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Ask us, We Answer
Do you have a Nordic training, technique, equipment, travel, or event question?
Just email us at weanswer@skipost.com |
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Fast Skis?
I have been watching the Olympic Nordic skiing and I hear them mentioning quite often these skier has fast skis. Is this because of a well waxed base or are there fast skis?
When one is watching the Olympics and the commentator remarks that someone has fast skis he is just referring to that skiers speed relative to others on the downhill. Not the announcer nor any spectator can know if it was the wax, the grind, or the ski, or if the skier just pushed harder over the top or got a draft or road his skis better. They are generally inferring that the wax techs did a better job in wax and structure selection and application. But one occasion does not create a wax test. When you see one skier after another from a certain country appear to have "good skis" one often rushes to judgment and assumes that one country nailed it and another did not This may be the case but there is often much more going on. After the relays last weekend it has been stated that Norway had "poor skis" and Sweden had great skis. It is also claimed that Norway was not given the good stuff from some wax brands so other nations could win. This conspiracy theory is a bit excessive. What likely happened is that Norway missed the wax by a fraction and Sweden got it good by a fraction and small fractions add up in ski speed and athlete psyche. .....
If you want to know more visit the Start booth at the Birkie Expo and we will share some more Olympic waxing gossip. Start found FHF as the wax series of choice in the wet snow.
Andy at SkiPost and Start
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Easy Clean As it gets warmer, kick-waxing can be a challenge. Here in Colorado, usually a "hard" wax still works on most warm days, but often the wax of the day is a really soft one. Add the fact that the temps are warm and the wax starts to melt and get everywhere. On clothing, poles, other skis, door handles, etc. The pouch that I store my wax in gets all covered on the inside as well. What's the best way to clean up the mess? I use wax remover for my skis, but I would hesitate to use that around the house or on clothing. Ideas? Kevin The best way to get your hand clean of klister is to put it in a glove and ski. Better yet use a friends glove.But the item you need is Start's Easy Clean wipes.Item # 05033  |
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Which Bliz?
During an interview of the Swedish x-country relay team, after their win, I noticed a couple of them were wearing very cool gold framed sunglasses. Almost Elvis Presley style. Are these Bliz? Are they available? Thank you, B W
The glasses you are referring to are the Bliz Tracker. They are available. In White, Carbon Red and Black. To get the Gold Plated ones you need to win a Gold medal.
Andy at SkiPost
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Carbo Load
I know a lot of skiers who - the night before a race (whether marathon distance or half) - like to strap on the feed bag and punish the local spaghetti feed organizers. Although I'm always looking for a good opportunity to pig out, it's my understanding that while it's good to load up on carbs before an event, you can't really 'overfill' the tank, and any excess calories just head to your hips or otherwise get wasted.Thanks for the info.
D
Carbo loading and eating a large Carbo based meal are two related but not identical activities. First of all do not do anything Birkie week out of the norm. It is good to eat carbs before a marathon or ˝ marathon. So do eat a good carbo meal that is within your normal diet. Do a short hard activity the day before the race. And then eat a meal that is 70% carbs. Eat oatmeal on race morning more than 2 hours before the race. But do not overeat. True Carbo-Loading consists of some level of depletion leading up to the event, tapering of training, a hard workout and then Carbo Loading.
But most important to avoid the Bonk is a Warm-up before you go anarobic. Try and warm-up completely for more than 20 minutes before you go hard. This means find a way to warm up before the race for 20 minutes. This can be in running and does not have to be in skiing. If you do not have the ability to do a warm up you need to be extra cautious at the start of the race.
If you go anaerobic when the gun goes off your body will start searching for quick sugars rather than fats and you will likely bonk. But if you warm up before you max out, you can burn fats the entire time and avoid the dreaded bonk.
Andy at SkiPost
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Off snow Training
I'M training for my 15th engadin skimarathon that is scheduled for 9 march, i'm trying to improve every year. This year i've started late due to lack of snow here in italy, do you have a traning plan to suggest, form here to the raceday? Consider that i can train 3 days x week on snow Thanks in advance Paolo.
I have not been racing much lately but I can tell you what I would do if I were Zani.
3 days a week on snow:
- one day ski long 2.5 - 3 hours
- one day of intervals 5x4 minute (race pace, not as hard as he can go)
- just enjoy skiing on the third day
Get in a race one or two weeks before the Engadin, even if it is just a short one. The best preparation for a race is a race -- so long as there is time for recovery.
