MARCH 2002

News for the members of the Madison Nordic Club Vol. 21 No. 5

• A WORD FROM JIMMY • OUR NEXT MEETING Monday, March 11th, 2002 The Suitcase of Courage Shorewood Community Center BY JIMMY VANDEN BROOK, PRESIDENT Agenda 6:30: Pot Luck! We will be eating and socializing! hrough a minor familiar faces, all smiling and talking 7:30: Awards and a short Tmeteorological and wishing each other well. Carolyn meeting. miracle, the 29th run- Senty was showing off her trusty Fisch- ning of the American er’s with Birkie stickers going back to Birkebeiner actually 1991 and no more room on the top MNSC BOARD OF DIRECTORS sheet for 2003! Karl Heil, our grooming took place. Timely Jimmy Vanden Brook saved the race god from Blue Mounds was there and President from one of the worst he was striding too. And I could see (608) 437-4192 winters in mem- Tom Hooyer was striding, and there [email protected] ory. So, despite a collective deficit of train- was Brian Watzke, and many more Willi VanHaren ing time, the annual pilgrimage to the ready to go. Finally, the gun went off Vice President greatest show on snow was a and I was going to find out (608) 437-3782 go. On Friday, it seemed like what I was carrying in my [email protected] there was a little more excite- IMMEDIATELY, ALL suitcase of courage. Hans Herweijer ment in the air at Telemark Immediately, all my pals Treasurer as skiers realized that their MY PALS SURGED surged forward and away [email protected] entry fee wasn’t going to be from me like galaxies in an Mike Cockrem wasted. And more than one FORWARD AND expanding universe. I Trips Chair participant was wondering if knew right away that this [email protected] they were really ready for the would be a day to learn Nancy Hoene Saturday morning jaunt. For AWAY FROM ME new lessons, relearn for- Publicity some, including myself, the gotten ones, and see how (608) 226-9994 [email protected] contest would require tap- LIKE GALAXIES IN many times I’d have to ping physical reserves that open the suitcase. Phil Jim Coors were a little on the slim side. Liggett, former Tour de Membership AN EXPANDING (608) 231-3593 Because we are going to France rider, turned an- [email protected] Norway for the Norwegian nouncer, coined the Ned Zuelsdorff Birkebeiner in March, I de- UNIVERSE. phrase, “suitcase of Race Chair cided to stride the Ameri- courage”, in describing (608) 231-1876 can version, something I haven’t done poor Jan Ulrich as he suffered defeat at [email protected] since 1987. I knew this would be a slow- the hands and legs of Lance Armstrong Harry Lum er event for me but after having had a on a mountain climb in the 2001 Tour. Advertising/Promotions really enjoyable race at the North End As Ulrich watched Lance pull away he (608) 273-2821 Classic two weeks before, I was cau- had to summon the will to keep going [email protected] tiously optimistic. While the North End even though he knew he would lose. Kay Lum Classic was only 23K, I had perfect kick Liggett commented that Ulrich would Newsletter that day thanks to Willi Van Haren’s have to “dig deep into the suitcase of (608) 249-0186 ext. 110 willingness to share his magic juju wax courage” to hold his ground. [email protected] (can’t share the formula). So, on Birkie Now the Birkie is not the Tour, and Pete Anderson race morning I figured I would ride that I’m more like Pee Wee Herman than Jan KidSki Chair same horse to glory. Unfortunately, at Ulrich, but everybody who does this 222-1928 [email protected] the Birkie start line, as the sky began to race has moments when they have to spit a warm rain, it appeared things reach for that something extra. For me, John Taylor might turn out a bit different this day. the 2002 Birkie provided many oppor- Social Director 236-4565 Though I was feeling a little start line tunities to rummage through the suit- [email protected] angst, I was suddenly surrounded by (SEE COURAGE, CONTINUED ON PAGE 13) Madison Area Schools Have Strong Showing at State Meet.

BY DON FARISS

he 21st Annual running of the TWisconsin High School State Cross Country Ski Championships took place February 9-10 in Rib Lake, . Madison West team leader Ben Cline placed third a year ago and so expected to do well this year. He thought his main competition would come from Donovan Dums of Hay- ward and Oh Boy! was he right. Ben started Saturday’s freestyle race feeling a little uncomfortable about the captives implication that he would “glide” to victory. Be- cause the race was an interval start style, Ben did not learn he had best- ed Donovan by a mere second over 7 kilometers in 18 minutes of racing until the results were posted. Sunday’s classical event was one whale of a race, as Ben and Dono- van battled for the boys overall ti- tle. Ben was given his one second lead in the starting blocks and led Ben Cline with fellow overall pursuit champion Maria Stuber of Waukesha West. the pursuit-style race for a while, then purposely rial girls team triplets Amanda, Michelle & Nicole) dropped back (Amanda Durkin, had fine showings and show great hoping that Dono- BEN STARTED Kristin Gallagher, promise in the coming years. van would tire or Louise Jones, Maria Stuber of Waukesha West feel pressured SATURDAY’S FREESTYLE Marta Drew, Brit- won the individual girls’ overall ti- with the lead. tany Alioto and tle. It seems ironic that this year’s The strategy RACE FEELING A LITTLE Kelly McClurg) overall champions are from the may have worked placed a strong portion of the state that has had as Donovan fell at 6th among the 14 the least amount of snow. Team ti- the 5 km. mark UNCOMFORTABLE ABOUT participating tles went out to the Haywards and Ben sprinted girls teams, boys, and Lakeland Girls — both home with a 6 THE CAPTIVES showing what teams winning by wide margins. ❄ second lead. (Flashback: two IMPLICATION THAT HE years ago, Ben Cline was the first WOULD “GLIDE” TO receipt of the Most Improved VICTORY. High School Skier of the Year by the skinnyski.com web page. You can they could be read the funny story about his capable of next freshman year High School Cham- year with a pionships experience [where he strong focus on placed 47th and 58th] by going to: year-round ski http://www.madnorski.org/ ben- training. moimp.html) The young The Madison West boys team Madison West (composed of Ben, Hans Stege, girls (Erin Tom Richner, Paul Kronser, Rider McMahon, Emi- Clauss, John Buechner, Nathan ly Dunn, Mikaela Schiesser and Sam Crossley) tied Robertson, for 4th in the pursuit and were an Karen Stolzen- exciting 2nd in the team classical berg and Martha results (for which no awards are Sample) and the Ben Cline (at left) and the fellow who was ultimately runner-up, Donovan Dums at the given — Dang!). Middleton girls start of the classical portion (second half) of the pursuit race at Wisconsin High School The up & coming Madison Memo- (the Zach Championships.

