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JUST SAY NO TO MUD!!!!!

Just Say "No" to Mud
2008 has been a near-record for snow and now it's finally melting. Yes, it's been a tough one for us to fulfill our mountain bike passion. The snowy ice-bound trails have left all but the heartiest riders inside contemplating the next time they can ride the trails. Everyone's looking forward to another great season of riding, but we urge caution and ask restraint as we enter the March and April Mud Months.

It all comes down to this: frozen is good, hardpack is good ... but mud is bad.
This is the month when warm days and freezing nights wreak havoc on the trail. It's the time when mother nature is in its most delicate state. Please use your head and stay off the trails until the thaw is out of the ground and the trails have dried and hardened. One of the worse things you can do is ride --or walk-- on trails before they ripen.

Trails are dynamic and change with the seasons and weather conditions. While during most of the season, the mineral soils that make up a good, hardened trails are fairly stable, spring is the most sensitive time, making the trails vulnerable to erosion and long term damage.

Frost (those pesky ice crystals that form in the upper soil cap) cause the soil to move and shift. Even the most hardened of trails loses density as frozen water molecules push and prod the mineral soils. Trails are very susceptible to damage during the freeze/thaw process. As the frost thaws and releases water, the dirt resettles and realigns in a nice muddy mix and the organic matter for last fall's leaf litter blends in with the mineral soil to begin to create a a new generation of trail dirt. This muddy mix eventually re-hardens and makes for a primo path through the woods, but it's critical to let this process happen on its own.

If we ride, hike or horse around on the trails before this process is complete, the damage to the trail could be permanent. The mineral soils will be churned up, and rain and gravity will wash these soils away, leaving a mess of exposed roots and rocks. If the trail is really soft, our wheels leave sunken tracks which could channel into ruts and carry the soils away. If we hike, our heels and boots will dig deep into the trails and help push the soils downhill. Either way, it's the trail that loses, so please show some respect and patience.



Just because you "can" ride, doesn't mean that you "should." Sometimes, if you really love riding, you should stay off the trail and seek other ways to make the new season the best it can be.

Here are some suggestions:

Use your lawn as a trail barometer. Before you think of hitting the trails, take a ride on your lawn. If you can see your tracks sinking in, stay off the trails. They're not yet ripe.
Use mud season to build fitness by putting in some serious "base miles" on the road. If you don't have a road bike, put some slicks on your mountain bike and you'll feel super-charged. Most serious racers train on the road for good reason, and the fitness you'll develop will make your trail riding that much more pleasureable.
Do some urban or suburban assault rides. This is a great time if you're into technical riding to explore the neighborhood for ramps, steps and other challenges that can hone your technical skills.
Ride on rail trails or other hardened bike paths. You'll be away from traffic, get some needed fitness, and feel good about yourself since you're doing the right thing by staying off the trails.
Use local knowledge to find areas that are free from mud and frost. Internet Forums are a great resource to find great riding. Check the "Trail Conditions" section of NEMBA's Forum for your state to see where the good riding is… and where it isn't.
So, as we enter the March Mud Month --which sometimes extends deep into April-- think about the trails you ride and help to preserve them. A trail is a terrible thing to waste!

Check here for the latest trail conditions.


Nordic Heritage Sport Club May Meeting Changed !!!!!

The May monthly meeting of the Nordic Heritage Sport Club has been changed from Tuesday May 6 to Tuesday May 13 at 7pm.
TIM DOAK ACCEPTS EVENT DIRECTORS POSITION

