago in St-Zenon.

Epping NH... Yup. I spoke to my Pal Mark Johnson is doing well, but his wife lost her nursing job. Things are tough. I dunno if we'll be riding with him this year. (but he DID buy a new SKI-DOO product!!) Priorities my friend, priorities!

Sledfreak in PA? Well, the freak and his lady are doing amazing things on http://www.sledfreak.com/ . Check it out. They have been busy all summer improving their site.

Rickster the Lickster in Higgins Lake MICHIGAN: Doing well. looking fwd to more zen talk radio.

Hmmmm.. Montreal? Yes - - our pal The Snowmobile Realtor, Pat G., is off to Europe this week for a holiday. Have fun Pat!

New Jersey Lee? No news of recent times, but last seen working on rebuilding a house in Jersey. I sure miss him and the BISTRO, that holds so many memories for all of us. He has lowered the price of his chalet - Anyone wanna buy in St-Michel-des-Saints?

Bob Petit in St-Jean-de-Matha? Doing well - working hard as usual, promoting Lanaudiere Tourism.

Snow this winter? Well, I figure that it rained so much here, this summer... it broke records going back one hundred years, so, I don't expect ANY snow here in Saskatchewan. The rainfall has all been dumped and there is nuthin left. How about where YOU LIVE?

Sponsors? Hahahahah. I have a few left.. I think. Go have a look, and please support them with what is left of your snowmobiling budget money. SNOWMOBILE SPONSORS HERE.

Snowmobile Radio Show? Here's the scoop. I wanted to continue through the summer with the show, and indeed, I started to talk about atvs boats hunting, etc, but, my right arm gave out completely. From clicking and spending thirty hours a week on the editing software, my right wrist and elbow started giving me huge pain, and I couldn't continue. I worked on the hammer and skill saw all summer, and I have got myself back into some kind of shape, but my right arm is still bad. Perhaps I shd get a brace? I have tried to learn to MOUSE CLICK with the left hand, but it is very slow. I will still do the occasional basic show, less music less ads. Just talk. No editing. It will be rough.

If YOU have a snowmobile business, and you need some help to SELL YOUR PRODUCT, I am your man. Yes, I know I am gettin old and beat up, but I can still help. Been doing this gig for eleven years, and I know how to promote a snowmobile motel, hotel, accommodation, or any snowmobile product. Ask around. Google the term "zenwaiter" to see my work. It aint always pretty, but it's hot on all the search engines, and DOES create calls, and sales. I can help spend any internet marketing budget, from 100 bucks, to 100,000.

Call me! 306-354-2216 Ask for the Zen Man.

E-mail me zen@zenwaiter.com

Thanks to all my supporters lo these eleven years. Please write to me, I miss you all !

The snow is comming!
Let's suit up and RIDE!!!

XOXOXO zw

PS - Here is my new friend. Her name is Daisy,
but I shd have called her YingYang.

Cheers - - zw

Got Blocked Arteries?? Get Help Now. It worked for Me! Click Here.

Ignace Ontario Motel Snowmobile Accommodation

2010-07-13T08:29:00.000-07:00

Snowmobile Motel in Ignace Ontario Under New Management

The Trading Post Motel in Ignace Ontario has 25 big rooms, and is located one hour east of Dryden Ont, in Ontario Snowmobile District # 17 in North West Ontario, is now being completely renovated by one of my friends from Assiniboia Saskatchewan.

In summer, the fishing is world class. Ignace Ontario is surrounded by hundreds of great fishing lakes. All fishing is close and easily accessible from the Motel.

Wade is the new motel owner, and he showed me the motel rooms last week when I drove out there to have a look for myself. His construction crew was hard at work, ripping out all the old carpets and sealing the sub floors with a special primer. "We want the place to look and smell and feel like new," he said. "We have painted the exterior and the interior, we are re-roofing the entire structure this fall, and we are replacing all the beds and linens."

All of this work will be done over the next year, plus a small coffee shop will be added for the convenience of the room guests. A ramp will also be added to help snowmobilers and atvers to load and unload their toys.

All rooms are completely renovated, clean, comfy and inexpensive.

The Trading Post Motel in Ignace Ontario is right across the highway from the snowmobile trails, and close to all amenities. The Town of Ignace has about 1,700 residents, and features some pretty coll bars and restaurants.

The snowmobile trails in this area are connected of course to the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Club Trails, so ultimately, you could leave your trailer at the Trading Post, and take off for a very long snowmobile treck in any direction. As you know, Ontario's snowmobile trails are on a par with Quebec - that is to say - incredible.

The Trading Post is a new sponsor of my work here at Zenwaiter.com , so you can expect to hear the owner's voice on the Zen Talk Radio program this winter, as I will try to go and ride those trails. I personally hope to spend much of the snowmobile season out there, meeting snowmobilers who come to stay and play.

The airport in Thunder Bay is only two hours away, and the Trading Post staff are willing to come and pick you up for a reasonable fee. Snowmobile rentals will also be available, as well as package discount prices, so stay tuned!

To get help promoting YOUR powersports motel, call Zen at 306-354-2216. I am pretty good at this stuff. I can help with search engine rankings, have you as a guest on my snowmobile radio program, and build an effective site for you inexpensively.

http://www.zenwaiter.com/

ATVs, Boats, Snowmobiles, and Bikes

2010-05-17T08:06:00.000-07:00

New Radio Podcast Episode now Posted on Podomatic
Topics Today? ATVs, Boats, Snowmobiles, and Bikes

http://www.heartandbodyextract.ca

http://www.saf-t-tec.com

Zen's Canadian Snowmobile Blog is produced and owned by Zenwaiter Internet Services,
Box 53, Mossbank Saskatchewan Canada e-mail zen@zenwaiter.com
We welcome your snowmobile stories and photos, and all your ideas. zw

2010-02-24T12:08:00.000-08:00

Listen to our Latest Snowmobile Radio Show Now!

Snowmobile Talk Radio 4 your Car?

2009-11-12T12:50:00.000-08:00

Thursday, November 12, 2009
Zen Talk Snowmobile Radio
New Snowmobile Podcats Web Site

Yes, just download the latest snowmobile radio episodes onto your i-pod or i-phone! Then you can listen to Zen Talk all the way up to the Trail Head in your truck! It's not rocket science, just radio.

For three years I have been working on producing a snowmobile radio podcast, once a week. So far, I have created over 120 shows, but not all of them have been done on a 'weekly' basis. This year, with my health problems keeping me at home more, I decided in August to focus my main energies on the 'weekly' aspect, and with the addition of a faithful co-host Ric Federau , I have acoomplished the regular creation of these shows.

The show has featured manufacturers of all kinds of snowmobile gadgets, safety discussions, destination topics, trailer talk, and interviews with top snowmobile organizers of all types. Most importantly, we still have basic ordinary sledheads on the show, talking about their trips to snowy places, and sharing their enthusiasm for the sport.

I hope you will give our show a listen on your i-pod or i-phone, or just listen to it directly on your computer speakers. It's best to download several episodes at a time, then plug your i-pod into the truck radio and listen all the way up to the trail head.

To date, the show's actual radio quality has not been professional, but I can say with confidence that it has improved. With your feedback and participation, it has more potential. That is why I want to invite YOU to be ON THE SHOW. Just give me an e-mail with your phone number and a time I can call you to record an interview. Talk about your club events, promote your local fund raiser, or just tell the listener tall tales of your own snowmobiling adventures.

I am hoping you will listen, and participate. So far, we have about 100 downloads per day, and I hope this will double over the snowy winter season. You can help by

1) Buying advertising (it's cheap)

2) Being a guest on the show.

3) sending an email out to all your sledding pals, to promote the show.

4) stick our logo on your club web site with a link.

5) buying a sticker for your snowmobiles, or a tee-shirt.

Come and see the new site, enter the contest, buy a tee shirt, or sign up to be a guest.

http://www.zentalkradio.com

Thanks!
zw

###
For more information:
http://www.zenwaiter.com

Zen's Canadian Snowmobile Blog is produced and owned by Zenwaiter Internet Services, Box 53, Mossbank Saskatchewan Canada e-mail zen@zenwaiter.com We welcome your snowmobile stories and photos, and all your ideas. zw

Zen Talk Snowmobile Radio

2009-11-12T09:39:00.000-08:00

New Snowmobile Podcats Web Site

For three years I have been working on producing a snowmobile radio podcast, once a week. So far, I have created over 120 shows, but not all of them have been done on a 'weekly' basis. This year, with my health problems keeping me at home more, I decided in August to focus my main energies on the 'weekly' aspect, and with the addition of a faithful co-host Ric Federau, I have acoomplished the regular creation of these shows.

The show has featured manufacturers of all kinds of snowmobile gadgets, safety discussions, destination topics, trailer talk, and interviews with top snowmobile organizers of all types. Most importantly, we still have basic ordinary sledheads on the show, talking about their trips to snowy places, and sharing their enthusiasm for the sport.

I hope you will give our show a listen on your i-pod or i-phone, or just listen to it directly on your computer speakers. It's best to download several episodes at a time, then plug your i-pod into the truck radio and listen all the way up to the trail head.

To date, the show's actual radio quality has not been professional, but I can say with confidence that it has improved. With your feedback and participation, it has more potential. That is why I want to invite YOU to be ON THE SHOW. Just give me an e-mail with your phone number and a time I can call you to record an interview. Talk about your club events, promote your local fund raiser, or just tell the listener tall tales of your own snowmobiling adventures.

I am hoping you will listen, and participate. So far, we have about 100 downloads per day, and I hope this will double over the snowy winter season. You can help by

1) Buying advertising (it's cheap)

2) Being a guest on the show.

3) sending an email out to all your sledding pals, to promote the show.

4) stick our logo on your club web site with a link.

5) buying a sticker for your snowmobiles, or a tee-shirt.

Come and see the new site...

http://www.zentalkradio.com

Thanks!
zw

Zen's Canadian Snowmobile Blog is produced and owned by Zenwaiter Internet Services, Box 53, Mossbank Saskatchewan Canada e-mail zen@zenwaiter.com

We welcome your snowmobile stories and photos, and all your ideas.

We also invite you to our Snowmobile Radio Podcast Website http://www.zentalkradio.com/

zw

Snowmobile Trailers Should Be Top Priority

2009-11-04T08:31:00.000-08:00

Perhaps you have noticed that most snowmobile enthusiasts actually live for freezing temperatures, winter weather, and a deep snowfall. To enjoy your sled as much as possible, you should prepare ahead for winter fun.

The first piece of equipment to consider is your snowmobile trailer. Without a properly prepared trailer, you aren’t going to be able to transport your sled. The fall season is a great time to upgrade to the proper type of snowmobile trailer in case you have avoided it in the past.

There are many different types of snowmobile trailers but most experienced snowmobile owners will opt for the enclosed aluminum models. The better snowmobile trailers may have steel frames, but the aluminum and alloy bodies lighten the overall weight and make towing easier. Most of the better enclosed trailers open front and rear for fast and easy loading. Another benefit of enclosed trailers is that they offer a much better storage option then filling your garage with your winter toys.

Next, you should check your sled and replace any snowmobile parts that might be needed, and give the sled a full check up, including a thorough inspection. It seems like snowmobile skis, tracks and studs are among the most often replaced parts. Today you can find snowmobile parts for Ski Doo, Yamaha, Artic Cat and Polaris by doing a quick search.

Finally, it is always a good idea to check over all your safety equipment. Every snowmobile rider, regardless of experience requires warm clothing, a good snowmobile helmet, with a heated visor for good visibility. Nothing is worse than a helmet that fogs up on a day trip. Proper snowmobile riding attire including jacket, bibs, boots, and gloves are a life and death issue. The correct attire not only serves as protection from the wet snow as well as the chilling wind. If you intend on spending hours on the trails, be sure you are dressed properly.

Here's what I do. I get all dressed up at home, from head to foot, then I climb onto my sled in the back yard, and pretend I am leaving. Every time, I find there is something I forgot. Oil, the wire for my visor, my trail pass.. so, once I have done this excersise, I am good to go.

Remember, safety is key. Snowmobiling requires careful planning and thoughtful reflection.

Oh, and don't forget the GPS, the Maps, and tell someone else where you plan to ride and when you should be back. Stay Alive.

zw

http://www.zenwaiter.com

Zen's Canadian Snowmobile Blog is produced and owned by Zenwaiter Internet Services, Box 53, Mossbank Saskatchewan Canada e-mail zen@zenwaiter.com We welcome your snowmobile stories and photos, and all your ideas. zw

Zenwaiter Suffers Heart Attack Oct 15 2009

2009-10-22T11:34:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, I am Alive!

Last Thursday October the 15th, I had aserious heart attack and collapsed on my kitchen floor at the Zen Shack in Mossbank Saskatchewan. It took 55 minutes for the ambulance to show up, as the roads were icy. I eventually ended up in the Regina General Hospital in their new CSU Cardiac wing, and had excellent Canadian medical health care given to me. After three days in CSU, I was given a stent to unblock the right main artery in my heart, and serious damage and death were averted.

Like I have always maintained, the weak link in Canadian Health Care is not the treatments that you get, but the failure to properly diagnose the problem in the first place. I thought all along that I had a lung problem and was idagnosed with COPD, Chronic Obrtructive Pulminary Disease, when all along, I had a growing heart problem. Like I said, if you can last long enough to get a proper diagosis and referal, you are good to go. Lucky for me, the heart attack was not more severe, or my friends would have discovered my rotting corpse on the kitchen floor sometime next spring.

But all that being said, The Regina General Hospital staff were nothing less than extraordinary. Their kindness, service and expertise absolutely astonished me. Never having been hospitalized for anything serious in my life, and having recently heard all the politicians in the USA running our "FREE" health care system into the ground, I was pleasantly surprised to find to an outstanding medical team that was willing to bend over backwards night and day to keep me alive and make me well.

Hoorah for Canada, and Hoorah for our incredible nurses and doctors. Well done.

My enemies will be disapointed to hear that I am still here, and in better fighting form than in the past four years. Bring it on - give me your best shot. I can breath now, and soon I will be back in the gym building muscle mass! Then I will come looking for you and you better hide!

HAHAH!

The Zen Man is BACK! Hoorah!

zw

Zen's Canadian Snowmobile Blog is produced and owned by Zenwaiter Internet Services, Box 53, Mossbank Saskatchewan Canada e-mail zen@zenwaiter.com We welcome your snowmobile stories and photos, and all your ideas. zw

Snowmobile Trade Shows Events List Canada & US

2009-09-26T22:06:00.000-07:00

Canadian & American
Snowmobile Trade Show List

EAST 2009 - 2010 snowmobile shows

Sept 26, 2009: Snowmobile ATV & Grass DragsSanborn New York
for more info: http://www.snochiefs.net

Oct 2-4, 2009: Maine Snowmobile ShowAugusta Civic Center, Augusta, Mainefor more info: http://www.mesnow.com

Oct 2-4, 2009: Big East Powersports ShowOncenter Convention Center, Syracuse, New Yorkfor more info: http://www.agievents.com

Oct 9-11, 2009: New Hampshire Grass DragsFremont, New Hampshirefor more info: http://www.nhgrassdrags.com

Oct 17-18, 2009: New England Powersport ExpoEastern States Exposition Grounds, Springfield, Massachusettsfor more info: http://www.sledmass.com

Oct 30-31,2009 & Nov 1, 2009: PA Snowmobile & ATV ShowLebanon Expo Center, Lebanon, Pennsylvaniafor more info: http://www.pasnowmobileandatvshow.com

MIDWEST 2009 - 2010 snowmobile shows

Sept 12-13, 2009: Hay DaysForest Lake, Minnesotafor more info: http://www.snobarons.com

Sept 18-19, 2009: Vintage Snowmobile & Grass Drag ShowEagle River Derby Track, Eagle River, Wisconsinfor more info: http://www.derbytrack.com

Oct 4, 2009: Grass Drag Nationals & Vintage Snowmobile ShowDouglas, Minnesotafor more info: http://www.byronsnowbears.com

Oct 9-11, 2009: Michigan Snow ShowBarry Expo Center, Hastings, Minnesotafor more info: http://www.msasnow.org

Oct 16-18, 2009: Milwaukee Snow ShowWisconsin Exposition at State Fair Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsinfor more info: http://www.snowmobileusa.com

Nov 6-8, 2009: Novi Snowmobile ShowRock Financial Showplace,Novi, Michiganfor more info: http://www.snowmobileusa.com

Nov 13-14, 2009: Green Bay Snowmobile ShowShopko Hall, Green Bay, Wisconsinfor more info: http://www.snowmobileusa.com

WEST 2009 - 2010 snowmobile shows

Sept 25-26, 2009: Idaho Snowmobile ShowBoise, Idahofor more info: http://www.intermountainshow.com

Oct 10-11, 2009: Rocky Mountain Snowmobile ExpoDenver Merchandise Mart, Denver,Coloradofor more info: http://www.agievents.com

Oct 17-18, 2009: Washington Snowmobile ExpoWestern Washington Fairgrounds, Pullyaup, Washingtonfor more info: http://www.wssa.us

Oct 23-24, 2009: Intermountain Snowmobile ShowSalt Lake City, Utahfor more info: http://www.intermountainshow.com

Nov 14, 2009: Spokane Winter Knights Snowmobile ShowSpokane County Fairgrounds, Spokane, Washingtonfor more info: http://www.winterknights.org

March 12-14, 2010: W Yellowstone World Snowmobile ExpoWest Yellowstone, Montana
for more info: http://www.snowmobileexpo.com

CANADA 2009 - 2010 snowmobile shows

Sept 25-27, 2009: OFSC Go Snowmobiling Show
NEW! - - Has now been combined with the Toronto International Show, (below)

Oct 16-18, 2009: Toronto International Snowmobile ShowToronto International Centre, Missiissauga, Ontario
for more info: http://www.torontosnowmobileshows.com

Oct 16-18, 2009: Quebec City Motorized Recreational Sports ShowCentre de Foires, Quebec City, Quebec
for more info: http://www.fcmq.qc.ca

Oct 17-18, 2009: Lets Ride BC Snowmobile ShowWesbild Centre, Vernon, British Columbia
for more info: http://www.bcsf.org

Oct 23-25, 2009: ASA Snowmobile & ATV ShowAgricom Halls, Edmondton, Alberta
for more info: http://www.altasnowmobile.ab.ca

Nov 6-8, 2009: Saskatchewan Snowmobile ShowCanada Center Building, Regina, Saskatchewan
for more info: http://www.sasksnowmobiling.sk.ca

Nov 14-15, 2009: ASA Snowmobile & ATV ShowCalgary BMO Centre, Calgary, Albertaf
or more info: http://www.altasnowmobile.ab.ca

Get ALL the shows, Canadian AND American Here...
http://zenwaiter.com/snowmobileevenrsshow20092010listings.htm
For more information:
http://www.zenwaiter.com

Zen's Canadian Snowmobile Blog is produced and owned by Zenwaiter Internet Services, Box 53, Mossbank Saskatchewan Canada e-mail zen@zenwaiter.com We welcome your snowmobile stories and photos, and all your ideas.

zw

.

Auberge Gouverneur Shawinigan

2009-09-19T21:08:00.000-07:00

Auberge Gouverneur Shawinigan has decided to support Zenwaiter this winter.

This four star hotel offers many snowmobile services, including superior guest comforts such as a pool, a hot tub, and proffessional massage services, all with value winter pricing, starting at $55. The Hotel is also a full service conference centre, with over a dozen meeting rooms, fully equiped with any audio visual equipment that your snowmobile group might need.

In addition, the Gouverneur features a delicious formal dining room, room service, full banquet services that can accommodate up to 500 guests, a popular bar with entertainment, and secure parking facilities.

This winter, the lovely Priscilla Flynn has been employed by the hotel to work closely with all snowmobile groups, big or small, to ensure the finest snowmobiling experience for all visitors. She will be the main snowmobiling contact, offering advice to travellers in English and French, and managing snowmobile guest requirements such as snowmobile club maps, transefers, rentals, and booking special snowmobile vacation packages, that will offer a wide variation of services, fone for every budget.

Priscilla has also agreed to offer 'up to date snowmobile trail conditions ' to her guests over the phone, as well as arranging the sale of annual Quebec Snowmobile Trail Permits for visitors. She has also agreed to be one of our regular reporing guests on our weekly snowmobile radio podcast, ZEN TALK.

Zenwaiter Internet Services

For ten years, Zenwaiter.com has offered daily snowmobile news and articles covering every aspect of the snowmobile industry. This service is made possible by the generous support of hotel sponsors such as the Gouverneur in Shawinigan.

Zenwaiter offers daily snowmobile news stories about snowmobile trade shows, snowmobile recalls, saftey issues, racing news, and individual snowmobile trail reports sent in by actual sledheds during their holidays. All of this plus a fully interactive site that offers photo albums, a blog, and a bulletin board, makes this site a must read for every snowmobiler.

Zenwaiter also produces a weekly snowmobile radio podcast on http://www.podomatic.com/, which is also available to download from 'I Tunes'. The ZEN TALK Snowmobiling Radio broadcast features racing news, a snowmobile events calendar, and interviews on snowmobile topics, from throttle extentions for mountain riders, to safety tips.

Guests on the show have ranged from film star and extreme snowmobile mountain man, the Krazy Canadian, to interviews with motel owners in Quebec canada, talking about their local snowmobile club, weather conditions, or club challenges.

The show has been recorded on the snowmobile trail, at trade show events, and directly over the phone lines with various interesting guests. The podcast has been downloaded for three years, by thousands of snowmobilers world wide from the Internet, and listened to using an i-pod.

The daily advance of Internet technologies is astounding, and lends itself well to the Zenwaiter group of services, but to continue year after year requires the committment and support of our snowmobile sponsros. The readers appreciate their support and patronize them faithfully.

Zenwaiter.com wants to take this opportunity to thank the Auberge Gouverneur of Shawinigan, for their faith in our continued work, in this our tenth anniversary of publishing snowmobiling news items.

Over the years we have added several additional websites for the snowmobiler, including .

snowmobilephotoalbums.com

usedsnowmobiledealer.com

snowmobilemotel.ca

snowmobilingquebec.com

Our goal is to provide free information to all snowmobilers, coupled with entertainment.

We offer a mix of news, humour, and industry updates, while focusing always on the positive aspects of our sport, such as family activities, and the community building aspects of sledding.

For more information about Zenwaiter Internet Services, contact zen@zenwaiter.com .

For more information about value priced snowmobile trip packages for this Christmas holiday season, please contact Priscilla Flynn at Hotel Gouverneur in Shawinigan Quebec Canada.

For more information about the Auberge Gouverneur in Shawinigan Quebec Canada, please click this image, and meet Priscilla Flynn, Snowmobile Marketing Director of Sales.

Cheers! Have a safe snowmobile season in Quebec!

zw

Zen's Canadian Snowmobile Blog is produced and owned by Zenwaiter Internet Services, Box 53, Mossbank Saskatchewan Canada e-mail zen@zenwaiter.com We welcome your snowmobile stories and photos, and all your ideas. zw

http://www.zenwaiter.com/

Zenwaiter's Newest Snowmobile Sponsor - Brice Photography

2009-08-07T19:21:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our newest Zenwaiter Sponsors,
Jodie and Dan Brice from Waukesha Wisconson.

August 7 2009 - - Waukesha Wisconsin; Zenwaiter.com is pleased to announce the addition of a new sponsor on our small list - Brice Photography out of Waukesha Wisconsin.

Professional advertising photographers Dan and Jodie Brice, have operated a professional photo studio near Milwaukee WI., for over twenty years. This very successful studio has turned out top quality ad campaign photography for the likes of Sarah Lee, Snap on Tools, and even the Legendary Harley Davidson.

Here on our snowmobile pages, we will help them promote their highly anticipated new project, a sexy snowmobile pin-up calendar featuring models that range from Playboy Magazine Super Models, to newly discovered models from their own local region.

We all say Welcome!

Watch for my interview with Jodie in a few days, on our Zen Talk podcast. Please say Thank You to the Brice family, by ordering a new calendar today - click here.

http://www.zenwaiter.podomatic.com/

http://zenwaiter.com/
snowmobilecalendarmodelsphotos.htm

Zen's Canadian Snowmobile Blog is produced and owned by Zenwaiter Internet Services, Box 53, Mossbank Saskatchewan Canada e-mail zen@zenwaiter.com We welcome your snowmobile stories and photos, and all your ideas. zw

2009-07-12T22:04:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone, I posted a new episode to my podcast, Snowmobile Radio Talk Show. The podcast is about my Novi Michigan experience. Please click the link below to view it.

Click here to listen to the snowmobile podcast now!

See you there! - Zenwaiter

http://http://www.zenwaiter.com/

2009-07-08T21:39:00.000-07:00

Bernard is Remembered,
One Year Later

Zenwaiter.com produced a new snowmobiling video, aimed at honouring the memory of Bernard Cournoyer of Motel Safari in Shawinigan Quebec in the Mauricie snowmobile trail Region. Bernard Cournoyer lived from 1939 until July 2008. For the past twenty years, Bernard promoted the sport of snowmobiling in the Mauricie Region of Quebec Canada. Bernard travelled to all the snowmobile trade shows in the USA to promote his home province, and the excellence in snowmobile trail development in his region.

Over the years, he built a snowmobiler clientelle for his own motel, but when he had no accommodations left to rent out, he turned to helping others with his overflow clients. He would explain to the new motel owner, the long list of snowmobiler's needs, and help him to prepare for the winter season. Bernard would help secure the parking lots against snowmobile theft, procure snowmobile trail passes for the motel, and explain that the owners would have to start sending out honest trail and weather reports over the Internet.

With no thought to his own pocketbook, Bernard would often go to great lengths to equip the motel owner for the winter. For many years, Bernard also volounteered in many positions on the snowmobile club executive, and did much of the grunt work himself, such as getting rights of passage from land owners, installing proper signage so snowmobilers wouldn't get lost in the snow, and even driving the groomer if needed, to ensure smooth trails.

Bernared Co-Hosted my Zen Talk Radio Podcast.

Bernard's dream was to have all the motels and hotels in Quebec, equiped with good information and educated as to the needs of visiting English speaking snowmobilers. His greatest accomplishment, was to communicate the need to secure their snowmobiles, truck and trailers, from the real threat of snowmobile theives.

