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October 2013

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3

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Out There Monthly / october 2013

p.7 / Out there news

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p.12 / Best Fall Hikes

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p.16 / INW OUTDOOR CAlendar & 6-Month Training Calendar p.18 / Gear Room

What’s Your Gear: Road Running Buying New Ski Gear

p.19 / Hike of the Month p.21 / North Idaho Road Biking

By Brad Naccarato

p.22 / Last Page

Interview with OTM Founder

By Derrick Knowles -------------------------------------------------------------On the cover: Samantha Mills hikes with her dog, talula, and aunt, kathy wilson, near the Summit of Mt. Spokane

Derrick Knowles: 509 / 822 / 0123 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.

Printed on 50% recycled paper with soy based inks in the Inland Northwest PROUD MEMBER OF

// Photo by Shallan Knowles

trail Mix: SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HIKING DURING HUNTING SEASON

enonation.com 4

Out There Monthly / october 2013

Know what hunting seasons may be open in the area.

Wear “hunters orange” or other bright colors.

Avoid colors that could make you look more like a wild animal (like brown or black).

Stick to trails and make enough noise to identify yourself as human.

Keep dogs on a tight leash or consider leaving them at home when hiking places where wolf hunting and trapping are allowed.

From the Editor: If You Pave It, They Will Come It’s been surreal these past few weeks to walk along the north rim overlooking the Spokane River downstream from Riverfront Park. We live and publish OTM a few blocks away in the West Central neighborhood, and the trails and parkland along the river corridor are our regular stomping grounds. But the new ribbon of smooth Centennial Trail pavement that was recently laid down between the new Kendall Yards development and the bluff, with bare dirt, bunchgrass, and construction activity occupying its flanks, is an incredible sight to see.

It makes me think of the Yellow Brick Road in the Wizard of Oz; it looks strangely out of place, yet beckons you to go skipping (or walking or running) down the narrow strip just to see where it goes.

This new Spokane River Gorge leg of the Centennial Trail is already transforming the surrounding area. There are more walkers, runners, and cyclists out there exploring it now than I’ve seen in this traditionally isolated corner of the city over the past several years combined. The trail expansion has also created a vital link between Riverfront Park, the downtown core, and long neglected parkland along the river and the confluence with Latah Creek to the west. Connectivity is key to making the most out of our treasure trove of parks, conservation areas, trails, and other public lands in Spokane and throughout the region.

Often times it’s largely mental, but a safe and inviting paved trail will draw people in to explore

nearby parkland and trails so much more than a series of un-signed, potentially sketchy neighborhood roads or a field of weeds. Go figure.

I for one am happy to share our neighborhood with the rest of you nature loving, recreating taxpayers and hope that more of you take the time this fall to explore the newest addition to the Centennial Trail. If you’re looking for the perfect tour of the area, our Spokane urban hike suggestion on page 13 is a fantastic loop hike tour of the Spokane River Gorge. I only have a couple of things to ask of you while you’re out there enjoying the surprisingly pristine river habitats and amazing views of the river canyon and downtown.

1. Go off-route a little and explore adjacent city

park land on both sides of Sandifur Bridge, including the People’s Park and the High Bridge/ Overlook Park areas, which need more public attention. And 2., bring a garbage bag along with you to help pick up the slow accumulation of trash that will no doubt build up after this year’s Spokane River Cleanup (Sept. 28). After your hike, post a photo of yourself out on the trail on our Out There Monthly Facebook page by Oct. 11, and we’ll enter you to win two tickets to the Radical Reels Film Festival the following night (see page 11 for details). See you out on the trail!

------------------------------------------------------derrick knowles, editor derrick@outtheremonthly.com

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Out There Monthly / october 2013

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october’s winner recieves two tickets to radical reels Film tour donated by Mountain Gear and an Arcteryx zip neck t-shirt donated by Spokane REI 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.

9/24/13 3:17 PM

Out ThereNews Northeast Washington Christmas Tree Goes to the other Washington The 2013 “Capitol Christmas Tree,” an 88-foot tall Engelmann spruce tree that was selected from the Colville National Forest in Pend Oreille County, will be making one public appearance in Newport, WA, on Friday, Nov. 1 before making a long cross-country roadtrip to the nation’s capitol. A community holiday festival to celebrate the event, including music, food, ornament making for kids, and other festive activities, are being planned in Newport around 2:30 p.m. This is your one chance to get a glimpse of the tree before it is unwrapped again in D.C. More info on the Newport festivities is available

at www.porta-us.com.

Forest Service staff selected several tree candidates and the superintendent of the capitol grounds made the final tree selection. The tree will be harvested Nov. 1 and wrapped for its journey, which includes several weeks on the road visiting communities across the country before arriving in time for Thanksgiving. The Capitol Christmas Tree will travel with companion trees designated for offices around the capitol and more than 5,000 handmade ornaments depicting this year’s theme: “Sharing Washington’s Good Nature.”

Spokane River Restoration Project Planned The Spokane River Forum is organizing volunteers to help restore the Spokane River and create better recreation access at the state line.

The project will take place over two days on October 18-19 off Seltice Way from noon to 4 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday. The project will include planting

native trees and shrubs that will help restore the riparian area, improve habitat for fish and other wildlife, enhance water quality and make for more aesthetically pleasing water trail access.

Get directions and register at www.spokaneriver. net/stateline

Mount Spokane Gets a New Snowshoe Hut The long-awaited Mount Spokane snowshoe hut is closer to becoming a reality.

Despite a series of setbacks, park visitors will now see the warming shelter taking shape at Smith Gap. The floor and frame of the building should be finished this fall, and by early next summer, the Friends of Mount Spokane will need volunteers to help complete and maintain the building. Contact Friends’ President Chris Currie at criscurrie22@gmail.com if you are interested in helping with this ongoing project.

In the meantime, snowshoe visitors to the park can finally count on safe (and dry) passage over two of the three major stream crossings on

Trail 100. Volunteers from the Washington Trails Association completed the work on the first two bridges over the summer. The new bridges were built on-site, primarily through the use of hand tools. To date, the project represents 560 volunteer hours. The third bridge will be completed next summer.

When planning your visit this winter, don’t forget to print the snowshoe trail map from the Friends of Mount Spokane website (www.mountspokane. org) and get a SnoPark permit for your vehicle (required beginning Nov. 1; www.parks.wa.gov/ winter/nonmotorparks/permits/).

Mt Spokane Ski Area Expansion on Hold The re-classification of part of Mt. Spokane State Park to allow a ski area expansion on the northwest side of the mountain is on hold after the Spokane-based Lands Council won a court action in September that argued that the Washington State Parks Commission failed to complete the necessary environmental review. While The Lands Council and other conservation and recreation groups have opposed expanding the ski area into the largely undeveloped backside of the mountain, citing impacts on old growth forest, wildlife habitat, and existing recreation uses, Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park has said that they are willing to do the necessary environmental studies to see the long-

proposed ski area expansion move forward.

The expansion proposal includes installing an additional chairlift that was purchased earlier this year along with adding seven new runs on 80 acres of park land. Proponents argue that the expansion is needed for the ski area to access late season snow that they believe will allow them to remain competitive with other regional resorts in the future. There is plenty more to read on both sides of the issue. The Lands Council and other groups opposing the expansion make their case at www.savemtspokane.org, while the Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park argue their side with news posts at www.mtspokane.com/ news

Fleet Feet Sports Spokane Partners with CrossFit Duratus Spokane’s newest CrossFit gym, CrossFit Dūrātus, opened in August and operates out of the Fleet Feet Sports training center just north of downtown Spokane at 1303 N Washington. The two fitness-oriented businesses collaborate on a diverse set of classes and activities in the shared space to leverage the strength of their collective programs to reach a larger, holistic fitness conscious audience.

Fleet Feet Spokane owner Wade Pannell uses the gym space for running group trainings, health and fitness events, TRX Classes , and winter training programs. Kevin Longmeier, who owns CrossFit Dūrātus, offers programs that include a combination of weightlifting, gymnastic and cardiovascular movements that can provide a potent workout. Longmeier adds that it’s focus is to help their members achieve sound technique and skill before adding intensity during workouts. He also highlights the attention they give to the needs of individual members. “We strive to create a culture of encouragement and accountability and fun amongst our members in each class,” he says.

When it comes to fitness training, having a strong

community is important, he says. “We believe in the motto that we are better together than alone.”

“Many people hold an unfair preconceived idea about CF that it’s only for people who are already in great shape. We believe CrossFit is a great holistic fitness program for people of all abilities from the collegiate athlete hoping to get stronger and faster to the person who has lived a sedentary lifestyle hoping to incorporate fitness for the first time,” says Longmeier.

Pannell sums up the Fleet Feet Spokane and CrossFit Dūrātus connection this way: “Running is an excellent method to start your journey toward fitness,” he says. “In addition, we believe that functional strength and core strength is central to becoming a healthy and happy runner. CrossFit is a group-based fitness program that incorporates functional strength and cardiovascular fitness in a fun, engaging and competitive environment.”

The two of them welcome anyone to come in and try CrossFit and TRX classes or any of the several fitness center information nights planned in the coming months for free.

The Hometown Spokane Marathon The Spokane Marathon remains one of the best marathon races in the area for three important reasons. First, the race fee is barely half of all the other major marathons in the Northwest. Not including late fees, the Seattle and Portland marathons cost over $130 each, while the Spokane Marathon is merely $65 and it includes a sweatshirt rather than a thin tech tee. If you skip the shirt, the Spokane Marathon is only $35.

Second, there is no corporate sponsors or bigtime prize money. In fact, the Spokane Marathon gives away $16,000 to the local high school crosscountry teams, cheerleaders and bands that host water stations. This is a primary fundraiser for many teams, and runners are routinely impressed with the creativity and the brilliant service since the water station teams know it’s the runner’s votes that create their funding awards.

Third, the Spokane Marathon course embrac-

es all of the best portions of the Spokane River and many other local races. The course for the marathon and half-marathon begins and ends at Riverfront Park, but the main portion of the loop includes part of the Bloomsday course, part of the Centennial Trail, and a big chunk of Riverside State Park.

Race Director Lori Shauvin says, “I got an email last year from a man who drove 1,400 miles to run his 27th marathon, and he said he would never forget the majesty of the Spokane Marathon. When he reached the Fort Wright Military Cemetery, it was misty and the Shadle bagpipers were playing.

He said he stopped and cried; he now knows why they play bagpipes during wars.”

