A Few Clarifications

A couple of changes offer an opportunity for an extra edition this week.

• Jacques' master plan actually calls for SL training on Friday but GS on Saturday and Sunday.  Friday training will be on Comet (get lots of laps) and the weekend training will be on Birches.
• There was some discussion about changing the date of the next GDHL race, which was reflected in the calendar on our website, but the latest and still final word is that the race will be on Sunday afternoon (that's 8 February) on Millennium.  One more adjustment later in the schedule is likely, so keep reading all your email.
• The GDHL awards dinner was originally scheduled for 7 March (which is the date in the printed Club calendar), but has been moved to Saturday 28 February to avoid a conflict with the beginning of March break season.
• Full details of the Track 3 event are at the bottom of this message.

Since you're here, have a look at some impressive Super G from Lindsey Vonn in St. Moritz, winning the last World Cup race before the World Championships.

I was thinking (again) this morning what a strong league the GDHL has become.  People get their 20-something children to join. They bring their friends, or their sisters, and some of them are 15 point SL guys (who bring their fathers).  Then guys in their 30's bring their old racing buddies from 15 years ago, who show signs of shaking off the rust pretty quickly.  People who haven't raced GDHL in a few years come back and show they haven't lost anything.  Forty year olds who haven't raced decide to try and discover they're really good.  Fifty year olds are training like mad.  In this year's Super G, I thought both of my runs were better than my run last year, I was only 7 seconds behind the winner instead of 12, and I finished one place lower in the standings.  But I'm a lot happier about my race than I was last year, and I think everyone is happy, so we must all be doing something right!

Don't forget to check out the Track 3 details below.  See you on the snow!

James Mathers

Gee What a Super Weekend!

The GDHL Super G was longer than the Hahnenkamm downhill in Kitzbuehel and wasn't decided until the last racer down the hill.  But first, what's up for the next super weekend?

• Friday training is SL at 9:30 and 1:00.  Contact Laurel to sign up.
• Nine week program gate training is SL at 9:30 on each of Saturday and Sunday.
• Nine week tech training is also at 9:30 on Saturday and Sunday.  Meet Al at the National chair.
• The first session of "gateless training" with Jacques will take place on Saturday at 1:00. Again,  contact Laurel to sign up.
• The second interclub race of the season is GS at the Peaks on Saturday at 1:00.  Contact Taylor Simms-Brown if you're interested.

Race Recap

Fog resulted in the Hahnenkamm being shortened and a winning time of 58.16. The winning time for our own Super G was 64.14.  Results are here.  That time belonged to Alec Libert, who finished the first run in third place, almost a second back of Chris Barber.  Chris predicted that he could squeeze about four-tenths of a second off his first time.  He actually managed almost five-tenths, which proved to be less than average for the second run, as a quickening track and lessons learned from the first run enabled most racers to make a meaningful improvement.  Last down the track came Alec Libert, who knocked 1.56 seconds off his first run time to beat Chris by 0.11.   That ties them with two wins each on the season, so the season's title seems likely to come down to who can count four bullets at the end.  Remember we have two slaloms left and only one GS, and Chris won the first SL, so Alec will have his work cut out for him.

Alistair, Brian and Andrew Athey

Scott McLorie, Doug Macmillan and Phil Ruffolo rounded out the top five.  Those making big jumps against their rankings to finish in the top 20 included Tom Caswell, Alistair Athey, Jerry Patten, Peter Ardill, Glenn Kilmer (GDHL best 16th), Kevin Gust and Jonathan Price.  Jayne Clarke, Leslie Morgan and Brittany Stainer led the women's results.  Among the noteworthy successes further down the page were John Barber (father of), Brad McMullen, Ray Murakami, Paul Wodehouse, Dean Beallor, Gordon Smith, Gino Gentile (in his inaugural outing in Lycra) and Mansell Nelson. 

Erin, Katie and Elizabeth Worndl are another family trio in the GDHL

Thanks to the hard work of the Coyotes and the relative absence of crash-induced delays, we managed two runs.  Among the biggest beneficiaries of a second look were James Callow (almost 15 seconds faster, after a first run tumble), Morley Forsyth (5.5 seconds), Steve Power (almost 5 seconds) and Gordon Smith, Dave Baran and Elizabeth Worndl (all in the 3 second range).

There's a break from GDHL racing this weekend, before we head to the home stretch (already?), so we can focus on interclub.  If the long wait makes you anxious for results in the following weekend's SL, remember to check out the live timing that will hopefully be available for all GDHL races.  There is now a link to the site in the dropdown "results" tab in the menu bar at gdhl.org.  Although there was a technical problem with the connection from the finish hut during the Super G, the plan is that results will be available with just a few seconds delay during races, and unofficial results will remain on the site afterwards.  Our official database gets updated, usually by Colin Ardill, after we get the results from the Coyotes, which normally happens Sunday evening.  

And by the way, since we now have four races completed, the database is making end of season adjustments for those who have missed races.  The rule is that you get average points from the races you finish, minus 10 points per race, for the races you're short (best four count).  Chris Barber holds a two point lead over Alec Libert in the overall standings, with Jesse Shepherd a further 13 points back, mostly because of a 10 point penalty for one missed race.  Jayne Clarke leads the women's standings by 12 points over Brittany Stainer, despite one DNS, and Kate Veer is third.  Team Pen has a 180 point lead over Birches, but 50 of those points are due to having only two DNS's on the team.  Meanwhile, Millennium is in third despite 110 points in penalties.  So things may change around considerably once the DNS's start getting replaced by finishes.

Brittany Stainer, Carrie Grinter-Lenauskas and Daina Dunlop.  From the North Lodge, Carrie could easily be identified while coaching at the top of Birches.

Other Things to Think About

• We've told you about the cookbook that our friends the Coyotes are offering in support of the Alpine Ontario Para-ski Team.  As part of this weekend's Para Fest at the Club, cookbook copies  will be available in the brown bag room of the Base Lodge on Sunday from 8 until 9, 11 until 12:30 and 2:30 until 3:30.  
• We've also told you about the Track 3 Friends & Family Race Day on Friday, 13 February.  Among other things, there will be gate training and racing opportunities on Big John.  See the full details here.

Diversions

Debbie Gust (nee Callow) has taken some great pix of the Super G and a Big John GS.  Many of them are now loaded on the GDHL site photo gallery here.  

And Morgan Rubes has contributed more video, this time of last weekend's inspection.  See below.

And then see you on the hill!

James Mathers

Important Super G Rules

The Super G is Saturday morning.  The course starts at the top of the Funnel chair, runs along Cruiser to the top of the Comet chair, down Bowie to the bottom of pitch, then along the cross-over past the bottom of Porcupine to the finish by the timing hut on Comet.  Last year, only two racers finished in under one minute, ten seconds, the median time was about 1:21 and quite a few racers were over 1:40.  It's a race that most of us look forward to eagerly, but it requires a lot from the Coyotes and the participants.  Please read and heed the following carefully.  I've included some neat video at the end to get you in the mood after you've absorbed the rules.

1. You must have a helmet with full, hard ear covering.  It may not have a camera or camera mount attached.  Your ski poles must have baskets and may not have slalom guards attached.
2. You must inspect the course or you will not be allowed to race. Inspection is from 9:10 to 9:40, but you must start inspection by 9:30. You must check in with the appropriate race official at the start, who will check you off on the list.  Inspection ends promptly and early in order to allow sufficient time for final course preparation before the race starts.
3. The ski patrol must be on site before racing starts.
4. Only authorized people may be inside the netting that has been erected around the race course. This means racers, officials, coaches, ski patrol and Coyotes. It doesn’t include friends, family and other spectators.
5. Movement on the course will be controlled by race officials using radios. If there is any unauthorized movement on the course, racing will be stopped.
6. Racers will be started at regular intervals. This will likely mean every 30 to 45 seconds, but will be adjusted as appropriate.  The spacing will probably be longer at the start, shorter in the middle and then longer for the last few racers to try to avoid waiting for reruns at the end of the race.
7. If a racer falls, the following racer(s) may be flagged down with a big yellow flag. Watch for "yellow zones" where flagging may happen during your inspection.  If you are flagged, stop racing immediately. You will get a rerun.  Even if you aren't flagged, you should stop if you come upon a crash, and you can ask for a rerun.
8. If you are watching the race and see a racer fall, don’t enter the course. The ski patrol and others will assist as soon as race officials have made sure that the course is clear, for the safety of those assisting. Please spread the word on this to spectators.
9. We hope to be able to complete two runs, but time is limited and this race takes longer to run than usual. Therefore, it may have to end without two runs for everyone who wants them. The ability to offer two runs depends on avoiding delays with inspection, being lucky in avoiding delays for crashes etc. and having the course stay in good condition.

This next part is very important too!

All of the nets that have been erected need to be removed. There are lots and lots of them, and the race would not be run without them. Many of them are supplied by the Nik Zoricic Foundation.  We need help from all racers. Friends and family would be most welcome too. Please stay or return after the race to take down and roll up nets. The Coyotes will direct you about what is to be done with them after that.  We will have hot chocolate and finger food in the finish area as a reward for rollers and afternoon training will not begin until everything is cleaned up.  

On a different note, for those who haven’t done this race before, don’t be too spooked. It is normally a huge amount of fun to ski as fast as you can on a wide open, well prepared and controlled course. Just remember to be in race mode as “taking it easy” may lead to you imitating a runaway train. Also, you might want to leave a second coat at the bottom of the course, as coat carrying will be more difficult than usual.

Thanks for your attention and anticipated co-operation. Now for some video.

The first two videos were taken during last year's Super G with Morgan Rubes's goggle cam.  One is of inspection and the other is Maddy Irwin forerunning.  This is an example of what you can expect this year.

Inspecting the Super G course above, and Maddy Irwin forerunning below

Here is Aksel Lund Svindal training downhill.

Finally highlights from Larissa Yurkiw's first career World Cup podium and from Lindsey Vonn's record setting 63rd World Cup victory.

See you at the start!

James Mathers

Alec Strikes Back

We had 99 starters for Sunday's GS race.  Alec Libert regained his spot at the top of the tables after two weeks of disappointment.  More below, but it's Super G weekend, so timing is everything.  

