Where shall I start ...
A group of friends decide at the last moment to go skiing. It all seemed so harmless. Before the era of cell phones and instant messages, Gordy call my house on a Saturday morning to see if I was interested in skiing @ Swain with him. He drove over and pick me up. We decided to check if John could come too. This was a typical pattern that had played out before. Gordy would swing by Wegmans and try to convince John to either skip work or leave early. John being a dedicated employee would resist the temptation (sometimes). So without John, we started on our way to Swain (Estimate: 1 hour drive leaving Greece @ noon.). While @ Wegmans, we picked up the essentials ... beer and off we went. Gordy's car was held together with duck tape and super glue, but it was still a car and ran and was available. I can't remember how many beers it takes to drive to Swain, but we started with a case and I think a six pack remained and somehow we didn't arrive until 7 pm. Part of the reason was an accident as we were coming off an on ramp and attempting to merge into the lane. We didn't see the car in the lane behind us and as we merged the cars hit together. When you had too many beers, you recollection of the sequence of events becomes somewhat blurred. We had just survived what could have been a very serious accident. The car was slightly damaged, but we were ok. So we continued on not really knowing where we were going, no map or sense of direction. Our previous experience with Swain was riding on a Trailways bus with the ski club. Gordy was pretty sure how to get there even without having a map. Somehow we finally got there, but we were not in the best shape to ski; shaken from the accident and loaded with beer. After waiting for Gordy to get on some equipment rentals on and skiing down the mountain a few times, it was already closing time. What happened to the day of skiing? Which trails did we ski down? How many times did we ski down the mountain? How many times did we fall or have trouble with the chair lift? What time did we eventually get home? I can tell you we drove toward the cities lights.
I am not saying that what we did was right. It was a stupid idea to drink and drive, but at the time it was not uncommon. The drinking age was 18 and we were of proper age. We were very lucky not to statistics that day. It is a stark reminder that high school kids looking to have a great time together really don't consider the possibility that something could happen to them. Even after the near miss in high school, I continued to believe that I could drive after drinking. I had the car and would often be the cab to off campus parties. I stop believing after partying one night (after hours) when turning too early for the drive to the dorm and instead driving up to the dorm thru a snow bank and across the snow covered lawn.
When is enough really enough ... while you are drinking the line between good judgement and poor decisions becomes blurred.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Brantling's Olympic Alpine Champion
Where shall I start ...
I saw in the newspaper that Brantling Ski Resort was offering all day lift tickets for $ 10.00 and so I took my son with me to ski there. What we found was that even in the most unlikely of places an Olympic Alpine Champion had been introduced to skiing. Now, most people don't know too much about this little ski resort in New York. Brantling isn't known for steep vertical slopes or long winding trails or scenic vistas, it's known
as the place where Diann Roffe-Steinrotter learn how to ski. Diann Roffe won the silver medal in 1992 Albertville Games and the gold medal in 1994 Lil'hammer. She was born in nearby Warsaw, NY.
I will remember the bruises on the back of my legs from the nasty bar lift and that I may have skied the same trail as an Olympic Champion.
It isn't so surprising that Brantling offers introductory classes specifically for women skiers; and that the Brantling Junior Race Team has produced many athletes who have ski raced in college over the years.
It is always worth going to the ski at these family oriented ski resort as you may not know about its place in skiing history.
I saw in the newspaper that Brantling Ski Resort was offering all day lift tickets for $ 10.00 and so I took my son with me to ski there. What we found was that even in the most unlikely of places an Olympic Alpine Champion had been introduced to skiing. Now, most people don't know too much about this little ski resort in New York. Brantling isn't known for steep vertical slopes or long winding trails or scenic vistas, it's known
as the place where Diann Roffe-Steinrotter learn how to ski. Diann Roffe won the silver medal in 1992 Albertville Games and the gold medal in 1994 Lil'hammer. She was born in nearby Warsaw, NY.I will remember the bruises on the back of my legs from the nasty bar lift and that I may have skied the same trail as an Olympic Champion.
It isn't so surprising that Brantling offers introductory classes specifically for women skiers; and that the Brantling Junior Race Team has produced many athletes who have ski raced in college over the years.
It is always worth going to the ski at these family oriented ski resort as you may not know about its place in skiing history.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
The Tully Group
Where shall I start ...
I just went to Labrador to try out the Mountain. Labrador is part of the Tully Ski Resorts which also include Song Mt and Toggenberg. I normally ski @ Bristol Mountain being that it is only about 30 minutes away. They have a family discount on Saturday nights, but the last time I went the ticket line took over an hour. I decided that I could drive for an hour and not have to wait in line. So off to Syracuse and then south to Tully. Labrador has growing room with its three peaks and adequate space to create new runs. The liftlines moved quickly and I was skiing within a few minutes of arriving. Starting on the Northern Peak, I was determined to ski everything that was available. What Labrador lacked in vertical, it made up for in trail length and grooming.
