For Immediate Release:
DOPERSSUCK.COM AND SOCKGUY DONATE FUNDS TO JUNIOR CYCLISTS
Boulder, CO –March 23, 2007– Dopers Suck and SockGuy are proud to announce the first donation to two deserving Junior Teams from the sale of the Dopers Suck socks in 2006.
The ACA Mudskippers Junior program in Boulder, Colorado and Team Swift Junior Development team based in Fulton, CA., are the two winning junior development teams this year.
ACA Mudskippers Beth Wrenn-Estes, Executive Director of ACA said “ACA is most excited to have Doperssuck.com and Sockguy on board with our ACA Junior CX Team – The Mudskippers. Our philosophy in the ACA is to start all of our juniors out on the right foot and practice fun, fair, and fast. Our mission and that of our sponsors is critical to our success.”
Team Swift Director, Laura Charameda said, “On behalf of the entire Team Swift organization, I would like to express how appreciative and proud we are to have been selected for an award of support from SockGuy and the Dopers Suck Organization. A high standard of honesty and ethics is expected of Team Swift athletes, and more senior riders develop a strong sense of obligation to setting a positive example for the younger Team Swift riders behind them. This award is completely consistent with Team Swift's philosophy that racing must be fair and honest, and moreover, that cycling should always be a
healthy component of every rider's lifestyle.”
Each team will receive $500.00 to help ease the cost of running a high quality junior team in today’s competitive race market. This donation was made possible by the support and sales success of the Dopers Suck socks around the world for the last 6 six months of 2006.
“We hope to write am even bigger check at the end of this year to more deserving Junior Teams as the Dopers Suck message and movement continues to grow every day.” stated SockGuy President, Michael Foley.
Dopers Suck founder and Boulder Cycle Sport owner, Brandon Dwight added, “I want kids to have the opportunity to learn about bicycle racing, and to know they can have fun, stay healthy and be competitive with out taking performance-enhancing drugs.”
Dopers Suck and SockGuy will continue to donate a portion of the proceeds of the socks featuring the Dopers Suck logo each year to junior cycling development programs across the country.
Dopers Suck socks will be available through the Dopers Suck website (www.doperssuck.com), the SockGuy website (www.sockguy.com) and at select SockGuy dealers nationwide. Interested dealers should contact SockGuy at 888.232.5376.
About Team Swift
Team Swift is a community-based cycling development organization that brings cycling to athletes 8-18 yrs in age with an emphasis on enjoyment of cycling as a sustainable component of their individual and family lifestyles. Young riders are coached and mentored as they are introduced to racing. Most such young riders become involved in Team Swift's Performance Plan system that gives them progressively more intensive racing experiences, which historically has resulted in successful elite and professional cyclists emerging from the Team Swift ranks. For more info about Team Swift go to: www.teamswift.org
About ACA Mudskippers
About Dopers Suck
Dopers Suck is an organization that opposes the use of illegal performance enhancing drugs in all sports. For more info visit: www.doperssuck.com.
About SockGuy
SockGuy, manufacturer of the most comfortable socks you’ll ever wear, is a ten-year-old San Diego-based company providing specialty socks that feature superior comfort, cool designs, and extreme durability. SockGuy has hundreds of original sock designs to fit a variety of athletic activities that are sold in thousands of retail locations across the U.S. and distributed throughout Australia, Canada, Europe, New Zealand, and the U.K. The company creates customized logo socks for events, clubs, companies and schools, so they can be found at large and small events everywhere. More information can be found at www.sockguy.com.
###
Contact: Brandon Dwight / 303-444-2453 /
brandon@bouldercyclesport.com
Contact: Michael Foley/ 760-804-1344 /
michael@sockguy.com
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Drizzle Drizzle
The rains coming down. Will there be a race tomorrow with wet dirt roads? Well, I guess today at this point.
The motivation to get out and race is kind of low these days . Maybe that is a good thing. It will come.
CATEYE ROAD RACE
March 24th
Pre-register!
Read more | View/Print Flyer |
Race Status: Scheduled
THE CATEYE RACE IS ON! COME RAIN OR SHINE. DON'T LET THOSE GREAT BELGIAN CONDITIONS STOP YOU FROM AN EPIC DAY OF RACING IN BOULDER! THIS IS THE RACE TO RACE ON SATURDAY.
The motivation to get out and race is kind of low these days . Maybe that is a good thing. It will come.
