csquared

... I'm blushing. Good work, you guys are on the ball. That makes 13 spots taken. csquared & friend Skategoat John O'Brien Ruhtra ARCrider Greg Marsden pmWizard John H Rob-CanCarve Chris (can't id you from the picture but any Chris is a friend of mine) Beth & Derek Keep it coming guys. I am trying to confirm YYZCanuck and Mr. Coiler (very small chance of the latter as he is getting behind on the gold medal boards these days). Lets hope this weather improves soon.

Okay, we're on. I have reserved space for the event on January 27. Mark your calendars accordingly. Based on last year and a little optimism, I have tentatively told them that approximately 20 will be attending (this is less flexible than you might imagine). Before I sign the contract (yes, there is a contract, and yes, I am on the hook), I need to confirm numbers. When I say confirm, I mean I need your absolute personal assurance that you will show up or I will be left holding the bag for the unsold tickets (and you won't be able to come next year). I know some of you had confirmed on the other thread but if you would not mind committing yourself in a reply post on this thread it would keep things somewhat tidy. There was some discussion of setting a course in the other thread and it is not impossible to have this happen but the race staff do not really understand snowboard courses and there is a cost to have them set one (badly and with slalom poles rather than stubbies). If you have not been through gates this would not be the ideal time or place to learn. I think the gear swap idea is interesting. If you have a board or a full set-up you would like to dispose of, you could bring it to the hill and leave it in the racks then make arrangements with others to try out the gear. This won't be like SES with a tech tent but the picnic tables usually work fine as tuning benches in a pinch. Maybe at the end of the day we could get all the gear in one spot where the bindings and other bits can be examined. There is a race room with tuning benches that I think we might use. Bring wads of cash. If you bring a lunch, pack one that you can bring up the lift. Although there is a number of food service areas, they are often booked up serving catered events. The Upper Chalet seems to be available for us to get together at lunchtime (think of it as the SES banquet without the food, drinks, or door prizes). There is a fairly limited menu but there is beer (for the first time this year) so I am sure most people will be well-served. We will establish a rendezvous point, radio channel, and other details later but this should be enough for now. If you don't know anything about Osler you can learn more here So, 20 spots friends...don't delay, sign up now. Because I trust you guys (and girls; actually the girls more so), I am not asking for the cash up front. However, I will need you to bring the cost of the ticket on the day. I am not sure what the ticket cost is going to be but I am guessing C$50 right now; I will confirm this later. Looking forward to riding with you all.

This event really only started last year. The level of interest was moderate with about 16 carvers showing up on a Saturday in February. It would be a great to see new people come out and ride with us. It's really just about getting together to ride at the moment. However, we may be able to add some features to the day depending on the availability of some potential guests. We can't offer expert instructiion as the snowboard teaching staff at Osler are not carving specialists. However, if there is interest, I could get Allison Church who heads the snowboard program to do a group lesson. Until she had a disastrous spiral fracture to one leg, she was a high level racer. She has a lot to teach but does not ride plates anymore because of the stress it might cause her bad leg. I guess the main appeal of the event is the opportunity to ride a great private hill with others. There is a great deal of carving terrain and the grooming is generally as good as it gets. On a weekday, the crowds are non-existant and you can carve as many runs as you have legs for. We are still looking for responses from the Carveitup folks (who showed up last year), Chris Houghton (who was a no-show last year), Dave and Andrea Morgan (hopefully attending), and a number of other lurkers on this site.

Okay guys and girls, I know you've all been waiting for it so let's begin negotiating a date for this one. Last year's event was a great day at Osler and we would like this one to be as successful. This year we are going to try to do this on a Friday (with apologies to those that cannot make it during the week). Last year, the consensus seemed to be that a Friday would be better than a Saturday. The crowds on a Friday (if Osler could be said to be crowded) are lighter and John (PMWizard) and I can book in as many of you as wish to come. However, we do need to get some confirmation of numbers so that we can negotiate with the booking people. Here is a list of Fridays' that are possibilities at the moment (there are some Fridays that are no-goes at the club because of other events): January 27 February 3 February 17 (Olympic Snowboard Cross on this date) Give us some idea of what works for you and we will start talking to club staff about reserving capacity. We would like to see as many or more women show up this year so make some space in you calendar ladies. Of note: The club is now licensed so it is easy to get a brew at lunch or apres (please don't guzzle and drive).

