GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY -- TART Trails is looking for some help grooming the cross country trails to keep things in shape for the North American Vasa Races. A work bee is taking place Saturday at 8 a.m.
Those who would like to help will be covering the parts of the trail that are bare or don't have much snow. The recent 50 degree weather melted much of the snow on the path. You are asked to bring a snow shovel and a children's plastic sled if you have one. TART is also asking skiers to stay off the groomed portion of the trail until conditions improve. The Vasa races are February 10-12.
If you are able to attend please contact Jim “Woody” Woodburne, Co-Chief of Course: jsw1940@chartermi.net
Here's how the work bee will work.
1. 5 teams of 20 volunteers to meet at 4 different locations. Each team split into 2 equal numbers and go in opposite directions.
2. Locations:
a. Vasa trail head off Bartlett Rd. Last names A – E.
b. Lands End where Vasa trail crosses. John Ammar owns the last lot on the right that can be used for parking. Last names F – J.
c. Timber Ridge – the start and finish of the Vasa races. Last names K – O.
d. Sands Lake Rd. – west end that ends at the 25k loop. Last names P – T.
e. Bunker Hill and 2-track to “Nipple”. This location is not known by many people, so meet first at Vasa Trail head, then car pool to start. Last names U – Z.
3. Volunteers should be able to ski or snowshoe. If icy conditions present Ice “crampons”, such as Ski Trax would be helpful. Individual should bring snow shovels (plastic scoop shovels work well), light weight children’s plastic sleds with rope to tie sled to belt. Sleds can be filled with snow if available snow is remote.
4. Loose snow can be flattened with the shovel to avoid lumpy snow that will turn into lumps of ice.
5. Team leaders to be announced.
The contact for anyone that plans to attend or has questions is: Jim “Woody” Woodburne, Co-Chief of Course: jsw1940@chartermi.net. Race organizers say they appreciate any help that people may provide with preparing the course for next weekend’s race. They also encourage people to stay off the groomed portions of the trail on these warmer days to help preserve the snow that remains for the Vasa races.
