Mike Cruz
03-01-2011, 3:59 PM
This time of year keeps me out of the shop. Even if it isn't actually racing, it is thinking about it. Some of you may have noticed that I've been a little absent around here, too. (Maybe even relieved...:rolleyes:) We're coming to a end for ski racing right about now. This racing is called NASTAR. It stands for NAtional STAndard Racing. It uses a handicap system to place you among those of your age, gender, and ability.
I grew up skiing from the age of 9. A knee injury (abuse from skiing and volleyball while in college) kept me from tackling the slops. I "gave it up" until one day in my mid thirties. I went skiing with the full intention of just sticking to the intermediate slopes and taking it easy. Boredom set in within an hour. I was dragged to the race venue kicking and screaming. I had never done it, and had no interest. After my first run, I was hooked! You thing turning wood is a vortex...HA! Anyway, seven years later, here I am, a Nastar junkie.
One of the exciting parts of Nastar is, if you qualify, you are invited to the Nastar National Championships. It is held in out West, usually in Colorado. Over 1000 racers from 3 years old to 93 years young, from all over the country converge at a venue (this year at Winter Park, CO) to compete. It is an absolute blast. I went in '06, and while I've qualified every year (except for one, because of a back injury and I didn't ski that year), I haven't had the opportunity to return. Well, this year, the stars aligned and I will be headed West with my brother and mom in the end of March. The likelihood of getting to the podium is slim (the Men's 40-44 Divisions are usually very tough). But it is more about the experience, camaraderie, and fun.
We held a little local race of Nastar Forum member this past weekend. We had a guy videotape us. After we came out of the starting gate, he skied right down the middle of the course about a gate behind us, to film each of us. We did it as an instructional lesson. You never look like you think you look.
Anyway, here is a link to thread that we posted the videos. I am Putterman, in the black suit with red helmet.
BTW, I have no affiliation with Nastar other than someone that enjoys participating in it. I am sharing this with all of you because I consider you an extended family and I like to share. This is not a campaign to recruit or solicit. I just figured some background on what it was that I was doing was in order. Otherwise, you might wonder what a bunch of guys in skintight suits are doing. :D
http://forums.nastar.com/showthread.php?2941-Mid-Atlantic-Forum-Gathering-2010-2011/page12
I grew up skiing from the age of 9. A knee injury (abuse from skiing and volleyball while in college) kept me from tackling the slops. I "gave it up" until one day in my mid thirties. I went skiing with the full intention of just sticking to the intermediate slopes and taking it easy. Boredom set in within an hour. I was dragged to the race venue kicking and screaming. I had never done it, and had no interest. After my first run, I was hooked! You thing turning wood is a vortex...HA! Anyway, seven years later, here I am, a Nastar junkie.
One of the exciting parts of Nastar is, if you qualify, you are invited to the Nastar National Championships. It is held in out West, usually in Colorado. Over 1000 racers from 3 years old to 93 years young, from all over the country converge at a venue (this year at Winter Park, CO) to compete. It is an absolute blast. I went in '06, and while I've qualified every year (except for one, because of a back injury and I didn't ski that year), I haven't had the opportunity to return. Well, this year, the stars aligned and I will be headed West with my brother and mom in the end of March. The likelihood of getting to the podium is slim (the Men's 40-44 Divisions are usually very tough). But it is more about the experience, camaraderie, and fun.
We held a little local race of Nastar Forum member this past weekend. We had a guy videotape us. After we came out of the starting gate, he skied right down the middle of the course about a gate behind us, to film each of us. We did it as an instructional lesson. You never look like you think you look.
Anyway, here is a link to thread that we posted the videos. I am Putterman, in the black suit with red helmet.
BTW, I have no affiliation with Nastar other than someone that enjoys participating in it. I am sharing this with all of you because I consider you an extended family and I like to share. This is not a campaign to recruit or solicit. I just figured some background on what it was that I was doing was in order. Otherwise, you might wonder what a bunch of guys in skintight suits are doing. :D
http://forums.nastar.com/showthread.php?2941-Mid-Atlantic-Forum-Gathering-2010-2011/page12