Midwest MTB Racing Report
May 21, 2013
Jay Richards' MTB report this week features the openers for WORS and MNMBS, the Cable Off-Road Classic, and MN high school Race4Free events, clinics, and other upcoming events.

Skiwerx Programs
May 21, 2013
Skiwerx, MYSL's youth ski training program, is now open for registration for the entire year (summer, fall, winter).

Lebanon Hills Master Plan
May 20, 2013
Lebanon Hills has posted a preliminary master plan for the park. A review open-house is planned for this summer. One aspect generating some controversy is a proposed new paved trail.
Related:
Patch: Lebanon Hills Trail Plan Worries Residents
Star Tribune: Lebanon Hills Regional Park in line for paved trails and some object

Gear West: Race Ski Selection Service
May 20, 2013
Gear West is offering their expertise and leverage with ski manufacturers to locate the best possible skis for their Race Ski Selection Service customers.

Scandia Time Trial Coverage
May 19, 2013
Morning showers cleared just in time for the cyclists in Sunday's Scandia time trial events, providing relatively clean and slightly damp roads. Riders had the option of doing one or two laps of the scenic countryside course (20K or 40K).
Related:
Photoset: 20K/40K - 60 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)
Results: Scandia Time Trial

F.A.S.T. Summer Training Camps
May 18, 2013
F.A.S.T. will be running camps again this summer in conjunction with LNR and a number of other clubs around the region. They welcome anyone who wants to join in and train hard!

Bike Dr: Store Specials, Duathlon, MTBTrails, Bike to Work
May 17, 2013
The Bicycle Doctor's latest newsletter highlights deals on Cannondale bikes and other shop specials, a new duathlon, area MTB trails and Bike to Work event.

More Job Listings
May 17, 2013
Head Coach sought for Mounds View and In Competition looking for sales staff and bike mechanics.

Gustavus Nordic Ski Camp - June 23-27
May 16, 2013
Gustavus is hosting their dryland camp for juniors this June. Features training and instruction on ski walking, bounding, skate and classic technique, strength training, and interval training along with evening discussion sessions.

Gear West Newsletter: Rollerski Galore
May 16, 2013
Gear West is helping start your summer training with a rollerski rental program and deals on rollerskis from One Way, Swenor, V2, Elpex along with Swix poles, a pole tip sharpener and a special offer on Bliz Pursuit XT eyewear.

Weekend Events
May 15, 2013
A couple of highlights from the upcoming weekend events...
May 18 Wheel and Sprocket Criterium - Racing all-day Saturday, juniors to the pros, in Neenah.
May 18 Superior Trail Race - 25K and 50K trail runs along the Superior hiking trail.
May 19 Iola Bump and Jump - WORS gets underway with the rescheduled Iola races Sunday.
May 19 St. Croix Valley Woolly - MN MTB series also fires up, crossing the border to race on the singletrack of St. Croix Falls.
May 19 Scandia Time Trial - 10K, 20K, and 40K time trial distances on the quiet roads south of Scandia.
Related:
May 19 Out There Womens Dryland Clinic

Finn Sisu: Spring Fest May 18-19
May 15, 2013
Finn Sisu is hosting their Spring Fest event this weekend, May 18-19th, featuring a ski swap, sauna sale, BBQ, rollerskiing demo, plus raffles for free gear!

Midwest MTB Racing Report
May 14, 2013
MTB Racing season is underway as Jay Richards files updates on last weekend's Elk River and Rhinelander races, highlights on World Cup and Enduro riding, and a look ahead to the major series firing up this weekend!

Jennie Bender Dryland Workshop and Euro-Race Presentation
May 14, 2013
Join aspiring Olympian Jennie Bender in a fun and challenging dryland drills workshop on Monday, May 20th. Afterwards, travel with Jennie to the Baltic states with a slideshow on her most recent travels to Estonia and Latvia.
Related:
Hoigaards Challenge - Tri-Loppet and Trail Loppet Coming Up

Saxton: Moving On
May 13, 2013
Ben Saxton breaks news on his training plans for next season, heading east for the next chapter...

Midwest Mountaineering Anniversary Sale
May 13, 2013
Midwest Mountaineering's annual spring Anniversary Sale is Thursday-Sunday, May 16-19th. Special coupons in their latest newsletter, and a breakdown on all the sale pricing, along with the May events/clinics.

Jobs: Coaching, Retail
May 12, 2013
Minneapolis Southwest High School has posted positions for head coach and assistant coaches, Hoigaards has openings for sales and mechanics.

