Gear West Ski & Run Blog

Gear West Signature Flex Tester

2012-01-17T09:18:00.000-08:00

Gear West Signature Flex TesterOver the past year Gear West has been designing and building the world’s foremost Nordic ski flex tester, and we are pleased to announce that it is now up-and-running! In order to create the Gear West Flex Tester, over $20k in hardware and lots of man-hours have been directed to the project and our final software solution. The technical team includes Gear West

From Rick Halling: HOW DOES GEAR WEST GET ITS SKIS

2011-11-07T10:10:00.001-08:00

First, the staff of Gear West tests the prototypes and tells the company what to do:The revisions are tested:The new ski is produced by hand for Gear West: Then it gets tested by the International Nordic Director:Then it gets tested one more time by the dealer:ABSOLUTELY NO NEED TO FLY TO AUSTRIA TO HAND PICK SKIS.

Jan Guenther Writes About our Friend Terry Alexander

2011-08-04T09:50:00.001-07:00

When I look back at owning a sports retail store for the past 20 years, what I really remember and cherish are the quirky, crazy, lovable customers I meet and develop lasting friendships with. We at Gear West Ski and Run have sort of a Cheers Bar where those interested in us and the store just drop in and bring all their ideas, successes and attempts in life. I love it.This brings me to my now

Gear West Ski Flex Tester

2011-06-08T12:14:00.000-07:00

Over the past year we have been designing and building the world’s foremost Nordic ski flex tester. Over $20k in hardware and lots of man-hours have been directed to the project and the final software solution. The technical team includes Gear West employees and former engineers, Matt Liebsch and Geroge Mehr along with our friends at Segla LLC, George Stickler and Jim Johnson. Our goal is to

Ari "Employee of the Moment"

2011-05-31T11:40:00.000-07:00

Full Name: Ari Clarke MahonenAge: 26 yrGW Position: Sales/Technical GuyWeight: 155lbs.Height: 5’7”Athletic Ability: Above average skier with a terrible aerobic capacity.Where did you grow up? Hometown?Duluth, MNWhat childhood sports did you or didn’t you do?Baseball kept me busy in the summer. Basketball was something to do with my friends but I soon realized that I was too short and wasn’t that

The 2011-2012 RCS Carbonlite Skis Have Arrived!!

2011-02-14T13:09:00.001-08:00

Ask and you shall receive… we are excited to have on-hand a limited number of next year’s RCS Carbonlite classic and skate skis. They are black and they are beautiful! Ski fit extraordinary, Brian Knutson, has exclaimed, “This is one of the best batches of Fischer skis I have ever seen!” New for 2011-2012, the Carbonlite Classic ski incorporate a molded carbon tip for reduced swing

UP FOR A LITTLE CHEATING?

2011-01-09T10:59:00.000-08:00

Available at your favorite Atomic dealer now is the new SNS Wedge 60. Putting these on your skis is almost like giving them a banned substance, only these new 60mm Wedges have been approved by the FIS and IBU. The cheating is figurative, not literal; they will give your skis an unfair advantage over the folks you ski with. The new wedge is legal.The Original SNS WedgeThe NEW SNS Wedge 60Last year

Running Form by Wendi Pearson

2010-11-15T10:37:00.001-08:00

Running form is something every runner wonders about sometime in their active life whether they are a beginning runner wanting to start out right, a regular runner who has some aches and pains, an advanced runner who wants to improve performance or someone who just doesn’t want to have to stop the sport they love due to chronic physical problems. Good running form is not something we are born

Brodie "Employee of the Moment"

2010-11-03T10:09:00.002-07:00

Full Name: Brodie Age (optional): 34yrs. GW Position: Mail Order ManagerWeight (optional): 160lbs. (although I’ve gone and busted up my foot so now it’s like 165 lbs) Height (optional): 5'11"Athletic Ability: advanced, athletic, competitive, weekend warriorIs Brodie your REAL name, or your stage name?Brodie is my given middle name. My stage name is Mr. Wonderful.Mr. & Mrs. Wonderful!Well Mr.

