New England Nordic Ski Association

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Fred Bailey

2024 Great Caribou Bog Freestyle/BKL Youth Ski Race Summary

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By Dan Baumert

The 2024 Great Caribou Bog Freestyle and BKL Youth Race was held on Saturday February 10th, 2024 in Orono, Maine hosted by the Penobscot Valley Ski Club.  The race was held on trails managed and maintained by the Orono Land Trust.  The Caribou Bog Outdoor Center served as the race headquarters. Despite the warm temperatures and lack of snow a quality race course was provided by altering the race course and shoveling areas that had thin cover.  The groomers did a great job a setting up a fast course early in the morning of the race.  

Start of the freestyle race – Susan McCaffery photo

A field of 30 skiers completed the freestyle race, while 3 enthusiastic youth skiers completed the BKL Youth race.  The freestyle course featured two laps out and back on the Kirkland trail to maximize trails with good cover.  The revised course actually ended up being a relatively flat fast 13.5K distance. The BKL Youth race featured a 0.5K, 1.5K, and 3.5K distances depending on age. A great team of volunteers insured all aspects of the race went smoothly insuring a good racing experience for all participants. 

Raul Siren finishing the freestyle race – Susan McCaffery photo
Emma Markuson finishing the BKL Youth race – Susan McCaffery photo

An awards ceremony and raffle was held in the Outdoor Center following the race.  Outdoor Center hats and glasses were awarded to the first three overall winners in the freestyle race.  The first and second freestyle class places and BKL Youth winners received awards based on photos of the race course. Following are the overall top three male and female finishers in the freestyle race and BKL Youth race winners.  

Freestyle race results are located at; https://www.webscorer.com/race?raceid=342376

Freestyle Overall Race Winners

Female

  1. Susan Elias         56:42.5
  2. Maisie Merz       58:04.0
  3. Tamera Levitsky 58:22.5

Male                                                                      

  1. Miguel Sanclemente  47:33.4                                        
  2. Miles Kirby               48:32.6                                         
  3. Steve Moreau            48:38.5                                         

BKL Youth Race

Emma Markuson   1st girl grades 1&2, 1.5K       20:32
Porter Freeman,     1st boy grades 3&4, 1.5K     13:45
Halsey Freeman    1st girl grades 5&6, 3.5K      33:00

BKL Youth  race winners left to right Porter Freeman, Halsey Freeman, Emma Markuson – Dan Baumert photo

It’s All About the Journey – The 2024 Tour de Greensboro

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By Jim Fredericks

Ninety very eager cross-country skiers took to the ski trails of the Northeast Kingdom on Saturday, Feb 10th to participate in the non-competitive 2024 Tour de Greensboro. Participants included a strong contingent of local skiers along with others from CT, ME, NH, MA, and NY. They all had one thing in common, to challenge themselves by skiing a full 25km loop on some of the most beautiful ski trails in the Northeast while enjoying the comradery of fellow skiers. For those skiers not quite up to the task, they could opt out to do the 15km loop. Demographics included 90% over 40 years of age and 64% women.

A sunny spring-like day with temperatures in the 40’s welcomed skiers as they gathered for the pre-tour instructions in the Highland Lodge field. Event organizer, Jim Fredericks gave the pre start briefing before everyone departed on their leisurely but somewhat demanding journey, which included 2200 feet of climbing for the 25km. The course layout was a combination of some of the Highland Lodge trails combined with those of private landowners. Expertly groomed classic track conditions were provided by the Craftsbury Outdoor Center and private landowners to the delight of participants. As skiers reached the midpoint of the Tour, they were treated to hot cider and donuts, and some opted for a break around the fire before continuing their journey.

As the day progressed and the clouds rolled in, the sky turned an ominous shade of gunmetal blue. For the more leisurely skiers who were still on the trail, some thunder and a few bolts of lightning motivated them to pick up the pace and head for home at the Highland Lodge. Even though some people experienced a little rain near the end of the tour, smiling faces were abundant with a sense of accomplishment for going the distance. All skiers were treated to cornbread and chili along with Jasper Hill Farm cheese to accompany the many tales from their journey.

The Tour de Greensboro would like to thank all its volunteers and sponsors who made this event possible. Toko US, Lumi Experiences, Highland Lodge, Willey’s Store, Jasper Hill Farm, and Connie’s Kitchen.

