Training Log Archive: revy

Still cold and clear this morning as the arctic high pressure had yet to break down. The three of us dropped down the main bowl finding some softer snow. Then up to the southern cliff above the summer trail and did a run on the cliff flank and then traversed into the old slide path. A few variable bits in the open but overall fun. The lower trees could use come more coverage but also fun. Then back up to the cabin where we met the rest of the crew (Lucas, Rob, Fat Tony, Lenny) who were just arriving.

After lunch did a couple laps on the mellower west side. Snow was sheltered other than in the big slide path.

First day into Jumbo with Mike and Doug. Stuart had to pull out due to work and the rest of the crew is coming tomorrow. Very cold (-25) ride in though pretty smooth road. Legs and cheeks got especially cold - some insulated knickers would be great:) Had to stop every 4-5km initially to warm up my hands until I realized that I didn't have the grip warmers on.

Pretty low snow coverage at the trailhead - certainly a fair bit less than last year. Climb up went pretty quick - about 1:45 to the hut. The extra weight certainly takes a bit more out of you even if you don't think so. Lots of old tracks in the bowl from the previous group (no new snow for a week). Still nice and sunny and temperatures were a little more pleasant in the sun. After lunch climbed to the peak above the cabin and dropped into the east facing bowl behind it. Unlorturnaly the wind had done a number on the snow and only the first 100m were skiable. looped around and came back via the main bowl to scope out where we might be able to fit some tracks in.

Great day at the Gorge with CO. Nice to have a ski day with a smaller group and no waiting around. A bit chilly still (-20 at the truck) but no wind and after the first climb stayed in the sun which helped a lot. Never felt cold after the first climb. It was a bit of a mogul field heading up to the 15km summit. Was happy to see no tracks heading down the backside which was our objective. New terrain for me and happy to see that the two main glades went nicely. Did a third run for good measure (we were there, snow was good, might as well ski it). A bit tired for the second climb but likely bonking a bit as felt better for the last climb. Didn't feel like that hard a day in the end for an almost 2000m day. Snow was quite good - a few slow spots but we were skiing terrain with a good pitch so not a big issue. Dropped down the skier's left drainage from the summit. A good pitch off the summit, then a couple good short open pitches before traversing to avoid the creek.

Pissed off that I crashed and poked a hole in my ski pants... also pulled out my camera to find it had no battery in it. Such a good day for pictures... will have to wait for CO to send me a copy of his mental pictures.

Album has been updated with pictures from the end of the trip. Our upload speed at home is so much nicer than while travelling... seconds per pictures rather than minutes.

https://bartjarmula.smugmug.com/South-Africa-2016/...

C • Beautiful photos! Looks lik... 2

50/40/40/40

Classic skis - OK grip with VR30 but not the best. Classic on race skis is hard work with no tracks... skate might be the chosen style until more snow.

First 4km were on the dog loop which has yet to be groomed. It was good double poling practice. Then onto mickeys and Evelyn's which were actually not bad. The little bit of fresh snow and another grooming helped. Still soft on the outside and almost had a couple close calls. Lights didn't turn on so skied until it got too dark.