Starting out on their Tour de Greensboro on February 4, were (left to right) Mary Heller Osgood, Trina Hosmer, Chris Osgood, Pascal Chang and Kort Longenbach.
GREENSBORO – One hundred cross-country skiers showed up for the first annual Tour de Greensboro on February 5. This event consisted of a 25 km non-competitive ski tour on the public trail network of Greensboro and private trails that are not usually open to the public.
The event, which was originally scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 4, was postponed for a day to take advantage of the 50-degree rise in temperature. With a start and finish at the Highland Lodge, participants had the option of skiing either 25km loop or opting out for the 15km cutoff loop.
Representing seven states and Quebec, skiers were treated to scenic terrain with trail grooming for this classic-only technique event. Many enjoyed hot cider and donuts at the halfway mark along with the hot chili and cornbread at the finish of their trek. All participants received a Tour de Greensboro ski hat.
Over 60% of participants were women and 89% were over the age of 40. Representation included everyone from past Olympians to first-year skiers,
The event was organized by Jim Fredericks was a fundraiser for the Greensboro Association, a nonprofit organization with the mission to conceive, advance, and support village initiatives and organizations that enhance the community, and to protect Caspian Lake and its surrounding environment.
Hot cider and warm donuts were given to skiers by (left to right) Jim Kelly, Jennifer White, Andy Kindig and Ann Bushey.
