2011 Ride Thread

[CaRtharsis]

Yes I realize I am a couple days early. Nevertheless here it is. If you are riding, thinking about riding, have ridden, have snow report or have heard of someone that has post it here.

I'll start. Looking to ride tomorrow. Anyone game. I'm free to ride wherever. Let me know what you have planned.

[Tabatha]

Never too early to plan to ride! I believe that BillyG and I have plans to hit Vorlage on Wednesday night. Would love to see you. Anyone else want to join us?

[powdahbonz]

We've got some decent snow from this little noreaster we got..heading to the Loaf with Aaron on Thursday...emailed my friend about the accommodations for February..will let you know asap. Try not to break any gear but most importantly, yourselves...winter just started.
Derek

[Tabatha]

Thanks for the good vibes re: broken bits and pieces; hope you and yours are all safe and sound after yesterday! Despite everything that went down yesterday, it sounds like it would be a fun trip and still in my books, even if the others are starting to re-think (not because of the chair-lift indecent, but more because of life).

Looks like O-Town is in for some rain soon, as long as it is not freezing I think I can deal, but I am not sure the base will be able to handle it.

[Ian M]

Is anyone free & keen to hit Mont Ste-Marie or Mont Blanc this weekend? The weather looks decent for Monday...

http://www.theweathernetwork.com/skifx/caqc1310

http://www.theweathernetwork.com/skifx/caqc1300

Happy New Year!

[CaRtharsis]

Yes. Monday.

[Ian M]

^ You rock Chris

[Ian M]

Happy New Year to everyone! Best wishes for 2011... may your year be full of many beautiful arcs in the snow :D

Cheers!

[Ian M]

Mont Blanc yesterday with Chris was pretty decent... fairly icy, with granular snow on top. Not conditions that you could relax in at all, but boy does it teach you exactly where your balance point is. :rolleyes:

I had heard it was a great spot for carving, but many of the trails were quite steep, and also narrow. The versant nord is rumored to have a few wider ones according to people on the lift, but is currently closed. Might be a place to hit again when the snow is soft...

Looking foward to some night riding at Vorlage sometime soon, dependent on improving conditions :biggthump

Cheers!

[CaRtharsis]

It was fun. Definitely need different equipment to ride those narrow runs comfortably. I would like to go and try the the wider runs again some day.

Perhaps a little more physical conditioning is required to be riding on days like that. Legs were killing me after 4.5 hours.

[Tabatha]

Plan on hitting Vorlage tonight (Thursday) after work. Looking at trying to get out 2x a week Monday or Tuesday and Thursday. Hope to see some of you out there.

[Ian M]

Hey all,

I was thinking about riding Tuesday at Vorlage... anyone else interested? What week-nights work for those who bought night passes there?

Cheers!

[CaRtharsis]

My schedule just opened up and I will be riding tonight as well. Anyone else?

[GoofyFoot]

Mont Blanc: I had heard it was a great spot for carving, but many of the trails were quite steep, and also narrow. The versant nord is rumored to have a few wider ones according to people on the lift, but is currently closed. Might be a place to hit again when the snow is soft...

Ian, yes there are a couple of runs on versand nord of Mt Blanc that are excellent places to put down some mean carves.

However, from Ottawa, Mt Tremblant is the same distance and has more and better runs. Currently, my fav spots to lay trenches are Beau Chemin, Beauvallon (both blue) Nanson Haut and P'tit Bonheur (both greens). C'mon down and I will show you the mountain!

-Brian

[CaRtharsis]

So Ian and I rode last night and had the place pretty much to ourselves. It was great. Conditions were firm and fast with surprisingly little ice. Only real drawback was at one point coming over a blind crest to find a snowmobile making a U-turn directly intersecting my current trajectory. Have to say, not overly impressed with that whole incident!

Finally feeling like the VSR and I are beginning to mesh. Being built stiff (can't remember the index off hand) I am finally at a place where I am comfortably able to bend it and know its going where intended. Few more tweaks here and there and hopefully will have it dialed in before Sugarloaf. Starting from scratch this year with binding and boot setup appears to have been a good idea.

Oh, and we were actually complimented by a skier when we stopped for a beverage. Now I fear that there may actually be something to this end for the world 2012 thing. Spooky....

[GoofyFoot]

Chris, Derek, Ian et al,

Whadda think about a multi-day carvefest somewhere whithin a day's drive of Ottawa?

I had been planning a trip out West with my GF, also know as the Vivacious Redhead, but for a variety of reasons that has been postponed to next season. So in lieu, I thought I would use my vacation days to see one (or more) of the nearby mountains I rarely frequent. If there was sufficient interest, I would be willing to make the lion's share of the logisitical arrangements.

So, I was thinking anywhere from a Mon-Fri outing (less traffic on the hill) to an extended 3 or 4 day WE. The locale could be (or a combo of) Mt Blanc, Mt Tremblant, Mt Ste Anne, Le Massif, Le Massif du Sud, Jay Peak, Loon Mtn, Cannon (last two are in NH) etc. Accomodation could be a large B&B or a reasonably priced hotel.

Any interest? I am planning a March trip somewhere so I would be happy to have some carving company! If there are a few positive replies, we could expand the invite to the QC ride board to see if we could entice a few other carvers to join in.

Cheers,

Brian

[CaRtharsis]

Our Sugarloaf trip next month is the only multiday I will be permitted this season. She who insists on being obeyed has determined I only need one trip.

[philpjo]

Our Sugarloaf trip next month is the only multiday I will be permitted this season. She who insists on being obeyed has determined I only need one trip.

When are you going to Sugarloaf? I'll talk to Loopback (Paul) and see if he's in.

[Tabatha]

Just got back from Cascade ... have to say I really do prefer Vorlage, which is where I will be tomorrow night - and next Thursday. Sure Vorlage doesn't have the vertical that Cascade, Fortune or Edelweiss have, but run length is irrelevant if you are dodging pylons. There were only two real runs open at Cascade and the place was a zoo (I am used to Vorlage on a Monday which is so quiet).

If anyone is interested in trying Cascade, Mix99.9 has a deal where if you sign up for their "hot-zone" they mail you coupons for $10.00 Wednesday night tickets; and if you ride till 9pm, most of the afore mentioned pylons have gone.

