Hi,
If you are looking into getting into Nordic, you have some options. It
all depends on what you want to do, but I'll give some suggestions.
There are different disciplines in Nordic:

skating (freestyle)
classic (traditional style)
touring (a slower/easier version of classic)
backcountry (even slower/sloggier version of classic, but also off-trail
downhill also factored in)

As a cyclist, you would probably want to focus on learning how to skate,
which is now by far the most popular form of xc skiing. It is the most
like cycling and is the fastest form of xc skiing. However, it is not
good for backcountry skiing. You probably wouldn't care about that
anyway.

You will definitely need/want to learn how to classical ski. It is the
most versatile and is a must to learn unless you only ski on perfectly
wide, groomed tracks. Around NM/CO you need to learn how to do it for
sure.

The equipment for the different disciplines is unfortunately very
specialized and not very useful in cross-discipline applications.
Personally, I own at least one set of equipment for forms of Nordic
skiing, except jumping (we don't have any 70-120 meter jumps around
here!). I do some backcountry stuff in early and late-season skiing,
touring with friends or on the golf course, but mostly training for skate
and classic races (I compete almost every weekend from early December to
late March). I was once a serious cyclist too, but now I have a lot more
fun Nordic skiing as a "primary" sport.

There is a such thing as a "Combi" ski, that makes a nice compromise
between skating and classic. I find them OK for the intended purpose,
but now have no use for them. There is also a "combi" boot to go along
with it -- either the ankle cuff has a removable plastic stabilizer, or
it is a softer, mid-height cuff that works in both applications.

For you, I think combi packages are a good way to go. They are somewhat
"inexpensive", and a good way to learn both disciplines. You'll
eventually be able to graduate to better performance equipment, and have
the combi stuff around for early season, thin snow conditions.

There are a lot of websites for ordering equipment. I personally like
these:

www.akers-ski.com
www.reliableracing.com
http://www.gearwest.com/
www.telemark-pyrenees.com (European, but good!)
http://newmoonski.com/

Good luck, and hope to see you up at Pajarito Nordic ski trails sometime.

Clay Moseley


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