Special to NSXC by S. Rees: The beauty of Gatineau Loppet (previously the Keskinada or the Gatineau 55) is that it provides so many racing options from which to choose. Do you want to classic? Well, you can race 5km, 16km, 29km, or 53km. Would you rather skate? There’s the 2km, 10km, 29km, or 53km. With so many options, it can be fun to mix ‘n match each year. However, I have regularly tried to attempt skiing both 29km (for more thoughts on this appealing option, check out my report on www.XCOttawa.ca). This year was only the second time I successfully completed both 29km and not without some potentially epic moments. Other members of the Ottawa-based chapter of NSXC.ca (aka Alicia and Steve) conquered the ever-competitive 53km skate on Sunday. But I won’t give away the punch line yet… EDITORS NOTE: I can't believe she's contributing to websites other than NSXC.ca. I guess we can't be too choosy, at least we're getting some content!  Read more...

Another year and another punishing Valentine Loppet on the Temiskaming Nordic Trails near Cobalt ON. This year was particularly tough as their PB groomer broke down a few days before the race. There is nothing like fresh snow on a cold day on an already tough, hilly course. This year team NSXC dominated the skate event for the second year in a row. Note: we dominated the classic event three years ago, it’s been skate or classic since. Team NSXC (notably those who traveled up in the purple corolla) took 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place in the 18k skate event. First was rejuvenated veteran skier Kevin Denston, followed very distantly by Andrew Rees and then by Ben Brzezynski of Nipissing University Ski Team fame. Wes Suitor, a Wednesday night Warrior, also stomped the 18 k course in an inspirational fashion given the (very) tough conditions. The real heroes were those who chose to race classic style with little to no track present on most of the course. Since that wasn’t us, we won’t speak of their accomplishments ever again. The REAL heroes were those who prepared the chili lunch for after the race. Chili, a bun, drink and great dessert item were enjoyed by all for the low low price of $4! In other news the TNSC juniors have great team jackets. We need to look into that for next year! Team NSXC jackets - bout time! Full results at http://www.temiskamingnordic.ca/ Read more for pics.

On a windy Sunday at the rolling course of PAXC, the Ottawa-based chapter of NSXC.ca took to the trails again for another day of rigorous racing. On the previous day, Steve and Alicia acquitted themselves well at the 2008 edition of the Silver Spoon (for more details, contact them! All I know is that the course was mostly double-poling and that Alicia won and Steve did well), while Steph generally spent the day doing nothing until dusk when she decided to get in a little extra training. The PAXC race consisted of a small but happy group of racers and one trumpet player who provided good tunes at the start line. The course, as mentioned above, was rolling with little rest and lots of wind and blowing snow. However, NSXC.ca performed brilliantly with Steve gaining the overall win and Alicia and Steph following not too far behind for second and third overall respectively (Yes… the season total now sits at: Alicia = 3; Steph = big fat zero). READ MORE...

Over the past couple of weekends, the Ottawa-based chapter (S. Rees, A. Berthiaume, and S. Bursey) of the NSXC.ca took part in the Coupe Skinouk and XCOttawa Duathlon races. Here is a quick synopsis of each based on the observations and experiences of S. Rees.

The 2008 Muskoka Loppet was visited on the weekend by many ski enthusiasts. Good times were had by all skiers at this perennially well attended event. The course was a little different this year. They somehow managed to make it flatter with more double poling than thought possible. Over the first 7 km there were only a handful of classic strides to be had. The latter half of the course, however, did provide some decent climbs interspersed with more flat terrain. The course was toted as 15 km but in reality was likely closer to 18 km. In the 15 km Andrew Rees place 2^nd overall and 1^st in the 20-29 category despite struggling with his lackluster double poling ability and little to no grip from his apathetic kick wax job. Aaron Dunnette overcame slow gliding skis and stormed into 3^rd place in the 30-39 category and 9^th overall of 40 male competitors. Dave Minden skied very well placing third in the extremely tough, well attended, 60-69 category. Jane Minden also skied well taking the overall lead in the 7 km event. Post race refuelling (at least for some) was happily accomplished at A&W. Read more for pics. Full results available at www.zone4.ca

Team NSXC hosted a Boxing Day time trial at the NBNSC on Boxing Day (makes sense). The "old" wednesday night crowd was supposed to show up and challenge the Junior Racing Team. Unfortunately all of the old dogs were either away or ill. Anyway, Kevin D held down the "old" fort and took the Juniors to task for one lap of the Red trail (5km). Good work to everyone, click read more for the times.

The 2006 Fischer Loppet took place on Saturday under sunny skies at the Hardwood Hills ski center near Orillia ON. The day consisted of a 40 km or 20 km skate race early in the day and shorter races for younger skiers later in the afternoon. The 20 km race course covered the entire circuitous network of the trails at Hardwood; with only the odd small loop omitted (the 40 km race did the 20 km loop twice). The terrain is very rolling and the trails have a ton of quick turns and short steep climbs. There is little time for rest on these trails that really are well suited to the skate technique. (Read On...)

Here are a few more pics from Saturday's Blue Sky Loppet skate races...

Well, the first annual Bluesky Loppet weekend is in the books. The odd hiccup aside, the two day event will certainly be remembered as a roaring success! Including the enthusiastic Jackrabbit skiers a total of 57 skiers took part in Saturday’s skating races, while 105 racers braved the cold for Sunday’s classic races. Read On!

Last weekend were the final OUAA University races of this season. They took place in Sudbury under very cold conditions. The races were held at the Laurentian University ski trails. They had just received as much as 35+cm a few days before the events but the groomers were able to transform all that snow into great trail conditions. Read On...