boostertwo

As a rider can perform crossover and crossunder simultaneously, I've found it far less confusing to speak to extension or retraction of the legs at the turn transition (after all, a rider can not simultaneously extend and flex his legs!) It has been my experience that a rider will naturally make what Jack and others have identified as a "cross through" move when they make a medium to long radius retraction turn. This rider uses the extension move on a long radius turn. You could also say he makes the X-O move. This rider uses the retraction move on a long radius turn. He, and all other riders I've seen do this move, could also be said to make a 'cross through' move. Because 'cross through' suggests a simultaneous movement of both the CM and the base of support, I don't think it's surprising that many riders new to this maneuver find it difficult to understand and apply. I think the movement of the CM will happen naturally, on its own, as a result of the legs no longer resisting the forces in the turn. I've found that it's far easier for riders to grasp, and apply, this concept if I ask them to simply make a retraction move on a long radius turn. Whatever you call it, it is very effective for lightning fast edge changes in longer turns. My advice is to try using the retraction move on longer radius turns. I think Baka's cue is right on: try to stay low during the transition in long radius turns. 'Swallow' your legs during the transition to your new edge.

OK, Cross-through...found it in your article. Thanks! B-2

The photo sequence was taken from digital video. Camera is a Sony TRV 900. Sequencing done with Adobe Photoshop. I've found the DV to be an invaluable training tool, both for the video and to create photo sequences. Cheers, B-2

Here are a few more drills to develop carving skills. Skid/Carves: Alternate between skidding and carving on a single traverse and on single turns. Extend the rear leg to break the tail out of a carved arc, then retract it to realign the board so it points exactly in its direction of travel. Develops sensitivity to both skidding and carving, and the ability to regain the arc if the board starts to skid. Circulators: Carve a complete circle on the toe/heel edge. While not especialy useful for racers, still a fun drill that develops the ability to read terrain and use appropriate inclination, hip, knee, and ankle angulation to tilt the board, and fore/aft movements to adjust the shape of a carved arc. Lock-Ons: Unweight and make a change to the board's steering angle (pivoting it through the initiation of the turn) while it's light. Come down and immediately 'lock-on' to a carve on the new edge, carving the middle to the finish of the turn. Start with small steering angle adjustments and make larger steering movements as you develop proficiency. Develops the ability to make a big steering angle adjustment when the course demands it or to regain a better line while on course.

Another drill we've used recently is retraction boosters. At the very end of a carved turn, use a quick movement of the ankle/knee to tilt the board even higher, rather than reducing the edge angle to start the new turn. This sudden increase in tilt tightens the turn radius and creates an even faster retraction (cross-under) turn.

Good thread! We do the following drills when there is not a lot of traffic on the slopes: Cat and Mouse: Ride with a partner. One is the mouse, the other the cat. The mouse tries to shake the cat while carving turns. The cat rides a safe distance behind and tries to match the mouse turn for turn. After a while, switch roles. Good to develop the ability to instantly make turns of different shapes and sizes, and for looking ahead. Human Giant Slalom: Ride with a group: the bigger, the better. The object is for the entire group to ride through a GS course made up from the other group members. Start by having each member of the group position himself (stopped) on the trail so that the entire group makes up a GS course. Alternating 'gates' hold one arm to the right/left to indicate the direction on which to pass. When everyone is ready, the rider at the top of the course goes first, with the following riders starting as soon as the 'gate' above them rides by. Thus, several riders are on course at any given moment. Safe passing is allowed and encouraged, but no hitting gates or others on the course. As soon as a rider 'finishes' the course, they set the next gate, which they do by stopping and holding out the appropriate arm to indicate turn direction (dictated, of course, by the rhythm of the turns immediately above him.) Leapfrog in this way all the way down the hill. Develops the ability to make carved turns of different shapes and sizes, and choosing line. Hope the riding is great where you are! B-2

Bump! The boots are still available. The snow at Vail is incredible. Hope it's good where you are. Cheers, B-2

