Published: Thu Oct 23, 2008 2:00 AM MDT

The Yellowstone Ski Festival offers many exciting options for Nordic skiers and their families. We have fun for all ages. Of course, the week is full of Nordic clinics, races, demos, presentations, and exhibits. However, did you know that the Yellowstone Ski Festival also offers daily yoga and Pilates classes, childrens programs, and free novice Nordic ski and biathlon lessons? Bring the whole gang and experience the Nordic side of West Yellowstone.

The Yellowstone Ski Festival has recently released the schedule of events for November 24th through the 28th. Please note, this schedule is subject to change and any revisions will be posted online at yellowstoneskifestival.com/schedule.html

Mark your calendars now and we look forward to seeing you at the 2008 Yellowstone Ski Festival!

Monday, November 24
7:00 to 8:00PM Clinic Registration

Tuesday, November 25
6:30AM Yoga class with Bodywise Massage and Yoga $10 per session
7:30 to 8:00AM Clinic Registration
8:30AM Five day clinic begins
8:30AM to 3:00PM Try It and Buy It Gear Demo on the Rendezvous Ski Trails
10:00AM Wild Winter Kids Program at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center
12:00 Noon Pilates class with Pilates by Anna $10 per session
5:00PM Registration closes for ALL SuperTour races
7:00 to 9:00PM Opening Night! Indoor Ski Show at the Holiday Inn
7:00PM Start Wax Clinic
7:00PM Harmless A film by Tough Guy Productions Presented by Rossignol
8:00PM U.S. Ski Team Athlete Presentation

Wednesday, November 26
6:30AM Yoga class with Bodywise Massage and Yoga $10 per session
8:30AM Five day clinic continues
8:30am to 3:00PM Try It and Buy It Gear Demo on the Rendezvous Ski Trails
10:00AM Wild Winter Kids Program at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center
10:30AM 12 Noon Try It Biathlon Demonstration sponsored by the USBA. Open to all at no cost. Come try biathlon - basic instruction and equipment provided
12:00 Noon Pilates class with Pilates by Anna $10 per session
3:30 to 4:30PM Ski with the Best. Free lessons with Saab Salomon and CXC Team Athletes
4:00 to 5:00PM Biathlon Sprint Race Registration - Holiday Inn Snow Desk
5:00PM SuperTour Classic Race Coaches Meeting
6:00 PM Swix Wax Clinic
6:30PM Biathlon Sprint Race Coaches Meeting
7:00 to 9:00PM Indoor Ski Show at the Holiday Inn
7:00PM Solda Wax Clinic
7:30PM to 8:30PM Rossignol Presentation with athletes at Freeheel and Wheel Wine and Cheese served.
8:00PM A Dozen More Turns: A film by Amber Seyler Presented by the Friends of the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center

Thursday, November 27
6:30AM Yoga class with Bodywise Massage and Yoga $10 per session
7:30 to 8:00AM Clinic Registration
8:30AM Five day clinic continues /Three day & One day clinics begin
8:30AM to 4:00PM Try It and Buy It Gear Demo on the Rendezvous Ski Trails
8:30AM Classic Race Course Inspection
9:00AM Altius Handcrafted Firearms Biathlon Sprint Race
10:00AM Wild Winter Kids Program at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center
11:00AM Altius Handcrafted Firearms Novice Biathlon Race Rifles provided
12:00 Noon Yoga class with Bodywise Massage and Yoga $10 per session
3:00PM Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot. Costumes encouraged
7:00PM Indoor Ski Show CLOSED for Thanksgiving

