SEELEY LAKE – Skiers and shooters will combine their skills on the Seeley Lake Nordic Trails for the Seeley Lake Biathlon Saturday, Feb. 1. Being the only citizens Biathlon in Montana, all experience levels are welcome to this very “Montana-esque” event.
Racers can participate in either a 21K, 9K or 3K. Regardless of the total distance, skiers will do three loops. In between each lap they will shoot first standing and second prone. Penalty laps are skied for all missed shots.
This past summer, the Seeley Lake Nordic Club improved the course entering the range and re-sloped the trail exiting the shooting range. They also added an earthen berm behind the targets to catch the bullets.
“This is much safer,” said Race Director Chris Lorentz pointing out before that while the range was in a safe direction, there was no barrier to stop the bullets from going into the woods behind the targets.
The Libby Nordic Club donated four biathlon targets to the Seeley Lake Nordic Club. With the help of Pitman Machining, Lorentz was able to make them operational, increasing the targets available from seven to 11.
“That will keep things flowing,” said Lorentz.
While racers must provide their own ski equipment, rifles, targets and ammo will all be available to use. The Seeley Lake Wilderness Sportsman’s Club added peep sites to some of the rifles to meet biathlon standards. If someone has their own gun, that can be used as well.
All racers are required to attend the mandatory range and gun safety meeting that will start between 8 – 8:30 a.m. Saturday morning. There will also be shooter training for those that would like it.
“We all need to get on the same page,” said Lorentz. “We are going to have some safety protocols so everyone gets to play by the same rules.”
This race is a cooperative venture by the Seeley Lake Nordic Ski Club and the Wilderness Sportsman Club of Seeley Lake, both are 501.c.4 Non-Profit Organizations. All proceeds go to these non-profits for youth and event development. Awards and food will be provided.
“It is a very Montana-esque event – skiing and shooting,” said Lorentz. “It really has shaken it up for the ski team. Some of them consider it the most exciting event of the season just because it is so different.”
Races start at 10 a.m. for the 21K, 11 a.m. for the 9K and 12 p.m. for the 3K. Volunteers are still needed to help with the race. For more information or to volunteer call Lorentz at (406) 677-6803 or cnjlorentz101@gmail.com.
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