.. but its only two blocks from my office so it would be ridiculous not to, right? Looking forward to seeing you all.

I think you are talking about the Extreme Carve board. This is Bruce's personal favourite for free-carving in Southern Ontario. It works best in hard-pack but has too little effective edge for ice and its stiffness and short ECR (edge cut radius) make it a nervous little thing. You need to be on your game with it but it will carve like nothing else when the conditions are right. It was initially inspired by the Swoard and its chief difference from boards of similar shape and length is that the side cut continues up the shovel a few centimeters before the shovel nose shape starts. This means that the nose initiates aggressively. The board is also wider to permit lower binding angles. The board is also wider to permit lower binding angles. Ordered a custom this year but it turned out to be the same design as Jasey's boardercross board. Bruce convinced me to wait until Jasey returns one and I can try it out.

I would like to make the following statements for the public record. I have no interest financially or by blood relation to Bomberonline, Bomber Industries, its officers or employees. I would characterize myself as an alpine snowboarding enthusiast who is concerned about possible legal action against Bomberonline and/or Bomber Industries and the suppliers of their products. I speak based on my personal experiences in the sport and in the community of enthusiasts. I have the highest regard for the staff and products I have purchased through Bomber. The business is well-managed, professional, innovative, and always attentive to the particular issues that arise in our sport because it is operated by enthusiasts who use the products being sold. The products I have purchased have always exceeded my expectations and the products designed and manufactured by Bomber Industries have outperformed like products by other manfacturers in my experience. It is my perception that the products of other manufacturers that are distributed by Bomberonline have been selected for their high quality and their proven reliability. My experience with these products would support this. As a particpant in the sport of alpine snowboarding, I acknowledge that the sport is risky by nature. The speeds experienced and the unpredictability of conditions encountered ensure that there will always be a danger of injury. These risks can only be partially mitigated by the choice of equipment and the use of safety devices such as helmets and armour. Given the inherent risks involved, it is important to be knowledgeable and vigilant about the equipment one uses and its condition and suitability to the terrain in any particular situation. It is also important to acquire equipment from a source that is reliable and has an in-depth knowledge of the sport. I believe that Bomberonline is such a source and that, in conjunction with my own vigilant approach, can contribute to my strategy for avoiding injury and continuing to enjoy my sport for years to come.

I have been riding Intecs since I won a set of Bomber TD1 SI's at the ECES draw event in '02. I weigh about 185# and ride fairly aggressively with both boots locked. I have had no instances of releases (I always check for visible pins after step-in to make sure of engagement) and I have had no spontaneous heel fractures. However, I did destroy one heel in a crash and I think the incident probably hints at the strengths and limitations of the Intec heel, The incident occurred at Owl's Head in Quebec, a resort that seldom sees grooming but has some great cruising terrain, Usually I take a cautious approach at this resort because the snow conditions are often not what they seem. The run I was on is split near the bottom by a chair take-off and the run funnels into very narrow spillways each side. I should have anticipated the ice above this from the skidders slowing down to take the spillway but I carved in at speed too close to the trail edge and and sketched. Although I corrected, I was too close to the trail edge and moving too fast to initiate even a defensive turn and I nailed a tree that was at the edge of the hill. Thankfully, I was helmetted but the concussion and shock have obliterated a lot of the details. What I do know is that I pitched forward, possibly on hitting the minor snowbank at the trail edge and augering. The force on the board was enough to destroy the camber completely (Coiler RC 180, 6.3 stiffness). Like a headless chicken, I somehow got up, got back on the trail and rode to the bottom without knowing anything had just happened because I was in shock. I was puzzled to find my wife standing in the lift line in tears (no, not from laughing) who told me that I had better take my board off and go into the lodge. At that point, I noticed that I could not remove my rear foot which seemed jammed. Note that the boot was still locked in the binding and that I was able to ride out that last 100 yards of the trail! Later inspection revealed that one pin had fractured the plastic beneath in a triangular break-out profile. The pieces fell away once I had pulled my foot out ot the binding but the other pin was still intact, unharmed, and retaining the boot (perhaps not too solidly). The pin that broke out was the one furthest to the rear which obviously saw the greatest load as my weight was thrown forward. As the day drew painfully on and I began to understand what had happened I realized that my rear ankle was sprained and as the swelling increased, I had more and more difficulty walking until I had to give up. Oh yeah, I broke my collar bone into the bargain but it took two more weeks to discover this (like I said, a headless chicken). So, with apologies for a long story, here is the evidence: Intec heel pin break out (the pins themselves don't break as far as I know), Bomber TD SI's completely unharmed (bulletproof), Coiler in the dumpster, modest injuries, Raichle's unharmed. This was one of those "unstoppable force, immovable object" crashes where something had to fail. The possibilities were board, bones, boots, or bindings. The board took a great deal of the crash pressure in flexure but at a certain point something else had to give and I am glad it was the Intec heel and not my femur. As it was, the heel pin held to the point of ankle sprain before it gave up. I would have to say that was the right point at which to fail. I don't have a problem with Intec heels and I am still riding them on both my TD1 SI's and Cateks. However, I now feel that I have a good sense of their limits which I would not care to test them again.

