Hilux

Wow thanks for the input so far guys. @Johnny: I could probably rub on wax but it wouldn't last (not that porous etc) and the drag/resistance issue of the whole sled would still be an issue. @Brian: thanks for the links for the hardware - got a grainger close by I'll check out. @dingbat: Hmmmm interesting idea. I wonder if I a brace the tips of the x-country skis with a bar of sorts and anchor my tow bars there, perhaps that will allow it to turn easier and flex the skis through a turn. @BobD: I've got an old Burton FP 167 but that's all for beater not-in-use. I'm sure I could track down a couple crummy twin tips. I like the idea of having the inserts already there too. I suppose only concern would be added weight. Great food for thought! Keep it coming...

Unfortunately out for tonight...boo. The Donek will be there for you to try though :D Should be awesome conditions for all y'all. Have fun on the steeps!

Conditions are going to be variable from tracked out snowmobile trails (on unmaintained double-track cottage "road") with potential for lots of ruts and irregular terrain, hardpack, and ice on frozen lake. Powder, I wouldn't count on it regularly here but you never know when there might be a dump of snow. We only use this a few times a year too... Hmmm, never thought of the only tracking straight thing...even if they are shape skis? ;) I wonder if it's worth risking it then if the thing won't turn with a heavy load. What are you referring to by "cabinet type" inserts? Thanks again guys!

ssssssssssssssssssssss :D

I figured this would be a good place to start as many seem to be creative, tech savvy, and innovative with certain aspects of our sport. I want to pick your brains about how to best attach skis to my sled/pulk (see pic of similar sled below). We are hauling our sled primarily by human power using snowshoes and cross country skis. In its current form, the sled has tons of drag and is a pain to lug uphill especially when hauling loads upwards of 50lbs. So, I want to attach skis to the bottom...probably an old set of downhill (for stability/float) or cross country skis due to their light weight. My initial thought was to counter sink the base of the ski for the bolt, and go through/into a piece of 2x3 or 2x4 (spacing to give clearance from snow) and use fender washers on the plastic of the sled with nut. Note: the plastic on these is surprisingly thick so I'm not too worried. I used eye bolts and fender washers at the anchor points on the front of the sled for where we attach the tow bars and have hauled heavy loads no problem. Second idea: Use T-nuts on the ski base but I'm not too sure how easy or effective that would be. Third idea: Drill and anchor from the top of the ski. If bindings can hold a full grown adult, surely it could work for a sled...no? Anyway, please give me your ideas, thoughts, concerns! I have a couple weeks before I'll be using it again. Thanks!

Killer shirts! Do they fit big or small? Usually I'm largish (5'10, 195lbs, with a spare tire...life saver). Are they fairly standard sizings? Thanks in advance.

Sorry, can't do tonight. Might go to MSM tomorrow day or somewhere (undecided) in the evening for a couple hours.

My wife started in softboots for a couple times out and hated it. She was getting the hang of it but found it awkward and she had a perfect setup for her. We sold her gear, I bought her some used Blax (softer HSP) and put her on my Oxygen Apex 165 (medium flexy) and she caught on sooooo quickly. Her atheltic capacilities are also very good, can skate circles around me, recently also picked up downhill skiing again (the edging thing can be transfered someone from skating) and just has a good sense of balance/awareness. She felt so much more comfortable in hardboots and it showed. I came from skiing and went straight into hardboots. Tried softies for two runs after being in hardboots for a season and didn't like it. Have never had the desire for softboots so I was determined to make hardbooting setup work and consider myself a solid intermediate now. I wanted to hardboot and carve, period. As others will probably agree, the best thing for learning is to just get out and ride on your setup as much as possible, and get familiar with it. As for teaching, we are very fortunate in my area to have someone with the patience and passion to teach newbies. He's got a level 2 for softies and much of that I believe has transfered over in the early stages of learning. Hope that helps!

