The chalet was a flurry of activity early Saturday morning as volunteers geared up for the first-annual Rocky Cup Race, held by the Rainy Lake Nordic Ski Club at its Rocky Inlet trail system.
As the scheduled 11 a.m. race time drew near, and ski boots were snapped into their bindings, excitement could be seen on everyone’s faces as they made their way down to the starting line.
Adult races consisted of 20 participants racing either an 8.2-km or 4.1-km loop—the youngest being six-month-old Lake L’Hirondelle, who was pulled by her father, Troy, in a bright yellow sledge.
Race organizer Megan Ross gave a small reminder to call out “track” when wishing to pass another skier. Then, with a ring from a cow bell, the adults were off.
The “Jackrabbit” event, geared towards the younger skiers, had five participants. They raced around a smaller 1.5-km loop—their bright hats and smiles lighting up the mild winter morning.
Laughter echoed down the trails as they skied away from us.
As each racer crossed the finish line, a sense of accomplishment was plain to see on each of their smiling faces.
Dr. Cam Moorhouse, who finished first in the 8.2-km skate ski division, said it was “perfect skiing,” noting that club president Jim Krag’s grooming efforts led to the day’s excellent trail conditions.
Trophies were awarded as follows:
•Jackrabbit Skate Ski (1.5 km)—1. Anne Jean 2. Rachel Jean
•Jackrabbit Classic (1.5 km)—1. Carolann Stone 2. Ellie Petsnick 3. Grace Petsnick
•Adult Skate Ski (4.1 km)—1. Caryn Myers 2. Debbie Jean
•Adult Classic (4.1 km)—1. Andrea Avis
•Adult Skate Ski (8.2 km)—1. Cam Moorhouse 2. Anthony Stone
•Adult Classic (8.2)—1. Maria Sanders and Troy L’Hirondelle/Lake (tied).
Trophies and door prizes were made possible by donations from the Krag family, Borderland Bicycle Club, Road ID, and Tim Hortons, as well as the Rainy Lake Nordic Ski Club.
Krag was pleased with the turnout for their first race and talked of the upcoming events being planned, including a Family Fun Day slated for Sunday, Feb. 17 from 1-3 p.m.
The club has all the equipment available, and members are willing to give a few pointers to help new skiers find their way down the beautiful trails.
Anyone needing more information can find it on the club’s website at www.rlnordic.org
Krag and Dr. Moorhouse also talked of the future plans for the club. They are hoping to restart their “Jackrabbit” ski program for youngsters, hold waxing clinics, and are looking forward to being able to expand the trail system this summer.
Race day finished up with a hot lunch prepared by club members and their families.
The chalet overflowed with a warm feeling as everyone shared their thoughts on the day—and talked of looking forward to many more of these times together.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