I don't think there is a right answer to this one. Kids respond differently to different teaching methods. My sons were more responsive to the leash. What seemed to matter most to them was that they could go fast the minute they stepped on the skis. They had very littly attention span for working their way into things methodically. On the plus side, it gave them an early feel for how the ski behaves once you get it up to speed without the painful and ego-destroying crashes. This made the eventual transition to parallel a little smoother. Weaning them off the leash was another matter. This led to some painful days but I felt the leash was a progressive way to start them. Neither of my sons skis any longer having made the jump to the board. My daughters never needed the leash. They were happy to be walked around at the bottom of the hill for a few hours until they got the feel of the skis. Then I spent time talking them through turns but never physically restraining them. However, this had its limits as they are twins and it was getting difficult to give both the amount of attention required early on. Signed them up for lessons after two days and the instructor threw them directly on the j-bar by themselves without further ado. The second day of lessons they were at the top of the hill on the chair. Neither of my daughters skis now and that makes 4 kids on boards. Girls are eminently more teachable in my experience. They don't seem to care about going fast or looking cool. I think they can get intimidated sometimes by the 'gross motor' activities but when they are confident, they progress quickly. Does this mean boys=leash and girls=no leash? That would be too simple. I guess I am trying to illustrate that both approaches can work well depending on a child's character. This reminds me that the thing I belatedly realized that I hated about skiing was that it was so canonical. There was always a "right" way that everything had to be done irrespective of circumstances. The thing I love about boarding is that there is no aboslute right way to do anything. There is only your way.

Welcome to the carvers-with-multiple-child-families club. Forget whatever alpine gear you have been covetting. Sell the bike and consider starting college tuition savings plan now. At least you achieved the 'millionaire's family' (1 of each) and you can quite while you're ahead.

Before Jack does this, go here: http://www.bomberonline.com/articles/tierney_new_carver.cfm and here: http://www.bomberonline.com/articles/tierney_article.cfm Yes, there has been a lot of discussion historically on this topic. The T board has been shunned by skaters as a genetic misfit and even though there are open-minded carvers who've never skated, it just never seems to get raves. There was talk of racers doing summer training on them but not much recreational press. Hopefully you've noticed Bomber's new addition to their line-up of great stuff. Used to be called the Carve USA board (still marketed as such?). This is perhaps one of the most compelling carve-like rides.

TThis is incredibly afffordable (about 1/3 the price of Lagavullin) because it is a blend but it is unfiltered and therefore has extraordinary character. At the price point you have to try it. Be careful though, it could be habit forming.

Hey Buggs, scooped ya' (only by about 6 minutes though). We Canadians like to keep out ears to the snow and our sticks on the ice. On the subject of bats and boards, I could guess we could say 'one good turn deserves another'. :D Hope to see you again at ECES '96. How's the back progressing?

