XC Skiing (Groomed trails) 2:25:00 [3] 19.2 km (7.9 kph)
While Washington DC is getting hammered by a blizzard, this Canadian had to drive north 4 hours to find enough snow for awesome skiing. Ironic.
My first trip to Hanson Hills at Grayling, MI. And it was worth the drive. Freshly groomed trails, and even an hour after it opened, I was often the first or maybe 3rd or 4th on the classic trails. I added some extra kick wax a couple times (the (gasp) fishscales on my new skis aren't as aggressive as on my ancient skis). I did the Red, Yellow and Brown trails, the Wilderness Spur, and returned by the very hilly "return" trail. Someone has a sence of humour....signs such asTetons and Herringbone Hill were placed along the way. I met a fellow who had just come up Gravity Hill....my Garmin said I went 37kph going down that hill, so I am glad I did it in the direction I did!
There were a few pauses along the way for peanut butter sandwich consumption, foot care and pictures.
I had another reason for heading north.....I picked up a bike box from Runninghils.....stay tuned for more adventures!
'Cross training' (Snowshoeing ) 50:00 [3] 3.5 km (14:17 / km)
I had brought my snowshoes, and sure enough, I saw an official snowshoe trail during my morning ski (I think it mostly follows a summer mountain biking trail). I opted for the "hillier" route ( which actually wasn't that hilly as it took a very smart way up the hills). I added my own hills to it by going off piste a few times and trudging through the fresh, fluffy, deeper snow. I wonder how much tails on my snowshoes would've helped keep me more on top of the snow. These MSR snowshoes might be "fancier" than my Crappy Tire ones, but I think they don't do quite as good of a job of keeping me afloat.
As I came around a stand of white pines, there was a young couple on XC skis. She looked at me with what might've been interpreted as horror, then pushed the guy over into the snow, saying "You _____, that wasn't a bear!"
Ummm, thanks, I think.
An absolutely Pure Michigan kind of day.