FEBRUARY 2003

News for the members of the Madison Nordic Ski Club Vol. 22 No. 5

• A WORD FROM JIMMY • OUR NEXT MEETING Monday, Feb. 10th, 2002 Who’s to Blame ROCKY ROCOCO’S WEST Agenda this Time? 6:00: Social half-hour with free beverages BY JIMMY VANDEN BROOK, PRESIDENT 6:30: Video’s on the Big Screen & Pizza Buffet 7:30: Business Meeting ook’s like Madison truly, regime change won’t help. Here now 8:00: More videos Lis on its way to a are my top seven “End of winter as we 8:30: Adjourn record snowfall season! know it” suspects (with mitigating circum- Too bad it’s the wrong stances for all but one): MNSC BOARD OF DIRECTORS end of the accumula- 1. Governor Doyle — He’s warned us Jimmy Vanden Brook tion spectrum. Seems repeatedly that painful cutbacks are on the President almost comical that way. Well, he has the pain part right, but (608) 437-4192 Madison had but 4.25 since he didn’t take office until after the [email protected] inches of total snow drought began we can cut him a little slack Willi VanHaren on snow responsibility. Nontheless, it’s Vice President accumulation through mid-January, most (608) 437-3782 of which promptly disappeared. And the fun to blame our government for things, so [email protected] rest of Wisconsin is not I have a few more state offi- Hans Herweijer much better. Nothing but …WHAT WE cials/agencies on the list. Treasurer cold, dry air is featured for 2. Former legislative lead- [email protected] the rest of this month, with ers Chvala and Jensen — Mike Cockrem REALLY WANT IS Trips Chair our historically driest month Embroiled in the caucus [email protected] scandal, these two are wor- on deck. MadNorSkis have Nancy Hoene taken to scraping the ves- TO FINGER THE ried about not being able to Publicity tiges of snow into meager stick taxpayers with their (608) 226-9994 piles on the pond at Elver PERSON(S) legal bills. Could they have [email protected] Park so that sliding on real sold off our snow to replen- Scott Bachmeier Membership skis could be attempted. An RESPONSIBLE FOR ish the coffers? Not likely (608) 233-9336 heroic effort, if a tad desper- actually, since they have a [email protected] ate. Travel to the Upper poor record of cooperating Karen Wesley Peninsula provides the near- THIS DEARTH OF on anything. New Member Chair est real relief. 3. The WI Department of [email protected] Calls for the club to get Agriculture, Trade and Ned Zuelsdorff SNOW. Race Chair into snowmaking or to rent Consumer Protection — By (608) 231-1876 nearby downhill areas for X-C skiing law, this state agency is actually responsi- [email protected] mount. But these are merely solutions to ble for regulating “Weather Modification” Harry Lum the problem when what we really want is (no kidding). Somebody sleeping at the Advertising/Promotions (608) 273-2821 to finger the person(s) responsible for snow switch? Though it might be gratify- hlum@convenience this dearth of snow. Before I run down the ing to do a little bureaucratic butt-kicking, electronics.com list of likely suspects let me put you at DATCP is off the hook because I work Kay Lum ease about my own innocence. While my there. So there. Newsletter natural Catholic guilt allowed me to 4. The WI Department of Natural (608) 249-0186 ext. 110 [email protected] accept responsibility for several recent Resources — Snow is a natural resource, Pete Anderson sub-par snow years, I guarantee you that I right? So where is the management? All KidSki Chair am incapable of maintaining a streak like we want is a little environmental justice. 222-1928 this regardless of the endeavor. If I were, You know, snow for everybody. Besides, is [email protected] I’d have much better racing results for every DNR staffer working exclusively on John Taylor sure. My fellow MadNorSkis, your presi- CWD? Even if they are, I have many pals Social Director 236-4565 dent is not a crook. This may seem a at DNR who are really good folks and they [email protected] pathetic attempt to retain power, but (SEE BLAME, CONTINUED ON PAGE 13) What's Up ? • WE WANNA GO, WHERE’S THE SNOW? • With Wax Trips Trips Playing The Trips. Percentages: BY MIK COCKREM, TRIPS CHAIR A SAFE WAX BET WITH A BROAD RANGE ntry skii cou ng s- BY ERIC MITTELSTEADT, TOKO TECH TEAM s ro C word that comes to mind when How do we then apply this to the ! AI think of winters here in south- unpredictability of snow conditions o g ern Wisconsin is “unpredictable”. combined with the fact that most of e fo th As the marathon season, including us don’t ski race for a living and time r skiers on the American Birkebeiner, is limited? approaches, this unpredictability Following are some simple rules h dear, the December Demo Days can leave ski waxers stressed out. that should ease your guesswork on Odidn’t depart, due to a dearth of But not to worry. There are a few choosing the right wax for your next snow. Maybe next year? simple things that you can do to “hit event and make the best use of your By the time this arrives in your the wax” for the big events while time: mailbox, the Third Annual Nordic keeping your ying and yang in check. 1.) The first step: brush, from tip to Ski Rendezvous at Telemark will But first, let’s take a step back. tail, with a copper brush. The cop- have happened... hopefully! (as of Jan. There seems to be a myth out per brush bristles have just the right 20, it looks like with the man-made there among x-c skiers that those fast combination of stiffness and fine snow Telemark made, and the 3 skiers who have great knowledge and gauge to get into the base structure inches of fresh natural snow (so far)... experience in ski waxing must use without being too aggressive. This is that it may just be a go! some really special, top-secret tricks an important step that should not be to make their skis go so fast. skipped. If your ski bases are really The truth is most skiers who are scratched or look a bit “white” as a really “in the know” have three result of oxidization, you may want things going for them. First, they to get the skis stone ground. completely understand the wax 2.) If your ski bases were really brand(s) that they use and, second, dirty, you may want to do a “hot they use proper technique in the scrape” at this time, otherwise, the wax application and removal second step would be to apply Toko And it looks like it will even be cold process and lastly, they KEEP IT LF Molybdenum as your “base coat”. enough and snowy enough for the SIMPLE. This last point is the one I Why use the LF Moly? This prod- Book Across the Bay, in Ashland, to like to stress the most but all three uct is used by a majority of the elite be on skis and not in kayaks. This factors really need to be given equal ski world virtually every time a pair informal MNSC trip is February 14-16, weight. of skis is waxed for a race. The 2003. The Book Across the Bay is a If any of you have attended one of “moly”, as it’s usually referred to, 10-km race that crosses the frozen my wax clinics, you have probably increases the durability of whatever Chequamegon Bay of Lake Superior, heard me say, “stick with one brand you put on top of it (pretty impor- beginning in Ashland, WI and ending of wax and learn it really well”. In my tant for a marathon-length race). It in Washburn, WI. The race/tour is Sat- early days of ski waxing, I made the also enhances the properties of urday night at 6 P.M. The entire course mistake of having a little bit of every graphite (black) bases such as is lit by hundreds of candles in ice wax brand known to man in my wax repelling dirt and preventing static luminaries. The event is open to par- box. I thought that by having a little build-up. The molybdenum is simi- ticipants of all ages and ability levels; of everything, I would have a good lar to graphite base waxes, however, the course will be groomed for classi- wax for every condition out there. it’s structurally stronger which cal- style and skate-style skiers. Snow- As a result, I had a little bit of every- increases the bonding between it shoers are welcome too. Proceeds thing and a whole lot of confusion. and your next wax layers. from the race benefit the local Med- Since that time, I have spent the 3.) Step three starts to get more ical Society and Public Library. You better half of the last ten years wax- specific regarding matching the wax can call the Ashland Area Chamber of ing skis. Along the way, I have to the conditions. Commerce at (800) 284-9484 or picked up many tips, tricks, tech- The basic concept is to match www.batb.org. The race starts at 6 niques and good old fashioned expe- “the wax” to “the snow type“. If we pm. Race-day registration and check- rience. In 1998, I became a member use Toko wax as an example, there in will be held from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. of the Toko Tech Team. Then in are only three colors of wax to think on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2002 in Ashland March of 2000, I had the opportunity about: Yellow for “warm” tempera- at the Hotel Chequamegon, 101 Lake to work with World Cup Nordic wax tures, red for the middle temps Shore Drive West. Preregistration technicians while visiting the Toko (mid-teens to mid-20s) and blue for (before February) fee last year was Wax factory in Altstatten, Switzer- “cold” temps (usually low teens and $15 for adults. We park in Washburn, land where I learned even more below). With only three wax colors, near the finish line catch a shuttle to about the world of waxing skis… each one covers a relatively broad Ashland before the race (2-5pm). See keep it simple. (SEE WAX, CONTINUED ON PAGE 4) http://www.cheqnet.net/~tomc/asta for other local trails. ❄

