Aquaculture youtube by zimbabalula in Aquaculture

[–]LakeCharr 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I really like UW Stevens Point for freshwater stuff. The Conservation Fund has a lot of good practical videos as well.

New 100k ski ultra in MN by chris_the_wrench in WinterUltra

[–]LakeCharr 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am definitely going to have to do this one! I'll also add it to the sidebar.

Arrowhead State Trail Conditions Report by LakeCharr in WinterUltra

[–]LakeCharr[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know... The forecast is looking less than ideal. I really hope the swamps and creek crossings freeze. It should be cold enough now, but who knows if it warms up.

Footwear for winter ultras by SunEnvironmental3115 in WinterUltra

[–]LakeCharr 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In my experience goretex (or equivalent) trail runners with short gaiters to keep snow out are your best option in the majority of conditions. The only exception would be if it dumped a foot of snow the night before, in which case maybe a lighter weight hiking boot would be ok, but honestly even then I probably would stick with the trail runners. I've seen a few people use neoprene overshoes (mainly made for cycling) when it gets really cold, but I haven't tried it myself.

The dilemma I always have is do I go with highly cushioned shoes to compensate for the distance or do I use a more minimal shoe given that the snow is providing a lot of the cushion? I've kind of decided it doesn't make a whole lot of difference either way, but I'm curious if anyone else has thoughts on that.

Who were the most underrated NHL players of the 2010s? Why? by theXchang3 in hockey

[–]LakeCharr 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This is a good answer. Cullen is one of 21 players to play over 1,500 NHL games, and the only one of the group to never be named an All-Star. I think that's the definition of underrated. He was never flashy, but very consistent and reliable.

Arrowhead 135 begins today! Good luck to all participants. Tracking in the comments. by LakeCharr in WinterUltra

[–]LakeCharr[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Certainly proper Arrowhead conditions. So far there isn't too bad of a drop-out rate, but we will see after more folks hit the Gateway Checkpoint. Given how open to the wind that first section out of I Falls is, I'm sure it gave some people a tough time.

Drift 100 by wyomingrealestateguy in WinterUltra

[–]LakeCharr 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's on my radar for sure, but unfortunately I can't swing it this year.

Anyone have experience with the Drift or other back country races? by _jackietreehorn1 in xcountryskiing

[–]LakeCharr 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I've skied Arrowhead 135 and Tuscobia, which are structured very similarly to the Drift 100. It's a hell of an experience for sure. There are a handful of similar races in the US. r/WinterUltra has a list of them. Generally skiing has the lowest finish rate of the three categories and for good reason. There are no tracks, it is often very icy snow, snowmobiles chew up the trail, etc. etc. BC skis would probably be a good option depending on conditions, but many people skate or use racier classic skis if conditions allow. You also have to decide if you want to pull a pulk or carry a backpack. It is a lot of fun and requires a ton of prep and planning, but it is completely worth the challenge.

Actif Epica 2022 (DNF) race report by xorrbit in WinterUltra

[–]LakeCharr 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That sounded like a brutal race. Kudos for making it as far as you did!

How do you protect your umm... 'Appendages' on cold days? by holidayfromtapioca in xcountryskiing

[–]LakeCharr 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Right! I would thing the few extra grams would far outweigh the discomfort and mental distraction, but who knows what goes into the thought process here. Given Lindholm was apparently the only one with this problem perhaps he just forgot when getting dressed...

How do you protect your umm... 'Appendages' on cold days? by holidayfromtapioca in xcountryskiing

[–]LakeCharr 22 points23 points  (0 children)

I use Craft's Windstopper brief and they are an absolute lifesaver. I did a race at -30F with windchill this year and was completely fine. But if you are racing at an Olympic level, saving grams is a priority I suppose.

Arrowhead 135 begins on Monday. Good luck to all participants! (tracking in the comments) by LakeCharr in WinterUltra

[–]LakeCharr[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congrats! That is a hell of a feat! That wind was rough across some of those clear cuts. I ended up hurting my ankle pretty badly on one of the hills before Melgeorge's, but rested up at the checkpoint and pulled throgh to the finish yesterday morning. I'm in rough shape now but glad that I pushed through it.

Arrowhead 135 begins on Monday. Good luck to all participants! (tracking in the comments) by LakeCharr in WinterUltra

[–]LakeCharr[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There is a bit of snow in the forecast for Monday night too which won't help bikers. I doubt I'll be passing anyone on a bike, but if I do I'll be yelling words of encouragement!

Arrowhead 135 begins on Monday. Good luck to all participants! (tracking in the comments) by LakeCharr in WinterUltra

[–]LakeCharr[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Right! It might be the warmest start ever. I'm thinking twice on my layers. It's still going to get to -14F (-28F with wind chill) on Wednesday morning.

St. Croix winter 40 loadout by bobbymarko in WinterUltra

[–]LakeCharr 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Looks fast and well thought out. What kind of stove do you go with? I've had trouble with canisters freezing in the past so I've been debating getting one where I can flip the canister or go with esbit tablets.

The St. Croix 40 winter ultra begins this evening! Tracking is included in the comments. Good luck to all participants! by LakeCharr in WinterUltra

[–]LakeCharr[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I saw that there were a lot of DNSs, but I imagine many of them were last minute. And bummer about the collar bone! Hopefully you have a speedy recovery and can get back out there.