Kite Crossing Update

[Michael F]

The 8th annual Kite Crossing is still on and will be held over the weekend of March 2-4. This absurd winter definitely threatened the future of this event as well as others. We had open water on Mille Lacs going into the middle of January. Since then, we have secured enough ice to maintain safety/rescue vehicles for a limited but yet still challenging endurance race. Only a few of us remember the first year which now seems like the perfect event, but since then we have come to recognize that the challenge may be more than burning thighs and frozen fingers, but more like getting enough wind down on a surface with good traction and adequate visibility.

We are finalizing the Notice of Challenge and registration will open this weekend. While we may be dealing with some restrictions and limitations, we can still be assured of a weekend of competition and comradery. Just today, the Hennepin County Sheriff closed Minnetonka accesses to all cars and trucks. The spotlight will be on us, so now is the time to show our respect for the conditions and responsibility to our community. We will be providing regular updates right up to the event.

[ahill]

Do you still need to sing up if ujust want to show up on Saturday and free ride.

[Bryce]

It is going to be a great time! I'm going to be camping out if anyone wants to join me. Tent city again!

[Professor Robae']

Always a great time! I have been to every Kite Crossing so far and you definitely have to be prepared for anything! Mother Nature can definitely trick you but that's half the fun. Be sure to volunteer to help the organizers. It takes a lot of work to pull this event off.

See you there!

[UpNorth]

Does anyone know if it is safe for vehicles to venture onto the ice at Garrison? Just wondering what access will be like for the Crossing.

Thanks!!

[Michael F]

The early ice off of Garrison Beach is over 18 inches deep and has been driven on most of the season. The ice that formed after mid-January is inconsistent beyond 8 inches and will be limited to snowmobiles for course management and rescue. In addition, there are no bridges over the crack. We will try to provide any updates before everyone heads up, but please check in with Kite Crossing officials when you reach the shoreline.

[MK]

I'm directing people to this thread. My apologies if there are other details to convey and also for confusing where the info is (if it is in other threads).

I just booked at the Garrison Inn http://garrisoninnsuites.com/ and was asked if others are coming. They told me they have a few rooms open yet but a ski club is booking by Wednesday.

Snow is on the ground up there! and on on the lake. The system Sunday is promising too.

I have room for someone in my room on Friday if anyone wants to go in on the cost of 2 queens.

Woot woot!

[BSMITH]

I'm in. Looks like more snow Tuesday/Wednesday too.

[Michael F]

Thanks for the update, Mike. We blocked off the remaining rooms, so anyone contacting the Garrison Inn for reservations, tell them you are with the Kite Crossing. Twin Pines has rooms left and you can check them out at http://www.twinpinesmillelacs.com/

[MK]

Forecast looks good:) Friday night and Saturday winds show some excitement and the weather systems look to be bringing us snow right on time. Good job on getting the scheduled

If you are interested in joining the race you can pre-register here http://fleet8.com/?p=111. There is also plenty of room for others to put there kites up or simply watch the kite spectacle like no other.

See you this weekend!

Mike

[MK]