Big Ring Flyers TT Coverage
May 11, 2013
Strong north winds and cool spring temps (with even some scattered rain/sleet), made for a tough time trial on the backgrounds north of Hudson in the annual Big Ring Flyers time trial.
Related:
Photoset: 60 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)

Hyland Snowmaking Loop Open-House May 14th
May 11, 2013
Everyone is invited to come out to Hyland Tuesday, May 14th, to review plans for a new 5K snowmaking/lighted loop at Hyland Lake Park.
Related:
Proposed Snowmaking Loop Map

CXC Rollerski Giveaway
May 10, 2013
CXC is hosting a Facebook promotion for a drawing on a pair of Swenor rollerskis. You'll need to like their page, post your own rollerski photo, and encourage friends to vote on your photo to be considered. Deadline is May 20th.

Hoigaards Newsletter: New Beginnings
May 10, 2013
The latest Hoigaards e-newsletter highlights the recent sale of the company to the Vail Resorts firm, Specialty Sports Venture. Hoigaards Todd Brewer expresses excitement over the changes and expects only better things to come. Plus find a full listing of upcoming clinics and events.

South Metro Nordic Project Summer Programs
May 10, 2013
Andrew Poffenberger leads a relatively new Twin Cities summer training program, South Metro Nordic Project, offering three or five day workout schedules and using locations of Cleary Park, Lakeville HS, and Wagon Wheel Trail. Programs start June 10th.

Hoigaards: Rollerskiing 101
May 9, 2013
Hoigaards is offering a rollerski clinic this Saturday morning, May 11th, for experienced skiers who are new to rollerskiing. Andy Turnbull leads the clinic which introduces the equipment and teaches basic rollerskiing skills and training techniques.

Midwest MTB Racing Preview
May 8, 2013
Maplelag's Jay Richards is back again this off-season to bring us the latest news and race reports from the Midwest (and National) mountain biking scene! Richards jumpstarts spring with updates on the area race series, some skills clinics, a look at high school racing, and events coming up.
Related:
CAMBA Trails Opening Date Set for May 24

Ben Popp - From Sisu to Birkie
May 8, 2013
Wednesday's bombshell that Sisu Foundation's Ben Popp will be leaving to take on the reins of the biggest ski race in North America, the Birkie, has surprised many. However, both organizations are well suited and excited by the move.

Midwest Mountaineering May Newsletter
May 8, 2013
Midwest Mountaineering's May newsletter highlights a Mother's Day special, kayak fishing, and a whole slew of events for the month of May.

American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation Appoints New Executive Director
May 8, 2013
Ben Popp, of the Sisu Foundation, has been selected from a highly qualified field to become the new executive director of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation.
Related:
SISU Foundation Executive Director Chosen to Guide Birkie

Finn Sisu: Spring Fest, Mothers Day Sale
May 7, 2013
Finn Sisu's Spring Fest is May 18-19, featuring discounts on saunas, a roller ski demo, and their first ever ski swap. Also 20% of running gear and shoes for Mom. Plus masters summer training starts this week - sign up now.

Gear West Mother's Day Sale
May 6, 2013
Gear West is offering their Mother's Day sale May 9-12, with a number of spring and some winter clothing on sale at 20-50% off at Ski and Run and Adrenaline Stores.

Fundraiser for CAMBA Trails May 9
May 5, 2013
On Thursday evening, May 9th, the Rivers Eatery in Cable will host a fundraising evening to support the Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA) and its trail building efforts. Net proceeds from evening food and beverage sales will assist in the purchase of a Kubota U17 mini-excavator.

Snake River Canoe Race Results
May 4, 2013
Over 150 paddlers hit the water Saturday morning for cool, fast ride down the Snake River in Mora's annual Snake River Canoe race. In the pro boat category, Dana Henry/Dave Nelson took top honors finishing just under 1:50. Open racing titles went to Ed/Devin Arenz and Sarah Sponholz/Josie Nelson. Kayak champs were Jonathan Sanborn and Chana Lennox.
Related:
Results: Snake River Canoe Race

Go Green Trail Run Coverage
May 4, 2013
Feeling more like March than May, runners were "treated" to damp, crisp weather for the Go Green trail run at Battle Creek Saturday morning. Olivier Vrambout, owner/operator of the Waffle Van, showed some speedy legs in taking the mens 10K event with a time just over 40 minutes. Heather Norton-Bower topped the womens field. In the 5K one-lap race, with Caroline Brisbois and Niki Reker posted the best times overall, finishing 1-2, with Craig McCoy taking third as the first male.
Related:
Photoset: Start/First Lap - 103 photos, Lap 2 - 27 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)
Results: 5K, 10K

Fred Fest, June 4th
May 3, 2013
Roseville's longtime Nordic ski, track, cross country and gymnastics coach Fred Kueffer is retiring after 43 years. An open-house will be held in his honor on Tuesday, June 4th at the Roseville Skating Center. Everyone is invited!