CATEYE ROAD RACE
March 24th
Pre-register!
Read more | View/Print Flyer |
Race Status: Scheduled
THE CATEYE RACE IS ON! COME RAIN OR SHINE. DON'T LET THOSE GREAT BELGIAN CONDITIONS STOP YOU FROM AN EPIC DAY OF RACING IN BOULDER! THIS IS THE RACE TO RACE ON SATURDAY.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Moving On
The time has changed, so now we have more daylight. It's been nice and warm. It's time to pick up the intensity. I'm moving forward and forgetting the snow.
Here are a couple of rides from the last couple of weeks. The first one was a group ride some Rocky Mountain Racing (powered by Hammer Nutrition). BC emailed me and said the ride would consist of mild to moderate climbing. I should have known better. It was a hammer fest. Everyone was marking their territory. It was a good wake up call for the legs.
The second one is from the the weekend morning Chatfield group ride. That one is also a hammer fest that spit me out the back a couple of times. I found out I need to do more speed work (or just any), but in my jaunt up High Grade afterwards, I discovered my climbing legs are doing well.
RMR Group Ride
Chatfield GrouRide/High Grade
I'm still waiting for March to rear it's ugly head, but so far, so good. Supposedly the Farmer's Almanac is calling for the Mother of all storms this spring.
Here are a couple of rides from the last couple of weeks. The first one was a group ride some Rocky Mountain Racing (powered by Hammer Nutrition). BC emailed me and said the ride would consist of mild to moderate climbing. I should have known better. It was a hammer fest. Everyone was marking their territory. It was a good wake up call for the legs.
The second one is from the the weekend morning Chatfield group ride. That one is also a hammer fest that spit me out the back a couple of times. I found out I need to do more speed work (or just any), but in my jaunt up High Grade afterwards, I discovered my climbing legs are doing well.
RMR Group Ride
Chatfield GrouRide/High Grade
I'm still waiting for March to rear it's ugly head, but so far, so good. Supposedly the Farmer's Almanac is calling for the Mother of all storms this spring.
Friday, March 09, 2007
Anonymous said...
Freddie,
Your words speak for your ability.
No one ever said all groomers and centers were created equal.
By the way, does anyone ever question the quality of service you provide as a corporate bitch?
Also, the Eastern corridor of trails at Devils Thumb is more like 10K, which means there would still be about 90 other K of trail for you to ski. Not enough?
9:48 AM
Delete
ALAN said...
Your anonymity and your lack of contributing anything worthwhile to this disagreement has reached it's end. You have no credibility with your statements and posting anonymously.
I'll answer one more question:
"By the way, does anyone ever question the quality of service you provide as a corporate bitch?"
Yes, they do. I work in a very customer service oriented industry. The customer service is, in reality, the biggest product we provide.
10:01 AM
Delete
Anonymous said...
No credibility?
You don't even want to know.
Actually, you have insulted myself and many other skiers and professionals who carry the passion for this sport.
But acutally this isn't worth my,
or anyone else's time.
I agree that customer service is important, however, you should know that complaining isn't the descent road to resolving your issues.
You are not going to aquire an army of similar complainer's to prove a point, because there are far many more appreciative people that will laugh at you.
1:41 PM
Delete
ALAN said...
I've given you several opportunities to enlighten me. You have yet to do that. All you do is personally attack me. Tell me where I'm off base. Seriously. Tell me your background so I know how credible you are. Tell me what you know about my ability.
How has this offended you? Are you an employee at Devils Thumb? What route should I have taken? Should I have just kept it to myself? My method seemed to have some effect. My issues were noted by the owners.
All you've done is call me a Fred. I'll admit I'm no expert when it comes to skiing, but I do know a fair bit. Please tell me where I'm wrong.
I've always appreciated Devil's Thumb. Until this year, I've skied there almost exclusively. I've encouraged people to go there. I've given them a lot of my money over the last 6 or 7 years.
I've noticed a decline in overall quality in Devil's Thumb this year. Actually, it started last year, but this year was substantial. I got the experiences I had come to expect from Devil's Thumb at other venues this year. Frisco and Snow Mountain Ranch included.
I'm not really sure how my observations are wrong, but since you know I don't carry the torch, I guess they are.
2:08 PM
Delete
Freddie,
Your words speak for your ability.
No one ever said all groomers and centers were created equal.
