Out There Monthly July 2011

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In This Issue

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p.6 / From the Editor

By Jon Snyder

www.outtheremonthly.com

p.8 / Out There News

Out There Monthly / JUly 2011

Conservation Futures Update,

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

Tandem Bike Rally, Trail Work Events

By Dr. Bob Lutz

Health & Fitness Editor

p.12 / Sustainable Living New Water Rate Structure Helps Low Income Users

By Taylor Weech

p.14 / Roadtrip

Eli & Anna Brown: Ultralight Backpacking

By Amy Silbernagel McCaffree

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p.10 / Health & Fitness

Taking Kids to Mount Rainier

_________

MONTHLY

Stolen Bike Story

By John Speare

p.18 / Book Reviews

Dr. Bob Lutz senior writers

Jon Jonckers, Derrick Knowles Contributing Writers:

Mike Barenti, Bradley Bleck, Erika Prins, John Speare, Taylor Weech, Maya Zeller Distribution Coordinator

Barbara Snyder To request issues please call 509 / 534 / 3347 Ad Sales

Bill Bloom: 509 / 999 / 8214 Out There Monthly

Mailing Address: PO Box 559 Spokane, WA 99210 www.outtheremonthly.com, 509 / 534 / 3347 Out There Monthly is published once a month

by Snyderco DBA/Out There Monthly. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. ©Copyright 2011 Snyderco DBA/Out There Monthly.

The views expressed in this magazine reflect those of the writers and advertisers and not necessarily Snyderco DBA/Out There Monthly.

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

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p.26 / Last Page Kayaker Doesn’t Know When to Quit

On the cover: Outdoor photography at Steptoe utte, on the Palouse in Washington state. Photo by Jon Jonckers of his daughter Erin.

By Mike Barenti

JULY 2011

/ Out There Monthly

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From the Editor: Stolen bike story Bike shop tech downhill wonderboy Joe Perizzo sent us an email a few weeks ago with a picture of his stolen bike. You may remember Joe as our April 2006 cover boy—doing a backflip off a pine tree. When you attempt the kind of jumps and tricks that Joe does your bike needs to be a high performance monster because your life depends on it. Joe had saved up for a while for his special rig.

The day he contacted OTM I put a picture of the stolen bike on our blog and hoped for the best. A week later I got an email from Joe. I’ll let him tell the rest of the story:

My stolen bike was posted on craigslist on Saturday at 4:20. By Five o’clock I got a phone call from my friend Ned to tell me he found it.

There was no phone number to reply, but dumbdumb posted the fork by itself with the phone number. My friend Caveman got through to the guy about the fork and he told Cave that he had the bike too. The guy was lucky he didn’t meet up with Cave because Cave was going to hurt him. Instead the guy came to sell the fork to my co-worker Bryce at the bike shop. He came in and I was shaking with adrenaline. I knew the guy! He was an old friend who I hadn’t seen in years. He didn’t want to talk to anyone and his

phone was ringing off the hook because I posted his number on Facebook. He said hello to me and then Bryce gave me the fork to check it out.

I looked at my old friend with a sad face and told him that the bike is mine. He was shocked and very apologetic. He asked no questions, told me he had it in the car, and shamefully walked me out to his car to get the bike. His buddy waiting in the car was like “ahh F*ck.”

My old shady friend walked back into the shop with me making small talk and telling me he bought it on the west side for $50. He asked if I still go out for beers like we were going to be friends or something. He left and then all my

co-workers and customers in the shop lifted me up over their shoulders and started chanting my name while I held my stolen bike over my head. // ----------------------------------------------------JON SNYDER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF editor@outtheremonthly.com P.S. Have you had a chance to check out the online browser version of OTM? It’s the same as the print edition and you can access it anywhere. Just go to www.issuu.com and search for Out There Monthly.

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Out There News Conservation Futures Update List Shuffled, Possible New Acquisitions This Year

By Erika Prins

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Out There Monthly / JULY 2011

SALTESE UPLANDS. // photo Jon SNyder.

Spokane County hopes to acquire three new conservation and recreation properties by the end of the year with its Conservation Futures fund. The county accepted land proposals last year and collected public opinions through a community forum and letters.

“I don’t think we had ever had a turn-out so vast and it really seemed to imply that everybody was paying attention [to the evaluation process],” says John Bottelli, assistant director at Spokane County Parks, Recreation & Golf.

Using community input, the Conservation Futures Land Evaluation Committee—comprised of representatives from Spokane County and local organizations—prioritized the list of proposed acquisitions based on conservation and recreation value, and secondary factors like cost, connectivity for existing parks and trails, and location. Spokane County’s commissioners approved the recommended list without any modifications.

Following the commission’s approval, the county expected to focus on acquiring two properties in the immediate future. A 590-acre property near Knight’s Lake called the McClellan Addition ranked first, but will not be the first property acquired.

“Because this is Department of Natural Resources trust land, that agency has to jump through a number of hoops to convey the property to Spokane County,” says Paul Knowles, park planner at Spokane County Parks, Recreation and Golf.

The second-ranked property, 160-acre property in Dishman Hills is set to be acquired by late this summer.

A 522-acre property in Saltese Uplands moved from fifth on the list to third place when the sellers offered a limited-time reduced price. Now the county hopes to purchase the land as early as this fall.

“This adjustment of the list was recommended by the Committee in response to a revised discount offer from the landowner that will allow the Conservation Futures Program to stretch the public dollar even further and could enable us to purchase more properties on the 2010 List than initially anticipated,” says Knowles.

Conservation Futures uses a small portion of the county’s property tax money to purchase land and convert it to publicly accessible conservation

and recreation areas. Fifteen percent of the $1.7 million-per-year fund goes to maintaining, protecting and enhancing already-acquired areas. The tax caps out at six cents on every $1,000-worth of property.

State grant funding will help stretch Conservation Futures money further, allowing for further acquisitions.

“The recently-approved state capital budget included $1.633 million in grant funding through the Washington Wildlife & Recreation Program that will help fund the acquisition of the third and final phase of the Antoine Peak Conservation Area,” Knowles says. “We are expecting to close on that third phase as soon as possible – possibly by August of this year.”

The state funds allocated for Conservation Futures lands come from the capital budget, not the general fund budget that was the focus of a protracted debate in the legislature. “[The capital budget is] one of the only areas where we have a healthy, sustainable budget,” says Bottelli.

The Antoine Peak acquisition will generate an estimated $50,000 per year in revenue for Conservation Futures from leasing communication towers on the property—but that revenue can only be used for Antoine Peak maintenance and not for other Conservation Futures property.

Properties ranked lower on the list—not to be pursued for acquisition any time soon—include ten properties at Beacon Hill that are currently used for public recreation but are privately-owned.

Submitted by the Beacon Hill Advisory Board, the group of proposals would have connected five parks and guaranteed future access to the volunteer-maintained trails existing on the properties.

The three properties currently being pursued for acquisition fall outside Spokane’s city limits. The Conservation Futures fund is still constrained by the recent multi-million dollar purchase of the YMCA property in downtown Spokane which will obligate money for more than a decade in the future.

“I’m really disappointed they didn’t consider the value of the urban open space more,” says former Beacon Hill Advisory Board member Penny Schwyn. “There was a lot of connectivity there that really would have benefited the community.”

To view the prioritized list of Conservation Futures acquisitions, visit spokanecounty.org/ parks. //

Out There News Tandem bike rally comes to spokane Pedal The Palouse With A Partner

THe Family that pedals together... // photo Courtesy sheila hoffman

For the first time since 1998, the Northwest Tandem Rally will be held in the Spokane area.

Riders will gather at Mukagowa Fort Wright Institute on Saturday, July 2nd, two to a bike, and head south toward Cheney.

The ride moves to a new Northwest location each year. This year offers a chance for Eastern Washington to showcase its benefits for cyclists.

“The traffic is pretty minimal and you can really get out there and just roll. It’s hard to find that nowadays.”

