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Nordic Center, 2/10/08[2/7] No ski-o at Greek Peak this Sun. Yesterday's rain cleared Mark out. It's snowing this am but not enough for an event but check with Mark if you want to ski this weekend, he may be open. - Pete Dady [2/5] Similar situation at the Nordic Center - I talked to Mark yesterday and he was open. I go out Wed to check after this warm front passes and let you know. - Pete Dady |
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Hammond Hill, 2/9/08[2/6] We've had nothing but rain last two days, even the base is ruined at this point. No ski o at Hammond Hill this weekend... sorry! - Ann Leonard [2/5] Unless we get a real nice dump of snow between now and Friday, we aren't going to be able to have a ski-o here on Hammond Hill... last night's rain did in what snow cover we had, all there is left is glare ice, which makes a nice base, but isn't skiable. - Ann Leonard |
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Point au Roche, 2/9/08[2/8] Plenty of snow everywhere! Some trails skied in, some with snowshoe tracks and a few unbroken. A revision of the use of the permanent course and a change back to regular controls and punches has been required partially because of last summer's wind storm - new input from the Park Manager. Our intrepid meet director and course designer, Ted Meskunas, will set the controls tomorrow morning. (ps. You won't need the pencils!) Start window is 11 am. to 1 pm. There will be a White course and an Orange course - mainly to accommodate those needing to qualify and who have pre registered. NOTE: If anyone has already completed one Ski-O in their ESG class and needs a second meet in order to qualify, you may do so by coming and entering any course we have set. I believe this is how the rules read. - Len Cormier [2/7] We have Snow!!! Point au Roche is a GO for Saturday 2/9/08 7 to 12 inches of snow at 8 pm. Tonight (Thursday) and still flurries. There is no grooming or tracking at the park! Trails may be somewhat skied in by rec folks. The Nature Center is open with indoor registration and rest rooms. Start window is 11 am. to 1 pm. We are using a permanent course. You will be recording two letter codes on an index card - not quite high tech!! Bring a stubby pencil and a spare. As for pre registration - because of all the cancellations, this requirement will be relaxed in order to accommodate those who may need to qualify. Show up and we will conjure a course for you. Directions to Point au Roche State Park: Take the Northway (Interstate 87) exit 40 - Beekmantown. Turn to the east (right from the south or left from the north) and go 0.5 mile to Route 9. Turn right on Route 9 and go 0.5 mile south; turn left on Point au Roche Road. It is 1.5 miles to the main Park entrance (beach and boat launch), but continue straight ahead for another 0.7 mile to Camp Red Cloud Road – opposite the Point au Roche Lodge, a right hand turn, which will take you 0.4 mile to the Point au Roche Nature Center and the orienteering start. For further information, e-mail me or call 518-561-9204. - Len Cormier [2/6] Maybe some good news from the north woods, aka. AOK. Point au Roche has received 3-4 inches of new snow today over a thin base of ice. We are expecting another 3-4 inches tonight and tomorrow. Some rec skiers have been out this afternoon. Trails in the open are OK and trails in the woods are passable - downhills will scrape down quickly. Overall, it looks promising. No grooming or track setting at all. IMPORTANT NOTE: as previously posted, pre registration IS REQUIRED. The prior deadline was tonight but it is extended until NOON Thursday morning (2/7/08). Because this is last minute, and courses have to be adjusted to prevailing conditions, we need to know who is coming in order to qualify and in what class. At a minimum, we are planning to put out only courses necessary for those competitors - maybe more but not guaranteed. There will be a final go/no go announcement tomorrow evening and a possible update on Friday. - Len Cormier |
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Webster Park, 2/3/08[2/2] After an early morning visit to the park Eric and I have decided to cancel the Ski-O due to poor snow conditions and the lack of a shelter. People interested in qualifying for ESGs should check the CYNO website for next weekends events. The Score O is also cancelled for the reasons stated above. - Rick Worner and Eric Barbehenn [2/1] This morning we have experienced every type of precipitation on the weather charts in the last three hours. 