|
Nordic
Alpine
Yellowstone
Rendezvous 25k Classic
Saturday, March 8th
Air and snow temp was 22 degrees during the race, new snow conditions.
| Don Pollari |
6th Overall
1st Age Group |
HSF-20 Tan
VR40 Kick |
fine universal grind |
Note
from Don: In testing skis prior to the start I almost went with a
stiffer pair of skis (Salomon Equipe Classics) that had HS-0 White and
a fine linear grind that were also gliding well. With the new snow
I went with my Atomics because they kick easier. (A friend of mine
had very good skis with HS-10, seems you should never discount the effect
of dry friction).
Great
Bear Chase Calumet MI
Sunday, March 8th
Race time temp of 15 to 23 degrees, icy fast conditions.
| Nikolai Anikin |
1st Overall -50k
skate |
HSF-20 Tan overlay of Flite cold
(test wax) |
cold skis - fine grind |
Slush
Rush, 10k Freestyle, Elm Creek
Saturday, March 7th
Temp was 25 with a bit of wind..
| Katherine Himes |
2nd Women
1st Age Group |
HSF-30 Salmon |
Stiffer ski |
Note
from Katherine: I used a stiffer ski, which was a goood decision
on the left side of the trail, where the snow was firmly packed, but not
a good idea on the right side of the trail, where the snow was mashed potatoes.
I was pleased with Salmon.
Sleeping
Giant Ski Loppet Thunder Bay
Saturday, March 7th
Race time temps were in the high 20's. Snow was transformed and fast
after a warm-up into the high 30's. Trail was piston bully grooned
and was firm except for the last 10K which was softer.
| Paulette Niemi |
1st Age Group
14th Overall
50k skate |
HSF-20 Flite overlay |
Atomic Cheetah's
Med flex |
Lakeland
Loppet, Minocqua Winter Park, Minocqua WI
Saturday, February 28th
Air temp around 0 at the start-warming up from 22 below overnight.
Tracks were firm and fast with the new snow received on Thursday mixed
in with some older ice snow.
| Paulette Niemi |
8k Classic Race
1st Overall
Woman
10th Overall M/W |
HSP-10 Green & cold powder mix
VR 30-3 layers |
Atomic World Cup |
|
|
|
|
Lakeland
Loppet, Minocqua Winter Park, Minocqua, WI
Sunday, March 1st
Held at 11 a.m. under sunny skies. Temps had warmed, to 14 degrees.
Skate Trail was very firm with nice corderoy.
| Paulette Niemi |
25 k Skate Race
1st Overall |
HSP-10 Green |
Atomic Cheetahs
med flex |
|
|
|
|
Note
from Paulette: I should have used a stiffer ski as the trail was
a lot harder than I thought it would be after the new snow.
River
View Loppet, Afterhours Ski Trail Brule, WI
Saturday, February 28th
The temps were somewhere around 8 or 9 degrees at the start, warming up
frim a low of -15 or so overnight.
| Katherine Himes |
6th Overall
1st Age Group
Classic Race- 12k |
HS-0 White
kick VF20 |
med-firm ski |
Note
from Katherine: What a fun race!
American
Birkebeiner, Hayward WI Saturday,
February 21st
Wax recommendation: From Wednesday through
Thursday it was cold (below zero at night” with a brisk north wind
this dried out the snow and made is ski colder than the temperature would
indicate. They also tilled up the dry snow Friday night, this blended
with the new snow making for a combination of cold old snow with some new
dry snow. The waxing was really independent of the normal waxing temperatures
and conditions and remained cold.
