Ski Racing in May: Ski to Sea 2009

Ski to Ski 2009- the most scenic venue that I have ever raced. This year it took a bit of work to make it to the 8km ski race that takes advantage of the heavy snowfall on Mt. Baker. At 10am on Saturday I finished my training ski at Mt. Bachelor, OR and before dinner I was previewing the course on Mt Baker, WA. Thanks to Jack Hart for the ride to the airport and Mom, Dad and Chad for picking me up in Bellingham. The 8km ski race is the first leg of the multi-sport race from the Volcano to Bellingham Bay. XC-Ski, Downhill Ski, Run, Road Bike, Canoe, Mountain Bike, Sea Kayak.

Previewing the Course: Chad, Mom, Brian, Dad

The race starts off with a blast from the avalanche gun

1.5km to go

Ski Leg Results Here. Times seem to be a bit off because I know that Jesse and Martin came in within a few meters.

I had good skis and a great race. The course is very challenging with a lot of climbing so I was happy to have fast skis. This was one of the first races I have been able to use my warm flex/base Salomon's and they climbed really well. I ran on a Nordic Ultratune 615b grind modified with some linear riling. The snow in western Washington is so wet that it is really nice to have fast skis. My mom had the same set up on her skis and had a great performance.

Dave Christopherson and Chad. Dave's 'Veterans' Team of old guys (Team Win or Die) did really well finishing an impressive top 10 in the overall classification

Chad and Mom Post Race

Cooling Down with Mt. Baker in the background

Chad Enjoying Nature's Playground. Martin Rosvall, Dave Christopherson, Chad and I had a great time cooling down.

Katy Barnes from the Bellingham Herald took some great photos (above). Check more of them out here.

Brian

Team ISLAGITT (It Sounded Like a Good Idea at the Time): Sergei-Downhill Ski, Eric-Kayak, Brian-Canoe Captain, Graham-Mtn Bike, Pat-run, Les-Canoe Engine, Greg-Road Bike, Brian-XC Ski