Daily Archives: 2014-09-27

Hello

I am going to add one more event to this week’s schedule. For those who can not attend Falcon Lake but would still would like to ski on Sunday, I am organizing an informal “Family Ski Day” at Beaudry Provincial Park at 1pm. While it is great to ski around Assiniboine Park, in my experience getting the kids out in nature exposes them to the real thing.

Couple things to consider

– this is a Provincial Park, you will need a park pass.

– bring snacks and drink for during and after ( we like smarties during – we call them “power pills” )

– pick a trail distance that your family can handle,

– We will meet in the main parking lot by the map kiosk.

– We will begin skiing at 1:15pm,

Map to

Beaudry Park

https://www.google.ca/maps/place/Beaudry+Provincial+Park/@49.861149,-97.464313,13z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x52ea05e279f613bb:0x944d22bf2bae2b50

Ski Trails Map

Click to access winter_beaudry.pdf

See you Sunday.

Jeff McMillan
St. Paul’s High School
Phys-ed Dept. Head
Cross Country/Track and Field Head Coach

831-2300 ext. 387

831-2328
jmcmillan@stpauls.mb.ca

Hello Jackrabbit Managers,

Well, as of 22:30 tonight, the official schedule (https://assiniboineparkjackrabbits.wordpress.com/assiniboine-park-jackrabbits-2013-2014-schedule) has changed again. There are three sessions now scheduled for the Assiniboine Park Jackrabbits this week. Sorry for the short notice:

• Wednesday, 19 March 2014: “Wednesday Night Race #14 Costume Relay” sees teams of young and old costumed skiers each skiing three times (each of the three free technique laps is 800 metres for ten and eleven year olds and 1200 metres for older skiers) followed by eating free barbequed hot dogs and marshmallows. It is hosted by Red River Nordic and Biathlon Club at the Windsor Park Nordic Centre. Cost is free! Register at https://zone4.ca/reg.asp?id=6752. Must register no later than 21:00 on Tuesday. Latest weather forecast predicting a -6 degree Celsius air temperature with a -11 windchill at race time.
• Thursday, 20 March 2014: “Fast Rabbits Thursday 13”. Technique likely to be free technique (skate). Coach Ihor’s group of older or more experienced skiers meet at 18:30 and go longer distances. Coach Rob’s group of younger or newer skiers will meet in the clubhouse fifteen minutes later, at 18:45, and go for shorter distances. We currently have Lauren, Chloe, Teagan, and Hayes. Please reply back to robert.mcmahon@mts.net if you think your child might be interested in skiing on Thursday evenings. The more the merrier. Latest weather forecast predicting a -2 degrees Celsius air temperature with a -6 windchill at ski time.
• Sunday, 23 March 2014: The coached “Sunday Session (18)” at Assiniboine Park has been cancelled. In its place is the mostly-not-coached “Biathlon Manitoba Mixed Relay” at Falcon Ridge Ski and Recreation Area. Assiniboine Park Jackrabbit skiers ten years old and older are strongly encouraged to participate in this event. Perhaps more importantly, this invitation is mostly directed to the many Assiniboine Park Jackrabbits parents who already like to ski and would now like to try biathlon (skiing either 4 km or 6 km in total and shooting) in a non-competitive mixed male and female team environment. Many Assiniboine Park Jackrabbit parents expressed interest in doing such an activity during the “Jackrabbit Expedition 2014” two Sundays ago. Now, we have an opportunity. See the “race” details and register no later than 21:00 on Thursday, 20 March 2014, at https://zone4.ca/reg.asp?id=6509&lan=1&cartlevel=1. Cost is $30 per person (no kid discounts). Please note that because all of the onsite Assiniboine Park Jackrabbits coaches will likely be participants in this event, no coaches will be able to supervise any Assiniboine Park Jackrabbits who are not part of the event. In other words, parents will have to supervise their Bunnyrabbits and Jackrabbits for most, if not the whole day. Helmets and how-to-stay-safe sessions would be highly recommended if your children will be tubing, to minimize the risk of needing an emergency air ambulance (http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/back-in-the-air-stars-rushes-girl-to-hospital-250436171.html). The latest Whiteshell weather forecast is predicting a -14 degree Celsius air temperature with a -18 windchill at skiing and shooting time (http://spotwx.com/products/grib_index.php?model=meteocode&zone=r1.12&tz=-5&title=FPWG51&lat=49.73704&lon=-95.20693).

