Craftsbury Marathon 2012
NWVE showed up in force for New England’s premier marathon in Craftsbury, Vermont this weekend. This winter’s snow drought has caused race registration numbers to be lower than normal, but there has been no shortage of talent and that was displayed once again this weekend. Things looked and felt wintery in Craftsbury as the parking lot slowly filled with anxious skiers from all over the world. 
This year the course was a challenging 11K loop done 2 times for the half crowd and 4 times for the full marathoners. Hats off to Craftsbury for continuously making snow this season and perfecting snow farming techniques. I am sure it has been frustrating not to get a break for those that have put in many hours prepping the trails for this event. It was amazing how well prepared the course was after the deluge of rain the day before. The light dusting that fell overnight helped some, but mostly made things look clean and fresh. I talked with a weary chief of grooming Keith Woodward prior to the race to get the scoop. He said it could be better, it could be worse, that there was a little of everything on the course including a section of running water. Though he was tired, and disappointed with what nature has delivered this season, he seemed to have no doubt that the course was ready to withstand what several hundred skiers came to do.
The snow was ground ice with a little powder mixed in. The rain from the previous day had not frozen or completely drained from the snow. Depending on where you were on the course there was variation, and conditions changed everywhere as each skier passed. The 11K loop was the most technical course we have seen so far this season. It had a lot of climbing and a few exhilarating down hills. There were some major wipe outs from unsuspecting skiers throughout the field. The tracks were firm and in some places I imagined by skis were careening down a luge run with the way they chattered and hugged the turns. The temperature was in the high twenties to low thirties with partially sunny skies.The biggest challenge was wax. It was not too difficult to determine what would work, but what would work best took a little effort and insightful thinking. I do not think anyone was totally happy with their kick, but it was enough to get the job done. Everyone had an advantage somewhere, at the expense of a disadvantage someplace else. Also with the changing condition of the track the racer had to adapt to another dimension. This favored the experienced and adaptable (Perry Bland) and even challenged the top contenders who may have picked the wrong skis for the day. 
As the race progressed the rain water soaked in the snow gathered under the compression of each skier and froze the surface of the track. By the fourth lap there was a smooth layer of pure ice in the track. Skiers waited until the last minute to line up for the start. As I pulled into the corral I noticed many still frantically applying the final touches to their skis and I was thinking I was cutting it close. We all took our spots and it was time to go. The start was as one would expect, chaotic with a few falls, but it seemed all were being civil. Chris Nice (Ford Sayre) went down when his skis stopped in some powder, but was able to recover quickly thanks to generous skiers giving him room to get up. Our own Tim Cowan had a similar experience. Not a great way to start the 9th ski and first race of the season, but he popped back up and kept on going. Eric Tremble and Paul Allison were out of sight immediately, the next tier of skiers included many of our favorite competitors and Eric Darling, Damian Bolduc, and Stephen Wright of our club. On their tails were Perry Bland, Leigh Mallory, Will Gochberg, Tim Cowan, and Rick Kelley. The women started in wave two five minutes later. Liz Hollenbach, Sarah Pribram and Jessica Bolduc lined up. In the High School Division Scott Magnan, and Mike Mashtare skied with the BFA Team.
With racers under way, some great matchups were created. Eric Tremble and Paul Allison were in the chase group as the top five split off the front. Eric Darling settled in after 2K and was keeping company with folks like Nat Lucy (Mount Washington), Andy Milne (CSU), and our friend we learned about last year from southern Argentina Frederico Cichero. Damian and Stephen were in the next group rolling with Rob Bradlee (CSU), Jim Fredricks (Mansfield), Bryce Wing Ford (Sayre) to name a few. Tim, Rick, Will and Perry skied relatively close together. Leigh Mallory found himself in between picking up racers that fell off the pace from groups ahead and those that skied out of groups from behind. Leigh was in good company with our favorite Mount Washington racer Doug Armstrong as these two continued a battle from earlier this season. Leigh prevailed once again. In the women’s race Sarah and Liz traded places a few times, eventually Sarah split off finishing the 25K and Liz continued on catching the men in the 50K. This was the story for many. The second lap of the race was very busy with almost everybody on course together. Then it got really lonely. The spread on the 50K seemed more than usual as the 25K racers pulled off.
The 25K finishers surprised the timers with their speed. For a little while, the off guard timers thought Bryce Wing had won, then they realized Eric Darling was in and apparently did a little more back tracking. I can understand the confusion as three different distances plus tourers were on course simultaneously. Leigh was our next finisher edging Doug Armstrong, then Rick Kelley in a tie with Eric Hemphill. Sarah Pribram was in a close race with Alice Nelson. Jessica Bolduc finished smiling happily with the early decision to do the 25K this year.
Finishing, Paul Allison cruised into a top ten between two of the biggest names in American Nordic skiing Freeman and Caldwell! Eric Tremble recovered from a mid race re-waxing, going all out in the final K’s but unable to hold off Jake Hollenbach who claims he went a little crazier than Eric. Damian finished looking very beat but holding off a few racers that he has yet to overtake this season. Not long after, Stephen was in, then Perry loving the 50 and Tim
hanging with Donovan Freeman. Will was skiing much stronger this year and held of CSU’s big man Victor Golovkin. Liz looked great as she took 7th in the women’s overall! This matched Paul’s 7th in the Men’s race. Post race, all seemed pleased despite incomplete training plans. Several NWVE skiers made their seasonal debut as well at the NWVE Brownies! The day was challenging and while there was a lot of Monday morning Quarterbacking, it boiled down to nobody had a perfect race, which is perfectly how it should be. People were looking forward to the next race and talk of the events coming up was spirited. Great Job to everyone out there including those cheering at the side lines. It made a big difference for me and others commented on it as well. It is a nice feeling to be known and encouraged along the way!
Damian
Valley Cup 2012
The bright sunny skies this morning enticed many skiers to journey to Warren for the Annual Valley Cup. Seems no one quite knows how many years this race has been going on, but the tradition has been challenging racers for as long as anyone can remember. As can be expected for a low key race, talent poured out of the woodwork and the race went off without skipping a beat.
Those bright sunny skies tricked racers into thinking it was nice and warm out. Thankfully the sun did warm skiers as the race-time temperature climbed into the single digits. We were seeing -2 at the Richmond Park and Ride and as low as -10 on the way to the race. As we rolled through Waterbury and Waitsfield it was good to see recovery and progress occurring in the towns ravaged by Hurricane Irene, thought the State Office Complex was a ghost town and the loop driveway was not plowed. 