If anyone has a random mid-week day off next week - I will be at Tremblant on Tuesday (North Parking lot) with my sister. After that - I will be back to Tuesday / Thursday at Vorlage.

Happy riding

[Tabatha]

PS: I would probably be interested in a local(ish) carve fest. Right now a friend and I are discussing Jay Peak or even Whiteface for a long weekend. Can't make Sugar Loaf; work commitments.

[CaRtharsis]

When are you going to Sugarloaf? I'll talk to Loopback (Paul) and see if he's in.

http://www.bomberonline.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=32805

http://www.bomberonline.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=32807

http://www.bomberonline.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=32806

Don't know how you missed it!!

I'll get you some info on local lodging from the expert (powdahbonz) tomorrow. Please email me directly so I can forward it to you and fill you in on plans to date.

cd.hampton)@(rogersD0Tcom

[Ian M]

Vorlage was indeed fun, I rode last night for a second time. It wasn't as quiet as Tuesday because the 8-week lessons began, but still very empty by normal standards. Met a snowboard instructor, Carly, who said I was inspiring her to blow the dust off her plate board :)

Brian, Tabatha, I was thinking something similar... there are lots of us in the area, but the only place that we seem to agree on is Tremblant, or Mont Ste-Marie. How about a day trip late this month or early March? I think it'd be really great to get together at least once as an Ottawa group! Here's a new thread with a poll to vote on days of the week: http://www.bomberonline.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=32925

I only have one vacation day free once the Sugarloaf trip is done, so I'm in the same boat as Chris.

[loopback]

I went to Pak last night for a few hrs...Maybe the Hot 89.9 thing bumped the crowds at Cascades. I know my son would have gone there if he wasn't teaching at Pak. I haven't ridden there at night in years so I have no clue what is normal on Wednesdays.....We used to kill it on empty runs all night on the Hogan/Exhibition/Gratton side three times a week (mind you that was in 1988...)
Buying a pile of tele gear has pretty much knocked the JJA Camp off the list this winter for me but....I'll see asap about the Loaf.

I'm in for MSM day trips (still haven't used weekday SP). I have 14 days on snow this winter and all are at Pakenham:confused:.....I need some vert!!

[GoofyFoot]

Don't know how you missed it!!

Chris,

I just found your note and checked back on the earlier info.
Much to my dismay, this overlaps with my planned week at Mt Ste Anne (4-11 Feb) for which I am already fully committed to attend with three other friends. Otherwise, I would be there...

I will be thinking of you as I am laying some serious trenches on Le Gros Vallon at MSA (and Le Massif) ...

[GoofyFoot]

PS: I would probably be interested in a local(ish) carve fest. Right now a friend and I are discussing Jay Peak or even Whiteface for a long weekend.

T,

Now we're talking! Yes, please let me know what dates you are considering. I am sure I can convince the Vivacious Redhead (and possibly others) to join in on the slopes and at the bar! :1luvu:

[yyzcanuck]

Guys & Girls... drop by the Quebec Ride Board and take note of the Demo Days being put on by La Boutique Sharks.

Would be a good time to check out some new gear without having to actually buy it!!

[slabber]

Hoping to get out this week to Vorlage - haven't been out yet. Need to finally pick up my night pass :rolleyes:

Supposed to snow pretty good on Tuesday so might shoot for that, or Wednesday...

[CaRtharsis]

Anyone up for riding this evening?

[Ian M]

^ Slabber, the temperatures look MUCH better for Tuesday and Wednesday. I'll be out Wednesday for sure at Vorlage (Around 7pm), and might do Tuesday depending on getting stuff done and weather.

Cheers!

[CaRtharsis]

No go this week. Unless you want to take a morning off and get first runs in somewhere for a couple hours.....

Just a suggestion.....

[Ian M]

^ I'd love to Chris, but I don't feel like staying late at work to make up for it... can't take more time off right now :(

[GoofyFoot]

Hi folks,

I plan to be in the lift line on the north side of MT at the 8:30 opening Sun AM.

I have a spare seat if anyone is interested.

-Brian

[Ian M]

^ I'll be teaching :( Enjoy!

[slabber]

^ Slabber, the temperatures look MUCH better for Tuesday and Wednesday. I'll be out Wednesday for sure at Vorlage (Around 7pm), and might do Tuesday depending on getting stuff done and weather.

Cheers!

I'll try for Weds then around that time... unless I can put it together tomorrow for the fresh snow we're expecting.

I'll post up confirming what I end up doing.

Need to get the basement sorted so I can do some repair work to my Ultra Prime, the favored board these days. It's got some tail damage. Got two other Factory Primes to choose from, a slalom 5.7 and a GS 6.7. Probably ride the 5.7 to for my first night out of the season :freak3:

[Ian M]

I've heard the Ultra Prime is a little friendlier to ride than the FP. What size is yours? I still have a 173 FP, but it's only suitable for me to ride when the snow is very soft. (too stiff :eek:)

Hope you can make it Wednesday!

[Tabatha]

um ... I suppose that is almost an oxymoron!

I am at Tremblant tomorrow (Tuesday). Will probably be hanging the North side with my sister. Then I plan on being at Vorlage on Thursday - this seems to be my usual night these days. Next week I will be at Vorlage either Monday or Tuesday for sure.

Anyone else heading from Ottawa to SOS next week?

I have lots of holiday banked, so week-days are a go in February. I would be up for another mid-week Tremblant trip and / or a mid-week day-trip to Mt. St. Marie.

[slabber]

I've heard the Ultra Prime is a little friendlier to ride than the FP. What size is yours? I still have a 173 FP, but it's only suitable for me to ride when the snow is very soft. (too stiff :eek:)

Hope you can make it Wednesday!

The UP is an 167 as well I think (maybe 168). Definitely more forgiving. I need to look for another softer freecarve board, but low cost... Wondering if Kunstadt has any more $50 decks left - I'll try to call tomorrow.

Weds should work well.

[Tabatha]

From what I have heard - you probably do not want to go with the Kundstant boards. If you are in need of a board, drop Goofyfoot a line - he has two or three boards to off-load this winter, one is a Volkl (ridden once I believe) for $250. He lives in Ottawa.

[slabber]

Yah, I remember looking at them last year briefly... the low price was appropriate.

