The annual fall meeting of the Maine Nordic Ski Club was called to order at 12:30 pm by Chris Dorion, president.
The minutes from the spring meeting were not available to review; it was moved and seconded to accept the minutes as published in the spring newsletter. Motion passed.
Item #1 Uniform Purchase. Since there has been some interest in uniform purchase for the National Masters, it was suggested by Sue Foster that the treasury be used to meet the minimum order requirement of uniforms from VOmax. Discussion followed. Many members felt that other members may not be willing to commit to a pre order, but might buy a uni if it were available, and that this use of treasury funds was appropriate. Once the pieces are sold, the treasury would be reimbursed. It was moved and seconded to proceed with an order of uniforms. Motion passed unanimously.
Item #2 Newsletter. Chris asked for feedback on the abbreviated version of the last newsletter. Most felt that the length and content were adequate for the club's needs. Chris would like to make a schedule of events available to all members but would prefer not to do it in the newsletter, since it increases the work, print and mailing costs associated with the newsletter. It was decided that Chris would include links on the website to all event calendars available, and note in the newsletter that if any member would like a hard copy of the season's schedule they should contact him personally for a copy by mail. Chris and Peter Brickley will work on a fall newsletter next week.
Item #3 Election of Officers. Chris Dorion has stepped down from his position as president leaving a vacancy in the office. Peter Brickley was nominated for the position. The nomination was seconded. There were no other nominations. Peter Brickley was elected to the position in a unanimous vote. The remaining officers, John Eldredge, Dan Works, Sue Foster, Owen Haskell and Paul O'Brien will remain in their positions. The group thanked Chris for his dedication and hard work in the position for the past two years.
Item #4 Event Support. A suggestion was made to enhance support and presence of the club at National Masters and other events, by setting up a tent for the club to use for a waxing and meeting area. A pop up canopy was offered for this use. It was also suggested that the club purchase a banner to use at this canopy and for other club event purposes. Sue will look into the purchase and production of a banner under $200.00.
Item #5 Club Challenge. Discussion about a club challenge was raised. The idea of a casual event that would span the 2000/2001 season and measure speed and k's skied over a certain course through the winter for recognition and/or awards, was very popular. Peter Brickley will work with a committee to establish the framework for the challenge and produce a poster to inform members about the event.
Motion was made to adjourn, seconded and passed unanimously.
By Peter Brickley
To encourage members to challenge themselves, set a goal for the winter season, and to encourage members to ski new trails in the state of Maine.
The proposed format has three categories: The first challenge is for HILLS. I'd wager that trail 27 at the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center is one of the most difficult in the state, so the first challenge is to ski this trail along a standardized course. Details of the course will be available at the Outdoor Center, but it will be a steep winding climb followed by an exhilarating descent (like the Eastern Champs in 1999). Ski it as many times as you want, but you will be responsible for self-timing. Submit your times at the SOC (we'll provide a logbook). At the end of the season the fastest average time will be announced at the MNSC banquet (and possibly rewarded -see below).
The second category is for DISTANCE. Haven't you ever wondered how far you skied in a season? Keep track of your km's this year and we'll announce the member with the greatest tally (races count). The third category is for TIME. Keep tack of your time on skis and a prize goes to the person with the most hours this season. (Again, you can count races.) Both category two and three can be done anywhere, backyard included. All times and distances are accepted on the honor system. Note that the time champion may not be the distance champion. Then again, maybe it will (and I think this will be very interesting). To encourage people to ski somewhere new, I propose that each year we move the hill challenge to a new location in Maine.
Rewards: What!? You want a prize in addition to the glory of being named the 2001 MNSC Hill Champion? If we all kick in $2.00, we can give a small prize to the winner of each category. Contact Peter Brickley with your thoughts on this, or a letter (and the $2.00) sometime before April, so that we know who's in.
By Chris Dorion
The MNSC July event featured a trail run/hike from Saddleback to Sugarloaf. Karl Johnson, Chris Dorion, and Peter Brickley started out in the Foster-Johnson kitchen with a BIG, heavy breakfast. We rolled on out and began jogging at the Rt. 4 Appalachian Trail crossing, heading north on the A.T. From previous yearsš experiences, we decided to go from south to north so that the steepest slopes would be downhills. We also decided to go easy up Saddleback and not put ourselves under early on. The last trail run/hike is still vividly ingrained in my memory: my head-first, Superman lunge into the ground while tripping on a root, followed by my kneecap impacting a pointed stone. I limped and gimped from Spaulding Mountain to Saddleback. Another member refused to drink the clear, cool, mountain spring water at Poplar Ridge Lean-to and became somewhat dehydrated and pasty-faced. The third participant took a digger descending Saddleback and finished with dried, caked blood on his face.
