Noquemanon World Championship
Snow Bike 25K
The Marquette General Health System Noquemanon Ski Marathon would like to introduce the “Wild Side of the Noque” on Sunday, January 29, 2012. We would like to showcase Marquette General Cancer Center, an affiliate of the McLaren Cancer Institute World Championship Snow Bike 25K and the Animoosh Skijor 12K. Registration for both races start at $30 by Dec 31, $35 by Jan 27, $40 by Jan 28. All registered participants to receive a metal MGHS Noquemanon water bottle. Registration will open on December 1st.
Mountain Bike will be allowed on course for race day. If you dont have a snow bike, bring your Mountain Bike.
World Championship Snow Bike 25K Race
10:40 am
Forestville start
Sponsored by Marquette
General Cancer Center, an affiliate of the McLaren Cancer Institute and Dr. Tim's Pet Food. Mass start. Open to Fat Bikes and
Mountain Bikes. Age Groups: 25 & under, 26-39, 40-59, 60+. Male and
female divisions. Two overall Male and Female winners.
Packet pickup will be available on Friday, January 27th
at the Ski Expo and on race day, 8:30 am at the start line. Awards with custom
cowbells will be held at the finish line around 12:45. A bike corral will
be available and buses will be offered to bring racers back up to the
start. No dogs on buses.
Spread the word and plan to visit us at the finish line at the Superior Dome
around 10:30 to cheer on all the participants. More specific details will
follow on our Facebook page “Noquemanon
Ski Marathon.”
A Note from the Noquemanon Trail Network
With winter fast approaching the Noquemanon Trail Network has been working steadily to have our trails, equipment and staff in place for a great Nordic season. The NTN has been working on creative ways to encourage people out on the trails to enjoy one of the gems of Marquette County. This year the NTN will be introducing two new winter disciplines; skijoring and snow biking. Skijourers and snow bikers will be able to enjoy designated trails at the Forestville Trail system with the purchase of an NTN Membership.
We will continue to cater to our Nordic skiers by creating designated snow bike, dog and skijor trails. Snow bikes will have the opportunity to ride the un-groomed trails of South Marquette and the groomed Noquemanon trails that are dog friendly. Skijor teams will be permitted on dog-friendly trails as in the past.
As new user groups enter the trail system the NTN would like to set some guidelines for etiquette on the trail. First, what is the definition of a Snow Bike or Fat Bike? A snow bike is specially designed with tires that are 3.8-4.5 inches wide to float on snow or soft sand surfaces. Rims start at 65 mm wide and tires run on 10 psi or less. To ride on the NTN trails front and rear tires need to be at a 3.5 width or more, no mountain bikes will be allowed on trails because they will create deep ruts in the groomed surface.
Snow Bikes will be allowed on trails only when the temperatures are cold enough to sustain the groomed trail. Early in the season, the snow will be soft. Riders need to be aware of the depth of their tire grooves. If the groove is half inch or more, air pressure should be reduced or consider riding another day. We recommend bike helmets to be worn by riders and lights during the evening hours. Please ride courteously so as not to interfere with the movement of other trail user groups.
As all users prepare for the snowy trails be courteous to other trail users. When approaching another skier from behind, call "Trail" and "On your right (or left)". If being passed, move to one side. By following these guidelines and trail etiquette, we’ll keep users safe and smiling while enjoying the trails. Thanks!!