Notice of Challenge!
Mille Lacs Kite Crossing
Date: Friday thru Sunday, March 2-4
Site: Garrison Bay, Garrison, MN.
Event Format: A weekend of freeriding, endurance race, expression
session, gear demos, instruction and more. Riders are encouraged to
spend the weekend in Garrison or nearby. Saturday’s Banquet is free to
all registered riders.
Race Details
Race: Endurance race across Mille Lakes
Schedule: TBD and announced by the Race Committee at the Kiters Meeting
Categories: Ski Men, Snowboard Men, Ski Women, Snowboard Women, Juniors (16 and under).
Qualifications: The race is open to anyone willing to give it a try.
Format: The race will be a long-distance, kite endurance run. The Race Committee will determine
the course based upon the conditions of the day. Details of the race are provided at the Kiter’s meeting.
If you intend to race you must attend the Kiters meeting. We will try to provide a total distance of 16-
20 miles with up to a four mile leg. Snowmobile support will be provided along the course. Helmets
are Mandatory.
Awards: Awards will be based on timed finishes and presented at the Awards Ceremony on Sunday
Agenda:
Note: The majority of the agenda is determined by the event staff based on the conditions of the day.
Friday, March 2nd Free ride all day Garrison Bay
7:00 PM Welcome Party Harbor Inn
Saturday, March 3rd Free ride all day
9:30 AM Registration & Check-in Garrison Bay
10:45 AM Kiter's Meeting (mandatory) Garrison Bay
TBD Lake Crossing (weather permitting)
TBD Expression session, speed runs, etc.
7:30 PM Banquet & Party Garrison VFW
Sunday, March 4th Free ride all day
10:30 AM Kiter's Briefing Garrison Bay
TBD Lake Crossing (Sunday backup)
TBD Expression session, speed runs, etc.
3:00 PM Awards Party TBD
.
Registration: Advanced registration is appreciated and is vital to the success of the Kite Crossing.
Fees (U.S. funds) for advance registration received by:
Wednesday, Feb. 29th Late registration at the site.
Participant $30.00 $40.00
It includes the welcome party, Saturday banquet and a long-sleeve T-shirt. Guest banquet tickets can also be
purchased at the site.
Registration Form
(Please Print)
Name: _____________________________________________ Phone: __________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________ D-O-B: _____/_____/_____
City: _______________________________________________ State: ______ Zip: ________________
E-mail: _____________________________________________________
Category: Ski Men ___ Snowboard Men ___ Ski Women ___ Snowboard Women ___ Junior ___
Shirt size: Small ___ Medium ___ Large ___ X-large ___ XXL ___ for $2 addl.
Please make checks payable to Fleet 8 and mail to 160 Bell Street, Excelsior, MN, 55331.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Lodging
EconoLodge Reasonable rooms, jacuzzi suites, continental breakfast. 800-839-7006
Garrison Inn & Suites Jacuzzi suites, indoor pool & spa. 320-692-4050*
Grand Casino Mille Lacs Hotel with indoor pool. 800-468-3517
Lake Mille Lacs Resort Motel with indoor pool, restaurant. 800-657-4704
MilleLacsRental.com Condos at MyrMar, contact Amanda 763-227-7791*
Twin Pines Resort Lodging, restaurant. 320-692-4413*
* Within 5 minutes of the site.
A Special Thanks To Our Sponsors:

[BSMITH]

Our fancy weather service here at work is saying mostly rain and sleet down here and at least a foot up at Mille.

[Bryce]

Wind on Sat looks pretty good and we should have a nice dump of snow! Finally we are getting a snowy winter!

[MK]

Doing a corporate kiting event tomorrow on Mille and will report the conditions.

[BSMITH]

http://www.weatherstreet.com/local_fore ... -cover.htm

[Matt V]

I am planning on heading out from Alexandria to Garrison early in the morning on Friday. Is there a kicker crew that I can join or if I am there alone, where should I make them? The weather should be perfect for their construction with the temps so high.

Lake Mary south of Alexanderia had over 20"+ (where I quit hand drilling) of ice today with 5-10inches of good smooth snow on top.

[MK]

Conditions in Isle yesterday were great. Snow dunes and 100% coverage. 6" of base snow. Snow was sticky and dense. Legs took a beating. Flew 8M kites and smaller with the crew. Fat skis and snowboards were recommended.

Didn't have the energy to drive to the other side of the lake and see what Garrison looked like. Any reports?

[kiteboymn]

I should be up Fri around noon so we can figure out the kicker area. Will need a couple of people with shovels to do some grunt work.
I'll bring the heavy equipment (tracked wheeler, big sled, etc.)
Let's get it done, then have some fun!

Todd ( look for the red Ford f 1 fiddy )

[Bryce]

Heads up for parking.

Normally we drove out at across from Garrison Sports. That road is not in good condition due to erosion. The better road will be to drive out across from the Blue Goose and drive along the plowed road north to get to the event site.