The race course has been shortened to 30 kilometers with the moving of the start from downtown Rhinelander to Hodag Park. We also eliminated two sections of trail as we were not satisfied with the conditions.

The start area will be groomed to accommodate a mass start. The trail crosses Boom Lake for approximately 2.5 kilometers and then enters the course. The exit from Boom Lake to the trail is steep and approximately 10 feet wide. Be prepared to slow down when you exit Boom Lake. From this point to the first rest station, the course is different than last year as we have eliminated all but 200 yards of the snowmobile trail. This section of the snowmobile trail will have adequate snow cover for the race.

The first feed station is at the Crystal Lake Road crossing at 6 kilometers. For the next kilometer the trail narrows to approximately 8 feet as goes past Hodag Country Fest site (and the elk herd). Passing in this area will be difficult.

The next 10 kilometers of the course averages 12 feet in width and was packed by snowmobiles on January 1st, and since then has been groomed with a Tidtec 5 times. On Monday, January 8th the trail was again groomed with a 7,000 pound snowmobile trail groomer. This section of the course had major bulldozer work done this summer including widening the uphill and downhill sections. We have eliminated a diffficult section of the course from last year that had a downhill hairpin turn. There is a very steep downhill immediately after the second rest stop and several sharp corners in the next 3 kilometers.

The rest of the course runs through Crystal Lake Scout Reservation, Camp Tesomas property and has been groomed for a month and is hard packed. The minimum trail width is 12 feet. A new trail has been bulldozed through the swamp on the upper stretch eliminating the two-way creek crossing from last year.

The course is in great shape with no bare spots or rocks. We had 2 feet of snow to compact on the trail that has resulted in a 8 to 12 inch base. The warm weather we are experiencing will help create more moisture and setting up the foundation. We expect excellent conditions for the race. Final grooming will be done on Thursday, which will allow time for the trail to setup before the race.

We have not had snow in the area since last Saturday. The snow on the trail has been worked, yet, before the warm weather this week was very dry. The weather forecast for Rhinelander is for the upper 30's today, and the upper 20's to low 30's for the rest of the week. Lows at night are in the low teen's. Pay attention to the overnight lows to wax accordingly. See all of you at the start line.

Questions call 715.845.2195 ext #13 or email [email protected]