Okay, fess up Buggs. Have you been doctoring snowboards too? Modifying Coilers to carve tighter? I often wondered what was evil about 'Evil Sports'. Now I know that you've tampering with amature athletic equipment and generally messing with the non-professional sports world. How evil can you get?;) If you're reading this and missing the point, check out section W of the Wall Street Journal for May 20 2005 and see the article at the bottom of page w1 entitled "Softball, Hard Questions" subtitled On America's Diamonds, Players Try Doctored Bats; How Bobby Buggs Got an Edge" Got any secret modifications to make a Coiler into an extreme carver?

...herr Gruuumer. Have one on me the next time I see you.

Bruce has templates from past custom designs. Go here and click on the word 'Custom' at the bottom of the page for spec's: http://www.coiler.com/main.htm If you have very broad experience with a lot of boards and know some of Bruce's designs then you may have enough of a basis to begin thinking through a custom shape and construction. In general though, it would be better to tell Bruce what kind of a ride you are looking for, what conditions you ride in, your physical particulars, riding ability, etc. and let him lead you to the appropriate board. Even when Bruce is working with Jasey Jay on developing race decks, the dialogue is not as precise as you would imagine and Bruce needs to read between the lines quite a bit. The least successful boards that come out of the Coiler shop are for people who think they know more than Bruce. By all means go for features like Superboard construction or a custom topsheet that do not fundamentally change the design. But try working with Bruce to find a board design that makes sense. You wouldn't tell your brain surgeon where to cut or what knife to use would you?

John: I am looking forward to a run or two with you on the new board. I think it will treat you well. Skategoat, you're surely blind. I saw you in the lodge first thing in the morning on Saturday but you walked right past before I could say anything. "Oh well," thought I "I'll see him on the hill." Saw you coming down Valley so I waited for you at the top of the Orchard chair but you came off and ignored my waving and calling and headed for the main lift. Saw you once or twice after that but from a distance. I guess you missed my tracks, huh? My back hasn't been the same since SES and I have been trying to take it easy on the aggressive stuff. Gave it up in the afternoon and went out on the snowshoes for a trek through the woods with Carol. It was a gas in that blizzard, like being lost in the barrens.

Here is a hastily prepared movie. Apologies to anyone who doesn't make an appearance. http://homepage.mac.com/csquared1/iMovieTheater1.html Sorry about the goofy background skin. There doesn't seem to be the option of not having one and this was the least offensive one.

Linus: you are excused. Education is more important than riding. Gabe, welcome to the event. I think you're last name is Tung but I can't recall how I know that. Doesn't matter, I will see you there. Chris, this is a disappointment. We get few opportunities but I think we will be seeing each other at SES. Rob Cox, if you are still stuck for someplace to ride on Saturday, I will be at Osler that day too but not arriving 'til 10:00 AM. Let me know if you would like me to get you a ticket. Envionrment Canada says sunny for Sunday with a high of 8 degrees! Conditions could get a little wierd by the end of the day but should be great in the morning. Don't overdress. And don't forget your FRS. If you don't have one and arrive late, I will be using the Orchard lift in the morning so if you wait on the deck at the lodge and watch for the thermonuclear orange board you can always find me.

Southern Ontario Session that is. Just a reminder for next weekend sesiion at Osler Bluff Ski Club to: Henry Kim Greg Marsden Gord Tanner Rob Cox & Monique Derek & Beth Todd stewart Rob Sydia Arthur Tateishi Chris Houghton Linus John O'Brien (to organize own ticket) Simon & Tara If you are going to drop out, please do it as soon as possible so that others can take your place. The numbers for this event are closed and it would be great to have a full turnout. If you are just becoming aware of this event for the first time and want to get on the list, leave a message on this thread and perhaps a spot will open up. At the risk of being repetitive, here's the drill: you arrive between 8:30 and 9:30 AM on the 6th. THIS IS IMPORTANT: YOU ARE NOT GOING TO THE MAIN LODGE. YOU ARE GOING TO THE SOUTH LODGE CALLED THE 'ORCHARD LODGE'. IT IS THE ONE THAT IS IMMEDIATELY NEXT TO THE ROAD WITH A FIXED GRIP TRIPLE CHAIR BASE ADJACENT. THERE IS VERY CONVENIENT PARKING RIGHT ACROSS THE ROAD. The ticket window is on the lower level inside the door from the drop off circle. One of us will be waiting inside to sign you in and get you pointed in the right direction (hopefully downhill). If you arrive after 9:30 (I know there are some long drives happening) we will be cycling on the Orchard Chair and you can reach one of us by FRS on 7-7 but be a little patient (call for John or Chris and identify yourself). I think we should try to break for lunch at around 11:00 or after 1:00 as this will allow us to ride through the lunch period when the light is best and crowds are minimal. Being Superbowl Sunday, the crowds should be quite light in the afternoon. There are two ski race events at Osler that day: an adult house league event and a MacKenzie League race. These will likely be on hills off the main high speed quad lift so these need not be a distraction. However, it may mean additional traffic out of the Orchard Lodge which is where the racers and their parents are usually sent. The conditions were great this weekend with a solid base and great grooming making for ideal riding conditions. Hopefully the weather will continue to be cooperative into next weekend. At the moment, Environment Canada is predicting lows of -12 every night with highs of -1 during the day all the way out to Thursday. For driving directions: http://www.oslerbluff.com/directions.htm Looking forward to a great day.

