VASA Newsletter #3

Sat, Jan  10, 2004

Hello from the Subaru North American Vasa,

The board of the Subaru North American Vasa and the whole Traverse City community are working hard on the planning and organization for this year’s Festival of Races.  This is going to be one of the Best Vasa races to date, a real winter party!  We will be offering the Oregon Chai Latte at the finish line tent along with other food and drink.  New at the awards party this year will be a social hour from 4:30 to 5:30 featuring the Sun Radius Steel Band.  We heard them last summer and they are incredible!  A little bit of Jamaica after a day of skiing, what could be better?

The weather has returned to normal after the unseasonably warm temperatures of last week. Most of the trail has retained its base and new snow is falling to cover the icy sections as well as bare spots. The groomers have been out packing the trail and it is in good shape.  A big "Thank you" to all the groomers for maintaining such a wonderful facility!  Please plan on enjoying the trail and the Traverse City area before and after the race. For the latest trail conditions check our website at www.vasa.org .

Once again this year Tart Trails and the Munson Women’s Cancer Fund will benefit from the Vasa. You can contribute additional money directly to either organization on your entry form or on line. Skiers are also encouraged to get sponsors for their race for the Women’s Cancer Fund. For details see the Vasa entry form.

We would like to remind skiers that everyone must complete the 50K course in less than 7 hours. If you do not feel that you can finish in the allotted time you are encouraged to sign up for the 27K race or one of the tours.

We need ski poles! If you have any orphan ski poles or poles you no longer use and would like to donate them to the Vasa please bring them to Registration or drop them off at the Vasa Barn located at the Vasa trailhead. The poles will be distributed along the course and used to replace broken poles during the race.

We still need more volunteers for race day. If you know anyone who will not be skiing in the race and would like to volunteer please call me at (231) 938-4400 or e-mail at [email protected].  We have many volunteer opportunities available, so call soon!  Our volunteer Party is scheduled for January 18, 2004 at Timber Ridge Nordic Center from 5 to 7 with a dinner provided by Rocco’s of Kalkaska.  All volunteers are invited, come even if you do not have a job yet!  We look forward to seeing you there!

I look forward to seeing all of you on race day or at the Volunteer Party!  Think Snow.

Linda Kreft
Subaru North American Vasa, 2004 Race Director
231 938-4400
[email protected]