Thanks,

Coach Rob

(on behalf of Coaches Ihor, Katherine, and Jeff)

Hello Jackrabbit Managers,

Today’s (Sunday, 16 March 2014) Assiniboine Park Jackrabbits “Sunday Session (17)” is indeed still on and is still at Assiniboine Park.

The latest weather forecast is predicting a -11 degree Celsius air temperature with a -22 windchill at the start of skiing today, rising to -8 air temperature and a -18 windchill by the end of the session (http://spotwx.com/products/grib_index.php?model=meteocode&zone=r1.15&tz=-5&title=FPWG11&lat=49.849&lon=-97.1497).

As such, Bunnyrabbits and Jackrabbits will likely be tucked away in the lee of the Lyric Theatre and Pavilion to keep them out of the wind. Track Attack skiers will likely go for a fast ski everywhere else.

Coach Ihor has plenty of hot chocolate and Easter treats to be consumed. Please remember to bring a mug for each kid to reduce waste.

Also, Nordic skiing swag will be handed out to all kids.

See you there!

Thanks,

Coach Rob

(on behalf of Coaches Ihor, Katherine, and Jeff)

Hello Jackrabbit Managers,

The technique for tonight’s (Thursday), 13 February 2014, “Fast Rabbits Thursday 12”, is Free Technique. That means you can do either classic or skate techniques, but that most people will chose skate techniques. The snow conditions were very fast on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings and may be again tonight.

Latest weather forecast predicting a +1 degree Celsius air temperature with no windchill (I am not making this up!). Come on out and ski!

Thanks,

Coach Rob

(on behalf of Coaches Ihor, Katherine, and Jeff)

Hello Jackrabbit Managers,

Just a reminder that we have added a dozen more sessions to the official 2013-2014 schedule (https://assiniboineparkjackrabbits.wordpress.com/assiniboine-park-jackrabbits-2013-2014-schedule) and that other clubs have also rescheduled their seasons, too. So, for this week of 10-16 March 2014:

1. Tuesday, 11 March 2014: The annual for-young-kids-only “Dash for Cash” is hosted by Seine River Ski Club at the Windsor Park Nordic Centre. Head-to-head classic sprint of either 50 or 100 metres depending on school grade. “Loser” gets a chocolate loonie. “Winner” gets a metal loonie. Most kids seem to want the chocolate. Register in person between 17:30 and 18:45. Everything is done by 20:00. Must see details at http://www.ccsam.ca/event/seine-river-ski-club-dash-cash before going. Latest weather forecast predicting a -14 degree Celsius air temperature with a -20 windchill at race time.
2. Wednesday, 12 March 2014: “Wednesday Night Race #13 Skiathlon” sees the first half of the race being skied using the Classic techniques, followed by a transition to Free technique (skate) for the last half of the race (http://www.ccsam.ca/wednesday-night-race-formats) and is hosted by Red River Nordic and Biathlon Club at the Windsor Park Nordic Centre. Must register no later than 21:00 on Tuesday. Latest weather forecast predicting a -4 degree Celsius air temperature with a -12 windchill at race time.
3. Thursday, 13 February 2014: “Fast Rabbits Thursday 12”. Technique to be announced. Coach Ihor’s group of older or more experienced skiers meet at 18:30 and go longer distances. Coach Rob’s group of younger or newer skiers will meet in the clubhouse fifteen minutes later, at 18:45, and go for shorter distances. We currently have Lauren, Chloe, and Teagan interested. While we haven’t seen much of any of our skiers this winter, Coach Ihor and I think that Laura, Kate, Nika, Kevin, Liam, Hayes, and Don-Han, may want to participate in Coach Rob’s group. If I didn’t mention your skier that is simply because of an oversight on our part. Please reply back to robert.mcmahon@mts.net if you think your child might be interested in skiing on Thursday evenings, and even if they (or you) are not interested. Latest weather forecast predicting a +2 degrees Celsius air temperature (with no windchill!) at ski time.
4. Sunday, 16 March 2014: “Sunday Session (17)” at Assiniboine Park. Latest forecast predicting -8 degree Celsius air temperature with a -14 windchill.

The weather is now suitable for mere mortals to ski! Come on out!

Thanks,

Coach Rob

(on behalf of Coaches Ihor, Katherine, and Jeff)

Hello Jackrabbit Managers,

Great news!