He helped me in many ways, since we met in 2,000, when my life was threatened by a hostile motel owner in St-Zenon, who wanted to kill me for posting honest weather information on the Internet. Bernard's warnings may have saved my life. He also helped me to get new sponsors to support my web site, zenwaiter.com.

I will greatly miss the man, and I hope by doing this work, that in some small way, I will help preserve the memory of this terrific man, husband, and father.

The video was released on the first annisersary of his death, as a tribute to his committment to the sport. The video clip runs just over 26 minutes, and features photos and video of his last winter. Bernard will be fondly remembered by thousands of American snowmobilers, who were introduced to the Canadian trail system through his persistent efforts.

Watch Video now - click here; http://www.vimeo.com/5499337

Learn more about Bernard Here; http://www.zenwaiter.com/bernard.htm

Call for more info or to book a room; 819-536-2664

Visit Motel Safari Web Site; http://www.motelsafari.com

2009-04-11T09:32:00.001-07:00

GETTING READY FOR NEXT SEASON

Now that the season is behind us, there is still some work to do on our sleds so they can be in great shape when we take them out next season. Dave Jones, the owner of Jackman Power Sports in Jackman, shares some advice.

"The No. 1 thing to do is to fog the engine with fogging oil and stabilize the gas with some kind of fuel stabilizer," Jones said."If you don't do this, the gas will separate and dry up in the gas tank or in the carburetors, and you will have fuel issues the next fall. The fogging oil will coat the inside of the engine and stop bearings from rusting – that is the worst thing." Also, you should place something under the rear bumper of the sled so that the tracks don't have pressure on them and above all else, keep the sled out of the sun." That is because the sun will dry-rot everything during the course of the storage.

Under the best circumstances, the sled should be stored in a climate-controlled environment with as little temperature change as possible – or at the very least, stored under a tarp. If you don't have the room or ability to do this, a storage company could help you out.

Another piece of advice: Degrease the engine, remove the drive belt and spray WD-40 on the clutches, engine and all metal components to keep them from rusting or oxidizing. Your owner's manual should have recommendations on how to best protect your sled while it's in storage.

Also, do some final checks on the mechanical parts so that your sled is ready to go when the first substantial snowstorm hits next season. Make sure that every nut and bolt is on tightly. Make note of any missing or broken parts and replace or repair them before storing your sled.

Remove spark plugs and add a very small amount of two-cycle engine oil in the empty spark plug cylinders to avoid rusting. You can also use a rag to plug up pipes to prevent condensation from forming on the inside.

One last suggestion is to remove the snowmobile seat to keep rodents and other critters from moving in while the sled is in storage and out of sight.

"We love snowmobiling and ATV'ing – that is all we do. I like working on the sleds, and I like meeting snowmobilers. Most of the time, they are in a good mood as long as it wasn't a big repair and they aren't broke," said Jones. "Business was very good this year. In fact, given the downturn in the economy, it was better than expected."

Writen by By CATHY GENTHNER;
Portland Press Herald

Back to our main Page
http://www,zenwaiter.com/

2009-03-01T11:33:00.000-08:00

Oceanside California USA

Hello from the Zen Man in Oceanside California!

Here is an update on my activities. You may have noticed that my site has not had many changes over the past five days, and I apologize for that. Now I am hooked up once again, and I hope to continue bringing you all the news that's fit to print about snowmobiling, plus regional snowmobile trail and weather updates from Quebec Canada, as always.

I spent 18 weeks in the east this winter, and brought you dozens of reports, videos, movie compilations, blogs, articles, photos and more from six major snowmobile shows and events, and from dozens of locations in Quebec and elsewhere. Go see for yourself http://www.zenwaiter.com/

Looks like I have a black eye in this one- just tired and sick.

Now I am taking a well deserved break. I call this a pre emptive health break. I want to soak up a little sunshine and warmth before I get really sick. My lungs are the basic problem. After my weeks on the road, I went back to my home in Saskatchewan, but found that I had difficulty breathing in my old house. I was getting progressively worse. I have had pneumonia every winter for three years, so this year, when I felt it coming on, I thought I had better go someplace where there is humid moist air.

At first, I planned to drive diagonally, from Saskatchewan (N of Montana) where I live, straight down to Southern California, where my two sons live. Then I changed my mind, and decided to go some place humid, where I could also earn money. I decided on Vancouver Canada, where I have a good friend in the Motorcycle business. I could do some search engine site optimization and promotion for his web site. He told me to come on down, and he would give me some work.

Zen stops for a break in the Canadian Rockies in BC.

Perfect.. I thought. Get some good quality humid air for my lungs, and make some money, but when I got to Vancouver, he had cooled off on the idea of hiring me, and left me flat. Outside the temperature plummeted to -20C and the roads were covered in a new sheet of ice. "Screw this, I thought, I'm goin' South!". "Get the Visa card out right now and let's go!"

It took me three long days of driving to reach Oceanside. I didn't waste money staying in motels, I'm too cheap - - I just slept in the jeep at rest stops. Also, for food, I just grab fruit from the grocery store, and bottled water.

Here in beautiful Oceanside California, the streets are lined with Palm trees and the sun is blazing, but not too hot. The temp is a perfect 75 F with a light steady breeze. The beaches are speckled with sun seekers and surfers. The market place is filled with fresh fruit and vegetables. My lungs seem to be improving already after only two days, and I am soaking up the sun.

This morning I recorded a new radio show episode featuring Pat G., the famous snowmobile realtor from Montreal, though I still don't sound very good. My voice is raspy and wheezy, but my health is starting to improve.

I will soon visit my two boys in Santa Barbara, and see my grand daughter Aliyah for the first time. I hope to remain here for one month and recuperate. I will also continue to update the web site as the snowmobile trail reports arrive from Quebec and elsewhere, from snowmobilers in the field.

Thanks to all our sponsors who made Zenwaiter.com possible again this year. Ride safe, and enjoy the beautiful spring conditions on the snowmobile trails of Quebec. The trails are well groomed, the sun is bright and warm, and all the clubs have completed the signage. Also, all the motels and restaurants are 100% ready to serve you, and offer spring prices and special packages. For years I have told you to ride Quebec in March, because there is very little traffic, and the weather is perfect - mild in the day and -20 at night.

Cheers.
zw

Go listen to the show... http://www.zenwaiter.podomatic.com

Watch video here...

Christmas; A time for Reflection

2008-12-26T04:34:00.000-08:00

A Time to Reflect.

The pressures of the life we build around ourselves can be unrelenting, but we do get the occasional opportunity to stop everything and reflect. Today is a good day to stop, and have a look round. Take a deep breath. Ahhhhh.

Snowmobiling is a rugged activity, fraught with preparations and concerns. Getting the sleds setup, greasing the wheels on the trailer and check the tire pressure, checking the weather and the snowfall, calling ahead to book the room, and then checking out Quebec Rider or Trail Conditions.Com on line, to see what the boys are saying about the trails, is a big job. Finally, we fill the truck with gas and head north.

In my case, I need to get my snowmobile gear ready, and my web gear ready. The physical stuff is one thing, then I have to have the website ready too, and that requires months of hard work. And then, there's the rest of the coincidentals, that means cameras, batteries, computers, soft ware, two stroke oil, helmets, gloves, bibs etc etc. .

In order to go out on a trail, collect fresh web content, then come back to the hotel room and hook up on the computer, you have to be organized. The reporting has to go out the same day. Photos, videos, and stories must be updated daily, as well as all the regular daily tasks like checking email, and updating pages that need minor changes and tweaking. Throw in the occasional web virus, or computer crash, and you get the picture. Somedays, it's all I can do to get a connection to the Internet.

Well, right now, I have everything ready. My web site has taken four months of work, but she is looking pretty good. My sponsors are all lined up, their ads are installed on the site, and they should be pleased with the results. My sled is tuned up and ready to ride.

Now I need just three things. A bit of money to trickle in to pay for travel and gas expenses, snow on the ground, and continuing good health. If all that comes together, I will have the perfect storm effect. So far so good. (Remember last winter? I got pnuemonia in January, and I had to work from home for the rest of the sesason.)

I have been on the road for about 13 weeks now. Any sponsorship money that came in was spent on attending six snowmobile shows, travelling to visit some of the sponsors, and a little bit of riding. This is a great time for donations to trickle in. A fifty will fill my snowmobile tank for one day of reporting.

Next, I will spend another four weeks, photographing snowmobilers, and telling their stories on my web pages. After that I will go home, and work from an organized office.

The goal is to promote the sport through the Internet, and somehow keep the wolf away from the door at the same time.

I hope you will share your snowmobile experiences with my readers this winter. Send me three photos, with three short paragraphs. Tell me who is in the photos, when and where they were taken, and then fill me in on some of the fun details of your trip. I will post your content on this blog, and on the front page of zw.com.

Remember, when you send in a report, it gives me a day off from the actual trails. That is a good day for me to play catch up. Did you know that I spend six to twelve hours a day at the computer screen in the winter months, to bring you Zenwaiter.com?

Have a happy holiday, and remember, safety first.

Cheers!
zw
http://www.zenwaiter.com/

Snowmobile Vacations in British Columbia Canada

2008-12-22T05:32:00.000-08:00

Snowmobile Article by Mark Hultgren

Snowmobile Vacations in British Columbia, Canada

Canada has some of the premier resorts and facilities designed to fit the needs of snowmobilers and other winter sport enthusiasts. The vast snowy landscape along with the predictable wintry conditions are ideal for taking a snowmobile through the thousands of miles of trails that are wonderfully maintained throughout the area. Several provinces in Canada also contain organizations and facilities that strive to make the snowmobiling experience even more thrilling and enjoyable.

British Columbia is an ideal place for snowmobilers in Canada to enjoy the favorite winter activity. With an astonishing 50-70 feet of annual snowfall, the conditions in this region make for thrilling experiences in the great wide-open landscape. The Great Canadian Snowmobile Tours ? a British Columbian Company in Revelstoke, British Columbia ? is a government licensed tour facility that has also won awards for the their highly-acclaimed snowmobile tours and operations.
They offer vacationers great options for renting the latest in snowmobile in technology along with accessories and safety equipment. They are dedicated to providing guests with the best possible options by replacing their equipment often and maintaining the equipment that they have. Most of their snowmobiles are equipped with two-inch tracks, ideal for traveling through deep snow and doubling as flotation skis for gliding over areas of water.

In addition to the rental equipment, the Great Canadian Snowmobile Tours Company offers a variety of private and open guided snowmobile tours to fit the skills of any snowmobiler. Most of the tours are package deals that provide all of the essentials needed for a long snowmobile trip, including safety equipment and meals along the way. Most tours involve small groups of five or six snowmobilers, so there is a greater chance of trips customized to fit the needs of each group participant.

Upon returning to the destination, snowmobilers are treated to free appetizers. Other packages include a steak and salmon barbecue in a private facility. Other specialized snowmobile tours are available, including a tour for women only and trips that span out over several days. Frequent area snowmobilers will appreciate the guided tours because there is always new terrain to experience along the way and interesting nature and wildlife in the surroundings, including hot springs and caribou.

One of the premier winter resorts in the British Columbia area is the Glacier House Resort in Revelstoke. This is an ideal place where many tours begin their trip. The resort offers guests a fireplace in their private lodge-style rooms along with an indoor pool and Jacuzzis in the bathrooms.

The resort also provides a variety of specialized spa services and a lodge-style tavern with a large projector screen in the meeting area that plays snowmobiling DVDs throughout the day. It also provides guests with daily trail updates and an avalanche danger rating so snowmobilers will know what the conditions are like before heading out for the day. Surrounded by the Frisby, Turtle, and Boulder Mountains, Glacier House Resort affords guests glorious views from the private balconies.

The Canadian province of British Columbia is one of the best places to plan your next snowmobile vacation because of the many services their resorts offer to their guests. With customized tours and expert guides, even inexperienced snowmobilers will feel comfortable learning how to ride at one of the many British Columbia winter resorts, namely the Glacier House Resort. Experienced users will enjoy the more challenging trails available to them. All guests will undoubtedly marvel in the spectacular mountain views from their resort along with the luxurious amenities provided.

Article by Mark Hultgren

Zen's Canadian Snowmobile Blog is produced and owned by Zenwaiter Internet Services, Box 53, Mossbank Saskatchewan Canada e-mail zen@zenwaiter.com We welcome your snowmobile stories and photos, and all your ideas. zw

http:www..zenwaiter.com

Having Fun on the Job

2008-12-09T04:51:00.000-08:00

As many of my readers know, I have done this Internet snowmobile job for nine years. I run around the US and Canada to all sled events, write stories, take photos, create web pages and blogs etc etc.

I make it all look like I have the life of Riley; whoever he was. But the truth is, I work 7 days a week. If I spend one hour on the trail, or out to a fun snowmobile show or race or venue, I spend three hours at my computer, relaying the info.

That is the life of a snowmobile blogger. The trick is, to create an image of myself, as a guy that is having a 24 -7 party. A dream life of riding and playing, a full on snowmobile party all the time. The truth is, I am often exhausted and not feeling well. Yes I do enjoy the life, it is what I do and who I am, but I am worn out.

Occasionally though, I do have fun. I used to have fun with Crazy Al, and Dr C, and with Bernard of Motel Safari. Those guys are gone. This year, I am having fun with Jean Beaulieu. I call him Little Buddha. He is a funny funny man. We went for Chineese at lunch yesterday, and then called on Beaver & Bob's snowmobile repair business to drop off his sled, then we went and saw Jeff and Max at the snowmobile rental place in Grand Mere. We laughed all day.

I have to be fair with all my sponsors, but when I have so much pleasure with one guy, how can I not write about it. Little Buddha!

I sincerely hope that some of my old snowmobile friends will come and stay here this winter, or at least drop in for lunch, so I can play. The trails are outstanding, the snow is already deep, and the bar is a blast. See yah on the trails!

xoxox zen

Video clip of Zen and Buddha laughing and cutting up.

http://www.zenwaiter.com/12022007Beaulieu.htm

http://www.aubergebeaulieu.com/

http://www.maximumaventure.com/

Snowmobile Safety Lists & Supplies

2008-11-28T07:39:00.000-08:00

Snowmobile Safety Lists

From Wenatchee National Forest:

Snowmobile Safety Reminders, Safety and Survival Tips

Snowmobilers Code of Ethics

1. I will be a good sportsman. I recognize that people judge all snowmobile owners by my actions. I will use my influence with other snowmobile owners to promote sportsmanlike conduct.

2. I will not litter trails or camping areas. I will not pollute streams or lakes.

3. I will not damage living trees, shrubs, or other natural features.

4. I will respect other people's property and rights.

5. I will lend a helping hand when I see someone in distress.

6. I will make myself and vehicle available to assist search and rescue parties.

7. I will not interfere with or harass skiers, snowshoers, or other winter sportsmen. I will respect their rights to enjoy our recreation facilities.

8. I will know and obey all Federal, State, and local rules regulating the operation of snowmobiles in areas where I use my vehicle. I will inform public officials when using public lands.

9. I will not harass wildlife. I will avoid areas posted for the protection of wildlife.

REMINDERS

Remember to notify someone of:
1. Your trip.
2. Your planned route of travel.
3. Your estimated time of return.

If You Become lost or Have Mechanical Trouble:

Keep calm think, decide on a plan.

Trust your compass.

Back track if possible - If not possible, remain in place.

Don't separate if with a party.

Don't abandon your snowshoes or skis.

Build a fire and shelter, stay warm.

Mark your base camp.

When someone is overdue, keep calm and contact Sheriff or other law officers, snowmobile clubs, and the Forest Service.

Distress signals.

Three smokes, three blasts of whistle, three shouts, three flashes of light, three of anything that will attract attention.

-----------------------------------

Snowmobile Safety & Survival Tips:

Respect The Property & Privacy Of Others.

FENCES Are expensive to repair. Take care not to destroy them. Use gates when traveling over fenced lands.

BUILDINGS Respect other people's property and No Trespass signs. Buildings should not be entered. Notify proper authorities if you find evidence of vandalism.

SKI AREAS Are for skiers. Please keep snowmobiles off all ski slopes.

CAMPGROUNDS Avoid running over tables, stoves, or other improvements covered with snow.

LITTER Please don't leave trash on the snow. Carry a litter bag and follow the "carry in_carry out" motto.

CLOSED AREAS The use of motorized vehicles is prohibited on snow measurement courses, in Primitive Areas and Wilderness. If in doubt, inquire at a local forest service office.

AVALANCHE TIPS Avoid mountainous terrain after heavy snowfalls or prolonged periods of high wind. Avoid crossing steep sidehills and entering narrow, steeply sided canyons. Weather Forecast? Don't travel in a storm. Turn back if the weather turns bad. If visibility is reduced or area is unfamiliar, follow your tracks back out. Safe Routes? Avoid avalanche terrain. Avoid thin ice or unsafe river crossings. Survival Kit? Equip snowmobile with survival materials. Review publications on winter survival.

GENERAL SAFETY TIPS Physically fit? Take no one who cannot make it back in case of breakdown. Remember that human efficiency declines in cold weather. Going Alone? Travel in a group of at least three people and two snowmobiles. Good Equipment? Know how to make repairs; carry an emergency repair kit. Have enough gas, with some to spare. Carry snow shoes or skis. Review check list for other needs. Trip Planned? Know where you're going stick to it. Inform a responsible person of your planned route, and when you'll return. Use registration boards where provided.

HYPOTHERMIA Cold kills in two distinct steps:

STEP ONE:EXPOSURE & EXHAUSTIONWhen your body begins to lose heat faster than it produces it, you are undergoing exposure. Two things happen:

1. You voluntarily exercise to stay warm.

2. Your body makes involuntary adjustments to preserve normal temperature in the vital organs.Either response drains your energy reserves. The only way to stop the drain is to reduce the degree of exposure.

FIRST LINE OF DEFENSEAVOID EXPOSURE
1. Stay dry.
2. Beware the wind.
3. Understand cold. Most hypothermia cases develop in air temperatures between 30 and 50 degrees.
4. Don't ask, "how cold is the air?" Ask instead, "how cold is the water against my body?"STEP

TWO: HYPOTHERMIA - If exposure continues until your energy reserves are exhausted.

1. Cold reaches the brain depriving you of judgement and reasoning power. You will not realize this is happening.
2. You will lose control of your hands. This is hypothermia. Your internal temperature is sliding downward.Without treatment this slide leads to stupor, collapse and death. The time to prevent hypothermia is during the period of exposure and gradual exhaustion.

Check List; Items for day trip up to 10 hours

Many items can be taken for convenience and comfort, but the following are a must on EVERY trip:

Proper clothing and "extras" for everyone.

Equipment in top shape & tested Tools for snowmobiles & equipment repair
Spare motor parts, sparkplugs, gas Snowshoes or skis Enough food (emergency rations & lunch) Canned heat (to start fire) Matches (waterproof) & candle Emergency signaling mirror Compass and map Whistle (plastic) 100 feet 1/4" nylon rope 9' x 12' plastic tarp (temporary shelter) Flashlight Hatchet First Aid Kit (group) Sunglasses or goggles

SURVIVAL

1. Don't Panic Think and decide on a plan of action. Stay together. Conserve your energy and warmth.

2. Check Food Carry dehydrated emergency ration.
3. Melt Clean Snow Quench thirst. You can survive a long time on water alone.
4. Make Shelter Use snow and evergreen boughs. Birch bark is waterproof.
5. Build Fire Use ice to reflect sun's rays. Use engine spark, flashlight batteries and steel wool. Keep fire out of wind. Reflect fire into shelter.
6. Make Signal Use fire, smoke, whistle, flares, snowmobile and parts or signs in the snow.
7. Make Your Position Clear Tramp wheel (100 ft. diameter) use upright boughs on south side to cast shadows. Your signal is now visible from a plane.

BE SURE TO CARRY Spare spark plugs, spare drive belt, spare fuel, emergency rations, a first aid kit, flares, a knife or small axe, waterproof matches, spare clothing, flashlight, tool kit, extra ignition key.

----------------------------------

Pre-Ride Checklist

Keep this checklist with you when you ride. Before you start your machine, check the following:

Throttle (it should freely return to the idle or closed position)

Snowmobile (it should be positioned in a clear space free of people or objects)

Fuel and Battery

Ski Assemblies and Rods

Variable Speed Drive Belt

General Mechanical Conditions

Handlebars (they should turn both ways)

Weather Forecast, your clothes and the wind chill factor (to ensure you'll be warm enough).

Emergency Supplies, including: Spare spark plugs, knife, small ax, spare drive belt, waterproof matches, spare fuel, spare clothing, emergency rations, flashlight first aid kit, tool kit, flares, extra ignition key.

Before you start to drive, check the following:
Brakes (they should operate freely and smoothly)
head and taillights emergency switch idle (slowly run your machine for 30 seconds) -

Info provided by New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, 2003 Snowmobile Manual

======================================
Snowmobile Safety Supply ArticleArticle Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ben_Hansen

Carrying the right supplies while snowmobiling could mean the difference between a comfortable and enjoyable trip, or one that you would prefer to forget. Even worse, one that you don't come home from. Below are the items that I carry with me on any trip, even fair weather ones.

Additional items may be necessary if you traveling in remote areas, going on an extended trip, or in a situation with unpredictable weather. Always use good judgment and consult with local experts if you are unsure about what you may need, or are unfamiliar with the area.

A bag strapped to the tunnel contains: 8-10 King Size Snickers , Army Surplus Compressed Fuel Cubes (Trioxane), Army Surplus compact tin stove (really small), 2 Lighters, Candles (For light and heat), Stainless Steel Cup for liquids, Roll of electrical tape, Length of duct tape, LED headlamp, Warm hat, Gloves, Small roll of TP, Sunscreen, GPS, Compass, Leatherman, Knife, Whistle, Spare batteries for headlamp and GPS, 4 Cylume light sticks, 4 space blankets, 2 carabineers, 4 chemical hand warmers, Zip ties , Bungee cord, twine.

In a separate and conditions proof bag (backpack) I carry: Shovel, Extra gloves , Extra socks Extra fleece jacket, Extra thermal top, Matches, Flagging (for marking a trail), Pencil, Paper, Additional food, Collapsible water bag, Sports drink mix, First aid kit, Emergency bivy sack.

In the snowmobile storage compartments: 25' rope, 10' of rope webbing, Tubing for siphoning gas, Spare spark plugs, Basic tool kit, Spare belt On my person, Cell phone - fully charged, ID , Car keys - hopefully.

You can find more information on this and other topics at the H2OREGON snowmobile discussion forum found at: http://www.h2oregon.com

Zen's Canadian Snowmobile Blog is produced and owned by Zenwaiter Internet Services, Box 53, Mossbank Saskatchewan Canada e-mail zen@zenwaiter.com We welcome your snowmobile stories and photos, and all your ideas. zw

Internet Inovators Spread Sled Info

2008-10-21T20:42:00.001-07:00

Quebec Snowmobilers Use Internet 4 Good

Montreal QC - - October 22, 2008: That's me on the left. In the centre is Marc Thibeault from motoneigist.ca , and on the right is Bob Petit, Quebec author, broadcaster, and snowmobile pioneer in Quebec. All three of us are using the Internet to promote truth, safety, sobriety, and sanity on Quebec Trails. We also write about the new technology, trail conditions, destinations, and more. We have all abandoned the printed page, owned by the man, for the freedom and power of the Internet.

Visit Bob's website here.. http://www.bobpetit.ca/ Bob uses hundreds of photos and videos to chronicle the history of ATV and snowmobile activity in Quebec, and much much more. Bob has a unique perspective, because he was organizing snowmobilers back when it all began in the 1960's, and he has been recognized by everyone, and every level of government and ngo's for over 40 yrs of volunteerism. He has won every snowmobile tourism honour and award there is, and a few that were created just for him. He still writes weekly articles for local newspapers and appears on snowmobile tv shows regularly. He is Mr Snowmobile in Quebec, and deserves our recognition and our respect. He has built a small museum on his property, that documents the truth of Quebec's snowmobile development history. Get ahold of me, and I can set you up a personal tour. He is in St-Jean-de-Matha.

http://www.zenwaiter.com/ has been "on the air" (Internet air that is) for nine years. I found it exhilarating to have the power to spread good helpful information to the snowmobile community, and I found it cool to be part of the snowmobile family. When I go to a show, I get hugs and appreciation from my readers. I feel I have helped many people to create family memories with their favorite sport, by helping them to organize holidays and avoid some pitfalls. This winter I am still pushing ahead with three Radio Podcasts a week, where I interview everyone and anyone about sledding. I am also experimenting with my web cast on Blog TV. This is where I broadcast live and record at the same time, then store the video on http://www.blogtv.com/ Search for Zenwaiter. I also have a regional photo album, a YOUTUBE station with over a hundred video clips, a discussion board and way more, too much to mention.

Marc in the centre, heads up a popular French language snowmobile magazine that is growing online. There was a huge buzz around his booth at the Quebec City Sled Show. He told me in an interview on Zen Talk, that he hopes to provide snowmobile trail conditions, provide an events calendar, and has a special long trial period evaluation program, where five of his gang get a free sled to drive around all winter. I guess they write detailed reports for the readers on their impressions of the machines. (I wish I had thought of that idea - I still have to pay for my own sled after nine years! hahah). Good for you Marc! I hope your web site will live long and prosper. You sure have people excited about it, that's for sure. Most of the articles I found on his site are press releases from the manufacturers, which is handy. If I have time this winter, I'll send you a few of my own to re-print on your English side. http://www.sledmagazine.com/

This beautiful young woman, known among sledheads as Belle des Neiges, is a well known Internet blogger and a snowmobile activist. She goes beyond the screen work on her web site, to the real world. Her organization strives to represent the rights and will of the real snowmobiler, by organizing and mobilizing large groups of snowmobilers when necessary.

This woman rides over 7,000 kilometers per year on some of Quebecs best trails, somewhere midway between Quebec City and Lac St Jean, the inland sea. She is no Internet pretender - she's the real article. A special ed school teacher by day, and a sledder every weekend. Visit her web site for more http://www.admdq.org/

This will be winter number nine for me online, talking about sledding. Did I make any money yet? Nope. I got a free jacket from a snowmobile apparel sponsor, and I get complimentary rooms now and again, but I feel I have earned all of that. I have paid my dues. I think this Podcast Radio thing on I-Tunes that I have going, just may one day pay off! Imagine if I-Tunes one day, allows me to charge one buck for every download of my show. Then I could pay my rent!