2 ❄ MNSC FEBRUARY 2003 Fun Day at • WHAT ARE THE SILVER SKIERS DOING?• Silver Ski Update the Lussier or BY GREG JONES

Family ike the rest of us the Sil- otherwise dismal season we untry skiing Lver skiers are still -co have been doing some ice Heritage patiently waiting for ss skating. We meet at Elver ro Center snow. Some of our skiers C and skate on the ice there. were new to the program s They all seem to enjoy it last year. Some of them r so much, I don’t have the SUNDAY, MARCH 2, 2003 AT 2 P.M. e ad are new to the program fo gr heart to tell them they are this year. They have all been r. th cross training. It would be he Madison Nordic Ski Club 5th-8 hearing promises of snow for nice to skate with poles but we Twill host a “Farewell to Win- sometime now. We all have to give have deemed it to be dangerous at ter” party featuring skiing/hiking them a lot of credit for hanging in and the small confines of Elver's rink. and snow activities for all ages at being patient. Every week we keep So far all of the races we have had the Lussier Family Heritage Center getting a good turn out of enthusias- on our schedule as a team have been on March 2, 2003. We will have tic middle school kids. They keep canceled. A few of the team members the entire facility open for club doing all the dry land training we can have made it to a couple of races on members free of charge. Please throw at them with the promise that their own with the help of their par- bring the whole family. Snacks and the snow will come. Actually I have ents. My hat is off to them. Maybe at stopped promising them because I the next practice all 20 of us will do a beverages will be available in the hate to get called a liar. snow dance for a full hour. Drastic lower level from 2 to 5:30 pm. To try and put some fun into the times call for drastic measures. ❄ At 6 P.M. we’ll move upstairs for a potluck dinner. After dinner we’ll have a bon-fire and a candle-light Madison Snow Trivia ski or hike depending on condi- BY SCOTT BACHMEIER tions. So, mark your calendars now for ell, here we are at the 20th of January, and Madison has received a whop- a low-key, fun event, that everybody Wping 4.4 inches of snow for the season. The skier in me expressed disap- can enjoy. Since we seem to get all pointment in this number, and the meteorologist in me possessed a morbid our snow in March in recent years, curiosity that led me to wonder: what's the worst snow season Madison has we think this could be the best ski- ever had? Fear not, fellow skiers -- one winter was less snowy than this. The ing of the season! And if the snow 1901/1902 winter season saw a paltry 4.0 inch total. The second worst winter deserts us, we’ll still have fun. ❄ was 1967/1968, when a total of 12.7 inches was logged. The maximum snow depth that particular season was 2 inches — and that was on the ground for eight long days! The remainder of Madison's low-snow winters all had at least one 4-6 inch storm, so maybe there’s still some hope for us in 2003. It’s one thing to get snow in Madison, but us skiers like it when it actually stays on the ground for days on end. Looking back through the climate records yielded the following impressive statistics: the maximum snow depth ever recorded was thirty-two (32) inches (January 28, 1979). During that banner winter, there were 20 or more inches on the ground for 41 con- secutive days (January 14 through February 23). The award for “longest❄ ski season” also goes to the 1978/1979 season, when there was 1 inch or more on the ground every day from November 23 until March 20 (yet, it snowed again in late March and early April!). The 1985/1986 winter was close behind, with 1 inch or more on the ground from November 22 until March 17. ❄ 2002-03 MadNorSki Meeting Schedule

Board Club Meeting Meeting Club Meeting Newsletter/ Meeting Meeting Theme Agenda Location Ad Deadline Wednesday Monday Birkie war Ski Videos WEST side Monday Jan. 29 Feb. 10, stories/ Pizza! Rocky’s January 20 TBA 6:30 pm Birkie alternatives Wednesday Monday Racing Awards & Shorewood Feb. 26 Mar. 10, wrap up Potluck Community February 19 TBA 6:30 pm Center

MNSC FEBRUARY 2003 ❄ 3 MadNorSki Juniors: Keeping a Ski Team Together Without Snow

