[Nick's Trail Adventures] Silver Ski Nordic Tour

[Trailrunner]

View from finish!

Yesterday was the Annual Silver Ski Nordic Tour 15k. It is a fun race where Nordic Skiers alike joined to ski from White Pine Touring to The Basin Recreation Center. The start was a big mass of people huddling close to hear the announcer greet everyone and tell us about the ski. He told us Olympic Gold Medalist Billy Demong was going to lead us off and that we all should go and have fun! We were off and people were crowding onto the small track after him to begin the 15k trek. Skiing was impossible due to the heavy amount of skiers so I double polled in the classic tracks until we met our first road crossing. I quickly took of my skis and ran across the road so I would beat the crowd. Down the "Poop loop" course I went when I came across Billy and his group of older friends. I stayed in the pack until we met the next road crossing where I followed them across to greet the "Farm Loop" with excitement! It was my first time all year on this course and I was super excited! The track was in great condition and the scenery was amazing! We came upon the cut off to quick near the "McPolin Barn" and walked under the underpass to reach the first checkpoint. The checkpoint was handing out free hats and ski ties, I took advantage of the stopped people and I quickly sped off so I could ski uncrowded at last! This part of the trail is the best because you are skiing through the forest where there are lots of tall trees and streams bordering the trail. The smell of fresh air greeted me as I traverse deeper into the untouched wilderness, I passed an organic garden still trying to grow crops in a green house and am reminded of my family's summer garden. I love this ski because you really get to explore nature in a whole new way, instead of running or mountain biking you are gliding along on skis and taking in the full beauty of your surroundings. Over the river and through the woods I go when I came across the next road crossing and hurried across to continue my journey. I am tired of all the slow pokes so I pick up the pace and get in the front of the pack to enjoy peace and quiet until I fall on the next turn leaving me aching in pain as 3 fast adults pass me laughing. Now I am very mad, my hip hurts and 3 adults just laughed at my pain so I sprint up to get to them and followed them along until I can seek my revenge. I see the next road crossing and hurried and took off my skis and ran across the road and before you can say "Mississippi" I am flying down the track leaving them in the dust! I am so happy with my success that I powered up the next hill with ease and am already down the next hill before the  group has even put their skis on!  Now it was just easy skiing from this point on, I was on a trail that is near the Swaner Nature Preserve and I took time to admire the 400+ acres of open space. Around the corner I went and I ripped to the finish line where I was greeted by steaming hot cauldrons of soup and live music. There is no better way to end a fantastic ski than to enjoy a hot cup of soup. --Thanks Starbucks!!! And Thank you to all the sponsors for a great day!  

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Posted By Trailrunner to Nick's Trail Adventures at 1/31/2011 10:25:00 PM