skimom

BC NASTAR ROCKS But, I can't go until sometime after the New Year.

It's intent is primarily Master's racing, and it's an important component of PA skiing since there are no USSA Master's races in this state (and few in the southern Northeast). It's a huge resource for singles, childless couples, those with older children, those who want to improve to better coach their children, and those who's interests are not restricted exclusively to cheering their kids. And, isn't it great that they are flexible enough to allow you to bring your kids along? PS This topic has been hi-jacked.

Given the circumstances, the Siblet did a great job to score in her normal range. You need to get your card company going, so you can stop worrying about the finances, and focus on cheering Siblet on. She's amazing.

GO SIBLET! That's the problem with out west - every time you want to race, the fresh powder ruins it all. We are SO lucky to be in PA where we are not constantly cursed with pow! P.S. Don't forget, we need pics.

Gary and the Mrs. both. Pops has no reason to know about Master's racing since his focus is on Kiddos.

ASRA is double awesome. The courses are more challenging and the handicap system is consistent and valid. I love NASTAR too, but NASTARs handicapping system is a crapshoot and the races are all on bunny runs. It's great to practice on. But, Kragan sounds fast. He'll soon tire of waiting for the long lines of 6 year-olds to toddle down NASTAR.

I agree with '999. They'll be grabby after a stone grind, plus it's a waste. One degree base and two side will be perfect for you to start back racing. The only remaining question is: NASTAR or ASRA? If you raced in College, ASRA would provide a greater challenge.

Way to go, Johnny! I met JohnnyP and saw him coaching a couple weeks ago. He looks like a terrific coach. Also, he leads by example - every time I rode up the poma, Johnny was flying down through the gates - even skidude would have a hard time keeping up with him.

Hey Peter: I assume you are taking about the 250 mg pill - you may not even need that much - half a pill a couple times daily will probably do the same. Absolutely take it ahead of time. First, to be sure you have no side effects to the medicine. Also, it works mostly to help you acclimate faster, so you will want it in your system before you go up. Vail's bowls are their hallmark feature. You absolutley want to go. I went with Iceman and the 'dude a couple years ago when we were all bunnies, and we did okay, so you will be fine - they have easier and more difficult routes. It's not a bad idea to hook up with someone who knows the good places, given the day's conditions, early on - Have fun, and take pics. 'mom

Glad you like them - the 'dude said you looked terrific in them...

Hey, are those my ex-dynastar slalom skis on RC?

Sibby and RC are right. The most widely recommended strategy is to acend slowly, remain alcohol free for the first day or two, take it easy, and stay hydrated. If you get headachey, dizzy, nauseous or otherwise feel ill, or if someone tells you that you aren't acting right, recognize it and back off i.e., descend and rest. Acetazolamide (diamox) can also be used to prevent this - discuss it with your primary care doc if you are really worried. There is no quality control on gingko biloba since it is not sold as a pharmaceutical agent - no checks on purity, potency, shelf-life, etc.

good one, Shadows. Just because we criticize CB, I don't think we are CB bashers. It's my home mountain too, but I say it like I see it. There are a lot of good things about CB. But, CB has a track record of cra@@ing out when it doesn't look like a lucrative day. We were hoping the new management would relax a bit on their bottom line policies.

Right on, Pyro.

I speak from personal experience, having been on the premises many times when they closed or phased down for safety reasons. They act as if they look for weather or other safety reasons to crump out whenever day ticket sales would be nil. It sounds nice to say they are thinking of us, but I don't believe it.

They did that baloney ALL THE TIME last winter. I was hoping the new management would veto it.

Huh? I don't get any of this... yeech...I never bought a used race suit. You may still be able to buy last years race suits for a discount. Try ARTECH, and if that fails try RELIABLE RACING or SCHNEIDER. They are in the hundreds new, but previous models are much less. The best skis are slalom carvers - something a little shorter than GS. The 'dude uses his SL skis unless the course is really straight. I almost always use my trusty P50 SL skis.

Huh? How do you get this figure? The scales aren't linear. If we won different medals, the faster skier would be the one with the higher medal. If we won the same medal, the winner would be the one who's handicap was (percentage wise) closer to the next higher medal. Right?

Because NASTAR requires humans at the top and bottom, someone to track numbers and sign up sheets so national records can be maintained, working wiring and computer systems, sending coaches away to be handicapped, etc. I don't think $5 or $10 is too much to pay for the added fun NASTAR provides. But, it would be nice to have annual, national NASTAR season's passes for fanatics...

Working hard most of Christmas week so I can support our habits during the less crowded portions of the year. Oh yeah, maybe up to the MC race.

The subject of hot tubs never came up.

You are all too funny. Would Iceman let me wear a strange man's race suit? P.S. This topic has been hijacked.

I know most, if not all, of their upper level ski instructors. If Mike Grimm is still there, he's terrific. Sometimes Walter teaches lessons before the race season is established. They are probably the best. Jere Shank is good too, but sometimes he's a bit esoteric. John Maszko was the best, but he headed off to Tahoe last winter and hasn't been seen since. I have Marker 1200 bindings. Are you referring to the plate? These bindings usually go with Marker's hydraulic piston race plate. I love the system, and have had no trouble with it.

I'll race you, Atomic, adjusted for age and gender. But be aware, I have the ultimate weapon - a hand-me-down speed suit from one of our fastest messageboard members. And, he left his "fast germs" in it.

Last year it was January, however, they've held NASTAR in late December in past years. It won't be until Raceway is well covered and the snow is worked in.