NM2007 - Latest National Masters NewsUpdate: April 3, 2007 -- Team Competition Won By Far West The Far West Women's team rode out a wild final day at the 2007 National Masters to claim a one point victory over the defending champion Sun Valley team. XC Oregon came in third with Methow Valley just three points shy in fourth. Far West Men and NENSA rounded out the team ladder. The victorious Far West Women's team consisted of June Lane, Louise Goodman, Carolyn Tiernan, Hedda Anya, Julie Bradley, and Martha Bellisle. The team championship is based on club or regional teams of 4-6 skiers with points awarded per place in age/gender groups. Teams must have four scoring finishers in each of the three NM events. ------ Update: April 2, 2007 -- 2007 U.S. Masters XC Ski Team Announced The honorary 2007 U.S. Masters XC Ski Team has been selected based on the top individuals in each age class over all three individual races at the 2007 National Masters. Women
Men
------ Update: April 2, 2007 -- NM2007: Solid Success The 2007 National Masters have been deemed a "solid success" by the American XC Skiers (U.S. masters association) as well as local organizers. Right around 300 skiers took part in at least a part of the NM2007 marking another strong year for the season-ender test. Feedback from skiers has been overwelming positive about the NM2007. AXCS representatives are currently summarizing totals per region to see what the nationwide distribution looked like in 2007 versus 2006 and also historical averages dating back to 1998 and the initial AXCS-led NM effort. A decision will be made later in Spring 2007 by the all-volunteer AXCS Board as to what will happen with the U.S. National Masters as a stand-alone event past 2008. In 2008, the National Masters will be combined with the 2008 Masters World Cup in McCall, Idaho (March 1-7, 2008). Skiers that finish as one of the top U.S. skiers in any MWC2008 will be recognized as podium finishers in the U.S.. A proposal will be going in front of the AXCS Board later this spring to fund actual U.S. awards for those top three U.S. finishers in each MWC2008 event (however, due to logistics, no separate awards ceremonies will be held). On behalf of skiers coast-to-coast, the American Cross Country Skiers wishes to thank all the many NM2007 sponsors for their support of this year's event. We'll see you all in McCall next March! ------ Update: March 21, 2007 -- Forecast Looking Good For Weekend Today offered up another beautiful spring skiing day and the forecast is looking better and better for great racing Saturday and Sunday. A slow moving system is now forecast to delay what could be a bit of mixed precipitation until Saturday PM. If all goes well, this should leave Saturday's race with only some clouds and mild temps to go with outstanding snow. Sunday has consistently been forecasted to have a couple inches of fresh snow overnight and into the early morning with temps in the high 20s by race time. A perfect finale the the winter! Thursday's SWIX 15km skiathlon and 2-person relay races went very smoothly with skiers very upbeat about virtually every aspect of the day. With prototype spring skiing weather, skiers just had to have enough kick in the classic leg's tougher last 2km to make the transition to the freestyle leg which featured fairly easy terrain throughout. Highlight of the day was the battle royal in the women's F3 category featuring three former U.S. Olympians (Laura McCabe, Suzanne King, Leslie Hall). New registration will remain open for both Saturday and Sunday races until 30 minutes prior to the first wave start of the day. Those registering late are reminded that the first wave start is 9:30am on Saturday and 8:30am on Sunday. With even a small fresh snowfall on Sunday, it is best to allow 45 minutes driving time from Bend to the stadium so that you can account for any slow driving conditions you may encounter. ------ Update: March 20, 2007 -- Fresh Snow Waiting For You As of mid-day Tuesday, roughly 3 inches of fresh powder (with upper 20s F air temps) has fallen at the Mt Bachelor elevation with more snow squalls forecast this afternoon and into the early evening tonight. This new snow has simply helped clean up the top layer of what was already an ample 9-10 foot snowpack. Basically conditions couldn't be better heading into the 2007 National Masters first events 48 hours from now. The latest weather forecast shows clearing and warming Thursday and Friday with a bit of a question mark on weather for Saturday's classic and then cooler temps and only a 30% chance of snow for Sunday's freestyle finale. Overall, a stellar forecast for the NM2007 weekend. The NM2007 parking lot stadium has now been finished thanks to the outstanding snowcat work of Mt Bachelor's grooming staff (special thanks to Sam Cordell!). The Thursday skiathlon course (both legs) is scheduled to be groomed tonight and again Wednesday night/early AM. Both skiathlon legs will have basic course marking in place as of Wednesday morning. However, skiers inspecting the courses are asked to keep in mind that due to the sheer number of trail intersections, the NM organizers cannot mark the course the same as for the actual race on Thursday. If you can print out course maps from your computer (see link on the right side of this page), you should be able to follow the courses reasonably well with arrows that will be in place Wednesday. When skiers arrive to the West Village parking lot (remember, drive to literally the end of the road on Century