[XC] mad Mend Ski Marathon

[Don Fariss]

Mad Mendota Marathon schemers,   I truly like the basic idea. But some comments....   I don't think anyone locally has a sophisticated trail groomer with the hydraulics necessary to grind up ice & turn it into snow except some to the alpine areas. Most everyone around here drags their various grooming devices statically behind their machines.   Any grooming done in the weeks prior to the race would be admirable, but could be ruined by other lake users (snowmobiles, ATVs, ice fishermen) or altered drastically by weather; consider rain on ice for instance.   Other Challenges: Marking the course. Grooming a course in the weeks prior that might need to be totally rerouted at the last minute due to changing conditions. Wind blown snow. Drifts. Drifting during the race. Potential for incredible wind chills & associated medical risks.   Don't avoid early to mid January. It can have great ice. And it's a great time on the ski calendar. Often people are looking for any easy marathon to get started then. I've done the mostly flat 42 km Superior race in mid-January for that very reason. Besides Superior & Seeley, are there any other marathons early in Jan.? The reason that the Finlandia, the Rib Lake Hinder Binder and the Stump Farm Open are about the only 3 races between Mora & Birkie is that nearly everyone wants to sit that weekend out and rest. Ask yourself how many of your friends have ever done one of those 3. Choosing that weekend would definitely limit the field.   I don't see northerners coming south for this one. The think we never have snow. Although eastern Wisconsinites & the Illinois crowd would surely find it attractive (close to home). Be sure to try to fit into their schedule of little races.   Minocqua wanted to do a similar "lake" marathon race from the City of Minocqua, across several of their major lakes, down a river & onto the Winter Park Trails. Never happened due to logistical nightmares. I believe another one was actually held once on Lake Winnebago (point to point). Should try to find the organizers of that one & quiz them since I think it was only run one year & died.   Karl Heil sometimes drives 90 kilometers at a speed of 5 kilometers per hour to groom his trails after a snowstorm. Would YOU volunteer to drive over to Lake Mendota after that to groom a 50 kilometer race trail??? You need another chief of grooming besides Karl.   I still think the idea has merit, but I just hope you consider the potential challenges & problems. It could be a great race or a real heartbreaker for the organizers.   Ski ya, Don