FEBRUARY 2001

News for the members of the Madison Nordic Club Vol. 20 No. 4

• A WORD FROM JIMMY • OUR NEXT MEETING February 12th, 6:30 pm President’s Potpourri Rocky Roccoco’s West (Next to Erehwon) BY JIMMY VANDEN BROOK, PRESIDENT Agenda 6:30: Socialize w/videos op ten list - If you seen active duty. the 200 inch screen Thaven’t gotten in 7:00: All you can eat pizza, WOMEN’S SKI CLINIC WITH CINDY SWIFT - as much as you salad, breadsticks JANUARY 7TH want or need then ($6.50 per person/ This very successful, though not en- $3.25 for members 8 you probably deserve tirely uncontroversial, ski clinic was years or younger) a visit from a motiva- very successful and full to capacity 7:30: Announcements tional speaker. Condi- (trips, races, club with very enthusiastic women. The tions in the Madison projects) Madison Nordic Ski Club hosted, and area have been solid since December largely staffed the event. Read more 11th, and from what I can see, every- MNSC BOARD OF DIRECTORS about it in an article by club member body is out skiing. While the “List of Leslie Taylor. We will probably hold Jimmy Vanden Brook leading economic indicators” contains this clinic again next year President ominous warnings, the (608) 437-4192 but also provide co-edu- “Nordic catalog of cross- [email protected] cational sessions and country clues” is over- “… EVERYBODY Willi VanHaren perhaps a men’s-only ses- Vice President whelmingly positive. In sion. Let us know what (608) 437-3782 fact, here are the top ten IS OUT SKIING” [email protected] you think about the best clues that we’re having a Brett Larson approach to ski educa- fabulous ski season: Treasurer tion and participation. (608) 232-9675 10. You’ve skied more in Madison [email protected] than up north and enjoyed it. NORTHSHORE LAKE SUPERIOR TRIP WITH Nancy Hoene 9. There’s an ice dam on the roof but JAN WOOD - JANUARY 11-15TH Publicity you’d rather go skiing than deal Again this year the trip was big fun (608) 226-0730 [email protected] with it. despite some slushy conditions. The group took in the beauty of the North Jim Coors 8. Your neighbors have you waxing Membership their , though they haven’t Shore and Jan kept everyone enter- (608) 231-3593 skied in 10 years. tained. The cabin filled early so jump [email protected] 7. The hills at Elver are smaller than on this trip right away if it is offered Margaret Rankin Riley next year. Trips Chair last year. (608) 836-6695 6. The inside of your car has been 24 HOURS OF TELEMARK [email protected] converted to a drying rack for ski - JANUARY 13-14TH Ned Zuelsdorff gear. This event is the sleeper of the Race Chair (608) 231-1876 5. You know the difference between decade. When first announced, the [email protected] a “Pisten Bully” and the “Bully Pul- idea of skiing for 24 hours seemed a Harry Lum pit”. trifle extreme, even if you had a Advertising/Promotions bunch of pals to help out. This race (608) 273-2821 4. You’ve done so many laps at Elver [email protected] that you don’t need the lights turned out to be one of the most en- joyable things I’ve done skiing. Two Kay Lum after dark. Newsletter 3. You’re positively, definitely going more articles follow on this fantastic (608) 273-2821 event. In brief, the club was very well to get snow tires next year. Pete Anderson represented with Madison area teams 2. You’re so buff from skiing that KidSki Chair reaping a host of medals. You can 222-1928 you’re starring in the video check out the results at www.team- [email protected] “Quads of Steel”. ... and the num- sportsinc.com ❄ John Taylor ber one reason you can tell we’re Social Director having a fabulous ski season: 236-4565 Be part of the skiing community discus- [email protected] 1. All of your polypro undies have sion group! See article on page 5. Women’s Ski Clinic Had Great Glide! INTRO BY MARGARET RANKIN RILEY