| Wynn Roberts |
7th Overall
2nd Age Group |
HSF-10 Green |
Universal grind |
| Katherine Himes |
70th Overall
6th Age Group |
HS-0 White over HS-10 Teal |
|
| Jessie Diggins |
Korte Champion |
HS-10 Teal |
Atomic |
| Adam Loomis |
7th Overall
2nd Age Group -
Korte |
HSF-10 Green topped with Flite 11 |
Medium flex -fine grind |
| Dave Nelson |
175th Overall |
HSF-20 Tan |
Fischer -cold grind |
| Dan Cruser |
65th Age Group |
HSF-20 Tan |
Light structure |
| Grant Nelson |
21st Overall
54k Classic |
HSF-20 Tan |
|
| Elaine Nelson |
5th Overall
2nd Age Group
54k Classic |
HSF-20 Tan |
|
| Paulette Niemi |
11th Overall
3rd Age Group |
HSF-10 Green
Fluoro overcoat |
Atomic Cheetahs
Med flex, Univ grind |
| Dave Christopherson |
2nd Age Group
154th Overall |
HSF-10 mixed with White - Flite over |
|
| Don Pollari |
15th Age Group
97th Overall Classic |
HSF-10 over HS-20 |
|
| Dan Meyer |
12th Age Group |
HSLF 10 Teal |
Atomic WC Soft Flex
Universal Grind |
| Dave Meyer |
3rd Ski of the Year |
HS -0 White over HSLF 10 Teal |
Atomic RS11
Medium Flex
Fine Grind |
Note from Dan and John
Dan - This was my best overall finish
in the Birke. I used a soft flexed ski, (about 10 lbs softer than normal
for me), universal grind, HSLF-10 Teal Wax. Dave Meyer skied my normal
Birkie skies, medium flex, fine grind, 1 layer of HS 0 White over HSLF
10 Teal.
With the new snow on Saturday we moved
down a stiffness in skies, I changed to the soft skis with the universal
grind, Dave used my medium flexed ski that are soft from him.
Both of us felt our skis were better than
average and we were able to move up through the packs on the down hill
runs fairly easily. I did run out of gas on the lake and lost about 1 minute
to group with Randy Larson, not that I haven't done this before.
John Stamm Skied a old soft pair
of Fishers with HS-10 Teal, Fine Grind and reported great skis through
the race. John got a very slow start as he was caught up in traffic getting
to the start.
Jessie Diggins Reported good skis
not, not great using the the HS-10 Teal
Note from Wynn: I put a pole
between my legs at 5k out and lost the group of 3 and then was able to
stay ahead of Flora for the finish. The skis kept getting faster
because there was less snow towards Hayward.
Note from Katherine: Here
is my story: This year I had the great fortune of skiing out of the women's
elite wave (how I was placed in that wave, I have no idea, as I finished
62nd
last year). The start was fabulous (as in no men, who often are much taller
and heavier), so I could ski wherever I wanted in the trail! What a luxury!
I stayed near the back of the wave, and caught several women who were sking
alone during the first 10K of the race. From 10K-OO, I skied with a nice
woman named Crystal, but she slowed down at OO. I was alone until Mosquito
Brook, which was unexpected, and provided a lot of mental challenges, as
Wave 1 men continued to pass me, and were going too quickly for me to hang
on the back of their train. A nice woman caught me just after Mosquito
Brook, and I hung with her for a few K, and then passed her. Near Duffy's
Field, I passed another woman, and had a very windy ski across Lake Hayward.
My skis were very fast after the lake, and I V2ed with my remaining energy
to cross the finish line. I must say that the trail was absolutely gorgeous
on Saturday. I look forward to my 12th Birkie in 2010, which may happen
on classic skis...
Note from Adam: I started
in the second wave so I didn't know how I ended up until the results.
It was a fun, but hard race! The pure fluoro definitely helped with
the snow and warmer temps.
Note from Dave: Well, I don't
have a glowing result and fast skis to talk about after the 2009 Birkie.
I had waxed with LF teal on my Fischer
cold grind skis in anticipation of cold conditions.
I rewaxed with 2 coats of HF tan the morning
of the race because the temperature
never got as cold as expected 16F(at least
by our cabin). My skis did not run well.
I couldn't keep up to my pack on the downhills
and had to work really hard to catch up on the flats and uphills.
This caused serious problems later in
the race when I ran out of gas from pushing too hard early on.
On a positive note I got a chance to see
allot more people on the course this year as they skied by me
the last 15km.
Note from Dan Cruser: My skis
were fast and was out glided only twice during the race.