1-3 inches of snow is in the predictions for tonight. We will be having an event on Sunday in Webster Park at Parkview Lodge from 12-1:30. If it snows it will be a Ski-O and if it doesn't then it will be a twenty control Score O with a one hour time limit. If it is a Ski-O, the park trails with all be single track or untracked trails. The park has a moderately dense trail system with numerous small hills. At this point we have no base, so unless we get significant snow you will probably not want to use your best skis. The shelter has space inside for limited waxing. Please bring something to cover the floor and table if you plan on waxing. The predicted temperature is 34 degrees. We plan on having warm food and drink for competitors. Directions to Webster Park: Exit Route 104 and follow Holt Road north about three miles. At the end of Holt Road near the junction of Lake Road you will see "O" signs and the parking lot on your left for Parkview Lodge. We will send out an update tomorrow via e-mail and you can also check our hotline at 585-377-5650. - Rick Worner |
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Snowfari, 2/2/08[1/29] I'm sorry to report that the Utica Zoo's SNOWFARI has been moved to February 23, 2008. That is also the date of the Empire State Games. Due to circumstances beyond their control, they are unable to hold it the 1st Saturday in February, as planned, this year. Now for the BAD news. The weather forecast for this week is NOT GOOD. The Val Bialas Ski area has not been open for weeks, and the trails have not been rolled. The trails are marginal, at best, and today's warm temperatures and RAIN will probably wash away any remaining snow on the roadways that we use for trails. So ... As much as I hate to cancel, this early in a week, I must CANCEL the ESG Ski-O for this Saturday. Hopefully, there will be enough snow for future events. - Ed Kobos |
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BREIA Alder Creek, 1/27/08[1/21] First, as of last Saturday (1/19/08) the trails were in great to excellent shape. Some of the steeper up/down hill trails were a bit irregular, and of course, not groomed. They received a bunch of snow, Sunday, and more is predicted during the week. It should be in terrific shape. As to the courses. There will be 4 courses. White, Orange, Green and Blue. The exact length has not been determined, yet. They will be available, later in the week. There may be a map exchange (or a 2nd map) for the Green and Blue courses. The start is located in the warming hut on Egypt Road. Starts are from 11:00 AM through 1:00 PM (or later with special permission). There is a BIG change, this year. BREIA has instituted a "NO SKATING" policy for these trails. Look at the link for additional regulations, guidelines and conditions. http://www.breiax-countryski.org/ The fee for this year is $5.00 for CNYO members and $8.00 for non-members. Pre-Marked maps will be available for anyone who pre-registers by sending an E-Mail to my KK2B at aol dot com address, by Friday morning. - Ed Kobos |
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Mendon Ponds, 1/20/08[1/19] We will have a score-o (on foot) tomorrow starting between 12 and 1:30 at Hopkins Point Lodge in Mendon Ponds Park. There will be a time limit of 90 minutes - get as many as you can in that time (but you don't have to stay out in the cold any longer than you want to!) Control pickup will start at 3:00. There will be a fire and hot refreshments. Winterfest has many other attractions throughout the park 11AM-4PM. - Rick and Dayle Lavine [1/16] Well I have delayed as long as I could before writing this note. We appear to be heading back into winter, but just what kind of winter is yet to be determined. And this weekend is Winterfest weekend at Mendon Ponds Park. And that means orienteering - but just what kind we don't know yet! We have between 1 & 3 inches of snow on the ground (depending on where you look), certainly not enough to consider skiing on. And there no snow in the forecast for the next couple days (bummer). But Mother Nature is turning on the freezer this weekend, with temperatures expected in the mid teens - and that means the lake effect machine may turn on full force! With the groomers sitting on standby waiting for any chance to get out and make nice wide skating trails, there is still a chance for some reasonable skiing this weekend. Assuming we have snow, courses will be:
Assuming we have snow by mid day Saturday, the Blue and Red courses will be 80% groomed for skating. Orange will have a distinct 'classic' flavor, although these trails are often wide enough for skating (but not necessarily groomed!). If the grooming is poor, or the snow is very slow, the courses will be shortened to allow for reasonable finish times. In the event we don't have enough snow, we will have a score-O set for those who desperately need to get their O-fix. In any case, please be sure to check the hotline (585) 377-5650 to learn what the race of the day will be. - Jim Russell, Course Setter |