Many riders have been participating in the Northwest Tandem Rally since its inception. “I think the whole thing about the tandem ride is the camaraderie that comes along with it,” says Spokane Regional Sports Commission spokesperson Marla Emde. “A lot of people have garnered friendships over the 26 years and they really get together once a year.”

Camaraderie isn’t just a perk to participating in the ride; it’s essential to the sport. “The communication between [two riders on a bike] needs to be really good.” Likening tandem biking to a dance, Emde says the front rider must lead while

the back rider relinquishes control.

“The skills are a little different than on a single bike,” says Emde. “You need to be unified and sometimes it takes a little while to get a handle of that. As one of my friends called it, [a tandem bike is] a ‘divorce machine.’”

As they are enjoying the scenery, the riders themselves will be a treat for spectators when around 300 tandem bikes take off at once on Saturday morning. Several route options allow for a diversity of riders to participate, including those who train to ride the more challenging courses and more casual riders. The fully-supported courses, as well as several unsupported rides, span from Friday, July 1st to the following Monday with social events occurring each evening.

Emde encourages spectators to be at the starting line to watch the race begin – or sign up to volunteer at a food stop as late as the day of the ride.

“I just encourage people to come out,” says Emde. “It’s really a spectacle to watch.”

“Pedalin’ the Palouse” Northwest Tandem Rally, Friday, July 1st – Monday, July 4th. For information, visit www.nwtr.org. //

trail Work Projects This Summer In this age of diminishing funding for trail clearing projects, more of the work on National Forest trails is relying on volunteer efforts. The largest volunteer trail maintenance organization in Washington is the Washington Trails Association (WTA). In 2009, over 2,000 WTA volunteers logged over 90,000 hours of volunteer work on 130 Washington state trails— all performed using hand tools.

This summer, WTA invites anyone who spends time on our area trails to explore our backcountry and wilderness heritage and give something back on a trail work project in northeast Washington’s Colville National Forest. Trail work parties are an opportunity to build or fix up a trail, meet wonderful people, learn traditional skills, and help fellow outdoor enthusiasts explore our backyard wilderness.

Washington Trails Association has several trail-clearing or construction projects planned in northeast Washington this summer, including a week-long volunteer vacation: July 9-16, in the Salmo Priest Wilderness. They also have several shorter trips scheduled: July 16-17, Red

Bluff Trail near the Salmo Priest Wilderness; July 23-25, Shedroof Divide Trail near Little Snowy Top, Salmo Priest Wilderness; August 4-7, Hall Mountain Trail near the Noisy Creek Campground; and September 9-10, Red Bluff Trail near the Salmo Priest Wilderness. Visit www. wta.org for details and registration.

Conservation Northwest and other recreation groups are also organizing several trail construction projects to build a section of the Gibraltar Trail—a new hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trail. The Gibraltar Trail will eventually include up to 18 miles of mostly singletrack trail through mid-to-low elevation forest with views of the Kettle Crest and surrounding mountains.

The trail is being built with mountain biking in mind, and with its diverse terrain, loop options, and early and late season riding near Republic, it’s expected to attract mountain bikers from across the region. The first weekend trail building work party of the season will be July 8-10. Additional work parties are scheduled for July 21-23, August 11-12 and September 9-11. E-mail derrick@conservationnw.org to sign up for these projects. //

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/ Out There Monthly

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Health andFitness ®

A Plate Full of Compromise

Here’s Where The USDA Recommendations Come From / By Dr. Bob Lutz it is difficult not to be cynical. Granted, they’ve made some positive improvements, but…

First, when did protein become a food group?

It’s a macronutrient. This has somewhat of a Soylent Green feel and is a concession to the meat industry. Beans, as well as grains, are sources of protein, and of course, so are the more obvious sources, such as dairy, poultry and seafood. And since I mentioned dairy, why does it get special attention with its own blue glass recommendation?

Wouldn’t it be more logical to add dairy to the protein category? If it’s because it’s a good source of calcium, there are plenty of plant-based sources

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Last month, the USDA released its latest effort to help Americans figure out what and how much to eat. Given the successes of its predecessors, the Food Pyramid (1992) and MyPyramid (2005), at affecting the rates of overweight, obesity and diabetes, anything would be an improvement. But is it any better?

Referred to as MyPlate, www.choosemyplate. gov, it provides an easy-to-understand graphic divided into 4 colored sections (red -fruits, green -vegetables, orange -grains, purple - proteins), with a blue circle (glass) placed to the side representing the discretionary use of dairy. Visually, the green section is largest, indicating vegetables should be the foundation of a healthy diet. And considering that plant-based components make up the majority of the plate, it’s in keeping with the guidance that a plant-based diet is healthier than the Western diet we’ve become accustomed to—i.e., hunks of cheap grain-fed meat and heaps of processed carbs, all washed down with carbonated sugary beverages.

There are a few positives about MyPlate. It’s easy to read and interpret, a far cry from the last iteration, MyPyramid (see history URL after this article) that required you to memorize colors for food groups and use a computer to determine what to eat. The general nutrition recommendations are straight forward. It doesn’t focus on serving sizes (how much is a serving of vegetables anyway?) or portion sizes (the amount you choose to eat), but rather encourages you to “avoid oversized portions” as a means to balance calories. It recommends making half your plate fruits and veggies and half your grains whole grain choices (does whole grain flour count as a “whole grain?”). It advocates drinking water (it doesn’t discriminate between tap and Fiji Water) rather than sugary drinks. And for the first time, it actually encourages people to enjoy their food while eating less.

Sounds good so far, right?

It’s easy to be critical of the USDA, given they’re a government agency telling us how and what to eat (oops, I’ve been listening to too much “fair and balanced” news). But the reality is that the USDA is too beholden to commercial interests, given its dual responsibilities of overseeing an industry that has deep pockets while ensuring the health of Americans who do not. Given the continued subsidies they provide and the strength of “Big Food,”

First, when did protein become a food group? It’s a macronutrient. of calcium, such as fortified soy and orange juice and dark leafy greens (www.hsph.harvard.edu/ nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/calciumand-milk). And what if you’re lactose intolerant or a vegetarian? Again, a concession, this time to the dairy industry—did you know that the “Got milk?” campaign is funded through National Milk Processor Board (Fluid Board) that’s administered

by the USDA? Let me also throw in a couple of concessions to another couple of industries, snack foods and sodas. Yes, salt is found in “soups, bread and frozen meals,” but it’s also readily found in processed snack foods, such as chips and pretzels (240 mg sodium, 10 percent of the daily value, in each Snyder’s Sourdough pretzel). And for some reason, naturally sweet fruit juices are categorized like sugar-added juice drinks, sports drinks and sodas, which should be limited or eliminated.

Two missing and essential pieces, in my opinion, are fats and physical activity. With all the research demonstrating the benefits of omega3 fatty acids, one might think the USDA would at least mention it. Instead, when navigating on the MyPlate website through “The Basics – Food Groups – Related Topics,” you’re taken to a page that defines “oils” and briefly mentions foods— such as nuts, olives, some fish and avocados—that “are naturally high in fats.” Gee thanks! Likewise, physical activity, that was at least featured on MyPyramid by the stick figure stepping up the Pyramid to a “Healthier you,” is a navigation link away under “Related Topics.” Don’t get me started here!

So maybe a little better, but I still want to know when we’re going to see recommendations that are solidly based in science and not a product of lobbying. And then again, maybe, as Michael Pollan suggests, all we really need is a little common sense—“Eat [real] food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” Bon appetit. // References: History: www.choosemyplate.gov/downloads/MyPlate/ ABriefHistoryOfUSDAFoodGuides.pdf Dr. Walter Willett: www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/pyramid

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11

GoGreen: Sustainable Living

Fair and Sustainable Water RateS

New Conservation Rate Structure Will Save Money For Thousands Of Spokane Citizens / By Taylor Weech

Other Aquifers in the U.S. Have suffered severe depletion. // Photo D. BOUZ.

