Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the next hike?

WAMXC schedules a variety of events and lists all on the WAMXC home page. Google map links will direct you to the meeting point.

I arrived late. How do I find you?

WAMXC events start promptly at the posted time. If you arrive late at the venue, call one of us via cell phone or just hope to find us on the trails.

Where do you meet after the workout?

We gather for coffee and replenishment following workouts. The coffee venue is sometimes considered to have higher priority than the workout venue. The WAMXC calendar lists locations for "after". Most workout listings include links to the after venue. "check the website".

Do you arrange car pooling?

We don't, however, we do encourage car pooling. We do not list personal addresses or meeting spots for car pooling on the website, primarily for security reasons. An email to the list might smoke out others who live nearby or on your proposed route.

What should I wear?

Fashion faux pas are rare on WAMXC hikes. Review the "My First Hike" page to get a glimpse of hikers in action.

Will you add me to the mail list?

There is an icon on the WAMXC home page for the email list. We don't have a ton of email but we do use the list for last minute changes, short-notice workouts, car pooling and a little other chatter.

Where exactly do you meet?

The website contains links to Google maps showing the exact spots where we meet.

Do I need ski poles for hiking?

Poles are not required and not encouraged for first timers. Ski poles slightly shorter than the correct length for classic skiing help develop neuromuscular responses and a little strength. We use poles for XC ski imitation but this technique is learned and not intuitive.

What's this I hear about "unsolicited" advice?

We do not have coaching but we have a lot of experience. It's rare that someone does not offer advice on something, especially related to training or skiing. We like to say that we offer unsolicited advice about problems you never knew you had.

Do you stop to eat or drink while hiking?

We eat and drink on the fly. Although, we do stop occasionally, one should be prepared to drink and eat while working out. We carry water and food so as to be easily accessible while moving. A backpack, for example, might easily carry a bottle of water and some food, but generally requires stopping, removing the pack and digging through storage pockets. Hydration packs are especially popular in the hot summer months when the workouts are of long duration. Belt packs find use, too.