ON JANUARY 7TH, 50 HIGHLY ENERGETIC plained that men tend to “barrel WOMEN CONVERGED AT THE ELVER PARK their way up hills” and that SHELTER HOUSE FOR A SKI CLINIC ORGA- women can accomplish the same NIZED BY CINDY SWIFT AND THE MNSC. up hills by stepping up in a rhyth- OUR PRESIDENT, JIMMY VANDEN BROOK, mic fashion and keeping our WAS THE TOKEN MALE MAKING SURE weight low. She suggested we EVERYTHING WAS RUNNING SMOOTHLY climb and be able to hold a con- AND TO SHOW HIS SUPPORT FOR THIS FAN- versation… this is a goal to strive TASTIC SHOWING OF GALS ON SKIS! for! Going down proved more UNFORTUNATELY, A FEW PEOPLE WERE challenging than going up. Cindy TURNED AWAY AT THE DOOR SINCE WE sped by on her “happy feet” — The women attendees stay warm inside the shelter at Elver Park as HAD HIT OUR LIMIT OF 50 PRE-REGIS- keeping skiis moving through Cindy Swift explains the importance of layering clothing when skiing. TERED SKIERS. SORRY TO THOSE OF YOU tight and fast corners, while the THAT WEREN'T ABLE TO PARTICIPATE! BE rest of us were forced to use the SURE TO REGISTER EARLY NEXT YEAR! “death plow” as Cindy referred to HOPEFULLY THIS CLINIC WILL BECOME AN our snow plowing. ANNUAL EVENT, RIGHT CINDY? Our hill climbing was punctuat- MUCH THANKS GOES OUT TO EVERYONE ed by several discussions on WHO HELPED MAKE THIS CLINIC A SUC- technique. Cindy suggested we CESS! FOLLOWING IS A FIRST-HAND EXPE- not fall ill to “terminal V-1 dis- RIENCE OF AN ATTENDEE, AND CLUB MEM- ease” and that we vary our tech- BER, LESLIE TAYLOR. nique and work on transitions. Recommendations were made to vary training routines as well and he second Women’s Ski clinic at to emphasize the weaker side. TElver park was a big success All in all it was terrific afternoon with over 50 women from begin- Instructors Carol Ricker, JoEllen Torresani, Carolyn Senty, and Ann made possible by the outstanding ners to advanced attending and Pollock show how happy skiing can make you! coaches… Cindy Swift, Carol enjoying the perfect conditions. Ricker (got the beginner skiiers This reporter having never had any all the way around Elver park!), formal ski instruction but having JoEllen Torresani, Marie Heiligen- tried to learn from the many lyrca stein and Lorie Wesolek and clad bodies whizzing by decided to Megan (a friend of Cindy’s). attend the clinic to find out Thanks also to the registration whether her technique was any- volunteers, Carolyn Senty, Ann thing approaching correct. Pollock, Margaret Riley and The morning began with Cheryl Martin and to the sole stretches led by Cindy reminding male volunteer none other than us all of the importance of find- our fabulous Pres… Jimmy VB. ❄ ing some time to stretch prior to racing out on the trails. A brief Many thanks to Instructors JoEllen Torresani, Carol Ricker, Megan, discussion of equipment and Cindy Swift, and Lorie Wesolek! clothing (polypro and layers were emphasized) followed. After- out poles and concentrated on wards women divided themselves weight changes, balance and into classic and skating groups keeping our upper bodies relaxed and into beginner, intermediate and low. and advanced and headed off to Lunch followed across the the trails. street at Griffs. Griffs prepared a variety of delicious soups, sand- I found myself in the advanced The enthusiastic group having fun and improving their technique out group led by Cindy and we sped wiches and cookies. Several on the snow at Elver Park. off to some flat terrain for double Moms in the group commented poling work. Cindy reminded us that Griffs would be a nice place that the double pole is an integral to bring kids after a few hours of piece of both classic and skate skiing at Elver. I ate lunch with a technique and we concentrated young woman from China, living on “falling” on our poles and and studying in Madison for the using our weight and stomach last several years, who was skiing muscles for more power.The for the first time! She’d decided open field was next and CIndy like many of us to get out and re- tapped out a rhythm (which of ally enjoy winter. course I’ve forgotten) to help us The afternoon program in- master this technique. volved hills, both climbing them Now for snow time! Cindy Swift, explains technique tips to students We also practiced skating with- and descending them. Cindy ex- at the clinic.

2 ❄ MNSC FEBRUARY 2001 Miraculous Membership BY JIM COORS

e ran out of membership lists witness the miracle. Well, don’t Wat the last meeting. I will bring laugh. It happened to me early another set to the next meeting, this season! but if you would like me to send We had just arrived home after you one, please feel free to contact a long weekend of skiing in the me. north woods. I was tired and The final and official MadNorS- slammed down the wax box on ki membership tally for the each top of my workbench in the base- ski season is made in March, but ment, but I forgot I had left out an you might be interested in the old tube of Rode Chola klister fact that we have blown the lid base. Splat, what a mess when off the previous membership the tube exploded and the sticky record of 222 from last year. At goo spread all over. But instead this point we have 250 paid mem- of feeling stupid and angry, a bers (115 families, 126 individu- strange peace filled my mind. My als, 9 juniors) and an additional spine straightened from my typi- 52 courtesy memberships. Miraculous vision in Rode klister -Thomas Alsgaard doing the per- cal tired hunch. My arms swung What happened? There are sev- fect V2. gracefully at my sides, and I slow- eral reasons. Among them – kook, but since the season is ly began to sway gently back and snow, great meetings, a spectacu- going so well, you might now be- forth on hips that only moments lar race series, a wonderful se- lieve what I have to tell you. You before were painful and stiff. I ries of trips, the specialized train- may have heard of stories of looked down and there it was, a ing programs (the women’s ski miraculous appearances of holy miracle if ever there was one. clinic, Kidski, SilverSki, Juniors, visions. For example, every now Thomas Alsgaard doing the per- the Prez’s Elver training ses- and then someone spots the like- fect V2, right in the middle of the sions), but something else may ness of the Virgin of Guadalupe in splattered klister. Of course the have helped. a gnarled tree trunk or some season’s going well. A little faith, I hesitated to bring this up until other unlikely place. Before long, some old klister, and a messy now because you’d think I was a people are lined up for miles to workbench explains it all. ❄

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MNSC FEBRUARY 2001 ❄ 3 24 Hours of Adventure at Telemark TALES FROM SEVERAL TEAMS