Spokane residents learned in 2010 of a change coming to their water utility bills and many instantly assumed the worst: rate hikes from the city to balance a discouraging budget shortfall. In fact, the purpose of the changes in water rate structure implemented this year is revenue neutral—meaning there is no increase in the amount the city receives for providing water services—and is meant to encourage conservation of our natural resources and provide a “lifeline” to the nearly 2,500 low income Spokane residents whose water was shut off in 2010.

Misconception of the new structure has led many to believe that their bill will increase, but most users will actually see a decrease in the amount they pay over the entire year. Any resident using less than 18 units (13,500 gallons) per month will see an approximately 9% decrease in cost. “What this means is approximately 60% of Spokane residents will see their water bills decrease,” writes City Council member Richard Rush on his blog, “...for the other 40%, water bills will increase – unless they take measures to reduce their consumption.” Most of that consumption goes toward lawns. Among other incentives, the City is offering a $375 credit on utility bills for any resident who installs “smart controls” on their sprinkler system. This step alone can save hundreds of gallons in wasted water from watering during the hottest part of the day, over watering, and misplacement of sprinkler heads.

Another common misconception lies in the reasons for conserving water. Many believe that the Rathdrum Prairie-Spokane Aquifer provides a limitless supply for millions of water users in our region and this is simply untrue. Stan Miller, who worked for Spokane County’s Aquifer Protection Program until retirement in 2004 as the Program Manager of Water Resources helps to shed some light on the aquifer and its relationship to the Spokane River. “As much as 80% of 12

Out There Monthly / JULY 2011

the river flowing through downtown in the summer is from the aquifer, not Lake Coeur d’Alene.

In a normal year, water flows out of Lake Coeur d’Alene at a rate of about 600 cubic feet per second. By the time the river gets to the Spokane

Many believe that the Rathdrum Prairie-Spokane Aquifer provides a limitless supply for millions of water users in our region and this is simply untrue.

West Plains and Airway Heights. Miller also says, “...a good deal of the water used for irrigation over the aquifer seeps back down to the aquifer carrying with it some of the chemicals we put on our lawn.” This causes pollution problems to add to the issue of dwindling supply in the aquifer.

Both Rush and Miller point to projected population growth as another reason to encourage conservation now, rather than waiting for a crisis to occur.

In the next twenty years, the city of Spokane alone expects another 141,000 people who will all rely on our utility services. As outlying areas expand, the shortages and issues grow. This translates to an 18.1 billion estimated increase in water consumption by 2030. This startling data only strengthens the case for conservation. Miller provides a framework to imagine the conservation necessary, saying, “...we need to cut 150 million gallons of use during the summer irrigation season—about 1.25 million gallons per day. In order to do this we need to stop watering 175 acres of lawn per year (about 125 square feet per yard per year) for the next 30 years. There probably isn’t this much lawn in yards in Spokane.”

One clear step that city residents (and everyone) can take is to simply remove some lawn from the equation. While a lush, green lawn can be

Live Music All Weekend Hand Crafted & Food Vendors Activities For The Kids!

Valley between half and two-thirds of that water has soaked through the riverbed to recharge the aquifer.” This seems to be good news for our river and aquifer’s continued use, but increased population and water consumption have changed the scenario. Miller continues, “In the days before we started pumping the aquifer for our public water supply enough water leaked back into the river between Spokane Valley and downtown to bring the flow back up from the 200 – 300 cfs (cubic feet per second) at Barker Rd. to around 1200 cfs. Today we are using enough of the aquifer to lower the summer flow to only about 850 cfs downtown.”

In short, this means that city water customers are diverting those 350 cfs away from the river and therefore, from the aquifer. Nearly all of this surplus pumping comes during the summer months for lawn maintenance.

A third misconception about the aquifer and water use is that it all drains back to the aquifer eventually. While this is partially true in areas above the aquifer, it does not hold true for some of our region’s fastest growing areas, such as the

5K Walk/Run Huckleberry Pancake Breakfast Huckleberry Hound & Sheriff Campaigns Huckleberry Bake-Off Find the 5K Walk/Run sign-up form and much more on our website www.wallaceidahochamber.com

August 19th & 20th, 2011

refreshing and aesthetically pleasing during the summer months, a drought tolerant landscape or a vegetable garden can be just as much so without the maintenance required of a traditional lawn.

This may seem like a daunting project, but even removing a few feet of lawn per year, from the outside inwards, can make a huge impact on water use.

The home is another source of water use and there are many common sense strategies to use to reduce consumption. These include taking shorter and fewer showers, installing a low flow shower head, using a high efficiency toilet (which the City offers a $100 credit on water bills as an incentive for installing), washing and rinsing dishes in separate steps, turning off water while brushing teeth, and many other opportunities to save every day.

For more information about the new rate change and opportunities to conserve, visit the City of Spokane’s website at www.spokanecity.org where there is a Utility Rate Calculator and an Interactive Sprinkler Calculator. More information about the reasons behind the change is also available on Richard Rush’s blog at www.nearnature.org/blog.

GoGreen: Sustainable Living SUSTAINABLELIVINGCALENDAR Frankly, your curbside recycling bin just doesn’t care anymore.

(Ongoing) Spokane Farmers’ Market. When: Sat. & Wed. 8 AM - 1PM. Where: 5th Ave. between Division & Browne. We offer locally produced bedding plants, vegetables, fruits, berries, beef, pork, lamb, chicken, turkey, eggs, cheese and baked goods. Info: 509-995-0182, spokanefarmersmarket.org (Ongoing) Community Roots Market. When: Mondays 3pm-5:30pm. Where: Northeast Community Center. Second annual low-income farmers market will offer free cooking classes and customers with foodstamps/WIC get 50% OFF. Free samples. Info: bryan@peachlocal.com 509216-9273.

(July 9) Herbal Medicine Making Summer Class.

When: 10:00 to 2:00 PM. Where: Sun People Dry Goods Co, 32 W 2nd Ave, Ste. 200. Make tinctures and oils, pick edible salad flowers and make a simple skin salve from plants of the season. Pre-registration required. $25. . Info: 509.368.9378, www.sunpeopledrygoods.com (July 14) Non-Toxic Bedding: Why Go Organic in the Bedroom? When: 6:00 to 7:00 PM. Where: Sun People Dry Goods Co, 32 W 2nd Ave, Ste. 200.

A discussion on the complicated story behind the materials used to manufacture conventional mattresses, and why natural materials are the are the safer, saner choice. Info: 509.368.9378, www.sunpeopledrygoods.com

(July 15) International District Arts Walk.

When: 5PM-9PM. Where: 1700-1800 blocks of E. Sprague. This event provides an opportunity to celebrate art, diversity, and culture. There will be local art, literature, live music, dance demonstrations and children’s activities, engaging people to participate in a truly community event. The IDAW is a fun-filled family event, located on Sprague Ave in the Spokane International District. Free.

(July 16) DIY Solar Food Drying Rack. When: 10:00 to Noon. Where: Sun People Dry Goods Co, 32 W 2nd Ave, Ste. 200. Build a simple outdoor food drying rack. Leave with your own rack.

Materials included in the cost of the workshop!

Info: 509.368.9378, www.sunpeopledrygoods. com (July 23) Smart Irrigation Month: Using Smart Controllers. When: 10:00 to 2:00 PM. Where: Sun People Dry Goods Co, 32 W 2nd Ave, Ste. 200, More information coming soon at www.sunpeopledrygoods.com. Info: 509.368.9378, www. sunpeopledrygoods.com (July 28) Simple Water Saving Strategies. When: 4:30 to 5:30 PM. Where: Sun People Dry Goods Co, 32 W 2nd Ave, Ste. 200. Discuss basic water saving techniques, an overview into greywater, what it is, and what is legal in the City. Take home water saving kits! Info: 509.368.9378, www.sunpeopledrygoods.com //

THE BIKE SHOP at Hughes

(About the color of your Code 2 plastic bottles, that is.)

Code 2 plastic bottles, jugs and jars • • • •

All colors are now accepted Necks must be smaller than bases Discard lids and rinse containers Labels okay

The cycle starts with you.

