OUTSIDE
+
INSIDE
Stay active and fit indoors this Fall
Let it Snow:
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Trail Running Insanity
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Eastern WA Brewery Roadtrip Hike of the Month
Ski Season Winter Weather Outlook
Learn to Ski This Winter
Nov 13 - 17, 2013
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Out There Monthly / November 2013
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In This Issue p.5 / From the Editor
MONTHLY
Bringing the Outdoors Indoors By Derrick Knowles
p.6/ photo of the month
“Scotchman Peaks Wilderness”
www.outtheremonthly.com Out There Monthly / october 2013
p.7 / Out there news
Publishers
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p.8 / Shoulder SEason Blues
Editor
Derrick Knowles
Will Bike for Beer
Visual Editor
By Derrick Knowles
Shallan Knowles
p.9 / Health & Fitness
senior writers
Jon Jonckers, Brad Naccarato, Amy Silbernagel McCaffree
GettingYour BodyTuned for Ski Season By Ben Greenfield
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p.10 / Outside Inside
Guide to Indoor Fun & Fitness By Amy Silbernagel McCaffree
Contributing photographers:
Shallan Knowles, Gabriella Makena
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p.18 / Gear Room
Buying New Ski Gear
p.19 / Outdoor living All Free Range By John Eliason
p.20 / On The mountain
Alpine Skiing/Boarding Special Section
p.22 / Hike Of the Month Upper Priest River Trail
p.23 / Last Page
Out There Monthly
Mailing Address: PO Box #5 Spokane, WA 99210 www.outtheremonthly.com, 509 / 822 / 0123 FIND US ON FACEBOOK Out There Monthly is published once a month by Out There Monthly, LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. ©Copyright 2013 Out There Monthly, LLC. The views expressed in this magazine reflect those of the writers and advertisers and not necessarily Out There Monthly, LLC. Disclaimer: Many of the activities depicted in this magazine carry a significant risk of personal injury or death. Rock climbing, river rafting, snow sports, kayaking, cycling, canoeing and backcountry activities are inherently dangerous. The owners and contributors to Out There Monthly do not recommend that anyone participate in these activities unless they are experts or seek qualified professional instruction and/or guidance, and are knowledgeable about the risks, and are personally willing to assume all responsibility associated with those risks.
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A Life Well Lived
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By Bea Lackaff -------------------------------------------------------------On the cover: Kevin Longmeier climbs the rope at DÜratÜs Crossfit Gym // Photo by Shallan Knowles
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Spokane Weather Stats for the month of November: • Average temperature: 35.1 • Inches of rain: 2.2 • Cloudy days: 27 • Clear days: 3 Conclusion: Take advantage of those precious sunny days! Sign up for a fitness or yoga class, get a gym membership, or commit to a home workout and stick with it to help beat the shoulder season blues.
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trail Mix: Shoulder Season Survival
If you don’t ski or snowboard, make this your year to learn or get back up on the slopes. It will change the way you look at winter! With a history of early season openings, Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area could be open for skiing as early as Nov. 9 this year. Think snow.
From the Editor: Bringing the Outdoors Indoors
If you stepped outside at all this summer, you don’t need me telling you it was a bad yellow jacket year. Our 100+-year-old house and backyard garden seem to be especially prime wasp habitat, and we had more than our fair share of nests hidden around the place this year. One particularly problematic colony developed on the side of our house, right above the water spigot under the siding. It didn’t take long before the daily watering ritual became an adventure of dodging “bees” and trying not to get stung. Yellow jackets reportedly keep other garden pests in check, so I figured I’d do my best to co-exist. By late summer, there were so many zipping back and forth through the wild bamboo along the side of the
house that we only messed with the water at night when they were hiding out in their nest. It took a sting to the stomach while feeding our chickens and a garden that was wilting from a few missed waterings to convince me that co-existing was no longer working. That night, armed with a can of yellow jacket spray, expanding foam, and my headlamp, I hosed down the gap between the siding and foundation that was their front door and quickly filled in the hole with foam. I hoped that would be the end of it, but had a bad feeling that trying to keep a swarm of tenacious, hyperactive critters trapped inside their home (and ours) maybe wasn’t the best idea in the world. The next morning, we woke to a swarm of agi-
tated yellow jackets inside the house, beating their little heads against the glass of our living room window. The pest control guy we immediately called confirmed my suspicion. Trying to seal up a wasp nest like that is a really bad idea. Our yellow jackets are long gone now, but this month’s cover story – which highlights ways to stay active and fit and keep from bouncing off the walls this fall – got me thinking back to how desperate those trapped wasps were to get outside. While we’ve had some incredible fall sun this year, at some point the colder temps and gray, wet weather always arrives and drives many of us indoors and away from the outdoor activities we love. I have learned over the years that keeping myself
locked up inside without enough exercise isn’t a sustainable shoulder season strategy. Think angry, agitated swarm of house-bound yellow jackets in human form. I’ve found a good mix of indoor fitness activities – from time on the stationary bike, to yoga and other exercises – along with bad weather biking, hiking and running, that keeps me happy and relatively sane until ski season. I hope this issue helps you find some ideas and inspiration to bring your passion for the outdoors inside with you this fall! ------------------------------------------------------derrick knowles, editor derrick@outtheremonthly.com
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PhotooftheMonth
PhotO: kevin Goltz
Jolene Pollock, with their pup Pele and Kevin spent the day hiking around the Scotchman Peaks Wilderness. With an early start they witnessed the transformation of a thick fog over the Clark Fork River valley into a splendid sight of beautiful fall foliage.
November’s winner receives Two Boxes of Beaners donated by Omega Pacific. Send your 3 mb or less, hi-res (200+ dpi) submission with caption to photos@outtheremonthly.com. Best photo entries will be picked for upcoming issues and entered for an OTM give-away.
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Out ThereNews Trail Connection Caught up in Controversy The City of Spokane unveiled plans to renovate and expand the rustic Ben Burr Trail that runs between the East Central and South Perry neighborhoods at a public meeting last month. With $1.7 million in federal transportation funds in hand, and a history of interest from the neighborhood in improving and connecting the trail (the neighborhood plan calls for connecting the trail to downtown), the city was prepared to move forward with the project as early as 2014 before being confronted by local residents with serious concerns. The project would include paving and widening the existing Ben Burr Trail that runs from Liberty Park up near 11th Ave. as well as connecting it to the Centennial Trail near the University District and to the city’s bike route network on Third Ave. The expanded trail would run under I-90 on the Perry Street underpass to make those connections. Neighbors’ concerns largely center around the
proposal’s call for turning the existing 1 mile long, primitive gravel trail into a 10-12’ wide paved path that would change the wild character of the existing trail. Proponents of the project make the case that it would be a tremendous asset to walkers, joggers ,runners, cyclists and residents of the adjacent neighborhoods who currently have few safe routes for commuting downtown. While the federal funds come with certain stipulations that might not be transferable to a scaled back version of the project that local residents might support, citizens who would like to see some version of the proposed Ben Burr Trail project move forward should urge the city to look at possible compromise solutions that would fit within the funding parameters. Comments on the project can be e-mailed to dbuller@spokanecity.org. The project will also be discussed at an upcoming East Central Neighborhood Council meeting.
New Climbing Wall at Whitworth The new athletic facility at Whitworth University features a state-of-the-art indoor climbing wall. Located in the southeast corner of the newest building on campus, the climbing wall is 32 feet high with approximately 2,500 square feet of surface area. Asana, a climbing company based in Boise, Idaho, is responsible for the intelligent padded floor and a majority of the climbing holds. “This new wall is an incredible resource and educational tool that is changing lives. The vision to create a vibrant climbing community at Whitworth is happening before our very eyes,” says Brad Pointer, the climbing wall coordinator at the Whitworth facility. The general response from the student body has
been great. Obviously, the first week of school witnessed the most traffic. Nevertheless, the wall is used every day, and increasing numbers of veteran climbing students are bringing new friends to try out the sport. For now, the wall is only open to students and staff, but the long-term goal is to create a Whitworth-only climbing comp and join the NC3 circuit (Northwest Climbing Competition Circuit). At this time, the wall fosters roughly 65+ boulder problems and 30 top rope/lead climbing routes. The wall is stacked with challenges for every age and ability. Thanks to this progressive investment from the leadership at Whitworth, we can expect to see a lot more strong climbers on the north side of Spokane.
The Light shines down on whitworth’s new climbing Wall // Photo: Jon Jonckers
Score Ski Gear Deals at the SARS Ski Swap in Sandpoint, Nov. 9 The Schweitzer Alpine Racing School (SARS) Annual Ski Swap is one of the region’s top winter sports equipment and clothing events featuring thousands of new and used gear being sold by both individuals and regional sports vendors. It’s a great way to upgrade your old equipment and prepare for another incredible
North Idaho winter. The swap is held at the Bonner County Fairgrounds (4203 N. Boyer Road) in Sandpoint on Saturday, Nov. 9 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission is $2 per person or $5 for a family. The annual event benefits the SARS’s ski racing and freeride programs for over 150 local and regional athletes ages 5 and up. www.sars.net
River Access Improvements Coming to Spokane Valley The new Sullivan Bridge out in Spokane Valley will be more than just an investment in infrastructure. With plans to expand Sullivan Park, restore the river’s riparian area, and remodel the river access site to include a stone stairway to the shore, the project looks like a win for transportation and rafters, kayakers, and recreational floaters. Project manager Craig Aldworth said he appreciates working with the river community, citing the Spokane River Forum and Spokane Canoe and Kayak Club, who continue
to bring well considered ideas and realistic expectations to keep the project moving forward. After the old bridge is replaced, which is expected by the second half of 2015, new river access will be installed for the public. Prior to bridge construction, Sullivan Park will be expanded westward to include a grassy area and a picnic shelter. This new section will remain open during construction, while the eastern section, including river access, will be closed from about March 2014 to October 2015.
Winter Wildlands Alliance Backcountry Film Festival Comes to Sandpoint Nov. 22 It’s time to dust off the skis and celebrate the fun and beauty of winter at the 9th Annual Winter Wildlands Alliance Backcountry Film Festival as it makes its Sandpoint appearance at the Panida Theater on Friday, November 22 (the festival is also hosted in Spokane later in the winter). The 10 unique films included in this year’s festival will inspire you to get out in the backcountry this season. The festival was created in 2004 to highlight Winter Wildlands Alliance’s efforts to preserve and promote winter landscapes for human-powered users. Films not to miss this year include Valhalla, the new one from Sweetgrass Productions; Bolton Valley, a story
of how a small community fought to save their beloved ski area; the latest from Powderwhore, as well as several others. Funds raised from the Sandpoint festival showing this year will help Selkirk Outdoor Leadership & Education (SOLE) provide intentional, affordable, and accessible outdoor education for local area youth. To facilitate this, the showing in Sandpoint serves up a silent auction for those in search for some holiday outdoor gift ideas; a raffle of various local goods and services for all attendees; and a VIP pre-event with additional benefits including premier seating. More info at www.soleexperiences.org.
