OCR Text |
Show SLC, UT 841H ; Bryce Canyon Ski Toiir Slatea 5 Bob Benfield, chairman of the Garfield County Travel Council, warms up his cross country skis in anticipation of the Bryce Canyon Winter Adventure Ski Tour, Sat., Feb. 16, 1983. Like the highly successful ."Bryce Canyon Rim Run" last August, the . Garfield County travel Council has great expectations that the upcoming "Bryce Canyon Winter Adventure Ski Tour" will be equally successful. Set for Feb. 16, the cross country ski event is the first of what the council hopes will be an annual winter activity. In a semi-final preparation meeting Feb. 1 chaired by Bob Benfield, Steve Oilman of the Five County Association of Governments outlined actions taken thus far to assure a fine ski event. Arrangements have been made with Rod Syrett, an owner of Ruby's Inn, at Bryce Canyon to use their facilities in assisting with the ski tour, Oulman said. The council was notified by District Ranger Clair Baldwin of the Powell District, Dixie National Forest that the cross-country ski course track-making device was located at Otter Creek and he would arrange for its availability. '. Bill Murphy, cross country ski . expert from Brian Head, will also lend course markers for the race. Oulman, himself a cross-country skier, said that snowmobiles and ambulances should be available along the course in unusually cold weather. There will be local Emergency Medical Technicians on "Rand and planners are working to ' obtain other professional medical 'n personnel. At various locations along the run, Water, fresh orange slices and hot beverages will be available. At the conclusion of the race there will be orange Juice, doughnuts and hot drinks. Oulman stressed the importance of having snow cats, search and rescue personnel and emergency medical personnel available. "Since cross country skiing is a laborious sport," he said "if participants are not dressed properly or prepared adequately, the cold could make the going difficult." He said that frost bite is always a potential danger on cross-country ski runs and every precaution should be taken. "Even though we must prepare for every possible problem, that could possibly occur", Oulman said, "we know that the positive aspects of the ski tour are what we are looking forward to." "It'll be a banger!" he said, "and participants will be exposed to the best of Bryce Canyon country in winter." The Garfield County Sheriffs Department has been asked to help with crowd control if needed. Currently plans are calling for approximately 300 plastic cups, four tables, and beverage cooler Jugs. Fifteen people are scheduled to supervise the race as well as eight to 10 search and rescue and emergency medical people. The race itself will encompass approximately 11 miles, starting on the east side of Ruby's Inn and making a rough double diamond shape run to a point Just east of the Daves Hollow guard station, then running back to the rear of Ruby's Inn. The entry fee of $8 will include a hat with the "Winter Adventure" logo, refreshments and a chance at various special prizes. Winners will receive awards in various age groups as well as overall men's and women's winners. Three new members were inducted into the travel council: Gene Bernhard, co-owner of the Backwoods Inn on the EasfFork; Brian Foy, co-owner of the Country Corner Cafe, Panguitch, and Richard Swanger, manager of the Panguitch Dix-O-Gas facility and new Panguitch Chamber of Commerce president. Others attending the meeting were Bill Niebel of the Color Country Gem and Mineral Society, Clair Baldwin, John Houston, Rod Syrett, and Wayne Ross. Information on entries may be obtained by calling Bob Benfield at 676-2779 in Panguitch. |