Through Snow, Sleet or Rain?....Sure!

When we set out Tuesday morning, the new fallen snow to say the least was: amazing. However
half way into our ski tour out our backyard, which was an indeterminable distance, it was well: a bit soggy.

If there's one thing I've learned and profited from a little, it's this: It pays to carry F4 in your XC or BC pack when on any ski-tour-slash-BC-ski-adventure. F4 comes in many different applications but any and all will do.  They make wet, soft snow stop from sticking on the bottom of your ski and give you back that glide.

F4, if you've never heard of it, is universal glide wax.  Most days you never need F4.  Unless that is you're a glide junky who just can't seem to get enough glide out of his waxless skis the way he used to get it from those trusty wax-able skis. Now a little F4 never hurts, even before your ski tour; but on a day like this Tuesday, this is where F4 truly shines. You just never know when an hour into your day off, when that tele turn can do no wrong, and when 30 seconds in your friend says  "Hey is it raining?" - all of a sudden that snow that could "do no wrong" turns on you.  When you have a 20lb cinder block attached to the bottom of your wax less BC ski and your kick and glide has about as much oomph as a late night rerun of Chips.....  This is when someone in your ski party has to eventually say "Uh I think it's time to drop the skis and give em a little F4?..."   That of course is only if someone happens to have some.....awkward pause..   This is where I let everyone squirm a little and manage to procure that beautiful bottle of blue gold; F4.

Now back in the day I used to have my F4 handy quicker than folks could ask for it and proudly have skis back up and running quicker than you could say mashed potatoes.  But of late I like to make my friends squirm a little.  I do in fact work in a ski shop and on occasion could be made to look bad by being ill prepared in a BC ski situation.  But after three years, I know better and I like the fact that I can make the likes of cinder blocks turn into grease lighting in a matter of 30 seconds or less, and that just feels pretty darn good. 

So next time that ski shop employee suggests a little F4 when buying that brand new BC ski setup, think of it as a worthy and life changing experience.  Try not to think that poor guy is just trying to get another $15.00 out of you. You might, on the other hand, just be that guy on a long BC ski tour that manages to make those cinder blocks turn into skis again, and have his beer tab all settled up even before you get to the bar.

Now go and get it and I mean powder snow; not rain. 

But hey what ever floats your boat.

T.

Vermont Sports at the Vermont Sun Triathlon

Tristan and I spent the morning cheering on participants in the Vermont Sun Triathlon! We set up the Vermont Sports table right at the transition area/finish line, in the heart of all the action. We witnessed the winners of the race, 60+-year-old first-timers, a woman who recently beat cancer, and I had tears in my eyes as the whole crowd stopped what they were doing to cheer in the last finisher. To be surrounded by the support, athleticism, and many wonderful volunteers it takes to put on an event like this was inspiring. And the surroundings at Branbury State Park were exceptional – it’s the perfect spot for a triathlon. It was a great day. 

Importantly, we got to represent the great Vermont Sports magazine and the many awesome gear companies who support the magazine. This meant spending the morning talking with folks about Osprey’s innovative line of hydration packs, MSR’s consistently well-designed tents, and Therm-a-rest’s new down Alpine Blanket (I have been waiting for something like this!). We got people signed up for a raffle to win an Osprey pack, Platypus foldable water bottles, and a Platypus Gravityworks hydration system (this thing is seriously cool for folks like me who can be lazy about getting water for camp); it was a highlight of my life to stand in front of the crowd as Tristan thanked everyone for entering and drew names from the bucket.

But the best part of the day was to hear the feedback: “Vermont Sports is great!” “I love that magazine!” “I read it cover-to-cover.” “Dr. Rinaldi’s column is a must-read; he’s so informative.” One woman was new to Vermont, and her Mom sent her the magazine to give her ideas for things to do; she buys all the gear that is advertised in it (her personal favorite is Platypus’s foldable wine carriers – awesome invention!). And the organizers of the event commended us on engaging with the crowd. The support was encouraging and inspiring, to match the setting.

We wrapped up the day by talking with a couple of racers from Newport, Vt. It was one woman’s first triathlon; she ran races in college. And she talked about the challenge of getting passed on her bike and her expectations for her running pace; you have to let those things go, she said. It’s about being out here now and being involved in something healthy and rewarding. We all joked about how much we spend on bikes, running shoes, camping gear, the right clothes, the whole nine yards. But none of us had cable, fancy cars, or gadgets. We choose to invest in ourselves: our health, our happiness, our strength.

Happy Trails! And, hey, when you’re inside, take a look through the latest issue of Vermont Sports – you’ll be glad you did, and you’ll be inspired to get out there.