Embracing Winter: A UP Man’s Vintage Machines Turn Snow into Adventure!

Situated in the serene central Upper Peninsula, Rapid River has transformed into a hub for enthusiasts of Ski Whiz, Sno-Jet, Arctic Cat, Polaris, and others. The quaint town hosts the yearly ride and exhibition of the Rapid River Relic Riders — scheduled this year for Jan. 24 and 25 — drawing in hundreds of vintage snowmobiles and numerous spectators during this occasion.

However, the number of sleds displayed on South Main Street during the show does not encompass the around 100 that Anderson stores in climate-controlled buildings on his farm — nor does it include the dusty, partially dismantled models.

To clear any misunderstandings, it’s important to mention that Anderson is yet another Rapid River resident who has taken up such a pastime. A few months prior, the Press highlighted David Shope, who possesses the building that has evolved into the Relic Riders’ clubhouse along with a substantial collection of snowmobiles — yet Shope remarked that his inventory, predominantly Ski Whiz, pales in comparison to his friend Rusty’s.

Anderson shared that a piece of guidance given to him when he started collecting was to pursue “the two Rs — race and rare.” Indeed, the models he has purchased that were designed for racing or produced in limited numbers have significantly increased in value.

(R. R. Branstrom/Daily Press photo)
Classic snowmobiles are a deep-seated interest for “Rusty” Anderson of Rapid River. His collection features a range of machines intended for racing along with some distinctive models.

A glimpse into Anderson’s enthusiasm for collecting may begin at the old gift shop, the building diagonally opposite Jack’s Restaurant that has an exterior wall painted with “Rocketown Rapid River”. Approximately three years ago, Anderson purchased the building and renovated it — it had been unoccupied for some time and was in a dilapidated state, with the back at risk of collapse, he explained — and it now houses Anderson’s “650 room,” a display with a straightforward yet rigorous theme. Only engines of 650 cubic centimeters or larger made the selection.

“This represents some of the Holy Grail items. In collecting these vintage race sleds, similar to vehicles, the bigger the engine, the more valuable they become,” Anderson stated. “Thus, 650 was a significant size. They extended all the way up to 800 back then — which some of these are.”

The sleds are sourced from a wide array of manufacturers, consisting of various models, primarily produced during the 1960s and ’70s. Anderson only embarked on his collecting journey in the last 20 years and expresses that preserving these machines is a way of honoring and appreciating his parents’ generation, who introduced their children to snowmobiling.

“Snowmobiling was a cherished tradition in these areas. Everyone participated. It was a family occasion,” Anderson remarked. “During my childhood, every weekend featured a sanctioned race that you could attend. The renowned Gold Cup Races occurred here — visitors would come from Illinois and beyond to compete. In the ’70s, there was no internet and alternative forms of entertainment — motor sports were a major source of enjoyment.”

During that era, numerous different snowmobiling clubs existed as well, such as the Stonington Stump Jumpers and the Rapid River Riders — the latter of which inspired the name of the Rapid River Relic Riders, the revival dedicated to celebrating the nostalgia of sleds from that time.

There are currently 17 in the 650 room — which will be open to the public as a type of open house during the forthcoming show on Jan. 25 — but this figure is constrained by space rather than by Anderson’s collection. The downtown showroom merely scratches the surface of his possession.

On the principal property of his family, which serves as the operating base for the Anderson Excavating company, a working farm that produces cash crops in addition to a horse boarding facility and riding arena, the collection continues to grow.

Within the same facility as a ring that Anderson constructed for his daughter’s barrel racing, a section equipped with heating and a humidifier accommodates approximately 30 Arctic Cats, carefully arranged, well-kept, and clean. There are engines of various capacities, several models from the ’71 lineup, and three Turf Tigers — designed for riding on grass during warmer months.

Pointing out that the Turf Tiger with its original carburetor could not function in winter: “It operates on alcohol, which is cooler than gasoline, thus preventing the motors from overheating,” Anderson explained. “People did not want to cease racing merely because it was summertime.”

A considerable portion of Anderson’s snowmobiles were specifically manufactured for racing, as opposed to leisurely trail riding. He described how certain manufacturers created models for racing as a marketing strategy — if an Arctic Cat triumphed in the World Championship Snowmobile Derby in Eagle River, Wis., the brand’s sales would likely see a boost, even if the everyday user was using a different model.

A prized possession in Anderson’s collection is a 1971 King Kat 800, with only 124 units ever produced. With

a four-cylinder Kawasaki motor captivating attention with the lifted hood, the sled left its contemporaries in the dust.

“It was incredibly swift and so unruly … in the late ’60s, the highest speed you might achieve on a racetrack was around 45 or 50. In ’71, this beast’s making its debut, exceeding 100,” Anderson remarked, hovering over his cherished vehicle.

More King Kats from a racing team are in his shop awaiting assembly.

Even more scarce is the 1967 Arctic Cat Drone Panther, constructed with a 600cc Hirth aircraft engine. Only six or seven units were produced, and Anderson believes his may be the sole one in its original state — the other three he is aware of, including one at the Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum in Naubinway, have been restored.

Another distinctive version is the ’73 Alley Cat, allegedly created for Arctic Cat staff using various components from snowmobile models from prior years — hence the “Alley Cat” moniker. Anderson stated that he ultimately discovered some by traveling to Thief River Falls, Minn. — the site where Arctic Cats are manufactured — and scouring the barns of former employees.

While the majority of the snowmobiles in his collection are intact — even if they aren’t all operational, all necessary components are present and may just need some adjustments — Anderson has also obtained several that are partially dismantled and covered in dust.

“They were handed down to racers’ offspring, they malfunctioned, and with the best intentions to repair them, they got taken apart — and 40 or 50 years later, that’s how you find them — in fragments,” Anderson commented. “These will run again, and they will look appealing.”

Given that his primary occupation with Anderson Excavating is seasonal, Anderson is able to dedicate some wintertime in his workshop, where he has containers and shelves filled with snowmobile parts for whenever repairs become necessary. However, he refrains from making modifications.

“I strive to maintain everything as original as possible,” Anderson stated. “Original never becomes outdated.”

Anderson, Shope, and the rest of the Relic Riders eagerly await the opportunity to welcome other snowmobilers and community members to Rapid River for the Relic Ride on Friday, Jan. 24, and the exhibition and exchange on Saturday, Jan. 25. The “650 room” at the northeast corner of U.S. 2 and North Main Street will be accessible to visitors during the exhibition.

R. R. Branstrom can be contacted at 906-786-2021 or [email protected].

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