Thanks everyone for reading this story. I hope to hear from you this winter. Come be a guest on my Zen Talk snowmobile radio show. Send me photos of your trip for my albums. Make comments on my disscussion boards about the trail conditions. Send in a cash donation if you win the state lottery! hahaha. (no really) or become a sponsor through your business.

Stay safe out there, and feel free to email me if you have any qns about sledding in Quebec this winter. I'm connected! I'd love to help out if I can.

zen@zenwaiter.com

Cheers!

zw
http://www.zenwaiter.com/

please visit our newest sponsor!

2008-10-21T20:21:00.000-07:00

Snowmobile Hospitality - More than Business

2008-10-17T20:02:00.001-07:00

Yves, Marie-Claude, and her daddy, Richard

Sometimes we look at hotel owners and their families in Quebec as buisiness people only. When we do this - we are missing the boat. Take Richard for example, up at Auberge Mekinac.

Richard has been a computer programmer since 1980, and has reached the top of his proffession at fifty something. His wife is beautiful and loves him desperately - I love to see that. His kids play hockey, and are supported 100% by their mom and dad. They all live in an apartment on the main floor of the hotel.

The main cook has been Yves (above) for eight years. The food is terrific- simple and healthy. The prices are cheaper than reasonable. The place is clean as a whistle, and lights are out at 11 pm. Everyone goes to bed.

Richard is no slouch. He has invested half a million in renovations alone over the past 8 years. The beds are all brand new- and I like that. The bathrooms are all brand new - tile, fixtures, everything.

The place is on the three main trails that are just north of Shawinigan.

But the reason I like this place is simple. Family. If you want to come up to Quebec to get drunk, find some other place - this is not for you!

Richard's family group helps snowmobilers to have fun, stay safe, and make great family memories to cherish for a life time. It's a whole lot more than a business at Mekinac, it's family. Look for me here this year, I hope to stay here often.

Crazy Al and Bernard are both gone, but the spirit of hospitality lives on at Auberge Mekinac .

Good luck Richard, and God bless your big family!

XOXOXOX ZEN

www.aubergemekinac.com

Zen's Canadian Snowmobile Blog is produced and owned by Zenwaiter Internet Services, Box 53, Mossbank Saskatchewan Canada e-mail zen@zenwaiter.com We welcome your snowmobile stories and photos, and all your ideas. zw

2008 OFSC Snowmobile Show in Toronto a Hit

2008-10-02T07:43:00.000-07:00

2008 OFSC Toronto Snowmobile Show: Excellent!

Three volounteers from St Mary's Ontario, hand out maps and answer questions for OFSC District # 5 .

This was year two for the newest snowmobile show in Ontario, and from my perspective, it was a full on success! The numbers weren't reflective of the quality of the event. I'm certain the numbers will increase next year when the word gets out. This was a true family snowmobile show, introducing the new person to the sport, entertaining those that already enjoy it, and reminding people that may once have been snowmobilers, just how good riding outdoors can be.

The show was a hit, and attendance in the future will definitely go up.

At the show I met several people who are super committed to snowmobiling, everyone from snowmobile club presidents, to the guys that volounteer to run the groomers on their days off. Hundreds of families turned up together, wandered through all the displays, and had the opportunity to learn about safety, the rules of the trail, and snowmobile fashions. People looking at the sport for the first time, had the chance to drive a new snowmobile out in the parking area. Volounteers partnered with business people, and the result was magic.

Yamaha Canada helped out by setting up a live test track where newcomers to the sport could try out the newest technology. Hundreds lined up for their ride.

I learned how to rescue myself from a sudden cold water immersion, and I hope I never have to try it. The demonstration was sensational, and all the kids gathered around to watch as a volounteer dove into a huge tub of water and ice near the main stage. With a microphone strapped to his head, he explained what he was experiencing as his body went through three stages of shock. Then he pulled out two little safety ice picks, and yarded his soaking wet body out onto the ice, describing what to do, and how to do it in order to save yourself. It was brilliant. What amazed me most, was that he repeated the demo several times over the weekend, in order to teach as many people as possible, to save themselves.

Volounteer models showed off the latest snowmobile fashions.

The backers of this show deserve a big pat on the back. The volounteers of the OFSC, and those that organize Ontario snowmobiling full time, get top marks for putting on an excellent weekend exhibition, which showed off the best attributes of our favorite sport.

I can't wait till next year. This is the kind of public display that makes us all look good, and raises our profile in the community, as a positive, fun, and wholesome family winter activity. Bravo.

Zen's Canadian Snowmobile Blog is produced and owned by Zenwaiter Internet Services, Box 53, Mossbank Saskatchewan Canada

e-mail zen@zenwaiter.com

We welcome your snowmobile stories and photos, and all your ideas.

zw

2008-10-01T06:17:00.000-07:00

October 1 2008 -
Another Big Snow winter on the Way

Zen gets run over by Heather and Christine at the OFSC show in Toronto, while they promoted the Easy Rider dealership. I tried to talk them into modelling as the only Canadian gals, in our next DEouble Extreme Calendar. They may do it!

Here in beautiful Montreal, the leaves are changing colour, and already they are falling everywhere. There is a nip in the air. The weatherman is predicting another killer winter with cold temperatures and huge snowfalls. Alright!

Every weekend there is a snowmobile show somewhere, and the industry is hard at work preparing us for another season. Last week Toronto's OFSC show was not well attended, but it is only their second year. It had many new features to educate the sledhead on safety, and plenty of kids stuff which encourages families to take up the sport.

This week the Big East in New York will rock the Oncentre in Syracuse with lots of chrome. Then it's Epping in New Hampshire with a fabulous outdoor show full of racing on grass and water. The food there is the best, and it's a great family weekend. Strollers outnumber the race sleds. Epping is good for the sport.

Blair Morgan is seriously hurt, breaking his back for the second time. He's paralysed from the waiste down. It happened right here in Montreal last week. The thirty year old Saskatchewan native is down, but I wouldn't count him out. The man has heart. Pray for a speedy recovery.

Yamaha Canada partners up with the OFSC to give everyone at the Snowmobile Show, a chance to ride a snowmobile, for the first time! Welcome to our great sport!

The mainstream press will use the accident to denounce all powersports as dangerous no doubt, what else is new. Screw the mainstream media - stick with us bloggers.

I will be doing a drive about when I get back from NY to have a quick call to all my Zenwaiter sponsors. I want to see the leaves turning, out in the Quebec countryside for myself this year. Cent Lacs and Relais 22 have Moose hunting, try that out.

Rabaska is back in as a sponsor, I guess they are going to support us after all. Glad to have them back. That place is the ultimate beauty. Esterel and the Chute are good to go. Location Haute Matawinie snowmobile rentals is also with us. They have grown so much; you outta see their new show room in St-Michel-des-Saints.

Who else is with us? Mont Laurier's Sports Cage Pub, and the Comfort Inn are with us, and we hope to sign up the Skidoo dealer too this winter. Motel Safari is all paid up as a sponsor as well, so don't count them out. And let's not leave out Phil and Luc from Choko Design snowmobile apparel. Chris from SnoSuit.com's team will also go the distance, and has new clothing this year for the avid ice fisherman.

The tourism office in the Mauricie Region is also continuing to sponsor us in a big way this year, thank God for them. We hope to send them plenty of riders. They have invested heavily into trail equipment, and will need our encouragement this winter, especially since they lost Bernard.

John Blaicher is a safety expert and demonstrates how to get out of a sudden emersion in icy water. It was another snowmobile awareness seminar sponsored by the OFSC at the Toronto Show last week.

Aside from business sponsors, we will keep walking hand in hand with many friends and partners in this crazy snow business- Rob at Quebecriders.com reports that sledders are nervous about the US economy. The other Rob at Trailconditions.com, is working full time with the Dragster Racing industry.

Meanwhile the Krazy Canadian at Thunderstruck Films has released a new film of his own production house in Nelson BC, and our very own PGA golf pro in PA known as the freaky Sled Freak at sledfreak.com is alive and well. He says his 3000 sled freak members are stirring, and getting ready for another great season of riding on Tug Hill. He is also preparing for a golf tournament to raise money for a good cause.

Our buddy Travis at Double Extreme snowmobile calendars in Minnesota, just had four of his gorgeous swimsuit models up to Hay Days, signing their newest calendar for 2009. Wow! It's hot! Great swim suit models and tricked out snowmobile mods, in the same photo.

It's early in the morning here, and I haven't had even one single cup of coffe yet, so don't kill me if I have left you out. I am doing this all from memory. So many snowmobile people and organizations have partnered with us lately - Oh yeah, lets not forget the snow shows, most of them are giving us press passes now and a table! Wow, now that's recognition.

I just spent the weekend with Video Mike from Michigan at the OFSC show. Mike has ambitious plans to expand his PBS hit show to include an ATV component this year. We hope to work together to bring several snowmobile regions of Canada into the spot light. Mike has been very generous in his support of Zenwaiter over the past few years, and I hope to work together with him to promote the brighter side of this incredible sport; touring amazing landscapes, discovering nature, and travelling with new friends through all kinds of weather! You must go to his site to become a member of his new tour pass, that will give you access to six years of snowmobile destination adventure programing. Mike is now making his tour pass available to all snowmobile clubs at very reasonable cost.

Video Mike and Zenwaiter interview snowmobilers for the Snow Trails TV Show that is carried on PBS in several US and Canadian Markets. Go see www.snowtrailstv.com

Also the Wood Runner's Trail people up in the north have been talking about being sponsor's as well. You have to check out their area - that's 100 lakes coutry, you know- Club Scott and Haltaparche etc etc. That's no traffic back packing territory - amazing riding.

My main push this winter will be the ZEN TALK radio podcast. We just finished show number 80 in the past 12 months. It is slowly improving. We have over 300 listeners a day - those are people who actually download the podcast, so I think that demonstrates committment. They pull the shows off ITUNES and listen to them on their IPODS. Cool! I hope YOU will call me from the trail for a live trail report this winter on my show.

I am waiting to hear from Jack's Outback up in Lac St Jean. I hope he decides to stay on as a sponsor too. Also, Richard from Mekinac will be joining us this winter too, pretty sure. I am not sure about Beaulieu, but whether he signs on again or not, I will be seeing him for sure. He's a wildman!

Hundreds of kids enjoyed the Go Snowmobiling Show, put on by the OFSC in Toronto. Introduction of the sport at an early age is important for the future of our sport.

Ooops, I almost forgot Bernard's pal in Shawinigan - Classy Denny at L'Escapade! Denny reports that the Esterel has been busy this fall, building a new pool, a spa, a sauna, and a fully equiped excersise room. He also told me he has a room for me anytime this winter - so expect to see photos of me naked, jumping off the diving board at midnight! (okay, I admit, that's just an idle threat.) But I will be there alot this winter.

Please come up to Quebec this winter and ride with me! I have my sled, and I will be going everywhere. The gas prices are dropping back down, and the deals at the hotels will be extrordinary. Book your favorite ride now!

If you want your club's news on our front page, remember it's FREE! Just send it to zen@zenwaiter.com . If you need promoting services for your hotel or snowmobile related biz, contact me now!

cel is 306-354-7888

Go listen to our snowmobile radio podcast here.

Go see our snowmobile website here.

Cheers

zw

Zen's Canadian Snowmobile Blog is produced and owned by Zenwaiter Internet Services, Box 53, Mossbank Saskatchewan Canada e-mail zen@zenwaiter.com We welcome your snowmobile stories and photos, and all your ideas. zw

Promote Your Snowmobile Business Promotion de Commerce Motoneige

2008-08-17T12:26:00.000-07:00

2008 - 2009 Zen Tour - Promoting Your Snowmobile Business
Be the first to promote your snowmobile ATV business w/ Zenwaiter marketing

A mechanic at a great Bombardier dealer in Mont Laurier Quebec (Constantineau)

Is your snowmobile motel or garage stuck in the middle of no-where? Do you have a quality snowmobiler accommodation or snowmobile & ATV rental service to offer, but have no way to promote it?

Let Zenwaiter get the word out for you fast, with the power of the World Wide Internet.

I have been promoting snowmobile, ATV, hunting and fishing camps and destinations, for nine years. I can help you, and it doesn't have to cost a fortune!

Here is the offer.

A) ZENWAITER FRONT PAGE STORY: $ 300.00During snowmobile season, from two to five thousand snowmobilers a day, visit the main Zenwaiter.com web site every day. Now you can get your photo with your friends and clients, and your logo, on our front page, with a link to your site. This is very powerful advertising for your motel or snowmobile related business. When our readers see a photo of your snow, your trail, or your motel, or your snowmobile product, they will call and do business with you. Our front page report/stories are usually under 100 words and include a photo. This story will stay on the front page, at the top, for a few days, then it will start to move down the page, as new stories are added at the top. After a few weeks, the story will be moved onto a permanent Archived Page, and will be accessible for years. (This product does not require Zen to visit your location.) In the snowmobile season, this front page changes daily. It features important news items daily, plus occasionally, we slip in a sponsored story, like yours! See Zenwaiter.com front page here.

B) 'ZEN TALK' SNOWMOBILE RADIO PODCAST SHOW: $ 225.00Thousands of snowmobile fanatics visit Zenwaiter.com every day, and now they could listen to you, talking to Zen on 'Zen Talk' , our popular radio podcast. The listeners will learn about your place, and find out about your web site. On the show, you can talk about your hot tub, your trails, the friendly staff in your bar, or your excellent snowmobile club. (This product does not require Zen to visit your location.) Our podcasts can run from fifteen minutes to 40 minutes. This will be our third season. We produced 63 shows last year, and all the shows are now available for free download to your ipod, on ITUNES.com. This weekly show is heard by snowmobilers all over the world. Listen to one of our Archive 'ZEN TALK' podcast shows here.

C) ZEN BLOG STORY: $ 300.00There is nothing like a well written story about your motel written by Zenwaiter himself, to make riders want to come up and visit you for their snowmobile vacation this winter. Zen will write a promotional article about your snowmobile accommodations, and publish it on the Internet. This is a great way to publicize a spêcial event at your place, such as a snowmobile race, or fund raiser. Thousands of readers will find it, read it, and get excited about your motel. Zen will explain the best features of your place, such as your food, your comfortable beds and clean rooms, your great helpful staff and more. He will give some of the history of your place, and introduce the readers to your family, your club, and even your dog! When people have the chance to read the whole story, they feel like they know you. It takes the fear out of the decision to come and stay with you. Our blog stories usually include about 300 words, and include two photos or more. (This product does not require Zen to visit your location.) If Zen visits your place, he will use his own photos at no extra charge, otherwise you must provide the photos. View the main snowmobile Blog page here.

D) Snowmobile BLOG TV LIVE: $ 250.00Something new. Blog TV is a new technology that allows you to broadcast LIVE from your motel, if you have a wireless modem. Zen will walk around your motel, through the rooms, hallways, bar and restaurant, and even out into the parking lot. The production value is not strong, but the fact that the people can watch it LIVE, or on tape afterwards, is what makes it so effective. PLUS, the viewers can also log on, and 'chat' with Zen, while he is broadcasting! This is really fun. People can go back to the archives any time and view the shows over and over, for free. When they see Zen actually walk up to people in your bar or parking lot, and ask them how the trail conditions are, WOW, that is true LIVE excitement, and really makes them want to come see your motel! Our Blog TV segments are usually about ten to fifteen minutes to a half hour in length. (Zenwaiter must visit your place to do this work.) To view BLOG TV, click here.

E) Zen's BLOGCHEESE: Video Blog: $ 200.00Blogcheese is a very powerful tool, for helping people to find you. It is a web site that allows us to post a 1 minute video about your motel. When people search through Google, MSN or Yahoo, they can easily find this one minute Video, where Zen Talks about You and Your snowmobile destination motel. On the Internet, people like to see the information quickly and clearly, to help them make a decision about where to ride this winter. Once they listen to the video, they can click on your link, and VOILA, they come to stay at your place with their friends and family! Our Blogcheese videos are one minute long, usually featuring Zen sitting at his desk with the fur hat on his head, headphones, and a short description of 100 words. (This product does not require Zen to visit your location). View Blogcheese now!

F) Custom made Photo Album $ 225.00Many snowmobilers search through the online Zenwaiter Photo Albums every year to find their next snowmobile destination. Get your own album inside the Zenwaiter Photo Site. We will build an album for you. This price includes the virtual album, and two hours of instructional support for you over the phone. You must learn how to post your own photos. We will create the photo album, and get you started. (If Zen has visited your place, we will also post some of his best photos for you, at no charge, otherwise we must use your pictures). Visit our Photo Album site here...

G) Your Own Snow Conditions Bulletin Board: $ 225.00We can set you up your own personal snowmobile trail conditions bulletin board, where you can tell the world about current conditions in French and in English if you choose. Your bulletin board encourages readers to write to you, to ask specific questions about your motel, and when you answer, everyone can read the answers that you give. We will build and promote your bulletin board inside our main disscussion board site, and even create topics within the board for you, such as, "How to get here, Snow Trail conditions, Upcomming events in your area, Get your Trail Pass Here, and more topics, that engage the reader. This price includes the virtual board, plus two hours of instruction and support for you over the phone. (This product does not require Zen to visit your location.) Go and read articles now on our snowmobile bulletin board.

H) YOUR snowmobile business on YOUTUBE.COM $ 50.00 per video clipWe will produce some very short, raw, and exciting snowmobile videos of your motel and then post them on YOUTUBE.COM for you. Thousands of snowmobilers will freak out when they watch your people, your trails, and the beauty of your motel, on a short video. Our You Tube videos are usually under one minute long. They will be posted on the Zenwaiter Youtube channel.(Zenwaiter must visit your place to do this work.) Go to our You Tube Channel now.

I) Zenwaiter Personal Visit: $ 200.00 (plus at least two other services above). ***Zen will visit your motel for three nights. During his visit, he will create whatever services you have ordered (above). At the same time, he will mix with your clients, and take photos of your place at no charge. Zen will also evealuate your snowmobile business, at no extra charge, and give you some marketing tips, which will help you to attract your target market segment. You must provide Zenwaiter with a clean comfortable room for three nights, all his meals, expenses, snowmobile gas, a guide, and high speed Internet Access. All your products will be created and delivered live, on the Internet, from your location where possible. Zen will tell the world how great your place is, and collect photos of your most beautiful local trails and landmarks.

*** (The travel prices on this page are for locations which are in the Mauricie Region of Quebec, and only during a limited time during Dec - Jan - Feb 2008-09 . If you live in a different locations, or need us at a different time, please call us at 306-354-2216 for a quote. Zenwaiter is prepared to help promote your lodge anywhere anytime, but it may cost a little more, depending on the details.)

J) Mini Website Page: $300.00 incl one year of hosting.We can build a one page, promotional web site for you, which will be hosted inside of Zenwaiter.com, one of the most powerful snowmobile/atv web sites on the Internet today. Your mini web site, will be powerful on the Search Engines, and will attract much attention to your business. The price includes one year registration of your own domaine name, and hosting. The annual renewal for your page is only 199.00 and includes an update of your page, just in case you have a better photo to add, or you have changed your prices. It's a great deal. click here to see an example .

K) Get a brand new web site - Zenwaiter Internet Services : Click Here

L) Promotion of your media: IncludedPromotion of the products we created for you, is provided at no extra charge. Once we promote your photos, videos and stories online, you will experience more traffic on your web site, and get more new clients. You are paying us to create photos, albums, radio podcasts, stories and video. We will promote these products on our web sites for you, through our very popular web sites, and through the search engines, so that many potential customers will see them. You can help us promote this media as well, by placing links on your own web sites, and in your printed materials such as brochures that you distribute at snowmobile trade shows. As a bonus, if you order any of our services, your logo will appear on our Sponsorship Page.

M) Ultimate Zenwaiter Power Sponsorship $ 700.00There are only a few businesses that have become a Zenwaiter Power Sponsor over the years. These are the logos that you will see on our front page www.zenwaiter.com . You will see their logos on the right hand side of the page. If you are a Power Sponsor, your logo goes all over the Zenwaiter web sites, with a built in link to your web site, and you also get a Mini Web Site included. (J) Within a year, your logo and link will be on dozens of web pages and will bring you targeted traffic.

N) Front Page Story on Zenwaiter Interactive Web Site Sale Price $ 150.00Hit the front page of our Interactive web site and get some attention! click here to see our interactive site.

Payment:

You will be billed for the products you have chosen above, when you order. ( A - M )

If you have Zenwaiter come to your location, you will be billed a $ 200. fee for gas and travel expenses, for every visit. You must pay this fee in advance.

Pay 50% deposit of your total, when you order.

Pay the balance when the product appears on the Internet.

All Canadian orders, must pay GST.

We accept major credit cards through PayPal.

Discounts. If you sell our service to another outfitter near you, we will give you a $100. discount for each new client you find for us. We can help out all your friends in your area to get more business. Work together!

* We can do any or all of the above services for any snowmobile, hunting, fishing or ATV related business, that means, motels, hotels, dealerships, repair shops, or even snowmobile clubs. We use the power of the Internet to bring snowmobile riders and customers through your doors. We have been doing this work since 1999!

Please call me today.

Zen
306-354-2216 E-mail = zen@zenwaiter.com

Zen's Canadian Snowmobile Blog is produced and owned by Zenwaiter Internet Services, Box 53, Mossbank Saskatchewan Canada e-mail zen@zenwaiter.com We welcome your snowmobile stories and photos, and all your ideas. zw

Quebec Snowmobiling Looses a Champion

2008-08-07T08:50:00.000-07:00

Snowmobile Ambassador Leaves Us
"Bernard is my name, Sledding is my Game"

This shot from Dec 23 2007, when Bernard helped me to drill a hole through the aluminum in the floor of my trailer, to secure it from theft. He worked with me in his garage till 10 pm to get it done. The next day, he drove me to his locksmith, where he forced me to buy the best unbreakable lock on the planet. Bernard was always finding ways to help us enjoy sledding in Quebec, with no thought to himself. A true friend to all snowmobilers. He will be missed.

On July 2nd, around midnight, the sport of snowmobiling in Canada lost one of it's best promoters and hosts, Bernard Cournyer. For twenty years, Bernard and his lovely wife Jocelyne, helped thousands of snowmobile fanatics the world over, to enjoy snowmobiling in Quebec Canada, from his beloved Motel Safari.

Year after year, Bernard travelled with his welcome message, to all the snowmobile trade shows in the USA, bring maps, and boxes of tourism brochures that he collected from other motels throughout the year. He was generous to a fault, always willing to help out other small businesses in the Mauricie Region, to understand and survive in the sometimes difficult snowmobile accommodation business.

Bernard and his wife, operated a small snowmobile friendly motel on the south end of Shawinigan Quebec, offering a wide range of services to his snowmobile tourists, that came from as far away as Africa. Making sure his riders had everything they needed for maps, trail conditions, and safety concerns, he would then call ahead for them and confirm the trail conditions, and even book their rooms at their destination. At night he expected a call to be certain his boys were okay, and had arrived in one piece.

Once out on the trails, the guests of Motel Safari knew that they had an ace up their sleeve they could count on, if any problems came up. Problems in snowmobiling you ask? Hahahaha. Oh yeah. Their motors could and did sieze up, their sleds and equipment could and did get stolen, and God forbid - sometimes people crashed and got hurt. For all these troubles and more, Bernard stood at the ready, 24 hours a day. If the phone rang at 3 am, he would answer.

"Bernard! I am in Rimouski - I think! All the other guys went to the bar last night, and this morning, one of them is in jail, and the other two are missing. I can't speak French. Could you talk to my motel guy here, and find out what the hell is going on?"

"Sure no problem, pass the phone over to him".

"Bernard, my sled blew up on the river here, we are in the middle of nowhere - Help!"

"No troubles, sit tight and my man will be there in three hours with your truck and trailer."

"Bernie, John is in the medical clinic here in Roberval, I think his leg is busted, and he has a concussion."

"Stay put, I will call his wife and explain the situation, then I will get in my van, drive up there to take him to the hospital and tow back his broken sled. "

"Bernard, is there any snow in Shawinigan? Can you send me a trail pass?"

"There's not enough snow this weekend, but there is a big storm heading here Monday. I will fax you the form for the Quebec trail pass, give me your Visa Number. Plan on being here next weekend, but call me before you pull out of your drive way. I'll have your rooms ready!"

Bernard was the Man

No question about it, he was the man. When you arrived at his motel, he had one free beer waiting for you, or a soda if you preferred. In the evenings, he would call the chicken joint for take out and have your meals delivered, or, he would drive you in his own car, down to the restaurant. In the morning, he would pound on your door, then take you out to a great place for breakfast. He would make sure you were up early, so you wouldn't miss a day on the trails.

The man drove everybody crazy with his excessive energy and drive, but only because he wanted to show us all a good time. He only knew one speed, full throttle! If you were lucky, you got to hear him sing!

Last winter in particular, Bernard spent all his energy, night and day, doing snow removal with his truck. There was so much snow, he couldn't believe it - a total of at least 15 feet for the winter. God must have known this would be his last winter on earth, so he blessed Bernard with the biggest snow winter in 50 years.

I stayed at the Motel Safari about twenty nights last winter. I slept in the 'Honey Moon Suite'. There I would post all the photos I had taken the previous week, and broadcast a live podcast from the parking lot and the lobby. I admit, the quality of my show was pretty crappy, but it sure was fun, especially when there was a foot of new snow every few nights. Fortunately, I took lots of photos and video of the man at work, so we have more good memories to keep in our hearts.

Bernard gave me a key before Christmas, and reserved that room for me for the whole winter. He was so generous in the support of my work, it was unbelievable. He would always buy me breakfast, co-host on my radio podcast, and find new sponsors for me every year. He even built a special sign out on the highway for me - A huge Zenwaiter.com logo was on it for all to see.

I could not have asked for a better friend or business supporter. We first met because of the Internet, about eight years ago, and we started driving to snowmobile trade shows together. We went to places like New York, New Hampshire, and PA. Together, we made a great snowmobile promo team for the Mauricie, and for all sledding in Quebec. I owe alot to Bernard, that's for sure.

I spoke to Bernard about a week before he died, he was busy planting 800 tomatoe plants. Every summer, Bernard would try some new crazy idea to keep himself busy, but this was a real winner idea - Bernard had turned into a tomatoe farmer. Wow! Now I've seen it all!

