My first thoughts on finishing the American Birkebeiner cross-country ski race in Hayward, Wisconsin is what a difference Fischer skis makes. Three years ago I attempted my first Birkie with waxless skis I had been using since high school. I remember double polling like hell down hills while skiers with Fischer Nordic skis effortlessly glided past me in the crouched position.
I also had a shoe predicament. A couple months before the race my shoes started to come apart. I did not want to buy a new pair of shoes because there would be no way I would have time to break them in for the race.
Instead, I used the adventure travel fix all: duct tape. Each time I went out skiing I wrapped duct tape around both shoes. By the time I was done skiing, the snow and water usually loosened the tape, so I would have to wrap a new dressing on the shoes the next time I went out.
Last year I took care of the ski boot situation and bought new Fischer boots and bindings at REI. Then it hardly snowed at all last year. I made very few ski trips and did not even break in my new ski shoes.
This year I signed up again for the Birkebeiner. I sent an email to Fischer skis and asked if they could support my race by allowing me to use a pair of skis. A couple of weeks later there was a huge box at my front door.
I was a little nervous though because what happens if I would have skied slower in my Fischer skis during this year’s race. It would prove I was getting old and out of shape for one, but it would also not show how great Fischer skis are. I wanted to highlight to those that follow me that Fischer are quality skis that will improve your time and your enjoyment of the sport.
Fortunately, I did not disappoint, nor did Fischer skis, as together we skied a time almost 25 minutes faster than three years ago. Three years ago I came across the finish line in 5 hours and 54 minutes. This year the time was five hours and 31 minutes.
There were a number of variables at play here. Let’s look and analyze the differences between the two races:
- Three years ago I was a little younger, leaner, and meaner. I was ten pounds maybe fifteen pounds lighter
- I was in better skiing shape three years ago as I had skied a ton during a quality snow year in the Midwest.
- It snowed the night before the race this year creating slower conditions
- Fischer skis were much faster than my waxless ones I used three years ago
- I got my Fischer skis professionally waxed at Devil’s Track Nordic Shop in Grand Marais, Minnesota. This experience will be highlighted in a future post, but the wax job was tremendous.
- New Fischer boots without duct tape
- I bought kick wax from Devil’s Track to help ski up slight inclines faster
The first three bullet points would indicate I would have a faster time from three years ago, but the next three are variables that would point towards a faster time this year. The last one did not make much of an impact as it was the first time I have ever waxed my skis, so I need more experience to get it down right.
The variables seem to cancel each other out, however, I did race 23 minutes faster this year. I think this illustrates the importance of goods skis and good equipment. Despite the fact that I was three years older and not in any better shape, I still skied significantly faster, which only proves the effectiveness of the Fischer Nordic racing skis and the excellent glide wax job.
The skis that Fischer lent to me were called RCR classic Vasas. They range in price from $300 to $500.00. If you are serious about skiing and want a pair you can really move on, I would definitely suggest these skis. Even if you are not a fanatic, Fischer has a wide range of skis for the beginner, touring, and racers.
Although Fischer lent me these skis at no cost, my review of their performance was not influenced by this arrangement. The proof is in the time difference between my two races.
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Glad you upgraded from those duct-tape boots! Cool to know your time improved even though you were more prepared last year… sounds like those skis and a good waxing made a real difference.
Leslie recently posted..Street art for a cause: Interview with artist Federico Frum of Mas Paz
The improvement in time came from the race three years ago, which pleases me even more since I am three years older now. The better skis and waxing made a huge difference. I still have a lot to learn about the sport and look forward to continue improvement as I hone my skills.
i think i’ve said this before but i think this race is really cool AND, you go Ted! i’m not surprised you’re getting better with age!! you can say it’s the skis but i’m not so sure đŸ˜‰
lola recently posted..what is a bloggie, anyhow & why should i win?
Thanks Lola. I think you may be right. The skis helped, but I am becoming a bigger bad a#s with age đŸ™‚
This is a tad technical for me, but I can imagine that with your skill and level of skiing, you need proper equipment!!
@mrsoaroundworld recently posted..My New York City by @travelpanties
It is technical, but in a way basic. Most people who ski casually have no need for this, but for those who race and want to improve their time there are two ways to improve their speed. One is by hot-waxing their skis to improve their glide.
Basically wax is melted and ironed on to the skis with something resembling a clothes iron. This improves friction allowing for faster runs downhill that last longer. This important in racing for two reasons 1. You go faster going downhill 2. It allows you to rest longer if you glide for a longer period on the downhills and saves you for the level ground and uphills.
The second way to improve your time is by putting kick wax on your skis. This wax helps grip the snow on level areas and slight inclines.
Ah, duct tape- the fix all. We’re so proud of you for not only competing, but beating your last time. This is definitely something we’d like to try some day.
Tawny of Captain and Clark recently posted..Travel Confession. The fear of being let down.
Thanks Tawny,
I am pleased with the results and look forward to honing my skills for next year.