BY MIKAELA ROBERTSON t is January 11, the middle of “win- do we. We hike, run, use poles, climb draw determination from the excite- Iter,” and we’ve just finished Elver hill, race time trials, slide on the ment (or exhaustion) on others’ faces. another rollerski session. Haven’t the ice, use bungees, practice technique, It really helps to have a group to com- snow gods heard us? Haven’t they do Russian ski drills till we ache, miserate with, people who understand seen us hiking with poles, cringing rollerski, work on strength, skiwalk, your insatiable appetite for snow. with the endless rollerski season, and and of course, keep up the snow Part of the glue that holds us kissing the occasional flurries as they dances. Don often together is the remind us of what could be? We really throws in some- weekly hunt for feel for the new skiers who have thing new. At “WE MUST ACCEPT FINITE snow. I’ve been never really skied on snow. What a Thursday’s roller- on three of our commitment to a sport whose joys ski practice, we DISAPPOINTMENT, BUT team’s four trips they haven’t ever tasted! This must “Cut the Salami,” so far. The first be like some sort of stressful final which involved WE MUST NEVER LOSE was a training exam, kind of like the ones I’m sup- weaving through weekend when posed to be studying for right now. the other skiers. we stayed at In actuality, we don’t really mind We also played INFINITE HOPE” Camp Manitow- preparing for the arrival of snow. “Follow the — MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. ish with another When it does come, everyone gets so Swede,” copying high school team. excited! On Monday, when we had a the moves of a good skier. On long For the second trip we raced at ABR’s skiable melting inch, we raced a relay slow workouts, we have time to dis- season opener. On our most recent, on the Elver pond. We danced in the cuss ski team news, including impor- desperate attempt to ski on white, we hail-like flurries on Thursday. And all tant items such as who likes who and left Madison at 5:30 AM and drove the while our excitement is building who doesn’t. four hours north to race on a lake, for the day we finally get a real snow! Training together keeps us moti- then drove right back. Outsiders always ask how we can vated. When you forget why you’re What truly keeps us going is hope– possibly practice skiing without running with poles in cold, gray for snow, for skiing, and for more snow. Our coach Don knows, and so weather, you can look around and good times together. ❄

(WAX, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2) range and are formulated to perform Biathlon Startup well without getting complicated. If the during the week going into BY MARK TORRESANI your race weekend, you get the fore- ver the past few months there program throughout Minnesota and cast for race day, you can at least get Ohave been ongoing discussions small pockets of interest in Wiscon- one of your “wax of the day” layers with the Nordic Sports Development sin. This season offered about 15 dif- put on your ski. With such a broad Board, Black Hawk Ski Club, The ferent events throughout Minnesota range, should the forecast change a Minnesota Biathlon Organization, including junior nationals. This bit, you can simply go with another and MadNorSki about the possibility spring there are plans to attend a layer of the more appropriate wax of getting a biathlon program going coaches clinic put on by Minnesota over the top of your last layer. Again, in the Madison area. Biathlon and the the range is broad so you should still Biathlon is a Winter potential to have Bill be in the ballpark. If the forecast falls Olympic Sport that Meyer a nationally somewhere “between” the wax tem- combines cross recognized biathlon perature ranges, which happens country skiing and coach give a semi- often, the waxes can be mixed. This is precision shooting. nar here in the Madi- a very easy “trick” that is simple yet The difficulty in son area if there is extremely effective. biathlon is to go all enough interest. Let’s say for example that you’re out on skis and then Above all safety is going up to ski the Noquemanon steady yourself to the primary concern Marathon in Marquette and the fore- accurately fire a rifle. for any program. Anyone interested cast is for an overnight low of 10 We are hoping to get things going in learning more about biathlon can degrees F, an expected high of 20 deg. in a small way with an air rifle visit the web site F and the snow type is considered course at Black Hawk Ski Club www.biathlon.net/intro.html. Those “transformed“ (simply meaning that located west of Madison. This interested in helping to get a it’s not new but it also has not gone course would be used primarily as biathlon program started in Madi- through a thaw/freeze cycle to an introduction to the sport. If son or would be interested in become “fully transformed”- we’ll there is enough interest the course attending a seminar on biathlon can cover snow “types” more in a differ- could be expanded as the program contact me (Mark Torresani) at ent article). If the race starts at 9am grows. (608) 662-5374 or torresan@chorus and the forecast is fairly accurate, the Currently there is a very active .net or see me at a ski club meeting ❄ snow temperature at race time (STILL READING?, GO TO PAGE 13) 4 ❄ MNSC FEBRUARY 2003 4 GOOD REASONS TO SHOP AT NEW MOON: 1. SERVING BIRKIE SKIERS FOR 27 YEARS. Information, great selection of gear, wax clinics with factory reps in the store all day Thursday and Friday before the Birkie. 2. NEW WEBSITE IS LIVE AT LAST! newmoonski.com Order on line. Get current trail reports. Go through cyberspace to the moon! Or phone toll free 1-800-754-8685 3. GUARANTEED SKI FITTING. Picking skis that fit, two at a time, for 27 years. 4. STOP IN DURING BIRKIE WEEK FOR OUR END OF SEASON SALE! We Carry these Brands:

• FISCHER • ROSSIGNOL • MADSHUS • PELTONEN • SALOMON • ALPINA • SWIX • EXEL • PEARL IZUMI • CRAFT • HIND • PATAGONIA • REX WAX …AND LOTS MORE. Located in Hayward, Wisconsin, home of the Birkie.

HIGHWAY 63 NORTH IN HAYWARD.• OPEN 9-5 M-SAT. 10-4 SUNDAY 3rd Annual 24 Hours of Telemark Saved by Man-Made Snow