Here's the Scoop

• The Super G is Saturday morning, starting at the top of the Funnel chair.  There will be a special newsletter with details later this week.  Read it carefully.  Most importantly, if you miss inspection (which may close early) or don't have a helmet with hard ears, you won't be allowed to race.
• Saturday adult gate training is SL and moves to 1:00 pm, or whenever the nets are down from the Super G, whichever is later.  Check the National chair for the location.  Likewise, the Saturday adult tech program will switch to 1:00 pm or later.  Meet Al at the National chair.
• The Snow School adult apres ski is from 2:45 until 4:00 on Saturday in the South Lodge loft.
• Sunday training is back to the usual morning schedule for both gates and tech, starting at 9:30.
• And before all of that, there is lots of midweek training.  It features speed-oriented gate training on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 9:30 and Friday at 1:00, plus gateless training on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons.  Pay as you go on the usual Friday pricing arrangements.  Contact Laurel in the Snow School office.

GDHL Race Recap

Results are in the GDHL website database here.  The set was aimed at getting speeds a bit higher in preparation for the Super G, and slick snow assisted with that.  As a result, Alec Libert laid down a smoking 30.83 GS on Big John to lead the way.  Chris Barber, winner of the first two races, slipped to second, followed closely by Jesse Shepherd.  Everyone else got beaten by someone over 40, in the person of Jeff Sutherland, although youth largely prevailed in the top 10.  

The boys of 1989, Alec Libert (1st), Phil Ruffolo (T-6th), Jesse Shepherd (3rd) and Trevor Jackson (T- 6th)

Andrew Athey continued his strong performances, finishing fifth, while Brook Dyson took advantage of an early start draw prize to finish 8th, posting a strong second run as well.  Jerry Patten posted a GDHL career best 15th from his 36th ranking, Kevin Gust continued his history of strong GS performances and Jeff Craig jumped 22 spots above his ranking to finish 19th.  The time gap between Jeff and 53rd place was less than two seconds.  Among those in that gap were Brad McMullen, who is ranked 72 based on last year's rookie season results, when his best finish was 44th, but jumped all the way to 21st with his second run time.  Just behind him was newcomer James Callow, who was dubious when told that his ranking was based on coach Shelley Johnston's prediction of top-30 potential.  If he and brother in law Kevin Gust can figure out how to ski SL, trouble's a comin'.  Brittany Stainer, Kate Veer and Samantha Higgins were there as the top three women.  Also sliding into that tight bunch were Bill Shepherd (32nd from 60th rank), Patrick Galligan (34 from 62), Paul Woodhouse (38 from 69) and Paul Henschel (50 from 97).  Paul H apparently got a good tip on his line during Saturday training.  Finally, Dean Beallor jumped from his 85th ranking to 58th place and Bob Waite continued to cast doubt on sister Cindy's predictions with a 61st place finish.

The forerunner times were: Forerunner 1 - 31.72, Forerunner 2 - 32.36 and Forerunner 3 - 32.54.

Careful observers will note that times have been reconstructed for Jeff Sutherland and Jon Price on their second runs, despite the conditional reruns that they were offered due to some temporary confusion in the finish hut.

Live Timing

Sunday's race brought the first public offering of live timing online for GDHL races.  The Coyotes and friends expect to be able to bring this to you going forward.  The home page for this is  http://livetiming.mectiming.org/.  You can go to this page on your computer, smart phone etc. and click on GDHL races in the listings of past and current races to get the past results or current live timing during a race.  You'll see that the results may not be corrected for timing issues such as occurred on Sunday, so the GDHL database is the official source for scoring.  (The database is usually updated on Sunday evenings after a race.)    

Interclub Results

Saturday saw the first race of the season for the Druxy's Masters Interclub league, a GS at Devil's Glen.  Click for team results and individual results.  Untimely illness and injury left the team two skiers short of complement, resulting in a six point loss to the home team.  (Even one more racer would have led to a comfortable victory, so the team isn't too dismayed.)  Paul Atkinson took overall individual honours on the strength of a smokin' second run, while Kat Zoricic was third fastest woman, Jeff Sutherland was high point scorer of the day and Anne Mathers, Tiana Boyman, Kate Veer and Greg Cavers won their age groups.  Next race is 31 January at the Peaks.

Fashion News

Regular readers will remember that Carrie Grinter-Lenauskas left Spyder when it moved out West, but she is now ensconced with Karbon, which happily has a similar approach to sizing its samples.  Carrie apparently now has some old outfits to clear from her closet, if you like what you've seen on our pages in the past.  Featured below is the Pascal jacket in white with silver fox fur and next year's Conductor pant in white tweed.  In addition, a commercial collaboration with Giro will result in us seeing a wide variety of matching or contrasting helmets and goggles going forward.

Sunday go to racin' clothes

Self Improvement

Sometimes you just can't wait for your natural talent to shine through and a little hardware boost is in order.  Our generous sponsors and good friends at Squires now have a sale on FIS slalom skis and bindings.  Dynastar, Rossignol, Atomic, Fischer and Volkl skis in 155 to 165 lengths, which are regularly race priced at $849.99 to $950 are now on sale for $699.99 (skis only).  Matching bindings are $200 (regularly $250 to $299.99).  These are the real deal.  See here for my insightful commentary on race skis and other equipment.  Also see Squires for demos on some of these skis as well as the Dynastar and Rossi masters' GS race skis that all your competitors have!

Give Back and Get Something in Return

With the money you save on skis, consider a few copies of the Coyotes' cookbook - 131 great recipes and all proceeds go to support the Alpine Ontario Para Race team.  $15 cash or cheque, payable to
"Linda Housser in Trust - Craigleith Coyotes Cookbook."  Contact Linda at 123 Arrowhead Crescent, 706-445-9821 or linda@housser.ca  And don't forget the Track 3 Friends & Family Race Day on Friday, 13 February.  See last week's newsletter for details and watch for more info in coming weeks.

Diversions

Finally, here's an example of what happens when good skiers go to the park side.  Guy should have stuck with racing.  This kind of anarchy and disregard for equipment cannot be tolerated.

More than enough for now!  Be sure to watch for the special Super G edition later this week and read it carefully to avoid heartbreak.

Cheers,

James Mathers

Week 2 Recap

Last Sunday's SL on Comet resulted in some familiar faces at the top, but a big shuffling overall.  More below, but first

Coming Soon to a Hill Near You

• Friday training is GS both morning and afternoon.  Contact Laurel in the Snow School office to sign up.
• Adult gate training program is GS at both 9:30 and 1:00 pm on Saturday.  The latter replaces the usual Sunday morning session.  Check the board at the National chair for location.
• Adult technical race training is at 9:30 Saturday and 1:00 Sunday.  Meet Al at the National chair.
• The first Interclub race is GS at Devil's Glen on Saturday at 1:00 pm.  There may still be a couple of spots on the roster open.  Contact Taylor pronto if you're interested.
• Finally, GDHL is GS on Big John on Sunday at 10:00, with inspection from about 9:15 to 9:45.  (This race was originally scheduled for Millennium.  In a clever ploy to increase our readership, we have engaged the Race Office in discussion concerning other possible schedule changes, so stay tuned.)

Looking farther ahead, three days of speed training start on Wednesday with Jacques Reid, leading up to the GDHL Super G on 24 January.  Check out the schedule for full details and contact Laurel to sign up.  And not too long after that comes the Track 3 race day.

For more information about Track 3 and the Race Day, and to purchase tickets or make a donation, go to www.track3.org.

Now for Sunday's SL.  Chris Barber again led the way.  A bit of digging discloses that, when Chris last had a FIS licence three years ago, he was ranked just outside the top 200 world wide in men's SL.  So it wasn't too surprising to see Chris put on an impressive display of short radius turning, finishing three seconds ahead of Andrew Athey, who still pleased his parents with an apparently surprising fourth place finish, and over five seconds ahead of eighth place.

Chris Barber led the way

But Alec Libert rebounded strongly from a slightly slow season's start, finishing second to Chris and recording the fastest second run and combined time, for those who are counting.  Jesse Shepherd finished third, and treated the crowd to a half-helicopter at the finish of his second run, while Jeff Sutherland led the way for the older generation in fifth and Allan LaChance had an excellent 10th place on his return to GDHL SL.

Brittany Stainer bounced back to the top of the women's standings, overcoming a first run DNF to finish 26th overall, just 0.08 ahead of Kate Veer, while Samantha Higgins was third woman in 29th overall and first race women's winner, Jayne Clarke, was fourth and 32nd.

Samantha Higgins and Jayne Clarke

Doug Jarvis, Tom Caswell, Jerry Patten and Jeff Craig made big jumps compared to their rankings to finish within the top 20, while Steve Jarvis, Sarah Latimer, Alan Shaw, Duncan McEachran, Brad McMullen, Dean Beallor, Mary Riopelle, "the other" Brad Sproule, Elspeth Gaukrodger, Brian Athey, Tom Cronin, Bob Waite, Alex von Schroeter, Morley Forsyth and Cynthia Waite all improved by at least 20 spots over their respective rankings.

Forerunner times were as follows:

Forerunner 1                     46.53
Forerunner 2                     50.52
Forerunner 3                     48.22
Forerunner 4                     46.36
Forerunner 5                     43.30

The last listed was Taylor Simms-Brown, who is resting in the weeds, but obviously no slouch.  Those interested in forerunning future races should contact Doug Jarvis but we will be limiting the number to four per race going forward.  And speaking of Mr. Jarvis, check this out:

Better than those FIS videos any time!

See you on Saturday!

James Mathers

And Then More Kids Showed Up!

Results from Sunday's first GDHL race are here.  (For those new to GDHL, results are posted on gdhl.org as soon as possible after the race. These were available Sunday evening.)  More about the race below, but first

Don't you hate it when someone goes skiing elsewhere and sends you a picture like this of overnight snowfall?

What's Up This Weekend?

• GDHL race is SL on Comet, Sunday with a 1 pm start, inspection from about 12:15 to 12:45. The race schedule on gdhl.org has been updated to specify morning or afternoon for the remaining GDHL race dates, but keep an eye on the schedule as more adjustments of time or place are possible.
• Adult gate training 9 week program begins with SL training at 9:30 on each of Saturday and Sunday.  Check the board at the National chair for location.
• Adult technical race training with Allan Lachance also begins at those times.  Meet at the base of the National chair.
• Friday training with Jacques Reid begins with SL sessions at 9:30 and 1:00.  Contact Laurel in the Club office to sign up.
• Chris Hillier from Sidecut Tuning will be returning to the Club on Sunday to conduct two sessions on ski tuning technique and offer discounts on tuning equipment.  Look for precise time and place to be posted at the Club.

