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This year we managed to set a longer course than we had in previous years. The loop that we tracked was 4.5 km, starting on the big field at the usual entrance by the southeast corner. The course began by undulating some 450 meters before entering the woods behind the "cabin" at the southwestern corner of the field. It then dropped down towards "torget" and then cut back to the right on the trail leading to the timber staging area by the main road. From there the track went down along the road to the brook before turning south and back up and across to the powerline, which we followed before turning left up on the trail back to "torget". We then headed down towards and then sharply left on to the stonewall trail, which we followed to the end. From there we wound back through the wood to the usual exit/entrance to the field and back to the start. This loop is about 4.5 KM and features plenty of up and downhills, tight trail skiing and a few places where a less alert racer could miss the "right" turn.

The MEN skied two loops, for about 9 Km, and the LADIES either one or two loops (a majority skied two). Over all conditions were the best in several years. There was at least a foot of fairly wet, old "corn" snow. The air temperature was about +1C and there was almost no wind. Most of us used purple klister in the kick zone, although some, usually to their own chagrin, added secrete layers of, probably ill considered, last minute ingredients. Most of us also used red/purple glide wax ironed on to tops and tails. Yes, some had better glide and kick then others, but there were no disastrous differences. And yes, although some had quite modern and racy equipment, thanks to the Cross Country Chairmen, Matt Connery, those without equipment could use the club's new boots and reasonably good "racing type" skis. Timekeeping was managed by Jossie Jahn and Lena Bengtson, along with miscellaneous advice givers. Given their past timekeeping performances, there should be no reason to doubt the accuracy of results. Disputes will be met by stony silence or a quick, sharp rebuke.

Twelve skiers participated, which is almost pathetic, compared to normal participation in the seventies and eighties of some 30 to 40 competitors of all ages. On the bright side, however, the Hans Bengtson-Tom Jahn rivalry was renewed this year. Tom, as usual, had the finest equipment money could buy while Hans, figuring that there would be no skating possibilities (although the race was, at least in the eyes of one racer, allegedly a "freestyle" event) elected to go with his old three pin boots on a pretty nifty pair of modern racing skis. In any event Tom edged Hans out this year so we will have to wait until next year to see if Hans should have made a different equipment choice.

Assuming that Carl and Tom Jahn were skiing at about the same level as last year, then KLAS HOLM was definitely the most improved skier this year. He must have trained in secret - and, we are looking forward to ski with/against him again next year. His average per kilometer time improved by almost a minute.

Carl Jahn, without Hans Tunebloom or Robbie Clarke to challenge him, easily won the MEN's competition for the second year in a row. Ann Jochnick, although challenged by Petra Eldh (who missed one of the "right" turns on the first loop), won the LADIES' race. All four Uganders competed; Johan beat Dad (for the first time?!), while Olaf maybe edging Mom, at least on the first loop. (There was some confusion with the lap count for these two racers, so we can't be quite sure.)

Course: 2 X 4.5 km = 9 km
Snow: Old "corn"
Temp: +1C

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