Janeway Cup, Stratton Giant Slalom, Sunday January 27, 2002 I was in awe of the striking architecture, posh shops, the number of condominiums, the skiers' attire, the rapid six-person lifts and the even pitches and grooming that make the skiing smooth for everyone in the families that make Stratton their home area. It's a long way from that rope tow in Fitzwilliam that my father took my family to in the forties. There are now some parking alternatives at Stratton, too. Rather than the $20.00 one, I can tell you that my selection was Lot # 1. For me, cheapest is best, and free is even better. I think that I will omit the list of racers that I suspect share my view. It would basically be the same as the entry list. I do want to suggest to you that the Stratton giant slalom on the North American trail is one of, if not the, finest of the GS races in our fine series of GS races. It was even better this year with the lift towers removed. The course setter now has complete choice in locating the gates. I felt that the courses were well-set with the turning gates at varying positions across the hill and in relation to the dips and rolls. For me, the courses were fast and long. I often feel trepidation before a GS, and I did at Stratton, but I felt exhilaration skiing it, and I was pleased afterwards with the way that it was. I went up to carry down coats after my runs as I customarily do, and the young men who I didn't know were most appreciative. I and my competitors in Class 8 are very appreciative as well when one of the women or the young men carry our things down. When it's my turn, I like the opportunity to break the ice a little with others and to watch remarkable skiing as I go down beside the course. Afterwards, the awards were delayed while the New England Patriots beat a team from Pennsylvania. We wrote notes on a poster to wish Nadine Price a speedy recovery. In addition to being one of our top competitors, Nadine contributes and helps in many ways. I remember trying to help her when she was pulling down fences for us after a Super G at Wildcat. Speaking for the group, Nadine, we want to encourage, support and root for you. The Stratton race is the Janeway Cup, which is in memory of Senator Janeway. Every year, it is awarded to the fastest man and woman over the age of 40, which, translated, means Class 4 and above. This year the winner among the men is Doug Tucker. In addition to winning the cup, Doug was third overall, beaten only by Pat McNamara and John Pierce, both of Class 3. I don't know whether Pat and John regret that they aren't older. Those in closest contention for the Cup for the men after Doug were John Grush, Robert Andree, Bob Hill, Kevin Nolan and Jim Nash. The Janeway Cup winner for the women is Lisa Densmore. Lisa was second overall; only Jessie McAleer of Class 2 was faster. Margaret Vaughn was the next woman in line for the Janeway Cup after Lisa and then Anne Nordhoy. Patti Lane and Lisa Dietrich followed Margaret and Anne in the Cup lineup. Very good, ladies. Even with the cash call at Stratton for five dollars from those of us, myself included, who relied on the handbook rather than the web site, the races are a great bargain for us. I would like to thank our sponsors, Atomic Skis, Sean Florian's Florian Tools, Denby Pottery, Buchika's Ski and Bike, Swix, George Merrill's Artech and Mount Gay Rum. I would just mention that I obtained new goggles and gloves from George and that I thought that I skied better in the GS. I would also mention that Harry Bellefonte said that the rum is good any time of year. Bob Butler
Results:
Stratton GS Bob Butler is a class eight racer residing in Wilton, Connecticut, whose first ski race was a New England Masters race at Sunday River in 1994. He had been a recreational skier since the mid 60's and after the Sunday River Race became more or less hooked. A long time runner and road racer he started attending some race camps and more New England Masters races. Bob, an attorney, recently retired as the Chief Litigation Counsel for Union Carbide Corporation. |