VASA Newsletter # 6

37th annual NORTH AMERICAN VASA

Newsletter #6                                                                                                           February 3, 2013

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN!

We are only six days away from the VASA Festival of Races. We have received over a foot of snow during the past week and the cold nights have made for primo skiing on the Vasa trail system. We will conduct races at 1km, 2km, 3km, 6km, 12km, 27km and 50km so there should be a distance that suits every skier. You can register online for any race until 6pm on Thursday 2/7 and save $5 over onsite registration. Visit www.swiftentry.com for registration and www.vasa.org for race information.

There is more great news for the 50k skiers as we will have a one lap race. Dr. Jim Woodburne reports that more packing and grooming was conducted on Riley's loop (50km) during the week and it is now in excellent shape. Several skiers have reported that this very scenic section of trail is very skiable. They will groom all race courses during this week with the LMC and the weather report for this week looks very favorable for an outstanding race weekend. We appreciate all the work that Jim and others have put into clearing, packing and grooming Riley's Loop.


GRAND TRAVERSE RESORT-HOST FOR THE 2013 VASA AWARDS PARTY!
Plans have been finalized for a great post-race awards party at the Grand Traverse Resort. This year, we have listened to your feedback and are streamlining our awards procedures. For this of you who would like to relax after a great race, Beer/wine/soft drinks and munchies will be available at the cash bars starting at 4pm. Doors will open at 5 and the awards will begin at 5:30 pm sharp.

The Resort is offering several specials for Vasa skiers including 20% off all merchandise purchased at their Gallery of Shops on February 9th only (some exclusions apply). In addition, the incredible Spa Grand Traverse will offer a $10 discount on any spa treatment over $99 between  Feb. 8-11th.  Reservations are required. Call 1-800-748-0303 (6750) and let them know you are with the Vasa group.
  
VASA ANNOUNCES THE “SKI WITH JOHN” 12K SPECIAL EVENT

To honor one of our local veteran skier, we invite area skiers to join local physician John Bruder and friends as he skis a special 12k event to celebrate a lifetime love for Nordic skiing. Bruder, a longtime Vasa 27km and 50km skier, has chosen to ski again this winter despite the challenges he has faced while dealing with advanced stage lung cancer. This will be his 28th Vasa race. Over this ski season, he has inspired friends and family with his consistent visits to the Vasa trails skiing from 10-15 km using portable oxygen tanks, sometimes going through 2-3 tanks per outing.

The Vasa organization has designated a special “Team JB” wave for those who would like to ski with John in a 12km event, scheduled to start at 1:00 pm. The expected pace will be perfect for beginners and promises to be light and fun. In addition, beginners will have the benefit of being with many experienced skiers who will be there to support and honor John. Cost of the race for those who have not entered is $35 and registration is available at www.swiftentry.com. Skiers who race the 27km or 50km may join Team JB after their race at no additional charge.

Two of John's friends, Bill Smith and Jerry Glenn organized the event and commented “If John's positive attitude inspires others to get out and experience skiing in an organized ski event, we will all be so pleased, especially John.”

Information about all Vasa races is available online at the Vasa ski race website at www.vasa.org. Race day registration is also available on race day at the main lodge at Timber Ridge from 7am-12:15 pm. Late registering skiers should arrive “ski-ready” and should allow time to complete the registration and waiver form and pick up their bibs.


VASA   ANNUAL 50-50 RAFFLE

This year we have a very specific objective for our popular 50-50 raffle. We recently purchased a Ski-Doo work snowmobile from Timber Ridge when they upgraded their grooming armada. Our new machine will be used to put up and take down race signs, assist with trail repair projects during the winter, taking supplies out to our aid stations, performing emergency evacuations and, most importantly, being able to pack and groom Riley's Loop which is outside the jurisdiction of TART. The new machine works like a charm and has been out several times attempting to get the 50K Riley's Loop evaluated and potentially in ski shape. We are also looking at an option to buy or lease a Ginzu groomer and a roller device that have become available recently. Tickets are $20 each or 6 for $100 and can be purchased from any Vasa board or Vasa Ski Club board member or by calling the Vasa hotline at (231)938-4400.



JR. VASA COMING

Once again, we will offer our Jr. Vasa races for kids ages 3-15 in events ranging from 1km to 3km in length. Jr. Vasa race organizers are John & Nancy Briggs and Tami Stagman. We all realize that these young skiers will be the Vasa skiers of the future and our hope is that they will continue cross country skiing their entire lives. Registration is only $5 and is available online at www.vasa.org. Race day registration is also available at the Timber Ridge main lodge from 10am-1:00pm. Parents should arrive with their kids “ski-ready” and should allow time to complete the registration and waiver form and pickup ski bibs. Our race organizers invite all the parents and “grown-up” skiers to come out to cheer on the kids with cowbells which is a unique tradition in the world of Nordic skiing. We expect over 100 spectators to participate to create a festive atmosphere for the kids. All Junior VASA skiers will receive a beautiful custom medal and ribbon at the finish line of the events. For more information check out our website at www.VASA.org. Also, the Jr. VASA poster can be accessed by using this link______.


“BRING YOUR HUNGRY”-THE VASA PASTA FEED IS BACK

The annual VASA pasta dinner will be served at Timber Ridge from 5:00-8:00 pm at the Timber Ridge Banquet Hall on friday Feb. 8th. This great event will benefit our local youth ski programs. Fresh pasta, a choice of sauces, bread, salad and beverages will be included for a reasonable “all-you-care-to-eat-carboload” price. Meal prices are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. It will easily be the best deal in town. You can arrive at Timber Ridge in the afternoon, test your wax on their immaculately groomed trails (a trail fee is required), register for one or more Vasa races and have a great dinner all in one stop.

VASA VOLUNTEER CORNER
Vasa Volunteer Team:
By now you and your Crew Chief should have been communicating about details for Race Day(s). If you have not heard from your Crew Chief or have any questions about your assignment(s), contact Linda Deneen at : deneendaisy@charter.net.

For those of you who did not receive your red Vasa hat at the dinner meeting or from your crew chief, please look for Linda in the Lodge during Registration on friday from noon-9pm or saturday/sunday morning.
Others who are unable to attend this year, we will gladly welcome you back in 2014. Your contact information will be kept in the Vasa database which will allow us to send updates to you unless you ask that it be removed.

The New Voice of Cross Country Skiing in TC
Our new radio sponsor, Midwestern Broadcasting has announced that Vasa board member Roger Putman will be reporting on cross country skiing in our area. Roger will be representing one of our top sponsors, Brick Wheels, and will be reporting on all things related to Nordic skiing. He has experience as a ski racer, coach, trainer, race organizer and wax prep technician. The reports will be on WCCW 107.5 FM and 1310 AM. Reports will be at 4:40pm on thursdays, 8:40 am and 4:40 pm on fridays and 8:40am and 4:40pm on saturdays.

TRAIL DAMAGE REPORTS
Recently we apprehended and are prosecuting several vandals that damaged the Vasa Pathway with 4WD vehicles. If you see any unauthorized vehicles or treads along the trail, we encourage you to immediately contact the Grand Traverse County Sheriff's office at (231)922-4550. You should also let the Tart Trails office know, as well. This senseless destruction of the trail creates unsafe ski conditions that take our groomers time to repair. With your watchful eyes and help from the authorities we hope to put an end to it.



Pete LaPlaca                       Lisa Taylor                           Jim Monroe
President                             Race Director                       Newsletter Editor and Publisher.