INTRODUCTION BY KAY LUM

o Snow? The lack of Nnatural snow didn’t stop the 3rd Annual 24 Hours of Telemark Ski Race. Due to the new snow-making abilities at Telemark lodge, and the cold temperatures, a 3.1K loop of man-made snow was created, and the race was on! (Way to go Kevin Eccles of Team Sports Events, and Phil The final second of the race... tick tick tick tick… is there time for one more lap? Van Valkenberg of Tele- mark Lodge, and any- one else who helped to A Spectators View make it happen!) An additional 3” of natural BY DON FARISS snow at the last minute helped to make the sur- fter attending a high school race in AHayward, juniors Tom Richner and rounding area white, to give the illusion of a real Louise Jones accompanied me to Tele- honest-to-goodness Wis- mark to yell “Heija, heija!” for the Mad- consin winter! The loop NorSki troops. Arriving about 9:00 p.m., we ran into some familiar faces in the was very winding and lodge. Most were lathered with shiny had quite a bit of climb- face protection against the frigid night ing (in my humble opin- and wore the grim expressions you ion). The temps were might see on battle-worn soldiers. How- sub zero… I never really ever, each expressed optimism for their The Red Bull arch start/finish line was what skiers dreamed of reaching looked at a thermome- team’s hardiness and future fortunes. while their teammates awaited their arrival in the clear, heated tent at ter‚ why would you? Just We walked the edge of the entire twisty, the right. put on your Balaclava technical 3 km course, cheering the and vaseline and get out At left: JoEllen Torresani was the familiar and non. As we looked down there! The race started at Champ for the women’s 3 hour solo on the zigzags through the woodlands 10 A.M. on Saturday Jan. category with 46.5K on a hilly winding from the highpoint we were enchanted 11th and ended at 10 A.M course! Way to go! by the sight… the light from dozens of on Sunday Jan. 12. headlamps appeared instead to be There were “teams” that Below: “Hix & Chix on Stix” took first twinkling fairy lights flitting among had anywhere from one trees. “Woods fairies!” place in the 4 person open team member (the solo freak We returned again at the 10:00 a.m. category! From left: Harry Spehar, category), to 6 member race finish time to see grimness turn to Kay Raschka, Carolyn Senty, and teams (known as a big tired, but deeply satisfied smiles. That Mark Harms team). The idea is to any of these bodies could still stand have one of your team unaided was amazing. We were further members on the course amazed when we skied several loops of at all times. (That wasn’t their now emptied course. The twists always the case for all tapped our best ski skills on every lap. the teams!) Hard to imagine negotiating them at I thought it would be speed in a frozen, fatigued, sleep- interesting to get blurbs, deprived state. We were told later that some short, some long, there was a 284 foot elevation gain on from different people each lap! who participated in the Although I may question the partici- event. I got stories from pants’ sanity, there is no doubt to their spectators, experienced determination, willpower, fortitude and skiers, first time racers, devotion to their teammates. My ski and even a skier who torque is off to you ladies and gentle- had never even been on men. ❄ skis before. read on! ❄

6 ❄ MNSC FEBRUARY 2003 Birkie Wannabee Survives Telemark Trial

BY BILL DELANEY, TEAM NUMBSKI RECRUIT #6 , volunteered and was accepted for the sixth slot in the NUMBSKIS WAS SO INSPIRED ONE OF THE … IMadnorski 24 hour relay team (desperate men take des- HE WROTE A POEM perate measures). That was at about 11A.M. on Friday (the race was Sat. A.M.) I sweated over how many skis to bring and thought I really over packed. Then recruit #4 (Willi Van Haren) Ode To TheKIM THORNTON Numbskis showed up in my driveway and filled my truck to the ceiling BY . ‘TWAS with his abundance. He’s been skiing twice as long as me so he GASNER NUMBSKIS HAD A TEAM. OFBUT SIX amassed lots of equipment over the years. I believe he brought THE , JIMMY’S PRIDE AND JOY — A DESPERATE it all. Five and-a-half hours later, we stumbled into the condo of . CLAIMED A BROKEN LEG Jimmy and Judy Vanden Brook at Telemark. Jimmy was relieved SHAMELESS PLOY HITE’S RON W to have his roster back up to 6 people of course. In a short few (WHEN ), IMMY ASKED -OP REST days before the race half of his team had called with problems THEN J (see poem this page!) SURGEON ORDERED POST that prevented their participation . Fortu- ?” nately, recruit #4 is a ringer. He skis circles around 5 & 6. And the “SINCE WHEN IS SKIING JUST ONE DAY three originals, well, they all hold their own pretty darn well. I’d CONSIDERED STRENUOUS ROOKER CALLED TO BAIL UMBSKI guess these primary 4 guys have over 70 Birkies between them. WHEN N , JIMMY CHECKED Kim and I have 1. ON FLIMSY PRETENSE TOO; AN ARTIC BLAST After a nice dinner and some chit-chat about the race we break THE WEATHERCAST . WAS DUE up and tend to our pre-race rituals. Some stretch, some sleep, I immediately set about waxing skis which I have not seen since the HIS ONLY HOPE TO FIELD A TEAM WAS — 2001 Birkie. We all get a good nights sleep in preparation for the next THAT THE LAST TWO MEN . 24 hours. NUMBSKIS IN THE TRUEST SENSE Saturday morning is breezy with temps warming up to about 12 WERE TOO DUMB TO THINK AHEADFOR MORE degrees. We shuttle down to the pre-race meeting at the Telemark A.P.B. lodge and listen to the race officials. And the EMTs. They warn us JIM THEN PUT OUT. AN AS DEADLINES LOOMED about possible 30 below wind chills that night. Reminding us about DIMWIT RECRUITS . frostbite, etc. Funny thing was that at the awards the next day, the race HE FILLED ALL SLOTS WITH THREE NEW CLUELESS RUBES director said the two EMTs were never so bored. UMBSKIS The race starts at 10 A.M. and I’m 4th man. Figure I’ll do my 6 or 7 ’S COLD AS GEESE RUSHEDHE N SOUTH IN FRIDAY . T turns on the course over the 24 hours. I guess around noon I take my —ACROSS IMPELLED BY TINY BRAINS first trip around the course. Snow is surprisingly good, my ski legs are a WENT THE OTHER WAY . THE FRIGID PLAINS WITH little perplexed in this first round though. By the third lap I’m stumbling WILLI V. up the steeper hills, no form, no technique, no glide. Wow, it’s been a E SNAPPED A POLE long time since I’ve been on skis. THE LEAD OFF MAN WAS. H . MUSCLES BULGING BIG I try not to notice how many people are passing me. Just running my 6 MILES own race, trying to keep my lap times similar. The skis are fast, and I’m ON HIS FIRST LAP AS IF IT WERE A TWIG , feeling good control on the downhills, turns, etc. I can’t complain about AND SO IT WENT INTO THE. THE NIGHT AIR WAS COLD my engine, it’s keeping pace, not overwhelmed. But the course is hard PER MAN PER TURN , NO MEDALS . and slick due to the artificial snow. Takes a lot of effort and concentration THE SOUP WAS HOT WOULD BE EARNED to stabilize. In the first trip I end with a 20% slower lap, but I’m glad to , have made it all three laps. Shin splints and painful feet are my only com- EVENTUALLY THE WEAKESTHEAP OF LINK SHAKING FLAT PALSYOUT plaints. A . COLLAPSED INTO Back at the condo things are low key. Football games are on, bottom- AND MOURNFULLY WITHDREW less bowls of chicken soup are available, naps are snuck in. We all share ITH JIMMY BUT THROUGH IT ALL THE OTHERS. W our experience with the course and discuss tips on how to handle the THE RECORD SOLDIERED ON UNTIL THE END, ( coming night. ). ON THE LAST TWO LAPS’S *REG The middle of the night was a steady zero degrees. Clear sky, beautiful SHOWS IT , IT’S bright stars, and less people. The volunteers kept the bonfires going, and 'S A MORAL TO THIS TALE . they cheered for us all night long. What a unique experience. IF THERE SURE NOT CLEAR TO ME When it was over at 10 A.M. on Sunday. We were all tired, but not . injured. JUST ONE MORE ENTRYMAD ADDEDNORSKI TO The awards are fun if only to see what the ski machines look like THE LORE OF , BUT in person. I mean, they are out there in their fancy duds and pass- JIMMY 22 LAPS AND EG SWITCHED TIMING CHIPS ON ing by you like you are skating on klister. But once inside they are *R . HE’S SURE HE DID 20 comfy in jeans and sweatshirts (matching team jackets in some DON’T TELL HIM ’T FIGURE OUT WHY IT ONLY SHOWS! cases), looking more or less like normal human beings. STILL CAN JIMMY KNOWS NOW BUT I GUESS I saw some pretty novice, very slow skiers out in the middle of — the night. If they could do it, so can you. I’d like to thank my teammates: Jimmy, Reg, Andy, Willi, and Kim for making my first 24 hour race an easy introduction. And of course, #7 (Judy V.) deserves a big round of applause for support- Master recruiter Captain Jimmy V. gets ready to ing the team over the long two days. Its not for everyone, but if take his turn on the trail! (I wonder who’s chip the opportunity presents itself, I’d say “Go for it.” ❄ he has on?)

