New Years Snowkite Rally-Canceled

[Hunter Welles]

I hate to be making this post, but unfortunately we have to cancel the event next weekend out on Swede Lake due to conditions. Right now, Swede is more than 80 percent ice, and with no considerable amount of snow in the forecast, it doesn't look like we are going to have rideable conditons for the the event.

We will be back next year to make the event bigger and better than ever, but this year its just not going to happen.

[steveb]

Since the events cancelled what do people think of making a Gathering the same weekend somewhere there's snow? I don't know for sure but I'd guess there's snow on Mille. Cedars more snow than ice.There's a small lake ,about the same size as Swede, out here thats covered with snow but it's only good for east and west winds.
Just a thought as we were all prepped to be out together any way, what do people think, assuming there's wind.

[Tighe]

My thinking exactly Steve. Personally, I'd rather drive a bit more and have better conditions than to stay close and have marginal conditions. I say that within reason though. If Mille Lacs is only marginally better conditions and we'd have to drive farther for better conditions, I'd say let's find the closest that will work.

[scottman]

Sounds good to me.

[krazykatie]

well thats no good I would be up for a gathering at a different location; Mille sounds good to me!


Has anyone ever stayed here? Looks decent and the rates are good
http://www.northerninnbymillelacs.com/

[steveb]

Terry,Todd or Bryce, you been by the lake? can you tell us what the snows like?

[thewavebb]

not sure about lakes really, but I know there is a lot of snow in the north country. I'm going to be heading up to the north shore near tofte where our snow stick measure 28" in the woods. While I won't be kiting, the backcountry skiing and snowshoeing should be sick.

[JRN]

Are we talking New Yrs. Day or next weekend? I'd be up for Milly, also Brainerd or Duluth might be good as both have lots of lodging & dining choices. They're predicting 1.5" in the N. 'burbs on Tue. I'm frantically stitching up my green Peter Lynn in anticipation! I'll scout it out later this week when I travel that way. Randy @ UMD held a kite seminar near Duluth last winter which may hold promise for a site with enough parking.

[Ric]

Hey Guys:
Sorry to hear it is cancelled. It is understandable! However, we should try to find a place to "gather" even during the week if possible. Tuesday's weather is looking promissing for some snow. Click on this link (or paste it to your browser) and watch ch.5 weather video http://kstp.com/article/3/ He is predicting 3 to 6" but we can't count on the weather being "accurate" so let's think "SNOW" as Tighe suggests.
ride on.
ric

[dtownkiter]

I rode around Duluth all weekend and there is still a lot of snow up there. I ended up staying on Rice Lake because Island and Boulder have a lot of slush. Bummer that Swede is out but Im sure we can find some snow/wind and make the best of it.

[Mike B]

The conditions on Pelican Lake north of Brainerd are excelent. Several of us had a great day out in front of Kiteboy's place on Saturday. 8-12" of firm fast snow. There are lots of options just about any area north of Mille Lacs. Let's pick the best location and GATHER for the weekend.

[Bryce]

I still have a lot of snow in my yard in breezy point. I'm sure pelican is still great.

Milly might work great too although I haven't driven by it at all lately!

[Terry Dunklee]

Katie -- the Northern Inn is a nice little motel. Nothing fancy but well kept and reasonably priced. We've had friends who are allergic to our cats stay there.

I haven't been by Mille Lacs for a couple weeks so can't comment on the snow conditions.

[Bryce]

Any thought to the snow on tues? Might it be back on if we get enough??

[Jeff G]

Sorry about the Swede event, but getting together somewhere else sounds great.

[steveb]

Why don't we wait to see how much snow we get Tues night, based on that make a call for the gathering location for the weekend on Wednesday?.

[Denis]

First, sorry to everyone about the conditions. Given that Swede is 80% ice, the event is not possible. I understand that people already blocked off this weekend, so moving the date would have been tough. I would like to say a great thank you to Nathan for leading the charge in this year's event, and to Hunter for making things happen. I would also like to thank all of our sponsors for their support and dedication to the riders.

Finally, I agree with Steve about waiting to see what the weather is going to do, then make a call about the location for an informal gathering this weekend.

Denis
- NorthStarKiteboarding LLC

[kiteboymn]

Sorry,about the event guys, mother nature can be a real mother ****** sometimes. Your hard does not go unapreciated. I don't know first hand what Millys cond is, but it can't be that different from ours which is still damn good. We're west northwest about 35 mi. More snow is on the way I think? It might be worth the gamble.

Kiteboy

[markjohnson]

Ottertail Lake right now is awesome!! 14+ inches of snow, very thin crust on top, not one bare spot of ice showing. Wore snow shoes to get out to my starting point. I have been up there the past 2 weekends and kiting was excellent. It's a three hour drive for me from Mendota Heights, but it is mostly on 94. Well worth the drive for the perfect conditions. 79 room resort/hotel/waterpark about half mile from lake ( don't know about room availability). My cabin is also available (???)--- I haven't cleared this yet with the CEO.

If questions call me at 651-357-3800 or e-mail mjoh069@aol.com

[Tighe]

Sounds really sweet Mark. I had a session while in Wisconsin on bottomless snow and there is nothing like it....I WANT MORE.

Your lake definitely is a good choice for the weekend. I'm gonna watch all the storm paths and the weather and make my decision later in the week.

thanks for the update.