Assiniboine Park Jackrabbits, from our youngest Bunnyrabbits right through to our oldest Track Attack skiers – and even their caregivers – will now have a Mini Biathlon talk, show, touch, and do session (put on by the Biathlon Association of Manitoba) at the biathlon range at Falcon Ridge Ski and Recreation Area. The session will very likely start at 11:00 (or shortly thereafter) and must be completed no later than 11:30 on Sunday (to make way for the official competitors).

Do you and/or your Track Attack skier (who must be ten-years old or older) want to experience hands-on prone shooting with significant shoulder-to-shoulder instruction? If the answer is yes, then please print the attached Biathlon Association of Manitoba release and waiver form, then print and sign one waiver and release form for each participant. Give these completed forms to Ron Pelletier a few minutes before the demo/activity.

Cost for this biathlon activity is free!

Therefore, our revised Assiniboine Park Jackrabbits schedule for the 2013-2014 Jackrabbit Expedition might look something like this:

• 08:45-10:45 – Drive from Winnipeg to Falcon Ridge Ski and Recreation Area.
• 10:45-11:00 – Get skate skis (if you have them) on and ski to biathlon range.
• 11:00-11:30 – Mini-Biathlon orientation at range. Ron Pelletier and his helpers intend to give us (both APJ kids and APJ parents!) up to 30 minutes of talk, show, touch, and do. Our APJ portion must be finished no later than 11:30.
• 11:30-12:30 – Skate and/or classic ski in three APJ groups.
• 12:30-12:55 – Have lunch in chalet.
• 12:55-13:15 – Watch mass start biathlon race (and first round of shooting?).
• 13:15-14:30 – Skate and/or classic ski in three APJ groups.
• 14:30-15:00 – Snack time and transition to tubing.
• 15:00-16:30 – Tubing.
• 16:30-18:30 – Drive back to Winnipeg.

If your family is intending to come along on the 2013-2014 Jackrabbit Expedition, then please reply back to me.

If you would like to car pool with another family, or you would like to offer your vehicle to carpooling, then please reply back to all so that we can try to arrange it.

Latest weather forecast is now predicting 0 to +3 degree Celsius weather at ski time with even some ultraviolet light! Yeah! It’s warm!

Thanks,

Coach Rob

(on behalf of Coaches Ihor, Katherine, and Jeff)

Hello Jackrabbit Managers,

This upcoming Sunday, 9 March 2014, is the Assiniboine Park Jackrabbits “Jackrabbit Expedition”. The Jackrabbit Expedition is our once-a-year excursion (day-trip) to a ski area beyond the Perimeter Highway. It is an official session of the Assiniboine Park Jackrabbits (https://assiniboineparkjackrabbits.wordpress.com/assiniboine-park-jackrabbits-2013-2014-schedule).

And yes, really, the weather is forecast to be lovely, with air temperatures starting at -7 degrees Celsius (when we arrive at 11:00) and climbing to a “tropical” -1 degree Celsius (when we leave at 16:30) (see http://spotwx.com/products/grib_index.php?model=meteocode&zone=r1.12&tz=-6&title=FPWG51&lat=49.68489&lon=-95.32876). No, I am not lying to you. We can really go outside a play on skis on Sunday!

This year, like many years in the past, we will be journeying to Falcon Ridge Ski and Recreation Area (http://www.falconridgeski.com), in Falcon Lake, in the Whiteshell Provincial Park.

So, you may ask, why Falcon Ridge and why this weekend?

