It has truly been one of those winters for the books. All last summer I remember people talking in town about how it was going to be bigger than the winter of ’66 or some such year, with record snowfalls, cold, and invading Yetis. I always take such portents with equal portions of hope and reservations, because unnecessary excitement isn’t good for my sleep patterns.
Well, it was one of those years. Granted, after a gangbusters start in December with snow over much of the Valley trails, we had a rather crap January with rain and warm temps which bludgeoned our snowpack down to about 50% of its original mass. But then late February and March came callin’ and we’re back in full-blown winter with literally feet of snow falling in the mountains every night and the trails being refreshed nearly daily. Of course, around the middle of March I started to hear Jay grumbling at the store that grooming costs were starting to become atrocious and the winter just needed to end. But for those of you diehards out there, eking out the last bits of ski season, I salute you.
As for me, the racing season has held its share of peculiarities. After a late start, then a great race at Nationals, I had about a three week dearth of races. Then a few local starts and a NorAm before encountering more doldrums. Granted, having two SuperTour weekend cancellations didn’t help matters, and I know much of the American racer community is in the same boat with me.
Which is why this coming week is going to be awesome. Super Tour Finals here in Sun Valley is building up to be as big or bigger than US Nationals itself. Teams from all over the country and Canada, as well as some token true foreigners from Japan and beyond are all rallying to the glitz and glamour of Ketchum in preparation for first the 30/50km National Champs on Sunday, and later the four-race mini-tour all next week out at Lake Creek trails. I’m focusing on the mini-tour and have been down here acclimating the last few days with Methow junior phenom Evan Turner, who’s also looking to plug some low points into his profile before the year is out. We’re staying at a great condo in town belonging to some local friends who are also hosting another PNSA junior, Max Christman. Great folks to know – thanks for the support!
Conditions are swell; new snow is coming down and while the temperatures are hovering around freezing, Zeroes are kicking great and running fast. Scott and Alison are coming down later this weekend to round out the team and get us ready to rock.
Apologies for not having photos. Someone buy me a working camera and I’ll remedy the situation.
