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/

Bindings and Session 1

Thank you to all the kids coming out today. We had 132 kids check in today, over 50+ compared to our most attended event last year. We will be having a link for photos and additional information soon on the blogsite.

Bindings

We had a lot of problems with bindings today. The bindings on the rental skis are automatic bindings from Salomon and typically operate very well...not sure why so many problems are occuring but here are a few suggestions:

- Freezing - Bringing the ski from a warm environment such as a house then into cold weather may be causing the binding to freeze inside. Try to keep in a colder environment (i.e. garage) before skiing to allow the metal inside to "acclimate".

- Lubrication - Work some lubrication into the inside of the binding. The new bindings seem to be very "tight". Try snapping the boot into the system several times and lubricating. The goal is to "loosen" the metal springs inside so that they work properly.

Thanks Again,

Noel & Jennifer

Snow Just In Time

Greetings Bay Nordic Skiers

For the second year in a row we got the big snow storm needed right before our first event! Trails and weather should be great for Saturday.

A couple of items for next Saturday:

• All kids need to be in their groups by 10:00am. Please allow enough time to check-in (all kids must check-in and out), pick up rental skis if needed, and find the groups. The sessions are scheduled to go from 10:00am to 12:00pm. Typically the younger kids will be in earlier for hot chocolate and cookies.
  
• Check-in will be well marked outside of the lodge.
  
• During check-in, kids will be provided their groups. Groups will be well marked below the trail head.
  
• Parents must be with 3-4 years olds during the entire session. For the older kids, we ask that parents let the kids ski alone in their groups.
  
• Please dress kids appropriately for the weather and activities. Try not to over dress as the kids will be very active in the groups…especially for the more experienced skiers.
  
• Brown County has been very supportive of our program. Please obey their trail fee policies during the event. Kids 12 and under do not require a ski pass. However older kids (13 and older) and adults are required to have a trail pass. InCompetition sells Annual Passes for Brown County Parks. Additional sales locations are listed on the County's website. Day passes can be purchased at the trail head.
  

As always, please let us know if you have any questions.

Begining Parent/Adult Lessons

Quick Reminder - Please remember to send your registrations and rental in.  Rentals are filling up quickly and early registration greatly helps us with orgainizing the program.  We are having a great response again this year and should easily surpase the number of kids from the first year..

New this year Bay Nordic is offering ski lessons for Parents and Adults new to skiing or with limited experience.  The lessons are being facilitated by Deb Ernst as a fundraiser for the program.  Instructors are available on a volunteer basis and 100% of the fees are going back into Bay Nordic.  Both classic and skate techniques will be taught.  Skiers must provide their own equipment.  The lessons will be tailored to teach basic skills that will allow the skier to enjoy the winter! and maybe keep up with their kids!

Registration forms are under the "Resources" section of the blog.  Please have registrations in by December 10th.

Cheers