So, this year, we paced ourselves up Saddleback, crossing the windswept, glacially molded ridgeline with dark, rumbling, and forebidding clouds rolling in from Quebec. At The Horn, Peteršs I.T.B. started screaming; he retraced his steps back to Rt. 4. Johnson and Dorion forged on, reaching Poplar Ridge Lean-to in good shape. That lean-to is dark; the unique topography of that area absorbs all light so I couldnšt discern if I was eating sardines or smoked oysters. Shortly the rich aroma of pickled herring permeated the lean-to, infusing Dorion with energy. Down to Orbeton Canyon where a gentle rain began to fall. The rain became steadier as we approached the Sugarloaf massif and my wet socks were cold, clammy, mushy, and blistery. It was decided: we would cut our trip short by going up the back side of Sugarloaf and jogging down a ski trail. The night before we had planned on continuing over the Crocker Range over beer and a sumptous supper prepared by Sue Foster. The steady rain and cold prompted a quick descent.
Elapsed time: 8.5 hrs; Mileage: 25.5 miles. Results: Great training day.
By Sue O'Brien
The Maine Nordic Woman's weekend started out with a bang this year. Friday night was spent at the O'Brien's house warming up for the weekend with a lot of team building, relay races, stunts, side splitting laughter topped off with a salmon bake, cheese cake and wine. The real "events" followed early Saturday morning with a road trip to Bar Harbor.
After meeting at the visitor center, the group took a mixed gear (meaning road bikes and mountain bikes) ride around Ocean Drive. The highlight of this training leg was watching Ruth Hall spin that little mountain bike. The scary thing was she could keep up with the road bikes. (Now, that's a lot of leg work!) When the group arrived at Jordan Pond House we changed into our running shoes and hit the trails on an 8 mile loop. The hero of this leg was Alice Goodwin who "doesn't" run. She thought she would stay with the gang for a little while then walk back. When we arrived back to the Pond House we couldn't find Alice anywhere. It turned out she had looped back for Saranne Taylor and then finished the entire loop. So, Alice ran more than anyone else! Saturday night involved strenuous cocktails by the pool, hot showers and dinner in town.
Sunday morning started off very leisurely with coffee, bakery goodies and a chat in Bar Harbor's park. To work off all the food, the crew headed to "the quiet side of the island" and hiked a few short peaks, did a "token" roller ski and finished with a quick dip in Long Pond. We slowly "voted people off the island". Annette Brickley was voted off early Sunday and slowly the rest of us departed. Sue Foster was the lone hold out and stayed Sunday night to catch a tough training ride with the big kids (the tri-chicks). Sue wins again!
It was a fun gathering and one we need to keep as a tradition! Who leads next year?
Nordic skiers participating in the weekend were: Annette Brickley, Sue Foster, Alice Goodwin, Ruth Hall, Sue O'Brien and Saranne Taylor.
Q: Is the three person U.S. Team a good idea? Will it be more successfull? Angus K., Mattawamkeag. A: Due to the cost shifting now possible, the excuse budget can be expanded, and less people will have bad results. A master stroke of genius actually.
Q: Are shaped classic skis faster? Marty H., Brunswick. A: Faster? Faster than WHAT? Define your questions better,what am I a mind reader?
Q: Any truth to the rumor that The Maine Nordic Ski Club is teaming up with the Manhattan Nordic Ski Club to annihilate the Putney Ski Club this coming season? Zach, Putney,ME. A: Well I've never heard of Putney, ME., but you can dream. The rumor is true, would YOU want to get BEAT by the Manhattan Nordic Ski Club?
Q: Where should I invest my money in order to make a killing in high Flouro Wax stocks? Warren B., Omaha A: www.askkarl.com/ small denominations only please
Q: Two guys from eastern Maine have developed a new wax, OCEAN ROCKS. Should I try it? Bjorn D., Wytipitlock A: Yes, there have been many favorable reports, with only minor side effects. By the way keep this address handy: www.hairclubformen.com/transplant/gray
Q: Is Bristol Meyers Squibb an official sponsor of the Masters Nationals? Will there be free samples? Harri K., Waldoboro A: After carefull consideration they were turned down. The board felt that the free samples would limit the selection, undermining the competitiveness of the event.
Q: What are the secrets of grooming? David, Oxford A: Jack Daniels, and No-Doz.
Q: Any comments on the rumor that the Russians have been secretly using a low viscosity teflon fluid on their track setters to increase ski speed? John M., Pradagonia A: We already tried that. Never could find a way to keep the fry pans attached, especially in hard snow.