Yes, awesome night indeed. I didn't think we'd last that long in the cold but the snow was just too good! Thanks to Ian again for providing those little tips that can yield big results! I think everyone stepped it up a notch at the end and looked super smooth...Ian of course always looking smooth :p Hopefully next sesh is a tad warmer. Come on out!

I assume you are referring to Head's? I have pretty average "D" width and they were fine BUT where I found these boots big is the overall volume not necessarily width. To me, they were just a really high volume boot that I had to crank down on the buckles and never got a good fit. I also pronate moderately and have off-the-shelf ConForm'able Volcano footbeds that help but if your foot is low profile (also low arch and not properly "corrected") you might find the boot volume an issue. I didn't tinker around with fit too much and didn't want to throw any more money at them so took the plunge on UPZ's and have never looked back. That is just my experience and I know there are tons on here that ride them and they work great. I also bought a NOS pair of Dalbello Carve for cheap (B stock), same mold as HSP's, seemingly identical liner and I find them way more snug (go figure) and a PITA to get into. I was going to modify them a-la-BlueB with BTS and use them to switch from skis/snowboard but never did. Hope that helps!

Just phoned Cascades to confirm they are staying open (last year Vorlage closed in these temps). They are open. Tonight is a great opportunity to have the whole hill to ourselves. Bundle up folks!

That looks sweet Corey! The specs are nice to have on the board for sure. I ride with CaRtharsis who has a Coiler EX and he absolutely loves it. What angles are you running with your UPZ (MP27 or 28?)? Looks like you can even go more slack without any overhang. Ride on!

I can't do Thursday but no prob. FYI Thursday's are usually school group nights

Wednesday for me!

We still on for tomorrow evening? Only reason I ask is it's supposed to be isolated showers in morning then freezing up at night...it'll be hard! Wednesday looks more favourable with a dusting of snow and the hard crud might be more groomed in more. Either way I'm there with a smile :D

Anyone out today? Boo rain. Strange that conditions for you guys at Cascades were bad the other night. I was there the night before and it was decent. Surprise-chair side had some good nuggets though but I still found tons of grip. Veeerrry fast though. Can't wait for Tuesday!

You still have pennies?! That camber is ridiculous...I bet it's super fun. I did a quick google search but couldn't find much info. What year would this be?

Glad you sold the board. Sorry my sig caused confusion...it's definitely not directed to you or anyone else...simply just a signature. I have the same board and is super fun and snappy....ride on!

1. Mark Brown, M-F 2. Jim Cheen, W-F 3-4. Andrea, Dave & Lillian Morgan, M-F 5. GeoffV, M-F 6. Michael Mercurio, M-F 7. Stephane Paquette, M-F 8. Derek Bonser, M-F 9. Tabatha, M-F 10. Brad Burns, M-F 11. Annie Beaudoin, M-F 12. Claude Fagnan, M-F 13. CarveFather, W-F hopefully 14. Bob Russell Buggs, W-F 15. Alex Juhasz, M-F 16. Steph Juhasz, M-F 17. Karson Mui, W-F 18. John Philkill, M-S 19. Hilux, M-F

Hey Nick, I will take HSP tongues if they'll fit a 25.5 shell for my loaner boots. I still have my backup HSP in 27 too so I'll confirm. Can anyone chime in on this?

See y'all there! There should be a nice layer of fresh too :D

Pakenham was great tonight. I had Slalom all to myself for the whole night...carvers delight : ) Conditions were perfect but was freakin' cold after a couple hours. Happy New Year carvers! Can't wait to rip some turns with all of you in the new year!

1997 http://derf.dyndns.org/~derf/gallery/snowboard_Burton_1997/Primes

1997 http://derf.dyndns.org/~derf/gallery/snowboard_Burton_1997/Primes

Pakenham for a couple hours this evening...might change last minute because of other engagements though. Last night it was cooooold at Cascades but the snow conditions were good and grippy. It's only getting colder the next couple days. Happy New Year!