Goldstream Sports Newsletter 7-1-Vol1

January Newsletter Volume 1

Welcome to our January Newsletter. This time of year we notice the increasing sunlight and, hopefully, a warming trend. It is the time when most of us get out and use our skis more, or bike a little more frequently. The snow is here and this is when we start thinking about spring trips to cabins and camping. Our feature item will make spring trips, whether they be to the White Mountains or the Arctic, easier and more enjoayble. Enjoy your outdoor activities and let us know how we can help make your playtime even more fun.

Sale Item: Select Salomon Ski Boots

Salomon Racing Classic 9. Normally $250, now $125 Grey/Silver in color. Sizes: 42 (8.5), 42 2/3 (9), 43 1/3 (9.5), 48 2/3 (13.5) One pair of each available.

Salomon Carbon Pro Skate. Normally $400, Now $200 Grey/Silver in color. Sizes: 47 1/3 (12.5) Two pairs available.

Tech Tip: Fitting boots correctly

Finding a pair of boots that fit properly and feel comfortable is important. Happy feet make for a happy skiing experience. Ill-fitting ski boots can be hard on your feet, ankles, and knees, and can make your feet cold.

Boots that are too tight do not allow airflow around the foot and decrease circulation of blood in your feet. This makes your feet cold. Boots should be snug in the heel and the instep areas, and there should be wiggle room in the toe of the boot. This room will allow air to circulate around the foot keeping your feet warmer. There should not, however, be enough room to slide your foot forward.

The ankle collar on the skate boots should be firm, not loose. This will help keep your ankle properly supported and allow you skate confidently. The sole of the boot should be torsionally rigid. After time, older boots get less rigid in the sole and become floppy. Boots with firm, rigid soles will improve your technique and stability.

Feature Item: Karhu Trekking skis

Our Karhu winter trekking skis are the ultimate bushwhacking skis for exploring your winter surroundings. With an integrated climbing skin embedded into the base and full metal edges, the skis climb better than any waxless skis. The Universal Binding allows skiers to use any winter boots, except perhaps bunny boots. The skis’ wide footprint and short overall length make them easy for first-time skier, and allow them to float over the snow.

Our staff tried the trekking skis around the Demo Trail and said:

The skis glide well on the flats and are very grippy on the uphill. On the downhill the skis glide a little faster while being stable. We were able to glide very well around the trail using ski poles and the diagonal technique. This is a very efficient way to travel backcountry where you would most likely be snow-shoeing.

Construction:

Integrated Embedded Climbing Skin - Grips and climbs better than any waxable or waxless base out there.
Karhu Universal Binding - Designed for use with any and all winter boots.
M6 Inserts in Backcountry 3-Pin Pattern - For users who prefer a 75mm 3-pin boot and binding (not included).
Full Metal Edges - A requirement for the backcountry.
Macrolite Poplar Core - Lightweight and extremely durable.

Dimensions:

Meta: 120cm 135-110-120

Karver: 130cm 120-100-115

Skijoring with your dog

Dogs have always been a part of our lives, and in winter months they are often left behind as we hit the trails. Skijoring is a way to include the dogs in our outdoor activities, and to fulfill their desire to pull and run. Any dog can skijor, even your couch potato Labrador or Golden Retriever. Skijoring is also a great way to see the backcountry and the community trails. Dogs, as many of us know, have an instinctive urge to pull us along when we take them for leashed walks. Why not harness that power for the greater good.

Most dogs quickly learn to pull, and when in harness for the first many will naturally push into the harness. You may need to take a skijoring friend with you on your first outing to teach the dog to keep pulling. Dogs love to chase other dogs, so this is a great way to teach your dog the skills. In time the dog will learn the directional commandssuch as gee, haw, on-by, etc.

Choosing the right harness is important to ensure your dog’s comfort. Take your dog into one of the local feed stores (Coldspot Feed, Alaska Feed, or Grubstake Feed) to get the harness properly fitted to the dog. When fitting the harness, the end of the harness (not including the tug loop) should reach to the base of the dog’s tail. Make sure the neck is not too tight. Remember that a young dog will grow and will need a larger harness in time.

You will also need a harness for yourself and a bungee and line between you and the dog. These can also be picked up at the feed stores. Determining the type of skijoring you want to do will determine the equipment you will need. If you plan to skijor at speed, skate skis are essential. If backcountry is more your style, you may want wider backcountry skis for traveling through deeper snow. Keep in mind that metal-edged skis are dangerous for skijoring as the metal can cut the dog's feet if they make contact, and most skijor clubs ban the use of them.

Be aware of your dog's level of fitness, and stay within that level when skijoring. Go only as far or as fast as your dog is comfortable to do so. Stay within your comfort level, and take only the number of dogs that you can handle. Keep in mind that you will undoubtedly be sharing the trail with other skijorers, large dog teams and snow machines. Make sure when you do encounter another team that you reel in your dog and yield to larger teams. Restrain your dog and move off the trail if you do stop.

Some areas that are suitable for skijoring with your dog include the White Mountains, Chena River Recreation Area, Creamers Field, Chena Lakes Recreation Area and Mushers Hall. Mushers Hall and Creamers Field trails are regularly groomed and a daily donations of $5 (Or $50 per sseason) is requested for help with grooming costs.

Joining the Alaska Skijor and Pulk Association (ASPA) is a good way to start out. ASPA caters for all levels of skijorer, from the beginner to world class. The club offers information and hands-on clinics starting with skijor etiquette and basics, to more advanced skills such as passing other teams. The club also offers free Show & Go’s. These are relaxed guided skijor tours through some less known trails in and around town.

ASPA holds regular training clinics and races at Creamers Field, North Star Golf Course and an end of the season event at Mushers Hall. Races are not for first-time skijorers, but offer an exciting way to test your skiing and training in a fun and safe atmosphere, and everyone gets a prize! For more information on races, trail maps and clinics visit www.sleddog.org/skijor/index.html.

January 2007 Calendar