With the Olympic Downhill scheduled for the same day, I was risking that I might miss seeing the competition. To my surprise, the men's downhill was canceled due to poor conditions on the course (rain). It was snowing in Tully, NY and I'm sure the ski racers would have enjoyed the weather versus the slushy trails in Vancouver @ Whistler. What is more surprising was that 49 of the 50 states in the United State had a covering of snow.
Making my way across the mountain on variety of criss-crossing trails, I finally had skied everything open and decided to take a break. Once inside the ski lodge, I pumped back up with Gatorade and would finish the night on the Southern Peak runs. Each one of my favorite trails although not extremely diffic
ult were very enjoyable to ski. I was able to zip down the mountain and complete a lot of as my son says "laps". Up, down, repeat, repeat, repeat. I was working on technique. No, I am not saying I'm ready for the Olympic trials, but I was very pleased with my form and speed. For the record, Jacopie and Upper-Lower Muzzle were my favorites and the most challenging was Cut Throat.
To date, I have now skied two of the three and received from a friend a two-for-one voucher for Toggenberg so I should be able to complete the set this year. The question I often have is ... will you come back. I would like to get a sample of the day only runs, too.
I just went to Labrador to try out the Mountain. Labrador is part of the Tully Ski Resorts which also include Song Mt and Toggenberg. I normally ski @ Bristol Mountain being that it is only about 30 minutes away. They have a family discount on Saturday nights, but the last time I went the ticket line took over an hour. I decided that I could drive for an hour and not have to wait in line. So off to Syracuse and then south to Tully. Labrador has growing room with its three peaks and adequate space to create new runs. The liftlines moved quickly and I was skiing within a few minutes of arriving. Starting on the Northern Peak, I was determined to ski everything that was available. What Labrador lacked in vertical, it made up for in trail length and grooming.
With the Olympic Downhill scheduled for the same day, I was risking that I might miss seeing the competition. To my surprise, the men's downhill was canceled due to poor conditions on the course (rain). It was snowing in Tully, NY and I'm sure the ski racers would have enjoyed the weather versus the slushy trails in Vancouver @ Whistler. What is more surprising was that 49 of the 50 states in the United State had a covering of snow.
Making my way across the mountain on variety of criss-crossing trails, I finally had skied everything open and decided to take a break. Once inside the ski lodge, I pumped back up with Gatorade and would finish the night on the Southern Peak runs. Each one of my favorite trails although not extremely diffic
ult were very enjoyable to ski. I was able to zip down the mountain and complete a lot of as my son says "laps". Up, down, repeat, repeat, repeat. I was working on technique. No, I am not saying I'm ready for the Olympic trials, but I was very pleased with my form and speed. For the record, Jacopie and Upper-Lower Muzzle were my favorites and the most challenging was Cut Throat.To date, I have now skied two of the three and received from a friend a two-for-one voucher for Toggenberg so I should be able to complete the set this year. The question I often have is ... will you come back. I would like to get a sample of the day only runs, too.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Olympic Alpine Success
Where shall I start ...
Athletes from every country have dreams on bring home an Olympic gold, silver or bronze medal. In the alpine events, downhill, slalom, giant slalom, super G and combined, some countries have dominated in capturing medals in both men's and women's competition. Here is the current top ten list of countries in total medals:
Rank Country Medal Count
1. Austria 101
2. Switzerland 53
1. Austria 101
2. Switzerland 53
3. France 43
4. Germany 34
5. United States 31
6. Italy 27
7. Norway 22
8. Sweden 14
9. Canada 10
10. Liechtenstein 9
Austria has captured more than double the amount of medals of the second and third place countries combined. After visiting Austria, I have a personal understanding why Austria has clearly out performed all other countries. Austria = Skiing. From the youngest ages, Austrian children are schooled on skiing. It is truly Austria's national pastime and taken extremely serious.
American skiers are becoming more successful at the Winter Olympic Alpine competitions, but have a long road to catching the Austrians. Bill Kidd and Jim Heuga in Slalom were the first barrier breakers in the metal category followed by Steve & Phil Mahre, Bill Johnson, Tommy Moe, Bode Miller and Ted Ligety. As for the US Women, they had been successful early and often starting with Gretchen Fraser, Andrea Mead-Lawrence, Penelope Piton, Betty Snite, Jean Sanbert, Susan Corrock, Cindy Nelson, Debbie Armstrong, Christin Cooper and more recently Hilary Lindh, Picabo Street and Julia Mancuso who have all triumphed by being on the medal stand as the American Flag was raised.
The 2010 Vancouver White Games adds Skier Cross to the alpine events where all eyes are watching to see if Daron Rahlves is able to recover and compete. On the women's side, Lindsey Vonn who is entered into five events is America's hope to win gold. Good Luck Team USA.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Olympic Downhill
Where shall I start ...
Like many others, I came to like one skier in particular due to his more reckless style. His name was Franz Klammer - Austrian (Skier). Franz Klammer dominated the skiing world from 1975 to 1978 and achieve a gold metal and international fame at the '76 Innesbuck games where he skied at "the edge of disaster." Many people feel that the spectacular downhill run was not only one of the finest moments the history of skiing, but in all of sports. Franz was skiing from the dead last position in the first heat and needing to improve on his own personal best by 2 seconds. He made an adjusted midway down the course to pick up more speed as he felt he was not going fast enough. Klammer won the Olympic downhill race in his native Austria and instantly became a National Hero.
