LOGAN LAKE LONG TRACK

Mike Hagen of the Burnaby Speed Skating Club competed in this event on January 6, 2007 and sent the following report:

The first long track competition ever held in southern British Columbia happened at Logan Lake on January 6, 2007. While four outdoor ovals are normally constructed each winter in northern BC (at Fort St John, Fort St James, Dawson Creek, and Prince George), this was a great opportunity for southern BC skaters to experience long track without traveling a huge distance. Logan Lake is 50 km southwest of Kamloops; only 300 km northeast of Vancouver. The host club, River City Racers of Kamloops, did a great job initiating, organizing, and running the event.

62 skaters were greeted by fresh snow and sunshine, with temperatures of -10 rising to -3 by afternoon. Winds were light, and clouds gathered later in the day. The 300 m oval was constructed on natural lake ice. The Logan Lake ATV club helped prepare and maintain the surface and assure the success of the event. The ice was good, albeit a bit bumpy compared to artificial ice, which is to be expected, and the few cracks were of no consequence.

15 masters were among the racers, 9 men and 6 women. Some fast times were registered, though this was an unsanctioned meet and no records were set. M4 Gary Link of Vernon was under club mate Peter Blokker's BC mass start records in the 500 (48.74), 1000 (1:35.64), and 1500 (2:35.96) while finishing among the top three men overall. M5 Blokker was faster than his BC records in the 1000 (1:57.51) and 1500 (3:07.71).

Masters had a great time kibitzing and talking about the upcoming Calgary Games. It is hoped that the Logan Lake event can become a fixture on the BC speed skating calendar.

See Master Results