We talked almost every week, even through the summer months. I recently asked Bernard when he was going to retire and sell the Motel. He said, that if he sold the joint, he wouldn't have anything to do. He added that it would drive his poor wife nuts to have him in the house all day, especially with that crazy level of energy we all remember. I knew then, that he would never retire.

Just days from his 70th birthday, our buddy Bernard's heart just gave out one night, and he was gone. This man used up every second of his time on earth, doing what he loved. He was a good husband and father, and he lived his passion.

Perhaps the greatest testament to his selflessness, was the thousands of friends he made throughout his life, and the respect he got from all the snowmobile businesses in his Region. They all knew he was on to something, but couldn't figure out how he attracted so much attention. How come HIS parking lot was full of trucks and trailers all winter?

I now how he did it.

He served,

he gave,

and he went the extra mile.

My friend Bernard, you crazy dude, I will miss you.

RIP buddy!

Your pal, Zenwaiter.

Read more about Bernard here on his memorial page, and listen to his radio shows.

PS: For anyone wanting to send a sympathy card, please send it to ;

Mrs.Jocelyne Cournyer

Motel Safari,
4500 12th Avenue,
Shawinigan South,
Quebec
CANADA G9N 6T5

Zen's Canadian Snowmobile Blog is produced and owned by Zenwaiter Internet Services, Box 53, Mossbank Saskatchewan, Canada S0H 3G0 .

e-mail zen@zenwaiter.com

We welcome your snowmobile stories and photos, and all your ideas. zw

S. Saskatchewan May 25 - Cold and Windy

2008-05-25T11:35:00.000-07:00

Memories of Rabaska in December 2007

But now, it's late spring.

The only thing that's HOT about Saskatchewan right now, is the booming economy. Boomtown economics are dicey at best, but there are ways to make money, if you are prudent. Right now, investors are pouring into our stubble fields, looking for diamonds up north, turning grain into ethanol, and starting up new Potash mines in every direction.

In my little town of Mossbank, we are hearing that a bio-diesel plant will soon be going into the old noodle factory, a mere six blocks from my home. We have not been given a choice on this, it simply is going ahead... supposedly. The rumour mill in this particular village of 500, is always active, and can turn out enough bullshit, that we could use that material to fuel our own bio industry! We could call it Verbal Diarhea for Cash.

Anyways, they are also talking about building a little senior's residence, and a few new streets to accommodate those seeking new residential lots.

Now back to the local weather. It is cold, has been cold, with periods of still more cold. Today is cold with wind, and should be followed this evening, by yet more periods of cold temperatures accompanied by strong winds with gusts to 50 mph. Hold on to your bio waste, or it will blow away. My lawn chairs have been turning up in the neighbours yard, and my dog is sporting the newest in pooch fashions, the Shelty long haired Wind Blown look.

We finally have some rain and all the growers of grain are sighing a collective AHHHH as the misty dark skies drivel a dribble of moisture down on our dry fields. Thank you JESUS!
My snowmobile is quietly rusting beneath it's cover in my back yard, and my motorcycle is plated and ready to roll. I love to ride, but the winds have been so damn strong over the past seven days, that the bike remains in the shed.

I am healing up slowly from over work all winter, which resulted in emphasima and asmah. This is just a guess, cause when you get your blood tests here in Health care free Canada, you never actually hear back from the overworked frazzled doctors, you only get a call if you are almost dead. SO.. I guess I'm not dying yet. Giving a patient here actual diagnosis, is unreasonable unless death is eminent, and there is, after all, no responsibility on the head of our doctors in Canada, as we cannot SUE them for mal practice. They may be over worked, seeing up to 80 patients a day, but they are never actually held responsible for making mistakes. I'd rather pay 800 a month in the USA and have actual HEALTH CARE.

Anyways, enough of my complaints. The freaking snowmobile season is finally OVER. Twenty feet of snow through out Quebec this winter, was over kill. As a result, no one made any money, because all the Americans stayed home. Shit. We can never seem to get it right. Oh yeah, and the low American currency didn't help, nor did the insane retail price for gas.

So, that's what's rolling around in my cabasa right now, alot of bio waste. Have a great summer, and watch out for the West Nile virus - - the damn mosquitos are dangerous!

Cheers- have a cold one on me!
Zen

Zen's Canadian Snowmobile Blog is produced and owned by Zenwaiter Internet Services, Box 53, Mossbank Saskatchewan Canada e-mail zen@zenwaiter.com We welcome your snowmobile stories and photos, and all your ideas.

zw

Rabaska Snowmobile Resort in Quebec, one of
our proud sponsors.

May 25 2008 - Springtime in Saskatchewan

2008-05-25T11:04:00.000-07:00

The only thing that's HOT about Saskatchewan right now, is the booming economy. Boomtown economics are dicey at best, but there are ways to make money, if you are prudent. Right now, investors are pouring into our stubble fields, looking for diamonds up north, turning grain into ethanol, and starting up new Potash mines in every direction.

In my little town of Mossbank, we are hearing that a bio-diesel plant will soon be going into the old noodle factory, a mere six blocks from my home. We have not been given a choice on this, it simply is going ahead... supposedly. The rumour mill in this particular village of 500, is always active, and can turn out enough bullshit, that we could use that material to fuel our own bio industry! We could call it Verbal Diarhea for Cash.

Anyways, they are also talking about building a little senior's residence, and a few new streets to accommodate those seeking new residential lots.

Now back to the local weather. It is cold, has been cold, with periods of still more cold. Today is cold with wind, and should be followed this evening, by yet more periods of cold temperatures accompanied by strong winds with gusts to 50 mph. Hold on to your bio waste, or it will blow away. My lawn chairs have been turning up in the neighbours yard, and my dog is sporting the newest in pooch fashions, the Shelty long haired Wind Blown look.

We finally have some rain and all the growers of grain are sighing a collective AHHHH as the misty dark skies drivel a dribble of moisture down on our dry fields. Thank you JESUS!

My snowmobile is quietly rusting beneath it's cover in my back yard, and my motorcycle is plated and ready to roll. I love to ride, but the winds have been so damn strong over the past seven days, that the bike remains in the shed.

I am healing up slowly from over work all winter, which resulted in emphasima and asmah. This is just a guess, cause when you get your blood tests here in Health care free Canada, you never actually hear back from the overworked frazzled doctors, you only get a call if you are almost dead. SO.. I guess I'm not dying yet. Giving a patient here actual diagnosis, is unreasonable unless death is eminent, and there is, after all, no responsibility on the head of our doctors in Canada, as we cannot SUE them for mal practice. They may be over worked, seeing up to 80 patients a day, but they are never actually held responsible for making mistakes. I'd rather pay 800 a month in the USA and have actual HEALTH CARE.

Anyways, enough of my complaints. The freaking snowmobile season is finally OVER. Twenty feet of snow through out Quebec this winter, was over kill. As a result, no one made any money, because all the Americans stayed home. Shit. We can never seem to get it right. Oh yeah, and the low American currency didn't help, nor did the insane retail price for gas.

So, that's what's rolling around in my cabasa right now, alot of bio waste. Have a great summer, and watch out for the West Nile virus - - the damn mosquitos are dangerous!à

Cheers- have a cold one on me!

Zen

Zen's Canadian Snowmobile Blog is produced and owned by Zenwaiter Internet Services, Box 53, Mossbank Saskatchewan Canada e-mail zen@zenwaiter.com We welcome your snowmobile stories and photos, and all your ideas. zw

2008-01-22T06:07:00.000-08:00

Jan 22 2008 Update

Home at Last

On November 20th 2007, armed only with a positive attitude and a sense of awe for the beauty of my country, I drove eastward to Quebec to enjoy another Canadian winter adventure. I had no schedule, and precious little cash. (This is my back yard).

Ten days ago, I returned from almost eight weeks of hard work in La Belle Province, writing and taking photos of the landscapes and the people I met, then upating my web site so you could follow my treck. Now I am starting to feel normal, whatever that is, though I still wake up not knowing where I am. I guess travelling and working 24/7 should be left to the young. I don't know if I'll do it again next year. Though it is exhilarating, it is also very taxing.

Here at home, my office is once again set up the way I like it, and the correspondence comes and goes with electronic efficiency. I admit that I don't get as much e-mail as before, and since I axed the 1-800 number, I get very few calls. That's just as well, because I couldn't afford it anyways. (Photo of gate at Ferme Nueve near Rabaska).

People would call me, fretful, and then ask me to convince them, promise them even, that they would have a great holiday, that the trails would be perfect, and that all would go well. I couldn't do that. "This is an adventure sport," I would say. "If you're looking for a sure thing, join the bowling league. Every Friday night, I guarantee your lanes will still be there."

There are too many variables in our sport to make hard and fast promises about 'results'. Results depend upon the expectations you had before you left home. If you are expecting an unforgettable adventure, then I guarantee you'll get it. The weather, the roads, the mechanical breakdowns, and the 'ooops' factor (that's when you run into the woods and bend your skis), are ever present. The uncontrollable factors which this sport offer, are second to none. Shoot, you may not even make it over the border!

(This is me doing a story about snowmobile theft prevention at a Locksmith shop in Shawinigan.)

When we experience the unknown, the dangers, and the joy life brings us when riding our sleds in the forests of Quebec, special human bonds are created which cannot be described. The sport, after all, is life and death.

There are dangerous icy hills, surprise twists and turns, and a deadly sub zero environment around us at all times. On the bright side, there is nothing like the feeling of finally finding our snowmobile motel, as the light fades in the arctic sky. We know we made it safe, and that there is a hot wood stove awaiting us inside. (Karl G a Motel Safari client from Havre de Grace MD.)

Snowmobiling is not learned in ten minutes. That's the beauty of the sport. It is handed down from Father to son, in a way which is rare in the sporting world. A father has so much to teach the kids about snowmobiling. How to care for the machines, how to load the trailer, where to go, how to ride safely, and on and on. It is a time for father and the kids to bond. It is something that builds a family.

This morning, I am thinking about all my sponsors, and I realize that without them, there is no way I could spend the winter writing about snowmobiling. I hope you all are visiting their web sites to see what they have to offer. (Marco - owner of Comfor Inn in Mont Laurier on Devil's Mountain.)

The readers have contributed almost nothing this year. This I don't understand. I work my ass off for months to bring you fresh content daily!

At the very least, you could send me the cost of one snowmobile magazine. Many of you have been enjoying this site for years, and never contributed a penny. Be honest. If you are reading this, and enjoying it, it has some value for you right? I guess you figure it should be free. I am paying for your pleasure! HAHAHAH. (You readers absolutely KILL me! - - 6,000 readers a day and only 6 donations this year!). Whatever. If even one tenth of the readers sent in 20 bucks a year, I would be able to cover all my expenses twice over! Would a 20 really kill you? I think not. One tank of Gas for your truck cost over 100.!

Anyways, (change topic please), this winter I have already buried myself in a tidy financial hole, and it will take a good six months to dig out. I doubt if I will drive the four day trip to Quebec next year. I will simply do all the work from home. (I say that every year.) And, I will be looking for more web site work to support myself, and spend far less time on Zenwaiter.com. (This is Bernard with me at Motel Safari.)

If you readers knew how hard I worked on that trip, the donations would flood in. Oh well. I guess you just figure that I go and have fun for eight weeks, my hands up over my head, laughing, eating, and riding. My own fault I guess, that is how I portray myself, but in fact, I am hunkered down in front of the screen, dead tired, writing till the wee hours, then I fight with the hotel Internet connection to update my site every day. The road is uncomfortable, difficult, frustrating, and damned expensive. I put 11,000 kms on my car this winter. But I do love it so.

My pneumonia is on the mend. I still have the occasional spike in fever. I am finally going to see a doctor Thursday to get antibiotics. I always avoid taking those unless I absolutely have to.

Here in south western Saskatchewan today, it is -20 C every night, and there is only 6 inches of snow on the ground with lots of bare spots on the prairie. My sled is on the trailer in the back yard. I hope to bring you a few Sask sled stories this winter. There are many antique sled rallies, cancer fund raisers, and other events, just a few hours north of me, and I hope to get up there.

In order to keep the Zenwaiter web site up to date on Quebec and Ontario activities, trail conditions and weather, I count on you the reader, to send me a few photos and text now and again, of your riding adventures. I would appreciate it. I will stick your mug on the front page!

This year, only a few have sent in donations to cover expenses. I can't change that. But perhaps I can convince you to contribute in other ways. Send me photos and stories, tell your friends about the site, and visit our sponsors when you see an ad on the page.

In the meantime, if you have a web site project that needs doing, please e-mail me for an estimate. I do a pretty good job! zen@zenwaiter.com

To DONATE please click here THANKS!

Good to be home!

zw

Snowmobiling in Quebec 2007 2008

2007-12-08T10:26:00.000-08:00

It's a brand new season, and so far, it seems as though our sport has avoided total anihalation.

There is snow, beautiful white fluffy snow everywhere, and the temperatures are cold, darn cold. So far so good.

I landed in Quebec a few weeks ago, and I have been making the rounds. Everyone I have met is optimistic about the snowmobile business this year, and spirits are riding high. Snowmobilers however, have been tentative about booking rooms so far, and about buying the yearly snowmobile trail permit.

"They are not booking the rooms ahead of time like they used to" says one snowmobile motel owner. "I guess it will all come at one time, probably at the last minute."

Meanwhile, the full machinery of snowmobile clubs I have talked to, is in full swing. Signage is going up, trails are being groomed, and the heat has been turned up to high in all the motels and hotels, in preparation of what should be a banner year. Quebec has already recieved twice as much snow as usual for this time of year.

Snowmobile business people in Quebec are wondering about the effect of the low rate of exchange for the American dallor. Already snowmobile and ATV dealers have lost hundreds of sales to the USA as Canadian sledheads run across the border to save thousands off the cost of a Canadian dealer's best offering. This has hurt dealers, but will it dampen the enthusiasm of the riders themselves? I say it will not.
Experienced snowmobilers that have known the thrill of our trails for many years, will be here to enjoy the snow. But what if there is lots of snow in New Hampshire and Maine, New York and Vermont? Will the Americans still head north?

Yes, our snowmobile business in Quebec is still a fragile thing that depending upon many uncontrollable factors. It's an adventure sport all right, one which requires both the participants as well as the suppliers of the experience, to be more than adventurous. It'a a bloody risky industry, no matter how you slice it.

Perhaps that's exactly why this sport it so compelling, risk . Who knows. All I know is, there is a ton of snow everywhere I look and the temperature is staying at an average of ten below freezing. In the end, that's all I need to enjoy snowmobiling. Well, that's not true. It takes cash too, and alot of it. Cash for gas, equipment, food and lodging, and travel.

But everything I do requires money. I guess it comes down to a question of priorities. Where do I want to spend my hard earned bucks? Zooming around with a bunch of idiots at 20 below zero, on a trail made of ice and snow? .......... Yup!

zw

Zen's Canadian Snowmobile Blog is produced and owned by Zenwaiter Internet Services, Box 53, Mossbank Saskatchewan Canada e-mail zen@zenwaiter.com . We welcome your snowmobile stories and photos, and all your ideas.

.

Your Safety List: Read It!

2007-11-25T19:47:00.000-08:00

Sobriety
Forget that myth that alcohol warms up chilled person. It opens the blood vessels and removes the feeling of chill, but it does nothing to increase body heat. Instead, it can increase risk of hypothermia, a dangerous lowering of the body’s core temperature, reducing your chances of survival if you have to wait long for help to arrive. With alcohol, you may only feel warmer, while your body chills dangerously.

Alcohol increases fatigue, impairs judgment, and slows reaction time. Its part of a formula for disaster and don’t forget:

• Most state and provinces have laws prohibiting the operation of a snowcraft while under the influence of alcohol. Both your driver’s license and insurability are at risk.

Speeding
Speed is not the measure of snowmobiling fun. You should always ride at a speed in which you can stop within your line of sight. Slow down and enjoy the scenery and the experience. Ease up on the throttle especially when near other machines, people, trees, animal and other objects. Its good sense – and its law!

The maximum speed limit on all marked snowmobile trails, unplowed roads, and play areas on state lands, excluding public waters, shall be 35 miles per hour.

Don’t tailgate, as with cars, tailgating puts you in a mighty bad position if the person in front has to slow down suddenly or all at once hits an obstacle. Imagine your chances of trying to avoid ramming him, or driving over his machine. If you are on a trail ride and have someone riding on your tail, pull out to the side and motion them past. A snowcraft is not designed to stop on a dime.

Night Riding
For some people, night riding is the best time to get together during the week. However many accidents occur after dark. Low light and darkness require special care so slow down and watch for others.

Make sure your lights are working well and keep them clear of snow and debris. Don’t over-drive headlights. Snowcraft headlights are adequate for reduced speed only.
Ask yourself “Am I driving slow enough to see an object in time to avoid a collision?”
Don’t blaze new trails at night. Make sure that you are on a well-known trail. The snowmobile that makes a track in the daytime might have been traveling at 5 mph and might have avoided a ditch or washout. Following his or her track at 40 mph at night can mean a trip to the hospital.

Trails
Stay on marked trails!
Beautiful trail systems and riding areas are available throughout North America. Stay safe and legal within the areas that you are permitted to ride or those for which you have obtained permission. Also treat them with respect by waiting for enough snow cover to protect vegetation. Avoid running over trees and shrubs.

It is also very important that you respect the property rights of others. Respect private and No Trespass signs. Be careful of barbed wire or electrical fences. Knowing the terrain you are going to ride is always safer. If unfamiliar to you, ask someone who has traveled over it before.

Buddy System
Among the snowmobilers who know what is going on, there is an unwritten rule, you should absolutely never, snowmobile alone for any distance at all. Even at 30 mph, a half-hour drive can put you 15 miles into the wilderness. If you run trouble in deep snow or have a mechanical failure and have to walk, you are in trouble.

So, don’t snowmobile alone. Not only is snowmobiling more fun with family or friends, it is safer too. In an emergency a buddy can make the difference between life and death. Most snowcraft accidents result in personal injury. The most dangerous situations occur when a person is injured and alone. If you must travel alone, tell someone your destination, planned route, and when you will return.

Weather
Know the weather forecast and especially the ice and snow conditions in the area you choose to snowmobile. If possible, turn back if the weather turns bad and avoid traveling in storms. If visibility is reduced or area is unfamiliar, follow your tracks back out. Remember that bad weather slows travel.

Ice
Ice can be treacherous, never take a chance. Frozen lakes and rivers often are the first place to snowmobile before snow comes. But keep in mind that no one has guaranteed ice of any thickness will hold a sled everywhere. Ice thickness may vary greatly due to currents, temperature, snow pack, soft spots, and springs – be careful and stay away from slush covered areas.

It takes a load of experience to travel very fast. If you can ride and turn in any direction, without boundaries, so can other riders. Fast stops are impossible on ice. The threat of a collision, then, can come from any direction. Those who are new at riding should use caution and slow speed.

However, if you do snowmobile on ice, make absolutely sure the ice is safely frozen. Don’t trust the judgment of other snowmobilers. You are responsible for your own safe snowmobiling. Drowning is a leading cause of snowcraft fatalities. Consider buying a buoyant snowmobile suit.
If you break through, keep calm. Remember that your snowmobile suit (even a non-buoyant one) and helmet may keep you afloat for several minutes.

• Don’t remove your gloves or mitts.• Slide back onto the ice, using anything sharp to dig in for better pull.• Kick your feet to propel you on to the ice, like a seal.• Extend your arms forward onto the unbroken ice.• Keep sliding forward.• If the ice keeps breaking:• Continue moving toward shore or the direction from which you came.• Once on the ice DO NOT STAND.• Roll well away from the break.

The safest snowmobiling rule is never to cross lakes or rivers. Besides the danger of plunging through the ice, you have far less traction for starting, turning and stopping on ice than on snow. So… Always be extremely cautious when on ice.

Clothing
Wear protective, thermal clothing designed for snowmobiling to insulate your body from snow, wind and wind chill. A windproof and water repellent outer layer is especially important, as are warm gloves or mitts, boots and a helmet. Clothing should be loose enough to permit freedom of movement. Wear layers of clothing, so that you can add or remove a layer or two to adjust for changing condition.

Avoid wearing long scarves. They may get caught in moving parts of the snowcraft. Choose a neck warmer instead.Use a full size helmet, goggles, or face shield to prevent injuries from twigs, stones, ice chips, and flying debris. Make sure your helmet is safety-certified, the right size and in good condition. A visor is essential for clear vision and wind protection and the chinstrap should be buckled. A facemask will also provide extra protection and helps to reduce the possibility of frostbite. Wear glasses or goggles that offer protection from the sun. And of course, carry extras.

Safety Equipment
You should always be prepared for an emergency and carefully plan what equipment may be needed, especially if you are taking a long trip. A good question to ask is, “Can I get back safely with the equipment I’m taking?” Keep in mind that you can store many pieces of survival equipment on your snowcraft.

They can be secured under the snowcraft cowl (properly secured away from steering components, moving parts and hot exhaust areas), carried in a small backpack or in a bag attached to the snowcraft seat.

Refer to the IMSF mini-pamphlet titled: Snowcraft Safety Equipment Checklist, to know more about some of the items you should carry on your snowcraft.

Mountain Measures

Even if we don’t live near mountains, many of us want to visit the Adirondacks, Rockies or other mountains someday. Mountain snowmobiling is spectacular but can pose extra dangers, such as avalanches. Some avalanche areas may be posted and closed. Be cautious of avalanche dangers throughout mountain country.

Avoid mountainous terrain after heavy snowfalls or prolonged periods of high wind. Avoid crossing steep side hills and entering narrow, steeply sided canyons. Riding in these areas should only be done after receiving proper mountain riding training.Mountain snowmobilers should carry avalanche beacons, shovels, and probe poles for locating people buried in snow and portable radio summon help.

Planning
Describing your planned route and your machine can be time- and life-savers. So, plan routes in advance and always notify a responsible person of your trip, route of travel, and estimated time of return. Leave copy of your plan with your family or friends.Always let your family and friends know you are back or have arrived at your destination. No one likes needless searches.

Hand Signals
Other snowmobilers and car drivers need to know what you are up to. Remember the basic hand signals:Stop: Left arm raised straight upSlowing: Left arm extended out and down, use downward flapping motionRight turn: Left arm raised at shoulder height, elbow bent at 90° angleLeft Turn: Left arm extended straight out, pointed in direction of turn
Don’t forget the best hand signal going in snowmobiling today, one particularly useful and effective called:Who’s behind? Hold up one hand showing a number of fingers to indicate how many riders are behind you. Each following rider should do the same. The last rider shows a fist meaning the line of sleds has passed.

Maintenance
Be sure your snowcraft is in topnotch mechanical condition at the beginning of the winter season and throughout the months of use. You have two good guides available for snowcraft maintenance: the owner’s guide manual that came with your machine and your dealer. Consult both to make sure your machine is kept in top form for dependable, enjoyable fun.

All snowcrafts must have, in good working order, all of the following: one or more headlights, red rear light, fully functional brakes and an efficient muffler. No by-pass of a muffler system is allowed so don’t remove the factory-installs air box or muffler to install one that makes more noise. This would lessen the performance of your snowcraft. The manufacturer is trying hard for the betterment of the environment, to develop a quieter machine. Also, don’t forget to check the throttle; a frozen throttle can make your snowcraft as dangerous as a loaded gun.

Rules
On a snowcraft the same rules of the road and penalties apply as for driving a car, including possible fines, losses of driver’s license, criminal record, and/or imprisonment.

You and your passenger must wear a helmet while riding a snowcraft.
On most of the trails a valid trail use permit must appear on the windshield of your sled. Permits can be purchased from your local snowmobile club.

The Off Highway Vehicle Act requires that all snowmobiles and snow machines be registered and insured. Therefore, you must have a license plate affixed in a visible manner and you are required to carry your driver’s license, snowmobile registration, and proof of insurance at all times.

Remember that your snowcraft is not covered by your home owners or auto policies.

Don’ts
Never ask your friend to pull on the front end of a stuck snowcraft while you work the throttle. And never do it yourself if you don’t savor the thought of being run over. One way to pull the snowcraft out is to attach a rope to the bumper or a ski and pull on the rope. If you are traveling in deep snow and get helpless mired in, turn your machine off and pack the snow down around the sides and front of your machine. Then start your engine and rock the snowcraft back and forth and ride out slowly. Don’t panic. Even deep snow can be hand scooped or packed down until you are back on the trail.

Long trailing scarves invite being caught in moving parts or by low hanging branches.
As with any machine, if you remove protective parts like clutch guards, you are flirting with painful experiences.

To check gas levels, never light a match – even a stiff breeze and an empty tank won’t make this practice safe. Also remember that the fumes of an open battery are as explosive as gasoline when exposed to open flame.

Don’t tow without a solid hitch. Towing skiers or sleds behind a snowcraft can be fun, but if you do, remember it also can be dangerous. Ropes for towing are not recommended if you want to avoid injuries. Tangling of slack ropes in the track or drive, inexperience, and various snow or ice conditions can make rope towing more dangerous than fun. The best bet is always to use a rigid-mount or “stiff” hitch sled for extra passengers.

Accident?
If causing or involved in an accident resulting in injury to any person, death or property damage, you shall immediately stop and render such assistance as may be reasonably necessary. You must provide the victim with your name, and address (or the snowcraft owner’s one) and registration number.

Any damages exceeding $500.00 shall immediately be notified to an enforcement officer. Further, you are required to file a written report of the accident with the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles within 72 hours on prescribed forms.

If you are involved in an accident which results in only damage to your property no report is required.

Buying Snowmobile Insurance? Click Here.

More info here... http://www.zenwaiter.com/

Zen's Canadian Snowmobile Blog is produced and owned by Zenwaiter Internet Services, Box 53, Mossbank Saskatchewan Canada e-mail zen@zenwaiter.com We welcome your snowmobile stories and photos, and all your ideas.

Snowmobile Accommodation for Sledheads

2007-11-11T10:50:00.000-08:00

Our Sponsors Make it all Possible
07-08 Snowmobiling Season Quebec
Zen Snowmobile Quebec Tour

2007 - 08

Drive from Mauricie to Lanaudiere; Glaciere Motel from Zen Waiter on Vimeo.

