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The Tug Hill Tourathon, Can Entries Ever Reach The Level They Once Were?
In the 1980's The Tug Hill Tourathon attracted hundreds of skiers with
a cut off at 600 if I'm not mistaken. The entries would fill up quickly. Over the years the numbers have dwindled to just over a one hundred on a good year. Is there anyway to build up entries to earlier levels? I know first hand of the races shortcomings. For example lack of track set, or any grooming. The organizers favorite excuse was snowmobilers took out the track set the night before. How about re-setting the track the day of the event then? The other problem was feed stations that were promised, but never existed. Probably the biggest disaster was when The Tourathon was part of The Great American Ski Chase for several years. During one of these years the course was not marked adequately and the lead pack went backcountry skiing. Several years back N.Y. State helped with the purchase of a Tucker Snow Cat, which doesn't really do much good when they a pull a snowmobile drag behind it. The drag didn't have a track set attachment and left a super smooth non-corduroy finish on the trail. It's sad to see this event with a long history sliding into oblivion. This year it will take place alongside the postponed Lake Placid Loppet. Sounds like numbers will be really down. Several years back some racers from Syracuse and Rochester really tried to pump some new blood into the event by offering ideas to the acting Tug Hill Ski Club President. Unfortunately The Tug Hill Tourathon has drifted back to an over priced and unproffessional event slatted for doom. I've participated in the event around ten times putting out the bucks to help with the club, but each year they dissapointed. Perhaps it should be changed back to a freestyle event. At least this way grooming will be easy for the workers. Moreover, the course is more suited for freestyle, because the terrain is very flat. Any other thoughts about this event would be appreciated. |
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#2
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The Tug Hill Tourathon, Can Entries Ever Reach The Level They Once Were?
On 26 Jan 2004 at 17:52, Douglas Diehl wrote:
I know first hand of the races shortcomings. For example lack of track set, or any grooming. The organizers favorite excuse was snowmobilers took out the track set the night before. That wasn't an excuse; it was a fact. How about re-setting the track the day of the event then? Larry Rudd, the main groomer, does go out and set track in the middle of the night and in the morning before the race. Unfortunately the race takes place on state forest land on which snowmobilers don't always respect trail closures/limitations. In recent years, the ski club, mushers, snowmobile club, and NYS Dept. of Environmental Conversation have cooperated in getting funds for grooming the trails. Other improvements include better signage, maps, and off-season trail work to improve drainage. Nevertheless, there are no fences or police to patrol trail access points, and some snowmobiles do unfortunately trash the trails. The other problem was feed stations that were promised, but never existed. To the extent that happened, it was a function of lack of volunteers. In recent years, with a 2-loop course, the feeding stations have been fine. Several years back N.Y. State helped with the purchase of a Tucker Snow Cat, which doesn't really do much good when they a pull a snowmobile drag behind it. The drag didn't have a track set attachment and left a super smooth non-corduroy finish on the trail. They do have a track-setter now. They set 2 sets of tracks for the 25K Try-It race on Jan. 17. That course was in excellent shape for the most part. Several years back some racers from Syracuse and Rochester really tried to pump some new blood into the event by offering ideas to the acting Tug Hill Ski Club President. Unfortunately The Tug Hill Tourathon has drifted back to an over priced and unproffessional event slatted for doom. I'm a racer from Syracuse who participated in the meetings and discussions a few years ago when it looked like the Tourathon and Ski Club might fade away. I don't know what ideas you're implying that the club rejected. I completely disagree with your characterization of the race. It's an insult to Jay Chapman, Clara Bingham, and many others who have given tons of their time and money over the years to keep the club and the race going. No, the Tourathon is no longer the same kind of race as the Keskinada or the Loppet. The racers at the front are still fast, but most of the field are recreational skiers who are out for a good time. Many of these people, even the top finishers, come back year after year. Everyone seems to have a good time, despite the problems with trail conditions and the like. Eddie Luban |
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The Tug Hill Tourathon, Can Entries Ever Reach The Level They Once Were?
Eddie I was hoping you could offer some ideas how to increase numbers
at the Tourathon, but I guess it is easier jumping all over my post. Moreover, you have it backwards, it is an insult to participants who pay fees equal with other regional marathons, travel great distances, and not guarantee grooming or amenities. Personally I know a dozen or so skiers who will never go back to the Tourathon, because of negative experiences. I experienced the same shortcomings, but always paid the $50 and went back. I was hoping they would get it right. One year I stayed at the start for the night in my tent. There were no tracks on the course this night, or the next morning. The next day at the start Jay explained to everyone the tracks were taken out that morning by snowmobiles… interesting. Of course I appreciate the efforts of race organizers and volunteers at the Tourathon. I put on races as well and it is no easy task. If Tug Hill were closer I would volunteer myself. The efforts of Russ and Bob in making the Tourathon more professional were also appreciated. Knowing the unique resource the Tug Hill Plateau offers is why we all continue supporting the Tourathon each year. Apparently you lost the intention of my post, because increasing the entries of the Tourathon back to earlier levels would benefit everyone. So what about changing the format back to a freestyle, or both? |
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