Rally In The Pines will be held Aug. 23-25, featuring new rides and contests.
Rides will be categorized at this year’s Rally so that riders can pick the exact type of rides they want to go on. Rides will be split into three categories: scenic rides, skilled scenic rides and challenge rides.
Scenic rides are at a slower pace than others and have many stops for photo opportunities along the way. These rides visit many area attractions and some spectacular scenery. Rally organizers say these scenic rides are great for the kids, beginners or anyone who wants a slower pace or shorter ride.
Skilled scenic rides will include some of Rally in the Pines’ most popular rides. These rides will require a little more experience and driving skill than the scenic rides to complete. Many of the skilled scenic rides are between 60 and 100 miles roundtrip. Many of the roads and trails will have rocky and rutted areas. Rally organizers request that riders on these rides have some experience.
Challenge rides not only provide beautiful scenery but will require technical driving skills in many spots along the way. These rides are meant for only more experienced riders.
The 2013 Rally In The Pines will also feature several new rides, including the Hidden Lake and River Loop rides.
The Hidden Lake ride will be a group Challenge ride on a beautiful loop up and over the Continental Divide to Hidden Lake covering over 50 miles of diverse landscape from dense forest to sagebrush hills and everything in between. This ride is meant for experienced riders, who will trailer their vehicles to the trailhead, have lunch at the Hidden Lake overlook and take in some breathtaking vistas.
For less experienced riders—or someone who just wants to take a nice, relaxing ride—the River Loop ride will leave right from Rally Park and visit Big Springs and the Johnny Sack cabin. Riders will ride the River Loop and have lunch on the banks of the Henrys Fork River before riding back to Rally Park. The River Loop is touted as a beautiful ride with lots of time to enjoy the area.
In addition to the usual bevy of prizes offered every year at Rally In The Pines, the new Show Your Grime contest has been added to the 2013 Rally. The dirtiest machine and driver at the Rally will be awarded a 1,600 psi pressure washer donated by Wild TV.
To learn more about Rally In The Pines 2013, visit www.rallyinthepines.com or the Rally Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rallyinthepines.com.
Bad Boy Mowers Debuts Intimidator UTV
From deep in Arkansas’ Ozark country, a new side-by-side has emerged.
Bad Boy Mowers, famous for its zero-turn-radius heavy-duty lawnmowers, has jumped with both feet into the side-by-side market with its new Intimidator UTV. The company began producing mid-size gas-powered and electric UTVs in 2009, but the Intimidator represents its first foray into the full-size UTV market. The new machine debuted at the National Farm and Machinery Show in Louisville, KY, Feb. 13-16 and the International Dealers Expo in Indianapolis, IN, Feb. 15-17.
The Intimidator Series includes models with 1000cc Kohler diesel, 750cc Kohler gas and 48-volt AC electric UTV engines. Each model features a 56.5x36x13-inch manual dump bed with gas assist and 10 inches of total suspension travel. All the components of the Intimidator’s drive train, including the driveshaft, transmission and axles, are automotive- style parts.
“They’re basically what you’d see on a small truck, so it’s bigger and stronger than most UTVs,” Mike Mitchell, UTV sales manager for Bad Boy, said.
Bad Boy Mowers is an American-owned company that takes pride in the fact that all its Intimidator side-by-sides are designed, manufactured and assembled close to its home base in Batesville, AR. The company is still in the process of moving its UTV manufacturing to a new facility adjacent to its primary mower plant in Batesville and is currently focused on marketing primarily in Arkansas and the surrounding areas. However, by the end of 2013, Bad Boy expects to have a full lineup of 12 full-size Intimidator models for work, work and play and sport and hopes to expand the Intimidator’s market to a national scale.
Visit www.intimidator4x4.com to learn more about Bad Boy Mowers’ Intimidator UTV.
Kawasaki Hires Former Auto Industry Executive
Beattie becomes company’s chief marketing and sales officer
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) announced in early May the hiring of Richard N. Beattie, an experienced automotive industry executive, to the new position of Chief Marketing and Sales Officer, reporting directly to Tak Teranishi, KMC President.
Beattie will be responsible for marketing, sales and product strategy for all of Kawasaki’s recreation and utility products in the United States and Central and South America. Team leaders Bill Jenkins, Chris Brull, and Shuji Yamazaki will report to him in his new role.
In addition to the hiring of Beattie, KMC promoted Jenkins from vice president of sales to executive vice president of sales and Kris Carter from general manager of corporate operations to executive vice president of customer services.
Beattie was responsible for marketing and sales at Jaguar Land Rover North America from 2002 to 2007 before taking over the position of executive vice president of marketing and sales for Jaguar North America in 2009. He also held the post of chief commercial officer at Fisker Automotive, one of the first production plug-in hybrid electric vehicle companies.
Prior to this, he was VP of marketing, sales, and service at Lincoln Mercury, having risen through the ranks at Ford both in Europe and the United States, including a posting as president and CEO of Mazda’s North American operations. He brings a solid management record with premium and luxury automotive brands.