Partial funding provided by a grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology.

recycling hotline: 625.6800 www.solidwaste.org

Free to Spokane County businesses!

Let us show you how to reduce your trash disposal bill while becoming a better recycler

Hardware

Just finished another great ride in St. Maries

Pacific Materials Exchange, in partnership with Spokane Regional Solid Waste System, is offering free assessment services to Spokane County businesses that are interested in reducing their disposal bills and increasing their recycling efforts.

The services are provided completely without charge and all collected data is confidential. Several levels of assessment are available, ranging from a packet of information to an in-depth on-site consultation and survey.

Rentals, Sales, Service Custom Fitting for Road, Mountain, and Triathlon Service & Repair on all brands of Bikes, Skateboards, Skis and Snowboards. Complete Stock of Accessories, Repair Parts, Tools and Clothing for the Cyclist.

For more information or to schedule a consultation: Call 625-6536 or email jhaynes@spokanecity.org

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(208) 245-6544 904 Center Avenue • St. Maries, Idaho Partial funding provided by a grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology.

JULY 2011

/ Out There Monthly

13

Road Trips

Take Your Babes to the Mountain Mount Rainier National Park offers summertime family fun

/ By Amy Silbernagel McCaffree

A “bucket list” vacation for any Northwest family should be Mount Rainier National Park. After all, who wants a kid to grow up without stepping foot on the 14,410foot mountain that dominates the Cascade Range? It’s the fifth highest peak and the tallest volcano in the contiguous United States. Even better, it’s an “episodically active” volcano— kids will love that. According to nps.gov, it last erupted about 150 years ago.

Mount Rainier NP has five regions: Paradise, Longmire, Sunrise, Ohanapecosh and Carbon

If you’re hiking with small children, the Alta Vista Trail is a great choice.

Hiking with a four-month-old baby on the Skyline Trail. // Photo by Amy S. McCaffree.

Lakes

Leg Aches

2011 Bike Ride Saturday, August 6th, Spokane, WA

SPOKANE, WA

Info: 509.343.5020 • Registration forms at: www.lcsnw.org/events.html A Benefit Ride for the Sexual Assault & Family Trauma (SAFeT) Response Center, a program of Lutheran Community Services NW OutThere Monthly

Lake Roosevelt & More!

VisitLincolnCountyWashington.com 14

Out There Monthly / JULY 2011

River. The most popular one is Paradise (5,400’ elevation), located in the southwest corner of the park and accessible from Stevens Canyon Road if traveling from Yakima. It’s renowned for its dramatic views of the glacier-clad mountain, and one of the park’s only two designated campgrounds is close by. Its new visitor center, which opened in 2008 to replace the former, unsustainable building, is open daily during the summer from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm and provides interactive exhibits for all ages. There is a picnic area and plenty of nature trails. And children ages 6-11 can take part in the Ranger-led Junior Ranger program during the weekends.

But before you learn anything more, it’s important to know a basic phrase when talking about “the Mountain”—the shorthand that Western Washington residents call Rainier. A visit to Paradise is best when the mountain is “out,” as the locals say. Cloud cover on the summit is disappointing but be patient. In the summer, morning clouds often dissipate by the afternoon. (If not, enjoy the lower-elevation trails and Narada Falls between Paradise and Longmire.)

Thankfully, July and August weather is generally good, considering that Mt. Rainier makes its own weather. So it’s a good idea to plan for a multi-day visit, or at least have some flexibility in your travel plans; then if the summit is hidden by clouds on your first day, you may hopefully enjoy clear skies the next.

Paradise trails have clear signage and most begin at the edge of the paved parking lot. If you’re hiking with small children, the Alta Vista Trail is a great choice. This 1.2-mile round-trip paved trail accommodates a stroller and is typically snow free by mid-July. Another paved trail is the Nisqually Vista.

If you will be carrying your baby or toddler in a carrier or pack, or if your kids are older and capable of hiking longer distances, then the

Skyline Trail is a must-do on a clear day. This 5.4mile loop trail is more rugged and gains 1,700 feet of elevation to a spectacular view at Panorama Point (7,100’). Along the trail, there are plenty of large flat rocks to stop and rest, enjoy a snack, or change a baby’s diaper, and there is an outhouse at the Point.

Since Paradise is “the snowiest place on earth where snowfall is measured” and holds the world record for the largest snowfall in a single year, according to visitrainier.com, check trail conditions at the visitor center before you head out.

Sometimes snow still covers upper portions of trails. (As of mid-June, all of Paradise’s trails were still covered by snow and some lowland trails were open—go to “latest hiking buzz” at the visitrainier.com homepage for the current update.) A park ranger can also suggest trails that will best accommodate your family’s needs and ability level.

After hiking, you can relax at the historic Paradise Inn. Its massive lobby, with many couches and a fireplace, is a bustling place throughout the day and serves as a resting place for day visitors and inn patrons alike. The inn offers a full-service dining room, and a small café off the lobby sells sandwiches, snacks, ice cream and beverages—from espresso to alcoholic concoctions. From a parent’s perspective, the inn’s public restrooms are awesome—spacious with warm water, flushable toilets and diaper changing tables.

As for staying overnight in the park, Cougar Rock Campground (elev. 3180’) is only eight miles from Paradise and the only one in the south side of the park. Its 173 sites fill quickly, so make your reservations as soon as possible at www.recreation.gov ($15/night). Although there are no showers, there are flush toilets and diaper changing tables in the restrooms, and ranger-led programs in the evening at the campground’s amphitheater.

If you would rather not camp and can spend $100+ a night, both the Paradise Inn and the National Park Inn at Longmire (11 miles from Paradise) welcome children of all ages. Go to www.mtrainierguestservices.com for room rates and complete details. At Longmire, the General Store sells snacks, souvenirs, clothing and miscellaneous camping gear. Nearby is the kid-friendly and stroller accessible Trail of the Shadows, which is less than a mile long.

Perhaps best of all, especially families with teenagers, there is no cell phone or wifi coverage available from Longmire to Paradise—which means no texting or media distractions, only quality family time. // WHEN YOU GO Mount Rainier NP is located 2-3 hours from Seattle, Tacoma and Yakima. For detailed directions to the park from Spokane via Yakima, go to www.visitrainier.com/pg/directions/DrivingDirections-to-Mount-Rainier-National-Park.

The browns on a trip.

Covering more distance in a shorter time—that’s the essential reason for ultralight backpacking, which is something Eli and Anna Brown have been doing together for six years.

They got particularly interested in the concept “after a very slow and unsuccessful attempt at hiking the Snoqualmie to Stevens stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail,” Anna says. The book Lightweight Backpacking and Camping by Ryan Jordan and their own extensive internet research have taught them what works best.

“Eli and I are both attracted to the philosophical idea of ‘getting away’ from everyday life and being completely self sufficient with 20-25 lbs of stuff. This type of self sufficiency requires the ultralight backpacker to be very conscious and very present as well,” Anna says. “There is also something very appealing about going for a nice

brisk walk in the woods as opposed to a slow, painful trudge.”

The one downside of the sport is the expensive ultralight gear, they say.

This husband and wife duo go on at least one summer ultralight trip together—usually to the Cascades and often to the Leavenworth area.

Eli, who Anna says is more die-hard, goes on 2-3 summer trips. His most successful one so far was completing that same Snoqualmie to Stevens stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail in three days with his 58-year-old father. It was the first time Eli took no rain gear and used only a tarp for shelter.

One of their most challenging and comical adventures was hiking the Hatchery Creek Trail outside of Leavenworth in the summer of 2009.

“The trail hadn’t been maintained in a long time, so there was a lot off trail, off map bushwhacking. In addition, we had one mishap after another, and by the end of the day we were both totally exhausted,” explains Anna.

The next day when they decided to jump over a relatively narrow section of a creek instead of taking off their shoes and fording it, Eli successfully made it while Anna did not. “My feet hit the edge of the bank, and as I tried to propel myself forward, my butt shot backwards and pulled me over into the stream,” she says.