This year the Spokane Marathon and HalfMarathon are Sunday, Oct. 13th. For more information please visit www.spokanemarathon.us.

The Grind Rail Jam at EWU Gets Skiers/ Boarders Stoked for Winter Eastern Washington University’s EPIC Adventures is hosting it’s 7th annual ski and snowboard rail jam on campus on Saturday, Oct. 26th from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Known as “The Grind,” the event is one of the largest open rail jams on the West Coast. This year’s event will be held at JFK field and is open to riders of all ability levels ages 16 and up. “We have every ability of rider participating in The Grind, from new riders to X Games finalists, and we aim to keep this event open and inviting to all levels of riders and spectators,” says Grind organizer Shawn Semb.

Semb and others spend months organizing the Grind each year to get students, potential students and local riders amped up for the winter season.

“We truck in 12 tons of shaved ice and snow to make this possible,” he says. Many winter sports companies will be out to show their support and have booths at this year’s event, including main sponsor Thrive Snowboards, Phunkshun Wear, Bataleon snowboards, Switchback bindings, 49 Degrees North, Mt Spokane, and Silver Mountain.

Semb notes that thousands of dollars’ worth of gear and prizes will be given away to riders and spectators. Check out some video from last year’s event at www.youtube.com/watch?v=USJcbuks2lQ or find it on Facebook for more info: www.facebook.com/ EpicAdventuresRailJam

October 2013

/ Out There Monthly

7

Health andFitness IS CrossFit For YOU?

By S. Michal Bennett

CrossFit has quite the reputation for being extreme, causing injuries and making women “buff.” However, it is also described as friends, fitness and fun, like when you were a kid, “running around, jumping, playing.”

So, what is the reality? As a proven awkward klutz, I am a walking testimony that CrossFit isn’t just for the “athletic types.” For those of us out there who have never run a marathon or touched a barbell, CrossFit has something for each one of us.

The First Step

Typically, the first step to joining a CrossFit gym is Boot Camp. This series of classes (often spread out over 1-2 weeks) is geared towards introducing you to CrossFit movements and getting you motivated. At the end of the first class, you will pretty much know whether you have the guts to keep going or throw in the towel.

What To Look For

When choosing a CrossFit gym, look for trainers who are willing to work with you on your level, but who will also challenge you to exceed your perceived potential. CrossFit is

tough enough without having to work out with a bunch of competitive people. When you’re feeling like you can’t go another step, you will be grateful for people cheering you on!

When deciding how often to work out, start out at a pace that works for your physical level and schedule, and set a goal to increase your pace.

The Movements

The most foundational CrossFit movements are squats, pull-ups, pushups, ball throws and kettle ball swings. Most of the more complicated movements are just an extension of these. Some classes will also incorporate cardio, like running, machine rowing and stationary biking. These movements mimic “play” stuff we did as kids: swinging on monkey bars, dodgeball, riding bikes, etc.

The challenge comes with the timed workouts, the number or reps and the addition of weight.

Through these challenges, you will find that your strength, endurance and recovery increase at a rapid rate. Within a few weeks, you will see and feel a significant difference.

Good trainers will always be willing to assist

you with form and new movements, as well as help you adapt any workout to your individual capabilities. When first starting out, learning and maintaining good form is vital to avoiding injury and progressing at a healthy rate. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or be the last to finish. Take time to make sure you are doing each movement correctly – form is more important than speed!

The Diet

CrossFit promotes the Paleolithic (Paleo) Diet.

Simply put, this diet eliminates the major digestive disruptors and possible allergen foods: grains, legumes, sugar and dairy. What you can eat: vegetables, fruit, meat, nuts, seeds and oils. Some common exceptions are whey protein (typically processed to remove lactose) and raw honey or agave (naturally-occurring sugars).

For many, this lifestyle change can be difficult.

However, there is a vast network of recipes and blogs dedicated to making the Paleo diet easy and delicious. Regardless of how you feel about changing your diet, give Paleo a try! You will recover better, build muscle more efficiently, and have a clearer mind and body. You may even discover a world of scrumptious foods that you may have never known existed!//

Where to Get CrossFit CrossFit Dūrātus crossfitduratus.com CrossFit Spokane Valley crossfitspokanevalley.com CrossFit Spokane crossfitspokane.com CrossFit Coeur d’Alene crossfitcda.com Lotus CrossFit lotuscrossfit.com CrossFit Sandpoint crossfitsandpoint.com

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Out There Monthly / october 2013

Book Reviews After The Fall: A Climber’s True Story of Facing Death and Finding Life

The Challenge of Rainier: A Record of the Explorations and Ascents, Triumphs and Tragedies on One of North America’s Greatest Mountains

Craig DeMartino and Bill Romanelli, Kregel Publications, 2013, 208 pages

Back in 2002, Craig DeMartino fell 100 feet off the top of a climb and cratered into the ground. He should have died instantly. Every breath and every day after the accident was a miracle. Many people know Craig from his appearance on the Arc’teryx-sponsored video podcast series The Season 2 by Fitz Cahall.

Craig is also known for his role in The Gimp Monkeys, one of the 2012 Best of Banff World Tour movies. Both videos underscore how far Craig has recovered since 2002, and how well he climbs with a prosthetic leg, but After The Fall reveals all the gritty details from the day of the accident to the first all-disabled ascent of El Cap. Near the middle of the book, Craig writes, “The simple fact is that everyone, and I mean everyone, will go through something hard. Soulcleansing hard. Like the sifting of wheat, we will be broken at some point in our lives. I understood that this life was not meant to be a perfect situation, and it’s so easy to forget that while things are moving along great.”

By his own count, Craig’s very survival rested on multiple miracles that he chronicles in the first chapter. Craig does an outstanding job weaving certain side stories into the narrative; and the chapter written by his wife punctuates the unfolding drama in a way that wisely deviates from other recovery-style biographies. The book even incorporates the recovery of his climbing partner following the incident.

Slowly but surely, Craig opens up about his Christian faith, and he reveals how much the accident and the subsequent difficulties have changed him for the better. Climbers will appreciate the story and the transformation, but anyone that has battled through something that has physically or emotionally crushed them can recognize the value in DeMartino’s outlook and accomplishments. // Jon Jonckers

Fire Season: Field Notes from a Wilderness Lookout Phillip Connors, Ecco, 2012, 272 pages Grand Prize Winner Banff Mountain Book Festival 2012

Fire Season’s selection as the winner of the Phillys and Don Munday Award for best book at the 2012 Banff Mountain Book Festival surprised many. Though I hadn’t read Fire Season, the several quality entries I had read that were not chosen set the bar of my expectations high.

What I found was a finely crafted book with colorful prose and moments of inspiration. Drawing on nearly a decade of summer sojourns in a fire lookout in New Mexico’s Gila National Forest, Connor chronicles the life of a lookout: the day to day routine that borders on boredom, until the lookout glimpses that whiff of smoke on the horizon.

At times Connors waxes philosophical on the change lying in the future of fire spotting. He looks at the impact of new policy dictating that many fires go unchallenged. He considers how technology, satellite reconnaissance, camera-carrying drones, and better optical equipment can reduce the need for or even eliminate the fire lookout.

A differentiating feature of Connors work on the solitude of fire lookout life is his acknowledgement of the dichotomy that comes from blending a part-time job with real life. He freely characterizes the other half of his life as a journalist and bartender with a family in New York. This counterpoint adds a depth not often found in nature writing. In this regard he lies somewhere between Aldo Leopold whose family was part of everything he wrote to the nearly reclusive nature of Edward Abbey.

As one reviewer noted, “In short, what Connors does in Fire Season has been done elsewhere, often in greater detail and with more authority, but the book nonetheless has value for the glimpse it provides of the sort of person who is content to sit in a tower for long stretches, pondering the wilderness, and for Connors’ beautiful descriptions of (mostly) unspoiled forests and mountains.”

Perhaps Connors can be a voice for a new generation, filling the young adults of today with some of the awe of nature and power of healing attributed to solitude by earlier writers like Ed Abbey and Gary Snyder and how they affected my generation. // Stan Miller

Dee Molenaar, The Mountaineers Books, 4th Edition, 2011, 430 pages

The definitive book concerning the mountaineering history and essence of Mount Rainier is Dee Molenaar’s The Challenge of Rainier. Originally published in 1971, a fully revised and highly readable edition was recently published to commemorate the 40th anniversary.

For anyone with any level of interest in Mount Rainier, this book is required reading. It provides a thorough review and wellresearched history of the mountaineering exploration of Mount Rainier and the immediate region, complete with detailed stories of climbing tragedies and triumphs. Written by the person who is considered the authority of all things Rainier, Molenaar adds his renowned landform artwork along with many noteworthy photographs to this masterpiece. In addition to serving as the authoritative historical reference of Mount Rainier, the book is also the story of a man’s infatuation and love for the mountain and the meaningful relationships it has fostered in his life.

The book begins with an overview of the geology and climbing environment of the mountain, including information on the glacier system, snowfall, and weather. It then tells the stories of the discoveries and early explorations of the first Europeans to explore the mountain. An early chapter discusses the early mountaineering attempts, including the first successful ascent in 1870 by Hazard Stevens and Philemon Beecher Van Trump.

The writing emphasizes how the mountain environment both creates meaning for people and is also continually changing. For example, Molenaar states, “Mount Rainier is many things to many people. It forever is changing in mood and aspect, as directed by sometimes dramatic, sometime subtle, changes in weather, cloud cover, and play of light and shadow across ridges and snowfields.”

In the final chapter titled In Retrospect, Molenaar reflects on his 70 years of experiences on the mountain. Molenaar writes, “In the final analysis, the full enjoyment of mountain climbing includes a basic joy in experiencing and being in contact with the natural world of rock and ice, a love of physical exertion and of good companionship, and a challenging objective.”// Peter G. Williams

Wanted: Bikers/Hikers to Map Spokane Area Trails Do you have a GPS unit or a smart-

Your favorite trails that cross private

phone mapping app that you hike or

property won’t likely be around forever

bike with when you’re out on Spokane’s

without comprehensive trail planning

many miles of official and “unofficial”

and eventual preservation. So do your

trails? Out There Monthly is looking

part for the future of a fun, connected,

for your GPS data to help fine-tune the

and well-managed trails system in the

Spokane County Regional Trail Plan by

greater Spokane area and send us your

making sure that all well-used trails

trail data in either gpx or kmz (Google

that are important for connecting public

Earth File), and we’ll enter you into a

lands, parks, and neighborhoods are

drawing for some cool outdoor gear

included in the plan. Once your favorite

from local companies! Stay tuned to

trail is included in the Plan’s trail inven-

OTM’s Facebook page for more details

tory, it can be more easily added to the

on what you might be able to win. Even

trail system if it’s on public land. If it’s

though this is more of a call to public

on private property, having it mapped

service to preserve the future of our

and included in the Plan will make it

hiking and biking trail system than a

easier for that property to be preserved

contest, e-mail us at contests@outther-

through the Conservation Futures

emonthly.com.