Plantar Fasciitis By Wendi Pearson

2010-09-21T09:10:00.000-07:00

Plantar Fasciitis can strike anyone whether you’re active or sedentary, young or old, in the best shape of your life or the worst, and it can be relentless. Plantar Fasciitis is an injury that classically feels like a badly bruised heel or pain just in front of the heel, but can also be felt as a strain in the arch or a pull just behind the ball of the foot. The pain is usually worse in the

USATF City of Lakes 25K at Lakes Harriet Race Summary

2010-09-15T10:35:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, the Gear West Racing Team competed in their final USATF Team Circuit race of the season, the City of Lakes 25K at Lakes Harriet and Calhoun in Minneapolis. With a couple of injuries, the team was down to only 3 runners but all of them competed well and helped the team to a 4th place finish out of 9 teams. Chad Ernst again led the way, finishing 9th in 1:25:45, a pace of 5:31 per mile.

Pig Out Sale Events

2010-09-01T12:31:00.000-07:00

The Gear West Ski & Run Pig Out Sale is fast approaching and it is the place to be for first hand knowledge and equipment. For 9 DAYS Gear West will be offering store wide sale pricing. Expect to see team pricing on all skis, boots, and poles. In addition to extremely great pricing, Gear West will be hosting a number wax clinics, industry meet and greets, fit clinics, and a book signing.

Anders "Employee of the Moment"

2010-09-01T08:44:00.000-07:00

Full Name: Anders BowmanAge(optional): 20yrsGW Position: Mail Order HelpWeight(optional): 200lbs.Height(optional): 6’ 4”Athletic Ability: Ummmm, yes? I don’t really know how to answer that… 8.5?Where did you grow up? Hometown?Wayzata, MNWhat childhood sports did you or didn’t you do?Baseball, Nordic Skiing, Soccer, Running, Football, Basketball (Did)Cricket, Rugby, Curling, Figure Skating,

Fundraise for Clean Water Project in Kenya

2010-08-26T08:52:00.000-07:00

Team World Vision allows runners to dedicate ANY event they run to raising funds for clean water projects in Kenya. We do not have a minimum fundraising requirement, and you can STILL register for Twin Cities Marathon with us! Simply visit THIS LINK and use the code CHPTWV10M to register. Registration CLOSES FRIDAY, SO HURRY! Visit www.teamworldvision.org/twincities to set up your fundraising

Gear West Minneapolis 13.1 Marathon Race Recap

2010-08-25T13:55:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, August 22nd, the inaugural Minneapolis 13.1 Marathon was held. The race ran from St. Anthony Main along the Mississippi River down to the finish at Lake Nokomis. Almost 1,900 runners completed the half marathon on a beautiful morning and the winner of the entire race was Chad Ernst of the Gear West Racing Team. Chad, from Richfield, MN, had a great performance leading nearly the

Jenny "Employee of the Moment"

2010-08-13T14:26:00.000-07:00

Full Name: Jenny BeckmanAge(optional): 21 yearsGW Position: Part TimerWeight (optional): 145lbs.Height (optional): 5’ 11”Athletic Ability: I like to think I have someWhere did you grow up? Hometown? Maple Grove, MNHow long have you been working at Gear West?A little over a yearWhat do you do at Gear West? Whatever I’m asked to do? Primarily on the sales floorWhat is the most interesting aspect of

Lynne "Employee of the Moment"

2010-08-02T08:43:00.002-07:00

Full Name: Lynne Joy CecilAge (optional): no way... 48GW Position: salesWeight (optional):125lbs.Height (optional):5’4"Athletic Ability: above average... and stealing from Leibsch - DEPENDS ON THE SPORTWhere did you grow up? Hometown?I was born in Montana…yeah, that's the Wild West, and raised in Plymouth. I went to Wayzata High School. I currently live in Bloomington. There were a few years

