XC Ski Trail Etiquette

Just some basics on XC Ski Trail Etiquette.
Probably the most import point of all, HAVE FUN! If it's not fun then what's the point, sort of like human existence huh?
2nd is Stewardship to your trail, take a second to pick up a stick or twig that might cause a fall. Break off that limb that you have to duck under going around a corner. Volunteer when trail clean up days are scheduled as the prep work doesn't take care of it's self.

The following are basics that all should know;
Always yield to the skier coming up the hill.
When you hear "Track" behind you, slide over and let the other pass.
Skaters Stay out of the Classic Grooves, Skating really butchers up the Classic track.
Classic skiers stay off the Skating Lane, this packs down the trail and skaters can't get an edge to kick.

And probably the 3rd most important point is educate, politely ask hikers/joggers/runners/snowshoers to stay off or to the edge of the trail. Leave the dogs at home if going to a groomed ski trail. If you're an experience skier and see a new skier having trouble, take a moment and toss out a pointer or two. Remember we all were beginners once upon a time - Brett

Update on ATV tracks at MNRA - lost snowmobile rider

The ATV tracks out at MNRA were from an ongoing search for a snowmobile rider who has been missing since last Sunday. The search is gong on around the Coralville Res and I haven't seen any news about the fellow being found either, Please send him, his family, and friends some good Karma - Brett
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20100106/NEWS/1060362/Groups-look-in-2-counties-for-missing-snowmobiler

MNRA (MacBride) - Iowa City/North Liberty

MNRA - Iowa City - 1-3:30PM, temp 6, wind WNW-5mph, snow - firm & fast in the sun with a touch of drag in the shade. MNRA is in good shape right now and should remain so for another day unitl the next snow fall. The skating was excellent as the skate trail hadn't been packed down yet. The Classic lane was gliding well on the downhills and looked to be in decent shape - Brett

Adams Nature Preserve, Sioux City

Adams Nature Preserve, Sioux City

From last Wednesday through Sunday morning, we received over 5 more inches of new snow. As a result, we have seen over 40 inches of snow this season and another 5 inches is forecasted starting tonight through Thursday morning. With so much snow on the ground grooming has not only been time consuming, but quite challenging. Even the slightest deviation from the packed trails results in a buried snowmobile. All of the regular trails are now groomed. We intend to groom as much of the River Loop as time permits. As they say, be careful what you wish for - Cody

Iowa City Nordic TT Series - Thrusday (possibly)

See the Iowa City Ski Race page for details. Thrusday night possibly but this is weather dependent basically due to wind chill- Brett

Pictures of Iowa City XC ski race 1/1/2010

For your viewing pleasure from January 1, 2010
www.flickr.com/photos/recserv/sets/72157623020378791/

Mines of Spain Trails

The trails were last groomed on December 30, 2009. Not much good snow to groom. Some areas that are in lower areas have ice built up from rain over Christmas time. Snow is forcast for Wednesday and will hopefully make for better grooming conditions.

We will have a cross country ski clinic on January 17 starting at 1:00 p.m. The clinic will start at Bicycle World in Dubuque for an indoor session. The clinic will resume at the Mines of Spain after the indoor session for outdoor training. You will need to bring your own equipment. Bicycle World does rent skis and boots and poles.

Thanks,Wayne

Jester Park - Des Moines

Made it back out to Jester yesterday (1/3) and the trails had been groomed again last week although I am not sure when. Regardless, the tracks are in very good shape, set well throughout most of the network and very fast. Note that I skied only the lake and golf course loops and stayed out of the trees.

Finding posts to your respective ski area

Here is how one finds postings about your respective trail conditions. In the upper left hand corner of the main page is a search window. Type in the name of your trail and hit enter, you should be taken to the latest post for that specific trail - Brett

MNRA

By request from many, MNRA was freshened up a bit tonight. I tried not to get into the classic track since setting new ones is impossible in 3 inches of packed snow. Skate lane should be looking better by morning, it was pretty chopped up so I just ran the groomer across a couple times to make it look pretty. Have fun out there.

