andymikesell's Blog

It's early October and the trees are peaking, the nights are crisp and we can resume having fires in the fireplace. While I enjoy fall and all the traditions, to me it's the engagement before the wedding day: first tracks.

In anticipation of the season, there are several annual "ritual events" I attend to bring me through to the other side into winter. These include:

1. September annual Tent sale at my local ski shop, SKi Stop in Westwood, MA. Here Phil discounts last years equipment and clothing at up to %70 and it really gets me going.

2. The annual International Beer Fest in Providence, RI. I know, technically not a ski show, but on the heels of Oktoberfest it only seems appropriate.

2. The November showing of the annual Warren Miller film. This year it's Children of Winter.

3. The annual Boston Ski and Snowboard show at the Boston Expo center. This year's show is the same day as Opening Day at Loon. (Ironically it also the same day as the Wellesley Craft Fair, which means it results in a fantastic time for the kids and me - we don't have to be dragged from stall to stall looking at painted wooden spoons and quilting, not that there is anything wrong with that!

In summary, instead of working out and getting my legs and knees ready for the season, I spend most my pre-season at beer festivals and trade shows. Oh well, my legs are always jello the first week anyway.