Note from Grant: The 2009
American Birkebeiner was my 14th Birkie & the fourth Birkie I skied
classical. I was originally planning on skating the Birkie
this year, but after hearing that Bjorn Daehlie was skiing the classical
event, I decided to switch at the last minute.
I have to admit that it was really exhilarating
standing on the start line next to the best cross country skier in the
world. When the gun went off, we all sprinted off & for a few
seconds, I was actually skiing ahead of the greatest skier in the world.
Shortly after that, I jumped in right behind Bjorn & hammered up the
initial set of hills toward the power lines.
When we hit the power lines, I quickly
realized that it was going to be a "tough" race. The lead pack of
10 guys that I had hoped to be able to ski with quickly glided away &
disappeared into the trees of the new classic trail. For the next
section up to the high point, I basically skied on my own & worked
on trying to relax & calm down. Fortunately, I started feeling
a little better & before I knew it, I could see the lead pack again
well ahead of me through the trees. I knew the lead pack was staying
together because they were being slowed by the inch of fresh snow in the
track. Just before OO, I managed to catch the pack & was thinking
that my luck was starting to change.
Unfortunately, I was wrong. As soon
as we joined the skaters, the pack quickly dispersed as the classic skiers
& skaters joined the same trail. I was quickly shot out the back
of the pack & started skiing against 1st & 2nd wave skate skiers.
I love classic skiing with long glides in a nice hard track, but since
the tracks were snowed in & frequently skated over, everyone skied
in the skate lanes. For the next 10km I still felt OK, but my technique
was choppy.
I can still remember the hill when I realized
I was definitely in trouble. I was about 15km from the end &
running up this hill with one of the shortest, most pathetic strides I've
ever skied with. That's when I stopped right in the middle of the
trail! I felt like the way my wife described the time she hit the
wall at the Governor's Cup. I pulled my gel out of my bib(I almost
never take gels during races) & worked at melting my frozen water bottle
filled with a 4x concentration of Gatorade & Tang. I then willed
my legs into moving again & continued up the hill. At that moment
my race tactics completely changed. I went from racing the Birkie
to hoping to finish the Birkie. Skate skiers & classic skiers
started passing me like I was going half speed(because I was). Unfortunately,
the tendonitis in my elbows(from the double pole Mora Vasaloppet) started
to flare up so I was forced to stride most of the flat sections as well.
The next section was sort of a blur, but somehow I managed to climb up
the final hill & descended onto Lake Hayward. I felt like I was
almost done. I forgot, however, that when you ski at half-speed,
everything takes twice as long & is just as painful if not more.
As I skied across the lake, I tried to focus on skiers ahead of me, but
before long they quickly disappeared & I was forced to find someone
else. The shoreline was a wonderful site to see, but I didn't realize
how big a hill it is just getting onto mainstreet. I seriously contemplated
stopping before I turned up mainstreet to see if I could get a little more
energy drink out of the frozen ice chunks at the bottom of my bottle.
Fortunately, the cheering crowd somehow willed me across the finishing
line. I wanted to collapse, but was worried that if I did, I would
have a tough time getting up. I stared at all of the numbered booths
ahead of me for several minutes before I got enough energy & mental
capacity to walk through the appropriate booth. I had hoped to find
my warm-up bag, but the numbers were much too confusing, so I made my way
over to the only tent that made sense, the Food tent. After
polishing off 4 bowls of soup, 4 bananas, numerous rolls & plenty of
energy drink, my physical & mental capacity had returned & I realized
that I had completed another wonderful Birkie ski race. It certainly
wasn't my fastest race, but I'm sure glad I did it & will be back next
year.
Things I would have changed if I could
have:
1)Listened to my own advice concerning
glidewax on Friday night: "You're better off going a little colder glide
wax like Fast Wax Green or Teal. I wouldn't recommend Tan."
I put on a layer of Tan Saturday morning after temperatures were warmer
than expected. Everyone I heard that had Teal or Green had great
skis.
2)Taken a couple more gels with me &
eaten them earlier in the race
3)More longer training sessions
4)Hire a group of high school skiers to
act as for-runners for the entire classic course.