If you need a list of very solid snowmobile accommodations to go to this winter, here they are. Why not ride from one to the other. These folks will look after you with snowmobile maps, gas, food, comfortable clean rooms, and communications - everything your sledding group will need.
Our snowmobile motel sponsors are the greatest. Be sure to tell the people at the motel that you are doing the Zen Tour, and who knows, you may get something special. I know Bernard at the Motel Safari will have one free cold beer waiting for you!

The Zen-Tour CircuitOur Zenwaiter sponsors have always been a small group, this year is no exception. We have eight motels / hotels that help to support this web site. Each of them has the right stuff to make your snowmobile holiday the best it can be. Anowmobile services that you need, like for example, secure truck and trailer parking, clean affordable rooms, good meals, fuel, and repair facilities available for your sled - these are the basics. Add to that, a knowledgeable and friendly staff, a spirit of hospitality, and knowledge of Quebec snowmobiling, and you have it all!

The sledding fun can begin anywhere along the route - wherever you want to leave your truck and trailer. You could start up at Motel Safari in South Shawinigan, and park your truck and trailer in Bernards ‘fortress’ to keep them safe while you are gone. Or, start at the Esterel in the fabulous Laurentian mountains, Whatever suits your needs. Make your favorite motel your base camp. Then, ride north to see the beauty of Pourvoirie 100 Lacs. Be sure to try the ice fishing before breakfast. They always pull the biggest fish out in the winter - even some twenty pounders - Can you say Walleye?

Then ride your snowmobiles over to visit Dom at Rabaska on the lake. Dom has the tourism savy to look after you in style. Next, ride over to meet Jean Beaulieu and his wife Dianne at Auberge Beaulieu in Mékinac, and meet all their staff in their down home bar! This is a must see. The music, the characters, and the atmosphere - Take it from Doctor ‘C’ - “It’s Great!. Meet the friendliest people on earth. Many say it has the warmth of the old Auberge le Refuge. Physically, it is totally different, but the friendships you make there may remind you of Crazy Al’s place in St-Zenon.

Afterwards, ride over east to St-Michel-des Saints to visit Map Man Denny and his wife Carol at the Pied de la Chute. Extraordinary food in a family dining room, where they prepare it all themselves. Charming, clean and everything is brand new - beds, bedding, carpets paint… even the bathroom fixtures! It is very quiet and located right on the shores of big lake Taurau. You can walk to the Central. Ask Denny to be your guide to Off Trail Adventure.

Now, take the short ride back over to see Bernard at Motel Safari, or Denny at the Escapade Inn, in Shawinigan. Don’t forget the famous sizzling steak available only at that 57 Chevy restaurant. Bernard will take you! These two bon vivant Quebecs will look after whatever ails you. Fully secure with steel fences, and right on the trail.

Don’t miss meeting our new friend Pierre at Hotel Esterel.Get spoiled and enjoy the formal dining room, and the ultimate 5 Star treatment in the Laurentian mountains. Swimming pool, hot tubs, rentals, skiing, something for every member of the family. Very Unique, with a hundred year tradition of excellence. Ask for Pierre, he will look after your every need. A snowmobile holiday has never been better. They even have a basketball court up on the third floor - REALLY!

If you head north to Monts Vallin, be sure to stay at Jack’s Outback (Auberge Au Toit Vert), he will feed you and his friendly gals will keep you toasty warm. He has gas and everything you need.

As always, we ask you to remember our other ‘non- motel’ sponsors as well, Location Haute Matawinie for all your snowmobile rental needs. They also sell used snowmobiles from their rental fleet with very low miles. These are great people that can help find solutions to repairs, storage, and sales.

In Connecticut, we have two other sponsors… Accurate Wire has supported us for years, and also Shark Cycle they have two stores full of motorcycles and snowmobile deals for everyone.
Last but not least, let’s remember Adman Marketing and Online Auction Services, and big Pyro Dave from Pyromate Firing Systems and SledQuebec.Com in New Hampshire. And… let’s not foget the award winning web site that got me started in this crazy work… TrailConditions.Com.
There are so many others over the years that have kept this thing going.. guys like Crazy Al. Let’s remember them as well.

I will do my best to support all my sponsors by writing some good content on this site this winter - especially stories about YOU the riders! Be sure to keep in touch by e-mail… send me your adventure stories and photos, and you’ll see them on the front page this winter! zen@zenwaiter.com

zw

Zen Motel Sponsors for 2007 - 08

Au Pied de la Chute (S-M-d-Saints) QC

Motel Safari (Shawinigan S.) QC
Auberge Beaulieu (30 mi N. of Shawinigan)QC

Other Full Sponsors
Accurate Wire in CT
Shark Cycle and Snowmobile sales in CT
SnoSuit.Com
Sled Freaks.Com

Adman Marketing & Online Auction Services
Double Xtreme Snowmobile Calendars
Snow Trails TV.Com
Rawdon QC Weather Channel
The Mauricie Tourism Region

Zen's Canadian Snowmobile Blog is produced and owned by Zenwaiter Internet Services, Box 53, Mossbank Saskatchewan Canada e-mail zen@zenwaiter.com We welcome your snowmobile stories and photos, and all your ideas. zw

Regina SK Snowmobile Show

2007-11-07T11:55:00.000-08:00

I really enjoyed the snowmobile show this past weekend in Regina Saskatchewan. I missed the Toronto Shows and New York this fall, I had too much going on, and not enough money to spend on the trip.

In Regina, I met a bunch of interesting people, and I want to rattle off a few names today in this blog. It never ceases to amaze me; all these business people keep trying to make a living on the sport of snowmobiling. I think the majority are involved, because like me, they love the sport.

http://www.riverrider.ca/ This guy James, was selling hovercrafts! REALLY! They start at around 27.000 cnd. A very nice man. I guess he figured, if people liked floating on snow, they would love riding his machine on a cussion of air. I was tempted, and he said he would call me the next time he does an actual demonstration in Regina.

http://www.townofhudsonbay.com/ I met a small dedicated team of town promoters, and boy, were they organized and enthusiastic. I have to drive up there this winter to go sledding. They were the best, and their photos were terrific.

http://www.northern.sask.info/ These people promote the wilds of all points north of PA Saskatchewan, and man, is there ever a lot going on!

http://www.abilitiescouncil.sk.ca/ Trudy, a beautiful twenty something, was volounteering at the booth to promote the 2008 Easter Seals snowmobile fund raiser for snowmobilers, which will take place Feb 16, 2008. She did a great job explaining the event, and if I was 30 years younger... never mind.

http://www.rockytours.com/ Met two fellas from the Valhalla Inn, up on top of the mountain in New Denver, one of my absolute favorite places in BC. They are working together, the motel owner and the guide, to bring people up to ride the mountains of the Slocan Valley.

http://www.krazycanadian.com/ Dan Davidoff from Rossland BC, home of the famous skier Nancy Greene, had a booth and was selling the new extreeme snowmobile flick called Thunderstruck Six. He is one of the stars in the film. Dan had a huge grin, and after watching the incredible video, I could see why.

Wanna Win Snowmobile Prizes?

2007-10-15T10:19:00.000-07:00

Online Snowmobile News, Sites, and Blogs

It's October 15th 2007. I am sitting in my home in Mossbank Saskatchewan, pouring over all my old Zenwaiter.com pages, and pursing the new snowmobile web sites on the net.

It seems there are dozens of new arrivals. Snowmobilers appear to love the Internet. But most of what I find is garbage. I have reported dozens of fake snowmobile blogs to Google, hoping they will pull them from their blog and news delivery systems.

What we need is more actual REAL CONTENT about REAL SNOWMOBILING. Fake web sites filled with Google ads and little more, are clogging the net with trash sites that just waste the reader's time.

After slogging through dozens of these crap sites and blogs, I have a new found desire to prepare and create original, new snowmobile articles, stories and other content for the readers of Zenwaiter.com. I feel this is what has set ZW apart from the start almost 8 years ago.

So, enough talk - I'm off to dig and find the best, most interesting snowmobile stories and news items I can. I would appreciate your help along the way. Please remember to send me your snowmobile tales and photos and videos this fall, even if they are from years past, and I will place them front and centre (that's Canadian for center).

My spell check is busted, and you know me by now, I can't spell much.

Have a great day, and PLEASE keep in touch. E-mail me today and you can be on my front page with your family or friends - you could be the next voice on my Zen Talk Radio Podcast, or be my next snowmobile video clip on my Zenwaiter YouTube site.

Get that sled ready, and check our site daily to find out what's going on.

Wanna win a sexy Double X-treme Calendar? Be the first to send me a story about your favorite snowmobiling trip from last year - and I will MAIL you the fabulous calendar!

Also, don't forget to go and check out Video Mike, and his PBS award winning snowmobile TV show called Snow Trails TV. For only 20 bucks, you can view over 50 episodes of his tv show, right on your computer screen at home!

Cheers! Happy Fall!

XOXOXO
zw

2007-09-17T22:00:00.000-07:00

Touring the Quebec Countryside on Canada’s White Highways
(Story is 'borrowed' from The New York Times)

(Photo) François Létourneau, right, leads
a tour from a relais in Valcourt, Quebec.
THEIR speed. The acrid stench of their two-cycle engines. And their whine, louder than a hundred chainsaws, shattering the white silence of winter.

As a lifelong cross-country skier, I have always seen snowmobiles as the enemy.

But if you travel to rural Quebec in winter, conversion to la motoneige, as the snowmobile is known there, is de rigueur. Crisscrossing the province are 20,000 miles of trails linked to a trans-Canada system. If you don’t motoneige, you miss out.

In the Eastern Townships and Montérégie regions, the faintly rolling plains an hour and a half east of Montreal, most snowmobile activity centers in Valcourt, which calls itself the world capital of the sport. A quintessential company town, Valcourt, population 3,400, is a wind-blown clump of ranch-style homes huddled around the factory complex of Bombardier Recreational Products, maker of Ski-Doo snowmobiles, currently the top-selling brand. About 80 percent of the town’s workers are employed by Bombardier, their fates intertwined with the company’s success.

This year is an auspicious one for Valcourt: the town celebrates its 150th anniversary; the Grand Prix Ski-Doo de Valcourt, a top-level snocross and oval snowmobile competition, has its 25th; and Joseph-Armand Bombardier, the Valcourt man who invented the snowmobile, would have celebrated his 100th birthday.

“We are called Bombardierville,” said François Létourneau, president of Les Pionniers de Valcourt, the local snowmobiling club, and my guide for the weekend. Big and baby-faced, Mr. Létourneau, 31, is an electrical systems debugger at Bombardier. He has been snowmobiling since he was a boy.

“It’s your first experience on a snowmobile?” Mr. Létourneau asked on a pure azure Saturday morning with the temperature around 7. We stood like spacemen in our insulated suits and helmets outside the Centre de la Motoneige, the one Bombardier dealer in town.

“Oui,” I acknowledged. I had ridden scooters but was hoping not to repeat the experience of nearly wiping out a cafe table of tourists on a Greek island.

I sat astride my rental: a 118-horsepower Ski-Doo MX-Z X 600HO SDI. Odd yellow plastic shields over the hand grips made it look like a bumblebee. So did the bee logo emblazoned on its side.

IN twangy Québécois French, Mr. Létourneau gave me a crash course. By the handlebar’s right grip, the throttle lever. By the left grip, the brake. As on a lawn mower, the starter is a pull cord. An electronic key, a tether switch, is connected by a cord to the driver. Get thrown off and the key pops out, the engine stops, and the driver won’t be run down by his own vehicle. Oh, and heated grips keep hands warm.

The technology has leaped since 1922, when Mr. Bombardier built his first snow machine, a big propeller-driven sled powered by a Ford Model T motor — a kind of primitive airboat for snow. For Mr. Bombardier, 1959 was the turning point, when he rolled out the Ski-Doo, the first mass-produced, open-cockpit snowmobile for recreation. (Both vehicles are on display at the J.-Armand Bombardier Museum, where a centennial exhibition opened last week.).

I spun my 2007 Ski-Doo in a circle, getting a feel for the accelerator. The sled, as Mr. Létourneau called it (Quebecers use a number of terms: sled, the brand name Ski-Doo for any snowmobile, as well as the French motoneige), was easy to drive. No gears.

“If we find a lot of moguls, it will be tough on your arms,” he said. “Stay right on the trails always. They’re not very wide.” Those were his final words of advice before we sped away.

Immediately, I found myself fighting with the machine. Finesse was required to manage the turns. I soon learned that accelerating slightly into a turn, while braking, kept the Ski-Doo from fishtailing.

We began by taking a local unnumbered trail northwest out of town some 15 miles toward Roxton Falls, where we’d merge with the 1,200-mile Circuit J.-Armand Bombardier trail.

The trails resembled highways. Club members install signs at the beginning of each season: trail markers, route numbers, stops and speed limits. Capitalizing on the traffic, locals build makeshift snack bars and post rustic messages advertising toilets, coffee and frites ahead.

The route right-angled at property lines and corners of fields, dipped into birch stands and sugarbush, crossed brooks and railroad tracks and skirted secondary roads and sand pits. Every farm we passed had its deer stand, hunting blind and jumble of junked cars and tractors decorated with epaulets of snow. Earlier in the week, Mr. Létourneau had sent me an e-mail message saying we’d be eating on the road. “One of the pleasures of snowmobiling,” he wrote, “is to stop by ‘les relais,’ ” the snowmobiling equivalent of truck stops. After an hour and a half, we arrived at our lunch pit stop, le Relais 139 in Roxton Falls.

Inside, Marcel and Anna Dufort ate poutine (French fries drenched in gravy and topped with meat and cheese curds) and drank coffee. Mr. Dufort was the volunteer driver of the trail groomer. Now retired, Mr. Dufort, who worked at Bombardier for 36 years, talked about the grand prix. (The race starts today.)

“Ski-Doos go 100 miles per hour at that thing,” he said.

I asked Ms. Dufort, who rode as a passenger behind her husband, about the sport’s male dominance. “There’s more men,” she said, “but a fair number of women, too.”

After I had my own bowl of poutine du chef, Mr. Létourneau and I headed back across the snow. We connected with another trail, Trans-Quebec 45 north to Acton-Vale, where we picked up regional trail 521 south, making a long wide loop back to Valcourt.

Because of winds, snow cover varied considerably. One stretch, protected by a hedgerow, might be fluffy with drifts. Turn a corner, and the same field might yield six inches or less. Most of the time we rode on a good foot and a half. Signs admonished us to “Stay on the trail.” The temptation to plow through virgin powder and do doughnuts was hard to resist.

“Often in Quebec, when we have fatalities it’s off trail. People go across ice, and it’s not frozen,” Mr. Létourneau said. “The safest place to snowmobile is on a trail.” As president of the club, he patrolled the trails, stopping speeders and checking permits.

“We look out for the ‘big thumb,’ ” Serge Martin, the club’s security director, told me later, squeezing his hand on an imaginary throttle. But, he added, “We are not the police.”

As I lagged behind Mr. Létourneau, who wore an orange “SÉCURITÉ” vest, I couldn’t help feeling like a trail abuser whose sled had been impounded.

We drove mostly at 25 to 30 m.p.h. Blasting out of groves of cedars and firs, I would cut loose across flat open fields. A few times, I almost hit 55 m.p.h. I waited for my 479-pound chainsaw to take flight. I came to meditate on the Zen of the buzz.

But the five-hour ride began to take its toll. My back muscles and shoulders became sore. The final hour passed slowly. By the end, I was beat.

Back at the Centre de la Motoneige, the sky had grown dull gray. Snowmobiles hovered around the gas pumps. Inside, folks ogled the new models and tried on Ski-Doo jackets. Zipping out of my snowsuit, I felt, almost, like one of them.

“We did 60 miles today,” Mr. Létourneau said later at Le Brandy Creek, Valcourt’s popular watering hole. “Sometimes we can do this for 12 hours. I know some who can go as much as 700 kilometers a day.” That would be 435 miles.

My ears still thrummed. I wanted to know if noise ever bothered him. “I’m used to it,” he said, noting that my sled had one of the cleanest two-stroke engines available. This assuaged my guilt, for about 10 seconds.

I thought back to a moment earlier in the day. We had crossed paths with a lone cross-country skier. We slowed down. He braced himself as we passed.

I gave a wave. With his head down, he meekly returned the greeting.

He was a ghost, a doppelgänger, a pre-snowmobile version of myself. I knew what he was feeling.

Then, I revved the engine and, with a plume of snow-spray, exhaust and whine, left him behind.

To read all the excellent travel writings of the NY TIMES, go to their web site:www.newyorktimes.com

Quebec Snowmobile Accommodations Motels Hotels

2007-09-10T00:27:00.000-07:00

Quebec Snowmobile Accommodations Motels Hotels

Drive from Mauricie to Lanaudiere; Glaciere Motel from Zen Waiter on Vimeo.

Selecting a snowmobile resort in Quebec Canada requires a certain amount of thought, planning, and research. Here are a few things you want to keep in mind whilst making your selection.

First off, your snowmobile accommodations are often in flux due to the weather, trail conditions, the health of your buddies travelling with you, the mechanical state of your snowmobiles, or even the alignment of the planets (or so it seems).

I feel sorry for snowmobile motel and hotel owners, especially those that are located at the ends of the earth, deep in the bush. What seemed to be a solid motel booking for 4 rooms for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night, can easily turn into a total no show - the reservations are left empty, and so is the pocketbook of the motel owner.

The four snowmobilers were indeed heading towards their motel, but then one of the bearings in the axel of the snowmobile trailer burned up and the trailer and sleds flipped into the highway along the New Jersey turn pike.

Once the potential guests got going again, they got delayed at the Canada USA border because one of the boys forgot that he had a DWI back in 1989. He has to go home.

Then, the weather drops a high wind on the south side of Montreal and the rain turns into freezing rain; all traffic is now delayed.

When the boy finally arrive at the motel, it is Sunday aftenoon, but there are only three left. They all take off for a quick ride before dinner, but the Arctic Cat sled blow up 50 miles out. The three can't make it back to sleep, they have to sleep somewhere else.

And on and on it goes. The snowmobile accommodations business is a tough one. Just ask Bernard at Motel Safari in Shawinigan Quebec, who has been at it for over twenty years.

"Frankly Zen, you never know who or how many are actually gonna turn up... it has nothing to do with the reservations in the book, or the Visa slip deposits that you have taken. You get what you get, and you just have to roll with it."

Then there is the question of snow. Will we have enough snow on the trails to groom this winter? Last winter the answer was a resounding "NO" right up till mid February. The winter was an untitigated disaster for motel and hotel owners, due to repeated cancellations.

Those that own snowmobile hotels, B&B'S, motels, and resorts or cabins, have a right to be edgey and frustrated at times, so be nice to them!

Zen

2007 - 2008 : A New Snowmobile Season

2007-08-20T08:23:00.000-07:00

Here we go again!

This will be season number eight for me, writing and promoting our sport of sledding on the Internet, using blogs, video clips, podcasting, video blogs, posting snowmobile news stories, updating the zenwaiter interactive snowmobile site, posting photos on our snowmobile photo albums, participating in our snowmobile rider chat room, posting videos on youtube.com, bantering with trouble makers on snowmobile bulletin boards like Trailconditions.com and Hardcoresledder, sending out constant contact newsletters from time to time, answering your e-mails, conducting interviews on Zen Talk radio talkshows, and writing good old fashioned snowmobile articles about snowmobile theft, crossing the Canada US border, snowmobile safety, snowmobile destinations in Quebec and Ontario, and occasionally, penning my various rants on Zen's Comments.

When I look at it this way, I think I can safely say that I am keeping up with the technology. Above and beyond all this of course, I actually visit snowmobile resorts, interview riders and motel owners, take photos, and provide updates on weather reports and snowmobile trail conditions when I can. I also post YOUR comments, your letters, and your photos that you send in.

Most years, I also attend and participate in the big snowmobile expos like Syracuse New York's Big East snowmobile Show, and the annual Toronto Snowmobile Show.

Last winter, I was waiting for the snow before heading to Quebec to collect more new stories and photos, but the snow and cold never came. When the winter arrived in February, I was too sick to travel, so I stayed in my home and nursed my walking pneumonia through the rest of what can only be called, the worst winter ever for all snowmobilers. I was sick through April, with a lung problem that just wouldn't let go. Strangely enough, it seems to be starting up again right now after a cool late night motor bike ride, and it worries me.

This winter snowmobile season, 07- 08, begins for me now in late August. Most of my writing and web site re-vamping work starts now and runs hard through November. At that time, I have to work hard to get the sponsors to pay up, and I solicit for donations. I spend hours every week on the phone with YOU, and go to the post office every day to mail out Zen Hats and thank you letters for donations received.

This year there will be no toll free number - last year it cost me over 1,200. and was a big drain on my time. The main topic of discussion, was 'How do I get to Mont Vallins?' I created a page for everyone to visit, but the calls still came in. You were too lazy to read what I had spent hours preparing for you on the web site. I pulled the 1-800 line in February.

The other topic was, "Where is the damn snow". I had few answers. If this year is a repeat performance of Global Warming, the snowmobile industry is in trouble. Even the far north had no snow. It was eerie, and it was disconcerting. It cost everyone millions. My income dropped even lower than usual (hard to believe eh? HAHAH!).

But, on the bright side, I have to say that over the years, my web site business has slowly built up a few new clients annually, so, there is always hope that a small check will be in the mail box for services I have rendered to someone, no matter how small. Coupled with my money saving move to more affordable housing and living in Saskatchewan, I will be more resilient on the financial front.

I do not know if I will attend any snowmobile shows this year, I have my doubts, but I will have reports from them trickling in from contacts and good sources. I do not know if a trip down east will be in the cards for me either, but again, my reporters out there have really stepped up to the plate in recent years, and Zenwaiter.com manages to offer damn good info even when I remain in the office here. In fact, last year the site had more info than usual.

That's my latest update. Stay Tuned. THANKS for listening!

Go to my main web site now!

www.zenwaiter.com

A Tough Snowmobile Year

2007-01-16T19:25:00.000-08:00

WHITE GOLD
by Dom Coquel; Esterel Hotel

Every hotel, inn, or motel , restaurants, bars, as well as the snowmobile rentals,and the Clubs in Québec were expecting to have the best winter in the last 10 years. All the stars was pointing in that direction, the response at the snowmobile shows were positive and alot of us had been able to convince the riders that had never crossed the border before to do so this year, all our regulars were raring to come back. Dealers had informed me that they were anticipating increased sales of new machines, and the guys wanted to try out their new babies on long and exciting trails!

Mother Nature however, decided to put a hold on all of that. My snowmobile trail base was the best I had ever had in the last 25 years, 3 days of rain beginning of December is what I needed, then 4 days of cold cold freeze over, then 6 inches of snow on top of that, I was rolling around laughing my head off, just imagining what kind of wonderful and fun winter we were all going to have. Then nothing! Everything came to a halt!

Hard work always pay off they say. I Really wanted to thank my boss for having believed in me all these years, I had a dream to fill up this place with American riders and give them the best security and mapping service they could find in Québec. It took a larger budget, and alot of hours of hard work, not to mention personal sacrifices.

In the last 3 weeks I have had all my rooms cancelled due to lack of snow, and closed snowmobile trails. I refunded every single one of my guys, knowing that it was the only honest and loyal thing to do. Yes, it hurt, yes I sent home my security guards after promising them a good winter job, and I could of used that money to compensate. But I owed my guys that respect, it is not their fault if they could not ride, so why penalize them or force them to come back at an other moment when we do have snow.

So what do we say to guys that have no more vacation at a later date? What do we say to a group of guys that all have businesses and cannot know in advance if they will make it back another time this year? I hope that my honesty and loyalty will pay off, and that if the guys have the time to come up, they will come back to me. I hope that the advice I gave to others like me will pay off for them too. I will never take one of my guys as a hostage. Yes snow is white gold to me, but not at any cost!

I was very depressed these last few week, being a rider myself, I miss my guys, I miss hearing their stories at the end of the day in the bar, I miss looking out my window and seeing all the sleds in front of my office. I miss taking my walk in my 200 place truck and trailer parking lot that is empty right now; I still walk the parking lot but feel even more lonely when it is empty.

I miss the smell of the steak and fries that my guys order in the bar, I miss the sound of the wine corks that the guys who decided to try a finer dining experience have popped off in my dining room. I miss the sounds of the engines arriving at night from their run, I miss the smell of two stroke engines,I miss my guys waving good bye, leaving in the morning for their new adventure.

The 6 1/2 inches that I received last night has at last opened up all the trails, everyone is scrambling to get organized by Friday, all club presidents are calling each other up to connect all the trails, all the club volunteers are calling the maximum hours to get everything ready for our American riders.

What fell last night was indeed white gold, and I believe it will bring my guys back to me.

Dom

Executive Director, Snowmobile Market;
Esterel Hotel
1-888-378-3735

2007 Snowmobile Season: Slow Start

2007-01-13T14:04:00.000-08:00

Quebec Winter Tourism Groans

On the right we see the always effervescent 'Dom' from the Esterel,
looking after her snowmobile clients, no matter what!

Snow in Nevada?

Global Warming Changes Things.

All my sponsors are scrambling to find places for you to ride, with mixed results. Bernard at Motel Safari has been checking out snow covered logging roads, Gille up in Val D’Or has been guiding slow paced trips through the bush off trail, and now our own little Dom from Esterel in the Laurentians has found some trails for you ro ride on, even if it means a bit of trailering.

These are the efforts of your Quebec hosts, and I am sure there are hundreds of others doing the same all over this great Province.

The 4 billion dallor snowmobile industry is groaning right now because of loss of snow and cold. It has been getting more and more difficult for motels, bars and restaurants to stay open with each passing snowless day.

In the Mauricie region alone, over 800 good workers rely directly on snowmobile tourism for their jobs through the winter. Many have already been laid off.

Mother Nature is a bitch. Well, that’s not really true, industry and emmissions from cars haven’t exactly helped her with continuing pollution of the planet.

The writing appears to be on the wall. We have screwed up Mother earth with our selfish pursuits. I know that on the plus side, I 'recycle', I don’t drive an SUV, but I do promote a fossil fuel based industry.. snowmobiling. Perhaps I should do a web site for sail boats or whale watching.

One thing is for sure - I’ll be looking for a job too if it don’t start to snow pretty soon. Who needs a snowmobile web site if there’s no snow eh??

