The month of March is the reward for surviving a long Alaskan winter. Every savvy survivor of the dark and cold months knows enough to have a plan on how to make use of the sunshine and snow.
The top-end competition at the front of the race is always hotly contested, but the majority of skiers are on the less-competitive end of the spectrum. Many people use the event as a chance to get outside with friends for some social skiing.
Bib pickup
Bib pickup will start at 9:00 AM at the Sheldon Community Arts Hangar in beautiful downtown Talkeetna till 11:00 AM. Our quickly getting famous "Ski Talkeetna" hat as well as our cool retro sticker will be on sale at the info desk.
Ski waxing
Also this year, Toko rep Patrick McGownd and his helpers will provide free ski waxing outside the Hangar again.
Its a bad deal, I know. Because how can you blame your wax for that slow time if its done perfectly.
Junior Race
This will be the third year the race is preceded by a Junior Oosik. Kids ages 5-12 can join in the fun by participating in a shortened 3km version of the Oosik while the crowd cheers them on. Children can be registered for free by an adult at the Hangar. The start is at the same spot at the Oosik around 10:15 AM, Talkeetna time and comes with their own feed station donated by the Flying Squirrel.
Race start
The Oosik Classic starts at high noon with the 50km; the 25km starts at 12:30 PM. The start is near downtown Talkeetna, Alaska
Feed Stations/Finish Snack
Along the route there will be 4 official feed stations for the 25km and 7 feed stations for the 50km with quick bites, gatorade and water. Knowing Talkeetna, there will be a couple non-official feedstations providing the better stuff.
The finish line skiers-only feed station is this year catered by Mountain High Pizza Pie and provides soup, bread and a famous MHPP Panini (Meat or Veggie). Beautiful downtown Talkeetna has plenty of eateries for your dinner at night.
After-Party
After all the skiing is done, Talkeetna rolls out the red carpet at the Hangar for what is surely the best after-party of any race event in Alaska. The party has plenty of our local Denali Brewing Company free beer and will kick of with our own local fresh new indie band Trajectory followed by Anchorge based 6 member strong, Superfrequency. Deep funk/dance grooves with biting guitar riffs, lush keys and full horn section. The famous Oosik party is so much fun that even volunteers line up for it.
The Hangar has a 250 max capacity and the door will be run with a first come - first serve policy.
Directions
Give yourself 2 1/2 hours from Anchorage and a little over 5 hours from Fairbanks when the road conditions are good. Please drive safely! Bringing friends makes the time fly!
