GoofyFoot

Dave, However, if it is a 4 X 4 pattern you need, I have a small set of plate bindings you can have for $20 (& postage). Brian

Thx Tabby, ... for putting the coupon on the Oddawa msg board. I will try and get to Cascade on a Wed evening later this month. I am off to Mt Tremblant again this WE. if anyone else is in the neighbourhood, you can text me at 613-552-0034. I will be laying trenches in the early morning (I have "First Tracks" lift tix this WE) while the cord is in good condition, then go incognito when I switch to skis for the balance of the day. -Brian

Well, I went to Camp Fortune on Christmas Eve morning and the conditions were fantastic! Grooming was great, no one was around all day and the sun was shining brightly. A truly remarkable day in the Ottawa valley. I had a Volkl Renntiger board underfoot and had a great day! The next morning, I jumped into my car early and drove to Mt Tremblant where the weather had completely changed around for Christmas Day. The snow was falling steadily making for flat light conditions. Moreover, MT had its typical early season fog at the top of the mountain as the guns were going full force trying to open up more runs. MT was definately behind the normal power curve in terms of getting terrain open due to the lack of natural snow. Still had a good day, but took the board off early as I got beat up pretty fast bouncing through the rough stuff late morning. That and there were more people out than I expected; most of them going slooooowww which made for dicey riding when I was trying to go fast, in the fog, around slow moving skiers!...

Having ridden Mt Blanc, yes, IMHO the third (north?) face is the best for freecarving in that the pitch is the most consistent and it is the furthest away from the main lodge so it is usually the side less skied/ridden.

Hence the "subject to change" rider. Jack the Trip Guy was telling me that he had been given a quote less lift tix so $340 per person is still a helluva deal for "ski in/ski out" condo accn at Jay Peak. Lift tickets are $75 ea at Jay so a $65 increase for three days of tix still sounds good to me! From experience, all the condos have a good kitchen area so meals can be done in-house if desired to keep meal costs down. Also, if anyone is interested, please note that the Jan trip has been cancelled. I am still looking to go in Feb if anyone wants to join Tara and I. Cheers, Brian

Hi folks,</O:p <O:pLast year, the National Capital Ski Club partnered with Tommy & Lefebvre to organize an awesome weekend package to Jay. It was such a success that the Club's trip guy, Jack, has put together three trips with T&L this season. Tara & I are considering the Feb excursion and am looking for someone we know to share a quad cabin.</O:p <O:pCheck out the incredible pricing below (I am assuming this is a per person price) which includes transport, accomodation and lift tix for three days. T&L uses their corporate status to pass on this deal to us. </O:p <O:pFor anyone that has not been to Jay Peak in a few years, the skiing/riding is as good as ever, however, they built an amazing new lodge (the old one was like an old slipper; small, comfortable but well worn around the edges) that is far superior to the one that is no more. Plus, they are talking of expanding their snow area!... <O:p- Brian</O:p <O:p552-0034 if you have Qs</O:p Jay Peak Express January 20-22<O:p</O:p February 10-12<O:p</O:p March 16-18<O:p</O:p $275 (price subj to change)<O:p</O:p Transportation: Bus Departs 07:30 from National Capital Ski Club with pick-up at T&L Warehouse Lancaster Rd. Sunday return after ski day. Free parking but only if vehicle details are provided at registration. <O:p</O:p Accommodation: Ski in/Ski Out 2Bdrm Condos: Quad Occ (up to 6 people per unit depending upon configuration). Ski Lift Tickets: Friday afternoon, all day Saturday & Sunday. <O:p</O:p Registration/Payment: Register in person, by email or by Fax. Payment by Credit Card only. $275 is Non-refundable.<O:p</O:p <O:p</O:p Visit www.ncskiclub.ca for details

