Went out to the Kleinstuck nature preserve this afternoon for my first crosscountry ski expidition of the year. I took it easy because I haven't been exercising very much lately and I don't want to hurt myself, but I still did two full laps of the preserve, about 45 minutes of good full-body movement. I feel great.
The trail was gorgeous -- enough hikers and joggers had been through that the trail was packed down nice and slick -- it's always more pleasant when you don't have to fight the snowpack on your first trip out. The temperature was just perfect; right around freezing so the snow didn't clump to my skis, but not so cold that I had to wear more than two layers of clothing. Ironically, my ass is almost always frozen solid by the end of a good ski trip, though the rest of me is rosy-pink and warm with exertion. All that insulation, and it still winds up being the coldest part of me.
Also, I'm looking for additional ski partners in the Kzoo area -- Atis, do you and your wife ski? -- because both of my regular locals punked out on me today. Let me know!
Hey - if you ever want to venture a little farther afield for some cross country skiing, the Saugatuck Dunes State Park has some nice trails, and Doreen and I would be happy to meet you out there.
-disco
Heya Jane,
You know, we don't, but I was seriously thinking of investing in some gear and having a go at it.
I will let you know if that pans out, as it's something I'd want to do (if only to see how out of shape I might be cardio-vascularly...).
Atis
Try Play it Again Sports on South Westnedge; I picked up a spare pair of skis, poles and boots for about $50, total. As long as you're not afraid to use someone else's skiboots, you can score some great deals down there. Lysol is your friend.