The race course was a loop that basically started at the door of the lodge, skiing down the trail next to the runway, bearing left and heading back towards the lodge on the other side of the runway but making a right into the Upper field, and then down into the lower field for a loop before coming back to the finish circumnavigating the rest of the runway. Twice made a nice 10K. There was a thin base of icy snow with a few inches of powder groomed on top. The Ole’s Sherpa groomer made 3 inches of packed snow look, feel and race like mid-winter conditions, no debris poked through anywhere and one could ski confident that they were gliding on solid snow. While the course was fairly flat, there was enough variety to challenge racers and the slow snow speed also exaggerated how difficult an “easy” race can be.
Many NWVE racers toed the line. After some brief instructions, Chief of Race Pete Oliver counted down from 5 seconds giving the racers the go. It was nice not to have the agonizing 5 or six minutes of trying to stay warm while clocks are set or… One could literally register and in 10 minutes be racing. Lary Martell proved this himself! He was a little late arriving, registered, changed, walked out the door put on his skis, got to the line, waited 5 seconds and was underway. No time for fingers and toes to freeze or really worry about anything. Damian Bolduc and Perry Bland were back in action after a tough 30K yesterday. Joining them were Will Gochberg, Lary, Tristan Leggett, and Jessica Bolduc. Both Damian and Perry were optimistic when they woke this morning and even driving to the race, but on the warm up lap they realized that they may have been slightly fatigued from yesterday’s effort. Not that it matters to either of these two; they modified their goals and had a great ski anyway. Damian had another good start for the second day in a row, skiing at the tail end of a large pack of leaders. As the race spread out he found himself in a smaller pack skiing with Keith Woodward (Craftsbury), Bryce Wing (Ford Sayre), Mike Kavanaugh (Ind.), and a Middlebury High School skier. Hanging in with these guys proved wise and the whittled down group was rapidly reeling in Dan Greenleaf of SNOC at the finish. Will was the next NWVE finisher. He had a nice strong V2 holding off close challengers as he crossed the finish line. He also had one of the frostiest beards of the day that almost instantly turned white as he walked outside into the elements. Tristan who has been under the weather opted to pull out after 5K, after getting the feverish feeling that maybe you are not quite ready to be making this effort. He cheered us all along with Ed Hamilton on our final approach to the finish line and skied a nice team cool down lap after. Ed was there supporting his son who is having a stellar year getting top 5’s as a J3 in Eastern Cup J2 races skiing with the Mansfield youth program. Lary looked strong on his way in. Perhaps a warm up lap would have helped him as it looked as though he had not tapped everything that was in the tank. Perry was making good on his goal. He had discussed that due to a lack of fast snow, hills and trail turbulence that finesse would take a skier a long way in today’s race. Perry was not focused on fast, but form. The plan paid off and as Perry circled in for the finish he kept his skis smooth, even and trim as they touched down for long glides all the way to the end. Jessica started in the women’s wave of 9, two minutes after the men’s start. She did not contest from the start, but found herself working her way up through the women’s field and skied though a couple of Ford Sayre skiers that got by her at the Mt. Hor Hop New Years Eve. She had great turnover as she skied the final meters and was glad that her placement within the field continues to improve.
It was another great day of skiing. Leave it to Ole’s to make thin cover impeccable. NWVE racers seemed quite satisfied with their races. Who could complain about getting in 20K of skiing with a 10K hard effort on yet another day made for skiing? Waiting to hear how things went up at the cabin, pass along your stories!
Damian
White Mountain Classic Report:
Results: http://www.jacksonxc.org/uploads/Events/WMC%2030%20k%202012%20Results
Skiers were treated with Mid-winter conditions at the White Mountain Classic in Jackson, NH today. The first real snow banks of the season were a welcome sight as travelers closed in on the venue. A steady snow fell making everything look fresh. It was the perfect day we have been waiting for.
Though NWVE continues to compete with a modest contingent, there was no shortage of strategizing and celebrating the day of winter we enjoyed today. Six men and two women completed the course and all seemed very pleased with their performances. The race had slightly lower attendance this year, but there was no shortage of competition.
The course was groomed perfectly. It started on the golf course and did the usual loop before crossing the road and heading up to the Eagle Mountain Trails. Racers did two loops on the upper trails before heading back to the center for the finish. It was a great course that offered a little something for everyone, even an untracked, narrow, bumpy section for Perry!
NWVE racers lined up in their respective places in the field. Known for his brilliant starts at this race, a couple lined up behind Eric Tremble. Following Eric was a challenge, but a thrill. First, he exploded off the line and got a jump on the field. Then it seemed as if he had memorized the first kilometer knowing precisely when to change lanes due to narrowing trails, or turns. Following Eric’s lead, Damian Bolduc was able to force Eli Enman to the untracked lane in order to advance. That has never happened in a ski race. Once things settled, a large pack of leaders separated from the rest of the field. Eric was in this group. Not far behind was group of master’s skiers that included Damian and Stephen Wright. On the first lap of the Eagle Mountain Trails, the tracks had an inch of fresh powder in them. This caused the lead group to race conservatively, and triggered the group of masters to hammer as they were salivating for the dream to close the gap. That would not happen as the leaders caused the elite group to explode on the second lap, having the tracks skied in by the field by then. Still the course provided many vistas where one could measure progress. This seemed to keep people very motivated. It was fun be able to see for a bit then disappear knowing letting up when no one was looking meant being caught or dropped. Damian and Stephen became separated as the field spread out. Scott Magnan methodically worked his way through paired well with Steve Scoles from Winnepeg. Stephen got caught by himself which was a major disadvantage today, but skied well holding off Mt Washington’s Steve Pietrow on his home course. Liz Hollenbach was in a close race nestled in with John Brodhead, Trina Hosmer, Kelsey Allen and a few others determined not to get Trina’d! Liz was able to hold her off going the distance with well over a second to spare. Perry Bland had a great race, skiing his way to a solid performance. Sabra Davison was able to claw her way past him making use of any advantage she could get on the final stretch. Pavel Dvorak was very pleased with his race and the conditions. He even seemed genuinely bummed that he will be missing next week due to a vacation in the Bahamas. He was also psyched that he finished before the food ran out or was limited to only bananas! Cipperly Good also had an excellent race, skiing with legends George Hall and Dave Boucher.