Drive/Cascades Lakes Highway and you'll automatically end up at the correct lot)...simply continue driving all the way to the end of the parking lot where you see orange snowfencing and that is where the NM stadium is located. If you are skiing on the official training days (Wednesday or Friday) and do NOT have a season pass, you will need to get a daily trail pass from the Nordic Center which is the small log building immediately on your right hand side as you enter the large West Village lot. If you have pre-purchased training day passes with your race registration form by the March 16 deadline, your name will be on a list at Mt Bachelor Nordic Center and you can simply go straight to the Center to pick up your pass for Wednesday and/or Friday. Note that if you did not pre-purchase training day passes by the March 16 cut-off, you now have no choice but to purchase full cost trail passes on any day you are not registered to race. This includes spectators on skis. If anyone has any questions, AXCS and MBSEF representatives will be on hand from 12-6pm at the Bend Bike N' Sport registration and packet pick-up. We should be able to clear up anything on your mind at that time. For anyone still on the fence about coming out...it's going to be outstanding skiing, great weather (at least what we can tell), and you'll regret it later if you don't make the trip! ------ Update: March 16, 2007 -- Perfect Spring Conditions Await NM Skiers With less than a week to go before the start of the 2007 National Masters at Bend/Mt Bachelor, Oregon...plans are in place for a fantastic event involving hundreds of skiers from coast-to-coast. Despite above average temperatures continuing across the Western U.S., Mt Bachelor continues to enjoy nearly 10 feet of snow throughout the NM trails as well as an idealic stadium arrangement on far end of the Mt Bachelor West Village parking lot. Cooler temperatures and a good chance of fresh snow are forecast for the event week which would put a perfect frosting on what is now perfect spring conditions for the NM2007. Several updates have been made to the event schedule most notable of which is directions to Bend Bike N' Sport -- site of Wednesday's packet pick-up and registration from 12-6pm. Also provided are simple directions for skiers that have pre-purchased training day passes for Wednesday or Friday of the event week. As a convenience for late comers, on-line registration has been extended until Tuesday, March 20. In-person registration is open for all events until the morning of the race. All race-day registration is done at the Mt Bachelor parking lot stadium in the ROSSIGNOL stadium tent. Mailing entries via postal mail is not recommended after Saturday, March 17 lest your registration be delayed in the mail...better to use on-line or in-person. Don't miss out on the best skiing of the year! Get yourself to Bend for the NM2007! Special Note: WEBCYCLERY ski shop has announced that they will have open use wax tables for NM participants during open shops hours the day prior to all races...9am-6pm weekdays and 9am-4pm Saturday. Directions to the Webcyclery location. ------ Update: March 16, 2007 -- Tentative Wave Start Times The following are tentative wave start times for all age classes on the three NM2007 race days. These times match start times listed in racer packets to be given out starting Wednesday, March 21. All racers are STRONGLY URGED to treat these times as tentative as weather, snow, and registration surges can all adjust start order. Please arrive early to all race starts to make sure the schedule is staying on track. Whenever possible, organizers will start and run races on-time regardless of weather and/or snow conditions. Thursday, March 22: Saturday, March 24: Sunday, March 25: ------ Update: February 27, 2007 -- (Even Still More) Snow! Skiing conditions at Bend/Mt Bachelor, Oregon -- site of the 2007 National Masters -- continue to be outstanding with now nearly 11 feet of base and a constant series of storms expected to stretch that total even more in the coming week. Unlike so much of the northern hemisphere, the Pacific Northwest has enjoyed a generally stellar winter and ski conditions for the March 21-25 NM2007 look to be on par with the incredible 2006 event. Registrations continue to come in at a steady pace with two pricing deadlines in coming days and weeks. Don't miss out on the best skiing of the year! Make your plans now to attend the NM2007. ------ Update: January 16, 2007 -- (Still More) Snow & On-Line Registration Mid-winter conditions at the site of the NM2007 continue to be ideal as preparations continue for the second consecutive season-ending NM event at Bend/Mt Bachelor, Oregon this March. Ten feet of snow is piled up on the Mt Bachelor Nordic Center trails as of mid-January with unusually cool temperatures being the highlight as the clock ticks down to the final 9 weeks to go before NM2007. Near-term forecasts show a continuation of excellent skiing conditions for the remainder of January even as much of North America and Europe are just beginning to see some signs of a long-awaited winter snow season. Technical glitches held things back awhile longer than planned, but on-line registration is now open for the NM2007 along with the print-and-mail option available since Fall 2006. Registration will continue to be open until the day of race for all NM events...however, skiers will face pricing increases the longer you wait to sign up. The AXCS office continues to get reports of prime westside lodging