Mike wrote:

* At races, why don't they account for weather in the timed events. The
USSA should hire some type of physicist that would run some type of
mathematical formula that would account for changes in between run of air
temperature, wind, snow
temperature. Wouldn't it be more exact that way?

The problem with handicapping is that it places too much power in the
hands of those doing the handicapping. Hang around a PHRF sailboat
racing club for a season to get a taste of this.


* What do you think of Autumn skiing? My usual thought is that the earth
is so barren and cold it wouldn't be good. But I skied at thanksgiving a
couple of years ago. And it was kind of like spring skiing. The trail was
60 yards wide and the artificial snow swath was maybe 20 yard. There were
parts where you had to walk over dirt/grass.

I think Autumn skiing is great. The first day of winter is Dec 21, and
I've usually gotten in ten or more days by then.


* Roadtrip anyone? Late one night I caught this show on pbs Passport to
adventure in which they feature Gdare (sic?) ski resort outside Tblisi,
Georgian Republic in The Caucus Mountains. Looked pretty deserted.

Sorry, can't drive to Europe from here. It'd be a plane trip.


* Is it ok to leave wax on your skis (without scraping) during the off
season. I live by the ocean and the salt air does a jobber on anything
metallic it seems.

It's more than OK, it's necessary for proper ski maintenance. A coat of
storage wax is de rigure.


* Anyone ever been to a world cup alpine event?

Yes, many many people have attened these things.

Was it worth your while?
Did it interfere with your skiing?

Yes. Those darn gates were in my way, and they kept yelling "get off
the course" whatever that means.

//Walt