Program and/or other funding sources.

October 2013

/ Out There Monthly

9

Greasy Handshake

Greasing the Wheels / By Pedal Wrench

We are filling 3 empty positions on the Board of Directors that need

YOU!

If you share an interest in Riverside State Park and would like to help the Riverside State Park Foundation make a difference in our community, we encourage you to seek more information regarding the open board positions at RiversideStatePark.org or email caren_hubbard@yahoo.com.

No previous volunteer experience is necessary. Specific skills in the areas of media, public relations, retail management, and short & long term planning would be especially helpful, as we develop our Board of Directors and the Foundation into a financial support system for the future of our park.

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The businessman in his white dress shirt glanced at my hands as I carefully rolled out his electronic-shifting carbon race bike from the back room. I’m sure he noticed the black grit under my fingernails. But with sincere gratitude he reached out his hand with a “Man, thanks so much for getting this done so quickly! I have a race tomorrow morning and there’s no way I could show up on my old bike!”

Bike shop mechanics are always apologizing for their hands. But take it from me – a greasy handshake is a simple and painless way to show your appreciation for an often thankless job. During the summer, at most full-service bicycle shops, you’ll find a whole crew of tattooed young men and women who spend every waking hour building, tuning, and selling bicycles. We are a hard-working bunch who don’t get to play on our own bikes as much as we would like. That is, until the season slows enough to justify an extra day off.

All bicycle owners need a good mechanic. So, once you find the right one, nurture that relationship. All it takes is a little care and understanding. Here are some tips to help with that: Call Me Wrench: Introduce yourself with a handshake, eye contact, and a smile. Remember your mechanic’s name, and he’ll do his best to remember yours. Be prepared to answer a few questions about your bicycle (e.g. what the problem is, when it first began, where it happened, and how you were riding). Your mechanic will put the bike in the stand to give it a once-over. A good mechanic will make suggestions to improve your bicycle’s performance, such as better cable housing (i.e. not using brake housing in place of shift housing) or the appropriate chain lube (i.e. not WD-40). This is not necessarily the mechanic’s opportunity to try to sell you more stuff, but really to diagnose problems and learn what he’s getting himself into.

But I Need It Now: Chances are, there are 10 to 50 customers ahead of you. Mechanics are sympathetic—if the issue is relatively small, they may be able to squeeze in your bike between the other bigger repairs. The most dedicated mechanics even come to work early to work down their repair load so that your wait is as short as possible (i.e. less than a week). But remember that everyone wants their bike back tomorrow. A fellow mechanic once told me, “There is speed, quality and price. And you can only choose two.”

In other words, you can have it quick, but it’s going to cost a pretty penny to do it right.

You Again: Bike shops love a loyal customer. If they get to know you, they will bend over backwards to help with returns, repairs, and good deals. Bike shops are small businesses that appreciate repeat business and will work hard to keep you returning. When it comes to the dreaded mention of an online purchase, most don’t mind giving advice as long as they get a fair shot at making the sale.

IPA, Pepperoni, Double-vanilla latte: Yup, I’m saying we can be bribed. To be clear, I’m not referring to a monetary hand-off! I’m not implying that your local bike shop employee can be bought. Bicycle shops, like most small businesses, work hard to retain their client base with integrity. But you can get on the shop’s good side by bringing us food or drinks. This is a small courtesy that will likely ensure the quickest, best service. Seriously, if the whole shop enjoys a chilled adult beverage that you have provided, with every sip your bicycle becomes further etched in their memory banks.

So the next time you’re in desperate need of an adjustment or last-minute overhaul, stop at the store on the way and pick up a half-rack or an iced latte. You may just find your bike in the stand a little sooner.

15th Annual — WINTER SWAP www.winterswap.org

Kootenai County Fairgrounds Saturday, November 2nd 2013

WINTER SPORTS EQUIPMENT Skiing - Snowboarding - Clothing

TO BUY:

Shop items on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2nd 9 AM—3 PM Admissions is $5.00, 12 & under free.

TO SELL:

Register Items for Sale on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1st 3 PM—8 PM. Registration info, forms, and tags are available prior to the swap at Ski Shack in Hayden beginning Tuesday 10/15/13 Consignment fee is 25% of the selling price.

TO CLAIM: Money for items sold, and any unsold merchandise MUST be claimed at the Fairgrounds Sunday, November 3rd 9 AM—Noon.

Lookout Pass & Silver Mountain Volunteer Ski Patrols are non-profit organizations

15th Annual — WINTER SWAP www.winterswap.org

Kootenai County Fairgrounds Saturday, November 2nd 2013 TO BUY:

WINTER SPORTS EQUIPMENT

Oct 5: Colbert Half Marathon Oct 27: Pumpkin Pacer

Skiing - Snowboarding - Clothing

Shop items on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2nd 9 AM—3 PM Admissions is $5.00, 12 & under free.

TO SELL:

more info at www.runnersoul.com

Register Items for Sale on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1st 3 PM—8 PM. Registration info, forms, and tags are available prior to the swap at Ski Shack in Hayden beginning Tuesday 10/15/13 Consignment fee is 25% of the selling price.

TO CLAIM: Money for items sold, and any unsold merchandise MUST be claimed at the Fairgrounds Sunday, November 3rd 9 AM—Noon.

Spokane's only running specialty store.

221 N. Wall St. 509.624.7654

Lookout Pass & Silver Mountain Volunteer Ski Patrols are non-profit organizations

24 Hour Turn Around on Service

Contest!

Pedal Wrench is an experienced bike mechanic at an undisclosed Inland Northwest area bike shop. He may or may not have tattoos, but he can indeed be bribed with IPA and Pepperoni. His new occasional column, “Greasy Handshake,” will explore the mysterious underworld of the bicycle repair shop. ab

10

Out There Monthly / october 2013

30 Years Strong

Make your bike as dependable as we are.

Taking great care of the customer and having fun doing it since 1983.

North Division Bicycle Shop • 10503 N Division • 467-BIKE (2453)

www.northdivision.com

Everyday Cyclist cyclocross Heckling / Cyclocross is a unique sport. Essentially you redline your body’s tachometer at the start, keep it redlined, and try not to blow up before it’s over. And yet you don’t have to because you can take it as seriously as you want. The racing is as intense as you make it. That’s important because for 30 to 55 minutes you could be splashing through water, slipping through mud,

presents

By Hank Greer

and help take their mind off the sufferfest they’re enduring. There’s no need to be a jerk. Cyclocross is hard enough without someone slamming you.

“John, do you see what everyone else is doing on this hill? That’s why it’s called a RUN up.”

When it comes to fun and humorous heckling, you are limited by your own creativity. And Internet search engines. Electronic amplification

Andi Oden receives a beer hand up on her 21st birthday.

Photo by Hank Greer

dismounting and jumping over barriers, getting is useful, especially if you want the rider to hear caked in dust, squirrelling your bike through you over the crowd. And if there is a crowd, see sand or gravel, lugging your bike up some stairs if you can organize them to work with you. Get or a hill, or navigating a tight turn in loose dirt them do the wave as a rider goes by. Or have them with a bike on each side of you. Cross is not a all pump their fists and mime cheer and then sport for everyone, but anyone who rides a bike cheer loudly only after the rider has passed by. can do it. It’s a tough sport, but the suffering is “Whoa, you’re faster than the speed of sound.” much easier to endure when you’re smiling. So See how that can work? how does that happen?

Hand ups also add to the fun. A hand up is an offering of food, drink or money from a specta“Good news, John. You’re gaining on that pregnant woman. Probably because she’s carrytor. Beer and bacon are common hand ups, but ing twins, and you look like you have just the one.”

I’ve also seen chocolate and cupcakes. Again, you One fun part of cyclocross is the tradition are limited by your imagination. But it has to be of heckling. The term is misleading because it something the rider can reach, the rider can condoesn’t (and shouldn’t) fit the dictionary’s definisume or pocket, does not impede the rider, and tion. The purpose of heckling is not to embarrass does not affect the race. A toaster would not make or annoy the rider. It’s good-natured ribbing of a good hand up. Toast would work, but you probpeople you know well enough to rib or something ably won’t get any takers. witty enough to say to anyone.

Dollar bills make a great hand up, especially I was in a race on Labor Day along with my for junior racers. One option is to plant one in the brother, John, with the intent of having a heckground at the top of the run up. Since the rider is ling contest with him. He lost, but he also didn’t off their bike they’re able to reach down, grab the lose. Every time I buck, and tuck heckled him as he it into their jerpassed by he broke And for just a few moments he was not thinking sey or shorts.

(Ma ke sure out into a big smile. And for just about his burning lungs, his dust-encrusted eyes, they know it’s a few moments he there.) A dollar or his tired legs. was not thinking may be a small about his burning reward, but to a lungs, his dust-encrusted eyes, or his tired legs. ten-year-old it’s money for a snack after the race.

“If speed were chocolate, John, you’d be an “Hey, you need to stop by the pits. Your bike M&M. The kind with no nuts!” needs a rider change.”

Cyclocross is a great sport for spectators. Nearly Yeah, that one sums up my racing prowess, but the entire course can be reached on foot. People I don’t mind. The Inland Northwest Cyclocross congregate at the run up or the barriers because Series (See the link on www.emdesports.com) begins on October 5 with the first race taking those spots tend to be where noteworthy successes and fails happen. There is no heckling rule book place in Sandpoint, Idaho. Bring a cowbell, somebut common sense applies. The races are usually thing to hand up, and cheer the riders on. Be carefamily events so leave out the profanity. Also, ful, though. It may entice you to ride a course and heckling should not be cruel. Don’t ask the last get in on the real fun.