It was with great pleasure that I accepted the position of Event Director for the 2010 U.S. Skiing and Snowboarding Association (USSA) Cross Country Junior Olympics. The decision was not made quickly or lightly, since given my experience in the same position for the 2006 Biathlon Junior World Championships, I am well aware of the required time commitment to do the job effectively. With a growing family and a busy business, time has certainly become a scarce commodity in my life. But in the end the opportunity to be part of something that will have a positive impact on the region and provide the opportunity to again work with an outstanding group of volunteers was definitely appealing, and with the support of my family and business partners I accepted the position.
The event has historically been known as the USSA Cross Country Junior Olympics, but the USSA is considering a name change to the USSA Cross Country Junior Nationals. We hope to have a final decision on the name within the next couple of months. Regardless of its ultimate name, the competition will bring the best 14-19 year old cross country skiers in the nation to central Aroostook Country for over a week in March of 2010. To put this competition into perspective, a comparison to the 2006 Biathlon Junior World Championships (BJWC) is appropriate.
The 2010 Junior Nationals will be the largest event held to date at the Nordic Heritage Center in terms of the number of competitors. Over 400 athletes will compete, almost doubling the amount that we hosted during the 2006 BJWC. Despite this large number, in many ways the event will be logistically less complicated for the organizing committee. All of the athletes will be from the United States, so there will be no visa or immigration hurdles to overcome. Since it is a cross country competition and not a biathlon event, there will be no rifle import concerns, and about 75 less volunteers needed who would have otherwise staffed the shooting range. Each of the ten regional teams will be responsible for arranging their own lodging and meals, though we will provide assistance in reserving blocks of rooms from area hotels. Transportation to and from Aroostook County and on a daily basis to and from the venue will be the responsibility of each team, alleviating one of the more expensive segments of hosting a high level event. Overall we will be able to host this competition with fewer volunteers and a smaller budget, while having an economic impact to central Aroostook County that is similar in magnitude and every bit as positive as the 2006 BJWC.
Although we have been actively working on the planning for only a few weeks, there has already been significant progress made. Almost the entire organizing committee is in place, with a large percentage of committee members having served during the 2006 BJWC. We are pleased to announce that Marketing-Advertising-Planning (MAP) of Presque Isle will again be developing the logo, poster, and other marketing material for the event over the next several months. Initial contact with some potential sponsors has already been made, and this effort will increase over the next several months. A website is under development, and will most likely be accessible by the time this article goes to print. As plans progress we will have an increasing need for volunteers in all facets of the organization, and future articles will provide details on how you can become involved.



Nordic Heritage Sport Club announces Event Director for the 2010 Junior Olympics.

The Nordic Heritage Sport Club is pleased to announce that a familiar face will be back at the helm of the Organizing Committee for the 2010 Junior Olympics being held in Presque Isle in March 2010. Tim Doak has agreed to serve in that capacity. Tim is Principal for the firm of BR Smith Assoc, an Engineering and Surveys firm in Presque Isle. Tim is no stranger to this role, having served as Event Director for the Junior World Biathlon in 2006. "Tim brings a wealth of knowledge to this position. We are extremely pleased that he has accepted the position. This event is in great hands." said Tim Vernon, President of the Nordic Heritage Sport Club. Tim's first duties as Event Director will be to fill in the Organizational Chart for the Organizing Committee. He indicates that that chore is well on its way to being accomplished.
Nordic Heritage Sport Club Family Fun Day a HUGE SUCCESS...

The Nordic Heritage Sport Club held a Family Fun Day at the Nordic Heritage Center this past Saturday to thank it's many volunteers and members for their continued support. The event was a huge success with over 150 people in attendance. We would like to thank the Programs Committee for it's hard work in getting this off the ground and making it so much fun. We would also like to thank Tom Chasse and Mike Eisensmith for all their hard work in cooking the hot dogs and hamburgers for the group.






JOHN FARRA NAMED NORDIC DIRECTOR OF THE US SKI TEAM

JOHN FARRA NAMED NORDIC DIRECTOR OF THE US SKI TEAM
Farra has led development of world-class staff
Caribou, Maine - The Maine Winter Sports Center (MWSC) announces that John Farra has accepted a position as the Nordic Director for the United States Ski Team in Park City, Utah. Farra, a 1992 Olympian, has been with the MWSC since 2002, and Vice President since 2005.

"John has made profound contributions to the Maine Winter Sports Center since he arrived in 2002," says Andy Shepard, President of the MWSC. "His calm, empowering leadership style has been instrumental in creating one of the top programming and development staff's in the ski world. When you look at where our alumni have gone, it is clear that the industry also sees the quality of our staff. While we are sorry to see John go, we are all very excited for him in this new opportunity."

Other former MWSC staff members include: Per Nilsson - Head Coach of the US Biathlon Team, Eli Brown Head Coach of perennial NCAA powerhouse, University of Utah and Max Saenger - Biathlon Sport Manager for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

Farra credits his time living and working in Maine for inspiring him and readying him for this new challenge. "Working with community members throughout Maine has proven just how resilient and dedicated Mainers can be", said Farra. "It has also shown me how magical it is when kids discover the joy of skiing and being outside in the winter, and when those kids infect their whole families with that joy. I'll take that perspective with me as I work to support the continued development of Nordic Skiing at the US Ski Team. With any luck, I will be issuing a US Ski Team jacket to some of our Maine skiers very soon!"