In addition to backpacking, Eli and Anna rock climb and train for and compete in triathlons.

In the winter, Eli snowboards and Anna likes to snowshoe. And they go day hiking and car camping with their four-year-old daughter.

Here is the gear they use to travel the trails in ultralight style:

IT'S A We just turned two

-----------------------------------------------------BACKPACK: REI UL 30 -----------------------------------------------------SHOES: Eli - Salomon XT Trail-Runner; Anna – Merrel.

Quick drying clothes are a must.

-----------------------------------------------------SOCKS: WrightSock CoolMesh, quarter size.

“They don’t last more than a season, but they are doubled layered and really work well for cutting down on blisters,” she says.

-----------------------------------------------------TREKKING POLES: They each carry one—REI brand.

-----------------------------------------------------SHELTER: MSR Ventana tent – discontinued, but they say it’s the “best tent ever.”

-----------------------------------------------------SLEEPING BAGS/PADS: Eli - REI Sub-kilo bag and short Therm-a-Rest ProLite; Anna - LaFuma down bag and regular, self-inflate Therm-a-Rest.

-----------------------------------------------------CLOTHING: REI convertible pants and Under Armour compression fit shirts. “Moisture wicking is key,” says Anna. “We do not pack more than one shirt and one pair of pants. Quick drying clothes are a must because if we are out on a long trip—four or more days—you can rinse

By Amy Silbernagel McCaffree out your hiking clothes at night, and they will be dry by morning, mostly.” For nighttime, they wear REI MTS Long Underwear. “If we pack our lighter sleeping bags, the long underwear helps to cut down on any chill early/late season,” she says.

-----------------------------------------------------JACKETS: Eli - Marmot Pollyfill; Anna Moonstone. She says, “It weighs close to a couple of pounds, but I don’t mind carrying the ‘extra’ weight if it assures me warmth (aka comfort) at the end of the day.” Instead of carrying rain gear, they find shelter if needed.

-----------------------------------------------------WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM: Sawyer Gravity Feed filter.

-----------------------------------------------------FOOD: Breakfast and lunch: Fuel Fudge—Anna’s modified version of a recipe from Lipsmackin’ Backpackin’: Lightweight Trail-tested Recipes for Backcountry Trips by Christine and Tim Conners. These two meals are “all about calorie intake and little bulk,” she says. She drinks Medaglia D’oro instant espresso, premixed with powder creamer. Snacks: Peanut M&Ms and Shotblocks. Dinner: dehydrated meals, usually Mountain House brand.

-----------------------------------------------------OTHER ESSENTIAL GEAR: Headlamps, Petzl for Anna, Black Diamond Ion for Eli; pocket knife; first aid kit; Kelty Triptease lightline for hanging food in trees; and Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Soap, which Anna says is “organic and completely necessary for anything, from cleaning camp utensils to washing a body.” //

BIRTH D A Y S ALE July 23 24 All Day

rd and th All bikes and accesories will be on sale 2011 and 2012 models Trek will have instant rebates on selected models and accesories

We will have special financing 12 months same as cash for purchases over $ 750 with a trek bike for the weekend JULY 2011

/ Out There Monthly

509-443-4005 12505 E Sprague Ave Spokane Valley

What’s Your Gear: Eli and Anna Brown (Ultralight Backpacking)

15

Punish Stuff

Powered by

WARM and CoMpact Pullovers Patagonia and GoLite / By John Speare

Spokane, WA July 23-24, 2011

A few years ago, ultra-compact pullovers started to pop up from outdoor clothing manufacturers. The goal with these pullovers is to provide as much warmth in as small a package as possible. These pullovers make for a great layer under a shell in sub-freezing weather. And this time of year, they excel as the “insurance policy” for light-weight adventuring.

Over the last six months or so, I’ve been swapping between two pullovers: the Patagonia Nano Puff Pullover and the GoLite Demaree Canyon 800 Fill Down Anorak. I’ve worn both in wintertime cold weather, and I’ve taken both camping during the early spring season. They both pack down to almost-nothing and are incredibly warm

The Nano Puff has since become my go-to pullover for any trip that has the potential to go cold on me. With the spring we’ve had, there has been plenty of opportunity to run this pullover through the paces. I’ve camped with it, and I’ve used it as my main riding-around-pub-crawling pullover.

As a Patagonia product, the Nano Puff delivers on the style side too. It’s not bulky and comes in great colors, and it’s cut like a normal-looking

golite demaree canyon 800

Patagonia Nano Puff

2 days

given their lack of bulk.

Neither of them breathes well, so I’ve not found them very useful for sustained, high-aerobic activities. But for end-of-ride relaxing, chilled-out neighborhood walks, and as a sleeping layer, the pullovers are a godsend.

you’ll never forget.

Patagonia Nano Puff Pullover $149; 289g, Made in Vietnam Pros: incredibly light; casual and “normal” looking; women and men versions. Cons: no hand-warmer pockets.

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Patagonia Nano Puff Pullover When I first took hold of the Nano Puff, I was pretty sure it was a gimmick. It weighs less than a can of soda. How could anything so insignificant really keep me warm?

I started using the Nano Puff during the winter bike commutes on clear mornings when the temperature was around freezing. With just a single mid-weight wool shirt underneath, the Nano Puff kept me amazingly warm on my downhill commute into the winter air.

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16

1halfUclimb.indd 1 Out There Monthly / JULY 2011

GoLite Demaree Canyon 800 Fill Down Anorak $185; 460g, Made in China Pros: hand-warmer pockets; handy front zip pocket; super warm. Cons: a bit too technical looking for an “in town” jacket; no woman’s version.

5/11/2011 11:56:52 AM

jacket. In town, the Nano Puff works fine with a single, Napoleon-style breast pocket; but when I’m camping or hunkering down somewhere cold, I miss having hand-warmer pockets.

The Nano Puff also scores some points in that it comes in both male and female-specific versions.

GoLite Demaree Canyon 800 Fill Down Anorak The GoLite Anorak is the more performanceoriented pullover between these two options. My goal with the GoLite was to reduce the weight and bulk of my overnighter sleeping kit by bringing a smaller sleeping quilt (instead of a bag) and leaving a clothing layer behind. The idea is that the GoLite would provide all of the benefits of a pullover and I could sleep in it. The idea paid off.

The GoLite is just super warm. With 800 fill down, it’s much warmer than the Nano Puff. It has the blessed hand-warmers, which are lined with fleece, as well as a pouch-style pocket at the belly that is surprisingly useful. Additionally, at the hips and up into the pits, it has a stretchy material that makes for a super warm snuggly fit. When it’s cold out and I just want to sit and be warm, this GoLite is exactly what I want.

But it’s puffy down, and the weird stretchy material under the pits and the strange Kangaroo pouch pocket makes it a bit too nerdy for round-the-town wearing. This is a technical pullover, and there is no woman’s version.

But hey, fashion is fickle and temporal, so who cares?

If you want warmth with no compromise, handwarmer pockets, and your utilitarian sensibility proudly scoffs at the fashion weenies du jour, then the GoLite Anorak is for you. //

Everyday Cyclist

WHY PUMP?

http://cyclingspokane.blogspot.com

Working Two Wheels Together Tom Miller and Karen Libsch rode a mountain bike tandem together in this year’s “Round the Clock” 24 Mountain Bike race. They did ten 14-mile laps. Here’s what they have to say about riding a tandem off-road.

OTM: People joke about how tandems affect

miller and libsch in tandem. // PHOTO JOHN SPEARE.

relationships. In your experience, how has the tandem impacted your relationship?

Karen: I was actually riding a tandem with Tom’s father at a mountain bike weekend when I met him. Not to get mushy, but I liked Tom a lot at the time not for any romantic ideation but because of how well he treated his girlfriend. She was a big smoker, unfit, afraid of the mountain bike, but he stayed with her on the very easy rides and was extremely considerate to her needs. It gave me hope that I could find someone someday who wouldn’t just try to beat me at everything.