Could you post any photos of the volkl? Thanks, B-2

Hello, The toe strap on my spankin' new Raichle Indy broke--after less than one day of riding! According to Michelle at Bomber, strap blowups on this boot are not uncommon. Unfortunately, the folks at Raichle have not responded to Bomber's repeated requests for replacement toe straps; the best they could do was to provide me with an upper boot strap, which I can file and drill to get to fit. Before going that route, I wanted to see if anyone else has had this problem--and if there is a toe strap source anywhere in the US. Would anyone know if these straps are the same ones that are used in Raichle's ski boots? Thanks for any help or counsel you might be able to offer. While it might be possible to fix with duct tape and bailing wire, I'd prefer to get at least another week on 'em before turning them into FrankenBoots. Cheers, B-2

Yes, the boots are still available, but likely not for long! Please let me know via BOL if you'd like to buy them. I'm heading to Vail for a powder day and don't plan on being anywhere near a phone. Thanks again. Hope it's snowing where you are! B-2

According to Fin, the TD2 should work fine with a 342mm sole length. I recently double-checked the shell size to make absolutely certain that the size was as I had indicated, and I saw something curious that any interested rider would need to know about. The shell size is 29.5-31.0--for the cuff (the size, stamped on the upper cuff, is what I indicated in an earlier post). I then noticed two other shell size stamps on both the tongue and lower boot. The stamp on the tongue indicates 29.5-31.0--the same as the cuff. The stamp on the lower boot (the part holding your foot) indicates 30.5 to 31.0. Apparently, Burton used parts that could cover a larger range of sizes on their upper boot. Thus, the boots are a good bet to fit your feet if they are 30.5-31.0. Hope this clears up any confusion. And yes, they are still available. Cheers, B-2

Hi Big Zeb, I'm waiting for a reply from Fin at Bomber (I couldn't get over to Summit County until tomorrow). I'll let you know tomorrow at the latest. Sorry about the delay; thanks for your patience. Cheers, B-2

Hi Big Zeb, As the shell size is 29.5-31.0, the boot should work with the TD-2, but to make absolutely certain, I'll bring 'em over to Bomber to check on Monday. That'll make sure they fit the binding. As for them fitting your feet, we should first make sure that you are Sized 31.0. Check the chart to make sure that a 31.0 boot would be likely to fit you. If it's the correct shell size, it should fit, but you may still want to work with a skilled bootfitter to get a custom fit to achieve the highest levels of performance. And, if your size 31.0 feet still do not fit in the boot. you can return 'em and pay only the shipping. But I think they'll fit. Paypal is an easy and secure way to make cash payments over the web. I've never had any problems using it for buying or selling items online. Apparently, some have. If you'd feel more comforatble using a money order, that'd be great, too. I'll check on the binding question Monday and will get back with you then. Thanks again, B-2

Thanks for the offer. I'm asking $225 plus shipping. I think if you check around, you'll find them to be very fairly priced. "New" Fire boots on klugriding.com run $300 plus shipping and other new boots far more than that). These boots are as-new and are a great buy. You'll be stoked and will enjoy many years of high performance riding in them! If you are interested, we can work out payment through Paypal or money order. Simply email me for details and you'll be blasting arcs in short order! Cheers, B-2

If you've been riding in ski boots, I think you'll be stoked to jump into a pair of snowboard-specific boots. In addition to the shorter sole length, you'll find them much softer forward flexing, which allows you to better use your legs like shock absorbers as you ride. It'll still provide lots of support for lateral edging moves. The Forward Lean is completely adjustable and features three "quick set" positions (another advantage over a ski boot). The forward flex of the cuff is also adjustable using this nut-and-spring mechanism. You can immediately make a tool-free adjustment on-the-fly (I generally will dial up FL when I want to crank arcs and back it off when venturing off piste). To adjust forward lean, simply flip up the foward lean adjust lever on the back of the boot, bend your knee out over your toes, and flip the adjustment mechanism back down. The amount you push your knee out will determine the amount of FL on the cuff. To release from a set FL position, flip the lever up again and straighten your leg. This is also called "walk" or "relax" mode, and is very useful for walking around the base area. I also like it for riding in powder. The liners are stock Burton liners. Of course, if you are looking for a custom fit, you could replace them with T-Flex or other custom liner.

