Cross Country Skiing

[solobiker]

Anyone wanna teach me? I'm hoping this gets added to the list of things I'm allowed to try.

I go quite a bit, both backcountry and at a local nordic center. What are you interested in?? Skate or Classic?

[jessmarimba]

Eesh, I have no idea? I've only seen it on tv. Does one involve less upper-body twisting than the other?

[solobiker]

[QUOTE=jessmarimba;540643]Eesh, I have no idea? I've only seen it on tv. Does one involve less upper-body twisting than the other?[/

Neither one involves UB twisting...although skate skiing if you are not used to it (proper form) can cause you to twist espec if you get off balance which is easy to do. Classic involves good form as well to do it efficiently, however it is less risky with twisting your back. Let me know and maybe we can meet up this winter.

[warneral]

I was thinking that cross country skiing will be something I'd like to try. Considering obtaining some skiis off of craigslist this winter. It would be a fun way to get cardio in and enjoy the winter I need a reason for loving winter!

[tulip]

I would like to go to West Virginia to do some XC skiing this winter. Unfortunately, I cannot drive in the snow, so actually getting there poses a bit of a problem. I do have a good friend with a 4WD truck who is from Wisconsin, so maybe she'll go with me.

If I lived in a snowy place, I would XC alot. I would also learn to drive in the snow!

[jessmarimba]

Tulip, they close...Skyline Drive? I think? when it snows too much in the Blue Ridge. I've gone up hiking there in the winter and tons of people just snowshoe or cross-country ski down the road.

[Crankin]

Tulip, I had to learn to drive in the snow when I was 37 . It was probably one of the worst things I have had to do. What helped was getting a 4 wheel drive car... although it doesn't help you *stop*, it does help you get through stuff. I've either lived on a huge hill or had a very long drive to work since I've been in MA, so it's sort of a requirement for me. I would say at least 40-50% of the people i know have 4 wheel drive.
I cursed the fact my parents moved me away from the snow 6 months before I got my license!

[ridebikeme]

Another great place to check for ski's is AkersSki.com. They are located here in the small town that I live in and have been in business for over 50 years! They are very helpful, have some great prices, offer closeouts when available, and defiintely will take the time to explain/answer questions for you. The wonderful thing about this shop is that they actually care about you and making sure that you enjoy the sport with the right equipment.

[roadie gal]

The first skate skiing day... Ugh. I made it 45 minutes before my legs just STOPPED. No matter how hard I try to cruise and take it easy, skating makes me red line every time.

[solobiker]

The first skate skiing day for me today. I felt great and felt like I was in better shape then last year. It must be from the running I have been doing. Last year at this time I could not do one of the loops without resting several times. Today I did the loop 1.5 times without having to rest Yeah me!! I wish I did not have to work tomorrow...I want to head back up.

[solobiker]

Went out today...this time with my traditional setup. DH and I got in about 10 miles on rolling trails. My legs were getting tired near the end of it, but it was still fun and I can't wait to get back out there.

[Kathi]

Eesh, I have no idea? I've only seen it on tv. Does one involve less upper-body twisting than the other?

Eldora offers XC lessons and rentals. If you have the Colorado ski pass (Vail Resorts) you can ski free at Keystone Nordic center. They also have rentals. Frisco and Breckenridge also have Nordic Centers where you can rent equipment and take lessons.

Tulip, in all the years I drove to Snowshoe and Canaan to ski there was no snow on the roads but we often had very serious foggy conditions. White Tail is a Nordic Center near Canaan Valley that looks like it might be fun, I mtn biked there many years ago.

I'm an alpine skier but with a few lessons am really enjoying xc skiing.

[roadie gal]

XC skiing has started here already. We got about 5 feet of snow last week. This is the first time since anyone can remember that the XC areas have opened in November.

My SO and I went yesterday and today for about an hour each time. We took our striding skis and did the tracks. What a blast! But let me tell you, there is no such thing as cross training. Even though I ran and biked all summer, my legs are SORE today.

I'm going to go back to the XC center this afternoon and scrape the summer layer of wax off of the skate skis so we can abuse different muscles tomorrow. Fun!

[yellow]

roadie, I went for my first tour today. A grand total of 7 miles. I think I toodled too much to end up with sore legs tomorrow. We shall see

I love winter.

[Crankin]

Jealous!