AS MOST OF YOU KNOW, TELEMARK RE- HERE IS THE STORY OF WARD BUDWEG’S and Sherry Lemond replies, say- SORT RECENTLY WAS THE HOME OF AMERI- TEAM FROM DECORAH, IA, AS WRITTEN ing, this is my husband Greg. CA’S FIRST 24 HOUR CROSS COUNTRY SKI TO HIS FAMILY MEMBERS. Dumb Iowa Farmers we were. RACE (JAN 13-14, 2001). HERE ARE A Classic line of the evening was FEW STORIES FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF i Loyal Subjects from Dale. During the conversation, PARTICIPANTS. READ ON… H one lady in the Bradley-Lemond I say this because after our week- group said she didn't like Dale. MIKE IVEY’S ADVENTURE IN HIS OWN end we feel like royalty. Dale’s Reply “How can you not like WORDS… me, you don't even know me.” WHAT: 24 Hours of Telemark, the Then, after Jacky explained to them 1st 24 hour ski race, Telemark t was with a certain amount of how her new skis had been roto- Lodge, Cable Wis. Ireluctance that I agree to join a tilled. (I think she meant stone relay team for the 24 hours of Tele- TEAM MEMBERS: Princess Jacky, ground), we decided we better call mark. Nitro Nystrom, Druggy Douggy, it a night, it was 3 a.m. The race was Now that it's over, I'm glad our Wide Body Dale, and myself to start at noon. captain Tom Woody strongarmed (Ward Budweg). RACE ORDER: Nitro, Doug, Dale, me into participating. GOAL: To ski as many 10k loops in Jacky, and myself. I can say honestly I've never had 24 hours as possible. Most loops Everyone was to do a lap before more fun at a ski race -- and not wins. Hilly loops. dark so as to see the course in just because our team that includ- the light. CATEGORIES: 4 person teams, 6 ed Madnorski members Tom Kauf- person teams, solo freaks, co-ed Nitro shoots out the blocks and man, Chris Halverson, Ben Neff teams, older than the hill and is ninth out of 48. Nitro great and Dirk Mason took 3rd place in older than dirt. choice to give us the trail report. the 6-man division. We skied 41 The course was a figure 8 and laps, that's 410 kilometers. The We were in the 6 person team ended with a steep uphill and then winning team skied 46 laps. category. 1 of 14 teams in this shooting down the other side. Of course, it didn't hurt that Jan- group. 48 group entries total. Doug and I are waiting for Nitro uary temperatures stayed around HOW THE EVENT UNFOLDED: Nitro to come through the staging area, 30 degrees for the entire race and goes from north Mpls to Tele- we wait and now he is in 20, 25, the course was fast. Save for some mark right from work. We leave 30 position. No Nitro, We figure deep corn snow on the uphills, the Decorah at 5 p.m. (All good train- he got hurt or broke something. 10K loop survived in pretty good ing requires hydrating before an Then, we hear him yelling at condition. event) Our 265 mile trip included Doug to do the baton exchange, Our team decided to ski four 3 stops for the restroom because for the next loop. Doug did not rounds first of 10K loops, meaning we were hydrating so much. have his skis on so lots of fum- each skier got about a 3-hour When we got to the hotel, we bling. Doug was off and skiing. break between efforts. During the roust Nitro for the planning meet- Now we are racing. Everyone break, we sat around the hotel ing in the lounge. We were took a daytime lap. then to the room, eating, resting and watching blessed and to our surprise saw night skiing. 2 watt bulbs are not TV. Kaufman, who has experience Greg Lemond (Tour de France adequate for going down steep in these marathon relays, then winner) there with Jeff Bradley down hills. I used 5 watts and I did out-ski the battery as I was suggested we each ski one round (Team 7 eleven). We were sur- doing a 2 loop stage. 2 watts of of 20K to give us all a longer break prised and somewhat taken light is better than no light at at night. We finished with one aback as Doug introduces himself 10:30 pm. more round of 10Ks. We skied, we rested, we ate, we The whole event was so exciting GET UP! Its Your drank water, we charged batteries, that I barely managed to get any turn to ski! we sweat, and kept going. The sleep but did grab about 90 min- night was long and Nitro about utes before my double shift. lost it as his dead Grandparents But what a thrill zipping around started talking to him. No visual the Telemark trails at night with a sightings. (Batteries too weak.) halogen headlamp to light the Morning came and so did a way. Thanks to the organizers for heavy snowfall. New snow is slow keeping support staff out on the snow. 3 inches is hard to ski in. course during the whole race. It During the course of the nights really helps to keep the spirits up results would be posted. We hearing the cowbells ringing on were as high as 9th and as low as the course at 6 a.m. 11th. By morning we were calcu- My biggest memory? It was ski- lating we could end beating team ing alone on the trail at dawn, with #24, we were team #30. At 9:00 the light just starting to filter a.m. we were 31 minutes down on through the trees and the fresh them. Doug was up, myself and snow falling. Truly magical. ❄ Nitro to finish. Doug made up 8