Note from Dave Christopherson:
Not my best race of the season by any means. Not sure if pure fluoros
were the way to go - although it was warmer than I expected, the new snow
we were on in the elite wave still acted cold and slow. Straight
green might have been the better way to go. On the other hand, softer
skis might have been better than the stiff ones I chose (expecting or at
least hoping for hard, fast conditions). Or maybe I should have just
gone faster. But that's racing. (And there's always next year...)
Note from Don Pollari: No
happy Birkie tales for me this year. I skied well for around 30k and then
hit the wall like never before. I limped into the finish line seeing stars
and having had 60 to 80 fellow classic skiers pass me in the last ten k's
and being unable to do anything about it.
Glidewax (2 layers of HSF-10 over HS-20)
was not my problem, inadequate training base and missing the kick combo
for the day cost me dearly. Like many others I went with a green klister
binder covered with several thick layers of hard wax and it was definitely
dragging a bit. Regardless, I felt fine for over half the race overtaking
many skiers who had started faster and skiing comfortably with several
skiers who placed quite high. As I mentioned, the root of my trouble
was/is and inadequate training base. My MO in the two marathons I've done
this year is that I'm good for 30-35 k and then run out of gas. Truth is,
to be competitive as a master in a race like the Birkie I'd need to log
350-450 hrs/year in quality training time. I was unable to do that and
in tough classic skiing conditions like we had this year there was no way
I could fake it (though I tried!).
Inga-Lami
11k at Elm Creek, MN Saturday, February
14th
The
weather was around 14 or 15 degrees. It was a great day for racing!
| Katherine Himes |
2nd Age Group
6th Overall |
HSF-20 Tan |
|
Finlandia
Bemidji, MN
Saturday, February 14th
The skiing conditions where great . The crew did a remarkable job
of grinding the ice and a bit of gresh snow into an excellent trail.
| Wynn Roberts |
1st Overall
Winner
50k Freestyle |
HS-0 Extreme White |
Madshus-straight cut
warner grind |
| Conrad Roberts |
1st Overall
Winner
25k Freestyle |
HS-0 Extreme White |
|
| Dan Cruser |
2nd Age Group |
HSF-10 Green 2 layers over HS-20 |
Light rill |
Note from Wynn: I had a warner grind despite the cold weather, the
trail was very transformed and courser grind was running faster.
Note from Dan: My skies were really fast.
Wisconsin
High School State Championships, Minocqua Winter Park, WI Feb 8th
The
temps were warm and overcast all day, with high of 38
Adam Loomis
6k Classic |
28th Overall |
HSF-30 Salmon
red grip tape-VR 55 |
|
Note: My kick was really good an hour before the race, but by race time
I started to slop a little.
Adam Loomis
6k Freestyle |
18th Overall
11th fastest Sk time |
HSF-40 Bronze- Flite |
Fischer RCS Plus
Med structure
.75 super rill |
Note: Had about as fast skis as anyone.
Mora
Vasaloppet Mora MN Sunday, February
8th
Conditions were 15-20 degrees F, 80% humidity, firm crust snow.
| Dave Christopherson |
1st Age Group-35K
FS
8th Overall |
HSF-20 Tan - Flite |
Finn Sisu "uni grind" |
| Dan Cruser |
3rd Age Group -35K
FS |
HSF-20 Tan - Flite |
|
| Nikolai Anikin |
3rd Overall
- 58k Skate |
HSF-20 Tan - Flite |
Atomic uni+ grind light riling |
| Dave Nelson |
1st Age Group
6th Overall |
HSF-20 over HS-20 Blue
Start Blue -Blue Extra |
|
| Wynn Roberts |
5th Overall
1st Age Group |
HSF-30 Salmon-Flite |
|
| Grant Nelson |
11th Overall 42k Classic |
HSF-20 Tan -Flite
viola klister |
|
| Katherine Himes |
1st Age Group-35k
Skate
6th Overall |
HSF-20 Tan-Flite |
Med-stiff skis |
Note
from Dave Nelson: Conditions were really fast so I thought it wouldn't
matter how the skis were waxed, but my skis were definitely faster than
other skiers in my group.
