Weekend Trail Reports
April 20, 2014
While the temperatures have been very spring like, there is still some skiing going on up north. New reports from Snowflake, Spirit Mtn, and recent reports from Biskey Pond(3), Birkie(4), McNaughton Lake, Big Rock Creek Farm, Three Eagle, Michigan Tech Univ(2), Graystone.

Lindsey Dehlin NMU Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
April 19, 2014
Lindsey (Weier) Dehlin will be inducted into the Northern Michigan University Sports Hall of Fame Saturday, April 26, in the Great Lakes Room of the University Center. Dehlin was a National Champion, a five-time All-American and a two-time member of the U.S. Olympic Team in Nordic skiing. She also earned four letters competing in cross country.

Hoigaard's Bike and Boat Swap Entries
April 18, 2014
Now in it's 5th year, the Hoigaard's Bike and Boat Swap will feature a variety of used bike, canoes and kayaks of all types on sale April 25-27th. Submit your used equipment before April 24th to be included.

Finn Sisu: Summer Training Expo and Salomon Demo Days
April 17, 2014
Finn Sisu will be hosting a Summer Training Expo next Saturday, April 26th, with local training groups presenting their programs at the shop. Confirmed participants include WAMXC, Loppet Nordic Racing, Endurance United, and the Rice Street Boat Club. And a Salomon demo day is set for Wednesday evening, April 23rd.

CXC Midwest Competition Committee Meeting Saturday
April 17, 2014
The CXC Midwest Competition Committee will be holding their annual spring meeting this Saturday, April 19th, in Eau Claire. Topics on the agenda include draft JNQ schedule, timing, review of last season, and election of a new head coach. The meeting is open to all.

Welcome Home Celebration for Diggins
April 16, 2014
There will be a "welcome home" for Jessie Diggins on Wednesday evening, April 30th at the Lake Elmo Nordic Center. Come out and celebrate another great season, hear a recap of her Olympic year, and pick up an autographed poster.

Soldier Hollow Seeking Executive Director Candidates
April 16, 2014
The Soldier Hollow Legacy Foundation is seeking candidates for taking the helm of the executive director. Soldier Hollow was the site of the 2002 Winter Olympic XC ski competition, and continues to offer a world class venue. Application deadline is May 15th.

Team Gregg Goes Arctic with NanaNordic
April 15, 2014
Team Gregg (Caitlin and Brian) recap their recent trip north of the Arctic circle to the village of Kotzebue, where they shared their love of Nordic skiing as part of the NanaNordic program. Lots of photos!

Mt. Borah Epic Prepares for a Big Year Two
April 15, 2014
The second annual Epic is being held Saturday, May 31st. The 30 mile point-to-point race through the singletrack of the CAMBA trail system will feature an expanded race field of 500 this year. And perhaps best of all, the profits benefit the CAMBA trail system.
Related:
Minnesota High School Cycling League Spring Informational Meeting Schedule

Tuesday Night Worlds Coverage
April 15, 2014
The Minnesota criterium scene started up under some brisk conditions at the State Fairgrounds for the Tuesday Night Worlds competition. Temperatures in the mid 30s were tapered by clean streets and light winds. Photos from the womens and mens 1/2/3 races.
Related:
Photoset: Womens Race - 50 photos, Mens 1/2/3 Race - 59 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)

Local Stars
April 14, 2014
30 Days of Skiing - When not busy running Maplelag Resort operations or out grooming the trails, Jay Richards enjoys his skiing - including 30 days straight in March!
IMAC - A number of Twin Cities private schools have banded together to form a new high school conference for next season.
White House - Jessie Diggins and the US Olympians enjoy a day at the White House.
Vasa Fat or Not? - A battle is rising over Fat Bike access on the Vasa trail in Michigan.
Return to Boston - KARE11 featured a number of runners who participated in last year's Boston Marathon event and plan to return this spring.
Suit Up - Podiumwear had Jessie Diggins in for new suit design reviews.
Going Strong - Kamview Nordic in Thunder Bay is still grooming with good conditions, as well as a few other places in the upper Midwest.

Robin Baker Passes On
April 14, 2014
Long-time coach for Deer River High School, Robin Baker passed away last week. Baker played a steady role in northern Minnesota skiing, especially with section 7 and 8, and was the groomer of Blueberry Hills ski trail. There will be a memorial service at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Cohasset, Saturday, April 19th.

Minnesota Coaches Association Spring Meeting
April 14, 2014
The annual spring meeting for the Minnesota High School Nordic Ski Coaches Association will be held Saturday, April 26th at the Vasaloppet Center in Mora. The current state meet proposal will be review, along with the recap on the last state meet and a discussion on the state of skiing in Minnesota. RVSP to secure lunch numbers.

Minnesota College Skiing Meeting Thursday Evening April 14, 2014 For those interested in Minnesota collegiate skiing (especially racing), there will be a follow-up meeting this Thursday evening, April 17th at Finn Sisu. The meeting will pick up from last time, exploring the vision and developing a strategy, along with an update on Gustavus. The meeting is open to all.

Miesville Grinder Coverage
April 13, 2014
Marsh Jones recaps the Miesville Grinder, a fun spring cycling adventure through the mostly gravel roads south of the Twin Cities. Roughly 70 riders turned out on Sunday, successfully navigating a few obstacles (snow drifts?!) and many enjoyed a post-event meal at Kings Place in Miesville.
Related:
Photoset from Marsh Jones: Miesville Grinder
Results: Iola Trail Run Results, Trail Mix 25K, 50K Results

MYSL Summit Meeting and New Club Drive
April 9, 2014
The Minnesota Youth Ski League is hosting its Annual Leader Summit for all MYSL Leaders and those wanting to know more about starting an MYSL Club this Sunday, April 13th at Finn Sisu. A wide range of topics will be covered, including a state of the league report, schedules and support.

Local Stars
April 7, 2014
In the House - Brian Gregg and Team USA visit the White House!  More coverage.
Backcountry - Jessie Diggins takes in some backcountry skiing in Anchorage.
Warrior - Caitlin Gregg reunites with family after the SuperTour finals, and hits the Warrior Dash.
Epic Arctic - Leslie Hale, Xena Huff and Beckie Alexander completed the grueling three day Arctic Circle Race, with Hale finishing third.
And a couple of fun high school videos from this past season...
Bemidji Ski Team - Highlights from the Montebello Relays.
Highland Park Ski Team - Happy recap of their 2014 State Meet experience.