Ashwaubenon Nordic Open: Brett did the 20K: Fairly rolling, no killer hills and some nice flats. This is a very good early race due to terrain and length. They spread out the racers with arbitrary waves. Course was more technical transition type stuff - could do V1, V2, and V2 alternate throughout the race.
Hodag Ski Chase: Fast, but treacherous conditions. Brett - 3rd in 31-35 Age Group for 30K. Stephanie - First Overall in Women's 14K.
Seeley Hills Classic: Cold slow conditions. Katherine had been married less that 24 hours! Ron left boots at cabin - how convenient! Placements Gender/Class: Dave 119/14, Chris 137/17, Steph 51/5, Katherine 71/12.
King Boreas: From Dan: It was a very fast course, which means you ski monkeys would have done it in half that time. Placements Race/Gender/Class: Dan 89/80/16
Badger State Games: Moderately tough 'mashed potato' conditions. Brett intelligently dropped out at halfway point to preserve his aging fragile back and get back to his bottle of Vicodin. Others excuses: Ron skied two hours at Iola on Saturday instead of resting. Dan let Brett wax his skis. Dave drove straight to the race from LaCrosse after a night of beer and pork roast debauchery at Valentine's Ball. Look out - he's itching for some redemption at Mora. Placements (Race, Gender, Class): Ron 253/421, 227/345, 55/71 Dan 257/421, 231/345, 56/76 Dave 275/421, 246/345, 36/46 Other notable: John Stephenson 2:54:15 (264, 236, 6/11 in 60-64 Class)
Mora Vasaloppet: Very cold conditions, -12 to -5 with 10-15 mph winds at start. Trail was in good shape , but snow was new and somewhat abrasive. The boys were all very happy to be finished - 58K is a long way to ski, even if the course is relatively flat. Katherine a no show due to newlywed forgetfulness: she left her skis in Hayward. Placements (Race, Gender, Class): Ron 388/659, 346/572, 46/98 Dan 450/659, 401/572, 92/128 Dave 503/659, 445/572, 103/124 Complete results available at onlineraceresults.com. Belltower Hill: Do not ask for whom the bell tolls ...
Birkebeiner: Very tough conditions, 3-4 inches of fresh snow at start with additional 3-4 throughout race along with a little freezing rain and wind for good measure. Temps in the 20s for start rising to low 30s. Probably one of the tougher Birkies ever - very 'memorable'. Placements (Gender): Brett 1250, Ron (First Full Birkie!)1798, Dan 1961, Dave 2128, Chris 2922 Steph and Katherine wisely bailed out at OO. Other notables: John Stephenson 4:20:02, Bill Flottmeyer 6:01:46 Historical results available at: birkpast.htm
Howard Young Cup: Very warm conditions, high 30's/low 40s. Ron was sweep for 25K freestyle race. Helped Madison running marathoner Alejandro Munoz attempting his first race on nice new equipment and only sixth time on skis to finish in under four hours. Not without a broken pole and bloody cheeks displayed through torn tights from countless 'sits' on most hills, however. Got some snowplow going by end of the day.