4 ❄ MNSC FEBRUARY 2001 minutes. We were 23 minutes 360 k and included myself, and down now. I had two laps to do. HE WHOLE EVENT WAS MadNorSkis Tom Gasner, and Reg The other team was just doing “T Bruskewitz, along with MadNorS- 10k laps and we were 10’s and I ki wannabes Ron White, Andy was doing 20’s. I passed the #24 SO EXCITING THAT I Schultz, and Lee Rooker. “One team about 4km from the end of Gore, Four Bush” 350 k, includes my 2 laps. We had made up the BARELY MANAGED TO GET Dean Gore, Brenda Baker, and difference and now to put some Tracey Lamers. The “Ashland 34 distance on them. I ended up ANY SLEEP BUT DID GRAB Laps” 340 k includes Harry Spe- with a 2 minute lead on them har and John Riley. “Decorah Bi- when I handed off to Nitro. Nitro’s ABOUT MINUTES cycles” 300 k, includes Ward Bud- job was to not get passed by any- 90 weg, Doug Burks, Jacky Budweg, one wearing a #24 on their bib. It Dale Putnam, and Mark Nystrom. gets real exciting right now. Is BEFORE MY DOUBLE “Archies Avengers” 290 k, in- Nitro doing okay? Are his dead cludes Jeff Archibald, Ann grandparents still in the woods SHIFT.” Heaslett, Judy Archibald, Jon Nor- and is he talking to them? I hand- denberg, Sharon Hau, and Jason —MIKE IVEY ed off to Nitro at 11:15 a.m. The Dorgan. “Slip Sliding Away” 250 k race is done at Noon. now here is includes Shamane Mills, Jim Fen- ster, Clair Krueger, Tim Yancheck, how it works. you were scored by noon hit and the steep hill took Juli Wagner, and James Mills. the number of complete loops it’s toll on Team #24. Nitro skied that your team did during the 24 across the line and at 12:01:10 OLDER THAN DIRT period. If it was 11:59 a.m. we Team #24 came across. We won! (45 years average age) Our could have sent another skier out Decorah bicycles was a winner. friends at the Bicycle Doctor in to complete another loop and it We finished tenth. Stats for the Oconomoc took first in class with would counted. But if it was 12:01 event: sleep—7 hours Friday 410 k. we could not and the total num- night, 3 am to 10 am. little cat ber loops completed was our naps otherwise. food eaten— SOLO FREAK - 12 HOURS score. As Nitro passed through spaghetti, soup, sandwiches, Jason Newville 70k the stadium area to do one last chips, and lazy Daisy cake. Km SOLO FREAK WOMEN - 24 HOURS: climb up the ski hill, he still had a skied—Nitro 80, Doug 50, Jacky WINNER - JULI LYNCH 210 K SOLO huge climb and a treacherous 50, Dale 40 and 80 for myself. Falls FREAK MEN - 24 HOURS: downhill. About 2km of distance. in the event—Dale takes the cake, Winner - Chris Ransom 310 k; ❄ The time was 11:52. he fell 5 times in 4 laps. The end 3rd - Mike Zeigle 240 k. At 11:54 team #24 passes of another great ski adventure! through the stadium with a huge climb and treacherous downhill. NOW SOME WORDS FROM JIMMY, OUR Are You We both had completed 30 PREZ., WHO ALSO PARTICIPATED… loops—300km. Now if they could Part of the get to the tag zone by 11:59:59 wo participants deserve some they could ski another loop and Tspecial mention. Juli Lynch was Discussion? beat us. 30 meters from the finish the only female to enter the Solo 24 ver 40 Madnorski's are part many other teams were waiting hour class and turned in a tremen- Oof a new e-mail discussion for high noon to strike so they dous performance - 210 kilometers group. Subscribe and you'll get could pass under the finish ban- all by herself! Congratualtions. daily insights on trail conditions, ner and record their final loop. Many of you know Chris Ransom opinions, and ideas for develop- Time is now at 11:57. Nitro flew up for his very fast, and flamboyant skiing. Well, add long-distance ing Madison's ski community. and down the big hill and was Currently there's a spirited dis- waiting for the end of the race. He champ to the list. Chris skied an incredible 310 kilometers in 24 cussion about developing East had completed 80km and held off side ski sites. the #24 team. Team #24 had a hours. That's 6 Birkies in one day, close to 200 miles! Amazing. Here's how you “subscribe”: skier waiting to do another lap, In an e-mail message on your Nitro did not know this. We told I reckon about 32 of the 171 par- ticipants were from the Madison computer, put in the "TO" box: him that he should be ready to ski [email protected], Put another lap in case their skier was area (add 5 more if you include our Decorah Bicycle brothers and in the "MESSAGE" box: sub- able to climb the big hill as fast as sisters). Here are the Madison scribe xc end him. Nitro was waiting for noon area finishers: Leave everything else blank, and also looking over his shoul- don't add any additional infor- der to see if team #24 was in site. SIX-PERSON TEAMS mation in the message, and He said at least I can rest while Mike King was on the winning press “send”. You'll get back a they are working. Then we told “Sawmill Six” completing 450 kilo- confirmation message that him that they had a fresh skier on meters in 24 hours. The all-Madi- you're now part of the discus- deck ready to kick some butt. son, all MadNorSki “Team Woody” sion group. If you want to send 11:58. Nitro is frantic, tired and took 3rd with 400 k and includes anything to the group at large, composing himself to ski another Tom Woody, Tom Kaufmann, send e-mail to “[email protected]” 10km or just finish. (Nitro said the Mike Ivey, Chris Halverson, Dirk Thanks to Joe King for getting last 2 minutes took an eternity. Do Mason, and Ben Neff. The “Noon- Madnorski skeee-wired! ❄ have to ski or do I finish?) High to-Noon Numbskis” finished with

