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SkiPost
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Volume 18 Issue 37: Jan 19, 2017
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Ask us, We Answer
Do you have a Nordic training, technique, equipment, travel, or event question?
Just email us at
weanswer@skipost.com
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Skin ski conversion?
Is there a system to convert classic skis to skins skis by gluing on the synthetic hairy pads?
TG
Yes, just go get some Start Grip Tape apply it to your Klister zone and you are set for a great all condition waxless ski $20.00. It is not skins,but works fantastic. Try it you'll like it.
Applying skins to skis would not be as easy or feasible as the cambers would likely be wrong and you would have to carve out the PE base to allow for a spot for the skin to be recessed as an insert and then you would have to glue it in..
Andy at SkiPost/Start
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Slow in the Tracks
Proper answer.
Andy,
At a recent frigid race in the UP, we had light lake effect snow falling on a nice hard groomed base. The classic track was significantly slower than the skate deck, even after skiers from a shorter race had skied in the tracks. Nobody used the tracks from the elite wave. Some skiers with stiffer skis and medium grinds reported faster skis than those of us with soft flexes and "cold" grinds. Flouro didn't seem to make a difference one way or the other. What was going on here?
Thanks,
GZ
I read this question too quickly last week and answered for warm snow and not the actual extreme cold snow. In the new cold snow you were in the classic tracks were most likely slower because the ski base had a greater surface area contacting the new cold sharp (slow) crystals. On the corduroy, the skis had a smaller surface area trying to glide over the new sharp crystals there by reducing glide. If it was so cold and dry that no water layer is ever created between the ski and the snow the reduced contact area would help. If no water layer is ever created than skiers skiing in the tracks would barely affect the crystals they ski over so the in tracks would not get faster very fast. If no water layer is ever created (and the snow is clean) than Fluoro's would not be seen to increase speed as they do not have have any water to manage. If temps got warmer or if humidity increased this could all change very quickly. Sorry I misread last week.
Andy at SkiPost
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Slapping Skis
Hi Andy, I have a question about my skis slapping the track when I stride. How do I fix it? I do it the most during easy classic skiing, not so much in races, but it still bothers me. I'll slap the track for a couple of strides and then seem to fix my technique and I don't slap anymore. What can I do with my technique to stop slapping?
Thanks, Ethan.
Yes this is from "late kick."
To be very basic, try thinking about driving the ski forward rather than kick backward.
A more detailed explanation will come next week.
Andy at SkiPost
Hi Ethan,
Slapping-skis can often be an indication that a skier's hips are too far back.
The slapping sound you hear may be caused by the tail of the ski hitting the track too early because the "recovery" foot is landing behind the standing foot. Ideally, the recovery foot would be landing parallel/beside the stance foot, or even a few inches in front of the stance foot. If the hips are too far back, a skier is more likely to plant to foot too far back to gain balance, and in effect the tail will hit the track and make the clapping sound you are referring to.
As you ski, pay attention that your weight is in the front-portion of your foot. Before you start moving, gently transfer your weight from underfoot, to the front of your foot by leaning your body forward, making sure your hips come forward too. This is good basic positioning for classic striding. Also, watch that you are not "sitting-back" with your hips. A side-view of yourself taken on video will help give a visual indication of weather or not you are victim of "sitting back" with your pelvis and hips.
Good luck,
Karmen M. Whitham
CXC Jr. Development Coach
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Best Nordic Watches?
I am interested in getting a sports watch for use in cross country skiing. What watches would you recommend to use. I tried a Fitbit surge but it did not work well as it would not record my skiing very well. It would tell me I had skied 6 miles when I had skied at least 15. Also, the battery life was quite small. Thanks!
Suunto and Polar are the two brands that have a direct connection to Nordic athletes and Nordic product development. From Suunto I would recommend the
Ambit 3
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Rollerski Knee Pads
Hey there ski post!
Do a bit of roller skiing and occasionally go down. What are the best knee pads you can recommend? No snow frustrated in Chicago.
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Base discolored after skiing.
