Rod Noel reaches his 10,000 km skiing goal
by Giselle Lussier
Retired Spruce Woods Provincial Park Maintenance Supervisor, Rod Noel has reached an extraordinary milestone. On the afternoon of Sunday, January 5th he completed 10,000 kilometers cross-country skiing on self-groomed trails that wind through his property north of Glenboro.
“It was a goal I set for myself when I retired in 2010,” said Rod. Over 14 years, he faced winters with no snow, delayed starts, and sticky trails caused by extreme cold. “This sport is entirely weather-dependent,” he noted.
Rod’s dedication to the sport is evident not just in the distance he’s covered but in the pace he’s maintained. On average, he skis at a steady 7 kilometers per hour, a testament to his endurance and technique. “It’s a pace that lets me enjoy the beauty around me while still covering good ground or engaging in conversation when someone joins me,” he said.
Rod is a meticulous record keeper. He also keeps memorabilia; and has the first set of wooden skies he purchased in 1977, as well as the bill of sale to go with them! “$141 with taxes for a top of the line set back then, including boots and poles,” he said with a chuckle. It was through these detailed logs – tracking kilometers skied while checking trail conditions in the park – that he had an epiphany. “If I could log an average of 100 kilometers a year checking the trails at work, I figured I could easily ski a lot more in retirement, and that is how the 10,000 kilometers goal came about,” he explained.
Rod Noel’s logs are more than just records of kilometers skied. They detail where he went, distance, speed, the weather and trail conditions, and, perhaps most notably, who joined him on each trip. He also notes the dates of his first and last runs of the season, along with how many times each individual accompanied him throughout the years – both two legged and four legged.
But even on solo outings, Rod is never truly alone. Classic rock tunes streaming through his headset have been his steadfast companions, providing rhythm and motivation as he glides through the serene beauty of his property. “There’s nothing like the energy of a good rock song to keep you moving, especially when the trails get tough and I never go without my dog,” he said while petting his best friend Diesel, a golden retriever.
Rod’s love for the sport began in the most unexpected way. It was his former boss; Park Ranger Bob Enns; who first suggested Rod create ski trails and cabin sites in Spruce Woods Provincial Park. “I had never put on a pair of skis prior to that,” Rod admitted with a laugh.
One of the first trails Rod designed was at Epinette Creek. The process was both methodical and creative: using topographic photos to map out a route, then working with park employees to cut and shape the trails. Over the years, Rod played a key role in crafting most of the scenic and rolling trails at Epinette Creek, Yellow Quill and Seton – routes now beloved by countless park visitors and locals who walk, run or ski the trails year round.
Considering his bonds with the trails in the park, it was a little surprising when Rod revealed that pretty much all of the 10,000 kms, were trekked on the 10 plus kilometer trails he has groomed on his own land. “I love the trails at the park, but this is so convenient. I often go out more than once a day which I wouldn’t do if I had to load up my skis then drive to a trail,” he surmised.
Grooming the trails himself, Rod has not only maintained his physical health but also cultivated a deep connection with the land. “I get so much gratification from every aspect of this endeavor, every element of it is positive,” Rod shared thoughtfully.
Beyond skiing, Rod finds joy and purpose in every step of the process. Clearing trails has a practical benefit, too: the wood he chops while creating and maintaining them serves as the main source of heat for his home. “It’s satisfying to know the work I put into these trails also keeps us warm through the winter,” he said.
“Many people have asked me how I don’t get bored skiing the same trail. What they don’t understand is that every time I go out there I spot something new, the conditions always vary as well, making every ski trip unique.” That being said, he did comment that one of his concerns is the fear of a bad fall when by himself. “One fall which resulted in pulling muscles in my leg luckily happened about a half kilometer from home so I was able to crawl my way back. It was painful but I was able to do it.”
How to dress is always a bit of a conundrum as Rod explained you don’t want to over dress which would cause the skier to sweat but then there is always the fear that an injury could happen and you want to be dressed warm enough to withstand the elements.
Throughout his 10,000 kilometers, Rod has experienced countless memorable moments – some joyous, others challenging. There have been laughs with friends, a few tumbles on the trails, and even some more dramatic incidents, including the loss of a front tooth and an ambulance trip to the hospital. “It’s all part of the journey,” he says with a wry smile, reflecting on the ups and downs of his skiing adventures.
Rod admits that there are days when it takes real effort to lace up his boots and head out and there is always the fear of sustaining a serious injury when out alone. “There are definitely times when I’ve had to push myself out the door,” he acknowledges. Yet, once he hits the trails, the rhythm of his skis, the crisp air, and the pull of his goal always made it worthwhile.
On the afternoon of Sunday, January 5th, Rod s reached his remarkable 10,000 kilometre goal. The final stretch was a 2.5-kilometer run, and he wasn’t alone. By his side were his two sons, Mike and Jeff, daughter-in-law Sally, and friends Myrtle Nichol, Jim Rawlings, Kevin Newton, and Peter Sawatzky, all skiing together to mark the momentous occasion.
As the group glided to the finish, cheers erupted, and Rod’s wife, Kathy, was waiting with a celebratory bottle of champagne. The cork popping marked not just the huge accomplishment, but the joy of sharing it with family and friends who had supported him along the way.
“It was a moment I’ll never forget. The trails were really good, considering the morning temperature was -34, I was afraid it would make for sticky skiing, but it warmed up a lot in the afternoon so the skiing was great,” Rod said, beaming with pride and gratitude. His wife Kathy, son Terry and friend Dave Evitt were waiting with a celebratory bottle of champagne.
Rod hopes his story inspires others to take up cross-country skiing. “That’s why I set this goal – to encourage people to try the sport,” he said. As for what’s next? “I’m going to be a fair-weather skier now,” he declared, content to enjoy the trails at his own pace.