Vasa

On the drive up, watching the bank thermometers drop from -10 to -18. And the flags standing out straight in the wind. Wind chill warnings till noon, about when we’d finish. I admit I was thinking, yes hoping, they’d cancel the Mora Vasaloppet. They can’t have a race in this crap.

We got there and it was on. Shortened from 42 to 35k (22 miles) and everyone on the same course for safety. Very nice to have Barb along for support crew. That really helped make it a pleasant experience. Snow was s-l-o-w and made even 35k a real slog.

Stayed toasty enough and saw very few issues along the way. I dressed well, balaclava-hat-neckwarmer-lobster mitts-softshell top and bottom. Doesn’t breathe great but it’ll keep the wind off. And no glasses as they’ll fog up permanently as soon as they see a warm breath.

I could not catch my last skier at the end. Had been steadily closing and holding some in reserve for a killer sprint down Main Street. Well, he had some in the tank too. We hit the corner and he was off like a shot. No chance.

As soon as I stopped, BAM. I was sweat-soaked and pulling in that frigid air like a sponge. Yikes! Downed some blueberry soup and headed inside.

Other accounts: http://www.rideandglide.org/stories_mora_2008.htm