madcity girl

I had another fantastic weekend enjoying the great outdoors and warm comforts of winter. I kicked off the weekend by meeting my friends Paul and Meghan at the Nordic Trail, located in the heart of the Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest (just east of of Whitewater). The Nordic Trail  features more than 23 miles of groomed x-country ski trails with six different trails of varying distance and difficulty. It’s actually where I went skate skiing for the very first time last winter with my friend Paul. As you may remember, I instantly fell in love with the sport, and purchased my own pair of skis a few weeks later.

Many people still ask me, what exactly is skate skiing? Perhaps you caught a glimpse during the recent Olympic coverage; otherwise, check out this YouTube video. What I love most about skate skiing is the technique, rhythm, speed, and the burn I feel in my legs. I love climbing up and cruising down the big hills, and also gliding along the flats. Then of course there’s the beauty of being completely emerged in the middle of a snowy forest. And breathing in fresh, cool air. In my opinion, not only is skate skiing the best full-body workout there is, but also the best way to spend a winter morning.  

My friends Paul and Meghan are very talented skate skiers. Me? Not so much. Honestly, I’ve taught myself most of what I’ve learned by studying whatever is available about skate skiing on the Internet. I think my form is pretty decent, but I still have a long way to go with speed and endurance. On Saturday, I was just hopeful I could hang with Paul and Meghan for a little while—and not fall on my butt and embarrass myself too much. I knew they would push me, which is exactly what I needed. And more than anything, I was really looking forward to the company—there aren’t too many people I know in Madison who skate ski.

Luckily, Paul and Meghan skied the blue trail (9.9 miles) before I even arrived. Better to have them a little tired and winded! I met them in the warming hut shortly after 9am. Together we ventured out and skied the green, white, and orange trails (about ten miles total—my longest skate skiing adventure to date). The trails had a fresh coat of powder, which made for slower conditions. And because it was Birkie Weekend, there was very little traffic on the trails. It was challenging for me to keep up with Paul and Meghan, but I think I did pretty well. It made my day when Meghan (who has been skiing her entire life) told me that I looked like I’ve been skiing much longer than a year.

After adequately wearing ourselves out on the trails, Paul, Meghan, and I headed to the La Grange General Store, which is a great little cafe and ski/bike shop located just a few minutes from the trail head. I love the cozy and eclectic feel of the store. And the food and beer selection can’t be beat. I could hang out there all day. We ordered lunch (soup, sandwiches, and beer) and relaxed and caught up on life. We also talked about the possibility of signing up for the Birkie in 2011.

All in all, it was the perfect morning. The truth is, I don’t want the snow to melt. Not yet. I’m not ready to put away my skis and bulky sweaters for the season. Quite honestly, I’m liking this winter stuff more and more every year.