BOYLSTON, NY – Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Winona Forest Recreation Association held a successful weekend of racing for both skiers and snowshoe enthusiasts January 23 to 24 on the beautiful trails of Winona State Forest in Boylston.
“People have been just itching to race, and to be able to provide an opportunity for people to get out in these conditions…I couldn’t be happier,” said WFRA President Matt Westerlund as the competitors gathered.
The recent heavy lake effect event created excellent conditions with an abundance of fresh snow greeting the competitors, many of whom have not been able to compete in recent months.
“My wife and I decided that we needed to get outside and do something this year, because of the pandemic. We thought this was a perfect opportunity,” said Tony Lupia from Cicero, New York.
Precisely groomed snow, graced with crisp machine set tracks awaited the racers at the start of the Try-It race on Saturday, January 23, with temperatures at the starting line hovering at around 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Skiers confirmed that the conditions called for blue grip wax, as they discussed their preparations and ski tuning while trying to stay warm.
“We are so excited to be racing,” said Ed Hutton of East Aurora, New York, as he awaited the start signal.
Skiers were released singly as their start time was recorded, kicking and gliding into the forest, and a race against the clock began.
“What a beautiful day we have for this race, the trails are groomed perfectly, and we have such an enthusiastic crowd,” said Paula Yerdon, WFRA Ski Director.
Sunday, January 24 dawned with brilliant sunshine and temperatures sinking to a brisk -3 degrees Fahrenheit. The bitter cold did not in any way dampen the enthusiasm of the hardy souls that came together to celebrate the tradition of racing on snowshoes across a frozen landscape.
“I signed up for this just to have the opportunity to be outside and have fun in the forest, and I think that they have done a great job in putting this together,” said Mary Ellen Woiler of Syracuse, New York. “We are outside and masked, so I feel very comfortable being a part of this.”
As layers of clothing were adjusted and snowshoes were strapped on, a few participants reflected on their dedication to winter sport.
“I’m a North Country girl; I grew up in Black River, and we snowshoed in the woods behind our house as children,” said North Syracuse resident Mary Ryan. “I have done the Stone Wall since 2014, and the forest is just stunning.”
Other racers shared the same enthusiasm for the event.
“I have embraced winter, and I thoroughly enjoy it,” said Robin McEnaney, from Camillus, New York. “It makes me feel so humbled to be out in these beautiful woods…I am a COVID nurse, and doing this helps my mental state.”
As the starter’s horn sounded, the racers kicked up a blizzard of snow as they started their journey through the wonderland of frosted trees and frozen creeks. A cheering group of supporters urged them on and heightened the sense of community and celebration that even a very cold day could not suppress.
Results:
Try-It 12.5k Classical:
- Top Female Jessica Northan
- Top Male Matthew Torniainen
Try-It 12.5k Freestyle:
- Top Female Katrin Schreiner
- Top Male Matthew Torniainen
Stonewall 5k:
- Top Female Megan Reading
- Top Male Ben Wood
Stonewall 10k:
- Top Female Kelly MacDonald
- Top Male Jeremy Drowne