MNSC FEBRUARY 2003 ❄ 7 “Bloody Lungs” Just Miss 3rd-Straight Podium Finish

BY MIKE IVEY

he aptly-named "Bloody Lungs" Treturned to the 24 Hours of Tele- mark this year, hoping to defend back- to-back 3rd place podium finishes in the Big Team category Unfortunately, the team organized by captain Tom Woody came up a bit Harry “Swag” Lum FINALLY scores short, finishing in 4th place with 140 some “Swag” for himself at the laps. Other team members were Tom awards ceremony after the race. Kaufman, Mark Torresani, Chris Halver- He liked the shades so much, he son, Dirk Mason and Mike Ivey. didn’t even care that his team One big problem for the Bloody “Snowvengers“ placed 10th in the Lungs this year was the presence of the big team category! Skinnyski.com team, which made a big deal out of going for the 24-hour relay record. While this group of semi-pros Three of the six members from Minnesota failed to break the of team “Bloody Lungs” 517-kilometer record, they easily won (L to R: Chris Haverson, the Big Team race by completing 158 Tom Kaufman, and Dirk laps. Mason), wait for their This was enough to push the Lungs turn near the end of the one spot down the results list and off race... they each did one the podium. 3.1K lap at a time to try But as always, a good time was had to sinch 3rd place, but by all. The Madnorskis were well rep- missed by a mere 2 “Dumber than Dirt” squeaked by with a second place finish in the 4 person Classical resented as usual at Telemark -- and laps—that’s only 6.2K! hard to miss in those red, silver and category! In a repeat performance of last year, they did the same amount of laps as blue suits. ❄ the 3rd place finishers, but did it a mere 4 seconds faster! (left to right: Bill Lontz, Phil Van Valkenberg, Gerry Wright, and Dave Robb.)

t starts to happen as the cold starlit night gets the gave way to a concern that it would take place on a 3.1 kilo- Ifirst shimmer of daylight. Then it comes on full force meter, artificial snow course. In addition there was the possi- as the horizon takes on a yellow red glow and the sun bility of -25 degree F wind chill. The last two years had pushes over the tree edge. Elation! My body responds interesting 10K loops. A 3K course sounded like something with a new found power. I am going to make it! I have for gerbils not skiers and artificial snow sounded like a Holly- only four more hours to ski. There are twenty hours wood set not northern Wisconsin. Possible -25 degree F ANSOM

R behind me and the sun will help me time this adrena- wind chill? Now that would separate Nordic skiers from line rush for the finish line. Green Bay Packer fans!

HRIS Eleven long hours of night skiing are history. The Did I really want to do this? Yes! And so did another 190 C uphills that grew in the dark requiring single poling are racers who showed up. Y

B now diminished. I smile to myself confidently as I notice At race start the temperature was at 0 degrees F. It never the clarity the ski trail takes on in the real light of day. got warmer than 12 degrees F. Overnight it dipped back to No more fading battery headlamps to change out. No zero! A 3.1kilometer loop with of a mix of short steep hills more lonely thoughts. There is now a sense of pride and long flats exposed me to 5-12 knot winds alternately in from skiing into the darkness and through the long my face and at my back. I was racing on man-made snow. night. Right now I am warm and comfortable on well- The two inches of new snow that had fallen just prior to waxed skis and I am watching the sunrise. Better, I am the race at least gave me the feeling of full winter in the actually skiing to greet the rising morning sun! There Northwoods. Spectators cheered around the clock from are ice crystals in the crisp air floating into my face and many different locations on the course. In the bright sun- I feel powerful as I glide through them. light rock and roll blared from the staging area under a I know this too will change. That is one of the many huge Red Bull inflatable… (Did I hear Johnny Cash more lessons from 24 hour skiing. Yes, this too will change. than once?)… As night took over, bonfires burned trail- But for now, I will enjoy the moment. This is what it is side, tents with Christmas lights shimmered. Ice crystals

Solo Freak Report all about. The ego of racing has been subverted in the floated from snow guns and I heard kids laughing as they long night hours. tubed down a hillside lit by a smiling half-moon. On each The 24 Hours of Telemark 2003 all started with the lap I noticed the timers thumbs up, inspiring me to keep worry of cancellation due to no snow in most of the Mid- going. I took this all in along with noticing race organizers, west. Long days of Nordic speed skating in preparation support vehicles, and volunteers everywhere shoveling,

8 ❄ MNSC FEBRUARY 2003 You Want Me To Do WHAT?

