"You're in for the Loppet" is the greeting George and I receive when we arrive in Labrador
City each March. To keep our lifetime membership in the Menihek Nordic Ski Club, we must
return at least once a season to demonstrate "Life enough to ski the loppet and time enough
for a good time".
What is it about the Labrador Loppet that lures people out on a blustery March morning to
ski through the Labrador wilderness?
A New Brunswick cross-country newsletter had the following definition of
LOPPET: "a gathering of over-enthusiastic skiers who wish they could race but can't, so they
begin in a bunch at the starting line and go as fast as they want trying to beat no one but
themselves so they can have a big feed when they're finished, while they sit around and compare
ski waxes and other life changing information."
This is not a description of the Great Labrador Loppet of course. We don't wait until the
finish to have a big feed; some of us overdose on carbohydrates all week and others have the
big feed along the way.
Although we arrived a full week ahead of the loppet to practice, all too soon we hear
"Five minutes to start". The announcement gets the stragglers picking up their skis and
heading for the lake. At the start, everyone is stretching and dancing to keep warm.
On the 'go' signal, the spandex crowd skate off, becoming a blur in the distance.
The rest of us ski in the tracks. The wind whipping across the lake has already filled
them in the dry drifting snow.
Halfway up Bottleneck Hill - widened now so it no longer merits the name - thick spruce holds
the wind at bay and extra layers are stuffed into backpacks. On the next string of three lakes,
packs full of iron ore would be useful as the gusts threaten the lightweight skiers with the
Mary Poppins' experience.
After crossing Pike Lake, we meet Irene and Hardy Rice headed for Fermont on the first leg of
the 54 km race. Irene is the only woman skiing both ways (Bravo!). I think of Lorne Snell: on
my first 54 km. I skied behind him on the lakes trying to catch his rhythm as he sang old war
songs.
Minnie Mouse goes by in her PJ's, long tail flying. I remember the year our 'Hyper Diaper'
group in baby bonnets, bibs and diapers won the team and costume award.
(Bravo Beatrice for keeping up the tradition and encouraging others.)
On the last Kenny Lawlor and his young son with a matching smile are cruising along.
Who needs to hurry while Dad has the candy? Crossing Circular Road for the uphill we talk of
next year. Doing the 54 km in 2 days staying out over night in a snow hut! Adventurous plans
come easy, when you can almost smell the hot chili at the finish.
At the evening festivities, Tom Ozahowkski's medal presentation to Lynn Dobson-Harris,
highlighted the lure of loppets. It is not in the finishing times or trophies won, but in the
spirit of friendship that celebrates life's challenges and achievements.
If you would like to experience the 'Lure of the Labrador Loppet' be sure to circle
March 28, 1998 on your calendar. There are three distances - 10, 27, and 54 km, so there is
choice for all skiers. Write: Menihek Nordic Ski Club, P.O. Box 38, Labrador City, NF
A2V 2K3 or phone (709) 944-5842 or email us at menihek@crrstv.net