As Close As I Get

16"x12" woodcut print

This is the first woodcut print I have done over this winter break. Subjectively I thought this would fit the medium quite well. If you don't know, I am very into nordic skiing, and I find it to be an important part of who I am. This print was an attempt to depict the peace and beauty I find in nordic skiing. Overall, I am happy with the print. The only problem I run into is an inability to quickly get the dark value i would like from the print. As I print these by hand, it takes about 45 minutes of strictly pressing to get close to the value I would like. Short of buying a press, does anyone have any recommendations on how to print them quicker?