Skiers Getting Ready for Jenex Limestone Loppet

Fri, Nov  2, 2007 - By Bob Richards, Northern Illinois Nordic

DUPAGE COUNTY, IL -- Roller skiers are gearing up for the fourth annual JENEX LIMESTONE LOPPET, an 8K off-road roller-skiing time trial on Saturday, Nov. 10, at the McKee Marsh Trail at Blackwell Forest Preserve in DuPage County, north of Warrenville and south of Winfield. The morning's competition also will include a 4K CAT-Ski time trial. Start time is 9 a.m. CST.

"This is a great way to start the season," race director Bob Richards said. "Limestone skiing has become very popular in our area, and like snow, it offers different conditions depending on moisture, humidity and temperature. What cross-country skier doesn't like a challenge? We hope for a great turnout."

Format for the event will feature one roller-skier starting every 15 seconds on a 100-meter spur that connects to the McKee Marsh Trail from the parking lot on Mack Road. After two clockwise loops on the flat to gently rolling circuit, skiers will leave the loop, turn left and finish on the spur. CAT-Skiers will go one lap. There will be overall male and female results, but no age-group competition. The emphasis is on having fun, getting a good workout and getting in a nordic frame of mind, Richards said.

Persons who plan to race are strongly urged to e-mail Richards at [email protected] as soon as possible with name, age, hometown, and approximate ability (Birkie/Korte wave if applicable) so skiers can be seeded. Skiers from Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana already have indicated they will compete. On race day, participants must sign up, sign a waiver and get a race number. Start order will be sequential, low number to high number. Entry fee will be $10. If planning to attend, please allow time to be properly registered.

To add to the day's fun, Jenex has donated a pair of V2 Aero roller skis to be raffled off along with other top-name merchandise, courtesy of Infinity and Chi-Town sports.

Timing will be by Racetime, based in Winfield, IL.

If you don't have off-road roller skis, an effort will be made to loan you a pair for the race. At present, all official Northern Illinois Nordic loaners are reserved, but it's possible an early racer could loan roller-skis to a later racer, Richards said.

Special thanks are in order to the DuPage County Forest Preserve District and to Len Johnson at Jenex. Rain date is Nov. 17, but every effort will be made to hold the event on Nov. 10.

For more information, e-mail [email protected].