Just don’t get between me and the bacon.// place rider if they need help carrying their bike unless you know them well enough that they’ll take it in good humor. Instead, cheer them on

“

”

Saturday, October 12 7 pm at the Bing Crosby Theater Tickets: $15 Tickets Avaliable at Mountain Gear, 2002 N Division or TicketsWest October 2013 1-half page Ou Sept 23.indd 1

/ Out There Monthly

11

9/23/2013 2:40:27 PM

Best Fall HIkes of the Inland Northwest By: Bradley Beck, Robin Hartikainen, Derrick Knowles, and Erika Prins

evan lundt plays around on the rocks near the spokane river // Photo by chase warnick

Autumn in the Inland Northwest is prime hiking time. The summer heat has passed, there are fewer people out on the trails, and the combination of fall colors, crisp air, and birds and other wildlife preparing for winter can make for an exhilarating hiking experience. To celebrate the turn of the seasons, OTM pulled together a list of some of the best fall hikes from across the Inland Northwest. From Sandpoint to Spokane and Nelson to Northeast Washington, there’s a trail in here for everyone to explore this fall.

the park, among the rock outcroppings, the towering trees, and the suspension bridge, is its sense of solitude, particularly when the trail is more lightly used in the fall. This solitude is enhanced by views of the lake and the distant shoreline. With the interpretive trail guide, hikers can learn about the area’s history and the flora of the park. While McEuen Park is under construction, park at City Hall or the Sanders Beach entrance to the trail. Leashed dogs okay. No bikes. Download the interpretive guide here: www.cdaidparks.org/index.php/ parks/tubbs-hill

Sandpoint: Pend d ’Oreille Bay Trail (Bradley)

Sandpoint, ID: Until recently, the Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail was something of a secret outside of Sandpoint. Thanks to the Friends of Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail, the secret is out. Almost entirely on private property, the largely flat trail runs for two miles along the shoreline of Lake Pend Oreille, linking Sandpoint, Ponderay and Kootenai. The Friends group has been working to expand access, providing bear-proof trash containers, “mutt mitts” for picking up after dogs, trash patrols for picking up after people, and benches for sitting and enjoying the views of the lake and Scotchman Peaks. Expect to share the trail with cyclists when it’s warm and snowshoers and x-country skiers in the winter. Follow Sandpoint Avenue from City Beach to the water treatment plant for access. www.pobtrail.org Fall Colors: Upper Priest Lake, Navigation Trail (Bradley) Nordman, ID: A fall hike along Navigation Trail provides plenty of beauty as the colors emerge from the tamarack and cottonwood amid the various pine and fir trees. The trail provides access to two campgrounds on the upper lake: Plowboy (6-miles roundtrip) and Navigation (12-miles roundtrip). The most scenic and challenging part of the trail is the second mile between Plowboy and Navigation campgrounds as it follows the shoreline and includes the only sustained climb. Otherwise, the trail is largely flat. The trailhead is at Priest Lake’s Beaver Creek Campground. Water is a must, though dogs can find their own. Bear spray is a good idea, just in case. Take Idaho Highway 57 north from Priest River. Follow Reeder Bay Road 14 miles to Beaver Creek.

Coeur d’Alene: Tubbs Hill (Bradley) Coeur d’Alene, ID: Highlighted by the 2.2-mile interpretive trail along its perimeter, Coeur d’Alene’s Tubbs Hill and its summit trail and fire roads epitomize the notion of a hiker’s nirvana in an urban wilderness, offering plenty of variety in its 120 acres. The best trait of 12

Out There Monthly / october 2013

Educational Trail: Spokane House Interpretive Trail, Riverside State Park (Bradley) Spokane, WA: Found near the confluence of the Spokane and Little Spokane Rivers, the Spokane House Interpretive Trail tells of the first permanent white settlement in what would become Washington. The trail is flat and one-third mile long with five interpretive sites providing a sense of what Finan McDonald encountered while living and trading among the region’s tribes. There is another one-third mile trail leading to the Little Spokane River Peninsula that also contains interpretive sites, one of which is the oldest structure in the state.

The park entrance is about a mile north of Nine Mile Dam on Highway 291. The center is open summer weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by appointment. Week-day access from boat launch. Discovery Pass required. Leashed dogs okay.

Hike with Kids: Bowl & Pitcher, Riverside State Park (Erika) Spokane, WA: Spokane mom Sara Callan takes her kids out hiking for one reason: “Getting energy out!” And at ages two, four and six, she admits that there’s a lot of energy to get out.

“They’re just so much happier when they’re out in nature than when they’re at home, cooped up in the house,” she says. When taking kids out hiking, Callan recommends looking for easy trails with no major safety hazards like steep drop-offs. “Trails that follow interesting things – along the creek or river – keep them busy too,” she says. The Bowl and Pitcher area of Riverside State Park is a favorite hiking spot for Callan’s three children. “They love going across the swinging bridge,” she says. The wooden pedestrian bridge above the Bowl and Pitcher rapid offers safe, easy river viewing. At the top of the new stairs across the bridge, the trail upriver to the left is an especially fun and interesting trail for kids, with many basalt rock formations and river views.

“ you will know – this is the top of the world!”

Urban Hike: Spokane River Gorge (Erika) Spokane, WA: Easy to access from either side of the river, squeeze in this short Downtown Spokane hike after work or early in the morning. Start your hike at Riverfront Park if you’re already downtown or from People’s Park on the south side of the Sandifur Bridge if you’re driving. From People’s Park, cross Sandifur Bridge over the Spokane River, then follow the singletrack trail just past the bridge east upriver and into the “Lower Crossing” neighborhood. Walk along Falls Avenue up the hill to Ohio, where you can follow the new section of the Centennial Trail along the bluff in front of Kendall Yards, where the views of the city and the falls are stunning at sunrise and sunset. Cross the river at Maple, Monroe or through Riverfront Park. Then follow Riverside, then First through Browne’s Addition to Coeur d’Alene Street, where you’ll find the Overlook Park Trailhead a few blocks west of Coeur d’Alene Park. The trail switchbacks its way down to Latah Creek and a gravel path leading back north to People’s Park.

Hike with Dogs: Bead Lake Trail #127 (Erika) Newport, WA: Dogs totally bring the party to a hike – where do they get all that energy? In exchange for the companionship, be sure to consider your dog when choosing a hike. “You want to be around areas, generally, with water sources that are also easy on the paws,” says Craig Romano, author of the book Best Hikes with Dogs Inland Northwest. Romano and Spokane’s Rich Landers also recently published Day Hiking in Eastern Washington, which includes icons indicating dog-friendly hikes.

Romano recommends the Bead Lake Trail near Newport as one of the region’s premier dog-friendly hikes. “For some reason, it’s not overly popular,” he says. That’s great news for dogs. “Really busy places can be tough for dogs for a lot of reasons. Places where there’s a lot of mountain biking – that can be pretty traumatizing.” The Bead Lake Trail is along the lakeshore for a lot of the hike so there’s a lot for a dog to enjoy, says Romano. “It’s a trail that opens up fairly early in the spring and well into the fall. Even with a little bit of snow, it makes a nice hike.” No matter where you hike, Romano recommends bringing items to keep your friend comfortable, like a collapsible water bowl, treats and first-aid supplies.

Nelson: Pulpit Rock Trail (Robin) Nelson, BC: If you are one of those people who likes to get out when the air is just starting to get cold and fall colors are starting to change, Nelson, B.C., is your place. October is one of the best months to get out into the mountains around Nelson because the weather is still warm, the crowds are gone, and the changing tree colors surrounding this small mountain city are fantastic. I like to recommend Pulpit Rock to anyone who visits my hometown because it’s a nice little hike with amazing views and easy access. The Pulpit Rock Trail is an energetic but approachable 1.6 km day hike that offers a bird’s

eye view of Nelson from the mountains above town after 1,000 feet of elevation gain. The well-marked trailhead is located a short drive north from historic Baker Street just across the Big Orange Bridge and down Johnston Road. The first section of the hike is a well-maintained trail that traverses the forest up the side of Elephant Mountain. The pitch is challenging, but there are plenty of switchbacks.

If you want more of a challenge there is also an option to continue the hike to the flag pole perched high on Elephant Mountain.

Backcountry Views: Big Eddy Trail to Star Peak, Scotchman Peaks (Derrick) Clark Fork, ID: The Scotchman Peaks, like the Selkirks and Lake Pend Oreille, are a Sandpoint icon.

Sprawling northeast of town along the Idaho/Montana border, the Scotchmans are one of the region’s biggest wild areas and offer some of the best trails for fall colors and highway-side, year-round access into the high country. The Big Eddy Trail is a popular and challenging 5-mile (one way) hike up Star Peak to stunning views. The trail climbs around 4,000 feet from near Highway 200 and the Clark Fork River up to 6,158 foot Star Peak. The lower section of the trail follows an old mining road, but the final reward at the top as described by Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness will make it worth the work: “During the final climb, the views continue to expand into an absolutely stunning panorama. By the time you are at the old fire lookout, you will know – this is the top of the world!”

Bring plenty of water for this one, and be sure to check the weather before heading out. To find the trailhead, take Hwy 200 east from Sandpoint 6 miles past the state line into Montana to a wide turnout on the south side of the highway. Park there and carefully cross the highway to the trail (old mining road at the start) on the other side. More info: www.scotchmanpeaks.org/ Wildlife Hike: McDowell Marsh Trail, Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge (Derrick) Colville, WA: The McDowell Marsh Trail is a 1.2 mile environmental education trail that tours through several different wildlife habitat types, from pine forest to marsh. Many species of wildlife take advantage of the 40,000 acre Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge near Colville, including migrating waterfowl, several types of songbirds, eagles and osprey, otters, elk, moose and many other critters. The McDowell Marsh Trail follows along an elevated boardwalk and includes an observation blind, both of which can increase your wildlife spotting and viewing chances. With many species of waterfowl and other birds on their way south, and the heat of summer behind us, fall is an excellent time to visit the refuge’s many trails and wildlife viewing areas. The refuge is located 13 miles southeast of Colville in the Selkirk Mountains. Directions and more info about the refuge and other nature trails are available online here: www.fws.gov/littlependoreille//

Photos Clockwise from top right: Hannah, Evan and Jamie on the sandifur brige // Pax and Amy on Pend D’Oreille Bay Trail by Kimberly Manning // kathy wilson on the trail by shallan knowles // Top of the world courtesy of Phil Hough

October 2013

/ Out There Monthly

13

Destinations

The jewel of the american alps Fly Fishing Washington’s Methow River / By Brad Northrup

expect to sweat off a few pounds during July and August if you do wear them. Definitely make sure you have good wading boots, and a wading staff.

Floating the river is a great way to cover a ton of water, but there is more than enough river access from the road for wade fishing. To get the inside info on fishing the Methow, contact the crew at North Cascades Fly Fishing. (509-996-4735, www. fishandfloat.com).