Erin Mielzynski and Mitch Gagnon set the stage for our first SL weekend by scoring top 10's at the Zagreb World Cup race

A Bit of GDHL Administrivia

• If you didn't pick up your GDHL bib last weekend, you can get it from Kylie in the Club race office.
• Doug Jarvis has kindly agreed to co-ordinate forerunners for our GDHL races this season.  We welcome those who are interested in giving a GDHL race a try.  Junior racers trying to upstage their GDHL racing parents are also welcome, but with their coaches' approval.  Contact Doug if you're interested.
• Thanks to our generous sponsors, bidders at the Calcutta etc., we often have some discretionary funds in the GDHL coffers.  Since Sidelaunch Brewing Company has kindly stepped up to slake our collective thirst at social events, we will likely be able to continue our efforts to contribute to racing capital expenses at the Club.  Let us know if you have ideas for improvements.  For example, some of us were thinking about how to get the finish line announcements piped to the start.
• Winners of the draws for preferred starting positions (bibs 10 and 20) may use their slots themselves or transfer them to someone else on mutually agreeable terms.  No actual bibs will be distributed, but the Coyotes have been alerted to expect people in those slots.  Randy Dalton and Glenn McKay were the winners for last Sunday.  The remaining winners are:

RACE 2: SL ON COMET Tom Cronin and Glen Blaylock
RACE 3: GS ON MILLENNIUM Ian Latimer and Brook Dyson
RACE 4: SG ON COMET/BOWIE Britanny Stainer and Jerry Patten
RACE 5: SL ON MILLENNIUM Jayne Clarke and Mary Riopelle
RACE 6: SUPER SL ON MILLENNIUM/VENTURE Gino Gentile and Bellamy Consortium
RACE 7: GS ON BIG JOHN Jeff Sutherland and Duncan McEachran

See above for video of Marcel Hirscher winning the men's SL in Zagreb.  Should GDHL winners get crowns?

Race 1 - GS on Big John

Reading the weather forecast and even slipping the course, few would have predicted that Sunday's race course would hold up well enough to allow many racers to beat their first run times on their second.  That 7 of the top 9 finishers did so is a tribute to the efforts of Geoff Wood and his Coyote crew and, no doubt, a good set from Jacques Reid.

There have always been a few 20-somethings in the GDHL.  Morgan Rubes has raced for many years, starting alongside his father and now no longer being 20-something.  Katie Worndl joined with her father in 2012 and the Jarvis and Latimer progeny came the following year.  However, the word really started to get out last year, as Alec Libert came, saw and conquered every race he started, with Ian Malcolm not far behind.  This year the average age has been brought down even further and Alec's winning streak has come to an abrupt end.  Newcomer Chris Barber rode a smokin' second slide down the hill to victory, winning by almost half a second over first run leader Jesse Shepherd, another of the class of 1989.  Scott McLorie took the last overall podium spot, salvaging a bit of pride on behalf of parents everywhere, even if his offspring aren't of GDHL age.  Alec was left 0.04 outside the podium.  Newcomer Andrew Athey, having been somewhat undersold by his father in ranking interviews, knocked almost 1.5 seconds off his first run to take a fine 9th place, while early leader Craig Shibley (the recipient of bib 10 from teammate Randy Dalton) ended up 10th.  

Craigleith's first daughter, Jayne Clarke, led the way among women, finishing tied with Trent for 13th, just behind Peter Ardill, who improved significantly on his ranking of 38.  Jayne demonstrated that she's ready to challenge last year's female winner, Brittany Stainer, who finished 21st and will be looking forward to repeating last year's SL successes to get back on even terms.  Bryce Conacher, Jerry Patten and Jeff Craig were among others who jumped well up from their rankings, while Kate Veer celebrated her return to the GDHL by just edging out Leslie Morgan among the more experienced female racers.  Farther down the page, Paul Hentschel and Brad Sproule jumped to 59 and 61 from their rankings of 97 and 89 (based on last year's results) and Bob Waite finished 68th after being ranked 96th based on what sister Cyndy said on his entry form.

Interclub Is On The Way

Taylor Simms-Brown reports that there will be a six team interclub league this year, again operating independently of AOA.  Races are on 17 and 31 January and 14, 21 and 28 February, the last one being the finals at Craigleith.  With six teams, the number of starters per team has been reduced slightly from past years, so competition for places will be stiffer than ever.  Contact Taylor for more details.  Glenn Blaylock will be the co-captain this year.

More Chances For Training

• Jacques Reid will be offering gate training and racing "Nastar" style on Thursday evenings beginning on 15 January at Mount St. Louis Moonstone, with video and refreshments following the on-snow action.  A perfect way to break up the drive to Collingwood for Friday training! Details here.
• It's not too soon to start thinking about preparing for the annual Super G, which is less than three weeks away.  Jacques will be offering higher speed gate training sessions on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings and Friday afternoon before the Saturday race and group technical free skiing sessions on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons.  Contact Jacques for more details.

More than enough for now.  See you on the hill!

James Mathers

GDHL Start and Team Lists

Thanks to Marlene Jackson for organizing another fabulous Calcutta!  First race is Sunday, GS on Big John.  Inspection is from approximately 9:15 to 9:45 and start is at 10:00.  

Bibs

Those who haven't yet picked up their bibs can do so at the start ramp.  If there isn't someone to hand them out, look for them in the big Dynastar coat carrying pack.

Start List

Click here to see the start list.  You will note that some people have been assigned bibs in the 120's.  We are delighted to have them and are sure they will have so much fun that they will sign up a bit earlier next year :)   Their starting order doesn't reflect their bib numbers, so they will need to review the attached list closely to find their spots in line.  All others please understand that the 120's aren't jumping the line if they start ahead of you.

Team List

Click here for the team list. 

See you at the start!

James Mathers

Opening Time!

Happy New Year everyone!  Thanks to the Craigleith snow making team, the eventual arrival of winter and most importantly Jacques Reid and his team of adult coaches, we've had a great "pre-season."  But now the serious business begins.  Read on for what you need to know about this weekend.

Jayne Clarke and Carrie Grinter-Lenauskas (usually on skis) were part of the coaching team for Christmas Camp

So here's what's up:

• Unless you're reading this before opening of business on Friday morning, the online signup for GDHL is closed.  Latecomers may see Kylie Deacon in the race office.  There is no guarantee that you will be placed on a team at this late date, although it's possible if we need to round out the numbers. Individual racers continue to be welcome however. The ranking, team assembly and bib allocation sub-committee will be meeting on Friday afternoon in a secret location.
• The New Year's adult gate training sessions will be held on a pay as you go basis.  See Laurel Armstrong in the Club office to sign up.  The schedule is SL on Birches at 9:30 am Friday and GS on Big John at 9:30 and 1:00 pm Saturday.
• The first GDHL race of the year is GS on Sunday morning.  Inspection will start around 9:15 and end about 9:45.  Start time is 10:00. The race is on Big John.  
• The Calcutta starts at 5:00 pm Saturday in the South Lodge.  Pick up your bib, meet your teammates, get in on the auctions as detailed below.  New this year, free beer from our newest sponsor, Sidelaunch Brewing Company.
• We have a great list of auction items for the Calcutta, some of which are pictured below.  These include premium Dynastar race skis, Lange race boots with heaters, Toko tuning equipment and trips to Michel Pratte's race training camps in Zermatt and Sun Peaks.  Nothing but the best for the Calcutta patrons!
• We have a new deal at the Calcutta this year for the preferred starting bibs.  Instead of a silent auction, we're having random draws for bibs 10 and 20 in each race.  To participate, just buy a ticket for $20 (one per person) and you're done.  Winning draws can be transferred to another racer, but no racer may use more than one preferred bib each season.
• People who are bidding on anything at the Calcutta must provide their member numbers for billing purposes.  Anyone who buys a team in the auction is responsible for canvassing team members for buyback and providing member numbers for those in a bidding consortium and team members who buy back.
• If you have a friend who would like to try GDHL, we have room for forerunners.  Send an email to the GDHL committee to make arrangements.

Self Improvement

I always find it interesting to hear ideas from different coaches, particularly if they offer opportunities for improvement that don't depend on skiing talent.  Cam Twibble, a past Ontario Ski Team coach who was a special guest coach for the adult Christmas Camp, offered some insights into buckling boots properly.  Cam emphasizes the need to make sure that the upper two buckles are firmly fastened around the ankle and shin, so that full contact between the upper boot and the leg is maintained at all times, maximizing response, while the lower buckles are not too tight around the foot, ensuring that it is not too cramped to be able to fully perform its function in balancing.   Cam will be spending the winter at Craigleith and we may be able to have a few more sessions with him during the nine week program.

Here is a link to an interesting feature from skiracing.com's premium section, describing several drills you can do yourself on snow.  You may have to sign up in order to get access, but it's free to do so for the moment.

Diversions

Finally, here's a documentary of downhill racing, featuring many clips from all eras.  It runs for over an hour, but what I've watched so far is quite interesting.

But don't let it divert you from enjoying a great weekend on the snow!  See you at the Club.

Cheers,

James Mathers

Christmas is Coming, and so are ...

Remarkably, we've had four weekends of skiing at the Club before Christmas, and we're looking at a great start to the "regular season."  Now the cynical among us might suggest that the GDHL has several generous sponsors and we don't really need the registration fees of the chronically late to enroll.  And having fewer racers will make for a smoother course and less waiting in the cold.  But we remain magnanimous and eager to share the great GDHL experience, and there are still a few days left to sign up for the season.  The deal is that you need to sign up by 28 December if you want to be on a team.  After that, we'll only take individual entries unless we need to round out the teams.  Go to the member page of the Club's website.  Remember that the Calcutta is on Saturday 3 January and the first race is the following day.  On top of that, Taylor Simms-Brown reports that the interclub league is geared up for a stellar season, with the first of five races on Saturday 17 January.

Meanwhile, in the wider world of skiing, we find Lindsey Vonn winning her 61st World Cup race to draw within one of the women's record of 62 held by Annemarie Moser-Proell.  

Lindsey and Winnie the Prize

Obviously Lindsey didn't heed the immortal advice of Bart Simpson.

It's interesting to compare racers from different eras. As best I can determine from the FIS website, Annemarie had approximately 185 World Cup starts over 11 seasons, starting at the age of 16, and finished out of the top 10 only three times, two of which were 12th places.  Lindsey has had about 340 World Cup starts in an era of a much more crowded calendar.  On her retirement, Annemarie opened a cafe, which she operated for many years.  Somehow, I don't see serving schnitzel as a staple of Lindsey's life after skiing!