We actually dated a fair bit before we rode what was for me the scariest ride of my life. An avid competitor in everything I do, the ride for me was scary because the best way to ride was not to compete. Of course, it is obvious that two people need to be able to work together to make a tandem work best, but that ride was so terrifying for me because I found that I could surrender that competitive notion to him. I trusted him to do what was necessary and right, not what would “test” me or what would show off his skills. I know it’s not an earthshaking revelation, but submitting to the notion that it isn’t for one of us to win or to lose is very intimate. Neither of us is showing off or proving anything to the other. And yes, I do believe this has been an important foundation to our marriage.

OTM: How does the stoker on a mountain tandem ride out big bumps?

Tom: Bumps, technical sections, quick turns, low branches (my wife’s favorite), and unplanned dismounts all have the potential to add some stress to the ride. I do my best to keep Karen informed as to what is going on and she is incredible at anticipating what is happening by just following my movements. I can feel when she tenses up and there have been times she’s expended a lot of energy trying to stay relaxed.

Karen: On a trail, sometimes Tom barely sees something before the whole bike has to react.

There isn’t time for him to tell me about a hard right coming up or a series of rocks downhill or that we need to wiggle the bike through some trees until we’re there, and then we need to be doing it, not talking about it! In riding the bike, I

have to immediately react to changes that come up that I can’t see coming. It’s similar to the routine stresses of everyday life.

In our day-to-day life, Tom is the stoker. I wish I could make it easier for him to anticipate what is coming, but I don’t know either. In the same way, Tom can’t tell me when we’re riding the bike. So, the answer to your question, I actually tolerate big bumps easier when we’re on the trail because he can’t always see it either.

OTM: How well matched are your riding styles when you are on separate bikes?

Karen: I think we are well matched with regard to fitness but very different on the bike. I am a runner. Tom’s the biker.

On the road, I am aware that I am not good enough to help him train for races but I can certainly help him (and me) put some solid miles in the seat. I am not as gifted kinesthetically as Tom—I don’t have as good a sense of where my bike will land on the ground. I know a good line and can run it but I don’t trust the bike going where I place it.

I do get a chance to learn his bike skills on the back of the bike. As I said before, there isn’t time to overthink because by the time you know about

“I wish I could make it easier for him to anticipate what is coming, but I don’t know either.” something you have to react. Tom’s reactions are instinctual. My riding improves because his reactions are now instinctual to me too.

OTM: Anything else you want to share?

Tom: I agree with the statement, “Wherever your relationship is going, it’ll get there faster on a tandem.” After 25+ years in bike shops, tandems will make or break a relationship, there doesn’t seem to be much in between. For the captains out there, it is so cool that your partner can share your ride with you, so remember that your stoker is always working as hard as you are and don’t ever joke about them just coasting along. For the stokers, just let us know when it’s getting scary or you’re feeling the ride and tell us what to do to make you more comfortable even if it’s just to hop off for a few minutes, look at the scenery, and have a snack. If your captain doesn’t do what you ask, show no mercy.

Karen: Onlookers will always comment on how one job is more important that the other.

Unless you have tried to ride a tandem, it is difficult to understand how much work it takes for either rider.

I guess it is sort of like a marriage. Both people in the relationship have their set of responsibilities to make the whole thing work; without one person’s responsibilities fulfilled, the whole thing falls apart. // John Speare grew up and lives in Spokane. He rides his bike everywhere. Check out his blog at http://cyclingspokane.blogspot.com.

All photos: Jim Meyers

Can Your Relationship Handle A Tandem? / By John Speare

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/ Out There Monthly

17

Outdoor Leadership An Outdoor leadership class will be taught July 30 and 31 at the EWU’s Riverpoint Campus in Spokane.

Outdoor Leadership Class Topics include: • Trip planning • Legal liability • Decision-making Sunday’s class will be in the field learning leadership skills and how to manage a field trip.

Register for the Outdoor Leadership class; RCLS 497-40 (CRN 22152) on-line at ewu.edu/summer or by calling the EWU Summer Session at 359-4222.

More information? Professor Paul Green at 359-7097

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Out There Monthly / JULY 2011

Newport Autumn Bloom 5K & 10K Fun Run 9-10-11

Book Reviews

Sponsored by the NHHS Foundation.

The fun run is one milestone toward reaching the 2011 goal of raising $150,000 to purchase new digital mammography equipment, benefiting the residents served by Newport Hospital.

HOW TO LIVE WELL WITHOUT OWNING A CAR: SAVE MONEY, BREATHE EASIER, AND GET MORE MILEAGE OUT OF LIFE Chris Balish, Ten Speed Press, 2006, 215 pages

September 10, 2011 Saturday 9 a.m., TJ Kelly Park Newport, WA Registration $23 before Sept. 1 $33 after Sept. 1 register online at: www.active.com

BABES IN THE WOODS: HIKING, CAMPING, BOATING WITH BABIES & YOUNG CHILDREN Jennifer Aist, The Mountaineers Books, 2010, 187 pages

Becoming a parent is transformative—and stressful and exhausting, in addition to all things wonderful. So discerning how to incorporate your newborn and, eventually, toddler, into the wilderness adventures you enjoyed before baby came along can be a daunting task. I know.

My husband and I used to go backpacking frequently when we were a pre-baby couple. But going with a newborn? Yikes! Even car camping seemed like it would be more exhausting— and therefore a bit less fun. My sleep-deprived mommy mind just didn’t want to go there. But we did anyway, and it wasn’t nearly as difficult as I thought it might be, thanks to Jennifer Aist’s “guidebook” for parents. This wise and experienced Alaskan mama has created a useful and reassuring resource to learn how to plan, prepare for and enjoy hiking, camping and boatingrelated activities with children, newborn to age five. Aist definitely believes outdoor-loving parents should continue enjoying their recreational activities with their kids rather than waiting until the babes are “old enough.” She has spent many hours and days in the wilderness with her own four children, and this book is a result of her years of personal research and experiences.

The book is organized into four sections— Taking Care of the Basics, Transporting Little Ones on the Trail, Having Adventures, and Connecting with Nature—with straightforward chapters for each one. Part one, which is the longest, covers everything from clothing and food to sleep and safety, while the last part provides ideas for nature and wildlife-oriented activities around camp. The fact that there are single chapters devoted solely to dirt and bugs indicates that the author knows what worries a mom.

Photographs, personal anecdotes and “tips & tricks” are included in each chapter. Some of her most unique and valuable advice is in the clothing chapter—like how to easily make your own inexpensive baby bunting and leg warmers. And a bibliography of additional resources and five pages of trip checklists are included.

Indeed, this book is worthy of being a baby shower gift—a book new parents will consult for many years so they can more confidently take their own babes into the woods. // Amy S.

McCaffree

You don’t need to own a car to live well in America, or Spokane for that matter. That’s the gist of Chris Balish’s How to Live Well without Owning a Car. If you are a regular reader of OTM, you may have toyed with this idea. If so, this book may be what you need to get over the hump of indecision. Even though Balish’s book has been around a few years, making some of the examples seem quaint (gas below $3.00 a gallon!), with each year’s increase in the cost of owning and maintaining a car, never mind punishing petrol prices, this book becomes increasingly valuable.

The most compelling argument for forego-

If going car free is more than you are willing to chance, Balish suggests going “car lite,” of which there are at least two ways to go. ing the burden of owning a car is the distinction between the cost of buying and the cost of owning one. The cost of owning a car over a five-year period—new or used—is roughly twice the price paid for it. Additionally, there are the “quality of life” costs: time spent having it licensed, smog tested, serviced and repaired, looking for parking and paying for parking, insurance and, well, if you own a car, you know the story.

Despite the potential monetary and social savings, Balish helps ease readers into taking the leap that it is to live car free. If going car free is more than you are willing to chance, Balish suggests going “car lite,” of which there are at least two ways to go. If you are a two- or three-car family, sell one of the cars. Otherwise, leave the car parked and ride the bus, walk, bike, carpool or the like.

