Monday, December 31, 2007
Purchasing a Track Setter
A note from Graham Watt:
Yo Sackville x-c ski club dudes. We’re going to have to wax the tops of our skis if this keeps up.
I had a long chat with George Lefevre of Jemseg who has to be the world’s leading Nordic track setter, having set the past two Olympic Games tracks for all Nordic skiing events. George is a real resource for those of us who like to ski tracks in NB. I was getting some information about groomers when he mentioned that he had a used professionally-made track setter which he’d let go for $400. I thought it might be a good deal if it sets better tracks than the present home-made job the Town uses.
Actually, what we really need is a 4-foot groomer to condition the snow and ice, as well as a track setter, because our maritime climate means lots of temperature variation and icing, crust etc., and highly varying day-to-day conditions. A little groomer and track setter can assure good skiing through many different conditions. As well, without set tracks, because we have so few skiers, it takes awhile to get a decent track put down, especially a pole track.
With properly set tracks we can extend skiing time tremendously. Of course this means we need tracks to be set at least weekly. With properly set tracks many more people will ski in Sackville, beginner skiers who are perhaps a little fearful of rough tracks, and who lack some skiing technique, older citizens, and school groups such as Salem School runs for its students.
Beach Hill Park has its roads unplowed on the right side and can be track set, a good route when the wind is blowing across the meadows. In fact, the Park could be a wonderful cross country area with many potential loop trails other than the Red and Blue. All it needs is track setting.
Koug Park, because it’s track set, has many people (women especially) in their sixties and seventies who daily ski 20 or 25 Kms. The tremendous effort of so many of you who developed the CTT shows the concern we all have to attract more people to this wonderful and healthful activity.
In my view, Sackville would benefit greatly from many more skiers, as part of the magic of cross country skiing is how each skier’s trip down a trail makes it better for the next person. If the next person is an 8-year old child skiing with his or her mum, this child will learn to ski properly and will be on the way to acquiring a life long healthy habit.
So much for my proselytizing for track setters. I’m willing to put out $100 for the track setter (taking for granted it’s an improvement over the current one). Allison Dysart says he’ll be in for another hun, and he’s basically an alpine dude! I can’t afford the $2000 or so for a TiddTrek groomer but maybe some of you know what levers may be pulled to help us acquire one. Is this a worthy cause or not?
Let me know. And thanks for the CTT, it’s wonderful and reminds me of skiing in les Laurentides!
A note from Graham Watt:
Yo Sackville x-c ski club dudes. We’re going to have to wax the tops of our skis if this keeps up.
I had a long chat with George Lefevre of Jemseg who has to be the world’s leading Nordic track setter, having set the past two Olympic Games tracks for all Nordic skiing events. George is a real resource for those of us who like to ski tracks in NB. I was getting some information about groomers when he mentioned that he had a used professionally-made track setter which he’d let go for $400. I thought it might be a good deal if it sets better tracks than the present home-made job the Town uses.
Actually, what we really need is a 4-foot groomer to condition the snow and ice, as well as a track setter, because our maritime climate means lots of temperature variation and icing, crust etc., and highly varying day-to-day conditions. A little groomer and track setter can assure good skiing through many different conditions. As well, without set tracks, because we have so few skiers, it takes awhile to get a decent track put down, especially a pole track.
With properly set tracks we can extend skiing time tremendously. Of course this means we need tracks to be set at least weekly. With properly set tracks many more people will ski in Sackville, beginner skiers who are perhaps a little fearful of rough tracks, and who lack some skiing technique, older citizens, and school groups such as Salem School runs for its students.
Beach Hill Park has its roads unplowed on the right side and can be track set, a good route when the wind is blowing across the meadows. In fact, the Park could be a wonderful cross country area with many potential loop trails other than the Red and Blue. All it needs is track setting.
Koug Park, because it’s track set, has many people (women especially) in their sixties and seventies who daily ski 20 or 25 Kms. The tremendous effort of so many of you who developed the CTT shows the concern we all have to attract more people to this wonderful and healthful activity.
In my view, Sackville would benefit greatly from many more skiers, as part of the magic of cross country skiing is how each skier’s trip down a trail makes it better for the next person. If the next person is an 8-year old child skiing with his or her mum, this child will learn to ski properly and will be on the way to acquiring a life long healthy habit.
So much for my proselytizing for track setters. I’m willing to put out $100 for the track setter (taking for granted it’s an improvement over the current one). Allison Dysart says he’ll be in for another hun, and he’s basically an alpine dude! I can’t afford the $2000 or so for a TiddTrek groomer but maybe some of you know what levers may be pulled to help us acquire one. Is this a worthy cause or not?
Let me know. And thanks for the CTT, it’s wonderful and reminds me of skiing in les Laurentides!