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105 N. Main Street • Dousman, WI 53118 Phone: 262-965-4144 • Fax: 262-965-5214 e-mail: [email protected] ...it’s a lifestyle! HOURS: M-F 10-8 Sat. 10-5 Sun. 12-4. • WHAT ARE THE SILVER SKIERS DOING?• Silver Ski Update

BY GREG JONES

he Silver Skiers have been meet- and Rachel Fanney was 10th. The ing weekly all winter long. We ntry skii boy’s also came in second as a T cou ng have been skiing on any snow that s- team. They had three skiers in the os has been available. One night when r top ten. Noah Kenoyer 4th, Ansel C there was no snow we double poled Schimpff 5th and in his first year s through the standing water on the ice r racing Ben Taylor was 9th. (Is there e rink at Elver wearing our sneakers. d some advantage in being named f ra We took a team up to the High or. th g Ben?). Also racing for the boy’s School Championships, which were 5th-8 team was Neal Smith and Ross Nor- held in Rib Lake on February 9th denberg who filled a valuable role and 10th. We had both a girl’s team by displacing other skiers down the and a boy’s team competing in the result list. Middle school division. The format No matter how hard we tried we was to run a freestyle race on Satur- could not squeeze any of the pre- day and then a classical race on dicted snow out of the sky Satur- Sunday. In both events there was a day night. The waxing for the team competition to be decided by classic race became very difficult. points awarded to the top 3 finish- The trail was a thin layer of hard ers of each team. Awards were give ice with a small amount of old to the top ten individual finishers in dirty loose corn snow on top. each race. There was no track set. All of the In Saturday’s freestyle event, the The Silver Skiers who went to the HS Championships, racers were complaining of no girl’s placed 2nd as a team. Placing from left to right: Rachel Fanney, Corrina Jones, Emily grip. The High School race before in the top ten were Rachel Fanney Ricker, Ross Nordenberg, Birken Schimpff, Ansel us was turning into a “double pole 3rd and Emily Ricker 8th. The boys Schimpff, Noah Kenoyer, Neal Smith, and Ben Taylor. derby”. We finally found some suc- won FIRST place as a team! There cess with silver klister. We should were two Silver Skiers in the top girl’s team came in second place, have known all along that silver ten, Noah Kenoyer 3rd and Ansel missing first by only one point. All klister on the bottoms of the Silver Schimpff 4th. three of the girls came in the top ten, Skiers’ skis was a winning combi- For the classic race on Sunday the Emily Ricker 6th, Corrina Jones 9th nation. ❄ Four Floors Above the Rest

BY HARRY LUM

o you're the “outdoorsy“ type. sent location ment, adventure SWhere do you go for Nordic ski- at 251 State clothing and climbing ing, running, canoeing, camping, etc., Street. John gear. equipment? In Madison, we are lucky and his wife, When you walk in to have Fontana located downtown Judith along the first floor you will at the corner of State and with be greeted with out- Johnson. They have four their daughter Elizabeth and door clothing, eye- floors of toys for playing out- son John are all active in the wear and clothing accessories. doors in all four seasons. store activities. But don't forget to go downstairs Fontana has a long histo- Let's start at the top. On where you will find scuba gear, ry. Fontana Army/Navy the third floor they have footwear, inline skates, snow- was founded in 1948 in cross country skiing, down- boards, swim wear, running ap- Fontana, Wisconsin by Clarence hill skiing and fly fishing. They car- parel and the ski workshop. and Beatrice Hutchinson. It start- ry a full line of Swix John loves the trade shows with ed as a true Army/ Navy store but products and on all the different type of gear and soon diversified into hunting, fish- every Tuesday equipment and it shows in the ing and camping equipment. It is night from 6-8 store. He still believes in provid- still there today under the name they have a ing the best gear for all his cus- of Fontana Outdoor Sports run by wax clinic. tomers. So come to Fontana and Robert Hutchinson. The one I experience the Adventure. ❄ The Hutchinson family are true attended was taught by silent sports enthusiasts. In 1972, Swix rep Jon Theis. It John Hutchinson opened Fontana was well attended and Sports Specialties at 124 State very informative. Street. It quickly grew and in On the second floor you will 1974, the store moved to its pre- find snow shoes, camping equip-

4 ❄ MNSC MARCH 2002 SUBSCRIBESUBSCRIBE && SAVE!SAVE!

America’s Premier Nordic magazine! • Order a two year subscription for $23.35 and receive a copy of the video “On Snow” by XC Zone •Or, Order one year of Cross Country Skier for just $12.97 Order online at www.crosscountryskier.com or call 1-800-827-0607 MadNorSkis Score I Demand A Noquemanon Knock-Out Recall! BY MADELINE URANECK BY DAV E CALHOON, EX-PRESIDENT f you can say it, you can ski it: No - IKAY - Men - On. s an ex-president, I have tried Anot to interfere in the day-to- On January 26, 2002, the Upper Peninsula’s Noquemanon launched day operation of the club. Rather, I its 4th annual point-to-point ski have tried to remain on the side- marathon with 900 skiers gliding lines and only offer my opinion across a long, icy lake and right into when asked. I had high hopes that the steep and beautiful hills that my successor would build upon surround Marquette, Michigan. the solid foundation that genera- Once again, the Noquemanon at- tions of MadNorSkiers before him tracted a couple dozen MadNorSki had established. But there are skiers who made the 8 hour trek times when it becomes necessary for even the meekest to speak out. from Madison. Once again, Madi- Madeline Uraneck and Willi Van Haren hitch a ride to the This is surely one such time. Con- son skiers took home their share Noquemanon with pilot Jack Kussmaul. of gold. Age-group winners at the sider the state of our club today. Noquemanon are awarded bright lands. It also boasts a classy fin- Over the course of President Van- gold bells, cast in Norway, and all ish, as skiers hustle right to the den Brook’s three terms, we have participants sport high quality back door of Marquette’s Superi- seen some of the worst snow and “Noquemanon” ski hats and an ear- or Dome, usually reserved for weather conditions in living mem- to-ear grin that comes from a day Northern Michigan University’s ory. With the exception of one big well spent climbing, gliding, and games, but converted dump in December of 2000—the careening. for an day into a steamy soup, minimum Vanden Brook could get shower and sauna mecca. by with and still stay in office--they This year, with 10 Km chopped have been basically awful. He him- off its long race due to scanty self has admitted in the pages of snowfalls, the Noquemanon of- this newsletter that his own pro- fered 42 Km or 23 Km distances, in duction of hot air and overblown both classical and freestyle. One snow projections have negatively of the highlights for me was par- affected our winter weather. But ticipating in the early morning the problem goes beyond weather start for the 42 Km classical race, —way beyond. and entering an immediate white, For example, my repeated misty Zen trance as I hobbled and pleas to begin all club events double-poled over six long kilome- with either the Pledge of Alle- ters of imperfect ice on Dead River giance or Star-Spangled Banner Basin. “Just like the start of En- have fallen on deaf ears. I found gadin, in Switzerland” quipped a his “compromise” proposal to Walter and Stacey Meanwell (who came in 66th overall skier better-traveled than I. From start all events with an instru- for women in the 2002 Birkie!), pause for a photo-op the back of the pack, I had the re- mental version of “Let It Snow” to be totally inadequate. Has after the race. markable view of 145 skiers stretched out like a long snake our snow disappeared due to If you haven’t yet tried this event, weaving down the river. Vanden Brook’s production of consider it for a future year. Racers The classical skiers got a signifi- hot air alone? Hardly. Reliable benefit from a long and challenging cant head start, and the fastest, sources on the board inform me race, early in the season, and non- Swedish native Magnus Eriksson, that, as early as 1999, Vanden racers find ample and beautiful ski was at the Dome in a smoking Brook was trading snow futures attractions, like Blueberry Ridge 1:49:3. Norway's Unni Oddegard at below-market rates with the Trails, in the immediate area. lead the women in 2:07:19. I was Salt Lake Olympic Organizing The Noquemanon Ski Marathon huffing atop that above-men- Committee. Thus, in a typical grew out of the dissolution of the tioned hill overlooking the High- conservative, supply-side eco- Red Earth Loppet, and organizers lands, when BANG, a distant nomic gambit, Vanden Brook of this venerated Upper Peninsula gunshot went off back on the lake. took from those in need in order event loaned advice and support to Not too many moments later, I had to give to those who already get the new event started. Calling a near-Olympic experience, as an have too much. itself, “the Midwest’s most scenic elite pack of skaters swooshed by Not only that, but Vanden course,” the race sports spectacu- (men headed by Brian May, Duluth Brook formed various secret lar views — a couple of Lake Supe- (1:44:31), Dale Niggemann in hot partnerships to keep the club’s rior, and, after a 400 foot climb, a pursuit, and JoAnn Hanowksi, Du- snow debt off the books, mislead- snowscape of black, blue, and luth, leading the women). Lean, ing members and contributors white, as the panting skier finely tuned bodies, hardly pant- and inflating the club’s apparent glimpses the glacial formations of ing, only their lycra colors net revenues and assets. lakes strewn across the Mead High- screamed in the quiet woods. ❄ (SEE RECALL, CONTINUED ON PAGE 8)

