Black Mountain Nordic Classic Ski Race on March 3rd

Thu, Feb  15, 2007 - By Denny Paull

The 4th annual Black Mountain Nordic Classic ski race is scheduled for 10:00 A.M. on March 3rd. Plans are being made to ensure that this year's race is better than ever.

The BMNC has established a reputation as one of the best events on the Michigan Cup Circuit. Custom, multicolored shirts, unique awards and a great lunch will be provided to participants.

The course is a single 34 km loop following the outside perimeter of the expansive Black Mountain ski trail network. If conditions prevail, the race will again start below the Chateau restaurant and follow the perimeter of Trout Lake before entering the woods. The course is considered challenging by most because of the terrain but is not particularly technical.

The Thunder Bay Trail Association, which has partnered with the MDNR to provide a 14 km skate/classic course on Black Mountain, will be the new managers of the race. The Thunder Bay Trail Association has been actively involved in promoting non motorized trails in Northeast Michigan for ten years. The TBTA looks forward to conducting an even better event this year thereby showcasing Black Mountain as one of the premier nordic skiing areas in the state.

Additionally, the TBTA is pleased to announce the first annual John Hardin/Marv Mendyk Memorial tour. The 10 km tour will Start at 9:30 A.M. and will start and finish on Trout lake as well. The tour is a non-competitive event allowing participants to enjoy a morning of great skiing, scenery and friends . An aid station will be provided halfway through the tour.  A custom shirt and lunch will be provided to all tour skiers. John Hardin and Marv Mendyk were actively involved in both the Michigan Cup and the effort to improve skiing at Black Mountain. We hope to get as many people as possible out in a celebration of John, Marv and Black Mountain.

Registration will be from 7:30 until 9:15 the day of the race. There will be no early registration. The cost of the race is $40.00 and the tour $30.00. All proceeds from the race will be used to continue the grooming at Black Mountain. Anyone planning on attending either the race or the tour should e-mail Denny Paull at [email protected]. Please be sure to include your SHIRT SIZE  and which event you plan to participate.

For more information, please contact Denny Paull at 231-597-9372 or Randy Fairbanks at 989-727-3702.