64 64 The Digs

Gordi northrup with a beauty Photo by brad northrup

There are still a few places in the world that nearly bring tears to your eyes, no matter how many times you have been there. For those of us here in the Pacific Northwest, such a place exists right in our own backyard. Originating deep in the heart of the rugged North Cascade Mountains, the Methow River (pronounced “met-how”) flows 80 miles down the Methow Valley to the town of Pateros, where it empties into the mighty Columbia. Arguably one of the most beautiful and challenging fisheries in the Northwest, the Methow is home to cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, cut-bows, whitefish, and steelhead. The river is typically open for trout fishing from early June to late September.

Depending on fish return numbers, the river is also open for steelhead in the fall.

The River

Fly fishing on the Methow begins downstream from the Weeman Bridge, which is located about 5 miles downriver from the town of Mazama. This upper section of the river is considered to be a true alpine setting, with amazing views of the North Cascades and gin-clear water. The fish tend to run between 10-16 inches, with more rainbow trout coming to your fly than cutthroat. The upper section ends at the town of Winthrop, where the Chewuch

River dumps into the Methow. As the water gets bigger, so do the fish. From Winthrop to Twisp, the size of the water increases, but it still has that alpine feel.

This middle section is heavily guided, and has limited put-in and take-out areas, but if you do manage to make the all-day float, the fishing can be as good as it gets. Fish here can run up to 20”, with occasional cutthroat going over that. The 3rd section that runs from Twisp to Carlton is nearly as good, with some of the best fly water on the river. It is a full day float if you put in near Twisp, and you may have to speedfish to get off the water by dark. This section holds some bigger cutthroat, some as large as 24”. From below Carlton, the river enters a dryer landscape, but the fishing remains very good. This lower section offers numerous put-ins and take-outs, so you can definitely shorten your float time if your schedule requires it. Rumors and the occasional picture tell of monster cutthroat being caught in the lower river, with reports of fish to 26” and 5-7 lbs.

The Gear

A 9-foot 5-weight rod is the perfect tool for the Methow, and most folks prefer a floating line during trout season. During steelhead season (aka North Cascades Combat Fishing), Spey and switch rods are the way to go. Waders are optional, but you can

Lodging options in the Methow Valley are numerous, ranging from roadside motels where wet waders and dogs are ok (or is it wet dogs and waders?), to posh alpine resorts and everything in between. For a full listing, go to www.methownet. com. There are three overnight options that are definitely at the top of the list. Located near the town of Winthrop, Sun Mountain Lodge (www.sunmountainlodge.com) is the region’s premier resort, and offers breathtaking views of the valley, lakeside cabins, and easy access to both the upper and lower river. Drive another 15 miles west on Highway 20, and you will find the Freestone Inn (www.freestoneinn.com) near the town of Mazama. Situated in the picturesque upper valley, the Freestone is famous for its quiet and casual atmosphere. For a truly unique Methow Valley experience, check out the electrolyte CONCENTRATE North Cascades Base Camp (www.northcascadesbasecamp.com) also located near Mazama in the upper valley.

1 BOTTLE MAKES

SPORTS DRINKS

LYTE BALANCE LYTE BALANCE electrolyte CONCENTRATE Know Before You Go

Save yourself the hassle and just pinch all of your barbs, and release all fish while they are in the water.

Please do your part and help keep this river the great fishery it truly is. Make sure and consult the regulations and the local fly shops to keep abreast of open and closed sections of the river as things can change based on steelhead return numbers, snowpack, and water volume. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife usually announce the opening of steelhead season a few days in advance, so check their website as well. Good luck on the river, and keep your line tight!

Getting There From Spokane, follow Highway 2 west to Wilbur, then northwest on Hwy 174/17 to the junction with Hwy 97. Head south on Highway 97 to Pateros. From Pateros, head north up the Methow River on Highway 153/20 (North Cascades Highway).//

AVAIL ABLE AT:

Huckleberry’s Main Market Pilgrim’s Market

made locally

lytebalance.com

OTM’s Picks: Hanging Out in the Methow Valley Twisp River Pub www.methowbrewing.com Old Schoolhouse Brewery www.oldschoolhousebrewery.com

Mazama Country Store www.themazamastore.com East 20 Pizza www.east20pizza.com

www.SPOKANECHIEFS.com

OCTOBER SCHEDULE Tues 8th WeD 16th Fri 18th saT 19th Fri 25th saT 26th

www.SPOKANECHIEFS.com For Tickets Call 509.535.PUCK 14

Out There Monthly / october 2013

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Game Time:

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OCTOBER 19 TH Leinenkugel Join us at 4:00 before the Chiefs game for HOCKtoberfest and enter to win a weekend trip for two to Leavenworth.

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7 PM For Tickets Call 509.535.PUCK

Hood To Coast Relay

by Jon Jonckers

Unexplainable bonding happens when twelve people are squeezed into a van together to run as fast as they can for 200 miles (mostly in the dark), surviving on Power Bars and running gels and zero sleep. The Hood to Coast (HTC) relay is arguably the best-known overnight, long-distance relay race in America, and by strange coincidence, several of the fastest members of the Spokane Swifts running team participated on three of the most competitive teams ever assembled for HTC this year.

The magic behind the HTC rests in the racecourse. The 200-mile course consists of 12 runners racing 36 legs; each team member runs three in rotation. The course is primarily on paved roads and paved asphalt or concrete multi-use off-street paths, with small portions of the course on sidewalks and gravel roads. The legs vary in length from 3.4 miles to 7.8 miles. Some legs are virtually flat, and others descend or ascend steep hills. Consequently, a runner may total a half-marathon or exceed 20 miles. Teams in the full Hood to Coast relay must complete the course from Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood to Seaside, Oregon, within a 32-hour time limit.

All of the teams are expected to provide their own provisions, including food and water, and to ensure their own safety; there are no promised aid stations or police protection on the course. It’s also worth noting there is no prize money for the winners. However, local schools and churches along the route provide sleeping areas, food, and sometimes showers at nominal cost to participants as fundraisers.

Most of the HTC teams are fairly established, and many are rooted in the annual experience. Just like Bloomsday, it isn’t uncommon for runners to participate in the race for many decades. Due to the team number limits, it’s fairly difficult to create a new team, which actually testifies to the quality and the depth of the Spokane Swifts – seven members were invited to participate in three highly-competitive teams: Jodi Suter, Sarah Ranson, Rachel Jaten, Heather LeFriec, Ashley Bruck, Meaghan McCluskey and Mariah McConnaughey. Without a doubt, they all made dramatic contributions to their mixed gender teams.

“This was my first time doing HTC. I was fortunate to get on the same team as Sarah and Jodi. The team, Slug Hunters, has been together for several years,” says Rachel Jaten.

Don’t be fooled by the name Slug Hunters; their team is deceptively fast and always among the top finishers. This year they finished 6th overall out of 1,011 teams. More importantly, they finished 1st in the Mixed Masters category and crushed second place by nearly 50 minutes! In a nutshell, the Slug Hunters averaged a 6 minutes-per-mile pace for roughly 200 miles! Jaten isn’t a stranger to big races, but this one was extra special. “The best part about being a Slug Hunter was breaking 20 hours – something the team has been trying to accomplish and never done until this year. Brian, our final leg, got to bring it home, and it was his 20th year doing HTC.” When Spokane Swift Meaghan McCluskey isn’t working at the Runners Soul, she is most likely running. At this year’s HTC relay, Meaghan ran with Heino’s Flyers. Their mixed team also kicked butt, and finished in the top 20. “Tom Heinonen was the coach at University of Oregon for many years. He happened to be my mom’s coach when she first went to Oregon as a freshman in college. So that’s how I got to be a part of it. My best friend from college started it and asked me to join them,” says McCluskey.

Ashley Bruck insists she is not a night owl, yet she somehow excelled during the graveyard shift.

“The toughest portion for me was my second leg which started at 2:30 am. I was running the section through the mist,” says Bruck. “At the exchange, I took off into the night on a 5-mile section that was basically solo. Yet, this was the best part for me. I was able to race these 5 miles faster than I ever have before, in the middle of the night, with no sleep, and no people around to chase. At the end, I just couldn’t believe I had done that. I would have never thought it was possible,” adds Bruck.

Bruck ran for team Willamette Dental. This mixed team is also a top contender year after year, and they finished 1st in the Mixed Open category. Truth be told, they finished 5th overall, and a mere 3 minutes ahead of the Slug Hunters.

“In the middle of it, you’re thinking ‘What the hell am I doing this for?’,” says Spokane Swifts member Heather LeFriec. Even though the Swifts didn’t entirely run together, they carpooled to the starting line and home from the finish line. Not unlike other close-knit teams, they train together, motivate one another, and cheer for each other at races. And they all hope to return next year.

“By the end of the weekend, all of the vans smell like wet socks. And then as soon as you’re finished, and sipping that first ice cold beer at the finish line with your teammates, you’re counting down the days until next year’s Hood to Coast,” adds Heather LeFriec.//

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October 2013

/ Out There Monthly

15

OutdoorCalendar Submit your event 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: 509-4559596.

(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.

CYCLING (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.

of Riverside State Park. Join WTA, Riverside State Park and Spokane County Parks as we begin a new project to reroute 3/4 mile of trail onto state and Conservation Futures land. We hope to get the trail ready for Winter use, so lots of help would be appreciated. Info: 206-625-1367 or wta.org.

(October 2) WTA trail work party.

8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Where: Big Rock.

Join us to finish the new connector trail just east of Big Rock. It should be a beautiful fall day with great views.

Info: 206-625-1367 or wta.org.

(October 5) Friends of the Bluff Firewise Day. When 9:00 am – noon.

Where: Spokane High Drive & 33rd Ave. Volunteers needed to help haul out branches from tree pruning on the High Drive Bluff.No special skills needed. Youth are welcome! Kids 10-13 years must be accompanied by an adult. Wear work clothes. The first 60 to RSVP will receive a collectible.Info: 509-477-2167 or www. friendsofthebluff.org.

(October 6) Pothole Bench Hike.

When: 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Where: Pothole Bench near Grand Coulee.

Hike is about a 2 mile round-trip, vertical about 100 feet with numerous, large potholes drilled into the basalt surface by the Ice Age Floods. Fee required. Info: 509.235.4251 or app. box.com/s/amw8f1llqpc0b9oy9rr3

(October 6) Northrup Canyon Hike.

