Dogtooth Dash

photo: Malcolm Taylor

Once again had to make the solo drive from champion city to meet Bill and MT in Golden. Bill Greyhound'ed out from Kelowna, and MT showed up a day early to rip Kicking Horse and to help set the course. Bill was going to step up for the elite race, and MT was going to take some pictures.

The entry fee included lift tickets, so I did a couple of runs on the big skis and then the race skis to warm up. Some fresh snow smoothed things out, and we could send some arcing turns through Fuez bowl.

The race started with a running start around the restaurant at the top, before venturing through the bowls at the top.

Course: Definitely the sickest course on the circuit, both "Fun" and "Cool". All 4 inbounds alpine bowls, and some awesome descents. 10cms overnight made the ski conditions awesome, but required the volunteers to set the course AGAIN! Technical bootpacks, steep descents, this course was amazing!

Gear: Gear was pretty good today. The only issue I had was on the first descent after the run, my boots didn't lock, but that didn't prove to be much of a problem.

Engine: I was having an awesome race until the final 2 climbs (roughly about 500m out of 1600m left to go). For the race at Lake Louise, I will make sure to focus more on nutrition: fueling up properly the week before, and NOT slamming an energy drink right before the start!

Technique: As good as I could have asked for today. Change overs were quick and I ripped the descents.

TSN Turning Point: The turning point was at the beginning of the 2nd last ascent. The tank was running pretty low at that point.

photo: Malcolm Taylor

Results at Goldenskimo. In terms of percentage back, I was faster than I was at SSV. Now, I just need to extend the time until I implode! Bill put in a valiant effort, probably suffered, but was put out of his misery when he failed to make a time cut.

The next day was a short sprint relay race with 2 climbs. I teamed up with Bill and suited up. I busted out the value village suit I got for "Putting on the Ritz" in grade 10 (ca. 2005), and Bill rocked his "greasy car salesman" suit. One of my F1 cords broke at the top of the gondola, but it actually did not hinder my skiing that much; the lack of cord tension was more noticeable when locking and unlocking the walk mode. I guess I'm just a skiing Jedi! We both put in a solid effort (Bill was having so much fun climbing that he dropped his skins on both of the 1st lap descents so that he could do more climbing), but we got skunked in the costume prize department...that's the way she goes...

Doing some classy post race pow slaying

All in all, Kicking Horse and all of the volunteers did an awesome job. With a big inflatable arch at the top of the gondola (or at the yurt on day 2) and Jordan P manning the mic, there was definitely no question that something was going on! Lots of great prizes from the sponsors, an awesome dinner at the Eagle's Eye on Saturday night, and 2 days of skiing; The Dogtooth Dash showed why it is the best race in Canada. Thanks to everyone for making this possible!