Second event added to Nordic weekend
by Peter Jakey
Managing Editor
Conditions have never been better for the 9th annual Black Mountain Nordic Classic 30 kilometer (km) race on Saturday, and an all new event, the March into Madness, 10-km freestyle on Sunday.
It’s the first time race organizers have scheduled races on both days of the weekend.
“A lot of people don’t classic ski and they skate only,” said Denny Paull, one of the founders of the event. “We wanted to include everyone, so we added a second event. Not only that, but we thought it would be good for local businesses and motel owners, to keep a bunch of people here overnight.”
Last year, the race was nearly canceled because there was no snow, but 20 inches of snow fell the night before the race. There was no power at the Black Mountain Lodge. The storm was affectionately referred to it as “Snowmageddon.”
“We were proud to say we were the only event in Mackinaw City, and Cheboygan, Presque Isle and Emmett Counties, that didn’t get canceled,” said Paull.
The conditions for this year are “the best we’ve ever had,” said Paull. “The snow conditions are going to be beautiful, we have cold weather coming for the weekend.”
They are hoping for the traditional lake start for both races but have a contingency plan for an alternate start should water make the lake start impossible.
Saturday’s 30 km classic race will again encompass the entire outside loop of the trail system at Black Mountain.
Crews from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the newly formed Black Mountain Nordic Ski Club have worked hard throughout the fall and winter to brush out and widen the entire system.
“Face slappers should be a thing of the past on nearly all of the trail system including the very scenic swamp loop on the lower Presque Isle County side of the trail system,” said Paull.
Jim Meyer has been leading a group of volunteers with both groomer trucks throughout the winter to groom and compact the system.
“We are particularly excited about the trail for Sunday’s March Into Madness 10-km freestyle course,” said Paull. “The course is characterized by continuous rolling hills and incredible terrain. This 10-km course is completely separate from the 30-km course; hence those participating on both Saturday and Sunday will get a taste of all that Black Mountain has to offer.
“Work by the DNR this fall, as well as a set of groomers capable of tackling all the hills has allowed us to finally gain skiable access to this section of trail. There are no longer grinder uphills or tight cornered downhills, but rather a myriad of roller-coaster type hills and a few short
Those wishing to take part in a noncompetitive tour, the 9th annual Marv Mendyk and John Hardin memorial 12-km tour starts at 9:30 a.m., just before the start of the 30-km race on Saturday.
A catered lunch and custom shirt will be provided to all 30 km and tour participants. Pizza will be provided after the Sunday 10-km race. Both events feature nice awards.
Paull would appreciate an e-mail detailing which event participants plan to take part in. His e-mail is dpaull999@sbcglobal.net.