Dear SkiPost,
Even if the base is well prepped, saturated and with a couple of layers of SG10 the base can look abraded with some white areas along the edges especially. Is this a sign of trouble? Some of it, most actually, brushes out easily and the base looks fine. Is it still a sign of abrasion, raising hairies? On the other hand, does cold snow polish the base and in that way actually do some good?
Thanks,
Russ
Russ,
The edges of the skis carry a greater load than the center of the skis so the edge of the bases often have a different look than the center and are first to have damage.
In your case I think it's likely just wax coming out of the bases from the base contracting in the cold temps and the edge pressure; and this happens a lot on artificial snow!
For racing in really cold (any time you're using Start Green waxes ( which are extra hard)) I always suggest bringing the skis outside, letting them cool down for 5-10 minutes then skiing 1-2km on them and then re-brushing just before the start of the race. This "cleans" any wax from the structure that may have "squeezed" out of the base.
If this happens over and over again, then you are experiencing some base damage and sealing that needs to be refreshed. We suggest doing a mid-season mini-prep of the skis. This would include brushing with a brass brush, using HF Cleaner to clean the ski surface without taking wax out of the base (especially important if you've been using fluoro powders or blocks), followed by 1 layer of BW Base Wax and then 1 layer of SG8 Blue. This process is a really good idea if you've been using a lot of "green" waxes. It really helps re-condition the ski bases so wax jobs will be more durable for the next few weeks. If this does not clear it up then you will need to get more aggressive most likely with a fresh stone g
rinding.
SkiPost
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Binders
I've got a question about applying binders and kick wax so that they last for 40-50. I recall reading (I can't remember where) an interview with the Norway national team wax guy, and he mentioned both ironing in binder, and letting it sit for a day. Does the ironing in and sitting also apply to subsequent layers of kick wax? Thanks, A Pi, MN
Yes
Rough up clean base
Iron in the binder the day before.
If you know the kick wax iron it in before.
Usually you do not know the final kick wax until at race venue.
Andy at SkiPost
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Jenny Bender wins another National Title
on Start Poles.
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Midwest:
It's going to be VERY different than last weekend!
This weekend skiers will definitely be able to "spend their way to more speed," with the mantra More Fluoro, More Better.
With many of the races being held on snow that has seen several days of above freezing temps, snow will be granular and likely dirty. And then it might rain...
We're recommending a hard, moly-infused base like Start BM6 to help reduce the dirt-pickup.
For the main paraffin layer we're suggesting using a slightly harder (like FHF2 Red, HF4 Red, BM4 Purple) again to help avoid picking up dirt and then to do a fluoro powder/liquid/block on top.
New England:
Warm and wet;
Hard Moly infused underlayers to keep off dirt
Highest Fluors and FHFs to manager moisture
Klisters
Rockies:
Cold with lots of new snow Start Green and Blues.
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Start Wax Clinics
see Kevin Kj Johnson the Start Wax Wizard in person at these Start Wax Clinics.
Hoigaard's, TBD
FinnSisu, TBD
Start, Bliz & Anti-Freeze Face Tape 10% off during clinic hours.
VeloFix at KJ
Velofix wax clinic for next Thursday the 19th at Hyland Hills
6:30-8PM Jan 19th
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Benjamin Lustgarten wins 1st National Title.
Caitlin Gregg Wins 8th National Title.
Bliz keeps them focused
"The temperatures were in the single digits and the downhills were screaming fast. I was very happy to have my Bliz shield so that I could just focus on skiing fast and the face tape allowed me to stay warm and frostbite free." -Caitlin Gregg Imaes Tom Kelly USSA
Benjamin Lustgarten wins National 30km title. "
Yesterday I won the 30km nationals with the Proflip XT small face! I think I have worn those for 9 out of 11 races I have done so far this year. I wear the Bliz Proflip or the Bliz Tempos, Bliz keeps me covered.
