Mt. Greylock Rollerski Race: When the going gets tough. . .

After a couple days of rain, this morning dawned gorgeously clear and sunny. A fabulous day for a race up the tallest mountain in Massachusetts! Berkshire Outfitters, our favorite local ski shop, did a great job putting on the race, and there were many local ski enthusiasts that challenged our team in the race to the summit. Technique was open, so everyone got to choose whether they raced classic or skate. The two overall winners skated the hill: our own Sarah Tory took first for women, and Todd Keefe, a community racer, took first for men.
It was a steep and unforgiving climb up the 8 mile road to the summit. Only a short portion in the middle flattened out and gave the racers reprieve from the arduous ascent. The fastest racers took just over 45 minutes, and many others finished around the one-hour mark.
An especially impressive finish of the day was made by Hannah Hausman who is nursing a bruised arm and so did the entire race with one pole. Now THAT is being tough as a nail.


At the start: 8 miles to the summit

And they're off!

Near the half-way point: Patrick on skate skis, Robby on classic skis

Mojo was the first classic skier to the top.

Maddy strides it out

Caleb lunges to the line, the Greylock monument looming in the background.

Tom Keefe and Sarah Tory take King and Queen of the Mountain for 2010.