GDHL News

For the latest Race Results, Tech Tips, Events and GDHL what's what, be sure to sign up for the News (black button to the right). See you on the hill.

Guess Who's (Not) Coming to Dinner

Your news is arriving early this week to bring you a final reminder of Saturday night's closing dinner, awards and dance.   Cocktails at 6, dinner at 7, dancing at 9.  Tickets are available online or through the front desk (ext. 269) for $45 or $30 for GDHL racers under 30 and one under 30 guest.  Remember that you can bring your own wine for a $10 corkage fee.  But don't get caught having to explain to your efficient friends how you missed the party.  Get your tickets by the end of the day Wednesday!  You may be able to squeeze in after that, but no guarantees.  Calcutta winnings will be conveniently credited to your Club account (intermediate members talk to your parents), so nobody will be bugging you to spend your cash winnings at the bar.  It's gonna be excellent!

More About Ted

The New York Times is still in love with Ted Ligety or, as he seems to be an astute businessman, maybe his representatives are busy pitching stories.  (Winning the gold in GS was a pretty astute business move as well!)  Click here for the story accompanying the picture below.

Sochi Express on the Rails

Sochi Express on the Rails

And More About Us

  • No Friday training this week, because of Men's Day
  • Club championships are Saturday on Big John.  One run of GS in the morning, one run of SL in the afternoon.  GDHL participants are already registered.  Past practice suggests that bibs should be picked up first thing in the morning in the South Lodge, but watch for news from the Club.  Awards will be after the afternoon race, not at dinner.
  • The last nine week session(s) of gate training will be Sunday morning only, dual SL.
  • Adult technical training at 9:30 Saturday and Sunday.
  • GDHL bibs need to be returned to the race office pronto, or you will get a hefty charge on your next Club statement.

No Races, But Still Results

Let me take the occasion of Alec Libert not having won a race last weekend to note our collective success in the world of adult racing at Craigleith.

  • 115 skiers racing in the GDHL, up from 108 last year and 95 the year before.
  • 13 racers under the age of 30.
  • A bit less swag for individual GDHL racers, a lot more contribution to racing at the Club generally, including:
    • donation of a basket of racing opportunities worth almost $1000 to the Athletic Fundraiser
    • special purchase of a supply of gates for use in the adult gate training program
    • special commitment to fund the purchase of computer equipment for use in the finish huts, which will help with a planned live timing project
  • Budgeted contributions of $6000 to general racing expenses and $2500 to general administrative expenses at the Club
  • Big increases in Snow School programs over last year, including:
    • 50% increase in Christmas camp registrations
    • 100% increase in adult technical program registrations
    • adult gate training programs sold out with a waiting list
    • Friday training registrations increased by almost 50%

A Few Last Thoughts

Thanks also to Carrie for this article about ski racing at a less than elite level, something to which most of us can relate all too easily.   

Not all of our sponsors have chosen to supply me with details to recognize them properly, so I'll do my best ad hoc.  Budget Propane Ontario is a family owned business that prides itself on excellent service and customer satisfaction. It has been in business for over twenty five years in Muskoka, Simcoe County, and the Haliburton regions. Its main hub is in Gravenhurst, and it has satellite propane facilities across the region to serve customers better and faster.  Our benefactor at Budget has asked not to be identified personally, but he has been an enthusiastic and generous supporter of the GDHL in many ways and I invite those of you who know him to express your thanks directly.

Ron Warren is another sponsor with strong family ties to Craigleith.  He is the area representative for Dynastar skis, Lange boots and other great ski lines.  Ron tells me that the 2015 Dynastar race ski line will be available for test drives at the Club on Sunday, 9 March and that it will include a 170 cm, 16 metre radius version of the Masters GS  ski, so women can take full advantage of the performance boost that the men have been getting for the last several years.  

Last but not least, Squire John`s has been a big supporter of GDHL and Craigleith generally for many years.  Founded in 1969 and now operating from its main premises on Highway 26 as well as branches at Craigleith and four other clubs, it offers a great selection of the best ski products (not to mention bikes and barbeques in the summer) backed up by a staff of experienced and helpful people.  

This will likely be the last edition of the newsletter to appear on a weekly basis for the season.  Updates will be circulated as noteworthy events dictate.  Enjoy a great March on snow!

James Mathers