A Letter From Race Director Jack McKaig

It is extremely difficult to write a column about an occurrence two weeks in advance, when waiting anxiously for weather to cooperate. In the 31 years that I have been involved with this race, this is, by far,  the most difficult year to prepare for. The saga probably has its start with the 2005 race, and insists on continuing today.

Keeping in mind the race is organized by a volunteer committee of ten. The Chief of Course, Bill Fleet is a contractor;  Volunteer Coordinator, Pug is a real estate appraiser; Brian owns a hardware store; Deb an executive at Shanty Creek; Sue, Jim and Beth are retired teachers; Cathy is still teaching; Dave, our weather guru is the Chief Meteorologist with 9&10 News, and I still maintain the old law practice. 

We normally begin operations during the end of summer when we meet to discuss any changes for the upcoming year. Needless to say, our first meeting for this year was a time of rumination of the near cancellation of 2006. We certainly did not want to go through that again, nor were we interested in watching the trail dissipate in front of our eyes as it had in 2005. But it could never happen again, right?

As we met, and plans were falling into place, the weather got colder and 60+ inches of snow fell on the Mancelona/Bellaire area. While there was no jubilation, (we have seen that trick before), there was a relaxed feeling among the planners. The new owners at Shanty Creek were nice to work with, snow was in abundance, many of our long time sponsors were returning, we were discussing new clocks, new banners, life was good. Then the standard January thaw came in December, with no good long-term predictions. We began wondering what to expect from the January thaw. We soon found out, as golf was being played on Christmas day and New Year's Day.

As many are aware an event of this nature requires the spending of money long before the event is held.  Trust me, (probably hard to do when being asked by an attorney), when I tell you we are not rich. Out went the new clock, out went the new banners, in came the fiscal conservative attitude, as the dreaded thoughts of "cancellation" popped into our minds. Tee shirt orders were curtailed, bib orders made smaller, volunteers put on hold. 

We are now faced with a decision like never before. It is snowing. Not enough, and a little too fluffy, but it is snow.  System snow is a possibility, perhaps, in a week. To be properly prepared for February 3rd, we will need to begin spending money soon. If our gamble succeeds we will have a great race. If not, we will have no race, and perhaps no capital for future years. Is not being a race director fun?

It is the rage, in this day of the internet, to obtain opinions from everyone and anyone. I am curious as to your thoughts on our dilemma. Feel free to e-mail me at mckaigj@aol.com. Though training has been negligible, if we build it, will you come?

I am looking forward to again meeting my old friends and making new friends on February 3rd.

- Jack