I haven't been skiing much this winter so this was only my third time on skis and the first on this particular pair ever. I wasn't sure what to expect for the course or competition. It turned out to be about 10 skiers and approximately 5k of out and back on the Great Western Trail. There was about 4 inches of snow over asphalt bike path. Not ideal, but I don't think I've ever skied in ideal conditions. I started at the middle of the pack and pretty quickly moved up to the front. Once I took the lead I never gave it up. One woman followed me pretty close to the turnaround, but then I dropped her and put about a minute between us by the finish. It's my first contested win in a ski race and for that I'm happy, but I don't imagine that my competition was much. Hopefully I can make it to race #3 in the series and defend my title (such as it is).
After the ski race I had to book it back to Ames, pick up a car, pack my sled, and drive to Dubuque to give a seminar on winter racing with Lance Andre. I arrived a little late, but that didn't turn out to be a big deal. The seminar went well and several people commented that I had done a nice job. I'd say there were about 25 people there, most of them racing the Triple D the next day. For the most part we went over the mandatory gear for Arrowhead and Susitna. I don't mind talking in front of crowds about stuff I know something about so it was no trouble, but I was worried that there were people taking notes about the things that I said. No one should take anything I have to say on any subject that seriously.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmD6nvi1TosTgEZEO9Fq9c6VhdbxQWcKfsolLGB4Di6-A6e4Ut4ihhj3evlS0IUngIV64dEnb3uY4KMTG_YD1B6z8LOFPxTPYaNm6n7q534tr_CqJyTJbwst_rSuGITGjXFuuhGA/s400/DDD2.jpg)
So, can I finish the Arrowhead in two weeks time? I honestly don't know. I think I probably can if all goes well, but there are a lot of variables. I'll be cutting it pretty close to the 60 hour time limit in any case.
4 comments:
Matt, that was a very informative and interesting seminar you and Lance gave. Good luck at AH I will be looking online and cheering you guys on from back here.
Great idea for a workout weekend. I look forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks, poolside! at the AU...
Glad you liked the seminar. I hope I didn't give too much bad info.
Poolside...I will have to remember to pack the trunks. I wouldn't want to soak in the hot tub in my gunde shorts.
Good Luck at AH Matt
Post a Comment