Endurance races, ski trips, musings, and adventures on the East Coast.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Snow and Smiles

Winter has been slow in coming to the Green Mountains this winter...so it goes. Last week there was a definite feel of desperation in the air, and the promise of a few inches was enough to convince a few of us to camp out up high in anticipation of some morning turns. So we stubbornly booted up grassy slopes to 4000 feet on Thursday night with our fingers crossed for snow.


We weren't disappointed. After coffee and bacon we headed out into 4 plus inches of new snow. Thin. Marginal. Fun! After several laps up high we cruised to the base.


A little farther south the skiing has been decidedly thin, but sweet nonetheless. Marquettes have been essential this year, but with them the days, high fives, and smiles have been adding up.


A quick sunset shot taken just before the last run of the day on Monday.


Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Cross Training

Well we're deep into December now, and the snow? Not so much. Yeah, I know it's white, but that's largely cosmetic. So while I've been able to sneak in a few turns in this fall, I'm starting to lose my motivation to hike for fast grass. So much for my ski-bum plans so far.

It has been a cool opportunity to do things I don't often do though. Sure, I've been on the trainer some to anchor my training (something I've been oddly motivated to do), but I've also been out for some hikes to scout ski lines. And last night I even played dodgeball. Yup, and it was awesome - though my arm is a bit sore this morning.

All that aside, come on snow gods, you know sacrifices have been made it your honor. We'll all be eternally grateful.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Nationals to the East Coast!

Which coast? East Coast! Finally. After what seems to me like way too many years of high altitude slugfests, USA Cycling is finally bringing mtb nationals back to sea level and the land of mud, rocks, and roots. And while it would be cooler if the race was at Mt. Snow, or somewhere even radder like Kingdom Trails(!) or Pisgah National Forest (what?), I know that won't ever happen. So central PA is still pretty cool.


I did a Super D there this summer and the trails seemed pretty cool and fairly techy. Should be fun, and it's never to early to start planning right. After all, I can actually race the big boys this time. Oh boy.....

Monday, December 5, 2011

December Riding in Vermont!

The awesome (for riding) weather just keeps on coming up north. Sunday we caught some 50 degree temps and brilliant sunshine - not bad for December eh?


I actually snapped off my derailleur hanger about five minutes into the ride and of course hadn't brought a spare. PSA: always carry a spare hanger the your camelback! Oh well - as long as it was downhill I was good to go.

Gotta love it right.


A few ledge drops later, and it was time for a spectacular sunset over the entire spine of the Green Mountains.