6 ❄ MNSC MARCH 2002 MadNorSkis Skiing With at the Mora the Big Shots Vasa-Loop-It BY LOUISE JONES

BY SCOTT BACHMEIER aturday morning I woke up at By the time I got to “OO” I was a S6:45 after a horrible night’s rest nervous wreck asking myself why I and my first thought was, “Oh my was there and getting really psy- gosh! I have a race this afternoon.” I ched out and worried. My Dad and I was to do my first Central Cross- checked out the start/finish area Country (CXC) ski race. CXC races and tested my wax. Eventually I ran are where you get points to into a couple of qualify for the Junior Y THE TIME girls I knew from Olympics. “B I summer camp and I tried out my skis that started talking Scott Bachmeier at morning trying to decide GOT TO “OO” I about the race. I one of his favorite whether to use my new found out that it ones or my trusty old WAS A NERVOUS was their first race races, the Mora ones. We hadn’t had and they were real- Vasaloppet— enough snow so far for WRECK ASKING ly nervous also.

Photo by Greg Fangel/courtesy North Stars Club Photo by Greg Fangel/courtesy North Stars Ski Touring well worth the trip! me to even use my new Knowing this I skis and I was hesitant to started to feel a lit- handful of us MadNorSkis made ski a race on skis I hadn’t MYSELF WHY I tle better. By the Athe trip to Minnesota to compete used before. I finally de- time the race start- in the 30th annual Mora Vasaloppet. cided on my new ones WAS THERE …” ed I had regained The Pre-Birkie and the North End and hopped in the car to my confidence. I Classic were held on that same week- head for “00”. went out hard and finished strong. end, which were tempting to me, but I Two hours later we pulled into the My morning of nerves pro- just had to return to Mora for what parking lot of Riverbrook Ski and gressed to a fun filled day and a has become one of my favorite races Bike, the old Seely Ski and Bike, to wonderful experience. I was very of every season. Lack of snow and get my bib and start time. As soon positive even though I placed 14 incredibly warm temperatures (50's a as I opened the door I was over- out of 16. I felt strong and that I had few days before the race) threatened to add the Vasaloppet to the long come by nerves. I wanted to turn a great race. In the car back to Eau casualty list of 2001/2002 ski races, around and go home right then. Claire I said to my family, “That was but they relied on the backup plan of Having never been to a CXC race be- awesome, I am going to work at it holding shorter versions of the fore was hard enough, but the only and come back next year. There is 58km/42km/35km races on still-frozen skiers I saw in the room were wear- no way anyone can stop me.” Knife Lake. ing Junior Olympic and Community Apparently Mother Nature took The idea of driving that far to ski Olympic Development Program that as a challenge and ceased to loops around a lake gave me pause, (CODP) jackets. I recognized many provide us with snow. I’m trying to but a little bird told me that a last- of them as being the ones who had hold true to my statement and minute snow event might just make beat me by quite a bit in other work hard. I’ve been skiing as it worth the trip. I have always races. If I had stopped to think much as possible, and trying to get been amazed at the grooming ex- about it I would have realized that myself motivated to run and roller- pertise of the Mora trail crew, and they were all older than I was. ski when there is no snow. ❄ this year was no exception— as a classical skier, I was euphoric upon arrival at the sight of two sets of Madnorski Growth Chart near-perfect tracks, deep, firm, and BY JIM COORS fast. How do they do it? I really like Mora because the course is relatively flat, which gives me a good opportunity to re- ally work on my classic technique. The even-flatter Knife Lake course allowed me to fall into a wonderful- ly enjoyable rhythm using double- pole-with-kick, which I ended up doing for about 75% of my two 15- km laps.

As always, the volunteers made Membership the Mora Vasaloppet all the more memorable. Add to that the blue- berry soup, and you have one of the classiest and most rewarding races in the region. Consider giving it a try next season! ❄ Year

MNSC MARCH 2002 ❄ 7 Book it For Next Year!

