Mesabi Meltdown & Freeze

For tomorrow, skiing at the NorthLoop. Pass the word on to parents so they can pick you up there. We should be done by 5. Also, remember how cold you were today, tomorrow there won’t be a warming hut.

The monster known as Mesabi has come and gone. I do believe mother nature was the underlying story.  I feel like I should find a quote from Mr. Dylan to add to this post with him being a ranger and all…something along the lines of “a hard, a hard  a hard raaaaaains a-gonna fall.” Rumors were a buzz early Friday of cancelations, postponements and the possibility that busses wouldn’t travel north due to the poor road conditions. Mesabi however was our destiny and we headed north for the iron range late that afternoon.
I do personally enjoy these long bus rides. You have no choice but to relax, nap, laugh with teammates and discuss all the different possible race outcomes. Long travels amp the magnitude of the event, you are committed, no looking back.  You are a long way from home, might as well but your best foot forward and show what you got.
Destination: Holiday Inn Express, we were forced to abort a pre-ski with the late arrival. With rooms sorted out I told the team to meet in the lobby for a short run and the negative feedback was at a minimal…I knew we were ready. The mention of Perkins for dinner seemed to lift morale. As I scanned the booths, athletes were elbows deep in their meals. Some meals appeared powerful and others were faking it, I think some hoped the Gods of greasy burgers and fries would return a favor tomorrow. Off to the hotel for R&R.
Race day: blustery, temps dropping with a dusting of snow on ice, perfect! Let’s just say the classical skiers had the worst of it. With waxing concoctions pasted to the bottom of skis it was now up to the skier to make the most of the moment and that they did. Great results came forth setting the team up for success with great afternoon sessions. The skate race was fast as granulated ice was means for speed. Everyone ripped, from our first out to our last one in. Special props to Bethany for managing an eight hour layover and a near night ski, but she still put on a smile and represented the Tech Tiger leotard with pride!
I’d love to go into more details, but each skier fought their own battle and each have their own story which I’m sure if you ask, they’d be more than willing to share.
The day ended with an amazing third place overall result for the Tech Team, I do believe we made some history on this day and I hope everyone walked with a little swagger Sunday after this great day.
I have just a few behind the scenes photos to attach as getting skiers out of the blocks, waxing skis and collecting and distributing warm clothes were the themes of the day.  SkinnySki has many great photos along with dozens taken by parents which I’m sure will circulate.
Sheila and I couldn’t have been prouder of the team for their mature and responsible behavior over the course of the weekend.
The family support was amazing as always. So many thanks. 

wax day

I'm afraid

$ horse

corporate sponsor? 

History anyone?

The classic track home