I decided not to update the blog on a daily basis after the end of the first week, given there wasn't much happening in the way of snowboarding. This is quick round-up of how the rest of the trip went, and I want to mention a few things I'm gonna write about soon.
Saturday: my ankle was both sore and stiff after trying to ride the day before. I rested it, ice packed it, etc. Another day off. I think Ciara had mild concussion from a slam she took the day before also, she was ill on Friday night and generally feeling rubbish on Saturday...
I tried again on Sunday. Went up, took two runs and then came down again. My ankle simply wasn't up to riding. In fact, when I got down I went to the doctors just to get it checked out. 70 euros, ouch. But I can claim that back. In fact, I think a visit to the doctor's was necessary for the pending insurance claim.
Monday and Tuesday were used for resting the ankle. I finished a book, watched a bunch of films and met Ciara for either late lunch or a some drinks after she'd come down from the hill. The intention was to try riding for the last three days.
Wednesday was OK. I could ride around, but that was about it. Nothing fancy. I still didn't feel I could aggressively use my edges, and freestyle was out of the question. Still, I just about managed a full day on the slopes, and it was really nice to get out with Ciara, given she'd spent much of the second week shredding alone. It was around this time I realised how bad the straps on the new bindings are. More of that later.
Unfortunately a full day on the hill made my ankle swell up. It was pretty painful on Thursday morning; there was no way I was going to snowboard. A full day of rest, keep it up, ice pack it, and go out for the last day...
And, Friday, Day 14 was pretty damn good! Ciara and I rode around in the morning, just blasting down runs. Two runs in particular were awesome; just following in Ciara's tracks and then her doing the same. Much fun. In the afternoon I actually tried riding the park a little. Painful, but it was the last day, what are you going to do, right?
All in all, not the best snowboarding experience I've had :) As well as missing out on the actual snowboarding, I kinda feel a bit sad that there wasn't much to show and tell here. Writing about my snowboarding trips is the thing I enjoy most with this blog. I'd happily have simply followed Ciara around, taking photos and writing about what she was doing, but I needed to rest my ankle. I did at least do that for one day.
But these things happen, and we enjoyed just being there as well as relaxing, which isn't something I normally do in the mountains (the relaxing part that is). Eating, drinking, too much eating and just having a holiday together. I'm not going to say I wasn't feeling sorry for myself at times, because I was :) But like I said, these things happen and besides, there's no point in worrying about something you can't change...
Anyway, I'm back now, and there are a few things I want to touch on when I get a bit of time:
- Union Contacts: my new bindings with their lame straps
- Other gear: my uber fast board, an old jacket, new gloves and my goggles
- Thoughts on catered chalets: are they for you?
- Making a claim on your snowboard insurance - which I'll have to wait until it's been resolved...
- Thoughts on next season: where to go?
4 comments:
Gutted mate , seems you lived through one of my worst nightmares - taking an injury early on and ruining the trip - good luck for next time
ive had problems with the union straps too... the L/XL says its for boots 9.5 to 14... me being a 10.5 decided to get that size... then when i put my boot in its the same as you... fits but on the last run of the ladder... emailed union and asked about getting a smaller strap sent and they said no... so annoying.... thinking of getting cartels next year
ive had problems with the union straps too... the L/XL says its for boots 9.5 to 14... me being a 10.5 decided to get that size... then when i put my boot in its the same as you... fits but on the last run of the ladder... emailed union and asked about getting a smaller strap sent and they said no... so annoying.... thinking of getting cartels next year
Hey guys,
anonymous 1: yeah, an early injury is the worst! Much easier to take if it's in the second week or near the end, but on the first day, that definitely sucks. Still, I kinda feel like I've had one now, and it will be a good while before it happens again (hopefully) :)
anonymous 2: I totally hear you. I've sent a message to the shop that I bought them from and am waiting to hear back. I'll post up the findings with how it all goes. I'll be posting a few pics and stuff about the bindings too.
Thanks for stopping by!
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