2020 Loppet

We held our 43rd Loppet at Murphys Point Provincial Park on Sunday Feb 9th. There were 4 races of different lengths to accommodate skiers of all ages and abilities. The two 10 am freestyle races were 2.5 km (for 10 & under) and 5.0 km (all ages). The two 11 am classic races were 10 km and 20 km.

Check out the photos.

A good snowfall on Thursday and Friday caused much rejoicing in the club. It was exactly what was needed to be able to groom a good course, covering up the last few rocks and wet spots along Loon Lake so this area could finally be packed and tracked.

Sixty-nine cross-country skiers entered the race held on a sunny winter day that dawned at a very cool -25° C with no wind. The oldest racer was long-time club member Doug Hollingsworth, 79 years young, and the youngest was Phoebe Kiesewalter, five.

There were lots of hand warmers to go around in the morning but temperatures rose to a balmy -5°C by the afternoon. Club members Dave Reesor and Dave Salte rose before dawn to make all the final arrangements. Reesor spent hours grooming the race course trails while Salte shuttled the timer, photographer, and gear up the trail to the gatehouse in the morning and back down in the afternoon.

Thirty club members and volunteers helped out with parking, setting up the banner, registering, marshalling, photographing, preparing food at the chalet, sweeping the course and cleaning up trail signs and marker tape.

Awards included medals for the top three skiers (m/f) in all 4 races and delicious milk chocolate medals from Perth Chocolate Works for age group winners. All finishers in the Freestyle 2.5km and 5km races a giant cookie from The Cafe Bean. The first place finisher (m/f) in each race will also have their name engraved on a newly created commemorative plaque to be displayed at the park. Finally, draw prizes (donated by local businesses) ranging from maple syrup to tocques were distributed to participants of the classic races.

Special thanks to our fabulous sponsors!
Fresh Air Experience, LAZL, Greg Christie`s Ski and Cycleworks, Fortune Farms, Temple`s Sugar Bush, Omya, Bushtukah

Of special note is that the fastest skier in the 10 km event was Rachel Lambly aged 13! Six members of the Biathlon team of 585 Rideau Squadron Royal Canadian Air Cadets from Smiths Falls participated in the 5km event. Members were WO2 Owen Baillon, Sgt Tavo Stringel, FSgt Cameron Bernique, Sgt Kohle Harriss, FCpl Sebastien Friedrich-Yap, and Cpl Olias Kosmas. Stringel and Baillon placed first and second in that event respectively.

Many, many thanks to all the Tay Valley Cross Country Ski Club members and volunteers that make this race possible. We hope to see you next February to participate in a fun race for cross country skiers of all ages and abilities!

Below are the top three finishers in each race. Running Goat Timing captured the times. Complete results are available here.

2.5km Girls