Friday, November 28
6:30AM Yoga class with Bodywise Massage and Yoga $10 per session
8:15AM to 12:00 Noon Montana Outdoor Science School Program for grades K 2 Bone Detectives Pre-registration required
8:15AM to 4:30PM Montana Outdoor Science School Program for grades 3 6 Natures Fury Pre-registration required
8:30AM Five, Three, & One day clinics continue
8:30AM Two day Junior Race clinic begins
8:30AM to 3:00PM Try It and Buy It Gear Demo on the Rendezvous Ski Trails
10:00AM SuperTour Classic Race Starts
10:00AM Wild Winter Kids Program at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center
12:00 Noon Pilates class with Pilates by Anna $10 per session
1:30 to 4:30PM Montana Outdoor Science School Program for grades K 2 Snow Forts! Pre-registration required
4:00PM to 7:00PM Boulder Nordic Sport Open House 415 Yellowstone Ave.
5:00PM SuperTour Freestyle Race Coaches Meeting
5:30 to 7:30PM Happy Hour at the Iron Horse Saloon
6:00PM Start Wax Clinic
6:30 Saab Salomon Factory Team at Freeheel and Wheel
7:00 to 9:00PM Indoor Ski Show at the Holiday Inn. Final Night!!
7:00PM TOKO Wax Clinic
8:00PM Featured Speaker and Raffle to benefit WYSEF and the West Yellowstone Nordic Ski Team

Saturday, November 28
6:30AM Yoga class with Bodywise Massage and Yoga $10 per session
8:15AM to 12:00 Noon Montana Outdoor Science School Program for grades K 2 Tracks & Trails Pre-registration required
8:15AM to 4:30PM Montana Outdoor Science School Program for grades 3 6 Predators! Pre-registration required
8:30AM Five, Three, & One day clinics continue
8:30AM Two day Junior Race Clinic continues.
8:30AM to 3:00PM Try It and Buy It Gear Demo on the Rendezvous Ski Trails
10:00AM SuperTour Freestyle Race Start
10:00AM Wild Winter Kids Program at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center
1:30 to 4:30PM Montana Outdoor Science School Program for grades K 2 Animal Architects Pre-registration required
7:00PM Team Introductions Saab Salomon Factory Team, Rossignol Nordic Racing; Team Atomic, Team Alpina; Team Madshus USA; U.S. Ski Team
Awards Ceremony SuperTour
Closing Comments
9:00PM End of Week Celebration at the Iron Horse Saloon featuring Steam Powered Airplane. Sponsored by the Grand Teton Brewing Company and the West Yellowstone Holiday Inn

For all other questions about the Yellowstone Ski Festival, please contact Sara Hoovler at 406-599-4465 or info@yellowstoneskifestival.com

See you on the snow this November in West Yellowstone!

Published: Mon Aug 25, 2008 2:00 AM MDT

Updated: Mon Aug 25, 2008 11:13 AM MDT

At the height of the roller ski season, Webskis.com is offering a special discounted rollerski package, including the amazing Alpina rollerski specific boots, your choice of ski model, bindings and mounting.

The classic package includes Alpina classic rollerski boots, Pro-ski classic roller skis, NNN R3 classic bindings and free binding mounting. This $697 value is being offered for $550. The skate ski package includes Alpina skate rollerski boots, Pro-Ski skate skis, NNN R3 skate binding and free binding mount. This $772 retail value is offered at $600. Webskis.com is offering this
package until Labor Day Weekend.

Monday, September 8, 2008 will be the last day to order this special package. Skiers can check out the equipment at http://www.webskis.com. Orders for rollerski packages can be placed on-line. Simply select each item in your package and check out. We will discount the price of your package accordingly prior to charging your card. Or simply call and ask for Bert to get set up for some excellent rolling in late summer and fall.

For many years Pro-Ski rollerskis have been used by high-level cross-country athletes for ski-specific training in the summer and fall. The trusty C2 and C3 models have been the choice for classic skiing with the wide rubber wheels and the ratcheted rear wheel. The newer Roadline Tech is designed with a smaller ratcheted wheel in the front. This helps foster better technique as it requires the skier weight on the ball of the foot when initiating the kick phase.

For skate ski training the two Pro-Ski models most in use are the S2 and the S5E. The S2 rolls on small (wheel diameter: 70 mm; wheel width: 30 mm), fast wheels that are suitable for smooth pavement surfaces. The S5E has taller, narrower wheels (wheel diameter 100 mm; wheel width 23 mm). These roll more smoothly on rougher surfaces and chip seal pavement.