Great job to all the racers today. The greatest reward was the conditions we have all been waiting for. Things are looking good as we set our sights on Craftsbury next week.
Damian
Eastern Cup Titcomb Mountain
1/15/12
It is the year of the loops on the Eastern Cup Circuit. First six at Craftsbury, then eight at Titcomb! The course was a 1.5K loop utilizing a downhill ski slope. It had a 2 foot base of manmade ice with 5-6 inches of tilled ice on top and set solidly over night. There was plenty of room on the course and it easily accommodated skiers 3 wide. It was mind numbing cold and I was so focused on counting my laps I do not remember much else. The course was well suited for light but strong and the results reflected that. Jake Hollenbach (VTXC) was on the first page and had one of my top EC finishes ever.
The Geschmossel
1/16/12
Results: https://www.nensa.net/results/index.php?io_view=events&top_event_id=1248&season=
5 NWVE skiers from the west and 4 from the East met at Bretton Woods to race in the Geschmossel. Today’s race had a nice mix of the region’s best preparing for the upcoming marathons. CSU had a large contingent swinging by on their way home from the EC weekend in Maine. Jamie Doucett and Rob Bradlee barely had room for themselves in their cars packed with tents, benches and everything else. We were well prepared too, with three canvas paintings, a bench, wax, 6 pairs of skis, two dozen canning jars, hats, gloves, mittens and some squash just to mention a few. Ford Sayre also showed up with a couple carloads of racers.
It was cold again, but not bitterly cold as it was when I am sure most set out early this morning. It was sunny and there was no wind. The greatest challenge was to find the start. For the Club Series it is the year of the start in the middle of the woods. Skiers had to leave the lodge and ski 2K out to a hidden field where start/finish banners were set. Those that succeeded in finding the secret location were treated to a great 5K loop. The course was fun and easily doable. It was a great tune up for what we will race on in the coming weeks. There were a lot of double pole gradual climbs and fun descents. The tracks were solid and the grooming was quite good except for few dirty spots and thinning coverage on the bridges.
The race was a mass start that quickly sorted into competitive groups. I think most everybody had someone to ski with. Folks seemed happy to be racing and race they did. Paul Allison got a jump on the field and skied with the leaders for the duration. Stephen Wright and Damian Bolduc raced the full 10K together just behind a small group that included Nat Lucy, Robert Bradlee, John Sakilowski, and Andrew Milne. Never getting quite close enough to benefit from the pack but showing they have what it takes and could have a story with a different ending in the long distance races. Liz Hollenbach, Perry Bland, and Will Gochberg were in a solid group. They skied with Donavan Freeman, Doug Armstrong, and John Brodhead. Liz eventually was able to pull away pulling Freeman along. She was able to drop Freeman as well before the finish. I am sure Donavan’s performance is not going to sit well with the rest of the group. Donavan has the lead in the ZAK Cup… for now. Doug and Perry skied close to each other, but Doug’s skis outperformed Perry’s on the last downhill giving him enough of an advantage to take it to the line. Jessica Bolduc, Cipperly Good and Pavel Dvorak started out together and were also in a little race within a race. Cipperly had a clean start, but was taken out on a congested corner, Jessica capitalized and continued skiing with Pavel and Dave Hosmer. I am not sure if Pavel was a stray at the Richmond Park and Ride that joined up with the club carpool or if he had a little pre-convincing, but rumor has it that Perry rode the whole way over with both hands on his lunch box in his lap. Perhaps safe keeping of one of Janet’s ham and cheese sandwiches to seal the deal for surely hungry Pavel on the long ride home? Camille Bolduc raced the 1K BKL loop. While everyone had no waxing problem choosing green, VR30, or VR40 or V40, Camille’s Swix grip tape was problematic. This was Camille’s first time classic skiing on wax skis and I thought that grip tape would be just the thing to make the transition. Unfortunately sitting in the extreme cold over night caused the tape to peel off. No matter a quick application of VR40 and Camille was on her way. She skied well and took the silver medal in her category. She also got a cookie. Nothing beats Bretton Woods amenities with a wine and cheese buffet and tissues at the finish line for all finishers.
I think today’s race served as a prologue to the White Mountain and Craftsbury marathons. The clubs were showing their colors and everybody was looking to be in good form heading into the major races. NWVE had very strong performances and is on track for some very exciting weeks ahead.
Damian
Craftsbury Classic
First Run
1/1/2012
Craftsbury Classic Results: http://www.craftsbury.com/skiing/events/results.htm
First Run Results: http://www.runvermont.org/elbo/assets//FRRESULTS.HTM
NWVE athletes had a busy day today. Several attended and raced in the First Run this morning, and a few others traveled to Craftsbury to race in the Craftsbury Classic. It was a balmy start to 2012 with morning temps in the mid 30’s warming up to the low 40’s in the afternoon. It was great to see so many people being active to start out the New Year and NWVE got quite a few results today.
Pink Hoodie-Footies peppered the First Run field with many NWVE members donning the distinctive apparel. If the members today thought they were the first club members to wear such flattering pink outfits they are mistaken, Mike Mashtare ripped up the Nordic scene in his hot pink uni-suit back in the 80’s. I believe it was purchase from Lary Martell at Endurance Sports. But Matt Considine wore pink best when he activated his suits invisibility properties with profuse perspiration. Only the suit was invisible; Matt, au naturale, was able to attract more attention than wearing a bright pink suit. (States 1993?) It was great to see people’s festive spirit and considering the winter we are having. Most were making the best of it. Check out the results to see how Mike Bessette, Rick Kelly, Allen Mead, Dee Barbic, Eric Darling, Sarah Pribram, Kyle Darling, Jessica Bolduc, Camille Bolduc, Liz Hollenbach, Megan Farrington and any one I missed did in the field that was close to 1000. Times may be skewed do to an overwhelmed finish crew.
