Before I post the results, I would like to tell a few stories, first about the competitors and then about the volunteers.
For those who don't know the English's, they are one of Saskatchewan's superstar ski families but when Patty and I arrived at the turn-around checkpoint, to see how everything was going, first thing we heard was, "Ken English is hurt." Oh no. My heart fell to my stomach; my head started racing. I was told that Ken had crashed badly on the big hill before the Anglin Lake Shelter but he did not want to quit. The only person who was able to convince him to take a ride in the snowmobile to see the doctor was his son, Ivan. I'm not quite sure on all the details but I believe that Ivan stopped his dad, skied part way back to Sundogs with him and then skied all those extra kilometers again. Even after all this, Ivan still crossed the finish line second, just minutes behind Christian. Ken sent me an email and he is doing ok but needs to lay low for a few days. He would also like to thank everyone who helped him. An amazing family all around! Speaking of families and friends, Christien-Louise convinced her sister (who was visiting from South Africa) to share Leg 2 with her. She also convinced her husband and her sister's boyfriend to spend the entire day out on the course volunteering on their snowmobiles. Christien-Louise and her husband Lukas, owners of Access Tires, also sponsored the wonderful medals, having them made in South Africa while visiting family. Then there are the 3 amigos: Brad, Werner and Jeff who epitomize the spirit of an ultra. Not only did they ride together but they also spent 45 minutes at Sundogs Shelter (eating a warm meal that Brad's wife brought to them and changing into dry clothes). What's the rush? Brothers Angus and Iain teamed up to split the 60 and from the pictures and results, it looks like Quintin and Craig rode together the entire time too. How about Jon? In December Jon started asking about a 2016 edition. It didn't matter that he had already registered for Arrowhead 135, Tuscobia 150 and Actif Epica. He still wanted a Sask 60. How do you say no to someone that determined? I could go on and on. Behind every athlete is a story... Congratulations to you all. And how about those volunteers? I put out a call for help and boy oh boy was it answered. All in all, 40 people helped me out in one way or another. Dave, Val, and Mark all drove up from Prince Albert, in the early morning on Saturday. Dave said, "The highway was horrible. If I wasn't helping out Alana and Patty, I never would have driven it." Graham was sick but he still came and helped Friday night and Saturday. Collin put in 2 days on the snowmobile, putting up signs on Friday and patrolled all day Saturday. Rob cycled 60 km and then jumped on his snowmobile to patrol the course (and brought homemade cookies for the checkpoints!) Elizabeth and Suzanne donated an entire weekend of their time, providing medical support (and brought food for the feast to boot). Again, I could go on and on. Thank you also to all the athletes who helped me in numerous ways and thank you to all the family members of competitors who volunteered as well. Another wacky and challenging adventure is in the books. Stay crazy! I have 5 t-shirts left over from the weekend. $20. Includes shipping. S, M, and L are still available. Have a few lost and found items left over too. If you are missing Fox River socks, Auclair gloves, a navy balaclava, sunglasses, or a salad bowl, left me know. Since last spring I've been working on another project: Trans Sask Mountain Bike Route. It will be a bike touring route from border to border, visiting southern Saskatchewan's most scenic places, including Cypress Hills, the Frenchman River Valley, Grasslands National Park, Big Muddy Badlands, Qu'Appelle River Valley, and more. If you are looking at bike touring or bike packing close to home, this might be a route to consider. Here is the link: https://2womenwentwandering.wordpress.com/2016/02/26/trans-sask-mountain-bike-route/ I have been fielding lots of questions about the snow conditions up on our trail so thought I would post a little update. Last time I visited the trail, conditions were poor with lots of bare patches and icy sections. I skied 10 km by double poling around the bare patches and taking off my skis for the steep downhills. At that time, cycling and running would have been fast and easy. The area has received a little snow since then with more in the forecast but as of right now, conditions are still poor. Snow is in the forecast over the next few days, after which time I plan to head up there again and take another look. As of right now, I have no intention of cancelling the event because of poor trail conditions; what may make it easier for one discipline may make it more difficult for another. The course may need to be slightly shortened but I sincerely hope not. Changes in discipline will be allowed up until Friday, Feb 19th. If you plan to change, please notify me as soon as possible. Personally, if I was healthy and able to participate, I would be trying out a kicksled.
See you soon. If it was easy, everyone would do it... If you haven't yet booked a place to stay, I would recommend doing it pretty darn quick. The Hawood Inn is sold out and has a waiting list for rooms and condos. Other possible options are Lost Creek Resort and Elkridge.
If you have a friend who wants to register, better tell them to do it quick!
Every volunteer, including participants who help in some way, will receive an event t-shirt. If you are unable to help but want a shirt, there might be some available for sale on Saturday at the feast.
At the Friday night gear check, there will also be a wine and cheese in the hospitality suite for all participants and volunteers. Hang around for a bit to catch up with old friends or make some new ones before you turn in for the night.
If you live in the Prince Albert area and are interested in planning, volunteering, participating, or finding teammates for the Sask 60 Winter Ultra, feel free to join us on Monday, Feb 1 in the upstairs room of the Signature 22 Restaurant at the Ramada Inn on 2nd Avenue West. 7 pm.
During the registration process, you will be asked if there is anything you can do to help. If you can't though, don't worry! It is not a requirement! However, if there is anything you can do to help make the event even better than last year, it will be greatly appreciated.
I'm also happy to report that there are already 2 registered athletes who are combining 2 different disciplines. Excellent! |