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Thacher Park, 1/19/08[1/17] OK, I've spent 2 hours this afternoon in Thacher Park placing some of the controls. I've scanned the weather reports and predictions from just about every source. And, in the end the situation on Saturday is a complete crap shoot. Today (Thursday) the snow was surprisingly good. It's not deep: there's about 2 inches of base, with another couple inches of powder on top; but today you could certainly ski if you wanted. I wasn't skiing, and literally no one else had as yet; the only tracks were boots, deer, and (illegal) 4-wheelers. There were a very few bare spots, and a couple of wet spots, but you could ski almost everywhere. At this snow depth no one was using snowshoes. Tonight and early tomorrow we are predicted to get the proverbial "wintry mix" of snow, sleet, freezing rain, and pure rain. Our elevation at 1000 feet may help keep the rain to a minimum, but the way the "mix" works out is totally unpredictable (even though the weather people keep on trying). So, the conditions could be completely different by Saturday morning. So, what to do? First: as previously stated, there will be an orienteering event at Thacher Park this Saturday, regardless of what the weather brings us. I have now determined that it will include both an ESG Ski-O Qualifier and an "optional foot-gear" Score-O. Second: try to be as flexible as you can. For skiers, I would recommend coming prepared for either skating or classic skiing, and probably bringing your less than BEST skis. The trails at Thacher are NOT groomed, and in the past I have recommended classic skis; but the last time I did that here, the fastest times were turned in by skaters, so I'm no expert. Note however, that this time many controls are NOT directly on the trails, as explained in the Course Notes below. For those doing the Score-O, unless things change a lot, I would not recommend snowshoes. You can choose between boots of various sorts or sneakers/o-shoes. Unless you are moving pretty fast and generating a lot of heat, I think your feet will get pretty cold during 2 hours in the snow if you try to do it in sneakers. But, maybe you can get all 21 controls in 60 minutes, and blue feet don't bother you. So, choose whatever you are comfortable with. Finally (before the Course Notes, below), remember that we Start/Finish from the "Hop Field" area, and that we are using SI/e-punch controls. Starts are 10-Noon. EMPO has 20 loaner SI "sticks", and while I don't anticipate a problem, I trust that everyone who has their own stick will bring it along so that we'll be sure to have enough loaners for everyone else. Also, event pricing will be based upon the Ski-O event standard, which is a bit higher than our foot-O events: $8 for each entry. I hope to see you Saturday, and as I've said before it is somewhat helpful to get an e-mail back letting me know that you plan to attend. This isn't a commitment which you must fulfill, but it helps me to know how many maps to print. Ski-O Course Notes
That's all of the special stuff. Have fun, but be careful. And remember, even if you are not considering yourself a serious competitor, you must come back and check in with us to let us know you are done. This is standard procedure at any orienteering event, but is particularly important in the winter. We do not want to leave anyone lost out in the woods; nor do we want to send people out searching for you, only to find out later you're at home sitting by the fire. Snowshoe/Foot/Score-O Notes
-Phil H-T [1/15] I would love to have definitive news to pass along regarding the depth and quality of the snow at Thacher Park for our event this Saturday (January 19th), but I'm afraid I can't do it, as yet. As those in our region already know, we had a total melt-off of the snow we had before, and have just started from scratch again. We had an inch or two over Sunday night; and now another inch or two today (Tuesday). The temperature has remained below freezing, so we haven't lost anything; but the ground was wet to begin with, and the snow depth so far is pretty marginal. There is more snow in the forecast, but still in small quantities. So, what can I tell you? First: We will hold an orienteering event on Saturday, January 19. We will offer a Ski-O event if at all possible, in deference to those trying to qualify for the Empire State Games, or practicing for the Ski-O World Champs, or whatever. But you definitely want to have your "rock skis" ready. Second: We will hold a Score-O orienteering event regardless of the snow depth or anything else (along with the Ski-O if that proves to be viable). This course is planned as a "Snowshoe-O", but if there's minimal snow, you can run or walk or whatever. The rules on permissible foot-gear (snowshoes vs. just