I would try to get in a couple of weight room workouts per week -- body weight stuff like, pull-ups, dips and stomach. Try to run 45 min - 1 hour twice a week. I don't recommend trying to train every day with a full work schedule, you will just get tired. Especially with the race two weeks away -- take days off and be rested.
Thats what I would try to do. I wish I were working out that much. Here I come Birkie.
Carl Swenson
American Birkebeiner Champion ......
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Kick wax over Grip Tape.
Can you add kick wax over Grip Tape?
Yes you can add kick wax over Grip tape.
If it is really cold and you want more kick add a colder Terva, thin.
If it is really warm and wet and you want more kick at a warm RF.
If the grip tape is dirty it will lose kick you may wish to clean it or start fresh.
Grip tape's main attribute is its versatility and vast temperature range. For long races like the Birkebeiner when you are out there for huge temperature changes grip tape is something to consider.
Andy at Start
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Pole Straps.
Is there a correct position for the placement of hands on the cork section of the skate-ski-length pole? I feel there's a little give in mine when my hands are through the straps, so that my hands are down just a bit from the point where the straps come out from the poles. I know there's a formula for the correct pole length, but should the hands be as high on the pole handles as possible, or is it a matter of comfort and not a question of efficiency? Thanks. RS The poles strap set up is a matter of comfort. But you want the straps tight enough so you can transfer your forces through the strap completely and not by holding tightly to the grip. you also want them tight enough so you can have a full release behind you and still have the pole return quickly. So most racers have very tight straps even but this is often difficult with large gloves or mittens on. For this reason Start has created what they call a "Solid Strap". With a solid piece of carbon fibre coming from the grip on a hinge. It wraps the underside of the hand for full power transfer through the strap and also immediate return. We will be demoing this at the Birkie demo Sunday. Hope this helps Andy at SkiPost Start's Solid strap.  |
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SkiPost Partners at the Birkie Expo
Craft wishes everyone at great Birkie. Be sure to visit Craft at the expo, come see Team Sweden's race suit and discover why its the suit and perhaps not the wax that Norway is missing at the Olympics and enter to win a free baselayer. Don't forget our Craft retailers in Hayward are also fully stocked with Craft apparel to keep you warm and dry throughout your race; River Brook, New Moon and Outdoor Ventures.
Bjorn Daehlie will be at the Expo once again. Come see the U.S. Ski Team Olympic uniform and Birkei Special offerings. Also check out our selection and specials at New Moon and Riverbrook.
Bliz will have a booth at the the Birkie Expo and also specials at Riverbrook and New Moon. You can buy what you have see on the Podiums.
Start wax and Poles will have a booth at the Birkie Expo and also product at New Moon and Riverbrook. Start will also be doing its new Race Solid pole and strap at Sundays Demo. ( see below) Start will have up to the minute wax recs and also drop in Birkie Wax Service. See below.
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  Its going to be cold, and we have the the wax!
Weather Outlook
Midweek High: 35°F Midweek Low: 10°F
With Chance of snow Wednesday going into Thursday.
Friday High: 21°F Overnight Low:
0°F Race Time Temp: 4°F Race Day High: 16°F
Thoughts: We expect a fast course with new and slightly transformed snow mixed together. Right now without skiing on the course and seeing what will happen to the trail as we get high temps and new snow we are giving you our best forecast for waxing. For glide we feel confident that barring great weather pattern changes this will remain the same and we will again have the Birkie winning wax. Please check with us later in the week regarding optimum kick wax recos.
Preparing your skis
For Classic:
Remove any current kick wax and clean to bare base with Start Base Cleaner. Rough up klister zone with 100 grit sandpaper. Be sure to cover kick area with Masking/Painters tape. This is to protect the kick zone from all of the fluoros you are about to apply. Leave tape in place until finishing with Glide.
Glide Zone: Apply Start SW. Let cool completely. Scrape & Brush with Start Brass Brush. This will clean your skis of any dirt before starting. Next apply Start BWLF. This is increase wax saturation in the base without softening the overall base. It also gives a healthy dose of Fluoro to the ski. Let cool, scrape, and brush with Start Brass Brush.
Glide Wax
Professional Level
Base: Begin waxing with Start LF08 Green to harden the base for the longer marathon race. This a medium fluor glider so it has a higher fluor content to help with dirt and moisture management. Let cool, scrape & brush with Start Brass Brush. Polish with Start Hard Nylon Brush. Apply a second coat of Start LF08 Green for additional durability. Again, cool, scrape, and brush with the Start Brass Brush then Start Hard Nylon Brush.
