going nordic = going ghay?

[riser4]

petit train du nord, used to be a train to tremblant round trip that would stop at all the little hills for a quarter before they built the stupid highway.

now it’s your normal NE rail to trail with a lot of lakes, rivers, cottonheads, etc. goes forever and some of the sections are pretty nice, and it’s one of the only free spaces to get out in the laurentians. fucking crowded on the weekend.

Ah, so Quebec (on the far side of the River) is part of New England (NE) now?

[JohnF]

Where is that? Looks choice.
I was back up at Green Woodlands today, saw the man himself, Bob Green, grooming with a snowmobile. Too thin for the cat tillers, snow coming though! If you don’t know the story on Bob Green, he’s awesome, I’ll just leave it at that!

https://www.greenwoodlandsfoundation.org/
Perfect blue-sky day, 32* and fast snow. I really think Nordic is my new jam, especially on this low snow season.
Attachment 443065

One of the warming huts, fully stocked, all for free!
Attachment 443066

Been there a number of times. Incredible place. Dog friendly.

[buttahflake]

Just went down a Green Woodlands Strava rabbit hole. Y’all need to see this ski from a couple of years ago from Simi Hamilton. It insane how fast World Cup skiers are, and to do it for this duration?!?!

https://www.strava.com/activities/4980865468

[Peruvian]

I just ran into Simi’s FIL at a party last weekend. He and Sophie are enjoying Basalt these days but still came back to VT for the holidays.

[Tips^Up]

I've got new skate skis, boots, bindings on the way. Brand new nice stuff will be a big step up from my thrift shop set up with combi boots. I ordered the boots and skis from bobleisure.com (German retailer?) after seeing the 4 page thread here on TGR verifying it's legit; but they had no bindings. Ordered the bindings from a shop in Portland, OR. The stuff from Germany is scheduled to get here a day sooner than Oregon?

[new yabyum]

Rosie Brennan and Julie Kern got on the podium this AM. Well Done Ladies.

[buttahflake]

Finally starting to snow back east, more K opening daily, still kinda thin in spots, but generally very good skiing. It’s dumping right now and we’re looking at another 8-10 tonight!
From today at Woodstock Nordic
Smelled the wood stove from a ways off, so skied over to the cabin and sat by the stove for a few minutes.

[ex-powderbroker]

sweet

[biggins]

Rosie Brennan and Julie Kern got on the podium this AM. Well Done Ladies.

Hell yes.

[Wes Mantooth]

Anyone have recs for a good midweight skate ski mitten? I have a lingering hand injury so currently have to keep my middle and index fingers buddy taped together while skiing. My Flylow oven mitts are too bulky for my pole straps and also too toasty. Could do split finger down the middle as well but mainly want something that keeps me warm but not too hot in 15-25 degree temps (my hands don’t run particularly cold)

[Peruvian]

My wife skis in Swix lobster gloves. keeps her plenty warm while XC skiing and she runs very cold.

I think her current pair is the women’s version of these

https://www.rei.com/product/158707/s...B&gclsrc=aw.ds

[Cisco Kid]

I get my light XC gloves at Home Depot for about $20

[plugboots]

Lots of lobster gloves. Hestra’s has a removeable wool liner and is warmer, the Jessie Diggins model from Swix has much better dexterity. Dahlie has mittens and lobsters that work well.

[Peruvian]

Lots of lobster gloves. Hestra’s has a removeable wool liner and is warmer, the Jessie Diggins model from Swix has much better dexterity. Dahlie has mittens and lobsters that work well.

Damn - don’t show my wife those Jessie gloves with the embroidered snowflakes or we will have a few more pairs laying around.

[Wes Mantooth]

Cool thanks, the Swix lobster ones look pretty good for the price

[east or bust]

recs on keeping the lungs in working order for extended (weeks) single digit workouts?

buff would probably not be enjoyable but may work?


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[teledad]

Wool mask? Or something like this: https://www.bouldernordic.com/airtri...ir-mask-4.html

[BCMtnHound]

Never heard of lung issues even skiing below -30C. But certainly exposed face skin gets challenged. For aerobic activities not at work, I prefer a nice long wool scarf that can be adjusted as needed. A buff wouldn’t be enough insulation. Moisture from either breath or nose is the harder part to manage, below -20C everything ices up after a few minutes.

[John_B]

recs on keeping the lungs in working order for extended (weeks) single digit workouts?

buff would probably not be enjoyable but may work?


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FWIW I've had was more trouble with my feet at cold temps than lungs. I do have exercise induced asthma so typically take an inhaler puff at the beginning of a ski and am fine.

[andy m]

recs on keeping the lungs in working order for extended (weeks) single digit workouts?

buff would probably not be enjoyable but may work?


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There are studies showing you should avoid doing frequent max. aerobic exertion when colder than -15C (5F). Here's one:

https://www.ualberta.ca/folio/2020/0...ty%20Images%29

While doing high-level aerobic activities during these colder temps, you should consider using a thin buff/scarf pulled over your mouth, at least part of the time -- and try to breathe in through your nose as much as possible.

Years ago, I competed in numerous skimo and snowshoe races when the temps were below -15C. I had a bad feeling in my lungs during the beginnings of those races, but it "got better" during the race, so I continued -- but I now regret it, because I think it damaged my lungs. Within a few years of these races, I noticed a decrease in my aerobic capacity and I was diagnosed with exercise-induced asthma -- I don't think it's a coincidence.

Again, this is for continuous high-level aerobic winter activity, not downhill skiing or your typical tour, where you can stop or slow down when necessary.

[buttahflake]

The time is now! Finally broke the new skate rockets out for their maiden voyage. Zach picked me the perfect pair at Caldwell Sport/West Hill. Freaking things glow on the snow. More snow coming tomorrow night, bring it!
From today at Woodstock Nordic

[huckbucket]

Oh shit bro ... you're upside down!!!!

[huckbucket]

The time is now! Finally broke the new skate rockets out for their maiden voyage. Zach picked me the perfect pair at Caldwell Sport/West Hill. Freaking things glow on the snow. More snow coming tomorrow night, bring it!
From today at Woodstock Nordic

Those just look fast sitting there.

[singlesline]

Anyone got a line on a good deal on some 191-192 mid-range skate skis? 6'2/195lb so likely a stiff for models that come in medium and stiff.

I'm coming back to nordic and not trying to spend a ton of money...just doing it for fun/fitness but I appreciate a nice ski when it comes to skating.

I think I finally found myself a pair of boots that fits well, but the only pair of skis I could find locally in my size was a Salomon RS7 and I'd like to be at least a step above that.

This seems like it would be great: https://www.gorhambike.com/product/f...m-412543-1.htm
But that's a medium and they don't have the stiff in stock in 191.

[MarsB]

Anyone have recs for a good midweight skate ski mitten? I have a lingering hand injury so currently have to keep my middle and index fingers buddy taped together while skiing. My Flylow oven mitts are too bulky for my pole straps and also too toasty. Could do split finger down the middle as well but mainly want something that keeps me warm but not too hot in 15-25 degree temps (my hands don’t run particularly cold)

Just stumbled across these if you wanted to go the mitt route.
https://www.skiessentials.com/armada...en-s-mitt.html