My life is almost impossibly busy right now and with too many balls in the air, Chad, Jared, and Jason, Teague, and Tom jumped in and put on the race last night. It was cold but still 8 degrees over at the base of the Great Western lift. Around 40 people, some new and many regulars, toed the line and then worked hard to complete the three (heavy metal) or four (racers) lap course. They skinned over groomer, bumps, and single track through trees with a harrowing choice to balance over the “death log” or to drop into a small pit of despair. Oh, and the skiing wasn’t too bad either with the soft snow and mellow lighting from the nearby night skiing operation.
In the end, Jason won the race division with Teague and Jared rounding out the non existent podium. The women’s group was led as usual by our adopted Catalonian, Gemma Arro Ribot with Sarah and Emily taking 2nd and 3rd. Out of those not on true race gear, new comers Rusty, Chris and Chris did an admirable job at their first Citizen’s Skimo race leading all others.
Another oddity of the night was our departure from pies as prizes and the distribution of doughnuts. Jared was gracious enough to pick them up but struggled to find pies in the middle of January. It didn’t matter though as the winners were happy to pass around some chocolately doughnuts to share. Also, thanks to La Sportiva for the ski straps that were given as prizes to the new people!
Next up is our 2nd annual Wasatch vs the World skimo race on Thursday the 24th. This one will take place in the morning with the race starting at 7AM. For you locals, come out and show all the OR Show folks how we are stepping it up around here and speeding up the Wasatch!
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| Trying to stay warm before the start |
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| Early one in the race |
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| A lone racer approaches the transition |
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| Chad trying to stow his skins prior to leaving the transition |
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| A tight race with more than three guys in the transition together |
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| Gemma and Teague accepting their doughnut prizes! |