Fight Over Methow Valley “Hut” Heats Up An unfinished cabin that protrudes into the viewshed on a pristine ridge above the Methow Valley continues to draw fire from area residents. Legal action has been filed by the prior owners of the property who believe an existing covenant that restricted such view-busting developments on the ridgeline property was violated. The hut, a private cabin above the small community of Mazama, is only permitted for use 60 days of the year because it lacks water or a septic system. It was designed and is co-owned by renowned Northwest architect, and Spokane native, Tom Kundig. Critics of the hut note that the structure looms large from many locations in the upper Methow River Valley and that it is the only private intrusion on a virtually unaltered ridgeline in the entire upper Methow Valley. Locals who want to see the hut moved out of
sight to maintain the beauty and character of the valley have launched a grassroots “Move the Hut” campaign (www.movethehut.org). The Methow Valley area is well loved for its rugged beauty, recreational opportunities and proximity as a gateway to the North Cascades mountains. “The people care deeply about this landscape. We believe the hut owners’ private aesthetic shouldn’t trump the public one,” says Move the Hut organizer Bill Pope. “We can only hope the owners are hearing our voice and will move the hut. They will truly be welcomed members of this community when they do.” The legal challenge continues to move forward with a trial date expected sometime next year. A short documentary video about the Methow hut controversy is online at http://youtu.be/ lllN6ubp-DA
Jingle Bell Run/Walk Returns to Spokane Spokane’s 7th Annual Jingle Bell Run/Walk to benefit the Arthritis Foundation will take place on November 16, 2013, starting and finishing in the Gondola Meadow in Riverfront Park. It is the largest holiday themed event of its kind in the nation. Many participants sport holiday themed costumes (there’s a costume contest component if you’re feeling competitive), or bells on their running shoes, and there’s a No-Li Brewhouse sponsored “Holiday Cheer Garden” to add to the post-run/walk festivities. The event has developed quite a local following, with over 3,000 people expected to participate
this year, which will help raise over $100,000 to fund research programs aimed at finding a cure and providing support for the estimated 67 million American adults who have diagnosed arthritis. The festive, philanthropic event includes a 5k Run, 5K Walk and 1K Children’s Run with the Elves. Participants can also expect giveaways from featured sponsors, food samples, live music and kid’s activities. Event registration includes a t-shirt and is available online through Nov. 10, and then again on Friday NOV 15, as well as the morning of the event. Details at: www.spokanejinglebellrun.org November 2013
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ShoulderSeasonBlues
will bike for beer Nov 2: Chocoholic Frolic Nov 28: BRRC Turkey Trot more info at www.runnersoul.com Spokane's only running specialty store.
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By Derrick Knowles
The fall shoulder season with its shorter, often wetter and colder days, is prime time for bike rides to your neighborhood pub or longer adventures to drinking establishments a bit further afield. Creative routes, including forays through parks and other urban wilds with sections of singletrack thrown in, can make the ride much more fun and interesting, and your beverage of choice that much more earned when you arrive at your final destination. Be sure to dress for the weather, wear your helmet, and bring along bike lights to help you see and be seen. And don’t forget your bike lock. Here are a few ride recommendations and group ride suggestions to help motivate you to get outside to pedal for your beer this fall: South Hill/Bluff Ride There are plenty of options for different pub rides on Spokane’s South Hill, ranging from singletrack dips down into the vast network of dirt trails on the Bluff (make sure you have a quality bike light for any night time trail rides), to more mellow cruising along High Drive Parkway. From High Drive, work your way east on residential side streets between 14th and 29th Ave. towards Manito Park, where one can wander around on the park’s paved pathways until you’ve built up a sufficient thirst for your final destination. Manito Tap House is right around the corner from the park and one of the most bike-friendly pubs in Spokane, with prime bike rack placement, a repair stand with tools, and they sell bike tubes if you happen to need one. As a Bicyclebenefits. org business partner, once you have your $5 helmet sticker, which you can get there, Manito Tap House offers 10% off their non-happy hour food menu for members who show up on their bikes (see sidebar for details). Downtown Spokane River Loop Ride Start this ride at the Rocket on W 1st Ave. and Cedar – it has a surprisingly good selection of bottled and tap beer and of course baked goods to carb load for your excursion (it closes at 8 p.m.). Head south to Riverside Ave. then east towards Riverfront Park. Pick your bridge over the river, then turn west and hop on the new addition to the Centennial Trail at Monroe. Pedal along the Centennial Trail past Kendall Yards until you’re pretty much above the confluence of the Spokane River and Latah Creek, and then take the side trail down to the Sandifur Bridge and People’s Park. Hang a left on W. Riverside Ave. up the hill into
yoga Gentle and Flow classes daily. Warm, knowlegeable teachers meet you on your yoga path, from beginner to advanced. Ready to take the leap? Learn to teach your passion! Next Teachers Training starts February 2014 www.mellowmonkeyyoga.com 8
Out There Monthly / November 2013
Browne’s Addition, then right on S Hemlock St., and left on Pacific Ave., pedaling the few blocks to Pacific Avenue Pizza to get your Bicyclebenefits. org helmet sticker ($5, see sidebar), and a discounted slice and a beer. After that well-earned pick-me-up, head north a block to W 1st Ave. and continue east back to where you started. Your last stop is Andy’s Bar next to the Bike Hub for a nightcap or two. Andy’s is a great place to park your bike for a while – they have a full bar, rotating beer selection, board games, and a menu with perfect post-ride burger and pub food selections. FBC Sandpoint Missing FBC Spokane rides? Head to Sandpoint next full moon for a wild and crazy time. Sandpoint’s FBC rides each have a theme (check their website) and start at Eichardt’s Pub. Next ride is set for Nov. 17. www.fbcsandpoint.com Swamp Ride The Swamp Ride is one of a few pub rides that have popped up to meet Spokane’s growing demand for social gatherings that involve bikes and beer since the FBC Spokane went buh-bye. They are billed as casual, full moon rides that begin at the Swamp Tavern in Browne’s Addition www.facebook.com/swampride Fourth Friday Pub Peddlers Another newish pub ride worth checking out, the Fourth Friday Pub Peddlers, also meet at the Swamp Tavern on, you guessed it, the 4th Friday of each month with stops at different drinking establishments. www.facebook.com/pubpeddlers Spokane Party Trolley What better way to entertain visiting friends and family over the Thanksgiving or Christmas/New Years’ breaks or bond with co-workers (make it a holiday office party on wheels?) than by bundling up for a tour of downtown Spokane watering holes on a guided, pedal-powered, music pumping party trolley? The Spokane Party Trolley is a fun and unique way to explore the city in the winter, enjoy a few drinks, and get just enough exercise to stay warm between stops. Spokane Party Trolley is offering discounted winter rates starting Thanksgiving weekend, including rides on Black Friday that make for the ultimate calorie burning alternative to the biggest shopping day of the year. As long as the streets are clear, the trolley will roll all winter long. www. spokanepartytrolley.com//
Bicyclebenefits.org—Ride Your Bike, Save $$ on Food and Drink Did you know you can get special discounts for riding your bike to a handful of restaurants and bars around Spokane? To start enjoying discounts at places like Manito Tap House, The Lantern Tavern, Pacific Avenue Pizza, and other Spokane-area eating and drinking establishments, ride your bike to any one of the local Bicycle Benefits Business members listed on their website and pay $5 to get your all-weather, reflective helmet sticker that will serve as your ticket to Bicycle Benefits discounts at participating locations in cities around the country. www.bicyclebenefits.org
Health andFitness Getting your body tuned for ski Season
i ke Like a S e B o k N i s B ’ e w n o T h er
By Ben Greenfield
When you need to whip your body into winter sports shape and prep for ski or snowboard season, there’s no point doing single joint exercises such as biceps curls or calf raises. After all, when was the last time you did a biceps curl motion while skiing? Instead, utilize full body exercises that incorporate multi-joint movement for a combination fitness and lung boost. Here are 5 exercises that fall into this category: 1. Clean and Jerk – Using a barbell or dumbbell, explosively lift the weight from the floor and up to your shoulders, then press the weight overhead by splitting your legs into a lunge. 2. Deadlift to Press – Using a controlled motion, lift a barbell or two dumbbells from the ground, then press overhead. Return to the starting position in a slow and controlled manner as you push your butt out behind you. 3. Squat-Thrust-Jumps – Squat down, kick
your legs out behind you, kick your legs back up into a squat, then jump. These are also known as the dreaded “burpee.” 4. Swing Squats – Holding a dumbbell or kettlebell, swing a weight with a straight arm halfway up, drop down into a squat, then explode and extend the weight above your head. 5. Woodchopper – Begin by holding a medicine ball or dumbbell diagonally across your shoulder, then with relatively straight arms, chop across you body until the weight is outside the knee area, as if you’re chopping wood. Perform 3-4 sets of the exercises above, using 8-12 repetitions and only enough weight to allow you to maintain good form. Try the entire sequence as a circuit for a killer winter sports prep workout. Videos of these exercises (and many more) are in the exercise library at PacificFit.net.//
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Full body exercises can get you ready for ski season // Photo: Shallan Knowles
November 2013
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Climb the Walls
Split Dog at the Mellow Monkey Yoga Studio // Photo: Gabriella Makena
Outside Inside: Your Guide to Indoor Fun and Fitness for the Fall Shoulder Season By Amy Silbernagel McCaffree
Resist the urge to hibernate during the colder, grayer “shoulder season.” Perhaps easier said than done. After all, it’s often too ______ (fill-in-the-blank with current nasty weather condition) for ________ (whatever you most like to do outside). And there’s not enough snow in the mountains for alpine sports. But take heart – indoor fitness activities and adventure await and abound in the Inland Northwest. Be creative, be bold – try something new. Thrive this winter. Here are some ways to do that.
“Climbing is one of those sports where you can make it as easy or as hard as you want. Sport climbing can be cardio intensive, and it helps build endurance, whereas bouldering is more of a powering workout – where you experience a shorter but more intense muscle workout,” says Todd Mires, Wild Walls’ general manager, who has been rock climbing for 18 years now. Climbing improves your grip, flexibility, balance and overall body awareness, says Mires. “It’s a fullbody workout.” Additionally, a climber engages his or her core muscles while working to keep one’s body close to the wall – “so that is good cross-training for anything,” he says. If you’re new to rock climbing, no worries. Wild Walls, in downtown Spokane, offers four Vertical Introduction Classes a week, specifically for beginners. “Our walls have various degrees of difficulty. If you can climb a ladder, you can climb at our gym,” Mires says. “Climbing gyms used to be an intimidating environment, but we’ve worked to make it a more welcoming and friendly one for beginners.” You can rent a climbing harness and shoes ($6.50/package), and an adult day pass costs $15. For more details, go to wildwalls. com. In Cheney, Eastern Washington University’s 30-foot indoor EPIC Climbing Wall is open to EWU alumni and community members who purchase a $7 day guest pass or a monthly or annual membership. Day passes allow use of all amenities at both the University Recreation Center (URC) and the Sports & Recreation Center (SRC). More details at www.ewu.edu/epic/climbing-wall.xml. Sandpoint Rock Gym, a new non-profit, co-op bouldering gym, is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons for members and day-pass visitors.
Finding inner strength // Photo: Gabriella Makena
Get CrossFit More holds than you can shake a chalk bag at // Wild walls climbing gym WMCA sets up lanes for lap swimming // Photo: Gabriella Makena
10
Out There Monthly / November 2013
“At its core, CrossFit is a strength and conditioning program. Better cardiovascular endurance and stamina and increased strength will… benefit any winter recreational or sporting activity,” says Kevin Longmeier, owner and head coach at CrossFit Dūrātus. “CrossFit workouts are great training for any and all outdoor pursuits. Over the last 6-8 years, I have developed a great passion for mountaineering and backpacking. Having spent a lot of time in the North Cascades and Selkirks, I can honestly say I am not only stronger physically, but also mentally because of my CrossFit training. The functional movements and intensity of CrossFit workouts have helped increase my strength, endurance, flexibility, efficiency and mental toughness in the outdoors.” A CrossFit (CF) workout uses minimal equipment to create a diverse, high-intensity workout. Affiliated with the global organization, there are now three locally-owned gyms, or “boxes” (CF lingo for a training facility), in Spokane: CrossFit
Spokane in the University District, Predation CrossFit in east central Spokane, and CrossFit Dūrātus near downtown (located next door to Fleet Feet). North Idaho boxes include Coeur d’Alene CrossFit, Lotus CrossFit, CrossFit Lake City and CrossFit Sandpoint. Farmgirlfit also offers functional, creative, and challenging workouts in an upbeat atmosphere specifically designed for women (inspiring videos and more info: www.farmgirlfit.com).
