Ashland news
by Susan Feeney-Hopkins
Come ski with us! The Ashland Area XC Ski Club is up and skiing with some really good events planned. All are welcome and encouraged to participate, whatever your level of experience. This is a fantastic opportunity to try cross-country skiing, learn the area trails, spend time outdoors and ski with your friends and neighbors.
The club is very excited to offer an opportunity for those in the area who would like to try cross country skiing, but do not have the equipment. The club will be having the Maine Winter Sports Center (MWSC) ski trailer in town for two weeks this winter and has set up several opportunities for those that would like to try out skis, boots and poles at no cost! For those long-time skiers, please join us for some fun skiing on trails that may be new to you.
On Saturday, Jan. 23, there will be the annual Family Fun Day at the home of Ed and Marilyn Chase in Garfield from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. In addition to the MWSC skis and equipment for folks to try, there will be a bon fire, chicken stew, buns and cookies, as well as games for kids of all ages. All of this is free, so please come join in the fun!
On Sunday, Jan. 24, the MWSC trailer will be in Portage Lake on their cross-country ski trail, at the end of the Cottage Road from 1-4 p.m. On Saturday, Jan. 30, the MWSC trailer will head to the home of Joan and Bill Johnson at 756 Oxbow Road in Oxbow from 1-4 p.m. Both of these days, skis and equipment will be available, free of charge, for folks to try. Again, if you already have skis, you’re still welcome to join the group for a cross-country ski. It is a great time to be outside!
In addition, the MWSC will be at the little league field in Ashland Sunday, Jan. 31 from 1-3 p.m. offering instruction on “skate skiing.” If you do not have skate skis, the trailer will be available for this. This event is available and open to anyone who would like to try, no matter what your ability level is.
Why not take these opportunities to embrace winter in a healthy and fun way! Ski trails in Ashland are currently groomed and are welcoming skiers. If you like a set track and want to classic ski, the Chase Farm Ski Trails in Garfield are for you. There are maps in the garage; look for the cardboard box with the flags. Do keep your eye out for snow sleds as the ski trails cross the snow sled trail.
If you like to skate or do not need a set track to ski, the trails at Dave and Linda Milligan’s home on Bellville Road are available to you also. Dogs are welcome at either location, as are those that like to snowshoe. The club just asks that you snowshoe on the side of the ski trail, not on the set track.
Don’t forget to dress weather appropriate. Though you may work up a good sweat, it is still winter in northern Maine and being prepared for the weather conditions makes for a better experience. Looking forward to seeing many of you there!
The Portage Lakers Radar Runs, in memory of Kyle Rogers, will be held Sunday, Jan. 17. Registration is at 9 a.m. and the runs begin at 10 a.m. Cost is $5 each and a maximum of 300 runs will be sold. Classes include stock, improved, vintage, junior and mini; prizes will be awarded for all classes. The awards ceremony will immediately follow at Dean’s Motor Lodge.
Participants must be 10 years old to run a sled over 250 cc. For those under 18, a parent needs to be onsite during the run. Admission is $5 per person.
For more information, call Jen at 227-0045 or e-mail plsc@ainop.com.
In a Dec. 30 photo of members of the Portage ATV Club placing a sign designating the Donald Cyr Memorial Trail in recognition of the Yamaha OHV Access Initiative Restoration Grant awarded to the Portage ATV Club, club member Gary Burby was misidentified. We regret the error.
Susan Feeney-Hopkins is the correspondent for Ashland, Portage Lake, Oxbow, Masardis, Garfield, Nashville Plantation and surrounding townships. She can be reached at 435-8232 or feenhop@aol.com.