Cheers
zw

(PS: send me your home remedies for curing my cold.)

Snowmobile Safety Tips

2007-01-08T07:30:00.000-08:00

Defensive Driving

Never ride alone. Always be on the alert for potential danger. Your helmet and engine noise will impair your hearing. Your visibility will be reduced during a snowfall, with snow gusts and in the darkness of the night. When approaching an intersection, come to a complete stop, raise in your seat and look for traffic. Keep headlights and tail lights on at all times. Never ride on a street or highway. Stay on marked trails or ride where permitted, on the right shoulder of the road. Never make assumptions about what other snowmobilers will do. Do all that you can to ensure your safety and that of other riders. Expect the unexpected! Ride at a reasonable speed and watch out for: Thin ice and open water Grooming equipment Oncoming snowmobiles Unforeseen obstacles beneath snow (look for depressions in the snow) Unexpected corners, intersections and stops Road and railway crossings Logging and forestry operations Snow banks and drifting snow Trees and branches on the trail Bridges and approaches Fences and low strung wires Wildlife and domestic animals Other trail users (skiers, hikers)

Don’t Drink and Ride

Alcohol is a factor in more than 70 per cent of snowmobiling fatalities. It increases your susceptibility to cold and hypothermia. Your reaction time, perception, ability to control your sled and response to unexpected situations can be drastically affected as well.
Snowmobilers may be riding in remote locations miles away from help. If a situation should occur where help is needed, chances of survival and treatment of injury are at risk. Don't let alcohol be a contributing factor to your fate.

Night Riding

A disproportionate number of snowmobiling incidents, including nine out of ten fatalities, occur after dark. Forward visibility is reduced by darkness and it is much more difficult to spot and identify potential hazards in time. Overdriving headlights can also be a serious problem, so slow down when snowmobiling after dark. Becoming disoriented or lost is much more likely at night. Ride with individuals familiar with the area. Always wear outer clothing with reflective trim on the arms, back and helmet. Never ride alone at night. Always dress in your full snowmobiling outfit even if your intended destination is just next door. Many accidents happen close to home. Be certain that all lights are operational and keep in mind that hand signals become increasingly more difficult to see as darkness sets in.

Ice Riding

Drowning is one of the leading causes of snowmobile fatalities. Wherever possible, avoid riding on frozen lakes and rivers because ice conditions are never guaranteed. Ice conditions can change in a period of several hours. If you must cross ice, stay on the packed or marked trail. Don't stop until you reach shore. If you hit slush, don't let off the throttle. If you are following someone who hits slush, veer off to make your own path. It’s best never to operate in a single file when crossing frozen bodies of water.

If you must travel over lakes and rivers then consider using a buoyant snowmobile suit which will assist you to reach the closest ice surface. Also consider carrying a set of picks which will help you grip the edge of the ice more easily. As a rule of thumb, "If you don't know, don't go."
If you do break through the ice, don't panic. Follow these tips:

Kick vigorously into a horizontal position and swim to the nearest ice edge. Place hands or arms on unbroken ice while kicking hard to propel your body onto the ice, like a seal. Once clear, stay flat and roll away to stronger ice. Stand, keep moving and find shelter fast.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia, the lowering of the body’s core temperature, can happen in water or on land. It does not require extreme cold and accelerates with wind and wetness. Dressing warmly in water-resistant layers helps, but if immersed, quickly replace wet clothes, keep moving to generate body heat, and find immediate shelter and warmth.

Snow Blindness

This occurs when direct and reflecting sun glare are too bright for the eyes. Riding without good quality, UV-protected sunglasses, goggles or a visor can cause permanent damage.

Frostbite

Frostbite results from freezing temperatures and poor circulation and mostly affects extremities and exposed skin. Watch out for unnaturally white and numb skin surrounded by extreme redness. Cover up and dress in layers, making sure that socks fit loosely within your boots. Mitts with liners are warmer than gloves. Always check the weather conditions before you depart.

Wind Chill

Wind chill is a lower temperature caused by wind and/or the forward momentum of a fast moving sled. Wind chill exposes you to severe cold that can cause hypothermia. Wind-proof outer garments, extra layers and a balaclava will offer some protection, but keep your face shield down to prevent wind burn and to protect your skin and eyes.

What to Wear

With high-tech winter wear and proper layering, winter comfort is easy. Start with polypropylene and thermal under layers that release moisture while retaining heat. Add other heat retentive layers depending on the temperature. Avoid cottons and sweat shirts which retain moisture, making you cold and clammy and can lead to hypothermia.
Good snowmobile wear contains materials that retain heat, release moisture and resist both water and wind. Try to find suits that are water and windproof. Wear a buoyant snowmobile suit if you are travelling across ice.

Snowmobile suits should have reflective trim for night riding. Carry extra clothing, socks and mitts for layering. A helmet and face shield combat cold and hazards, while waterproof, insulated boots and leather snowmobile mitts provide warmth and protection.

Snowmobile Care

Always keep your snowmobile in top mechanical condition. When snowmobiling, you may be in remote areas and far from immediate help so it’s essential to bring along a basic repair and emergency kit. The kit should contain these items:

spare belt
spare spark plugs
manufacturer's tool kit
extra wrenches nuts and bolts sized for your sled
tow rope
pry bar
duct tape
wire
jack-knife or pocket knife
flare
flashlight
matches
first aid kit
cell phone (although it may have limited service range in some areas)

Sledder May Loose 600.usd Deposit! Ripp Off?

2006-12-27T16:02:00.000-08:00

Time to wake up and smell the Internet people!
Dec 22 -Letter of the week!

Hi Zen.

I've been a fan of your web site, and a hard core sledder for 5 year's. Just wanted to inform you & your following about a problem I had with the La Glacier. ( not sure how you spell it but the place on the left before you get to St. Zenon). I've been in contact with them several times over the last week about refunding my deposit on our rooms over the Christmas/ New Year's week. Due to the lack of snow ( which were all praying about) I asked them what there cancellation policy is and they pretty much told me if I don't come I loose it. I'm not a big fan of the place any how but the crabonnon was booked & so was Real Masse ( sorry I no you don't care for Dennis).

Hopefully everything with the weather will work out but if not, I stand to loose almost $600.00 and I will never eat there sleep there or fuel up there ever again. Just thought others should know. I guess that's why they're never booked up.

Thanks for all the hard work you do. I know you don't live in St. Zenon anymore but if I happen to see you at the Saw Mill in St. Michele You will have another fantastic dinner on me. Please help me warn the others. Thanks again, keep praying for snow and I hope to see you soon.
Jason

Thanks for the head's up.

Many readers that still go to this area may be interested in seeing your letter. The deposit issue is important to note. You must be clear on the hotel policy before you agree to pay a deposit. I hope it is only a misunderstanding, it must be! Perhaps because you speak English?

I cannot believe they would try f*%$k you out of 600.! This is NOT the way 99.9% of Quebec snowmobile motels do business! Remember, there are always two sides to every story. Marcel Auger is a very reasonable man... be sure to talk to him personally. If they do insist on taking your 600. bucks, call Visa and they will help you to reverse the charges. As for the other, he is anathema to me.

It is hard to believe any hotel now a days would try to mislead any snowmobilers, because they must be aware of the power of the Internet. Go only knows what they would do to a place that would do such a thing on purpose, once the news hits Hard Core Sledder.com. or Trail Conditions.com. It could destroy a reputation in a heart beat.

Too bad you couldn't get into Real's place - you would have love that place- be sure to call Gilles at the last minute for an honest weather update. Who knows, he may be able to squeeze you in at the last minuite!

BTW - if you still need a place in St-Michel area, check out Auberge au Pied de la Chut here... I'll be watching for you at the Saw Mill old buddy! You are very generous, like so many of our US guests!

As for the snow - I think it will come soon! Read my opinions here...

zw

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New TRAIL CONDITIONS Page

2006-12-21T09:08:00.000-08:00

New Trail Conditions Page on ZW.COM

The most difficult thing to do is to try to provide honest and accurate trail conditions for this sport. It's damn near impossible. Plus, you always make enemies. That is why I largely moved away from that a few years ago and just tried to make an entertaining web site full of cool stuff.

Well, I have thrown my hat back into the ring, hoping it will increase traffic on my web site, and it has already done just that. A few days ago I created this page, and already it has had over 1,000 viewers.

This is an adventure sport, and we all need adventure, but we also want to know what the hell is going on - we need to know where the snow is to enjoy our sport.

As you know, I am paying large (15 cents a minute) for a TOLL FREE phone number, 1-877-zen-trip. You have been calling all day long! Thanks!

By calling all my French speaking sponsors daily, I keep in touch with what is happening, and then I can get the info you need, and translate it into English. I thought perhaps I would do a BOOKING thing, but that is too difficult in reality. One lady from Ontario called me five times last week, asking more and more qns about a possible snowmobile holiday with her lover - she wasted my money and my time ALL DAY LONG, then didn't book a damn thing.

I am gonna keep the phone line, and pay for it myself - just to try and make myself useful to my sled friends. That is what I have always been about. AND I will try to keep my pages updated for you. In a week or two I will be in Quebec, then I will have trouble keeping all this going. I will stay for a month or more and try to report from the road. I will tell you all about these cool places and provide photos, audio, video clips, and photo albums.

My budget for that trip is 3,070.00. I need donations to cover that. So far I have collected about 600. Thanks to those who have contributed (about 10 people). There are 3,000 a day that visit my pages each day right now, and 8 have helped me. Hmmm. Always the same dilemma every year. Oh well.

Every year I load my credit card to the max on the road, and pay it off till July. All that to get good info for you. At least I have slowly built up more sponsors over the seven years I have done this!

zw

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Prayer for Snowmobile Christans

2006-12-19T19:59:00.000-08:00

A Christian Sledder's PRAYER for SNOW

Dear God, we thank you for your goodness towards us, and for sending us your Son Jesus. Thank you for my brand new sled sitting in the garage, and for my new four place enclosed aluminum trailer. Thank you for the week off you have provided from my job. Thanks for allowing me to get away with the family (and or the boys), thank you for your loving kindness.

Ahem. Now, Lord .... about the lack of snow and lack of cold temperatures. We humbly ask that you wouldst smite the entire North Eastern corner of the United States and all of Canada, with a horrific snow storm, the likes of which we have not seen in fifty years, accompanied by extreme and devastating low temperatures.

Freeze up thy lakes oh God, and all thy waterways. Spare the cities from harm dear Lord, but blast the countryside into next Tuesday with your fury. Pour out your wrath in a mighty display of howling wind and deep fresh snow.

We thank you in advance oh God, for your mercies. We all promise, and covenant with you oh God, to be better husbands, and better fathers. We promise to be more generous, drink a little less beer, and be more forgiving with our friends and neighbours.

We also promise God, to ride safe and sober this winter... for real ... Thank you for your love.

Amen.

PS: God, if you got it started on this storm right away, they would be able to groom it for us by the day after Christmas.

Thanks.

Snowmobilers in Danger

2006-12-13T08:47:00.000-08:00

Are YOU Ready For Death Too?

Newspapers & Internet is full of tradgedy this past week.

This is the coffin of somebody's uncle Bob. He died on a snowmobile. He left his children and his wife, and his mom and dad to get along without him. He's in the box now, and the party is definitely over... for everyone.It could just as easily be you or me in this box.

This past week alone, many sledders were killed. Drinking, speeding, hitting trees, not wearing helmets, drowning. I guess it's time for sober reflection again folks, time to think about safety, BEFORE we do something stupid, and cause huge heart ache to those we love at Christmas.

Do your buddies run too fast, and beyond your abilities, but you don't have the balls to say anything? Here's a news flash... It's YOUR ass, not theirs!

It's YOUR wife and children that will suffer without you, not theirs. It's YOUR Mom and Dad that will be devastated. It's YOUR business that will fall apart without you. Screw them If they want to drink, and ride stupid onto a lake at night and endanger themselves, be a man - just say NO! Let them go.

This Year, MANY SNOWMOBILERS ARE DYING Needlessly
in North Dakota, Saskatchewan, Michigan, Ontario..

Are you ready to die? Is your family prepared to loose you? Is driving drunk that important? Is the thrill speed more important than your children? Is hitting a tree with your sled an option? The answer is - absolutely not.

Driving drunk, driving too fast, driving off trail without being careful, riding on water ways that are unsafe, riding with no helmet, stunting, and performing stupid acts. It's not funny. IF you think about your son, or your daughter, you won't see the fun in behaving like an ass on your snowmobile. Please read these reports of four deaths in the past few days. Do you want to be the next person to abandon your family?

Here are this week's news stories about others who have been killed.

HOOPLE, N.D. A man was killed in a snowmobile crash near this city, the Pembina County Sheriff's Department said.Joshua Lee Buchwitz, 27, of Hoople, died on Saturday after his snowmobile struck a tree in a field northeast of the city.The sheriff's department received a call shortly after 2:30 a.m. on Saturday reporting the accident.Buchwitz suffered head and upper body injuries and was transported to a hospital in Cavalier where he was pronounced dead, authorities said

Rosseau man killed in early-morning snowmobile accident News Update, News, posted Dec 11, 2006 at 10:10 AM Darrell Ronald Ainsbury, 21, of Rosseau, was pronounced dead at the scene after hitting a tree sometime after 5 a.m. Sunday morning, according to Huntsville OPP officers. Mr. Ainsbury's common-law spouse found the accident site and Mr. Ainsbury's body on Bear Cave Road after friends called her expressing concern for the man's safety when he left a nearby home at 5 a.m., police said. Mr. Ainsbury was not wearing a helmet. Police are waiting for results of a post-mortem examination to determine whether alcohol was a factor. See Wednesday's North Star for more information.

2 men killed in separate snowmobile accidents; By The Associated Press.Two men died in separate snowmobile accidents in northern Lower Michigan, police said Saturday. A 38-year-old Muskegon man was found dead about 12:50 a.m. Saturday in Lake County's Newkirk Township, sheriff's deputies said. NEWKIRK TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- A 38-year-old Muskegon man was killed in a snowmobiling accident, the Lake County Sheriff's Department said Saturday. Police discovered the man, whose name was not immediately released, after two Ohio residents snowmobiling near Luther came upon a sled that had struck a tree. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said speed might have been a factor, but wasn't clear whether alcohol played a role. Two snowmobilers notified dispatchers that they had come upon a sled that had struck a tree near Luther, about 70 miles north of Grand Rapids. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Thomas W. Williamson, 70, of St. Helen, died after the snowmobile he was driving crashed about 5:45 p.m. Saturday in Ogemaw County's Foster Township, about 130 miles north of Lansing, state police at the West Branch post said. Both crashes remained under investigation.

How Do We Die?

Over the past seven years, I have heard of many deaths on snomobiles, not just in Quebec where I lived, but all over the snowmobiling world. Here are a few that pop into my mind. Please think about this. Think hard. It could save your life, or that of your sled buddy. (My sincere apologies to the victim's families).

1. A young trio head out, a couple and one male pal. She has never ridden. The guys run hot and fast, she doesn't have a clue. They are showing off. (Have to be macho). The couple who are seeing each other takes off. Boyfriend is running hard. She has trouble keeping up. She finally stops - in a stupid place. Why? Because she has not learned to stop in a safe stretch where all can see. Boy number two, trying to catch up, flies around the curve, and you guessed it. He slams right into the girlfriend. Her little body is mangled by his 700 pound sled. She is DEAD.

2. A seasoned snowmobiler (and a cop as well), is stopped with his pals. Off on the flats he sees a train comings. He has a brand new Cat with a tripple. He says, watch this guys! Without another moment of though, the brain in his penis engages. Away he goes, full throttle. He is gonna beat the train. Guess what happens. Yup. He hits the rise at 80 or 90 mph, goes right into the window of the locomotive, and dies instantly. There is nothing left of the sled that is larger than a Kleenex box. The rider is DEAD.

3. Two men, early thirties, ride to the Titty Bar at noon. it's a beautiful day and the trails are fantastic. They drink till about 4 pm. They ride back to their hotel, way too fast. They ride on the edge of their abilities. The guy in the back is trying desperately to keep up. He is riding in the dust and sees nothing. He backs off a little. The leader spots a real Stop sign up ahead at the end of a perfectly straight 300 feet of trail. He tries to slow down, but the trail is icy. He begins to loose control. He locks her up. Then BAM, he slams into a family in a Mini van. He seems to be okay. He gets up, talks a little, then drops in pain. At the hospital that night, he succumbs to internal bleeding and injuries, HE'S DEAD.

4. Two young family guys fly down the winding trail, side by side. In the corners, they stay side by side. It's early season, and they think they can take that risk. They whip around one corner, and meet the groomer head on at about 50 mph. They slow to 40. The guy on the left shoots over the side of the trail and miraculously blows through the trees and hits nothing. His pal on the right who has two children, hits the blade of the groomer. His belly is sliced open like when you clean a fish. His organs remain, clean like meat in a delli, on the snow. HE IS STONE DEAD.

If I have upset some of my readers, I am glad. I would rather tell a few true stories, and have you hate me, than you go out and speed, drink, and ride like an idiot, endangering yourself, and someone else's life. Think how the man in the groomer must have felt.

Remember this....

A) You are not bullet proof.
B) There is a God, and You ain't it.
C) Alcohol and Speed are the two biggest causes of DEATH on a sled.

Comments? Save them for when you talk to your family about riding your snowmobile. Talk it over and see how they feel.

I apologize to any of the victims families, who may recognize their story above. I do not mean to upset you. Perhaps these avoidable accidents can help save a life. If I can save a life with this stupid web site, then it has accomplished something more than providing EYE CANDY for dreamers.

zw

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Quebec Snowmobile Pioneer Bob Petit, RIDES!

2006-12-10T11:21:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Bob Petit! Only 49!
Dec 9 2006-In His Back Yard - St-Jean de Matha Quebec

Bob Rides 170 Kms in Lanaudiere TODAY!
Parc is open & Groomed - 1.5 feet of snow.

Dec 9 2006 - Bob Petit - Happy Birthday!

Bob is one of the pioneers of snowmobiling in Quebec - in fact, the Zenwaiter team is currently working on the translation of his story. (We only have completed two chapters so far, but stay tuned for more.) Bob is a radio show host in Quebec, and a television celebrity as well. He really is Mr. Snowmobile in Canada! He says it has snowed in his neighborhood, but there is more snow to the north in St-Zenon! Looks like the groomers have done some already, and in a few weeks, it will all be groomed. We need more cold weather. It's still early.

*** Bob's Sweet Ride! '07 MXZ***

Amazing Early Season snow!

At the fork they turned right to go to St-Donat,just north of Coin Lavign! Dec 9 2006.Bob rode this brand new Bombardier MXZ HO 600 - White sled - to Coin Lavign, through the parc lots of snow, with a hard base, slippery. Also we stopped at Vieux Moulin for lunch, and from St-Michele to Cabanon, (lots of rock) then to the Glaciere - (smooth as silk), except for a few kms where they are lodging - that was gravel. The snow is softer here, and some atv's have gone out in spots, and messed things up. Tomorrow calling for 5 above freezing.

"The machine was incredible. I love it! Smooth acceleration, smoothest suspension ever, especially when I went over the rough spots, because, don't forget, it is still early season riding. I love the look, and the ride...."

" I LOVE MY BOMBARDIER MXZ RIDE MAN! "

Behind me, my friend Renald had trouble keeping up! He had a 2006 600 MXZ. We crossed a stream that was about two feet wide, and two feet deep. This was on a trail that was not groomed yet. I went first, but he wasn't watching. He never saw the stream, and slammed into it. He flew over the handlebars. He was fine, except for a bruised ego - everyone had a good laugh at his expense.

Half the trails we rode were groomed, half not. It's really too early to ride, but every year on my birthday (which is on the 10th actually, I must ride!) We had a nice group of pals, and we had a great day. I'll sleep like a baby tonight. The season is ALMOST begun in Quebec!

"Vive la belle neige du Quebec. Vive l'hiver"

** Vive la Motoneige! **

Thanks for the report Bob - and Happy Birthday!

zw

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2006-12-07T23:11:00.000-08:00

Zen's Letter of the week!

December 7, 2006 6:08 PM; hello, i was wondering if you could update me on any snowmobile news. like the amount of snowfall, good places to go, when people start snowmobiling, how much snow you have around la touqe and lac saint jean, and just stuff like that. i am a big snowmobilier for up there and try to go whenever i can. sincerely yours ryan
Hey Ryan!

Thanks for writing.

Allow me to review; I spend ten hours a day writing and posting articles, updating over 900 pages in my site, and answering tons of e-mails. Then I go and post on 5 sled boards- TC"COM, DOOTALK, HCSLEDDER, Total Yamaha etc. Then I go and update Zenwaiter.com, Snowmobilenewsworld.com, Zenwaiterwest, and snowmobilephotoalbums.com whenever I can.

Also, I answer several 1-877-ZEN-TRIP calls a day and offer free advice.

I'm sorry, but I cannot think of one more way that I could possibly spoonfeed my readers any better. I provide video clips, audio clips, video blogs, music, written blogs, boards, albums and a chat room. I give away prizes, update the Interactive site, create and mail out monthly news letters, and I do it for free. AND, I even volounteer at my church to shovel the snow.

Here's an idea, try clicking on stuff. Try reading, try viewing, and try listening. Check out some of the links on the web site, check my front page often. It changes almost every day. I do all I can for you Ryan, but I'm afraid it will take a little effort on your part too.

I heard La Tuque is not ready yet. Call Jack at Toit Vert - (I call it Jack's Outback.) His number is on my Accommodations page. This is info you could have accessed by searching through my site. All my sponsors LOVE to get calls about the snow pack! Once you find out what you were askin' about, please go and share it on a bulletin board somewhere.

The Internet is INTER -ACTIVE - that means you freely exchange info with others. 99% of people still contribute NOTHING - They just suck up all the info for themselves, never giving back. TV is one way media - Internet is TWO way.

I don't mean to be hard on you Ryan, but you're just gonna have to do some research. Get your pals to do some looking around too. Then, you have to bite the bullit, and start driving north. Remember, snowmobiling is an adventure sport. It's like a box of chocolates... you never really know what yer gonna git!

Now a days, there's tons of good snowmobile info on the net. A good place to start would be to keep an eye on what the boys are saying in Hard Core Sledder. Com

Cheers - zw

Our Sponsors Make it all Possible

2006-12-06T17:22:00.000-08:00

2006 -07 Zen Tour Maps Free!

I will also have about 50 Zen Hats to give away at the show, so be sure to arrive early. You must ASK for a hat to get one! That tells me you are a regular reader of ZW.COM.
I am also trying to convince TC.COM's infamous AD-MAN the Nazi Slayer from CHICAGO, to meet us at the show! That would be fantastic!

Zen Tour 2006 - 07

JP had a great idea this summer. "Why don't we get all the Zenwaiter motel sponsors together", he said, "and make a ride out of it?" (Hey JP - you ain't as dumb as you look after all!)
Better yet, we also convinced most of our motel sponsors, to offer you a little something special, if you visit them during the week.

Be sure to tell the people at the motel that you are doing the Zen Tour, and who knows, you may get something special. I know Bernard at the Motel Safari will have one free cold beer waiting for you!

The Zen-Tour Circuit
Our Zenwaiter sponsors have always been a small group, this year is no exception. We have eight motels that help to support this web site. Each of them has the right stuff to make your snowmobile holiday the best it can be. Services that you need, like for example, secure truck and trailer parking, clean affordable rooms, good meals, fuel, and repair facilities available for your sled - these are the basics. Add to that, a knowledgeable and friendly staff, a spirit of hospitality, and knowledge of Quebec snowmobiling, and you have it all!

The fun can begin anywhere along the route - wherever you want to leave your truck and trailer. You could start up at Auberge HARRICANA in Val D 'Or near the Ontario border, at L'Esterelle in the Laurentians, or at Bernard's secure lock up in Shawinigan. Whatever suits your needs. Make your favorite motel your base camp.

Then head over to St. Zenon to see Real Masse and his team to experience the best steak on the planet. (Be sure to ask for "Le Steak du Boss", especially if you have a big appetite!) If you are traveling with your family, they will appreciate Real's family atmosphere, and secure lock up.

Then, ride north to see the beauty of Pourvoirie 100 Lacs and meet JP & Cathy. Be sure to try the ice fishing before breakfast. They always pull the biggest fish out in the winter - even some twenty pounders - Can you say Walleye?

Next, ride over to meet Jean Beaulieu and his wife Dianne at Auberge Beaulieu in Mékinac, and meet all their staff in their down home bar! This is a must see. The music, the characters, and the atmosphere - Take it from Doctor 'C' - "It's Great!. Meet the friendliest people on earth. Many say it has the warmth of the old Auberge le Refuge. Physically, it is totally different, but the friendships you make there may remind you of Crazy Al's place.

Afterwards, ride over east to St-Michel-des Saints to visit Map Man Denny and his wife Carol at the Pied de la Chute. Extraordinary food in a family dining room, where they prepare it all themselves. Charming, clean and everything is brand new - beds, bedding, carpets paint... even the bathroom fixtures! It is very quiet and located right on the shores of big lake Taurau. You can walk to the Central. Ask Denny to be your guide to Off Trail Adventure.

Now, take the short ride over to see Bernard at Motel Safari, or Denny at the Escapade Inn, in Shawinigan. Don't forget the famous sizzling steak available only at that 57 Chevy restaurant. Bernard will take you! These two bon vivant Quebecs will look after whatever ails you. Fully secure with steel fences, and right on the trail.

Don't miss meeting the lovely and wonderful snowmobile lady we call Dom, at Hotel L'Esterel. Get spoiled and enjoy the formal dining room, and the ultimate 5 Star treatment in the Laurentian mountains. Swimming pool, hot tubs, rentals, skiing, something for every member of the family. Very Unique, with a hundred year tradition of excellence. Ask for Dom; she will look after your every need. A snowmobile holiday has never been better.

As always, we ask you to remember our other 'non- motel' sponsors as well, Location Haute Matawinie for all your snowmobile rental needs, and also Secure Sled Storage in St-Michel-des Saints Quebec. Great people that can help find solutions to repairs, storage, and sales.
In Connecticut, we have two other sponsors... Accurate Wire has supported us for years, and also Shark Cycle - they have two stores full of motorcycles and snowmobile deals for everyone.

