CANCELED - Session 3 Jan 22nd

Unfortunately the temps do not look like they will be cooperating, below zero wind chills and low temps. For the safety (and happiness) of the kids, we are going to cancel the session tommorrow. Hopefully everyone gets out and enjoys some skiing when the weather warms up.

Have a warm and great weekend! Go Pack!

Session 3 and the Weather

Weather conditions are looking borderline for Saturday’s event. We will continue to monitor the forecast and weather to determine safe conditions for the kids. Each kid handles temperatures differently, so it is ultimately the parent’s decision whether to participate or not…we certainly understand and support each individual decision. In the event that we do cancel, an e-mail will be sent by 8:30am on Saturday morning.

The decision to cancel is a difficult one. Make up sessions are not possible due to the large number of volunteers needed and conflicting schedules, plus we look so forward to these Saturdays! Parameters that we will be using for making the decision will be:

• <0 deg F pure temp or with the wind chill, cancel. Wind and sun make a big difference in how the kids (and adults) react to weather.
• 0 to 10 deg. F, limit the session to approximately an hour (maybe shorter for the little one depending how they respond). We will keep the kids close to the lodge and have the “floaters” take any cold kids back to the lodge.

The following precautions should be followed if attending:

· Kids/parents should cover all skin.
· Chem packs are highly recommended.
· Balaclava's and neck gaiters make a big difference.
· All coaches MUST have a definite plan and a shorter backup plan and or route.
· Less drills and more skiing with a shorter session.
· Stops for arm circles and even some "surges" help with keeping warm.
· Have the kids warm before going outside…get warmed up in the lodge.

We will monitor the forecast at http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?FcstType=text&TempBox=1&WindBox=1&WeatherBox=1&PoPBox=1&textField1=44.519&textField2=-88.02&Submit=Submit&MapType=3&site=MPX&CiTemplate=0.

Keep your fingers crossed. We hope the weather cooperates and we see everyone on Saturday!

Moonlight Ski & Snowshoe Benefit for Littlest Tumor Foundation

Tracy Wirtanen (BAY Nordic Parent and Coach) is hosting the 3rd Annual Moonlight Ski & Snowshoe Benefit for the Littlest Tumor Foundation (http://www.littlesttumorfoundation.com/).  The event is being held February 11th at the Bubolz Nature Preserve in Appleton, WI.   

Just Warm Enough for Session 2, Jan. 8th

Another great day for Bay Nordic...great karma from the kids.  The trails turned out great after the big meltdown (thanks to the Brown County Parks Dept) and the temps warmed up enough for an enjoyable ski.  Photos of the session are posted at http://shoffmanphoto.smugmug.com/CrossCountrySkiing-2010/Bay-Nordic.  We will be missing our photographer Steve Hoffman at the next session so any parents that want to practice their photography skills, let us know.

See you on the trails
Noel & Jen

Session 2, Jan. 8th

Hello Bay Nordic Skiers,

Session 2 is this Saturday (Jan 8^th). We should be all set to go. Brown County has re-groomed the trails after the big meltdown and has reported that the trails should be in good condition….a couple of inches of snow this week would be great though.

A couple of items for the upcoming weekend:

• Session rentals should arrive 9:30-9:40 am. Allow enough time to get the equipment and be in the groups.
• Allow enough time for check-in also. Kids need to be in their groups and ready to go at 10:00am
• Do a gear check the night before. i.e. Poles fit the straps and are adjusted tight. Bindings are working. Have clothes layered for last minute "adjustments" according to the weather.
• Hydrate the kids. One to two hours skiing is a long time without fluids. Don't forget about the bathroom before though.
• LABEL ALL YOUR GEAR. Address labels work well, one for each piece. For BAY Nordic equipment, use a label that can be easily removed at the end of the year. Most of the gear is the same and can easily be misplaced.
• We will have all coaches marked with a vest. Additionally, there will be at least one assistant in the lodge to help any kids that need to return early.

Some homework for the kids. Warm-up guru Mark Ernst put together a short video for proper pole strap usage….
http://www.flickr.com/photos/54192844@N02/?saved=1
See you Saturday!
Noel & Jen
http://baynordic.blogspot.com/