options filling up rapidly for the NM week. Skiers interested in the best range of lodging are strongly recommended to complete your reservation no later than end of January. Note: If you do end up with several "all full" notices, remember that ample lodging will always be available in the mid-town area along the Bend Parkway, Highway 97 North, and/or 3rd St. See Transportation section for a rough idea of additional drive time up to the ski venue. See you this March for season-ender part 2! (Reminder: The first pricing deadline for NM2007 early bird registration is January 31.) ------ Update: November 27, 2006 -- Snow, Registration, And More Snow Although the NM2007 is still 3.5 months away, Mother Nature seems determined to keep the reputation of Mt Bachelor/Bend, Oregon as a snow paradise well intact...at least early this season. As of November 27, Mt Bachelor had one of the biggest opening months ever with total season snowfall already over 100 inches and a 4.5 foot base on the ground (with more falling daily!). 100% of the Mt Bachelor Nordic system is now capable of being groomed (even trails over very large lava rock beds) although the constant stream of storms has as yet prevented snowcats from hitting the far reaches of the system. Even with considerable time to the NM2007 event, a big start to the season means great things down the road mainly because a deep snowpack (ala NM2006) allows for a better stadium design plus many trail features such as banked turns sculpted out of the snowpack. A deep pack also ironically provides a measure of security for skiers in areas of North America that aren't always as fortunate with snowfall these days. It's very nice to know one can count on good snow whenever traveling cross-country for ski events. On the organizational side of things, the NM2007 is rapidly coming into shape with on-line registration anticipated to be opened up within the next two weeks (print-and-mail is already available). Maps of the NM2007 ski courses will be posted in the Mt Bachelor Nordic Center by December 2 for any skiers able to travel to the area during the winter. Please be aware that the courses do involve several special cut-offs and trail sections that are not typically groomed during the season. The AXCS office has gotten reports from several westside Bend lodging properties that they are already selling out on premium rooms for the NM2007 week. Skiers are encouraged to act quickly to secure reservations if you want the best choice of westside Bend lodging options (remember, Bend overall never "sells out" on lodging...but you add 5-15 minutes of cross-town driving opting for locations further away from the mountain gateway road. First cut-off for NM2007 early bird registration pricing is January 31. ------ Update: June 2, 2006 -- The Road To NM2007 Begins! While several fairly small details remain to be decided, the main components of the 2007 AXCS National Masters are now in place with many updates made to the official webpages here on xcskiworld.com. Event dates are set for March 21-25, 2007 and a preliminary event schedule has been updated within these pages. By mid-summer 2006 we hope to have lodging partners announced (many lodging locations sold out by fall last year so it will be wise to act early to book space!). By September 2006 it is hoped that nearly all details associated with the NM2007 will be available to post on these pages making it very easy for skiers to plan your holiday at the National Masters season-ender part two! A switch in the skiathlon course used in 2006 will basically trade courses for the classic and freestyle legs while also expanding the "new" freestyle into wonderful meadow terrain used by the Cascade Crest freestyle finale. This switch will greatly improve the skiathlon wave start situation; provide an easier second half of the skiathlon than with the NM2006 edition; and also ease overall course preview/control issues for the entire NM event. ------ Update: April 4, 2006 -- 2006 U.S. Masters XC Ski Team Announced The honorary 2006 U.S. Masters XC Ski Team has been selected based on the top individuals in each age class over all three individual races at the 2006 National Masters. Longtime U.S. Masters Team sponsor VOmax sportswear has provided the 2006 U.S. Masters Team with a distinctive team vest. Thank you VOmax for your continuing support! Women
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------ Update: April 3, 2006 -- Sun Valley Wins NM2006 Club Team Championship An all star group representing Sun Valley, Idaho has won the 2006 Club Team National Championship over the three NM2006 races March 23-26. The Sun Valley club team consisting of National Champions Muffy Ritz, Del Pletcher, and Gabriele Andersen plus Norman Clark and Elephant Perch owner Bob Rosso totaled just 17 points (point per place scoring within age/gender groups) to claim the National Championship. Second place went to the Far West A team with a total of 20 points. Far West was led by National Champions Molly Zurn, Carolyn Tiernan, and June Lane plus Hedda Anya, Ben Grasseschi, and Ralph Johnson. Rounding out the top three was the local Bend-based XC Oregon Masters team with a score of 24 points. The XC Oregon roster included National Champions Julie Downing, Tim Woodbury, and Coreen Woodbury joined by Kristy DeYong, Ryan Ness, and Michael Heidenreich. Other teams in the 2006 competition included: 4th: NSA Anchorage (AK) -- 32 points 5th: Far West B (CA/NV) -- 65 points Kongberger A (WA) -- 87 points Missoula Nordic (MT) -- 115 points Kongsberger B (WA) -- 125 points Gitchi Gummi (MN) -- 138 points ------ Update: March 31, 2006 -- NM2006 A Big Success After weathering a race organizer's worst nightmare -- total meltdown of a computer used for timing at the worst possible moment -- AXCS and the local race organizer MBSEF have finally posted official results from the concluding Sunday races...the Bend Bike N' Sport Cascade Crest. Please see the results page for the final look. Skiers that won medals will be sent awards in the coming week via postal mail. AXCS will also be posting the announcement of the 2006/2007 U.S. Masters XC Ski Team next week along with announcing the National Champion in the Club Team division. Overall the NM2006 was a big success with 327 skiers in the masters races combined with a healthy number of kids in the Youth Festival pushing the total skier count to over 350 for the long weekend. This met all realistic best case scenarios and gives a very positive foundation for even better things to come in 2007. A complete event wrap-up will be featured in the April 2006 edition of the AXCS member's-only XC World Digest publication. Preliminary information the NM2007 will be posted on these pages as soon as possible. Dates for the NM2007 are still planned for March 21-25, 2007 (very little chance of any deviation on those dates) and as of right now the events should remain the same in terms of distances and techniques. Thanks once more time to all our great sponsors, volunteers, and event partners! ------ Update: March 25, 2006 -- Rossignol Classic Day Two Complete With a healthy amount of fresh snow falling before and during the race, the 15/10km Rossignol Classic Championships went off without a hitch to complete day two of the 2006 National Masters. Minus the strong winds of Thursday (at least until the end of the race), the classic featured fresh snow right below freezing making kick waxing somewhat tricky. Total registrations for the NM2006 continue to climb pushing the masters numbers closer to 300 total for the week. A strong showing for the Therapeutic Associates Youth Festival just after the masters events concluded has already gotten the entire event past the magical 300 level. Weather for the 30/20/15km Bend Bike N' Sport Cascade Crest freestyle races on Sunday is forecast to be partly cloudy with moderate temps and winds. Grooming will be taking place both late on Saturday and throughout the very early morning on Sunday. All skiers are reminded that Sunday's events start at 8:30am (first wave start). Please allow sufficient time to drive to Mt Bachelor (far end of the West Village parking lot) and pick up your bib. See event schedule for specific wave start times by age/gender groups. ------ Update: March 23, 2006 -- Swix Skiathlon Day One Complete With only a blustery wind to deal with, a top-loaded army of skiers got the 2006 National Masters in Bend/Mt Bachelor, Oregon things off to a rolling start on Thursday. Featuring a number of recent World Champions and National/World medalists (plus a handful of former U.S. Olympians) from coast-to-coast, skiers opened the NM2006 with an 18k skiathlon or a 2-person 18km relay. The skiathlon individual race offered up an 8km classic leg followed by a running clock transition and then a 10km freestyle leg. Relay skiers tagged in the transition area. Complete official results are now posted (see menu, right side of page). With mild temperatures (high 20s) and consistent high overcast the weather on Day One would have been ideal were it not for a persistent strong wind. Despite the blustery conditions, skiers reported generally excellent skiing conditions on the stellar 13-14 foot snowpack. Weather for Saturday is forecasted to see snow showers with slightly cooler temperatures as the 15/10km classic Championships get underway. On Sunday, skiers will do the distance (30/20/15km) freestyle events in what right now appears to be ideal weather and snow conditions. Total registration for the NM2006 is right about the 300 skier mark with more registrations anticipated over the weekend that could end up making this year's event one of the largest National Masters in U.S. history. ------ Update: March 22, 2006 -- Training Day Notes 1.) Remember to drive to the end of the West Village parking lot when you get to Mt Bachelor. Basically go to the end of the main highway road...keep going past Nordic Center. Those that pre-purchased Wednesday training day passes can pick them up at the stadium from 9-11am. ALL other pre-purchased passes you'll need to pick up at the Sunnyside Sports afternoon packet pick-up. If you didn't pre-purchase a training day pass...you will need to buy a regular price pass at the Nordic Center to ski on Wednesday. 2.) Courses (hopefully) will be groomed in the morning along with other Mt Bachelor trails. Do not expect classic tracks to be the same as Thursday...some special cat work needs to be done and it is subject to weather/grooming availability when it'll happen. Courses are marked. If you leave from the stadium you can see a map to get you in the right direction. 3.) Registration is open for all races until morning of race. If you can get to the Wednesday afternoon (3-6pm) or Friday morning (9-10:30am) "office" hours (see Events for locations) you can register for any race at those times. Or you can register morning of races up at the mountain (see Events for times). If possible, always try and register before date of race...makes life much easier for volunteers!!! 