Walkers, hikers, joggers, runners, snowshoers, dogs, & bicycles

All you ski-type folks out there, just a little soap boxing on this end.

Don't be afraid to ask someone to walk, hike, jog, run, snowshoe, excercise a dog, etc. somewhere other than on a groomed ski trail. Don't be shy, be polite, and just ask, "Can you please not XYZ on a groomed ski trail or at least stay to the edges and out of the classic track?" Be sure to tell them why you are asking, i.e., that any activity other than skiing on a groomed ski trail destroys the trail. Most folks are very receptive, and likely were unaware rather than rude, so please remember to educate and inform.

Those of you who have been leaving your dogs at home when using a groomed ski trail, thanks lots. You can always take fido somewhere to play that isn't groomed and still get your skis out at the same time.

Thanks so much and have a great time out there - Brett

Big Creek

January 3, 2010 - It was a cold day for skiing today, but not intolerable without wind. The skating lane was groomed earlier and conditions were very good this afternoon. The classic tracks are still hanging in there - best in the Disc Golf and Prairie loops. Watch out for leaves in the Lakeside loop, particularly going downhill (sudden brake engagement)! The bad news is that more leaves came down overnight; the good news is there doesn't appear to be many left on the trees. Another dose of snow this week will help cure that problem.

Twin Pines Golf Course (NE Cedar Rapids)

The sun was shinning, the temperature was around 4 degrees, and the winds were light out of the NW. There was a well established classic track that circled the course and I added some branches.

It was a good afternoon for skiing. The snow was a little crunchy, but skied very nicely. There were a few spots where the wind had thinned out the snow cover and were a little icy, but for the most part I was skiing in tracks that were 2 to 6 inches deep.

Northern Illinois Nordic 1/9 & 1/10 XC races

I'm posting this for Bob Richards of IL.
Thanks for a great race experience on almost no notice. Our visit to Iowa City had a nice Nordic surprise, thanks to you organizers. The course and camaraderie were great! Thanks again. P.S. If anyone is in the Chicago area next weekend, there are two races. See ninordic.com and ninordic.org.

Buchanan County

There are several parks in Buchanan County that have cross country trails groomed for classic skiing. These trails are probably not for the serious skier but are very nice for families and beginners. The trail at Fontana Nature Center runs along the lake and does a nice loop through the woods. The trailhead is west of the dam above the lake.

Morgan Creek

The trails had not been touched since our last snowfall but skating was doable and the classic tracks were firm and well established. There should be a good base in place when the next snowfall comes.

Wickiup Hill

Looks like these trails really took a hit from the rains. You can leave your skate skis at home. That being said the classic tracks weren't half bad and there were several people out doing the best they could in spite of the cold temperatures. Hopefully we get a few more inches of snow soon so the groomers can get back out.

Additional Race thanks

Thanks to the New Pioneer Co-op for donating prizes to the top Skate, Classic and Female finishers. New Pi provided reusable chico-bags with a bottle of wine, opener, and t-shirts or coffee to each winner. Also thanks to 30th Century Bikes for Water bottles and the Big Cheese awarded to Finn for his victory. Does a 5 lb block of American Cheese go well with Merlot - Paul

Thanks to all who donated funds at the race! The $140.00 is going into a fund to help with the purchase of a new towing snowmobile/machine for MNRA (MacBride). I know it's tough out there but keep it up folks and we'll soon have the fund - Brett

MNRA

MNRA was groomed and new tracks set this morning. Tracks are shallow due to snow conditions. Skate lane should be as fast as it can be considering the temps. Have fun.

Skaw Creek

The trail is ok for classic skiing but pretty rough for skate skiing. There were some pretty big ruts from vehicles driving on the trail before the snow came on the loop that had been groomed recently.

Big Creek

January 1 - The skating lane was groomed today and conditions were very good for skating. The classic tracks are holding out fairly well - I elected to not attempt resetting them because of the cold, hard packed trail surface. They are generally deep and solid, but showing wear and tear from skier use. Quite a few skiers out today despite the chilly temperature and light wind.