Farrah & Gianna reach for the sky // Photo: Gabriella Makena
Balance Your Body and Mind with Yoga
“Yoga is amazing for mind-body awareness – meaning, the connection between your mind and what it wants the body to do. And how quickly and efficiently the body reacts is improved,” says Sara Johnson, yoga instructor at North Pines Yoga and Pilates. “This can cross over into many sports by increasing reaction times and decreasing the chances of injury when using poor body mechanics. Yoga is also great for increasing strength and flexibility. This will allow you to participate in activities longer with less soreness at the end of the day.” Yoga is zero to low impact and is safe for most anyone, she says. “For more active people looking to increase agility and flexibility, I would recommend a more dynamic or ‘flow’ style class. The ‘flow’ classes have more movement and you can get some good cardio training. There are usually balance poses that will work on core strength. The beauty of Yoga is that any time you are in a pose that works on strength, you are also getting length in the muscles.” You can also look for a Yoga workshop that is specifically geared for winter sports conditioning, such as the one offered at North Pines Yoga and Pilates studio from Nov. 7 through December (Thursdays at 6 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m.). “We have this wonderful thing called proprioception that basically tells us where we are in space and time. Meaning if I close my eyes and hold my arm out in front of me, I know where my arm is even without looking at it. Yoga helps fine tune your proprioception,” says Johnson. Improved proprioception, core strength, and flexibility from pre-season yoga training will make a big difference on the ski slopes. With so many different Yoga studios and class
options in the region, Johnson recommends giving different ones a try. “Each yoga student will have a different experience at each studio. Find a studio that you feel connected to, one where you enjoy going and feel like they know you. Make sure that you feel heard when you are speaking with the instructor about specific wants and needs,” she says. Harmony Yoga, on Spokane’s South Hill, offers 11 different classes, from gentle yoga to classes specifically for men and women age 50+ of all ability levels. Spokane’s South Perry Yoga is a collective movement arts studio offering Hatha Yoga, Tai Chi and dance for all levels and ages. Instructors emphasize safe structural alignment in the Iyengar tradition and incorporate a variety of yoga styles and movement arts. It offers private and semiprivate classes, Therapeutic Yoga, and Massage with certified staff. www.southperryoga.com. At Mellow Monkey Yoga Studio, in the Spokane Valley, your first yoga class is free. If you like it, purchase a studio membership or a punch pass. The studio also provides community yoga days where all classes are free and open to the public – the last ones for this calendar year are Nov. 6 and Dec. 3. Garden Street Yoga in Coeur d’Alene offers a “Tri Yoga” class for serious triathletes looking to cultivate the edge of faster recovery, enhanced mental focus, and fewer injuries. Yarrow Hot Yoga & Wellness Studio in Spokane offers both Bikram style, where the yoga room is 105 degrees, and Baptiste flow, which is 97 degrees. In Sandpoint, Zest Inspired Living offers hot yoga classes. And Wild Walls climbing gym offers power and flow yoga classes. “I’ve noticed a definite improvement in flexibility [when I’m climbing]. It’s more like going to therapy—it feels really beneficial mentally,” says General Manager Todd Mires, who has been taking the flow yoga class the past few months.
Spin Your Wheels – Stay in Biking Shape
Spinning, a stationary bike workout, can help you maintain cycling and cardio fitness when weather and road conditions aren’t inviting. Large fitness facilities, such as the YMCA and Oz Fitness, offer spinning classes – as do small fitness studios like Precision Pilates in Spokane and Xhale Pilates Studio in Sandpoint The Bike Hub has a “Spin Room” in its Spokane Valley store location (and hopes to offer one at its downtown location by this winter) that hosts free group spin classes. Bring your own bike and trainer (the shop also has some available to use). Check their schedule at www.thebikehubspokane. com or call (509)-443-4005. For ultimate convenience and schedule flexibility, you can use a bike trainer at home. A trainer mounts a bike’s back wheel, which provides resistance, and the front wheel is placed on a block, which can be anything durable and steady, such as a phonebook, according to Zach Hettinger, The Bike Hub’s valley store manager. Or you can buy a specific trainer block ($10-50+). “Magnetic and fluid are the two most popular types of trainers,” says Hettinger. “Magnetic are slightly noisier, and if you want to control the resistance you either get off your bike and manually adjust it, or use a remote that attaches to your handlebars.” ($150 and up). “Fluid trainers ramp up the resistance as you’re pedaling, to better mimic outdoor riding. They’re also the quietest,” he says ($250+). At-home trainers make it easy to
cycle while watching a movie or listening to music. “When spring comes, you’re in cycling shape and ready to go,” says Hettinger.
Make the Gym Your Fitness Friend
Want to hit the slopes on opening day without sucking wind at the end of each run? Consider taking a Ski Conditioning class at Physical Therapy Associates (ptassociates.net), located on Spokane’s South Hill. Hour-long classes run Nov. 4-Dec. 12 on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 a.m. or 6 p.m. “This is a circuit type class focused on the muscles used on the hill,” says Lisa Dittmar, certified personal trainer and fitness instructor. “Building on our philosophy of bridging the gap between physical therapy and daily fitness, we offer a multitude of classes … for most any level fitness,” including TRX (Total Resistance Exercise), Pilates and yoga classes. Boot Camp—without the dog tags or buzz cut—may sound intimidating but really isn’t. Training Ground (t-ground.com) offers weekday classes at its unique South Hill facility, which opened September 3 after being remodeled and transformed from its original 1930s schoolhouse layout. “Our Boot Camp classes are really mat-style… an intense 45-minute workout and something to do at your own pace, at your own skill level, whether you’re a beginner or an extreme athlete,” says Tyler Dickerhoof, one of the Training Ground co-owners. As a bodyweight centric workout using minimal equipment, Boot Camp provides improved strength for people looking forward to the alpine sports season, according to Dickerhoof. This means crunches, push-ups, frog squats and sprints combined with the use of bands, sandbags and curls with kettle bells—to name a few activity examples. “Our real focus is that it’s personal training in a group atmosphere. For people looking to be involved in winter sports, Boot Camp is not only specific to certain conditioning types but it has a multi-faceted sport level. After people stop being active outside in the fall, Boot Camp keeps you going,” he says. Training Ground will also begin offering TRX classes in November. The Stronger Runner 12-week training program at Fleet Feet Sports begins Nov. 18 for “runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts to focus on functional and core strength,” says Wade Pannell, owner of Fleet Feet. At the Fleet Feet Sports Training Center – which is also the home for CrossFit Duratus – there will be twice weekly, one-hour gatherings for TRX and CrossFit classes, running form drills, stretching and occasional runs. Fleet Feet is also organizing a Winter Warrior program—a point-based, friendly yet competitive social running and event program, according to Pannell. For details about these and other upcoming events, go to www.fleetfeetspokane. com/training. Women seeking a non-traditional fitness routine with a “keep it simple, get it done” attitude should check out Farmgirlfit, a women-only gym located in the University District. Founded two years ago by Gonzaga alumni Jenni Niemann, women receive personalized training during “The Grind” classes. If you want an indoor winter workout to feel more like a party, try Zumba. Go online to zumba.com and use the search tool to find classes near where you live or work. One drop-in option, for example, is Jenny Angell’s 30-minute Zumba
class on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Dance Center of Spokane. Class starts at 10 a.m. and costs $3. Spokane Parks & Recreation and many other gyms also offer Zumba classes.
swimming laps for excercise // Photo: Gabriella Makena
Swim Laps, Train for a Triathlon
Train for a spring triathlon, swim laps or enjoy family swim time inside while it’s cold, dark and dreary outside. Here’s where to go. With three YMCA locations in Spokane County – Central (near downtown Spokane; close to REI), Spokane Valley, and North Spokane – it’s easy to get to a pool for a lap swim, open swim or a water fitness class. Annual memberships and day passes are open to anyone –$8 for children (up to 18), $15 for adults, or $30 for a family. Or find a friend with a membership and be a guest for a day! Hours are Monday-Friday, 5 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m.-10 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m.8 p.m. And you get more than the pool – check online for aquatic schedules and group fitness classes. Your day pass fee can be applied towards annual membership, should you decide it’s where you want to spend more of your days this winter (day pass users, bring your own towel). More info: www.ymcaspokane.org or (509) 777-YMCA. Eastern Washington University’s aquatic center in Cheney offers both lap swim and open swim times every day except Saturdays. The pool has diving boards and an 18-foot diving tank, one of the deepest in the Northwest. To use the pool, community members can purchase a $5 day pass, a 10-visit pass ($25 for individual or $50 for family) or annual pass (prices vary). Day passes provide access to all amenities in the Sports & Recreation Center, usually referred to as “the Phase,” which includes indoor tennis and racquetball courts and more. If you opt for the University Recreation Center’s (URC) $7 day pass, you’ll also be granted access to the fitness center, climbing wall, ice arena and more. EWU lap swim schedule hotline is 509-359-2888. For other info, call 509-359-6923 or visit www.ewu. edu/campus-recreation/sports-and-recreationcenter/aquatic-center.xml. And if you’re interested in improving your swimming skills, EWU offers a Stroke & Skill Clinic every Wednesday from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. included with a pool admission fee. Other indoor swimming pools for public lap swim or water exercise classes include Whitworth University, Spokane Community College, the Kalispell Tribe of Indians’ Camas Center for Community Wellness (near Cusick, Wash.), and The Kroc Center in Coeur d’Alene. Want to run or walk on an underwater treadmill? Swim against a current? Physical Therapy
Associates can help, thanks to their 13’x15’ pool with two underwater treadmills and available resistive current. Thirty-minute pool sessions can be scheduled in advance after paying a membership fee for the fitness studio and pool.
Family Fun! at sky high sports // Photo: Hannah Heber
Bounce Off the Walls at Sky High Sports
Energetic music sets the tone at this massive indoor trampoline place in east Spokane. Enjoy a fun, low-impact workout bouncing off and around the trampoline floors and walls, play dodge ball, or join a 50-minute AIRobics class. Cost to jump is $10 for the first hour, and $5 for the second hour Monday-Thursday only. Jump with your family, even your little kids – every Monday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., is “Munchkin Mondays” where kids age five and younger can jump for $6/hour (ages 2 and under are free). For a complete schedule and pricing information, go to www.spo.jumpskyhigh.com.
Surf’s up in the silver valley/ Photo: Gabriella Makena
Surf Silver Mountain
Surf ’s up at Silver Rapids Indoor Waterpark Resort at Silver Mountain. Bodyboard or surf the FlowRider® continuous wave, thanks to 60,000 gallons of water per minute flowing at 35 miles per hour. Surfing lessons are offered on weekend mornings before the waterpark opens ($19/ person, one-hour), but the FlowRider lifeguard attendant also offers tips and a safety line to help ...Continued on pg 12
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SPORTS DRINKS
beginners establish balance by providing tension when one gets the wobbles. “People compare it to snowboarding in deep powder,” says Katie Sullivan, who’s been a lifeguard at Silver Rapids for two years. Sullivan offers three tips for surfing the FlowRider: keep your shoulders squared, put 80 percent of your weight on your back foot, and relax. Besides surfing, the rest of this waterpark isn’t just lazy river and water slides. Getting to the top of the three major slides alone requires climbing 81 stairs. The “Moose Sluice” family raft ride is the longest ride, and may also be the most thrilling. You can also play water basketball at the “Hoop Lagoon.” And at the end of the day in this 84-degree building with its sky-light roof, you can feel happily exhausted – just like a summer day at the beach – with time left to ponder your upcoming powder days. Silver Mountain’s first day of operations for its gondola, chairlift, trails and tubing is scheduled for Nov. 29. Although Silver Rapids is an exclusive amenity for guests staying at the Morning Star Lodge, admission can also be purchased for groups of 15 or more people. Winter hours are Fridays (1-8 p.m.), Saturdays (10 a.m.-8 p.m.) and Sundays (10 a.m.-7 p.m.), with weekday openings during the Thanksgiving and Christmas vacation seasons.