HF Glider: Start HF80 Green - This wax was been running great all year and it looks again to be the choice for the predicted conditions. Apply 2 layers of Start HF80 Green. Allow to cool, then scrape and brush with Start Brass Brush. Polishing with Start Hard Nylon Brush then Start Soft Nylon Brush.
Top Coat: Start SFR75 Fluor Powder or Start SFR92 block. This has won the past two American Birkebeiners. It excels in cold snow with high moisture. We expect to have winning results again this year! Powder is neccesary for long races like this because of it's superior durability over a long race. Our Start SFR92 block will also be excellent and can be ironed and rotocorked as an alternative. You will lose some durability with this method but it can be more economical.
With either Start SRF75 powder or Start SRF92 Block, let wax cool for several minutes. Then brush out wax with dedicated Start Horsehair Brush. For extra polish, use dedicated Start Soft Nylon brush to completely polish bases.
Glide Wax
Enthusiast Level
Base: Begin waxing with Start FG18 Green to harden the base for the longer marathon race. This is a low fluoro glider to help with dirt and moisture management. Let cool, scrape & brush with Start Brass Brush. Polish with Start Hard Nylon Brush. Apply a second coat of Start FG18 Green for additional durability. Again, cool, scrape, and brush with the Start Brass Brush then Start Hard Nylon Brush.
LF Glider: Start LF08 Green - This wax was been running great all year and it looks again to be the choice for the predicted conditions. This a medium fluor glider so it has a higher fluor content. It helps with dirt and moisture management without paying the HF prices. Apply 2 layers of Start LF08 Green. Allow to cool, then scrape and brush with Start Brass Brush. Polishing with Start Hard Nylon Brush then Start Soft Nylon Brush.
Top Coat: Start SFR92 block. It excels in cold snow with high moisture. Our Start SFR92 block can be ironed and rotocorked for optimal durability. Let wax cool for several minutes. Then brush out wax with dedicated Start Horsehair Brush. For extra polish, use dedicated Start Soft Nylon brush to completely polish bases.
If you plan on being on the course after 1:00pm
Switch out Start FG18 for Start FG16, and Start LF08 for Start LF07. Later in the afternoon our blue series of waxes will begin to overtake our greens.
Glide Wax
Recreation Level
Base: Begin waxing with Start SG8 Green to harden the base for the longer marathon race.. Let cool, scrape & brush with Start Brass Brush. Polish with Start Hard Nylon Brush. Apply a second coat of Start SG8 Green for additional durability. Again, cool, scrape, and brush with the Start Brass Brush then Start Hard Nylon Brush.
Fluoro Glider: Start FG18 Green - This is a low fluoro glider to help with dirt and moisture management. Apply 2 layers of Start FG18 Green. Allow to cool, then scrape and brush with Start Brass Brush. Polishing with Start Hard Nylon Brush then Start Soft Nylon Brush.
If you plan on being on the course after 1:00pm
Switch out Start FG18 for Start FG16. Later in the afternoon our blue series of waxes will begin to overtake our greens.
Kick Wax
Base: Start Base Wax ironed in.
Kick Option 1: Start Racing Super aka Oslo Green. This has been amazing wax in just about every condition this year! Amazing kick with very free skis. We expect this to be an excellent Birkie wax. It is very soft at room temp but gets rock hard once cold. Cover with Start Terva Green or Start Terva Blue on top in newer snow. Be sure to let the Start Racing Super harden prior to covering.
Grip Tape Option: For those who want truly rock star kick we recommend Start Grip Tape covered with Start BM. This is BOMBER kick with very free glide. You won't find yourself slipping with this combo.
Check for any changes Here and at the Expo.
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Birkie Wax & Wax Service
Start will be at the Birkie Expo with a complete selection of Start Wax & Poles for sale. Our (the) fastest Birkie wax suggestions and also Waxing Service.
Due to popular demand Start will be offering its own Birkie Race Wax service. Just visit the START WAX booth at the BIRKIE EXPO to drop off your skis. Drop off between Thursday at 9am - Friday at 3pm. Pick up 5 - 8 pm on Friday.
Visit Start Race Service Web Page Here to reserve your spot.
email us Start@endurance-enterprises.com for more details.
