WFRA Iditafat Race Provides Large Crowd With Perfect Conditions

by Mike Johnson | March 12, 2023 2:03 pm

TUG HILL, NY – An easy assessment of an event’s success is a tightly packed parking lot. On the frosty morning of Sunday, March 5, 2023, a steady stream of fat bike-laden vehicles made the climb up the western flank of Tug Hill, heading for the Winona Forest Recreation Association’s famed Iditafat race.

Parking became a premium as the large lot quickly filled to capacity, causing volunteers to create spaces in areas that do not always need to be utilized. Not to worry though, everyone was eventually granted a spot, and the festivities got underway right on time as usual, with credit being given to the seasoned group of WFRA regulars that always make these legendary events run like Maple sap on a warm March afternoon.

Racers grooved to upbeat music as they queried each other about the perfect tire pressure for the day’s snow, testing and adjusting in an effort to find a setting that provided grip without a loss of speed and efficiency. The proper attire for the day’s warming temperatures was also debated.

WFRA Bike Director Richard Shumway gave the gathered racers a briefing on the trail conditions fifteen minutes before the start, and with clockwork efficiency, three waves of outdoor junkie-laden fat bikes rolled off into the frosted forest, their wide knobby tires humming as they traversed the perfectly groomed trail.

The hoots and hollers of adrenalized athletes echoed through the cathedral-like forest as the frigid peloton coursed through the maze of trails and pathways. In the end, champions were crowned, stories were shared, and everyone enjoyed the fellowship of like-minded outdoor and endurance sport enthusiasts around a glowing fire pit.

Race results here https://www.webscorer.com/race?raceid=307414

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/news/wfra-iditafat-race-provides-large-crowd-with-perfect-conditions/

---