By the way, does anyone ever question the quality of service you provide as a corporate bitch?
Also, the Eastern corridor of trails at Devils Thumb is more like 10K, which means there would still be about 90 other K of trail for you to ski. Not enough?
9:48 AM
Delete
ALAN said...
Your anonymity and your lack of contributing anything worthwhile to this disagreement has reached it's end. You have no credibility with your statements and posting anonymously.
I'll answer one more question:
"By the way, does anyone ever question the quality of service you provide as a corporate bitch?"
Yes, they do. I work in a very customer service oriented industry. The customer service is, in reality, the biggest product we provide.
10:01 AM
Delete
Anonymous said...
No credibility?
You don't even want to know.
Actually, you have insulted myself and many other skiers and professionals who carry the passion for this sport.
But acutally this isn't worth my,
or anyone else's time.
I agree that customer service is important, however, you should know that complaining isn't the descent road to resolving your issues.
You are not going to aquire an army of similar complainer's to prove a point, because there are far many more appreciative people that will laugh at you.
1:41 PM
Delete
ALAN said...
I've given you several opportunities to enlighten me. You have yet to do that. All you do is personally attack me. Tell me where I'm off base. Seriously. Tell me your background so I know how credible you are. Tell me what you know about my ability.
How has this offended you? Are you an employee at Devils Thumb? What route should I have taken? Should I have just kept it to myself? My method seemed to have some effect. My issues were noted by the owners.
All you've done is call me a Fred. I'll admit I'm no expert when it comes to skiing, but I do know a fair bit. Please tell me where I'm wrong.
I've always appreciated Devil's Thumb. Until this year, I've skied there almost exclusively. I've encouraged people to go there. I've given them a lot of my money over the last 6 or 7 years.
I've noticed a decline in overall quality in Devil's Thumb this year. Actually, it started last year, but this year was substantial. I got the experiences I had come to expect from Devil's Thumb at other venues this year. Frisco and Snow Mountain Ranch included.
I'm not really sure how my observations are wrong, but since you know I don't carry the torch, I guess they are.
2:08 PM
Delete
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Yet another great comment. Insightful. I didn't realize what I chose to wear skiing affected my ability. I'm assuming you dug up one of my old posts. Maybe you should do a little more digging to see the Craft jacket I wear currently.
You don't know me, so how can you comment on my ability? You also are in California, so how do you know about this year's conditions at Devil's Thumb.
I don't expect packed trail every time I ski. I've been skiing long enough to know that, however this year, I didn't have one of those days at Devil's Thumb. I had several of those days at other centers.
I didn't realize that all groomers and centers were created equal. Forgive me for questioning the quality of service for which I pay and comparison shopping.
Freddie, why don't you tell me more about yourself. What is your background?
PS, I've already embraced the sport and life-style.
Alan (Freddie)
If you spent as much time complaining about grooming as you did on developing your skiing skills, you actually might come to embrace a wonderful sport and life-style called Nordic skiing.
Groomers work very hard for skiers to enjoy their sport. People like you should be ashamed of yourself for acting like a bitch. If you want hard ski trails all the time why don't you take up roller-skiing.
take off the bike jersey when you "skate ski" and take a lesson.
sounds like you are the one with the defensive elitist mentality.
yours truly,
a different anonymous person visiting your blog to tell you that your opinion is not valid.
1:43 PM
You don't know me, so how can you comment on my ability? You also are in California, so how do you know about this year's conditions at Devil's Thumb.
I don't expect packed trail every time I ski. I've been skiing long enough to know that, however this year, I didn't have one of those days at Devil's Thumb. I had several of those days at other centers.
I didn't realize that all groomers and centers were created equal. Forgive me for questioning the quality of service for which I pay and comparison shopping.
Freddie, why don't you tell me more about yourself. What is your background?
PS, I've already embraced the sport and life-style.
Alan (Freddie)
If you spent as much time complaining about grooming as you did on developing your skiing skills, you actually might come to embrace a wonderful sport and life-style called Nordic skiing.
Groomers work very hard for skiers to enjoy their sport. People like you should be ashamed of yourself for acting like a bitch. If you want hard ski trails all the time why don't you take up roller-skiing.
take off the bike jersey when you "skate ski" and take a lesson.
sounds like you are the one with the defensive elitist mentality.
yours truly,
a different anonymous person visiting your blog to tell you that your opinion is not valid.
