Gtanner

I've ridden the 183 PGS model (designed by hardbooter.com) which is pretty close to the FLC that Chris is making now. The Green topsheet is awesome, a total assult to the eyes, but looks amazing on the slopes.

I've got a used 158 Volkl RT that I could send your way for $125 + shipping. Depends on whether you are looking for a metal slalom board (this is wood). -Gord

Jack, FYI; Saw that Fox and NBC went ahead and used your pics last night that were posted here. -Gord

Tanker 172.... sickness on groomers if you add some palmer or burton risers...

Unfortunately I now have to work that week. Have fun and take pics. -Gord

My wife and I are heading to Banff for a few days to bring in the new year on the slopes. Will probably spend our time at Sunshine...looping Goats Eye probably. Depending on new snow, will be riding a Schtubby or a Tanker (softies). PM if you are interested in making some turns so taht we can trade cell #'s. -Gord

Newcarver, As a PS to the email I sent, drop a note to Steve in Halifax. He may have some stuff lying around or at least have a line on some 2nd hand gear. -Gord

I'm definitely considering the March camp....anyone else have this on their Christmas List? My Wife is actually the one who wants me to go....she's awesome! -Gord

Folks, So in doing my diligent shopping around, I have found that these boots are $100-150 more expensive in Canada (go figure). And unfortunately, there is an agreement between each of the online stores with K2 that says that they cannot ship internationally. Would anyone be willing to recieve the boots in the Western part of the States and send them accross the border to Canada via USPS? I'll obviously pay all the shipping and would even throw you a couple bucks for your time. Thanks, Gord

Nothing? Ok, so could someone post/PM with experiences surrounding packing out thermo liners in soft-boots? Thanks, Gord

Has anyone used the K2 T1 softboots? I need a new set of softies and these felt fantastic in the shop…nice and stiff. The question now is whether or not the dual boa system can be trusted? I’m ok with the internal one for the inner-liner, but if the external one broke on a mountain, I’d be screwed, whereas I could manage with a broken lace for the day. They offer two models, one with a dual boa, and one with a single one (internal only). I'm leaning toward the single-boa model Any thoughts? Also, this boot has intuition liners. I’ve never had moldable liners on softboots, so I’m wondering if I should expect the same fit as I get with my hardboots…such as expecting a half-size pack-out within the first 5ish days. Thanks, Gord

Assuming I'm still in the Mac then, I will definately consider coming down for a weekend of trenchin. -Gord

Got a set of new take-outs from UPZ boots. THey are "thermo-foam" which apparently mold to the heat from your feet, so not heat moldable in the typical sense. Let me know. -Gord

Another Volkl RT SL 158 - $125 + shipping

Fix it, then ebay. You may recover some of the cash that you spent on the board. Should be able to get ~$100 I'd say. -Gord

There is only one full "Ironman" event in Canada and it's in Penticton, BC every August. It's a 3.8km swim, 180 km bike, 42.2 km run. There are a few other ironman-distance events in Canada, but that is the only Ironman-branded event. There are a number of different triathlon events though. Lots of half-ironman events around (called a half or a 70.3) including a two pretty big ones in Peterborough and Muskoka. After that there are the Olympic or Standard distance triathlons ; 1500m swim, 40k bike, 10k run, and a sprint distance is 750m swim, 20k bike, 5k run. Sprints can be done either in a pool or open water. Lots of different levels and distances to choose from. I've been doing triathlons for a few years and Olympic distance is where I focus my time. Personally, I would like to enjoy and focus on the shorter events, tune up my race strategies and then look at the longer races once I feel like I'm dialed in. I am very against those folks that choose an ironman as their first triathlon...it happens, but I can't see how it would be an enjoyable experience... ok ranting a bit here. Anyway, change it up, do some intervals and I can't say enough about shorter TT's...lung-burning, balls-out riding is lots of fun.

Couple of things: Shorter crank arm with a larger cassette on the rear will have you spin more efficiently and not have to worrry about your knees hitting your stomach once you are in the aero position. As for comfort, pick up a Fast-Forward seat post (made by Profile design). Works to get you into a steeper tube angle and you will use your hamstrings more as you pedal...not only helps you run off the bike, but engages another set of strong leg muscles. Swap out the triple for a double absolutely. Intervals are key, and some TT's are good. Not just the 40k ones, do a few red-liners (liek 10-15k) where you are going all out, lungs burning, drooling, snot flying, etc. Those can add more value that pounding out the same 50k loop every few days. Good luck, Gord

Triathlons (although I'm training year-round) and Ultimate Frisbee...plus the odd wobbly-pop and a BBQ.

Lowrider, I'd also be interested in some info aswell. I got to see the plate at the Olympics, but still have some questions. -Gord

Worked with her at Cypress and at the WC last year. Condolances, what a loss. -Gord

Not a lie, the things were like sponges. They even gave us some MEC poncho's, but after two days, I had my regular riding jacket underneath to provide some semblance of being dry. -Gord

Phil, relax. I'm well aware of her credentials, she's an excellent rider, and don't question her ability to forerun. I knew I probably couldn't forerun, but for fun I did mention it in passing (you never know). I was just pointing out that they had a female forerunning a male race...which I thought was against the FIS rules...although the men again fore-ran for the ladies SBX...so I dunno. Perhaps it would be of more interest to the forum if you shared some of your insider knowledge of how the US team felt during the races...how did the equipment prep change as the weather conditions varried, etc. You have more first hand knowledge of what the athletes and coaching staff were concentrating on or concerned about with respect to the competition then us "lowly" volunteers. -Gord

First off, looks like a beautiful day for riding. I just noticed a few little things and I'm going to pick on everyone to make it fair (take these comments if you'd like, otherwise forget it, I don't mean to piss anyone off). - Pierre and Ruwi are counter-rotating. Which is why your upper-body seems to feel out of line as you are riding (and you lose power to your legs as your core is no longer engaged). Try the "boot" drill. If you're regular, on toe-sides, reach down with your left hand and touch the left boot cuff, on heel-side, right hand right boot cuff. This does a few key things: - Forces your upper body to remain in line with your knees throughout the turns - Forces your shoulders to remain parallel with the snow at all times - Forces you to steer with your knees (this is key). - Tenorman, get that back knee out and use some power through your turns! (now if you were hurt, nevermind as this may not have represented your skillset). - Boris, pushing late in the turn (may be a function of the snow conditions). Also, it looked like you were hunching over, keep your back more upright and let the legs to do the work. - Scobby - dude that fish-eye view gave me a headache. It's always nice to see a group get together to trench up a hill. Love it! -Gord

Ekat forerun for the men though which is why I questioned it. -Gord

Cypress' wonderful weather managed to destroy my camera. I'll try to get the pics off the memory stick later this week and will try to post a bunch. And yes, I did work with BVG, but he was gate-crew, and I was course-crew. -Gord