McLean, Johnson win Black Mountain races
Mike ModrzynskiArticle Photos
Sunshine and warm temperatures didn't affect the7th annual Black Mountain Nordic Ski Race on Saturday. In fact they made racing a pleasant experience for some who just came out for the trip around Black Mountain.
Race organizer Denny Paull said the new 10K tour and 10K race gave everyone something to cheer about Saturday as skiers of all skill levels tested the mountain amd enjoyed the scenic trails through the area.
"I was a bit surprised at the number of skiers entered in the 10K divisions, but then, it is the first year and we will grow," he said.
David McLean of Ludington won the 31K race in 1:45:47, Paull was second, just over four minutes behind McLean. Steve Smigiel of Cedar Springs was third, 15 second behind Paull.
Jon Webb of Hubbard Lake was the fastest local finisher, placing 32 in 2:22:05. Three other local racers, all of Alpena, were: Vince Call of Alpena was 43rd, Wayne Christopherson was 44th, Dave Blumenthal 64th,
Ten skiers entered the inaugural 10K race, with Rogers City's Nicholas Johnson streaking to a win in his first effort. Johnson, 27, edged out veteran skier Steve Van Dam, 59, of Boyne City for the victory.
"The weather is perfect and trails are holding up well despite warmer temperatures. I couldn't be happier," Paull said.
Johnson, who finished his race at a sprinter's pace to hold off Van Dam, said the conditions were perfect.
"The course is great, even with the steep downhill at the end," he aid. "The trail is well-groomed and the track held up great even with rising temperatures. This is an awesome place to ski."
Other local finishers in the 10K were Matt Dunkel of Ossineke finishing third, Hal Butler of Alpena was sixth, Neil Taratuta of Ossinek was seventh, and Mark Kinney of Presque Isle was ninth.
Van Dam said he was beaten by youth, but he will be back again next year.
"I just couldn't catch him, but he is more than 20 years my junior," he said with a smile. "I will get him next year."
Paull said the economy caught up with the race, but the number of entrants was at the same level as last year, even with the number of skiers who opted for the shorter 10K race. The 31K race still had more than 100 entrants.
"We will be back next year and looking forward to similar conditions" Paull said.
