SCUM rises to the top

Posted on October 31, 2024 by Sonot Kkaazoot

After spending a day removing downed trees, the Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks groomers transformed the 2024 Slushmageddon (Rick Thoman’s moniker for the record precipitation event of October 21, 2024):

https://fm.kuac.org/KUAC%20Newscasts/2024-10-23/10-23-24-kuac-morning-news

into skiable trails with set classical tracks on October 24. This allowed the SCUM to begin their 29th season, with ski workouts on Friday, October 25.

We joined many eager skiers on Sunday, October 27, preparing for the 38th Denali State Bank Sonot Kkaazoot.

Remember that NSCF grooming is supported solely by donations.

Here’s the URL to make donations that support trail grooming and maintenance year-round:

https://nordicskicluboffairbanks.wildapricot.org/Donate

And if you want to have company for your slow ski workouts, consider joining us on Wednesday, Friday, or Sunday at 10 a.m.

Ester Dome singletrack with newly fallen snow

Posted on October 16, 2024 by Sonot Kkaazoot

Mike takes the trail less traveled up Ester Dome

Today, Mike Schmoker, Sonot Kkaazoot woodel guru was back in town after several weeks spent high altitude trekking in Peru. As he was the only SCUM showing up for our Wednesday Ester Dome ascent, I let him choose the route. Given that temperatures were around 30 deg with 12 to 18 mph SW winds, we opted to take the single-track trail up Ester Dome to Henderson Road.

The wind protection was marvelous, but Mike’s high elevation acclimation made his pace rival that of Bernardo.

The clouds lifted and blue skies turned the trails magical

And unlike the SCUM mother, who is geographically challenged, Mike had a map in his head that mirrored those posted on the trail.

Unlike Bill’s maps that are sketched in the snow, Mike’s map was printed, sealed in plastic and posted on the trails.

Mike and I were both smiling through out hike:

Smiling Mike enjoying views of the valley

Mike’s fitness was again demonstrated when he fell but was too quick getting up for me to get a photo of his tumble:

Site of Mike’s first fall of the winter season.

If the National Weather Service is correct, we should be skiing soon. However, in the meantime, some of the trails less traveled will make for fun SCUM adventure workouts.