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1st Annual Intermountain Nordic Marathon Series
Aa brand new series which combines four of the Intermountain region's spectacular Nordic events:
- Teton Ridge Classic 26km, January 14th - Teton Valley, ID
- Boulder Mountain Tour 34km, February 4th - Sun Valley, ID
- Moose Chase 30km Nordic Ski Race February 18th - Wilson, WY
- Yellowstone Rendezvous 50km, March 4th - West Yellowstone, MT
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42nd Boulder Mountain Tour Saturday Feb 4th, 2017
part of the
Sun Valley Nordic Festival
Sign up today!
February 2 - 5, 2017
for a schedule of events.
The BMT 2017 hat by SWIX is awesome!
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Noque
The 31st of December marks the next cutoff before the price increases for registration so don't miss out on the opportunity. We have talked a lot about the amazing work that has been done this past year, and we simply can't wait for you all to ski this much improved course. We are committed to providing you a truly great racing experience and in order to accomplish this we really felt improvements to the course were a key component. I am very interested to get your feedback at the finish line. We hope you all have a wonderful holiday with your friends and families, and we look forward to seeing you all on the trail in the coming weeks
Registration is currently open with a fee increase at the end of the 2016 year. This is the last call of 2016
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brings you the BirkieTour
The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation has announced that Caitlin and Brian Gregg, along with Hannes Larsson, Worldloppet Master, will be participating in the 2017 BirkieTour event in Cable, Wisconsin on Sunday, January 15, 2017.
Caitlin Compton Gregg is a 4X American Birkebeiner champion - the only skier to hold that honor, the 2017 Women's 10K Freestyle Individual Start National Champion, a former Olympian and US Ski Team member. Brian Gregg is a former Olympian, National Champion, and US Ski Team member.
Sunday, January 15, 2017 will be a momentous day for Hannes Larsson, 84, a 29X Worldloppet Master will be completing his 30th Worldloppet Master title at the 2017 BirkieTour. To earn a Worldloppet Master title, a skier must complete 10 Worldloppet qualifying events or races. By completing his 30th Worldloppet Master series, Larsson will have skied 300 Worldloppet associated races or events. Hannes will celebrate his 85th birthday on January 13.
Lastly, the 2017 Birkie Tour will be the inaugural ABSF event at the exciting new American Birkebeiner Trailhead, the new home of the permanent Birkie starting line. It is a great opportunity for you to view the amazing new start infrastructure prior to the February Birkie events.
All Races Finish in Downtown Hayward!
Questions? Call 715-634-5025 o
r email us
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#BirkieFever
Questions? Call 715-634-5025
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2017 AXCS National Masters Championships
The Big City Preview
For the first time since 2005, masters (skiers 30 and over) from throughout the U.S. will return to the great state of Minnesota as the American Cross Country Skiers (AXCS) 2017 National Masters Championships takes place the weekend of February 4-5, 2017 at Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis -- The site of the 2018 Masters World Cup just under one year later. AXCS will be crowning 18 National Champions in the various age categories and with men and women.
NM2017 racing will get started on Saturday, February 4, with 42km and 21km distance classic individual races run in conjunction with the 42km Hoigaard's Classic Marathon and 21km Puoli Loppet Classic events. Then on Sunday, February 5, the 21km Puoli Loppet Skate technique races take center stage to fill out the NM2017 bill for all NM categories.
Featuring courses that literally cross the city of Minneapolis, skiers will experience a generally gentle route with a mix of city parks, snowed-in paths, and - of course - a series of famous Minnesota frozen lakes.
"We are really excited about hosting the National Masters Championships this year. We look forward to seeing great age class competitions with skiers from across the country," says Loppet executive director, John Munger
AXCS National Director J.D. Downing also raves about the return of the National Masters to the Twin Cities. "AXCS brought both the very successful 2000 and 2005 National Masters to the Twin Cities. The NM2017 will be a continuation of that tradition. It's also a logical fit to have a kind of preview for the 2018 Masters World Cup to get skiers both in the upper midwest and nationwide excited about what's coming up in just over a year's time!"
As usual, to take part in the NM2017 no special entry into the normal City of Lakes Loppet events will be required. All masters 30+ that are registered in the official daily race for your age/gender category will automatically be considered officially part of the National Masters.
Host organizers Loppet Foundation offer extensive event information on the official City of Lakes Loppet website -
www.loppet.org . Official AXCS NM2017 updates and information can also be found on
xcskiworld.com.
