January 1, 2019 Grooming Report
Today’s report is brought to you by Kirby, Debi, Oliva and Drew Cain-Juntlia
The Cain-Juntilas get an extra day in the lime light due to my unconscionable fat fingering of Debi’s name in yesterday’s report. I do apologize and have my hair shirt on. I am reminded of the Far Side cartoon in which the dog is being yelled at for doing a poor job mowing the lawn. Of course, I am the dog in this scenario. I think It is remarkable for a dog to mow the grass in the first place and doing a good job may not be possible. Again, I do apologize.
The Cain-Juntilas sponsor the 5k mark on the Noque’. Without the support of folks like the Cain-Juntilas we would not have the great trails we have come to expect. If you see them, say thanks. Trail Builder sections are available. Please visit www.noquetrails.org and follow the links. You too can be feted in an up coming grooming report.
Forestville: Groomers were out in force last night for New Year’s Day skiers. We did not receive a report on exact trails groomed but expect excellent conditions.
TRAIL – First Priority
Trail Head to 17k
Lower Animoosh Groomed and tracked 1/1
Groomed and tracked 1/1
Upper Animoosh Groomed and tracked 1/1
Boozoo Deep snow
Zhing Deep snow
Papasay Deep snow
Gookookoo Deep snow
Bagwagi Deep snow
Chiwagi by pass Groomed and tracked 1/1
Chiwagi Hills Deep snow
Migizi Deep snow
Waaban Deep snow
Mukwa Groomed and tracked 1/1
Connectors Deep snow
TRAIL 2nd Priority
Noque from 17 to 510 Deep snow
Way too Long Grooming Report:
Comments on yesterday’s conditions: In an effort to be less annoying, WTLGR comments are being tested with sub headings in case either of you want to actually read about a given item. I know this sounds like a stuck record (people under the age of 40 will have to ask an old person what that means) but, you should have been out yesterday; it was magical. I know 3” of fluff had fallen after grooming so skate skiing would be less than ideal so classic was the call. If you never ski the classic technique you should do so on days like yesterday. No two snow events are identical and many factors contribute to such special conditions. Yesterday’s 20F and light air and very cold air aloft allowed very delicate flakes to form. This meant a thin layer of blue wax provided excellent kick with minimal drag. When snow marries with the softer kick zone with no unexpected slip only to break free once pressure of the kick is removed the results are thrilling. It makes me wish skate technique had never been invented. The smooth soft crystals had an incredibly low abrasion factor. I won’t go into the details of the Archard wear equation but completing a two hour ski with one thin blue kick wax application is as good as it gets. Expect more excellent classic skiing today.
Reasons to ski today: I expect at least one of you will be looking for an excuse to skip skiing today. I understand most Noque’ hats don’t fit over concrete helmets but you will just have to tough it out. If head gear is not the issue you may be tied up settling domestic disputes between Alexa and your Google assistant; I know they had a little dust up on Spruce Street since Christmas. Now at least they are on talking terms. Now, if your New Year’s resolution is to goof off more, you may as well break that one right away because you will never make it through the year anyway. There is quite a debate at grooming report writer’s headquarters regarding this whole resolution process. Some feel it is best to set a very high bar and then fail right away while others feel it best to have a bar actually below grade. I have tried it both ways and the results are identical. Imagine that? This year I chose the high bar technique and said I would become less annoying. Of course, it is broken already. Sorry. Happy New Year and, see you on the trails.
Saux Head: All trails were rolled yesterday and Tim will be grooming and track setting this morning January 1. Please give a big thank you to the Saux Head volunteers, Richard, Tracy, John and Tim.
Big Bay Pathway: The Big Bay Pathway was groomed on Tuesday night, 1/1. The Hidden Grin Loop has a firm base, with nice classic tracks. There are a few sections that are a bit bumpy, however all downhill sections are in very good condition.
Fit Strip: Neil planned to groom and track set last night so trails should be in excellent shape today, New Year’s Day.
Snow Bike South Trails:
The team did groom yesterday but expect soft trails. Folks on snow shoes are encouraged. Walking the trails and clearing wind falls would be a great help.
Snow Bike North Trails: Groomers were out yesterday but expect trails to be soft. I expect low tire pressure will be in order.
THE FORESTVILLE TRAIL HEAD CHALET IS OPEN! Chalet hours are 7 AM to 10 PM and rental equipment is available between 10 and 4. Space is still limited during construction but come in and enjoy the fire and company.
To learn more about the NTN, to join, volunteer, become a sponsor or make a comment, please visit www.noquetrails.org .
Sondo