BY KAY LUM or the past several years, I had Fheard about a short 10k “fun” ski race that goes from Ashland to Wash- burn called “Book Across the Bay”. It was always the week before the Birkie, and we always felt that that was a long way to go the week before the Birkie, especially since we usually had been driving up north just about every weekend prior and usually drove up to Thunder Bay the week after the Birkie. This year was differ- ent. My hubby Harry and I were des- perate to ski on some “really good” snow, which has been scarce this year. We must have been the only ones from Madison that hadn’t skiied at ABR in Ironwood Mich. yet this year. So, we decided to make the trek to Ironwood. Conveniently, Ashland is just a hop skip and a jump from Iron- wood, so what the heck, we decided to Book it to Book Across the Bay. I

looked at the web site and noticed Photo by Olivo Fotografik that they had a costume division… Gina Interrante, Brian Watzke, Kay and Harry Lum pose for a local reporter in Washburn at the end of the “Book Across hmm…interesting. Anyone who the Bay” ski race, still donning their costumes they wore while skiing. Heck, if ya can’t win for speed, go for looks! knows me knows that I occaisionally like to wear costumes, and that Harry Well, Just when you think it can’t will wear just about anything I tell him get any better, they started to to (its in our pre-marital contract). shoot fireworks off from Washburn! The race is a blast! It starts at That’s the first time I’ve ever seen 6pm. You drive to Washburn, then fireworks while skiing! Wow! At the they bus you to the start in Ashland 5k mark, they had a bonfire and hot where you can wait for the start of chocolate—we stopped of course! the race in the beautiful Chequa- At the end of the race, they had a menon Hotel! At race time, the sun huge bonfire, a heated tent com- was just beginning to set, so we plete with food, beer, and music. watched the sun finish setting as Oh yea, they had an awards cere- we skiied across the Bay. As the sun mony too, guess who won the set, the stars came out! It was won- “spirit” award? Gina Interrante and derful! Ice luminaries made by Brian Watzke, dressed as “Team many, many volunteers were mark- USA” with huge flags on their backs ing the route for the skiers and (I guess Brian wears whatever Gina snowshoe-ers! They are made by tells him to too!). They claim they freezing water in large buckets— Paul and Karen Matteoni were seen rehydrating after the will beat us next year… we’ll just they weigh about 70 lbs. each! rugged 10k course. have to wait and see… ❄

RECALL (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6) We have to admire First Lady with the regular schmoes.” Russian ski team allegedly supplied Judy for standing by her man, but We have to wonder about Vanden Vanden Brook with darbepoetin her recent protestations as to her Brook’s innocence, though, when just in time for the Birkie. Club husband’s innocence are plainly we bear in mind that, last Novem- member and elite racer Ken Lam- not credible. ber and December, as the club’s brecht was an official at Soldier “Jimmy’s a wonderful man—very snow debt became too big to hide, Hollow and had unbridled access honest and hard-working. He’d nev- he and his cronies sold their Mad- to all the racers and their medicine er do anything wrong,” she said in a NorSki stock while continuing to chests. Coincidence? What do you recent interview with Katie Couric. lure members with free beer and think? So, was Vanden Brook a “What people don’t understand promises of “fabulous prizes.” crook, or just plain stupid? The is that we’re suffering, too. We had Last week, allegations emerged jury is still out on that question. In to lay off three of the servants at that Vanden Brook may also have the meantime, there’s one thing we our Valhalla Townhouse. And now cut a deal with the French figure as club members can do to clean we won’t be flying first class on the skating judge so that she would house and put an end to our snow Norway trip, we’ll just be in coach vote for the Russians. In return, the drought: throw the rascal out! ❄

8 ❄ MNSC MARCH 2002 Hayward, WI • Home of the Birkie •Serving Madison skiers since 1976• Congratulations On Your Birkie Finish! Anyone from snowless Madison who finished this race is a stud. Even the girls. POST BIRKIE SALE! •Up to 30% off skis, boots. •Poles 15% off. •Remaining clothing 20% to 50% off.

Phone to order or for a FREE CATALOG: 1-800-754-8685 Located 1/4 mile North of Hayward, Wisconsin. • PART 3 OF 3 • 2001 —2002 MadNorSKi Junior Directory

COMPIED BY DON FARISS

untry skiing -co Amanda Durkin is Emily Ricker is an ss a junior at LaFol- 8th grader at ro C lette Hamilton

s Parents: Bill and Parents: Brad and r e Janice Carol ad Nicknames: A.D., fo gr Nicknames: Em or r 8th-12th Durkin, Manda, Emmy Giggles 2)11 3) 5 4) Do- hese are the questions that were 1.) Choir, English minique Moreanu Tasked of the members of the and Science 2) 3 7) everything! Bal- Madison Nordic Junior Ski team: 3) 3 4) Christina ance on hills 9) Clark and Jason Koch 5) Kyle Groff, soccer, Irish dancing, 1. Favorite subject Mulan, Steve Wehmeyer and 10) pop! 11) pizza 13) I love skiing, 2. Number of years skied Patrick Murphy 6) my double but HATE the cold! 14) social 15) 3. Number of years raced pole, and I have falling down to an nice 16) winning Howard Young cup art 7) Foot placement, weight 4. Name an athlete you admire under10 17) Badger State Games shift and 5. Name any heroes you have managing to remain in an upright Nicole Schiesser 6. What is the best part of position 8) The team ( I love you is an 8th grader at your skiing? guys! and having an excuse to play Hamilton Parents: Lee and 7. What needs work? in the snow under the stars 9) CC, track, drawing, singing, debate, Lorraine 8. Why is skiing fun for you? forensics, writing, being out with 1) Spanish 2) 0 9. What other sports or hobbies do friends, watching movies and prac- 3)0 4) Mia Hamm? you enjoy? ticing with my band. 10) Anything 5) my friends 6) not falling over 7) 10. Favorite music type or group? & everything but opera and really twangy country 11) Those Taco classic skiing 8) 11. Favorite food Bell Quesadillas, ice cream & Twiz- because I learn 12. Favorite movie zlers. 12) Legends of the Fall, A Riv- new things and meet new people 13. What should your teammates er Runs Through It… and many, while improving my skills 9) soc- know about you? many more 13) I’m a very fidgety cer and 10) everything 11) Chinese 12) Robin Hood: Men 14. What one word would your person who always has to be doing in Tights 13) I work hard and try friends use to describe you? or planning something. 14) Social Butterfly 15) Spontaneous 17) Bad- my best 14) Kind 16) When I went 15. What one word would you use ger State Games and High school downhill skiing at the age of 8 18) I to describe yourself? Champs18) Anything as long as it's don't know, come up with some- 16. What is your best skiing/winter loud! 19) I’m very open and more thing. 19) not really memory? than willing to help out anyone I 17. Do you have a favorite ski race? can. Ansel Schimpff is an 8th grader at 18. What should MadNorSki mem- Louise Jones is a Hamilto bers and fans yell to cheer you freshman at Parents: Jeff S. on in a race? Memorial and Theresa 19. Anything else about you we Parents: Greg and Stabo should know? Linda Mullunzi 1) Math 2) 11 3) 4 1) Art and science 4) Bill Koch 5) Want to check in on the Juniors? Check 2) 11 3) 10 4) Bjorn Daehlie 6) out their basic events web page at Lance Armstrong skiing downhill http://madnorski.tripod.com (note: & Ben Cline 5) backwards 7) there is no "www"). Lance Armstrong classical skiing 8) Racing- I like it John Buechner is a sophomore at 6) classic stride, 9) mountain biking and fishing 10) West double pole 7) V2 and V2 alternate Blink 182 11) pizza 12) Monte Parents: Steve and Janet 8) I love being outside in the snow Python (all of them) 13) I like to 1) Math 2) 0 3) 0 4) Michael Jor- and exercising 9) running, soccer, have fun 14) hyper 15) energetic dan 5) any professional athletes 6) rowing, art and reading 10) rock, 16) Skiing 8K when I was 4 years 7) everything 8) envi- metal 11) pasta! 12) Little Nicky, old, with a family friend at Razor- ronment and the people 9) foot- Life is Beautiful, Blues Brothers 14) back. He kept me entertained with ball, basketball & 10) rap strange 15) Different 16) skiing in funny stories about fishing and / Nelly 11) pizza 12) The Rock 13) the Keewenaw in March on 4ft of summer camps, so I never com- I love to have fun 14) cool 15) snow in a t-shirt 17) The plained about being tired or hun- friendly 16) downhill skiing 17) Birkie/Korte 18) Anything positive gry! 17) BSG 18) whatever they none yet 18) Beakys! that comes to mind. want 19) I like to have fun.