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

When: 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Where: Northrup Canyon near Grand Coulee.

Hike is 7.2 mile round trip, 480 feet above trailhead, and through a hidden canyon located along the east wall of the Upper Grand Coulee. Hike is moderately difficult because of mileage. Fee required. Info: 509.235.4251 or app. box.com/s/amw8f1llqpc0b9oy9rr3

(October 12) Inland NW Cyclocross Series Bike Expo. When:9 a.m. to 3:30

(October 10) Mushroom Hike at Liberty Lake. When: 10 a.m. Where:

(Ongoing) BOMB Mountain Bike Rides. When: Varies. Where: Spokane

p.m. Where: Riverside State Park, 7 mile airstrip. Learn about the latest bike equipment and cyclocross racing! Featuring cyclocross, road, mountain and urban bicycle gear. Info: www.emdesports.com or 509-939-0552.

(October 27) Cyclocross at Liberty Lake. Come to ride, come to watch! A fun

time will be had by all. Info: www.emdesports.com or 509-939-0552.

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 509-4560250

(October 10, 12, 13, or 16) WTA trail work parties. When: 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Where: Little Spokane River area

16

Out There Monthly / october 2013

Liberty Lake Regional Park. Enjoy a wild edibles hike to the Old Cedar Grove at Liberty Lake Regional Park.

Bring your camera, water, a snack, and identification guide. Expect a moderate, 3-4 mile hike at a leisurely pace to view mushrooms. Info: bnicholson@ inlandnwlandtrust.org, 509-328-2939 or inlandnwlandtrust.org.

(October 11) Haunted Zombie Hike

When: 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Where: Riverside State Park. Zombies lurk in the forest of Riverside State Park.

Don’t come alone! Bring a group of friends and don’t stray off the path.

No Discover Pass required. Come prepared, as this is a hike through the woods. All children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times throughout the hike. Parental discretion is advised. Cost: $5 Info: http://www. rei.com/stores/spokane.

SIXMONTHTRAININGCALENDAR RUNNING

parking lot. 50/25K. Hit the pavement when mountain trails are (November 9) West Regional Cross covered in snow. 7 hour time limit, Country Championships. Where: with extra time given if the snow Plantes Ferry Sports Complex. dumps or the path is particularly Some of the region’s top colle- gnarly. Info: pullmanwinterultras. giate cross country runners com- blogspot.com. pete for Division Cross Country Championships. Info: www.spo- CYCLING kanesports.org/events.html (April 26) Lilac Century Bike Ride.

(November 16) Spokane Jingle bell Where: Spokane Falls Community Run/Walk. Where: Riverfront Park. College. 100-mile ride and 50 mile 5k chip-timed run. Fun run or ride along the west slope of the walk. 1k children’s run with elves. Spokane River, the Long Lake area, Holiday festivities, costume con- and through the West Plains of test and pets welcome. Benefits Spokane. Start, Finish and Packet the Arthritis Foundation. Info: spo- Pick-up Info: www.teamfischbach. kanejinglebellrun.org or 509-315- com 9862 OTHER (November 23) Division II Cross Country Championships. Where: (November) Ski Conditioning.

Plantes Ferry Sports Complex. 500 Monday and Thursday group classrunners from Florida to Alaska will es at Physical Therapy Associates. congregate in Spokane to compete Prepare your body to play in the for the Championship. Info: www. snow. Info: www.ptassociates.net spokanesports.org/events.html (February 22) Special Olympics (November 28) Turkey on the Run, Polar Plunge Liberty Lake.

Wenatchee, Wash. Turkey on the When:TBD. Take a dip in the ice Run features a 12K, 5K and kids waters across Washington State run. Our two longer distances are and be a part of the “coolest” ideal for walkers. All the events event of the year! Help raise funds start and and finish at beautiful and win prizes in support of Special Rotary Park on the western out- Olympics Washington. Info: www. skirts of Wenatchee. Info: www. specialolympicswashington.org. runwenatchee.com/ (November 6) Ski/Snowboard (April 27) Spokane River Run. Waxing Basics. When: 6:30 p.m.

When: 7:45 a.m. Ranging from 50K Where: REI Spokane. Taking care to 5K. Whether you are consider- of your skis/board will help you ing trail racing for the first time have a great time on the slopes. or are an experienced runner, we Our technician will examine how promise you a rewarding race in a and why waxes work and base beautiful environment. Right in the preparation: structure, repair and midst of Riverside State Park and stone grinding. Cost: Free. Info: minutes from downtown Spokane, www.rei.com/stores/spokane.

Washington is a small piece of trail running paradise. Info: www. (November 2) Lookout Pass and spokaneriverrun.com Silver Mountain Winter Ski Swap.

Kootenai County Fairgrounds. For MARATHONS information to sell or buy gear go to www.winterswap.org. Proceeds (February 22) Third Annual Tri benefit Lookout and Silver Mtn Cities Half Marathon When: 8 a.m. non-profit patrols.

Where: Jon Dam Plaza. Located in the heart of wine country this half (November 15, 16, 17) Banff marathon has accurate timing, t-shirts, post race celebration and Mountain Film Festival. When: live music. Info: usrahalf.sporting. 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 6 p.m. Sunday. The world’s com Best Mountain Films. Purchase (December 14 & January 11) tickets at Mountain Gear Retail Pullman Winter Ultra Series. When: Store or online at mountaingear.

8 a.m. Where: Birch & Barley’s com, keyword Banff.

Have an Event You Would Like to List? // Please visit www.outtheremonthly.com and click the “Submit Your Event” link. // Events MUST be sent in by the 20th of the month to be listed in the following month’s issue. Please follow the when, where format as seen in the calendar. Ongoing events need to be re-submitted each month.

RUNNING

YOGA

(Ongoing) Fat Ass Trail Runs. When:

(October 27) Yoga Teacher Training Intro w/ Alison Rubin & Staff. When: 2 - 4:00

Varies. Where: Washington/Idaho. We meet 1-2 times per month for a trail run.

FAT ASS is the name given to a series of low-key runs that are frequented by experienced runners & walkers and characterized by the phrase “No fees, no awards, no aid, no wimps”. Info: 208-457-2726, facebook.com/TrailManiacs

(Ongoing) Method Juice Café Fun Run. When: Wednesday mornings at

6:30. Where: Method Juice Café, 718 West Riverside. Run 4-5 miles at whatever pace you like! Info: www.fleetfeetspokane.com or 509-328-4786

(October 5) Rainshadow Running Series. Where: Mt. Spokane. 25km and 50km race, with multiple aid stations. courses both climax with their climbs up and over Mt Spokane. Info: rainshadow-running.blogspot.com.

(October 5) Sekani Trail Run at Camp Sekani. The run is an adventure run/

hike/walk race with 100% dirt trails and fabulous course challenges Info: www.active.com/running/spokanewa/sekani-trail-run-2013

(October 12) Battle Back for Mac Attack; Steptoe Kicked My Butte Info:

208.699.9998

(October 12) THE 9’ER (CMRS 2013).

Coeur d’Alene. The 9’er is a chal-

(October 13) Spokane Marathon.

Marathon, Half Marathon, Marathon Relay & 10k. Info: www.spokanemarathon.us

(October 13) Chi Running Workshop.

When: noon to 4 p.m. Where: Parkside Physical Therapy Spokane.

Chi Running combines the focus and flow of Tai Chi with the power of running. Learn to run more efficiently and injury free. Registration is through the Chi Running website. Info: 509-3230066

(October 26) Halloween at Hells Gate. This race is held at Hells Gate

State Park, Lewiston Idaho. 1/2 Marathon this course is rated as difficult. Info: www. trailmaniacs.com/ or 208-457-2726

(October 26) Trail of Terrors Half Marathon & 5K When: 2 pm. Where:

Cedar Mountain Farms Bed & Breakfast, Athol ID. This run features scary ghouls and goblins along the beautiful tree lined challenging hills of North Idaho. Info: beta.active.com or find us on facebook.

SUSTAINABILITY (October 10) Nature’s Trust. When 6:30 pm. Gonzaga Law School, Courtroom.

Join Professor Mary Wood as she discusses an ancient, yet enduring principle known as the public trust doctrine that designates government officials as trustees of public resources. Such officials remain charged with the legal obligation to protect. Info: 509-835-5211.

(October 5) Kombucha Tea Making Workshop. When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Sun People Dry Goods Co, 32 W 2nd Ave, Ste. 200. Learn how to make Kombucha, a sugar-sweetened tea fermented by a colony of organisms, into a tonic beverage beneficial for health. This workshop will include samples, a simple brewing technique, bottling procedure, and Q&A. $22 Preregistration Required.

Info: 509-368-9378 or www.sunpeopledrygoods.com.

EVENTS / MOVIES / MISC

7pm. Where: The Bing Crosby Theater.

Experience more than half a dozen wild action sports as seen through the eyes of some of today’s top athletes and most talented adventure sport filmmakers. See you there, adrenaline film lovers! Info: 509-325-9000 or pbridgers@mountaingear.com.

(October 12) Scotchman Peak Hike. Join

the group for a short but steep hike into the proposed wilderness. Going at a slow pace so that steady effort is rewarded with panoramas and stunning views of Lake Pend Oreille and late season huckleberries. Info: phil@scotchmanpeaks.org

(October 18 & 19) Work day for Spokane River access at State Line. When: 9 a.m.

to 4 p.m. Where: Stateline off Seltice Way. Individuals and Teams Welcome: Teams of 3-5 people are being recruited to help with planting native species at State Line. Your team will complete a restoration section. This includes digging holes; transporting two gallon, large stock plants to assigned location; planting and related landscaping. Info: www.spokaneriver.net/stateline

(October 24) International Travel Basics.

When: 7 p.m. Where: REI Spokane. Join our International and Adventure Travel experts to learn about planning, preparation, and execution of an international adventure trip. Info: http://www.rei.com/ stores/spokane.

(Ongoing) Spokane Table Tennis Club. (October 25-27) Mt Spokane Ski Patrol When: Wednesdays from 6:30p.m. - 9p.m.

Where: Southside Senior & Community Center, 3151 East 27th Avenue. $2/visit.

509.456.3581.

Ski Swap. At The Spokane Fair and Expo Center. Buy tickets online and get a free Mt. Spokane lift ticket. www.skipatrolskiswap.com

(October 4) Crosspollination: When Art and Conservation Meet. When: 5 p.m.