4.) Thursday is looking to be like a very nice day all around. Saturday could be snowy but still very comfortable. Sunday we could get lucky and get a nice day as well. Snow levels still look very favorable and skiing should be fabulous. ------ Update: March 20, 2006 -- Registration List Updated, Picture Gallery Added, Final Reminders An updated registrations-to-date list has been posted here. Skiers are asked to double check this list to let organizers know about any missing or incorrect information. For those coming from out of the region, a picture gallery has been added of shots taken the past week on the Mt Bachelor Nordic Center trails. Basically you should let all your ski friends (you know, the folks that aren't coming out) know about these shots. Be prepared for the many shades of envy you'll soon be seeing. Some final event reminders...
See everyone soon! ------ Update: March 17, 2006 -- Youth Festival Registration Open The Therapeutic Associates Youth Festival registration form is now available. Interested parents can also call the MBSEF office (541-388-0002) for information and registration. The festival will have youth XC events on both Saturday and Sunday (March 25-26) starting just after the anticipated finish of the National Masters Rossignol Classic and Bend Bike N' Sport Casade Crest events. Youth events will start from the same stadium and use trails in the immediate vicinity. ------ Update: March 15, 2006 -- NM2006 Questions Answered The following are several questions brought up by NM participants that seemed easier to answer where everyone could see them. If there are similar items any other readers are wondering, fire away with a note to axcs @ xcskiworld.com and we'll do our best to get the answers posted asap. Will the race courses (especially the Skiathlon) be marked on Wednesday, March 22? Will the Sat-Sun courses also be marked early? Answer: The plan is for the skiathlon courses to be marked as of Tuesday afternoon (March 21). Because Mt Bachelor is a commercial center, the marking has to be quite minimal and there is no guarantee the grooming will match race day grooming. This is simply a common reality of an XC event held at a commercial area. But there will be arrow signs and color-coded signs for both CL and FS courses so you should be able to follow the courses reasonably well. Out-of-town skiers should remember that there are actual trail names and very clear signage for the commercial area which also help with finding routes. It is the plan of AXCS and the organizer that all special trail elements will be groomed by Wednesday morning. However, we are at the mercy of the staff and equipment available to Mt Bachelor's grooming fleet and weather/snow can put a monkey-wrench into our plans. We ask for your patience if a small section of trail isn't fresh groomed on Wednesday. The vast majority of the trails are normal center trails and thus groomed daily so any special grooming is generally very short in length. Because of the sheer number of intersections, a decision has been made to mark the Saturday and Sunday courses following the Thursday skiathlon. Literally 50 extra signs would have been required if we didn't wait. Waiting will also will be less confusing for the skiathlon since the skiathlon FS course and the Sat/Sun courses actually use the same trails (ZigZag and Rich's Range) but in opposite directions (see below). Again, once skiers are on the system you should be able to figure out the various trails very easily with only a few points of possible confusion that will be much clearer on race day with course marking, marshals, and grooming in the direction of travel. The one exception to all of the above is that inspection of the Sunday Bend Bike N' Sport Cascade Crest freestyle distance races is totally up to the whims of Mother Nature. Nearly half of that course is located on a special U.S. Forest Service trail that is exclusively groomed for this one weekend of the year...very similar to major ski marathons. Financially-speaking, it is not feasible to groom the entire route daily for Nationals inspections. The route will be packed well ahead of race day, but it may very well be blown or snowed over if we have any weather. Our plan is to have the entire route groomed Friday or Saturday morning so that skiers can see it (with limited course marking...it's pretty obvious in most places) and then obviously full course grooming on Sunday. We can tell all skiers that the portion off the Mt Bachelor trails containing literally zero downhills and is mostly flat meadow or road skiing with three moderately steep "road" hills separated by flat spots. It's pretty basic stuff. REMINDER....Skiers coming up on Wednesday, March 22 should park at the West Village parking lot stadium that is roughly 150m "down parking lot" from the Nordic Center. You should be able to follow both courses from the stadium and there will be at least one person on hand to answer questions and hand out pre-purchased trail passes from 9-11am. If you arrive after 11am we will have a scenario for how to pick up your pass. If you did NOT pre-purchase your Wednesday training day pass (remember, deadline is Friday, March 17...and no, "check is in the mail" will not work...we actually have to have your money in hand by the 17th!) then you MUST go to the Nordic Center and buy a trail pass at full value for that day. The only exception would be a season pass holder. Is it true that Freestyle section of the Skiathlon is the same trail -- but the opposite direction as the Classic