Telemark Talk / Telemark Tips Forum

Paging Nitram Tocrut and all others from the area. I went ahead and signed up for my first CdB this year. I'm wondering if a) any of you other fools are doing it and b) any tips for a first timer. I'm really excited... although the distance is intimidating.

Super cool!!!
My understanding is that it is an event to enjoy participating in. I think a lot of people start. Many don’t finish the first day, but I believe there are bale out locations. However finish or not, it is supposed to be an awesome festival celebrating Nordic skiing In Quebec!
Please post a report, and maybe snap a few photos!

@fisheater Have you ever done the American Birkebeiner? Or anyone else here for that matter? I am thinking about it, maybe not this year but next. I'vr only been xc skiing basically one year, but maybe if my skills improve betwren now and then I can try it this year. Thing is I have never skiied more than 12 or 13 miles in a day and no idea at what speed. I presume on a groomed track I would cover ground at a much faster speed.

@mca80 I've never been to the Birkebeiner. However if I went, I would be going to be part of the event. I’m certainly no XC racer. I would just stay out of the way of real racers and enjoy myself.
None other Chip Chase of Whitegrass recommends both the Birkebeiner and Midwest Telefest. Both are in your neck of the woods.

Plan to do both when ready. Thanks for the audio clip. I'll probably go to telefest this year even though I will still be very beginner at telemark. Thinking about heading to porkies Sunday actually. They arent open yet and I can slap skins on the Kongsvolds and go up then fall all the way down. Theyre supposed to get like 30" between now and sometime Saturday. 19" forecast inland here.

spopepro wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 19, 2022 2:43 pm

Paging Nitram Tocrut and all others from the area. I went ahead and signed up for my first CdB this year. I'm wondering if a) any of you other fools are doing it and b) any tips for a first timer. I'm really excited... although the distance is intimidating.

What ski's are you thinking about skiing?

chris_the_wrench wrote: ↑

Tue Dec 20, 2022 8:34 pm

spopepro wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 19, 2022 2:43 pm

Paging Nitram Tocrut and all others from the area. I went ahead and signed up for my first CdB this year. I'm wondering if a) any of you other fools are doing it and b) any tips for a first timer. I'm really excited... although the distance is intimidating.

What ski's are you thinking about skiing?

Yes. Equipment recommendations, that's what we do here! I want to know, too.

I'm overdue a new track set-up. My SNS stuff is looong in the tooth. I'm also overdue to do the Ski Marathon, and I'd want to buy something for comfort and endurance suited to it, and no more money than necessary. I'm not winning anything.

chris_the_wrench wrote: ↑

Tue Dec 20, 2022 8:34 pm

What ski's are you thinking about skiing?

I’ll be using my MR48 skin skis. I think they are just the best ski if you have to cover serious distance with a variety of terrain including significant portions of tracks. I do have nnnbc bindings on them, and while it would probably be better to have a smaller/faster boot than alakas, it fits, it’s warm, and I’ve done this distance in them before (albeit over 6 consecutive days instead of 2).

I think my hard choices are around layering, nutrition, and so on. Hard to know for sure until closer to the event.

I'm also interested in this discussion: what gear for CdB. Track/race skis or something more backcountry oriented? I'd hate to have to herringbone climb in backcountry skis much, not sure if the CdB has much herringbone pitches? My BC flatland gear is the USGI surplus skis with Alaskas/NNN-BC, which are great for striding until you have to herringbone much. They also don't fit in the track at most race-oriented groomed tracks (unless the snow is soft / fresh).

I've done the Birkie the last 6 years (have switched back and forth between classic and skate techniques). In terms of gear, it's definitely a track/race nordic ski event, most people in spandex suits etc. People classic skiing are mostly kick-waxing (I do this) or using "mohair" style skins, you don't want that drag of scales on the downhills when you're skiing 55k.

I highly recommend it; it's a super fun environment and most years has great snow conditions. When classic skiing you just hope for cold temps so kickwaxing is straightforward and you don't need to stop halfway to switch to klister. If you're doing it the first time and new to skiing I recommend classic; it tends to be an easier technique to keep up when exhausted unless you're a good balanced skater.

Like all citizen/public marathons, you'll see everything from former World Cup skiers doing the 50k in 1hr40min, to senior citizens taking 5.5 hrs with smiles on their faces. If you don't care too much about your time, I'd just say make sure you can ski 30k somewhat comfortably, and then doing the last 20-25k on race day is just that extra push that the environment and fellow skiers will give you.

Good onya… both styles in successive years. Impressive, man. Truly impressive.

Massive rewards for those who make the podium. Rewards just as great for those completing for the first time, posting a PB, overcoming equipment failure, or finishing with whatever pace/style suits.

Reminds me of the question “who’s the best surfer?” It’s the one having the most fun.