Skiers who have smooth surface loops to train on have been asking the people at Pro-Ski to develop an S2 style ski for classic skiing. That rollerski is now available. Called, logically, the S2 Classic, it sports the same fast urethane wheels at its skate ski cousin.

The S2 Classic would be an excellent choice for the skier desiring an easier rolling ski for those long double pole workouts, especially up hill where the C2 or C3 would have much more resistance.

Skiers often use their old boots for roller skiing in the summer. The problem with this is that older boots are usually pretty well worn out. The soles are soft and the support at the ankle for skate skiing is less than perfect. The very nature of roller skiing begs for boots with more control.

Alpina has developed a rollerski specific boot that is lighter and cooler than winter ski boots.The classic model is cut low like a tennis shoe and the skate version has an open upper with a sturdy, light titanium cuff. Read the rest of this entry »

Published: Mon Jul 14, 2008 2:00 AM MDT

Updated: Mon Jul 14, 2008 9:27 AM MDT

Robert Douglas and Ilke Van Genechten outpaced the field in the 10km Climb to Mountain Top - the first event in the NENSA Summer Rollerski Series. The pack stayed together for the first several kilometers, spreading out as the grade increased. Winner Douglas broike away from Montana State University skier, Norweighan Anders Folleras on the final climb to take the victory by an impressive 50 seconds. Jessed Downs claimed the third spot, +1:13.

In the women's race, Van Genechten (Madshus) won by an identical 50 second margin, with Alex Jospe (Alpina/CSU)tkaing second. Seventeen year-old Keely Levins finished third, +1:53.

Skiers raced on matched V2 850 rollerskis, making for an equal playing field. Twenty-seven athletes participated, rising to the challenge of hot humid weather and a brutal course climbing mor than 1000 feet.

Full Results

All photos courtesy of Augie Levins

Keely Levins Leading Ilke Van Genechten @ 1K

Jimmy Levins Grabs a Drink

Festivities at the Finish. Refreshments courtesy of Mountain Top Inn.

Published: Sun Jun 29, 2008 2:00 AM MDT

After three successful seasons as one of the most dominate cross-country ski teams in Canada, it is with regret that the INDi2010 Racing Team announces that it will dissolve for the 2008-2009 season.

Editor's Note: This is the second top Canadian team to fold this spring, following in the footsteps of the X-C.com Race Team (read the article on the dissolution of X-C.com)

The decision comes after yet another successful winter, which saw the team qualify all six athletes for World Cup competition in Canada, collect numerous NorAm Cup and National Championship medals, and rack up an impressive 51 podium appearances. Tight team comradely and continued success makes the decision very difficult, but ultimately future international success has been given an absolute priority, and other opportunities for further performance have become available to much of the team.

The INDi2010 Racing Team was founded in 2005 by a group of athletes looking for a team structure that would allow them to achieve international excellence in the absence National Team support. Over three winters the team has seen a star-studded cast including Gordon Jewett, Rhonda Jewett, Jeff Ellis, Karla Mika, Adam Kates, Tara Whitten, Robin McKeever, Mark Doble, Skeets Morel, Tasha Betcherman and Dan Roycroft. The team was founded on the principle of an athlete managed program in which the athletes were directly responsible for running the team, and while this makeup allowed for great flexibility, it was also an additional burden for the athletes to compete at an international level while also managing the program.

The highlights of the INDi2010 program were numerous and included multiple World Cup and World Championship appearances, as well as dominance in North American events with US SuperTour, NorAm and Canadian Championships titles a common occurrence. For a self managed group of athletes the 190 podium appearances over three seasons are nothing short of spectacular.

“Its really sad to close the doors on the team. It was the best three seasons of my ski career, and what we achieved together is infinitely gratifying,” said Gordon Jewett, one of three team members who has been part of the INDi2010 program since it's inception. “At the end of the day we all have to make decisions that give us the best chance of reaching our ski racing goals, but it's very hard to split up a group of athletes that I felt were so mutually successful.”

Team cofounder Karla Mika added, “We achieved so much together as a team and although I am sad that we are not continuing, I also realize that change can be a very good thing. I honestly believe that it will be the catalyst that propels us towards our individual goals.”