Friday, December 28, 2007
A good ski Friday afternoon at Beech Hill, right behind the track-setter. I'm told that the CTT will be track-set after the next snowfall, which should be Saturday, unless it's followed by rain.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
I was able to get out for a couple of loops on the CTT this morning, with the temperature around minus two degrees. The snow is quite dirty but it was possible to do it with waxed skis. There's rain in the forecast tonight followed by a warming trend until the end of the week. I got out 13 times this month, which is more that I have done in December for many years, so I count my blessings.
Happy Christmas to everyone.
Happy Christmas to everyone.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Crooked Tree Trail was groomed yesterday. Check it out. Ski Doo trails should be good for skating.
The Crooked Tree Trail has been track set & is in very good condition. Take advantage of this before the warm weather arrives on Sunday :-(
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Grooming delayed until thursday p.m. Clarence will be the rabbit leading on the skidoo...
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Yesterday, Cy & Clarence broke the Blue to the powerline. The snow is crusty & dirty but fairly deep, so it makes a good track once broken. Don't wear your $400 racing boots as the crust can be sharp in some spots.
Graham reports that Beech Hill is groomed in most parts, and that may be the best option for the next day or two.
Update: I skied the Red Trail at Beech Hill, which was crusty and covered with forest debris from the winds. I'd recommend waxless skis. Part of the trail is being used by a moose, so there are a few deep ruts to contend with as well. Snow is in the forecast for Thursday, which may improve conditions.
Graham reports that Beech Hill is groomed in most parts, and that may be the best option for the next day or two.
Update: I skied the Red Trail at Beech Hill, which was crusty and covered with forest debris from the winds. I'd recommend waxless skis. Part of the trail is being used by a moose, so there are a few deep ruts to contend with as well. Snow is in the forecast for Thursday, which may improve conditions.
Very crusty conditions. Crooked Tree Trail not broken. Cy and Clarence went toward Doncaster pond but track is now full of windblown debris. Snow shoes would likely be the best bet to break up the crust, or at least wide skiis.
Alternately the ski doo trail has been crunched up by a few machines and is quite good going tho wax doesn't last long. Step skiis would work well, possibly clister, or you can sort of skate and pole up the hills.
I plan to go with Brett Beale to groom the CTT tomorrow late afternoon.
Alternately the ski doo trail has been crunched up by a few machines and is quite good going tho wax doesn't last long. Step skiis would work well, possibly clister, or you can sort of skate and pole up the hills.
I plan to go with Brett Beale to groom the CTT tomorrow late afternoon.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Ski Swap?
Got some old skis in the basement? Need some extra equipment? Ross & Elizabeth are offering their shed as the holding area for any ski equipment looking for a new home. Jeff & Lindsay Murray are also looking for some equipment. Jeff is the new minister at St. Andrew's, and this young couple want to take advantage of Sackville's Winters. We have some children's skis, poles and boots which I'll be dropping off this week.
Please add in the comments what you're looking for or what you have available and I'll try to post a list of what's available. The main challenge seems to be finding the right bindings, so perhaps a group order to MEC might be organised, especially if someone is heading to Halifax.
Got some old skis in the basement? Need some extra equipment? Ross & Elizabeth are offering their shed as the holding area for any ski equipment looking for a new home. Jeff & Lindsay Murray are also looking for some equipment. Jeff is the new minister at St. Andrew's, and this young couple want to take advantage of Sackville's Winters. We have some children's skis, poles and boots which I'll be dropping off this week.
Please add in the comments what you're looking for or what you have available and I'll try to post a list of what's available. The main challenge seems to be finding the right bindings, so perhaps a group order to MEC might be organised, especially if someone is heading to Halifax.
Weekly Update
It's been a great week for skiing, with some fresh snow to boot. Take advantage of it this weekend as a storm is brewing for Monday which may bring rain :-(
According to Clarence, the Blue North trail is open to Drop-off Ridge & is in good condition, albeit a tad dirty after the wind the other evening. Clarence also adds a footnote to "trail étiquette" concerning setting the track after a snowfall. We certainly appreciate the work of any skiers who get there first and break the trail. One detail to remember is to try to set it wide enough so that it will be comfortable and stable to ski at full stride, not just at the walking pace of track breaking.
Some of the guys, under Ross' direction will be clearing the new trail this weekend, now dubbed, "Twisted Tree Trail". I don't think we'll be able to work in shirtsleeves as we did about six weeks ago though:
I was also skiing at Beech Hill this week, which has been track-set throughout. This is an excellent area for families or if you want to go a bit faster on a groomed trail. Here we are a couple of winters ago:
It's been a great week for skiing, with some fresh snow to boot. Take advantage of it this weekend as a storm is brewing for Monday which may bring rain :-(
According to Clarence, the Blue North trail is open to Drop-off Ridge & is in good condition, albeit a tad dirty after the wind the other evening. Clarence also adds a footnote to "trail étiquette" concerning setting the track after a snowfall. We certainly appreciate the work of any skiers who get there first and break the trail. One detail to remember is to try to set it wide enough so that it will be comfortable and stable to ski at full stride, not just at the walking pace of track breaking.
