bigwavedave

Tuesday AM (tomorrow)? Thinking about coming up.

Triple slalom? Looks like the left (inside course) was the shortest lane to the finish line. And, who would want that middle course? Maybe a fun race, but is it really a fair race? What's next? Send them down the same course at the same time? At least in PGS and PSL each rider gets a chance in each course. I'ld like to see the old format in the mix, no gimmicks--one really good challanging course (instead of 2-3 less interesting courses crammed onto the same hill), one racer at a time, racing the clock and mountain. Ski racing doesn't seem to lack in popularity with that format (I assume that's the reason alpine feels the need to experiment). I still think the Nagano Olympics was the most exciting snowboard GS to watch (at least on TV). Looked like a very challanging and interesting course, flat with tight turns at the top, then racers getting airborn over the knoll into a steep middle section with big high speed carves across the hill. Set one awsome course that takes advantage of all the terrain the mountain has to offer. It really puts the focus on a rider's technic and style, as well as speed.

Thanks for the updates. I'm waiting for more runs to open up. Maybe they should recruit you patrolers for snowmaking?

Thanks Arne, recieved TD1's today.

Thought I might need the long plates, appears I'm on the cusp. My boot size 10US/28mondo. Anyway, found some TD1's I'm going to try. Thanks.

I have a Rossi Alpine free-carve 160, maybe a bit bigger than what you're looking for, but it fits the style. All mt carver designed to be ridden with hard or soft boots. I have some old rad-air hardplates that could go with it if you want. http://www.bomberonline.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=35428

Rossignol all mt free carve. Ride and specs put it somewhere between 4wd and atv. Soft nose, stiff tail. Made in France! nose...27 waist..22.4 tail.....26 sidecut/rad...9-9.5m $150 shipped

I'm looking for some Cateks for a second board.

I'm interested. Would like to see pics.

I played with the stabilizing feature on the youtube online editor on a few clips. I think they're easier to watch but it may have degraded image quality a bit.

X-treem games, I believe they invented boarderX, now sbx for TV viewing...mmm...lets see to boost ratings let's send 4, or 6 riders down the same course at the same time, put some "features" in there and see what happens. Nascar and roller derby but more dangerous. Outside mag listed the winter sports with the most injuries (visits to the medic) at the last olympics; women's sbx topped the list. Looking at world cup results this season I noticed that there seemed to be only about half as many athletes participating in either sbx or halfpipe as there is in pgs and psl. Is this due to the high risk of serious injury or because so many athletes are already out due to injury?

Getting much snow up there? Guess I'm gonna have to come up there again, maybe tomorrow, Thursday. Forecast is for a sunny day. Nice job on the video Jim!

Jim, I've loaded all my clips onto a flash drive for your editing pleasure. I was looking at some of the shots I did of Russ using the pole-cam and I think they look a little smoother and closer. I think a cameraman on skis is going to get the best results, but who wants to volunteer to ride skis?! I will upload a clip after this, so you can judge for yourself. I think I may be well enough to have a go at it tomorrow, a day on the slopes may help work out the last few kinks. Looks like temps will get above freezing by midmorning, so I hope to get there early. Maybe see you out there tomorrow? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biWv7p30cwQ

Sad to see this hysterical man on the video/radio spreading fear to his listeners. Lack of knowledge, education or critical thinking ability is no excuse. Hope he takes a deep breath.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qosk2K44VOw Russ run #13 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wk2Z7N3D0mk Jim run #9 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaGBYGHPU4c Russ run #10 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUKNra5eETs Jim run #11 Doesn't look as close as it felt. ~Krash Kessler~on the mend, but still pretty sore. Enjoy...

looks good and I'm planning to come up if the forecast holds. Sounds like you're getting some snow to fill in those icey spots. Had a wonderfull time at Lutsen last Monday; a beautiful sunny day, great views of the lake. Had fun riding Bull run (a bit steep and narrow at the very bottom for carving the big board, but the upper part was great) and then over on Meadows, Cascade and Caribou. They must not see many carvers up that way as I recieved many comments (mostly praise but one referance to the "big ruts") and inquiries, mostly from lift operators and handed out some carving (Bomber) business cards. RE: Pictures Russ: Haven't seen that board, how many boards do you have now... want to add a FC1 171 to your quiver? Jim: Good to see you back out there. No helmet cam?

I'm going up to Grand Marais Friday to visit a friend on the Gunflint. I may hit Lutsen on the way back, Sun or Mon, I'll look for your tracks. If you're still up there, we'll likely be at the Gunflint Tavern Fri night. Hey, I happen to have a longer board, 171 Doneck FC1, but I bet you have something in your quiver for him too.

Since you guys weren't out today, here's what it was like... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loMsC6ZmyQM

Tomorrow is looking good. Did you get much snow?

1st run yesterday

Started out with hazy sun and firm (not icy) groom. Very nice, could carve hard and only find a bit of crunchy snow a few inches below. Full sun about 10:30 started softening things up and had to ease up on the edge pressure. All in all another great day! Uploaded a couple of pole-cam vids filming in upsidedown mode with the camera under the pole and closer to the snow. Don't have a link yet. Sunday's forecast is looking better. I might try and join the party.

Weather forecast has improved for tomorrow. I'll be there at 9am.

Morning first run at Spirit today. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQ_xqDtN5sY

this AM at Spirit. pole-cam video with Russ. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpm9-Qgxbuc

I'm planning to come up Thursday morning.