Note
from Grant Nelson: Klister dragged a bit & my elbows gave out
from double-poling with 10k to go.
Durango
Langlauf, Durango CO
Saturday, February 7th
30k Freestyle
| Clay Moseley |
6th Overall |
HSF-20 Tan &
HSF-30 Salmon mix |
|
Note:
I am pretty excited because I have to say that I had incredible skis, and
that may have saved me a couple of times, because this was a very hard
race. All the guys in my group had to ask me what I "had on".
It was a good day!
Pre-Birkie
Hayward, WI
Saturday, February 7th
Temp
fo 36-40 degrees
| Paulette Niemi |
Winner of 42K Skate |
HSF-30 Salmon -Flite |
Atomics |
| Dan Meyer |
1st Age Group |
HSF-30 Salmon -Flite |
Atomic RS10 Wet flex Finn-grind (big rill) |
Note
from Paulette: Had to work hard. Skied on 2 different flex
skis by accident. Should have had more rilling and warmer grind.
Skis were not as fast as others.
Note
from Dan: Skis were really good- would have been great if I had used
HSF-40 Bronze. The weather didn't freeze overnight with morning fog
and mist in the air. Climbed to 40 derees during the day. I
had a lot of people asking what combination of wax I was using as I flew
past them.
Silver
Mine Hill Junior Class Eau Claire, WI Sunday, January
31st
| Adam Loomis |
11th Overall |
Jumped 86.5 & 80.5 meters |
HSF-40 Bronze |
Note
from Adam: Although I did not place too high this was a better competition
for me because I competed against a lot of OJ's (18 and 19 year olds)
and was only a few pionts back from top 5. I rubbed on HSF-40 Bronze
between rounds which worked well as the temperatures climbed and the track
got a little soft.
Silver
Mine Hill Ski Jump Eau Claire, WI
Friday, January 30th
| Adam Loomis |
5th Overall J1 Class |
Jumps of 80.5 and 79.5 meters |
HS-20 Blue
HS-40 Yellow |
Note
from Adam: I waxed with HS-20 Blue and Yellow, which has been proven
to be fastest for an ice track.
J1
Class Jump Minneapolis' K70 Minneapolis, MN
Wednesday, January 28th
| Adam Loomis |
Winner of
J1 Class |
Jumps of 70m and 69.5m |
|
Note
from Adam: I was happy to be able to put together two good jumps
and come out on top. Between rounds I rubbed on HSF-20 Tan because
of the moist snow that was falling.
J1
Class Fox River Grove, IL Sunday January
25th
Ski Jumping on the K70
| Adam Loomis |
4th Overall |
Jumped 70.5 and 71 meters |
|
New
Mexico Cup XC-Classic Ski Race Championships, Saturday Jan 24th
| Clay Moseley |
1st Age Group |
HSF-30 Salmon
HSF-20 Tan mix |
|
|
|
|
|
New
Mexico Cup Freestyle,
Sunday Jan 25th
| Clay Moseley |
1st Age Group |
HSF-30 Salmon
HSF-20 Tan mix |
|
|
|
|
|
Note:
It was very fast conditions, very fast skies.
Alley
Loop, (42k freestyle) Crested Butte, CO
Saturday, Jan 31
Weather
was sunny, low humidity, overnight low of -3 F with air temps rising to
20's during the race. the snow was new to slightly transformed.
| Don Pollari |
13th Overall
5th Age Group |
HSLF-10 Teal |
Fischers ZR1 fine grind |
|
|
|
|
City
of Lakes Loppet, Minneapolis, MN
Saturday, Jan 31st & Sunday Feb 1st
| Katherine Himes |
3rd Overall-Classic
1st Age Group |
HSF-20 Tan Flite 11
Klister-Rode Multi/viola over top |
Med flex skis |
| Nikilai Anikin |
3rd Overall - F Style |
HSF-20 Tan- Flite 11 |
Atomics - fine grind |
| Christian Brekke |
21st Overall-FStyle |
HSF-20 Tan |
|
| Grant Nelson |
14th Overall 35k FS |
HSF-20 Tan - Flite |
|
Christian:
The skis were ok, but Salmon would probable have been a better choice with
the old, sun exposed, slightly dirty snow.
