Direct from the Director

Boy, this is fun. Thirty four years of sleepless nights in January. Thirty four years of reading, hearing and watching weather reports from every conceivable source. Thirty four years of estimating, (re: guessing), the number of entrants so as to have the correct number of bibs and the correct number of tee shirts. We dare not talk about fun without talking about the continuing saga of moving the trail to accommodate new homes, oil and gas wells, beaver dams and new golf course development. Finances are always an attention grabber when discussing fun, while preparing for another year.

This race would not exist, if it were not for the nine long serving and dedicated members of the Race Committee, together with our one paid employee. We all are familiar with the sleepless nights and the constant changes in preparing for the race.

It is all worth the anguish, however. While we have had some bad weather of late and the unfortunate wrong directions last year remain on our minds, the committee, and our many volunteers, remain committed to providing a high quality race for those that desire to race, or an exhilarating experience for those merely out for a nice day on skis.

Despite our hopes to change the first few kilometers a newly plowed road appeared. Hence this year the trail will be the same as last. The good news is that the early December heavy snow allowed for daily grooming since then. A nice base was developed which is holding up against the January thaw, so far.

We are, once again, closely affiliated with Shanty Creek which allows use to use the magnificent lodge as the registration location on Friday. And, of course, the resort provides the grooming for yet another year.

New this year is the sponsorship of Short's Brewery as a sponsor. A Bellaire favorite that has become a preferred brew throughout Michigan. Joe Short, himself a 40 KM veteran has donated beer for the 1:00 PM gathering, in the Bellaire Room, at Shanty Creek, and also for the later Volunteer Party later in the evening.

Much of what brings the committee and volunteers back year after year is the annual donation to Children's Hospital of Michigan donation. We, as committee members, volunteers and entrants have donated $84,895.00 over the years to one of the finest children's facilities in the Midwest.

Well, as I look back I guess this truly is fun.

I look forward to meeting old friends and new friends in two weeks. We can all share in the fun of the 34th White Pine Stampede.

See you at the race,

Jack