MMRG moves snowshoe, bike races to Branch Hill Farm

A snowshoe race entrant plies the race course at a recent MMRG event. (MMRG photo)

MILTON MILLS - Is it really possible to run on snowshoes or to ride a bike in snow? The answer to both is a resounding 'yes' and the proof will be on Saturday, Jan. 21, at Branch Hill Farm, the new site of the 3^rd annual Moose Mountain RunAround snowshoe race, also featuring a fat bike race for the first time this year. The races are a benefit for Moose Mountains Regional Greenways (MMRG) and enthusiastic onlookers are encouraged to come cheer on the participants. Volunteers are also needed.

Snowshoe racers will traverse 4 to 5 miles of open fields, snowmobile trails and single track around the 3,000-acre Branch Hill Farm at 307 Applebee Road, Milton Mills. The fat bike course will be between 8 and 10 miles, open for this event only. The snowshoe race will begin at 10 am and the bike race just afterwards, around 11 am.

The suggested donation for each race is $20 in advance and $25 on the race day. Dion Snowshoes will have loaner snowshoes available for an additional $5 on a first come first serve basis; a few fat bikes may also be available. Racers will be eligible for prizes and refreshments will be provided after the race. Registered walkers are also welcome to enjoy the trails. To pre-register, reserve snowshoes, or for more info, go to http://trailrnr.wix.com/moose-mountain-ss or call 603-520-8533.

Volunteers are needed in advance to help prepare the course and on the day of the race to help with set-up and tear down, parking, to serve food, direct racers along the course, work the finish line, photography, and to compile results. To volunteer, call MMRG Education Coordinator, Kari Lygren at 603-978-7125 or email info@mmrg.info.

Both races have been created as fundraisers for Moose Mountains Regional Grenways and take advantage of the excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation in this region. Protecting such opportunities through conserving open space is part of the mission of MMRG, a non-profit land trust serving the towns of Wolfeboro, New Durham, Brookfield, Wakefield, Milton, Middleton and Farmington; see www.mmrg.info.

Ilex Wetlands Consultants and Wolfeboro Oil are sponsoring the event, and Beveridge's Beer and Soap, Nordic Skier, and The Works Café donated prizes and food. Branch Hill Farm/the Carl Siemon Family Charitable Trust works to protect open space and working forests and to educate the public about sound forestry, conservation and agricultural practices; see www.branchhillfarm.org.