boots/sneakers) will be determined very late, depending upon snow depth and trail conditions. If this matters to you, stay tuned for later updates. Thacher Park does offer snowshoe rentals, for I believe a relatively modest fee. I expect to send out another conditions update Thursday night, after placing some of the (SI/e-punch) controls. But again, there will be an event. It may or may not include Skiing; it may or may not require Snowshoes. It WILL include SI/e-punch. Course lengths, course notes, directions, et. al., as appropriate, will go out Thursday with the final advance status report. If you want to be sure to receive the Thursday evening status e-mail, notify Phil Hawkes-Teeter (philht at nycap dot rr dot com). [You may get it anyway, but why worry? Also, you may get this e-mail more than once, since you could well be on more than one "Ski-O" list. But again, I trust you won't worry; just accept the fact that your presence is desired.] This will also help me get the SI/e-punch software setup with your name already listed, which will save both you and I time on Saturday. -Phil H-T |
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Chestnut Ridge, 1/13/08[1/11] Cancelled due to lack of snow. [1/8] At the moment (Monday evening) there is no snow at the venue. We have our fingers crossed but the current weather forecast for the week is not promising. Official notification of whether the meet is on or off will be available by calling 716-652-8727 after 6:00 PM on Friday, January 11. We will also attempt to post the information on our website and via email. In the event the Ski-O is cancelled, there will not be a foot-O event. The only date we have available for rescheduling is March 2 (unfortunately after the ESG). If the event does take place on Jan 13, here are the details: Chestnut Ridge Park is located just south of the village of Orchard Park on NYS Route 277. For directions go to your favorite site and use 6121 Chestnut Ridge Rd 14127. Use the main entrance to the park. Registration will be held in the Casino on the east side of route 277. ["Casino" is used here according to its historical definition as "a place of social amusement" (Webster), not in the currently understood meaning as "a place of gambling." The only gambling will be with the weather.]
- David Cady [1/6] Courses: (measured straight line not shortest skiable route)
There will NOT be a foot-o if snow doesn't return after this week's expected thaw. If conditions are uncertain, the race-day hotline is 716-652-8727. |
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Harriet Hollister Spencer, 1/5/08[1/3] I have been informed of changes in the course lengths by the course setter. The new lengths are:
- Rick Lavine [1/2] Linda Kohn has set 4 courses:
Blue and red will have map exchanges. Starts will be from 12 to 1:30; registration starts at 11:30. The main trails are groomed for skating and possibly track set for classic. There may be route choices that use other trails not groomed for skiing. Starts will be at the parking lot, which has no buildings or bathrooms. (There is an indoor restroom in the center of the park, accessible only by skis.) Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area is located south of Honeoye Lake on Canadice Hill Rd. From Rte 20A just west of the village of Honeoye, take County Route 37 south, staying left when 37 turns right. At about 6 miles south of 20A there is a fork. Stay left as the road turns to dirt. The parking lot is shortly after this fork. There are a few other events going on in the morning, so parking will be tight early in the day. Ski conditions are reported on the Rochester Cross Country Ski
Foundation website under "trail
conditions": http://www.xcrochester.com/new/home.htm ROC members, please consider putting in some time helping with registration, start/finish, or control pickup. Helpers have the event fee waived. - Rick and Dayle Lavine |
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Garnet Hill, 12/30/07[12/27] Garnet Hill has excellent coverage and Ed the groomer is in the midst of working out the last effects of last weekend's rain which left an excellent base. Thursday we're expecting 2-4 fresh inches and Friday night could add some more. By the weekend the place should be in top shape. Sunday's event will be a score-o with a strict time limit. So, if you don't own a watch, be sure to buy one on the way. If trying the reach me via email be sure to use my alternative address GlideXC@yahoo.com. - Len Cormier |
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Dewey Mountain, 12/29/07[12/27] Controls were set today. The lower mountain has a good hard packed base and new, wet snow is falling (3 inches @ 4:00 pm). Snow is expected to continue into the evening. There will be four courses:
