That is a classic!
Before I lived here, I would schedule one 6 day ride. It was always around this time of the year and always here in the Keweenaw. We rented sleds. Some years the snow was epic, some not so good, but I do not ever remember being disappointed we made the trip.
Fun happens all by itself. Just let it happen.
-John
Being on a rental can turn it up a notch,after all, they do come with a race number already on them.