A squad of Gordon Skiers (age 6 to 16 years), parents and coaches Gary and James headed to Fort William for the weekend to compete in the Scottish Children’s and Bairns Bucket races at Nevis Range. The weather and snow conditions were challenging but the atmosphere in the Premier Inn on Friday and Saturday evening where many families were staying was great fun.
The news from the hill on Saturday was not good and Saturday’s racing was cancelled due to high winds. Plan B was deployed..... “Gordon Skiers homework club” in the morning then some proper fitness training....well, ten pin bowling actually. Gary showed us his special two handed delivery of a bowling ball with lunge followed by victory dance. James showed us how to throw a ball at almost 25mph (I think Ollie was even faster!) He still lost claiming Beth had cheated. Surely not!
Ski coaches never rest.....check out James “power lifting” on the Facebook video-clip.
Everyone regrouped in the evening to celebrate a special birthday (with fab cake) for one of the mums. (Happy Birthday Maggie!)
The Premier Inn’s promise of a “great night’s sleep guaranteed” didn’t quite work out...a fire alarm overnight caused some sleep deprivation and a wardrobe malfunction for certain members unable to locate some essential items of clothing...the whole thing was just pants as Isabel said.
On Sunday the weather had improved and the club headed up in the gondola for the children’s and bairn’s races.
The races were well organised by SSC but the snow was soft and slushy making the runs very challenging for all competitors. Nathan and Thomas put in two solid runs in the Bairns GS against some very tough competition. They both skied very well despite the ice and slush.
On the children’s course the conditions made it exciting to watch but very difficult for the racers with many failing to complete the first run. Neil S laid down a solid second run with Sophie completing both her runs too, a great personal achievement for her in tricky conditions. Rachel B managed two solid runs and achieved a well-deserved 2nd place. Our final athlete down was Elliot who was last skier down on 1st run and was also last skier down for 2nd run meaning the ruts were at their biggest...he dug deep and held it together to put in a strong second run – bet the legs were hurting by the finish.
Despite tough conditions, lots of fun was had by all.
Thanks to everyone who made the trip a great success for the club.
James
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