Big Creek/Ames ERV (Carr Woods)

Big Creek (Wednesday during snowfall) was well leaf littered along the lake, but disc golf loops and prairie loop and most of the linking lanes between the two were very clean and wonderful for both skate and classic. don't see any recent posts, but i'm betting you can ski right over those leaves in these temps, if TW hasn't already groomed them all into place, which he may well have done!!!
Ames Carr Woods - man, it is lovely - classic tracks (I skied them yesterday) are just in excellent shape, and the skating (earlier this afternoon) is very good. go forth and enjoy. --

Iowa City XC Ski Race results

Ashton - Iowa City IA, temp-10, wind-WNW5-10, snow - firm.

Distance 6.2K - Classic, 6.0K - Skate, (sorry Brian Eppen)

Overall
----------------
1. 19:30 - Finn Kolsrud (Iowa City, IA) - Skate
2. 19:37 - Brian Eppen (Iowa City, IA) - Classic
3. 20:00 - Paul Kulas (Bettendorf, IA) - Skate
4. 20:09 - Jason Beerends (Iowa City, IA) - Skate
5. 20:10 - Greg Duethman (Iowa City, IA) - Skate
6. 20:12 - Dave Swanson (Iowa City, IA) - Skate
7. 20:40 - Wayne Fett (Iowa City, IA) - Skate
8. 20:40 - Paul Deninger (Iowa City, IA) - Skate
9. 21:08 - Garder Signrosson (Iowa City, IA) - Skate
10. 22:19 - John Stanec (Iowa City, IA) - Skate
11. 22:40 - Brian Abbott (Iowa City, IA) - Skate
12. 22:46 - Chris Eastburn (Cedar Rapids, IA) - Skate
13. 23:00 - Bob Richards (Villa Park, IL) - Skate
14. 23:20 - Brian Duschendorf (Iowa City, IA) - Classic
15. 23:29 - Kim Eppen (Iowa City, IA) - Classic
16. 23:40 - Matt Hartman (Iowa City, IA) - Skate
17. 23:47 - Jim Trepka (Iowa City, IA) - Skate
18. 24:05 - Sean Scanlon (Iowa City, IA) - Skate
19. 24:45 - Geoff Perrill (Iowa City, IA) - Skate
20. 24:54 - Joe Hetrick (Iowa City, IA) - Skate
21. 25:15 - Steve Goetzelman (Iowa City, IA) - Skate
22. 25:15 - John Eppen (Nebraska City, NE) - Classic
23. 25:16 - Jeff Barnes (Iowa City, IA) - Classic
24. 25:49 - Jack Piper (Iowa City, IA) - Skate
25. 26:20 - Brent DeGeus (Iowa City, IA) - Skate
26. 26:28 - Darcy Sanford (North Liberty, IA) - Skate
27. 26:30 - Cara Hamann (Iowa City, IA) - Skate
28. 27:37 - Bruce Timmerman (Dubuque, IA) - Classic
29. 28:04 - Ryan Jacobsen (Iowa City, IA) - Classic
30. 28:58 - Steve Dodge (Iowa City, IA) - Skate
31. 30:22 - Cabel Gray (Iowa City, IA) - Skate
32. 32:21 - Megan DeGeus (Iowa City, IA) - Classic
33. 34:20 - Marsha Bergan (Iowa City, IA) - Classic
34. 37:35 - Cassandra Piper (Iowa City, IA) - Skate
35. 37:45 - Scott Hansen (Iowa City, IA) - Classic
36. 39:29 - Bill Burgeson (Iowa City, IA) - Classic