Not looking for anything special really, price is the determining factor right now. Got lots of competing interests (first baby on the way) and other planned purchases that dictate available budget for another board. $250, while a good price on a basically new Volkl is certainly not doable currently...

[GoofyFoot]

Slabber,

If you are still looking for a board, I have several I would like to get outta my basement. On the "inexpensive" side, I have a 163 Burton Ultra Prime (in gorgeous fushia, no less) that I will give to you if you drive out to Orleans to pick it up. I also have a 170 Oxygen "Dangerous" that is in great shape for $100.

The Burton UP is a well-used and used-up board that I used as a rock board up until I bought a couple more newer sticks and moved my Volkl 173 (alternating black and yellow Vs - if anyone remembers that far back :) ) to "rock board."

The Oxygen is also an older board but in much better conditon. It is fresh off the Kunstadt Wintersteiger tuning machine; the edges are razor sharp and the base is in great shape. An added bonus: the topsheet is much more manly - it sports a snarling Doberman hound on a dark background.

I also have a range of bindings if you need something to hold your boots onto the deck!

[GoofyFoot]

I still have a 173 FP, but it's only suitable for me to ride when the snow is very soft.

Ian,

That is why you need to get away from Vorlage more often!

You don't need "softer snow," you need more running room ... like Mt Tremblant. How is that for a thinly-veiled enticement to get you guys up for some serious vertical (and speed).

Really Ian, I ride my 173 Volk (At least as stiff as a Factory Prime) and the Prior 177 WCR Metal at Camp Fortune regularly.

Speed is your friend!

-Brian

[slabber]

I'll take the UP... hopefully still rideable :)

Orleans - maybe on the weekend? Regardless, please hang on to it, I'll come get it, latest next week. I'll check out balance of what you have to offer too.

thanks,
Andrew

[Ian M]

You don't need "softer snow," you need more running room ...

I agree, to a point :D

Sounds like a good discussion to have over a beer...

[GoofyFoot]

I'll take the UP... hopefully still rideable :)

Orleans - maybe on the weekend? Regardless, please hang on to it, I'll come get it.

UP - just barely :)

This WE, I will be teaching at CF in the AM for sure. However, given the brutally cold temps forcast, I may come home early in the PM. Sunday is supposed to be more seasonal so I will be in my car at the crack of dawn to be first in the lift line at MT. Again, home by late afternoon.

I will let you know later in the week what my schedule looks like.

-Brian

[Tabatha]

Apart from the visibility, Mt. Tremblant was fantastic today. It snowed all day, but there was great hard pack under the fresh stuff. The runs were wide although some key links were closed which lead to wondering if we would have to down-load a chair-lift to get back to the North Face without hitting blacks! The place was empty - in fact, I did a North side run before lunch and came back at 3pm to see my "rut"s still there! :1luvu:

Sticking small and close to home for the rest of the week / weekend. Will hit Vorlage on Thursday and maybe something local on Saturday morning, maybe even brave (gulp) Fortune for an early run! OK - lets not hold me to that one!

[CaRtharsis]

I'm just posting cause I'm bored and itching to get out riding.

That is all. Back to your regularly scheduled surfing. Back to my mind numbing monotony.

[Tabatha]

Wicked last minute Friday night at Vorlage! There were four of us and despite the hoards (well - for Vorlage) decent runs were had by all! Hope we can meet up on Tuesday. Despite the ridiculously cold weather, I plan on being there.

Who knew Friday night in Ottawa could be so rocking!

[CaRtharsis]

Edelweiss tomorrow morning first tracks. Be there or...don't. More space for me.

[slabber]

Met up with Ian M last Weds at Vorlage for my first outing of the season...

Was pleasantly surprised with Vorlage. Not crowded at all and decent terrain albeit on the short side. Well worth the night pass price.

Got some good tips from Ian and started to work out some of the cobwebs . Will plan to be out again this Weds - hopefully after some more snow forecast in next couple of days.

cheers
Andrew

[CaRtharsis]

All I have to say is God Damn it was cold!! And I'm well insulated.

Heading to Mont St Marie Tuesday morning. Anyone game? I may have space for 2.

[Ian M]

^ Aww... I'll be softbooting. Nice timing, man. :rolleyes:

[GoofyFoot]

I enjoyed my once-a-decade visit to Vorlage more than I expected. It was good to catch up with some of the carving community in Ottawa.

If you would like to catch up with me here is the majority of dates I plan to be on the snow:

Every Sat at CF for the rest of the season except 5 Feb. I will be at the head of the lift line at 8:29 since I have reserved the first hour of my day for freecarving. ;)

I plan to be at Mt Tremblant on the following Sundays; Jan 30, Feb 27, Mar 6, 13, 20, 27. I will likely be there on these Fris as well; 28 Jan, Mar 25 and 1 Apr. I always have an empty back seat if you are looking for a ride. If you are looking for cheap tix, I have a couple for sale at $55. Apart from that Costco sells MT tix at ~$65 which also includes lunch.

My annual pilgrimage to Mt Ste Anne and Le Massif is 4-11 Feb.

Ride, baby, ride!

-Brian

[GoofyFoot]

Hi folks,

Here is a summary of what Andrea & Dave of YYZ Canuck posted on the QC ride msg board.

Shark Boutique (for which YYZ is one of their main suppliers of alpine carving gear) is hosting four Sunday demo days in QC (all of which are closer than the demo day at SOS in ON, north of TO) as follows:

Mt. Habitant: January 23rd (come & gone)
Mt. Blanc: January 30th (I am committed to being at Tremblant that day)
Mt. Orford: February 6th (off to MSA & LM o/s of Quebec City)
Mt. Blanc: February 20th (my pick!)

Is anyone else keen on getting to Mt Blanc for Sun 20 Feb and trying out some new gear?

If you want more info call Sharks at (450) 663-5543 and ask for Michel or email them at info@sharksco.com to find out details on equipment available and during what hours they will be available on the hill.

I expect Andrea & Dave will be there as well. They have done me a few favours over the years (all "long distance") and I look forward to seeing them in person (finally). I hope some other Ottawans can get there as well.

-Brian

[slabber]

Planning for Thursday now... got other plans for tomorrow now.

[Keyser Soze]

I also haven't been out at all. Snowboarding's kind of taken a backseat to Futsal/Soccer and partying. Also, I had an issue when it came to getting screws for my “new” F2 bindings that accommodated the 4mm-thick Lexan plate. Now I’m having binding set-up issues, but I aim to get out on Thursday.

