Even in 2020, it’s rare to be rollerskiing through mid-December. But that’s what we’ve got right now! It has been impressive to see all the kilometers logged by MNC folks for the NENSA December Club KM Challenge.
During the challenge, and as we’ve spent more time separated from one another, the daylight factor has become REAL. The other day I went for a solo rollerski and started at 3pm. By the time I ended my ski just one hour later, it was getting dark. Too dark for me to feel safe even though I had a bright yellow shirt and blinking light on my waterbelt.
Through Strava and various user submissions I’ve kept a light glancing tab on what time of day folks are out skiing. Please make sure to always wear bright clothing! If you have one, a blinking or even just static small light is advised. You can get these at a lot of local hardware stores.
Keep in mind the interview with Sun Valley’s Rick Kappala that was referenced in an earlier blog post…the most visible our sport is to the “real world” is not where we are skiing at isolated cross country ski centers in the winter…it’s when we’re rollerskiing in public. Be visible to cars, choose your routes carefully, and take a look at the time of day. At this point, it’s not recommended to be rollerskiing later than 4pm.
For another reference, please see this Fasterskier/USST article on Rollerski Safety Best Practices.
Thanks!