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Dreaming of a powder landing
// Photo: courtesy of Rossland Mt. Film Festival
Inspire Yourself for Adventure at a Mountain Film Festival
Get stoked for high adventure at the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour, renowned for its exciting and inspiring films that highlight mountain culture, climbing, travel and nature. This collection of award-winning films – usually short ones, or shorter versions of longer films – will be shown in Spokane on Nov. 15-17, hosted by Mountain Gear at the Bing Crosby Theater. $14 tickets and $40 festival passes are available at Mountain Gear. If you miss these dates, Mountain Fever in North Idaho will host the Banff Festival in Sandpoint on Jan. 23-25 and in Coeur d’Alene on Jan. 26-27. Or perhaps take a road trip to Canada for the Teck Rossland Mountain Film Festival, Nov. 13-17, in Rossland, B.C. – home to Red Mountain Resort and the Seven Summits mountain bike trail. The historic landmark Miner’s Hall is where most of the festival events and film screenings will occur. More info at: www.rosslandmountainfilmfestival.com.//
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Everyday Cyclist Stop Signs are for Cyclists Too This year I took many different ways to and from work during my bike commutes. Consequently, I witnessed many instances where drivers and cyclists created unsafe situations for the person on the bike. Drivers: When a bicycle pulls up to a fourway stop let them take their turn like everyone else. When you skip your turn and wave the bike through, you have one to three other drivers who may not know what’s going on. They see that you’re not going and maybe you’re letting them go out of turn instead. The person on the bike may assume the other drivers know your intent. Now you have a cyclist and a driver proceeding into the intersection, each one thinking they’re okay. So when a bike pulls up to the four-way, let them go when it’s their turn. Cyclists: When you come to a four-way stop, stop. I recently volunteered to do a bike
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By Hank Greer
have the cement medians dividing your lane from the left turn lane and driving lane going in the direction opposite you’re headed? The width of the road has not changed but now there are three lanes where there are usually two. It’s kind of a choke point for vehicles and bikes together and passing a bike here is dangerous. Waiting five to ten seconds to get through may seem like a very long time, but it’s a small sacrifice compared to bumping up next to a vulnerable person on a bike. Cyclists: I approach this situation in one of two ways. Sometimes I pull over and let the cars go by before I enter this chokepoint. Sometimes I don’t. When I don’t then I take the lane. Riding next to the curb can encourage a driver to squeeze by and endanger you. Taking the lane makes it clear they do not have room to pass. A half block later the road is back to normal and vehicles have room to get by.
The annual festival will be running from Wednesday the 13th to Sunday the 17th in Rossland BC, home to Red Mountain Resort and The Seven Summits trail.
Running red lights isn’t cool // Photo: Hank Greer
and pedestrian count and watched a cyclist hit the four-way stop I was at and zip right through with barely a glance at the cars that were about to cross in front of him. Also, getting onto the sidewalk may get you what I refer to as pedestrian status, but you still have the same obligation as a pedestrian in that you can’t just dart out in front traffic. If you’re going for pedestrian status then get off your bike and walk through the crosswalk. Otherwise, stop at the sign and go when it’s your turn. Drivers: When you’re on an arterial and you see a bicycle stopped at a crossing intersection, please don’t stop and wave them across. You may think you’re being nice, but you are creating a potentially dangerous situation. More so if it’s a four lane arterial. You have drivers behind you and in oncoming lanes who may not know what you’re doing. For all they know your turn signal is broken, and you’re waiting to turn. And if the person on the bike isn’t paying attention, you could be sending them out into oncoming traffic. Cyclists: If you’re waiting to cross the road and a vehicle driver stops and waves you across, shake your head “no” and wave them on. Just because they stop doesn’t mean the other three lanes are safe. You will get your opening to cross just like any vehicle driver would. Drivers: You know those intersections that
Five nights of films and events await at the Teck Rossland Mountain Film Festival celebrating its fourteenth year this November.
Drivers: We all know to stop at red lights. I can only conjecture as to why this happened, but three times this year I had the green light and a vehicle blasted across through the red. Fortunately, I was not in the intersection. But that’s why I look both ways even when I have the green light. Cyclists: All too often I see one of you treating a red light as though it doesn’t apply to you. Stop. First of all, for your safety. Secondly, you’re giving drivers more reason to complain about bikes not following the rules of the road. While I agree it’s not fair to generalize about cyclists just because of the actions of a few, it’s been my experience that the percentage of red light runners is higher among bikes than vehicles. Do I ever go through a red light? Yes, I do. First, I stop. If it’s a timed light then I wait. But if there’s a sensor and it doesn’t detect me and there are no cars to help me out then I go through the light once there is no cross traffic. Otherwise, I wait or push the pedestrian crossing button. Cyclists: Let me close with this. Wear clothing and use lights so you can be seen. And yet assume drivers don’t see you. I’ve avoided many close calls over the years because I expected drivers to not see me. Most drivers are looking for other vehicles. (Been there, done that.) So draw attention to you and your bike. But not by running red lights and stop signs.//
“the percentage of red light runners is higher among bikes than vehicles”
The Festival will be showcasing action packed and mountain culture films all week throughout town including the Teck Mountain Gala on Friday November 15, and the Nelson & District Credit Union Saturday Mountain Film and Party with a live performance from The Funk Hunters.
For tickets and more information about the Teck Rossland Mountain Film Festival, please visit rosslandmountainfilmfestival.com November 2013
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Roadtrip Northeast Washington Brewery Roadtrip Brews, Eats & Fall Scenery / By S. Michal Bennett
peanuts to munch on, many locals order up a cheesy pizza from Republic Pizza Co., located just behind the alley. And to accompany your food and drink, this little brewery keeps Republic rocking all year with live bands and even bagpipes, if you’re lucky! Hours: Wed. (2-9 p.m.), Thurs. (2-9 p.m.), Fri. (12-10 p.m.) and Sat. (12-10 p.m.). Find them at: www. republicbrew.com or call (509) 775-2700. For a comfortable Cheers from the Republic Brewing Company Patio // Photo: John Foster-Fanning night’s stay in quaint The Inland Northwest provides the perfect band, Northern Aliens. downtown Republic, the Northern Inn is only a conditions for a brewery road trip: over two block and a half from the brewery. After a restSteve Hendrick, Head Brewer and self-prodozen breweries nestled among some of the most ful stay in Republic, it’s time to head back south claimed Ale Draper (bar tender), Janitor, Chicken beautiful scenery in the country. Now that the towards Spokane. Approximately 17 miles from and Hop Farmer, and Dad, can often be found summer crowds are fading and winter’s chill is in behind the bar serving up beer and nachos. Their Republic, the Sherman Pass Overlook offers a the air, the timing is ideal for a beer trek. beers range from hoppy citrus (Bite Ya Back Pale chance to stretch your legs and enjoy the wonLost Falls Brewery, Colville and Plume Creek IPA) to malty (Black Canyon drous views around Sherman Pass. No-Li Brewhouse, Spokane Located in a small business park in Colville, Dark Ale and Okanagan Highlander Scotch Ale) to quite unique (Honey-Basil Ale). They Lost Falls Brewery sports a busy taproom. Brewer Returning to Spokane, it can be hard to choose Chip Trudell brews on an eight barrel system and even offer a nicely hopped gluten-free Pale Ale from the 10 plus breweries that open their doors daily to beer drinkers everywhere. A good place pours pints from a few taps in the back corner. made with rice malts. Hours: Wed.-Sat. (12-10 to start is No-Li Brewhouse. Locals jostle each other for a foamy glass of the p.m). Find them at: www.northernales.com or call (509)738-7382. Pale or the Rye or maybe Chip’s famous hearty Established originally as Northern Lights Brewing Company in 1993, Brewmaster and Russian Imperial Stout. You might also find a food By this time, you might be thinking you want to cart set up outside the rolled up door, grilling up hole up for the night; however, the Northern Ales Owner Mark Irvin joined forces with craft brewsome scrumptious brats and hot dogs, a perfect staff recommend the 45-minute drive over scenic ery veteran John Bryant in 2012 to reinvent the accompaniment to Chip’s easy-drinking brews. Sherman Pass to Republic as your best bet for a company, launching No-Li Brewhouse, a gatherHours are Wed. (4-6 p.m.), Thurs. (4-6 p.m.) good night’s sleep after one last beer at Republic ing place for good eats and drinks. Steeped in and Fri. (4-8 p.m.). Find it at: 347 W 2nd Ave #D, Brewing Company. Remember to designate a the history and spirit of Spokane, their brews Colville, WA, or (509) 684-0638 driver and travel safe! range from balanced (Amber and Crème Ale) to Northern Ales Brewing, Kettle Falls Republic Brewing Company, Republic bold (Born and Raised IPA and Whiskey Barrel Aged Summer Wheat). Their menu is a perfect If a hot dog isn’t for you, just nine minutes Republic Brewing is family owned and operated compliment to their 10 diverse taps – try a side north in Kettle Falls, Northern Ales Brewing is by Billy and Emily Burt, and their combined tastes serving up a full menu of pub food with a twist – and passions are evident in the intimate atmoof chive salt fries with cider vinegar and carrot along with its robust beer selection. Established in sphere, friendly service, and quality beer, regional ketchup for a particular treat. Open daily (hours 2007, Northern Ales is a spacious two-level pub, wine and local hard cider and mead. Their taps vary). Find it at: www.nolibrewhouse.com or (509) complete with a live music stage, pool tables and offer a range of tastes: from Kolsch to Pale to their 242-2739. an impressive bar. For a special music treat, stop River City Brewing, Spokane award-winning Big Mischief Porter. No-Li also sports one guest tap, which somein on November 22, and check out their house Although Republic Brewing only offers free
times includes a beer from new(ish) kid on the block River City Brewing. Former Coeur d’Alene Brewing owners Gage Stromberg and Emily Schwartz opened River City in Spokane in early 2013 with a classic duo of beers: River City Red and Girlfriend Golden Ale, and have since added River City IPA and Riverkeeper Red, a hoppier version of the original Red that benefits local non-profit Spokane Riverkeeper (www.cforjuestice.org/river/) River City Brewing plans to release its Midnight Marmot Imperial Stout and open a taproom around Thanksgiving. Until then, they’re open on Fridays for tours and tastings. Find them at: rivercityred.blogspot.com Last Stop: Iron Goat Brewing, Spokane Located in a small brick building amidst industrial buildings and old houses, Iron Goat Brewing’s cozy taproom and friendly locals are the best way to finish off this roadtrip. Iron Goat’s original four beers cover the spectrum: Garbage Pale Ale, Head Butt IPA, Goatmeal Stout and Bleating Red. However, they also branch out with brews like Gruff Goats Belgian Tripel and Proto, a twist on their IPA that includes locally-grown peppers – tastes like Chile Relleno! Hours: Tues.Fri. (4-9 p.m.) and Sat. (2-9 p.m.). Find them at: www.irongoatbrewing.com or (509) 474-0722. If you are serious about exploring the wealth of breweries the Inland Northwest has to offer, download the Inland NW Ale Trail map (inlandnwaletrail.com) for an even more extensive list, and let the adventure begin!//
Always in search of a good brew // Photo: Brett Jessen
A pint and a place worth the drive!
