KICK…GLIDE THROUGH WINTER
by Melody Banks
FIVE YEARS AGO FRIENDS CALLED AND ASKED MY HUSBAND AND ME TO JOIN THEM FOR AN AFTERNOON OF CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING.
We were a bit apprehensive. Our Minnesota
friends grew up cross-country skiing; both of us were 50 years old and had lived most of our lives in Iowa farm country. We’d never really had the opportunity to try it before. I was up for a new adventure but Hubby declined.“You go then let me know how you like it,” he offered. So I went… I was amazed at how much fun it was. It was easier than I could ever have imagined. I was toasty warm in 10-degree weather! Even falling down wasn’t too bad. Getting up, how-
from Boyd’s Lodge and skied at their resort near Crosslake. Rentals are also available from Martin’s in Nisswa, Easy Riders in Brainerd or Cycle Path and Paddle in Crosby. Once you make a commitment to continue skiing any of these shops usually offers package deals and their staff can personally outfit you with equipment best suited for your weight and height. One of the first lessons we took was offered at the Northland Arboretum in Brainerd and taught by Brainerd Nordic Ski Club member Tom Beaver. Beaver has taught the class for the past several years. Before retiring he coached winter sports in Edina from 1969-1997.
ever, was a challenge. The next time I went Hubby to come along. Now five years later, we each have our own equipment and he
Today Beaver skis for pure pleasure. He has even developed a short two-mile trail just off the Wilderness Road near
has cut trails through our woods so we can slip
his home north of Nisswa. He
into our gear, break a trail and go out whenenever we want. We have become converts. I am convinced that everyone who is able ble should give cross-country skiing a try. It offers a wonderful way to get outside in the he fresh air and beauty of nature. It makes thee long winter months more tolerable and it iss a great way to get or stay fit. Central Minnesota is fortunate to have some of the best cross-country skiing opportunities our state has to offer. Anyone interested in trying the sport can do it without making a huge investment. Several shops, and some resorts, offer
The author’s friend, John Plein, p auses for a break fr om skiing along the trail at Boyd’s Lo dge near Crosslake.
rental equipment. During our first trips out, we rented the skis, boots and poles Photo Provided by Melody Banks
M e l o d y
B a n k s
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