Farra will head up a team of 10 coaches and service professionals in the sports of Cross Country Skiing, Jumping and Nordic Combined as they help their athletes contend for Olympic, World Championship, and World Cup medals. Farra will also be involved in setting policy and direction for the Development of these Nordic Sports through the country.

As Vice President for the MWSC, Farra leaves a strong legacy of accomplishments and successful initiatives, including overseeing the growth of our Healthy Hometowns programs from 28 communities in 2005 to over 90 programs by the end of the 2008 season.




Photo Top Right: Hilary McNamee
Photo Bottom Left: Beth Ann Chamberlain

Stratton and MWSC Shine in Opening Eastern Cup
Presque Isle, ME - The New England cross-country skiing community arrived at the Nordic Heritage Center to test their mettle over the deep Aroostook County snow. When the final rounds of today's sprint competition came to a close under the lights, the athletes of the Stratton Mountain School stood out at the top of the podium.

In the qualification round for the 1.1km skate sprint, Stratton's Sophie Caldwell proved she was the one to beat by posting the fastest time. She was followed to the line by Maine Winter Sports Center's Beth Ann Chamberlain (Caribou) and Hilary McNamee (Fort Fairfield). In the men's qualification, Doug Debold, of the Green Mountain Valley School posted the fastest time. Caleb Lucy (Mt. Washington Nordic Club) and Dylan McGuffin (University of New Hampshire) earned second and third start spots. The Maine Winter Sports Center's Joey Bard (Woodland) qualified fourth.

In the heats, the women held true to qualification, with Caldwell, Chamberlain, McNamee and Stratton's Megan Killigrew easily advancing through the quarterfinals and semifinals. When the four finally met in the final, Caldwell took the lead and never relinquished her hold on the gold. Chamberlain made a gutsy bid to pass in an early corner and paid for it with a fall that relegated her to fourth. In the final climb, McNamee was the only competitor able to match Caldwell's pace, and the two finished in just that order with Killigrew taking third.

In the men's heats, Debold was never challenged. MWSC's Bard looked like he also had the speed to control his rounds, until he faltered in the semifinals and ran out of real estate in the finish lanes, he was pushed into the B final. In the end, Debold crushed the field with a convincing sprint at the finish. Clarkson University's Matt Delaney finished second, with Chase Marston, of the Stratton Mountain School, taking third.

Bard easily outpaced the other competitors in the B Final to finish 5th on the day. He was somewhat philosophical about the result.

"Yeah, I made a mistake there in the semis," Bard explained. "I thought I could coast until the final hill and then pass when I was ready. There just wasn't any room to get by. But, that's how you learn. In the B Final, I was just mad. I wanted to show what I can do."

Stratton athletes Bridger Tyler and Austin Cobb took first and third in the boys' J2 category, with MWSC's Nick Michaud (Fort Kent) 4th. The girls' J2 race was won by Gage Fitcher, of Stratton.


RESULTS
Men's Eastern Cup-Saturday Dec 15, 2007 (pdf)
Women's Eastern Cup-Saturday Dec 15, 2007 (pdf)
Men's 10k Eastern Cup-Sunday Dec 16, 2007 (pdf)
Women's 5k Eastern Cup-Sunday Dec 16, 2007 (pdf)
J2 Boy's Eastern Cup-Sunday Dec 16, 2007 (pdf)
J2 Girl's Eastern Cup-Sunday Dec 16, 2007 (pdf)


For complete results visit www.nensa.net


TD Banknorth/TAMC Eastern Cup Openers Schedule Updated!
The competition schedule for Sunday has been updated. Click the link below to download the current schedule.

[UPDATED 12/13/07] TD Banknorth/TAMC Eastern Cup Openers Invitation & Schedule (pdf)

More information can be found on the Events page.


MWSC Coach and Ski Leader Education set for Saturday, December 22 at the Nordic Heritage Center


Click here for more information (pdf)


More TAMC/TD Banknorth Info
Although not until this Saturday/Sunday the results for the TAMC/TD Banknorth Eastern Cup will be posted on the web site below. Click the link to view the results.

