tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6846804417064843412.post949365482309717088..comments2024-02-01T16:52:52.747-08:00Comments on MT Adventures: Bridger Bowl Skin to Win - 2014 Race Reportbstoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02032691877038216573noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6846804417064843412.post-72051593270048079162014-02-13T11:39:29.800-08:002014-02-13T11:39:29.800-08:00I agree that as the sport progresses and people ge...I agree that as the sport progresses and people get more and more serious about it one's VO2 max only goes so far toward a win and that lightweight and race-specific gear will make for a marked improvement at the head of the pack. Is it necessary to have all that and still make a good showing/enjoy the race? No, but if podium is on a person's mind then I guess they've got to put their money where their mind is. samhhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08629434332640594984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6846804417064843412.post-15897657949460353072014-02-13T11:34:33.440-08:002014-02-13T11:34:33.440-08:00@Samh: I come more from a backcountry background t...@Samh: I come more from a backcountry background than a racing background, but my experience has been that racing gear really matters at the front of the pack where seconds matter. I certainly can't think of anyone who has been on the podium in a major race in the past few years with standard touring gear. As for lycra, regular touring clothing works OK, but there is no way to escape the fact that suits are simply perfectly suited to randonee racing. bstoryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02032691877038216573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6846804417064843412.post-63014416078575754152014-02-04T08:23:57.178-08:002014-02-04T08:23:57.178-08:00The lightest equipment can be of marginal benefit ...The lightest equipment can be of marginal benefit at times. In the small number of rando events I've seen/participated in I remember at least a handful of dirtbags that were in their standard touring gear who were at such a fitness level that they were able to out perform some of the "Freds" in lycra. samhhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08629434332640594984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6846804417064843412.post-44861838593910197052014-02-04T08:12:37.562-08:002014-02-04T08:12:37.562-08:00Yeah, Sam. I am rarely on the podium, but have won...Yeah, Sam. I am rarely on the podium, but have won over $2,000 worth of schwag over the years, which has more than off set the cost of entry fees. Bridger is especially lucrative. bstoryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02032691877038216573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6846804417064843412.post-88865072065021282832014-02-04T08:10:05.196-08:002014-02-04T08:10:05.196-08:00Cost is a huge issue for sure, Beau. However, I s...Cost is a huge issue for sure, Beau. However, I still contend that it is worth entering a local race with your lightest set of equipment, just for the experience. You have your efficiency tricks dialed, but most folks will pick up a few efficiency ideas just from entering a few races. I know I have. And moving efficiently in the backcountry coupled with good descents is what makes backcountry skiing rewarding, right?bstoryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02032691877038216573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6846804417064843412.post-79600324133512255092014-02-03T17:19:13.343-08:002014-02-03T17:19:13.343-08:00Hilarious mantra. Great effort. Fun play-by-play...Hilarious mantra. Great effort. Fun play-by-play. <br /><br />Could be the cost of lightweight racing equipment that keeps many folks from toeing the line. mt surfhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16729843634038536986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6846804417064843412.post-37098433584683368132014-02-03T09:05:44.290-08:002014-02-03T09:05:44.290-08:00I did it three years ago on my splitboard alongsid...I did it three years ago on my splitboard alongside one other splitboarder. Personally I can't get behind paying for a full price lift ticket plus an entry fee to enter races (three years ago I was a season pass holder) but the schwag and prize give away at Bridger Race series are pretty dang sweet and often end up "paying" for your race entry fee anyway. samhhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08629434332640594984noreply@blogger.com