Hi folks, My game plan is to be at Camp Fortune on Sat - Xmas Eve; arrive early & leave early. On Sunday (Yep, I know it is Christmas Day), I am contemplating leaving Ott at 6 AM to ride the morning and leave in the early afternoon. Any takers? If so, you can call me at 552-0034 or reply here. - Brian

Mike, I have been buying the Head fabric ski gloves sold at Costco for a number of years now. Yes, they always sell out fast and are good for just cool days. For the seriously cold days, may I suggest the mitts that MEC sells? They typically run somewhere north of $100 but are an excellent product that have kept my digits warm in the coldest of cold days. I just ran over to MEC's site and they now have a variety of mitts from $74 to $189. Have a look: http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/MensClothing/GlovesMitts.jsp - Brian

This is last call for those wanting to get out for a pre-snow social get together. So far, Ian, Chris (& friends) and Tabatha, plus possibly Graham* (newbie) have expressed interest. I also have a few of my own friends coming out so there will definitely be enough bodies about to tell war stories :). If anyone else is interested please contact me off-line (email address is above) as I will send out more detail (to individual email accounts) later next week once I have a better idea what the weather is doing. See you all Sat afternoon, Brian * Hey Graham - this would be a great opportunity to show off that freshly minted home built board!!!

I'm gonna echo the majority of the previous comments. As much as I like Warren's eye for good vid (I have periodically seen several of his productions over the years), ya can only watch the loonies do suicide jumps off of vertical rocky chutes, the themed slide'n'fumble snow races and grannies and kids slip around at the foot of the mtn trying to walk from their car to the lodge in ski boots after an ice storm ... so many times. And his movies are never cheap! But if Ian brings along a WM tape, I might watch it - which segues nicely into ...

OK Boys & Girls, <O:p</O:p The fourth annual Tour d’Orleans is set for Sat 22 October 2011. RSVPs by Wednesday 14 Oct, please! <O:p</O:p Here is the game plan: <O:p</O:p RV at my place between 12:30 & 1:00<SUP>1</SUP>.<O:p</O:p Depart for a 2-3 hour casual bicycle ride around Orleans’ best tourist attractions. If Tabby cycles as fast as she promises we will have more beer-drinking time…<O:p</O:p Return to my place for a late afternoon BBQ<SUP>2</SUP>, socializing and carving vids courtesy of Ian. This is a rain or shine event. Come prepared for whatever the weather has to dish out<SUP>3</SUP>. Unless the conditions are absolutely miserable, we will start outside on my large deck, then migrate inside as appropriate. <O:p</O:p If you do not own a bicycle or have other plans for the afternoon, you are welcome to drop in anytime after 4 PM to join the party. <O:p</O:p Brian & Tara <O:p</O:p 613-552-0034<O:p</O:p Snowsurfer^at^rogers.com <ADJUST ; spammers precluding at attempt my please sign, the for “at”><O:p</O:p 1089 Chablis Park<O:p</O:p Orleans, ON <O:p</O:p Notes<O:p</O:p 1 – If anyone needs some minor bike maintenance such a putting air in tires or tightening a spoke, I will be happy to pull out my pump or my spoke wrench at 12:32. At 12:58, I will be somewhat less patient. Judge your arrival time accordingly!<O:p</O:p 2 – BBQ is BYOB – Bring your own Beef/Pork/Lamb. Tara and I will whip up a cornucopia of salads and vegetables. I also have two cases of beer left over from our recent (combined) BD party; Sleeman’s Honey Brown & Corona. I am looking for volunteers to empty those two-fours so I can get my bottle deposit back. For those bringing wine, be advised that Tara and I prefer French and Italian versions.<O:p</O:p 3 – I will make two bathrooms and one shower available for folks to clean up if the weather is at its worst – which has happened in the past - and actually made the ride more of a giggle! <O:p</O:p

