Ski Town, USA
· Feb 8, 08:24 PM
Between getting back from the midwest, going to the Boulder and now being in Aspen for the Owl Creek I’ve had a whole three days at home in between the last three trips. Traveling is easier when I’m on the road longer and at home longer. Being back in Bend for just enough time to do laundry and decide not to buy groceries is not really that sweet. But the racing is still fun (usually).
The Boulder was decent. I ended up 4th in the 10 man charge to the line, because I was too slow to challenge the top 3, but fast enough in the last k that I could afford to be slow in the finish and not get passed. It was much slower (snow and skiing time) this year than last year and nobody got away. Violett made the only real attempt, and he floated for about 2.5-3k before Leif reeled him in with about 4 to go. I ended up on the front at that point (not good) and got off the front with 1.5 to go when I almost did a Petter Northug. The good news was I didn’t end up on my face (which would have guaranteed 10th or 11th), but I slotted back in to 4th. I don’t think I could have won it from the front, but I might have been able to podium. Ah well, at least I won some LF 4 as my prize.
Yesterday was the 10k classic as part of the Aspen SuperTour weekend. Hello 8100’. I have only raced this high once before (spring series a couple years back) and I didn’t really remember how to do it. I paced it about right, but was a little slow on the first lap because I was scared to use my arms and double pole. That might have helped me find a few seconds. I’m not sure. The second lap was mighty tough, and a preview of what might be coming tomorrow. I’m ready to try and suffer a little more, but see if I can be smart doing it.
All in all the last two races have been fine. Nothing spectacular, but nothing bad either. It’s how I wish I’d been skiing in early December. I’m hopeful for tomorrow, because it’s a tough mass start, and I’ve been okay in those in years past. I also feel more recovered the day after a race effort than I have previously all winter, so that’s a good sign too.
Now if only the sun would come out so I can see what all they hype about these ritzy ski towns is all about. Actually, the people watching in Aspen could rival Cortina. I’ve never seen three fur coat shops on the same block before…
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Sweet. LF 4. Did it at least come with a Swix t-shirt?
— Cosmo Feb 10, 01:11 PM #
Nice job!! See you in Vancouver!
(User experience tip of the day: Full left nav should be displayed on the photo gallery pages.)
— Em Feb 13, 08:27 AM #