1:43 PM
Friday, March 02, 2007
I'm Bringing This to the Front
See my post about Devil's Thumb Ranch in the link below. It took me a while to reply, but today's comment spurred me along. I'm copy and pasting all the comments below.
http://stabbedandstoned.blogspot.com/2007/02/devils-thumb-ranch.html
4 Comments:
Anonymous said...
My husband and I purchased Devils Thumb Ranch six years ago. We appreciate the feedback that you conveyed on your blog, as we are always looking for ways to improve the Ranch as a whole, and, in particular, the cross country skiing experience for our day and overnight visitors.
When we purchased DTR six years ago, it was starting to show the years of challenging times faced by the Ranch during the late 1980's and 1990s. Though developers had planned to purchase DTR's 400 acres and turn it into a condominium resort, we purchased DTR and the adjacent 3400 acres where most of the trails sat and with the goal of preserving one of the last few mountain based experiences that had not been crowded out by growth or development.
Over the past six years we have done our best to improve the cross country skiing experience for our day and overnight guests. We have invested in expanding and diversifying our trail system, invested in new grooming equipment, built a new cross country ski shop as well as built a day lodge to ensure there was space for day guests to rest and eat. In addition, we built a yurt mid-trail system so skiers would have a scenic spot to warm themselves or take a break.
While our trail quality has been praised by most over the past six years, (we have been rated as one of the top 10 nordic ski centers in North America by a variety of skiing sources over the past five seasons (2003-2007)), over the past two years we have had our challenges primarily due to managing the pine beetle problem facing all of Grand County.
In order to stop the beetles from completely devestating our 4,000 acres of forest as well as mitigate the chance of forest fires, we have been practicing sound land management principles involving the thinning and logging of our forests. We have actually purchased our own logging equipment and have hired two full time loggers to manage the pine beetle kill and stay one step ahead of the problem wherever possible.
In some areas of our 100 +km of trails, this thinning can create a different path of wind in an area which may have been historically sheltered by tree coverage. In addition, the equipment needed to continue this forest management can impact the trails in some areas.
Our skiing staff has ongoing information as to where the most recent areas of forest management are taking place and can steer our guests to the less impacted trails. With 100+ km of trails compared to the smaller trail systems in all other Colorado nordic centers (other than Snow Mountain Ranch), even with our beetle kill maintenance program, we have plenty of great skiing at the Ranch.
Again, we thank you for your feedback. We are doing what we can to ensure that DTR maintains its great cross country skiing reputation as well as ensure that our guest experience remains intimate, recreation based and environmentally friendly.
If you have any other comments or suggestions, you can e mail me directly at scfanch@yahoo.com. With much appreciation----
3:21 PM
Anonymous said...
I forgot to mention that I disagree that our prices have increased dramatically and that Snow Mountain Ranch is much cheaper than our experience. In fact, we are $5 less expensive than Snow Mountain Ranch for weekday skiing ($10 vs $15) and are only $2 higher on the weekends ($15 vs $13). Also, our season pass rates are only $15 higher than Snow Mountain Ranch ($200 vs $185).
In addition, we are not looking for a Vail experience----we feel that most of the mountain properties around Colorado have already used that formula and we do not find it a unique, interesting or intimate experience.
Lastly, I'd love for you to contact me directly so we can hear about the experiences you decided not to include in your blog. We are always looking for ways to improve our property. Again, my e mail address is scfanch@yahoo.com
3:34 PM
Anonymous said...
Alan,
To accuse Devils Thumb Ranch of having sub-par grooming is far from the truth.
To say that their attention to the trail system has seriously degraded is ridiculous.
If anything, the commitment coinciding with the new ownership has greatly improved.
The purchase of new snowmobiles, snowcat, and state of the art facilities speaks for itself. Not to mention hosting the International Spring Series for two consecutive years.
To start, it has been a blessing that for the past couple of seasons we have had great snow. In conjunction, the past couple seasons have brought along substantial winds, not to mention the more exposed terrain due to logging.
Nordic skiers understand and enjoy the fact that the trails are different everyday. Skiing takes place outdoors, not in a gymnasium. The full experience involves the body and mind connection and isn't a tread-mile workout. Ski selection, discipline, technique, waxing, etc., are all part of the equation.
For not knowing 'jack' about grooming, maybe you should ask for advice and get your facts straight before “whining.” This is what burden’s the sports image more than enhancing it.