You don’t have to take only Balish’s word about the benefits of going car free. Each chapter contains testimonials from those who have either given up or greatly reduced their use of a car.

Not one of them expresses regret about the time, money and hassles spared. While Balish covers the many practical alternatives to owning a car, the most enticing benefit just might be that which comes from doing right by your mind, body and wallet. // Bradley Bleck

JULY 2011

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Outdoor Calendar (July 6, 13, 20, 27) WNRS: Wednesday Night Ride Series. When: 4 pm-8 pm. Where: Farragut

CLIMBING (July 5) Discover Rock Class. When 6 - 8 PM. Where: 2002 N. Division. Everything you need to harness up, tie in and belay with confidence. This class is for those who wish to get into climbing, as well as for parents wishing to get their young ones climbing safely. $20. Info: mountaingear.com/pages/ retailstore/retail.asp.

(July 23,24) UClimb. When: Varies. Where: Varies . Learn to climb in a comfortable small-group setting with other amateur climbers. Professional instructors will guide you through the basics of climbing, safety and conservation. See website for more info: uclimb.org.

(July 30)) Top Rope Anchors. When 10 - 2 PM. Take your climbing to the next level and outdoors.

You’ll learn how to set up a top rope on bolts, equalize, and evaluate an anchor, plus you’ll climb on your anchors. Must have own harness, shoes and belaying system and be able to belay $40. Info: mountaingear. com/pages/retailstore/retail.asp.

State Park: Thimbleberry Camp. 12.3 mile marked and mapped. All ages, all abilities. Time trial format, solo or gang start, free kids ride, bbq, prizes and gift.

Info: 208-263-6959, www.allaboutadventures.com.

(July 9) Meet the Team Ride & BBQ. When:

10AM. Where: North Division Bicycle Shop 10503 N. Division. SRV is a race-oriented club that fosters bicycle racing and training. Two ride options: ~20 mi. & ~45 mi. with BBQ afterwards. FREE! Info: 509.270.8347, www.spokanerocketvelo.com or spokanerocketvelo@gmail.com

(July 23) Gran Fondo Mt Bike Ride. 10, 17, 35, 50 mile options. Info: .bicycleservice.com/4thJuly (August 6) 8 Lakes Leg Aches Bike Ride. 15, 30, 45, 75 mile options. Info lcsnw.org/events

HIKING/BACKPACKING (July 9-16) Salmo-Priest Loop Trail Volunteer Vacation. Gypsy Meadows, Sullivan Lake Ranger District. Info: 206-625-1367, wta.org

CYCLING (Ongoing) WOW is on Facebook- “WOW Cycling Spokane”. Riding season is here and we’re out hav-

ing fun! Check us out at wowcycling.com or on FaceBook at Wow Cycling Spokane! See you on the road! Info: 509-951-6366, wowcycling.com

(Ongoing) Belles and Baskets. Whatever style

your cycle, join other Spokane women for no-drop rides, treats, and friendship. Info: 509-951-4090, facebook.com/bellesandbaskets.

(Ongoing) Spokane Bicycle Club. S.B.C. offers eight weekly rides of various lengths and difficulty for members and non-members. Check the web site for ride details. Info: 509-747-5581, spokanebicycleclub.org (Ongoing) Mountain Bike Rides. When: Varies.

Where: Spokane Area. Spokane BOMB (Believers On Mountain Bikes) is a non-denominational Christian group leading multiple monthly rides in the Spokane area. Everyone welcome, helmets required. Info: spokanebomb@yahoo.com, www. spokanebomb.com (July 1-4) Northwest Tandem Rally. 4 days of

tandem biking. Info: 509-363-6825

(July 14) Camp Cooking Basics. When: 7PM.

Where: REI, 1125 N Monroe. Do you want to make easy and fun meals at camp but feel unsure how to cook them? Join REI for an introductory class.

Info:509-328-9900

(July 21) Backpack Cooking Basics. When: 7PM.

Where: REI, 1125 N Monroe. Learn the basics of backpack cooking, get some fun recipes and find out about the gear and tools to make your next backpacking adventure delectable! Info: 509-328-9900, rei.com/spokane

RUNNING/WALKING (July 13, 20 & 27) U District Summer Series.

Wednesday’s at 6 PM. 5k run with a 1 mile kids run.

Info: 509-458-7686, udistrictpt.com

(July 23) Spokane Indians Pennant Run. Benefits Ronald McDonald House. Info: 509-343-6810.

(July 23) Spokenya Run. Help those in Adiedo

Kenya build a new medical clinic. Info: spokenyarun.org

(July 28) Barefoot Running. When: 7PM. Where: REI, 1125 N Monroe. Learn how barefoot running

Submit your event at www.outtheremonthly.com

SIXMONTHTRAININGCALENDAR CYCLING (August 6) 8 Lakes Leg Aches Bike Ride. 15, 30, 45, 75 mile options. Info lcsnw.org/events

(September 10) Purpleride: Spoke d’ Alene.

When: 9 am. Where: Spokane to Coeur d’ Alene (Centennial Trail). Description: Ride 4, 14, 36 or 56 miles or walk 5K. Catered lunch, raffle, concert and kids’ activities at Riverstone Park in Coeur d’ Alene afterwards. Info: 509-990-9119, www. purpleride.org

(September 10-11) Bike MS: Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. When: 10:00am. Where: Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes: Mullan, ID. 2 days, 150 miles on the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes to raise money for the Inland Northwest Chapter of the National MS Society. Info: (509)482-2022 or 1-800-344-4867, www.bikeMSnorthwest.org

(September 11) SpokeFest. When: 9:30AM. Where: Spokane Falls Blvd. & Post Street.

Description: SpokeFest is a community bike ride for all ages and abilities. Four routes from 1 mile to 47 miles. Register at www.spokefest.org.

(October 1) CF Cycle for Life. 25 & 65 mile options. Includes long sleeved shirt, breakfast, bike mechanics, well-stocked rest stops, ride marshals, lunch catered by David’s Pizza and Pedal Party, prizes and more! Info: washington.cff.org/ cycleforlifespokane

MARATHONS (September 24) Priest Lake Marathon, HalfMarathon and 5K. Info: 208-946-9543, priestlakerace.com

(October 9) Spokane Marathon, HalfMarathon, 10k. When: 8am. Where: Spokane, WA. Experience the beauty of Spokane in October by running the marathon, marathon relay, half-marathon or 10k.Info: 509-624-4297, www.spokanemarthon.us

RUNNING (August 20) The Dirty Dash 10K Mud Run. Riverside State Park. Info: 801-896-DASH, thedirtydash.com

The only painter in Spokane who has completed an Ironman. Now that’s dedication!

(August 20) Strides for Strong Bones. Info:

TBA. Where: Deer Park Physical Therapy and Sports Conditioning, Deer Park, Washington, 99006. 5k Walk/Run to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Info: 509-276-8811, ryan@ deerparkpt.com or www.deerparkphysicaltherapy.com

(September 24) Wild Moose Chase Trail Run, 5km, 10km, and 25km courses. Info: 509-9940616, wildmoosechasetrailrun.com

(Sept 24) Harvest Hustle. When: 8:30AM check in 7:45. Where: United States. Rockford WA ( 16 miles south of Spokane valley HWY 27) Enjoy 5k run through the country. SE Spokane Country fair activities following. Come join in! Info: 509 291-3219, sespokanecountryfair.org

TRIATHALON (August 6) Troika Triathlon. Medical Lake to Riverfront Park. Info: troikatriathlon.com (August 6) Whidbey Island Triathlon (Langley, WA) A great first tri on a scenic course. Info: whidbeytriathlon.com.

(August 21) West Plains WunderWoman Triathlon. Info: emdesports.com/wunderwoman_triathlon/home.html

(August 27) Priest Lake Triathlon. Olympic Road bike and sprint Mt. Bike. Info: priestlakerace.com (September 4) Annual Steve Braun Memorial Triathlon, Orcas Island, WA. Info: friendsofmoran.com

(October 1) Route of the Ultramarathon. Info: 208-664-0135

Hiawatha

PADDLE (August 13) The Dam Paddle. 12 mile paddle from Metaline Water Park to Boundry Dam. Info: boundrytours.com

ADVENTURE RACING (August 14-20) Expedition Idaho! One of the premier expedition length races in the world!