Last but not least, let's remember Adman Marketing and Online Auction Services, and big Pyro Dave from Pyromate Firing Systems and SledQuebec.Com in New Hampshire. And... let's not foget the award winning web site that got me started in this crazy work... TrailConditions.Com.
There are so many others over the years that have kept this thing going.. guys like Crazy Al. Let's remember them as well.

I will do my best to support all my sponsors by writing some good content on this site this winter - especially stories about YOU the riders! Be sure to keep in touch by e-mail... send me your adventure stories and photos, and you'll see them on the front page this winter!
L'aventure commence!
zw

Zen Motel Sponsors for 2006 - 07
Real Masse (St-Zénon)
Auberge Harricana (Val D'or - Abitibi)
Auberge Cartier Val D'Or
Au Pied de la Chute (S-M-d-Saints)
Estérel Hotel (St-Margeurite)
100 Lacs Outfitter (Parent)
Motel Safari (Shawinigan S.)
L'Escapade (Shawinigan)
Auberge Beaulieu (30 mi N. of Shawinigan)
Motel Du Parc Shawinigan
Auberge Montebello
Auberge Au Toit Vert

Other Full Sponsors

Shark Cycle and Snowmobile sales in CT
SnoSuit.Com
Mini-Entrepot Sled Storage in St-Michel
SledQuebec.Com & Pyromate Inc.
Location Haute Matawinie Bombardier Rentals
Adman Marketing & Online Auction Services
Accurate Wire Quality Wire maker in CT
Haerdcore Sledders.com

Snowmobile Theft- Vacation Ruined- Holiday Terminated

2006-12-05T09:05:00.000-08:00

Zen Rants about Sled Theft

Photo by Zen - Lake Taurau, March 2005
'Copyright' zis 2005

Dec 5th 2006:
No matter where you ride, you'll want to be WISE about security for your equipment, and I mean ALL your equipment. When you arrive at your motel, hotel, cabins, b&b, whatever, ask your motel operator for his advice, on local theft issues, and then, DO WHAT HE SAYS!

A few basics on Snowmobile Theft

1) If you wanna go out to the Bar, restaurant, or exotic Dance show, always.. ALWAYS leave your sleds locked up back at your motel, hotel etc, under the watchful eye of your accommodations operator.

2) Always keep your registration papers in your POCKET. If you then do have something go missing, you can prove to the cops that you indeed DID have something. Trust me on this.

3)If you have dealings with Police, be nice, be humble, be sober. They are just trying to do their job, and it is difficult at best, because you are English speaking. RESPECT the officer as you would respect a cop at home. Remember, you are not in your own country, and NO, there is NOT a conspiracy between the Police in Canada and the Motels to steal sleds and sell them. This is B.S..

4) When in a restaurant, one person in your group sits by the window, and watches the sleds. In some busier areas, sleds can disappear in seconds. This is YOUR responsibility.

5) Theft is NOT WORSE in Canada than it is anywhere in NY, VT, MI or any other place.
Anywhere you have lots of assets, ie trucks, trailers, sleds, you will also have thieves. Don't be naive, be wise. Do not allow some asshole to ruin your snowmobile vacation - after all, you have waited all year for this holiday.

6) They will take it all. Some people have stopped for gas after they cross the border, and they loose everything - truck trailer, and sleds, and gear. If you stop for a meal and gas, lock up, and post a guard. No I am not fooling around. Just DO IT. Nothing is a tastier package, than a brand new Escalade pickup, with a huge aluminum enclosed trailer.. MMMMMM! You are a driving billboard pal! Sometimes, the thief will actually follow you for hours, waiting for his chance to rob you. Stealing is his business. Remember, he is a thief, and a damn good thief. Your ass is grass if you don't pay attention.

7) Do not leave your keys in the sled. Duhh! If the cops see this, you will get a fine for 120.cnd in Quebec. Don't be lazy. I realize you are on holidays, but that doesn't mean you act stupid. You must watch your speed, or you will crash eventually. Same with snowmobile theft, watch your stuff, or eventually, you will be robbed.

8) Once your stuff is stolen, forget it. Chances of recovery are less than 1%.

9) Many Quebec regions are publicizing the fact that theft is no longer a problem. True, many regional tourism agencies have done some work with the police to lessen the problem, but this is all through AWARENESS training. They try to get the Motel owner to Teach YOU to watch your ass. Unfortunately, YOU do not listen.

YES, it is YOUR responsibility. Blaming everyone other than yourself, will not bring your stuff back. True, there are times that you have honestly don all you can to keep your family secure, and they got you. This can happen, but 90% of the time, there was more you could have done. If this comment makes your blood boil - you are not taking responsibility. You need to grow up just a tad. Ok Ok, I will cut you a little slack, but just a little, and that only because I don't enjoy getting hate mail.

All of my Zen Motel sponsors, have taken lots of precautions, and spent lots of cash to keep you safe, but are you doing your part?

I have heard Americans say - screw it - the insurance company will replace the sled for me. This is a totally IRRESPONSIBLE attitude. Then, after your sled is gone, you whine and cry on the Internet. Guess what - that makes you look really dumb. If I had my truck stolen, I wouldn't brag about it. I would be asking myself some hard questions. Did I do all that I could reasonably do?

Sermon mode OFF;

Now go forth my children; Ride Safe - Ride Sober & Watch your Ass!

zw

Trail Conditions Must be Honestly Reported

2006-12-05T07:47:00.000-08:00

"Honest Trail Conditions Canada"
A word from Harmon at Auberge Cartier.

Harmon's trails are beautiful - Near Val D'Or.

Snowmobiling, being in the tourist industry, is a very competitive business sector in Canada. Packages for vacationers are offered of all sorts, from the basic "here is a room and the kitchen is open over there at noon" arrangements to the all-inclusive, fully-guided, fully-equipped, chilled champagne on arrival, chocolates on the pillows, private ice fishing huts and on-site security.

The winter tourism dollar is reward enough for adventure providers like us, to carefully craft a marketing strategy. One that is friendly, open, honest and interesting. We are fortunate being this far north as snow fall and cold are not at shortages here in the James Bay Frontier. It is always cold and snowing in the winter. Snow, in fact, becomes our region's greatest winter tourism resource and manage it well. Our world class Quebec trail systems simply outclass the rest.

Canada's snowmobiling industry has gone through its share of ups and downs over the years. In the bright times, most of the tourist operators celebrate in a moving display of camaraderie. In the darker years though, the industry tends to take on a meaner marketing dimension. Desperate tour operators can resort to unsavoury means in order to get additional business. When threatened or hurt, they easily announce false accusations on forums about specific competitors or even entire regions and provinces. Sadly, some may even blatantly lie about the actual weather or trail conditions on the ground in order to rent a room or jsut to keep the deposit. This type of business practice can hang a dark cloud on an entire region's industry when it is left unchallenged.

That is why sled paths reporting, the actual happenings on the ground need to be delivered to potential vacationers in a completely honest way. Not only is it a reflection of good ethics for the winter destination but it is also a testimony to the industry as a whole within a region, an entire province or even the whole snowmobiling industry in Canada.

If it hadn't snowed for three weeks and the temperatures have been consistently hovering in the low teens, then it is unethical to report that a snow storm just passed through. To continue in the charade and to suggest that the groomers are warming up is an unspeakable act of distrust. To take the whole play to the point when you declare that they have just headed out to make a way for you ... is a downright, low-down, terrible, terrible thing.

(I stole this article from Harmon at Auberge Cartier in Val Dor, it was in his blog. I agree 100%, so I re-printed it for my readers. Good Stuff Harmon!

Check out Auberge Cartier Here!

.

Quebec Snowmobiling at it's Finest : Where to Stay!

2006-11-18T09:52:00.000-08:00

.....2006-07 Zen Tour Map

Zenwaiter.com Sponsors for 2006 - 07

Lanaudiere Region

Real Masse (Ultimate snowmobile resort, family run business 100% secure)

Au Pied de la Chute (Small & charming on the lake- excellent food, all new rooms)

Outaouis Region

Auberge Montebello (Incredible luxury class hotel-castle, with superior comfort)

Laurentians Region

Estérel Hotel (A1 security, four stars, real dining room,'Dom' gives 200% service.)

100 Lacs Outfitter (Wilderness-rooms or cabins-cozy fireplaces, N. of Mt Laurier)

Abitibi-Temiscamingue Val-D'Or

Auberge Harricana (A huge log built hotel with exquisite & casual dining Fun people)

MapAuberge Cartier (Va l- D'Or - Abitibi close to Ont border, 5 house keeping cottages)

Lac St-Jean Region

Auberge Au Toit Vert (Wild area small and intimate- on trail-Cool spot - Go see!)

Mauricie Region

Motel Safari (Crazy Bernard is the best - will take care of everything)

Auberge Beaulieu (A wild man w/ smart wife - fun bar & food, good new rooms)

Motel du Parc ( N Shawinigan, on trail, fully secure parking for your snowmobile)

Security Measures Approved by Zenwaiter

Need More Info?
Call Zen Toll Free
1-877-Zen-Trip

What makes a great Quebec snowmobile resort?

Security - people that care and WATCH your sleds and trucks

Great Food - people that believe in feeding their guests well

On the Trail - people with rooms ON the trails - club supporters

Value - people that understand how to deliver service for the money

Caring - people that watch out for you, make sure you stay safe

Service - people that can fix your sled on the spot, and help you keep running

Extras - people that add value year after year to improve your experience!

These are attributes you will find in every one of my Zenwaiter Sponsors.

They make this site possible!

THANKS GUYS!

Thanks for good clean rooms, great hotel staff, great food,

and professional front desk staff. Also, thanks formaking Zenwaiter.com possible!

zw

ZW index here

A Bright Brand New Sno-Suit for Zen!

2006-11-14T20:05:00.000-08:00

Amazing new Developement in American Made
Snowmobile Clothing

Chris from Sno-Suit.com has sent my bright Arctic Cat racing green snowmobile suit by courier, and it should be arriving any day, and MAN - am I excited! I tried one on at the NY show, and I was completely impressed with the many thoughtful features that are built into the suit, as well as the quality of the materials that are used to build them.

I will wear it all over this winter, wherever I ride. I will even go to the local sno shows in Western Canada and walk around in the parking lots to promote it, handing out brochures.

Please watch the video provided by the company - it explains all the features of the suit.

Have a fun winter, and stay warm. I know I will.

Click here to see the Video.

Cheers!

zw

New Direction for Zenwaiter.com

2006-11-06T11:14:00.000-08:00

Zen's Priorities - 2006- 2007
More than Just 'Eye Candy '

Last February, when the web site was on strike for lack of funding, someone sent in a comment that my web site was "only good for the 'eye candy' value" ... my response was,

"well, if you enjoy the eye candy so much that you re-visit the site twice a day, does it not have some value for you?"

The reader responded, that he was not prepared to pay a single dime for his eye candy, as he could find it any where on the net for free. Well, I thought, if this was true, then why would he have zenwaiter.com in his favorites, and why would he visit it twice a day? The guy was just cheap.

This winter, my health is A1, thank God, and I feel stronger than ever. The way I feel right now, I can say with full assurance, (God willing) that the ZW site will be better than ever, and it will stay free again this year! Here are some of my priorities...

1) Monitor what my sponsors are up to. I will report on the new stuff they do to make your snowmobile holiday better. I will report on the sponsors services because these folks make this web site possible. If they add a hot tub to their motel, you will be the first to know it.

2) Trail Reports and Photos of Riders: As I do every year, I will get out there to visit all the sponsors on the Zen Tour route, and give you photo essays and reports back. I will also post YOUR photos and reports to share the snow news with all the readers.

3) Good Snowmobile Reading; I want to provide you with good and interesting reading, so that you can slide over to ZW.COM on your lunch hour, and read something new every day.

4) Snowmobile News Stories; I collect snowmobile news stories and post them onto my Snomobile New World web site for your enjoyment.

5) Interactivity; For those of you (few indeed) who actually want to contribute something to my collection of snowmobile lore, you can go to our brand new snowmobile interactive site, where you can submit photos, news, or event information at will.

6) Entertain you with Eye Candy! If I come across something fun and interesting - like a snowmobile joke or a cool sledding video clip, I will present it on the front page for your enjoyment. Purely Eye Candy!

What's New?

**Zen's Free Booking Service**

*** 1-877-ZEN-TRIP ***

Zen-Trip is a new TOLL FREE snowmobile holiday booking service, that I will operate this winter. Whether you are at home, or on the road, all you have to do is dial 1-877-zen-trip , and I will have an operator answer your call for free, and try our best to help you. Our operators are all bi-lingual, and our goal is to have the service running 24 - 7 , for your convienience.

If you book your snowmobile vacation in the UP, get up there, and discover that the snowmobile trails are rained ot, yu can just call Zenwaiter! I will try to give you some honest trail conditions and get you moved over into one of our sponsored motels where there IS SNOW!

This phone number shouldd be in service starting November 10th 2006

.

Good News for Quebec Trails!

2006-10-27T09:19:00.000-07:00

Public Pressure
Can No Longer Close Our Trails

This is the back of Jean Beaulieu last December!

Good morning, this is Zenwaiter in beautiful downtown Mossbank Saskatchewan, bringing you the latest in snowmobile news for Quebec and the rest of the planet.

According to Bernard at Motel Safari, the Quebec Ministry of Transportation announced recently that they have taken over the authority snowmobile trails in the province, from the Ministry of Leisure. The MOT has big power to maintain the trail system, a system that in recent years has come under heavy disruption from many groups that don't like the noise, the smell, and the general hub-ub caused by thousands of snowmobilers that invade the province every winter.

The Quebec Government has given the DOT power to maintain the trail system, which has evolved in Quebec over the past fifty or so years through thousands of hours of volounteerism. They have stepped up to the plate to protect our trails, because someone in the office, realized that the environmentalists, the peacenicks, the ATV crowd, the cross country skiers, and the bird watchers, have added the Quebec snowmobiler, to the growing list of endangered species.

That didn't seem so bad until someone from the accounting department, mentioned that these noisy sled-heads add an astounding 1.5 billion dallors to the Quebec economy each winter, and sustains thousands of jobs in the hospitality industry, not to mention the millions spent on gasoline, snowmobile repairs, trail passes, beer, and exotic dancer bars.

What does this mean for snowmobilers that come to Quebec? Well, any trail that has been in existence for 15 years or more, cannot be closed, as long as it is at least 100 feet away from someone's house.

This is indeed excellent news. Now, hundreds of volounteers in hundreds of snowmobile clubs across Quebec, will not have to beg the land owners for permission to cross their lands, and will not have to PAY them extortion fees, which seems to have become the fashion in recent years. Once a club starts paying one guy to open a trail, there is no end to it... they all line up like a gravy train.

Well, this train has apparently been derailed. This may not help trails that have already been closed, like the little train of the north trail or the St-Zenon village trail, but let's hope it will save the rest of them. All this, according to Bernard. Let's hope he is telling the truth. :)

This is Zenwaiter reminding you to ride safe this winter... safe and sober.

Oct 24th - Zen Shack IS Sold!

2006-10-24T08:21:00.000-07:00

A snowmobile enthusiast named Mike from Montreal won the auction last night on E-Bay, and walked away with the ownership of the Zen Shack!

I spoke to Mike this morning, and his greatest concern, was to know if there was still some tuna in the cupboards! I assured him that he could go in there now, and cook up a meal of spaghetti and tuna sandwiches in a flash! Who knows, perhaps even the old ermine would show up to beg for a plate of his own.

I has been raining hard in St-Zenon for the past few weeks, and my old pine trees that I planted have probably grown 20 inches this summer. Even if I don't own the place, I could always visit the trees and the stream.

Mike is a sledder up in St-Zenon and all over since about 1990, and he's had his eye on the Shack for a while. He loves to get away on his snowmobile with a few pals. "We usually just take off from here on our sleds and head north, then we end up where ever we end up!" he said.

As for me, the shack was just costing me money at this point, so selling it is a good thing. I will miss it though! Perhaps Mike will let me visit and sleep on the sofa!

Also, Mike will probably get visitors knocking on his door at any time of the day or night, as many many friends know the place as a friendly stop to drop in and warm up. Sometimes people show up at 7am to take me for breakfast, other times they drop in after the bar, and ask me to drive them back to their hotel, due to a little over indulgence on their part.

Occasionally some of my friends would ask permission to leave a trailer and truck in my yard for security while they were gone on longer a trip.

I am glad my old Zen Shack will be staying in the hands of another sled head... it is only fitting! Even better that he is a Montrealer! By the way, he is bi-lingual like me. Who knows, perhaps he will be the new Zen-man of St-Zenon!

So SALUT my Zen Shack!

zw

Snowmobiling is not for Sissys!

2006-10-19T16:59:00.000-07:00

Before reading my thoughts... please read this drivel....

"Oct 19, 2006: Baraboo, WI, USA; Wisconsin snowmobile news story; Snowmobile club membership on downward slope; By Scott De Laruelle. With a lack of snow in recent years and development encroaching on trails, area snowmobilers are finding it harder than ever to get out and enjoy some cold-weather fun. Still, die-hards like Pete Filus of Baraboo say all the trouble of working with state and local officials and landowners to find room to ride is worth it. The president of the Baraboo River Runners Snowmobile Club, Filus has spent countless hours in the past two years talking with landowners, maintaining trails and promoting snowmobiling, but has not had a chance to ride in Sauk County because of mild winters." read the rest here if you wish...

Apparently, it's getting harder to enjoy the winter fun of snowmobiling.. the trails are too expensive to groom, the land owners are difficult to please, and the snow, the article says, is not sufficient to maintain our trails safely. But notice that this good man 'Pete', the president of his club, says all the hard work is still worth it. But the writer drones on, trying his damndest, to drag a negative tone out of it all. Do you have to be negative to sell a story?

I could add several more negative complaints to the list this other journalist has racked up... how about the risk of injury, the risk of theft, the high price of fuel, the growing expense of maintaining that truck, trailer, and the expese of new sleds and repairs. What about the old lady (if she's not a rider) and lastly, what about the fact that I'm getting older, and everything hurts in the morning when I get up. Cry cry cry... cry me a bloody river why don't ya.

I hate it when the new writer at the paper, suddenly discovers the down side of sledding.. they get all excited and write a masterpiece obituary for my favorite sport. Well, he's doing no one a favour, and he comes off sounding like a putz.

The more he spouts off about the negative aspects and difficulties of getting a good ride in, the more interest drops off in the community. The less riders we get out there buying passes, the less miles of groomed trails we can afford to maintain.

Oh sure... all this negative stuff is true.. but so what. What else is new? To the man who has never howled through the frozen tundra at ninety two miles per hour on a perfect day, when the snow is just right, and the friendships are tops, and the hot stew at the other end is just as good as the cold beer.... he can't possibly understand why we do what we do.

And for those precious few days of extacy every year, when the weather is good and all the planet line up just right, we are willing to spend days getting the gear ready, checking the maps, fighting with the family and the boss for some time away, and push through that damn difficult at times Canadian border. Then we pay that big buck for Canadian gasoline (actually it went down) etc etc etc...

No no no.. the sport of sledding is NOT for Sissys or whiners. AND THAT IS WHAT MAKES IT SO GREAT!

All the sissys are at the bowling alley, or doing some other activity that is 'predictable'. They are perhaps sitting on their asses watching TV. But our sport takes heart, it takes courage, it takes lots of money, and it takes a real committment.. sorta like 'Pete' in the story seems to have.

Wanna read a writer with a good positive attitude about riding the great white north? Click on this link... you'll read what a young man says about riding the future in California! This article was filled with wonder and joy. This guy has heart and everything else you need to be a snowmobiller!

(ps; I can't find the bloody spell check on this blogger, so live with my multiple type ohs and my spelling errors! sorry! Reading my crap is not for sissys!)

Check it out here... CLICK NOW.

Cheers... zw

Zenwaiter Sponsors Oct 10, 2006

2006-10-10T06:48:00.000-07:00

Free Quebec Trail Pass this Winter?

Anyone that stays at 100 lakes for 7 days this winter, will get a week long Quebec snowmobile trail pass (value 150 cnd) paid for by JP at 100 Lacs Outfitter .

It's the wilderness that riders like when they go and see JP at 100 Lakes.

Click Here

Radio Interview w/ JP - Click Here!

Zen Tour 2006 - 2007

JP had a great idea this summer. "Why don't we get all the Zenwaiter motel sponsors together", he said, "and make a ride out of it?"

Better yet, lets also convinced our motel sponsors, to offer you a little something special, if you visit them during the week.

Be sure to tell the people at these motels, that you are doing the Zen Tour, and who knows, you may get something special. I know Bernard at the Motel Safari will have one free cold beer waiting for you!

The Zen-Tour Circuit

Our Zenwaiter sponsors have always been a small group, this year is no exception. We have eight motels that help to support this web site. Each of them has the right stuff to make your snowmobile holiday the best it can be. Services that you need, like for example, secure truck and trailer parking, clean affordable rooms, good meals, fuel, and repair facilities available for your sled - these are the basics. Add to that, a knowledgeable and friendly staff, a spirit of hospitality, and knowledge of Quebec snowmobiling, and you have it all!

The fun can begin anywhere along the route - wherever you want to leave your truck and trailer. You could start up at Auberge HARRICANA in Val D 'Or near the Ontario border, at L'Esterelle in the Laurentians, or at Bernard's secure lock up in Shawinigan's Motel Safari. Whatever suits your needs. Make your favorite motel your base camp.

Head over to St. Zenon to see Real Masse and his team to experience the best steak on the planet. (Be sure to ask for "Le Steak du Boss", especially if you have a big appetite!) If you are traveling with your family, they will appreciate Real's family atmosphere, and secure lock up.
Then, ride north to see the beauty of Pourvoirie 100 Lacs and meet JP & Cathy. Be sure to try the ice fishing before breakfast. They always pull the biggest fish out in the winter - even some twenty pounders - Can you say Walleye?

Next, ride over to meet Jean Beaulieu and his wife Dianne at Auberge Beaulieu in Mékinac, and meet all their staff in their down home bar! This is a must see. The music, the characters, and the atmosphere - Take it from Doctor 'C' - "It's Great!. Meet the friendliest people on earth. Many say it has the warmth of the old Auberge le Refuge. Physically, it is totally different, but the friendships you make there may remind you of Crazy Al's place.

Afterwards, ride over east to St-Michel-des Saints to visit Map Man Denny and his wife Carol at the Pied de la Chute. Extraordinary food in a family dining room, where they prepare it all themselves. Charming, clean and everything is brand new - beds, bedding, carpets paint... even the bathroom fixtures! It is very quiet and located right on the shores of big lake Taurau. You can walk to the Central. Ask Denny to be your guide to Off Trail Adventure.

Now, take the short ride over to see Bernard at Motel Safari, or Denny at the Escapade Inn, in Shawinigan. Don't forget the famous sizzling steak available only at that 57 Chevy restaurant. Bernard will take you! These two bon vivant Quebecers will look after whatever ails you. Fully secure with steel fences, and right on the trail.

Don't miss meeting the lovely and wonderful snowmobile lady we call Dom, at Hotel L'Esterel. Get spoiled and enjoy the formal dining room, and the ultimate 5 Star treatment in the Laurentian mountains. Swimming pool, hot tubs, rentals, skiing, something for every member of the family. Very Unique, with a hundred year tradition of excellence. Ask for Dom; she will look after your every need. A snowmobile holiday has never been better.

As always, we ask you to remember our other 'non- motel' sponsors as well, Location Haute Matawinie for all your snowmobile rental needs, and also Secure Sled Storage in St-Michel-des Saints Quebec an the Mini-Entrepot. Great people that can help find solutions to repairs, storage, and sales. In Connecticut, we have two other sponsors... Accurate Wire has supported us for years, and also Shark Cycle - they have two stores full of motorcycles and snowmobile deals for everyone.

Last but not least, let's remember Adman Marketing and Online Auction Services, and big Pyro Dave from Pyromate Firing Systems and SledQuebec.Com in New Hampshire. And... let's not foget the award winning web site that got me started in this crazy work... TrailConditions.Com. There are so many others over the years that have kept this thing going.. guys like Crazy Al. Let's remember them as well.

I will do my best to support all my sponsors by writing some good content on this site this winter - especially stories about YOU the riders! Be sure to keep in touch by e-mail... send me your adventure stories and photos, and you'll see them on the front page this winter!

L'aventure commence!

zw

Zen Motel Sponsors for 2006 - 07

Real Masse (St-Zénon)
Auberge Harricana (Val D'or - Abitibi)
Au Pied de la Chute (S-M-d-Saints)
Estérel Hotel (St-Margeurite)
100 Lacs Outfitter (Parent)
Motel Safari (Shawinigan S.)
L'Escapade (Shawinigan)
Auberge Beaulieu (30 mi N. of Shawinigan)

Other Full Sponsors

Shark Cycle and Snowmobile sales in CT
Mini-Entrepot Sled Storage in St-Michel
SledQuebec.Com & Pyromate Inc.
Location Haute Matawinie Bombardier Rentals
Adman Marketing & Online Auction Services
Accurate Wire Quality Wire maker in CT

Snow Storms in August?

2006-08-11T10:43:00.000-07:00

September is Comming!

In a few weeks from now, the kids will be back in school, and Dad will be searching the web to find new stuff for the upcomming snowmobile season. Anytime soon, the snowmobile dealer will be calling to announce the arrival of the sled he ordered in April, and the anticipation of winter excitement will begin again.

For me, it is the time that I begin to contact sponsors, and try to convince them to sign up now, so I can get that job out of the way before I start to report on the trails, the trends, the problems, and the best places to ride. I will start going through all the old snowmobile story topics in my head... crossing the border, dealing with questins about DWI, grooming methods, the price of sled fuel, and my favorite; what the best place to ride in Quebec.

I try to read up on what's new, so that I can have something intelligent to pass on to my readers. It's only August 15th, and already, I have over 800 people a day reading the web site!

This winter, I will be doing most of my web site updates from my office right here in Vernon BC. I will get almost all my ionformation from e-mails and telephone calls from motel owners and sledders who have just returned from a weekend somewhere in La Belle Province.

I will make a few trips to Quebec to taste the joy of the white stuff myself, and try to get around to seeing all of my sponsors in person, though that is a little ambitious.

I will be attending the Syracuse snowmobile show, and the Toronto show as well. I will be representing certain sponsors, and hope to meet many of you as I have done every year.

