39th Annual VASA Festival of Races 
Feb. 14-15, 2015
   
 
The North American VASA Newsletter
Issue: # 5
January 18, 2015
IN THIS ISSUE
Vasa 2015,
Hats Off To......
WeSki...
Lodging Alert!...
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We are all glad to celebrate the return of winter!  The Vasa Trail is in great shape given the cooperative efforts of Mother Nature and the TART grooming crew.  Lots of happy skiers are experiencing this great resource on a daily basis.

    

 

Preparation of Riley's loop, which serves as the outbound leg of our 50km races from Timber Ridge to the Rock, is progressing well.  That section of trail is maintained by the North American Vasa under the direction of trail chief, Jim Woodburne.  The trail has been packed and is firming up nicely.  This weekend's warmer temperatures will further solidify that section of trail.  Jim Heffner groomed the trail with the Ginzu on Friday.  The next groom is planned for Monday when the temps drop again.

  

The new, DNR approved fat bike trail is receiving great reviews from its many users.  That trail can be accessed from the single-track parking lot on Supply Road, or from Timber Ridge.  It is groomed several times per week by crews from the Northern Michigan Mountain Bike Association.

 

The Vasa board and lots of other volunteers are hard at work preparing for our 2015 event.  We look forward to having you join us on the second weekend in February to celebrate winter.

 

 

 

Pre-Vasa Training Program

 

 

The North American Vasa and the Grand Traverse Resort are teaming up to offer a Pre-Vasa Training Program at Timber Ridge on at noon on January 24, 2015.  Ski leaders will guide groups to familiarize skiers with the 12km and 27km races courses.  Leaders will be provided separate Classic and freestyle skiers for each distance.

 

Fat bike leaders will guide groups through either the 12km or 35km fat bike courses.

 

Each option will provide an opportunity to train on the near identical course that you will race on February 14th. Each leader will provide you with information on the respective courses and some coaching, as requested, for the skiers. The event will not be timed. Vasa race officials will be available for any detailed questions.

 

A gathering will be held in the Timber Ridge banquet hall as each group finishes. Music, Short's beer, snacks and good company will be available.

 

Cost: A Timber Ridge trail pass is required at $10 per participant.  There is no cost for those who hold a season pass for Timber Ridge. 

 

Equipment Rentals:

Fat Bikes are available through Einstein Cycles.  They have rentals both at Timber Ridge and at their store on 4 mile road and Munson.  Contact them at 421-8148.

 

Ski Equipment Rentals are available either at Timber Ridge (947-2770) or at Brick Wheels (946-4274) on 8th Street.

 

This event is sponsored by the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, North American Vasa, Shorts Brewery and Timber Ridge Resort and Campground.

 

If you are interested in being part of the leadership team for this event please contact Pete LaPlaca at 409-4421.

 

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 Another Event

  

On  January 24th, the Grand Traverse Resort will host a Short's Beer tasting event in the GTR lobby from 3:00 - 5:00 with an assortment of Short's products available.

 
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Lodging Alert!

The Vasa falls on St. Valentine's Day this year which means there will be greater demand for hotel rooms.  It is our recommendation that you book your rooms early.

We hope to see all of you for the 39th annual North American VASA Festival of Races on February 14-15, 2015!

 
Sincerely,
  

Mark Esper                                                                                                     Jim Monroe President                                                                                                          Newsletter Editor

The North American Vasa

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