MNSC FEBRUARY 2001 ❄ 5 • JUNIORS ARE ON THE MOVE!• A Junior MadNorSKi Renewed BY AMANDA DURKIN

The following account of a Decem- winter wonderland. As I get out untry skiing ber 2000 weekend comes from 2nd -co onto the perfectly manicured ss year Junior MadNorSki team mem- ro snow I feel like I’ve never skied ber and LaFollette sophomore C before, but after a couple hours of s Amanda Durkin. After winning sev- r stumbling I begin to relax and feel e eral medals last year in her first d like I’m not even touching the f ra ground. After a long day on the year on skis, this spunky gal is am- or h g bitiously setting her goals even 8th-12t trails we back to a much higher this year. I’m betting you’ll anticipated sauna and extra time hear more about her this winter. could be expected nothing could to bond with new team mates, all — DON FARISS, JUNIORS COACH have prepared us for what we saw. of us excited for the next day. I rise Drifts of plowed snow reaching on Sunday and throw on nearly almost ten feet, giant blobs of snow every layer I brought. The temper- he excitement was intense as I smothering trees in every direction atures are so low that just thinking Tloaded my things for the week- and light flurries adding a dazzling about them gives me the chills, end journey to come. sparkle to an already amazing but I put it out of my mind and get The thought of being scene. When we pulled up in the ready for the race to come. able to do some on- driveway and jumped out we begin Quickly we leave for the race site. snow training as pulling out twice the amount of lug- Walking out of the door into bliz- well as being able to gage and skis I had thought could zardy conditions and wondering test my wings on the even fit into a car. It truly amazes how many people will brave the first race of the season me how much we manage to pack weather aside from us. Once at had been on my mind all week. As in every weekend on these junior the site we find our answer, there fast as possible gear was loaded ski team trips. With skis in hand I are only fifteen people racing in and we hit the road, impatient for dashed down stairs and the waxing my race today with some of the fif- the foot or so of white bliss that began. Over and over the process teen being my own team mates. At was sure to await us. Enthusiastic of melting, scraping and brushing is the start we are off in a frenzy of conversations about memories of done and although it is late, and I’m poles. And although the condi- wonderful experiences with fellow tired from a week of school, being tions are slow from the five inches teammates new and old filled the able to nearly see my reflection on of soft, new snow, and the temper- car and every few minutes some- the bases of my brand new skis atures extreme, each of us comes one’s eyes could be seen checking gives me a priceless confidence across the line with a sense of joy the ground outside the windows to that makes the whole process in just having finished. We come inspect the conditions, waiting to worthwhile. Finally it’s time for bed. back to Madison in a state of con- see mounds of the fluffy white stuff We wake early the next morning tent exhaustion with a renewed we’d all come to love. Yet, for all and quickly head to ABR. The con- flame for the rest of the season to we’d had in our minds of what ditions are wonderful, a beautiful come. ❄ MadNorSki Meeting Schedule

Board Club Meeting Meeting Club Meeting Newsletter/ Meeting Meeting Theme Agenda Location Ad Deadline Wednesday Monday Birkie Stories Video Night Rocky’s January 31 February 12, and non-race and pizza January 24 2001, 7:00 pm activities Wednesday Monday Spring Skiing Potluck, Shorewood February 28 March 12, options awards Community February 21 2001, 7:00 pm Center

Please Write! The Madison Nordic Ski Club Newsletter is pub- tions! No Ad will run without prepayment! See the lished five times annually. Submit articles via e-mail schedule for deadlines. If you don’t meet the sub- to: [email protected] mission deadline, there is no guarantee that it will Ads will not be accepted out of previous publica- get into the newsletter. ❄

6 ❄ MNSC FEBRUARY 2001 Life in the Fast Track MADELINE URANECK QUIET BEAUTY morally high tree stump? As if I was attracted to cross country someone suddenly changed the skiing because it was beautiful channels, I find myself racing and quiet. Deep snow, astounding along with 7,000 Birkie skiers on sunshine, breathtaking blue skies, noisy, half-acre-wide trails, or the heady mix of wool and sweat. panting with other lycra-clad I opened the door, skis in hand, skiers on precisely groomed trails and strode out into the back at Nine Mile or Minocqua Winter cornfield, happy to trod between Park. There are receipts for new the rows, cross barbed-wire mittens, pants and jackets on my fences, ski down little hills and kitchen table. I fork over willingly jump the cow creeks. for county park passes, state Later, chance led me to ski Madnorski member and author, Madeline Uraneck, seen finishing a park stickers, and state trail per- where skiing had started. I Tuesday night race at Elver in all of her glory. mission. I own sacks full of waxes swished from fäbod (mountain farm) to fäbod, high in the moun- SO HOW AND WHEN DID I and am not above yearning for or tain/hills of Sweden. Red of goat borrowing electric irons and herd cabins stark against pure FALL OFF MY MORALLY buzzing roto-brushes for the per- white snow. A thermos of coffee fect wax job. My friends and I in my pack, a couple pieces of HIGH TREE STUMP? leave trails of fluorocarbons in cheese, and hours to cross frozen the mossy forests, and cast plas- lakes and tundra before sunset. through muddy parking lots to do tic water bottles and shiny Power With a sense of faint disdain, I it. There was no question that Bar wrappers in the trash. On observed downhill skiers. Noted cross-country skiers were ecolog- weekends, we squeeze our Japan- how they all seemed to be in a ically, politically, and spiritually ese model cars and mini-vans, fashion contest, drove sleek cars, superior human beings. topped with aerodynamic ski drank wine aprés ski, swooshed racks, side by side into crowded, through beautiful snow but had FLUOROCARBON HELL muddy parking lots. to stand in long lift lines and slog So how and when did I fall off my (SEE FAST LANE, CONTINUED ON PAGE 8)