BY BEN SHOCKEY

aving never put on a pair of Cross Coun- Htry Skis in my life, the 24 Hours of Tele- mark was perhaps the most brutal and enjoyable experience I’ve ever had. I was talked into joining a Classical Only team, five days before the race and I was given my first lesson at 10 a.m., precisely when the race started. I began my first lap at about noon and the two mile loop took me about 30 minutes. I think I spent at least half of that time on the ground. It was absolutely a lesson in humility. Following my initial debacle, I cut my laps down to about 20 “Lükken 4 Sno” came in with a first place in the 4 woman open category! Left to right: Jacky minutes and eventually skied approximately Budweg, Kay Lum, Laura Budweg, and Ann Curtiss. (Is it ok for me to put myself in the newsletter?) 20 miles. Not many people can say they skied 20 miles the first day they Willi Van Haren, learned how to ski. (Oh yeah, I’ve Numbski team never been on downhill skis!) member, was ready I think the best part of the race to fly down the was the people. I’ve never been in trail at a moments a race where the other competi- notice! tors were so encouraging. Nobody ever stopped to help me off the ground, but there words were very helpful. It seemed that for many people the race was not about win- ning, it was about surviving 24 hours of ice, 20 below wind-chill “Solo Freak” Chris and fading headlamps. I think any- Ransom meets “I’ve one who chooses to compete in an never skied before in event like this must have some- my life” racer Ben thing not quite right in their head, Shockey. Skill doesn’t and that's what makes them so ❄ matter, attitude much fun. does! encouraging, and passing out fluids. Add to that the speed stretch or rest. The snow was abrasive, cold and relatively and grace of team skiers flying by you, the tenacity of the slow. It seemed like I was often going uphill. On the wide- diagonal skiers, and I realized I was smack dab in the mid- open flats I was dealing with the wind. Many tight corners dle of a skiing phenomenon. demanded focus and agility on my feet. I did a complete I was fortunate to have George Welk and his wife, Yuliya change of clothes five times. Five complete sets of ski as my support crew. George was trailside the entire race. I clothes is a lot of clothes! I often had three layers on my had only to ski up to him and he would pop supplements, arms with a vest on top. I had 2-3 layers on my legs covered hard candy, and energy bar chunks into my mouth. Yuliya with wind pants or warm ups. I wore a facemask the entire meanwhile, had a smorgasbord of hot soup, hot mashed race with cold protection cream and used mittens and over potatoes, turkey jerky, fresh fruit, bread and cheese, pick- boots at night. I like cold weather and still got uncomfort- les, olives, crackers, nuts and dried fruit ready and waiting ably cold on several occasions. in the room at the lodge following every four hour ski I met a friend adventure racer, Anthony, who entered the block. solo division and had barely ever ski skated. Another guy My race strategy has been the same for all three years of from Iowa who joined a team at the last moment really 24 hour racing: ski four hours; take a one half hour break in inspired me when he told me he had never skied before (see a room. No sleep. Snooze, you lose! This break included a Ben Shockey’s article). hot shower, a complete change into dry clothes, and lots of A hamburger, French fries, and German dark beer never food for me. George was in charge of getting me out of the tasted so good after the race. room on time and making sure I was not disoriented enough The gamete of emotions one goes through in an abbrevi- to forget my watch, race bib or timing chip. We laughed a lot ated amount of time. You come to understand the lessons when I always seemed to turn the wrong way down the halls of a life sport like Nordic skiing, which enables you to in the lodge! appreciate what is really important elsewhere. I hope to Race strategy also included not telling me where I stood in ski with you next time. ❄ comparison to others until the last eight hours. My skis ran fast on the dirty, man-made snow and notice- Chris Ransom, 51 is National Solo 24 Hour XC Ski Champion ably faster than others on the one relatively long downhill. 2001-2003 and a member of the U.S. Masters XC Team. His lat- George waxed skis twice for me. est passion is his new wife, Juli Lynch, and the sport of ice Overall it was a demanding course with few places to boating.

MNSC FEBRUARY 2003 ❄ 9 Snow Oval Mysteriously Materializes!

BY PETE ANDERSON n sort of a winter take on crop cir- course, all the forced labor. and Nicole Schiesser, Amanda, Nicole Icles, a 500 meter snow oval came Thanks to all who worked so hard and Michelle Zach, Louise Jones, into being during the night last week to make the loop magically appear! Marta Drew, Sara Eskrich, Brittany at the Elver park pond. The alien Volunteers included: Kristin Gal- Alioto, Noah and Galen Kenoyer, agency behind this mani- lagher, Shanna Bodily, Bryan Garfoot, Mikaela Robertson, festation was the Russ- Ansel and Jeff Gordy Bartholomew, Willi Van Haren, ian Ski School and 15 Schimpff, Emily Pete Anderson, Dirk Mason, Don juniors. Something like Ricker, Nathan, Lee Fariss and YURIY! ❄ 50 or 60 skier-hours of It’s amazing what a little snow, (very little snow) and shoveling went into this, a lot of ingenuity can accomplish. Desperation but we now have the breeds some good ideas! longest machine-trackset classical ski trail on nat- ural snow in the state of Wisconsin, if you count pulling Sepp’s track sled by hand as machine grooming. What it lacks in terrain, it makes up in, well, something, maybe ambiance. There’s another 600 meter loop waiting to be created on the other pond. Price of admission is adding some snow to the new loop. Thanks to Dirk Mason, Don Fariss, and Yuri Gusev for coordinating this, and, of

10 ❄ MNSC FEBRUARY 2003 If There Is a God there Will be a Birkie! (Hey, it worked last year.) Rossignol Fischer Star

Yoko Toko

Atomic Head to the Birkie with a Thursday full tank of wax. Everyday Swix 6:30 -9:00 P.M. After a romp GET YOUR in the woods… SKIS SOAKED February VISIT OUR FOR THE BIRKIE 13 th ESPRESSO • Bring in Your skis and the CAFE MADNORSKI minute we get the wax update NIGHT! for the Birkie, we will soak your filled with… skis with the wax of the day Hot Cocoa, Espresso, • 20% off all Waxes, in our hot bag. . Coffee, Chai, Beer, Wine, Accessories and Clothing. Bagels, Pasties Scones, • Pre-Birkie and Birkie and more! COFFEEBAR HOURS: Wax Advice M-F 7-8, Sat. 7:30-5, Sun. 12-4. • Skis, Poles, Boots, Bindings and Nordic Skates At Special One Night Only Team Pricing for MadNorSki Members • FREE hors d’oevres Think and Cash Bar Snow!

