I need skis

Not right now, but you know, eventually. Moving up and all.

I want something that will be reasonable for nordic skiing, ok at going downhill (even in a resort), and really good at rambling around the woods off-track. A tall order fraught with compromises, but you all know me and my habits, so have at it.

What I’m considering (a vague start):

Black Diamond Cult
Karhu XCD Guide
Fischer Boundless Crown

Listed in descending order of burliness. I envision them paired with 3 pin cable binding and a light plastic tele boot. Used planks will be highly desirable.

Eh?

My legs are still essentially unsound from last weekend. Got out for a 305-Smith-Spruce-307-377-Walker Rd-305 ride with Brian this morning. Every climb was pretty damn ouchy and slow. Conditions, dirt and air, were pretty much perfect. At least B got to do something in AZ this trip besides play in the mud. It was a damn good day.

We even ran into Yuri.

The ridgeline traverse on 307 is in need of a chainsaw. Only a minority of the lumber is even vaguely hoppable, even with my mean new bashguard. It was the first time in quite a while I’d been down 377, and I’m a much better rider now. I wanted that trail to continue on for a couple times more, at least. No deadfall there, and almost no tracks of any kind.

B is also my evil bike twin. Same jersey, same shoes, pretty damn close to the same bike.

Watch out.

10 responses to “I need skis”

  1. Wait until you get to Missoula and start bringing beer to all the shops – the grommets will start unloading their equipment around October when the new BD pro form arrives – that and the classifieds is mother’s milk for quality used gear. But jeez, I didn;t think they still made skis <90mm under foot! ;-)

  2. I didn’t realize that you guys rode 307 today. All those connectors are fuzzy, clearly I need to spend more time in Prescott this summer. Good to run into you.

  3. Blair, a good idea. One less thing to move too. I am leaning towards the Karhus at the moment.I neglected to add: the Leviathan is the best bike. EVER. I struggle to be worthy.

  4. Yuri, we rode the ridgetop traverse going south from the lookout. 377 breaks south and a bit east when 307 takes a hard right (west) down off the top. 377 is a cool variation that no one seems to ride.

  5. dave … do you think you could tell us what you were saying when that picture was taken? those other two seem to be taking you really rather seriously …… and you look deep in explanation.you coming through Denver/Evergreen? we’d love to see you. it’ll only take one stop and i bet $$ we could con you into a loop from the house.hugs to you both.jj

  6. No idea what I was saying. I tend to be profound without realizing.’Fraid I can’t see rolling through CO. The drive to Missoula is long enough in a straight line.

  7. Why 3 pins? Honest question, i’m not a skier (yet). I’ve been looking at dynafits for weight and a fixed heal for downs?

  8. Because I want to learn to telemark, firstly. And because for rolling, touring type stuff (as opposed to mountaineering) free heels are I think lightest, simplest, cheapest, and most efficacious.

  9. Purely in jest BTW. The same could probably be printed about my current bike choice.

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