To join or for viewing the link is located at the top right of the sight.

The UPSDA is still looking for and accepting donations for the Silent Auction and also donations for the Musher Gift Bags.  

Silent Auction donations are on display at the Holiday Inn from Wednesday, February 15th through the end of the auction on Monday, February,20th.  The proceeds from the auction are a major source of funding for the races each year.  

The musher gift bags are given to the mushers at registration.  Items in the bags include items such as candy, gum, pens, flashlights, hats, wrist gators, cards, keyrings, mugs, snacks, dog treats, granola bars, key rings or other creative items.  We fill about 75 bags each year, so that many of each item is helpful.  

If you would like to donate either to the auction or the musher bags, contact Patty Holman at 362-9203 or email me at kipskid@ymail.com. 

Thank you.

Snow-machined a good portion of the first leg of the new MNR trail yesterday with Ron Hewson, VP Board of Directors. We ran the section from where the competitors will exit the grade out of Marquette to the trail head off of Sand River Rd. (about 14 miles from the starting chute). The trail was in great shape with plenty of snow and a solid base. For about 7 miles from that point you will be on a secondary snowmobile trail, not groomed, used primarily by those who know the area, like locals. Then you will duck off that trail and cross the Laughing Whitefish River, either by bridge or on the ice. The ice is solid at this time, have made many crossings on my Skandia WT. We will make a bridge if necessary but will play that by ear closer to race date. After that crossing you will be heading into the Curtice’s trail system. For 3.5 miles past the bridge you will be in and out of Hardwoods, through pine swamps and such. That trail is in great shape with no hazards in my opinion. Plenty of areas to pass, some narrow areas through the pine swamps will be challenging for a pass, but a pass can be made if necessary with cooperation from the one getting passed. After that 3.5 miles it will be clear sailing with a couple more pine swamps to cut through, all of which we have run regularly in the past 6 to 14 dog strings. One more bridge crossing over a small creek, about 4 feet wide, snow covered. Shortly after that within 100 yards another creek crossing, ice bridge and snow covered. After that I can’t see anything of which I would call an obstacle. Eventually you will end up close to the top of Onota Hill where you will turn right onto Johnson Tower Rd, (previous years we turned left at that point coming in from the other direction) eventually hitting Rock River Rd for about 100 yards then hopping on another secondary trail to Chatham via Lloyd Gilbertson trail system then to the Checkpoint. It has come to my attention from Lyle Ross and the trail crew that some trail obstacles have been cleaned up in those last few miles into Munising. If you haven’t signed up yet, get it done. Looks to be a great trail presently.

Contingency Plan (If Applicable)

Midnight Run Mushers Chili Fest- Friday from 1-3pm

http://up200.org/musher-information/