So I have been super stoked to get my new gear, and even more so to use it.  I managed to get about 1.5 hours on Christmas Eve day on the slopes, and about another 6 hours on 12/27.  Most of that was spent getting a feel for the board, but more especially spent dialing in my bindings (Catek's are friggen insane!).

I now have my stance pretty comfortable, but 3cm wider so the insides of my legs ache a bit; I may need to live with it and let my body adjust, as I like the binding positions for stability and control.  I also have both bindings forward, alpine-style, which makes things much different: I was at 27° front -5° back, now I am at 43­° front and 18° back.  The rise, cant, and tilt of the footpad has also helped, but I am still tweaking it....it certainly makes the 3cm wider stance a bit easier to sit in :)

 

So, now that I have some time in and my setup at least comfortable although nto perfect, what do I think?  Amazing.  I compare it this way: my old Yukon was like driving my 99 Camry and the Tanker is like driving my old 76 Torino Elite.  The Yukon was smoother, faster, and more stable already.....but the Tanker with Catek's just kills it.  The ride is super stable and smooth, and it carves like a knife through hot butter.  Dusty noticed that the longer nose chatters, and I did after he pointed it out, but I don't feel it in the ride.....it's like it is simply dampening all the vibration.  Carving is super nice...I fet like I was skidding out, but inspecing my lines as I rode up the chair I could not see any skidding; the board is also a bit narrower in all areas, so it transitions from edge to edge very quickly.  The softer board flex makes for easy riding despite the additioanl 32cm in length, but I still have to muscle it a bit after strapping in.  Once pointed down, the Tanker accelerates quicker than any board I have ridden....I am still gettng used to it.  I did notice some boot-out on both heel and toe carves despite the raised bindings and alpine angles, but with a narrower board and sice 11.5 boots I had to expect it a bit.  Speaking of boots, the new Contra's are friggen sweet, but certainly get overshadowed by the board and bindings.  Very comfortable, stiff, and supportive....everything I wanted :)

 

Heading out the next 2 nights after work and on 12/31 and 1/1.  Hoping to have it dialed in and ready to rock.  I will type a full review of the setup then and post it:)

 

-B

Been shredding as often as I can, assuming conditions are at least OK.  I refuse to ride on ice and crap this season.

 

So yesterday it started snowing around 11AM.  High temp of 7° yesterday, so snow was very light and dry compared to typical MN snowfall.  I was kicking myself in the ass for not coming prepped to leave from work, but I knew I had domestic responsibilities with my wife gone a few days.  As I left work, i knew I needed to ride the freshies, so I busted ass to get my errands done.

 

What was usually a 20 minute trip to Afotn turned out to be 70 minutes courtesy of dipshi*ts doing 20mph on the multi-lane interstates.  As soon as I got on the regular highways I easily did 55 with no issues.  I got to Afton about 6:10, ans on the slopes by 6:30.  Hardly anyone was there!  Even better, those that were there had crappy wax jobs and/or didn't know how to ride in fresh snow!  Most were in the chalets :)  I had free-reign!  Snow was slow in the flats, but no issues if you pumped your legs to build speed.  Soft and easy to cut!  Best night at Afton I have had in nearly 2 years!  No groomers out to ruin the fresh stuff either :)

 

The only draw-back was the cold.  I was warm and had to open vents to dump heat, but sitting on a snowcovered chair caused it to melt, then freeze to my legs and ass on my next run.  This took it's toll ad required 2 pitstops to the chalet for a Rusty Nail.  I lost about 45 minutes of riding, meaning I only got a little over 2 hours on the slopes.  I made the most of it, shedding like a mad man and possing people left and right (the few that were out there).  One skier was keeping up with me....or should I say I was keeping up with him?  I had to strap and unstrap afterall, and we were always 1 chair apart.  Most times I would get 2+ runs in before others made it down, and I like to lay some deep lines.

 

So, all in all, Afton is doing pretty damn good.  They are 95% open now with good coverage.  More snow in the forecast on Thursday night and Friday AM, so hoping this will be a great winter!

 

-B

 

EDIT: forgot to mention I started ordering new gear yesterday....boots and board are coming already, but the bindings are awaiting new stock and I was told the website will be updated in 1-2 days.  I'll post pics once it all arrives!

To start, I need to uypload the Shred-Fest 08 vid from my camcorder yet....then edit and post....I know, I know.  I suck.  Just too many other BA things to do like disc golf, tubing, drinking, etc.  I didn't make it a priority and I need to.

 

Season is started here and I have 6 days in....not the blistering pace of 29 straight thsat I did last season, but still fine.  Afton has expanded snowmaking again, and with decent coild temps has gone off!  The slopes, 9 days after opening, consisted of 7 chairs being open!  And that was before Thanksgiving, somthing Afton hasn't done until the first week in December tha past 2 seasons.  As of last night, they had 6 chairs open, but cold have had 8 running.  Despite being machine-made, the temps and greooming have left decent snow conditions, especially if you can get out at open.

 

Lastly, tonight Afton opens a few runs and the chalet in the Highlands.  This likely means 9-10 chairs open.  Looks to be a good season...I'll try to update here with some reasonable frequency.

 

-B