race (Saturday) and some of the Skate race (Sunday)? Answer: This is mentioned above. Yes, the skiathlon uses the ZigZag and Rich's Range trails in a clockwise direction (all skiers except men 75+ years skiing both trails once...75+ males will cut off Rich's Range and only ski ZigZag). However, the Sat/Sun events will use both trails in a counter-clockwise direction. The easy part of this from a course standpoint is that the entrance to ZigZag is a two-way stretch of trail so it should be very obvious with signage and marshals which direction you head each day. Same goes for the two way trail out of ZigZag (which even locals will not have skied). Can you suggest hilly and/or tricky sections that we would want to see if we have limited time vs. easy sections. From the course profile, the beginning and end look like the hilliest parts. Answer: It is true that the "hardest" part of the Thursday and Saturday courses is the first couple kilometers and last kilometer. Sunday has the same start but the finishing 5km will be more like the skiathlon classic leg...rolling and flat. Organizers suggest that if you want to focus on any part of the courses, just ski the first and last part and you'll see the tough stuff. Overall there has been a deliberate effort to eliminate difficult turns. The one long climb on each course is unavoidable given the design and location of the Mt Bachelor system. It is worth skiing the ZigZag trail before races just so skiers can understand where the two way trail sections will be. There is one sharp corner on the Sat/Sun races where you turn off ZigZag to head to the far points of the courses. What temperatures do you expect? Current temperatures look very good (highs in the 20s (is this true?)). Maybe warmer next week? Will it always be above 10F (don't bring very cold waxes)? Answer: Current long-term forecasts show a slight warming trend with continued precipitation this week, clearing this weekend, then possibility of precipitation around mid-week as the Nationals gets under way. However, Pacific weather systems are notoriously unpredictable past 72 hours so it is very hard to say what will happen until we get into early next week. Right now the skiing is optimal (highs in the 20s, packed powder, not a ton of new snow softening things). Skiers are best to be prepared for the same for the Nationals or a step up in warm temps. It is very, very rare for Mt Bachelor to have temps under 15F in the latter half of Mt Bachelor past the early morning. Even overnight temps often don't get that cold at the Nordic Center. That said, to date March has been colder than normal and we did have temps down to -2F as of 6am this past weekend (March 11-12). Colder glide waxes can work well in the Cascades even if daytime temps climb out of the wax range if we get a cold/clear night. It is probably worth putting in some colder wax just to cover your bets. Grip Waxing: Since races are always in the morning, will we be racing at below freezing temperatures? Does hard grip wax usually work, or is klister commonly used? Anything work particularly well there? Will there be waxing suggestions posted? Answer: If the races were held this week you'd be on a mid-range to slightly cold kick wax of any brand. You could get great kick with a zillion combinations no problem. We have selected pretty early start times for the races to guard against any sudden melt-freeze "spring" pattern which could always happen. The melt-freeze situation or warming to the point precip turned to rain would probably change the conditions to klister...but again it isn't going to be possible to predict this scenario until we get into the race days. Both official wax sponsors of this event (SWIX and TOKO) work fantastic in the Cascades and both companies will have representatives on hand to provide tips and suggestions. Both companies are linked to their suggestion pages in the Trail Conditions section. There will also be a wax clinic at the race sponsor Webcyclery shop on Friday from 4-6pm featuring SWIX race director Kevin Sweeney (as well as reps from other companies!) which is one perfect opportunity to get tips just prior to the Saturday classic race. Several other demos and clinics are in the works for the other two outstanding performance shops we have in town. Note that all three performance XC shops in Bend sell all sorts of wax and equipment...they also are entering the clearance pricing time of year...AND there is no sales tax in Oregon. Thus, everyone will have options for augmenting your supplies once you are here. They all also sell wax cleaner which no skier should have on planes. ------ Updates: March 13, 2006 -- Unbelievable Skiing...Entries To Date Posted Unbelievable Skiing The winter that won't stop has piled up nearly 14 feet of snowpack on the Mt Bachelor trails and nice cool (for the Cascades) temps have kept that snow in perfect condition heading into the final week prior to the NM2006. A major storm all last week has piled up nearly 4 feet at the northern edge of the Mt Bachelor West Village parking lot giving the NM2006 a "dream stadium" situation. Later this week snowcats will begin to shape ramps in/out of the unplowed parking lot stadium area with final flattening to take place on Tuesday prior to official course inspection. When skiers arrive to Mt Bachelor during the NM2006 period (Wednesday, March 22 - Sunday, March 26) they are reminded to head directly for the far edge of the West Village parking lot and DO NOT stop at the Nordic Center itself unless