Press Release –
Polaris Sportsman X2 800s will carry couple from Canada to Mexico in 10 months
During a camping trip in Utah in 2000, Marc Joinville and France Labonté discovered an ATV trail that ran lengthwise through the state of Utah. Their finding sparked the dream to ride their ATVs from Canada to Mexico, through the United States.
“There are so many extraordinary places to discover, to explore and life is so short,” said Joinville. “We felt using quads would enable us to have access to remote places and give us the opportunity to enjoy incredible scenery.”
Owners of Polaris ATVs, Joinville contacted Polaris regarding their idea to ride cross-continent and the maker of “The World’s Toughest ATVs” provided them with two new Sportsman X2 800 ATVs, parts and clothing.
Polaris Sportsman ATVs are known for their legendary ride which will come in handy during the 10-month trek.
“When Joinville contacted us about their idea to travel across the continent, there was no doubt they would be riding ‘The World’s Toughest ATVs,’” said Jeff LeFever, marketing manager for Polaris ATVs. “The Sportsman X2 800 is the biggest and most versatile ATV in our line up making it the perfect machine for the varying terrain and extreme conditions the couple will encounter.”
The Sportsman X2 800s are equipped with a 800cc Polaris twin engine with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) for reliability at higher altitudes and include features such as a second seat that folds into the cargo box for added versatility; Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) which provides Sportsman’s legendary smooth ride, 8.5 inches of travel and 11 inches of ground clearance; VERSATRAC which enables the rider to choose from Turf mode, 2-wheel drive or AWD by a thumb switch on the handlebar.
True All-Wheel Drive that automatically engages when the rider needs more forward traction and reverts to 2WD automatically when AWD is no longer needed; an Engine Braking System (EBS), to assist with braking on steep inclines; and Active Descent Control (ADC) which provides four-wheel braking when the vehicle is in AWD, is operating at speeds below 15 mph and there is no throttle being applied. These features will ensure the Sportsman X2 800s conquer the rugged terrain Joinville and Labonté will encounter on their trek.
Joinville and Labonté will depart from British Columbia, Canada on July 7. Their “Quadtrek” journey will take them through Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona and down the Baja peninsula, ending in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. They will live with the basics, camping and living in the wild for 10 months and carrying everything they need in a trailer behind one of the ATVs.
Quadtrek will be documented at www.polarisindustries.com/en-US/Vehicles/EventsAndTours/2007ATVDiaries which will include updates on their journey and pictures.
