Blog | Mansfield Nordic Club

Tomasi Meadow Trot 2024

If you have never been to Tomasi Meadow in Underhill, you owe yourself a visit! It is a beautiful open field with smooth rolling hills right in the shadow of Mount Mansfield. In the summer dog walkers and joggers enjoy the space, which has been conserved by the Vermont Land Trust. In the winter, trails are marked and groomed by Peter Davis with the MNC snowmachine! These trails are totally free for everyone in the community to enjoy.

This Sunday was the third annual Tomasi Meadow Trot, an small “fun run” that raises funds for maintaining and fueling the snowmachine we groom with. Many MNC volunteers helped things run smoothly, as well as Emilie Soisson from the Underhill Rec Committee. Special thanks to the Town of Underhill for lots of important infrastructure like traffic cones and signage.

While the leaves had long since fallen, this year’s TMT was still just as scenic as ever with blue skies and the ever-present mountain as a backdrop. There was a kids race, an open race, and even some trail work after (thanks to Brewster River MTB Club for the tools) to get the meadow in the best shape possible for winter skiing.

They are off!

You can find results and photos from the event below. This event is made possible through a partnership with the Underhill Town Recreation Committee and MNC!

If you are interested in donating directly to the trail system, please use this MNC donation page, scroll down, and mark “Tomasi Meadow” in the comments of your donation in the form. Thanks!

Tomasi Meadow Trot ’24 Results

Tomasi Meadow Trot Photo Album

Getting things ready for winter!

Haunted Greylock Rollerski Race

By Adam Terko on 5 November, 2024 in Junior Blog

It was a spooky weekend down in Massachusetts for the Mt Greylock rollerski race. This is an annual event that is a few years old, but we’ve never given it a try until now. It was a fun trip and something we’d do again, for sure!

The drive down Rt 7 was scenic and the weather was pretty balmy…right on par for this fall, it seems. 3.5 hours is a long journey, but we had an AirBnB rental so the Junior squad for this trip made a weekend of it.

The only problem with our house? There were some serious signs it was haunted.

You see, we try to keep things relatively cheap for trips like this. Nordic skiing is an expensive sport, so when you get the opportunity to stay in a large house for a small amount of money, why not take it? Who cares if this rental was a former homeless shelter? Who cares if there are holes in the back of the closets that lead to torn-apart sections of the building, disconnected showers, and lit up hallways despite no occupancy…

It was all pretty fitting, though, given Halloween was only a few days prior. And it had been some years since I’d cooked any “room pasta” which is a throwback to when we would bring a hotplate and make Eastern Cup dinners on the hotel bathroom countertop (this former homeless shelter did not have a traditional kitchen, as you might guess from such an establishment).

Out for a Saturday run in the Pittsfield State Forest

So, we certainly had some interesting accommodations. Other than that, the weekend was very standard for a ski race trip. We looked up some nearby trails to do a pre-race run at, and woke up early to oatmeal and eggs for an uphill classic race. There were many NENSA teams and friends in attendance, and frost at the top of the mountain. Many were in their winter race suits, which gave a good preview of the season ahead.

Astrid took the win in the short course women’s race, with Jorgen in 2nd place for the men. Liam also completed the short course even with a bit of sleep-deprivation, having gotten up at 4:30AM to make the start. In the long course, Jonah and Lorenzo duked it out in waves with many familiar skiers from EMXC, GMVS, SMS, and more. Seven had an epic race, chasing down skiers and battling through racers one after another.

We had some Masters in attendance, too! Peter Vile and Michael Dillon both raced, with Michael taking a Masters podium in 2nd!

Women’s podium ft. Astrid

Best of all, you don’t have to rely on just photos and stories…Seven made an excellent vlog of the trip 🙂

BKL Info Nov 4-8: Fun Fall Fridays and more

By Liz Hollenbach on 5 November, 2024 in BKL Race Blog, BKL Training Schedule

It doesn’t quite feel like fall with all these warm days, but November is here and there are lots of ways to get involved with MNC. We have both weekend and weekday events coming up.

And if you haven’t registered your kids for programs this winter now is a great time. Reg Link

BKL Fun Fall Fridays – First one this Friday, November 8

We’ll play games, hike, do some dryland ski exercise and get outside for some exercise. It’s a great chance to meet coaches, other skiers and parents. These days are for parents and kids. Everyone is encouraged to join the groups! Let us know if you are coming.

Friday, November 8th at Cochran’s in Richmond
Friday November 15nd at Mills Riverside Park, Rt. 15, Jericho
Friday, November 22nd, Mills Riverside Park, Rt. 15, Jericho

Time: 3:45 to 4:45. Bring your headlamp!
Fun Fall Fridays are free and completely optional.
Look for a post on the BKL Weekly Schedule (listed under the BKL Kids tab on the website) with updated info each week.

3rd Annual Tomasi Trot – Sunday, November 10th at 10am

This is a fun family event in Underhill is hosted jointly by the Underhill Recreation Committee and Mansfield Nordic. Let’s raise some money for grooming at Tomasi this winter. Options include a 5k race as well as a 1.5k course for kids and walkers. Link here for Registration, Event Website and Volunteer Signup

Season Lease Equipment from MNC – Perfect for Penguins and Jack Rabbits

We still have a great selection of season lease gear available. We have sets of both no-wax ($89) classic and brand new skate equipment ($109).

Make a season lease appointment for Saturday, November 16

MNC Apparel for Youth and Adults– Orders due online by November 30th 11:59pm

Great for BKL skiers, parents and supporters. This order includes sweatshirts, sweatpants, shirts, hats and more.

More Info and Online Order Form

*This year instead of team t-shirts we’re getting custom Mansfield Nordic neck gaiters (like Buffs) for all BKL skiers and they should arrive in early January. So if your child needs a new t-shirt or sweatshirt you can check those out using the apparel order above.

BKL Parent Meeting Save the Date – Our annual Parent Meeting is Tuesday, December 3nd at 7pm. The meeting will be virtual and everyone is encouraged to join. I will send out a link and post on the MNC website (on the Weekly Schedule Page under BKL) after Thanksgiving.

MNC T-shirts, Sweatshirts and Softshell Jackets

By Liz Hollenbach on 5 November, 2024 in BKL Training Schedule, Junior Blog, Masters Blog

MNC Apparel for Youth and Adults- Orders due online by November 30th 11:59pm

Outfit yourself and your family in a little MNC gear this winter. This order is great for MNC skiers (BKL, Juniors and Masters), families and supporters. Options includes sweatshirts, sweatpants, t-shirts and hats.

*New this year are adult soft-shell jackets- these are a great lightweight training jacket. The small adult sizes should work well for some BKL skiers – check the size charts on the order form.

Orders will be distributed the week of December 9th and in time for being on snow and the holidays.

Use the button below to see all the options and make your order. We are working with Joann’s Uniforms in Colchester.

More Info and Order Here

Masters Fall Running and Racing

By Karen Alence on 22 October, 2024 in Uncategorized

Masters are enjoying the fall running weather. This Thursday evening, at Catamount, some started their ski season prep and ran with poles. All were treated to both a magnificent sunset over the Adirondacks and a spectacular full hunters moonrise.

Some masters took on the challenging course at the Trapps Mountain Half Marathon. The weather was perfect and fall foliage views superb. All finished fairly unscathed with only a few minor falls and plenty of stories.

Others enjoyed the GMAA 1/2 marathon on the beautiful course in the Champlain Islands. Jen and Jim Adkisson were both age group podium finishers!