[CaRtharsis]

Where on Thursday?

[Keyser Soze]

I've been at work for almost two hours, and already I've scrapped my plan because I know I'll be here late. FML.

For future reference though, I almost always ride Cascades.4

Doesn't Tabatha ride on Thursday too?

[Tabatha]

Hey!

I usually ride Thursday nights, but tonight I will be on the road to SOS (I am so excited ... expect about the amount of time I will be in a car).

Next week I am totally open and up for riding pretty much any night - if you let me know what night you will be at Cascade, I would be willing to make another excursion there as well).

Probably Thursday plus either Tuesday or Wednesday.
Have a great weekend everyone

[Ian M]

^ Enjoy SOS, Tabatha :biggthump

Chris and I are planning to ride Vorlage tomorrow night (Friday 28th). Anyone else available? We'll probably aim for ~7pm start... I'll post again if that's udpated.

Finished my level 2 course today at Calabogie, and passed 'with honours'. :D Almost can't believe how much fun I had carving on my soft-boot rig once I stopped standing on it like my bindings were pointing forward. :rolleyes: Even got one of my knees on the snow mid-carve toe side!

[GoofyFoot]

Ian,

Congrads on moving up the CASI ladder!

As for Fri night, I would like to join you, but The Vivacious Redhead decided that I should be riding at MT tomorrow instead :1luvu:

-Brian

[Ian M]

^ Thanks Brian!

Tremblant is always a good choice over Vorlage, so enjoy. I have to go back to work... it'll feel strange to go to an office instead of a ski hill. I was getting used to that. ;)

[CaRtharsis]

Tremblant is over rated.. You should stick around Ottawa all day so you can ride Vorlage with us. THAT is where its at! :lol:

[Tabatha]

So it looks like some of our Ottawa friends are heading south for a few days, but that doesn't mean that we can't ride this week! What nights do people feel like heading to a hill? I am up for suggestions on hills.

Also; I have questions for you gear-experts. I am finally getting around to adding lifts to my F2 bindings (yes; I have worn them flat for the last year). I have managed to figure out where the lifts go and how to get them in, I have two questions:

2 long screws have one missing (I am pretty sure I know where they are, but it is not here at my house - and if they are where I think they are, they will make a reappearance on Tuesday earliest). I have put in the toe lift for my front foot, but my back foot is still 100% flat - would I do serious damage if I rode before I managed to get the heel lift in the back?
The set came with a big wedge and small wedge. I put the big wedge under the front toe - is the small lift supposed to go under the front heel? And if it doesn't go under, how bad is this? I do not have enough body strength to crack one of the screws to add the "lift".Please forgive me for my complete gear ignorance ... but I have to learn somewhere! Any insight would be very much appreciated. And it might be worth a beer next time we ride together :)

[Ian M]

If you post photos, we can probably tell you where everything goes. Then just ask Doug to crack the screws, assuming he can grasp the screwdriver... :flamethro

[Tabatha]

Doug plus screwdriver could be asking for trouble ... and I would have to lend him mine! :AR15firin

In other news - screws have been located. Bindings will be done on Tuesday after work and then I will post pictures. Thanks for the offer of making sure I don't screw up (really bad pun!)

[GoofyFoot]

I have two questions:

Would I do serious damage if I rode before I managed to get the heel lift in the back?
The set came with a big wedge and small wedge. I put the big wedge under the front toe - is the small lift supposed to go under the front heel?Hi T,

Q1: No.

Q2: In general the large wedge (six degrees) goes under your heel plate to help move your center of gravity forward (this would be a good thing for you! :1luvu:) and the small one (three degrees) under your toe (with the fat end towards the front and the thin edge pointing to the rear).
<O:p</O:p
I dropped by Chris’ place on Sunday to buy his last pr of CATEK bindings. While in the neighbourhood, he gave me a quick run-down on his TD2-Coiler setup. This is how he has his bindings set-up (as above) with each wedge providing all lift and no cant. Chris also mentioned that Bomber has a fitment guide on-line if you want to try different combos of lift and cant.
<O:p</O:p
As mentioned before, the final set-up is up to you as there is no right or wrong set-up. For instance you may end up flat X 2 (like most racers), small lift under heel & none under the toe, etc. Be aware that equal amounts of patience and elbow grease are required!
<O:p</O:p
-Brian

[GoofyFoot]

Tremblant is over rated.. You should stick around Ottawa all day so you can ride Vorlage with us. THAT is where its at! :lol:

CaR,

Thx for the "Vorlage tip" - and the CATEK bindings! (See my other comments on the Carvefest poll thread)

I went to MT with The Vivacious Redhead on Friday (we played hookie from work) and I was impressed at how hard the maintenance crew have been working to get runs open. The hill is in GREAT shape considering how little natural snow the area has received to date. For carving content, I spotted another four (all individual) carvers on Sunday and one lone Kessler rider the previous Sunday. I also ran into about a dozen friends from Ottawa that I knew!

Sat, I was at my teaching post at CF. I had a very busy day giving five lessons back-to-back non stop from 9:30 to ~3 PM. That sure cuts into my personal riding time! However, the snowfall kept the runs in good shape for most of the day before the boilerplate came out mid-afternoon!

On the plus side, I cleared out three more SBs from my basement from which profts I passed on to Chris to buy his bindings.

Finally, on Sunday, for a change of pace, I went out XC skiing at Mer Bleu. The weather was fantastic and it was neat to sight both chickadees and pileated woodpeckers.

Cheers,

Brian (packing for MSA later this week ;) )

[Tabatha]

Bindings will be back together tomorrow afternoon - any one up for some Vorlage action after work tomorrow? You know you want to!

[Tabatha]

The long screws have been located and will be reunited with the board tomorrow, however one of the screws would not loosen, despite asking Doug. While he has torque, the screw was starting to strip, so I figure - leave it in. It is the front foots heel lift anyway; so no big deal.

Bindings will be back together tomorrow afternoon - any one up for some Vorlage action after work tomorrow? You know you want to! It will be snowing and it will be beautiful.

