While the cross-country skiing World Championships were taking place in Slovenia, Bill and Jack were writing their own history at the Lake Placid Loppet at storied Mt. Van Hoevenberg, site of the 1980 Winter Olympics. Perhaps almost as improbably as the hockey Miracle on Ice from those 1980 games, the NCMERs each triumphed in their age group in the difficult 12-Kilometer Challenge. Despite wearing heavy backcountry touring skis and boots, the two wily sliders used their well-honed classic strides to complete the course in a little over one hour and 36 minutes. Bill nicked Jack by a few seconds. Bill easily beat the other dude in the 60-69 age group, and Jack was unopposed in the 70+ class, but would no doubt have demolished any other septuagenarians who might have dared to race. The backstory of the race is that Jack, due to lack of snow and the need to recover from various accidents and illnesses, had skied exactly once before the race. Nor had Bill put in his usual miles on the white stuff. Next year they will no doubt both compete in the 70+ categrory. Perhaps on true skinny ski racing gear? Stay tuned.