skategoat

bc, just about every run on the lower slopes is well groomed. Everything below Harmony and Emerald chairs on the Blackcomb side. Solar Coaster and Excellerator on the Whistler side. Also, the Seventh Heaven runs are usually good and if you keep traversing to the far runs, they get less and less crowded. During my trips to Whistler, it's all about the crowds - avoiding them. I found the least crowded was the Horstman glacier runs and if you stick to the t-bars, you'll avoid the lineups. Of course, that t-bar in itself is a challenge especially on a snowboard. BC-based guys should be chiming in but I'm guessing their all out enjoying the snow while we're washing the cars. Oh, one last bit of advice. Go for the "First tracks" programme - get breakfast and access to the lifts a hour before the official opening for $15 or so. Well worth it.

Thanks but I think the 173 might be too long for a 5'6" 120lb-er. I'm going to try him on a 168 Volkl but wanted to pick up a 167 FP to compare. I had both in my posession at one point and sold the FP thinking it would be years before my kid needed it. I didn't think he'd grow this fast. I also recall the FP was softer than my Volkl which is why I think he could handle it better.

Chris: It's for my kid, not me. I've ridden one. I thought it was quite soft and forgiving. In fact, I owned one until last year and I sold it for some unknown reason. I know the 160 is a SL board. I thought the 167 was marketed as a softer GS board for lighter riders. Not sure about the 164. Henry

Isn't the 164 a lot stiffer? ie. a slalom board? I'm looking for a soft GS board. Keith, I'm in SLC in January. If I don't find a board by then, I'll get a look at yours.

You have to have a great deal of faith to buy boots that hurt. How do you know they're ever going to stop hurting you? I'll stick with boots that are snug but don't have any pressure points.

I lasted 1 hour on my new UPZs. I then sent them back and Dan Yoja gave me a refund minus 10%. Very reasonable considering I did scratch them a bit during that one hour. I can't remember what part of my foot hurt but I could not stand it. By comparison, Raichles felt like an old pair of slippers. Maybe the UPZs are too narrow? I wear a E width skate.

This cracks me up: http://www.wiidamage.com/ Love the photo of the poor kid who took one across the face. Edit: This site has even more reports http://www.wiihaveaproblem.com/

Derf: You could call it a business trip. One of our riders, Ken McCutcheon runs an award winning maple syrup business in the area. http://www.mccmaple.com/ I think you need to make a sales call. HK

chad: Can I make another suggestion? Interview your grandfather and videotape it. Just sit and chat about his life. You will thank yourself later as will your children and grandchildren. HK

Just got back from a half day of riding. That's all my legs could take. A great day with at least 6 other hardbooters. Bruce, csquared, yyzcanuck, others. Rumour has it that Houghton was there but he's like a phantom, only heard from, never seen. Snow was awesome, not a rock or bare patch in sight. Got a little choppy later due to the traffic being confined to only a couple of runs. Or, it could've just been my legs giving out. Get out this weekend!

If colour is any indication, he sent me the right tool, wrong instructions. I sent him an email. Too late for tonight, I just hot waxed.

So I bought one of these based on the rave reviews. Now what do I do with it? The instructions that came with it tell me it's "the best tool for fast removal of microhairs" and so on but make no mention of wax. Do I melt wax onto the board then rub it in with the tool? I guess I can email Ray but I figure this might be faster and I need to wax tonight!

I'll also trade for a Burton FP 167 or even a Prior Metal. Not picky about condition on the latter board.

I have a pair of Bomber TD1 with purple bumpers and two 3 degree discs. I replaced the standard bails with step-in parts only to discover that the TD1 step-in receiver does not mate exactly with my weirdo Line Transfer boots. The front corner of the receiver bites into the boot. No such problem with my F2s so I'm looking to trade. I have both the step-in and standard bail parts for it. I bought the step-in parts this summer, they were used but show very light use. The standard bail parts are a bit older and show a good amount of use. They are entirely serviceable and I used them all last year. I would, however, replace one of the heel bails as it is a bit bent. Looking to trade for F2 Titanium, step-in or regular, don't really care. Must be in similar condition. I figure a straight trade is fair since you're getting the extra parts. Preference given to local deals because I need the bindings asap. Also, I can meet for a trade in the SLC area in mid-January. Or, if no one bites in T.O. or SLC, we can go high tech and mail them.

Last comment on this - one minor advantage of step-ins - there's no front bail to flop around and dig into the snow causing you to wipe out in the lift line. One minor disadvantage of step-ins - if you happen to fall on the heel receiver, it hurts like hell.

I'm going up to MSLM tomorrow. Do I bring the Coiler or the rock board?

Ya, that's the guy. He and I have the same boot size so I tried his Swoard and he tried my Coiler. I snapped into his bindings just fine with the same amount of lever force that I use on my TD2s. So I think the adjustment is fine. I just think with the high degree of inclination during EC riding and the way he whips his board around at the apex, he puts a tremendous amount of force on the bindings. Thus, the flex. And I'm sure weight is an issue. He's around 190-200lbs.

I can't tell much difference either but that doesn't mean the flex difference isn't there. A buddy of mine rides EC style with low binding angles - 55/45 or something like that. We did a carpet test and the amount of movement in the rear bail was amazing. There was nothing wrong with the fit or adjustment - just the rear bail twisting and flexing like mad. That same winter, I was riding with him and the rear bail snapped in mid-run. No injury but he had to walk down half of Big White. He tried my Intecs and could barely ride. He hated them.

Anyone have one for sale? Not sure what lengths the Oxygen came in but I'm looking for a soft GS board between 164 and 170.

One hour north of Toronto near Barrie. Easy drive. Bring Derf.

You better check, you're looking a little ...cough, cough...feverish.

I heard Horseshoe is open today. MSLM will open Friday and I'm going to be there. To hell with work. Who's with me?

I guess I should've tried the old-fashioned way earlier, but I just called Burton head office and they apologised for not being able to send them out today - ie. they'll send them out tomorrow. No charge. Dang, I wish they would get back into alpine.

I had a pair of Intuitions that Dave sold me for my Raichles. I stuck them in my Burton Drivers and they worked well. I think the "Speed" model is recommended for softboots. Which ones are these Bobby?

Not only was the cord perfect but there was absolutely no one else on the slope. Just another reason we should all move to Sweden.