Great Beer, Live Music! 26 Clark Ave Republic WA 509-775-2700 www.republicbrew.com 14
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“Whoever designed this course is clearly a person who loves running. He/she is not just a runner but a person who climbs hills and leaves just enough in the tank to run pell-mell like a Mohican maniac right back down it. It is a person who smiles so much when they run, they have to floss the bugs out of their teeth afterward. This course was designed for the joy of running. Race bib or not, we were here to play.” All Blissed out on the canfield 9’er // Photo: Gabriella Makena
Blood, Blisters, ‘n Bliss: Canfield Mountain Race Report By Ammi Midstokke
It’s not many an endurance runner that can claim to have kept all their toenails. Apparently, losing toenails is akin to a hard-earned badge of honor in the running world. I used to think it was awarded only to the most hardcore ultrarunning junkies, with thousands of miles logged in soggy socks, toes slammed into their shoes for hours on end. And then I ran the Canfield 9’er. Nine as in nine miles. There was a half marathon too, for the price of an additional toenail, I assume. The Canfield 9’er is part of a race series put on by Ironcore Racing that begins with a 5K and ends with a 50 miler. I’m not sure I have enough toenails to sign up for that one, but even if I lost them all, it would be worth it. At the starting line there’s an old-school runner wearing white basketball socks halfway up his shins, some shorts that may have belonged to Prefontaine, and possibly some bifocals. I hear him negotiate a last minute bib price with race director, Toby, whose clear priority is making a good time accessible for everyone. Everyone who likes mountains, that is. I’ve never run Canfield before, and though I think
the word “field” in a mountain name is rather misleading, I had the good fortune (or bad omen) of seeing a map before the run. It is not a course for flatlander sissy folk. Or people with pedicures. It is, however, a course for the trailophiles. It is a course for any runner who ever got to the top of a hill and loved it. It’s a course for those of you who like rocks and roots and views and trees, mud and tight corners and steep climbs and sketchy descents and adventure. The handful of above described people (or unsuspecting road runners) gathered at the starting line on a crisp autumn morning. There was a brief description of the course including lots of terms like “hard left” and “tough incline” and “medical personnel.” I checked my stash of Dora Band Aids, stuffed a gel in my pocket, opted for singing birds instead of tunes, and then waited for the countdown. I have the impression that the trail running community is a rather embracing one. It’s not often that you make a half dozen new friends in the first mile of a race. Somehow, in the trees, on the trails, the common ground instills a camaraderie so palpable that even the ceaseless four mile climb seemed, dare I say, pleasant.
The course wound about on a fire road toward an unseen but much anticipated summit for what seemed an eternity of rock-dodging and wash-out leaping. I tried to catch a glimpse of the spectacular views but every time I lifted my eyes from the trail, I caught my foot and did one of those armflailing desperate attempts to save myself from a face plant. By the time I reached the summit, I’m pretty sure a few of the runners behind me had diagnosed me with some kind of palsy. Whoever designed this course is clearly a person who loves running. He/she is not just a runner but a person who climbs hills and leaves just enough in the tank to run pell-mell like a Mohican maniac right back down it. It is a person who smiles so much when they run, they have to floss the bugs out of their teeth afterward. This course was designed for the joy of running. Race bib or not, we were here to play. The fire road turned into winding singletrack, technical turns, puddles for jumping, flats for stretching out the legs, climbs for cursing. And all this to the backdrop of bright fall colors and endless blue skies. I barreled down that mountain like I was a kid all over again, broad grin on my face, wind in my hair. Maybe that’s what we trail runners are all about: the feeling of reckless playfulness. Only as adults we temper it with how good our health care coverage may or may not be. It never gets old, and though my legs may get tired, I keep coming back for more. The trail met again with the road for the last
mile – a treacherous, toenail-sacrificing, anklerolling, blissfully fun descent to the finish line. On that last stretch to the finish, for the first time in my racing life, I was thinking, “I wish this wasn’t over.” A while later, I saw the white socks, now bloodstained, cross the finish line. Behind glasses and grey hair there was a twinkle of the eye and the smile of a child at heart. Canfield Mountain Series has a 25k, 50k, and 50 mile race on November 9. To find out more, visit www.ironcoreracing.com //
Melissa Midstokke after training by running one mile.
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OutdoorCalendar Full events calendar at www.outtheremonthly.com CLIMBING (Ongoing) Vertical Introduction. When: Tuesdays
and Thursdays 6 – 8 p.m., Saturdays 4 – 6 p.m. Where: Wild Walls 202 W. 2nd Ave. In this class you will learn the fundamentals to climb indoors: fitting the harness, knot tying, and proper belay technique. This class (or previous experience and passing belay test) is a prerequisite for top roping in our facility. Ages 12+, $35. Info: 509-455-9596.
(Ongoing) Introduction to Lead Climbing. When:
Last two Tuesdays of the Month 4 -6 p.m. Where: Wild Walls For climbers looking to further their climbing ability and increase the options available to them, lead climbing class will prepare you for the world of sport climbing! With an emphasis on safety, you will learn proper technique for both lead belaying and lead climbing, as well as helpful strategies for efficient sport climbing. Experience required, $75. Info: 509-455-9596
(Ongoing Mondays & Wednesdays) Spider Monkeys Climbing Club. When: 5 – 7 p.m. Where:
Wild Walls, 202 W. 2nd Ave. For kids ages 4 – 10 years. Please call ahead. Come climb and meet new friends! Info: 509-455-9596.
BIKING (Ongoing) Belles and Baskets. Whatever style your cycle, join other Spokane women for no-drop rides, treats, and friendship. Info: 509-951-4090, facebook.com/bellesandbaskets. (Ongoing) BOMB Mountain Bike Rides. When:
(November 2) Chocoholic Frolic 5K. When: 9 a.m..
Where: Gonzaga University Campus. Join Inland NW Baby and SYSA Saturday, November 2 for the first annual Chocoholic Frolic 5K Fund Run/Walk. Info: bit.ly/1bY5TDK.
(November 3) Qualchan 12K. When: 10 a.m. Where: High Drive and Manito Blvd. Cross country race sponsored by the Blomsday Road Runners Club. Info: 509-448-2616. (November 9) West Regional Cross Country Championships. Where: Plantes Ferry Sports
Complex. Some of the region’s top collegiate cross country runners compete for Division Cross Country Championships. Info: www.spokanesports. org/events.html
(November 9) Inaugural Spokane National Veterans Day Run. When: 7 a.m.. Where: Riverfront
Park. The race will offer three distances, a timed 11k run, a timed 5k run and a 1 mile family walk. If you’d prefer to just come out and support our Veterans, we also offer a supporter option, 100% of which is donated to our charity partner, Folds of Honor Foundation. The 1 mile family walk will start immediately following the start of the 11k. The 11k and 5k runs will be professionally timed, using stateof-the-art Chronotrak timing systems. All participants will receive race goodie bag and other items. Info: http://www.veteransdayrun.com/run/spokane
(November 9) Canfiled Mountain Run Series. 25K, 50K and 50M. Coeurd’Alene all trail course. Whether you are racing or volunteering, this will be a truly memorable experience. Info: www. IronCoreRacing.com
Varies. Where: Spokane Area. Spokane BOMB (Believers On Mountain Bikes) is a non-denominational Christian group leading rides in the Spokane area April-October. Everyone welcome, helmets required. Info: www.spokanebomb.com
showcase some of the best trails in the PNW! Info: www.BellinghamTrailMarathon.com
(November 2) Ephrata the Dark. When: 6 p.m.
(November 16) Spokane Jingle bell Run/Walk.
Where: Oasis Park in Ephrata. Plan on about 1.5- 2 hours (10- 15 miles). This is NOT a little girl ride in the park, you will be riding up and down Beezley hill in the dark. You will need a good light capable of 2 hours burn time and a properly tuned, functional bicycle that will not fall apart. Lots of great single track await! Info: http://rideviciouscycle.com/ events/ephrata-the-dark/
(November 10) Bellingham Trail Marathon & Half Marathon. This trail marathon & half marathon
Where: Riverfront Park. 5k chip-timed run. Fun run or walk. 1k children’s run with elves. Holiday festivities, costume contest and pets welcome. Benefits the Arthritis Foundation. Info: spokanejinglebellrun. org or 509-315-9862
(November 23) Turkey Trot Run & Walk Clarkston.
(November 3) Riverside State Park Cyclocross Race. When: Registration starts at 8 a.m.. Races
When: 10 a.m. Where: Start at Swallows Nest Park and run south along the Levee Trail to Asotin High School Stadium. Rides back to the start will be provided after the award ceremony. Drawing for turkeys and pies Info: http://www.seaportstriders. com/entry/mturkey.htm
(November 10) Walter’s Apple Cross. When:
(November 23) Division II Cross Country Championships. Where: Plantes Ferry Sports
start at 9 a.m. Race starts and finishes in the airfield at Riverside State Park, 7 mile area. Info: www. Emdesports.com for details.
Registration starts at 8 a.m. Races start at 9 a.m. Wanna ride your bike? Wanna play in the dirt? Wanna ride your bike and play in the dirt at Green Bluff? Well, this race is for you. Please join the Zusters for this Cyclocross Race. Info: www.emdesports.com for details.
HIKING / WALKING (On-Going) Wed & Sun Hobnailer Hikes. When:
Varies. Where: Varies. Join Hobnailer hiking club for weekly 6-8 mile hikes in the Spokane area. Info: clcspo@msn.com or 509-456-0250
RUNNING 16
Out There Monthly / November 2013
Complex. 500 runners from Florida to Alaska will congregate in Spokane to compete for the Championship. Info: www.spokanesports.org/ events.html
(November 28) BRRC Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot. When: 8 a.m. Where: Manito Park, Spokane.
Annual Bloomsday Road Runners Club event, open to the public. Choose from two-, three- or five-mile routes. Donation of food or check/cash to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank. Info: (509) 868-6433 jackievanallen@comcast.net
(November 28) Turkey on the Run, Wenatchee, Wash. Turkey on the Run features a 12K, 5K and
SIXMONTHTRAININGCALENDAR RUNNING (April 27) Spokane River Run. When: 7:45 a.m. Ranging from 50K to 5K. Whether you are considering trail racing for the first time or are an experienced runner, we promise you a rewarding race in a beautiful environment. Right in the midst of Riverside State Park and minutes from downtown Spokane, Washington is a small piece of trail running paradise. Info: www.spokaneriverrun.com
MARATHONS (February 22) Third Annual Tri Cities Half Marathon. When: 8 a.m. Where: Jon Dam Plaza.
Located in the heart of wine country this half marathon has accurate timing, t-shirts, post race celebration and live music. Info: usrahalf.sporting.com
(December 14 & January 11) Pullman Winter Ultra Series. When: 8 a.m. Where: Birch & Barley’s parking lot. 50/25K. Hit the pavement when mountain trails are covered in snow. 7 hour time limit, with extra time given if the snow dumps or the path is particularly gnarly. Info: pullmanwinterultras.blogspot.com.
(May 25) Coeur d’Alene Marathon. The Coeur d’Alene Marathon, Half Marathon, and MyHealth 5k fun run Info: http://www.cdamarathon.com/ (June 1) Windermere Marathon. When: 7 a.m. Full or Half Marathon. Info: http://windermeremarathon.wordpress.com/
CYCLING (April 26) Lilac Century Bike Ride. Where:
Spokane Falls Community College. 100mile ride and 50 mile ride along the west slope of the Spokane River, the Long Lake area, and through the West Plains of Spokane. Start, finish and packet pick-up. Info: www.teamfischbach.com
Skiing (December 4-5) Race of the Methow. Saturday features skate sprints, Sunday is the Mass start classic distance race. Info: methowvalleynordic. com (December 28) Ski Rodeo. If your New Year’s
resolution is to try a ski race for fun or competition, get in better shape, or to just spend more time with friends and family, this race/event is for you! The event venue is wonderfully suited for everyone from participants to spectators so bring the gang. Bibs and race timing will be provided for participants (register by 5 p.m. on the 28th for timing!!!) and awards will be pro-
vided following the races. 10k: $40. 5k: $30 (kids 17 and under race for free). 2.5k: Free (youth ages 8-15). 1k: Free (youth ages 4-7) Info:methowvalleynordic.com
(December 21) Nature of Winter Tours. The Methow Valley Sport Trails Association (MVSTA) hosts family-friendly snowshoe tours every Saturday throughout the winter. Local volunteers lead tours which focus on winter ecology, wildlife and tracks, snow science and more. MVSTA trail passes or a MVSTA snowshoe trail pass ($5) are required for each person. Passes and snowshoe rentals are available at Sun Mountain Ski Shop, North Cascades Basecamp, Mazama Ski Shop, Methow Cycle & Sport and Winthrop Mountain Sports. Tour size is limited to 10 people. Reservations are not required; space is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Info: methowvalleynordic.com. Tours begin at 11 am and last 90-120 minutes, depending on conditions.