Nikolai: Temps got worm later and while my skis were good early,
by the end I wish I had gone with rills and salmon and Flite 11.
Noquemanon
Ski Marathon, Superior Dome, Marquette,MI
Saturday, Jan 24th
Temperature
0-10F during the race, a little fresh snow the night before.
| Nikolai Anikin |
Winner of
52K Freestyle |
HS-0 White |
Atomics with fine grind |
| Paulette Niemi |
Winner of 52K
Freestyle |
HS-0 White |
Atomics, stiff flex, fine grind |
Note from Paulette:
My skis were fast for conditions (minus 4 at start). Cold dry snow.
Lumberjack
Jaunt, Brainerd, MN Sunday, Jan 25th
-5
degrees F, 50% humidity, firm old snow
| Dan Cruser |
1st Age Group
3rd Overall |
HS-0 White |
|
|
|
|
|
Wasatch
Citizen's Series #3, Mtn. Dell Golf Course, Parley's Canyon, UT
Sunday Jan 25th
Weather was warm and rainy, 42 Degrees, the snow was slush.
| Don Pollari |
1st Age Group
10K Classic |
Salmon/Bronze mix
Flite 11 topcoat
kick-klister, Toko binder - Swix Red over |
old pr Blizzards, Swix .75mm linear rill |
|
|
|
|
Governor's
Cup, Camp Ripley, Little Falls, MN Saturday,
Jan 24th
Yes,
another cold race, -5 degrees F, 50% humidity, firm old snow
| Dave Christopherson |
1st Age Group
13th Overall
25K FS |
HS-0 White |
Finn Sisu "fine" grind |
| Dan Cruser |
1st Age Group
8th Overall
Classic |
HS-0 White |
|
| Dave Nelson |
4th Overall 25K FS
1st Age Group |
HS-0 White |
Med flex ski - fine grind |
| Grant Nelson |
1st Age Group
10th Overall 25K FS |
HS-0 White |
|
Dave Christopherson: At those kinds of temperatures, there's nothing
faster than White.
Dave Nelson: My skis were very fast. I seemed to always be a step
behind coming over the tops of the hills and then catch
back up on the long downhills by riding my fast skis. It was very fun!
Badger
State Games, Wausau, WI Saturday, Jan
24th
| Andy Schakel |
1st Overall
-30K FS |
HS-0 White |
Atomic |
|
|
|
|
Chama
Chile Classic Ski Race, New Mexico
Sunday, Jan 18th
| Clay Moseley |
2nd Age Group |
HSF-30 Salmon
HSF-20 Tan mix |
|
|
|
|
|
Note:
I find that works in conditions that vary from warm in the sun exposed
areas, while providing great glide in the very cold shady spots--common
thing here in the Rockies when we're in a dry, sunny pattern.
Seeley
Hills Classic, Seeley, WI Saturday, Jan
17th
The temp was about 6 to 8 degrees, with 3-4 " new snow and periodic sun.
| Katherine Himes |
1st Age Group -
22K
6th Woman Overall |
HS-0 White
hint of Tan |
Med-stiff |
| Paulette Niemi |
1st Age Group -
42K
3rd Woman overall |
HSLF-10 Teal |
Atomic World Cup 08 |
| Dave Nelson |
4th Overall - 42K |
HS-0 White
kick ExtraBlue-WF20 over |
soft skis |
Note from Katherine: My skis were med-stiff (perfect for the conditions
of hard pack and sometimes slightly softer track), and were
rockets with Fast Wax white, with a hint of Tan. I was riding up
on skiers much larger than I, so I know my skis were super fast!
Note from Dave Nelson: I felt bad that
I hadn't used the HSF-10 Green or at least the LF Teal. I talked
to another skier (Shawn Miller) who had fast skis who had used LF
Teal and said he tested them at the start compared to Extrene White and
felt that LF Teal was much faster.
