Rollerskiing by Matt Liebsch

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… 3^rd 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 and one-year-old son.

For me, the rollerski season is about to begin. I know many skiers will wait a lot longer to get out on the rolling boards but I like to get going by May 1^st. A good idea before your first roll should include a look at your equipment. Are your wheels falling apart, how is the shaft structural stability, are your bindings working properly, do the wheels and bearing flow or is there grinding? Once you give all your gear a good look over make sure to replace anything that is worn or broken. Also, I highly recommend wearing a helmet in regards to safety equipment, and I will give you my rollerski story about what scared me into always wearing a helmet.

Last summer I was in Marquette, MI at the Olympic Education Center (OEC) for a training camp. For some reason Michigan Law requires rollerskiers to travel into on coming traffic; my guess is they classify roller skiers as pedestrian. Well that was fine because the shoulders were very large and I felt very comfortable.

So… I was in a 25+ mph tuck going downhill on highway near Marquette Mountain. While in my tuck I had a small flat rock kick up and jam in my front right wheel. As you imagine this caused my right ski to act as an anchor and towed me out into on coming traffic. I was starring down a logging truck coming uphill and managed to dive back into the shoulder before getting smashed. I was very happy to have my helmet on as I used it as a break pad.

Moral of the story… use a helmet while rollerskiing.

Best,

Matt

www.gearwest.com

www.cxcskiing.org

Lost in the Woods by Matt Liebsch

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… 3^rd 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 and one-year-old son.

Hi All,

I am the newest addition to the staff at Gear West so feel free to drop me a line or let me know if you would like to see any writing on a specific subject. Contact me at Liebsch@gearwest.com.

This past weekend included my annual participation in the Trail Mix 50k Team relay. I have raced with my team, the Nordic Ninjas, for the past two years. Each year the Nordic Ninjas manage to win the overall team event. This happens for two reasons. One, we are all decent runners. Two and probably more important, all the really fast runners pair up with some less speedy folks or do the individual events.

This year I was a little more prepared than last year and had about 30 miles on my legs since the ski season ended. Last year I went out conservative and felt good for my 8 miles but this year my plan was to hang onto the lead for as along as possible. This leader was the speedy Gear West runner, Brooks Grossinger. By 2 miles into the race my eyes were already rolling into the back of my head… did I mention Brooks beat me by over 3 minutes last year! About the time I was ready to blow up Brooks slowed way down and stopped. We looked around and realized we had missed a turn. After standing around and trying to decide what next, a runner from behind passed by and yelled "didn’t you hear this is an orienteering race?" About 15-20 of us followed him as we bushwhacked through the woods and we eventually found our way back to the racecourse.

Once back on course the race finished well. Every year I forget how sore I can get after my first running race. Yesterday I couldn't move and today I skipped my normal bike ride into work. Maybe next year I'll learn and do a few running intervals before I jump into racing!

Best,

Matt

80th Birthday Party for Bjorn Lasserud

On Wednesday, April 15th, Gear West hosted an 80th Birthday Party Celebration for local skier Bjorn Lasserud. There was over 60 people in attendance for food, drinks, and stories to celebrate this renowned local skier.

A little about Bjorn. He is a World Master Champion many times and National Master Champion. He has lead the Minneapolis Ski Club workouts for decades. With 2 new knees, he is out on the trails every day, every season, biking, roller skiing, pole hiking, and of course snow skiing. ALWAYS with a smile on his face and more enthusiasm than most of us - for sport and for life.

Special thanks to Robin Thomas for the great photos!

Gear West's Dirtiest Event Yet

Earlier this month, Gear West hosted a fantastic Mud Run. 40 brave souls ran through ski trails on a balmy 30 degree April 4 morning and managed to find a bit of mud. Prizes were awareded to the dirtiest female and male runner. This was a low key event and no time were taken (unless you took note of your own time).

Special thanks to Robin Thomas for the great pictures!