Book Across the Bay

Book Across the Bay is the upper Midwest's most unique winter event, open to skiers and snowshoers of all ages and ability levels. The 10-kilometer course, which is groomed for both classic-style and skate skiing, starts in Ashland and ends in Washburn, and follows a route not on land, but over the frozen surface of Lake Superior, the world's largest lake. The event is held at night, and the course is lit by the stars above and up to 1,000 candles in ice luminaries that line the entire route.  

Registration and Fees

Race registration and check-in and  will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008 in Ashland in a big heated tent near the starting line, just below the Hotel Chequamegon, which is located at 101 Lake Shore Drive West. At registration, you will receive your race bib, and a plastic bag with your number on it.

Pre-registered entries must be postmarked by Feb. 6, 2008. Fees for pre-registered entries $10 for children and students, $15 for adults, and $35 for a family of parents and dependent children. Fees for registration after Feb. 6, 2008 are $12 for children and students, $20 for adults, and $40 for a family of parents and dependent children. Please note that registration does not include a t-shirt. T-shirts will be available to registered participants for $2 extra. Race entry fees are nonrefundable.

Transportation

This is a point-to-point race that starts in Ashland and ends in Washburn. Please plan your transportation accordingly. We urge you to park your car in Washburn, near the finish line at Thompson's West End Park, and catch a shuttle to Ashland before the race. Buses will run from 2:30 – 5:30 p.m. prior to the race. There is always a last-minute rush; if at all possible, arrange to get on as early a bus as possible. Please note: There will be no shuttle transportation after the race!

Start and Finish

The ski race will start at 6:00 p.m. from a starting line on Chequamegon Bay just north of the Hotel Chequamegon in Ashland. Snowshoers will start at 6:05 p.m. Bring your plastic bag to the start and put anything in it you don't plan on carrying or wearing during the race. Plastic bags will be transported to the finish line where they will be waiting for you at the end of the race.

The finish line is in Washburn, on the bay near Thompson's West End Park. A heated tent will be set up there for the post-race chili feed, beer and soda, music and awards. 

Special Notes

• The starting area will be closed to everybody but registered Book Across the Bay participants and event volunteers. You must present your bib as proof of your registration to gain access to the race course.
• Book Across the Bay is a family event, but please note that there are possible dangers involved due to unpredictable weather and other conditions. Children under the age of 8 should be closely accompanied by an adult for the duration of the race, and we advise that children under 5 not participate in this event. 
• Book Across the Bay is for skiers and snowshoers only. No dogs or other animals will be allowed on the course during the event. No vehicles with wheels (bicycles, wagons, etc.) will be allowed on the course.
• Please DO NOT WEAR HEADLAMPS to ski or snowshoe. The course is well-marked and lit, and in most cases, headlamps are unnecessary and can be bothersome to other participants.

Closer to the race date, if there is any question about whether the race will proceed as usual, answers will be provided on the Book Across the Bay web site's home page, or by contacting the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce at (800) 284-9484.

Awards

A 7:30 p.m. award ceremony will recognize the overall male and female winners in skiing and snowshoe divisions. All finishers 12 and under will receive a special award as they cross the finish line. All other awards will be sent in the mail.  Awards will be given to the top three male and female skiers in the following age categories: 13-14; 15-16; 17-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; and 70-over. Awards also will be given to the top three male and top three female snowshoe finishers.

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