Masters World Championships
MWC2018: One Year To Go!
Coming January 19-26, 2018 the biggest age-group competition in skiing will visit Theodore Wirth Park in the heart of Minneapolis, Minnesota, as the 2018 Masters World Cup (MWC2018) returns to North America.
The MWC2018 will be the culmination of five years of planning by local organizers, The Loppet Foundation, and the American XC Skiers (AXCS) non-profit masters association.
Well over one thousand masters from nearly two dozen nations spanning the entire cross-country ski world are anticipated to take part in the MWC2018. With no qualification process required, adult skiers ranging from 30 to 90+ years of all abilities will enjoy up to three individual races (in their choice of technique) plus a national team relay in all age/gender categories. Opening and closing ceremonies, social events, and Olympic-style medal ceremonies for each race are also part of the annual MWC program.
All MWC2018 racing will take part at Theodore Wirth Park located just a few miles west of downtown Minneapolis. Major improvements will be made, including expanded snowmaking capability at the park; a redesigned stadium configuration; a new event and administration building; and new trail access for the MWC2018 connecting the park golf course trails to two lakes on park property. Construction of all the planned improvements have begun with completion anticipated by Summer/Fall 2017.
"The new infrastructure is going to be great for World Masters, but also for everyday skiing," says Isaac Kasper, the Loppet Foundation's Trails Superintendent.
Part international ski festival and part world championship, the Masters World Cup is a celebration of cross-country skiing as a sport for life spanning over decades of competitor ages. All race events start in 5-year age groups making the MWC perhaps the only time adult skiers can actually take part in a ski event with a representative group of their exact peers.
Registration for the MWC2018 will begin in Fall 2017 via the official website
MWC2018.com with extensive information already available via
xcskiworld.com and other AXCS membership media over the coming year.
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Registration Prices going up for the 2017 Great Bear Chase!
Winter has arrived in Calumet, MI!
Over 10 days, we logged five with at least 7" of snow and had 54" overall. That's four-and-a-half feet! Needless to say, conditions are prime and the new Husky groomer has been working out daily.
All that snow is perfect for the UP Health System Portage Great Bear Chase which will take place on Saturday, March 11th.
Fees increase January 1, so take a minute and register today. Give yourself (or your whole family) a great (bear chase) Christmas gift! Take your pick of distance (10km, 25km, or 50km) and technique (classic or freestyle), or sign up for the 50km skiathlon and ski both classic and freestyle!
To register now, visit
http://www.greatbearchase.com/registration/
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GET A JOB
Nordic Job Openings
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Gear West
Race Sales Manager
XC Ski Sales Race Manager for the largest performance XC ski store in the country. ( Full or PT). Gear West ski and run is part of the Gear West Specialty Sport Campus located 2o minutes west of Mpls. Gear West ski and run is a year around xc ski store which sells Fischer, Rossi, Salomon and Atomic, Swix and all the major ski clothing brands through in-store and web sales. Additionally Gear West promotes run races (road and trail), sells running shoes and related accessories. The store is located five minutes from several state forests with over 10 miles of trails and thirty minutes from three man-made snow making loops. If you are passionate and knowledgeable about XC skis, Gear West is the place to be. Requirements for this position include an understanding and love of race skis, a passion for working with everything ski related, customer service skills, ecommerce familiarity and an ability to manage and motivate employees. There is a significant room for growth in this position since it welcomes not only sales, but marketing, internet and/ or coaching skills. Gear West offers a fun, flexible environment that will best work with an internally motivated individual. Pay is commensurate with the skill and experience level of the applicant. For more information or to send a resume to gearwest@gearwest.com
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About SkiPost
Cross-Country skiing's community lodge. Where knowledge and stories are shared. The goal of SkiPost is to make the sport of Cross-Country skiing easier and more enjoyable for all who choose to participate. If you have questions on Cross-Country Skiing email us weanswer@SkiPost.com and visit SkiPost.com
Enjoy Winter,
Andrew Gerlach
Director/Editor- SkiPost
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