Those that opted to kick off the New Year with kick went with klister at the Craftsbury Classic this afternoon. Craftsbury added to its manmade snow loop and had a nice 3K course groomed and tracked. I am not sure they will have coverage all the way to Highland Lodge in time for the Marathon, but I am sure they will have something nice pulled together if Mother Nature does not come through soon! The weather was overcast with temps in the low 40’s. Fortunately a brisk wind chilled racers and it felt like a ski race. The track was good for the most part with a couple of wet spots here and there. The course started the normal way in the lower field and racers went into the woods on Lemon’s Haunt, past the first intersection and onto the Race Loop, at the next intersection it took the cut off back to Lemon’s Haunt bring racers up a hill and out into the lower field. We had to climb the steep hill to the upper field, loop around back to the lower field and back onto Lemons Haunt to wrap around in the woods and back to the start finish area the usual way. Three laps of this made for a challenging 9K.
The self seeding for the mass start seemed honest, making for a clean start. New member Paul Allison was off the front with the leaders from the start. NWVE had a good group in the field that quickly began to spread out. Scott Magnan and Stephen Wright got out at the front of the pack, while the rest of the club settled into the field. That is except for Ed Hamilton who worked his way through the traffic and pulled ahead of the main pack early in the first lap. Thinking he could hang Damian Bolduc quickly switched strategies as Ed was clearly moving much faster. Leigh Mallory raced with no regrets in the most competitive division of the day. Perry Bland had his best race so far this season and paced Warren Cornwall to second in the M3 division. Perry also picked the klister of the day having tested everything from KR 40 and up. Thanks to his research we knew that everything from 50 and up was working and to what degree. Those that picked accordingly had no complaints. After a contentious first lap, Paul placed himself in second between VTXC’s Eli Enman and Ryan Kerrigan. Ryan was part of a chase group that included Mark Gilbertson, Jake Hollenbach, and Russell Primeau. Ford Sayre’s Chris Nice was chasing back on after a pole mishap. In the main field, racing was exciting as well. Ed was at the helm a majority of the time, but on the last lap he pulled away and secured a top ten finish. Damian started skiing through the field at the start of lap 2 and had Stephen in his sites by the third lap. Stephen was in a battle with Luke Strauss and Robyn Anderson that proved too much for Damian to catch. Leigh was in the thick of the M7 battle. Murray Banks was a little ahead of the rest of the M7s, picking on Scott and Damian, but Leigh was in with Doug Armstrong, Peter Hendel and Perry in hot pursuit. If you have ever been involved in a race like this with Doug, you know that the guy who is fun to share a brownie with after the race probably ate glass prior. He is a competitor and will not give an inch when he has you in his clenches. When they got to the line Doug came out ahead, but Leigh held off a hard charging Peter by half a ski length in the most exciting finish of the day. Perry and Warren were the next finishers, ready for another lap or two. Steve Messier gets special recognition for doing both the First Run and the Craftsbury Classic, and proving you didn’t have to choose.
The team fared well. Paul took second overall and won the senior division. Ed, Stephen and Scott won their respective M4, M5 and M2 divisions. Warren was second to Mark Gilberston in the M3 division. Damian and Leigh were Bronze medalists in the M1 and M7 divisions. This type of showing at the White Mountain classic could dethrone perennial team scoring champs CSU! Great job to all who participated today. This enthusiasm bodes well for the rest of the season.
Mt. Hor Hop 12/31/2011
Results: Click Here
A few diehard athletes finished out 2011 with the Mt. Hor Hop. There was no shortage of excitement despite the modest turn out for this year’s race. The conditions were good considering the winter we have had and that Mt. Hor depends 100% on natural snow. Race director Mike Kiser said that Mt. Hor always delivers, and yet again he was right. One of the highlights of the day was seeing what equipment people resurrected to race on. Some went with their regular race skis; others opted for rock skis and a few pulled some ancient racers out of retirement. However the
best option I saw was to borrow someone else’s race skis!
The race course was the figure 8 that we have become familiar with over the last few years. The lower loop being relatively flat, but with a lot of twists and turns, then a long climb at the start of the upper loop, a flat section at the top to test the skiers and then a nice long downhill with a few switchbacks to recover on. The snow cover was good. Thin spots were well marked, and it seemed that you could ski over them without any consequence. (I have yet to inspect my bases, but did not feel any ski stopping jolts during the race). The temperature was in the high twenties with a fine misty fog covering us for most of the day. Only at the start of the men’s race did it begin to sprinkle for a few minutes.
With the small turn out, it was a good opportunity to pick up some points. Three clubs were represented well, Ford Sayre had the largest contingent, followed by a good mixture of NWVE and then SNOC had their cheery Masters out in force. The women raced first. Jessica Bolduc and Liz Hollenbach represented NWVE. There was speculation on whether Liz had a little pent- up energy having watched so much racing while coaching at SLU and UVM and directing at Bolton Valley. While the race looked like Joann Hanowski and Amy Gunn were making a statement quickly making their way to the front of the women’s field, Liz quietly charged through from the back. Bystanders noted, as Liz hammered up the hills and kept a smooth technique on the bumpy terrain. Liz was at the top of the results page when all was said and done punctuating her return with a W! Jessica was using Damian’s beloved Germina’s and buried them one quarter of the way through her race. Despite losing a chunk of the side wall she pressed on finishing at the back, but probably taking the FM2 division. Stephen Wright led things off for the men. He caught and tucked in behind Jim Fredricks for a bit but pulled away early on in the race. Tristan Legget was the next NWVE athlete in the lineup followed by Scott Magnan and Damian Bolduc. Starting a few places back was Eric Tremble. While Tristan, Scott and Damian skied relatively close to each other, Eric came from minutes back and blew through the group in the first 5K. All were skiing well, but Eric was a few notches above the rest. He went on to take second overall. Lary Martell, Perry Bland and André Bolduc started towards the back of the start order. André was starting his last upper loop as Scott, Damian and Tristan sprinted for the line. André held good form and carried on as his teammates finished with a frantic effort. Scott held off a hard charge from Ford Sayre’s Chris Nice. Chris had a strong comeback after laying low for the last two seasons. Damian was doing everything he could not to let the gap open up too much, and Tristan followed in with a powerful V2. Chris’ teammate Rick Powell was rapidly closing on this group as well getting a very strong result for the day. Racers continued to finish at a steady rate and the groupings on the results page reflected that everybody was fairly close together. Being a little under the weather was no excuse for Perry to break his perfect attendance streak and he was happy with his decision to visit the Northeast Kingdom.
It was great to see all the familiar faces and matchups carrying over to yet another year. Charlie and Amy Gunn, Adrian Owens, Carol Van Dyke, Jonathan Chaffee, Peter Harris, Donavan Freeman and more were all smiles when the day was over. Those that raced were glad they made the journey to the tent in the middle of the woods, in the middle of nowhere and participated in the last Nordic race of 2011! Most were planning on racing more next year starting tomorrow.