Hi Ian et al, Well, I am not quite as ready for winter as Ian, however, I have started planning my winter vacation(s). I am headed to UTAH with my new GF in March. Check out the wickedly low prices for the first three trips the National Capital Ski Club has organized to date! (ncskiclub.ca) I will also look at the ECES in Feb. Thx for the heads up Ian! Recently had a long chat with Chris who directed me here. I am definately up for a pre-season war story session! In fact, I will even volunteer to host if you snow dogs can get your collective tails to Orleans. At the moment I am planning a mid-Fall bike ride for friends that I jokingly refer to as the "Tour d'Orleans." We have done this for the past three years and it is always a ton of fun. The gig is to get together mid-day and go for a leisurely (to be inclusive of the women who join in) 2-3 hr ride around the flat lands of the neighbourhood to see some of the more interesting sights (yes, I can assure you there is some wonderful scenery in the east end of town). Hybrid or mtn bike is recommended since some sections are off-pavement. The "finish line" is at my BBQ for a beerfest and further socializing. You can come for the ride or the beer call or both - your choice. I would be delighted to turn this occasion into a pre-season carving call. Who is willing to volunteer the videos? While the date and details are yet to be confirmed, Sat 22 Oct is the preferred date (the following WE is the other choice). Chime in Ottawa area posters!

Hi Chris, I second that emotion! The Vivacious Redhead & I will be in the Gatineau Park next Sunday at 9:00 to climb the road to the Champlain Lookout. The road is closed to vehicle traffic from 6-11 AM so last season we got into the most pleasant habit of pulling into the southern parking lot (Gamelin is the cross-street) of the park, making a leisurely two-hour round trip up to the lookout, then going for an early lunch at Les Brasseurs du Temps, a most excellent microbrewery pub on Montcalm blvd in Hull. Great food and even better beer! You, and any other lurkers, are welcome to join us! Cheers, Brian

Hi Andrew, Call or email me and I will give you an update. 552-0034 or snowsurfer @ rogers . com

Hi folks, I spent ther last three days at Mt Tremblant. Conditions were great for this time of the year with the majority of runs being open. Groomed runs were very hard in the morning as the temps dropped well below zero every night, then progressively warmed up throughout the day so that by late morning the corn snow was starting to develop. I am tentatively planning to be there next Sunday again if anyone wants to RV at MT. -Brian

I just returned from Massif yesterday. Unfortunately, I did not read your message before departing, however, having been there a few times over the past decade, here is what I can tell you generally. The resort is now owned by Mr Laliberté (of Cirque de Soleil fame) who is planning a $230 million investment in the area. The first upgrade has already happened -a $50M (gorgeous!) gondola was installed this season (2010/11). Remaining "to do" items include creating a "farm" for summer tourists and upgrading the train service from Quebec City to get those tourists from the "big city" to the doorstep of Le Massif. The no-so-good news is that currently there are no ski-in/ski-out chalets at this resort, however, I believe this is also in the future plan. You should ask when this will happen and when the chalets will go on sale to the public when you arrive at Le Massif. On the flip side, there is a quaint village at the base of the mountain, St-François-de-la-petite-riviere (if I have it right), and I do remember seeing some "For Sale" signs there. None would be walking distance, but all are short drives to the lifts. I suspect this would be the most economical way to go. And, yes, I had four days of marvellous riding! There is still LOTS of snow in the Charlevois area. We experienced mid-winter snow conditions everyday with plenty of sunshine and mild just-below-zero temperatures. Bonne chance! :) -Brian

:o Here is another heads up on a local deal! CF is offering $1 lift tix on Thu (tomorrow) if any of you can play hookey. My son is out of school on Thu so I am thinking of taking him to the hill for the day.

