2008 Wonalancet Wander

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This year's Wonalancet Wander provided an exciting morning for both
participants and spectators. The perfectly crisp Saturday began at
8:15 when five members of the Bowdion College Nordic Developmental
Team crawled out from their VW wagon, spilling boots, poles and a
portable waxing table. Race Director Paul King was performing the
important leadership task of shoveling 4 feet of snow to clear the
outhouse door. Thus, this year's Tamworth Outing Club Classic XC Ski
race was underway.

The Wander is a New England Nordic Ski Association (www.NENCA.org)
event. For the past dozen years Nordic enthusiasts have gathered under
the Sandwich range to test their skills on the groomed XC trails of
Wonalancet. The Wander is unique in many ways, especially its
handicapped start system; designed to establish parity by making
allowances for age and gender differences.

As the published 10 am race start approached, all participants were
casually stretching, waxing, and chatting. The Doug Armstrong/ Paul
King inspired system allows for both age and gender criteria to give
older skiers a "head start" before those Bowdion College Polar Bears
leapt from the starting gate.

So, at 10 am sharp, race director King announced, "The race has
begun!"........ but no one crossed the starting line! His next command,
"Time for the racers meeting" was understood by Wander veterans, but
newcomers were still a bit befuddled. Soon, ageless Conway Nordic
superstar Sally Swenson was the first to enter the course, with a 10 1/2
minute head start on the field thanks to her many years of experience.
One by one, registrants eligible for AARP cards passed the starting
gate beginning their 10-kilometer adventure.

Fifteen minutes after the call to begin the race, the energetic
collegians and local high school racers joined their senior
compatriots. Quickly passing the novices and casual participants, the
real race was on. The course wound three laps through the fields and
woods of Wonalancet, offering views of Mt. Whiteface, and Mt.
Wonalancet, rising and dipping on perfectly groomed snow.

Joining Sally in the lead was Donovan Freeman. These parents of
Olympians Karl Swenson, Chris and Justin Freeman showed the field the
genetic stock and training dedication that inspired their children to
greatness. Sally and Donovan held off the Bowdoin boys through the
first lap, but youth was to be served. In the second lap, the elite
field was established. The third and final lap became a test of
strength between the top three Bowdion men. Their final dash to the
line resulted in a sweep of the medal positions with Sophomore Nat
Herz sliding to a one-length victory at 33:46 over teammate Tom Cook.
Colorado native Matt Bowers was only 2 seconds behind, rounding out
the top male finishers.

Donovan Freeman finished 4th at an amazing 34:21, followed by Inter-
Lakes High School Nordic star Austin Hart.

Leah Hart, also of Inter-Lakes High, was the first female finisher
with Sally Swenson quick on her heels.

This year's Champion Herz was asked about the race. "It's a fun, low
key event for us. Everyone is so friendly and enjoying the morning.
Many of our college races are far more intense and there's much less
camaraderie at the start and finish. Also, the food here is great!"
Brownies, fruit and groomer Brian Cutter's pineapple upside down cake
fed the hungry racers while waiting for the presentation of awards.

The winner and top finishers all brought home a little dough, thanks
to donations from the Wonalancet Sunnyfield Bakery. Race sponsors Joe
Jones, Ski Works, Great Glen Trails and the Nordic Skier provided
garments, trail passes and equipment.

Shortly thereafter the Boys from Bowdoin, stuffed themselves and their
gear, loaves of fresh bread and sheet cakes back into their VW and
headed out of the Ferncroft parking area. With a little luck, the
Wonalancet Wander will find its way onto more cross country skiers'
calendars in February 2009. Look for information both on the New
England Nordic web site as well as www.tamworthoutingclub.org.

Proceeds of the race support TOC activities, including the Alpine and
Nordic programs for K A Brett School students.