Skiing or snowshoeing 10 kilometers. Across Lake Superior's frozen, secluded Chequamegon Bay. At night, your path lit by hundreds of ice-clad luminarias. It doesn't get much better than this. Oh wait, it does -- après ski, there's chili, hot chocolate, beer, live music and fireworks. There's nothing else quite like Book Across the Bay, a race that runs from Ashland to Washburn, Wis. Sign up now if you want in on this year's fun.
Why go now
Book Across the Bay is hot. During its inaugural race on a frosty night in 1997, 350 people showed up. By 2009, entries for the mid-February event were at 2,600; in 2010, 3,300 showed up -- a 27 percent increase in just one year. Organizers say it's now the second- or third-largest Nordic ski race in the Midwest, and possibly the United States. And the 2011 race, set for Feb. 19, marks its 15th anniversary (www.batb.org). Registration fees now are $10 for children and students, $15 for adults and $35 for families, and increase after Feb. 9.
What's the course like?
The race is open to Nordic skiers (classic and skater style) and snowshoers. If weather conditions allow, you can also walk. But that's not determined until about a week out, so don't count on it. To spread out the field, you're asked to line up according to your predicted time: Under 45 minutes, 1:15 or faster and those out purely for fun.
Skiers start first, with skaters staying to the left of the luminarias and classic skiers staying to the right, in one of four sets of tracks. Snowshoers (and walkers, if permitted) take off 10 minutes later. With a 6 p.m. start, the light is fading fast. Soon only the stars, moon and hundreds of candles, set in large hunks of ice, are lighting your way -- generally just enough light to see where you're going.
Every kilometer, enthusiastic cheerleaders at brightly lit aid stations offer snacks, water, hot drinks and plenty of encouragement. When you glide across the finish line, your name and hometown are announced, garnering wild applause.
Associated events