Skate
----------------
1. 19:30 - Finn Kolsrud (Iowa City, IA) - Skate
2. 20:00 - Paul Kulas (Bettendorf, IA) - Skate
3. 20:09 - Jason Beerends (Iowa City, IA) - Skate
4. 20:10 - Greg Duethman (Iowa City, IA) - Skate
5. 20:12 - Dave Swanson (Iowa City, IA) - Skate
6. 20:40 - Wayne Fett (Iowa City, IA) - Skate
7. 20:40 - Paul Deninger (Iowa City, IA) - Skate
8. 21:08 - Garder Signrosson (Iowa City, IA) - Skate
9. 22:19 - John Stanec (Iowa City, IA) - Skate
10. 22:40 - Brian Abbott (Iowa City, IA) - Skate
11. 22:46 - Chris Eastburn (Cedar Rapids, IA) - Skate
12. 23:00 - Bob Richards (Villa Park, IL) - Skate
13. 23:29 - Kim Eppen (Iowa City, IA) - Classic
14. 23:40 - Matt Hartman (Iowa City, IA) - Skate
15. 23:47 - Jim Trepka (Iowa City, IA) - Skate
16. 24:05 - Sean Scanlon (Iowa City, IA) - Skate
17. 24:45 - Geoff Perrill (Iowa City, IA) - Skate
18. 24:54 - Joe Hetrick (Iowa City, IA) - Skate
19. 25:15 - Steve Goetzelman (Iowa City, IA) - Skate
20. 25:49 - Jack Piper (Iowa City, IA) - Skate
21. 26:20 - Brent DeGeus (Iowa City, IA) - Skate
22. 26:28 - Darcy Sanford (North Liberty, IA) - Skate
23. 26:30 - Cara Hamann (Iowa City, IA) - Skate
24. 28:58 - Steve Dodge (Iowa City, IA) - Skate
25. 30:22 - Cabel Gray (Iowa City, IA) - Skate
26. 37:35 - Cassandra Piper (Iowa City, IA) - Skate

Classic
----------------
1. 19:37 - Brian Eppen (Iowa City, IA) - Classic
2. 23:20 - Brian Duschendorf (Iowa City, IA) - Classic
3. 23:29 - Kim Eppen (Iowa City, IA) - Classic
4. 25:15 - John Eppen (Nebraska City, NE) - Classic
5. 25:16 - Jeff Barnes (Iowa City, IA) - Classic
6. 27:37 - Bruce Timmerman (Dubuque, IA) - Classic
7. 28:04 - Ryan Jacobsen (Iowa City, IA) - Classic
8. 32:21 - Megan DeGeus (Iowa City, IA) - Classic
9. 34:20 - Marsha Bergan (Iowa City, IA) - Classic
10. 37:45 - Scott Hansen (Iowa City, IA) - Classic
11. 39:29 - Bill Burgeson (Iowa City, IA) - Classic

Iowa City XC Ski race, in the books 1/1/2010

To all who skied, a hearty thanks for coming out and having fun. Considering the short notice we had a turn out of 36 skiers. Big thanks to Geoff of Geoff's Bike and Ski for the thought of putting on this event, oh, and warm cider. Another big thanks to Mark Guthard (USAC official extraordinaire) and Paul Sueppel (MNRA groomer extraordinaire) for helping with the waiver sign in and compliation of results - Brett

George Wyth trails were groomed yesterday (Thursday). Skating conditions were very good except close to the 218 bridge where snowmobiles had torn up the trail some time during the recent warm weather. Classical tracks appeared to be fairly good as well, with fairly deep tracks.

Peter Northug, for your viewing pleasure

Peter Northug for improving your form - Brett

MNRA (MacBride)

MacBride has not been groomed since our most recent snow. I assume it is still in pretty good shape for skating based on Mondays grooming and the amount of snow we received. I will get out there and freshen it up first thing tomorrow morning. Sorry, holiday festivities took precedence over work. Go enjoy the ski race and Bretts professional grooming at Ashton today.

Ashton - Iowa City, ready to race

Ashton - Iowa City, 5AM, temp -2, wind WNW 5-10, snow was firm and in pretty good shape.
The skate lane was groomed and should be well solidified by race time. Two new classic grooves were also put down. Some wimpy snow depth so the classic track is thin here and there - Brett

Ellis Golf Course (NW Cedar Rapids)

This afternoon the wind was blowing at 15 to 20 m/hr and the temperature was around 15 degrees F. The snow had become crisper in the last 24 hours so the downhills were faster and the climbs more difficult than yesterday. Breaking new trails was as easy as following existing trails since the skis did not penetrate the snow more than few inches in most places.