But before the Calcutta, we have the Christmas and New Year's camps.  The schedule for Christmas camp starts on the 27th with SL on Birches for two days, followed by GS on Big John for the last three days of 2014.  The New Year's camp will be held on a pay as you play basis, starting with SL on Birches on the morning of 2 January and then offering GS sessions on Big John on the morning and afternoon of the 3rd.

Finally, here is a note from Jacques Reid concerning the coaching staff for the adult race training programs this season:

"I am very excited to announce our staff for the upcoming Adult gate training season.

New to the team this year are Paul Atkinson and Chris Barber. Both are former members of the Ontario Ski Team and have competed internationally vs the worlds best ski racers. Both are graduates of US College Ski Scholarship programs where they continued their careers as skiers. Paul and Chris have been coaching the junior programs for the past few seasons and are looking forward to a new challenge with our program.

Returning:

Carrie Lenauskas will be returning for the 4th season with the program. Carrie brings 12 years of coaching experience and energy to our team for the season.

Glenn Blaylock will be taking on more of a coaching role this season as he has recently completed his Development Level (trained coaching status). We are looking forward to Glenn's wisdom and calm approach to ski racing which will benefit all.

James Mathers will also be returning and will be alternating with Glenn as both will still be training 1 out of 2 sessions. James, as always, brings his passion and will continue his very informative newsletters.

Jacques Reid returns for his second year as lead coach of the program and continues to work for Pratte International ski camps in the off season. When not coaching at Craigleith, Jacques is busy running courses for the Canadian Ski Coaches Federation where he trains and mentors our future coaches.

Al Lachance will be taking on a different role within the adult race program this season.

Al will be working with the Technical free ski/ learn to race program and will have the opportunity to do more free skiing with the members that are wanting to learn the basics of ski racing in a mostly free skiing format.

Al has been instrumental in building the adult race program and has been the driving force behind it for the last 20 or so years. Many of the adults currently involved in the program have "learned the ropes" through Al. Most of the skiers in the program have had the chance to "go for a run" with Al and witnessed his passion and dedication to the technique of alpine skiing.

We feel that this new role will give Al a better opportunity to impart his knowledge onto the skiers in a more conducive skiing environment.

 If any of you are wondering about Kevin, he will still be involved with the program. He'll help us set courses and do a bit of training during the season.

 Thank you to Al for his dedication towards the adult racing program for all these years!

 Regards

 Jacques"

Merry Christmas to all!  See you on the hill!

James Mathers

Just a Quickie

The Saturday priority list is now full for the nine week gate training session and the Christmas camp is on the verge of full.  Still room on the Sunday list, and the New Year's camp will now be on a "pay as you play" basis.

See you at the Club soon!

James Mathers

Well, if you didn't get a chance to attend a pre-season race training camp, be sure to get yourself to the Club, as there is ample opportunity to catch up.  Between now and next weekend check in on the webinar concerning concussions that the Club is offering.  Click here to join in.

This weekend was the second of two full-on World Cup weekends in North America.  Great to see Lindsey Vonn back in form, overcoming knee surgeries for two podiums in Lake Louise, and Ted Ligety winning in Beaver Creek despite a broken hand.  See below for videos of Ted and of Lara Gut going one better than Lindsey in the Super G after Lindsey won the second DH.

Winter is Coming!!

Last year, the Club opened on the first weekend of December, which this year is only two weekends away.  Looking out the window, and through other windows onto the world, it's hard not to be a bit optimistic, even as we remember the slow starts of '11 and '12.  If you've suddenly awoken to the reality of the calendar, it's not too late to catch the last week of the Pratte training camp in Sun Peaks, starting next Saturday.  

In the meantime, be sure you've got your GDHL and adult training registrations completed.  The GDHL race calendar is now posted on the GDHL website.  All races are shown as morning starts, but that is temporary, while finishing touches are made on the overall schedule at the Club.  Some will be moved to the afternoon, but the dates and events are fairly firm.  Remember, the nine week program doesn't start until the weekend after the GDHL starts (at the end of the school break), so you will need to sign up for the Christmas or New Year's camps to get some training in before the first race, Goodness knows, we all need training.  Even Ted Ligety has a few setbacks along the way.  Click here for details.  See below for video highlights of the opening World Cup SL races in Levi.

Even more recently, Phil Brown scored two podium finishes in Europa Cup GS races, including a win in the second one.  Click here for details.  Some will remember that Phil arrived in the starting area of our GDHL endurance SL on Partridge a few years ago, just as the event was ending.  The winning time was about 69 seconds.  Phil laid down a 61 without the benefit of inspection or removing his down jacket.  At that time, the suggestion was that Phil was phast, but not quite as quick as Pat Wright, who was burning up the local slopes after himself having won a Europa Cup race.  Phil has, no doubt, learned a couple of things since then, and we invite him to have another try at impressing the GDHL crowd should he be in town on a winter weekend in 2015 :)

Marcel Hirscher didn't win in Levi, but see below for other things he's been up to.

Also heli skiing in Canada.  Click here for a pic.  And here for a short video with a less successful ending.

Enough for now.  Work hard in the gym, enjoy the football games, and hopefully we'll see you on the hill very soon!

Cheers,

James Mathers

Early Bird Rates Fly Away Soon!

Really, you know it makes sense to register for GDHL and training before you go out for Hallowe'en on Friday, and save a handsome sum before prices rise.  Register in the members section of the Club website.  If you need help navigating, check out the guide on the GDHL website!

If you're in need of a little boost to your spirits, check out this FIS video that provides a few highlights from last season:

This past weekend brought the first World Cup races at Soelden.  Congratulations to Phil Brown on a career-best 21st place.  Click here for the story of the race, including video of what Phil's up against.

Phil Brown at Soelden

And while you're on that site, check out another article on the difference between good skiing and fast skiing.  In short, good skiing is seen as 

• Stable
• Balanced
• In control
• Clean turns
• Comfortable
• Predictable
• Programmed
• Safe
• Smooth
• NOT FAST!

Fast skiing is seen as

• On the edge
• Ragged
• Mistake-ridden
• Improvisational
• Risky
• Uncomfortable
• FAST!

Hint:  in order to ski fast (in GDHL), you first have to be able to ski well, starting with training.  Which brings us back to the first message.  Sign up now!  If we're as lucky with the early season as we were last year, opening weekend is barely six weeks away!!  And in the meantime there are lots of Pratte camps for early season training.  Click through on Michel's logo to reach his site and get all of the details.

See you soon,

James Mathers

Take a Bow!

That could be a bow, as you accept congratulations for your season's accomplishments, or a big red bow to wrap up the season.  Read on for a belated recap of the end of last season and a look to the future!

Club Championships Results

Complete results are here.  Column F on the spreadsheet has the SL times, column G has the GS times and column H has combined times.  The Club Championships always bring out a different group of competitors and a few results that differ from the rest of the season.  Al Lachance ended a season on the sidelines but achieved his customary results with two age group victories.  Elspeth Gaukrodger had SL and combined wins in her group, Chris Fregren two silvers, Steve Jarvis a SL bronze in one of the few age groups where there were more competitors off the podium than on it, Randy Dalton rebounded from relinquishing the rivalry trophy by winning his SL group (although Trent took the GS and combined) and Dave Jackson proved that not all coaches just stand around shooting video, with smoking runs in both GS and SL.  Other double gold medalists included Jack and Cathy Weingust, Bob Callow, George Hayhurst, Scott McLorie and Leslie Morgan.  The day's events were enlivened by the inclusion of the 16 to 19 year olds on the same course.  (The GDHL ranking committee will remember this for future reference.)  At the end of the day, the fastest overall GS times belonged to Duff Isberg (32.81), Paul Atkinson and Alec Libert in the men's category, and Mackenzie Irwin (34.80), Jackie Atkins and Alex Kappele in the women's category (the latter two being too young to vote against Rob Ford in the upcoming municipal elections).  The SL winner was Alec Libert, by a hundie over Paul Atkinson in 43.95, with Carter Armstrong third in the men's category, while Jackie Atkins led the women in 47.07, followed by Cheryl McConachie and Mackenzie Irwin.  Paul Atkinson and Jackie Atkins were the combined winners overall, while Jeff Sutherland and Tiana Boyman were GS, SL and combined winners in the over 50 category.

GDHL Wrap Up

Saturday evening brought the closing GDHL dinner (splendidly organized by Marlene Jackson and company).  The slideshow full of good info is here.  The big podium placers are depicted below.

Women's overall podium, Leslie Morgan (2nd), Brittany Stainer (1st) and Lisa Warll (3rd)

Men's overall podium, Scott McLorie (3rd), Alec Libert (1st) and Ian Malcolm (2nd)

Women's over 50 podium, Daina Dunlop (2nd), Tiana Boyman (1st) and Margaret Isberg (3rd)

Men's over 50 podium, Trent Winstone (2nd), Jeff Sutherland (1st)  and Craig Shibley (3rd).  Craig was also the third Stooge.

Interesting to note that four of the six overall winners were more or less newcomers to the GDHL this year, although one of them may have been in the GDHL about the time others of them were born.  Other noteworthy accomplishments from the season included the following:

Best husband and wife total score:
 
Doug Macmillan and Lisa Warll – 767
Ted and Leslie Morgan – 666
Byron Darlison and Daina Dunlop – 576
Glenn Kilmer and Tory McKillop – 493
 
Best parent and child total score:
 
Doug and Steve Jarvis – 723
Ian and Sarah Latimer – 699
Chris and Stephanie Clark – 570
Kevin Gust and Bob Callow (in-laws) – 490
 

The Greg Lee awards for most improved skiers were calculated based on the lowest fraction resulting from dividing a skier's final overall finishing place by his or her ranking.  Surprisingly few people scored below their rankings.  Ian Malcolm had a fraction of about 0.05, which is why the awards are only open to those whose rankings are based on previous GDHL results.  The top three are Jamie Coulter (ranked 82, finished 40, 0.488 fraction, last year finished 80), Will Andrew (rank 69, finish 39, 0.565, last year 64) and Brook Dyson (rank 33, finish 20, 0.606, last year 30).  Leslie Morgan was the top female (rank 60, finish 45, 0.75, last year 53), Daina Dunlop was next (rank 93, finish 77, 0.828, last year 88) and Elspeth Gaukrodger was third (rank 100, finish 95, 0.95, last year 95).  One of the winners told me that his improvement had come from gaining confidence that his technical skills justified him skiing more aggressively, while another said that an investment in two pairs of race skis to replace one pair of all mountain skis, plus some tuning equipment had helped.  Leslie Morgan is in some respects an unlikely candidate for most-improved, having already reached great heights in the world of the CSIA, but she's shed the shackles of consistent speed and turn shape, for the thrill of hurtling downhill in Lycra, all to great effect.