While the initiative for the INDi2010 program came from the athletes themselves, the network of support behind the team was the cog that allowed the team to operate as a well-oiled machine. The athletes are grateful to all of the individuals and sponsors who made this initiative possible over the past three seasons.

Coaches and Technicians
Genevieve Renart, Mike and Judy Mappin, Zach Caldwell, Mike Cavaliere, Dave Morel, Ulf Kleppe and Mike Neary.

Corporate Sponsors
Fischer, Exel, Alpina, Digica Computers, Bow View Homes, Podiumwear by Bora, SkiTrax Magazine, SOLDA', Canmore Nordic Sport Services, Brooks Canada, Canmore Printcraft, CIBC Wood Gundy, Fresh Air Experience, Icebreaker, Start Ski Wax, Scott Manktelow Design, SOS Headwear, Cross Country Alberta and the Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks & Wildlife Foundation.

Individual Supporters
Jamie Coatsworth, Ann Gallie, Joan, Chris, David McDonald and Gary Gilles, Brenda Gallie, Paul, Wendy and Amy Kates, Jack Cook, Rich McKenzie, Jennifer Groundwater, Scott Manktelow, Dougal McCreath, Dale and Nianne Foley, Deborah dePass and Ian McQueen, David Guttman, Patty Glover, Silvia Stettler, Alex and Lorraine Sandau, Bulkley Valley Ski Club, Harry Vanderlugt, Don and Dianne Ellis, Will and Sheila Davis, Jane Gallie, Nancy McFadyen, Jerilyn Roycroft, Greg Goodwin, Philip Betcherman, Teresa White, Cindy Sandau, The Wiercinski Family, Jeannie McBroom, Dominic Bradford, Michael Jewett, Jana Mika, Dan Gilligan, Rick Morson, Robin Sandau, Chuck and Mary Whitten, Nuno Borges and Franny Jewett, Angus Doughty and Sian-Lee Leyshon-Doughty and Richard Lemoine and Debbie Friendly.

Without the support of these individuals and organizations the INDi2010 concept would have died a quick death. All of the athletes that have been a part of this program are grateful beyond words for the helping hands that pushed them along the trails and up the mountains over the past three seasons.

The current members of the INDi2010 Racing Team, while scattering, continue to pursue their Olympic dreams in the coming seasons. Gordon and Rhonda Jewett have joined the new Alberta World Cup Academy, Dan Roycroft and Tasha Betcherman have joined the Callaghan Valley Training Centre, while Skeets Morel and Karla Mika continue to chase international results with individualized programs.

The Independent Nordic Development Initiative, which is the non-profit organization behind the INDi2010 Racing Team, will continue to operate under the guidance of many of the current team members. The intention is for this organization to continue to support the Canadian ski community in pursuing grassroots development opportunities in the future, in an effort to ensure that Canadian ski racers have the necessary support to pursue their international dreams.

The INDi2010 Racing Team at the 2010 Olympic venue for the 2008 Canadian Championships in March (left to right: Skeets Morel, Tasha Betcherman, Gordon Jewett, Karla Mika, Dan Roycroft, Rhonda Jewett).

The INDi2010 Racing Team at the 2010 Olympic venue for the 2008 Canadian Championships in March (left to right: Skeets Morel, Tasha Betcherman, Gordon Jewett, Karla Mika, Dan Roycroft, Rhonda Jewett)

Published: Mon Jun 16, 2008 2:00 AM MDT

Roller-skiing is one of the best forms of ski training and also one of the most dangerous. Unlike on snow, where a controlled fall can salvage many situations and a skilled skier can stop on a dime, skiing on the road can be unforgiving in the extreme, and bailing out should be used only as a last resort.

But you should not feel as if you are putting your life on the line every time you strap on your rollers. Taking the proper safety precautions and making smart decisions can keep you healthy and happy on your skis.

Equipment:

Having the right equipment, and equipment that is functioning properly is the key to effective roller-skiing.

