I was in the shop from 7 AM to 7 PM molding boot parts, mostly for the 275 size.  They’re looking good.  I have to attend to some family business today, but Dave will be working on trimming the parts for the next assembly step.

Unlike an injection molded ski boot, the Dodge Ski Boot is thermo-formed from a flat sheet of carbon fiber composite laminate so, after it is removed from the mold, it needs to be trimmed to the finished dimensions.  A little more work, but we think the results are worth it.

We had some really good trials over the last couple of days with the boots.  Good enough that at least 2 pair are headed back to Europe with some racers from the U.S.  Go fast guys!  We’ll update you as we are able.

I’ll be back in the shop in the morning.  We have another racer who wants to take a pair of boots with him when he returns to the circuit, so I need to finish up tweaking his boots.

Careful driving … snow forecast for later today.

Bill

Dave & I had a great couple of hours at Cochran’s yesterday.  Cold and very windy in the Green Mountain state, which caused the “big” areas to have wind holds.  But not Cochran’s!  Nice skiing and high school race camps.  A number of kids from MMSC there too.

Had some good face to face with a lot of good skiing people who were interested in the boot and, for many, it was the first time they’d seen it.  Nice feedback, too.

Some on-snow trials from at least a couple of guys back for the holidays from racing in Europe.  We expect at least a couple of pairs to be headed back to Europe in the next few days.  Whoo hoo!

One thing we’re finding with fitting the boot is how important it is to align the cuff.  Unlike a rubber boot where there is some play, the Dodge Ski Boot has a stiffer cuff that likes to be lined up for the individual skier’s leg.  It also plays an important role in the comfort.

Watch WPTZ television.  They had a camera at Cochran’s and got some nice shots of the Dodge boot in action.

Take care.

Bill

I love Vermont.  Snowing, blowing, cold.  Froze this morning plowing driveway.  Bwahahaha!

Good day to drive over to Cochran’s and let some of the racers there test boots.  Had a nice visit from Warner Nickerson last night.

Warner was the very first racer to try our original prototype  boot last March at Cochran’s during the TGFSnowmaking race.  And now he’s picked up a pair to test for use on the Europa and hope fully WC.

Easy fit for him.  Just a slight cuff alignment and he seems good to go.  Tested the sole height and he’s actually a few millimeters lower in his new Dodge Ski Boots than his Head boots.  This he likes.

Look for him today.  (And yes, he’s buying them.)

Who’s next?

Keep warm.

Bill

• Beautiful day with Bonnie & the kids. Joy in our world. No tears. Life is really good. #
• snowing today. must test boots. then make boots. then plow driveway. maybe moondawg's tavern later. #
• Good skiing yesterday. Good boot tests. More materials today. Make lots of boots. Yahoo! #

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We had a very nice one here is Essex.  Early with just the immediate family.  Really relaxed and enjoyed each other’s company.

Peter Dodge stopped by in the early afternoon.  He hadn’t seen the shop yet.  We haven’t seen each other for quite a while, so it was really good to catch up with him.  I can’t believe we’ve known each other for over 40 years!

Afternoon and evening with Bonnie’s family.  Nice dinner, gathering and fun/spirited Yankee swap.  Meredith won out with the home-made beer!

Yesterday was a really busy day in the shop.  Spent about 6 hours cutting carbon fiber parts for making Dodge Ski Boots.  Made enough uppers and lowers for 12 pairs of boots.  Doesn’t sound like much until you realize it takes 8 pieces per pair!  That’s a lot of work on the bandsaw to cut the pieces from the flat material.

Today I will be starting to mold some of those parts and doing some assembly for some 255s.

Busy tomorrow with at least one racy visitor.  Will update you afterwards.

Dodge the raindrops today.

Bill

Beautiful day with Bonnie & the kids. Joy in our world. No tears. Life is really good.

Beautiful Currier and Ives scene outside.  Lots of light, fluffy snow in trees.  Very Christmas-y.

Will be cutting some carbon-fiber sheets this morning for Dodge Ski Boots so Dave & I can make parts after Christmas.  Better to stockpile the materials.

Saw a long-time (not old!) friend at Stowe yesterday … Gordie Eaton.  He was up showing Buster Adams how to turn `em. Looks terrific and is even still using the Bouton Goggles I gave him 10 years ago.  It made my day. Way to go Gordie!

Getting some nice inquiries from people on the boots, racers and non-racers alike.  Feel free to send your questions to me through the “Contact” link on the website.

I’ll work on compiling as much of the information and questions and putting them on the website soon.

Have a wonderful Christmas.

Bill

Played hockey.  Tested boots at Stowe. Bench racing and lunch with Broken Toys at Sunset Grille. Did some Christmas shopping.  Made boot parts. Moondawg’s Tavern.  Good day!!!

Dodge Ski Boots were even better today after doing a cuff alignment.  Better performance and more comfort. Love it.

Ready for Christmas?

snowing today. must test boots. then make boots. then plow driveway. maybe moondawg’s tavern later.

Looking good.  Have you reserved your pair with PJ?

Boot testing tomorrow, followed by more part production.

Thought you might like to see the crew.

Bill