Eastern Cup Opener-Craftsbury
Results: https://www.nensa.net/docs/2012/craftsbury_EC/day2-results-all.pdf
NWVE took on the world today at the Eastern Cup opener at Craftsbury today. It was an Epic day for NENSA as the racing season kicked off in a big way. It seems everyone on the East Coast and beyond knew of the 1.4K loop of skiable snow and took advantage today. NENSA advertised a Super Tour worthy field and the participants delivered.
The race day conditions were as good as could be considering the winter we have had so far. The race surface was 1 foot of manmade snow with a light dusting of powder that fell Friday and Saturday mixed in. After a warm day yesterday the course was re-groomed and set up beautifully during the freezing overnight. The race started in the upper field and headed out and across the top of Lemon’s Haunt. It then turned into the lower field sending racers up the steep side of the hill to the upper field and looped back into the lower field and then returned to the start/finish area up the not so steep side of the hill. Women raced 3 laps, and Men race 6.
The race winners were determined before any of the NWVE athletes even bothered to pick up their bibs. As Perry says we need to race so the young hot shots can feel good about themselves. That being said NWVE racers all had pretty good days. After receiving a race briefing from Ed Hamilton who was supporting his son who took a top ten on the J2 race, NWVE grabbed their bibs and began their prerace rituals. Scott Magnan led out about mid field in 120th position. He had a strong start and was well into his race before Damian Bolduc took to the course 20 minutes later. Perry was next, starting his first lap as Damian’s imaginary lap cards read 6. Leigh Mallory turned the sweep position into more of a take no prisoners anchor leg.
There was plenty of spectating and most of that was after skiers crested the two cruelest of the three climbs in the race loop. There was no way of knowing where you were in the race as skiers on differing loops mixed together. This kept things exciting as fresh skiers took on the tired ones that later became sprinters with their sights set on finishing. It was interesting to be able to watch the varying techniques of the NWVE racers. Scott would cruise through the fields with good technique and a long gliding V1, Damian preferred a tuck and run method that messed with those he challenged, Leigh mixed V1 and V2 and Perry resorted to double poling to catch his breath after the climbs. Perry looked stronger as his race went on perhaps just getting warmed up when he out-sprinted a skier he had lapped from Onion River at the finish line. Leigh was all jokes when he started stating that "registration was merely an expensive trail use fee," but once on course he looked like a man on a mission picking off juniors, seniors, and masters without regard. He was doing well and enjoying it very much. Scott and Damian finished within 7 places of each other in the results setting up yet another battle at the BFA Alumni/Citizens Race coming up on the 28th. Earlier in the day Samantha Martell raced in the women’s field and did quite well. Despite the men showing up well after her race was over, she stayed and cheered us all on with enthusiasm that lifted us up the hills.
Even though it was only a 1.4K loop. It was a heck of a race. It is these types of races everyone talks about for a long time. NWVE may not have been on the first page today, but we looked strong and I am sure that I am not alone in setting my goals after a solid baseline performance today. As with any Eastern Cup race you are a champion just for showing up!
Damian
Santa 5K
December 4, 2011
Burlington, VT
Santa 5K 12/4/2011
NWVE showed its Holiday Spirit today at the inaugural Santa 5K, in Burlington, VT. This race was a huge success with over 1200 Santa’s competing and supporting the Make a Wish Foundation. It was a beautiful day to race with sunny skies, temps in the low 40’s, and a brisk 20 mph south wind. Racers were treated with some improv caroling as the countdown to the big moment wound down.
The enthusiasm for the day was overwhelming. Being in a blur of Santa’s that stretched from College Street two blocks north to the Burlington Town Center Mall was an event in itself. Over a thousand Santa’s with seasonal excitement and prerace jitters created an air of anticipation like no other. One person’s went to an extreme further than anyone else’s. Self declared race promoter Jason Baer has been psyched for this race since the VCM Expo in May. He recruited on his own initiative and spread the spirit of the race to anyone and everyone. Today, he paced Church Street from one acquaintance to another in a jolly daze that was starting to cause alarm to a few in his inner circle. Once in the start corral, he was a little more contained, but it was clear that 6 months preparation was about to explode. Just what was to happen was a mystery to all, but when the gun went off it was on!
Jason tore off the starting line "like a kid running to be first to the swings on the playground" (Phoebe Buffay). This did not last just to the first corner, or to the top of VCM famed Battery Hill. No this lasted all the way to the finish line and beyond! It was amazing to see Jason hold his lead over all other competitors, but the preparation that he put into this race was that of no one else. NWVE had a strong showing taking the top four spots overall and 4 in the top ten for women! But today was really Jason Baer’s day. Following in Jason’s wake, Ray Webster, Eric Darling and Damian Bolduc made their way through the other early contenders whose enthusiasm waned on the early hills of the race. Running into the wind down Willard Street things really began to take form. Ray closed the gap and ran it in with Jason for the overall tie, Eric and Damian distanced themselves from the impending flood of Santas. Making the turn onto Church Street for the finish brought racers to a new level. It was the perfect place to sprint in front of the crowds of onlookers in awe. Liz Hollenbach sprinted in an all out battle taking 3rd place for women, Sarah Pribram was the next women to turn the corner and made sure things stayed that way for the last 75m. Kate Crawford was in the mix and then Elizabeth Bouchard Hall rounded out the top ten with GMAA president Jessica cover. In the 10 and under competition Camille Bolduc took 2nd place being paced by her mom Jessica Bolduc. Camille toughed it out, though the overwhelming anticipation caused a little anxiety and the kid’s suit could have fit a trucker.
It was truly a phenomenal event and all participated by running or watching were filled with Holiday cheer. Hearing the comments throughout the day that reflected what transpires during this season, from the wonder of a little kid to the wassail, cheer and beyond. Normally at an event like this the beneficiary, (in today’s case Make a Wish) is the winner. Today I think it is safe to say that Jason Baer was the winner. Inquiries to the Governor’s Office on declaring December 4th Jason Baer day have not been returned as of publication of this letter.
