As many of you have noticed (if anyone actually still visits from time to time) it has been a long time since I've actually updated this site. My apologies. I've been busy - but not doing anything worthy of posting here. Unless I diversify the site to cover many other topics (things that have been making my mind drift away). Then I guess it would be a dreaded BLOG type site?!

Anyway, yes, to summarize since the last major posting: I didn't do much racing this winter, mostly because I didn't do much training in the fall and winter (insert excuses here). Something to do with a bunch of other stuff. That all ends though and it's time to regain focus (or at least talk about those who are still focused).

I will be changing things around here, should find some things to say, check back in a bit, iI'll see what happens,

AR 

Last night marked the conclusion of the Wednesday night workout series (a.k.a Wild Wednesdays). To some it was a damp, dark, and rainy night. To the Wed night crowd, obviously undeterred by any natural phenomenon, it was just another chance to get out and hone their skills. Sure there was a light drizzle, and the trails were a bit soft, but the skiing was surprisingly good. The brave group of six skied a couple laps of the purple to "warm up" to the occasion. For the main event a complex sprint loop was set up in the stadium to accommodate the group's need for a worthy challenge. The course had banked turns along with man-made rollers and large bumps. It was an ideal test of the skills we've been perfecting all season (balance, technical proficiency and of course stamina). The group took to the course multiple times and ended the evening with head to head sprint showdowns. To say that good times were had by all would be a gross understatement. The organizers of the Wednesday Night activities would like to thank everyone who came out during the year. This was our second very successful season. Look for us again Wednesday nights when winter returns. CLICK READ MORE FOR SOME PICS

As advertised last Wednesday night was the first annual farewell to Dave Weiskopf Time Trial. Dave has now departed to spend almost a year in Australia on an exchange program (we still haven't heard who we get in return). The time trial action was everything we could have hoped for. Eleven hearty souls started the time trial. Unfortunately, only 10 finished. Despite the honor, Dave W was unable to complete the first segment of the event. Apparently he was still suffering from a lingering viral attack. Local insiders, however, had a different opinion. One source was quoted as saying Dave W was simply too overcome by tears. He will miss the Wednesday night workouts that much! Touching as that may seem, we need to hear about those who actually completed the event. The format was a reverse pursuit. This meant everyone started together to complete one lap of the course (~2.6km). Their start order for lap two was based on their finish  time behind from lap 1. Faster skiers were handicapped by their advantage on lap one. Using this format everyone should have finished together (in theory). Click Read More to see the times...

Join us for more excitement on Wednesday night (the 31st of January). This week is Dave W's last before he heads off to far away exotic lands. Come out and participate in the First Annual Farewell to David Weiskopf Time Trial. We'll be using the same TT course we used last season. Click read more to see the summary times from last year. Let's see if Dave W can beat his times from last year!! The forecast is for warmer temperatures so there is no excuse!

The Wednesday night workouts officially began last week on the 17^th. We had a great turnout of 10 skiers. We did our best to shake out the cobwebs and pick up where we left off last year. There were mostly skate ski drills and a brief sprint relay to get the heart pumping! The coaches are happy to report that everyone is skiing much better than when we began last year. I guess some of the valuable information was retained over the summer! Last night was our second session. Despite the bitter cold we had 14 skiers out! We split the group between classic and skating. We worked more on using our arms and powerful core muscles. After a brief warming break we had exciting sprint double pole races. Who won wasn’t as important as the good times we had (Karl won and Andrew was second – proving that despite their lack of cardiovascular fitness they can still move quickly over short distances. Dave W. was a distant third). Thanks to everyone who has been coming out. The unbridled enthusiasm shown by every skier makes it worthwhile! Remember any club member is welcome at any session. See you out there! CLICK READ MORE FOR PICTURES

Well we'd all hoped for an earlier start to the ski season and to our Wednesday night series of events. Last year a group of 20 skiers, (around 8 to 10 that didn’t miss more than one workout all year) braved all kinds of weather and ski conditions to take part in the inaugural Wild Wednesday Workouts (or simply “Wednesday Nights”). The goal was to help promote skier development at the club. Our hopes were to encourage and promote skier improvement in order to prepare them for higher performance. This year we’re hoping to build on last year’s success. Hence, we’ll be doing it again Wednesday nights at 7:00 pm. Activities at these sessions will include 1) technique work, 2) training and waxing tips 3) intervals 4) technique and fitness drills and 5) time trials. These sessions are open to anyone who is a club member interested in higher performance skiing. The only commitment is effort, the aspiration to improve, and the desire to eventually enter some local races. The sessions will be organized again this year by experienced racers and board members Andrew Rees and Karl Giesbrecht. Hope to see you out there!

Well we'd all hoped for an earlier start to the ski season and to our Wednesday night good times. It looks like we may actually be able to get out on skis this coming Wednesday. Conditions range from dirt spots to icy to hard packed. We've had a skiff of new snow and there are flurries in the forecast before Wed. The warm then extreme cold provided a rock solid base for any new snow we get. Just like last year, all are welcome! See you on the trails...

I guess I lied. Updates were coming "SOON" - if soon was measured using the geologic time scale... It'll be VERY soon...

Wednesday night was our final official workout of this the 05/06 ski season. The NBNRT Wed night workout series has been a huge success. We had a total of 20 people come out and join the group at some point during the year. More remarkable was the core group of 8 to 10 skiers that didn’t miss more than one workout all year.

This week’s workout certainly met and exceeded expectations. What a night! Karl and I decided that enough was enough and it was time to test the team’s mettle. To save the anticipation – the team didn’t disappoint (by much!!).