wHITEFACE
- Thread starter boogenman
- Start date
I went. I was waiting for DHMike to post the photos that were shot by the canucks we met.
A good time as usual, but not a very good turnout. No doubt more people would have made the trek if it weren't for the weather, but the rain stopped shortly before we set up camp, and didn't start until we had taken the tent down, so it ended up not being too bad. Massive humidity but otherwise good weather caused steamy goggles and plenty of stops to put them on or off. Big, sloppy trails made for great riding. A little bit greasy but Whiteface puts so many other mountains to shame. We took two 20minute breaks and managed 6 runs, missing the last one due to fatigue. That's about a run an hour, between lifts, riding, and stopping to unclench/defog.
Was a good time, for sure.
A good time as usual, but not a very good turnout. No doubt more people would have made the trek if it weren't for the weather, but the rain stopped shortly before we set up camp, and didn't start until we had taken the tent down, so it ended up not being too bad. Massive humidity but otherwise good weather caused steamy goggles and plenty of stops to put them on or off. Big, sloppy trails made for great riding. A little bit greasy but Whiteface puts so many other mountains to shame. We took two 20minute breaks and managed 6 runs, missing the last one due to fatigue. That's about a run an hour, between lifts, riding, and stopping to unclench/defog.
Was a good time, for sure.
What was the temp like?
not sure, exactly, but probably 65-75 with serious humidity. Up at the top it gets/was cooler, but not by as much as I was hoping and thinking. Usually when I'm up there, I get the chills at the top and am sweating at the bottom. Good gear comes in handy up there.
I think I did 7 or 8 one year, but that was later in the season and I was more fit. 7 Would have been easily attainable if we did one more lift, and I think the year I got more we did one run just blasting the fireroads. The big problem there is that you can't take half a run...so I was wiped on run 5 but went up for 6 anyways...I could have done another third or so but one run there is like three times diablo or four times highland...it's a killer. Runs are legitimate 20min if you're not at race pace and taking the direct route.
We camped in Mike's backyard, but I think next time I would do the site up the street, since it's so close and I'm not sure Mike allows regular campers...this was kind of a special occasion.
We camped in Mike's backyard, but I think next time I would do the site up the street, since it's so close and I'm not sure Mike allows regular campers...this was kind of a special occasion.
20 minutes is about my average time too. Looks like 8:11 is my best from race results, geez! I don't know if I am as fast as I used to be. Too much beer and bacon 
The KOA campsite down the road is nice, you can walk to the cliff jumping/swimming spot.
Did you go there with DW?
The KOA campsite down the road is nice, you can walk to the cliff jumping/swimming spot.
Did you go there with DW?
yeah woodrow drove as my lemon is getting squeezed at the moment.
I didn't know it was a KOA, looked like a standard state park affair. Might not be able to cuss as much.
I'm hoping to compete in the race this year...I was able to complete a full run non-stop a few years ago but the endurance isn't quite there yet. Certain sections are so hard- the ledges and the old downhill immediately come to mind.
I didn't know it was a KOA, looked like a standard state park affair. Might not be able to cuss as much.
I'm hoping to compete in the race this year...I was able to complete a full run non-stop a few years ago but the endurance isn't quite there yet. Certain sections are so hard- the ledges and the old downhill immediately come to mind.
How many runs on the beg/int trails can be done in a day?
It depends on how you look at it. The true beginner/intermediate stuff starts halfway up and you have to take a shuttle to get there. I've never done that so I can't comment on the shuttle time, but I think it's like every 20 or 30 minutes. I would imagine you'd probably still have a 10 or 20 minute run as a beginner if you're not hauling down the trails. They get easier towards the bottom but as a beginner I had to stop quite a bit (ride a section, stretch, ride, repeat), whereas now I'm more skilled/fit/dumb and can ride full runs at other mountains. I'd be willing to bet that you could get 8-10 shuttles on the lower mountain if you're going strong. They may run the bus longer than the lift too...the day was only 10-4 vs. 9-5 at many other places.
That being said, if you're more intermediate than beginner (as in you can ride tougher trails, albeit slower) then you'll probably spend at least 30 minutes getting down the mountain. First time we were there I think we got 5 runs in. The stuff up at the top is extremely technical and it doesn't let up until you get to like the pump track area. I think my first run ever at the mountain was like 45 minutes, no foolin. There are SO MANY lines to choose from an memorize...sections just keep coming.
That being said, if you're more intermediate than beginner (as in you can ride tougher trails, albeit slower) then you'll probably spend at least 30 minutes getting down the mountain. First time we were there I think we got 5 runs in. The stuff up at the top is extremely technical and it doesn't let up until you get to like the pump track area. I think my first run ever at the mountain was like 45 minutes, no foolin. There are SO MANY lines to choose from an memorize...sections just keep coming.
Thanks, will be there Jul 4&5.
You are going to have a fun fun time!
The KOA is across the street heading away from Lake Placid The place you are thinking of the is state owned sites on the same side as Whiteface.
correct. is one better than the other?
I think the KOA place is a lot better. I enjoyed staying there and having the ausable river is nice too! I def agree about the crazy long, arm pumping runs at the face!
http://www.koacampground.com/
http://www.koacampground.com/
wha???? Even I hit the 10 minute mark in the 2007 race (when I was faster, though...20 minutes is about my average time too. Looks like 8:11 is my best from race results, geez! I don't know if I am as fast as I used to be. Too much beer and bacon
The KOA campsite down the road is nice, you can walk to the cliff jumping/swimming spot.
Did you go there with DW?
)
With the recent landscaping on the pump track the new lines show up much better:
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Those Berms are a work of art! With all that rock they very well may outlive me
Where are the rest of the photos, Mike?
Do the snowcats tear up the pump track during the winter?
(excuse my ignorance... it snows maybe 1" a year here)
(excuse my ignorance... it snows maybe 1" a year here)
I'm guessing they'll pass right by it. The track is located off a service road underneath the lift. I'm not sure it's even part of any ski run. DH mike will know better, but they're investing a lot of time and effort into it, so I doubt it's going to be destroyed.
The pump track is off of the ski trail network. Next year we plan on doubling the size of our pump track, by making it twice as long.
I am waiting for a couple of discs with tons of pictures and several minutes of video from our opening weekend.
As soon as I get the disc a full picture thread will follow on the original Discover Whiteface Weekend post.
I am waiting for a couple of discs with tons of pictures and several minutes of video from our opening weekend.
As soon as I get the disc a full picture thread will follow on the original Discover Whiteface Weekend post.
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wha???? Even I hit the 10 minute mark in the 2007 race (when I was faster, though...
I don't take the Jim Mac lines
a. You don't take any lines it seemsI don't take the Jim Mac lines
b. there were no go arounds!