Damian
WESTFORD TURKEY TROT
2011
Many Northwest Vermont Endurance athletes took to the dirt roads for the 26th Annual Westford Turkey Trot. In honor of the 26th Anniversary, registration cost the same as it did and always has since 1985! The conditions were conducive to fast times. The temperature held in the low forties, and a strong south wind that challenged runners from mile one to three turned into a nice tailwind pushing the tired racers along to the finish. The road surface was dry and smooth. Not everyone’s favorite, but quite fast. The attendance this year was perhaps an all time high with around 130 registered athletes.
As is tradition the day started with the Main Event 50m Kids Dash. The anticipation and drama of this year’s dash was like none ever seen before. Three young racers quickly separated themselves from the field. An early surge was countered and with 15 meters to go it looked like it would be a two kid race. In a heart dropping turn of events, the racer who had just taken the lead hit the turf with 5 meters to go taking out the second place racer with a flailing leg. The early rabbit now in third was able to race clean through the crash, and take the number one Chocolate Turkey Pop. (Click HERE for similar footage) After all the turmoil, they brushed themselves off and completed the race with the rest of the field. As usual the rookie of the year award went to one young individual whose preparation must have been an intense week of learning to walk. Each pot hole was inspected for mud puddle splashing potential as this racer cruised to the finish closing out the 50m competition.
Once the dust settled, racers lined up for the 2 mile and 10K feature events. NWVE only had one racer in the 2 mile competition. Camille Bolduc was looking to chop down her time from last year. Her gut told her that 5 minutes faster would be a good goal, but after a little coaching, and analysis she aimed to knock off a minute. Despite the absence of Westford legends, Perry and Nirmegh, the club fielded a deep and well rounded team in the 10K. After some brief instructions the race was off. There was a lot of commotion at the start as race strategies emerged. Eventual winner Binny Mitchell took no chances and established a commanding lead. Then a group of 6 racers, half NWVE, half Vermont x-c state champs MMU, worked together for the start of the race. Camille was toward the front of the field as well. As the race spread out Damian Bolduc and Brendan Barden moved up from the back of the pack. By the time the field came into the 2 mile mark things had really thinned out. Will Gochberg, Jason Baer and Chris Rodgers made a formidable chase group after dropping the high school kids. Damian and Brendan were mixing it up with the Westford Pony Tail Guy and the Westford Sunglasses Guy. It is great to see these two every year, and they seem to get a kick out of their Westford notoriety when you cheer for them by their aliases at other races. Mike Bessette and Lary Martell worked together though the strong headwind. Rick Kelly was back in action after a year off and found himself without a group and exposed for most of the race. Scott Magnan capitalized on the speed he had been working on at Fallen Leaves Series and worked his way through the main pack. Tom Lane and Dale Rodgers had a solid races battling for position amongst their perennial contenders. The NWVE women were on course as well starting together and then hanging with Camille for a bit as racers went around the Westford Green. Elizabeth Bouchard-Hall pulled ahead with Cathy Martell on the uphill off the green, Camille paced Jessica Bolduc and Hannah Barden until the two mile race turn off. The next big obstacle changed things up a bit. Chris had fallen off the pace Will was setting in the chase group and Damian had closed the gap after breaking free of the field. Brendan dropped the Westford Pony Tail Guy and Lary, Mike and some other masters racers played cat and mouse up the mile long incline. Jessica had picked up the pace and caught Elizabeth and followed orders to take out the next woman just ahead. Hannah and Meghan Farrington settled into similar paces motivating each other to press on through the strong wind that only gave way to the steep hills. In an aggressive move on the downhill Jason attempted to shake Will with a little over a mile to go. Making for an exciting finish, Will shut down Jason’s attack, turned it up a notch and made Jason suffer over the last hill enabling him to kick it in for second place. Watching all this unfold, Chris made a stand against Damian on the uphill. After realizing he was not going away, Damian had to resist holding back and let gravity do the work on the downhill as much as it hurt to put a little distance on Chris. At the finish, Mansfield Nordic’s Binny won decisively, but with all the racing excitement, NWVE was able to put its seventh runner through in 10th place. The women took top honors in 3 categories!
All of the racers were very pleased with their efforts for the day. Many had Westford PR’s. At the awards ceremony NWVE took 5 podiums in a row and easily had just as many second places. The prize raffle was a lot of fun and after years of an early calling drought Jessica’s name was selected first. Many other club members were called early to choose from the Westford bounty early as well.
Mount Washington Cup Mt Washington Cup 2011 NWVE continued its tradition of putting a stamp on the ski season today at the Mt. Washington Cup. Leaving Richmond this morning, things were looking like they may be a repeat of last year’s extreme conditions, but as we closed in on Bretton Woods, soft snow was falling and there was relatively little wind. In all 22 NWVE affiliated skiers raced the well attended Citizens Series Finale. It has been a good snow season for Bretton Woods, and that was apparent today. Despite the multiple feet of base on the golf course and even more in the woods, the rain earlier in the week had flooded a portion of the course and so it was shortened to a 10K race. As per usual, the course here is never the same, and never the length advertised. This year we skied 13K in a counterclockwise-ish loop. Variable terrain was plentiful with enough climbs to reach an elevation where the snow consistency changed, slowing skiers for a couple of kilometers. The trails were groomed well, but were a little narrow for the 150 racers skiing at the advertised 10K effort. NWVE racers had good and bad days. Most seemed to be having fun with the race. Weaving through skiers was invigorating, but wore on the patience of some. With so many NWVE athletes in attendance we were fairly well dispersed throughout the field. Scott, Eric, Stephen, Nirmegh, Tyler and Leigh got off to good starts. As they found their pace, they found plenty of good company. Nirmegh and Stephen would remain within sight of each other all the way to the finish. Tyler dropped off the pace, as he became frustrated with racing in such close quarters. Leigh would pull a long line of skiers that included Damian and Sarah well into the second half of the race. As this line neared the top of the climbs, Michael Hakim reeled in the group pulling a train of his own. Tim had a little bad luck in the start, the middle and the finish. The cramped and flat start cost many racers a pole or two, and Tim was one of them. Not long after overcoming that, Tim had to stop for a crash on one of the tricky turns. Plus the soft conditions, and tip to tail racing favored smaller scrappier skiers, which Tim is not. Perry joined Tim and Tyler in having disappointing days. With the spread of abilities, tricky conditions, length of the race and size of the field, athletes were at the mercy of those around them. This left little to be desired by those who prefer or need to have some open space and room to ski their own race. The other factor is that these three tend to be polite racers and reluctant to put an opponent in their place, when maybe that is what needs to be done to get the result they deserve. For what it was, today was not the day to race aggressively or a little dirty. Not to say that was not happening. Jessica Bolduc witnessed Tim’s misfortunes, but worked her way up through the field light on her feet with a really fast pair of skis. Andre’ was happy with his effort. He was able to ski evenly through the whole race, and was pleased with pacing himself over all the