[slabber]

I'll be at Vorlage tonight, a bit later though 730 earliest I think as have prior commitments downtown. Debating whether or not to bring the softboot gear depending on how much snow comes down... :)

[Tabatha]

I will not be out tonight; mainly because I don't trust some of the idiots on the road when there is a sprinkling of snow ... especially those people who think that because they have 4-wheel drive or something they don't need snow-tires. Hello! We live in Canada ... the Great White North ... be prepared.

Aim to be out tomorrow - gives Vorlage a day to groom down the powder :-)

[GoofyFoot]

I'll be at Vorlage tonight, a bit later though 730 earliest I think as have prior commitments downtown. Debating whether or not to bring the softboot gear depending on how much snow comes down... :)

Slabber,

Tonight is definately a freeride night!

Leave the carving board in your basement :eplus2:

-Brian

[slabber]

Slabber,

Tonight is definately a freeride night!

Leave the carving board in your basement :eplus2:

-Brian

Didn't get there til late but still had a blast, on my yellow UP, laying down some deep trenches through the fluffy stuff :biggthump

Only my third outing of the year so still working to get my groove. The soft snow was nice and forgiving.

(I wasn't expecting to find any fresh anyhow at the end of the day either...)

[Tabatha]

Hoping to get to Calabogie for first thing tomorrow (Saturday) for a few hours. Would love to see others if anyone is in town.

[CaRtharsis]

Anyone available for Tremblant on Friday?

[Ian M]

^ Not me man... seems like they missed me here at work and thought of lots of things for me to do. I'm excited about Ottawa Carve-Fest on the 25th though!

[loopback]

I'll be at Tremblant this Wed-Sat....probably not riding on Sat though. Am going up with wife/kids/cousins and nieces/nephews. Am taking the tele gear too but will plan on carving Friday if you are coming up....

//Paul

[CaRtharsis]

Paul could you email me your contact info?

[Tabatha]

Any one up for Vorlage tonight? 4cm of fresh snow and machine groomed powder. It is the only night I can get out this week - would be good to see other carvers.

[philpjo]

Going to Pak on Thursday night and 99% sure I'm going to Calabogie on Friday. Loopback is out of town so I have to go with a skier :(

[CaRtharsis]

Going to Pak on Thursday night and 99% sure I'm going to Calabogie on Friday. Loopback is out of town so I have to go with a skier :(

You want to drive to Tremblant with me Friday?

[philpjo]

You want to drive to Tremblant with me Friday?


Need to be in Ottawa mid afternoon.

[CaRtharsis]

No Prob.

[GoofyFoot]

Hi folks,

I just returned from a week of riding (and skiing) at Mt Ste Anne and Le Massif. When we first arrived, the snow depth was comparable to local conditions, however, it snowed three days straight, so by week's end conditions had improved noticablely ;).

On the downside, there was a serious bout of stomach flu going around the local area so I missed a whole day of riding due to :barf: (Yep, always wanted to use that icon...) It was the first time in a decade of going to Ste Anne de Beaupré that I did not get out every day. Even on the next day of riding, I was planning my runs to ensure I was never too far away from one of the chalets....

The big news I have for any prospective winter vacationers is that Le Massif just keeps getting better!!!! M. Laliberte (of Cirque de Soleil fame and fortune) has bought the resort and has a plan to pump in $230M worth of developments. The first, and most visible $50M, is already there. As of Jan 2011, Le Massif opened up a new 8 pax gondola. The cabins are taller and wider that those found at MT & MSA. Moreover, all the sides are made of plexiglass from floor to ceiling so the view is wonderful! The final bonus is that they opened up a few more feet of vertical at the bottom of the mtn when they built this puppy. LM's vertical (tallest in QC) is now 2526', ~300' better than MT or MSA. Whoo haaa! :lol:

It was so impressive that The Vivacious Redhead told me that we were returning to MSA & LM ASAP. Having checked the school break calendar, I was informed that we would be making a long WE (3-4 days) out of the last WE in March so if anyone else in interested, lemme know and I can give you some details on the best places to stay and the best ticket prices available.

-Brian

[Ian M]

Hey guys,

Here's a link to some footage and photos from the recent Maine trip that Chris and I took. Check it out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTBb5IO2yxY

I had crazy fun carving at Calabogie yesterday; ended up only having 2 hours of lessons and the snow was MINT. Was able to carve down the steep face there thanks to my training at Sugarloaf!

Even crazier though, I tried skiing today there with my family... it felt so so ALIEN. (It has been about 15 years since I skied) However, in a few runs, I was able to start carving quite decently on the rental skis! It kind of blew my mind how much fun I had, and made me consider making skiing my 'plan b' sport instead of soft-boot snowboarding. Don't worry though; carving boards remain TOPS. :D

[Keyser Soze]

Since many of you have a lot of experience, can you make an assessment in regards to the conditions tonight? I'd like to get out, but I'm worried about a crap night on ice.

[Ian M]

Since many of you have a lot of experience, can you make an assessment in regards to the conditions tonight? I'd like to get out, but I'm worried about a crap night on ice.

I'm not sure... it cooled early in the afternoon, so maybe it was hard enough by grooming time for it to get broken up. The only way to know for sure is to go for a drive.

If it's not rideable, take yourself out for a nice dinner instead. :biggthump

[loopback]

Really depends on when they (tried to) groom...It is textbook conditions for death cookies.... but it will be fast!
//Paul

[Tabatha]

Vorlage is claiming 11cm of snow in the last 24hours along with Machine Groomed Powder ... if you check the weather for Chelsea on the Environment Canada website, they say that there was snow-fall last night after the rain.

Last night I removed (shoveled) over 3foot of snow from my deck, there was only a tiny crust of ice on top of a lot of light snow. Granted the roads are a mess and my driveway is more skateable than the Rideau Canal, but I don't actually think there was that much rain yesterday.

Not sure if that helps your decision making, but I will be at Vorlage tonight. I figure it is tonight or next week based on the weather. If it is ice-cookie hell, then I will have hot chocolate and head home early.

[Tabatha]

Just got back from an evening at Vorlage. The fantastic news was that it was EMPTY. The not so good news was that there were a few grooming issues. No death-cookies, but a few terraces, which ran in line with the direction I usually wanted to go, but were still a hazard when smoking into the lift-line. Learning for the day; speed is your friend and you can actually jump a carving board if you stay relaxed!