10 ❄ MNSC MARCH 2002 Hans Stege is a se- nior at West Not-For Profit Riddle Solved Parents: Kurt and BY WALTER MEANWELL Kim 1) Russian 2) 5 3) any of you have been extremely most closely affiliated with the Mgenerous toward the club over Blackhawk Ski Club. 5 4) Tim Storm- a local rower 5) the years. Your continued financial Here are our advantages: Wolverine, my sis- support is crucial if the club is to continue to flourish. We wanted to 1.They are an established non-prof- ter 6) mental it that has been around for years. toughness 7) be able to allow you to make tax de- classical striding ductible contributions for the peri- 2. They would love to have us. 8) I like sliding over the snow (ie, odic fundraising campaigns that 3. It would save us the $2,000.00 skiing) 9) Crew, Jazz band 10) we have. These campaigns are sep- (min.) that we were going to Hard Rock 11) pizza 12) Godfather, arate and distinct from your annual spend to become a non-profit. Cool Hand Luke, Great Escape, dues. None of the current cash flow Not to mention the ongoing ac- Fugitive 13) if you hear me mum- structure of the club would change. counting fees. bling, I'm probably swearing in As you recall we have donated money towards the new shelter at 4. They have a strong and well re- Russian 14) Anything with four let- spected board. ters in it 15) Spiffy 16) One is sled- Elver and purchased grooming ding down the hill at Minoqua 17) equipment for Blue Mounds and 5. All contributions made to the High School Championships 18) Elver. These were big ticket capital foundation would be tax de- Depends on where you're standing: campaign type items.This is the ductible and then distributed to if you're near type of thing we are talking about. the club. the end, tell me to start sprinting. At the Feb. 11th meeting the club 6. It could lead to better coordina- 19) I do webdesign, so if you need a voted (unanimously) to begin an al- tion and cooperation with the site, email [email protected] liance with the Wisconsin Nordic Blackhawk Ski Club. Sports Foundation. One of our Amanda Zach is a MadNorSki board members would 7. You can continue to drink beer at sophomore at go on their board. They are a well the club meetings. Middleton respected and established non- If it doesn»t work out we can walk Parents: Peter profit organization dedicated to away with no money invested and and Linda 1) Any- the advancement of Nordic sports no liability. So that's what we are thing 2) 0 3) 0 9) in the area. We have used them in going to do. Again, thank you for CC, track, snow- the past for fundraising. They are your past support. ❄ boarding 10) Rock 11) I don't have one 12) Cru- Wanna Help Governer el Intentions 14) Crazy 15) Crazy 18) anything Dodge State Park? Michelle Zach is a Friends of Governor Dodge State Park Receives 50/50 Matching Grant sophomore at For Much Needed Snow Grooming Equipment at the Park! Middleton Parents: Peter he Friends of Governor Dodge We have been quite active at the and Linda TState Park (GDSP), directed by park, conducting clean-ups, can- 1) Orchestra 2) 0 new MadNorSki member Stuart dlelight skis (third Saturday in Jan- 3) 0 9) CC, track, Rudolph, applied to the DNR last fall uary), and outdoor awareness for a $2,780 matching grant for a Tidd events. The group has partnered 10) Pop 16) last Tech Tenderizer and Tracker, which with other groups to achieve spe- year, when I start- are pulled behind a to cific goals, such as Wisconsin Out- ed snowboarding grade and set a track for classic skiing. door Access, a climbing advocacy 15) anything This is a much needed and much bet- group which helped the Friends ter piece of equipment than the 15- clean up areas near climbing cliffs year-old homemade tracker the park and other spots in the park. Stu- Nicole Zach is a has been using for its 17 miles of trails. art, who spoke at our February sophomore at GDSP has developed a past reputation 11th meeting, is asking for our Middleton for more of a “backcountry” style of help in this area that is near and Parents: Peter skiing — long and scenic trails, but dear to us — better grooming! and Linda often disappointingly groomed (i.e. Please help by sending a check 1) Art/ music 2) 0 slow and shallow tracks). made out to the Friends of Gover- 3) 0 7) my arms The matching grant works like nor Dodge, 4175 SR 23, Dodgeville, need to be this: the DNR will match 50/50 up WI, 53533. Please mark on your stronger 8) the to the total amount of the grant for check “Ski Groomer.” The contri- roller skis 9) I en- the purchase of this equipment, bution is 100% tax deductible. For joy CC, track, which would then be donated by any questions on the Friends snowboarding 10) All kinds 11) the Friends Group to the park. group or the grant, call Stuart Pizza 12) Save the Last Dance 10) They need to raise $1,400 this year Rudolph at 608-935-4737. For ques- A lot of energy 11) outgoing 12) to make the dream of better track- tions about the grooming equip- fun 13) snowboarding for the first ing for classic skiing a reality at ment, call John Arthur at the park, time 15) anything GDSP for next season. 608-935-2315. ❄ MNSC MARCH 2002 ❄ 11 • WHAT SEASON IS THIS? • Frustrated Skier Has a Brainstorm: Ski — Bike — Ski Biathalon

