Hi there. I'm not sure if anyone will ever find this... or at least it will probably be a while....
As an introduction, the Iditarok idea was born while putzing around on the new snow bike this spring. I (we) love putting on the Ragnarok gravel ride/race. Part of the allure of organizing the race is the exploration of new, fun areas to ride in.
Unfortunately, or fortunately, we don't want to stray too far from the formula with the Ragnarok. Around 105-110 miles is pretty much perfect. The hills around here and the early date to the race really kick the butts of almost everyone who toes the line. We have a few geographical restraints (both real and "imagined") in the Mississippi River to the East, and Highway 58 to the West. There isn't a ton of gravel across the river (and the bridges to cross over aren't too fun to ride on in a big group either) and while 58 is more manageable, it's still hella busy, and if the frac sand crap ever comes to pass will only be busier. We also have what we think are many sections that we don't really want to remove from the race... Gross Point, Zumbro Bottoms, Heath's Hill... all the sharp ups and downs around Red Wing... all of that is to say... around Red Wing there isn't much more "exploring" to do without adversely affecting what we already have. This lack of "exploring" opportunities led me to daydream whenever I was a passenger in our car this past winter.
I'd see a snowmobile trail that would stick by a road for a few miles but then dart into the woods and down towards a creek... others just cross rolling fields... where do they go? Looking at the snowmobiling map gives a good idea... and there are some cool looking trails not too far from Red Wing!
I didn't get out this winter due to life. My goal is to get out and explore this winter a few hours at a time. Are the trails truly something to behold? Are they boring and dangerously crowded with snowmobiles? Those questions have to be answered before I can begin to finalize any details... just be on the lookout here for any updates. They will be few and far between until we get closer to winter. Once winter hits and the trails are up and running I'll try and post up about the rides and keep a dialog open.
Feel free to comment about anything you've seen from other winter races you've done... suggestions... etc. Thanks!