$85 for HF & Pure Fluor Powder Service
$65 for HF Service
$45 for LF Service
$20 for Kick Zone Binder
Get winning Birkie wax job, again.
Last year the America Birkebeiner was won
and swept 1,2,3 on Start SFR 75.
One of my favorite race performances of 2013 was put in by Betsy Youngman, the 1989 champion now 53 years of age, who finished 15th. Only skiers in their 20's and 30's finished ahead of her. Betsy stated, "My skis were absolutely fantastic on the course. It was amazing how much fun I had on the rolling hills. Thanks for helping me to select the soft ground Salomon's as my race skis and for arranging for the Start wax job"
Get your Birkie Wax Service here
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Race Wax Suggestions
follow this link
For added support from Start Wax you can
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Important Updates for Birkie 2104
SATURDAY - FEB. 22:
AT THE START
. NEW! 100 Parking Spots Available at Race Start!
Have you always wanted to park near the Birkie Start? Now you can make a donation and park right at Telemark! Your minimum donation of $100 will go toward a future permanent start area for the Birkie, which we estimate will cost upwards of $400,000.00. There are only 100 passes, so sign up now before they are gone!
Click Here for Details.
. Giant Hospitality Tent at Bus Drop-Off
Because Telemark Lodge is closed, we are supplying all the pre-race coffee, hot chocolate, and room to chill before you head to the start area, at our big, heated Hospitality Tent right at the bus drop-off area at Telemark.
MOVED TO DOWNTOWN HAYWARD ...
Saturday Night Awards Ceremony - Celebration Tent
Everyone is welcome! Don't miss this post-race gathering that starts with a slide show of Birkie race day and Birkie Week at 6:30, then the overall awards, starting at 7:00. Craft beer on tap will be served along with red and white wine and munchies, pop, etc., provided by the Cabin Stop of Hayward. AND ... BIG DOOR PRIZES, including pairs of skis from SALOMON, ALPINA, and MADSHUS so far, a CONCEPT2 SkiErg ... with more prizes on the way! Must be present to win!
Birkie Podium Presentations - Tent City / Finish Line
See the Birkie Champions up close and personal at the new podium location, next to Peoples Bank Midwest, Tent City, near the finish line in downtown Hayward.Time: Approx. 12:00 noon.
Korte Champions Also Take the Podium at Birkie Finish
Kortelopet champions will also now be recognized on the main Birkie Podium in downtown Hayward. Help us celebrate these skiers immediately following the Birkie Champion presentations. See above.
Press Conference w/ Champions - Celebration Tent
Hear what it's like to ski in that lead pack, all the way from Cable to Hayward, in just over two hours (sometimes less!) at the Birkie Press Conference, right in the Celebration Tent! Time: Approx. 12:30 pm.
RACE DETAILS
New Bibs
All American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet, and Prince Haakon skiers will get new racing-style bibs this year. Produced by Hidden Bay Graphics. See photo!
No Timing Wire at Start
For details, see this great article on SkinnySki.com.
The Birkie Supports Clean Athletes
Top 20/Random Birkie Skate skiers across the finish line at this year's American Birkebeiner on February 22 will be tested by USADA (United States Anti-Doping Agency).
SUNDAY - FEB. 23:
EVENTS AT "OO" TRAILHEAD
"Fast and Female" for Girls Ages 9 - 19
11:00 am - 1:00 pm: For GIRLS ages 9-18 - an afternoon of athletic inspiration and activities with Caitlin Gregg, 2010 Winter Olympian and two-time Birkie Champion. This special girls-only event will be held at the same time and location as the Birkie On-Snow Ski Demo, below. Click Here for Details.
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Birkie Demo
At the Birkie "OO" Trailhead - 9:00 am to 2:00 pm Sunday
SEE POSTER BELOW!!
The American Birkebeiner's Sunday On-Snow Ski Demo on February 23, the day after the big race, will celebrate its second year at the Birkie "OO" trailhead. Everyone from newbie skiers to elites can try out the latest in new equipment--skis, poles, boots, bindings, and this year bikes, too. These are products that are brand new, many to be released for the 2014-2015 season.
The move to Sunday and the Birkie "OO" trailhead is a big plus for many skiers. Sunday, after the big Birkie races on Saturday, is a relaxed time. You don't have to worry about "saving your legs" and you will likely have a much clearer sense of what you want from your equipment after skiing your event on Saturday. For many, a final ski on Sunday at "OO" is already part of their Birkie tradition.
