Black Mt. Nordic Ski Race scheduled for March 3

The snow has fallen, the trails are groomed, and the cross-country skiing enthusiasts are gearing up for the Third Annual Black Mountain Nordic Ski Race & Tour, which is scheduled for Saturday, March 3. The 34 km Nordic race begins at 10 a.m., starting and finishing on Trout Lake. A 6.2-mile trail has also been groomed for skiers to tour through Black Mountain and all its beauty. The tour starts at 9:30 a.m.

Organizer Denny Paull said this is the first year for the Thunder Bay Trails Association (TBTA) to sponsor the race, which attracts top-level skiers from across the Midwest and Canada.

?THIS IS the first year for TBTA, which undertook the project in order to have better grooming conditions out at Black Mountain,? said Paull. ?TBTA has partnered with the DNR to upkeep the trails ? if we get a ton of snow, the DNR will take their big groomer out. Otherwise, the TBTA is out just about every day grooming.?

Paull said the TBTA was able to purchase $17,000 worth of grooming equipment with the help of private donations and a grant through Northeast Michigan Community Foundation. Many of the private donations were done in memory of John Hardin and Marv Mendyk, who both passed away this year. Hardin and Mendyk were avid cross-country skiers who loved the Black Mountain trails, and they were actively involved in the ongoing effort between the DNR and TBTA. The 6.2-mile tour will be conducted in their honor.

The 34 km race attracts many top athletes in the sport of cross country skiing, although many top skiers from last year?s race will not be able to attend this year due to a scheduling conflict with the World Masters Championship in Finland. Hugh Prichard, who is a British National team skier now living in Michigan, will be competing. Prichard competed for England in the 2002 Salt Lake Olympic games.

The racecourse is challenging with significant uphill and downhill sections. Skiers will have to maneuver several strategic tight turns. There are two types of skiing styles, skating and classic. The Black Mountain race is a classic style competition. Paull said the race is very enjoyable from the skier?s point of view, as well as for the spectators.

?IT?S A very colorful event for people to watch,? said Paull. ?There are several areas where people can watch the race from ? it?s possible for people to view the start, drive to the parking lot at the top of the hill on County Line Road, and still make it back to watch as the racers cross the finish line. It?s really quite impressive.?

The tour is a non-competitive event open to all different levels of skiers. Paull said the tour is for people to get out and enjoy the day, and to experience the beauty of Black Mountain. ?The memorial tour is for recreational skiers to get out and enjoy the outdoors,? said Paull. ?The cost for the tour is $30, and the cost for the race is $40. All proceeds go directly back into Black Mountain ? we hope to keep promoting the area and keep this going year after year.?

The race also serves to showcase TBTA. People can become members of the TBTA through yearly fees — $15 for individuals, and $20 for a family. All membership fees help to fund upkeep of the trails.

Paull said he expects more people to participate in this year?s event due to the addition

of the memorial tour. ?We anticipate more recreational skiers will get out this year and tour the course to help support Black Mountain,? said Paull. ?Many volunteers help make this race possible, including aid station workers, snow shovelers for road crossings, sign placement volunteers, groomers, timers, and first responders who are present in case of an emergency. Anyone who would like to volunteer is welcome and should contact us.?

Awards are presented during a banquet dinner following the race. Some of the unique awards include an engraved set of wind chimes to the overall male and female winners.

Interested volunteers, or anyone with questions or needing more information, should call Paull at (231) 597-9371, or Randy Fairbanks at (989) 727-3702.

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