Wisconsin Snowmobiling

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Wisconsin Snowmobiling

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When it comes to Wisconsin snowmobiling, there is no bigger fan than my brother-in-law, Dale Goeke. Well, at least none that I know personally.

I recently went on a trip back home to visit the ol' fam and stayed at Billy and Dale's (click here, if you don't know who they are.) I wasn't quite prepared for the winter weather I encountered: three winter storms, more than six inches of snow and subsequent, near zero temps. I was there for two weeks and towards the end I was getting tired of having to wear so many layers of clothing, plus a coat, plus a scarf, hat, gloves, boots and even then having to warm up the car to go anywhere. I'm not really a winter person.

Eagle River

View between Saint Germain and Eagle River before the winter storm.
Click here if you would like to rent a cabin in this area.

On the other hand, my brother-in-law is an avid fan of winter. In fact, the entire time I was there whenever the snow would fall, he would stand by the window and howl with delight. Literally.

Dale's kind of loud.

Ironhorse Trailhead, not far from Billy and Dale's cabins.

It was a great trip. I visited lots of places, got lots of pictures and video. One afternoon, Dale was in his garage working away, fixing the picnic table for spring. He had a nice fire going in the garage so it was really toasty inside (Dale has a woodstove out there.) I grabbed my video camera and started shooting his snowmobiles, which are in the garage (which is undoubtedly the reason for his garage woodstove. Dale's sleds are his babies.)

Anyway, I asked Dale on camera why he preferred Arctic Cat over Yamaha.

It was an innocent question.

It really was.

After a long, uncomfortable silence, I knew it was the wrong question to ask. You do NOT say the "Y" word in Dale's house . . . um . . . er . . . I mean garage. It creates very uncomfortable silences. Now, this could mean that Dale's ability to offer an opinion is limited to beer and football, but I didn't chance it. I never said the word "Yamaha" again in his presence.

Dale in his silly snowcap. As you can see, winter makes him very happy.

You know, Dale is all into this Wisconsin snowmobiling thing. They've got Arctic Cat suits hanging in the closet, Arctic Cat posters in the garage, Arctic Cat posters in the bedrooms, and Arctic Cat blankets. They probably even have Arctic Cat key chains, dishes and drink glasses. I didn't investigate.

But I did notice when Dale took his sled out briefly for a drive around the cabin, there was a mad gleam in his eye. I'm thinking that maniacal gleam was delight that snowmobile season was about to begin, but perhaps it was because he was wearing one of his silly snow caps and he didn't want me to take his picture.

Passersby were just as impressed by Dale's silly snowcap as I was.
Billy and Dale's cabins are in the heart of some of the best Wisconsin snowmobiling country – The Northwoods. Eagle River and Saint Germain are just a short drive through gorgeous forests, Ashland and Bayfield are not far away, and right up the road are some of the best trails around. That's what Dale says, anyway (offering the information only after I promised loyalty to Arctic Cat while I was there.)

I intend to gather information for you on the Wisconsin snowmobile trails and some of the best spots to go snowmobiling, but until I get it together, I needed to have a page for the video below. This video by "BubblePants 444" is a precise depiction of Dale's sentiments when it comes to this winter sport. Give it a watch and make sure you view the credits at the end.

I swear Dale did not write the script . . . but he could have.

Enjoy the video for now. I'll be back with more info as soon as I can.

Oh! And don’t forget to share your favorite Wisconsin snowmobiling spots in the meantime. Just start typing and tell us all about it!

Happy Winter, Billy and Dale! I love you guys!

Continue on . . . click a link below for more info.

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