You will have noted from the picture above that Lisa Warll's successful season ended prematurely during the last GS on Big John.  Apart from the results recorded above, Lisa unwittingly contributed to one of the Three Stooges awards, when our esteemed chairman was unable to resist the lure of fashion during the chilly delay occasioned while Lisa was being assisted from the scene of her accident. We are pleased to report that Lisa seems well on the way to a full recovery.

JF releases his inner tiger!

Apparently some members of the consortium that owned the winning Calcutta team (which paid them $2925 on their investment of $475 after team buybacks) eschew publicity and were distressed that their winnings were not paid out in unmarked bills, so I will leave it to you to explore the details of the team standings independently.  I will note only that our men's and women's most-improved winners and a mis-ranked newcomer led Landslide to victory.  Special thanks are due to Randy Dalton, who (with his eponymous commercial enterprise) sponsored all of the evening's awards.

Interclub Finals

The future of the interclub league seemed in doubt at Christmas, but great things don't die easily and some last minute heroics laid the groundwork for a successful season.  It culminated with the finals hosted by Devil's Glen. The conflict with the date of Skinanigans (and other seasonal events) left our defending champions a bit short of qualified starters.  Things threatened to turn out badly after five first run DNF's on a bulletproof course left the team three scores or sixty-some points short of the mark, as Alpine had turned out in big numbers.  Happily, everyone came through, finished off by Jesse Shepherd recording the fastest run of the day as last man down the hill (edging out Paul Atkinson), and Craigleith made it three championships in a row.  The margin of victory was 21 points and, as we would have been short at least 21 points without the finishes of each of the four women who started for the team (Anne Mathers, Leslie Morgan, Kate Veer and Kat Zoricic), each can claim to have made the winning difference.  Full results are here.  The men's 55 to 59 age group was the largest of the day and was dominated by Jeff Sutherland, Bebe Zoricic, Chris Fregren and Glenn Blaylock, who finished 1, 2, 4 and 5 respectively. Trent Winstone, Craig Shibley, Paul Woodhouse, Doug Deeks and Greg Cavers were other high scorers.

Other Notable Accomplishments

Apart from Club Championships and Interclub Finals, March brought the annual CSIA Level IV examinations.  These essentially consist of a dozen or so current members of the Level IV club standing at the bottom of the hill watching the aspirants and deciding whether to let them join.  Steve Young has recounted a rather long drive home from the exams in Quebec one year, when he was an examiner and one of his brothers passed but the other didn't (a hurdle subsequently overcome).  In any event, Craigleith had a spectacular showing this year, with our head adult coach, Jacques Reid, our GDHL webmaster, Rob Mathers, and Rob Campbell (not yet part of our adult racing community) all earning their Level IV pins, while Jamie Eriksen joined adult coach Justin Fogarty as having passed the teaching portion of the exams.  Lest it be thought that the Craigleith numbers indicate that the exams are not notable for their rigor, remember that there are normally only about a dozen Level IV pins awarded in Canada each year, so it's a pretty exclusive club.  As the proud father of one of the new members I am, however, conscious of the line about the difference between a ski instructor and a large pizza, and which one can be counted on to feed a family.

In racing outside the Club, Maddy Irwin wrapped up a notable season, winning the overall Nor-Am title (thereby entitling herself to a World Cup start in every discipline next year) and the Canadian national Super G championship race.  Those of you who beat Maddy's time as a forerunner in the GDHL Super G last January can strut accordingly!

Maddy Irwin, Nor-Am Overall and Canadian Super G champion, and GDHL forerunner

Plan Your Off-season On Snow!

You will remember that GDHL sponsor Michel Pratte has great pre-season camps available.  It's not too late to sign up for the Zermatt glacier camp from 20 to 30 September.  I have been to this camp several times, and it may offer the best racing conditions you will get all year.  Unlike the soft summer snow in Whistler, the Zermatt glacier in September offers midwinter natural snow conditions, often with fresh snow overnight, longer courses than we ski at Craigleith and usually bright sunny conditions, rather than January gloom.  The coaching is top-notch, Zermatt is a really cool place to hang out and the other people skiing tend to be World Cup racers or mogul skiers, or members of the Swiss Interski demo team (instructors who apparently do quite nicely on the pay scale).  

Michel also offers three week-long camps at Copper Mountain, Colorado from 25 October through 15 November and two week-long camps at Sun Peaks from 22 November to 6 December.  I haven't been to Copper, but was at Sun Peaks with a big group from Craigleith last year.  It lacks the glamour of Zermatt, but is an excellent training site and a more convenient way to get the same great coaching.  Click through on Michel's logo on this page to reach his website for details.

A Few Words From the Chair

(i.e. the guy wearing Lisa's tiger print jacket in the picture above)

Dear GDHL racers,

I hope you are enjoying a tremendous summer. It took a while but we have finally enjoyed some great summer weather to get out and play. I do not wish to sound any alarms of an early impending winter but wanted to reach out to you on behalf of your GDHL committee to offer a bridge between the close of the past season and what promises to be a sensational upcoming season with some details on activities to potentially build up pre-season speed. I hope that you are keeping fit so that you can enter the new season with confidence about your performance and your safety in the race course.

Looking back on last winter’s GDHL racing season, I have so many fond memories of great training, happy faces, friendly competition, strong friendships and racing prowess. Indeed we had a great season with massive participation from hardened veterans and the welcome addition of young blood alike. Our training sessions were filled to the max but the level of coaching was better than ever, through an increased number of coaches affording us a more intense personal touch as well as through the quality of instruction. The GDHL keeps getting stronger as evidenced by the performance of so many racers who, year after year, are reaping the rewards of their training, but we should also be proud that we always remain a highly inclusive league that welcomes racers of all levels. Personally, I am proud to see we can strike a healthy balance between keeping the Randy Dalton-Trent Winstone rivalry at its sporting best, challenged by the blistering times of our young, fast newcomers and, on the other hand the engaged and competitive participation of racing veterans and hopeful racing novices alike. We are always seeking to make the GDHL experience as positive as it can be for as many of our participants as possible in light of this delicate balance but I feel it is safe to say that Craigleith offers the best in-club masters racing program I know and we should be proud that this adds to the great fabric of our club. The conversations I keep having with people during my travels to race training camps keep proving to me that the GDHL offers a rare experience in quality and breadth of experience that is the envy of many others. We should always aim to maintain and improve upon that.

Speaking of adding to the fabric of the club, we had a tremendous season from the perspective of our contribution to Craigleith. As you know GDHL’ers are connected not only to masters racing but to the kids’ racing programs as well. We not only sacrifice peace and sanity to breed the young new racers of tomorrow (I know… it is a rewarding duty), but we are strong financial sponsors of their activities either directly or through the fundraising efforts at the club. This year the GDHL added to that by contributing an impressive surplus of more than $20,000 to Craigleith’s racing infrastructure, funding the purchase of racing gates, computer and timing equipment, race huts, etc. These contributions not only serve to improve the GDHL experience but benefit racers of all ages and skills across the club’s various programs. The GDHL Committee and the entire GDHL community has a lot to be proud of in this regard. (Please see Craigleith Head Coach, Dave Campbell’s note below). I do want to extend a special and heartfelt word of gratitude to our friends Byron Darlison and James Mathers, whose respective contributions have helped enhance our financial position and solidify our vision of how the GDHL can bring meaningful impact. I also wish to thank the entire Committee for their investments in passion and time to make the GDHL experience what it has become. It doesn’t take that much to organize a racing league but it sure takes a lot to give it the GDHL feel. And to all GDHL racers, thank you for your exemplary sportsmanship and sportswomanship! What a great group of people!

I know that the GDHL Committee will look to the upcoming year with great ambition to offer even more and we certainly look forward to another great season to bring us all back together in great numbers. 

J-F Courville

A letter from Dave Campbell, Head Coach, Craigleith Ski Club:

Hello GDHL Participants, I just wanted to send a quick thank you note to you all regarding a few things. First of all, to the members involved with the new GDHL committee! There were some big shoes to fill with Mark Reidl handing over the reins last season.  Mark was responsible for truly building this league up to where it is today (still staying involved mind you).  JF and Byron along with several others did a fantastic job keeping the momentum of the GDHL moving forward and the addition of the new website and E-newsletters thanks to the Mathers father son tandem was fantastic!

The other large thank you is on behalf of the entire racing program –  the GDHL has generously donated any surplus funds raised from this year towards the Club's Program Development Fund. These Funds will be used for some of our summer projects including a New Start Hut, Finish Hut and a new display board housing on Millennium and the addition of two walls on the Big John Start Hut to help block the wind on those cold winter days while you are waiting for your race run! This will help us come that much closer to completing our Racing Infrastructure upgrades across the Club.

Thanks again and have a great summer!

Dave Campbell 

The GDHL committee has being taking a well-earned break from its hectic in-season schedule, but will be back in action before long.  If you would like to be part of the committee next year (or have suggestions or requests), send us an email.

Diversions

If you go to Zermatt, you might see something like the helicopter that one of Didier Cuche's sponsors provided to drop him off on the glacier for downhill training, so that he wouldn't have to ride the cable cars with the rest of the herd.  Very cool, but I'm pretty sure that when I saw Maddy Irwin on the glacier she had come by cable car.  Life for ski racers who are not crystal globe winners and the biggest sporting heroes in their country is quite different.  If you have sponsorship money, keep it in Canada, but still check out what one US racer is up to as part of his fundraising efforts.

Enjoy the rest of the summer, train safely, and we'll see each other at the Club before you know it!

Cheers,

James Mathers

Take 2

It seems that Wednesday's accelerated edition missed a couple of things, and that there have been some subsequent inconsistent statements.  This is the absolute, final word, gospel truth, unless of course something changes.  So stay alert, 'cause the world needs more lerts.  By the way, there are actually 15 under 30's in the GDHL this year, as I missed some of our late entrants when counting earlier.

Closing Dinner

There may be a few spots still left, but there's a hard cap, so don't delay.  Online or front desk.  Our esteemed chairman has reiterated the call to honour the (only) $10 corkage charge if you BYO wine.  Cheaters will think that Lance Armstrong got off easy.  There is no statute of limitations on being shunned.

There may be recognition for the highest aggregate point total by a matrimonial unit in the GDHL.  I have identified Warll & Macmillan, Dunlop & Darlison, Gaukrodger & McAdam, McKillop & Kilmer, Morgan & Morgan and Mathers & Mathers as eligible.  If others wish to declare themselves, do tell.

