Rix Leads Spring SKI-dash

Anna Rix has taken the lead from Mark Ross in the Spring SKI-dash!

Despite a wrong turn and a fall, Rix put in a blistering pace on icy-fast trails on Tuesday morning. Read about her challenge in the results. Andy Blossy also has an entertaining account of his challenge.

The SKI-dash challenge runs through this Saturday night, but rain is scheduled to start Wednesday evening, so sooner is better than later if you’re going to participate. If you want to beat Anna’s time you’ll have to go faster or find a faster route (or both). If you just want to use the ski challenge as a reason to explore the ADMA trails, that’s cool, too. Just be prepared. There are miles and miles of trails out there. It’s easy to get lost.

The Spring SKI-dash is an on-your-own, find-your-own-way ski challenge happening on the ADMA trails in Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge and beyond. More details below or on this PDF flyer.

Challenge Details

WHO: Any skier who is at least 18 years old. (Younger skiers can participate but must be accompanied by an adult.)

WHEN: Time-trial format. Participate any time between now and Saturday, April 18, at midnight.  

WHERE: START at the Creamer’s Field west green gate (to the LEFT as you approach the barn from College Road). Ski to the Musher’s Hall red “start-finish” sign, then back to the Creamer’s Field west green gate for the FINISH.

WHAT: Record your time from START to FINISH. No set or marked route. You decide what’s most efficient. (Or what’s most fun.) Most efficient route is about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). Most fun route is ???? Participants must be able to navigate the ADMA trails on their own. (Pre-scouting with maps is strongly encouraged. Some unofficial connecting trails exist.) 

MAPS: Print maps available at the Creamer’s Field east side gate (RIGHT side of the barn) for a $1 donation to the Friends of Creamer’s Field. A JPG of ADMA maps can be found here (https://tinyurl.com/y6dmejg7). Google Maps version here (https://tinyurl.com/wwyxd5b).

Trail fund donations to the ADMA (Alaska Dog Mushing Association) and/or the Alaska Skijoring and Pulk Association (ASPA) are strongly encouraged. The ADMA grooms the trails in the refuge and beyond. The ASPA grooms the skijoring/ski trails close to Creamer’s Field.

• ADMA: http://alaskadogmushers.com/ (see “Passes and Sponsorships”)
• ASPA: http://www.alaskaskijoring.org/ (see “Trail Donation”)

REPORTS/RESULTS: Send GPS pictures or screenshots and race reports to fbxtrails@gmail.com. They will be posted at: www.interioralaskatrails.org/.  

OTHER RULES: No pre-flagging or marking trails allowed. Must be at least 18 years old or accompanied by an adult. Must yield for dog teams and other users. No loose dogs. Have fun!

PRIZES AND AWARDS: Appreciation of other participants. Ain’t nothin’ better!

MOOSE: Always avoid moose, especially this time of year. They are hungry and otherwise stressed. They can be very dangerous. Give them wide berth! It helps you and it helps them.