We all know that there is nothing we can do to manage the weather. In Nordic skiing, we do what we can with what we have. Grooming is often a reaction, and we respond accordingly to what the weather gives us. Sometimes this means grooming late, early, or all day.
In comparison to the multitude of other places you may ski at, Devils Thumb has two snowcats in which they groom 100k. with four staff. (f.y.i.the YMCA has one snowcat, as well as most others) DTR grooms every trail at least every other day depending on conditions, and most 'high-use' trails are sometimes groomed 2-3 times a day especially on weekends due to overlapping. Repetition is not being sacrificed.
Ultimately, most dedicated skiers understand that when conditions are soft it lends itself to optimal 'classic' skiing days with perfect tracks and blue kick wax.
This is a basic rule of thumb. Furthermore, soft snow IS your friend. For those that only 'skate ski', maybe you should try it or then again just stick with alpine.
If anything, we should all be grateful for having snow. (Unlike most other centers around the country that don’t have snow!) And appreciate it!
Was it really that bad?
Finally, as compared to your handful of times skiing, I ski almost everyday.
How can you consider your opinion to be valid?
I've been to many other nordic centers and love them all individually for their differences. However, I wouldn't prefer to ski anywhere else even if it is less expensive. Afterall, you get what you pay for.
Speaking for Nordic professionals as a whole, we work within it because we appreciate the sport and lifestyle. It’s not about the money, because we don't get paid enough!
See you on the trails, or maybe not.
Hope this addresses the issues you wrote about.
8:12 PM
ALAN said...
Who are you? You come to my blog and tell me my opinion is not valid, but you don't state your name. Give me a break.
The owners had better class than you in their statements.
I based my opinion on the current state of the trail system by skiing at Devil's Thumb for the last six years. Just because you have skied more than me doesn't make my opinion not valid. After all, I am the customer. I'm not the only one that has noticed the lack of attention to the trails, so maybe this is a bit of a wake up call.
One of the last times I skied there, Black 10 was the "groomer's choice." Well the groomer's choice had about 1k that wasn't groomed. the rest of the k was soft. You're right, I just skate ski, but when you groom trails for skate skiers (it is a growing segment of the sport) those trails should be enjoyable. The soft snow isn't enjoyable every time out. That is what I experienced at Devil's Thumb this year. Even on days where there wasn't a significant snowfall within several days of my visit, the trails would still be soft.
Also, the last time I was there, the entire section of Lactic Grande, South Fork, Double Poll, Disco, Inferno, and Priceless were not groomed at all and there were several inches of snow on the trails. That's what? A solid 15 to 20k? I've done my share of skiing in fresh, ungroomed snow, but that was a bit much considering my previous visits there.
Customer service: My first issue this year was the season pass. I usually make it up the first weekend in December for my first trip of the season. The season pass "early bird" price is usually still available. This year? No. Was this stated on the website? No. In any kind of mailer? No. I, as a previous season pass holder, had no clue that the price was going to jump that much.
Another time, I needed a rivet for my boot. I asked an employee at the ski shop if there were any in stock for purchase. I like this guy, and I've talked with him several times before. His response to my question was, "I don't think so." Did he check? No. Did he offer to check? No. He just looked at me and said again, "I don't think so." I went to Snow Mountain Ranch a couple of weeks later, and they went in the back and looked for a rivet. When they didn't have any, they ordered some.
The waxing facilities are mediocre at best considering the level of nordic center Devil's Thumb is attempting to achieve.
I've skied at several centers. Devil's Thumb, Grand Lake, Frisco, Snow Mountain Ranch, Lone Mountain Ranch, and Bohart Ranch to name some of the top of my head. I have some idea of what I'm talking about. I also did ask someone I know that has worked in the industry about grooming.
From your statements, I could take a guess and say you work at Devil's Thumb. I could definitely be wrong, but for you to work in the industry and tell me as a customer that my opinion is not valid is utterly ridiculous. Why don't you tell me who you are so I can make sure I never ski at your nordic center?
Your comments and attitude are exactly the reason I was hesitant about brining up the topic, and why I would never mention it to those in charge at the ski center. The place reeks of this defensive, elitist mentality.
For what it's worth, I've been alpine skiing no more than 3 times in the last 5 years. Also, I've always been a huge proponent of Devil's Thumb. I've stated those opinions on this blog, and I've encouraged others to go there because I do love the place.