Skis: Obviously you need these. If you are buying new skis, make sure you think long and hard about ski speed. Get skis that match your ability too slow and you will be V1ing the downhills, too fast and you will be dreading every change in grade. If you are not a confident roller-skier, skis on the slower side will be safer and more comfortable. The good news is that there are plenty of options on this front. Talk to your local ski shop, WebSkis (purveyors of the renowned Pro-Skis - http://www.webskis.com ), or FinnSisu (distributor of the Finnish Marwes - http://www.finnsisu.com ) for advice on specific models.

If you are using old skis either your own or someone elses be certain to give them a good look-over before heading out. Make sure the wheels spin freely and without grinding or grating noises a sign that the bearings are going bad. Check to be sure that the bindings are tight and that they function properly. The vibrations of the road can cause screws to work loose and weak bindings to open unexpectedly while skiing. Finally, check the shaft and forks. Look for signs of cracking in the shaft and carefully check areas where parts are screwed together (i.e. where fork meets shaft). Play it safe if something looks bad, get it checked out, or replace the part. While roller-skis are expensive, replacement parts (other than wheels in most cases) are not overly pricey. It is worth $15 for a new bearing to avoid the rather unpleasant experience of having a wheel seize up.

Hopefully you didnt put away your skis looking like this. Be sure all parts are rolling smoothly and structural integrity is good

Poles: Get road ferrules for roller-skiing. Snow baskets will break, no question. This is less of a safety issue, but having a pole tip go halfway out on a three-hour ski can be annoying to say the least. Sharpen old road tips with a diamond whetstone to keep them sticking well. Dull tips will greatly reduce the efficacy of your workout. Once you start sharpening, you will need to do it with some frequency.

Also, make sure tips are well secured. Glue will soften in the heat of the summer and tips will tend to rotate on the pole, causing you to miss poles and increase the likelihood of breaking the tip.

If you want to be extra careful, carry a spare road tip in your water bottle holder. If you roll a lot, you are bound break one eventually. You can easily swap a tip on the road with the help of a running car stick the tip in the tail pipe for a minute to warm the glue.

Dont even think about it

yes!

Sharp tips equals happy roller-skiing

Helmet: Wear one. If you dont you are crazy no matter how good a skier you are. There are so many variables outside the control of the skier in roller-skiing, and the ability to stop quickly and recover from equipment failures is limited. Here is a partial list of events that can cause a serious crash all independent of the skier:

- Rock/stick in the wheel
- Wheel falling off
- Ski shaft breaking
- Wheel bearing seizing
- Binding coming loose
- Traffic hazards (cars pulling out, stopping suddenly, etc)
- Pavement hazards (potholes, loose gravel, etc)
- Wheel melting

Skills will give you a better chance of coming out of the above situations unscathed, but it isnt worth trusting your life to fragile equipment and drivers.

Dont leave home without it

Gloves: Some people like to roller-ski without gloves. Most people end up with blisters. From a comfort stand point, do what you please. A pair of roller-skiing specific gloves are nice a breathable mesh back, but full coverage on the front. Gloves also protect your hands if you go down many people tend to put their hands out when they fall resulting in severely scraped palms.

Time for some new ones (the scary thing is that they smell worse than they look). These are roller-ski specific gloves lightweight, with a mesh back. Seven good years of use

Boots: Many people use old ski boots that they have retired from on-snow (or at least racing) use. Roller-skiing is tough on boots the skis are heavy, putting more stress on the boots, and the rain, mud, salt, etc, that are encountered on the road will contribute to breakdown. Add 3+ years of snow skiing on them and roller-ski boots are often barely holding on.

If you have an option, it is best not to use your brand new racing boots on the road. However, old flexed out boots are floppy and offer much less control and support. This can be a significant safety issue especially when navigating corners, obstacles, etc. Be smart and retire your old boots before they do the same to you.

Alpina makes a roller-ski specific ski boot, available at WebSkis.com. If you do a lot of rolling, these could be a good investment. FasterSkier will have a full review of these boots later in the summer.

