Snow Piling Up for Great Bear Chase

Tue, Feb  27, 2007 - By Dave Mayo-Kiely

Don’t put those race skis away yet! Snow continues to pile up in the Keweenaw and conditions are looking very good for the 27^th River Valley State Bank Great Bear Chase on March 11.  Although total snowfall is down this year, the Swedetown Trails have received plenty of snow to ensure a great course for this year’s race.   New snow in the last 24 hours and more in the near forecast only adds to a solid base.

Preparations for the Fifth Street finish continue.  Crews are guarding clean snow to harvest as a top layer for the downtown finish.   Race officials are very confident skiers will have a good clean snow for the entire course. 

A new addition this year will be historic trolley service for skiers after they finish.   Because the finish and start are not longer in the same location, organizers will provide trolley service from the finish area to the start area.   The distance is less than a kilometer but the ride will be a welcome one for many finishers. 

This year’s course is slightly changed from previous years due to changes to the Swedetown Trails. Most of the previous course will be skied but in a slightly different configuration.  Aid stations will be in the same locations and provide water, HEED energy drink, Hammergel energy gel, and fruit.

Registration continues and more information can be found at www.bearchase.org.