What another great turn out for NWVT this weekend. We had no less than 9 skiers participate in the Sleepy Hollow 10/20k race event this weekend. It was good to see so many people get involved in this fun annual event, sponsored by our club supporter Skirack, and some of the nicest local ski area owners around. The conditions at Sleepy Hollow were once again excellent. It has been surprising how Mother Nature has been able to spruce things up just right for race time this season. The temps were in the high single digits and gradually climbing at the start. The course rolled through some of Sleepy Hollow's scenic terrain. For the most part, the snow held up to the day's 60+ racers with only a couple corners getting scraped out. All races started simultaneously with NWVT racers in each one. Mass start experience proved to be key as the field started up the relatively narrow hill out of the Sleepy Hollow stadium. Perry and a new member (to be named later) got off to a good start, and the rest sorted things out by the end of the first 500m. First, the 10k results. Skiing for NWVT in the morning and BFA in the afternoon, and the first to pull the double this weekend was Andre' Bolduc placing third overall. Andre looked to be racing well, and saved some energy to place 6th in the afternoon race. He also beat a National Guard Biathlon team member Brian Letourneou, but in all fairness he has been serving in Kuwait for the last year; "training conditions were not optimal." Tailing Andre' closely through the half way point was NWVT's Lary Martell, who is still feeling the effects of an automobile accident from a week and a half ago. Trying a 10k skate race for a change of pace, coming in around the middle of the field and second in his age division was new team member Seth Maciejowski. Quiet and humble, he should be very pleased with his performance. NWVT had some impressive results in the 20k as well. As mentioned two skiers got out early in the start. One was Perry, the other was Aaron Delfausse. Aaron's abilities bring the club to a new level of competition. He easily skied among the seasoned leaders to finish third overall. It is good to have him on board, as his mentality is a good fit for the club, and of course he can contribute a lot athletically as well. Perry was in top form as well. He continues to improve technically, and his times and places reflect his work. He finished well within the top ten with gas still left in the tank. The NWVT women also showed up with a relay team. With the green to start, Jessica lead off with her super slick secret wax. After picking her way through the field at the start she skied the first leg in 15 minutes and change, handing off to Marielle Aunave. An international road cycling stand out, Marielle skied a very strong second leg. She handed off to Hannah Barden. With husband Brendan, and 6 month old daughter Rosa cheering enthusiastically Hannah kept the pace skiing an even split with Marielle! Anchoring the team to divisional victory was new club member Allaire Diamond. Accustomed to longer events it was great to see her come out and complete the relay team. Hopefully the women continue their success and race some of the great events coming up later this season. Interest in some of the marathons was detected. They will not regret it if they follow through as they are exciting events and great reasons to get out and have fun together.

The Bogburn:
On sunny Sunday the conditions in Pomfret were good for the first classic race of the season. Temps were in the twenties and the snow was a fresh coating on top of frozen granular. The course was the same challenging back woods style double loop as the last few years. Perry Bland was the second NWVT member to pull the double this weekend. Capitalizing in confidence gained on Saturday, Perry knocked a minute off last year's time, beat many of his usual competitors, and a few he has had in his sights for a while. Meanwhile, Damian Bolduc was looking to achieve some of his own goals for this race. He wanted to improve significantly over last year, and shock his body to kick it into classic mode. His ambitious improvement goal was not met, but almost 4 minutes faster than last year is still very impressive. He is also motivated and ready to work on some things before the upcoming White Mountain 30k and the Craftsbury Marathon. Things are picking up for the club. We are in 7th place over all in the club points standings, with Perry and Damian scoring high at the Bogburn. Tyler Magnan has also been representing us at Nationals, competing in four events. More on that to come soon. It was great to see everybody out having fun this weekend. Hopefully the enthusiasm continues for the rest of the winter and the great events, big and small, coming up.