chrisk

For reasons unknown to anyone, Snowbrook condo 2579 has taken the unofficial title of "Swag Winner" at ECES 2004. During the course of Friday night's give-away, "2579" walked away with 2 boards, 2 sets of bindings and a Windjammer Tour. (Yes, I know that Dave and Andrea only spent one night at 2579 but that seemed to be enough). There's little doubt that there hasn't been a haul like this from a single condo ever before and there may not be again. In anticipation, Mike Tokar is taking reservations for beds in next year's ECES condo now. The $250 (non-refundable) cash deposit seems high until you consider the increased chance of going home with a new Donek or Coiler. It could happen, just ask Chris and Rod (the Aussie). By the way, although I'm not bitter, I didn't win anything! Signed, The condo 2579 Martha Stewart Chris K. Ps. I'm just kidding about Mike taking reservations, but I'm not kidding about me not winning anything!

I'm looking to buy some body armor for boarding. I'd like full length uppers and lowers that I can wear in-place of long underwear. If anyone could suggest a dealer I'd appreciate it. Dave Morgan gave me a few names while we were at ECES, but I forgot everything he said within minutes (my fault, not his). Chris K

It was about 1995. My friend (call him Bill) and I had just started riding hardboots. We were at Big Sky, perfect weather and perfect snow, on the southern end of the resort, on a trail named Larkspur (?). Having a great time exploring our newly found carving skills. We were alone on the trail and it seemed the entire southern end. With Bill 20 feet in front of me, we blasted down the edge of the slope and onto the newly groomed trail under the lift. About 25 feet from the lift, he pulled this beautiful layed-out toe-edge turn and ended with his body prone on the snow, facing up the mountain. Considering we had just started carving it was one the prettiest turns I had seen. Before I had gotten close enough to match his turn, a big guy on skis went screaming past my right shoulder. Without slowing down this skier ran into Bill right at the knees. His skis sliding underneath Bill's legs and Bill's front knee stopping both of the skiers boots. The skier's skis and boots stopped but his bindings opened and he launched over Bill like Superman. Unfortunately for the skier, his bindings hadn't released fast enough. He broke both legs where his shins met the boots. Bill laid on the ground for a few minutes and didn't move. I tried to make him as comfortable as I could while he regained his senses. He started to move and eventually accepted a ride back to the Ski Patrol station. He was walking reasonably well and didn't want to go to the hospital so we ended up back at the condo. Once we got back, he pulled up his bibs so I could look at this knee. I couldn't believe how swollen it was. There were two large knots above his knee cap where his quad muscle attached. I told him it didn't look good and that we should go to the hospital NOW! Bill looked down at his leg and said that was the way they always looked. Turns out the years of lacrosse had created a pair Frankenstein legs, there were muscles in places that I didn't know you could have muscles. I guess it payed to be in second place on that run, had the skier hit me, he would have cut me in two. Shortly after that I started to wear a helmet. Chris K.

Mellow, Sorry you can't make it. The "Pa Carving Team" will drink a frosty one in your honor! Hip, hip hurray! Chris K

New Holland, PA is half way between Philly and Harrisburg (PA). Think of Pennsylvania Dutch country and you've got the basic picture. Rolling farm land, cows, etc.

Hey pnut, Where are you staying when you get there? I'm driving up with Mike Tokar and a few others. What time do you think you'll leave? Chris K. (Robesonia, PA)

Hey Mellow Yellow. Are you still getting a house together for ECES? Thanks, Chris K

I'm west of Reading PA, about 15 minutes south of Rt78 (at Rt 183) and 20 minutes from PA Turnpike exit at Morgantown (old exit 22). It's also possible to get to my home from PA turnpike (old exit 21, might be Denver Rt 322 exit?) chris k

I'm driving up from PA for (mini) Carve Fest at Killington the afternoon of 1/8 and driving back afternoon of 1/11. I have room for 1 rider. My route will be RT 78 east to RT 287 north to RT 87 north (you know the rest). Anyone interested please post or drop me a line. Thanks, Chris K. ps. Also I haven't made any lodging arrangements yet, if you have any suggestions.