Today's parallel slalom results: http://www.fis-ski.com/uk/604/610.html?sector=SB&raceid=464 Jasey in an interview in the Globe & Mail today attributes his PGS win to his new board: the Coiler 4D. Read about it here: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/TPStory/LAC/20050119/ANDERSON19/TPSports/TopStories The man and board are hot!

...will be there 14th through the 18th. There are two of us: me and Mr. Coiler (yeah, I talked him into it). I am also bringing my 18 year old son Jamie who (cringe) rides only conventional snowboards (come to think of it, I am probably a cringing embarassment to him too). However, I may get him to put on carving gear just to be social.

Okay, okay, it was early and I was hurrying. Yeah, there were 17 on the list but since Dave and Andrea are dropping out, the total is 15, like I said. The '?' meant I couldn't remember Christian names for Zaphod and friend (its been a couple of years since ECES 02) so welcome Simon and Tara.

Okay, here is the list for Feb 6: Henry Kim Greg Marsden Gord Tanner Rob Cox & Monique Derek & Beth Todd stewart Rob Sydia Arthur Tateishi Cave Morgan & Andrea Cardiff Chris Houghton Linus John O'Brien (to organize own ticket) Zaphod & Mead (?) That makes 15 and I am going to have to close the list there. I have a couple of other riders who do not hang out on the BOL site that I would like to have along. Sorry to anyone who has not expressed interest. Maybe we will do this again next year if it turns out. If you are going to drop out please e-mail me or pm_wizard. Hre's the drill: you arrive between 8:30 and 9:00 AM on the 6th. THIS IS IMPORTANT: YOU ARE NOT GOING TO THE MAIN LODGE. YOU ARE GOING TO THE SOUTH LODGE CALLED THE 'ORCHARD LODGE'. IT IS THE ONE THAT IS IMMEDIATELY NEXT TO THE ROAD WITH A FIXED GRIP QUAD CHAIR BASE ADJACENT. THERE IS VERY CONVENIENT PARKING RIGHT ACROSS THE ROAD. The ticket window is on the lower level inside the door from the drop off circle. One of us will be waiting inside to sign you in an get you pointed in the right direction (hopefully downhill). If you arrive after 9:30 (I know there are some long drives happening) we will be cycling on the Orchard Chair and you can reach one of us by FRS on 7-7 but be a little patient (call for John or Chris and identify yourself). I think we should try to break for lunch at around 11:00 or after 1:00 as this will allow us to ride through the lunch period when the light is best and crowds are minimal. Being Superbowl Sunday, the crowds should be quite light in the afternoon. However, I have not sussed out whether there are any ski races on that day. Hope that works for everyone. For driving directions: http://www.oslerbluff.com/directions.htm Looking forward to a great day.

Here's a link to some nice press for Bruce and Jasey: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/TPStory/LAC/20050114/SNOW14/Columnists/Columnist?author=Allan+Maki Good luck to both at Whistler in the World Championships. It could be the triumph of a lot of up to minute experimentation or a very frustrating result. Bruce only started delivering boards with metal overlays to Jasey in late December. I think they're onto about the third prototype at the moment with the race happening within days. So far the results are encouraging but there hasn't been enough time for Jasey to really get the boards set up optimally or for Bruce to dial the flex pattern. Cross your fingers all.