50k Rollerski race proposed for Oct 1, 2011

Wed, Jul  13, 2011 - By Denny Paull

The town of Grand Marais, Michigan is contemplating hosting a 50 km freestyle roller ski race on Saturday October 1, 2011. The Grand Marais Chamber of Commerce needs to assess interest in such an event. Anyone who would consider participating should e-mail Denny Paull at [email protected].

The event would start in downtown Grand Marais which is located in the Upper Peninsula about 2 hours northwest of the Mackinaw Bridge. Grand Marais is a small scenic town nestled on an enclosed Lake Superior bay on the Eastern edge of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The town hosts multiple sporting events including the largest sea kayak symposium in the U.S. and a late summer triathalon. Although only 300 permanent residents are present, there are multiple motels, a municipal campground and a microbrewery!

Course route and profile. Distance in miles, not kilometers.

The race/tour would proceed from town westward along the newly paved H58 highway. The terrain is gently rolling with many curves. The down and back course is very scenic passing by Grand Sable Sand Dunes, Grand Sable Lake, The Hurrican River and along Lake Superior.

As far as one can tell, this would be the only organized roller ski event in Michigan and perhaps the Midwest. Please e-mail Denny if you are intersted so the Chamber can determine whether to proceed with planning.