Lyle and Kathy Blomberg were silent sports advocates even before they built their beautiful High Point Village. Over the years, Blombergs have been volunteer caretakers of the Timm's Hill area's numerous trails, events, and roads. These include the hiking trails that are kept cleared, the High Point ski trails, and the Prentice high cross country trails. They used to host the Timm's Hill ski race even when Bass Lake Tap existed.

This year, for the eighth time, the High Point Village Resort hosted the Timm's Hill Trudge. It is a snowshoe race out at Wisconsin's highest point. Racers begin at the High Point Village at the Snowshoe Lodge. They follow the village's ski trails and then follow the National Ice Age Trail over to Timm's Hill.

It draws local interest, but mostly interest from outside Price County. "It was nice to see more interest from Phillips this year," said Kathy. She was refering to John Wilke, Todd and Megan Zumach, and Jack Johnson who all participated in the race. {IMG2}

Kathy commented on how the trudge has become "a really down-home race" because of the many family members participating together. She commented that many in her family were able to make the race. Her brother from Georgia came, as well as some relatives from Chicago. Two of her granddaughters participated in the race: Hannah Strombom, the youngest participant at age 8, and Megan Niggemann, age 10.

There were about 100 racers this year and about that many fans too. There are two races, the 3.5 mile and the 7 mile race. Most opted for the shorter version. The awards divisions were according to age groups and sex. In years past, the race had drawn between 40-60 racers, but this year they had the most participants ever.

The scenery is what many of the participants came to see during the event. The area still has around a foot of snow, and the trails were groomed beautifully. The abrupt hills and small lakes are what make up much of the landscape, along with the nice mix of large hardwood and conifers.

Phillips High School cross country and track coach, John Wilke, commented on the beauty of the races. He said that "the beauty is hard to match" of the challenging and scenic races. Wilke is an authority on the description of snowshoe racing, since he has been racing since 1979. He said that as he ran the race he ventured through an oak forest, up and down ridges, across some lowland and over some hills here and there.

Some racers go all out with their equipment and their training. Some use the traditional large wooden snowshoes and others spend hundreds on their lightweight metal and plastic racing shoes. This event is one in a series of snowshoe races in Wisconsin. The racers can qualify in different races and earn points towards a goal.

Both of the races took two hours, then it was time for the chili feed. Kathy Blomberg served her guest racers chili, corn muffins, brownies, spice cake, chips and soda among other snacks in the "snowshoe lodge." The lodge is similar to an old time mess hall for Northwoods loggers. It has a large stone fire place with long tables that seat 50.

Wilke said, "Lyle and Kathy have a great thing going, they have the snowshoe course perfected." He expects that the race will grow and become larger in years to come.

The weather and volunteers worked out perfectly for the event. Lyle, just getting back from following to see if the racers finished, added, "It was fine weather, that's for sure. Thanks to all the volunteers." On Saturday, March 1, it was just before the frigid temperatures and gusting winds of Sunday.

Kathy and Lyle would like to thank Prentice English teacher Ken Spellman for help at the finish line. "Without him we couldn't go on," said Kathy. They would like to thank Gail Nelson from Medford for helping at the finish line with timing and recording. Thanks go out to Randy Hueckman for helping to start the race. Kathy and Lyle thank their cousins for helping at the water stops by handing out candy and oranges and water and also to all of the people who helped out with the many jobs necessary to make sure the race went smoothly and successfully. Kathy said that everything was perfect and they couldn't have asked for a better day.

Winners for the seven mile and three-and-a-half mile races include both women's and men's categories. Everyone who participates receives a medal. First place receives a gold medal and a plaque, second a silver medal and third a bronze medal.

Women's seven mile results :

• First place: Cynthia Schroeder from Minneapolis, Minn.

• Second place: Shelly Wilson from the Twin Cities, Minn. area.

• Third place, Judy Punke from Wausau

Men's seven mile results:

• First place: Jay Punke from Wausau

• Second place: Scott Scheithauer from Medford

•Third place: Mike Quednow from Westboro

Women's three-and-a-half mile results:

• First place: Tina Hanke

• Second place: Lynn Brietlow from Wauwatosa

• Third place: Chris Kepner from the Milwaukee area

Men's three-and-a-half mile results:

• First place: Todd Hanke

• Second place: John Wilke from Phillips

• Third place: Steve Hanke

For more information on next year's events call (715) 767-5287 or look up www.lyleb@ centurytel.net.

Scott Hueckmann