Late?  I'm going to be late for my own funeral. It has been a while since I have posted things and I am sorry  about that. I have enjoyed Kyle's missives and have been busy here at work with skis of all things. This little snow and now cold have kept us (and our stonegrinder) busy. Health wise we go through a PET scan next week which will hopefully be a little more telling as to my status. I'm not a real patient type and this waiting is driving me nuts. I am feeling good enough to ski a little and ride the trainer (ugh) but nobody need worry about this train wreck passing them.

Some inseason ski notes:

The snow is not so good that good skis are recomended. We see daily good skis gone bad so if you have rock skis use them at least to scout the trail before pulling out the good boards.

We have had a rash of broken poles lately. If you do snap one be sure and pick up the pieces. With most better poles you can get a bare shaft which is less expensive than a new pair...........IF you have the parts.

Waxing. This cold snap is causing a return of the burned base (BB). These cold waxes (actually plastics) require high temps and a fast iron and different waxing technique. Don't cook your core. Ask if you re not sure.

Speaking of waxing: Wed. Feb. 7th at 7:00pm we have our Birkie wax clinic here at In Comp. A picture is worth a tusen words.

A quick waxing note: The popular Swix CH/LF/HF 6 Blue wax seems to have been "hardened" this year. We are now using a horsehair brush to polish the base. In the past that wax was too soft for horse hair but it is working well now instead of the nylon brush.

A COLD wax note: For faster skis on race day after waxing and brushing we chill the ski outside and then brush again. With colder waxes and in cold dry dessicated snow this can make the ski run faster right from the gun, really important especially with shorter distance races and sprints.

Rivers have been pretty good for skiing and good reports have come from both the East River and Duck Creek. Watch for open leads and speeding Tin Rats. Point Beach has been reporting pretty good classic tracks. Good diversion from skating perhaps.

The temps are starting to moderate and should be nicer by the weekend. This would be  good weekend to "train through" and get a big effort in before the big late Feb/March races. I will talk to you next week.