20 Years of Ski Fitting Experience! ...it’s a lifestyle! 105 N. Main Street • Dousman, WI 53118 Phone: 262-965-4144 • Fax: 262-965-5214 E-MAIL US FOR UPCOMING EVENTS, AND DON’T FORGET WE HAVE PARTIES e-mail: [email protected] WITH LIVE MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT! [email protected] Hours: M-F 10-8 Sat. 10-5 Sun. 12-4. • JUNIORS ARE ON THE MOVE! • 2002 - 2003 MadNorSki Junior Team Directory Thanks!

BY DON FARISS ntry skiin ll of the Juniors answered 17 cou g s- Aquestions about themselves so os r we can get to know them better. Here C Gratitude are the questions. s r BY DON FARISS e 1. How many years have you skied? d f ra s one of the ski coaches for 2. How many years have you raced? or h g 8th-12t AMadison youth, I’d like to 3. What is the best part of your ski- express my humble thanks to the ing? SARA ESKRICH is a 5% or so of the club membership 4. What needs improvement? sophomore at Verona that has responded to our High School 5. Why is skiing fun for you? fundraising drive to cover current 1. 8; 2. 0; 3. My ability increased costs (associated with 6. Who are your heroes? to have fun while ski- growth) and establish a fund for 7. Athlete(s) you admire ing; 4. Technique; 5. It future needs. We have had several gets me out into 8. Other sports or hobbies you have very significant donations that will nature; 6. My mom and grandma; 7. All help a great deal. It’s humbling to 9. Favorite music true athletes; 8. Biking, volleyball, know that some of you believe 10. Favorite movie music, camping, hiking; 9. Almost all, it deeply in our efforts. depends on my mood; 10. “One Fine 11. Favorite book The following contributed in Day”; 11. Gone With the Wind; 12. 12. Favorite food December: Pasta; 13. Political science; 14. Kind; Jim Coors & Ann Pollock 13. Favorite subject 15. Caring; 16. Anything. Gordon & Judith Faulkner 14. What one word would your Rebholz family (Tom Rebholz friends use to describe you? BRYAN GARFOOT “Goofy” Memorial) is a sophomore at Mt. 15. What one word would your use to John & Leslie Taylor Horeb High School describe yourself? John Stolzenberg 1. 10; 2. 0; 3. I am a Gaspar Giorgi & Kathleen Helm 16. What should we yell/cheer for you great classical skier; 4. I Carolyn Senty in a race? have never tried skat- Liese Pfeifer & Rich Bechler 17. Anything else we should know ing (as of early Decem- Deborah Ahlstedt about you? ber); 5. I love being outdoors in the Anne Weiss & Peter Erk winter; 6. Ghandi; 7. Khalid Khan- Robert & Louise Jeanne JENNA ACKER is a nouchi, Paula Radcliff; 8. Cross-coun- Walt & Stacey Meanwell sophomore at Verona try, track; 9. Garth Brooks; 10. “The Samuel Moore High School Matrix”; 11. K-Pax; 12. Strawberries; Gail Moede 1. 0; 2. 0; 4. Tech- 13. Mathematics; 14. Oddball; 15. Intel- Robert Steidemann nique, endurance and ligent; 16. “Go Goof!” Willi & Gail Van Haren speed; 5. It’s a chal- Tom & Judith Gasner lenge and I can enjoy NOAH KENOYER is an 8th Constance Meek the winter.; 6. My family for always grader at Verona; 1. 10; being there.; 7. All of them for their 2. 7; 3. Tempo; 4. THANKS! dedication.; 8. Dance; 9. Depends on Strength; 8. Swimming; If there are others who would my mood; 10. “A Walk to Remember”; 9. Classic rock ; 10. still like to donate, we’d be grateful 11. Harry Potter; 12. Moose Tracks ice “Saving Private Ryan”; for any amount. If even a quarter cream; 13. History; 14. Caring; 15. 12. Subs; 13. Band; 15. of you gave $10, we'd have $1000. Kind; 16. “Go Jenna!”; 17. I’m really funny. And if donating to “Wisconsin looking forward to learning this sport Nordic Sports Foundation” for the JEFF SCHACHERL is a tax write-off seems like a bother, SHANNA BODILLY “Bod- sophomore at Mt. just make the check out to the illy” is a junior at Madi- Horeb High School club itself. Either way, note “for son Memorial 1. 5-ish; 2. 1-ish; 3. MNSC youth programs” on the 1. 0 ; 2. 0; 3. Umm, Skating; 4. Diagonal check memo line and send to nothing; 4. Umm, stride ahhh… ; 5. Hans Herweijer, Treasurer, Madi- everything; 5. I like Being outside in the son Nordic Ski Club, P.O. Box snow and going fast.; winter; 7. Steve Prefontane; 8. Cross- 55281, Madison, WI 53705. I’ve 7. Marion Jones, Sarah Schwab; 8. country, basketball; 9. Good Char- always been proud to be a mem- Running; 9. Older stuff; 10. “Lord of lotte!; 10. “The Matrix”, “The Fast and ber of this fine club. We always the Rings”; 11. Harry Potter; 12. Every- the Furious”; 12. Spaghetti!; 13. seem to be able to rise to the thing; 13. Art, gym, psychology; 14. French; 14. Crazy!; 15. So very busy… cause of worthy efforts. ❄ Outgoing; 15. Driven. 16. Go Jeff!