It may be time to retire these after three seasons of on-snow use, and twice that on rollers

A roller-skiers dream come true

Reflective Vest: If you are ever going to be roller-skiing in low light conditions, be sure to wear a reflective vest. Dusk and dawn are notoriously difficult times for drivers to see. If you stick to the full daylight, a very bright top will do the trick.

Skiing in the dark is also a viable option but be sure to have the reflective vest, a very good headlamp (preferably a high output rechargeable lamp like the Mila mila.com), and a rear flasher. There are a number of reflective bands that can be clipped around your calf some offer bright flashing capabilities.

Stylish AND functional!

It reflects, it flashes, it stays lit, if only it could cook

Pads: This is personal preference. Pads can be cumbersome and uncomfortable, but slapping some on your knees might give you the confidence and peace of mind to get out there. Sometimes beginners will wear them as they get started, and after they become more comfortable, they will relegate them to the back of the gear closet. Overall, pads are mainly protecting you from skinned knees and elbows, but in theory they could save you significant damage in a large crash.

Brakes/Speed Reducers: Many roller-skis can be outfitted with brakes or speed reducers. Brakes are an active mechanism that the skier can engage at will, as speed and terrain vary. Speed reducers are usually adjusted occasionally at the top of a large hill for example, and then disengaged at the bottom.

Stopping and slowing on roller-skis is not an easy thing to do. Brakes and speed reducers are an excellent addition that will give you more control. See if you can demo some before buying to make sure you feel comfortable with the operation.

Skills:

Skills are the best way to avoid injury. And skills come from experience and practice. Dont rush yourself or take risks while roller-skiing. It is not worth it. Get comfortable on easy terrain. Both stopping and slowing are not easy on roller-skis and require some practice. Start on easy terrain get up to speed on a flat and then try to slow down.

There are a number of strategies for slowing, but the most tried and true is a form of snowplow. Wheels will not slide sideways on the road the way a ski will, so you need to create friction in another way. Spread your legs wide, and allow your skis to tip in on the inside edge of the wheels, form a slight V and apply hard lateral pressure to both skis. You can change the amount of braking by adjusting the amount of pressure on the skis and the distance between them.

All dressed up and ready to skiIf you look good, do skills even matter. Yes actually.

On The Road:

The most important aspects of roller-ski safety are the decisions you make on the roads. If you can avoid dangerous situations you dont have to worry too much about bailing out, rapid stops, etc.

Where You Ski: Know your route. On a bike, it is easy to explore, checking out interesting looking side roads. It is always a good idea to mix up your training, and if you are in a new place, roller-skiing can be a great way to learn the area. BUT be very careful about heading into unknown hills and corners. The safest thing is to drive or bike a route before skiing it. A roller-skiers worst nightmare is to come around a corner at high speed and see a stop sign or traffic light and a busy perpendicular road. If you are exploring on skis, be extra cautious; take blind hills and corners slowly, and consider walking. Pay attention to the pavement conditions.

Road Etiquette: Always ski single file when skiing in a group. Most people roll with the direction of traffic (like biking), but others choose to head into traffic. Either will work, and sometimes crossing the road to stay on the outside of sharp corners is a good idea. Do not ski on high traffic roads unless there is a very wide shoulder.

Take responsibility for yourself. Do not trust that cars will yield. If the shoulder is narrow and you are skating, double pole when cars and trucks come by. Wear bright clothing so drivers can see you, and be extra alert if you choose to roller-ski in low-visibility conditions such as dusk or fog.

Why we roller-ski so we can admire our reflection in the car window where the curvature of the glass makes us look HUGE

In Conclusion:

Some small scrapes and bruises will come with the territory, but big crashes and serious injuries are not inevitable when roller-skiing. If you take care of your equipment, wear a helmet, and make smart decisions, you can take advantage of the training opportunities that roller-skiing provides.