• Falcon Ridge Ski and Recreation Area has more than 25 km of groomed classic and free technique (skate) ski trails in a forested and hilly environment (http://www.falconridgeski.com/about.php#x-country). We intend to ski in three groups, based on ability, so that everyone can have a good and long (for them) ski. We will likely do so soon after arriving at the chalet at 11:00.
• We intend to have lunch in the chalet likely starting between 12:00 and 12:30 and will likely end at 13:00. The Falcon Ridge Café serves hot meals (http://www.falconridgeski.com/about.php#cafe) and accepts credit cards. And yes, it is heated, is comfortable, and yes indeed, has running water and flush toilets.
• Falcon Ridge Ski and Recreation Area is the home of Megan Imrie, one of our very few 2010 Vancouver and 2014 Sochi Olympic biathletes (http://meganimrie.com).
• And, on Sunday, 9 March 2014, while we are there, Biathlon Manitoba will be holding their Provincial Championship (for both kids and adults) at Falcon Ridge (http://biathlonmanitoba.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Biathlon-Race-Notice_Provincial-Race_MB-Cup-6_March-9-2014_final.pdf).
• It has been the intent of the coaches of the Assiniboine Park Jackrabbits, for a few years now, to have our APJ skiers get at least a quick and lively demonstration of what the sport of biathlon is, and perhaps even get our APJ kids to go through some or all of the motions of competing in a mini-biathlon race. To this end, we have arranged with the organizers to get such a short demo, tailored to our very young APJ Bunnyrabbits right up to our Track Attack kids. This may likely occur either at about 11:00 (before the biathlon race) or at about 14:30 (after the biathlon race). The mass start race starts at 13:00 and it is the intent that we will watch this race for at least a few minutes before continuing on our skiing way. Please note that these details in both what and when will be worked out before our arrival on Sunday. Also, it is possible that our very own Coach Jeff may be an official competitor in that mass start biathlon race before resuming his APJ coaching duties!
• Falcon Ridge Ski and Recreation Area has lift-assisted tubing (http://www.falconridgeski.com/about.php#tubing). Bring your own helmet (and goggles) from home or rent onsite when you rent the tube (credit cards accepted). This tubing tends to be the highlight of the Jackrabbit Expedition for almost all of our kids. We will likely start tubing at about 14:30 to 15:30 and continue until about 16:00 to 16:30. The chalet closes at 16:30.
• Jackrabbit Managers, please bring your cross country skis to enjoy this day with your skier(s). Or, you can rent cross country ski equipment on site (http://www.falconridgeski.com/rates.php). Nevertheless, “loitering” is indeed allowed for any non-skiing designated drivers.

Please note that Daylight Saving Time just happens to start also on the morning of Sunday, 9 March 2014 (http://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?archive=&item=30042). That is why we are going to meet at the chalet at 11:00 CDT: It will feel like 10:00 CST.

Please note that a Provincial Park Vehicle Permit is once again required when in provincial parks (http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/parks/camping/info/fees.html).

Thanks,

Coach Rob

(on behalf of Coaches Ihor, Katherine, and Jeff)

Hello Jackrabbit Managers,

Well, wasn’t that a great winter of endless skiing? Snow up the ying-yang, light winds, and beautifully warm blue sky days? SPF 60 slathered on faces and forearms and yet sunburns still happened from time to time?

What? That’s not how you remember this winter of 2013-2014? Really? “Breakdown of polar vortex” what?

Did you know that this past Sunday, 2 March 2014 was originally intended to be the last official session of the Assiniboine Park Jackrabbits for the 2013-2014 season?

Yeah, none of this sits well with the coaches of the Assiniboine Park Jackrabbits. So instead of giving up on winter and just hunkering down, we are now happy to announce that we have added a dozen more sessions to the official 2013-2014 schedule (https://assiniboineparkjackrabbits.wordpress.com/assiniboine-park-jackrabbits-2013-2014-schedule).

The first added session was tonight, Thursday, 6 March 2014, and the last skiing session, weather permitting, will be Thursday, 17 April 2014.

Thanks,

Coach Rob

(on behalf of Coaches Ihor, Katherine, and Jeff)

Hello Jackrabbit Managers,

Yes! We can ski again! It will be “warm”!

There will be a session of Fast Rabbits Thursdays tomorrow (Thursday, 6 March 2014) of the Assiniboine Park Jackrabbits.

Air temperature is forecast to be -8 degrees Celsius with a -17 windchill at skiing time. It’s a veritable heat wave!

This week is Skate technique.

Coach Ihor’s group of older or more experienced skiers meet at 18:30 and go longer distances.

Coach Rob’s group of younger or newer skiers will meet in the clubhouse fifteen minutes later, at 18:45, and go for shorter distances.

We currently have Lauren, Chloe, and Teagan interested. While we haven’t seen much of any of our skiers this winter, Coach Ihor and I think that Laura, Kate, Nika, Kevin, Liam, Hayes, and Don-Han, may want to participate in Coach Rob’s group. If I didn’t mention your skier, that is simply because of an oversight on our part. Please reply back to robert.mcmahon@mts.net if you think your child might be interested in skiing on Thursday evenings.

Thanks,

Coach Rob

(on behalf of Coaches Ihor, Katherine, and Jeff)

Hello Jackrabbit Managers,

Still cancelled. Same -23 C temperature and -33 windchill is forecast.

The -41 windchill experienced by Coach Ihor and I at 09:00 this morning while loading onto buses a couple of Team APJ skiers bound for the Manitoba Winter Games was barely pleasant with a neoprene facemask, just for context.

Thanks,

Robert McMahon