Thanks for your interest in the boots. The boots have a shell size 29.5-31.0. Liner size is 31.0. Sole length is 13.5 inches. They are a bit too big for me as I prefer an extra-snug fit for enhanced energy transmission. This season I'm squeezing my MP 30.0 feet into a Raichle Indy MP 29.0. It's a very snug fit, and I don't yet have 'em dialed--I can only ride for a half day before I have to limp off the slopes, but I'm hoping that I can custom-fit the T-Flex to accomodate my big dogs in a small shell. The Fire is/was Burton's most supportive alpine boot, and with an additional heel piece (available from Burton? klugriding.com? Bomberonline?) will work with the Burton physics system (which I believe is compatible with the Intec or TD-2 SI system). I rode Burton product for many years and they've worked well for me. I would ride these, too, if only they fit. Best regards, B-2

Hi Curtis, I rode Raichle Olympics MP 30 the last few seasons, street shoe size 13, athletic shoe 12.5, soft boot size 12. You're welcome to check 'em out. The snow at Vail is very good and worth a trip from Boulder. Let me know. <img src="http://www.keyssonline.com/images/IanUpside_op.jpg" alt="" border="0"> Best, B-2

Thanks for the feedback. I appreciate the offer to swap, and the kind words about the listing, but I'd prefer to sell the boots rather than trade for product. The boots are in excellent shape, and ride even better than they look! Please let me know if you have any other questions. Best wishes, B-2

<table bgcolor="#8080C0"> <tr> <td><font face="Arial,Helvetica" size="+2" color="#000000"><strong>FOR SALE</strong><p></p> One pair 31.0 Burton FIRE Boots. This is/was Burton's high-end alpine boot. <p></p> <img src="http://www.keyssonline.com/images/Fire1.jpg" alt="FIRESALE! Burton Fire MP 31.0" width="600" height="450" border="0"><p></p> Features include: <UL> <LI>3 position Forward Lean Adjustment, plus Ride/Relax Mode</LI> <LI>4 Buckle with Micro Adjustment for a precise fit and effective energy transmission</LI> <LI>Power Strap for added leverage and control</LI> <LI>5 position cuff cant adjustment</LI> <LI>Adjustable/removable Power Plate on cuff for enhanced leverage and energy transmission</LI> <LI>Swappable heel piece for step-in bindings (not included).</LI> </UL> <img src="http://www.keyssonline.com/images/Fire2.jpg" alt="Burton's High-End Alpine Boot" width="600" height="450" border="0"><p></p> These boots are factory-fresh and in as-new condition. They were used 4X. Soles show no wear and inner boots are fresh and clean. <p></p> <img src="http://www.keyssonline.com/images/Fire3.jpg" alt="Burton Fire Size 31.0" width="600" height="450" border="0"><p></p> Unfortunately, they do not fit me. <p></p>Asking $225 plus shipping. </font></td> </tr> </table>

You might find what you're looking for here. http://www.klugriding.com/ Cheers, LH

Is the board still available?

If it's no trouble, could you please post specs? Thanks! It's dumping in Colorado!

Hi, In looking for some new hard boots, I've been surfing EBay's global sites. Not surprisingly, there is quite a bit of product available on the German and Austrian sites, and some on the Swiss and Italian sites. All at very good prices. Here's an example: http://cgi.ebay.de/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2767488087&category=22199 Has anyone had any experience buying items on EBay auction from European countries? Other than the obvious language difficulties and caveat emptor with EBay, would there be any other reason to be wary of purchasing boots through these means? Thanks for your input. Cheers! LH Vail opened today. Lots of natural snow on the upper mountain!

Hi, I'm looking to buy new or gently used boots, MP size 30. I've been riding Raichle Olympic w/ T-flex, and have been very happy with both performance and fit. Any leads would be appreciated. Thanks! Hiked Vail today. over three feet of fresh on the upper mountain!