I too remember the 1996 White Pine Stampede very well. Carole and I stayed in a motel along Torch Lake.  Driving to Mancelona that morning the car thermometer hit -34F in some of the low valleys and the temp rose to -15F during the drive.  I, too, was signed up for the 50K Freestyle.

About 30 minutes before the start I took out my skis and tried in vain to get some glide.  The snow as like sandpaper.  It was very cold so I decide to ski in the now infamous brown sweater with bib over that.  I also decided when back at the car to switch to the 20K F hoping that the temperature would be warmer an hour later.  The user friendly WPS staff simply took my $5 and gave me a new bib for the shorter race.  

Thirty minutes before the new start I again tried in vain to find some glide and decided to ski classic and have some fun.  Again a quick trip to the most user friendly WPS staff, paid $5 20 minutes before the race start and I had a new classic race bib.  I changed boots, put on the coldest wax I had in the box, put the next warmer one in my fanny pack and rushed to the start line.  

The gun sounded, the mass was off and I was running first for a while but after about 5 k's Hap Wright passed me and I was in third for most of the race.  Skaters that normally toast me didn't pass me for 10-15 k's.  I eventually finished 3rd overall after a thrilling battle on the Schuss hills with another kick and glider, easily my best finish ever, unless you count my 11th finish in the first WPS (just finishing that one was a feat).  

I hopped on the bus and got back to to Mancelona High School thinking our dog, Nikki, who we left in the car with plenty of blankets would be freezing.  Not to worry the sun was out and the glassed in mini-van was fairly toasty. She did a few sprints on the WPS start and was ready to stop at MacDonald's for a double cheese double burger. 

Michigan is truly blessed with winters - Thank goodness not everyone has the good sense to get out and enjoy them.  The trails might be too crowded and I might have to find a new sport.