(February 8) Winthrop Ski Derby. A new race organized by MVNC at the Sun Mountain trail system, Chickadee Trailhead. Skiers can choose either 16 or 32 km distance, both classic technique. The 16 km course is rolling and and utilizes most of the lower trails. The 32 km course is unique and offers a challenge of skiing in mountainous terrain. The first half of the 32 km race climbs to Thompson Pass via Lower Inside Passage and Meadowlark trails, then descends to near the start before beginning the the second half on the same trails as the 16km race. The significant elevation changes of the 32 km race will give the event a very different flavor from most ski loppets. Info: methowvalleynordic.com (February 16) Doggie Dash. Where: Winthrop Town Trailhead. Furry. Friendly. Fantastic. This hugely fun, spectator-favorite race involves dogowner pairs skiing together in costume with a leash around a short loop at the Winthrop Town Trailhead. Prizes for best costume in each heat and the ultimate prize, the coveted Golden Poodle statue goes to the crowd pleaser of the day. All proceeds benefit dogs and cats in need. Winthrop Town Trailhead. Registration is dayof-event only, 9:15 to 9:45 a.m.. Races start at 10 a.m.. $12 per racer. Kids 12 & under FREE. Spectators FREE.
OTHER (February 22) Special Olympics Polar Plunge Liberty Lake. When: TBD. Take a dip in the ice
waters across Washington State and be a part of the “coolest” event of the year! Help raise funds and win prizes in support of Special Olympics Washington. Info: www.specialolympicswashington.org.
Have an Event You Would Like to List? // Please visit www.outtheremonthly.com and click “Add Event” under the “Outdoor Calendar” tab to get your events listed online and considered for the monthly print magazine calendar. To be considered for the print calendar, events MUST be entered by the 20th of the month to be listed in the following month’s issue. Please follow the instructions for submitting an event using the web form.
OutdoorCalendar (November 28) Cheney Turkey Trot. When: 9 a.m. Where: Cheney High School. Choose 2 miles or 3 miles, walk or run. Portion of proceeds donated to Cheney food bank. Bring canned food or donations! Register by Nov 13 for t-shirt. Info: jmartin@ cheneysd.org
and Gina Jackson will be addressing: (1) How chemical herbicides and pesticides have a direct effect on honey bees and other crawling and flying insects. (2) How does the chemical get into the honey bee? (3) How can we grow our plants, flowers and vegetables and help the honey bee and crawling and flying insects? Come listen to Jim and Gina and get ideas on how to make your flower bed and garden environmentally friendly. Info: www.sunpeopledrygoods.com
YOGA
SKIING, SNOWSHOEING WINTER EVENTS
(Ongoing) Intro to flow yoga. When: Monday’s 8 p.m. Where: Wild Walls Climbing Jim. Intro to flow class is weekly. Classes are included with membership, or drop in for for single or pass rates.
(Ongoing) Riverfront Ice Palace. Open:11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Adult and Homeschool lessons. Lessons for all ages start November 2. Registration required.
(November 8) Yin Yoga Workshop. When: 6 to 8 p.m. Where: Harmony Yoga. With consistent practice, Yin Yoga nourishes the joint sites and creates more flexibility in the body. A simple, yet powerful practice, it offers us the opportunity to pay attention to more subtle aspects of our physical, emotional and mental states, and to see our habitual ways of being. This simple act of attention is the first step to true transformation. Info: www.harmonyyoga.com
(November) Ski Conditioning. Monday and Thursday group classes at Physical Therapy Associates. Prepare your body to play in the snow. Info: www.ptassociates.net
(November 9) Tibetan Heart Yoga. When: 9:45 a.m. - 12 p.m. Where: Mellow Monkey Yoga Studio. leading rides in the Spokane area We will practice the 10 mini flows that has been the tradition of the Dalai Lamas and is practiced daily by Tibetan monks. These practices keep our physical heart and body healthy and strong, but more important it opens our emotional, spiritual heart in love towards others. Learn and discuss the central channels in our body and breaths that help keep up open and in harmony with ourselves and others. Learn and discuss the 5 sheaths, as well as some spiritual laws, mantras, and chakras. Must pre-register & pre-pay at the studio. More information at: www. MellowMonkeyYoga.com/events (November 14) Winter Conditioning Workshop.
SUSTAINABILITY (November 4) A Fierce Green Fire: The Battle for a Living Planet. When: 5:30 to 8
p.m. Where: Gonzaga University, Jepson Center, Wolff Auditorium. The Environmental Studies Department presents this first big-picture exploration of the environmental movement over the past 50 years along with a discussion between segments with Director Mark Kitchell. Free and open to the public. Info: www.AFierceGreenFire.com
(November 9) Herbicides, Pesticides and the Honey Bees. When: 11 a.m. Where: Sun People
Dry Goods. During this presentation, Jim Miller
(November 2) Lookout Pass and Silver Mountain Winter Ski Swap. Kootenai County Fairgrounds.
For information to sell or buy gear go to www.winterswap.org. Proceeds benefit Lookout and Silver Mtn non-profit patrols.
(November 4) McConkey, The Ski Film. When:
(November 22) 9th Annual Winter Wildlands Alliance Backcountry Film Festival. When: 7 p.m.
Where: Panida Theater in Sandpoint, ID. Winter is full of ups and downs so why not celebrate winter and embrace the UP? It’s time to dust off the skis, pull on your parka, grab your ski buddies, and celebrate the fun and beauty of winter at the 9th Annual Winter Wildlands Alliance Backcountry Film Festival. The ten unique films included in this year’s Backcountry Film Festival will inspire you to embrace the UP! Info: www.soleexperiences.org
(November 29) Warren Miller Ticket to Ride. Where: Noah’s loft @ Silver Mtn. Info: www. SilverMt.com
(November 30) Village Lighting Ceremony. Where: Silver Mountain Ski Resort. An all-day ceremony to ring in winter in Idaho’s best mountain town. Enjoy cider, carols, and visit Santa. A toy drive benefits Toys for Tots.
(December 5) Snowshoeing Basics. When: 7 p.m.
to 8:30 p.m. Where: Spokane REI. Join experienced REI staff for a class on the basics of snowshoeing, They will focus on the appropriate selection of gear plus where to get started. Info: 509-328-9900
7:30 p.m. Where: Civic Theater in Nelson B.C. Tickets are $15 sold at Gericks & The Village Ski Hut. Info: www.CivicTheatre.org
(December 6) Into the Mind. When: 7 p.m. Where: Panida Theater, Sandpoint, ID. The new ski film from Sherpas Cinema. Info: Panida.org
(November 6) Ski/Snowboard Waxing Basics.
(December 14) Womens Snowshoe Day @ 49 Degres North. Info: www.SkiNWRockies.com
When: 6:30 p.m. Where: REI Spokane. Taking care of your skis/board will help you have a great time on the slopes. Our technician will examine how and why waxes work and base preparation: structure, repair and stone grinding. Cost: Free. Info: www.rei. com/stores/spokane.
(November 8) Way of Life. When: 8 p.m. Where: Panida Theater, Sandpoint, ID. the new Teton Gravity Research Movie. Info: Panida.org
(November 9) Sars Ski Swap. When: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Where: Bonner County Fairgrounds. Schweitzer Alpine Racing School’s annual gear swap features new and used winter sports gear for sale. Info: 208-263-1081 (November 8-9) Snowlander Expo. When: Friday 4
-9 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-6.p.m. Where: Spokane Convention Center. Ski and snowboard retailers, beer garden and latest movies.
(November 10) Twinkie Roast to Bring on the Snow. When: 11 a.m. Where: REI Spokane. Legend
has it that roasting Twinkies will bring snow. The last two years, the legend has proven true even as the Twinkies are over the fire. Info: 509-328-9900.
(November 13-17) Teck Rossland Mtn Film Festival. Films, workshops, music & parties in
Rossland, BC Info:RosslandMountainFilmFestival. com.
(November 15, 16, 17) Banff Mountain Film Festival. When: 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday,
(December 29) Great Scott XC Race. Where:
Schweitzer Mountain Resort. Don’t miss the first Cross Country Race of the season. Info: www. schweitzer.com.
OTHER (November 11-21) Wilderness First Responder Class. When you venture miles or days into remote
locations you must be prepared to be self-sufficient for any medical situations which arise. Our Wilderness First Responder course builds on the fundamental medical training of a Wilderness First Aid course. This course delves into the “why” and “how” behind the injuries and illnesses that happen in the backcountry. The breadth of information and skills gained during the course prepare participants to take on challenging medical conditions in remote locations. Wilderness First Responder is the standard in medical training for individuals managing groups in remote settings. Skill practice and scenarios throughout the LWM course provide a learning environment aimed at long term retention of information.Info: registration: www. longleafmedical.com
(November 25) Race to the Midnight Sun. When: 7 p.m. Where: Mountain Gear Corporate Headquarters. Join SCKS and presenter Allen Cousins as he describes his participation in the Yukon River Quest, an annual 444 mile canoe & kayak marathon. Info: 509-209-3066.
OUTDOOR CALENDAR
When: 6 p.m. Where: North Pines Yoga & Pilates. Winter is right around the corner and with winter come a variety of snow sports! Every year many winter sports enthusiasts will be injured during their season. With just a little preparation most of those injuries can be avoided. Course Begins Thursday November 7 – December 14 (5 weeks) class will not meet on November 28th and 30th. Focuses include: stability, balance, coordination and body control. Cost: $90. Info: www.northpinesyogapilates.com or 509-928-1400.
AND
Purchase tickets at Mountain Gear Retail Store or online at mountaingear.com, keyword Banff.
NOV 2013
kids run. Our two longer distances are ideal for walkers. All the events start and and finish at beautiful Rotary Park on the western outskirts of Wenatchee. Info: www.runwenatchee.com/
6 p.m. Sunday. The world’s Best Mountain Films.
November 2013
/ Out There Monthly
17
GearRoom
Buying New Ski Gear Alpine Bindings / By Brad Naccarato
Brad Naccarato spent 3 seasons in Colorado as a certified alpine skiing instructor and has a combined 10 years of ski retail experience here in the Inland Northwest. In the next several issues of OTM, Brad will be offering tips on how to wade through the many ski binding, boot and other ski gear choices out there.
