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Ever want to play in the mud??? Ever wish that you could ride a brand new ATV through miles of swamp and sink holes and then leave it for someone else to clean off?

Well, Polaris employees and a fortunate select few were given that rare opportunity this week at McQuoid's Inn, on Mille Lacs Lake, in Isle, Minnesota. Located on the southeast corner of Mille Lacs Lake, and directly across the street from the ATV/Snowmobile trail system, what better place to give it a try.

Polaris has a new philosophy they want to convey:
"Understand the Riding Experience. Live the Riding Experience. Work to Make it Better."
The ride they were about to embark upon would bring this philosophy to life.

Most of the Polaris employees who took the challenge are employed in the corporate offices and had never ridden an ATV before. This event would give the people who produce these vehicles the opportunity to use (and abuse)them. Having three service technicians on hand was not only a luxury, but a necessity. They were busy around the clock.

Before heading for the trails, they all posed for a "before" photo. You could feel the group's excitement and anticipation. They were ready to "eat some dirt!"

One of the executives came from Barcelona, Spain. As everyone was dressing in their mud-gear, I noticed his brand new white tennis shoes. His interpreter told me that his luggage was lost in Amsterdam, so he didn't have a change of clothes. This didn't stop him from riding. He took the same route everyone else did, white tennis shoes and all.

A favorite part of the trail was the "sink hole," consisting of a 4 foot deep giant mud puddle. The mud was the consistency of chocolate pudding.

Watching the first few riders venture out into the lake of goo made eyeballs widen, and levels of bravery increase. As you entered the slimy pit, the thought of keeping clean and dry was erased. Once you're submerged in mud, it really doesn't matter!

After everyone had taken their turn, we all shared the same thought, "I can't believe I really did that!". When you've conquered the "sink hole," other puddles on the trail are small potatoes!

Upon returning to McQuoid's, everyone dumped the mud out of their boots, took turns "hosing" each other off, then posed for the "after" portrait. The smiles say it all, " Thank you Polaris and McQuoid's. What an awesome day!"

Shieldsville Bait & Tackle
(507) 334-2631
15090 Shieldsville
FARIBAULT MN 55021-7491