Frozen Chicken Heads Newsletter

FROZEN CHICKEN HEADS

Summer 2000 The Unofficial Newsletter of the Detroit Mountain Ski Patrol Vol. 1 Num. 2

P. R. BABBLE

Hi, everyone. It sure has been a short summer, the days are getting shorter and school is about to start. It almost makes one start thinking about the upcoming ski season. Where did the summer go? Like the teaser photo to the right? I don't know about you but I'm ready.
Here are some things coming up. The DM OEC Refresher will be on Saturday, Sept. 16 with the Chairlift Evac following. More details to follow. If you can't make it to DM, Ski Gull will be holding theirs on the 9th. Call ahead if you go over there. Also remember to bring your dues to the refresher. There has been an increase from National this year so the total will be $68.00, I think. Other things we need to do before the season, are clean and organize the shack and do some hill work. We all make comments about something we would like to see or not to see on the hill. We need to get together and fix them. Think about a good date and let me know. The OEC classes for the candidates should be starting right after Labor Day. If you know anyone interested bring them to the first class or have them call me. We need more members. We have a good core group of patrollers, but more would be better. It can become a long season if we all have to pull extra shifts to cover the schedule. In the long run if we only have to ski three shifts a month we will be more likely to come out and patrol as an extra more often. This should lead to more patrollers on duty, especially on the nice/busy days. This would be a good thing. So talk to your skiing friends, they would be welcome to join us. Until next time. Think LOTS of snow. Jeff

Knife edge to oblivion. The Ridge at Bridger Bowl.
March 2000

Photo by: Schatts

RATBOY LEADS D23 ENDUROS

With nine of fourteen rounds of the Mini Enduro series in the books, Ratboy is in first place with a commanding lead over his competition in the Macro Class. His brother, Spike is currently in third place in the Micro Class. Ratboy has raced his Husqvarna CR505 to four first place finishes so far. Spike has raced his Yamaha PW50 to as high as a second place finish in his rookie season. Things look good for Ratboy Racing this season.

Ratboy (center) and Spike (left) on the line for the Huntersville Enduro.
June 2000

Photo by: Tammy

Ratboy, What do you do in the off season to stay in shape for skiing and snowboarding?
Ratboy says: I ride my bike, ride and race my dirt bike, swim, skateboard, and rollerblade, but I don't really train.

Tim O'Leary
Managing Member

Brewers of
"Olde Bong Water"
The official beer of the
Montana Assault Team

Ratboy, How was the assault on Montana?
Ratboy says: The skiing was fun but I didn't like the drive out and back.

Ratboy, What is in your backpack?
Ratboy says: My first aid kit, rope and a locking carabiner. I also like to have my Platypus water bottle, face mask, dry gloves, hand warmers, ziploc bags, my sunglasses, and some candy.

Meaningless Drivel
The PD Looks at 40

Into the fog. Down to the Apron from the Ridge at Bridger Bowl.
March 2000

Photo by: Schatts

Q at Bridger Bowl. Photo by: Ratboy

I realized the other day that this will be my last year skiing in my thirties. Four decades of life and I've skied thirty three. I'm getting old. The pain lasts longer and I heal slower, but I think this season will be the best yet. Last year was a great year. I know the season was short and we didn't get much snow, it was still great. I got to watch my kids become pretty good skiers. I skied alot and progressed on my snowboard. I got to go out west to ski with my best friends and Ratboy (maybe next year Spike can go). It was a great year and I think this year will be even better. We have got to get more snow and have a longer season than last year. This is the year I learn to telemark ski. My new skis are hear and the binding lift plate should be here any day. This year I plan on spending most of my time on snowboard or teles. My goal is to pass the toboggan test with free heals. I'm getting serious. I plan on embracing the telemark lifestyle. I am currently growing my full beard back and I'm starting a ponytail (although I might go for dreadlocks). I'm trying to like granola. I'm not sure about the treehugging and bunny loving part. It seems a little far left for me and I still like hunting and a good forest fire once in a while. Then there's the "earn your turns" thing. I might buy some climbing skins and give the back country thing a try some day but for the most part I think I'll stick to the lift serviced areas. And finally, am I too old to start smoking dope? I think I need professional help....Q

PINHEAD

Cross Training & Telemark Skiing
    I was asked why I started three pinning, and after some thought I came up with these reasons.
     The basis behind cross training is to involve alternate curricular activities to get a well rounded exercise program and reduce the risk of injuries due to repetitive exertion.
     Doing the same thing over gets boring. Trying something new is challenging and educational. (Yes, you can learn a few things about skiing dynamics, how your ski works, etc.)
     Being different. How many people do you see three pinning in Minnesota?
     Free healing in group can be humorous. And more equipment means you finally have to build that addition for all your toys.
     So to end this article so it doesn't get confused with P.R. Babble, I'll end with this little conclusion. Be it Downhill, Nordic, Telemark, and/or Snowboarding, just get out there, have fun and do it. To paraphrase the word of Warren Miller, "If you don't get out now, next winter you will be one year older"....David

Where do you want to go?

Home

Patrol Schedule

Patrol Calendar

DM Patrol Roster

DM Ski Area

FCH - Winter 2001

FCH - Fall 2000

FCH - Spring 2000