Raising money at Spring Gulch
Dear Editor:
On behalf of the Mount Sopris Nordic Council I would like to thank Paul Hutton Hower and Sopris Surfers for their title sponsorship of the 16th Annual “Ski for Sisu” cross country ski event at the Spring Gulch Nordic Area on Feb. 3.
Despite blizzard conditions all day long, a hearty group of nordic enthusiasts braved the wind, blowing snow and flat light to ski lap after lap, helping to raise much needed funds for Spring Gulch trail grooming.
A total of 78 skiers amassed 901.5 kilometers skating and classic skiing on the course. The skiers and their sponsors pledged $4,924.33 to Spring Gulch and donations still are being accepted!
Congratulations to Mike Uncapher who skied the most laps and covered 60 kilometers during the event, and Matt Johnson who skied 50 kilometers. Long-time Spring Gulch supporters Suzy Ellison and Franz Froelicher skied 40 kilometers. Every kilometer skied helped Spring Gulch and we thank all who participated.
I would like to acknowledge the following businesses for their generous prize drawing donations: Peppinos, Main St. Gallery Framer, Laura’s Sunfresh Dried Flowers, Floyd’s of Mayberry, Russets Restaurant, Harmony Scott Jewelry, KDNK radio, Road Side Gallery, Ace Hardware, La Isla Nueva Restaurant, El Pollo Rico Restaurant, Sounds Easy, Ute Mountaineer, Roaring Fork Co-op, Konnyaku Restaurant, Ute City Cycle, Independence Run and Hike, Summit Canyon Mountaineering and Bristlecone Mountain Sports.
A big thank you to all my hearty volunteers: Bob and Jane Lucas, Penny Ridley, Ro Mead, Greg and Kathy Feinsinger, Sherry Hall, Ann Jeffrey, David Brudzinski, Doris and Jack O’Neil, Lee Ann Eustis, Gayle Wells, Jenny Tempest, Pat Bingham, Don Gunther, Eliot Norquist and Carol Craven. Without the help of these wonderful people it would not have been possible to run the event.
The Town of Carbondale loaned equipment and Spring Gulch trail groomers Bob Durrand and Megan Larson did a fabulous job setting track and staying ahead of the blowing snow.
In case you didn’t know, Spring Gulch is located about 7 miles above Carbondale past the Crystal Springs and Perry Ranches. It is a nonprofit nordic ski trail system operated by the Mount Sopris Nordic Council, a 501(c)(3). Skier membership is the most important source of funding. It’s never too late to join the Mount Sopris Nordic Council: $35 individual, $60 family, $100 Patron, $250 Pacesetter. Log on to http://www.springgulch.org or call me at 963-9524. Thanks again!
It goes without saying that the Spring Gulch Nordic Trail System is in great shape this winter. I invite you to come on up and join us for some world class cross country skiing.
Greg Fitzpatrick
Ski for Sisu event coordinator
