Cross Country Trail

Cross Country Trail

Getting Started in Cross Country Skiing

The beauty of Nordic skiing is strolling along at your own pace, taking in the tranquility of your surroundings. With your own equipment and a snowy winter, you can ski almost anywhere - your backyard, a local park, walking trails or golf courses. If you don't have your own equipment or don't know how to XC ski, you can usually find touring centers within a reasonable drive where you can take a lesson or rent gear.

It's so simple to learn and far less expensive than alpine skiing, that anyone can pick up the sport. In fact, families and seniors are the fastest growing groups participating in the sport, with the cost and exercise benefits included alongside the fresh air. Nordic skiing has long been endorsed by medical professionals for its high level of cardiovascular fitness in a low stress movement, not nearly as jarring to muscles and joints as running. The extended glide on the skis tones all major muscle groups and burns more calories per hour than any other sport, around 800 calories per hour for a 175 lb male skiing at a pace of 5 miles an hour.

Cross country skiing is not without potential for injury, however. Although your fitness level will increase as you spend more time on the snow, basic conditioning and stretching will help prevent muscle soreness. Falling on downhills of course is where you have the most chance for injury. Commonly, Nordic skiers will put their hands out in a fall and the pole grips can strain the thumb. The risk of an ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) injury to the knee is well-known in alpine skiing, but is also possible while XC skiing, even though it is far less likely.

Equipment

Classical skiing traditionally used skis about a foot taller than your head, but advances in ski construction has shortened the length considerably; skis your height should be adequate. On the bottom surface, the kick zone (the area under your binding) is usually patterned with square or semi-circle grooves, called fish scales. These grooves grip the snow and as you kick back, they help your body to move forward on uphills. Although most recreational cross-country skis come with a no-wax base, some skiers choose to use smooth bottomed skis and apply kick wax to the underfoot area for grip. Different kick waxes can be chosen based on varying snow conditions and temperatures. By not having fish scales, skiers can also use smooth surfaced skis for the skating technique. Poles are traditionally chest height, to put your arms in a natural 90-degree angle in front of you. Binding choices have significantly improved in recent years, with almost all models having automatic step-in locks. Your binding style must match the toe piece of your boot. Boots for classical skiing tend to be modified versions of light hiking boots, offering flex, but significant ankle support.

The freestyle, or skating technique takes advantage of lightweight and compact ski construction technology, used mainly by competitive skiers, but can be enjoyed by any level of nordic skier. Recent trends have had these lightweight, thinner skis at much shorter lengths. Smooth bases allow the skater to shift weight to one ski and glide for several lengths before switching sides. Without the use of fish scales to help on the uphills, skiers must power through the V-like motion and use strong pole pushes or slow down to herringbone - basically walking with skis pointed in the v-shape, up the incline. Again, bindings have become fairly standardized and automatic, but skating boots have developed interesting characteristics. They are taller and offer superior ankle support using a combination of padding, soft and hard plastics, allowing the ankle to flex with the forward or push-off motion. Skating poles are much taller than traditional touring poles. They are often up to the shoulders and racers usually choose cheek and eyebrow-level heights.

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Crosley Country Kitchen Phone (CR92)

$96.95

This colonial style country kitchen phone is an authentic reproduction of early American heritage. While this beautiful recreation is designed to provide extremely high quality communications, it has all the charm of the faithful original. Originally introduced in the early 1920's, this classic features a crank handle that actually turns. The Crosley Country Kitchen Phone II features touch-tone buttons with a rotary look, complete with speaker and hold/mute functions. The handcrafted wood and veneer cabinet is enhanced with striking brushed bronze-plated hardware. This beauty is as functional as it is fabulous.

Radio Flyer Town & Country Wagon

$181.95

The Radio Flyer Town & Country Wagon features a classic wooden design perfect for neighborhood strolls. This versatile wagon includes bright red removable sides crafted from select wood. The extra large, natural wood body is ideal for hauling around your children or their toys. The extra-long handle allows for easy pulling while the steel wheels and real rubber tires offer a smooth and comfortable ride. The Town & Country Wagon handle includes a no-pinch ball joint and a controlled turning radius for added safety. It is recommended for children ages 1 1/2 years and up.

