Ski to Sea


Every year Bellingham hosts an 85 mile relay race from Mt. Baker ski resort to Bellingham Bay. Each relay team consists of a cross country skier, a downhill skier, a runner, a road biker, two canoers, a mountain biker and a kayaker. Each section hands off to the next and the race ends with the kayaker ringing a bell at the finish line. I was lucky to get invited to do the downhill skiing portion of the race this year.

The downhill ski is deceptively named, it's actually more of an uphill climb. After receiving a handoff from the cross country skier the downhill participants first ski down a short run and then have to remove their skis and then hike up with the skis to the top of the ski area. The hike goes up entirely black diamond runs. Once at the top the skiers ski down for about a mile to handoff to the runner. I didn't realize how steep and long the climb was until I started doing it and looked up. Fortunately I was able to endure the hike and was able to finish the leg with a smile on my face.

John the cross country skier, Chuck the runner and myself were the early legs of the race so we got head back to Bellingham and shower and relax while the other participants were suffering through their sections. Later we headed to the finish line in Fairhaven where we met up with Jamie and Rachel who had slept in and were enjoying the festivities in town. Eventually we caught sight of Terri our kayaker and cheered her on to the finish line.

The Ski to Sea was a fun race to compete in. Hopefully I'll get another chance to do it again, either to better my time in the downhill or try another leg.


Cross Country Skiers at the Start Line
Cross Country Skiers at the Start Line

Cross Country Skiers Tackling the First Hill
Cross Country Skiers Tackling the First Hill

John Nearing the End of His Leg
John Nearing the End of His Leg

Terri Nearing the Finish Line
Terri Nearing the Finish Line

Team " Just Wingin' It"
Team " Just Wingin' It"
Terri (kayak), John (cross country), Diane (mountain bike), Shelley (road bike), Tom (canoe), me (downhill)


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May 28, 2006