Q: Are Rex Powergrip and Jello interchangeble? Bente M., Hampden A: For the most part yes, but that stuff with the lima beans is for waxing only.
Q: How do I make the cover of The National Running Center catalog? Fabio, UMO A: Think carefully about that, there is a reason it comes out just prior to Halloween.
Q: Why are you with a different woman on each successive cover? Anonymous, Orono A: If you have gotten to the end of this column without figuring that out, I'm sure we have a lot in common.
By Karl Johnson
Driving past the site of the goose massacre, I wondered if the town had settled down from the latest shooting? Parking my car amongst the urban assault vehicles I wondered if I was up to the task? As I walked up the path I saw the Olde Swede chasing down a pig. Ah a big breakfast, that would get me ready. I eagerly followed the smell of coffee to the kitchen. After greeting the old War-horses, I got the lowdown on the latest crop of young combatants. two new additions with some serious Bad boy credentials, (cow tossing etc.). As I sipped the Joe I formulated my strategy. Little did I realize the battle was to be joined much sooner than any of us expected.
Sue (lady of the manor), commenced to stir up a vat of pancake batter, oh so fluffy, and sprinkled with succulent blueberries. Dr Rocks came in from the back and flung down half a pig into the fry pan and the cooking was underway. After a fashion, massive quantities of bacon and stacks of cakes were brought to the table as Dr Rocks broke out the shovel to flip the eggs. The young studs had awoken and were waiting. Cooling my heels by the coffee pot, I envisioned stacks of food and was politely waiting my turn. Sensing something unfamiliar I consulted with Birkie Bob, we decided that it was time to storm what appeared to be a mosh pit. We joined in, the youngsters were making a bid to starve us into submission. The previous stockpiles had been decimated and as the Olde Swede ferried in more we grabbed fast and furious at anything that wasn't still moving. When the commotion receded Dr.Rocks, Lagrange Bob, and the Olde Swede came in looking for sustenance. What remained were scraps and crumbs that had been spewed aside in the furious pace of consumption. They retreated to the kitchen to cobble up some paltry cold morsels, unaware they had made a most serious error before getting on their bikes.
Rolling at last I saw a sign, a vintage can of Narragansett (bicentennial edition circa 1976 pull tab and all), after contemplating if it was still drinkable I had to press hard to regain the pack. Soon enough the youngsters started to push. Taking advantage of their desire to cheat death at every opportunity they strung out the pack. We meandered the countryside, taking in the gorgeous clear cuts and abandoned homesteads that decorate the area. The war-horses were suffering from lack of food and victory seemed elusive for several hours. Then a ray of hope, the first complaint of not stopping for a food break from one of the young studs. The chase was back on. The hills were getting longer, the pack was splitting further when the breakaway took off. Pounding up the penultimate climb, pretenders were cast by the wayside, at the top no clear victor had arisen. Enjoying the view we realized we had taken a wrong turn. Finally the Olde Swede showed up to inform us we had missed the trail around the hill.
We saddled up and tore off into a raging descent, dust and water bottles flying. Despite several more serious attempts, no clear victor could emerge. Neck and neck to the bitter end, we toured past the Narragansett (left for posterity) and piled into the awaiting yard. Starting to act like skiers, we attacked Birkie Bob's beer stash, and put forth our various excuses. The young studs were looking particularly bedraggled. Then a transformation, they were up, looking refreshed. Could this be a late challenge? Would the pain continue? Had the pancakes been that important? No! Several GODDESSES of the north woods had arrived in their chariot. After some posturing and feigned indifference they were off. The state of exhaustion settled back in deeper. After cleaning up, making sure Birkie Bob got the cold water, checking out the new dozer and other affairs we ate once again. We departed leaving the hosts to stare at their decimated pantry wondering if they could make it to the next harvest on the remains.
The Score After 2 Years:
Old War-horses 1-0-1 Young Studs 0-1-1
ALWAYS CALL AHEAD TO CHECK TO CONFIRM RACE DATES AND TIMES
Please go to the NENSA homepage.
December 17, 2000: Wild Moose Run Classik 10 km; Sugarloaf Outdoor Center. Event Info: Contact Sue Foster at SOC at: 207 237-6830 or outdoor@somtel.com March 3, 2001: Sugarloaf Inferno Nordic Downhill Race. 5+ km, interval start, freestyle, 10:am, $20 entry fee. Sugarloaf Outdoor Center. Event Info: Contact Sue Foster at SOC at: 207 237-6830 or outdoor@somtel.com. March 24, 2001: Leprechaun Pursuit Spring Ski Party and Barbeque. Sugarloaf Outdoor Center. Event Info: Contact Sue Foster at SOC at: 207 237-6830 or outdoor@somtel.com.