The big question now is: will you identify yourself?
9:29 PM
http://stabbedandstoned.blogspot.com/2007/02/devils-thumb-ranch.html
4 Comments:
Anonymous said...
My husband and I purchased Devils Thumb Ranch six years ago. We appreciate the feedback that you conveyed on your blog, as we are always looking for ways to improve the Ranch as a whole, and, in particular, the cross country skiing experience for our day and overnight visitors.
When we purchased DTR six years ago, it was starting to show the years of challenging times faced by the Ranch during the late 1980's and 1990s. Though developers had planned to purchase DTR's 400 acres and turn it into a condominium resort, we purchased DTR and the adjacent 3400 acres where most of the trails sat and with the goal of preserving one of the last few mountain based experiences that had not been crowded out by growth or development.
Over the past six years we have done our best to improve the cross country skiing experience for our day and overnight guests. We have invested in expanding and diversifying our trail system, invested in new grooming equipment, built a new cross country ski shop as well as built a day lodge to ensure there was space for day guests to rest and eat. In addition, we built a yurt mid-trail system so skiers would have a scenic spot to warm themselves or take a break.
While our trail quality has been praised by most over the past six years, (we have been rated as one of the top 10 nordic ski centers in North America by a variety of skiing sources over the past five seasons (2003-2007)), over the past two years we have had our challenges primarily due to managing the pine beetle problem facing all of Grand County.
In order to stop the beetles from completely devestating our 4,000 acres of forest as well as mitigate the chance of forest fires, we have been practicing sound land management principles involving the thinning and logging of our forests. We have actually purchased our own logging equipment and have hired two full time loggers to manage the pine beetle kill and stay one step ahead of the problem wherever possible.
In some areas of our 100 +km of trails, this thinning can create a different path of wind in an area which may have been historically sheltered by tree coverage. In addition, the equipment needed to continue this forest management can impact the trails in some areas.
Our skiing staff has ongoing information as to where the most recent areas of forest management are taking place and can steer our guests to the less impacted trails. With 100+ km of trails compared to the smaller trail systems in all other Colorado nordic centers (other than Snow Mountain Ranch), even with our beetle kill maintenance program, we have plenty of great skiing at the Ranch.
Again, we thank you for your feedback. We are doing what we can to ensure that DTR maintains its great cross country skiing reputation as well as ensure that our guest experience remains intimate, recreation based and environmentally friendly.
If you have any other comments or suggestions, you can e mail me directly at scfanch@yahoo.com. With much appreciation----
3:21 PM
Anonymous said...
I forgot to mention that I disagree that our prices have increased dramatically and that Snow Mountain Ranch is much cheaper than our experience. In fact, we are $5 less expensive than Snow Mountain Ranch for weekday skiing ($10 vs $15) and are only $2 higher on the weekends ($15 vs $13). Also, our season pass rates are only $15 higher than Snow Mountain Ranch ($200 vs $185).
In addition, we are not looking for a Vail experience----we feel that most of the mountain properties around Colorado have already used that formula and we do not find it a unique, interesting or intimate experience.
Lastly, I'd love for you to contact me directly so we can hear about the experiences you decided not to include in your blog. We are always looking for ways to improve our property. Again, my e mail address is scfanch@yahoo.com
3:34 PM
Anonymous said...
Alan,
To accuse Devils Thumb Ranch of having sub-par grooming is far from the truth.
To say that their attention to the trail system has seriously degraded is ridiculous.
If anything, the commitment coinciding with the new ownership has greatly improved.
The purchase of new snowmobiles, snowcat, and state of the art facilities speaks for itself. Not to mention hosting the International Spring Series for two consecutive years.
To start, it has been a blessing that for the past couple of seasons we have had great snow. In conjunction, the past couple seasons have brought along substantial winds, not to mention the more exposed terrain due to logging.
Nordic skiers understand and enjoy the fact that the trails are different everyday. Skiing takes place outdoors, not in a gymnasium. The full experience involves the body and mind connection and isn't a tread-mile workout. Ski selection, discipline, technique, waxing, etc., are all part of the equation.
For not knowing 'jack' about grooming, maybe you should ask for advice and get your facts straight before “whining.” This is what burden’s the sports image more than enhancing it.
