Casey Wins Barneloppet, and Gliders learn to Skate

Despite the nasty driving conditions, the weather at the top of the Grand Mesa proved to be fun winter conditions for the Barneloppet (the kids race).

Our very own Glider, Casey, was the first skier across the finish line (by a lot!) at the Barneloppet 2K. He started with a great double-pole, and took an early lead, which just got greater as the race went on. Today (Tuesday) is Casey's birthday - and what a nice early birthday present he gave himself by working so hard in the race!

Here are some pictures:

The start of the race.


Casey opens up a huge lead.


completing his last lap...


Gold medal



The previous week, the Gliders learned a new discipline - skate skiing. They all picked it up quickly, and we had fun playing a game of sharks and minnows at the end of our lesson.

Meeting times/locations for remaining sessions

Wow! The season has flown by. We only have three more meetings!

Here is the plan for the next three Saturdays:

February 28th - 10:00am at Skyway. We will most likely be skating, but bring your classic skis just in case. The weather is supposed to be warm like this past weekend, so please remember to wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and bring water or a sports beverage (your child will be required to carry it themselves to our training location).

March 7th - 10:30am at Skyway - the Barnelopet! Gliders will register and warm-up from 10:45-11:45, and the kids' race starts at 12:00. (kids can choose to do a 1k, 2k, or 5k - coaches will give distance suggestions).
The GMNC could use some more help with the lesson before the race. Last year, we had over 40 kids. Please contact Tom at 434-9753 if you'd like to volunteer.

March 14th - 10:30am at Skyway - the Mesa Meltdown! This is the last session of the year. Gliders will warm up with their coaches at 10:30am, and at 11:00, they can either do a kid's race (1K) or ski the 5K course with the adults. This time, they can use either the skate or classic technique. We will have food and drinks after the event. Please plan on attending! We will also be collecting all rental and loaner skis at this time.

March 21st - 12:00pm - Sacred Heart Church in Fruita - Coaches Annie and Chris are getting married! All Gliders are invited to attend.

Valentine's Day Adventure

The Gliders had quite an adventure last Saturday, encountering about two new feet of snow, which made the treasure hunt a real challenge. Nora and Aiden were amazing troopers - in some places the snow seemed almost up to their waist!

World Championships this Weekend - Go USA!

After the 10K mass start (unusual for a nordic combined event), Todd Lodwick from Steamboat Springs is in 1st and my friend Billy Demong in third.

Watch the race here:

http://xostech.edgeboss.net/wmedia/xostech/universal_sports_profiles/geoblock_allow_us_and_surrounding/live_16x9_650k_512x288_2009-02-19_07_49_13_0005_encoder1.wvx

Sat., Feb. 7th and Feb. 14th

The Little Gliders had their last session Saturday. They skied out to a spot by Will's hill and had a picnic and skied numerous times up and down Will's Hill, having a great time. Thank you to their coaches, Sarah and Kenton, for all the work they did to make the program a success. The Little Gliders are invited to continue on with the Gilders on the Saturdays at 10am in February and March.

MEETING TIMES AND LOCATIONS for the next two weekends:

Saturday, February 7th - 10:00am - Skyway. Watch the weather - we are supposed to get a storm this weekend. Bring classic skis. We will have skate skis up there as well, but skating will be weather-permitting.

Saturday, February 14th - 10:30am - COUNTYLINE. We will be doing a Valentine's Day Treasure Hunt. Coaches will be giving you a flyer at practice this weekend. You may invite a friend to come with you. Bring classic skis, as you will be skiing off-trail to follow the heart-shaped clues to the hidden treasure.

Pictures from Grand Mesa Classic

Thanks to all who helped out with the Gliders first race. We had a small turn-out, but everyone had a blast!


Riley

Nora

Alison

Coach Christina

Mark your calendars and look for the Gliders at the Barnelopet race on March 7th.

Meeting times for the weekend

Saturday - Little Gliders: 10:15am, skyway
Gliders: 10:00am, Skyway (classic)

Sunday - All: at Skyway
10:00am - register for race and get race bibs on
10:15am - with skis on (race warm-up with Coach Christina)
10:30am - race begins

Driving conditions will be slick from 7000-8000 feet - be careful!:

You will likely drive through the rain-snow line between 7k-8kft when driving up the Mesa this weekend. So you will experience a zone of very wet, very slick snow and ice going up in the morning and down in the afternoon. Remain aware and slow way down to save your vehicle and your ski trip.