Getting ready for the 2012 Sharbot Lake Snow Drags

Photo:  A team of dedicated volunteers prepare the ice for the Sharbot Lake Snow drags scheduled to take place on Saturday February 11 at Oso beach in Sharbot Lake (an alternate has been set for February 18 if the ice conditions do not permit)

A team of volunteers were out in full force on Sharbot Lake at Oso beach recently, armed with reflective pylons, measuring tape and ice augers to set up the course for the Sharbot Lake Snow Drags. The races are scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 11.

The event, which is organized by members of the Oso District 3 Recreation Committee, was reborn last year after a hiatus of several years. It is a popular winter event that attracts riders from near and far looking to test their metal against the clock. Some of the snow machines can reach speeds of up to 100km /hour. The event includes various classes for riders of all ages and new this year is an open class that can accommodate most types of snow machines.

On Sunday Jan. 22 Dennis Scott and his team of volunteers were busy measuring out the two race lanes, each of which is 20 feet wide and 660 feet long. A backhoe idling at the beach was being used to place snow near the lake entrance so that additional trucks can later drive out onto the lake to pack and move snow around in preparation for race day.

Last year’s event attracted close to 150 riders and organizers this year are hoping to beat that and get 200 riders out. There will be trophy prizes for the 1st and 2nd place winners in each class, and following the races there will be a trophy presentation at The Crossing Pub at the Sharbot Lake Country Inn beginning at approximately 5 p.m.

The Sharbot Lake and District Lions will be setting up a canteen at the beach where participants and spectators can purchase beverages, snacks and a meal.

Meanwhile, back on the ice, Dennis reported that auger samples taken by the group showed the ice at a thickness of about 12 inches, which he said was “better than last year at this time.” That was on Sunday, prior to the recent bout of rain and warm temperatures.

Scott said he's hoping for 18 inches by race day but added that the drags could still run at 14 inches and meet the prescribed insurance regulations. Volunteer Justin Tryon is hoping for ideal weather on the race day. “Minus 5 degrees and sunny. Would be just right”, he said.

The races are set for Saturday February 11. Registration will take place from 7 - 10 a.m. at the lower level of the Sharbot Lake Medical Center at Oso beach. Races begin at 10 a.m. In the event that ice conditions do not meet safety requirements on race day, a back up date has been scheduled for Saturday, February 18.

Anyone wanting more information about the drags can visit the Sharbot Lake Snow Drags on Facebook or can contact Charlene Godfrey at 613-279-2935 ext 245 or 613-279-1105. For more technical information contact Justin Tryon at 613-279-1933.