you have not pre-arranged for a trail pass on a training day. All NM2006 information, volunteers, stadium, etc. will exclusively be located at the parking lot stadium from Wednesday-Sunday (see schedule). Entries To Date Posted Race entries processed to date (as of March 12, 2006) have been posted here. We do expect additional entries over the coming week as well as a respectable number right up to race mornings. As time allows, AXCS will attempt to update this spreadsheet on Monday, March 20. Skiers still planning on registering in the coming week are reminded that the final early registration cut-off is Friday, March 17. You must have your registration in the mail or processed on-line by that date to qualify for the posted pricing. Note also that on-line registration will end as of Sunday, March 19. ------ Updates: March 8, 2006 -- Important Note For NM2006 Participants Wishing To Ski On Wednesday, March 22 Skiers that have pre-purchased Wednesday, March 22 training day trail passes MUST pick up your passes for that particular day between 9-11am at the NM2006 Mt Bachelor stadium before you go skiing. After Wednesday morning, you can get your other pre-purchased training/spectator passes at official packet pick-up (see events schedule). No skier is allowed to ski on the Mt Bachelor trails without a valid daily trail pass. Absolutely no discount will be offered on daily trail pass rates for NM2006 competitors or spectators after March 17...you will have no choice but to pay full rates per person at the Nordic Center itself. ------ Updates: March 3, 2006 -- Special Added Event Offer! -- Friday, March 24 Guide Bike Tour WHO: Wild Heart Cycling (www.wildheartcycling.com) ------ Update: March 2, 2006 -- Snow Continuing To Pile Up, Lots of Event Details Posted, March 17 Last Early-bird Registration Deadline The incredible winter that just won't stop continues with another round of relatively cold (by Cascades standards) winter systems rolling through as the NM2006 countdown heads into the final three weeks. The official pack is still over 150 inches providing an unprecedented level of security for skiers in lowland areas used to years of "will they or won't they" conditions at races. If you've been having "one of those winters"...book your trip to Oregon right now and come enjoy a taste of winter when you'd least expect it. You earned it! A load of fresh updates to various event details have been posted throughout the NM2006 website so be sure to surf through the menu (look right...blue background) to check out the latest updates. Notable are even more additions to our outstanding sponsor family that now includes a who's-who of the U.S. ski industry plus all three performance XC shops in Bend. The Organizing Committee is very excited and proud to showcase these outstanding sponsors at North America's largest citizen championship event. Skiers that have not yet registered are reminded that the final early-bird deadline is March 17. That is also the firm deadline for purchasing discounted training day trail passes. After the 17th any new entries require the final late fee and NO discounts are possible on training day passes. ------ Update: February 20, 2006 -- NM2006: U.S. Masters Team Info Posted, 150 Inches On The Ground, February 28 Next Reg Deadline The very simple guidelines for selection to the overall U.S. Masters XC Ski Team have (finally) been posted. Click here for all the info you'll be looking for on this traditional dimension to the NM event. A whopping 150+ inches of snow is piled up on the Mt Bachelor Nordic Center trail system providing an incredible base for next month's NM2006 competitions. Temperatures have been quite cool for the Pacific Northwest in mid-February keep that amazing snow pack in pristine condition. For skiers in areas suffering through a snow-less or less-than-hoped-for winter the NM2006 represents your best chance to end the 05/06 season on a positive note. Make your travel plans now! Finally...a reminder to prospective NM2006 competitors that the next registration fee deadline is February 28 after which fees will jump up in price another notch. All competitions will remain open for new registration until race morning...but waiting will involve additional late registration fees. ------ Update: January 25, 2006 -- NM2006: 120 Inches Piled Up, January 31 Early-Bird Registration Deadline As the first NM2006 early-bird registration deadline draws near (January 31), entries are coming in and over 120 inches of the white stuff is piling up on the NM2006 courses located at Mt Bachelor, Oregon. Skiers interested in the absolute best value in race entry are advised to get signed up with individual race entries no later than January 31, 2006. Both on-line (via Active.com) and print-and-mail registration will shift into the second tier price structure effective February 1 with another shift in price at the end of February. NM2006 registrations thus far have been ahead of the past several years reflecting a strong nationwide interest in the first ever season-ender Championships for citizen skiers. Mother Nature has been doing her part to build excitement with over 120 inches now on the ground at the 1950m/6300ft base elevation of the Mt Bachelor resort area. With historically the longest ski season of any commercial Nordic area in the world, it's hard to imagine just how good the skiing looks to be come March. Notable notes... A slight social calendar schedule change is underway whereas the AXCS social/open house is now tentatively slated