Monday, December 29, 2014

Telstar Info

A couple things to know about the upcoming race at Telstar this coming Saturday, January 3.  Because of the less-than-optimal snow conditions, the venue has changed to Gould Academy in Bethel.  Click on the link below for info about location, parking, etc.

Also, we have 15 skiers signed up for this race.   We are expecting all skiers to ride the van unless they let Susan know (via email to highschool@merriconeag.org) by Friday morning that they will be finding their own ride there.

More info to follow about van departure time.

Friday, December 26, 2014

Ski camp, Telstar and other nordic things

Greetings all ~

Ski camp is tomorrow, so hoping everyone is taking some time today to prep skis and get ready for camp.  All camp details (packing list, departure time, etc.) can be found in recent posts.  Scroll down on the Home page to find out what's what.

To anyone bringing a treat for camp - cookies, bars, brownies - be sure remember that all treats should be NUT-FREE.  Thank you!

Only about 1/2 the team has responded about whether they will be attending the Telstar relay race next Saturday.  Be sure to email Susan today (Friday) or be prepared to discuss it on Saturday at ski camp.

Looking forward to a fun few days of skiing!

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Message from John

The pre-competition period is coming to a close.  We have already experienced all the weather one would expect in winter, starting with a Thanksgiving snow storm and now a Christmas rainstorm is due.  Our training to date has included skiing (on the limited snow we could find) and strength training, as well as running and some bounding.  One of the appealing themes of xc ski racing is the challenge we face in training.  Racing is always on snow, but the hard work is often done elsewhere, and staying focused even when conditions prevent on snow training is essential.  It is exciting to be working with a solid group of returning upper class skiers and a great group of first year skiers - it is going to be a fun year.  Also I am pleased that Jason will be joining us at Christmas camp and for Fridays as time permits.  We also welcome Lucy Le Garrec who is helping out a couple days a week and at some races.  Lucy attended  Merriconeag before moving to Freeport schools in 5th grade, her early start at Merriconeag helped prepare her for a successful junior ski career and an even better NCAA career at Colby and U of VT where she earned multiple ALL American results.
Wishing all a happy Holiday Season and think Snow!

John

Monday, December 22, 2014

Ski Camp Info - 2014

CHRISTMAS CAMP INFO ...

Many thanks to the Pierce family for hosting, and to the Phillips/Roeber family for overflow housing!    
  • Camp Central:  Saddleback Mtn Ski Area, Pierce family lodging at Rock Pond Condo unit #34.  
  • Contact information:  There is no landline at the condo and cell phone reception is not very reliable.  We can, however, receive emails/texts so this is the best way if communication is necessary during the camp.  (Sarah 776-4959, Dan 776-0503, John T. 807-1919)
  • We will assess the cost per family upon after camp and families will be billed.  Costs will include food, trail passes and gas.
Pre-Camp:
All skiers should prepare their skis prior to camp.

Classic skis:
  • Clean kick zone
  • Sand kick zone lightly with a 100g sand paper or scotchbrite
  • Wax tips and tails with a cold glide wax (ex. swix blue CH6 or equivalent)
  • Brush
Skate skis
  • Clean and wax with same CH6 or equal
  • Brush 
Having skis ready will save time.  We will add kick wax in Rangeley before skiing.  Skiers should take responsibility for their skis, so everyone should bring a cold hard kick wax and glide wax along with scraper and cork.

Make sure to have cold weather ski clothing, as we may see very low temps at least some of the days.  This includes warm gloves or mitts, neck warmer, extra hat and warm ups are essential.  Also a water bottle and HOLDER are important along with an energy bar/snack to bring during the ski.  We should plan on two skis per day along with a short morning run. The run is to be easy and intended to get us going before breakfast.  We are thinking a morning AM ski to be 10-12 or so and afternoon PM  2-3:30.

Travel details:
We are expecting that all skiers will be riding a van to ski camp unless they have made other arrangements with Susan.  We do have room for everyone.  Please be at Desert Rd at 7:45 Saturday morning, December 27, as we would like to pull away by 8:00.

We will ski upon arrival, before heading to the condo, so everyone should:
  • Come dressed in your ski gear
  • Bring a snack to eat in the van
  • Keep your SKATE boots/skis/poles handy
  • Have your water bottle-belt handy
Other things to remember:
  • Wax skis
  • Bring lunch
  • Check the packing list
Return travel info:
We will ski on Tuesday and hope to return by dinnertime.  We will post return info on the blog on Tuesday morning.

Friday, December 19, 2014

Telstar Relay Info

The first scheduled race of the season is coming up on Saturday, January 3.  This is a skate relay race where each leg is 3K.  Each relay team will consist of 2 boys and 2 girls.  Races are at 11:00 and 12:40 at Telstar High School in Bethel.  Exact info about departure time, return time, etc. will follow, but plan on a full day.  Everyone should be thinking about whether this fits into your schedule (this is the last Saturday of vacation), as we will be registering soon.  Send Susan an email at highschool@merriconeag.org by Friday, December 26 to let her know if you will be attending this race or not.

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Christmas Camp Packing List

See below for the packing list for the upcoming Christmas Camp.  Camp logistics and a note from John will be posted in the next few days.  For now, plan on departing on the morning of Saturday, December 27 and returning late in the day on Tuesday, December 30.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHRISTMAS CAMP 2014 PACKING LIST...

Plan to bring classic and skate skiing gear and running gear.

LABEL ALL THE GEAR AND CLOTHES YOU DON'T WANT TO LOSE.

Must have:
• LUNCH for the first day
• Snacks for the 4 days (to be stashed in your water bottle belt). Bars are ideal.
• Sleeping bag + pillow (not everyone will need a pillow, but we'll need a few).
• Towel
• Workout clothes for 4 days for the activities listed above.
• Multiple pairs of socks
• Hats, gloves, etc. - you will need WARM gloves
• Neck warmer
• Plan on layers!
• Warm snow boots
• Apres-ski clothes for evenings + indoor shoes or slippers if you want something on your feet inside
• Pajamas
• Toiletries
• Headlamp
• Classic AND skate skis, poles, boots - packed as compactly as possible.
• Water-bottle holder with a water bottle - ideally the kind that you can wear around your waist that also has a pocket for a snack
• Basic wax equip
o   Scraper
o   Cork
o   Small amounts of cold, hard kick wax and glide wax

Optional:
• Books, games, etc. - If you have a good group game, please bring it!
• A movie for the group - G, PG or PG-13 (no R movies)
NUTFREE cookies, brownies, etc. labelled with ingredients

A note about electronics ... 
-       Cell phones/ipods may come on this trip
-       Laptops should remain at home
-       Chaperones will be mindful of any cell phones or ipods getting too tired on this trip - after all, it's their vacation too - and so will carefully wrap any over-used cell phones/ipods in a beautiful pink silk and lovingly set them aside for a rest period as necessary.

Friday, December 12, 2014

Ski Team Fees

Ski team fees have been set at $225 per skier and bills are going out this week.  If you acquired a family pass, please deduct $45 per skier from your bill when you remit.  We will let the business office know who these skiers are.

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Pineland Ski Pass

Pineland season pass forms were handed out to all team members this past Monday.  Completed forms (signed by a parent) need to be returned to Susan by this coming Friday, December 5.  In case you lost your form, pick one up from Susan's desk or download one here - Pineland Season Pass Application

Be sure to tell Susan if you are getting a family pass and will not get a pass through the school team.  This will reduce your team fee by $45.

Thanks!