All proceeds from the Tour de Greensboro will be donated to the the Greensboro Association, whose mission is to conceive, advance and support village initiatives and organizations that enhance the Greensboro community and protect Caspian Lake and its surrounding environment. The Greensboro Association took a very active role in helping other organizations and businesses who experienced hardships during last summer’s flood. Click HERE to find out more about the Greensboro Association or to make a donation.

Dublin Winterfest: Ski Your Heart Out Recap

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Lollipop skiers charge out of the start

In the first edition of the Dublin Winterfest: Ski Your Heart Out skiers were treated to fun vibes, quintessential New England skiing, lots of sun, and a hint of firewood fumes. The day kicked off with a mass start race for high school and master skiers. It was a four lap affair on an uphill/downhill course with a mix of snowmaking and natural snow, winding through the beautiful Sapporo and Placid trails at the Dublin School Nordic Center.

(L-R) Jody Dean, Donald Perks & William Weiter skiing over the lap hill – Thaddeus Rogers photo

As the snow changed from hard granular to soft corn, the races transitioned to a stadium loop for the Lollipopers, complete with name-sake lollipops. The lollipop skiers were led by Dublin headmaster Brad Bates in a fantastic all Green suit. The lollipop race was followed by a single lap of the adult course for the older BKL skiers, in mass start fashion. The BKL skiers raved about how fun the downhill was! Up next was the awards ceremony, where all the age group podium skiers received gigantic cookies. The day was concluded a few more laps of easy skiing by many of the competitors and a round happy birthday for the whole field for one of the local masters skiers. A big thank you to the Dublin School and Dublin XC for hosting an awesome event!

BKL racers getting ready to start

Results
Rankings
Thaddeus Rogers Photos
Staff Photos

On Deck: Downeast 18km Freestyle Loppet

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Downeast 18km Freestyle Loppet

Adventurers, challenge seekers, and distance lovers – the Downeast 18km Freestyle Loppet is making a return for its second year.  Hosted by the Downest Racing Team, the race will take place this Sunday at Quarry Road Trails due to lack of snow on the coast. The snow making loop should provide excellent conditions and great spectating opportunities. Whether you want to race or cheer on your friends and/or family, this event is the place to be this weekend! So gather up your skis and support crew and enjoy the atmosphere. This race is part of the Part of the NENSA Marathon Series and scored to NENSA Zak Cup and Club Cup.

Super Day at the Caribou Bog Race

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Clipperly Good of NWVE & William Dougherty pass by one of the many scenic bogs

It was a fantastic day for skiing at the Caribou Bog Race in Orono, Maine, hosted by the Penobscot Valley Ski Club. Blue sky, lots of sun, and firm classic tracks made for a great experience. There were lots of smiles coming from the participants. This race was the 5th event in the NENSA Marathon Series. Racers had the option of skiing 10, 21, or 33km. With 70 entrants, this made the largest edition of the Caribou Bog Race in its modern form, with a healthy boost from outside the Bangor area.

(L-R) Susan Elias, Brian Rahill, & Lisz Gallandt enjoying the start of the race

The course has a great mix of single, double, and triple track sections, with gentle undulating uphills, fun downhills and a healthy portion of double pole terrain. The scenic woods trails wind through lands managed by the Orono Land Trust, including passing by many beautiful ponds, bogs, and a reintroductory Chestnut tree plantation. Despite the lack of abundant snow depth, the organizers put in a lot of hard work between trail surface upgrades in recent summers and lot of shoveling to insure the best snow depth possible, resulting in very good conditions!

Finn Bondeson of Nonstop Nordic cruising on one of the single track sections

The recently renovated lodge offered a clean and cosy post race experience. More than half of the field gathered for snacks, social time, and awards. Age group and Overall podium skiers were given Caribou Bog Post cards and some cool schwag from local retailers. After the awards, a slew of raffle items were doled out, including vests, alpine jackets, drink packs, rental vouchers, and racer director hot sauce! This event has a great vibe, fun skiing and it’s certainly one you want to experience. The Penobscot Valley Ski Club also hosts a freestyle version of the event including BKL races.

Race Director Dan Baumert handing out awards
Overall Podiums – 10km, 21km, 33km

Results
Rankings
Staff Photos

Thank you to our valued NENSA Partners