Racing Outlook

February 14, 2008
Updates on the upcoming events...
  • Feb 13 MYSL/Hoigaards Team Sprint Series (Minneapolis, MN)
    • Feb 13 update:
      The finale of the MYSL Hoigaard's Team Sprint Series is tonight at Wirth Park. Registration is at 6 pm in the chalet. Racing starts at 6:30 pm.
      - Amy Cichanowski, MYSL
  • Feb 15 Minnesota State Meet (Biwabik, MN):
    • Feb 14 update:
      Here is the final decision on the State meet schedule: the race is ON, as of now the start is delayed to 11:30 for the boy's race. State Meet coaches meeting is scheduled for 4:30 -5:30 today, Thursday, in the gold room of the chalet. All updates and important course information and packets for coaches will be given out at this meeting so it is imperative for all coaches to attend. State Meet Banquet will follow at 6:00 - 7:30 in the chalet - special guest speaker Olympian Carolyn Treacy Bramante. Don't miss it!
      Here is the schedule as of today:
      * Boys' freestyle: 11:30 AM
      * Girls' freestyle: 12:30 PM
      * Boys' pursuit: 2:30 PM
      * Girls' pursuit: 3:30 PM
      The jury will meet at 11 am to determine if temps will be legal by 11:30; if not then the boys' freestyle will be delayed to 12 noon and the girls freestyle to 1:00. Pursuit times are not definite; they will depend on the start times and the weather trend for the afternoon. Parents are advised to be in phone contact with someone at the race for up to the minute updates.
      - Paula Anderson, President MSHSNSCA
    • Feb 13 update 2:
      The Coaches Association Charlie Banks Relay, set for Thursday, has been canceled due to forecasted cold weather.  The decision was made at 11 am and based on a forecasted high of -5F and strong winds.
      The Coaches Meeting, State Meet Banquet, and Friday's State Meet are still on as scheduled.
      - Bruce Adelsman
    • Feb 13 update:
      The official rules on cold weather racing are: 
      Officials are currently looking at two possible plans if the cold weather does impact the start.
      • One hour delay - Move the meet back 1 hour.  Start time of 11:00.
      • Two hour relay - Send freestyle skiers two every 15 second (8 per minute).  Start boys at 12:00, girls at 12:30. Then  classic pursuit start boys 2:30, girls 3:30.
      If more than a two hour relay is needed, choices get tough.  The last time that happened the meet was rescheduled for following week on a Tuesday.
      Unfortunately, most teams and officials do not have lodging to stay over to Saturday due to President's weekend bookings.
      - Bob O'Hara
    • Feb 12 update:
      The weather is looking quite cold for the morning races, as it seems to have been the last couple of years.   As of Tuesday evening, forecasted morning temperatures were in the -10F to -5F range, warming to the single digits in the afternoon.
      * Biwabik NWS weather forecast
      * Biwabik hourly weather graph
      - Bruce Adelsman
  • Feb 16 Minnesota Finlandia (Bemidji, MN)
    • Feb 13 update:
      Up here in Northen Minnesota we are used to dealing the hand we are dealt. Well, this year we got a Royal Flush: mild temps, loads of snow, no shoveling, no migraines!! We will be putting the finishing touches on the trail at the high point of our ski season - Minn Finn and the Northwoods Tour, Logging Days and kid's ski school. It's been a fantastic year for skiers in Bemidji. Be sure to bring a new friend along to the race and soak up the warmth of our great volunteers and the wonderful rustic Dickenson ranch. Tonight's little snow squall will add a few inches and freshen up the trail just like we were hoping.  Photo from today's grooming.
      - Mark Morrissey, race organization
    • Feb 12 update:
      We are looking at a full run of our course with the best conditions I have seen in many years. Skiers can look forward to 20s, sunshine, fast skiing and a beautiful classic track. Four stars ! We encourage Birkie racers to line up for the 25K and stay sharp for Hayward. My plan is to put in the track tomorrow and let it set up, then polish on Friday ! Mike remeasured the course distance to be sure of a fair 25 K - it's right on the button. It's been a fantastic year for skiing in Bemidji and the big race Saturday will really put the icing on the cake ! See you at the start line !
      - Mark Morrissey, race organization
    • Feb 9 update:
      The Finlandia is looking at some of the best race conditions in many years, and a strong turnout is expected.  Read the full press release.
      - Bruce Adelsman
  • Feb 16 Snowflake/Inga-lami Race (Maple Plain, MN)
    • Feb 13 update:
      To provide YOU with a WARMER RACE experience! - Please note the 1/2 hr time delays for Saturdays Races at Baker Park! Gear West Mens SNOWFLAKE 11k RACE will start at 9:00am.  Gear West Women's Ingalami Race will start at 9:45am.  Fun prizes and giveaways! Please come!
      - Jan Guenther, race organization
  • Feb 16 Book Across the Bay (Ashland, WI)
    • Feb 12 update:
      Organizers report 30" of ice on Chequamegon Bay and a fair amount of snow, so everything is go for the big event on Saturday evening.
      - Bruce Adelsman
  • Feb 17 North End Classic (Cable, WI)
    • Feb 11 update:
      The rescheduled North End Classic will start at 10:00 a.m. near the North End Trail Head, two miles south of Cable off Randysek Road. The actual start area is on the American Birkebeiner Trail at the west end of the power line. The course will run from the power line onto a short segment of the new Birkie Classic Trail that links into the North End Ski Trail. There are two distance choices: 13 km or 25 km. Racers in the 13 km event will do one complete loop of the North End Trail and finish at the North End Cabin. Those skiing the 25 km race will make a pass through the North End Trail Head and head out for a second lap.
      All race logistics remain the same. Post-race food, awards and random drawings for door prizes will take place immediately following the conclusion of the race at the Cable Community Center.
      The postponement also allows for the running of the Cookie Classic kids races. Course options for the kids include distances of .5 km, 1 km or 2 km. The Cookie Classic will start at approximately 10:15 from the same location as the adult races.
      - Ron Bergin, race director
    • Check the full racing calendar for more details on these events.