Side-By-Sides Are Everywhere
Vehicles are used in multitude of ways
We've all seen side-by-sides in a variety of places (some more surprising than others) and used in number of different ways for both work and play. The question these days isn't, "Where are side-by-sides and UTVs used?" but rather, "Where aren't they being used?"
Last summer when we were in Moab, UT, for John Deere's introduction of its then new RSX850i, Disney was there filming The Lone Ranger, the latest Johnny Depp movie that is being released this summer. Of course, they had security folks swarming all over the place so we couldn't stop and take pictures, but we did manage to snap a few pics while driving by on the highway.
Disney was filming a train scene the day we drove by and nearby several side-by-sides were being used as work vehicles to ferry materials and equipment around. So the pictures aren't the best but they do show some of the filming taking place as well as a couple of side-by-sides.
Then, on a different trip we were on in North Carolina, also last summer, we visited Cape Lookout National Seashore. It wasn't too surprising to see side-by-sides at work at the national seashore, so we snapped a couple of pictures there, too.
We like watching the Philly Phanatic, the mascot of the Philadelphia Phillies, ride his ATV around during baseball games.
There are many other "uses" for ATVs and side-by-sides. What have you seen? Send us a picture.
All-New Models Join 2014 Honda Lineup
American Honda has announced the release its 2014 models. Honda introduced the first of its new side-by-side Pioneer line, the 700-4, earlier this year and more recently added its second Pioneer model, the Pioneer 700.
Pioneer 700
The newest version of the Pioneer carries two people and 1,000 lbs. of gear and supplies. Quick acceleration, good top speed and smooth-riding long-travel suspension are some of the keys to making the Pioneer 700 special. The handy tilt bed adds lots of versatility. Available in red, olive and Honda Phantom Camo, the Pioneer 700 will be available in September and can be modified and personalized by choosing from the full line of more than 50 Honda accessories.
FourTrax Rincon
At the top of Honda's line of ATVs is the FourTrax Rincon, which includes a powerful 675cc engine, independent rear suspension, electronic fuel injection, automotive-style Honda automatic transmission with a hydraulic torque converter and front and rear disc brakes. Colors for 2014 include the new beige with black wheels as well as olive and red. 2014 models will be available in August and retail for $9,199.
FourTrax Foreman Rubicon
The FourTrax Foreman Rubicon has earned its cred through years of real-world use. Its unique continuously variable Hondamatic automatic transmission with true engine braking has proven to be efficient, low-maintenance and rugged. This automatic transmission can be set in different modes for maximum performance or maximum torque, as well as in Electric Shift Program (ESP) mode that gives the rider push-button control. Other features include a torque-sensitive front differential along with Honda's TraxLok selectable 2WD/4WD system plus the option of electric power steering. The 2014 model will be available in August in a new color, white with black wheels, as well as olive and red.
FourTrax Rancher AT
Riders of the FourTrax Rancher AT have the option of choosing between fully automatic transmission operation and an Electric Shift Program (ESP). Also included are an independent rear suspension, selectable 4WD/2WD TraxLok and a rugged torque-sensitive front differential, plus the option of electric power steering (EPS). The 2014 Rancher will be available in August in a new color, white with black wheels as well as olive, white and red and will retail from $7,099-$7,799.
FourTrax Recon
The FourTrax Recon’s 229cc OHV engine makes for high performance, while its middleweight size enhances its agile handling traits. With the option of a manual gearbox or Honda’s push-button Electric Shift Program (ESP), the 2014 FourTrax Recon will hit dealers in August.
GPS Offroad Products Launches New Location, Online Store
Ty Zimmerman, former general manager of DWT, has used his extensive knowledge of ATV and side-by-side products as well as his experience as a factory race team manager to establish GPS Offroad Products, a new wholesale tire and wheel retailer. GPS Offroad Products will be the exclusive U.S. tire and wheel distributor of Goldspeed Racing Products as well as the lesser-known Sun F tire brand. Sun F has been private labeling tires for several top American offroad tire companies for several years.
“We chose the specific product lines that match what we are looking to do as a company,” Zimmerman, president of GPS Offroad Products, said. “Our aim is to offer quality products at an industry-low price. Working with both Sun F and Goldspeed gives us the ability to provide a greater selection of tires at a very wide price range. A lot of people don’t want, or need, a high-dollar, premium race tire to go trail riding or work around the ranch. Offering products from both of these companies allows us to supply exactly what the customer might need.”
In addition to supplying Goldspeed motocross tries, GPS Offroad Products will soon be introducing the new Goldspeed beadlock aluminum race wheel. The wheel offers a sturdy yet lightweight alternative to the more expensive wheels on the market. Several top racers, including ATVA mx Pros Chad Wienen and Thomas Brown, are currently using them.
GPS Offroad Products will warehouse and ship its entire line of products from its headquarters in Las Vegas, NV. Contact GPS Offroad Products at www.gpsoffroadproducts.com.
