Oosik Classic Ski Race

Saturday was the Oosik Classic Ski Race, a 25k or 50k classic cross country ski race that is put on each year out of Talkeetna. The race began at Fish Lake. The trail linked snow covered lakes with stretches that went over small hills on narrow trails through the trees. It was beautiful.

Thomas Oyberg of Skjak, Norway, won the men's 50k race. That's right, Skjak, Norway.

We left Anchorage on Friday night and drove up to Talkeetna, which is a bit over a two hour drive. We arrived at the cabins we had rented. They turned out to be large and quite nice. They looked out over the river. From the river you could see Foraker and Denali.

Dinner was at the West Rib Pub. The West Rib is a climber hangout with climbing holds on the wall, a ping-pong table and a fixation with their cat, Stubbs. We piled in around a couple of tables and enjoyed some burgers and beer, perfect pre-race food. Just ask any expert. Really.

The next morning we got up early to get ourselves a seat at the Roadhouse for breakfast. The Roadhouse has some fantastic breakfasts, although their proportions are a bit gargantuan. Two normal people can easily split one of their half portions. But with a 15 mile ski coming up, we needed to have plenty of fuel.

The start of the race was out at Fish Lake, which is a few miles back up the road towards Anchorage. Lea, MK, Brendan, Megan and Ashley got off to an early start. Callie, Kate and I decided to do the race together. Kate got her skis waxed one more time by the professionals on hand while Callie and I warmed up and jumped around. Then we headed out.

The race started out on a path that followed fish lake out and then headed into the trees. The narrow portions over the hills between lakes were my favorite. It was like a combination of trail running and skiing. We would get minor downhills whenever we came back to a lake. They were fun, but a bit scary because our skis don't have metal edges and so snow plowing only does so much good.

Soon we were getting passed by the truly good skiers. Here's a video of them shooting past us. They were easily going double our pace.



The race had aid stations with water, but the first one wasn't until the halfway point. We were parched and downed multiple cups of gatorade and some cookies. Then it was back on the trail.

The second half of the course went quickly. Soon we were rounding the bend onto Fish Lake with the finish line in sight. Callie, Kate and I came in together, happy to be done. The race turned out to be the perfect length. It was still fun when we finished, but we were tired.

We stuck around and watched our friends finish. Liz took off for a short ski while we photographed people coming in. Once everyone was in, we headed back to the cabin to change, shower and warm up.

Dinner that night was in Talkeetna's Community Arts Hangar, an old hangar in town that has been converted to a playhouse/banquet facility. Food and beer were plentiful. Conversation was lively. Once all the awards were given and door prizes handed out the band started up and the tables were cleared to make way for dancers.

We skipped out on the start of the dancing to get a drink at the Fairview. It was nice to get somewhere a bit quieter for a while to talk. Then we headed back for the dancing. Eventually we got tired and headed back to the cabins to get some much needed sleep.

Sunday we returned for another Roadhouse breakfast before heading back to Anchorage.

PICTURES:
http://picasaweb.google.com/jack.r.mckenna/Oosik