to be combined with the Thursday evening Awards Ceremony with the joint event now held at the Deschutes Brewery Mountain Room. Skiers that take part in the Thursday, March 23 Skiathlon plus any and all other interested NM2006 competitors and companions are invited to take part in this fun and relaxing event. Course profiles have now been added to the Courses page. Please note that these profiles look far more hilly than the actual courses! Great care has been taken to design NM2006 courses that provide an interesting amount of challenge for the fittest Masters...while making for enjoyable and fair skiing for those of us getting by on the minimum amount of weekly "training". Whatever your situation, AXCS feels confident you'll have a great time skiing at the NM2006! Look for another NM2006 update in late February as we begin the final countdown to the largest National Masters event in the world! ------ Update: December 29, 2005 -- 2006 National Masters Preparations Continue Preparations for the 2006 National Masters season-ender in Bend, Oregon (March 22-26, 2006) continue at a furious pace over the early winter weeks. Come March, skiers from throughout the U.S. as well as several foreign countries will enjoy a long weekend filled with three race events, numerous social activities, demos, clinics, downtown awards, XC youth festival, plus unlimited dryland adventures once the on-snow fun has wrapped up each day. Mother Nature has already done her part to lay the early foundation for a first-ever North American season finale for citizen skiing. Over seven feet of snow already covers the Mt Bachelor Nordic Center trail system site of all race events...with more forecast in the coming week. On the organizational side, race registration has opened with the first early-bird registration deadline set on January 31. Skiers can register individually for the three races over the four day period or they can opt for a full package deal. Members of the American Cross Country Skiers (AXCS) are offered an exclusive discount on race registration. Skiers can find both on-line credit card registration via Active.com as well as a print-and-mail form on xcskiworld.com, the official website of the National Masters. In a notable early development, whereas there is a tremendous supply of potential lodging choices in the greater Bend area for the NM2006, already some of the nicer westside Bend hotels and resorts have been reporting close to no vacancy for the NM weekend. Skiers desiring a westside Bend lodging choice are advised to begin contacting lodging providers as soon as possible to get your reservation on the books. A list of popular westside hotels has been added to the NM2006 lodging page on xcskiworld.com. Many additional options are available by contacting the various visitor association links provided on the NM2006 Lodging webpage. For more information about the NM2006 visit xcskiworld.com, email AXCS (axcs@xcskiworld.com), or call (541) 317-0217. ------ Update: November 15, 2005 -- The Season-Ender Arrives! 2006 National Masters Masters nationwide are already looking forward to March 2006 when the first ever “season-ender” National Masters event arrives on the ample snow of the Oregon Cascades. Bend/Mt Bachelor, Oregon has been selected as the site of both the 2006 and 2007 National Masters XC Ski Championships. Dates for the these events are March 22 - 26, 2006 and March 21 - 25, 2007. NM2006 will comprise three race events in a four day span (Thursday, Saturday, Sunday) including an 18km skiathlon race (both individual and 2-person relay categories); 15/10km classic technique race (or 10km freestyle “fun” event); and a 30/20/15km freestyle race. In addition to the on-snow events, the NM2006 will feature the Western States Youth XC Festival, demos and clinics, groomed tours, social events, downtown award ceremonies, and an opportunity for skiers nationwide to enjoy Central Oregon’s many dryland adventures every afternoon. “This is the most inclusive and skier friendly Championship event of the winter season,” says AXCS National Director J.D. Downing. “When you include the concurrent youth festival held the same weekend we are looking to have skiers ranging in age from 5-90. There simply will never be a better statement about XC skiing's claim as a sport for life." Downing adds that the key to success for the season-ender format is participation by lots of masters from all corners of the XC nation. "We need a strong turnout if the National Masters is going to continue as a stand alone event. It's that simple. We ideally want to see over 300 masters for the long weekend plus we want to see better-than-average distribution from around the country. Skiers are going to love this format and they are really going to love the trip out to Oregon. We just need skiers to make the decision and get here!" No qualification or license whatsoever is required to take part in the National Masters event. Skiers simply sign up just like any other race or tour. For complete information continue visiting these official event pages exclusively on xcskiworld.com -- the official home of the NM2006. ------ National Masters Bulletin Board This section is made available to event competitors for the purpose of posting notices on shared lodging and ride opportunities, looking for Overall Team Competion teammates, and other NM-related items.
------ For more information on the NM2006 email AXCS: "axcs at xcskiworld.com", or call (541) 317-0217. |
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