Club Championships

Bib pickup is in the South Lodge loft at 8 a.m. The afternoon SL will be on Comet, not Big John, where the morning GS is.  Morning inspection will be 9:10 to 9:40, afternoon will be 12:10 to 12:40.  Jacques Reid will be on hill to help you with inspection, tactics and other analysis.  Awards will be on the Base Lodge deck at about 3 p.m.  Dave Campbell has promised that things will move briskly, and the GDHL will be supplying hot chocolate.

Sunday Training

The last session of the nine week program will indeed be a dual SL.  It will be on Birches.  Gates will be paneled, but Jacques says SL skis will be best.  Pole guards and shin guards aren't required.  Racing will start at 10 a.m.  The adult tech groups are invited to join the gate training groups for the event.  One of the courses will be timed and the eight fastest racers during the informal pairings will be eligible to advance to a knockout competition beginning at 11.  Jacques has promised awards for noon.

Looking Farther Ahead

Next weekend (8 March) brings the NZ Dawn 'til Dusk Ski Challenge.  Looks like the weather will be cooler than last year, so the end of day bobsled run may not be quite as daunting.  The following Saturday at 10 a.m. is the interclub final, which will be GS at Devil's Glen.  Anyone who has been in an interclub race this season is eligible to race.  This event is combined with the Glen's regular big season ending race, so lots of great prizes and other features.  Contact Taylor Simms-Brown if you're interested.

Sponsors

In mentioning three of our sponsors in this week's first edition, I didn't mean to suggest that they are the only sponsors.  The others have been profiled in earlier newsletters, and of course their logos are displayed in all of the newsletters.  Their contributions have given the league a financial cushion and enabled us to fund the capital contributions to Club racing that I mentioned earlier this week.  (The new supply of gates will make its debut this weekend.)

Hopefully this straightens everything out!  See you on the weekend.

James Mathers

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

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

Is That All?

Nooo!  Not yet.  To start with, there's still lots and lots of snow!  And there's still lots of fun to come.

Family Day Sunshine!

What's Ahead

• Friday training is GS, at 9:30 am and 1:00 pm.  Contact Laurel to register.
• Weekend gate training is GS at 9:30 on Saturday and Sunday.
• Technical training is also at 9:30 on Saturday and Sunday.  Meet at the National chair.
• Gateless training with Jacques Reid is at 1:00 on Saturday.  Contact Laurel to register.
• Athletic Fundraiser starts at 6:30 pm Saturday.  Don't wait to get tickets online or at the front desk, and in the meantime bid on the great package donated by GDHL and all the other online auction items.
• AOA Masters Camp is at Osler on 26 and 27 February.  One day of GS and one of SL.  Jacques Reid and Scott Barrett will coach.  Click here to register.

GDHL Wrap Up

Thanks to all of you who returned your bibs at the conclusion of Sunday's race.  There are still quite a few missing however.   Please return them to Kylie in the race office pronto.  We aren't going to spend a lot of time chasing people who don't.  You will just get a bill from the Club.

On a more cheerful note, we have a great evening planned for the final dinner and awards.  Saturday 1 March in the Base Lodge.  Cocktails at 6:00 pm, dinner at 7:00, dancing to the Mickeys at 9:00.  Bring your own wine if you wish ($10 corkage fee).  Get your tickets online or at the front desk (special price for racers under 30 and their significant others).  Do it soon, as sales will likely be closed next Wednesday!

Last Race(s)

The final GDHL race of the season was Sunday SL in the sunshine on Comet.  Results are here.  Alec Libert completed an undefeated season, winning each run by almost two seconds.  Ian Malcolm finished second to consolidate his second place overall and Spencer Jackson overcame a big stumble on his first run to grab third place on his second attempt.  Scott McLorie finished fourth to take the close race for third place overall.  Randy Dalton laid down a season's best 7th place, while Brittany Stainer emphatically confirmed her overall win in the women's rankings with a fine 13th place.  Other highlights included Chris Fregren moving from 36th ranking to 19th place, Glenn Kilmer (29th from 50), Leslie Morgan (33rd from 60), Jamie Coulter (37th from 82), Dave Baran (49th from 78) and Daina Dunlop (56th from 93).

In the team competition, Landslide proved that they are aptly named, winning by many lengths with strong performances across the board.  Millennium had a strong final race, with lower-ranked skiers Paul Henschel, Brian Athey and Shayne Mintz all increasing their point totals by double digits, and Venture shook off two double-DNF disappointments to preserve its third place overall, led by strong final races from Chris Fregren, Randy Dalton and David Arthur.

Meanwhile, at Saturday's final Interclub race at Caledon, a slightly under-strength team was able to compile enough points to maintain its hold on first place for the season.  Jeff Sutherland, Greg Cavers, Taylor Simms-Brown and Paul Atkinson all won their age groups, with Paul taking the overall win as well, while Daina Dunlop, Chris Clark, Chris Fregren, Craig Shibley, Randy Dalton and Trent Winstone were other high scorers.  Results are here.

Looking Back

Here are videos shot by Morgan Rubes's goggle cam on the Super G a few weeks ago.  The first is of the inspection, and the second is Maddie Irwin's view as a forerunner.  Maddie appears to be pretty good at peripheral vision, as her goggles are mainly looking at her pole grips.

And Finally

Here's a link to Tina Maze's winning GS run in Sochi.  Ditto for Ted Ligety.  And what Bode Miller had to say about Ted's win:

“In general, (Ligety) just carries speed from turn to turn better,” said Miller. “Because he’s going deeper, his turn is actually longer … Ted goes so round that his turn is naturally a longer radius. So by the time his turn finishes, it’s time to go into the next turn. … That way, he generates from one turn right into the next one and tips it up. The two things work together. He generates more speed … and because he has so much space, he never pinches or gets in trouble because he’s always way far away from the gate.

“Take nothing away from Ted. I think he’s one of the best GS skiers in history,” added Miller, “but if he had some competitors that skied alternative styles to his — everyone right now is trying to do what he’s doing … If you saw a guy like (Alberto) Tomba at his best or Hermann (Maier) at his best or even (Michael) Von Gruenigen, those guys had their own thing going and they knew exactly how to do it. It would be tough for Ted to compete against somebody who was cutting that much line off him.”

Closer to home, if you're ready for some dryland training, get in touch with Mary Riopelle if you're interested in joining a group seeking a discounted group membership to the gym at The Northwoods Club in Collingwood.

And see you on the snow!

James Mathers

Read Carefully Please!

Lots of information to absorb, including changes to the weekend's schedule.   The final GDHL race (SL) has been moved from Sunday morning on Venture to Sunday afternoon on Comet.  Start is at 1:00, with inspection from about 12:15 to 12:40.  Bibs will be collected at the finish line, failing which you will need to return yours to the race office on pain of the pecuniary penalty to which you agreed as a term of registration.  As a result of the race time change, Sunday's training will be held as usual at 9:30 am, on Big John, rather than being rescheduled to Saturday.  Also on deck for the weekend:

• The Track 3 Friends & Family Ski Day is Friday.  Details are here.

• Friday training is SL on Birches.  Contact Laurel to register.

• Saturday training is SL on Venture at 9:30.  Timing will be set up both Saturday and Sunday.  Remember to check in with the coaches by radio before each run.

• Technical training is at 9:30 on each of Saturday and Sunday.  Meet at the National chair.

• The fourth Interclub race is SL at Caledon on Saturday afternoon.  Contact Taylor if you're interested.  Races at Caledon have often been an opportunity to get your first start on the team.

GDHL Closing Dinner and Other Fun

Plans are quickly coming together for the annual GDHL awards dinner on Saturday, 1 March in the Base Lodge.  (Note that Club championships medals will be presented separately after the races.)  Cocktails are at 6 and dinner is at 7.  New features this year include a dance band for apres-awards festivities and BYO wine arrangements.  You can bring your own wine and pay a corkage fee of $10 per bottle.  This can most elegantly be done when requesting glasses and the use of a cork screw at the bar.  BYOW is a generous accommodation from our caterer, so let's play by the rules!  Anyone found drinking from a broken-necked bottle will be dealt with harshly.  Public humiliation will be the least of it, given our esteemed chairman's avid endorsement of this program.  Ticket sales will begin shortly at the front desk and online.  Tickets are $45 each, or $30 for GDHL racers under 30 and one under 30 guest each.

Remember also to sign up for the Athletic Fundraiser on 22 February, and click here to bid on the GDHL's contribution to the online silent auction, among other things.

If you're worried about keeping in top racing form between the Club championships and the final Interclub race, the Peaks will be holding their traditional Super G on Friday, 7 March.  Details will be available shortly.

And this just in - AOA is presenting a two day masters' camp at Osler on 26 and 27 February.  One day of SL and one of GS, with morning, afternoon and video sessions.  Coaches will be Jacques Reid and Scott Barrett.  Registration will be available on the AOA website beginning on 18 February.  Jacques can provide more details in the interim.

A Quick Diversion

Just to introduce a splash of colour into an otherwise text-heavy narrative, here's someone's take on difficult conditions on the Sochi mogul course.

Results and Standings

Results of Sunday's GS on Big John are here.  Alec Libert again won handily, with Ian Malcolm edging out Scott McLorie by two hundies for second, followed by Doug Macmillan and Trevor Jackson.  JF Courville almost halved his 24th ranking to finish tied with Trent Winstone for 13th, while Brook Dyson jumped from 33rd ranking to 16th.  Rob Cassels joined the Rossi Masters users, at least temporarily, to record a season's best 29th, while Brittany Stainer was the leading lady in 38th, 0.01 ahead of Lisa Warll.  Familiar faces among the climbers included Rob Bruce (42nd from 67th rank), Jamie Coulter (45th from 82) and Brad McMullen (46th from 103), while Tory McKillop, Brad Sproule and Anne Mathers improved on their rankings by 31, 30 and 25 places, respectively.

You will have observed that our new database means that the final results will no longer be a closely guarded secret up to the final dinner, but the upside is the chance to readily analyze who needs to do what to whom going into the final race.  Alec Libert's lead in the individual overall standings remains unassailable with a perfect 464 points from his best four races.  Ian Malcolm is at 457 and would reach 460 with a win Sunday.  Things are very tight behind them, with Scott McLorie and Greg Cavers tied at 453, followed by Doug Macmillan at 452.  Scott is presently counting a 6th, so he could reach 458 with a win.  Greg's max is 457, while Doug could also get to 458.  Special mention in next week's news to anyone who figures out what's needed for a four way tie for second!  

