This snowy Christmas Eve morning we had another delightful race with around 40 in attendance, earning their holiday feasts. The course was to summit three prominent peaks along the Brighton ridge line but visibility and conditions didn't cooperate so plan B was to put in three climbs of decreasing vertical gain along the Great Western boundary line.
Tom, Layne, and Josh, very graciously joined me just before 6 AM to set the course in the new snow. We put in a skin track that offered a variety of terrain including steep kick turns, flats, and groomer drag racing. The first lap ascended to the top of the GW run (1750 gain) and then mostly followed the track for off piste skiing back to the base. The new 6 inches provided great racing conditions. The next lap climbed just under a 1000 feet along the same course and the last was a sprint with around 400 vertical gain.
Overall the "peloton" has gotten much faster. I noticed people with new race skis, new speed suits, and generally moving much better. The Trab Tour Rando demo skis allowed a couple more people to catch a glimpse of why "light is right". There are three pairs available...let me know before the races if you'd like to try em out.
After the racing, most of us congregated at the Milly Chalet for some breakfast and to hand out some quick prizes and pies. Tom dominated the field but gave up his pie which went to the next rightful heir, Tim Holmberg. On the woman's side, a new threat (name?) showed up and pushed Emily throughout and was awarded a big apple pie.
The Sport Loft generously supported this race and provided custom ski straps and a pair of Fly Low gloves as the grand prize for the day. Those guys are true pros and have been great to work with over the past couple years. Thanks Sport Loft!
We will now take a break from racing to get our powder fix and will resume the shenanigans on January 15th at 7:00 PM. Hope to see you all there! Happy holidays!
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| The field strung out early on the first climb |
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| Eric, Chad, and some more suits |
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| Luther and Tim |
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| People with more fashion sense |
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| Except Brent? and his new speed suit |
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| Tom with victory sealed while still only on the second of three laps |
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| The ladies race |
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| Pies and prizes (donated by the Sport Loft) |
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| The Sport Loft...celebrating 40 years of business |
Andy, thanks for putting on a great race. Tom great job. You have one powerful steam engine with those legs and lungs!!
ReplyDeleteThe Milly Chalet... that's where everyone was. Well, anyway, here's hoping that the citizen series helps fill the Jackson podium with 100% Team Wasatch. It looks awesome to see a big line of local skiers climbing up a skin track in a local race series. It has to lead to good things.
ReplyDeleteAppreciate your blog ppost
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