Conditions should be good for the Seventh Annual Black Mountain Nordic Classic cross country ski race and tour Saturday. The day will feature a 31 kilometer (km) (19 mile) race and a 10 km (6.2 mile) less competitive race. The longer race is a classic-style-only race and a Michigan Cup sanctioned event, which brings skiers from all over the Midwest to compete. The 10 km ?freestyle? race allows skiers to use either the skate technique or classic technique. Spectators can view both the start and the finish to each race on Trout Lake below the Black Mountain Lodge (formerly called the Chateau Lodge). The race route takes participants to areas with incredible views of Black Mountain and Lake Huron while skiing perfectly groomed, Olympic quality ski trails on the rolling hills of Black Mountain.
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?There is usually a group of volunteers just off the road near the trail on the Cheboygan county side of the road. This would allow spectators to watch 10 km tour skiers ski by at the halfway point of their race and watch 31 km racers cross the road at the 8 km point of their race. The 31 km will return to this road crossing about 45 minutes later at the 23 km point in their race,? he said. Registration will be available inside the Black Mountain Lodge Saturday between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. The 10 km race/tour will start at 9:30 with the 31 km race starting at 10:00.
Early registration is encouraged. Race registration forms are available online at nordicskiracer.com or by sending an e-mail to dpaull999@sbcglobal.net. All proceeds from the race will be used for the ongoing grooming efforts by the TBTA to make Black Mountain the premier ?destination? ski course in Northeast Michigan.