COMPILED BY KAY LUM

oe King is not only our web site Jguru, it appears he is also our “exhibition events coordinator”. Since the weather has been sadly low on snow and high in temperatures, Joe suggested we do a trial run of a bike and ski event where skiers transport themselves, skis, poles, and boots on their bicycle. He cleared his idea with Elver race coordinator Ned Zuelsdorff just before the 2nd Elver race. It appears to have been a success! EVENT DESCRIPTION: Beginning Ski at Odana: The timed event begins with 2.4 km ski at Odana Course, then Bike from Odana to Elver. After skiing the main loop at Odana, entrants proceed to Elver Park by bicycle. Lined up and ready to go at Odana Golf course, the competitors in the first ever Ski-Bike-Ski Biathalon from left to right Entrants must carry all of their ski- are: Scott Bachmeier, Eric Pearce, Dino Lucas, Mark Harms, Mike Cockrem, and Joe King. ing equipment with them (approxi- mately 3 miles). The route leaves JOE’S BIATHALON RULES: monials from the competitors: from the Odana parking lot by tak- • You must agree to sign the liabili- “My favorite moment had to be when ing the service road south to the ty waiver before starting the 5K fellow MadNorSkis warming up SW Path. Turn right on the path, at Elver Park along the course cheered us on: ‘Go, proceed over the Beltline and turn • You must transport yourself, biathletes!’ For one brief moment in right onto Hammersley. Take Ham- your skis, your poles, and your my life, I felt like, well, an athlete.” mersley to Elver Park (being care- ski boots by bicycle from Odana — SCOTT BACHMEIER ful when crossing McKena). to Elver Park “A great alternative to the cancelled Finishing Ski at Elver: Upon arriv- • You must obey all applicable traf- BSGs Quadrathlon. 100% pure luna- ing at Elver, proceed to the south fic laws side of the warming house where cy, 100% pure fun!” • You must yield to pedestrians on you must sign the liability wavier the bike path & bridge before skiing the final 5K. Joe said that the bike ride was in- Who’s idea credibly smooth. The cyclists start- was this? ed out by getting themselves, bike and gear over a 30 foot stretch of hard packed snow to reach the bike path from Odana. Once on the path, the only light is what they brought with them. This was not a problem because two thirds of the path width was completely clear of snow and ice. After crossing the over the Beltline highway on the bike bridge, the cyclists took straight shoot on Hammersley road to Elver Park. Hammersley is a wide road and there was little traffic. He had the added fun of catching up with Scott just has he arrived at Elver, his blinking red light providing much needed motivation. Six crazy people entered this first-time event, they were: Scott Bachmeier, Eric Pearce, Dino Lu- It appears that Scott Bachmeier and Joe King need to cas, Mark Harms, Mike Cockrem, Joe King enjoys the final leg of the biathalon at Elver practice putting their bibs on, precious time… wasted! and Joe King. Here are a some testi- park. (After he managed to get his bib on, that is!)

12 ❄ MNSC MARCH 2002 ABOUT THE TRANSITION AT ELVER PARK:“It Still smiling at the end, was almost as if for one moment, I from left; Mike Cockrem was in the Eco-Challenge coming in (the winner), Joe King, to a checkpoint during the middle of Mark Harms, and Scott the night.” Bachmeier. Below, Dino — ERIC PEARCE, 3RD PLACE FINISHER> Lucas demonstrates one “I'm really happy with my result way to “portage” your ski since I was trying for a top ten finish. gear. I kicked hard at the end and ended up with sixth place! Of course it helped that there were only six peo- ple entered.” “When I arrived at Elver I asked some one for the time of day and she replied, ‘20 after.’" I said, ‘20 after what hour?’ Her answer of 20 after six told me that I had overestimated how long the Odana Ski, transition to bike, and bike ride to Elver would take by about twenty-five minutes! At that moment I felt really dumb. I was COURAGE (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1) happy to learn that, despite my mis- calculation, Ned and Jimmy had it case. My kick wax was not work- one; Doofus American guy: zero. all under control. ing well and grip trumps glide on So, finally, up that last twisting —JOE KING the Birkie trail. I felt myself begin- climb past Highway 77 and ning to plod when along came down to the finish with nothing Joe stated that he was really im- MadNorSkis from the waves be- but fumes in the tank. Feet hurt, pressed with how well everyone hind who cheered me up and on. quads hurt, triceps are fried, thought out what it is they had to In fact, I think I was cheered by but gotta make a final push. do during the event. Of the six, four every Madison skier who started Anything I missed in the suit- of used biking shoes while the win- out behind me. Who knew there case? Of course! There’s Randy, ner Mike Cockrem and Scott Bach- were so many in the suitcase? who finished ages ago, yelling meier rode their bikes wearing ski At about 35K I realized that the his lungs out and his wife Lori boots. Four in the group transport- single apple-fritter I who is here for her ed their skis & poles on their back had for breakfast first Birkie experi- while, Eric and Joe attached them might not have been …THERE’SMY ence. And crossing to their bikes. Eric says he was vi- enough. And, as my the line right next sualizing every part of the transi- energy levels waned, WIFE JUDY to me is old pal tion from ski to bike while skiing I felt my new tights Gino, still smiling ❄ the loop at Odana. beginning to creep for the photo op. down at the waist. I RINGING THAT But best of all, had the impression there’s my wife Judy that, from behind, I BELL. SHE JUST ringing that bell. must have looked She just made me like a refrigerator re- MADE ME FORGET forget every nega- pair man with low tive thought I had riding jeans. Shaking EVERY NEGATIVE over the last 46K. out the suitcase at In retrospect, my this point produced performance was only a dirty pair of THOUGHT I HAD more memorable in undies and some an instructive sense crusty socks. I need- OVER THE LAST than for distance ed more than that. over time. This hum- It was becoming 46K. bling experience is apparent that this good every once in a would be my slow- while. I was able to est Birkie in fifteen years. The enjoy the races of lot’s of folks track was getting softer and soft- who floated by and said hello. er, and it seemed that all I had So, the 29th Birkie is history, left was an empty, heavy steamer number 19 for me, and I’m look- trunk for my bag of tricks. ing forward to getting my Birch Then I remembered following Legs next year. At the start next that older Norwegian guy who year I’ll just have to remember pulled away from me by striding that there’s more in the suitcase out of the tracks. At 40K I tried it than a person might think. Fast Scott Bachmeier takes a moment from his “biathelete” and suddenly I had grip on the or slow, it’s the folks you’ve fold- uphills. Duh! Old Norwegian guy: ed in there that count. ❄ status to keep a sense of humor.