Where: 35 W Main Avenue. The Land Trust asked several local artists, “How does conservation inspire you?” They responded with paintbrushes, pencils, and printmaking. Support Spokane’s Visual Arts Tour. Info: 509-328-2939 or crosspollination.splashthat.com/

(October 26) Outdoor Learning Center Open House. When:10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: OLC- 8706 E Upriver Drive, Spokane WA 99212. Join us for a fun Halloween themed Open House!

Create Halloween decorations and see the animals at the OLC! See you there! Suggested donation $4. Info: 509.340.1028 or www.olc.wvsd.org.

(October 5) Bark for Life-Spokane.

(October 26) The Grind at EWU

When10:00 a.m. Where: Eagle Ridge’s Whispering Pines ParkBARK for LIFE for humans and canines to benefit the American Cancer Society. Entertainment, 50+ vendors, contests, dog demonstrations, adoptions, pet blessings, surprises and live music. $25 per person for 5K Dog & Me Run/Walk Info: 509-290-5096 or jocepaluch@comcast.net.

When: registration at 9 a.m., competition at 11:00 a.m. On campus ski and snowboard rail jam held in the JFK field. Twelve tons of shaved ice will be trucked in to make this event possible. Prizes for riders and spectators. Event is open and inviting to all levels of riders, and spectators. The Grind is one of the largest open rail jams on the west coast.

OUTDOOR CALENDAR

lenging and beautiful 9 mile trail run on Canfield Mountain. All dirt course.

Info: www.ironcoreracing.com

p.m. Where: Harmony Yoga Studio. Intro class designed for prospective Teacher Trainees, and students wanting to deepen their understanding and practice of yoga.

During the Intro we will share an overview of the program, along with all the pertinent details. Info: harmonyyoga.com

(October 12) Radical Reels Film Tour. When: Saturday October 12th

OCT 2013

OutdoorCalendar

(October 28) Spokane Canoe and Third annual bicycle and beer tour with the Kayak Club general meeting presenLands Council. Tour Spokane’s best brew- tation. When: 7:00pmWhere: Mt. Gear (October 6) Brews Cruise. When: 1 p.m.

eries, cycle the Centennial Trail and live music by the Angela Marie Project. Info: llogan@landscouncil.org Cost: between $15 and $25.

Corp. headquarters 6021 E. Mansfield, Spokane. Marlene Feist from the City of Spokane presents water flows going into the Spokane River. nfo: 509-939-7846 or http://www.sckc.ws/calendar/.

October 2013

/ Out There Monthly

17

GearRoom

What’s your gear

Road Running: Angie Dierdorff / By Amy Silbernagel McCaffree “I had a mental block about beginning again at the age of 45—I thought that it would be too hard and I would feel discouraged, and give up before I had really given it the time a new routine takes to become habit,” says Angie Dierdorff, who has experienced an off and on relationship with running over the past 20 years.

Her running routine went to the wayside at different times for various reasons—tendonitis, loss of running partners, other outdoor pursuits with friends.

“Looking back, I can see that I tend to take up running and stick with it if I have at least one of two motivators: a running buddy or two, or a lot of anxiety that needs a healthy outlet. When I have lost my ‘buddy,’ I didn’t want to continue on my own,” she says.

“I started running again this past winter after a six-year break—hoping to gain cardio fitness again, improve energy and combat borderline low thyroid levels.”

With the help of her “Run Club,” comprised of two close friends and neighbors—as well as Angie’s dog—she now runs three to five mornings a week, and has been committed to this routine for over six months now. They run a 2.5-3 mile loop in the Garland neighborhood, with longer runs on the weekends.

“If it wasn’t for the camaraderie and encouragement of our group, I wouldn’t be running almost

every day,” Angie says.

“When I started up again, I could only run a couple of blocks without needing to walk. My running partners and I had the unspoken agreement that if one of us needed to walk for bit, it was always OK, and we would stretch, do lunges or other exercises, keep walking, until we wanted to run again. Our goals were simple: we started running at 5:30 a.m., and our goal was to finish our route and get to the Rocket Bakery on Garland as close to opening, at 6 a.m., as possible for a double short Americano, the reward. When we first started, we might arrive at 10 or 5 minutes after 6 a.m. We knew we were progressing the first time that we made it before they were open and we had to wait outside! We almost never walk now, and I can finish our loop without side aches.”

Angie’s advice for someone new to running is to start small. “My best advice for someone who wants to give it a try is this: start small. Set very reasonable, realistic goals for yourself—like running two blocks without stopping twice a week— and move your goals up from there!”

She also recommends investing in good-fitting shoes. “Road or trail running is a very affordable way to get and stay in shape, and it is worth every penny to take care of your body with the right equipment,” she says. Angie found her running shoes—her favorite gear item—at Fleet Feet in Spokane. Staff there spent 45 minutes helping her

two sons—they can see that it is never too late to start a fitness routine. I have so much more energy now. I love my morning routine, and feel out of sorts and sluggish if we miss a day,” she says.

“Beginning the day with exercise and good friends makes me a much happier mom, wife and employee. The endorphins from the run, combined with the community of my little ‘Run Club’ are the best way to begin each day.”

Angie’s List: Gear you need to get back into running.

A ngie runs with her dog H oney in the garland neighborhood

choose the best shoe for her body and gait.

Angie is considering running some 5k road races this fall, with her major goal being a halfmarathon next spring. In addition to running, she enjoys practicing yoga—which she credits with preventing knee problems, like she experienced in the past.

“I am proud of setting a good example for my

-----------------------------------------------------Shoes: ASICS® Gel - Kayano 19 with Super Feet inserts. “They are super lightweight and the gel provides amazing shock absorption for my knees.”

-----------------------------------------------------Socks Balega Hidden Comfort (from Fleet Feet) or Nike Dri Fit. “I like thicker socks that allow for frictionless motion in the shoe.”

----------------------------------------------------Shorts: REI Fast Pass 2-in-1, which includes a small zippered pocket (for carrying her coffee money).

----------------------------------------------------Other: Sprigs Phone Banjees Wrist Wallet, to hold a phone, ID and money for longer runs. // -----------------------------------------------------

Buying New Ski Gear Alpine Skis / 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.

Finding the Right Boards So you’ve finally made the decision: You’re ready to make the jump into a new set of boards. But staring at the ski wall at your local retailer is proving to be a very intimidating experience and the tech-talk that’s coming out of the mouth of the salesman is flying over your head faster than Lyndsey Vonn at the World Cup. Not to worry – I’m going to cut to the chase and make this process as simple as possible.

What length am I supposed to get?

Try not to let ego get in the way here – many great skiers prefer both longer and shorter skis. If you have no idea what you like, sticking with something that is forehead height is usually a safe bet. There are pros and cons to both short and long skis. Longer skis have a large GS style turn radius, are stable at speed, and provide more surface area for greater float in fresh snow. On the down-side, they can be hard to manage in moguls, trees and anywhere that quick maneuverability is needed. Shorter skis are light, quick, easily maneuverable, and are great for making short snappy slalom turns. You will however sacrifice overall speed by reducing your running surface area on the snow. Additionally, you will also lose some flotation in fresh snow.

Why is everything so much wider than it used to be?

Skis with lots of surface area from tip to tail are the sexy sellers right now for retailers. Fat skis are loads of fun in powder but can be challenging to control on hard-pack if you’re not a strong skier. You have to be realistic about the places on the mountain you plan to ski. If you’re still trying to perfect your turns on groomed runs, walk past the fat boys and take a look at the skis that are narrowest in the waist. The waist dimensions are the most telling of a skis personality. If you’re getting dizzy trying to process all the dimensions, just focus on the waist. Skis are generally placed into 3 categories based on waist measurements: <80mm = carving/hard snow skis, 80-100mm = all-mountain, >100mm off piste/powder.

What’s all this talk about rocker?

Rocker technology is the most noteworthy advancement in ski design since shaped skis exploded in popularity in the 1990s.

Rocker is essentially an upturned ski tip (much more than traditional ski tips) that mimics the attributes of a water ski, enabling a skier to skim over the snow with minimized risk of catching an edge. Rocker offers skiers several advantages including: improved flotation in powder, greater maneuverability, and quicker turn initiation. The benefits of rocker are felt most in offgroomed scenarios but rocker can benefit any skier, from novice to World Cup champion as the technology is now incorporated into most skis on the market.

18

Out There Monthly / october 2013

O HikeoftheMonth

Shedroof Divide Trail #512, Salmo Priest Wilderness

It’s Back!

Let your car take care of the elevation gain for your start from Pass Creek Pass (5,910’), then wander along the spine of the Divide and take in the varied hues of fall foliage on this outand-back hike. Trailside bushes range from scarlet to burgundy while western larch make their annual transition from green to yellow.

Best for: The trail is typically snow free from July through fall, although hikers should be aware of hunting seasons and dress accordingly for safety in September and October. The trail is open to hikers and equestrians and is dog-friendly with a leash.

Getting there: Northeast Washington’s only official “Wilderness Area,” the Salmo Priest, is located a little over two hours north of Spokane adjacent to the Idaho and Canadian borders in Pend Oreille County just east of the town of Metaline Falls, WA. The trailhead is located north of the small parking lot at Pass Creek Pass between Metaline Falls and Nordman, ID (Driving directions at http:// www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/colville/recreation/recarea/?recid=71048)

SKI CONDITIONING CLASSES ARE BACK DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND!

Classes are twice a week for 6 weeks, beginning November 4th register online in October

www.ptassociates.net

// Hike of the Month and photo by Holly Weiler

2507 E 27th Ave, 509.456.6917

Spokane Jingle Bell Run/Walk Saturday, November 16, 2013 Riverfront Park

FALL COMPOST FAIR & Leaf Festival

Saturday, October 26, 2013 11 am-2 pm John A. Finch Arboretum

Be there with bells on!

• • • • •

www.SpokaneJingleBellRun.org (509) 315-9862

5K Chip-timed Run, Fun Run or Walk 1K Children’s Run with the Elves Holiday Festivities Costume Contest Pets Welcome

Nationally Sponsored By

Spokane County residents who complete the activities may take home a free compost bin. Limit one per household. Bins provided by the Spokane Regional Solid Waste System and the Washington State Department of Ecology.

Please arrive no later than 1:30 pm and bring proof of residency.

For more information call the Recycling Information Line 625-6800 or go to www.solidwaste.org Partial funding provided by WA State Dept of Ecology.

October 2013

/ Out There Monthly

19

(208) 772-8179

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bring in this ad for $15 off a month pass!