In the women's race, Brittany Stainer has a seemingly comfortable 39 point lead, but Leslie Morgan could improve her score by precisely 39 points with a win, so who knows?  Brittany needs to finish 34th to get the one point needed to assure overall victory.

And finally, who's in the money for the teams?  Landslide, on the strength of over-achievement from Jamie Coulter, Brad McMullen and others, has an apparent lock on first with a lead of almost 300 points.  Millennium has a 29 point cushion in second place and has two racers who have only three finishes, so they can each drop their current 10 point penalties by showing up Sunday.  Conversely, Venture in third has had almost perfect attendance all season and its members will have to lay down some solid runs to defend slim leads over National, which is carrying one 10 point penalty, and Funnel.  Keep your calculators ready!

Ms. Manners

I have written a bit recently about GDHL not taking itself too seriously, but not tolerating abuse of race crew and others.  Time for a bit more.  We have recognized that, on the race course, GDHL hasn't ever had a formal structure of officiating.  Our course setter, Jacques Reid, has now accepted responsibility for making decisions concerning course safety if conditions are difficult and generally acting as the senior race official.  It has also been noted that some racers are not inspecting the course efficiently, by making numerous passes, stopping to socialize on the way down or showing up late.  Sometimes extra slipping is welcome if there is a lot of snow to clear, but more often it is best to clear the course and let the Coyotes do the final preparation.  Absent unusual circumstances, we will close inspection 20 minutes before the race start. Before then, consider joining Shelley Johnston or one of the other coaches on the course for a single thoughtful inspection.

And finally, if all of the wisdom you thought you absorbed during inspection and training doesn't stick with you and you're disappointed with your run or some part of it, remember that we're a family club.  I recall seeing a mother in the finish area struggling to explain some particularly colourful self-reproach to her stripling.  These episodes are best eliminated, and egregious examples may require the miscreant to explain herself to our chairman.

Self-Improvement / Live in Hope

Just as I was despairing of some content for this area, along came three pieces from the New York Times regarding Ted Ligety.  Click here for an article about Ligety as a late bloomer, among other things.   Click here for a neat scroll-through video compilation concerning Ted's technique.  And here are some pictures he's taken of life on the road.

One Last Diversion

A man was stopped by the police around 2 AM and asked where he was going at that time of night.  The man replied, "I'm on my way to a lecture about alcohol abuse and the effects it has on the human body, as well as the dangers of smoking, and staying out late." The officer then asked, "Really? Who is giving that lecture at this time of night?"  The man replied, "That would be my wife."

See you on the hill!

James Mathers

Illustrated Edition

Lots of pictures and video this week, including a new GDHL champ.  But first

What You Need to Know Next

• Friday training is GS at 9:30 AM and i:00 PM.  Contact Laurel to register.
• Gate training is GS at 9:30 AM on each of Saturday and Sunday.  The sessions will include timing, so bring your ChronoSplit watches if you have them as the sessions continue to build towards more race simulation and emphasis on quality rather than quantity of runs.  Remember also to use the radio at the top of the course to check in with coaches.
• Technical training is at 9:30 AM on each of Saturday and Sunday, meet at the National chair
• The next of the new technical free ski / gateless training sessions is on Saturday from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.  These are freeing skiing sessions with Jacques Reid, using personalized drills with a technical focus aimed at improving your skiing in gates.  Contact Laurel to register.  Participation is limited. 
• The penultimate GDHL race is a GS on Big John and starts at 1:00 PM on Sunday.  Inspection is from approximately 12:15 PM to 12:40 PM. 
• Looking a little bit ahead, the Track 3 Family and Friends Ski Day is on Friday, 14 February.  Click here for details and registration.

• Soon after that comes the Athletics Fundraiser, on Saturday, 22 February.  GDHL is contributing a cool collection of goodies for auction, consisting of registration for GDHL and Saturday 9 week gate training in 2014, a private lesson with Jacques Reid and a race tune from Squires.
• And looking a little farther ahead, the GDHL closing dinner and awards presentation is on Saturday, 1 March (frighteningly soon) and our outstanding team of social co-ordinators is planning another great event.  International themed food stations, new after dinner activities and more - full details soon, save the date in the interim!

A Changing of the Guard

Last Sunday's long(ish) SL led to Alec Libert's fourth bullet in four GDHL starts.  As we count only four races of seven for the overall standings, Alec has amassed an unassailable lead, unseating reigning champ Greg Cavers with a fine display of skill and athleticism.

Alec Libert and Greg Cavers

Results are here.  Here is some video (and audio) of Alec's winning run.  And here is video of Alec training on the bottom part of Landslide.  The training video was shot by another skier alongside Alec,   Jacques likes Alec's "spine angle" of less than 90 degrees to the slope that he achieves by flexing at the waist and rounding his shoulders forward.

As for the rest of us, Greg Cavers was second with a comfortable margin over Doug Macmillan, Scott McLorie and Dave Raymond.  Doug Jarvis recorded his first top 10 of the season, while Ian Latimer continued his tradition of strong SL results, jumping to 12th from his 26 ranking.  Brittany Stainer won the women's division with a GDHL personal best 16th place, followed at a distance by Leslie Morgan and Lisa Warll.  Chris Clark, Glenn McKay, Jamie Coulter, Mack Barford and Will Andrew all had big jumps to finish in 26th through 30th from their rankings of 47, 45, 82, 58 and 69, respectively, while (a bit) further back, Rob Bruce, Brad McMullen and Daina Dunlop were big movers.  Forerunners Norman Struthers and Rowan Darlison comfortably beat their progenitors.  

On a darker note, the committee has noted with concern that this year's endurance SL was about 20 seconds shorter than last year's event, and will be pressing for a longer challenge next year.

And note that our results database is providing overall standings complete with year end adjustments as needed to give people four results.  Team Landslide has a comfortable lead despite presently incurring 20 points in adjustment penalties, while things are tight between Millennium, Venture and Funnel for the rest of the positions in the money.

Fashion News Returns

Shelley Johnston has rolled into town with a big collection of what is ostensibly Belgian World Cup team outfits.  A big advantage of being on a small team is that you can attach a flag to your own fashionable attire and it becomes teamware.  See below for Saturday's innovative Top Gun outfit.

Take That Tome Cruise!

Meanwhile, reigning fashionista Carrie Grinter-Lenauskas doesn't appear to be getting over-excited by the challenger.  As usual, she sports Spyder and scores high on technical merit for identifying the components as the Hottie jacket and Sharp Lime pants. 

Not Just an Outfit, But Careful Picture Composition!

Interclub Round 3

Results of last Saturday's GS at Alpine are here.  While TSB's comeback win at the Peaks apparently left his knee a bit tender and he was on birthday party duty, his recruits notched another dominant victory, winning by 27 points over the Peaks, with Alpine uncharacteristically just three points further back.  As usual, the male baby boomers laid the foundation for victory, with Jeff Sutherland and Bebe Zoricic placing 1, 2 in their age group and Trent Winstone, Craig Shibley, Rob Burnes and Randy Dalton finishing 2 through 5 in theirs.  Meanwhile, newcomer Paul Atkinson had the fastest overall time of the day by half a second. Margaret Isberg, Daina Dunlop and Scott McLorie also won their respective age groups and Paul Woodhouse, Kat Zoricic, Doug Deeks and Greg Cavers were among the high scorers.

Other Notable Events

Erin Latimer, daughter and sister of GDHLers Ian and Sarah, will soon be off to the Sochi Paralympics, although not before making an appearance at the Track 3 event mentioned above.  Read more about Erin's exploits here.

Another Latimer Skiing Slalom!

Some good video of Ted Ligety dominating the St. Moritz World Cup GS and Mikaela Shiffrin being toppled in the Kranjska Gora World Cup SL:

Doug Jarvis is awarded the first Bieber Fever medal by the Friday training coaches, apparently for applying Bieberish crash and burn techniques to ski racing.

Jacques, Doug and Shelley

And finally, Prince Hubertus von Hohenlohe will represent Mexico at the Olympics again, at the age of 55, and will sport a mariachi-inspired race suit.  It seems that he's probably a pretty decent GDHL level skier, with a nice bank balance and a convenient passport.

Another Middle-Aged Man in Lycra!

See you on the weekend,

James Mathers

Super G

The Super G was a great success on many fronts.  More about that below, but first

What You Need to Know Next

• Friday training is SL at 9:30 AM and i:00 PM.  Contact Laurel to register.
• Gate training is SL at 9:30 AM on each of Saturday and Sunday
• Technical training is at 9:30 AM on each of Saturday and Sunday, meet at the National chair
• The first of the new technical free ski / gateless training sessions is on Saturday from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.  These are freeing skiing sessions with Jacques Reid, using drills with a technical focus aimed at improving your skiing in gates.  The focus will be personalized for participants based on their goals.  Contact Laurel to register.  Participation will be limited to 10 unless there are more registrants then that by the end of the day on Friday, in which case an additional coach will be added.
• The third Interclub race (GS) will be at Alpine on Saturday afternoon.  Contact Taylor Simms-Brown if you are interested.
• The fifth GDHL race is the "endurance" SL and starts at 1:00 PM on Sunday.  Inspection is from approximately 12:15 PM to 12:40 PM.  The plan is to set the course beginning at the top of Millennium, running along the access route then turning downhill on Venture and ending at the finish line back on Millennium.

Super G

It's not often that we have a National Team member as a forerunner, but Madison Irwin was the first skier to take on the new Super G course last Saturday, recording a time of 1 min. 13.88 seconds, with an interval time of 35.83 seconds.  I'm pretty sure that the course got faster as the morning wore on, but when Maddy hits the really big time, some of our racers will be able to boast of having beaten her time in at least one race.  Results are here.  As is often the case for the Super G, the field was a bit smaller than for other races, and the chatter in the start area suggested that some of the fast guys had been held up by bad weather.  Ian Malcolm took full advantage to win with a comfortable margin, recording the time of 1 min. 8.84 seconds and becoming the youngest GDHL winner in recent memory, with Doug Macmillan placing second.  John Banfield confirmed expectations that he would return to his pre-hiatus form with a strong third place, followed by Greg Cavers and Jeff Sutherland.  Morgan Rubes finished sixth, followed by Tom Caswell, who moved up decisively from his 29th ranking.  A quick look at the GDHL database shows that both Morgan and Tom have historically done well in the Super G.  Conversely, Brook Dyson has missed the Super G for the last three years, but made amends by vaulting from his 33rd ranking to finish 10th.  Other top 20 finishers who improved significantly on their rankings included Peter Ardill (12th from ranking 25), Rob Burnes (15th from 34), David Lash (18th from 37) and Patrick Galligan (20th from 48).  Glenn Kilmer (26th from 50), Will Andrew (28th from 69 – again) and Rick Lapas (31st from 59) were also big movers, while Leslie Morgan led the women in 33rd, followed by Brittany Stainer and Lisa Warll in 35th and 36th.  (Jamie Coulter jumped from his 82nd ranking to finish between them in 34th.)  Michael Thompson, Tiana Boyman and Dougie Craig also jumped nicely into the middle class overall.

