CONTENTS
Race Guide
The UP Health System Great Bear Chase Ski Marathon has something for everyone and enough snow to go around, even in March! Skiers can choose from the 50k Skiathlon (limited to the first 100 entries), our signature freestyle and classic 50k races, or freestyle or classic 25k or 10k distances. The Great Bear Chase has earned a reputation as a laid-back, skier-oriented weekend that allows skiers of all experience levels to finish their season with a high quality event.
All events are chip timed, and compete on beautiful power tilled trails.
Weekend Schedule
Please note, all times are Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Friday, March 10, 2017 |
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4 – 8:30 p.m. |
Registration and Bib PickupRegistration and bib pickup (location TBA) |
4:30-7:30 p.m. |
Pasta DinnerThe Copper Country area’s Meals on Wheels program is providing the spaghetti feed for the racers (location TBA). The dinner is a benefit for this valuable program that serves almost 300 people daily. Talented cooks will be creating this pasta feast and the dedicated staff will be on hand to serve. The price is $10 and the menu includes spaghetti and choice of meat sauce or marinara, rolls, ceasar salad, pumpkin bars, water, juice, and coffee. Plan on enjoying a good meal with fellow racers and fuel up for a great race! |
5:30 p.m. |
Junior Bear ChaseFriday night the Swedetown Trails will be filled with the next generation of skiers as the Copper Country Ski Tigers host the annual Junior Bear Chase. Registration/Bib Pick-Up is at the Swedetown Chalet. Learn more by visiting the Junior Bear Chase page. |
Saturday, March 11, 2017 |
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7:30 – 8:15 a.m. |
Bib Pick-UpIf you can’t make it in town for Friday’s bib pick-up, we’ll be at the Calumet High School bright and early for last-minute bib pickups. Click here for directions to the Calumet High School. There is no race-day registration. |
8:30 – 9:20 a.m. |
Race StartStart times run from 8:30-9:20 am. All races will begin and finish near Spruce Street in Calumet. There is plenty of parking just a short walk from the stadium (see the map for start/finish and parking)! Here’s a quick rundown of the start times:
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Post Race |
Free Pasty LunchYour registration includes lunch at the race headquarters at Calumet High School. We’ll serve up fresh, award-winning pasties, bakery items, gluten-free soup and refreshments. There will also be pasties for sale for those who didn’t race. The school’s locker rooms (including showers) will even be open for your use. |
12 – 2:45 p.m. |
Awards CeremonyThe awards ceremony also takes place at the Calumet High School. Awards are given for each age category in each race, including hand-made wood skis for 1st place finishers in each age group. 2nd and 3rd place finishers will receive medals. Unique awards will be presented to the overall fastest man and woman in each race, and skating trophies to the top 10 male and top 5 female skiers in the 50 km freestyle. Prize money will also be given to the top 3 male and female skiers in the 50 km Skiathlon consisting of $1,000, $400 and $150. Free 2018 race entry will also be given for 4th and 5th male and female skiers in the 50 km Skiathlon (racers must be present to claim all prizes). Door prizes (including NEW skis!) will also be awarded to those present at the award ceremony. Thanks to Cross Country Sports for helping us out with those! |
Other Information
- NOTE: Start/finish location at Spruce Street in Calumet
- Trail markings will be clear, with markers every 2 km.
- Aid Stations will be located throughout the course (see the course map below). Aid stations will provide warm water, HEED energy drinks, bananas and Hammer energy gel.
- Spectators are encouraged to shout encouragement! Near the chalet is an excellent place as all skiers come near, and racers in the longer races go by it several times.
- Road Crossings: No road crossings in the Great Bear Chase!
- Minimum age requirement for the 50 km events is 17.
- Safety personnel from UP Health System, Mercy EMS and local 1st Responders will be on hand and in radio contact with check points.
- Results and photos will be available right here at greatbearchase.com.
- Use the map below to help you navigate through town. If you need more help with directions in Calumet, visit our directions page.
Every Tuesday through March meet up with folks at Cross Country Sports and we will make our way over to the Swedetown Trail system for a fat bike ride. Swedetown Trail System allows fat biking every Tuesday night after 5pm. Call the shop or stop by if you’ve got questions. See you on Tuesdays!
Every Tuesday through March meet up with folks at Cross Country Sports and we will make our way over to the Swedetown Trail system for a fat bike ride. Swedetown Trail System allows fat biking every Tuesday night after 5pm. Call the shop or stop by if you’ve got questions. See you on Tuesdays!