Feb. 17, 2001. Black Bear Race, University of Maine, Orono Me. Event Info: Freestyle, 15 km, mass start, 11am. 3K kids race11:05am. Registration: $10.00 DOR. Checks to Univ. of Maine. Contact Thad Dwyer, Rec. Sports,Univ. of Maine, Orono 04469, 207 581-1082
Mar 4 , 2001. Great Caribou Bog Wicked Winter Ski Race and Tour and Childrenšs Race, Bangor to Old Town, Maine. Mainešs only classical, point-to-point cross country ski race. Event Info: 18 km, mass start, 11am. Registration DOR $15, and family rates. Contact: Peter Millard 866-3503 or: http://www.pvskiclub.org/
Jan. 20, 2001, Pepsi Challenge ,Pepsi Challenge Headquarters, P.O. Box 505 Biwabik, MN 55708 218 865-6306,pcxcskirace@viginiamn.com
Jan, 27, 2001 Lake Placid Loppet, ORDA/Olympic Center,Lake Placid. NY 12946,800 462 6236,www.orda.org
Jan. 27, 2001, Noquemanon Ski Marathon,501 S. Front, MI 4 Marquette, MI 9855, 906 228 5564, suesyrjala@yahoo.com
Feb. 3, 2001, Craftsbury Marathon, Craftsbury Outdoor Center,P.O. Box 31, Craftsbury Common, Vt 729-7751, www.craftsbury.com/xcski.htm, crafts@sover.net
Feb. 3, 2001, First Security Boulder Mountain Tour, Boulder Mountain Tour,P.O. Box 2420, Sun Valley, ID 83353, sunval@micron.net
Feb. 11, 2001, Mora Vasaloppet, Mora Vasaloppet, P.O. Box 22, Mora, MN 55051, 800 368 6672, vasaloppet@ncis.com
Feb 17, 2001, Minnisota Finlandia, Minnisota Finlandia, P.O. Box 771, Bemidjii, MN 56601, 218 751 0041, minfin@paulbunyan.net
Feb. 24, 2001, Johnson Bank American Birkebeiner, American Birkebeiner, P.O. Box 911, Hayward, WI 54834, 800 872 2753, birke@win.bright.net
Feb. 25, 2001, Tour of Anchorage, Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage, P.O. Box 103504, Anchorage, AK 99510, 907 561 0949, afpjh@uaa.alaska.edu
Mar. 9, 2001, Yellowstone National Park Lodges Rendezvous, Yellowstone Rendezvous, P.O. Box 104, West Yellowstone, MT 59758, 406 646 9379
Mar. 17, 2001, Royal Gorge California Gold Rush, Royal Gorge, P.O. Box 1100, Soda Sprngs, CA 95728, 800 500 3871, info@royalgorge.com
By Charlie Woodworth
What do you have when you add together a spectacularly crisp fall day, a paved dead end road of some length (~20 mi) with some elevation change (700+ ft) and about eighteen frustrated (due to lack of snow) nordic skiers? You have about eighteen smiling, sweating, socializing nordic skiiers on roller skis looking to get back in touch with the ski crowd while finding that balance and kick of last spring. It was the 3rd annual Long Falls Dam roller ski which took place on Sunday October 22. Being organized by Karl Johnson participants were ensured that it would go off without a hitch, unless you were driving, and that it would be aerobically challenging. It was great fun to ski and to see your old friends.
Stone grinding of ski bases has long been considered, by the most competitive of skiers, to be just the thing to get the maximum speed out of your boards. It has come to this writer's attention that an engineer in Cape Elizabeth has been trying to perfect a much more subtle grind resulting in even faster bases. He calls it "sand grinding". This gentleman is so persuasive in his argument that he has been able to enlist at least four other skiers of varying abilities and aptitude, to come to his workshop to have their bases ground. His workshop is at Scarborough Beach. This technician asks that you show up ready to ski. Walk to below the high water mark, strap them on your feet and off you go. Ignore the stares of more sane people and kick your way down the beach while imparting the benefits of the sublte "sand grind". For more information contact Dave Roberts at the finish line of our next event.
Visit our Web site at:
http://www.bangornews.infi.net/~cdorion
Check out our on-line nordic ski discussion group!
Account Balance:
As of Nov. 1st, 2000, the MNSC had $1,213.52 in the Club checking account.
See you this winter....