Other Notable Results

Kevin LaChance, known to many for his assistance with Saturday gate training sessions, cut a fine figure in his race suit on the podium at the Special Olympics event, after winning his age group and finishing second overall with the fastest overall time in the second run.

Meanwhile, in a Super G a bit farther from home, finish times were a bit tighter than we are accustomed to.  At the Hahnenkamm Super G in Kitzbuehel on Sunday, being one second behind the winner left you in 35th place and being another second behind left you in 65th!

More Super G

This year we have interval times to whet your appetite for detail.  They are posted here.  Interval times were taken in the vicinity of the Comet start hut.  I was surprised when Michael Walker told me that they were taken in the same way as at most World Cup races, namely with a manually operated stopwatch connected to the main timing system.  Michael says they're usually pretty accurate, but that occasional unexpected variations in interval times that pop up when you're watching a race on television may be due to the timing operator being distracted.

The Super G also provided some good examples of what the GDHL is, and is not, all about.  First, we don't have gatekeepers so, except when someone contrives to miss the last gate, we rely on racers to disqualify themselves if they miss gates.  The easiest way, of course, is simply not to ski across the finish line if you have missed a gate along the way.  You can also do as one racer did on Saturday when he promptly went to the finish hut to withdraw despite having had the fastest time to that point in the race.  Or, if you're not quite sure at that time, if you contact the GDHL committee, we can make adjustments after the fact as we did on Tuesday of this week when another racer came forward to identify his concerns about having perhaps missed a gate and a committee member was able to identify possible witness, who in fact confirmed those fears.  (If you looked at the results on Monday or Tuesday, check again and you may find that you have moved up a place.)

Second, it was great to get a lot of help with removing nets after the race on Saturday.  (By the way, the yellow nets, and the trailer that carries them around to different races, belong to the Nic Zoricic Foundation and represent their first investment in promoting skiing safety.)  This prompted a note from the Coyotes, which I am happy to pass along below.

“What a great weekend!   Your Coyotes hope you had a great time with your speed event this weekend.   It was great fun to watch all of you (and sometimes hear) a few of you come down that awesome course!

We especially want to thank you for the thoughtfulness of preparing us food and hot chocolate to sustain us through our long day!    I don’t think hot chocolate ever tasted that good!  It really meant a lot.  Hungry Coyotes are not happy Coyotes, and  you certainly helped avoid that!

And we really would not have made it through the day if it weren’t for the many hands that helped us tear down all of the B-Net!  Thank you! Thank you!  On behalf of all of us!

Proudly Coyote,

Jen & Mick Gillard”

Unfortunately, there is one less positive matter to be noted.  The "suitability test" on the home page of our website is intended to indicate that we don't take ourselves too seriously, but we do expect civilized behavior.  We will tolerate occasional fits of poor-performance-induced pique, as long as they aren't directed at someone else.  We will not tolerate misbehavior directed towards others, especially the race crew.  Concerns on the race course may be raised politely, preferably with Jacques Reid, but tantrums are liable to result in a "time out" from future races.

Self-Improvement

Improvement is a goal for everyone.  Please complete the survey here to provide feedback concerning your gate training and other adult racing experience at the Club.

Shelley Johnston has directed me to this short analysis of a Ted Ligety GS turn.  And here is a collection of Ron Lemaster race photography.  The images are both artistic and instructive.  An additional example featuring Ted Ligety appears below.

Finally, an invitation to meet another keen group of racers on Saturday afternoon.

"Please join us this Saturday Feb 1, between 3 and 4 at the Craigleith Coyote Race Crew Hut, beside Squire John's location at CSC.

Help us give support to our AOPRT Paralympic team before they head to SOCHI, Russia, March 7 – 16.  The team, their coach and parents will be present.  Have your photo taken with them.

Please drop in to meet these great athletes, as some of them are expected to 'podium' at the Paralympics!

Hosted by Craigleith Coyotes.  Contact: Linda Housser 705-445-9821"

See you on the weekend!

James Mathers

Things Even Out, and TSB is Back

After last week's second run carnage on a deteriorating course, a hard surface and a well set course allowed many to have faster second runs in Sunday's GS on Vortex.  Meanwhile, Taylor Simms-Brown, in his first race in two seasons, overcame the pressure of being late for baby-sitting duty and the need for a rerun to set the fastest run of the day and lead Craigleith to victory in the second inter-club of the season.  More below, but first,

The view from the start ramp of the Super G.

Starting to glide!

Heading for Bowie - possible gate locations.

Super G Weekend!

The pictures above show some of what you can expect from the Super G on Saturday morning.  It will start at the top of the Funnel chair, run along Cruiser (hopefully not into a head wind, or through new snow), past the top of the Comet chair, down Bowie, then back past the bottom of Porcupine to the finish line on Comet.  It will be hard to get lost with the large amount of B-netting that is being erected. Be sure to arrive early (9ish) for inspection, as the Super G course is often closed down for a longer period than usual before the start, to allow for final preparations.  Remember too that you must have a full helmet with hard ear coverings and that, as there will be several racers on course at a time, it is possible that you will be flagged down if there is a fall ahead of you, in which case you should stop and return to the start line for a rerun.

When the race is over, please stick around to help tear down and roll the nets.  There is a huge amount of work that goes into preparing a course for us to run this very exciting race, and the Coyotes can't do all the work themselves for this one!

The Rest of the Schedule

• Speed camp runs Wednesday and Thursday mornings, including training on the Super G course, and all day Friday with higher speed GS on Vortex.  Contact Laurel to register.
• Saturday adult gate training will be SL at 1 pm.  Sunday's session will be SL at 9:30 am.
• Adult tech sessions are Saturday and Sunday at 9:30.  Meet at the National chair.
• The annual Snow School apres-ski for adults is Saturday at 3:00 in the South Lodge loft - come have a beer and munchies on Cindy.

GDHL Race 3

Results are here.  Unlike last race, 13 of the top 18 finishers had faster second runs on Vortex last Sunday, although the end result, a win for Alec Libert, was a repeat.  The young guns swept the first four places, as Trevor Jackson took 2nd and his hirsute younger brother Spencer placed 3rd in his GDHL debut, followed by Ian Malcolm.  Greg Cavers and Jeff Sutherland led the veterans in 5th and 6th, followed by older newcomer Doug Macmillan, who is quietly establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with.  Craig Shibley lost a fine first run by repeating last year's trick of skiing the wrong side of the last gate, but rebounded with the identical time in his second run, while John Banfield is starting to work himself into the conversation after a slow start to his return from retirement.  Brittany Stainer led the women, finishing 25th overall, while Lisa Warll came out ahead of Leslie Morgan in another close contest, as they finished 36th and 40th, respectively, less than 0.2 seconds apart.  Lisa was tied with Will Andrew, who this week finished only 33 spots ahead of his ranking. Brad McMullen finished 44th, confirming the opening week's assessment that the rankings committee needed more data.  Rob Bruce and Jamie Coulter scored solid improvements on their rankings (based on prior years), while Stephanie Clark edged out her progenitor by a mere hundredth.  Offspring also prevailed in the Darlison / Dunlop family, with daughter Rowan establishing a more decisive margin from her forerunning position, while Austin Gust couldn't quite match his father's fine 12th place time but showed little consideration for his mother / fellow forerunner or his grandfather.  (Have we ever before had three generations participate in the same GDHL race?)

See below for part of the reason it's so hard to get ahead in a GS race these days.  And now you can get the same ski in a Dynastar livery as well!

Market share -  Rossi Masters on the Millennium Chair after Sunday's GS

Kate Ryley

As an aside, Kate Ryley, who was a teammate of Libert, T. Jackson and Ruffolo in their Nancy Greene and Mackenzie league days, is off to a flying start in her NCAA races, having won the first three of the season.  This includes one GS victory with a 3.64 second margin and a personal best 15 FIS points.  Kate entered her final year of NCAA competition having been named an All-American in her first three years.  Dare we hope for a 2015 return to the escarpment and the glories of the GDHL and Druxy's masters racing?

Interclub Race 2

Last Saturday afternoon saw the second race in the remodeled Interclub series, this time featuring a fifth team in the form of a joint Toronto Ski Club / Devil's Glen entry, and the announcement of a fifth race to be held at the Glen on 15 March.  Craigleith's performance wasn't quite as dominant as in recent races, but was sufficient for an 11 point victory over the Peaks on their home hill, with Alpine claiming third.  Jeff Sutherland, Bebe Zoricic and Glen Blaylock finished 1, 2, 3 in the men's 55 to 59 age category, racking up big points as usual, while Trent Winstone, Craig Shibley and Ian Latimer scored well in the 50 to 54 group.  Anne Mathers, Margaret Isberg, Tiana Boyman, Greg Cavers and Patrick Brown (returning from a long absence) all won their categories.  But it was TSB, claiming not to have even tuned his skis while recovering from surgery last season, who surprised and delighted most of the crowd with a first run that gave him almost a half second lead in the overall standings.  Others ate into that margin on their second runs while TSB was attending to the twins, but couldn't spoil the triumphant return. Full results are here.

Self-Improvement / Live in Hope

It may have been a plan destined for failure from the start, but the flags placed on the stubbies in last Saturday morning's GS training course lasted only a couple of runs.  It wasn't the stiff breeze that left them littered all over the course.  The point is that there is a trade off between skiing the absolute minimum distance by pinching the gates and giving your feet some room to create edge angle without putting your upper body in harm's way.  See the picture below of Ted Ligety skiing GS, something at which he's reputed to be pretty good.  See the edge angle.  See the distance his feet are from the gate.  Look up the results.  Coincidence? I don't think so!

And just think how well he could turn on the Dynastar Masters ski!

And here is some pretty sophisticated home video of the first run of the Comet SL shot by Morgan Rubes on his goggle camera.  More of the similar is to be found on his YouTube channel.

Finally, don't forget to get Family Day weekend and Valentine's Day off to a good start with the Track 3 Race Day!  Full details are at the end of this message.

See you at the top of Cruiser!

James Mathers