The Great Bear Chase has earned a reputation as a laid-back, skier-oriented weekend. Choose between 26-km and 50-km distances, including a separate category for 26-km classic skiers. Results will be generated by chip timing.

Saturday, March 11, young skiers can take part in the Junior Bear Chase at the Swedetown Trails. The Junior Bear Chase includes two races: one striding and the other freestyle. Youngsters can participate in either or both.

On Sunday morning, March 12, skiers will line up near the old Calumet train depot for the Great Bear Chase. Our 26-km and 50-km courses will be well-groomed by a 2001 model Pisten Bully with power tilling and/or compactor bar, as conditions dictate. The groomer makes multiple passes for maximum trail width.

Please note that there is no race-day registration. Skiers can pick up their bibs Sunday morning, but registration will close on Saturday. Online registration will be available in November.

Age Divisions

26-km Classic: 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and over

26-km Freestyle: 13-15, 16-17, 18-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 and over

50 km Freestyle: 18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 and over

Schedule of Events (all times Eastern Standard)

Entry Fees

Entry Fees for the Great Bear Chase are:

• $45 by December 30
• $50 by February 11
• $55 by March 10
• $60 on March 11

There is no race day registration. Registration Friday, March 10, will take place at Cross Country Sports until 10 p.m. Saturday registration is at Cross Country Sports in Calumet.

Registration and Bib Pickup

Saturday, March 11, 12 noon to 8 p.m., at Cross Country Sports, 507 Oak Street in Calumet.

Sunday, March 12, bib pickup only, 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at Cross Country Sports (located 3 blocks from the race start)

2006 Great Bear Chase T-shirts will be given out at registration. If you have an e-mail address and would like a complete list of results sent to you electronically, please include your address on the entry form.

Want to register now? Print out a form and mail it; on-line registration available soon.

Starting Times

26-km classic 8:40 am (Eastern Standard Time)

50-km freestyle 9:00 am

26-km freestyle 9:10 am

Race Details

Trail markings will be clear, with markers every 2 km.

Aid Stations will be located at 8 Km, 16 Km, 25 Km, 32 Km, and 40 Km. They will provide warm sports drink (70/30 water solution), water, bananas, energy gel, and doughnuts.

Spectators are encouraged to shout encouragement! Near the chalet is an excellent place as the skiers come near it several times.

Road Crossings: The two road crossings will be well shoveled and manned throughout the race.

Safety personnel will be on hand and in radio contact with check points and ambulance service.

Free lunch! Before the awards enjoy a free lunch for racers at the Calumet Middle School Gym. As always, while waiting for the awards ceremony to start, enjoy pasties, bakery, refreshments, and music. Also, enjoy the use of the locker rooms for changing and free showers. The school will be open continuously from 10 a.m. until the close of ceremonies.

Awards

The awards ceremony will begin at 2:00 pm in the Calumet Middle School Gym. Awards are given for each age category in each race, as listed above. Unique awards will be presented to the overall fastest man and woman in each race, and skating trophies to the top 20 male and top 10 female skiers in the 50 km race.

Several other prizes will be awarded by random drawing, donated by Cross Country Sports and several companies, including Alpina, Atomic, Fischer, Hot Fingers, GU, Cerax, Lake Affect, Yoko, AmericInn, Ramada Inn, and Holiday Inn, and Franklin Square Inn. You must be present to win.

Questions? Call Cross Country Sports in Calumet during regular business hours: (906) 337-4520.

Parking the day of the race can be found along the streets around the start/finish area as well as in the parking lot off Osceola Road. (see map).

Spaghetti Supper: The night before the Great Bear Chase, the CLK Rotary Club will host a spaghetti supper at the multi-purpose room of Calumet High School and includes dessert and beverage. Ticket prices: $8.50 for ages 12 and older, $6.00 for ages 5 to 12, under 5 free (dessert extra). Serving from 4:30 to 8:30 pm.

Registration Junior Bear Chase Getting Here

Sponsored by the Copper Island Cross Country Ski Club
For more information, call Cross Country Sports in Calumet
(906-337-4520)

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