Training Log: revy

Wanted to test out some Findr XCD skis I picked up last year. They are essentially 86mm touring skis with fish scales for grip. I found that the grip was fine on up to about 12 degrees. Higher up on the steeper icy side hills they were struggling a bit so I put on skins. The pattern slowed the skis down on the lower grades going down but I didn't notice an appreciable difference on steeper sections.

My plan was to walk up the skid road but the coverage was patchy (skis on/off) so I decided to head up to the Fingers. I had to climb about 100 m with skis off. The forest is quite easy travel at this time of year. Looks like logging is in the future of some of the forest here. Lots of evidence of old selective logging (massive stumps) but still some very big trees here.

Once I was into the open the snow coverage improved. Conditions were softening in the sun and icy in the shade. I stopped at 500 m as I thought it was a bit much for Milo to keep going (he's a bit sore now). The first 150 m were great spring skiing, the next bit was more uneven, then walked down. Might be fun to come back and try yo go higher though it doesn't look like there will a good overnight for a while.

Spent the afternoon putting the roof racks on the vehicles, and then put them to use to drive over the Williamson Lake. I took the new boat I bought from Sue out (another Sunova). I'm quite happy with it. Not as fast as Courtney's but more forgiving, and also more stable and comfortable to paddle than my blue boat. Felt much better paddling today than a few days ago.

C • Paddling! 3

First paddle of the year... back on forth on the Columbia. The current seemed stronger than usual. Carrying the boat really bothered my back which could be problematic.

Ride with Stuart. Clough Road (which is always longer than I remember) and then up the parkway. Made it further than last time though this required some snow patch avoidance. Felt harder than the other day for some reason. The Aethos could use a few more tweaks in position.

A mixed ride with Courtney - up the back way to the park, a bit on the 5 k loop (more than planned as somehow Courtney missed a turn despite me standing 10 feet away) and then up the parkway to the lookout.