Ellis Golf Course is very hilly. It presents some challenges in the steep climbs, but also gives some nice downhill enjoyment. Of course there is no grooming, but then you are not limited to following trails.

Cedar Rapids???

Does anyone have insight as to the conditions in Cedar Rapids?

Carr Woods, Ames

Ames received another inch or so last night, so I plan to head out around 3pm today for a quick grooming run. I'll probably just re-comb the skate trails to incorporate the new snow, but sections of classic track that need work will be touched up too.

The weather is supposed to be frigid for the next few days, but at least there's snow to ski on. Bundle up and enjoy. Have a safe and happy New Year!

Decorah conditions

We had some snow last night, but not enough for the park crew to re-groom the trails. They said the groomer would just chop up what is already there since it is hard packed and and since we don't have a pulverizer, it would just make things worse. With the new snow on the packed, plenty of skiers have been out on the trails (even more than when we had the first heavy snowfall). An additional 3 to 4 inches of new snow is needed before the park crew can groom again.

For those who don't have our cross-country ski trail map (includes groomed and non-groomed trails) it is posted on this site. In addition, we also groom what is finished of the new Trout Run Trail (a map is posted on our website: www.decorahia.org -- see Park-Rec. column on the right side of the page) and the Luther "bottom" (basically circles the athletic fields).

The basic order of grooming: Oneota Drive (aka Dug Road) out and then back, then they do the trail along the river, hit Palisades, Van Peenen, Trout Run Trail from Wold Park out to Fish Hatchery area, then do a return trip along the river and hit the City Prairie and Luther. Since we only have one groomer, please be patient.

Ashton - Iowa City

Ashton - Iowa City, temp - 14, wind - NW 17mph, snow - fine and dry.
Ashton was groomed and a classic groove set. The skate lanes were gone over as well. The snow was drifting back in right after grooming so we'll have to see what happens over all. The race will still be on as I'll head out very early tomorrow and work Ashton again - Brett

Adams Nature Preserve, Sioux City

Adams Nature Preserve, Sioux City

We received another two inches of snow yesterday, which brings us to approximately 36 inches in December. The Lake Loop and Mary's Avenue have been groomed so there is approximately 10k of trails that are open. Mary's Avenue will be classic only this year and I have attached a photo. All other trails are groomed for both skate and classic. The trails are packed well but some areas, particularly the classic tracks, have some soft pole plants. As time permits we will open up some of the interior trails and the River Loop.

Cody McCullough

Wyth Courderoyed

For those folks in the Cedar Falls area, George Wyth was nicely courderoyed this morning between 9 and 10. Great for skating--classic tracks mostly present, but look like they need more skiers to make 'em fast.

Decorah Trails

The trail system in Decorah never disappoints, even when conditions are less than perfect. The classic trail at Van Peenen Park today was hard as a rock but not so crusty that the kick was impacted. Parts of the trail had an amazing amount of debris from the high winds and rain but the sky was blue, the sun was out and we have enough snow to ski. The skate skiing at Luther proved to be more of a challenge as the trail there was very wind blown and many parts were decimated by "hikers" or deer with huge feet. Too bad.

FW Kent Park (Tiffin)

Both the north and south sections of the park are carrying good snow on 95% of trails. There are a few windblasted ridges and runoff spots to avoid, but it is done easily. In the north part of the park, foot traffic is moderate close to the conservation ed center, but peters out quickly to light foot traffic. In the south section, foot traffic is light to nonexistent. Easy ski in both cases. Snow is of great quality, but still thin enough even the skinniest of skis won't wallow off-track. Ungroomed fun with great solitude. Only other trail uses yesterday were deer and horned owl.

MNRA

MNRA was groomed this evening. Should be rock solid tomorrow for some good skating. There's not a lot of snow there with which to work so striders will have to be patient until we get a few more inches of snow. Have fun out there.

