Skiing Farther South
With a recovery week on the schedule Brian Gregg and I headed south this past week for an exciting technique clinic in Illinois and the Madison Super Fit at Fontana. During the drive south I have to admit I was skeptical as we neared Chicago. I had never heard of skiing this far south and had no idea what to expect. A few minutes into what turned out to be an amazing clinic, I was quickly blown away. Not only is there skiing down in Illinois but there is a large, organized contingent of highly motivated skiers. These guys were way into it. With many crushed rock trails and plenty of good roads these skiers enthusiastically don their roller skis and get down to business. Many travel north in the winter to ski trails in Wisconsin but I was also informed that the skiing down there could be fairly good. Over all I was highly impressed. These guys make the most of limited snow, are excited to improve their technique and eagerly travel to compete in the Birkie and various races throughout the Midwest. There really is not substitute for hard work and a positive attitude. Not even countless feet of snow.
After the clinic we headed to Madison to help equip skiers at Fontana. With the aid of a high tech pressure mat the likes of which cannot be found anywhere else in the country I am confident we outfitted people with some great Salomon skis. There are few skis stores in southern Wisconsin and it was great working with Fontana to help develop their role as a prominent ski store. We even got out on a great roller ski with some local Madison skiers on their weekly Sunday roller ski. Once again I was highly impressed with the popularity of skiing this far south and the enthusiasm these skiers bring to the sport.
Skiing in West Yellowstone is right around the corner and I for one am counting down the days.