MNSC MARCH 2002 ❄ 13 FIS Denies Scandinavian Cup Trip Age Group BY BEN CLINE ell, what can I say? It was an about the town of Lillehammer? We Request Wexperience to remember. There spent a lot of our afternoons shop- was lots of adventure as well as new ping in town as well as visiting the BY JEN EXER things to learn. Of course, the trip had Olympic facilities. I could tell right its drawbacks — like the traveling! away why it was such an appealing n an unprecedented move the Just to give you the low-down: 3 hour place to hold the Games. It remind- Igoverning body of nordic ski- drive from Madison to O’Hare airport; ed me a little of Door County. Possi- ing (FIS) has denied entry into the plane ride from O’Hare to Copen- bly Sister Bay, only blanketed in a 50-54 age group for stylish Wiscon- hagen —- about 9 hours; plane ride winter wonderland and in the val- sin skier Jimmy Vanden Brook. An from Copenhagen to Trondheim, Nor- ley of a mountain range. There FIS spokeswoman listed the top 5 way—-3 hours; then the drive from were a lot of neat little shops and reasons for this groundbreaking Trondheim down to Lillehammer, restaurants throughout the town. It news, and added that 5 was darn where we stayed for the majority of definitely had that kind of homey, sure enough reasons. our trip was 6 hours. Whew! That was vacation atmosphere. 1. He has spent the last 25 years enough to get me exhausted, not to The ski stadium was every bit as behaving like a 25-year old. mention the next four nights waking exciting, we skied several times on 2. Wisconsin’s 50+ age group is up around 3:30 in morning because of the Olympic trails, including a very oversubscribed with a big wait- jet lag. No worries though, the whole hard interval workout. The trails ing list. team of 12, despite being a little tired, were a lot harder than they looked 3. He could apply as a female, but were all in good spirits and excited to on TV! Massive hills everywhere. he must take a test—no word on be in Norway. The flattest terrain was in the stadi- who would conduct the test. Three nights from when we first um itself. departed from the U.S. we finally As for our races, the J1 Scandina- 4. Lacks the wizened look arrived at our destination resort vian Cup races were held in Gjovik, 5. Can still remember where he called Sjusjoen; about 20 km up about an hour south of Lilleham- put his wallet. (Mr. Vanden the mountain from Lillehammer. mer heading towards Oslo. On the Brook wants to appeal this, re- There were probably 200 km of way, we stopped in the Swix facto- ferring to the “OO” Incident. groomed ski trails right out our ry and got to see how all the wax is One of the local leaders in the back door. Everyone was excited, made, along with the poles. Further 50+ category, Jim Coors, added even though we had a few people down the road, we got a tour of the that is seemed everyone wanted getting sick the first couple of Madshus factory and saw in detail a piece of this age group—it days. Sjusjoen was absolutely gor- all the steps in the ski making used to be a relaxing place— geous. Mile upon mile of groomed process. It was pretty cool. now there’s all these kids run- ski trails through one of the small- The races were held the last ning around! er rolling mountain ranges in Nor- weekend that we spent in Norway, Contacted by a reporter, Jim- way. And plenty of snow—about 4 and two days before my first race I my commented, “I have all the feet! There were hundreds of small became incredibly sick with a bad paperwork in order and went cabins and vacation homes along case of the stomach flu—hurling, through normal chanels, it’s un- the ski trails. In the winter time the and diarrhea. It wasn’t pretty, and fair to deny me advancement only way to get to them was by it lasted for 24 hours. I couldn’t eat into the next age group. I spent perfectly groomed classical tracks. anything for the entire time I was an eternity in the 40’s! Ski trails literally replaced roads! sick. My first race was the sprint, Comments from the club: There are two basic elements and I could tell that I just didn’t “Jimmy, the 50’s will go by much when it comes to Norwegian cook- have the energy in me. I finished faster than the 40’s” ing, fish and potatoes! Yep, the first 3rd best American in 24th place. I “Jimmy, try the 60+ category” morning we were there, we dined was a little disappointed with it, as on homemade bread, funny look- well as the rest of the races that “Jimmy can’t turn 50 without a ing brown cheese and every sort of weekend. The flu had hit me at the giant, embarrasing party.” concoction of herring and sardines wrong time, but it was a great ex- “Jimmy, work on a limp, maybe you could come up with. Don’t for- perience despite of my health. The drool a little, learn to play Euchre” get the liver paté. There was pick- best part of the trip was the cama- ❄ led herring, herring with mustard, raderie between all 12 of the male and herring with ketchup as well & female athletes. We all became DID YOU EVER as these three combinations with very good friends, which was awe- WONDER... sardines too. The jams and pre- some. Hopefully, we will see each ...What our serves were quite good, but got a other a lot down the road in what I webmaster Joe little old when all I could stomach hope is the beginning of a very King looks like? was that and crackers in the morn- successful ski career. Well, we are re- ings. For dinner? You guessed it, Qualifying for the trip to Norway vealing his Salmon and potatoes and some- was definitely one of the biggest identity! times with some sausage. Pretty highlights of this unusually short Thanks for all standard continental hotel meals racing season, and I hope it fore- the hard work in Norway. shadows great results to come at you do, Joe! ❄ Enough about the food, how the Junior Nationals in March. ❄

14 ❄ MNSC MARCH 2002

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT: North End Team MadNorSki Classic Attracts Races West Classy Crowd

BY WALTER MEANWELL SUBMITTED BY MADELINE URANECK, WITH RON BERGIN

ith a sudden premonition that Wthe Birkie was not going to perk for sure this year, I jumped in my car late one Saturday evening and drove wildly toward Hayward, Wisconsin. An e-mail I’d received that week, from a fellow named Ron Bergin, promoter par- excellence of all events North Woods, said that there was a race the next day, called North End Classic. Dear old Telemark Resort. The 1,000 skiers from the previous day’s Pre-Birkie had mostly gone home, leaving just a muddy park- ing lot of 100 cars and a motley crowd of 200 skiers, many speak-

