The year is 1987 and I’m working two jobs, one at an injection molding company during the day, and the other at the motorcycle dealership my father and I started together in 1984. The business is aptly named “Chesney’s Sport Shop” as my brother Don and Sister Dawn would join us later. In the beginning, we sold Arctic Cat snowmobiles, Husqvarna chain saws, Playbouy pontoons, and canoes.

It’s a normal but somewhat chaotic day at the dealership, phones ringing, people shuffling in and out for parts, service, and product inquiries. My job at the time was to manage the parts department, and speak to customers as time allowed. Later that afternoon the door swung open and in walks a well-dressed guy with a larger-than-life smile and energy that could light up a room. “Hello, I’m Mike, what brings you in today? Hi Mike, Scott, I’m interested in the new 650 Wildcat (Arctic Cat) snowmobile that is supposed to come out next year.” “Yes, quite a sled, It’s supposed to be the fastest machine to ever hit the snow! That’s why I’m here” Scott exclaimed.

You see, Scott was here looking at the new Arctic Cat because, as the title of this blog post says, “The tracks have already been laid”. Scott’s dad Ken rode Arctic Cat snowmobiles back in the ’70s, It was all about brand loyalty and the banter that ensued among rival snowmobilers who have been known to brag about who had the fastest sled.

Scott and I became “fast” friends, he bought the sled, tore it apart, modified the engine (because the fastest sled ever built is never fast enough) so he could ride like the wind through the trails of Northern Michigan. We were hooked to one another like a pickup and trailer, riding just inches away from one another while going well over 100 mph.

Scott’s dad Ken was usually with us on our rides, he would bring up the rear and make sure everyone was accounted for at each stop. Scott and I would be out front jockeying for position, passing one another as opportunities presented themselves. This weekend we were in Munising Michigan, and we were headed to the Buckhorn bar. The trail we took to get there was full of turns, hills, and blind corners but we knew every bump, twist, and turn like the back of our hand. Scott and I were hauling ass up front and everyone behind was buried in a cloud of snow dust.

We came to a stop at the main turn leading to our destination and waited for the others to show up. One by one they showed up while Scott and I talked about how good the trail conditions were. Finally, Ken pulled up, got off his machine, and started to make his way to the front. Scott and I looked at one another and knew what was coming. Ken approached, stood in front of us, ratcheted up his face shield, and said “You know, you two knuckleheads keep riding like that and you’re going to be early for your own funeral!”

Scott lost his father last October, it was a blow to his family, friends, and the community. He was 82-years young.

Fast forward to the present day and Kenneth Scott Boss is about to become a Grandfather, his son Hunter (who also likes to snowmobile) and his wife are 8-months pregnant. Hunter, you better lookout for what’s coming, because, you know, “The tracks have already been laid.”

Godspeed Ken Boss (pictured right with son Scott), you shall live on forever in those following your well-laid tracks.

MM