Going Big

October has been huge:

-The first week, testing.

-The second, big volume and the Dempsey Challenge.

-The third, more testing (and fun) at Rangeley Camp.

This past week was yet another serious volume week, and we wish October goodbye this week with an even bigger one, the culmination of which is the Lobster Roll - a rollerski race between the Maine colleges out on the island of North Haven. It's the first time we will have had the opportunity to go head-to-head with other college skiers and as sports psychologist and team idol Jerry Lynch would say we are excited to learn from our competition. 

We are also excited to absolutely tear them apart.

This past Sunday, we took part in the annual tradition of rollerskiing to the ever-generous Fuller's house in Freeport. It was a 25-35 mile ski, and we were received in Freeport with dry clothes and Debbie's famous lasagna. Here are some awesome photos which Steve Fuller took as we neared his house; you can check out the whole set at flyingpointroad and also purchase a print for the mantle!

Stay tuned,

-Filly

The Fam, minus a few.

Made it!

Hello loyal bobcat fans!

While there were no Patrick Dempsey sightings, and no adventures on the tops of mountains in Rangeley, these past few days have been pretty eventful. As far as training goes, everyone on team has been doing a really impressive job staying strong and positive during a week of distance and intensity workouts, despite all of now present academic pressures that seemed so far away in Rangeley. This morning we did a skate rollerski interval workout in west Auburn, and afterwards many people from the team went to cheer on Gabby, who was running in NESCAC’s for cross-country.  

In other exciting news, yesterday we all went to watch the inauguration of Bates’ 8^th president, Clayton Spencer. I think everyone was impressed by the transformed Merrill gym, the speeches, Clayton Spencer herself and by the familiar face of Coach Becky walking in the processional.

Shout out also to INGRID KNOWLES, MEGAN MCCLELLAND AND NATALIE RUPPERTSBERGER who made appearances on campus this weekend!

And good luck to Sam and Nat in their marathon tomorrow!

RANGELEY RAP-UP

Rangeley Lake  

Every year at the beginning of October Break, your friendly neighborhood Nordies hear the call of the wild,  drop the books and head up North to Rangeley to throw down fighting Bobcat-style. After coming out of a big volume week, we ran, skied, and baked our way to success this year at Rangeley Camp 2012. A year for all-time highs and record lows, all three time-trial course records were soundly broken. It’s clear that summer training, determination, positive attitudes, and those extra PB&J’s are paying off. Here’s the following breakdown of each time-trial:

SADDLEBACK UPHILL RUN

Nerves were at an all time high as we drove up to the start of the 3-mile course. But as soon as we opened the doors of the van, sunshine dotting through the trees, the Bobcats put their heads down and got to business. Seany took off from the start with a healthy pace and led the guys to the very top, until Nick took the lead. On the girl’s side, Beth and Hallie led the way to the top, slaying a four-year record previously held by the one, the only, Megan McClelland. All of the returning girls (Beth, Gretchen, and Hal) PR’ed! First-place cheering goes to Gabby and her incredible encouragement at the hardest part of the course.

UPHILL DOUBLE-POLE

After an incredibly successful morning and a HUGE lunch (and some coffee), the colors of the wind were garnet and silver as we strapped on our classic skis for another test of physical fitness. The freshman girls put in some solid times; Jane McLearney was one second off the a Ruppertberger Record, achieving a time of 3:42. Hallie came in right after Janey at 3:43, a solid PR. 

Things continued to get interesting when the boys showed up. Lucas first poled his way to the top, beating Sylvan’s existing record. As news of a new record traveled to the bottom the course, Jordan threw down a time that would ultimately name him the fastest-ever double-poler in Rangeley and possibly the World. As no Bobcat is afraid of a challenge, Filly and Nick ended up breaking Sylvan’s record as well. In the end, Nick and Jordan tied with a record of 2:40. An overall tally indicated that there were 14 personal records on the first day of Rangeley Camp!

10-KM SADDLEBACK CLASSIC SKI

Petey getting ready to take off

Determined to keep this Party-train to Champion Town going, the Bobcats set out the next morning to the base of Saddleback mountain. Possibly on the of the hardest time-trials set in front of the Bobcats, all the returning girls took a bite out of their times from past years (Hallie, Caroline, Beth, and Gretchen), while the boys also put in a great effort with PRs from Jordan, Lucas, Seany, Pete, Connor, and Nick. Beth managed to beat a McClelland record, a true feat. Everyone put in their best effort and skied away full of accomplishment and BOBCAT pride. A big thanks to Nate and Lauren for their undying support and technique advice at the hardest part of the course. Wouldn't have made it without out you two.

Just some casual planking in the middle of the wilderness

Victorious Surprise Tuttle Pie

Rangeley Camp is always a great time for the team in many respects. However, arguably the most important and heated competition is held the last night of camp. After a four days of showing off athletic prowess, the Bobcats get down and dirty in the Apple Pie Contest. The array of culinary brillance included cinnamon sugar with just a hint of cardimon, homemade whip cream, and a crumble-top to die for. The winning team holds bragging right for a full-year. According to Becky, “the pies this year were the best” she had ever had the pleasure to eat. However, with just one taste of the sweet, sweet “Surprise Tuttle Pie” the judges were convinced of that only one pie could take the throne in this Game of Pies. I’m still convinced of foul play and bribery… PIE RJ 4EVER!!!!

Marge, Sam, Tchen, and Gabby at the top of soggy Saddleback Mtn.

This week was truly inspirational. The fighting Bobcat is dancing within us. We can try to reign it in but it’s too strong! YIP YIP MEOW!!!

<3 Gretch