Friday, August 8, 2014
Thursday, February 13, 2014
More Wax Tips from SkiPost
For a long time I've noticed that after the end of a ski (particularly on hard snow) that the glide areas of my skis will turn whitish. Here's a nice answer from SkiPost that addresses the issue and gives a nice easy test to see if it's a base issue or no. (Hint: the answer is to brush out the ski and see if it goes away).
White Marks on Bases?
I skied 42k classic race today in firm tracks. Skis were white 8" before & 8" behind kick zone. WM
Dear WM,
You ride a classic skis flat over a longer time than a skate ski so the glide zones will magnify any issues even more than skate skis will. Classic skis often have shorter higher pressure glide zones just ahead and just behind (especially behind) the kick zones which again magnifies any issues. These higher pressure zones with long flat contact times can cause a ski to "get white" if you have a sealed base, or even if you had excess wax in the base and did not brush enough.
If you did not brush your skis out enough with cold hard wax the white may be excess waxed pushed out of the base during the ski. If you brush it slightly and the white disappears it was likely due to excess wax remaining in the base. Next time on cold days brush inside and then after a warm up in the cold snow brush again to remove any wax that was pushed out during the contraction of the bases when it got cold.
If the white remains after a slight brushing then it is likely base damage. If the base is in fresh open condition you would see little whitening, but if the base is sealed slightly or more your bases will dry out quickly especially in cold fresh snow.
I suggest you get some base work done on your skis. Either a complete stone-grinding to bring up fresh base material. Or get a coarse steel brush and brush the heck out of the base, then fibertex coarse... What you want to do is remove the very outermost base material to expose fresh base material. Then start with a soft wax like Start SG2 and soak the base then SG4 and then proceed to colder harder waxes....
Andy at SkiPost/Start
White Marks on Bases?
I skied 42k classic race today in firm tracks. Skis were white 8" before & 8" behind kick zone. WM
Dear WM,
You ride a classic skis flat over a longer time than a skate ski so the glide zones will magnify any issues even more than skate skis will. Classic skis often have shorter higher pressure glide zones just ahead and just behind (especially behind) the kick zones which again magnifies any issues. These higher pressure zones with long flat contact times can cause a ski to "get white" if you have a sealed base, or even if you had excess wax in the base and did not brush enough.
If you did not brush your skis out enough with cold hard wax the white may be excess waxed pushed out of the base during the ski. If you brush it slightly and the white disappears it was likely due to excess wax remaining in the base. Next time on cold days brush inside and then after a warm up in the cold snow brush again to remove any wax that was pushed out during the contraction of the bases when it got cold.
If the white remains after a slight brushing then it is likely base damage. If the base is in fresh open condition you would see little whitening, but if the base is sealed slightly or more your bases will dry out quickly especially in cold fresh snow.
I suggest you get some base work done on your skis. Either a complete stone-grinding to bring up fresh base material. Or get a coarse steel brush and brush the heck out of the base, then fibertex coarse... What you want to do is remove the very outermost base material to expose fresh base material. Then start with a soft wax like Start SG2 and soak the base then SG4 and then proceed to colder harder waxes....
Andy at SkiPost/Start
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Standard Journal Write-up
For any who aren't subscribers, the Upper Valley Standard Journal did a very nice full page write up of the Cupid Cup. Many thanks to those who took pictures, and to Joseph Law for being there to cover the event.
Click on the pictures below for the full resolution images.
Click on the pictures below for the full resolution images.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Wax Nerd Info
If you ever wondered what your coefficient of friction would be with that new HF wax on your cold stone ground base, this site is for you!
Why Do Cross-Country Skiers Always Collapse Across the Finish Line?
A nice explanation from a few physiologists (with video). And here I thought it was just part of the drama (ala WWF) ;)
From Slate.com
From Slate.com
Grooming report
Track cleaned up real nice and is setting up well. Set diagonal on Cow Pasture and all skate loops are done.
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Cupid Cup Video
Awesome promo video of the Cupid Cup!
The Cupid Cup -Teton Lakes Nordic Trails at Teton Lakes Golf Course from Tyler Shearer on Vimeo.
The Cupid Cup -Teton Lakes Nordic Trails at Teton Lakes Golf Course from Tyler Shearer on Vimeo.
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