Author Archive | Kort Longenbach

18-19 BKL Program Updates

By Kort Longenbach on 16 October, 2018 in BKL Jackrabbits, BKL Race Blog, BKL Training Schedule

18-19 BKL Programs

This season MNC is restructuring our BKL programs to better address the broad range of skiers and skier interests. Primary training days will be Tuesday and Thursday for all groups. Our youngest group, the Penguins meeting will meet only 1-Day of the week on Tuesdays and our more advanced Racing and Devo teams will add additional days on the weekend.

Our programs will primarily be differentiated by grade level, with our oldest skiers also being separated by racing interest. Key highlights of the program are below with more details available on our BKL Winter Page.

Penguins (Pre-K to 1st) This program is now open to all skiers and not just siblings of older skiers as in past years.
Jackrabbits (1st – 4th) Are younger newer skiers who have a focus on improving technique and fitness, while having fun and getting to know what ski racing is all about.
Arctic Foxes (5th – 8th) is our newest program meant for older skiers who love having fun on snow but aren’t interested in racing at this time.
Racing Team (5th – 8th) are older skiers who love to ski and want to learn how to go faster!
Racing Team – Middle School Option (5th – 8th) is a reduced rate for those skiers who want to race with their Middle School teams and can’t participate in all the weekend training sessions we offer.

If you have questions about the programs or what is suitable for your child, please feel free to e-mail Head BKL Coach Rosemary: sheacobb19@gmail.com.

Masters Training On a Roll

By Kort Longenbach on 1 October, 2018 in Masters Blog, Uncategorized

With great weather last weekend our Masters had to two great back to back outings lead by Coach Rick with several new faces joining the groups. It isn’t too late to join in an get ready for the upcoming season.

Also as we lose daylight, the Thursday Running group moves off the trails this week to Gov. Chittenden Rd. A great dirt road option in Williston for this time a season. If you join us, don’t forget to bring a headlamp.

Our roller skiers will be out this weekend again preparing for that showdown with Peru Nordic. Don’t forget to check out for Masters Training Doc for the latest times and locations.

Masters Southridge 6K Crit

By Kort Longenbach on 24 September, 2018 in Masters Blog, Uncategorized

After Climb to the Castle there was much talk swirling on a potential joint rollerski or time trial between the Metal-Thrashing masters of Peru Nordic. Unable to work out a dope collab this weekend, the MNC masters crew instead took to the hard streets of Williston with the season’s first running of the Southridge 6K Crit.

It was warm, the winds were light, and the sun was shining. A perfect day for the skiers to put down a set of times to beat for the next running in October. Out of the gate, “Mic Drop” Millar assaulted the first hill with a strong V2 and never looked back. That is, until he made a wrong turn that dashed his hopes from capturing a potential course record. Despite the detour, Mike crushed his prior PR and is clearly on his way to a strong 18-19 season. Coach Slick Rick Costanza laid down his usual solid and smooth performance, posting his fastest time in the last three years and a time only two seconds off his own PR. Although not sighted for a while, Steve “The Mail Man Me$$ier” was back, delivering an assault on the hills of Southridge with a time close to his last appearance at the The Crit. Dori Martell made her first appearance at the time trial gaining confidence with the terrain and setting a mark for future runs. Jim “All the Way Up” Adkisson, a long time veteran of The Crit, posted strong year to year gains even with a last minute change to slower roller skis due to an equipment failure.

All in all it was a fun day to be out there and rollin’ with the crew. Thanks to Mike Gaughan for the video clips.

Link to Southridge 6K TT Results

MNC Public High School Policy Statement

By Kort Longenbach on 15 September, 2018 in BKL Race Blog, Junior Blog, Masters Blog, Uncategorized

MNC is a non-profit organization devoted to the mission of helping athletes of all ages and abilities improve their Nordic skiing and pursue skiing excellence at the local, national, and international levels. We also believe our success is directly tied to the success of the broader ski community in Vermont. A large portion of that community are Public High School teams which play a vital role in building broad participation and lifelong interest in our sport.

To that end, we have established a set of policies to guide our Junior programs as it pertains to Public High School teams. These policies allow us to passionately pursue our mission while also respecting the needs of Public High School coaches and their teams.

MNC Junior Program Policy:

MNC is not seeking, nor actively driving any changes to the existing VPA regulations and practices.
MNC programs are designed to adhere to current VPA regulations and practices.
MNC athletes participating on High School teams are expected to do so in a manner consistent with their individual coaches and VPA regulations.
Participation in MNC programs is fully voluntary and our enrollment is open to all, regardless of ability or school affiliation.
MNC has and will continue to actively support Public High School skiing efforts as permitted by VPA regulations.

Please refer all questions or concerns regarding these policies to Kort Longenbach at president@mansfieldnordic.org.

Mansfield Nordic Club is proud to be part of the New England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA) and has achieved Bronze Level certification by the US Ski and Snow Board Association.

Catamount Group Run & Ride 9/13

By Kort Longenbach on 10 September, 2018 in BKL Race Blog, Junior Blog, Masters Blog

Join us Thurs 9/13 at 5:30PM for a run or ride at Catamount Outdoor Family Center. We will also have samples of a new Mammut soft-shell jacket (Men’s, Women’s) that we will be offering in the fall at significant club discount.

So come join us Thursday, to run/ride with friends you have seen in a while, to support COFC and check out all the great trail improvements as COFC prepares for the transition to the Town of Williston Catamount Community Forrest.

Also, MNC has secured a reduced trail free of $5 for non-COFC members. Hope to see you there!

PS.. For those not familiar with the COFC trail system. COFC offers a wide variety of double-track and single track trails. So bring you mountain bike, gravel bike, trail shoes or road shoes. There is a run/ride for all levels and abilities.

Overall Summer Trail Map