Potato
Cup, Pocatello, ID
2X
10K Pursuit
| Don Pollari |
2rd Age Group
8th Overall |
Classic
Skate |
Fischer RCS fine univ
Atomic Med univ |
Don:
Glide wax was not a factor this day; snow was transformed and icy boiler
plate, temp in the high twenties, low humidity.
Lapham
Loppet Delafield WI Saturday, January 17th
Friday
Night
Not as cold. Snow likely. Snow accumulation around 3 inches. Lows around
3. South winds 10 to15 mph. Chance of snow 60 percent.
Saturday
Cloudy
with a 40 percent chance of snow. Not as cold. Highs in the lower 20s
| Christian Brekke |
2nd Overall
Freestyle |
HSF-10 Green
over HS-20 Blue |
|
| Katie Brekke |
1st Overall
Freestyle |
HSF-10 Green
over HS-20 Blue |
|
Christian
& Katie: I was second at the Lapham Loppet in a tight photo-finish.
There are a
bunch of photos and a video on skinnyski.com. Thanks again
for the fastest wax!
Pepsi Challenge Biwabik, MN Giant's Ridge Saturday Jan
17th
Mostly
cloudy, Highs 5 degrees F, 75% humidity, new snow
| Nikolai Anikin |
2nd Overall
-52K Freestyle |
HS-0 White |
Atomic - fine grind |
| Dave Christopherson |
1st Age Group
-
26K Classic
8th Overall |
HS-0 White |
Fine grind |
| Grant Nelson |
1st Overall |
HS-0 White |
|
| Andy Schakel |
2nd Overall-26k
Classic |
HS-0 White |
Atomic skis |
Dave:
As usual, Fast Wax White was the ticket to great skis in the Giants Ridge
Arctic temps.
Grant: Skis were decent, but difficult to tell since i lead much
of the race in the fresh snow.
Boulder Lake Tour 31 K freestyle, Jan 11th
10
-15 degrees F, 70% humidity, soft new/old snow mix, dry powdery
| Dave Christopherson |
1st age group,
14th overall |
HSF-10 Grn over Teal |
Rossi, Uni grind |
| Paulette Niemi |
1st age group,
3rd overall |
HS LF-10 Teal |
Atomic |
| Grant Nelson |
6th Age Group
18th Overall (sick) |
HSF-10 Green |
|
| Andy Schakel |
4th Age Group |
HS-0 White |
Atomic skis |
Andy:
Skis could have been faster, misjudged the conditions, warmer in the AM
than I thought.
Paulette's:
We prepared two pairs of skis. I chose my soft flex Atomic Cheetahs
because they handled better in the soft snow conditions and felt lighter
and more responsive. I also noticed a marked difference in speed.
The LF 10 on these skis was faster than HSO white on my stiffer Atomic
World Cups.
So, the Fastwax that worked for
me in this race was LF10 and it worked very well I thought. I had
great glide. The snow conditions were cold and dry snow. The snow
was soft and after the first lap, chewed up and like mashed potatoes.
The temp at race time was around 11 degrees I think and I don't know what
humidity was, but I think it was low. |
Teton Ridge Classic, Driggs, ID Saturday Jan 10th
Transformed
snow in the mid twenties, high humidity
| Don Pollari |
3rd Age Group
14th Overall |
Very good skis with HSF-20 Tan |
Fischer RCS
Wild Rose Sports Uni minus (fine universal) |
Pre
Loppet, Wirth Park Mpls,
Sunday Jan 4th
10 degrees dropping 5 F at race time, brisk wind,
Refrozen transformed snow
| Katherine Himes |
|
HSF -20 Tan |
Fisher, Medium Flex B-Ski |
| Dave Christopherson |
1st Age Group
21 Overall |
HS -10 Teal |
Rossi, Fine Grind |
|
|
|
|
| Katherine Himes: Pre-Loppet
on 1/4. I missed the start of the race (they started 3-4 minutes early),
and was told by the start officials to cross the start map, as the race
was chipped. However, I discovered at the finish, that there was no start
mat, so my time is vastly off!!! So, my correct finish is 8th woman, first
in my age group. I used my "B" skis, as I heard the conditions were not
ideal, but could have used my good skis. The skis were a medium flex, which
was great, as some parts were very firm and others soft. White seemed fast
on downhills, but slow on flats, esp. windblown areas. |
Wasatch
Citizen Series #2, Park City, UT Saturday Jan 3rd
15k
freestyle, Slightly transformed snow in the mid teens, low humidity.
| Don Pollari |
1st Age Group |
HSF-2 Tan
Flite topcoat |
Atomic WC uni minus
Jenex med intermit rill |
Note: Zach Simmons outsprints Andy Newell for the win in the open
class!