Click here for TAMC/TD Banknorth Results


Ski races at Nordic Heritage Center Dec. 15
PRESQUE ISLE - As the snow flies, the smiles grow larger on the faces of volunteers at the Nordic Heritage Sport Club (NHSC). Mother nature has cooperated for the earliest ski race ever planned at the Nordic Heritage Center. Currently there are 12-15 inches on the ground at the venue.

On December 15 and 16, the club will host the TAMC/TD Banknorth Eastern Cup Openers at the Presque Isle venue. The racing begins with a freestyle sprint at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Heats for the top 30 men and women and the top 12 J2 boys ans girls will follow at 2 p.m.

Sunday will host classical skiing for all ages beginning with 3-13 year olds at 9 a.m. The J2 boys 5km classical race starts at 10 a.m. followed by the J2 girls at 10:30. The men's 10k classical begins at 11 a.m. followed by the women's 5k at noon. The final event will be a Mass Start Citizen Race, where everyone can get involved.

"We anticipate over 200 athletes to come from all over North America," explained Tim Vernon, president of NHSC. "This is a wonderful opportunity for competitors to boost their USSA and FIS point standing. Plus there will be merchandise prizes for juniors."

Vernon also noted the benefit for the community.

"Anytime we host an event of this kind, the hotels, restaurants, and shops see additional revenue, which is good for all of us," Vernon said. "The early date of this event is a commitment on our part to bring an economic boost to the area before the traditional revenue from snowmobiling comes in."

Vernon said all of the events at the Nordic Heritage Center require a number of volunteers to ensure that everything runs smoothly. The venue has a world-wide reputation for hosting great events thanks in large part to the hard work of many people. While Vernon says they have a good base of volunteers, they are always looking for an extra pair of hands. Any interested individuals should contact Heidi Bartley at info@nordicheritagecenter.org or 762-6972.


NHSC Snowgun - Ready to fire for the TAMC/TD Banknorth Eastern Cup Series Opener
PRESQUE ISLE—The snow that has fallen over the last week is a welcome sight for the Nordic Heritage Center. It bodes well for what the organization will need by mid-December for the TAMC/TD Banknorth Eastern Cup Series Opener. On December 15th, the Nordic Heritage Center will host over 200 athletes for the event.

Of course, if the necessary amount of snow doesn't come as expected, the Nordic Heritage Sport Club (NHSC) plans on bringing in the big guns—literally. In fact, the big gun is already here. A few weeks ago John Farra, the VP of the Maine Winter Sports Center, traveled downstate to tow back a "snow gun" for the purpose of making snow if Mother Nature doesn't cooperate.

The Standard Pole Cat, standing about eight feet tall, is a large three-wheeled structure that holds a barrel with a fan inside. The NHSC has engaged in a rent-to-own program with Snowmakers Inc., a Vermont based company. Farra and a company employee met halfway at Black Mountain in Rumford to bring the machine to its resting place in Aroostook County.

The machine is being housed at Paul Cyr's farm on the State Road. Cyr has welcomed the club to make snow on his property. He has the necessary acreage and the one main ingredient— water. Currently there is not enough water at the Nordic Heritage Center to make snow. However, McCain Foods has an 18-inch water main that runs through Cyr's property with a hydrant on site. Between McCain and Cyr, snow-making is now possible just in case Mother Nature doesn't pony up to the table.

"Obviously we would prefer the real white stuff," said Farra. "It makes a better base and it is free.

Both Mr. Cyr and McCain have been very generous to allow us to use their facilities, but the manmade snow will still have to be trucked four miles to the venue, and that can be costly. So we are crossing our fingers for lots of snow."

Farra said the long-term plan is to drill a well or create a pond at the Center, so they can make snow on site. But for now they must improvise.

Next week, a committee will meet to discuss the necessity of making snow. They will look at the 10-day forecast, talk to a meteorologist, and then evaluate the situation.

"We are committed to hosting a high caliber event, the kind that athletes and coaches from around the world have come to expect," explained Tim Vernon, current president of the Nordic Heritage Sport Club. "If that means making the snow, we are prepared."

The NHSC is still looking for volunteers for the event. Any interested individuals should contact Heidi Bartley at info@nordicheritagecenter.org or 762-6972.

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NOTE: A picture will be taken Monday, November 26 and emailed to the papers by noon. However, pictures can also be found at www.snowmakers.com

Click here to download the press release (pdf).



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