hills and having plenty in the tank to finish strong. Cipperly was quite happy as well and continues to have resolve for the rest of this season and is already plotting for next year. With the end of the high school and collegiate season, we were joined by a nice contingent of our younger ranks and they aided in boosting our numbers significantly. Grady Monroe, now hooked on the sport, came from Madison, WI to finish out the season at the Cup. Zach Shuttle also stuck with tradition, adding one more race to the calendar at Mt. Washington. Other BFA alumni joined in as well. Evan Martell skied the course for a warm-up. The unexpected extra 3K cost him arriving at the start on time, and so he had to start late and skied his way through most of the field. He looked great coming through the 10K mark and continued picking off racers all the way to the finish line. He reeled in almost all of the club members; not a very easy thing to do, as he had to pass the entire field. No doubt had he been on time at the starting line, he would have been one of the top contenders. The race was action packed all the way to the finish with many place changes throughout culminating with a 1K drag race to the line. Scott would hang onto the highest placing overall for the club. He was happy to be within sight of the usual pack he skis with while battling a stubborn cold. He also out sprinted the top female Sabra Davisdson who was hot off a victory at Rangeley last weekend. Stephen held off Nirmegh who was coming on strong at the end. Sarah and Damian came in side by side after a failed attempt to strategically put a gap on the top Masters female skier. Blazing in close behind was Michael and Leigh who had dropped most of the large pack they were in with 2K to go. The rest of the club looked strong as they and the rest of the field finishing overwhelmed the officials at the line. When all was said and done with the 13K, Camille took to the 1.3K Bill Koch Race. Camille finished the season all smiles with lots of cheers despite having difficulty making her way through the slushy snow trashed by the grown-ups in their race. Skiing in the mashed potatoes was challenging for the 50 pounder so she took Freestyle old school and mixed things up with lots of classic and double pole technique with her V1 on scaly skis. Through there may have been some personal disappointment, there was plenty to celebrate capping off this season with such a strong and enthusiastic showing. The club spirit was well represented by all as we closed out another superb season. There is more excitement coming up, including the Craftsbury Spring Series, the Rendevous at Trapp Family Lodge, the Sugarbush Triathlon and of course the Club End of Season Banquet. Great job to all this season! |
Rangeley Lakes Loppet Report Click HERE for RESULTS: NENSA Click HERE for PHOTOS: Jamie Doucett Five NWVE racers met in Rangeley on Saturday for the annual Rangeley Lakes Loppet. The forecasted gloomy weather held off until after the completion of the race, and actual conditions more closely resembled the seemingly embellished and optimistic forecast of the race director. There were many takes on the difficulty of the conditions, but NWVE racers as well as other veterans felt things were fast and this year’s race was a superb event. x The major factor this year was the weather. A relatively warm temperature with rain was forecasted after a deep freeze with snow. Rangeley’s promoter guaranteed expert grooming on more than abundant snow conditions. Upon arriving, racers found desirable racing temps in the upper twenties and low thirties, a fresh dusting of snow on expert grooming and a bone chilling wind. Damian was pleased with his warm wax selection following the club’s recommendation, but omitting the structure enhancement when it was clear that it was not going to rain. Eric and Sarah waxed a little cooler and were equally satisfied. The course itself was in great shape and featured long gradual climbs and descents, fun skiable turns, and scenic vistas. There was also a disabled Piston Bully on the course that brought about a little déjà vu of years past for some. The trails held up to the hundreds of racers well, with only a few expected spots getting a little choppy. All NWVE racers had first wave starts. The start was clean with no falls. Competitors filed on course in an orderly fashion and soon the field split into small packs with races within races unfolding. Evan Martell, Damian Bolduc and Cipperly Good all opted for the 25k distance while Eric Darling and Sarah Pribram for the full 50k. x Evan broke away quickly matching the leaders stride for stride. Things were going well until he began to show fatigue and was catching his tips in the aggressive racing. The first time he simply did a 360 and lost not ground, then next time he went down and lost the draft. He could not catch back on, but still had a performance solid enough to win the 25k with 3 minutes to spare. Eric found his rhythm racing at the front of the main field. His energy was good until many of the racers he was skiing with peeled off to finish the 25k. Once he began the second lap, the lack of company began to take effect with fatigue setting in. Damian struggled in the double pole zone using only one pole, but found a good pack of Colby women to ski through the field with. As he did in the Lake Placid Loppet, he worked his way through packs and bridging to the next. Eventually he caught up a large pack that included Sarah Pribram, Amy Gunn, Kevin Bessett and some Dartmouth and CSU racers. He sat in for a while and then made a move to bridge to the pack that had most of the master’s contenders in it. xUnfortunately the break was poorly timed and took place on a long hill completely and fully exposed to the wind. This drained his energy, and Damian was never to see the Masters’ pack again however it did effectively blow apart the pack he was in. Sarah would bridge to Damian with another skier for a few kilometers, but with 3k left in the 25k race Damian broke away again and held off any threat to his position all the way to the finish. Sarah continued working with another skier and soon they were picking up spots from 50k racers who could not hold their pace. xCipperly skied conservatively off the start and found herself working through the field as well. She eventually settled into her own race working with one other skier as they neared the finish. Cipperly was relieved that she was not lapped, and excited that she actually had time to cool down, change, and get a cup of soup before the 50k winners came though the 45k mark where many were cheering. It was great to see Jake Hollenbach come through this point in the lead with Phil Lawson and the carnage of those they left behind in futile pursuit. Jake and Phil looked smooth and focused while the chase group came through in a frantic panic. Jake dropped the hammer on the final climb and finished 7 seconds up on Phil. After the leaders came through, the rest of the field looked as you would expect at the end of a 50k. There were clear signs of exhaustion, and cramping. Rangeley has minimal water stations and does not provide Gu feeds on course which takes its toll on those unprepared. Eric and Sarah had differing looks. Eric was clearly finished, but Sarah was still picking up spots and looked ready for a few more kilometers. She surprised a few locals with how closely she was to them at the finish, and had the race been a 55k she would have overtaken most of them including Eric. At the awards, the top of the podium was the only place for NWVE skiers. Five athletes and five first places. Not many clubs can claim this. Evan won the 25k overall and OJ division, Damian singlehandedly took command of the M1, Cipperly held off a close contender to with the FM1. Eric would take the M2 in the 50k and Sarah clinched the FM3 and top master honors. By all means this is an impressive feat at an impressive race. Damian |
Flying Moose Classic 2/12/11
Click HERE for Flying Moose Results
NWVE was busy this weekend traveling across New England to race the Flying Moose Classic as well as racing close to home. With so many choices, it was easy for anyone to get a little race fix this weekend. Most club members concentrated on two large citizen races, with a couple doing both. Those doing the double of the Flying Moose and Ichabod’s Revenge were Eric Darling and Camille Bolduc.