Como
Ice Race, Jan 3rd
Conditions
refroze snow and ice
| Katherine Himes |
3rd Overall |
Wax? |
Fisher |
| |
|
|
|
| My first 'race' was the Como Championships.
Please let me know if the results were unclear. The race really wasn't
a true race, given that we were skiing on a sheet of ice!
Elm Creek 5K on 12/30. I did the classic
race, and won the female division and was third overall. Conditions: 10
degrees, rapidly dropping temps, brisk wind. I used med flex skis with
tan (I waxed the night before, and did not anticipate such cold temps!).
My skis were fast everywhere, esp. on the man-made loop. We ventured off
onto the lighted loop, which did not have tracks laid (fresh snow), and
skis still were fast there.
Katherine Himes |
Stormy
Kromer, Jan 3-4th Classical Sat, Skate Sunday, Temps:
20 at start,
warming from a cold day and night prior. Cloudy. Tracks were
deep, firm and fast, older
snow with a bit of glazing in places
Classic
Paulette Niemi |
1st
Overall women |
HSF-20 Tan
Swix Extra Blue & some 45 Purple |
Atomic, fine grind |
Free Style
Paulette Niemi |
1st Overall women |
HSF-20 Tan
Flite #11 overlay |
Atomic, Uni grind, soft |
|
|
|
|
| Stormy Kromer
Skier: Paulette Niemi |
Sat:
Stormy Kromer 9K Classical: 1st
overall women. Temps: 20 at start, warming up from a cold day and
night prior. Cloudy. Tracks were deep, firm and fast, older
snow with a bit of glazing in places. I used Fast Wax Tan for glide
and Swix Extra Blud and some 45 (Purple) right under foot for
kick. I chose a stiff pair of Atomic World Cup skis with fine linear
grind. Course included a lot of double pole so glide was more important
than kick. My skis were fast.
Sun:
Stormy Kromer 14K Skate: 1st Overall women.
Temps: Around 20 at start but falling to 17 during race. Cloudy/Partly
Cloudy. Trail had about 3 inches of new snow that had been groomed
in the early morning hours but did not have a chance to set up. Trail was
soft and got very chewed up since race was 2 laps. I chose a very
soft pair of Atomic World Cups with Universal grind. I had on Fast
Wax Tan again but with Flite overlay. My skis performed well. |
Soldier
Hollow, Utah December 20
Air
temps warmed to the low 20's from an overnight low of -9. Snow was
new the first lap,
glazed the second. 10K Classic
| Don Pollari |
10K Classic |
HS-0 White
over HS-10 Teal |
? |
Don: I had very good skis with HS-0 over HS-10.
Holiday
Relay, Dec 20th
| Adam Loomis |
1? Overall
Skate |
HSF Tan
over HS Blue
Flite 11 overcoat |
? |
|
|
|
|
Adam: I raced in the skate
portion of the holiday relays this weekend. I waxed with HSF Tan
over HS Blue. I was going to buff in a layer of your pure flouro,
but I had pretty fast skis and didn't really have time beforehand.
Anyways, my portion of the race went well, I was fighting for the lead
with another skier the entire race, and we had a very close finish (although
my coach and I thought I edged him out). At
the awards ceremony they awarded me first place, but in the results they
listed me as second, not sure why. My team ended up 11th overall.
Wasatch
Citizen Series #1, Dec 13
Soldier Hollow, Midway, UT
New
snow in the low teens, low humidity
| Don Pollari |
1st age group
10K classic |
Excelent skis with Hs-0 White over HS-10 teal |
Salomon w/fine grind L-4 - Wild Rose Sports |
|
|
