Oops!

This past Sunday was the Vasaloppet nordic ski race in Mora, MN. This is by far one of my favorite “loppets” (race) because the course is point to point, winding, and narrow which all makes for a delightful ski! The community support is just outstanding for this race! Many people come out and cheer the racers on and with over 750 volunteers, the organization is impeccable! I have done the race about 8 times over the past 13 years and this was one of the funnest days! Conditions were fantastic what with temps in the 20’s, a solid base of clean snow, and FAST conditions! So in terms of skiing 35 miles…this was super fun! Isn’t it AMAZING what people will do with their spare time!
So whats up with the white ski suit? As I mentioned with the Pepsi Challenge ski race last month, my sister Barb’s husband Jim died on January 4th. Jim was also a competitive racer and loved the Mora race also! In fact, Jim, Barb and Max have joined us at Mora since Max was a baby! This photo is of me wearing Jim’s brand new white Swedish race suit. Jim purchased the suit over a year ago, but because of his illness was never able to wear it. I wanted to, once again, remember Jim and have him “ski the race” too! It is an awesome suit and you can see Max running along side me in the final stretch on Main Street. It is the highlight of the race to (finish) and to see Barb and Max cheering us all on at the Bell Tower hill in downtown Mora.
My husband Michael was of course at the race also and had a fantastic day coming in 21st overall and winning his age group! He was skiing so fast the snow was melting behind him!
The next race is the American Birkebeiner on Saturday, Feb. 21st!

Mike and Deb at Vasaloppet 58K start. Ready to Rock!