Getting over the hump

And speaking of skiing around in the dark, Durango Nordic is once again hosting its weekly Wednesday night romp around Purgatory starting next Wed., Jan. 10. This is the second year for the races, formally known as the McDonald's Twilight Nights series, which features four weeks of racing for skiers, fat bikers and snowshoers. The series culminates with the super fancy Snowdown Triathlon on Jan. 31.

The first three events are a series with points awarded for each race and each category (ski, snowshoe, bike). Torn on what to do? Enter as "Snow Master" and do all three disciplines over the three weeks. At the end of the series, winners are awarded prizes for youth (U18) and adult, male and female, categories. For the rest, there will be plenty of free schwag as well as weekly prize giveaways.

Mountain Bike Specialists will be loaning a limited number of fat bikes for participants on a first-come first-serves basis. To reserve, call 247- 4066. As well, the Durango Running Co. will be loaning out snowshoes to first-comers who call 764-4366 to reserve.

Registration opens at 5 p.m. at Hoody's. Head-lamps are required for all racers, and helmets required for bikers.