As with many of our childhood memories, I recall fondly the reason I enjoyed watching the Winter Olympic Games and in particular the Downhill Ski Race. I would sit frozen in front of the TV watching one after another of the skiers rocketing down the course managing turns and elevation drops avoiding crashing while seemingly off balance at times to either recover or end up tangled in the bright orange netting. You could hear the cow bells clank and the crowds cheering as bleered sound as racers pasted by. Each skier was pushing the envelope to attempt a gain of fractions of a second. You'ld hear the annoucement with wild aplauds as a time and the position in the standing was revealed. A new leader would emerge over each of the next series of runs and to cheering at the bottom of the course. Skiers would lunge forward at the finish line stretching to cut even more time. Suddenly the weather changed to near white-out conditions as the camera feeds would exist as a screen of heavy snow, but the skiers continued to cut an ever clear path. This is what the downhill was all about - speed, excitement and daring.
Like many others, I came to like one skier in particular due to his more reckless style. His name was Franz Klammer - Austrian (Skier). Franz Klammer dominated the skiing world from 1975 to 1978 and achieve a gold metal and international fame at the '76 Innesbuck games where he skied at "the edge of disaster." Many people feel that the spectacular downhill run was not only one of the finest moments the history of skiing, but in all of sports. Franz was skiing from the dead last position in the first heat and needing to improve on his own personal best by 2 seconds. He made an adjusted midway down the course to pick up more speed as he felt he was not going fast enough. Klammer won the Olympic downhill race in his native Austria and instantly became a National Hero.When racing each other down the slopes, my friends and I would get down into a tuck position to try to imagine what it would be like have to ski like Franz Klammer. Over the years, many American skiers have achieve many great victories, but only a select few can come close to matching "the perfect run" in the Olympic Downhill race and I applaud them all, but there will be a special place in my memory every time I unload from the lift and get ready to take on the black diamonds for this true Olympic Hero.
Good luck to all the skiers in the Vancouver Olympic Games; may you rise to the occasion and become the fond memory for a new generation of skiers.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Skier Cross
Where shall I start ...
The sport of skier cross was approved by the International Olympic Committee for competition in the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games on November 28, 2006. 
Considered the fusion of motorcross and downhill ski racing, it features heats of six racers traveling over jumps, banked turns and gaps. Competitive skier cross racing is assumed to have started in 2004, but little does the skiing world know that skier cross racing actually began in the small town of Nunda, NY in 1978. A small group of skiers including several of my brother's friends and I would race down the slopes all together at one time. Generally, the group would very in size from two to six depending on the particular day. The winner would be determined strictly by the skier who reached to the bottom of the mountain first. We preferred to ski down the slope that had been set aside for ski racing as it generally had the best grooming although not specifically setup for our "friendly" competition.
Considered the fusion of motorcross and downhill ski racing, it features heats of six racers traveling over jumps, banked turns and gaps. Competitive skier cross racing is assumed to have started in 2004, but little does the skiing world know that skier cross racing actually began in the small town of Nunda, NY in 1978. A small group of skiers including several of my brother's friends and I would race down the slopes all together at one time. Generally, the group would very in size from two to six depending on the particular day. The winner would be determined strictly by the skier who reached to the bottom of the mountain first. We preferred to ski down the slope that had been set aside for ski racing as it generally had the best grooming although not specifically setup for our "friendly" competition.Rules: 1. Anything goes; exception intentional pushing the other skier down or pulling the run-a-way strap which would pop the bindings, although many attempts were made to eliminate the other racers. So the competition could be at times brutal with skiers running over the ends of the skis or cutting across your planned path directly ahead of you, yet other times it would be kind of graceful seeing a bunch of skiers traveling at high speeds having split-seconds to determine the line to ski. The wipe-outs were part of the deal. The winner had serious bragging rights. There always was some "official finish line" to be crossed to become the winner of the particular heat. So ESPN, please note that skier cross started as a local New York skiing sport without a formal track, or media coverage, and fans lined along the trail path. There were no trophies or medals to acknowledge the winners. Each time down, the participates would agree to recognize the fastest skier to in the heat. Your King of the Hill status would last only until you reached the top of the mountain to begin the very next run.
This tradition was passed to my son and his friends who I would downhill race against. This new generation of skier cross racers is a mixture of skiers, snow boarders and even kids with twin tip skis. For awhile, I could still claim the unofficial title as King of the Mountain, but now they have improved greatly and pass by me without looking back. On occasion, I will jump the start to recapture the feeling of leading the pack, but before long I'll be watching the lines they had taken to the lift line. Skiing is fun, as kids, we didn't appreciate the danger associated with the reckless behavior, but we would always maintained a level of control and would never interfere with other skiers on the trail while we were racing downhill together.
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