Friday 7:30pm
Saturday Classic Races
It is now -2C in Chelsea which is right on track with the forecast. Here is our final recommendations for Saturday's Classic event.
Glide Wax
Fast - 2 layers Vauhti LF GreenFaster - 1 layer Vauhti LF Graphite, 1 layer of Vauhti HF Green
Fastest -
1 layer Vauhti LF Graphite, 1 layer of Vauhti HF Green, Gold Fox OR HFC21 powder
Grip Wax
Vauhti Super Base Binder ironed in and cooled slightly. Top that 1-2 layers of K19 or fluor Carrot, 1-2 layers of K15 and finally 1-2 layers of K19 or fluor Carrot.Sunday Skate Races
Just Sheila is racing (27 km skate) on Sunday. Here is our best guess at this point:Glide Wax
Fast - 2 layers Vauhti LF GreenFaster - 1 layer Vauhti LF Graphite, 1 layer of Vauhti HF Green
Fastest -
1 layer Vauhti LF Graphite, 1 layer of Vauhti LF Green, then top with either HFC21 or Gold Fox if the humidity is over 70% OR Black Fox if the humidity is below 70%
The temperature is back at 0 in Chelsea after being up to 2C for most of the day, so it appears to be dropping as anticipated. The snow has also stopped. We'll check in again later this evening. No changes in our waxing plans right now (see below).
Friday 8am - 0C and light snow in Chelsea. Looks like 4-5cm overnight. Park site says 5-10cm since yesterday. More temperature updates this evening.
A few emails this am about why such a cold glide recommendation when some forecasts suggest -7 or -10C at start time. From experience, the Gatineau Park is colder than Ottawa or Gatineau where temperatures are measured and forecasts made. Usually 2C colder, but sometimes as much as 10C colder in the further regions! Glide wax cold to be safe, bring warmer and colder grips to the start.
Saturday Classic Races
Check back for updates! Thus far these recommendations aren't based on testing, its too early and the forecast is for changing conditions Thursday to Saturday. So we'll guess, based on lots of experience doing so. :)
While you eagerly await the start, you might want to read: Loppet Waxing and Cold Waxing practices as well as info on Vauhti's new K-line Grips.
Looking at the temperature and humidity trends, as well as what is forecast hour-by-hour here's what we might expect:
A little Alberta Clipper is moving through the area. We should see light snow and mild Thursday and Friday. Maybe 2-10cm of snow, with the temperature steady near 0C. (Possibly freezing rain too!) Then Friday afternoon the snow will stop and temperature will start to drop. It will continue to cool overnight and into Saturday morning. Possible start time temperature of -15C with temperatures staying steady during the race, but the possibility of some light snow.The temperature will drop constantly overnight Friday as they groom, so the tracks should set up firm, and hopefully hold up for all skiers. Binder is probably a good bet at this point, at the very least iron in your first layers. Now for wax selection..
Glide Wax
The Gatineau Park is colder than Ottawa or Gatineau. It can be 2C colder in the Southern end but sometimes 10C colder at Lac Phillipe overnight. Count on adding a few degrees to the forecast. With that in mind glide wax a bit colder. Colder glide wax won't slow you down, but warmer glide than required might be a drag!
Fast - 2 layers Vauhti LF Green
Faster - 1 layer Vauhti LF Graphite, 1 layer of Vauhti HF Green
Fastest - 1 layer Vauhti LF Graphite, 1 layer of Vauhti HF Green, (we'll update with toppers you might want to add closer to race time but looks like Gold Fox)
Grip Wax
Vauhti Super Base Binder ironed in and cooled slightly. Top that with the appropriate number of layers of K19 or Fluoro Carrot. The K-line should be great for getting grip as you cross the park. If the tracks look glazed, you might want a few layers of K15 first, then top with layers of K19. (Ignore the temperature on the tin, its snow texture that counts!)
Good luck to all!
"Technically Cool Eyewear!"