US National Masters Contingency Plans

As the Twin Cities is in the midst of the lowest snow year to-date in
recorded history we have started to make some contingency plans for the
US National Masters that will be held Jan 30-Feb 5. While trying to
decide on the best course of action we have attempted to keep a couple
of key points in mind. We want to preserve the race schedule as people
have made plans based on that and we want to provide the best possible
race experience given the local conditions. So we are looking at two
situations that would trigger a change in venue. The first is a low
snow condition that would prevent Battle Creek Regional park from being
a safe location. We believe that we need at least two 4-6" snowfalls to
make that work. The second is an absolute no snow condition which
further limits our options. Over the last two weeks our course committe
has contacted numerous locations, golf courses, resorts etc trying to
put together a possibe scenerio. We will remain flexible throughout the
next 3-4 weeks as either region wide or localized snow could change our
thinking.

For our 30K/20K/15K classic race on Sunday January 30 we will be moving
the race to the Birkebeiner trail in Seely, WI. This will allow us to
run the full race on an out and back course starting at OO and heading
south. For regional skiers this will be similar to the 22K Seeley Hills
Classic that will be held January 15. The Birkebeiner trail at OO is a
2.5 to 3 hour drive from the Twin Cities. In the event that the Birkie
trail is not useable we will move the race to the Troll Hollow course
on man made snow at Trollhaugen Ski resort in Dresser, WI. about an
hour from St. Paul. In this case the event will be shortened, distances
yet to be determined.

For our Tuesday night Feb 1st 10K Freestyle race under the lights we
will be moving to Troll Hollow either in low or no snow condition.
Actual distances, number of laps etc are yet to be determined.

For the Thursday Feb 3rd 13K same day pursuit race in a low snow
condition we will be on the Phalen Park Golf Course in St. Paul. This
was the site of the 30K freestyle race for the 2000 National Masters.
If we have brown ground at Phalen we will head back to Troll Hollow on
the man made snow.

The Saturday Sprint Relays will be held in conjuction with a number of
other events surrounding the City of Lakes Loppet weekend and will be
on whatever course that they are able to create in Minneapolis.

In a large part our decisions have been shaped by the receptivity we
have received from Trollhaugen, The Birkebeiner Organization and the
City of St.Paul. In each case they have made it clear that we are
welcomed, they want to help and participate. From a race directors
standpoint this is a major issue. Many logistical details have yet to
be decided but we do have a framework in place for putting the National
Masters on and making sure that the skiers have a great race
experience. The Birkebeiner course is a great trail and both
Trollhaugen and Phalen Park have lots of parking and large indoor
facilities for us to use.

By no means have we given up on Battle Creek Regional Park. Duluth
received almost 10" this weekend and the Minnesota/Iowa border is
getting about a foot of new snow today. There is good snow all around
us but nothing in the Big Cities.

If you have any questions and want to reach me off line I'm at
or 651-402-6666.
John O'Connell
Brent Oja
Race Directors NM 2005

For our 30K/20K/15K classic race on Sunday January 30 we will be
moving
the race to the Birkebeiner trail in Seely, WI. This will allow us to
run the full race on an out and back course starting at OO and heading
south

So.....OO to around Mosquito Brook and back??

Eric,

That's right...the 30K to Mosquito Brook with a food station at the
turnaround, the 20K to Gravel Pit with a feed station at the turnaround
and another feed station between 7&8 K for the turnaround for the 15K.

John OC


Eric Nevalainen wrote:
For our 30K/20K/15K classic race on Sunday January 30 we will be
moving
the race to the Birkebeiner trail in Seely, WI. This will allow us
to
run the full race on an out and back course starting at OO and
heading
south

So.....OO to around Mosquito Brook and back??