Lumberjack Days Race Recap - July 24, 2010

2010-07-28T13:21:00.000-07:00

Wyatt Doop - Runner/Student/Part-Time ModelThis year the annual Lumberjack Days 5K was host to the USATF Minnesota state 5K championship and one of the USATF Minnesota Team Circuit races. The Gear West Racing Team made its debut in the race and performed quite well in its first event. On a cool cloudy morning, times were very fast for everyone in the race.For Gear West, all 4 runners in the 5K

Speedy "Employee of the Moment"

2010-07-14T13:08:00.000-07:00

Full Name: Brian "Speedy" McCollorAge (optional): 43GW Position: Run Manager, Ski FitterWeight (optional): 159lbs.Height (optional): 5' 9"Athletic Ability: Gifted, just under trained and under appreciated. Under Appreciated? Do you have some hidden talent that no one is aware of?I have under appreciated my own god given ability. I believe you can do most anything you put your mind to. The hard

Matt Liebsch Joins the Full-Time Staff of Gear West

2010-06-03T11:08:00.000-07:00

Long Lake, MN Gear West is pleased to announce the addition of Matt Liebsch as a full-time staff member. Matt has been a part time employee of Gear West and a Gear West sponsored athlete for several years. Many folks might already be aware of Matt Liebsch's talents as he is the winner of the 2009 American Birkebeiner, the largest cross country ski marathon in North America. He was also a CXC Team

Fargo Marathon by Wendi Pearson

2010-06-01T10:54:00.000-07:00

Well, I survived the Fargo Marathon - the hardest and most boring marathon I've ever run. The course is through neighborhoods with great spectators, but you run on concrete streets and turn every two blocks. The half marathon and marathon run into each other twice, causing the police to push the marathoners to the left to make a small opening for the half marathoners, and the only wheelchair

GEAR WEST 2009 CATALOG

2009-11-30T15:10:00.000-08:00

Gear West has gone GREEN. Ok…that’s not totally true, but we are making an effort to cut down on paper product this season. We have gone to extreme lengths to convert our catalog to an electronic catalog. The online version allows one to either view online or download it in PDF form at your own convenience.

Time Management by Jenny

2009-10-18T11:23:00.000-07:00

Jenny is a junior at Saint Cloud State University and is majoring in communication studies and marketing. She is the captain of the Nordic ski team, and is also a member of the cycling team. This last month has been really hectic with adjusting to new classes and scheduling practice time outside of it. Training wise, the program here at SCSU is very much what you make of it. We’re a women’s only

October Skis by Matt Liebsch

2009-10-12T17:20:00.000-07:00

Matt Liebsch is a member of the CXC Elite cross country ski team and a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a BS in Electrical Engineering.He is an Olympic hopeful and had a very successful 2009 season… 3rd Place at US Nationals, Mora Vasaloppet winner and American Birkebeiner Champion.When Matt is not training and racing he is helping out at Gear West or spending time with his wife,

Golf Tourney Fun!

2009-09-17T11:43:00.000-07:00

To Ski or Not To Ski: Making the Decision after High-School

2009-09-14T10:30:00.000-07:00

Jenny is a junior at Saint Cloud State University and is majoring in communication studies and marketing. She is the captain of the Nordic ski team, and is also a member of the cycling team. One of the most challenging things for a college-bound, high school athlete to decide at the end of their secondary education is if they want to continue on to compete at the collegiate

Matt Liebsch's Top Ten

2009-08-31T13:18:00.000-07:00

Matt Liebsch's Top 10 Basic Dryland/ Rollerski Tips Matt Liebsch is a member of the CXC Elite cross country ski team and a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a BS in Electrical Engineering.He is an Olympic hopeful and had a very successful 2009 season… 3rd Place at US Nationals, Mora Vasaloppet winner and American Birkebeiner Champion.When Matt is not training and racing he is

Update from the Haig Glacier

2009-08-01T13:35:00.000-07:00

New boots, training camp and now recovery

2009-07-20T15:15:00.000-07:00

Matt Liebsch is a member of the CXC Elite cross country ski team and a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a BS in Electrical Engineering. He is an Olympic hopeful and had a very successful 2009 season… 3rd Place at US Nationals, Mora Vasaloppet winner and American Birkebeiner Champion. When Matt is not training and racing he is helping out at Gear West or spending time with his wife,

