Cross-country skiing - a ride through nature full of freedom

My favorite winter sport is cross-country skiing. When I was a child, I preferred downhill skiing, but gradually I found a greater liking for cross-country skiing.

Before you go, it is important to "grease well", this is the basis for success. However, I admit that I am not an expert in this and I always left it to my fellow skier... But then again, I don't think I've ever complained that he lubed me wrong.

I enjoy this type of movement, I feel it engages my whole body and makes me feel good. The landscape that appears before you often offers beautiful views... It's different than "hiking" though, the movement is usually more brisk and smoother at the same time.

A long glide and a firm bounce, a whole body interplay, when you find the right style, you ride more easily and with more enthusiasm. Popular routes can be found, for example, on the well-known Jizerská magistrála. But we can also look for nice trails in our neighbors e.g. in the vicinity of Štrbské Pleso. Of course, there are situations when you ride style/not style and you are glad that you finally reach your destination.

I experienced one of these recently. We had lubricated well, but gradually all the lubrication was rubbed off the skis and it was as if we hadn't lubricated at all. At a time like that, skating and "treeing" is the most rewarding, only it's "a chore" to skate and I'm just not trained enough to "give" the whole trip like that. Not to mention my imperfect style. I mean, the snow was not in our favor, we were sliding backward, and we were already such ideas as turning the skis, etc. I was alternately "walking on skis" and occasionally trying to skate a few times to get somewhere... A group of girls in down jackets passed us. They looked bored. But they were doing better, I don't know what they used to grease them with, anyway, we met them a few more times.

I didn't feel very sporty at that moment, I took off my cross-country skis and walked because it was almost faster. Almost like a kind of "Indian run", if you know what I mean? Walking and skating alternating where I could. But I didn't have much energy. Although, apparently, anyone who says, "I can't do it anymore," can do it three more times... Well, I just preferred not to say anything, so that I could keep up the energy until the end.

When we finished, I must say that my husband was very supportive, when he came back to ride with me for a while and then waited again, I was very happy to have a shower and hot chocolate. You know when you are in some discomfort and you imagine what it will be like when you finish, classy? That thought "drives" you on.

What about you, readers, do you have a favorite place you like to go? Or an interesting experience or a pub to relax in?