What are these funky rails under the bindings? Alpine bindings come in two flavors – integrated and traditional. Integrated bindings are part of a system where the ski is specifically matched to a binding with a mounting interface that usually does not require drilling holes. These interface systems utilize rails/ pins and various gadgets that secure the binding to the ski. Traditional bindings are mounted with screws drilled directly into the ski and can be matched to most any non-integrated/flat-top ski. So which binding type do I choose? Today’s popular integrated systems simplify the decision-making process for some by offering a one-size fits most option. Whether one is better than the other from a performance standpoint is a debatable topic. For the most part, the choice is based on your own personal preferences. Regardless of what you choose, it’s critical that you know what your numeric release settings (DIN) are. Ask the sales rep to help you determine this. If a binding has a release range of 3-10, you want your values to be somewhere in the middle of that range to achieve the best performance from your binding. It’s also important to make sure that your bindings are compatible with your boots. If you’re using alpine boots, this should be a non-issue. However, if you’re using certain types of backcountry/touring boots, you may run into some compatibility issues. Only a ski shop tech can tell you for sure – so don’t try to make this call yourself. Why do the binding brakes come in different widths? Skis are trending more toward wider waists. You should be certain that the binding you choose has a brake that will accommodate your ski’s width. In some instances you can find binding manufacturers that will offer up to 3 sizes of brake widths for a given model. This is not an issue with integrated systems as the brakes are matched with the ski. Why can’t I just mount the bindings myself? Please don’t even consider this.They may be flashy with all sorts of performance gizmos – but your bindings are a safety device first and foremost. If they are incorrectly mounted and/or your DIN settings are not properly adjusted, the results could be deadly in the event of a bad fall. You owe it to your own body and those bodies skiing around you to get them properly mounted by a certified ski shop professional.
I always see killer deals on used bindings – why not save some extra cash? As a way to better ensure ski binding safety and performance, binding manufacturers create an “indemnification list” every winter. Manufacturers will indemnify shops in the event of a skier injury after the shop services or mounts their bindings, so long as they are on the current indemnification list. Every winter the list is revised to remove older bindings (typically 8-10 years old). If you buy an older used binding that has dropped off the list, most shops will decline to perform any work on it as they will then be liable instead of the manufacturer if you are injured and file a lawsuit relative to binding malfunction.//
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Out There Monthly / November 2013
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Outdoor Living All Free Range
FINDING MEANING IN MEAT / By John Eliason ily is accurate but incomplete. The other reasons One day when I was 12, my dad and I strapped on snowshoes in the pre-dawn light can appear stereotypical. Hunting is part of my and drew tracks across the forest in our pursuit family’s heritage, and tracking and scouting and of elk. The prints we made joined theirs, and pursuing tests my physical and mental resolve suddenly an opportunity. My father grabbed a under a range of conditions. I hunt out of a pastree so I could rest my rifle on his arm. “Steady,” sionate interest in being aligned rather than he said. And he was as I squeezed the trigger distanced from predatory instincts. Being out and ended a life. Elation and a sense of achievethere with a gun or bow in hand sustains a felt ment came with killing that elk, but so did connection with the early humans who etched melancholy for the death of the animal and a their hunting stories on animal hides and cave poignant day. The hunt occurred 35 seasons ago, walls. With a strong set of ethics and knowledge but its terrific intimacy remains in my mind. of natural acts, I believe hunting conditions me Near a lone Montana pine: two hunters with a for the arbitrariness of life. Nothing predictable. breathless creature, all at rest in light snowfall. All free range. Pursuit (and checking over one’s I recall a father of pride and a son driven to shoulder occasionally to avoid becoming the purdistraction by a moment dizzying and profound. sued) mandates an intense level of concentration That free-ranging elk had been taken but not and a genuine giving to the moment. There is life wasted. At nightfall, Mom served tenderloins, and struggle, isolation and community. Maybe and back on the mountain, among shadows even enlightenment. and chilly gusts, birds and bears scavenged and Even when I am reminded that people of gnawed until sophistication entrails were do not give replaced in to nostalby animal gia, I cannot desires for – help losing my more. critical edge as How and I recount the elk adventure where we get our sustewith my father, nance matsibling bowte rs . T h i s hunts in Crazy claim would Mountain fog, have sailed and pronghorn past me at age escapades with 12. My focus my dear friend concerned Greg. When tales of the Doesn’t get more free range than this the folk songs Photo: courtesy of Conservation Northwest from cassettes hunt in Field & Stream, Outdoor Life, and other hook-andwe played in his old yellow truck come on the bullet magazines. Stopping then to consider the radio these years later, I am transported back to campfires and that little dive bar down the quality of the meat from that elk I had shot? No. I did always covet the homemade jerky. Wild game Gallatin. My hunting history flares up with laststews were delicious. Toasted cheese sandwiches ing images of high country and iced-up decoys with venison thuringer still rank high on my gasalong the Madison. The crazed screams of bull tro list. But as an adult, appreciating carnivorous elk in rut will never leave me. More recent memotendencies has grown more complicated. This is ries matter, too. For some I was alone, but many largely because my wife and I are committed to times I have been fortunate to travel with friends who share my reverence and love for animals and helping our children develop meaningful relathe mountains they inhabit. All of these experitionships with food. We want the people we love ences are enhanced by the gravitas that comes most to appreciate what lands on their dinner with hunting. Other outdoor activities stimuplates. Beans are picked and tomatoes harvested late me, on rivers, in snowy mountains, down right out the back door. Late summer includes singletrack bike trails, but hunting is not a sport time in huckleberry patches. We meander at or mere adrenaline rush. farmers markets and sojourn to Green Bluff, while steelhead and other trout smoke 25 feet My hunting narrative reminds me of grand adventures and trips with clean endings. I am from our house. Out in the garage during the late also summoned by regret. Pursuing and killing fall—if a hunter’s luck has somehow aligned with are serious endeavors. They can (and should) skill and perseverance—my family and friends inspire humility and revelations about the fraclutch knives and follow ancestors into the sober gility of life. I know this, in part, because of a tradition of deconstructing beauty. once-magnificent antelope hunt. I had closed Butchering at home strips away the veil. the distance on a nice buck bedded several Cutting boards and freezer paper fill any chasm between the consumer of meat and the creature hundred yards away. Crawling for over an hour that has died. The sharp work to transform hind across windswept grasses brought me to within 100 yards. Undetected, I whistled and the buck quarters and back straps into cutlets demands an stood broadside against rolling hills and Big Sky attention to origins. I figure that if meat eating blue. The shot was smooth, just like that one with is a part of my family’s diet, we must know the the elk when I was 12. It seemed I had prepared stakes for the steaks. well and stalked perfectly. Here we were again in Why do I hunt? The question can be answered fairly easily as long as I hover near its surface. ...Continued on pg 22 That I do so to provide fresh food for my famNovember 2013
/ Out There Monthly
19
On The Mountain | Alpine Skiing /boarding Special Section
Learning to Ski this Winter Don’t Let Friends Teach Friends How to Ski
By Brad Northrup
“Bend your knees, keep your feet together! Now turn left! No…your other left!” bellowed the man, who evidently thought that the louder he yelled, the better chance his pointers would sink in. “I’m trying – Stop yelling at me – I hate this!” responded the young women who obviously had never been on skis before, and would never forget how hard it was to turn and stop a pair of 205cm Olin Mark IVs. Sadly, this is how many people have been exposed to the sport of alpine skiing. Sure, you can go ahead and rationalize it as “character building,” but it is rarely a good idea to have a parent/husband/boyfriend/friend teach you how to ski. Learning to ski means learning the fundamentals, so do it right. Get the right gear, and have a professional teach you. Getting Started Either you have just moved to the Northwest or you decided that being active in the winter is a good idea. Little tip before you rush out into the mountains: get yourself the right gear – it will make or break your experience. You don’t need to spend a fortune on the latest and greatest stuff on the market, but following some simple guidelines will help you spend your first day on the mountain in relative comfort. Clothing In terms of clothing, wearing layers is the most effective way to dress for a day on the mountain. The first layer, or the wicking layer, is the one that is worn next to the skin and wicks moisture away from your body. Long-john tops, bottoms, and socks made out of a synthetic material work great. A word of advice here: NO COTTON. Cotton is not a good wicking material, is worthless once wet, and has been referred to as the “Death Cloth” by skiers and climbers for years. Don’t wear it. The second layer is the insulation layer, so wear a sweater, fleece shirt, or something along those lines. The third layer is the outer protective layer that keeps you dry. You know that sweet leather Oakland Raiders jacket you bought back when they actually had a winning season? Yeah, don’t wear that. Pick up something that says “waterproof/breathable” on the tag. For the lower body, you might think it would be cool to wear those skin-tight, acid-washed Levi 501s, and it would be – literally. See “Death Cloth” statement above. Same deal here: wear pants made of a waterproof/breathable material. 20
Out There Monthly / November 2013
Equipment The ski resorts in our area all offer special “Learn to Ski” packages that include rental skis, boots, and poles. If a friend suggests that you learn on his “awesome” straight skis (circa 1985), strike him about the head. Really hard. Modern shaped-ski technology allows for an easier learning curve, so let the folks that know their stuff set you up. The package deal is great way to go if you are only going to try skiing a few times. If you are thinking about making more of a commitment this season, look into a season rental from a local ski shop. Some shops only offer kids’ season leases, so make sure and ask. Season leases are a very popular and economic way for families to get on the mountain without having to invest in a ton of new gear. That comes later, when you are addicted to the sport. There has been a great deal of discussion on the use of helmets, but the reality is you should wear one no matter what your ability level. Helmets are very comfortable, do not significantly diminish hearing, and are actually warmer that a hat. It’s still a free country, and you do not have to wear one – but every skier I know does, and that should tell you something. In terms of eye protection, wear goggles or sunglasses, with the latter being a good choice during the spring skiing season. Get Schooled Countless relationships and first-time skiing experiences have been ruined by one family member/ parent/significant other trying to teach the other how to ski, so it is probably best to leave the instruction to someone who is qualified. No matter what mountain you go to, the teaching method is the same thanks to the Professional Ski Instructors of America. PSIA provides certification for all instructors to ensure that you will have the best possible experience, and our area’s instructors are considered to be top notch. Lesson options range from the basic Learn To Ski lesson (typically a 1.5 hour lesson that includes lift ticket and rentals), to multi-day programs that last several weeks, to private one-onone instruction. Skiing is one of the most exhilarating sports on the planet, and if you learn how to do it, it will change your life forever. To get there, do a little research, talk with the experts at our local ski shops and resorts, and have fun with it. Winter can be a long season, but getting outside and playing in the mountains can transform it into a magical one.//
Celebrating the INW Skiing Life | Retro Ski Pass Contest
ral indicators based on folklore. Chances are one or more could be right, or they all could be way off – guess we will find out.
Plenty of snow and sunshine on Mt.Spokane
NOAA The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center has issued a fairly neutral winter forecast for the Pacific Northwest, depending on how you interpret it. For the months of December through February, NOAA is calling for temperatures to be at or above normal, with above normal to normal amounts of precipitation. Now before you start yelling the “R” word (rain), keep one thing in mind: Elevation. We all know what kind of difference a few degrees can make when we gain some elevation, so let’s be positive about this.
Got a classic ski pass pic that stakes out a slope style from a bygone era that’s worthy of sharing with the masses? We’ll publish the best in upcoming issues of Out There Monthly and dish out ski passes and other wintersports swag to winners. Send a high-res photo or scan of your retro ski pass contest submission to contests@outtheremonthly.com.
AccuWeather According to AccuWeather, we are in for an excellent winter. They are predicting frequent precipitation, with rain in the lower elevations, and snow in the mountains. An active jet stream to the south of us could also provide multiple weeks of heavy moisture – which could equate to those big dumps we all dream about, and lots of them. Temperatures are also projected to be below normal, with February being the month when we see a strong, arctic surge of cold air. I like this forecast the best. The Farmer’s Almanac North America’s oldest continuously published periodical is essentially calling for a snowmageddon across much of the continent, with heavy snowfall and brutally cold temperatures. The prediction also includes a “mother of all storms” to hit around the same time as the Super Bowl. Problem is, the Pacific Northwest is not included in this tale of epicness. No, the forecast for our region calls for below normal precipitation and way below normal temps. Talk about being a Debbie Downer. At least it’s supposed to be chilly.