Long story short - it was FANTASTIC and fast hard pack. Once you knew the pot-holes everything was fine. They are not expecting rain at Vorlage till Friday - so it should hold for a few days.

[Tabatha]

I might have lured another punk over to the dark side. My friend JP rented ski-boots, and set up my spare board (the short one) and loved it. Kept asking me how much boots are! I really couldn't "teach" him - but I think he was happy just trying it and feeling the rush. Have told him to log on here and try and set up a meeting with some of you for some real guidance.

Slowly converting the masses :)

[GoofyFoot]

Nice stuff, Ian!

It looks like you guys had a great WE of riding - with good snow conditions to boot! (pun intended)

I was really impressed how clear your video was compared to some of the other bump and jerk stuff that people post on You Tube.

See you at MSM next Fri. I already have my lift tix in hand :eplus2:.
Brian

[Ian M]

^ Thanks Brian... much of the good footage came from Chris, and I chose the clips where he and his helmet camera were stationary. Most of the rest was from the side of the run using a decent Canon point 'n shoot.

[serge]

Hello Ottawa crew...

Anybody hitting any hills on the Quebec side? I am planning to go to Vorlage on Thurs... or sometime next week? would be great to meet some of you...

Unfortunately, can't make it to MSM this week as I have the carry the pager this week :mad:

I usually go to Edelweiss.. but need a change...would be great to carve with other people and share my addiction :eplus2:

Cheers

[Tabatha]

Serge - sorry you will not be able to join us on Friday. I usually head to Vorlage, but plan on being at Cascade tomorrow (Wednesday). Next week I hope to head out on Tuesday and / or Thursday to Vorlage. Hope to see you on the slopes soon (before the ice melts!)

Anyone else interested in Cascade tomorrow?

[Tabatha]

If anyone is toying with the idea of joining me at Cascade tomorrow - here is a coupon for $9.00 tickets Wednesday night! Just paste and print! :)

http://hot899.newcap.ca/docs/HOT%20E%20ZONE/montcascades-february2011coupon.jpg

[Ian M]

Anybody hitting any hills on the Quebec side? I am planning to go to Vorlage on Thurs... or sometime next week? would be great to meet some of you...

Hey Serge, sorry you can't make Friday :( I'll be out at Vorlage tomorrow night as usual, and then away next week.

Cheers!

[serge]

Hi well no worries...

I won't be able to make it tomorrow.. so hopefully sometime this season.

Cheers

[slabber]

Contemplating tonight at Vorlage with the fresh snow.

Likely a softboot night though :)

[CaRtharsis]

So who would believe 20+ cm of fresh snow at Edelweiss last night and winds gusting hard enough the I had to tuck to make it down the hill at times, nevermind carrying enough speed to make turns!!

[GoofyFoot]

I am bemoaning the fact that I must work for a living knowing how great the cord would have been this morn'!

One small compensating factor is that next Monday is a T-66 dat at Tremblant and I am going to be there.
Anyone up for taking a mental health day Mon 7 Mar 2011?

[CaRtharsis]

Would love to but I have training all week. Week after perhaps.

[Tabatha]

Here is the link for a $9.00 lift ticket at Cascade for March on Wednesday's. It is goof for any Wednesday this month and you can print as many as you need.

http://hot899.newcap.ca/docs/HOT%20E%20ZONE/montcascades-march2011coupon.jpg

Enjoy.

[Tabatha]

Vorlage, 7:30pm, Tuesday!

[slabber]

I plan to go up tomorrow or Thurs - waiting on the fresh snow that's currently forecasted :eplus2:.

[philpjo]

Paul, myself and Andy (token planker) are heading to MSM on Wed and Friday. Anyone care to join us? Should be much better than last time we were there.

We were at Calaboggie yesterday and it was EPIC. Lots of hero snow even on the steeps!!

We left many trenches...to the point where we were suppised no one complained.

[Ian M]

^ Good job guys!

I'd love to ride day-time, but can't get away from work at the moment. However, I'm planning:

Wednesday - Vorlage (night)
Saturday - somewhere
Sunday - Tremblant w girlfriendAnyone else up for Saturday somewhere? The weekend does depend on the weather... looks like it might be raining buckets around here...

Cheers!

[GoofyFoot]

T & L has organized a bus trip to Jay with some great deals (free lift ticket Fri PM, meet & greet Fri evening, etc). The real bonus is that Jay just received FOUR FEET of snow in the past week (yeah, go check their website!) so I jumped on this deal on Fri. Email Chris Verrilli (cv@tandl.com) for details. I just looked at the T&L website and could not see the poster and it was too large to post here.

[GoofyFoot]

^ Good job guys!

I'd love to ride day-time, but can't get away from work at the moment. However, I'm planning:

Wednesday - Vorlage (night)
Saturday - somewhere
Sunday - Tremblant w girlfriendAnyone else up for Saturday somewhere? The weekend does depend on the weather... looks like it might be raining buckets around here...

Cheers!

I will be at CF at opening! Look for me at the bottom of the Clifford chair... The rain will be done by Friday and more snow is in the forecast!

Also, I will be at CF tonight (Tue).

[Tabatha]

OK - change of plans ... Brian, I am FINALLY going to head back to camp Fortune. What time do you plan on being there? Looks like the conditions should be great ... very excited.

[GoofyFoot]

OK - change of plans ... Brian, I am FINALLY going to head back to camp Fortune. What time do you plan on being there? Looks like the conditions should be great ... very excited.

Yes, conditions were good and Tabby is once again a CF enthusiast!
Not to mention putting in a "perfect" valley season :cool:

[Tabatha]

Brian - thanks for the ride and the excuse to go to Camp Fortune again, while I am not saying I am an enthusiast, I did have a great night. The conditions were hard pack and fast and there was NO ONE on the hill.

I made it back to the run where I broke my shoulder last year and have to admit that I felt like I had some great carves and really pulled it together. Camp Fortune's evil hold over me is done!

And yes - I have now skied every hill in the Ottawa Valley at least once this season. If the rain doesn't ruin everything, I will try and get out some more - fingers crossed that it stays cold!

[Ian M]

If anyone was planning on coming out tonight, I'm bailing on Vorlage tonight. There's a wall of snow that I don't feel like driving both ways through advancing on Ottawa... plus visibility for carving sucks in heavy snow.

Gr.

