Hinderbinder brings 130 eager skiers to Forest Springs

A combination of nearly ideal weather and great trail conditions that were the result of a lot of pre-race work created a very successful Hinderbinder cross country ski race Saturday at the Forest Springs complex in Westboro.

This year’s event drew nearly 130 skiers from around Wisconsin and beyond with the majority taking part in the 8K high school and 3.5K middle school races. However, organizer Norm Hoyt added that participant numbers were up this year in the 12K and 24K skate and classic races.

This year’s individual champions include Jared Linzmeier of Nelsonville and Maria Statz of Wisconsin Rapids in the 24K classic race, Dennis Curran of Plymouth in the 24K skate race, David Meyer of Hayward and Rebecca Grundahl of Reedsburg in the 12K classic event and Bank Bodor of Stevens Point and Sally Owens of Waupaca in the 12K skate race.

Cole Anderson of the Iola Winter Sports Club and Tori Myers of the Wausau Nordic United squad were the boys and girls high school champions, while Carson Wood of Iola and Elsa Oestreich of the Wausau Night Gliders were the first to cross the finish line in the middle school races.

Hoyt said the track turned out to be pretty fast, which was neat to see after extensive hours of clean-up and trail preparation following some challenging weather in December.

“Considering the rain and ice we had before the race, our grooming was well done, and we were able to keep our snow and keep it fast for the race,” Hoyt said. “We are thankful for our Pisten Bully and for our groomer Adam Beaserfield. We are thankful for a whole crew of volunteers. Without them, the race would not go well at all. Volunteers did trail directions, aid stations and helped keep our Rustic Road crossing safe and organized. Thanks to Taylor County Highway Department for loaning cones, barrels and safety signs that make our road crossing safe. Thanks to County Market in Medford for offering discounts for some of our lunch food.”

Proceeds from the event go toward the Forest Springs Youth Camp Scholarship Fund, which helps kids who may need financial help to attend camps at the facility. Three of the camp’s past students, Hali Miller, Owen Langford and Aubrey Langford sang the “Star Spangled Banner” before the races, which were started by shots from camp staffer Josh Abeln’s black powder rifle.

Hoyt shared some words written by Eric Koch of Merrill, a 31-year veteran of Hinderbinder races that have been held in Rib Lake and Forest Springs.

“So what makes this 24 km xc-ski race so unique? Is it the perfect grooming, the tantalizing ski trails, the friendly atmosphere, the outstanding organization, the indoor changing facility or the hot lunch served in the Lakeview dining area? Probably it’s a combination of all of the above. This race has it all. Whether you ski just for fun or you are an experienced racer, you are sure to enjoy this venue.”

–– Sports Editor Matt Frey