Busy Week by Matt Liebsch

2009-06-23T11:36:00.000-07:00

Matt Liebsch is a member of the CXC Elite cross country ski team and a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a BS in Electrical Engineering. He is an Olympic hopeful and had a very successful 2009 season… 3rd Place at US Nationals, Mora Vasaloppet winner and American Birkebeiner Champion. When Matt is not training and racing he is helping out at Gear West or spending time with his wife

Training Hard by Matt Liebsch

2009-06-23T11:04:00.000-07:00

Matt Liebsch is a member of the CXC Elite cross country ski team and a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a BS in Electrical Engineering. He is an Olympic hopeful and had a very successful 2009 season… 3rd Place at US Nationals, Mora Vasaloppet winner and American Birkebeiner Champion. When Matt is not training and racing he is helping out at Gear West or spending time with his wife

Best Cool Down – 55/5’s by Matt Liebsch

2009-06-07T11:02:00.000-07:00

Matt Liebsch is a member of the CXC Elite cross country ski team and a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a BS in Electrical Engineering. He is an Olympic hopeful and had a very successful 2009 season… 3rd Place at US Nationals, Mora Vasaloppet winner and American Birkebeiner Champion. When Matt is not training and racing he is helping out at Gear West or spending time with his wife

Lactate Testing and Finding LT by Matt Liebsch

2009-06-01T11:49:00.000-07:00

Matt Liebsch is a member of the CXC Elite cross country ski team and a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a BS in Electrical Engineering. He is an Olympic hopeful and had a very successful 2009 season… 3rd Place at US Nationals, Mora Vasaloppet winner and American Birkebeiner Champion. When Matt is not training and racing he is helping out at Gear West or spending time with his wife

Gear West Duathlon Race Report by Matt Liebsch

2009-05-24T11:54:00.000-07:00

Matt Liebsch is a member of the CXC Elite cross country ski team and a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a BS in Electrical Engineering. He is an Olympic hopeful and had a very successful 2009 season… 3rd Place at US Nationals, Mora Vasaloppet winner and American Birkebeiner Champion. When Matt is not training and racing he is helping out at Gear West or spending time with his wife

Overreached vs. Over-Trained by Matt Liebsch

2009-05-19T15:48:00.000-07:00

Matt Liebsch is a member of the CXC Elite cross country ski team and a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a BS in Electrical Engineering. He is an Olympic hopeful and had a very successful 2009 season… 3rd Place at US Nationals, Mora Vasaloppet winner and American Birkebeiner Champion. When Matt is not training and racing he is helping out at Gear West or spending time with his wife

Strength for the Nordic skier by Matt Liebsch

2009-05-11T11:50:00.000-07:00

Matt Liebsch is a member of the CXC Elite cross country ski team and a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a BS in Electrical Engineering. He is an Olympic hopeful and had a very successful 2009 season… 3rd Place at US Nationals, Mora Vasaloppet winner and American Birkebeiner Champion. When Matt is not training and racing he is helping out at Gear West or spending time with his wife

Hit the Ground Running by Matt Liebsch

2009-05-03T10:54:00.000-07:00

Matt Liebsch is a member of the CXC Elite cross country ski team and a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a BS in Electrical Engineering. He is an Olympic hopeful and had a very successful 2009 season… 3rd Place at US Nationals, Mora Vasaloppet winner and American Birkebeiner Champion. When Matt is not training and racing he is helping out at Gear West or spending time with his wife

Rollerskiing by Matt Liebsch

2009-04-26T09:58:00.000-07:00

Matt Liebsch is a member of the CXC Elite cross country ski team and a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a BS in Electrical Engineering. He is an Olympic hopeful and had a very successful 2009 season… 3rd Place at US Nationals, Mora Vasaloppet winner and American Birkebeiner Champion. When Matt is not training and racing he is helping out at Gear West or spending time with his wife

Lost in the Woods by Matt Liebsch

2009-04-21T10:14:00.000-07:00