I'm heading to Hyland Park right now, gonna bring my new skis, I heard there's good cover. We'll see.

I did 10k, first time I have skate skied in well over 10 years, It kicked my a$$.

I did two loops and the second loop felt better, but I have much room for improvement.

I will say this, my skate skis are a lot faster than my waxless touring skis.

Congratulations Greg! Sounds excellent- what wax did you run on? I tried to skate on Saturday but the "shin buckle" on my boots failed (both boots without me even attempting to latch them). My ski shop passed on going to bat for me with the manufacturer- boots are at the local "cobbler" for some ugly engineering.

One drill I use in skating is to ski the first 7km without poles (good to do with classic skis too) to hone my stride without the poles camouflaging my flaws. After some initial frustration it becomes pretty fun. Now I ski a good 1/3 to 1/2 of my loops on groomed trails without poles. Builds technique and balance quickly (especially climbing).

quote Banksiana: "Congratulations Greg! Sounds excellent- what wax did you run on? I tried to skate on Saturday but the "shin buckle" on my boots failed (both boots without me even attempting to latch them). My ski shop passed on going to bat for me with the manufacturer- boots are at the local "cobbler" for some ugly engineering.


One drill I use in skating is to ski the first 7km without poles (good to do with classic skis too) to hone my stride without the poles camouflaging my flaws. After some initial frustration it becomes pretty fun. Now I ski a good 1/3 to 1/2 of my loops on groomed trails without poles. Builds technique and balance quickly (especially climbing)."

I left the poles in the car Banks, it did seem to help and I saw two others doing the same thing.

The conditions were faster yesterday and my skate felt much better. I'm looking forward to my next day out.

I'm going to have to join you guys...hunting season is about over, snowed under, you might say. Time now for skiing...classical, waxed and waxless, as the temps and conditions dictate.

Let me know when you want to go Bill.

Greg 612 695 2138

I skied Battle Creek Regional Park with my oldest son today. It was wonderful. Lots of big ups and downs. Nice views. We saw deer. Near my work, so I've been wanting to try it out. They have a lit loop too. Thumbs up. Happy Holidays everyone!

Trails beautiful and empty the last two days. Yesterday- cloudy and snowing- gray skies, soft light. Today dazzling bright. Thick frost on the trees, a skein of goose down snow in the tracks.

Skiing was excellent at the Arb in Brainerd today. A little fresh snow over fresh grooming.

quote Banksiana: "Congratulations Greg! Sounds excellent- what wax did you run on? I tried to skate on Saturday but the "shin buckle" on my boots failed (both boots without me even attempting to latch them). My ski shop passed on going to bat for me with the manufacturer- boots are at the local "cobbler" for some ugly engineering.


One drill I use in skating is to ski the first 7km without poles (good to do with classic skis too) to hone my stride without the poles camouflaging my flaws. After some initial frustration it becomes pretty fun. Now I ski a good 1/3 to 1/2 of my loops on groomed trails without poles. Builds technique and balance quickly (especially climbing)."

Good idea, Banks. I also like skiing at night as it helps build your sense of "feel" and balance without the visual cues of daytime skiing.
Are you going to be able to make it to Kathio for the gathering on the 8th? Hope so.

I hope to make the trip. Be nice to ski with company for a change.
Good point about skiing after dark- when conditions are right (and you trust the trail) it can be like flying.

Here's a couple of shots from my ski in the back yard this afternoon. Got up to just below freezing here today, so the tracks set up really nice.

Gmon-- pretty!

I skied Battlecreek again. Did the outer loop. Downhill hard packed and fast. Fell once. Temp hovering around 32 F, hard packed, and in the woods where the huge hills are, bordering on terrifying. I fell once. Miss-assessed the physics of the descent. Momentum got the best of me.

MOLO= don't call it falling- better known as a "quick stop"...
Are you going to be able to make it to Kathio next Saturday? Hope so, would like to meet you. Maybe we can talk about the climate.

Climate-- it's raining:(
I might make it and I might not. I have to play it by ear. I would love to meet you too gmon. Maybe we could meet for a late ski 1/11 or 12 if I cant make Kathio.

quote tremolo: "Climate-- it's raining:(
I might make it and I might not. I have to play it by ear. I would love to meet you too gmon. Maybe we could meet for a late ski 1/11 or 12 if I cant make Kathio. "

I will be available for skiing in the late afternoon/early evening on 1/10 and 1/11 (as I will be heading for home after class on 1/12). Give me a call if you don't make it to the gathering on the 8th.