What started as a dismal season as far as snow conditions; ended on very good note after a six week run of good skiing temperatures, and a steady flow of accumulating snow weather patterns. The weather for this year's Craftsbury Spring Fling was perfect as usual, and the snow was as expected, a little bit of everything depending on where you were on the diverse course. Prior to the race everyone seemed happy to have such a great day to ski. Spirits were high as moods were good. The friendly atmosphere changed dramatically with the command to go. A mass start that quickly funnels into a short but steep incline made for some tension. Poles were broken, skis came flying off, and people were going down right and left. The Northwest Vermont Ski Club got through it unscathed, as they journeyed in a pack racing endeavor for the next part of the race. First, Kevin Bessett caught up with Damian Bolduc, then they reeled in Scott Magnan, and then finally Perry Bland, who got off the start line in good position. As has been the case for the last month, the racing members of the club have been closing in on each other with very close finishes. The Spring Fling was no exception as the members in the race skied together for most of the first half changing positions, and advancing through the field as a cohesive pack of four. "Those NWVT jerseys looked pretty hot out there" exclaimed one intimidated opponent after the race. At the lap zone, Damian was feeling pretty good due to perfecting his energy and hydration replenishment. After learning the hard way at the Sugarloaf Marathon earlier this season, he was sure to not let it happen again. Having re-established himself with some of the key people from that marathon, Damian was determined to conquer the demons from that race. Possessed, he began to ski as if the entire race was only the distance left to go. A frame of mind that devastated his running opponents whenever he was on top of his game. This proved to be effective for skiing on Saturday as he slowly began pulling away, and then rapidly gained on those he passed. Soon he saw his goal. Coming upon his mark, an old nemesis (history: individual who beat him in a 2001 triathlon using a racing sea kayak against Damian in a flat water canoe, in 20 knot winds, and rubbed it in) once Damian got him into his clutches, there was no going back. No slowing down. Only more and more speed to finish the job with authority. Damian cruised to the finish blowing away everyone in sight and still wanting more. He finished in 27th place with a 1:41:48. The other club members rallied to the finish too. Scott initially went with Damian but lost sight of him when slowing for a feed. He continued to work with Perry, who came back from losing his pole after someone stepped on it, and Kevin for the rest of the race. Kevin had a strong finish beating some opponents he has had his sights on over the year and with one of the most improved efforts since last years Spring Fling. These three finished in a row with Scott in 32nd place with a 1:43:45, Perry in 33rd 1:44:22 and Kevin closing in with 34th place in 1:44:55. But having finally caught his man, Damian had the extra determination to kick it in with everything he had to close the deal.

The Spring Fling was the perfect way to end this exciting season. Being able to ski together during the race made it much more fun, and we were able to motivate each other continuously if not with words, then with performance as we all knew it could have been anybody's day as it has been all season long. People are noticing the friendly group we have, and will be drawn in to participate with us as we continue to work together as a team should. We all have things we can learn from each other, and as we take advantage of that we will become stronger as individuals and a team. We should all have a very positive feeling about how things went this year, and should be excited to carry them over to the next season and continue to grow.