Monday & Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tues., Weds., Fri., Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. X- Country Sales / Service / Tuneups Accessories / Clothing Tune Up For Special Offer The Birkie 20% Off at MINOCQUA WINTER PARK HF Wax in Minocqua WI 54548 1 per customer • Receive the best training possible from Dan Clausen. He is PSIA Certified also holds a posi- Offer good through 3/10/01 tion on the PSIA National Demonstration Ski Team for the last 9 years. Dan has been skiing the birkie for 23 years. We Rent Snow Equipment. • We have 75 km of striding trails and 65 km of skating trails groomed to perfection. You Come to Winter park for the best trail and coach around! • Book a lesson today! SEE US AT HTTP://WWW.SKIMWP.ORG OR CONTACT US A [email protected] 251 State Street, Chalet: (715) 356-3309 Madison 53703 Phone: 608-257-5043 For lesson or rental equipment information, www.fontanasports.com

MINOCQUA WINTER PARK NORDIC CENTER MINOCQUA WINTER PARK call (715) 356-1099

MNSC FEBRUARY 2001 ❄ 7 (FAST LANE, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7) or vocabulary of the County THINKING BACK Board or House of Representa- I still like quiet forests and deep tives. Whether we want to ski snow, but I drive farther and faster more, ski faster, get more people Free Ski to find solitude and precipitation, to ski, relax more, get more out of fighting traffic on congested North life, we add to the flow of the Woods highways. Worse (and speedy, greedy, consumer stream. Lessons! best), I jet to Canada, race through More, faster, better. ant to learn how to ski?, but airports, dragging my ski bags in I am not yet willing to give up Wdon’t know where to get that busy, frantic pace we middle the thrill of careening downhill on lessons? Don’t want to spend a class North Americans sport to lot of money on lessons? Don’t seek relaxation and recreation. have time to travel far? Well, the If I think back, I can retrace my I SQUIRM AS I FACE THE Madison Nordic Ski Club has strides from the simple pleasures just the thing for you! Every of the snowy cornfield to the CONTRADICTIONS IN WHAT Wednesday night volunteer cash-strewn racetracks. Love of members of Madnorski give free skiing — more skiing — citizen lessons at Elver park! Meet at ski events — desire to improve ATTRACTED ME TO the trailhead at 6 p.m. Lessons technique — technique work- are for beginners and advanced shops — racing — need for more, CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING skiers, and both classical and equipment, more training, wider skating techniques will be trails and yet more events. well-groomed racetracks or my taught. What a great way to MORE, FASTER, BETTER exploration of neighboring Cana- learn how to ski and meet other A country and a generation has da. But I squirm as I face the con- Madison skiers at the same changed with me — backed away tradictions in what attracted me time. This is definitely the year from a vision of a simpler, less- to cross-country skiing. The corn- to learn, so get out those skis consuming lifestyle to a demand fields fall to bulldozers, and de- you bought, or received at for very specific forms of recre- velopers build condo’s for winter Christmas (or won at our last ation, the more the better. Too family get-aways. The groomers meeting), and hit the snow! Do seldom do we challenge the and trail-wideners growl in the it today, because before you words “more” and “growth” - once-quiet forests, the once-crys- know it, it will be time to get out whether in our own vocabulary tal mountains. ❄ the bikes again! ❄ Come join us for a Bike and Ski Poker Run SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2001 FREE to all. Prizes and refreshments. Sag Service, and did we mention… it’s FREE! XC Skiing starts at Decorah Bicycles at 9:00 a.m., where you can pick up your map and Poker Run Card. Biking starts at noon Prizes at 5:00 pm. WHAT IS A POKER RUN? It is tour of an area where certain points of interest are highlighted. Usually these are bars, restaurants and parks. When you go to these places you receive a playing card. After the tour the best poker hand of cards wins the prizes. Some of the tour spots are worth more cards. So it pays to ride or ski to as many points as you can.) This a non-competitive event. Just fun.

DecorahBicyclesthe silent sports headquarters. 101 COLLEGE DRIVE • DECORAH, IOWA 52101 PHONE: 319-382-8209 • FAX: 319-382-9126 WEB: WWW.decorahbicycles.com

8 ❄ MNSC FEBRUARY 2001 All Waxes for Your Best Birkie Ever!

