Grays On Trays

It’s a beautiful day for snowboarding, even though there is no snow on the ground.

It’s not a good day to BE on a snowboard, but it’s a great day to think about snowboarding, remembering sweet days on the snow, and anticipating those next turns.

The sky is blue–not a cloud in sight–and the day started with a crisp 38 degrees air temperature.

I went to Hoigaard’s 40th annual tent sale. I looked at a boot lacing system that could be very helpful. Like the Boa lacing, it uses thin lines rather than oversized shoe laces. It’s also zoned, meaning that, for example, you the boot can be tighter on your ankle than on your toes.

Of course there were plenty of boards, skis, and other equipment for sale. I settled on a few Warren Miller DVDs (boxed set of 3: $10) to get myself dreaming of a white winter.

The store did a great job of lining up various industry reps to talk with. First of all, I’ll point out Wild Mountain, where I’ve had the privilege to teach.

Spirit Mountain, which offers views into the Saint Louis Bay of Lake Superior, was represented as well.

The table for Lutsen was staffed by its new ski school director, who also rides a snowboard. We talked about some exciting new developments that will be unwrapped later.

As with most (all?) resorts around here, Afton Alps hosts races of various sorts. Most of the racers are skiers, but the representative I spoke to pointed out that snowboarders can and do participate.

I also spoke with two people from the Midwest Ski/Sports Council, an association of ski clubs in Minnesota and Wisconsin. I recently joined one of the clubs.

From there, I went to Joe’s Sporting Goods, which was also holding a tent sale. Where else can you buy a snowboard, a rifle, and fishing lures? I suppose many places, but the combination was one I had not seen before.

Finally, I made a trip to Hi Tempo, which sells sailboats and wakeboarding gear in the summer. They’re a vendor for Flow bindings, which I tout every time I can get. I looked at a copy of “The Five,” though I’m more in the market for a board (it’s becoming delaminated) than bindings. It is quite different from the rather old bindings I have. It’s probably lighter, but I don’t care for the increased emphasis on ratchets.

All three stores had hardware. But they shared something else: an enthusiasm about the upcoming season. The morning was a well-spent return to the joy of snowboarding.

I really enjoy Autumn. Well, early Autumn, when there’s still sunshine and it’s warm enough to golf. Late Autumn–gray, windy, cold, snowless? That’s another story.

Another good thing about early Autumn is thinking of winter. Yes, it’s that time. Several ski and snowboard shops in my region are having pre-season sales this weekend. Perhaps the same is happening in your area, too.

In the mail today came another reminder of winter: The 2007-2008 directory of the Midwest Sport/Ski Council.

The 48-page directory has a higher production value than even last year’s model. There are, for example, more four-color advertisements than I remember there being before.

Oh yeah, this is one publication where I actually LOOK at the ads. Naturally, the show the mountains (and molehills) at their best: blue skies, powder conditions, and happy riders and skiers sliding down the slopes with a rooster tail of snow in their wake.

The directory’s ads present plenty of opportunities to dream .. of days in the Canadian Rockies, several locations in Colorado, as well as other destination resorts.

If you’re out of shape, it’s time to get working. Snowboarding is so much more enjoyable when you’re not gassed.