FirstBike ''Cross'' Kids Balance Bike

$158.95

The FirstBike ''Cross'' Bike Without Brake is a state of the art bicycle that will grow with your little one! This fantastic buy has an adjustable seat- easily change the seat height by just turning the knob! The optional lowering kit adjusts the seat to a lower height making it ideal for small children to ride. The knob and the optional lowering kit allow children between the ages of 22 months to 5 years of age to enjoy their bicycle for years. The bike comes with replaceable pneumatic knobby ''Cross'' tires with Schrader valves, a soft rubber seat and hand grips, and front and rear splash guards. This lightweight composite frame bicycle is rust and insect proof and assembles in minutes! The hassle-free, safe, and fun FirstBike ''Cross''Bike Without Brake will become your child's favorite!

GLD Viper Desperado Iron Cross Pool Cue

$118.95

Add some style to your game with the impressive GLD Viper Desperado Iron Cross Pool Cue. This wooden cue is laser etched to create a branded look and features wood and onyx inlays. The Viper Desperado billiard cue, with its old time bandit style, also includes 100% genuine leather wraps, stainless steel etched joints and rings, 9 coats of varnish, removable scuffer and more! So bring some rebel spirit to your game with the GLD Viper Desperado Iron Cross Pool Cue.

FirstBike ''Cross'' Kids Balance Bike With Brake

$175.95

The FirstBike ''Cross'' Bike With Brake is a state of the art bicycle that will grow with your little one! This fantastic buy has an adjustable seat- easily change the seat height with just turning the knob! The optional lowering kit adjusts the seat to a lower height making it ideal for small children to ride. The knob and the optional lowering kit allow children between the ages of 22 months to 5 years of age to enjoy their bicycle for years. The bike comes with replaceable pneumatic knobby ''Cross'' tires with Schrader valves, a soft rubber seat and hand grips, and front and rear splash guards. It features a hand brake and a Safety Stop rear drum brake giving your child optimal control. This lightweight composite frame bicycle is rust and insect proof and assembles in minutes! The hassle-free, safe, and fun FirstBike ''Cross'' Bike With Brake will become your child's favorite!

FreeMotion Commercial Selectorized Dual Cable Cross

$6345.95

The FreeMotion Commercial Selectorized Dual Cable Cross unit is an extraordinarily versatile and durable strength and cable system. This strength training apparatus includes several premium design features that safely and effectively target every part of the body. The less-restrictive swivel pulley design ensures fluid cable travel and provides practically unlimited range of motion. Each independently rotating arm rotates vertically and horizontally with 12 vertical and 9 horizontal settings to accommodate virtually any pattern of movement. And, the independently moving handles offer virtually unlimited exercise. This FreeMotion system permits a diverse range of activity for a more custom and comprehensive workout. Users perform a variety of strength exercises including those that mimic sports-specific activities to condition different sets of muscles. And, each weight stack is cleverly enclosed to limit access to moving parts for improved user safety. Ideal for gyms or sports clubs, the Dual Cable Cross is ADA compliant in order to accommodate wheelchair users. This top of the line weight machine is constructed of heavy duty 7 and 11 gauge steel and features 16 gauge kick plates to protect against everyday wear and tear. With sophisticated and versatile design features, the FreeMotion Commercial Dual Cable Cross system offers an innovative, thorough and professional-grade workout.

SSG Pennant Streamers

$16.95

Pennant Streamers are rope streamers with 18'' plastic pennants in a variety of colors. Use these streamers to dress-up your field, for crowd control, to close off areas or for cross-country events. Order in lengths of 100' (approx. 48 flags per 100').

Worldwise Imports Mahogany and Maple Chessboard with Cross-Angle Frame and 2'' Squares

$91.95

The Worldwise Imports Mahogany and Maple Chessboard features a beautiful cross-angle frame with a decorative stripe. Perfect for your home collection, this attractive wood veneer game board includes 2'' squares and features a beautiful matte finish.

Multisports Elliptix ECT-880 Cross Trainer Elliptical Exercise Machine

$2499

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Multisports Elliptix ECT-6200L Cross Trainer Elliptical Exercise Machine

$1499

The Multisports Elliptix ECT-6200L Cross Trainer Elliptical Exercise Machine is a programmable dual-action elliptical crosstrainer that provides an effective, low impact workout. The digital LCD monitor on the elliptical exercise machine offers 6 fitness programs to help you get the most out your workouts. The 21 inch stride length gives users a wide circular elliptical motion for a total cardio and lower body workout. The Multisports Elliptix ECT-6200L Cross Trainer Elliptical Exercise Machine has an eddy-current braking system provides flawless transitions and electronic control. Perfect for getting professional gym quality workouts at home.

Micah's Favorite Cross Country Ski Trails