12 ❄ MNSC FEBRUARY 2003 (BLAME, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1) of Dr. Evil, the North Korean leader is (WAX, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4) ski. So, DNR skates on this one. wacky enough to do anything and is should be somewhere in the upper 5. Minnesota Viking Fans — These my top pick. Kim is always trying to end of the “blue” wax range, say 12 Minnesotans are so bitter that they embarrass us and holding our snow deg. F. For a longer race such as the still complain about games they lost hostage is quite a coup. But he can be Noquemanon, there’s a good chance to the Packers years ago, which I find bought cheap. For example, we know that the snow temperature will rise personally delightful in the U.S.A. could trade a throughout the race and climb a twisted way. They HY NOT TRADE little fuel oil to eliminate upwards into the “red” wax range. would do almost any- W the threat of “nuclear” The solution: mix your waxes, red thing to make life miser- winter from North and blue, at about a 1:1 ratio. By able for Wisconsin ACASEOFSKI Korea. Why not trade a going this route, should the condi- Packer fans. But they case of ski scrapers, tions turn out to be different than pre- draw the line at snow SCRAPERS, SOME some Fast Wax, and a dicted, either warmer or colder, you sabotage. They know gross of bumper stick- should still be in the ballpark by using that their best skiing is FAST WAX, AND A ers to get our “skiing” the wax mix. This simple “trick” of done on Packerland winter back from them. mixing the waxes will usually be a tundra. GROSS OF BUMPER The bumper stickers safe bet if your looking to cover a 6. Saddam Hussein — I could even be modified broad range of possibilities. can almost hear the STICKERSTOGET to say “MadKimSki”. If you’re still having doubts about Iraqi president calling Painless. which wax to use for your next big for the “Mother of all Well, at least now you event, you can call (toll free) 1-888- Winters”. You know this OUR “SKIING” have someone to hold TWAX-TIP for Toko’s Wax Tip Line. You guy has the motivation accountable. Seriously, will find a wax recommendation for to stick it in our eye but WINTER BACK let’s just hope this isn’t most of the races here in the Midwest. he’s so busy scuttling a weather pattern that In later articles, I will cover some from one bunker to the next he just is here to stay. If it is, and if global specifics on wax application and can’t focus. Besides, U.N. inspectors warming is the culprit, we have a lot removal techniques, matching the couldn’t find any Weapons of Snow- of work to do to reverse that trend. wax to different snow types and many Mass Destruction anywhere in the And it probably won’t involve a trade other related topics. I hope this advice country. with Dr. Evil. We might have to trade will make your next skiing adventure a 7. Kim Jung Il — As the incarnation some personal choices. ❄ little more… predictable. ❄ CAT SKI Infinity Nordic Gloves Classical All Terrain Ski “CAT” Ski Totally awesome winter sport gloves! Very light-weight and warm! •This Ski can be used on your favorite ski trail during the summer, fall and winter. Infinity Patton Nordic •This ski works well on grass, sand, dirt, glove. Medium weight gravel, ice (studded version), snow, glove insulated with slippery leaves etc.… Thermolite Active by •Builds technique and muscle memory DuPont. Thin insula- faster than any other roller ski or snow tion for high activity, ski movement and •All ability skiers can ski together because it has variable speeds warmth. Tough Cor- dura palm and box •A great workout going up hills and safe coming down fingers constructions •Builds strength much more rapidly with knitted cuff. than any other ski Please specify color •Poles don't slip because you are on and size! grass not pavement Ships out the next business day! •Allows you to ski out your back door and across your back yard Regular Price: $35.95 These may seem as bold statements, but this is a Sale Price: $24.99 bold ski. Some more bold statements about the CAT ski that were made by XC skiers.

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MNSC FEBRUARY 2003 ❄ 13 Can We Check Your Special Pockets For You? Thanks! BY DON FARISS pecial Thanks goes to Joe o, not for your wallet. We mean • Give you a basic graph showing SGollinger, rep for Germina Nski camber pockets on both your how evenly (or unevenly) your skis skis for the donation of 20 pairs of skating & classical skis. If you find compress (noting if both skis in the combi and skate junior skis to the them, you’ll know whether your skis pair match) youth skiing programs. We hope fit you and function well. What • Give you recommendations for to offer opportunities to more kids would it be worth to you to find out? what conditions to join the Silver Skis and Juniors $20? $10? your skis should programs next year using this gift. Some MadNorSki DON’T FORGET TO BRING be good in. Now… anybody want to donate 20 Juniors have been • Locate and pairs of bindings? ❄ trained by Mark mark the hard Torresani to oper- YOUR SKIS TO THE wax & klister — DON FARISS ate the sophisti- pockets on your cated ski camber FEBRUARY MEETING AT MadNorSki Junior classical skis for testing device that skier Emily Ricker is your current he engineered. the delighted winner ROCKY’S… body weight. You’ve seen it set of the big prize in up at club meetings. We will set it up That’s a lot of service for just the January MNSC at the February meeting and test your $5.00. And getting maximum perfor- meeting raffle, Ger- skis for only $5.00 per pair! All pro- mance from your skis will be price- mina top-of-the-line ceeds will go to our youth ski pro- less. skate skis donated grams. So don’t forget to bring your skis by Planet XC. to the February meeting at Rocky’s We will: with the sticky wax cleaned off. And • Determine what percentage of your don't forget your wallet too. ❄ body weight it takes to fully com- press each ski (skate or classic). —THE MADNORSKI JUNIORS

14 ❄ MNSC FEBRUARY 2003 Other Stuff… CLASSIFIEDS Ads run free for MNSC Club members! FOR SALE Atomic Beta Race Skate skiis with Salomon Pilot bindings. 178 cm, best for 120 lb person. $225 Contact Gina 849-7187, [email protected] GOT SOMETHING YOU WANT TO SELL? Scott “I’m a meteorologist“ Bachmeier and his assis- Don Fariss, Gina Interrante and Ann Pollock show each Looking for something? If you are a tant, wife Ruth, lure folks to sign up to be new members other what they selected from the vast array of dishes member of the Madison Nordic Ski with the promise of “more snow in future years.” from the pot luck table at the January meeting. We may Club, we will run your ad for free! not be able to ski, but we can still eat! Submit Classified ads to Kay Lum Actual photographic at [email protected] Who is this masked man? proof that Dave Phil Van Valkenberg was Gellatly , Swix and so happy that Telemark Fischer Rep. WAS at Correction: Ok, so I now has enough snow mistakingly called the the January meeting, making capabilities that “Snow Palace” (the ski just like his boss they could still hold the getaway with nice toilets told him to be! in Ironwood, Michigan T24 race... even if it was (And he didn’t seem owned by Mike Ivey and just so he could wear this to mind it at all!) Willi Van Haren), the outfit in the sub-zero “Ice Palace” in the last temps. Hats off to Phil! issue. I am truly sorry, (not for long though, it’s and I hope everyone forgives me. cold out there!) — YOUR NEWSLETTER MAKER

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MNSC FEBRUARY 2003 ❄ 15 MADISON NORDIC SKI CLUB MEMBERSHIP FORM Sign up now for the 2002-2003 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 53705

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.