Make it an evening in Downtown Calumet! There’s always new exhibitions at the art galleries, fine people and good food! There are even some talented singers if you know where to look!
“First Fridays” are a monthly event showcasing the talent of our area artists, and an excellent evening for socializing and networking.
Make it an evening in Downtown Calumet! There’s always new exhibitions at the art galleries, fine people and good food! There are even some talented singers if you know where to look!
“First Fridays” are a monthly event showcasing the talent of our area artists, and an excellent evening for socializing and networking.
It is the Keweenaw’s Spring Classic. Climb Brockway. Get your season started 🙂
It could be a snowy or a sunny bike to work week; either way, there are plenty of bikers and new bikers who will be taking to the pedals and pushing their way to work! Stay tuned for more details.
Here are a few of the events for the week:
Monday
- Ride your bike to work, school, or on an errand.
Tuesday
- Repeat Monday’s activity!
- BIKE Initiative Keweenaw monthly meeting ( email info@bikeinitia
tivekeweenaw.or g or check back here for more details.) - Group ride with the Red Jacket Cycling Club (info also forthcoming)
Wednesday
- National Ride of Silence (http://www.rideofsilence.org/)
- Cross Country Sports Group Ride! 6:30pm location TBD
Thursday
- Houghton MI Bike Committee meeting (7:30am-8:30am at City of Houghton City Center, 616 Shelden Ave, Houghton, MI 49931, USA)
Friday
- National Bike to Work Day!
- Multiple aid stations, details and map forthcoming!
Saturday – The rest of your life
- Look for group rides, make your own group ride with friends, and park your bike within sight of your front door to remind yourself to take advantage of the beautiful place you live in and experience it with your own two wheels!
- Cross Country Sports hosts group rides on Wednesdays at 6:30pm. Stop in the shop and meet a new biking buddy too. Get out there, do some good for your health, and have fun 🙂
Join us for our weekly shop ride! Locations vary across the Keweenaw as we visit public and private trails, as well as taking some adventure rides to see mining ruins, geologic features, and… some ice cream shops.
Watch this website, facebook, and stop in the shop to talk about, or suggest ride routes. We will publish the schedule for the next few weeks, and update the schedule every few weeks through the summer and fall.
Join us for our weekly shop ride! Locations vary across the Keweenaw as we visit public and private trails, as well as taking some adventure rides to see mining ruins, geologic features, and… some ice cream shops.
Watch this website, facebook, and stop in the shop to talk about, or suggest ride routes. We will publish the schedule for the next few weeks, and update the schedule every few weeks through the summer and fall.
A family-friendly event weekend featuring all the great riding at 5 trail systems across the Keweenaw Region. Join in group rides, race enduro, and hang out for music, great food, and Art Bike At the Harbor. It’s all about having fun on and off your bike with friends and new friends. The 2017 Ride the Keweenaw will be connected to the new Portage Health Foundation‘s Experience the Keweenaw event that will give you even more opportunities to play and explore the region over Memorial Weekend. Watch here for more details.
About the whole weekend
Are you advanced? Are you a beginner? The range of activities can accompany all skill levels. This is a chance to take a tour through the Keweenaw and meet other people enjoying the outdoors. You can register by going to the Copper Harbor Trails Club Website, copperharbortrails.org, and see more updates on the Facebook Page for the event.
Here’s the quick schedule:
RIDE THE KEWEENAW 2017
Friday, May 26th
6:30 pm Guided Group Ride at Adventure Mine //Greenland MI
8:00 pm Experience the Keweenaw Kickoff at Continental Fire Company//Houghton, MI
Saturday, May 27th
9:00 am Guided Group Ride at Michigan Tech Trails // Houghton MI
7:00 pm Ride Raffle Drawing at Swedetown Trails//Calumet MI – Earn a Ticket for each Group Ride Completed on Friday & Saturday
Post Ride Grill Out hosted by Cross Country Sports (Donation onsite to Trails)
Sunday, May 28th
7:00 pm Enduro Awards
Group Events – Free! Suggested $25 donation to trail of your choice! (Includes T-shirt if registered by May 10th)
Basic MTB Skills Clinics – $10 Jumping Clinic – $10
Enduro – $40 / $50 after May 10th Music – Free!