B16 - The Terrace Standard, Wednesday, December 8, 1993 Avoid bad rocks If there was a Top 10 list of cur- Iers excuses. in why shots are missed, number two would be poor ice conditions and number one would be bad rocks, The parlicipants are referring to the inconsistencies in the playing suifaces and the equipment that are major concerns in curling, Curling ice is not like hockey or skating ice. It is important for the surface to be level so ‘that the stones don’t drift to one side oT the other. The ice shouldn’t be tao thick, or frost build up will prevent the rocks from gliding easily down ihe sheet, or taking a curving path to the target end. The temperature of the ice and the pebble water must be tight, or the pebble water (sprinkled on the ice before the game) will sit too flat to allow the rock to grab on and thus. curl. Even if curling ice is put in well, proper maintenance is very important, The: thickness of the ice is maintained by first using equipment that scrapes or melts the top surface, and then flooding — the surface with more water. If the scraper blade isn’t level, or if the melting is uneven, runs (dips going the length. of the sheet) will develop i in the ice that causes the stones to run a straight line. Although they’re made of granite and weigh 44 pounds (20kg) each, curling stones are very delicate pieces of equip- ment, The performance of each stone is affected by wear, as both the running surface and the hit- ting surface wear down over time. Biathlon trials in January WINTER GAMES trials for the Biathlon will be held on Sunday January 16 at the Omineca Ski Club, four miles soullt of Burns Lake. there will be ‘no registration after Jan Tis. PAR is The-B: C Winter Games are to be held in Smithers this year from - March 10'-13 and for the second time, the sport of biathlon has been included, The Bulkley Val- ley Ski: Club has added a brand new range for the games. Biathlon combines cross coun- try skiing with target shooting. Compelitors ski several loops, coming into the range to shoot bree or four times during the mace. Distance varles from seven to 1S5km. All races are free icch- niques which means you may skate by swinging the skis out or by using traditional techniques. Younger skiers leave their rifles at the range, while those 17 years -and older must carry them on their back.- Everyone: will need. basic cross country skiing. equipment’ ‘and. a 22 calibre rifle with adjustable sights. Some use a five-round clip, but it’s all right to single load your ammunition. You will. . need target velocity .22 ammuni- - tion and older competitors will need a strap or-hamess to carry your rifle and a pouch to carry your ammunition. The range will be open at 10 a.m, of the race day for site set- ting. The race will get under way al 11 am. There will be.a $5 entry fee and you must be a full member of © Biathlon B.C. prior to the trials, so make sure you join early enough to get-your: membership card. . oe . This will be a entry-level race but it is required that competitors have some shooting experience, . Beginners may gain experience at your local rod‘and gun club. ’ Send your membership fees to Wendy Norquay, Biathlon B.C.Membership, Box 490, Sal- mon Arm, B.C., VIE 4N6. - Juniors (under 18) $15, Seniors (18 and older) $40, _ For more information or entries ‘call Kate Pierce al 695-6579 or write Box 500, Francols Lake, ‘B.C. VOS-1RO. -Preregistration- is advised, £3 Help open doors for Diabetes Please | ‘Volunteer Call 732-4334 oF ~ 4 800-465-0526 ASSOCIATION CAHADIEMNE .. | AMER CERN, CAHADIAN ; pIABETEs” andl ASSOCIATION 1. We gee age BUONBETE, |. LINDA MOORE The hitting edge is a roughened band that protrudes slightly, and when it flaltens out rocks start hitting on the polished granite and chips appear. ‘The running surface is a cir- cular edge approximately 3/16 — inch (Sem) wide; andthe main problem is pilting caused by ei-. ther water being absorbed into the tunning: ‘edge and ~ freezing (usually because the rocks are not properly chilled before going-on ~ he ice), or racks being stored on a gritty surfacc, or rocks. going over rough surfaces in’ the icc area, When a pit appears the stone will not run consistently, as ‘the running edge erat the pebble in an uneven manner, . and ‘small : _ imperfections in the ice. or pleces | of debris on the ice will disturb the progress of, the stone: down the sheet, : The improper “Use and slorage can be very costly to-a club as the purchase price for one stone is about $700, Rocks should lest 25 -years or. more, but ofien must be re-condilioned or replaced much sooner because of carelessness. What doe all this mean to the curler? Every player must know how to avoid damaging. the ice. surface and the stones, DO NOT: sel astone on wet ice. (it absorbs water); store stones between games on the backboards (too warm); pile stones on each other. or an-abrasive surface (causing . pitting); push. or throw stones so that abnormal impact is “made (damages hitting “surface); or. use shoes or: brooms that are _ yough. and. “scratch the ice, or leave unusual amounts of debris. And, in order to: perform well on all ice susfaces and with any stones, curlers should study tech- niques on reading ice and match- ing stoned, as well as the strategy © to utilize on difficult ice surfaces. (These topics are the subject of the n nex column) “Yamaha accessories offer a wide range of products for” outdoor and indoot winter fun. Whether you are planning a weekend excursion with the family or a day at the races, everything you need is here at your fingertips. 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