Ski To Sea

Ski to Sea was a blast once again! This was our second year in a row with 5 returning team members competing in the largest multi-sport event in the world. We sent half the crew to Mt. Baker to start us off and finished in Bellingham Bay after nearly 100 miles over 7 different legs.

The race started off with cross country skiing. Having over 300 skiers bottleneck on the uphill was a sight to behold. "It was a scene right out of March of the Penguins. The only thing missing was Morgan Freeman narrating the chaos," (Shay).  

Next up, downhill skiers and snowboarders. This crazy leg has competitors hiking up the mountain to earn a few minutes of spring shredding. "I really appreciate chairlifts after hiking up the mountain for 30 minutes just for a 3 minute ride," (Tristan). 

Once back to tree line, we came running out of the snow and down the mountain for several brutal miles. After running downhill for an hour, the finish forces you to level out and run uphill. "Hell of a time...followed by a week of recovery," (Bo). 

The longest section of the course led road bikers down the twisting Mt. Baker Highway and back into town. Biking for nearly 50 miles can be daunting with the worries of a flat tire, broken derailleur, along with numerous other possibilities. "It was a long ride. I should have trained more," (Mark). 

The canoe leg is the only section that demands a team work together. Whether it's cutting across the river or riding the current, the duo must be in sync. "Wipe that smile off your face, its time to boogie," (Luke).  

The Cyclocross section was a blast! The terrain changed every few miles with a few mandatory dismounts to sprint up hills or across the beach. "Racing across the beach was intense. When they told us we had to dismount at the beach I was expecting to ride on sand, not carry my bike across cobblestone and boulders," (Kevin). 

Finishing strong were the kayakers. Paddling out into Bellingham Bay for the final stretch. "Conditions for the kayak leg couldn't have been more perfect - the sun was shining, the wind was minimal, and the calmness of the water was astounding. Bellingham Bay in all its late May glory - the perfect day for a paddle," (Ben).