2013 Gatineau Loppet Report #1 - From the other end of the spectrum.
By:  Mike Carmody   (2013/02/19)

Hello there,

I drove up to Gatineau Sat. morning, picked up my packet and had my spaghetti since the cafeteria would most likely be closed when I finished the 20 km race. I seeded myself at the very back for the start but I tried to maintain the pace of the slower racers. I had double grip waxed my new skis and had no trouble climbing the hills. I was lost a bit of time snowplowing down hills others were hammering down. It was a great day to be on skis!

I got to the half way mark and was still feeling good. Plus-- it was mostly down hill from there. With 3km left I tried to pick up the pace a bit and passed a few skiers so I wouldn’t be last. They called out my name as I came to the finish and my wife was there cheering me on! My time was 2hours 33 minutes for 219th place out of 261 skiers in the 20 km race!

I did it! I finished the race and I wasn’t last. For someone who mostly skis in an ungroomed conservation area, alone, this is a great event to come too. I sure hope to be back next year!

Mike Carmody
Tweed Ontario