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Outdoor Outings
Organized by Deserae Hendrickson

AWIS LSC members meet, often on a weekly basis, to go biking, hiking, or skiing, depending on the season.

Upcoming outing: Feb. 14, 6 pm, Book Across the Bay. Join the fun "race" across Wisconsin's Chequamegon Bay with AWIS friends on skis or snowshoes. Read on for more information.

AWIS Adventurers-
We had talked about planning to go together to do the book across the bay race- by either snowshoe or cross-country ski.
I would like to get a feel for how many participants would be interested in doing this with me (and I am NOT fast, and have never done a race, so any of you can join in!).
Please read race info below. Most important to note, is that the race is on Valentines Day- Feb 14. I would imagine it will take the better part of the afternoon and all evening before we get back, so please consider that before committing. If I do not get responses from interested parties, I will cancel the outing.

Please contact me directly if you plan to go.

Have a happy New Year!
Deserae Hendrickson


Book Across the Bay
Book Across the Bay is the upper Midwest's most unique winter event, open to skiers and snowshoers of all ages and ability levels. The 10-kilometer course, which is groomed for both classic-style and skate skiing, starts in Ashland and ends in Washburn, and follows a route not on land, but over the frozen surface of Lake Superior, the world's largest lake. The event is held at night, and the course is lit by the stars above and up to 1,000 candles in ice luminaries that line the entire route.

Registration and Fees
Early registration: Register by mail or online in advance, then pick up your registration materials on Friday, Feb. 13 or Saturday, Feb. 14 at the registration tent in Ashland.
Early walk-in registration: BEAT THE RACE-DAY RUSH and SAVE! Early registration and check-in and will be held from 5:00 p.m—8:00 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 13, 2009 in Ashland in a big heated tent near the starting line, just below the Hotel Chequamegon, which is located at 101 Lake Shore Drive West. At registration, you will receive your race bib, timing chip, and a plastic bag with your number on it.
Race-day walk-in registration: Race registration and check-in and will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009 in Ashland in a big heated tent near the starting line.
FEES:
• UNTIL FEB. 4: $10 children and students/$15 adults/$35 family of parents and dependent children
• BETWEEN FEB. 5-13: $15 children and students/$20 adults/$40 family of parents and dependent children
• RACE-DAY (FEB. 14): $20 children and students/$25 adults/$50 family of parents and dependent children
Please note that registration does not include a t-shirt. T-shirts will be available to registered participants for $3 extra (limit of one tshirt per registered entrant, please). Race entry fees are nonrefundable.

Transportation
This is a point-to-point race that starts in Ashland and ends in Washburn. Please plan your transportation accordingly. We urge you to park your car in Washburn, near the finish line at Thompson's West End Park, and catch a shuttle to Ashland before the race. Buses will run from 2:30 – 5:30 p.m. prior to the race. There is always a last-minute rush; if at all possible, arrange to register early get on as early a bus as possible. Please note: There will be no shuttle transportation after the race!

Start and Finish
The ski race will start at 6:00 p.m. from a starting line on Chequamegon Bay just north of the Hotel Chequamegon in Ashland. Snowshoers will start at 6:10 p.m. Bring your plastic bag to the start and put anything in it you don't plan on carrying or wearing during the race. Plastic bags will be transported to the finish line where they will be waiting for you at the end of the race.
The finish line is in Washburn, on the bay near Thompson's West End Park. A heated tent will be set up there for the post-race chili feed, beer and soda, music and awards.

Special Notes
• The starting area will be closed to everybody but registered Book Across the Bay participants and event volunteers. You must present your bib as proof of your registration to gain access to the race course.
• Book Across the Bay is a family event, but please note that there are possible dangers involved due to unpredictable weather and other conditions. Children under the age of 8 should be closely accompanied by an adult for the duration of the race, and we advise that children under 5 not participate in this event.
• Book Across the Bay is for skiers and snowshoers only. No dogs or other animals will be allowed on the course during the event. No vehicles with wheels (bicycles, wagons, etc.) will be allowed on the course. We will allow walkers (with no showshoes) to participate if conditions permit. If snow on the course is deep and soft, walking will not be an option.
• Please DO NOT WEAR HEADLAMPS to ski or snowshoe. The course is well-marked and lit, and in most cases, headlamps are unnecessary and can be bothersome to other participants. If you need additional light, we suggest you strap a small light to your ankle so it lights the ground but doesn't shine in the eyes of other participants.

2006 outings

Feb. 10: Candelight ski at Jay Cooke State Park, 6-9 pm. Meet in the main parking lot at 7:30 pm. Hot chocolate at Deserae's house afterwards.

2005 outings

Aug. 9: Summer bike outing, Superior bike trail. Meet in the parking lot across from the whale boat at 5:30 pm.

July 7: Summer bike outing. Start at the Munger Trailhead behind the Willard Munger Inn on Grand Ave. (across from the zoo) at 5:30 pm. Will be cancelled if there is rain.

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