Busse Woods

I know the focus of this blog is "Iowa" ski trails but I have a tidbit that may come in handy for some. If your significant others ever drag you to the Woodfield Mall just west of Chicago and you are looking for any excuse not to go in...........across the street is the Busse Creek Nature Preserve with some excellent cross country ski trails. It was a lifesaver for me.

Carr Woods (Ames) 12/28

Carr Woods trails were groomed this afternoon. The groomers weren't in town over the holiday but it looks like the trails received ~4" of powder on top of whatever rain occurred earlier.

I re-combed the entire trail system for skating and set new classic tracks throughout. For the first time this season, the short trail to the low-head dam was groomed. I also worked on the east-west path that runs to Stagecoach Road, but until the snow stops blowing that stretch is pretty hopeless.

Judging from skiers I observed, the snow looked a bit soft for skating. Classic skiers seemed pretty happy though.

A bit more snow possible for later this week. We'll probably make another pass over the trails after that to firm things up.

Adams Nature Preserve, Sioux City

Adams Nature Preserve, Sioux City, IA

After a record snow fall of 22 inches of snow (and 40 mph winds), we have been working hard to open up the trails. Currently, the trail from the Barn and the Lake Loop are open but may be drifted in areas. We will be setting classic tracks and opening the balance of the trails when the wind subsides - Cody

Lime Creek - Mason City Area

The Lime Creek Conservation Area skate ski trails are now being groomed by North Iowa Nordic, LLC (NI Nordic). All skate trails are in great shape with a great base despite the recent rain/sleet. Trails were refurbished on December 26 AM and PM. New snow fall on Sat PM the 26th was groomed on Sunday AM. Classic tracks have also been set around the skate loops now that snow depth is adequate. In many areas the skate lanes are wide enough to accomodate two skate skiers. Come check it out! Contacts for NI Nordic: Todd Juhlin 641 430 6112, Robert Polking 641 420 7489.


The classic tracks in the "woods" are still being groomed by the county personnel at Lime Creek.

Jester Park - Des Moines

Jester has plenty of lovely snow throughout the park's ski trails and the park in general. As of Sunday the park roads had not been plowed and the gate is locked. This also means that no grooming has occured so the only classic tracks are those made by fellow skiers. There are plenty of nice ones to follow or cut more of your own. Park in the main lot by the maintenance facility and ski into the park.

George Wyth-Cedar Falls

Yesterday George Wyth state park was groomed around noon--skated in the afternoon and it was good--pretty fast. A few places towards the end east of the trail that were very bumpy due to a snowmobile disrespecting the trail. Classic tracks looked good too. Lots of folks out both skating and classic skiing.

Big Creek

Sunday sun and ski at Big Creek was ever so fine - snow is in very good shape for skate and the classic skiers were looking happy - I didn't ski classic but kept an eye on the tracks which look to be in nice shape. Two exceptions, I suppose, the oaks have dropped an amazing layer of leaves on the trails at a couple points. which one can ski over and I did. Also the road in was not cleared as of noon on Sunday, so take a vehicle with some weight and clearance.

Twin Pines Golf Course (NE Cedar Rapids)

There was about 2" to 3" of fresh snow on top of the frozen snow left after the rains. The temperature was 19 degrees with a 19 mile/hr wind out of the NW. Breaking new trails was as easy as following existing trails. It was quite enjoyable skiing in what was 3" of powdery snow and on top of the frozen snow below.

MNRA (MacBride)

The trails at MNRA were rolled and groomed this morning. There are about 2 inches of soft stuff on top of 1 inch of ice. I tried but there's not enough snow to set tracks. The road was also plowed and sanded. Have fun out there.

Decorah

All of the trails in Decorah were well-groomed before the Christmas week rains and icing came. We've now had a couple of inches of new powder on top of the ice. With no sunshine today, it should last. So get out there and try it out.

Ashton

The Ashton Cross Country course was rolled and groomed today... prepare to be disappointed. There is not much volume in the snow we received and the rain has left puddles and run-offs in several spots that might stick you up. I did not lay any new tracks but several people have been through on their classics and left a pretty good line. Hopefully we get a couple more inches of white stuff with some substance to it.
PS- I will be rolling MNRA in the morning and will evaluate if it is deep enough to groom at that point.

