States Info

Class B States - Here We Come!!!

~ Updated on Monday, February 19 ~


This post will be updated between now and the team’s departure on Wednesday if there is new information to add or any changes to what was originally posted.

Now that WMCs are behind us, we can look ahead to States, which this year will be held at the Fort Kent Outdoor Center (33 Paradis Loop, Fort Kent, ME). Here's what there is to know ...

Travel Plans:
The team will depart from Desert Rd on Wednesday, February 21 shortly after 7:30 am. We will travel to the Fort Kent Outdoor Center to ski and then head from there to our cabins, heading back to the Outdoor Center on Thursday and Friday for our races. We hope to have everything at the cabins packed up on Friday morning when we go back to the Outdoor Center for the skate races, in which case we will travel back to Freeport directly from the race venue, however it's possible that we may need to swing back to the cabins on the way home if we don't get everything ship-shape early Friday morning.

We are taking three vans on this trip and are expecting that all skiers will ride with the team. Anyone planning on alternate transportation can discuss with Susan by 3:00 pm on Friday, February 16 or can contact the chaperones (Gundersen/Mainella: 219-0656 or Haims/Armstrong: 712-3997) by Monday, Feb. 19 at 5:00 pm.

Skiers making their own way to Fort Kent should arrive by 1:00 pm on Wednesday and meet the team at the Fort Kent Outdoor Center.

In general:
Leaving – Arrive at Desert Rd by 7:30 am on Wednesday, February 21.
***Do note that this is a 300 mile trip and it will be many hours (8-9+) between when the team departs in the morning and when they arrive at the cabins in late afternoon.  Skiers should bring plenty of food (morning snack, lunch and pre-ski snack), so they won't go hungry before arriving at the cabins late afternoon***

Returning – Awards will happen after the boys race on Friday, probably around 12:30-1:00. We will depart after the awards, arriving back to Desert Rd 7:30-8pm’ish. Skiers can call home from the road when we know our arrival time more exactly.

Housing:
We will be spending Wednesday and Thursday nights at rental cabins in Fort Kent (Crossroad Cabins). Most kids will be in a bed (one shared double bed for the girls), though up to five will be on the floor. Skiers who will be asked to sleep on the floor will know in advance and be asked to bring both a sleeping bag and pad. Kids skiing in the races will have priority on the beds.

Chaperones:
John Tarling, Sam Kapala, Jane Armstrong, Craig Haims, Hans Gundersen and Lisa Mainella

Who Skis in States and Who Goes to States?
For States, we are only permitted eight girl and eight boy skiers. Like all teams in the state, that means not every skier on our team will get to race. That said, every MCWS skier is included on the trip and we hope all can come. However if you don’t anticipate racing and wish to make alternate plans for vacation week, please talk to Susan.

Important Policy:
The states races are run in a pursuit format, just like WMCs this past weekend. The MPA implemented a rule this year that states if a skier doesn’t race in or complete the Day 1 classic race, they will not be allowed to ski in the Day 2 race. This means that every skier should do everything in their power to ski in and finish the classic race. Even if you have an equipment problem or feel lousy, still finish the race!

Waxing:
Check the Wax Info tab. Note that the “nothing higher than LF” rule is no longer in effect for these races.

Races:

Thursday, February 22
1:00 pm Girls’ Nordic Classical 5K (individual 15-second interval start, Class B/C)
2:15 pm Boys’ Nordic Classical 5K (individual 15-second interval start, Class B/C)
3:30 pm Awards for Classical event

Friday, February 23
9:00 am Girls’ Nordic Freestyle 5K (Pursuit Start, Class B)
9:20 am Girls’ Nordic Freestyle 5K (Pursuit Start, Class C)
10:30 am Boys’ Nordic Freestyle 5K (Pursuit Start, Class B)
10:50 am Boys’ Nordic Freestyle 5K (Pursuit Start, Class C)
Awards to follow - 12:30? 1:00?

Start Lists:
Girls Classic Start List
Boys Classic Start List

Course Map:
Click here for course map

Food:
Food is being handled by the chaperones, but it would be great if 2-3 families would send along a batch (40+) of NUT-FREE cookies or bars for desserts. If you are sending cookies, please let Lisa Mainella know ahead of time (lisamainella@yahoo.com).

Since everyone has their own preference for bars, skiers should bring their own stash of bars, etc. to eat when they want. It would be good for quantities of candy to stay at home.

Spectators:
Friends and families are most welcome and encouraged to come to the races!

What to Bring:
***Lunch and two hearty snacks for WEDNESDAY - packed in a handy bag and kept w/you in the van***
Snacks/bars for 3 days
Sleeping bag, pad and pillowcase if on the floor
Towel (captains only)
Water bottle
Your food contribution (if you’ve agreed to bring cookies, etc.)
Warm clothing (layers!) - including hat, mittens, race gloves, warm gloves, neck-up/buff, etc.
RACE SUIT
Ski clothes
*Running shoes*
House clothes
Extra socks
Pajamas
Warm winter boots
ALL classic AND skate skis/boots/poles - packed as compactly as possible - EVERYONE should bring both skate and classic race skis and gear, even if you don't think you're racing. It's possible that someone else may get sick/injured and you will need to race, so be sure to come prepared for anything :-)
Sunglasses
Toiletries
Water-bottle holder with water bottle
Headlamp

Basic wax equipment
· Scraper
· Cork
· Small amounts of kick wax and glide wax

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

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

Electronics ... 
- Cell phones/ipods may come on this trip.
- Laptops should remain at home.
- Van riders need to ask permission prior to any phone/ipod use in the vans.
- Phones should be on ‘silent’ at all times.
- Overall phone/ipod use is discouraged and may be used in common areas only with permission.
- Conversation and connection is encouraged.

Cost:
As was mentioned in the ski team info letter sent out in November, families will be billed after the trip for the cost of the trip itself (housing, food, etc.). We hope to keep the cost under $200 and it could be less.

Other things to remember:
· Wax skis
· Check the packing list again. Do you have everything?
· Check the blog one last time, for any new/updated info.
· Emergency Contacts:
     Local:
          David Eichler: 785-691-7829
     Trip Chaperones:
          Gundersen/Mainella: 207-219-0656
          Haims/Armstrong: 207-712-3997