What's New this Year
This year we will have a tent just for trying on boots. There will also be food for sale, music, etc. Last year drew a great crowd so the Birkie is making things even better this year. And, of course, this year you can also try out bikes from Trek.
All of the major ski and ski equipment manufacturers will be there as well as Trek Bicycle:
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Yellowstone Rendezvous
The 35th Annual Rendezvous Race March 8, 2014
Youth Ski Festival Sunday, March 9th
Snow is falling in West Yellowstone, Montana, and skiers of all ages are invited to participate in the 34 annual Yellowstone Rendezvous Race on March 8, 2014. Race organizers have been busy marking the course and making final preparations for the event. If you have been to the Rendezvous Ski Trails in West Yellowstone at any time this season, you'll know the skiing has been great all winter.
The Yellowstone Rendezvous Race is part of the American Ski Marathon Series and is a big part of the history of cross-country skiing in West Yellowstone. This year, the Yellowstone Rendezvous race is happy to welcome Holiday Inn West Yellowstone as the title sponsor! There are six different race divisions offered for skiers of all ages. Marathoners can enter the 50 kilometer freestyle race, which consists of two laps around the perimeter of the Rendezvous Ski Trail system. Racers can enter the 25 kilometer classic or freestyle events, and the 10 kilometer race is a great choice for those preferring a shorter distance. The 5k and 2k races are geared for kids.
Register before February 25 thto save on entry fees. Race registration deadline is Thursday March 6th at 12 noon. Please visit www.rendezvousrace.com for more information, and find us on Facebook for the latest grooming reports and updates on the race.
On Sunday, March 9 th, the West Yellowstone Ski Education Foundation will host their annual Youth Ski Festival where kids 13 and under can participate in a variety of ski games including relays, musical chairs and more! Bring the family and experience winter this year. Day-of registration. Please visit www.rendezvousskitrials.com for more information.
As the title sponsor of the Yellowstone Rendezvous Race, Holiday Inn West Yellowstone offers a variety of lodging facilities in West Yellowstone and is your hub for registration, many meetings, events, clinics, and tasty vittles and drinks in The Branch Restaurant & Bar. For more information and to learn about special skier rates, call (406) 646-7365.
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Event Name: Equinox Snow Challenge
Date: March 22-23, 2014
Location: Rendezvous Ski Trails, West Yellowstone, MT.
Event Website: www.equinoxsnowchallenge.com
Race Type: team relay or solo / 3, 6, 12, or 24 Hour / fatbike or Nordic ski
Contact: Sam Newbury
Phone: 406-209-3533
Email: equinoxsnowchallenge@gmail.com
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Lake Placid Loppet
March 8, Mt Van Hoevenberg
The Lake Placid Loppet is one of the best events of its kind in the country. Over the past 30 years, thousands of skiers have enjoyed skiing and racing on the challenging Mt. Van Hoevenberg trails at the Olympic Sports Complex. The Lake Placid Loppet is conducted by the Olympic Regional Development Authority on the Olympic Sports Complex Cross Country Ski Trails. The Loppet and Kort-Loppet run on a slightly modified version of the 50km course constructed for the 1980 Winter Olympics making it one of the most challenging citizen races in the world. Skiers should consider carefully whether to enter the 25km or 50km event. However, many recreational skiers do participate at a less strenuous touring pace. http://www.whiteface.com/events/lake-placid-loppet |
About SkiPost
Cross-Country skiing's community lodge. Where knowledge and stories are shared. The goal of SkiPost is to make the sport of Cross-Country skiing easier and more enjoyable for all who choose to participate. If you have questions on Cross-Country Skiing email us weanswer@SkiPost.com and visit SkiPost.com
Enjoy Winter,
Andrew Gerlach
Director/Editor- SkiPost
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 | | Birkie Wax Rec |
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Start Race Service Centers
Start's Race Service Retailers have just received this winter's fastest product. Visit a Start Race Service Center below
Wax Questions?
email us
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Support Tomorrow's Nordic Stars Today
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New World Wax table foot clamp
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NONAME
Get your team custom unis from NONAME
and separate yourself team from the pack.
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Ski Seefeld, Austria
February 26 - March 5, 2014
7 Nights, 8 Days of Skiing
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CXC Academy
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Get Lungplus to preheat your breath and save your lungs. Get a Lungplus and ski like the Norwegians!
For more information go to Lungplususa.com
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SkiErg |
The one gift you receive at birth is time. You'll never have more than you have today. Find the Time.
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