Valli Murnane, co-owner of Tahoe Cross Country--where the race starts, inspects the starting zone.

(photo by Polly McGehee)

Jim Fredericks (711) scouts the first few meters of the race track.

(photo by Polly McGehee)

Guy Power (896) observes the fine tuneup on his precious skis by...

(photo by Polly McGehee)

...the tune master. The tune can make or brake [sic] your race.

(photo by Polly McGehee)

A bunch of skis...no flock, no covey, noooo...um...hey! Not that again!
Okay...skis huddle, chat, mingle, comiserate, and rest up for their impending workout.

(photo by Polly McGehee)

Imploring Peace...and speedy skis...

(photo by Polly McGehee)

The TNSAR truck marks its territory.

(photo by Polly McGehee)

There sure are lots of smiles at this race...Smetana Daniel (705) sports a beautiful one!

(photo by Polly McGehee)

...as does Karyn Erickson (741),

(photo by Polly McGehee)

...and Phebe Bell (921) and companion.

(photo by Polly McGehee)

Kevin Hirsh (265) wakes up his legs for the race.
Say...that doo looks familiar--saw that last year. Now methinks, 'tis real?

(photo by Polly McGehee)

The family that races together...has one thing on its mind: WINNING!
Note their relative times. Danielle Griffo (681-3:00), Jeff Griffo (680-3:55), Chris Griffo (679-2:38).
Here they share their cheer before blast off.

(photo by Polly McGehee)

Skiers amalgamate; no...coalesce, no...gather, no...assemble, no...line up, no...amass, no...convene, no...congregate...
Well...all the above, ..at the start line, in the remaining few moments before the "Big Bang".

(photo by Polly McGehee)