Our Journey

I finished 5th at the Europa Cup PGS Thursday in Nendaz, Switzerland.  The German coach set an extremely tight giant slalom course.  I had a slow first run, but bounced back strong to win the second run and qualify fifth.  I got bounced in the quarter-finals and ended up fifth.  It was a fun race and most importantly great training for the World Cup tomorrow which will be held on the same hill.  I’m excited for a fun race tomorrow. I love the hill.  I’m relaxing today, watching the Wengen downhill with Zac, Ian, Annie and Missy.  Tonight we have a public bib draw in Nendaz.  I’m stoked to be back in the top seed again.  I freerode on top of the mountain this morning to get the feeling for tomorrow.  The snow was perfect and the view spectacular.  Missy, Annie and Rima are here cheering us on.  We’re ready to rip tomorrow. Go AST!

5th Place Europa Cup, Nendaz, Switzerland

Talk to you soon,

CK

We had a fun morning of training at Kreuzberg Pass, Italy today.  It dumped here the past days; it’s winter wonderland outside.  I love it here.  The food, people, mountains and lifestyle are hard to beat.  It feels like our home away from home.  It’s a nice break in-between World Cup races.  We’re training the next few days, then heading to Switzerland.  I’m  looking forward to some rodelling and skate skiing the next few afternoons as well – gotta mix it up a little.  I had some bad luck in training this morning breaking my training board – more work for Ian.  He’s cursing me now, sorry buddy!  I’m going to get horizontal and watch the Adelboden giant slalom race.  Talk to ya soon,

CK

I had a super fun race yesterday in Kreischberg, Austria.  It was an awesome event.  I was super stoked with my riding.  I was close to advancing to semi’s, but just came up short.  I was bummed, not being able to continue riding, as it was such a fun hill and perfect snow.  The crowd was insane; there were a few thousand people at the bottom.  Nothing like snowboard racing in Austria; they know how to do it right.  The race was aired live across Europe on ORF-1.  Unfortunately Zac was sick and was not able to start, so I had to step it up and get the job done for the both of us.  He’s feeling better and I know will bounce back strong.  We’re at Kreuzeberg Pass, Italy for a few days training and relaxing.  It’s one of my favorite places in the world.  Kreuzeberg is located in the Dolomite mountains in the Sud-Tirol region of Italy.  I’m staring at the radest view of the mountains from my room.  We’re training hard the next few days, getting ready for a Europa Cup at Nendaz, Switzerland on Jan. 14th, the same hill we will race the next World Cup and qualifier on Jan. 17th.  We’ll be working hard this week to try and find the podium in Nendaz.  To set the record straight I’m currently leading the 2010 AST Chess Championship.  It feels so good.  Bring it on Zac – you’re my chess bitch.  Thanks for all your support.  Happy 2010!

CK

We had two days of awesome racing action at Copper Mountain, Colorado.  The conditions were perfect for carving.  It was a strong field of international riders.  I got off to a fast start in Thursday’s Giant Slalom race, winning the first run.  I ran into problems on my second run and fell to fifteenth.  I was bummed I didn’t hold on for a podium finish, but stoked to be riding fast.  Friday’s PGS was super fun.  I had a good battle with Canadian Rider Jasey Jay Anderson.  He advanced to semis, beating me by. .02.  I was hoping to claim a podium in the two races, but stoked with my riding and loving working with Rob & Ian and my AST Teammates.  There’s no doubt in my mind that AST is the best program to put us all in a position to accomplish our snowboarding goals.  I’m excited to work hard this week training at Copper and be ready to rip in December.  We travel to Italy in early December for our World Cup PGS Opener in Limone Piemonte, Italy on Dec. 6th.  We will keep you posted!  Thanks for checkin’ in!

CK

Tons of snow on tap for today in the Rockies.  Hopefully I’ll be able to scoot away for a free ride sometime this weekend.  Would love to get in a few turns like this!  

CK

We finished up our final pre-season training camp on Friday, and the teams ready to roll for our first event in Landgraff.  For a glimpse into exactly what this last camp was like, check out the awesome coverage we got from Thomas Boyd and the Oregonian last week!

I wanted to personally thank everyone that’s been a part of this venture with us, and remind you to keep up with AST throught the season!

Thanks,

CK

Another great week of training at Mt. Hood for AST.  Our coaches Rob and Ian pushed us hard this week.  We made about one-hundred twenty-five slalom runs this week on the lower mile at Mt. Hood.  It’s amazing how many laps you can get in a few hours with sleds. Mt. Hood has been super supportive in helping us create a sick training environment. Our cat and sled driver Chris rules. He’s fitting right in with the AST gang.  He’s helping make the rides up entertaining. He’s now an honorary member of AST. I’m really proud of everyone on the team. I think it’s some of the best slalom riding we’ve all done. There’s a cooperative attitude amongst the team and a true team spirit I haven’t seen in years. I believe AST gives us all the best chance to ride fast this winter. The mornings at Mt. Hood are early and it’s sometimes hard to get going, but it’s absolutely beautiful early in the morning watching the sun rise and being the only people up there training.

I’m excited for one more week of hard training before Landgraaf. I’m having a lot of fun riding slalom again. This weekend I’m recovering at home in Sisters, Oregon with my family. I’m looking forward to relaxing, watching some football and getting on my mountain bike this weekend. We travel to Amsterdam in early October for our World Cup indoor slalom opener on Oct. 9th at SnoWorld in Landgraaf, Netherlands.