Hit the road figuratively of course

The requisite low-angle action shot

By Mike Trecker
Published: Thu May 29, 2008 2:00 AM MDT

ASPEN, CO The Lost Man Loop on Independence Pass is one of Colorados favorite day hikes and spring ski tours, topping out at an altitude of 12,800 feet high above Aspen. Normally skied by driving to the trailhead as soon as the pass opens, my wife Natalie and I decided to give it a try even though heavy snow has kept Independence closed for another week. To make this adventure happen, we packed up our trusty Madshus Nanosonic skate skis on our Alpina team issue packs and hopped aboard our road bikes for the hour and a half bicycle to the Lower Lost Man trail head.

Once there, we stashed our cycling gear behind some trees at the trailhead and geared up for a long climb to Lost Man saddle at 12,800 feet. The normally reliable freeze at 10,000 feet didnt materialize the night before, and what might have been an easy cruise turned into a wet, dirty slog for most of the day, but we were committed to making the loop over Lost Man and back around to the car. Climbing ever higher, skating became increasingly more difficult and we eventually succumbed, making it to the top with a mixed side step and herringbone technique. But we made it, and for me, this first time out in the big backcountry after years of groomed trails and in-bounds skiing, felt like a great accomplishment. The total beauty was inspiring and the depth of view and steepness of the surrounding slopes brought on a feeling of vertigo. What utter joy to make it.

Over the top we were able to carve some solid turns before we bottomed out in the valley below. Natalie and I spent the next hour and a half figuring out good, downhill, V-1 technique as the snow was impossibly slow. Near the ghost town of Independence, the snow finally gave into the heat and we began to bottom out, we would have to go on foot from there. After a 1.5 mile jog, we finally made it back to the bikes, and after gearing up for the long descent, we were coasting back down to the car. The bonk was starting to set in when we mercifully made it back in just under 8 hours since we had left. Memorial day was truly memorable for us this May, thanks to an epic winter and two of the greatest tools humans have ever invented, the skis and the bike.

Natalie and I also want to take a moment to offer thanks to all the veterans that have helped make this country great and to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Thank you.

Natalie Ward gears up for a long day on the bike and skate skis

Natalie and the author, Mike Trecker pose in front of a waterfall on the

Starting the ski portion at Lower Lost Man

Natalie climbs above tree line

Mike Trecker approaches the top of the climb

Natalie approaches the top

Natalie at the top of Lost Man Loop

The view over Independence Pass from the summitt of the Lost Man Loop

Trecker drops in at 12,800 feet

Nearing the end of our journey at the ghost town of Independence, the

Published: Thu May 22, 2008 2:00 AM MDT

Updated: Fri May 23, 2008 12:01 PM MDT

Marshall Greene and Sarah Max, both of Bend, won the famous Pole Pedal Paddle in the men's and women's elite fields, respectively. The event, which has been held since 1976, consists of five different sports - an alpine ski down Mt. Bachelor, an 8km Nordic, a 22 mile road bike, a 10km run, 1.5 mile canoe/kayak and a final 1/3 of a mile sprint on foot to the finish line.

Alpina/Madshus' Green won his third consecutive PPP, completing the challenging course on a hot day in a time of 1:45:04. Zach Violett (Fischer/Craft) recovered from a fall on the Nordic leg to finish second, 2:34 behind Greene. Violett closed to 1:25 back after the run, but Green was able to pull away again during the paddle. Professional adventure racer Dan Weiland of Vail, Colorado finished third, with another Bend resident and Alpina/Madshus skier Brayton Osgood taking fourth.

In the women's race, Sarah Max (Madshus) captured her first crown in her fifth time racing the event. She had spent the past several years chasing after five-time women's champion and Olympian Suzanne King. But with King on the sidelines, Max led most of the race, cruising to a six-minute victory over Amy Peterson-Bond. She dealt her competition the final blow during the run - where she extended her 2 minute lead to an unbeatable margin.

Taylor Leach took third, less than a minute out of second.

It was a good day for Nordic skiers, with Greene, Violett and Osgood placing 1,2 and 4 in the men's race and the top three women, XC-Oregon dominated the field.

Olympians Beckie Scott (Canada) and Justin Wadsworth (USA) formed a husband-wife team to capture the 35-44 coed division.

Excellent race coverage, including quotes, details, photos, and results from the Bend Bulletin can be found here