Noquemanon: Race Through a Winter Wonderland

Bringing Family Together

2nd and 3rd place battling all the way to the end (photo by Cody Huebner)

Marquette, MI – If you are a cross-country skier, snowshoer, or a fat bike rider the Noquemanon ski/fat bike race is a must try. Each trail offers up a variety of difficulties, allowing even the novices of cross-country skiing or fat bike riding to participate in this one-of-a kind-race. There are very few trails like the Noquemanon that stretch through such breathtaking wilderness.

The Noquemanon ski race is one of the largest Nordic ski races around the Midwest, showcasing an variety of terrain and scenery along the Noquemanon trail network. This gives competitors a chance to experience all that the trail system has to offer. For the past 17 years this event has continued to grow in popularity not only among skiers, but also with snow shoe advocates and now fat bikers.

Earlier this year the Marquette Snow Bike Route made the top 10 list of the best snow bike trails in the United States. This is largely thanks to the Noquemanon trail network being one of the first to pioneer machine grooming/packing. From almost day one the Noquemanon trail network has been a tremendous supporter of the fat bike movement. There is no better race or trail network to support than this one if you are a fat tire biker.

Fat Bike on the Noquemanon trail network (photo by Cody Huebner)

The first day of this three-day event kicks off with races designed for the next generation of competitors. Children of all ages and skill level are able to get a taste of cross-country racing and all that it has to offer.

skiers heading for the finish line (photo By Cody Huebner)

On day two the long distance classic cross-country skiers take over. These racers are able to choose from a range of distances to compete in, depending upon skill level. For kids there is a 5k marathon, while more casual competitors get to chose between a 12k or 25k half-marathon. Finally the elite skiers participate in a 50k marathon.

skiers descending corner (photo by Cody Huebner)

The third and final day is reserved for fat bikers and skijor racers (where participants are pulled by their K9 companions). These competitors take part in a 20k marathon race. However if biking or skiing is not your cup of tea the event also offers a 10k snowshoe marathon.

dog and master working together off the start (photo by Cody Huebner)

This is truly a family event that has something for everyone to do. The children get a chance to get out and experience the thrill of cross-country skiing. While mom and dad push their skills and abilities at the longer marathons. As a Motocross racer I can honestly say that there is no better way to bring a family closer then spending a weekend racing together.

by Cody Huebner

I am a photography major at Northern Michigan University, at lest for one more semester. When I am not out taking pictures or writing articles I am normal traveling, racing motocross, hang out with my two nephews, or studying anthropology. All I want out of life is to travel the world taking pictures, to see and do things others only dream of, and to just experience all that life has to offer.