I’m less than two weeks out from heading to Switzerland and wrapping up some of the finer details in relation to logistics, gear and training…and getting a haircut too! So far, the TetonAT Switzerland Fund has raised over $800 from generous donors all across the country. I thank you all!
So far…your generous donations to the TetonAT Switzerland Fund total over $800.
Which just about covers the airfare costs. Thank you SO much!
Donations are still welcome!
I’m planning to be over in Europe for two weeks, travel days included. I wish it could be longer, but it’s about all I can swing right now. Though the trip will be rather expensive, especially flying out of Jackson, the International Ski Mountaineering Association (ISMC) has set up a pretty good all inclusive deal for the racers that covers meals, registration, tickets and lodging during the week long event. So that helps. I’m paying for that part today via wire transfer at the bank. No doubt I’ll feel pretty cool at the bank requesting the transfer of funds to a Swiss bank account…but with all the bizillionaires here in JH…they probably get it all the time.
I try not to stress too much about gear anymore, but there are pretty strict requirements you must follow in these races and you definitely don’t want to be futzing with gear while you’re over there. In 2006, I remember Cary Smith and I butchering our boots last minute in order to get the 4mm of lug that was required in our modified boot soles. This year they have gotten more picky and have a minimum number of lugs for both the front and rear or the soles, which is something I was working on yesterday. It’s tough to try to predict the temps for waxing…but an old friend once told me, “the red and blue combo will get you through anything”, so that’s what I’m going with on my sticks. I also had to replace some Dynafit Speed Tips on one pair of my race skins that I busted at the Sunlight rando race this year. I should be good to go now and already have my American Flag pact on my race suit.
Even though we’ve had blizzard like conditions here in Jackson over the past week, I feel like I’ve been skiing and training a lot. However, I’m also feeling pretty tired these days and I haven’t really been able to punch out the kind of workout I’ve been looking for. There’s not much I can really do about it, but I’ll probably have a couple more race specific training days before I leave, so hopefully it will all come together. Recovering from the long flight over to Europe will be a big part of being able to perform well and I arrive on the 21st , with the opening ceremonies on the 23rd and the first race on the 24th. …giving me a few days to get recover from it. Let’s hope it’s enough.
good luck.. it will be fun to watch. i wonder if they will update a website with results?
Good luck over there Steve. Too bad the American Peso is so weak right now, wouldn’t be such an expensive trip.
Looking forward to your race season ending soon, so we can see more TR’s from the Tetons
But kick some Euro ass whilst over there.
Me too Derek!
It’s been a little tough timing the small weather windows we’ve had this year and balancing work, training, skiing, updating the website…etc. Hopefully the snow doesn’t melt too quick this spring.
Steve
$800… did you say donors or dogowners?
good luck and have fun!
It’s 8:40 pm and another $120 raised today.
You guys are AWESOME!!!!
THANK YOU!!!!!
:shock::) :shock::) :shock::) :shock::) :shock::) :shock::) :shock::) :shock::)
now do you report that as income? and is that tax deductible?
ha ha
Don’t ask don’t tell is how I roll!
RandoSteve,
Good Luck, Glad that you’re representing JH. Thanks for all the trip reports, helps keep me sane through grad-school down here in Laramie.
Hey Steve, though you do not stress about the gear I think that we all, readers of your blog, would like to know some secrets from the background. For example how is it to ski 900g skis comparing to BD Verdicts or if you would exchange few years of your life for some ultralight carbon boots. How did you train express skin application/removal? How many miles (km) did it take to get into racing shape. And so on.
It’s VERY different skiing on my race skis compared to my 190 Verdicts. You kinda have a hunched over…in the back seat style when ripping on the little skis and it’s often not very pretty. The lightweight boots we use don’t help either. Imagine skiing in some down booties…and you’ll get the idea. Repetition is the key for transitions…enough said.
Staying in shape is a year round commitment and immeasurable in miles…more measurable in the sacrifices you have to make to stay competative.
Are you going to get any time off racing to go ski touring?
We have a hut reserved for 2-3 days after the races. ..and I might extend my ticket by a couple days if something comes up. Not sure if I will be able to get out during the week long event of races. If I can…I will…but it’s tough to go on a big tour before a race just the same.