Segment update:

Recreational Segment:

Marie S

Competitive Segment:

Mens

G Buhr  38:07

J Anthony 46:03

Womens

L Ball 42:36

E McKinlay 43:51

Downtown Nordic Ski More Manitoba Trails World Record Attempt Update

 We are nearing the end of February, 2021.  In Manitoba, there has not been a recent significant snowfall.  The nordic ski trails are showing signs of degradation, erosion, and melting.  As we close in on the world record, tensions are running high.  Will the remaining snow hold out?  Will there be enough snow to still ski at Burwalde, Shannondale and Bittersweet?

Only six more locations are required to break the World Record.  We are going to follow Floyd's timely suggestions with attempts to ski Pine Falls and Victoria Beach tomorrow.  Following that, all further tips and suggestions are welcome.  

What kind of climate do we live in that -15 feels "like a nice day"

😎 

Aaaaaand we're back after a couple of weekends of real MB winter weather...

Birds Hill Park

Recreational segment:

https://www.strava.com/segments/16896329

Competitive segment:

https://www.strava.com/segments/27351667

Some great skating videos

Here are some great skating videos to help to visualize great technique.   They are in Norwegian - so also an opportunity to learn a new language! 

skate - slow-mo

Johannes Høsflot Klæbo - Teknikkvideo langrenn skøyting - YouTube

three techniques of skate compared

Skøyteteknikk på langrenn - YouTube

Very Advanced Uphill skate

Analyse padling - YouTube

Downtown Nordic Ski More Trails World Record Attempt

A little update on the Downtown Nordic "Ski More Trails" Pandemic Winter challenge.  I have presently skied on a grand total of 16 different trail systems.  I am now regrouping,  and  eating bucket loads of spinach in order to find the strength to persevere in this World Record attempt.  Here is the official list of the ski trails so far....

As you can see, due to the lack of snow, there haven't been attempts on the usual western ski trails such as Shannondale, Birch, etc.  Hopefully the snow dances continue, and these can soon be added to the list.

After hours spent on the different trails in Manitoba, here are some of the insights I wish to share:

1.  During this pandemic winter, with all of the isolation and uncertainty, it always feels better to get outside every day;

2.  Favorite new trail discovered within the Winnipeg city limits is the Churchill drive ski trail.  It consists of an approximately 6 km classic loop, as well as a somewhat shorter skate loop, all groomed by volunteers;

3.  Favorite new trail discovered in the province of Manitoba is Teulon.  The trail system consists of approximately 6 km of both skate and classic tracks.  The trails are meticulously groomed, and contain some surprisingly challenging hills throughout.  The drive is not much further than going to Birds Hill if you live in the west side of the city.  The $10 trail user fee is totally worth it;   

4.  Thanks to being challenged by my eight year old friend Adam (who went first),  I learned that you can totally get air on nordic skis at the Wildwood park ski jump, and live to tell about it.  Its also a heck of a lot of fun; and

5.  We are so fortunate to have such a variety of nordic ski trails within the city and throughout the province.  

As we enter the second half of the ski season, I hope to see many more challengers to the "Ski More Trails" World Record attempt.  Please share any recommendations on any lesser known trails that would assist in this endeavour.  I hope to see more Downtown Nordickers out on the more obscure trails soon.