March 18, 2014 (Alaska) – The Oosik Classic is an Alaskan favorite drawing nearly 750 people from all over the state. The race itself draws accomplished racers and recreationalists who ski the 25k in costume. It’s essentially a double-pole derby, (50k of it!) across small lakes and on narrow single-track courses through the trees.

Having just returned from Europe 36 hours beforehand and being incredibly jet-lagged I decided that I would take it easy – especially with the SuperTour Finals and the US National Championship 30k coming up in Alaska next week.  When my husband got dropped from the lead pack at 10k he waited for me and we decided to ski the remaining 40k together.  Ironically it’s the most time we’ve spent together in months!

The snow was incredibly abrasive so we lost our kick wax 5k into the race. But, we were out there for fun and got our fair share of herring-boning.  One skier in our group decided that the condition called for marathon skate technique and while I was tempted to join him at times we just laughed behind him, taking advantage of the draft anyways.

The Oosik has a great race atmosphere with clever signs and bacon feed-stations. Post race there is a party with live music and Oosik Ale – look up “Oosik” on wikipedia if you don’t know what one is. Rob, my husband won an un-tapped keg in the raffle. After the race we chose to camp on the Talkeetna Airstrip where temperatures dipped below zero at night. Then, what Oosik would be complete with breakfast at the Talkeetna Roadhouse?

Thanks to all the volunteers who make this annual tradition possible! It was a fun “welcome home” to Alaska.

Cheers,

Holly

Results here
Read more on the Oosik Classic here.
Brooks is wearing Finnish star Aino-Kaisa Saarinen’s race suit which she traded for at the Sochi 2014 Olympics…