Hi folks, I just returned from a stunning four-day WE at Mt Ste Anne and Le Massif. I was expecting some spring riding conditions but the temps stayed consistently below zero. As a result, we (four of us) experienced superb mid-winter conditions four days running. Driving east on Thursday afternoon, there was little snow in the fields from Ottawa to Trois Rivieres, however at Quebec City, the remaining natural snow was noticeably greater. That, combined with good grooming at both resorts meant that there was good corduroy for the first couple of hours on the weekend days. Then, on Monday, there was so little traffic, I was still finding untracked sections of cord early in the afternoon! <O:p</O:p Mt Ste Anne still remains my fav resort in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comOttawa</st1:City> to <st1:City w:st=" /><st1:State w:st="on"><ST1:pQuebec</ST1:p</st1:State> due to its abundance of varied terrain and that it has several great cruising runs for carving. Le Massif is moving up on my list fast, though. I discovered more good carving runs and the new gondola is amazing. I love that the mountain top chalet only serves good food – nary a poutine or hamburger to be seen on their menu! Also, I finally went to their creperie (only open WEs) for lunch at the top of the <ST1:p<st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Camp</st1:PlaceType> <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Boule</st1:PlaceName></ST1:p lift. That was a real treat as well. <O:p</O:p This weekend, 1-3 Apr, I am off to Mt Tremblant again (Fri-Sun inclusive). If anyone is contemplating riding the big mountain, please let me know and we can meet under the “traffic lights” outside the Manitou. Sun, 10 Apr is also under consideration. <O:p</O:p -Brian

Tabby, Stop looking at your driveway (the garage roof gets in the way of the snowfall) and check out the current snow reports! There is snow out there!!! To put that in perspective, I have been out riding for four of the last five days. Here is a brief "ride report." Sat: CF was AWESOME after the rain. The groomer did a great job laying out acres of firm cord. Moreover, NO ONE was there Sat AM. I had a great morning carving up the slopes before the conditions gradually deteriorated. Sun: Off to MT where I met up with Ian & Chris. While conditions were variable; lots of death cookies on top, particularly on the north side runs, the lower slopes were in pretty good shape. The most important note is that there was LOTS of snow ... and no bare spots. Unless a lot of rain falls at Tremblant, I think they will be in good shape right up to their closing date in mid-April. Tue: Rode CF again in the evening. While there were a few icy patches (I crashed once while trying to get big lean angles), again, all the runs had good coverage and there was a enough corn snow to make it interesting. The best part for me was the time change. Sunset was 7:05 that night. I arrived early and rode for a couple of hours "in the evening" (after 4 PM) in bright sunshine. The definition on the snow was terrific. Wed: Last night I took advantage of the Hottie pass (Thx T) and rode a few runs with Chris. The snow was amazing! It was soft enough to easily stick an edge in and leave good trenches but was not so soft as to be soupy. I had a blast! So for all of you other Ottawan riders pouting at home, I say get out and ride! :)

Buy the combo,; sell the TD plates!

I am planning to be at Cascades if the rain stops. -Brian

Yeah, I wuz overly optimistic yesterday. :o Fortunately, I called CF before leaving. They closed the place down at 4 PM due to the liquid sunshine... I am going to try again Sat at CF and Sun at MT. -Brian

Stephane, Glad to hear that you had a good day! Also, after reading v3rse's post, I felt bad about not asking what kind of riding you enjoy so I am glad you found my suggestions useful. As for the aching legs, I know all about it since the hill I ride at the most is Camp Fortune; a mighty 500' at its peak! That is exactly why I get to MT as often as I can (usually 12-20 times in a season) from Ottawa so I can enjoy a nice long run and get more that six turns in per descent!!! If you are headed up again anytime soon, post here (and the QC ride board) and hopefully someone will join you. I am off to MT again this Sunday, 13 March and plan to return for a season "wrap-up WE" 1-3 April inclusive. Cheers, -Brian

... and the lift line is usually shorter!

Isabelle, Allez voir le siteweb pour Jay Peak - pas loin de Montreal. Tout la pluie on reçois tombe comme neige la bas! Ils ont reçu cinq pieds de neige pendant la deniere semaine. C'est ou je m'en va en sept jours (la fin de semaine prochaine). -Brian