Saturday was a long, enjoyable and productive day. NWVE loaded three cars and traveled to Bethel to meet Stephen Wright and Tim Cowan who had arrived a day earlier. Traveling was good and a car load of Mansfield Nordic skiers as well as one filled with the Hosmer posse joined in the caravan across Vermont and New Hampshire.
The temperature dropped steadily as we went east, starting around 25 in Burlington, and dropping at least ten degrees by the time we arrived in Bethel to race. The sky was partially cloudy, though the sun seemed to prevail during the race. The race course followed last year’s format. It was a technical loop utilizing the trails of Gould Academy. The loop was extended slightly, but not made any easier. The course lived up to its “Tough Citizens Race” reputation.
Skiing was underway with wave starts beginning with the 20K racers. The 10K and youth race waves followed at one minute intervals. It was good to see all the Vermonters getting on the line and taking command of the race. Tyler Magnan broke away with a youthful lead pack and the rest of the field filed in. The 10K started next, stacked with some of the region’s best high school athletes, among them NWVE’s Evan Martell. Camille raced and won the 1K youth race unopposed. She faltered a little at the start, but with some quick double poles she was gaining places by the first little rise on the course 100m out.
As the adult racers made their way through the stadium, it was clear that some exciting matchups were unfolding. Tyler was sitting in with the leaders as Nat Lucy was hard charging a closing quickly. Eric Darling was positioned well with a very competitive pack including none other than CSU’S Andy Milne and Bethel Outing’s (BOC) Wade Kavanaugh. Scott struggled this week, but kept pace with Mt. Washington’s Stephen Piotrow and a couple of Colby skiers. Stephen Wright filled a gap between Scott’s group and a pack of legends. Ford Sayre’s Bob Treadwell, Mt. Washington’s Doug Armstrong, Mansfield’s Jim Fredericks, and BOC’s Brad Clarke all joined NWVE’s Dhyan Nirmegh for an epic ski. Just off the back of those five, Perry Bland was holding his own. Tim Cowan found some good company with John Brodhead and Jessica Bolduc’s former coach Mark Danyla. Jessica Bolduc and Hannah Barden represented the women and would find their niche among some of the local favorites.
To say watching the races within races was exciting today would be an understatement. It was inspirational. When Tyler caught a glimpse of Nat in his rearview mirror he knew it was time to go. Without hesitation or ever looking back he took command of the race in his calm and quiet manner and simply skied away - out pacing his closest competitor by a minute at the finish. Though starting a minute back, Evan Martell skied his way through almost all of the 20K field with BMA teammate Samuel Cowan. Evan would end up second, four minutes ahead of third. Eric and BOC’s Kavanaugh knew they had a race with Andy Milne. Both spent the entire 20K trying to shake him hoping that each surge would be the one he could not respond to. It would not be until the final K’s that Eric would make a break, opening a small gap, and a misstep by Milne at the line would give Kavanaugh the tie break. It was with high anxiety that spectators rooting for Eric witnessed this race unfold. They knew Milne’s tenacity and ability to drop competitors in the final K’s of the race is unmatched by any other, but through working together as a team against Milne, they were able to pull it off. This will not likely set well and we will see a re-energized Andy soon. Scott, though feeling flat for most of the race, would turn it up in the final K’s and finish with one of the best sprints of the day, reeling in and picking off skiers all the way to the line. Stephen Wright would almost make contact with the group Scott was in. Unfortunately after working so hard to close in, when the pack sensed the finish and picked up the pace Stephen had already used everything in the tank. He finished well with a strong result and held off a very organized group. The most anticipated finish was that of the pack of legends. Each time this group came through the stadium they seemed silent, completely enthralled in a perfect perpetual pace line. The experience, skill, egos, competitiveness, and devotion to the sport among these five left no room for error. Cheers rang as Nirmegh, in the NWVE green, emerged from the woods first and won the final sprint. Despite being fueled by a breakfast foot long from Subway, Nirmegh commented that the race was completely draining. Perry skied the whole way being able to catch glimpses of what was happening in the group in front of him. Though he had the disadvantage of skiing alone, the open space allowed for him to fully open up with his style of skiing. Nobody can match Perry’s unrestricted striding, and this is one of the few courses that suit Perry so well. He even put a minute thirty on Freeman. Tim was feeling a little flat and did not have the greatest kick. It seems that the snow was much more abrasive than most were anticipating. While conditions in Vermont remain several feet of pure powder, Maine must have gotten a lot of rain with the thunder and snow blizzard we drove home from Lake Placid in last weekend. Tim said it was team spirit that motivated him to finish. Flying Moose is not a place where you want to lose all your kick in the first half, but Tim handled it well and finished second in his division.
Jessica was still feeling the pain of a couple of hard falls in Craftsbury. Taking on the technical hills of Flying Moose is challenging enough, not to mention she still has the bad memory of breaking a ski here last year. She was very timid on the down hills but looked strong elsewhere. Hannah found herself going back and forth with local favorite Murray Barton. There is something about those Murray B’s. Hannah hung in there and was not going to let Murray finish ahead of her. In the last 5K, she used the rest of her reserves and opened a comfortable lead. Jess and Hannah would take first and second in the FM1 division.
Those who got to see the Flying Moose this year got a special treat. The 20K distance combined with the technical difficulty of the course really tests the athletes. To see the races within races was amazing. The organizers and volunteers did a great job pulling this race together. It was clear all the athletes kept each other in check delivering some exciting honest racing.
Damian