Jacque Janssen, arts/features editor
University Daily Kansan / Thursday, January 14, 1988
Leisure
11
SKIKANSAS
Flatland winters get a lift from cross-country sport
By Stacy Foster
Kansan staff writer
You might think it's a joke, but it isn't. Skiing in Kansas has become a serious sport for those who want an outdoor winter activity.
Chuck Adams, assistant manager for Sunflower Surplus, 804 Massachusetts St., said that in the past few years the popularity of cross-country skiing had increased dramatically despite the lack of heavy snowfall.
The ideal condition for cross-country skiing is 4 to 16 inches of snow, Adams said.
Cross-country skiing is an appropriate winter sport for this area, Adams says. It's convenient, less expensive than downhill skiing, easy to learn yet still challenging. It's a good way to enjoy the outdoors and get a workout.
"Many of the people who ski have a regular warm weather activity and want to do something during the off-season to stay in shane." Adams said.
"Cross-country skiing is one of the best aerobic exercises there is because you use your full range of muscles," he said. Depend on a "cruiser number" (the second behind swimming)
Andrew Merrick, Lawrence freshman,
windsurfs in the summer and skis cross-
country in the winter. He began skiing
because he wanted to do something to stay
in condition in the winter.
"I like to be outdoors a lot, and this is a good way to stay in shape," he said.
great way to stay in shape. Merrice: I will get him doing better than runners. "You don't get as tired as much, probably because you don't notice it as much. It's exhilarating."
Sunflower Surplus and Litwins, 830 Massachusetts St., carry full lines of cross-country skiing equipment and also rent skis by the day.
--public: $3.00; KU Students: $1.50;
Senior Citizens and Other Students:
$2.00.
Compared to downhill skiing, cross-country skiing is less expensive. There are no lift tickets to buy. Rental is about $8 a day and a package to buy including poles, skis, boots and bindings can range from $110 to $200. Downhill skis cost about twice that amount.
Cross-country skiing is convenient. Lawrence has plenty of flat space available; the nearest trails could be right in your backyard. No more waiting in long lift lines. No more being weary of miniature hotdoggers on the slope.
One family has created a private winter sports resort right in its own backyard. David and Susan Millstein, owners of Sunflower Surplus, have about three miles of ski paths on their 120-acre farm south of Balawin City.
The ski trail was originally cut for a running trail. But Susan Milstein realized that with a little extra effort, they could have their own cross-country ski trail.
Skiing has become an activity for the entire Millstein family. Their oldest children, Josh, 10, and Audrey, 8 have been skiing since 1995. Casey, 3, is just starting to hit the trail.
"They skii really well. They are very competitive. Nobody likes to be last in line except mother. It's a great way to wear them out." Millstein said.
"It really helps to have the trails so close. Since Kansas doesn't have a long ski season, everything has to be ready so you can take advantage of the snow while it's here. Right now, we're into ice skating."
Mary Cheng, 45, Lawrence resident,
bought her daughter a set of skis two years ago. She used to borrow her daughter's set.
She loved her daughter. The Cheng decided to invest in her own set.
Cheng also has been discouraged by the lack of snow. She said she didn't get out as often as she liked. But she likes to ski on the jeeves north of the Kansas River and at Centenial Park.
"Last year I only went out about five times. This year I've been out twice." Cheng said.
Leslie Patterson, Topeka junior, got more than she ever expected from cross-country skiing. She decided to ski to class one day last winter and met Brian Cafc-frey, Tonganoxie senior, nearly running him over on the way to class. She apologized, and he asked her out to dinner.
McCaffrey, Tonganoxie senior, never had skied before he met Patterson. He said cross-country skiing was a relatively easy sport to learn.
"It just takes a little coordination. It's like walking on skis; you have to develop a pattern." McCaffrey said.
"Leslie introduced me to it when we met. Now I also like to hunt on skis because it's quieter."
Golf courses, wooded areas and wide open spaces are all good for cross country golf.
Jerry Waugh, senior vice president for Alvamar Golf and Country Club, said skiers often used the golf course. He said the club was glad to be able to provide a service when the course was otherwise empty.
"We've been sking ever since," she said.
"They are at liberty to use the course at any time," he said. "We just ask that they stay off the greens. We don't assume any responsibility." And they, they have to, to skip at their own risk.
John Folz, club manager for Lawrence Country Club, said he did not want skiers on the course.
"Due to the liability and possible damage to the greens, we would rather skiers didn't use the course." Folt said.
There are plenty of public places around Lawrence available for skiing. The Kansas River leeve is a favorite spot for skiers, Adams said. It has a good clear path and covers more than eight miles.
Fred DeVictor, director of Lawrence Parks and Recreation, said River Front Park had several trails that could be used for cross-country skiing. He said that the 10 miles of trail on top of the levee was a popular place to ski, but that many other trails in the park could be used.
Clinton Lake also has a three-mile trail made especially for skiers. Clyde Umscheid, park ranger at Clinton Lake, said the lake was available to the public at no charge.
A forested area was cleared in 1981 for paths complete with trail signs indicating where curves were and where deer might cross.
Umscheid said the trail got a lot of use when there was good snow. "With the last snowfall we counted 66 in one Sunday afternoon," he said.
Cross-country skiing is different from its steep slope counterpart.
Cross-country skiing requires a different type of equipment. Adams said that cross-country skis were more flexible, lighter and narrower than downhill skis.
Cross-country skis can have a patterned bottom surface or a smooth bottom surface. The patterned surface does not require waxing but still provides a good grip. The smooth surface needs waxing, and different waxes can be used for different snow conditions.
--public: $3.00; KU Students: $1.50;
Senior Citizens and Other Students:
$2.00.
Different poles also are needed. Cross-country ski poles can come up to the shoulder, while downhill ski poles come up to the elbow.
A noticeable difference when looking at a cross-country skier is that the foot is secured only at the toe of the boot. This allows for a wide range of movement.
Adams said. With a downhill ski, the entire foot is fixed. The downhill boot positioning gives control at high speeds.
But knickers aren't necessary. A lot of men won't wear knickers, Adams said, but wool pants do just as well.
Because the sport requires a person to be out in the cold, proper dress is a necessity, Adams said. The key is not to over dress, something that many beginners do.
Jeans aren't practical because they retain too much water and can freeze. Jeans can absorb their weight in water, making them very heavy and uncomfortable when they get wet. Wool pants are better because they absorb less water than jeans and still keep you warm when they get wet.
"Knickers are ideal for skiing, with long socks," Adams said. They allow freedom of movement and are not as restrictive as you might think, moving you won't get cold. Adams said.
Adams recommends long johns, tights and nylon pants with a turtleneck and wind breaker. [for use]
Joe Wilkins III/KANSAN
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