About 2/3 of the trails should be groomed. Others are wide but not groomed and some are snowshoe trails. Directional trail signs may be ignored. Be courteous to recreational skiers. Some trails have lighting wires that may cross overhead. Be careful, especially if you are very tall!!! Dewey Mt. is owned by the Town of Harrietstown. They do have a $3 use fee per person. Additionally, AOK will have a donation can available at registration. Any amount will help offset the costs of maintaining controls, paperwork and printing expense. And now for the BIG plus - indoor registration, heat and restrooms!!! - Len Cormier |
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Lapland Lake, 12/23/07[12/21] The courses are set, maps printed, and Lapland Lake Resort has never been in better shape. We have three courses for Sunday's Empire State Games Ski Orienteering qualifier:
Due to the late registration time and our proximity to the winter solstice there will be a strictly enforced two hour limit on the course. If you are out there for more than two hours you will be DISQUALIFIED for safety reasons... even if you have an "early start". We must be fair. I believe that all courses have equal navigation challenges. The only difference is the course distances. DON'T forget your compass. You will not have the sun. [I became disoriented on Thursday morning as I was skiing in, what I thought was, an abandoned ski trail.] Sure, you can bring your best and fastest skate skis, but you will be ruling out some neat route choices. My choice would be a classic ski on the short side, perhaps even with a "short wax pocket". Not all snowshoe trails shown on the map have been snowshoed on. The snowshoe trails and old abandoned ski trails that I think might be used as navigation choices were skied in yesterday (Thursday) morning. Also if you know a friend who would like to try orienteering on snowshoes (not as an ESG qualifier), the white course can be done totally on snowshoe trails. We will be using SPORTident (S I) equipment. It's a test (a qualifier, if you will) of the same equipment you will be using this year at the Empire State Games finals. We have a limited number of "sticks", "dibblers", or whatever you call those chip thingies. If you have one, bring it. If you don't you will be expected to sign a use agreement to borrow one. Lapland Lake will be open to the public during the day. There will be recreational skiers to whom we will extend every trail courtesy. Should you find yourself going the wrong way on a one way ski trail you may continue, but only on the extreme side of the trail opposite the groomed classic tracks. Down hill skiers have the right of way in this situation, meaning get off the trail until they pass! The weather forecast for Sunday sounds awful with the "R" word used too many times! With this in mind we will have registration and first starts right after the last competitor (probably me?) finishes the cross country qualifying event that precedes ours. This should be about 11 AM. It is hoped we can get everyone out who would like to before the weather gets too bad. Registration will close immediately at 2 PM, no exceptions! There are 5 controls on the course of the above mentioned XC race. Those doing the XC race might spot one or more of these controls as they scream through the race. Don't worry, this will give them NO advantage. It's probably not on their course anyway, AND I guarantee you will not want to use the same attack as the XC participant! There is a practice loop, the Vasa Trail, on the east side of the Lake Road, behind the overflow parking lot and behind the groomer "barn" that can be used as practice and ski testing provided you access this from the driveway to the Tuupa (guest cottages). - Eric J. Hamilton [12/9] Skiing at Lapland Lake looks quite promising for December 23. I skied there on Thursday, December 6 and it was beautiful! There was 6 to 8 inches in the woods which had been machined with a light snow machine towing a Tidtech (or similar). There is not enough snow to get out the big groomer so the trails have some rolling character indicative of early season snow. There were no frost heaves or icy spots. Coverage is excellent and I am sure they received more this evening. I have not finalized the courses yet, because I am hoping that even the upper Karhu loops will be open for us by the 23rd. Register early (like as soon as you finish the X C event) so that we can have our first starts at 1 pm sharp. The last start will be at 2 pm and there is a strict 2 hour limit on each course. Everyone will be done by 4 pm... (1600 dark) no exceptions! I am looking forward to a fun day with a festival atmosphere! If you have a friend who has never tried ski O before this is the one to try! - Eric J. Hamilton |
last updated: --Fri Feb 08 2008 09:00:02 PM EST--