Photos by WIlli Van Haren Photos by WIlli Van ing Minnesotan. But what a race. The crazy skiers, from Left to Right: Walter’s cousin Scott Cooper, Walter himself, Tim Tofte, and Mike VanSicklen. The The sun shone down brightly, and hats are really neck gaiters which were sewn by Tim’s 11 year old daughter, Tricia. They were a big hit! the small number of inches of snow deserved grooming awards. It was unbelievable, in fact, that f you are looking for a different no evacuation. there was barely any snow along Itype of event to spice up your life 2. Each team must carry enough the roadside, but substantial piles you may want to consider the Elk survival gear and supplies to of it in the ski tracks. Mountains Grand Traverse race from spend an unsupported winter It was a day of which ski fan- Crested Butte to Aspen. Four Mad- night in the backcountry at alti- tasies are made. No coat, no hat, NorSki’s headed out last March and tude. no klister, skis that zoomed in the ended up running into club V.P. Willi 3. You should know that your pack tracks, and woods full of happy Van Haren in C.B. . Willi graciously must include: skiers. The 23Km course was a agreed to provide support and a. Food and water for 18-24 hours. modification of the Birkebeiner’s encouragement to the 2 teams. The b. First aid kit. new Kortelopet Trail — just race starts at 9,000' and crosses two c. Avalanche rescue gear (probes, enough uphills to be challenging 12,000' passes as it winds through the shovels, beacons). and enough downhills to be joy- mountains to Aspen 40 miles away. It d. Bivvy sacks, warm clothes ous. was beautiful when we did it but it and/or a sleeping bag and pad. Congratulations to all involved in would be hellish in a storm. I’ll e. A stove, fuel and a pot to melt organizing this second annual reprint the Race Rules from the entry snow and create drinking water. event, the post-, pre-Birkie. Ac- form so you can get a feel for what's f. Maps and compass, headlamps cording to Ron Bergin, registra- involved. They are as follows: and spare batteries. tions increased 25% over “Due to the extreme nature of g. Spare bindings, pole baskets, last-year’s inaugural event. Funds this event, only teams of two will tools and supplies. from the race will go toward the be able to compete. Each team will h. Extra clothes, goggles, sunglass- North End Ski Club in Cable, which be required to carry the equipment es and other personal gear. is responsible for the development necessary to sustain them for 24 The race starts at midnight. It can and maintenance of the North End hours. All teams will have their get really cold. The predawn temp. Trail Head and trail system. Taking gear checked and judged. This gear below the first pass was -15 degrees away a beautiful wooden sculpture must remain with the racers untill when we did it. Plan to be in motion for winning the event was eigh- the Aspen finish line, where it will for up to 18 hours. Bring a blister teen-year old Doug Stafki of Stacy, be checked again. kit. Given all that, it re- MN whose skis caught fire for 1. Backcountry skiis ally is a lot of fun. It is 1:05:10 (2:53 min/km), and who 3 with at least 4⁄ length incredibly beautiful. blazed in a minute and a half ahead metal edges and Those interested can of his nearest competition. Among boots/bindings de- get more information the women, 30-year old Abbigal signed for un- at www.elk mountain- May of Duluth, MN, scored a time groomed traverse.org Team of 1:15:52 (3:22 min/km), four min- backcountry terrain MadNorSki was the utes ahead of the woman behind are absolutely nec- only team from the her. The event now stands as a essary. There will be Walter was wiped after the 18-hour ordeal! flatlands to finish. ❄ Kortelopet qualifying event. ❄

16 ❄ MNSC MARCH 2002

Funstuff The Birkie That Almost Wasn’t!

irkie-bound skiers every- Bwhere were delighted to hear about the big dump of snow that landed 8-16 inches of snow in northwest Wisconsin mere days before the 2002 American Birke- beiner Ski Race was scheduled. The previous days of warmth and rain had threatened to shorten, then cancel the race completely! Untrained skiers from southern Wisconsin (and Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota…) made the trek and did their darndest and skied the 46.5k race that felt like a REAL full length 51k Birkie! Congrats to all! ❄ Art by Scott Maurer Another Way to Cross Country

The Beauty of All Wheel Drive

he Subaru Outback can take you just T about anywhere your skis can. You see, like every Subaru, the Outback comes standard with full-time All-Wheel Drive. The system that automatically monitors the road conditions for you. So the next time you cross country, do it in the Outback and leave your skis behind. 801 East Washington Avenue Madison 1-608-258-3500

18 ❄ MNSC MARCH 2002 • TWO RACES HELD SO FAR … • Blackhawk Rare Scenes from Elver… Ski Club Open

JoEllen to Madnorski Torresani BY WALTER MEANWELL (at left) and Carol Ricker lackhawk ski club has had (at right) Bvery reliable snow since mid show just how December they make it on their much fun you hills and on their jumps. Blackhawk can have skiing offer two types of annual member- a race at Elver ships. “Tow” memberships permit use of one of the four rope tows Park. (When ($125 for single, and $250 for fam- there is snow, ily). “Non-tow” memberships per- that is) mit year-round use of the club, from cross country skiing in the winter to mountain biking in the summer ($50 single and $100 family). There is a waiting list this year for family tow memberships, since the club limits these mem- bership to 200 families, to avoid long lift lines. However, there is no waiting list for xc skiers (or families) interested in joining as a non-tow members. In addition, the club is always looking for volunteers to help make xc ski- ing better, such as through youth instruction, trail mainte- nance, or grooming. For more in- formation, contact our own MadNorSki member, Peter Berbee at (608) 233-8721. For more information about the Blackhawk in general, you can call 233-4661, or check out Carolyn Senty and Ann Pollock kindly volunteer at an Elver race, which we all know they would really rather have skiied! the web site at www.blackhawk Thanks to both of them for donating their time! skiarea.org/. Membership forms are available online. ❄

• DID YOU ORDER ONE?• Walter Still Has Jackets!

id you order a MadNorSki Djacket or fleece jacket? Well, the order is in. But, Poor Walter — his office cleaning people threw away all (and I mean all) of his notes on the coat orders. There- fore, he asks those of you who ordered coats to either drop him an e-mail (WMEANWELL@firstu- nion1.com)or leave him a voice mail at 238-7822 saying again what Brett Larson concentrates on his technique… or maybe they ordered. On behalf of Walter, Is it Superman? Or could it “Superskier” Tom Kaufman he is wondering if he can fit his daughter AND the twins thank you! ❄

Photos by Jim Coors flying down the trail at Elver? that are on the way behind him in a sled while he skis?

MNSC MARCH 2002 ❄ 19 MADISON NORDIC SKI CLUB MEMBERSHIP FORM Sign up now for the 2001-2002 cross-country ski season! (you can also sign up on-line at http://danenet.wicip.org/madnord/club.html)

Is this a renewal or a new membership? What type of membership? Individual $15 Family $20 Junior $10 (18 or under) Kidski $25 plus club membership

Additional donation $ ___ to support local ski groups, trails, and promote XC activities Name(s): ______Address:______City: ______State: ______Zip: ______Home phone: ______Work phone: ______Email address: ______Membership information is for club members only and is not supplied to commercial vendors. If you do not want your email to appear in the membership list, please check here __ BRING TO NEXT MEETING OR SEND TO: Madison Nordic Ski Club • PO Box 55281 • Madison, WI 53711

MadisonNordicSkiClub THE STAMP P.O. Box 55281 • Madison, WI 53705 GOES RIGHT ABOUT HERE.

CALL THE MAD NOR SKI HotLine: 233-MADK (233-6235) stick it here, nice and straight.

JOIN THE XC LIST AND GET BREAKING CLUB NEWS AND CONDITION REPORTS SENT TO YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT. SEE WWW.MADNORSKI. ORG/DISCUSSION.HTML FOR DETAILS.