Vasa getting more snow

Thu, Feb  7, 2013 - By VASA

Your race packets were stuffed today, all courses have been groomed and we have more snow coming tonight and tomorrow. The skiing prognosis for the weekend looks like some of the best skiing in several years. We have a star-studded cast of some of the top citizen skiers in the Midwest including a young lady who won the Women's Mora 50k race in Minnesota last weekend and is anxious to test her skills against our Michigan ladies. You can still register for any Vasa event at http://www.swiftentry.com until 6pm on Thursday 2/6. You can also register at Timber Ridge starting at noon on Friday until 9 pm and from 7 am on Saturday morning.

Waves

Typically in the week preceeding a race we have many inquiries about the wave each skier has been assigned to. We use the Birkie system for many of our waves where we meld both 50k and 27k skiers who ski at the same pace in the same wave. If you have registered, you can find your wave assignment at (http://www.swiftentry.com/event/roster/79) which list all registered skiers. Hopefully, we can accomodate some wave change requests before onsite registration. Send your inquiries to [email protected]. Also, if your register on line before 6pm on Thursday you will save $5 when compared to registration at Timber Ridge.

Gator-Ade and Hammer Heed

On course energy will be provided at each aid station with water, Gator-Ade and Hammer Heed on the course. We will also have a limited supply of orphan ski poles at the start area and each aid station should you break a pole at the start or during the race.

Primo Waxing Service

Our long-time sponsor Brick Wheels has a ski equipment and clothing shop at the Timber Ridge main lodge. They also offer first rate waxing for those of you who did not have time to do your skis properly.

Stop in and talk to Travis, Tim or Matt for wax recommendations or just to say hi. Brick Wheels shop owner , Tim Brick will be the dynamic announcer for all of our adult races this weekend and we appreciate all his work in our behalf.

Grand Traverse Resort host 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.

Pasta-up!

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 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 member or by calling the Vasa hotline at (231)938-4400.