mikerider

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Let me make sure I understand this. You want me to leave Maine in the summertime, land of ten thousand lakes, ocean just down the street from me, 100,000 Quebec ladies here on vacation in their thongs at the beach. And you want me to go where??????????? Mike

Ray, you show up to Maine, and Dave and I will let you buy us two rounds! Mike

Dave, You show up in Maine and I'll buy you two rounds. Mike

Or the cover of the 'Rolling Stones'.

First royalty check from the show arrived in the mailbox today!

I've always found the Custom Agents nice to deal with on both sides of the border. They have a huge responsibility, and any indicators or clues will send them into an investigative mode of looking further. My point is, the old days of zipping through the border may be over. Don't get caught in even the smallest lie, or try to cross the border with a pair of Seal Skin Boots. In this new climate, it may be enough to turn you away at the border for future crossings. Mike

I just came across some information everyone needs to know. I have only got part of the story, but it appears Canadians are being denied entry to the U.S. if they have previously been caught bringing items across the border and not being truthful about such. This is happening even with items that seem harmless, such as certain foods, plants, meats etc. Border agents usually rattle off a list of things they want to know about. Be sure to declare what you have. The problems start if they find it after you did not mention it. Cigarettes and booze would be common things you might forget to mention. Its probably best to have them right out in the open, and not look like you are trying to conceal them. I would imagine any infractions are listed in the computer and shared with the Canadian Customs agents, so I am guessing also that an American with such an infraction would most likely now be denied entry into Canada. So, if you are asked about anything in your vehicle, many of these items would probably be okay to bring across the border if you are upfront and honest right from the start, and are willing to fill out the necessary paperwork to bring them across the border. (Remember when I was detained and had to fill out a couple forms for bringing back dog biscuits given to me from SagueanyBill. Had they found those without me admitting having them when asked about food products, I might have been put on the 'list'). Also beware, crossing the border with forbidden items that are allowed in one country and not the other, such as clothing items made of certain animal hides!!, would most likely get you on the 'Do Not Enter' list. Another thing to consider, is the U.S. (and probably Canada) is currently on hightened security alert and probably will be for the next six months to a year. Border checks may be much more rigid than in the past. Use good common sense. Mike

Bill, Happy birthday and the best to you. Mike

Wait a minute. I ride with you for like 25 days, Hot Tomato shows up for a couple days and She's your Number #1 riding partner??

Thanks to each of you for the wishes. Wife made a special supper for me and now, here I sit at work. May take a day and try again to get a deal on the new Cat. So far no luck at a trade price I can live with. Mike

I saw the new Cats last night at the Augusta, Maine show. I had sworn off Cats, but must admit the new four stroke Cat is at the top of my wish list at the moment. Sleds looked very sharp and were exceptionally light. The only review I can find so far on them is at Supertrax Magazine's web site homepage. It is a glowing review. I will give reviews of the sled next season to all who donate to: mikeridersledfund.com. Visa and Mastercard proudly accepted.

It was great meeting you a couple times on the trail last week. Glad you had a good trip. Mike

Glad you like the new Doo! Probably headed up around the 19th, if we get some snow.

Hi Brandon. I was in Jackman Thurs thru Sat and riding was good and I heard it was great above the border before the warm up on Saturday. Other than gas mileage, how do you like the new sled? mike

Would be glad to get together. Next trip will probably be in Maine though, Thurs early AM Jan 13th to Sat noon Jan 15th, weather permitting. My job gives me odd days off. Then I am on vacation for almost a solid month, Jan 19 Thu Feb 19, with a couple trips planned I've been invited on. Then I may finish out the winter with three day Maine trips each week. So stay in touch, especially after Feb 19th. Mike

A part of me would like a four stroke. But I come home from Quebec I would need an oil change every trip home, and I'm often home only for five or so days before heading back up, thus I would be hauling the sled back to the dealer every trip for an oil change. Todays dealers just don't seem to have enough mechanics to keep up and don't offer fast service. I can trade my inexpensive two stroke in each year for peanuts, have a new warranty each year, and the dependability of a new sled. I've owned one four stroke and found that with high miles on a four stroke its still not worth much at the end of the season if it has high miles because there are so many others out there with low miles for sale. It took my dealer two years to sell my year old four stroke with about 7,000 miles. mike

Correct me if I am wrong, but I don't think Quebec's regular gas has ethanol. If a station sells an ethanol blend in Quebec, it is a separate pump and is clearly marked and they still sell old fashioned regular. Maine has ethanol and I have had no problems. And I don't use additives. Today's two stroke sled engines are maxed out for horsepower and I think that is the reason they don't last, the motors are just too stressed. That why I like the so called Doo 500SS motor, about 15 less HP than other 600 engines, but seems to go 15,000 miles without problems. I've owned eight of them since 1999. Insanely dependable. Same with Cat's old 550 engines. Only about 80 HP, but go forever. Ditto the 700 engine in the Vipers. Unfortunetely, fewer and fewer engines are designed for the high mileage trail rider. Most today are made for the lake racer's. Thanks to the internet, though, it is easier to keep up on which engines and sleds will go the high miles and which won't. Just put on 400 miles on the new 2011 MXZ Sport 600 carb. Bought it new with ES for $7,400. Can't wipe the smile off my face! Mike

Left Jackman this morning (Saturday). Raining at 5AM. Stopped raining and in high 30's couple hours later. Riding was good, but yesterday's warm sun was startiing to show bare spots. Mike

Merry Christmas from here in Maine to all of you. Mike

Steve and Andy, happy birthdays! See you on the trail. Mike

Bill, Did mine arrive on time? If it didn't, let me know and I'll send you the extra money for the late fee. Thanks, Mike

Well Ray, I've got enough vacation to get to the Pacific Coast, just not enough to get back to the Atlantic Coast! Mike Pacific Coast or Bust!

Ray, Splitting the cost with you on a hotel room, a sled, and gas would make for a pretty inexpensive winter. Things get any more costly in this sport and we may just have to do that. Mike James Bay or Bust!

Bill, New sled finally came in and I picked it up Wednesday. Hope to get my trail pass request in the mail tonight. Mike