[GoofyFoot]

There's a wall of snow that I don't feel like driving both ways through advancing on Ottawa... plus visibility for carving sucks in heavy snow.

Which is why Thursday holds much better promise - if the rain is minimal. I plan to sneak away early and get to CF at dusk to get a few carving turns in before I teach a class at 7 PM.

Any one else interested? Yeah, if it starts raining hard, I do not expect anyone to come out, but I am an eternal optimist!

-Brian

[slabber]

I'm still planning on Vorlage for Thurs night... we'll see if the rain holds off. :)

[slabber]

won't be out tonight - too wet...

[GoofyFoot]

won't be out tonight - too wet...

Yeah, I wuz overly optimistic yesterday. :o Fortunately, I called CF before leaving. They closed the place down at 4 PM due to the liquid sunshine...

I am going to try again Sat at CF and Sun at MT.

-Brian

[Tabatha]

Saddest thing I have seen in a while ... taken from the hill / condition updates:

<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr valign="middle" align="center"><th colspan="3" bgcolor="#f7f7f7" height="8%" nowrap="nowrap">
Outaouais Region
</th> </tr> <tr valign="middle" align="center"> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" height="12%" nowrap="nowrap">
Camp Fortune (http://www.campfortune.com/)
</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" nowrap="nowrap">
WS
</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" nowrap="nowrap">
closed Fri. Open weekend
</td> </tr> <tr valign="middle" align="center"> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" height="12%" nowrap="nowrap">
Edelweiss (http://www.edelweissvalley.com/)
</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" nowrap="nowrap">


</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" nowrap="nowrap">
Closed Friday, Open Saturday.
</td> </tr> <tr valign="middle" align="center"> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" height="12%" nowrap="nowrap">
Mt.Cascades (http://www.montcascades.ca/)
</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" nowrap="nowrap">
WS
</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" nowrap="nowrap">
Closed friday, open saturday
</td> </tr> <tr valign="middle" align="center"> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" height="12%" nowrap="nowrap">
Ste. Marie (http://www.montstemarie.com/)
</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" nowrap="nowrap">
WS
</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" nowrap="nowrap">
close friday open on saturday, rain
</td> </tr> <tr valign="middle" align="center"> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" height="12%" nowrap="nowrap">
Vorlage (http://www.skivorlage.com/)
</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" nowrap="nowrap">
WS
</td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" nowrap="nowrap">
closed Friday -open Saturday
</td></tr></tbody></table>
I am so sad - I wonder if this means it is OVER

[loopback]

There will be at least another week as Ontario March break is next week...it's too early to even think about over (just keep repeating it).
Pakenham and Bogie were both open today....May go to Pak tonight.

Calabogie was fantastic on Monday and they claim to still have 90cm base.
Phil, Andy and I did MSM again on Wednesday and it was EPIC.

I threw up some GoPro video we took in the BOL Videos sections and some pictures in the Photos section (personal best carving photos thread). Phil got some awesome shots too and video too!

With the kids off for March Break next week so I may do another MSM day trip and a few mornings at Pakenham. I'm heading to Moonstone for the weekend of 19th and am going to do at least 7 days at Tremblant on the $150 spring season pass in late March or early April.

Think snow (or at least colder temps)

[CaRtharsis]

What day are you thining for MSM? I have Friday booked off and was plannign on making it a MT day.

[CaRtharsis]

I have a line on 2 passes for MT @ $50 each. Anyone need some?

[loopback]

I think we're heading for Moonstone Thursday night or Friday morning so Friday is out for me.

Maybe MSM Wednesday? I'm supposed to work Mon-Thurs but am pretty sure we can get out for a day....will have to talk to Phil.

//Paul

[CaRtharsis]

Anyone riding tonight?

[GoofyFoot]

Anyone riding tonight?

I am planning to be at Cascades if the rain stops.

-Brian

[Tabatha]

Where did all the snow go? This is really too sad :(

[CaRtharsis]

Still tons of snow at the hills.

[GoofyFoot]

Where did all the snow go? This is really too sad :(

Tabby,

Stop looking at your driveway (the garage roof gets in the way of the snowfall) and check out the current snow reports! There is snow out there!!!

To put that in perspective, I have been out riding for four of the last five days. Here is a brief "ride report."

Sat: CF was AWESOME after the rain. The groomer did a great job laying out acres of firm cord. Moreover, NO ONE was there Sat AM. I had a great morning carving up the slopes before the conditions gradually deteriorated.

Sun: Off to MT where I met up with Ian & Chris. While conditions were variable; lots of death cookies on top, particularly on the north side runs, the lower slopes were in pretty good shape. The most important note is that there was LOTS of snow ... and no bare spots. Unless a lot of rain falls at Tremblant, I think they will be in good shape right up to their closing date in mid-April.

Tue: Rode CF again in the evening. While there were a few icy patches (I crashed once while trying to get big lean angles), again, all the runs had good coverage and there was a enough corn snow to make it interesting. The best part for me was the time change. Sunset was 7:05 that night. I arrived early and rode for a couple of hours "in the evening" (after 4 PM) in bright sunshine. The definition on the snow was terrific.

Wed: Last night I took advantage of the Hottie pass (Thx T) and rode a few runs with Chris. The snow was amazing! It was soft enough to easily stick an edge in and leave good trenches but was not so soft as to be soupy. I had a blast!

So for all of you other Ottawan riders pouting at home, I say get out and ride! :)

[Tabatha]

Who wants to head out tonight? Where should we go?
I would also be up for some early Saturday morning action - thoughts?

[loopback]

MSLM has been sweet too. Yesterday was slushy but empty and sunny. Today was much faster and firmer and emptier. My son saw a group of 6 or 7 carvers but I never saw them...saw a couple guys on Coilers do few runs under the main 6 man lift but could not sync up..Am riding tomorrow there too, -8 tonight, should be hard and fast tomorrow..Probably Pakenham Sunday AM if we head back tomorrow night.

//Paul

[Tabatha]

S - MSLM has some sweet runs and some fantastic riders; bet one of the people on a Coiler was Bruce (that is his home hill). Let us know if you do make it back tonight - will see about getting to Pakenham for a few hours tomorrow morning :-)

Trying to pack in a few more days

Note: I was talking to the people at Vorlage the other night and they indicated that they believe that night skiing is over for the year, unless the weather does something extrodinary! Check with the local hills before you head outy next week.