We all know that there is nothing we can do to manage the weather. In Nordic skiing, we do what we can with what we have. Grooming is often a reaction, and we respond accordingly to what the weather gives us. Sometimes this means grooming late, early, or all day.
In comparison to the multitude of other places you may ski at, Devils Thumb has two snowcats in which they groom 100k. with four staff. (f.y.i.the YMCA has one snowcat, as well as most others) DTR grooms every trail at least every other day depending on conditions, and most 'high-use' trails are sometimes groomed 2-3 times a day especially on weekends due to overlapping. Repetition is not being sacrificed.
Ultimately, most dedicated skiers understand that when conditions are soft it lends itself to optimal 'classic' skiing days with perfect tracks and blue kick wax.
This is a basic rule of thumb. Furthermore, soft snow IS your friend. For those that only 'skate ski', maybe you should try it or then again just stick with alpine.
If anything, we should all be grateful for having snow. (Unlike most other centers around the country that don’t have snow!) And appreciate it!
Was it really that bad?
Finally, as compared to your handful of times skiing, I ski almost everyday.
How can you consider your opinion to be valid?
I've been to many other nordic centers and love them all individually for their differences. However, I wouldn't prefer to ski anywhere else even if it is less expensive. Afterall, you get what you pay for.
Speaking for Nordic professionals as a whole, we work within it because we appreciate the sport and lifestyle. It’s not about the money, because we don't get paid enough!
See you on the trails, or maybe not.
Hope this addresses the issues you wrote about.
8:12 PM
ALAN said...
Who are you? You come to my blog and tell me my opinion is not valid, but you don't state your name. Give me a break.
The owners had better class than you in their statements.
I based my opinion on the current state of the trail system by skiing at Devil's Thumb for the last six years. Just because you have skied more than me doesn't make my opinion not valid. After all, I am the customer. I'm not the only one that has noticed the lack of attention to the trails, so maybe this is a bit of a wake up call.
One of the last times I skied there, Black 10 was the "groomer's choice." Well the groomer's choice had about 1k that wasn't groomed. the rest of the k was soft. You're right, I just skate ski, but when you groom trails for skate skiers (it is a growing segment of the sport) those trails should be enjoyable. The soft snow isn't enjoyable every time out. That is what I experienced at Devil's Thumb this year. Even on days where there wasn't a significant snowfall within several days of my visit, the trails would still be soft.
Also, the last time I was there, the entire section of Lactic Grande, South Fork, Double Poll, Disco, Inferno, and Priceless were not groomed at all and there were several inches of snow on the trails. That's what? A solid 15 to 20k? I've done my share of skiing in fresh, ungroomed snow, but that was a bit much considering my previous visits there.
Customer service: My first issue this year was the season pass. I usually make it up the first weekend in December for my first trip of the season. The season pass "early bird" price is usually still available. This year? No. Was this stated on the website? No. In any kind of mailer? No. I, as a previous season pass holder, had no clue that the price was going to jump that much.
Another time, I needed a rivet for my boot. I asked an employee at the ski shop if there were any in stock for purchase. I like this guy, and I've talked with him several times before. His response to my question was, "I don't think so." Did he check? No. Did he offer to check? No. He just looked at me and said again, "I don't think so." I went to Snow Mountain Ranch a couple of weeks later, and they went in the back and looked for a rivet. When they didn't have any, they ordered some.
The waxing facilities are mediocre at best considering the level of nordic center Devil's Thumb is attempting to achieve.
I've skied at several centers. Devil's Thumb, Grand Lake, Frisco, Snow Mountain Ranch, Lone Mountain Ranch, and Bohart Ranch to name some of the top of my head. I have some idea of what I'm talking about. I also did ask someone I know that has worked in the industry about grooming.
From your statements, I could take a guess and say you work at Devil's Thumb. I could definitely be wrong, but for you to work in the industry and tell me as a customer that my opinion is not valid is utterly ridiculous. Why don't you tell me who you are so I can make sure I never ski at your nordic center?
Your comments and attitude are exactly the reason I was hesitant about brining up the topic, and why I would never mention it to those in charge at the ski center. The place reeks of this defensive, elitist mentality.
For what it's worth, I've been alpine skiing no more than 3 times in the last 5 years. Also, I've always been a huge proponent of Devil's Thumb. I've stated those opinions on this blog, and I've encouraged others to go there because I do love the place.
The big question now is: will you identify yourself?
9:29 PM
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