Bike Dr: Trek Sale, Will Smith at Delafield Duo, Alpe d' Huez Anyone?
May 3, 2013
Bicycle Doctor's latest newsletter highlights sale on Trek road bikes, multi-sport athlete Will Smith, and a first-hand account of climbing the mighty Alpe d'Huez.

Hoigaards Hiring
May 2, 2013
Hoigaards is seeking mechanics, bike builders and sales staff to fill our the ranks for the spring and summer workload. Apply online or download an application.

Hyland Snowmaking Loop Open-House May 14th May 2, 2013 After years of rumor, Three Rivers Park District sent out notices last week official revealing that a 5 kilometer snowmaking loop is planned with possible completion by this December! An open-house meeting will be held Tuesday, May 14th at the Hyland visitor center.

Heavy Snow Drops Across SE MN, Western Wisconsin
May 2, 2013
The May snowstorm has brought a narrow but deep band of snow across the region, dumping over a foot from Owatonna through Eau Claire and up into Hayward. Temps appear to remain cool Friday before rising back to normal by the end of the weekend.
Related:
Regional Snowfall Reports
Regional Winter Storm Statements

Wednesday Night May Race Coverage
May 1, 2013
A solid turnout out Wednesday evening at Snowflake Nordic for a historic May Nordic ski race! Participants encountered generally fully covered, but at times slushy, trails for the 4K freestyle race.
Related:
Photoset from Bryan French: May Wednesday Night Race
Photoset from Rich Hoeg: Chest Cam

CXC Midwest Junior/Senior Committee Annual Meeting
April 30, 2013
The CXC Midwest Junior/Senior Commitee will be hosting their annual spring meeting on Saturday, May 11th, in Eau Claire. All coaches and interested parties are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Falls Duathlon Coverage
April 27, 2013
After a cold and damp race last April, the 2013 edition of the Falls Duathlon brought much welcomed warm and sunny conditions for the run-bike-run event. Photos from the opening run and cycling portion.
Related:
Photoset: Opening Run - 41 photos, Cycling - 97 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)
Results: Falls Duathlon

Hoigaards: Bike and Boat Kick-Off Sale Wrap
April 26, 2013
Sunday is the final day of Hoigaards Bike & Boat Kick-Off Sale. Stop in this weekend for deals on bikes, canoes, and kayaks and along with 20% off many accessories.

LNR Intro Month for Juniors/Fast Kids
April 26, 2013
Is your youth interested in summer training but new to mountain biking and rollerskiing? LNR is offering youth a chance to get a taste of these summer ski training activities at a special rate with five trial sessions for the month of May.

Sisu Junior Information Sessions
April 25, 2013
The Sisu Foundation will host two open-house meetings to discuss. D Team meeting Wednesday, May 8th and Junior programming Monday, May 13th.
Related:
Sisu Summer MTB Program

Vakava Masters Starting Soon
April 25, 2013
Finn Sisu's Vakava Masters training sessions start on May 8th and run into next February. Kate Ellis, Ahvo Taipale, and Greg Weier will lead group workouts on Tuesday evenings or Wednesday mornings.

Sisu Skiers Adult Programs
April 23, 2013
The Sisu Foundation has announced their full schedule of year-round and fall-winter adult training programs, as well as their new "M Team". Sessions start as soon as May 7th, sign up now!

Loppet: Ski-to-Work Day Recap
April 23, 2013
The Loppet Foundation is highlighting all the skiers who posted their photos from last Friday's Ski to Work day in the Twin Cities.
Related:
Anwatin skiers…still skiing…

Birkie T-Shirt Design Contest
April 22, 2013
The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation's annual Birkie T-Shirt Design Contest is now open for entries! The winning design will be featured as the official T-shirt of the 2014 American Birkebeiner and the designer will receive a free pair of skis plus entry into the 2014 or 2015 race.