[slabber]

Night passes become day passes after tonight at Vorlage...

I'm planning to get some turns first thing tomorrow.

[Tabatha]

Thanks for the heads-up re: Night passes turning into day passes at Vorlage. I went up for 9am ... Ski Patrol beat me up the chair lift, but I beat them down! :lol:

It was hard pack and empty, apart from the occasional patch of glare ice or running river across the trail, it was a wonderful way to spend a Sunday morning.

[CaRtharsis]

Skiez pour 1$...

...Oui, vous lisez bien. Pour seulement 1$, vous pouvez skier toute la journée jeudi, le 24 mars au Mont Ste-Marie. Nous célébrons une excellente saison de ski et invitons tous de venir bénéficier de ce spécial jamais vu. Dite-le à vos amis et venez skier Mont Ste-Marie ce jeudi, 24 mars pour le meilleur ski de printemps à seulement 1$ !


Thinking of heading to MSM on Thursday to enjoy the $1 skiing. THis is not on their site but in an email recieved by a colleague.

Thoughts.....?

[Ian M]

^ Wow, is that ever tempting. I don't think that I can get it off work, but if things change, I'll let you know!

I followed Chris's advice and rode Cascades on Sunday, and it was amazing. Cold, hard snow and warm sun! Didn't get on snow until almost 10am (no rush... it had frozen the night before) but the place was DESERTED... to the degree that it was creepy. The riding was very firm and fast, and I was having a blast with all of those snow guns to slalom and rollers to air off of. :eplus2:

That's the second time I've ridden there, and I'm considering purchasing a night pass there next year instead of Vorlage. There is more accessible steep terrain at Cascades by a fair bit, and any height difference is marginal. Plus, I hear they have quite the disco.. and you know I'm all about that. :rolleyes:

The only patchiness was only the steep run on the far side which faces south. The rest of the hill should easily be good until next weekend, maybe the one after. Long live sliding!

[loopback]

I am looking at day tripping Tremblant this Friday the 25th. So far it's just me with Andy (planker) tentative.

I am also planning on heading up next week from Mon 28th to Thursday 31st with my 10 year old son for three nights.

$150 for the rest of year (till April 11th).....can't beat that!

//Paul

[Ian M]

^ Chris and I are headed up on Saturday... I'll be trying out two pairs of skis. They're such a bargain, eh? For a grand, you get two of them instead of one! :rolleyes:

[CaRtharsis]

Yeah but it's the stigma associated with them that has me worried. You may have to drive as my car may reject them on principal. ;-D

[CaRtharsis]

Ian and I are on our way to Tremblant. Anyone else heading up today?

[loopback]

I'm heading up tomorrow afternoon for 4 nights at least. Phil and Andy are thinking of coming up Tues-Wed for a night.

Please post a conditions report tonight if you can!

Pakenham is closing tomorrow despite having all runs open and as good conditions/coverage as it's been all year:confused:.

//Paul

[Ian M]

^ Paul, conditions today at MT were very good. Coverage on the north side (that's where we rode all day) is still 100%. The day started with very firm granular and then got scraped down to ice in most spots by mid day. The weather will be a little warmer tomorrow, so the sun may soften it up for you. It was fairly busy today too, but Sundays are usually quieter I think.

I didn't mind the ice as I was two-planking... tried two last pairs of skis and believe I've chosen some Kastle's - really interesting, outstanding handling. Passed so many people today..:eplus2:

[GoofyFoot]

Hi folks,

I just returned from a stunning four-day WE at Mt Ste Anne and Le Massif. I was expecting some spring riding conditions but the temps stayed consistently below zero. As a result, we (four of us) experienced superb mid-winter conditions four days running. Driving east on Thursday afternoon, there was little snow in the fields from Ottawa to Trois Rivieres, however at Quebec City, the remaining natural snow was noticeably greater. That, combined with good grooming at both resorts meant that there was good corduroy for the first couple of hours on the weekend days. Then, on Monday, there was so little traffic, I was still finding untracked sections of cord early in the afternoon!

<O:p</O:p
Mt Ste Anne still remains my fav resort in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comhttp://www.bomberonline.com/vbulletin/ /><st1:City w:st=Ottawa</st1:City> to <st1:City w:st=" /><st1:State w:st="on"><ST1:pQuebec</ST1:p</st1:State> due to its abundance of varied terrain and that it has several great cruising runs for carving. Le Massif is moving up on my list fast, though. I discovered more good carving runs and the new gondola is amazing. I love that the mountain top chalet only serves good food – nary a poutine or hamburger to be seen on their menu! Also, I finally went to their creperie (only open WEs) for lunch at the top of the <ST1:p<st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Camp</st1:PlaceType> <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Boule</st1:PlaceName></ST1:p lift. That was a real treat as well.

<O:p</O:p
This weekend, 1-3 Apr, I am off to Mt Tremblant again (Fri-Sun inclusive). If anyone is contemplating riding the big mountain, please let me know and we can meet under the “traffic lights” outside the Manitou.

Sun, 10 Apr is also under consideration.
<O:p</O:p
-Brian

[GoofyFoot]

:o Here is another heads up on a local deal! CF is offering $1 lift tix on Thu (tomorrow) if any of you can play hookey. My son is out of school on Thu so I am thinking of taking him to the hill for the day.

[GoofyFoot]

Hi folks,

I spent ther last three days at Mt Tremblant. Conditions were great for this time of the year with the majority of runs being open. Groomed runs were very hard in the morning as the temps dropped well below zero every night, then progressively warmed up throughout the day so that by late morning the corn snow was starting to develop.

I am tentatively planning to be there next Sunday again if anyone wants to RV at MT.

-Brian

[loopback]

Hi Brian,
I did Mon-Thurs last week and it was the same conditions. Mornings were Feb. like conditions and ridiculously fast:lol:.

I grabbed the spring pass last week and was hoping to go Fri-Sun to finish it out. Worst case I am day tripping this weekend. I'll let you know as I get closer to the weekend.

//Paul

[slabber]

Brian,

nice to see you today, chat bikes etc. :)

How'd you make out?

Andrew

[GoofyFoot]

Hi Andrew,

Call or email me and I will give you an update.

552-0034 or snowsurfer @ rogers . com