Jay Richards

Saturday wrapped up the racing for JR Olympic Nationals with Classical relays. Jake had one of his better days result wise, capping off a great week as a first time participant at Nationals and first year doing the JO thing. Jake said it was his most fun year skiing, one of they key things staying health all season which is tough to do in the winter. Focusing more on skiing next year, doing more ski specific training in the off season which he hasn't really done. Still hit a few mtb races but part of the whole training plan. Having been involved with JR mtb events across the country, I have to say USSA, CXC, the City of Lakes Loppet ski foundation and everyone involved put on an event like none other. Fantastic job to everyone. The course was pretty much perfect and as good as it gets for spectators with chances to see the racers 6-7 times in a 5km lap if you are really moving around. The distances are what kids these ages should be doing, not 3 hour slugfests on the mountain bike where the racing selects the top 1-5 riders in the first hour anyways. USA Cycling could model what is happening in USSA skiing and the numbers might grow and sustain. High school racing in CO and CA is taking off and the distances are right there but the National scene hasn't got it right. I have addressed the issue with the big names in cycling but has gone no where. I hope the MN high school mtb programs take off and applaud those involved.

15km classic race. The "zero" or no wax skis were the ticket for most on Wednesday and I guess Gear West provided a lot of skiers with skis which was nice. Skinnyski.com photo
In between races I had a chance to ski the course at Wirth. After skiing a few laps on Thursday, I ran in to one of the groomers who was tilling the ice but having issue with the actuator on his Tidd Tech. Tidd Tech does a lot to support racing but I remain a Ginzu guy. Tuesday I skied a portion of the City of Lakes Loppet course with Bruce and Margaret Adelsman. Jens joined us as well who stayed the first part of the week with me as Jonell went back with the other boys. Jens did a great job skiing in the turning slow conditions. It was fun skiing with Bruce and Margaret as they shared their Nordic experiences with the Lopppet. We did about 8km, hitting the hilly sections before coming straight back. In a rare move, I deleted all the photos I took from our ski. Darn!
It was good seeing all the Maplelag guests, lot of them doing volunteer work including Ralph Schwartz to the left. Nice job everyone.
Jakes roommate for the week, Lewis Kunik. Jake met a lot of new kids and everyone super friendly. Jon was trying to figure out the value of all the skis at the event. Had to been in the 6 digits!
With family and friends after Monday's skate race. Missing Jonell and Jack and Jon.
Bruce Adelsman of skinnyski.com did a incredible job catching all the action and went all out with great video clips. When were were skiing Tuesday, everyone was commenting on the coverage and these were skiers from the east coast and Alaska we bumped in to on the course. Bruce and I caught Thursday morning games of state hockey than Jonell back down Thursday and caught evening games.
Jens wanting to ski before Wednesday race and first person we run in to was Jake!
After Friday's race at local cafe near downtown with Jonell and Jess celebrating a great week.

The busy winter catching up with Jonell and I as we are both came down with some flu gunk, Jens as well. Missing some incredible spring skiing right now but can't complain when you look at the headlines happening in the world.