Some of the guys, under Ross' direction will be clearing the new trail this weekend, now dubbed, "Twisted Tree Trail". I don't think we'll be able to work in shirtsleeves as we did about six weeks ago though:
I was also skiing at Beech Hill this week, which has been track-set throughout. This is an excellent area for families or if you want to go a bit faster on a groomed trail. Here we are a couple of winters ago:
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
On Skiing and Other Activities
Cross-country skiing, when it is more than just plodding on boards, can be exhilarating as you swiftly glide through the woods. Experienced skiers can move along faster than most runners and go even quicker downhill. However, this is only possible with a smooth trail.
Waxed skis use a combination of "Kick Wax" and "Glide Wax" so that the ski sticks to the snow when your full weight is put on it. This allows you to push off with your other leg. A smooth combination of pushing-off, gliding, shifting your weight and using your poles is a graceful sight.
This picture shows how it works:
In order to enjoy cross-country skiing to its fullest, tracks have to be kept smooth. A groomed track is best because the snow has been compressed by the track-setter and there is a track for your poles as well. Groomed trails are also best for beginners because it's easier to follow the deep grooves.
As you can see from the picture, you need to have snow for your kick wax (or scales on non-wax skis) to stick. If the track is pitted with holes, you will not be able to kick and will slip and slide; which is a real pain. This is why snowshoes, walkers and dogs should keep off ski trails.
Holes on the track can quickly multiply with each dog or walker and then the trail is useless. The Reservoir Trail off Walker Road was built on Town Land as part of our Green Plan. Hundreds of hours of volunteer labour went into the construction of this trail. The trail is reserved for skiers when it is snow covered. At others times, walkers and dogs are welcome.
Cross-country skiing, when it is more than just plodding on boards, can be exhilarating as you swiftly glide through the woods. Experienced skiers can move along faster than most runners and go even quicker downhill. However, this is only possible with a smooth trail.
Waxed skis use a combination of "Kick Wax" and "Glide Wax" so that the ski sticks to the snow when your full weight is put on it. This allows you to push off with your other leg. A smooth combination of pushing-off, gliding, shifting your weight and using your poles is a graceful sight.
This picture shows how it works:
In order to enjoy cross-country skiing to its fullest, tracks have to be kept smooth. A groomed track is best because the snow has been compressed by the track-setter and there is a track for your poles as well. Groomed trails are also best for beginners because it's easier to follow the deep grooves.
As you can see from the picture, you need to have snow for your kick wax (or scales on non-wax skis) to stick. If the track is pitted with holes, you will not be able to kick and will slip and slide; which is a real pain. This is why snowshoes, walkers and dogs should keep off ski trails.
Holes on the track can quickly multiply with each dog or walker and then the trail is useless. The Reservoir Trail off Walker Road was built on Town Land as part of our Green Plan. Hundreds of hours of volunteer labour went into the construction of this trail. The trail is reserved for skiers when it is snow covered. At others times, walkers and dogs are welcome.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Blue trail now broken to Drop Off Ridge, and perhaps beyond thanks to a new Higham-built bridge across the creek at the foot of Petrie's Folly and lots of trail clearing and hole filling in by the XLeblanc Construction Co and serfs. Incredible snow conditions and lots of sun, even if it was a tad cool.
Feel free to trim any overhanging branches as you are catching your breath or waiting for fellow skiers to catch up.
Feel free to trim any overhanging branches as you are catching your breath or waiting for fellow skiers to catch up.
Welcome Winter 2007/2008
The first e-mail of the season from Ross is reproduced below:
This is Skiiable day 6 of this season already! The Reservoir Loop Trail is now open, officially broken in by your esteemed presidenteh, Professor P. Manchester and S Callaghan. For those unfamiliar with the trail I include a crude map. The trail starts across from the Reservoir gate at the origin of the Main Blue trail on the Walker Rd.You can turn right back toward the TCH or follow the usual trail turning off right 100 meters before the Access Rd. It is well marked by snow covered orange marking tape and a well set track. It takes roughly 17 minutes and 38 seconds to ski the approximately 3 k loop but if you enjoy the scenery, have a snack on the bridge or in the adjacent lean-to and avoid too much dyspnea and angina you can spend a considerably longer. There are a few gentle hills so wax well.
f you are feeling energetic or going with a slower husband take along a set of loppers or pruning shears and do a bit of trimming those lazy trail crew guys neglected to take care of.(and now they are a foot closer and weighed down by snow).
Just a reminder that this trail is for skiing on when there is snow. Please don’t snowshoe, walk(and that would include dogs, cats, horses etc.) or bike on the trail when snow is present.
Also a reminder that this trail is designed to produce the kind of exhaust generated by sweat and shortness of breath, not that generated by burning hydrocarbons so please leave your ATV’s etc at home and refrain from taking shortcuts onto the surrounding roads as this attracts 4 wheeled beasts.
We are thinking of asking the Town to groom this section of the trail. Your opinion for or against would be appreciated.
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