At Bicycle Doctor Nordic Ski Shop we know NORDIC. Our experienced staff has the knowledge to help you find the right XC skis and equipment. We have unmatched selection and service when it comes to START BRIKO SISU SUGOI your Nordic needs. SPORTFUL STAR VAUGHTI Birkie Race Strategy & Waxing Clinic Thursday, February 15th

Learn first hand from experienced Birkie racers on how to deal with the crowds and the course to develop a fast race-day strategy. Plus learn from the experts the best waxing techniques. Expert Birkie race wax recommendations from: Toko Tech Team Member: Eric Mittelsteadt Star Wax Technician: Tom Klein Cerax Racing Polymer Tech: Michael Mandli Think Snow!

GET THE BEST ADVICE. OUR STAFF HAS Great Skis, Boots, A COMBINED EXPERIENCE OF OVER Bindings, Waxes & All 50 BIRKIES. the Accessories from We also have a great selection of snowboard equipment/tech wear from the Best Manufacturers Burton, Cold As Ice, Ride, Airwalk, & Oakley

WHITMAN PARK SHOPPING CENTER (Hwy. 67 — I mile north of I-94) Oconomowoc, WI • (262) 567-6656 A Trip to Remember…Or What’s Skiing Like on the North Shore? BY KRIS LONG AND NANCY HOENE

ave you ever wanted to know had dinner at a local brew pub, the steps were covered with ice? Hwhat was removed from both then after a lot of humor and some We were glad to make it back in Harpers Ferry and Jamestown? Well, song and dance, we were all pretty one piece… all of us but Paul, who you would know that and a few tired! It drizzled off and on, and we broke a ski. other miniscule details about the wondered what the snow condi- Later in the day, some went to world if you had been on the Janu- tions would bring tomorrow. ski at Pincushion, while others ary Trip to Cascade Mountain Lodge Sunday was slightly cooler with practiced up for “Talent Night”. near Grand Marais, MN. Located on a breeze blowing and a little driz- The competition would be tough! Lake Superior, 10 of us stayed at 3 zle. We started the morning right After a spaghetti dinner we were cabins with our “cruise director” Jan with a bald eagle sighting on Lake all too tired for talent, but we mus- Wood. Other “Survivor” members Superior. With another day of tered it up… EVERYONE had tal- included Dave Robb, Dave Calhoun, questionable wax conditions ent, it was unbelievable! Dave R., Caroline Oldershaw, John Couver, ahead, Jan and Dave C. came Dave C. and John, well they sang Paul Segal, Levi Wood, Harry House, through with the expertise we about pigs, complete with Dave Nancy and Kris. Arriving at different needed to get “off on the right C.’s French Horn mouthpiece. times on Friday, most of us got a lit- foot”. Some went to nearby Pin- Harry was Mr. Ed, Jan played the tle skiing in before dark. Dave Cal- cushion Mountain, which had chanter (if you don’t’ know what it houn and Dave Robb had the most is you will have to ask her-next elaborate birthday dinner for Dave step the bagpipes!), Nancy, Caro- R. including fresh from the “THE SOCIALIZING WAS line and I were a very patriotic microwave T.V. dinners! Those two trio, and Paul, a former gymnast really live in style! A perfect birthday JUST AS FUN AS and paratrooper in Poland, told for Dave included a rousing game of some fascinating true stories Trivial Pursuit, which he handily THE SKIING.” about his experiences in WWII. Af- won with his partner Paul. terwards we had famous Mad- —CAROLINE OLDERSHAW The snow conditions were simi- Norske Nook pie and much more lar to Madison in that they had singing to do before we slept! not received much snow recently both skating and classical trails, And now, you might think I am and temperatures were in the mid- and others of us attempted to ski done with this story. But I still 30’s on Saturday. We skied (classi- the Cascade trails to nearby have the official quotes to share cal) at Cascade State Park, which Moose Mountain. Conditions were from everyone’s highlights of the is directly out the back door of much icier, so we did not make it trip: Nancy: “Skiing on the Cas- our cabins. Waxing conditions all the way there. But we had cade River was my favorite run.” were tenuous, due to the warmth some thrilling downhills coming Dave C: “Dave, shut up”! Changed and the fact that we would be back because it was slick! to “Paul bounces better than any going uphill for much of our out- The best ski of the morning was 81 year old man I know!” Caroline: ing(s) that day. I witlessly selected Nancy’s trip up the Cascade River. “The socializing was just as fun as the winning wax, using red only on “I skied upstream over rocks and the skiing. Very organized yet very the tips and tails of my waxless smaller waterfalls,” she said. relaxed. Jan Wood’s chocolate skis! Try that at next year’s wax “There were large open spots mint cookies were awesome.” clinic and lets just see what the ex- where you could see water rush- Levi: “Scenic skiing on a variety of perts say! Believe it or not, I was ing and you could hear it under trails” John: “Breaking rules at the one of the few who didn’t slip! Cas- the ice. The huge rock walls of the pool—diving into the snow after cade is a beautiful state park with canyon were carved out where the sauna”. Harry: “How about excellent grooming and a variety the river roars along it. Icicles those Vikings?” Paul: “Unbeliev- of trails, most of which initially go hung from concave parts and able vertical drop onto solid ice. It uphill. In the afternoon many went trees grow out of the sides of the broke my ski but it was worth it! out again, some skating and oth- rock. I was totally protected from Jan: “I forgot the cake!” Dave R: “I ers hiking. Levi was our resident the wind. It was so cool to be right was the only one who got kicked wildlife expert, and helped to iden- down in the river… skiing over off the island!” Kris: “I didn’t know tify different types of woodpeck- boulders and places you can’t I could ski this much and get so ers, and many signs of wildlife in- even get to with hip boots in the much un-interrupted sleep all in cluding fishers and beaver. summertime. Truly remarkable. I one weekend!” After skiing, we headed into skied up to the upper falls and We are already planning our “tal- town for and frolicking then back down to the lower falls ent” for next year—something to at the local pool along with about and then stopped. Way fun!” do with singing and jump-roping… 50 people under the age of 16. The Caroline convinced her to ski maybe with skis on! Thanks to zany ones (no doubt trying to act the river again in the afternoon. It everyone, especially Jan, for mak- Finnish to fit in with the locals) in didn’t take much arm-twisting. ing it such a super trip! Oh, and it our group did the sauna-“I’m too On the way back, we walked was the apostrophes that were re- hot now I need to jump in the down the steps overlooking Lake moved from Harpers Ferry and snow” routine-much to the cha- Superior, because it was too steep Jamestown. Weren’t you dying to grin of the lifeguard on duty. We to ski. Nice view, but did I mention know? Dave Robb was! ❄