20

Out There Monthly / october 2013

1-half page Ou Oct13_Banff.indd 1

9/23/2013 12:45:45 PM

202 W 2nd (509) 455-9596 WildWalls.com

The trail has numerous rest areas, scenic views and historical interpretive signs to add to the enjoyment of one of the most beautiful trail systems in the country.

Fall is an amazing time of year - and for many, it’s a favorite time of year for road cycling in the Inland Northwest. The dog days of summer yield to more moderate temperature patterns while the greens and blues that have dominated the landscape give way to bright hues of yellow, orange and gold.

It’s hard to imagine a more beautiful place to ride than North Idaho as cyclists from all over the world come to enjoy some of the most pristine and tranquil locations imaginable. Whether you’re a firsttime bike owner or seasoned roadie, these rides are sure to put a smile on your face.

signs to add to the enjoyment of one of the most beautiful trail systems in the country. There are several access points to the trail, and most are conveniently located near freeway exits as a large chunk of the trail parallels I-90.

The Prairie Trail is a small off-shoot of the Centennial Trail and is great for a quick detour off of the main trail system.

Paved in the summer of 2008, Prairie Trail is the newest addition to the North Idaho Centennial Trail System. This 4-mile section follows the old Union Pacific railroad from its intersection with the Centennial Trail at the Seltice Way/ I-90 bridges.

Traveling northwest to Huetter Road, Prairie Trail connects over 6 neighborhoods, 6 schools, and the Kroc Community Center to the Centennial Trail and the Coeur d’Alene downtown corridor.

The Trail of the Coeur d’Alene’s

The Trail of the Coeur d’Alene’s is considered by many to be the premier bike route of the Inland Northwest. The trail follows the Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way from Mullan, a mountain mining town near the Montana border, all the way to Plummer, a town on the Palouse prairie near the Washington border. More than 71 miles of paved path takes you from high mountain splendor (through the historic Silver Valley into the Chain Lakes region), along the shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene, over the Chatcolet Bridge to Heyburn State Park, and finally ending in a climb to the Palouse. Along the way riders cross 40 different bridges and pass through a total of 13 different towns. 15 access points are located along the trail system, most of which are located in the towns that span the trail.

The Trail of the Coeur d’Alene’s is a rail-to-trail conversion which began as a path originally used by the Coeur d’Alene Indians that evolved into a mining transportation rail line operating from 1887 until 1992.

Ten-feet wide throughout its entire span, the trail was created through a unique partnership between the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Union Pacific Railroad, the U. S. Government, and the State of Idaho. As one of the most spectacular trails in the western United States, it was named in 2012 as one of the 25 top trails in the nation by the Rails to Trails Conservancy.

North Idaho Road Biking

by Brad Naccarato

The North Idaho Centennial Trail

If you live in Spokane and you’re looking for quick access and convenience, it’s hard to beat the North Idaho Centennial Trail. This is a non-motorized, multi-use recreational trail that is smoothly paved throughout its entire length. It meanders for 24 miles from the state line at the Idaho/Washington border, all the way to Higgins Point, six miles east of downtown Coeur d’Alene. This scenic trail follows the Spokane River to Post Falls where it runs through neighborhoods and eventually to wooded areas leading to Coeur d’Alene. At the west end of Coeur d’Alene the trail again meets the Spokane River and follows it to the river’s confluence with Lake Coeur d’Alene. The trail then follows the lake shoreline to Higgins Point, an Idaho State Park, which draws throngs of spectators in the late fall and early winter to view the annual visit of bald eagles as they migrate south. The trail has numerous rest areas, scenic views and historical interpretative

West Upriver Drive Loop

If you’re looking for something that is a little more off the grid, the West Upriver Drive Loop is a true road-ride that starts at the confluence of the North Idaho Centennial Trail and the city of Post Falls. This 20 mile loop crosses the Spokane River and then heads east on West Riverview Drive for some scenic views of the river. From there, the route climbs abruptly to where it meets and turns left onto West Upriver Drive. Your efforts on the climb are soon rewarded with a beautiful descent down into Coeur d’Alene that features stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. From Coeur d’Alene, riders reconnect with the Centennial Trail where they can make a full loop back to Post Falls.

Before You Go

Due to the length and difficulty of these rides, it’s strongly encouraged that you have your ride thoroughly checked out before you hit the road. A bike that’s not working properly can mean the difference between an amazing day and a complete disaster. Simon Hartt of “Two Wheeler Dealer,” one of Hayden’s premier bike shops, recommends taking your road bike into your local shop for a check-up, especially if it hasn’t seen the pavement in a while. “Make sure your bike is working like it was designed to. You’ll need all your gears for the climbs on these traisl and properly adjusted brakes to negotiate the descents,” says Hartt.

Furthermore, it’s essential to carry basic repair provisions as the remoteness of these trails can leave you miles from help in the event of a flat tire. “I recommend carrying a multi-tool, a spare tube, tire levers and CO2 inflator at the very minimum in your pack,” says Hartt. “We stock a full selection of these tools and a few more that I would recommend carrying if you have the space,” he adds.

Something that newbies should keep in mind is that riding on paved trails is much different than riding on actual road.

There are many more factors to negotiate when you are sharing space with motor vehicles. “A lot of the road loops in our area are beautiful, but don’t forget they’re also used by cars. Most of the drivers are used to cyclists and do give ample room for passing. However, make sure you stay close to the white line and ride single file when it’s needed,” says Hartt.

For more information on these trails, you can download maps and directions at: www.friendsofcdatrails.org//

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/ Out There Monthly

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Last Page Interview with OTM founder Jon Snyder on spokane’s future as an outdoor town

By Derrick Knowles OTM: What inspired you to create and start publishing OTM back in 2004?

JS: Outdoor activity was clearly on the rise and didn’t seem to be getting the attention it deserved. Oh, and I needed a job.

OTM: Were you surprised that Spokane finally made it into Outside magazine’s top 10 outdoor town list?

JS: No. It should be there every year! I’ve been agitating for this ever since I started the magazine. I’ve sent copies of OTM to editors at Outside. Mountain Gear owner Paul Fish and I even presented to Greater Spokane Incorporated about why this is was an important thing to pursue. It could be looked at as a pure economic development play.

While a wide variety of individuals and organizations were improving Spokane as an outdoor town, Outside magazine’s criteria for great outdoor towns was evolving as well. There was a new understanding that we can’t all afford to live in Taos, New Mexico, or Sun Valley, Idaho.

The magazine started including housing affordability as one of the things they looked at. And the local beer scene. I think we excel in both of those categories.

OTM: How do you think we compare to other more well-known and better-branded outdoor recreation meccas?

JS: I’m hopelessly prejudiced in favor of Spokane.

There are definitely better-branded outdoor towns out there. Most of them focus on a single

aspect: access to skiing, access to water, or access to trails. These places may have a better trail, a better mountain, or a better lake than we do, but very few have all of that. We’re the whole package. Spokane has rock climbing, cross country and downhill skiing, fly-fishing, rafting and kayaking, hiking, bird watching, camping, trail running, swimming, and every kind of cycling minutes from downtown. Without the crowds.

On a Sunday in September, a day that I knew would be the last 90-degree day of the year, I decided at 3:30 p.m. that I wanted to take the family for one last summer swim in the Spokane River. By 4:30 we were in the water at a beautiful swimming hole in the Spokane Valley, climbing basalt rocks in the river and throwing the Frisbee around. We only saw three other people there the whole time.

OTM: If you could tour Outside’s editors around Spokane and the INW for a week, where would you take them?

JS: To see a wildfire sunset on top of Mt. Spokane.

Hike the Kettle Crest Trail. Camp at Upper Priest Lake. Visit Palouse Falls. Mountain bike the South Hill Bluff. Picnic at Cliff Park. Climb Big Rock. Loop hike Deep Creek canyon. Road bike the Palouse. Road trip the Inland Northwest Ale Trail, especially No-Li, Republic Brewing, and Northern Ales (which isn’t on the official trail but is still great). Labor Day Pow Wow in Wellpinit.

Rent a cabin on Bead Lake. Drive Highway 21 to the Keller Ferry. Ride the Centennial Trail to

Coeur d’Alene. Play soccer with a view of the falls at Glover Field. Soak at Lolo Hot Springs. Ride the Route of the Hiawatha. Find a wild apple (while fully clothed) in People’s Park. Kayak the Little Spokane River.

OTM: What outdoor recreation, transportation, and park and land conservation projects would you like to see move forward in the next 20 years?

JS: Conservation Futures acquisitions need to keep ramping up. I would love to see new pieces added the South Hill Bluff area. I think it would be great if multiple Beacon Hill properties were all put into Conservation Futures. I would love to see us build the Central City Line and create more bussing options. More public transit means less sprawl and less pressure to develop important local farming resources such as Green Bluff.

We could definitely use some smaller dog parks spread throughout the city. It would be great if our entire regional trail system could be unified, signed, maintained, and expanded perhaps with paid non-profit employees. Rossland, Canada ,has really done a terrific job with their trail system. There are some great benefits to completing the Fish Lake Trail, completing the Dream Trail, fixing the Centennial Trail gaps, and building the U-District bicycle/pedestrian bridge. My dream is to see an urban mountain-bike skills park on the vacant W-SDOT land south of the Hamilton Street Bridge. I want to see us finally build a whitewater park and bring salmon back to the

Spokane River. A guy can dream, can’t he?

OTM: What do you think Spokane could do differently to better tap into our outdoor recreation and quality of life potential to make it a serious economic development engine?

JS: We have to get more serious about curbing urban sprawl. The County Commissioners recent expansion of the Urban Growth Area, against the wishes of the City of Spokane, is a disaster for anyone who wants to preserve open space and reduce costs for our citizens. When we spread out urban services to a wider and wider area, it has the same effect as a de-facto tax increase. It always costs more to cover more square miles. I’m glad to hear that the Governor and the Department of Commerce are joining the appeal of this decision. If we can get this problem under control, I think our area will continue to sell itself. It’s hard to keep it a secret.

OTM: You were raised in Spokane. What’s your all-time favorite outdoors Spokane memory that you want to share with OTM readers?

JS: Kayaking Lake Sacheen and seeing a blue heron when my wife was pregnant with our first child. We each had our own kayaks, but she got pretty tired part way through. We were having so much fun that I forgot that exercise is a bit tougher when you’ve got a baby inside you! We hooked the kayaks together and I towed her back home as the sun went down. Fade-to-black. Cue the music.//

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Out There Monthly / october 2013

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Out There Monthly / october 2013