Personal donations from readers dried up last winter to the point that, it is a source of income which cannot be counted upon. This winter it will be covered by the sponsors alone. As a result of this, of course, the web site will loose some of the spontinaity which it used to enjoy, and will be more in line with tourism web sites. When I count on corporate donations, the colour of my writing and choice of topics, will be affected. I can't very well tell you of a rain storm that has wiped out the trails of one of my sponsors, now can I?? Instead, I will probably mention that there has been a minor mild spot in the current conditions, and that you shd contact your favorite motel owner for the details.

On the positive side, I don't have to worry about threats from anyone, if I am not reporting in detail on the poor trail conditions or snowmobile theft that may harass a particular area. (Of course, I can encourage others to report on these truths.) I will just try to write positive things, and look on the sunny side of life! After all, 99% of snowmobiling in Quebec is very positive; bright sunlight, great food, entertaining night spots, and the beauty of Canadian wilderness all around.

So, be sure to send me a photo of your new ride, and if you're lucky, I'll stick it right up on the front page and make you a Zen Star for a day!!

Keep in touch, and stay safe!

zw

Thoughts of snow in the summer Heat!

2006-07-29T06:06:00.000-07:00

Hey Zen readers, long time no see... eh?

It has been over 100 F for the past ten days here in Brtish Columbia, and the old motorbike has racked up another 8,000 miles since April.

Lately, riding has felt like sitting in a wind tunnel, fueled by a blow torch. The heat rising from the ashpalt is unbelievable. I try to wear the leather jacket all the time, but there is a risk of passing out, which over-rides the risk of having an accident, so I remove it when it is super hot.

This is Koocanusa lake in Cranbrook BC, 650 miles east of the Okanagan. I went to see my old pal Pizza Bob from Calgary and spent a few days at his place on the lake there. It was stunningly beautiful of course. Riding through BC is like enjoying a banquet of eye candy. It's hard to concentrate on the road sometimes - there's just so much for the senses to explore.

Somewhere in the BC bush.

Every year at this time, the worm in my brain seems to turn. My thoughts return to the world of white, the world of whining snowmobiles, blizzards, trails and deep snow. I think about all my English speaking friends from New York and Jersey, PA and VA, CT and MD. I remember buddies in New Brunswick and Ontario. I picture all of us in the brilliant sunshine of Quebec, surrounded by shiney new sleds in every bright colour. More eye candy for the senses - crisp icy mornings where the snow banks glisten, "and young men listen, to hear - skidoos in the snow".

My Quebec sledding memories include French accents, pretty girls, cold Canadian brewskies, the smell of two stroke engine smoke clinging to my clothing, and heading in to a log cabin somewhere in the bush to warm up by the fire. The warm smiles that greet me in the bar are inviting. We all tell lies and more lies, but they're almost believable after a few. The cold night stretches out to take it all in while my bibs dry our over the stove. Ten oclock comes and I am off to bed, dead tired, I sleep like a stone.

Snowmobiling in Quebec if wonderful. Hope to see you there this winter, eh?

Cheers
zw

Year in Review

2006-03-25T10:07:00.000-08:00

The Good - The Bad - and the Ugly

This was a fabulous year for me. I created about forty updates on my zenwaiter.com's front page, my readership was up by 30%, and we got a few new sponsors that are very committed. I didn't get shot, and I got back to BC in one piece! BONUS!!

I learned alot this year about doing Quebec snowmobile reports on the Internet. I learned how many ways a person can get attacked when he has a popular web site who's main mission is to give honest information to American and other English speaking tourists that desire to ride in Quebec.

Zenwaiter.com got hacked in a variety of ways this winter, demonstrating yet again, the ingenuity of evil doers. Someone put a time bomb in our guest book - which blew us right off the server for a week. Someone also hacked into our bulletin board and deleted everything except for his own phone number and coordinates. That one was pretty dumb. We could see clearly, that the bad man had paid for this.

Someone also went to the trouble of buying a membership in a pornographic web site on my behalf, and named it 'Zenwaiter's Horny Sluts' ! Anything to try and discredit my name.

A few weeks ago someone, too cowardly to use his real name, told the world in Trail Conditions.com that I was a total fraud. This is a tired old refrain that we have become accustomed to, and we know it comes direct from the Bad Man. Oh well - what else is new. I guess his numbers were down this year, and he had nothing else to do but get drunk, and try to attack me. Whatever.

Apart from several novel methods of trying to get rid of Zenwaiter.com, the jealous and frustrated purveyors of evil in our Lanaudiere tourist industry, also relied on their tried and tested methods, the usual weekly hacking of various of my web sites, as well as some of my client's sites.

I think it is safe to say that they are getting better at the game. And I guess I should take it as a compliment - that they would spend the time and money to attack my web site.

This year they cost me more money than ever, more money in fact, than the total of all the donations I got this winter.

I hate to tell you this dear Zen reader, but the bad guys are winning. Evil appears to be triumphing over good. I don't know how much longer I want to stand toe to toe with this scum.

The reader support this winter was abysmal. I will be working all summer to claw myself back out of the hole from my Quebec endeavours. Eight weeks in my car on the road - eight weeks of expenses. Apart from the car, the rooms, the fuel, the servers, the phones, the cameras and computers, and everything else, my health took a shit kicking, and I am still trying to get better.

So I ask myself - Do I ever wanna go back there again?

New Deal

As you know, I went on strike a month ago, and unfortunately, it didn't help. I thought perhaps that those addicted to reading this web site would step up to the plate and cough up some donations, or some sponsroships - Well, I was wrong. The entire effort netted my office one hundred bucks. My enemies rejoiced. My heart sank.

I though that I had better do a review - an inventory. Time to reflect on this operation.

Now let's see ...

1) Those that do evil continue to hack away at my web sites and my reputation, successfully, bleeding my resources. Not Good.

2) Those who love to read honest Quebec reporting refuse to donate a freakin' penny, inspite of the value they get from it. Also not good..

3) The only bright spot is my shining sponsors - they have stepped up to the plate because they know that they make money when they support ZW.Com.So from here on in, I realized, that the only way I can make this site fly is with more sponsors. Good...

I preffered it in the old days when the readers showed their appreciation. There was something grass roots about all that - It was like we were saying 'Fuck the establishment man!" It was a time of innocence, a time of unity - the truth versus the evil one! Ahh - but those days are gone.

After a few years, the readers got cheap - and nothing would change that. At the same time I do want to thank the 20 or so people this year that sent in a gift. I mailed out ski hats to some of you - sometimes it cost me more than your donations! But thanks anyways.

No More St-Zenon 4 Me?

I guess I lost alot of supporters because I left St-Zenon. These are people that only rode in that region, and relied on my on-the-spot weather reports. But after they murdered Crazy Al and Danny, I think you'll agree, I did the right thing. Hanging around in that atmosphere was just too scarey for me. Many of you have continue to ride there, and that's fine - that is good - the trails there are wonderful - but for me, the writing was on the wall. I had to get out.

I still don't know the truth about who killed them or why, but I wasn't going to hang around and ask questions.

I could say ALOT more about this situation, and about the rotten minions who control the tourism in Lanaudiere, but I don't need any more trouble in my life - so - I'll just have to slide that door shut - on that part of my life, and leave them to their devices. They don't deserve my attention.

I am confident of this truth, however; that what goes around - comes around. I know that the justice of the universe, will catch up to all them - it's not my fight.

That whole thing was good for me in a way, because it pushed me out of my nest, out of my comfort zone. This winter I made new friends in many other regions of Quebec and beyond. I saw many opportunities in places that are not run by thugs. I saw the true beauty of Quebec, land of my forefathers, and I made some extrordinary discoveries!

I met Jean Beaulieu - Great guy! I also got to know JP and Cathy at 100 lacs - great folks. Also, I had the pleasure to get to know Dom at Esterel. These three, along with all the rest of my sponsors, made the year a success. I know that alot of you out there also got to meet these folks and had a ball with them on your snowmobile vacations.

So - Snowmobiling in Quebec is still fantastic! I have just changed my focus. Accentuate the positive !

Spring 2006 - Back Out West Again

As you know, I am living back in the Okanagan- and the living is fabulous. Fresh fruit will soon be dripping from the trees on everyone's front yard, azure coloured lakes, float planes drifting back from the north with happy fishermen and bear hunters, and bright eyed city children hanging out of their parent's mini vans with ice cream cones, with dreams of summer holidays on their faces. On the roof rack, summer inflatables for the lake, air mattresses and inner tubes!

In a few weeks, I will be riding my motorcycle again, and taking photos of bikers from all over the country, who come to ried the beautiful smooth mountain passes of the Rockies. I may even ride the mountain sled one more time up in Nelson BC with my buddy Dave at KMA Tours. Life here is very good. Praise the Lord!

Next Winter Plans?

Now that I know I have no reader cash coming in, I have to think smarter than I did this year. I think I will fly to Montreal Quebec just before Christmas, rent a car, then take my Mom to Ontario to see her grand children one more time. Then, I will spend two weeks visiting all my favorite sponsors - but quickly. One night here, one night there.

After this, I will fly home, and get back to work on the internet.

Be A ZenStar?

I will once again rely upon my readers for stories and photos. Our readers appear willing to send in good reports and photos of their most recent Canadian snowmobile trips. This is a resource I had not capitalized on in the past - but from now on, I will rely on it. They will provide good content for the web site. What better content is there than that? And of course, they will all be rewarded with their new title of 'ZenStars' . They can be a ZenStar for a week or two on ZW.COM - and of course, get a brand new Zen Hat in the mail as my way of saying "Thank You!"

So- Have a great summer on your four wheeled and two wheeled toys - and ride safe.

Thanks for another great year of Zenwaiter.com
The Adventure Continues!

XOXOX

zw

Book your Quebec Snowmobile Rentals NOW!
Call Anne at Location Haute Matawinie 1-800-833-6015

Any Snow Left in Quebec? Sure!
Call these honest folks for a weather report & trail conditions!

Laurentians
RegionDominique at the Esterel 1-888-378-3735
JP & Cathy at 100 Lacs:Mont Laurier- 1-877-440-4545 or 819-971-1240

Mauricie Region
Shawinigan Anie at Auberge du Trappeur 1-819-532-2600Mekinac -
Richard 1-819-646-5735
St-Joseph de Mekinac - Diane & Jean Beaulieu 1-819-646-5242
Shawinigan South- Crazy Bernard 1-819-536-2664
Shawinigan - Hotel Escapade - Denny 1-800-461-6911
Lac Au Sables B&B - Diane - 1-866-936-1414

Lanaudiere Region
Rawdon: Steve Solo & Sylvie -450-834-3766
Real Masse, Gilles, Nancy, or Alain- 1-450-884-5502
Anne in St-Michel-des-Saints - (sled rentals) 1-800-833-6015
Christian (KIKI) - on Lake Taureau - 1-450-833-2000
Little Mikey - Motel 'M' in St-Michel-des-Sts - 1-877-833-5467
Jean Michel & Lise at Le Zenon - 1-450-884-1441
'Map Man' Denny - on Lake Taureau- 1-866-833-1171
Guylain the Mini Storage guy in St-Michel- 450- 833-2002
Rolland or Ghislain at Radio Shack in SMdS 1-450-833-2929

Lac St-Jean Region
Auberge au Toit Vert; call Jean 1-418-348-6425

Upper Mauricie
Parent call Michael at Pourvoirie Escapade - 1-819-974-1226

.

Snowmobile Riders Seeking One More Ride?

2006-03-12T08:27:00.000-08:00

About ten days ago, Dom from Hotel Esterel in the Quebec Laurentians, asked me to mail out a last ditch press release, reminding all Americans that March is the best time to ride in Quebec. The clubs have usually worked out all the bugs by then - the groomer is working, the trail signage is up on the snowmobile trails, and everyone is in the swing.

Mother nature too is usually quite agreeable in March, with good cold temperatures at night that harden the trails, and bright sunshine in the morning to warm your back as you ride. I always suggest riding in the early morning, in case the trail soes a little soft around 2 pm due to the beating sunshine.

Another good feature of riding in March, is the fact that there is no one on the trails! There is no traffic to speak of, so incredibly, you have all that freshly groomed trail to your self. When you arrive at a camp in the bush, the people spoil the heck out of you, as you are their only client at the table.

You just cannot beat Quebec snowmobile riding in the spring. Remember - you may have to ride a little farther north - but all you have to do is call any of the following people for an honest take on the trail situation. These people sponsor my Zenwaiter.com snowmobile web site, and they know how important it is to you to have honest trail reporting in Quebec.

As for me, I am back at my mansion in Vernon BC - rolling around in all the cash that I made this winter by producing this web site. I have currency bundled and some of it is loose.. but it fills my home, and in fact, reaches up to my knees. I have so much cash around this house that I actually use it to start my fire in the morning!

All kidding aside, if you have found my web site unattended of late, it is because 99% of readers never sent in a dime this year - so you gave me no choice. I had to get a real job cooking chicken for the colonel at KFC. It's not that bad - and I get to bring some home every night!

The season is still not over for the adventurous sledder out there. Shit - if you saw how amazing the trails were now, you would be kicking yourself for not being up there in Quebec. I double dog dare ya to try one more trip - but go north! Try 100lacs!

Here in Vernon, I can't wait for the warmer weather to arrive - I have my motorcycle ready to roll!

Cheers!

zw

Book your Quebec Snowmobile Rentals NOW!
Call these honest folks for a weather report & trail conditions!

Laurentians
Dominique at the Esterel 1-888-378-3735
Cathy at 100 Lacs:Mont Laurier- 1-877-440-4545 or 819-971-1240

Mauricie
Shawinigan - Anie at Auberge du Trappeur 1-819-532-2600
Mekinac - Richard 1-819-646-5735
St-Joseph de Mekinac - Diane & Jean Beaulieu 1-819-646-5242
Shawinigan South- Crazy Bernard 1-819-536-2664
Shawinigan - Hotel Escapade - Denny 1-800-461-6911
Lac Au Sables B&B - Diane - 1-866-936-1414

Lanaudiere
Rawdon: Steve Solo & Sylvie -450-834-3766
Real Masse, Gilles, Nancy, or Alain- 1-450-884-5502
Anne in St-Michel-des-Saints - (sled rentals) 1-800-833-6015
Christian (KIKI) - on Lake Taureau - 1-450-833-2000
Little Mikey - Motel 'M' in St-Michel-des-Sts - 1-877-833-5467
Jean Michel & Lise at Le Zenon - 1-450-884-1441
'Map Man' Denny - on Lake Taureau- 1-866-833-1171
Guylain the Mini Storage guy in St-Michel- 450- 833-2002
Rolland or Ghislain at Radio Shack in SMdS 1-450-833-2929

Lac St-Jean
Auberge au Toit Vert; call Jean 1-418-348-6425

Upper Mauricie
Parent call Michael at Pourvoirie Escapade - 1-819-974-1226

Zenwaiter's Snowmobile writer Strike is OVER!

2006-02-09T00:33:00.000-08:00

We’re going with the Sponsors!

Get ready to see a slow shift from the reader needs to the sponsors needs on our web site. The readers have spoken with their pocketbooks. We got 11 donations this winter. I spent almost 8,000 bucks logging 9,000 kms with my little car, and totally disrupted my life to bring you over 2,000 photographs, 36 stories, a few dozen blogs, and an excellent bulletin board.

You gave me exactly 475.usd. in return. Thanks!

That’s Okay! It just tells me that Zenwaiter.com is going to experience a major shift away from the readers needs, and towards the sponsors needs; which is to be expected of course. The content, from now on, will be all about the sponsors. We'll be able to focus on this job, and give you more details about the great snowmobile accommodations available out there.

That’s life - everything changes. Now this site will be strictly business… so say goodbye to the whacky personal touch of the Zen Man! No more rants or midnight ravings of a mad man, and good riddance you say! Good. Now you can look forward to something more sedate & more conventional in the future - like a tourist brochure!

Oh boy, I can't wait!

I will leave the door open just a crack to the readers - here is my offer; Every time you do send me a donation, (once a month or so), I’ll do a little something for you. I'll post your trip picture, post your letter, or recite a snowmobile joke. Oh my, won't this be fun?

Strange - what only days ago looked to me like a disaster, will actually make the site better! Just think - now Zenwaiter.com will be like all the other snowmobile web sites out there! And about time too you say? You bet!

And don't worry about the wild cards that appear on my bulletin board and tell the truth about things, we'll sanitize that too!

zw

Home Sweet Home!

2006-01-26T07:33:00.000-08:00

Got back to Vernon BC day before yesterday, had two great sleeps in my own bed, and I went to retrieve my dog from the llama farm too! Rocky has lost ten pounds - and that's alot for a shelty. He looks great. I should move out to that farm for about six months!

I hooked my computers back up, and everything is staring to come together. Being on the road is a nightmare as far as getting stuff done is concerned. Now I will be able to get some better content on the site, with your help.

Already people have begun sending in their photos and reports. I guess they realize if they want an interesting web site, it will take participation. No one wants to send in money, but they appear to be ready to send in photos and small text reports; also, some of my sponsors are catching on, that if they send me info, I will promote their place all the more! Self interest - in the end - is what will drive my site. I don't care, as long as honest, positive, and helpful information finds it's way to my pages.

Bernard has always been helpfull by posting trail reports on my boards - Dom from Esterel has started sending me photos and reports from her Yanks, and individuals like Paul Blondin have started to send in photos of their past trips. This is all good stuff! We have to make the site work for everyone.

As for my self interest, now that I am home, I can still keep the site intersting with your help - and stay safe at the same time. As well as safe, I will have more time to answer the requests I get every week from potential sponsors - and make some money. Who knows, I might break even this year, and that would be a first.

Snowmobile Safety:
I have been hearing about many accidents again this year, and even some deaths in the sledding areana. It is time for me to start preaching about safety again. This is a topic I write about every year.

Yesterday I sent an e-mail to CBC Radio in response to their somewhat over enthusiastic discussion show, highlighting the dangers of sledding. It was a tad too sensational for my tastes, and not well balanced. This is what the media does sometimes, the new reporters, who know squat about our sport, start talking about alcohol related accidents, as though it was a new epidemic.

Still - anything the media can report, could make a difference if just one person listens and reflects about keeping himself and his friends safe.

Here is the e-mail I sent them yesterday:

Hi CBC Radio Guys and Gals!

I just heard you ask for info on your show concerning sled safety. Here is a link to a very old page inside my web site.. It's not great, but it may help you out a little.

http://zenwaiter.com/snowmobilesafety.htm

I am inspired now, to rebuild this page, and write a new article on snowmobile safety.

Here are a few tips off the top of my head...

1. There are two main catagories of snowmobiling, (apart from racing), they are On trail, and OFF trail.

The large majority of snowmobile accidents in Canada occur off trail. Here in BC, I understand that most riding is done off trail. Not so in Quebec, where riding ON the trail is the norm. There are more kilometers of groomed trails in Quebec than there are highways! An average day of riding in Quebec would be 200 to 300 kms - here in BC, it would be under 80km. In BC the guys mainly ride up to the bowls, then they play off trail, at highmarking all day before getting back to the trailer. In Quebec, people ride from village to village, and stay ON the groomed, marked trails.

Here in BC, riding in the mountains is the thing, mainly through deep powder in the mountain bowls. I would guess that there is a higher percentage of accidents here than in Quebec??? I do not know!

2. Helmets and mirrors must be used in Quebec, or you get a 100. fine. (not all sleds come with mirrors.) I don't know what the law here in BC is, though I believe the ministry of transportation that governs all motor vehicles, is provincial? (don't know)

3. Waterways are big killers. Especially in milder winters, (like this year), the rivers and lake don't freeze up well. Inexperienced riders often think the big white surface of a lake is ideal for testing the limits of their new sled.. but their enthusiasm is their enemy. Before riding on any waterway, they need to talk to the locals about various dangers.

4. Always take a guide with you. If you are new to the sport, do not go out alone. The list of potential dangers is long. You must be prepared for many things, things that only an experienced snowmobiler knows.

5. Alcohol and excessive speed - these are the main killers in our sport, in Quebec, and probably here in BC too!

------

I am a Quebec snowmobile writer for seven years, but I now live and work from my home in Vernon BC.

Radio show about AVALANCHE DANGERS here!

My good friend Dave Kushway in Wymer BC (near Nelson), is a very good resource person when it come to snowmobile knowledge in BC - he is a guide for 10 years, and owns KMA tours in Wymer. He was a recent guest on my 'radio show' (actually, it is just an amateur podcast - but we have alot of fun with it!!!) Dave is GREAT on radio - has a good even voice, and he really KNOWS HIS STUFF! I put my life into his hands recently, when he took me to the top of the mountain - and I personally reccommend him - YOU SHD TALK to him! Please tell him that I sent you. He would be perfect for your show, and to help prevent other terrible accidents.

KMA TOURS Toll Free - 1-877-432-9562 other - 1-250-357-0062

Please be careful; not to fall into the trap that most media people fall into - do not demonize my sport!! HAHAH! YES it can be dangerous, but the ;arge majority of riders are very careful and have very few problems. It is the new guys - mixed with alcohol, they are lethal to thesmselves and to others. (It seems like the media only finds the negatives about our sport - noise, damage to the envorpnment, accidents - Please remember, snowmobiling is a wonderful experience that strengthens family ties, and helps people to unwind - it is fantastic - plus, we get to visit nature up close and personal. 99% of sledders are responsible, just like car drivers - so let us not focus on the negative.)

Here is the link to the podcast! ENJOY my amateur fun radio!! Go and listen to show nuber eight. http://www.fatboysjava.com/snowmobileradioshow.htm

XOXOX God bless - thanks for caring about my sledder family. Anything you can to to publicize sled safety will be much appreciated by me. Thanks

Calgary Alberta

2006-01-22T22:47:00.000-08:00

Live from under a desk on the Floor!

23/01/2006

Tonight I am lying in a cramped bit of cold floor to write this and send it. Like I said earlier, being on the road is not easy. I just got up off the floor for a minute, and I have a cramp.

I am at a friend's place in Calgary (not quite home yet) and I am in his son's bedroom to access the Internet wire. I am lying under his desk, because the only connection available is on a six inch biy of wire sticking out of the floor. I have an extention somewhere in a box burried in my car. It is - 25 C, and I drove 1150 kms today, and I just don't feel like emptying out the frikin car to get it.

The car is white with salt and road dirt. One of my headlights fell out and is dangleing by it's own wire. I hit a snow bank at Real's last week and got a small dent in the fender - I guess it popped the light thing out.

I am on my way back home, thank God - so I can work in peace from my office, secure in BC, surrouunded by good friends, good vibes, and an unitimidated Police force. I feel safe there. Also, I will be able to conduct telephone interviews for future podcasts, and have everything I need at my diposal.

People love to read my site, but do not realize that I do not have a team following me around. I do it all myself. Apart from some sponsor support, nobody pays me to do this, I spend my own money, and rack up my own Visa cards. I go in the hole every winter, then dig my way out in the spring and summer. This year I left early - before my health and bank account get too low. I made a good call. I feel okay, and I am not totally broke.

This is winter number seven for me. This year, because I am not in my house, I have had the opportunity to meet lots of new people, and see new regions.

Being pushed out of my nest was a good thing in many ways, but I look fwd to being at my own desk in a few days, with an A-1 high speed Internet connection that works. I did the road trip for eight weeks; but enough is enough. For 8 weeks, I have lived in my car to taken photos for you readers.

Yes, a few sponsors did give me a bed, but it is still tough. Every day move - move-- move! I feel like a journalist in a war zone.

In the meantime, thanks for all your letters, sorry I have not been able to respond well in a timely fashion, being diconnected most of the time.

I am going to sleep now. Oh- by the way, there is a foot of new snow in Quebec, according to Dom at the Esterel, and Bernard at the Safari. I love being able to access information from these honest people with just one call. You can call them as well, their numbers are on my front page.

Good night. zw

PS: I shd be home in three days. I drove 3,500 kms so far since I left Quebec. (There is little snow in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Not much in most of Ontario yet either.)

I am glad I went down to see all my sponsors, but I will be glad to do the rest of the season from home. But - I will need photos and reports from you on the trails! Please send everything by e-mail. thanks. zw

Wawa- Good Trails This Week

2006-01-21T08:41:00.000-08:00

Wawa was cool!

I realize that showing you photos of Wawa sledders will not be of much help to you sledders in MY and NJ, but I was here, and I couldn't help myself! These trails are for people living on Ohio and Indiana and Michigan.

I hope by now there is good riding in Quebec, I am certain there is! Please call Dom at the Esterel, or anyone else on my list of sponsors (It is on my front page)

As for me, I will be back in my office in BC in a few days, and I will still be reporting on Quebec Trails, but of course, as always, I will try to share any good info from anywhere on the planet where there are good trails and cold temps.

I can do alot more from my office, where I have solid communications and also less expenses. Seeing as how I have no reader support this year, I just have to be somewhere where life is affordable.

Bottom Line for Zen..

The bottom line is clear. A daily web magazine is expensive to run. I know of NO OTHER web site that delivers daily original content on snowmobiling. The reader doesn't wanna pay, and the sponsors want to control the content. If I was a millionaire, I could write wehatever the f%?$k I want to write, and I wouldn't give a sh&?%t what anyone thought! But life just doesn't work that way. I have to temper everything I say, always considering the heat I will get from my sponsors.

Ahhh.. but this makes life a challenge!

Now, since I am going home, I am already getting emails from Quebecrs that don't understand. "Why don't you like Quebec anymore??" It has nothing to do with that. I need to be independant. I can only remain independant if I can afford that luxury. Right now I cannot. So - the readers will loose out somewhat, cause I won't be reporting from on the spot. But so what? The readers didn't care enough to support it, so why should it bother me? If I had more support, I would hang out all winter. But - no support, no live daily local honest content.

But the most of our readers will not even notice. I will still keep up a good front all winter, and thanks to my sponsors, I will be able to give good reports from several regions. It will all work out for the best.. plus, I get to see my dog, and I get to sleep in my own bed.

Who knows? If the Cops in Quebec catch Crazy Al and Dan's killers, perhaps I can return to my home in St-Zenon one day! Then I could venture out from there and report all over Quebec and elsewhere.

It is also a qn of health. Living in hotels is hard on me. I always have to be "on". At my own home, I can close the door, and turn everything "off".

I hope this makes my decision to go home a little more clear, have a great day!

zw