Big Creek trail

The trail received about 5-6 inches of snow after the rain. The trail was groomed today for classic and skating and is currently in pretty good shape. Come out and enjoy the snow while it lasts.

Tom

Wickiup Hill (NW of Cedar Rapids)

This morning there was about an inch of fresh snow on the trails and the temperature was about 20 degrees. There had been quite a bit of melting in the last few days so the clasic track was mostly gone and there was ice under a lot of the new snow. The low area along the southern trail had water covering the trail so was impassable.

There was either some very sharp ice or some rocky area on part of the dike also along the southern trail. I was on top of it before I relized it and got some scratches on my skis.

The best classic skiing was on some of the trails that were never groomed in the past. They still had well defined tracks.

MNRA (MacBride)

MNRA will not be groomed until all this white stuff stops falling from the sky. I will probably try to do it tonight but that is also dependent on road conditions. No word yet on the roads in (and more importantly out) of the field campus. Based on the line of cars stuck at the bottom of the hill last week, I wouldn't recommend heading out there until you know they are plowed.

MNRA Road Conditions

The road was last salted and sanded about 10:30 am. As of the last report the road was wet and passable. Please use caution especially if the temps begin to drop. The road will be not be salted again until tomorrow.

Big Creek - Des Moines/Ankeny

Tried the classic track and skate lane last night and as could be expected given the weather, it was a mixed bag. The classic track is OK but really needs more snow as it is starting to ice over. For December in Central Iowa though, it is still darn good. The real trick was what grip wax? The temp was 34 degrees, some spots were icy and some still soft. Did I need a different grip wax or klister for the evening? Red/Silver was the softest kick wax in my bag and it just wasn't enough to avoid a double pole up every hill so I tried a universal klister and it was great for the areas that had been exposed to the light drizzle of the day but in protected areas it was way too much grip. Lesson learned, carry more wax and klister when you are skiing in tough conditions.

The skate lane remains in really good shape (at least by my limited experience). It is hard packed and icy at most trail connections but otherwise there is still good snow to push off and of course the glide is fast. Note dangerous, icy out of control fast, more like big grin fast.

Let's hope all this rain, wintery mix stuff misses us and we get another 4"-6" of snow. Merry Christmas all!

Notice Macbride Nature Recreation Area road over the Holiday's

Hey everyone, I had a talk this morning with the guy that does the plowing out at Macbride. We usually wait until after the snow is done falling before we start plowing, and grooming. He may go out over Christmas Eve and or Christmas Day but please use caution over the next few days. The hills on the road get slick quick. I will try and keep the blog updated about when he plows. If anyone does venture out there please post road conditions in conjunction with trail conditions.

thanks,
Rob

Ames Grooming 12/21

I spent a couple hours grooming Carr Woods last night. All the skate lanes were re-combed to incorporate Sunday's snowfall. I left most of the classic lanes alone because they looked to be in good shape. I added another lane of classic skiing along the N/S powerline trail, and widened the skate lane along that portion.

Things looked great when I finished up, so ski it up today while you can.

We're keeping a close eye on the weather. The bad news is that Ames will likely get a lot of rain starting tomorrow, which will lead to significant deterioration of trail snow. The good news is that the rain will probably switch back to snow on Friday. Depending on the timing, we may get enough snow to redo everything.

Both groomers will be gone for holiday travel this week. Thanks for your understanding while we're away with our families. We'll get to the grooming as soon as we get back. The extended forecast looks to be calmer and cooler, so our new snow should last for a while.

Have an enjoyable holiday! More updates to come next week and the storm.

Ashton - Iowa City, 11:00 PM

Ashton-Iowa City, was groomed as of 11:00 PM. The skate lane has been courderoyed and a new classic track set. Will the 1st classic skier out please help by skiing in the classic grove and helping to pack it down? Also classic skiers try to re-pack the old groove if you could. I apologize for a so/so classic track as the snow is minimal - Brett