The Lynn Parks and Recreation Department will be sponsoring the inaugural Lynn Woods Snowshoe Series following the first major snowstorm of the season, which is set to hit the area Thursday. The series will be managed by members of the Lynn Woods Summer Running community, which celebrated its 50th season this summer.
There will be no entry fee for the races, and there are currently five courses designated for snowshoe races — two set on wide fire roads and the other three set on slightly narrower, single-track side trails.
On the two unmarked fire roads, It is felt that the width of the roads and their adjacent tree lines offer enough visuals to lead through the route. The trees have orange blazers and are an aide.
The other three courses have a bit of single track, and they are marked with orange streamers. Their trees also are blazed. The colors differ.
“Many thanks to your snowshoe committee — Eric Bowden, Jeff Cook, Sal Genovese, Jeff Hixon, Mark Rosenblum and Scott Somers — who designed and marked the current five available courses,” said Joe Abelon, who will help manage the series.
The committee has provided the following guide as to when it is appropriate to use the single-track course:
Snow depths: Snowshoe track No. 1: 8 inches; snowshoe tracks No. 2 and No. 4: 12 inches.
Packed or frozen depths. If fresh powdery snow, Snowshoe No. 1 may be okay, but not the other two single-track routes.
To report your race times, send in your bib number, time, snowshoe course number and the date.
Please study your directions and maps. It is highly recommended for those less familiar with the single-track trails of Lynn Woods that you travel with someone who is.
It is suggested that one carry a phone, source of energy, water and a good sense of humor when going snowshoeing.
Those that need bib numbers may send an email to [email protected], and more information on www.lwrun.org.