A Chance of Snow
This Winter’s Weather Predictions
Back when I was a spin doctor in the ski industry, I used to anxiously await the release of the winter weather forecast from the various reporting agencies. Honestly, it didn’t really matter if they were calling for El Nino, La Nina, or De Nada, since I would glean only the most positive info from the reports and gift wrap it for the skiing masses. That is how the game is played when you are a snow farmer. Funny thing is, I actually learned something about trying to predict long-term winter weather. First, it is nearly impossible to accurately predict what the weather is going to be like in the Northwest in winter. Second, being a meteorologist is a great gig. I don’t know of any other profession where you can be wrong half the time (or more) and keep your job.
Back before our editor traded in his snowboard for tele skis, and a baby face for a bald spot!
On The Mountain
In the spirit of getting the juices going for the upcoming ski and snowboard season, here are the various predictions for the winter of 2013/14. The forecasting methods range from the hard science of sub-surface ocean temperature measurement and jet stream analysis, to earthy, natu-
OWSC The Office of the Washington State Climatologist is projecting a fairly mellow winter, with average to above average temperatures, and an “equal chance” that precipitation will be at, above, or below normal. Huh? That means they are not able to make a firm decision as to what could likely happen. Check out their disclaimer: “Remember that these outlook percentages are based on a tercile system, and therefore the chances of below, equal to, or above normal temperatures or precipitation are split into equal probabilities of 33%. When there is a greater than a 33% chance of an occurrence, it should be looked at as a slight tilting of the odds in favor of that outcome.” Your taxpayer dollars at work. Folklore For every fog in August there will be a snow storm. I didn’t see any fog, so let’s skip this one. If the first week of August is unusually warm, winter will be snowy and long. As I recall, it was hotter than Hades in early August – huge dumps may cometh. Squirrels gathering nuts in a flurry will cause snows to gather in a hurry. Stop by Manito Park and see for yourself – it’s on like Donkey Kong. Winter will be here before you know it, and the real games will begin: waking up early to make first chair, laughing with glee as the news people warn of “heavy snowfall,” and waxing our boards in the garage to the chagrin of our spouses. Trust me, we will forget all about the predictions. My forecast: A 50% chance of snow this year – think snow.// -By Brad Northrup
Snow/Weather Apps for Skiers and Riders Seems nearly everyone has a smart phone now, so it makes a bunch of sense that there would be numerous apps for skiers and riders. Everyone I know would love to get first tracks on any given weekend during the season, and having a tool that gives you up-to-the-minute weather and resort data is definitely a bonus. Here is a breakdown of the top snow and weather apps for all of you storm chasers and data freaks. REI Snow Report App The outdoor equipment retailer has definitely expanded it’s horizons with this app that provides info on base depths, snowfall projections, weather forecasts, trail reports, web cam images, and resort tweets. It covers resorts from the U.S., Canada,
Europe, South America, and other exotic skiing locales that most of us will never get a chance to visit. AccuWeather.com iPhone App One of the top weather reporting websites also has an app, and it is just as detailed. Use it to check out detailed forecasts, animated satellite/ radar images, 15 day local forecasts, and 15 hours of hourly weather forecasts. OntheSnow iPhone App OntheSnow has been the go-to site for resort information, and it’s iPhone app makes getting the details even easier. Users can access important resort information such as lift status, surface conditions, base depth, and the all-important
new snow received data. Ski and Snow Report This unique app provides access to live resort webcams, as well as detailing which resorts received the most new snow. The biggest plus for this app is the user’s ability to view and post real-time reports while on the mountain. AlpineReplay Ski and Snowboard For the real data junkies out there, this one is for you. With this app, you can track your vertical, speed, calorie burn, lift ride time, and runs taken. Plus, you can log into the main website and measure your season stats, then post it to Facebook for bragging rights. Pretty cool for a free app.
Ski Tracks With this app, you can get a run-by-run analysis, or comprehensive stats that show elevation, speed, vertical skied, distance skied, hours skied, and slope angle averages. These are just a handful of the apps that are currently on the market for smart phones. With technology evolving at an exponential rate, it is safe to say that we will see more advanced mountain-oriented apps become available in the near future. What they will be able to do is anyone’s guess, but if they can help me find a parking spot closer to the lodge, I am all in.// -By Brad Northrup
November 2013
/ Out There Monthly
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All Free Range... Continued from pg 19
the realm of finality. At the first sonic disruption from my .243, a bright red splotch appeared on the buck’s left side. Mortal wound? Not quite. I triggered more action, but even after the last bullet casing hit the ground near my feet, the buck was still free range. My family and I searched that country for hours with nothing to show. “This happens sometimes, even to the best of hunters,” my dad reminded me. Of course he was right, but many years later, I still wince in remorse for the suffering I caused. My friend Erik suggested that photography is the ultimate form of hunting. It requires many of the skills hunters must employ but also the proper light at the right time of day. I agree, and so this form of pursuit should suffice. For me, however, I hunger for an interior wild that requires more than images. The kind of wild that compels me to be with deer
and elk and to stalk, wait, guess, predict, and, when conditions are right, make a kill. This personal truth comes out when I look in the mirror at canine incisors and see eyes positioned for searching. My place in the lineage honors the way of the bears, cougars, and wolves. I accept my role as predator, even though doing so violates the catch-and-release ethos of photographers and the (questionably) progressive stance of many non-hunting meat eaters. Insightful arguments against hunting exist; I concede that human systems have evolved to the point where people like me do not need to hunt for food. But being a predator keeps me grounded. Hunting reflects a full commitment to variables out of my control, like my own life’s inevitable conclusion. Why I hunt has to do with facing fears and staying honest. The blood on my hands is problematic but also an application for authenticity, a reminder to stay closely connected to the actual in a world increasingly seduced by a virtual everything.//
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HikeoftheMonth
Upper Priest River Trail #308 and American Falls Avoid the mid-summer crowds by tackling this hike in the fall. Take the long route (16 miles round-trip) for the full experience; if that distance is too much, there’s a 4.6 mile option. Elevation gain is minimal (highpoint at the falls: 3400’) as the trail contours though ancient cedar forests in this beautiful river valley. Sounds are muted by the thick forest duff, and fall rains bring out fantastic mushroom displays (bring a good identification guide, and never sample a mushroom unless you’re certain it’s edible). Best for: This trail is typically snow-free from late June through mid-fall. Hikers should be aware of fall hunting seasons and dress accordingly. Always check extended weather forecasts before planning a fall visit as early snowfall could block trailhead access. Open to hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikes; dog friendly with a leash. Getting there: From Priest River, take Highway 57 north to Nordman, then continue up Forest Road 302 to Stagger Inn Campground. Continue about 2 miles to Forest Road 1013, then another 12 miles to the trailhead on the left side of the road at 2830’ elevation (for the shorter hike, continue approximately 11 miles beyond the first trailhead and watch for
Continental Trail * #28). * Open all Creek winter! // Hike of the Month and photo by Holly Spokane Weiler Pedal around downtown to your choice of up to three pubs with 8-16 of your friends. SpokanePartyTrolley.com SpokanePartyTrolley@comcast.net 509-879-6309 Saturday, November
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Out There Monthly / November 2013
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Last Page A Life Well Lived: Happy Trails, Robbi Castleberry! By Bea Lackaff
“Robbi left us a remarkable, tangible legacy of protected lands, rivers, and trails, including the Spokane River Water Trail. She also left a wake of functional outdoor organizations and wise judgments made by the regional land and river management agencies she served.” On June 11, 2013, a police officer was on the
phone getting an earful why his force had better get out to Palisades Park on the double and attend to mischief, when suddenly the line went dead. The officer assumed it was a bad connection. It took time for him to realize that it wasn’t the line or the phone, but something worse. His caller was Robbi Castleberry, and she had passed away in mid-call. Robbi was 80 years old, but she looked and lived much younger than her years. The shock of losing her is still being felt by those who knew her not just as a robust outdoors woman, but as a visionary leader and hardworking volunteer in the cause of protecting our natural lands and waterways. As the shock subsides, the breadth and consolation of Robbi’s legacy comes into focus in all the places that we and our children can still enjoy because of her commitment to preserving them.
Robbi’s legacy includes many vivid memories, some of which were shared at her July 11 memorial gathering. She and her husband Vic canoed the Spokane River every month of the year. An old friend recalled an especially wild descent through 8 Mile Canyon on the Priest River when “We thought we’d all die!” He also remembered Robbi as a “fantastic cook,” creating marvelous camp meals of “caribou, rabbits, or fish. Robbi always caught the biggest fish.” The backcountry horse people told of prolonged horseback adventures with the Castleberrys. One quoted Robbi as she rode off into a cold, mountain downpour. “Rain doesn’t hurt us…. Let’s do this again next year!” The Castleberry’s son- inlaw cheerfully described Robbi swimming for her life in the St Joe River. On a slower day, she might move boulders around with a Bobcat, tend a horse’s wounds, or attack invasive weeds in her
beloved Palisades Park. Robbi left us a remarkable, tangible legacy of protected lands, rivers, and trails, including the Spokane River Water Trail. She also left a wake of functional outdoor organizations and wise judgments made by the regional land and river management agencies she served. She had a zeal to get other people outdoors to experience nature. This passion was typically generous, but also shrewd, as she knew that today’s casual hiker could well become tomorrow’s resolute outdoors advocate. In the early 1960s, Robbi shared her love of skiing with her family, and went on to help form a ski club. Her friend Julia McHugh recalled in 1988 when Robbi busted into the Centennial Trail office saying: “Hey – what’s going on? How can I help?, “and soon became one of the first members of a CityCounty committee to get the trail built. Robbi was in on the beginning of the County’s Conservation Futures program by serving on the Lands Evaluation Committee. She was on the County Parks Board; was with Friends of the Falls and the Spokane River Forum; and helped start and preside over the Spokane Canoe and Kayak Club. She was on the Recreational Lands Work Group in the AVISTA relicensing process . When it came to neglect, litter, vandalism or abuse, Robbi was a fierce NIMBY. In the late 1960s, the Castleberrys moved near Indian Canyon, adjacent to Palisades Park. Vic recalls that “The City didn’t even know it had a Park there, until we (neighbors) brought it to their attention.” Over the years the Castleberrys and their neighbors formed the Palisades Park Neighborhood Association. They became stewards – hauling trash, using forest and fire management consultants, forming work parties, closing roads and opening trails and increasing native species. Today Palisades Park offers maintained
trails, a waterfall, stunning vistas, and an inviting website with opportunities to pitch in on a work party or chili feed. Robbi also left us with intangibles, such as a long lasting and far reaching vision for our community, rich with parks and natural areas, wild water ways, and trails and access to explore and connect them. Robbi well knew this vision can only be realized by the on going, relentless efforts of everyone who loves the outdoors. So now, no excuses! By her very example, Robbi led by example and left us a “howto-manual” that is her life legacy: make the project perfectly clear, lead by working harder than anyone else, and delegate (most people who know Robbi are familiar with the expression ”I got volunteered by Robbi”). Make it always about “us” and always for the greater good. Robbi had a holistic view. She was the “goto” person, and could usually figure things out, but if she couldn’t find a creative solution, she would find someone who could. She was warm, and had the grace and wisdom to hear and appreciate everyone’s point of view. She could bring people around by offering a larger perspective, rather than confronting, or challenging them. She listened and smiled while taking it all in, connecting people and conspiring to do good, to make the world a better place. And most importantly, she taught us to get off our butts! Each person can make a heck of a difference! Robbi left us all one more thing. Her last project was a vision of a West Plains Trail that would connect Riverside State Park, Palisades Park, Airway Heights, the Fish Lake Trail, and the Columbia Plateau Trail State Park system. As Robbi said so many times, “That’s a good idea. Let’s do it!” //
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Pedal around downtown Spokane to your choice of up to three pubs with 8-16 of your friends. November 2013
/ Out There Monthly
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Out There Monthly / November 2013