10 ❄ MNSC FEBRUARY 2001 Ads run free CLASSIFIEDS for MNSC Club members! Wish list ROOMMATE NEEDED FOR SALE Live near the Arb and Lake Wingra! 99 Enduro roller skis with brake and size The Madison Nordic Ski Club is in Beautiful apartment across from Lake 41 Riedell boots, $300 firm. need (want) of a few things. If Wingra. Share 2 bedroom with busy Contact Gina anyone has these items they female. no pets, no smoking Avail Feb 1 849-7187 would like to donate to the club, it $350.00 would be greatly appreciated! Call Karen WANTED: FOOL ON SKIS. 232-9578 • any used cross-country ski Adventurous older woman seeks male or equipment for KidSki or Juniors, HOUSE FOR RENT female companion to ski out brains Feb even stuff that you may think is 10-11, 2001, Ottawa to Montreal. 16 K, worthless, can be used for parts. 8 miles north of Minocqua, 25 mins. to 160 K or any distance in between. Over Winter Park, 15 mins. to Razorback hill & dale, field & forest, Laurentian • trail maintenace tools, like rakes, Ridges. 50 mins. to Ironwood. Sleeps 12. Mountains. Sane or feint of heart need shovels, loppers, leaf blowers. Very private location on 200 acre lake. not apply. Also available for weekly summer rental. Contact Mad Madeline • a couple inches of snow every Call Brett Fish (608) 233-1930 couple of days. 608-233-5989 For info on the event, check out the Canadian Ski Marathon web site: www.csm-mcs.com

Funstuff Yippie! We got some entries! Thanks! Here are the entries, the winner will be an- nounced at the next meeting (at Rocky’s), It’s Jimmy’s decision and I hear he can be bribed! So come to the meeting and find out which Tuesday night racers discuss their of these entries is the winner! strategy after a race. Left to right, John Ericsson, making fun of our Ann Pollock, Carol Ricker, and Mar- “snowed-out” December meeting: garet Rankin Riley. Lucky winner of the Atomic skis (donated by Bicy- “How am I going to make it to the cle Doctor), Linda Zelewski, is congratulated by MadNorSki meeting with all this snow around?” Dave Robb, who just happens to be the perfect Ned showing one of his many height and weight for those very skis. talents at the Elver ski race. Kristin Gallagher and Amanda Durkin — Madnorski Juniors (to the tune of “Angels we have heard on high”): Odd men we have heard up high rejoicing o’er all the snow And their neighbors in reply: “It's just the crazy skiers nearby.” Gloo-ooooh-ooooh-ooooh-oria. “Might as well enjoy this snow!”

Karen Darcy’s entry: “I can't believe I left my skis in Florida!”

Brent Abraham says that guy should be saying: “Your right dude/who ever, you can see Elver Park from here!” Madnorski member Steve Green recovers after racing at Elver Park. Kay Lum thinks he should be saying: Madnorski members (spotted by an unnamed source), in an Irish Pub in Ironwood, MI Thanksgiving “If it keeps snowing, everyone will be weekend show the importance of rehydrating after skiing many K at the ABR trails. They are, from out skiing and no one will get their left to right: Brian Watzke, Gina Interrante, Prez. Jimmy Vanden Brook, First Lady Judy Vanden Brook, stuff for the newsletter to me in time!” MIke Ivey, and Tom Woody.

MNSC FEBRUARY 2001 ❄ 11 MADISON NORDIC SKI CLUB MEMBERSHIP FORM Sign up now for the 2000-2001 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. FOR SNOW CONDITIONS, MEETING DATES, AND SKIING INFO!

Check out the MadNorSki website — the world’s oldest cross country skiing activity website: WWW.DANENET.ORG/MADNORD