Info: expeditionidahorace.com

wastrongbones.org

ROWING

(August 20) Expedition Idaho Road Run. Info:

(Summer) Learn to Row. Instruction in sculling and sweep rowing. Info: spokanerowing.org //

expeditionidahorace.com

(September 18) The Round”about” 5k. When:

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.

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Out There Monthly / JULY 2011

Outdoor Calendar (July 31) Bare Buns Fun Run. At Kaniksu Ranch Family Nudist Park. Info: kaniksufamily.com

TRIATHLONS (July 31) Spokane Triathlon. International and Sprint Distance. Info: spokanetriathlon.com

(August 6) Troika Triathlon. Medical Lake to Riverfront Park. Info: troikatriathlon.com (August 6) Whidbey Island Triathlon (Langley, WA). A great first tri on a scenic course. Info: whidbeytriathlon.com.

PADDLING (Ongoing) Learn to Row. When: 6 – 7:30 AM or 6 – 7:30 PM. Where: Spokane River near Upriver Dam. Learn to Row. Basic instruction in sculling and sweep rowing. Eligible to join the Spokane River Rowing Association following completion of course. No experience needed. Must be 18 and able to swim. Info: spokanerowing.org (July) Masters Rowing. When: T,TH 6:00-7:30pm,

Sat 7:30-9:30am. Where: Spokane River near Upriver Dam. Masters rowing practices for experienced rowers and those who have completed Learn to Row. Sculling and sweep rowing. Recreational and competitive. Fully coached practices.

(July 9) Sekani Adventure Day. When: 9AM-3PM. Where: Camp Sekani, 6707 E. Upriver Dr. A chance for adventurers of all ages to try outdoor sports, like kayaking, mountain biking, stand-up paddling and geocaching. Great for beginners! Gear provided.

Info: 509.280.2776, sekaniadventureday.com

Th at 6pm. Where: Sunflower Yoga, 6413 E. 14th Ave.Learn Iyengar Yoga with attention to detail, alignment and use of props as needed. Gentle and intermediate classes also offered. Info: 509-5357369www.sunfloweryoga.net

EVENTS/MOVIES/MISC… (Ongoing) Fast Twitch Sports Performance Program. When: Mon, Wed PM. Friday AM. Where: Deer Park Physical Therapy & Sports Conditioning.

Sport specific training to enhance athletic performance. Programs include pre and post testing with development of an athletic profile used in college sports recruiting. Info: (509) 276-8811, www.deerparkphysicaltherapy.com

(June to end of the summer) Spokane County Aquatic Facilities are open! When: 10:30 - 5:30, daily. Where: Southside Aquatic Facility: 3724 E

THE INLAND NW

(SPOKANE & COEUR d’ALENE)

61st St., Northside Aquatic Facility: 18120 N Hatch Rd. Affordable family fun! $2.00: ages 3-5, $4.00: ages 6 & over. Swim lessons offered in the AM and PM! Info: 509-477-4730, spokanecounty.org/parks

AWARD-WINNING GUIDE FOR SUSTAINABLE + HEALTHY LIVING

(July 15) International District Arts Walk. When: 5PM-9PM. Where: 1700-1800 blocks of E. Sprague.

This event provides an opportunity to celebrate art, diversity, and culture. There will be local art, literature, live music, dance demonstrations and children’s activities, engaging people to participate in a truly community event. The IDAW is a fun-filled family event, located on Sprague Ave in the Spokane International District. Free. //

2011-2012, 7th Annual Edition HUNDREDS LISTINGS Out OFNow. ON GREEN + LOCAL BUSINESSES INCLUDING:

www.gogreendirectory.com

Hey Cheap Ass!!!

(July 9) Outdoor Experience StandUp Paddleboard Race. When: 2 PM. Where:

F RE E

Noon. Where: Mt. Gear. Recreational kayaking is all about fun, and we’ll teach you how to get into your boat and to your destination with as little stress as possible. Class covers boat types, basic and some advanced strokes, appropriate clothing combinations, safety for self and others, gear, dry storage, and rigging. Currents and wind also covered. $30.

Info: mountaingear.com/pages/retailstore/retail. asp:

(July 9) Tour Kayaking. When: 1 – 5 PM. Where:

Mt. Gear. Tour lakes, coastlines, and islands with a complete set of boat-handling skills. Class covers personal and safety gear, kayak design, getting in and out of your boat, spray skirts, paddles and strokes, bracing, stopping and sweeps, wet exit, self and tandem rescue. After this class, you’re ready for the San Juans! $50. Info: mountaingear.com/pages/ retailstore/retail.asp:

YOGA (July 5 - July 29) Iyengar Yoga 4 week series for beginners. When: Mon, 9:30am or Tues or

Come Buy Some Cheap Ass Records

SPONSORED BY:

(July 9) Recreational Kayaking. When: 10 –

Over 10,000 records for $3.00 or less

OUTDOOR CALENDAR

Sandcreek, Sandpoint, ID. Part of the Sandpoint Rotary Great Sandpoint Flatwater Regatta. Benefits local Rotary Scholarship programs Expert/Novice/ Junior Divisions. Info at www.outdoorexperience. us, 208 263 6028

Green Building Home + Garden Natural Health Transportation, Energy + Recycling Food Community + Environment

JULY 2011

can help you run lighter, faster and more injury-free than you’ve ever imagined with the folks from runbare.com. Info: 509-328-9900, rei.com/Spokane

Unified Groove Merchants 2611 N. Monroe • 12 ~ 4 Daily

(509) 326-4842

JULY 2011

/ Out There Monthly

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BY jon jonckers

SuperPhotoSpots

The Selkirk Mountains near Harrison Lake, Idaho. // Photo Jon Jonckers.

FIVE Places For The Best Inland Northwest Outdoor Photography

Farmland colors and patterns seen from Steptoe Butte, Washington. // Photo Jon Jonckers.

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Out There Monthly / JULY 2011

Palouse Falls, Palouse River, Washington. // Photo Jon Jonckers.

Outdoor experiences make

life worth living, and our area is rich with lakes and mountains to enjoy. While the challenges or the motivations vary, there is no shortage of inspirational landscapes to appreciate. Whether you’re a biker, hiker or paddler, you probably bring along your camera to document your outings.

Outdoor photography connects people in many ways—the viewer to the subject, the landscape to the accomplishment, the vision to the artist, the moment to be shared again and again. In the Inland Northwest, outdoor photography can be taken for granted since the opportunities are practically unmatched in the rest of the country. From the gigantic Idaho lakes to the massive Cascade volcanoes, there’s a grounded argument that local photographers can photograph dominating alpine mountains, lush rainforest trails, glowing sandy beaches, rolling Palouse farmland, and sweet desert sagebrush all in the same day!

Today’s cameras only amplify the potential for great photos, and continuing jumps in image software boost outdoor photography even further.

Like every digital device, modern digital cameras are becoming affordable enough so that many families have a couple decent cameras (not to mention the cameras on many cell phones). It’s becoming increasingly popular for a family to go outside solely for an outdoor photo tour.

Sometimes a family can take a trip to photograph an event, such as the Walla Walla hot air balloon stampede, or they can simply go to photograph a place or a feature such as Palouse Falls. Sometimes the goal might be a day hike up Steamboat Rock at Banks Lake, but along the way they might photograph an old barn or some beautiful wildlife.

Thanks to the variety and abundance of unspoiled scenery, there’s a chance that the same

outing might allow sister to photograph brilliant wildflowers, brother can photograph a majestic elk, father photographs a misty waterfall, and mother photographs a stunning sunset. Even if you’re timid about the outdoors, or you have limited mobility, or you’ve never considered yourself skilled with a camera, outdoor photography in the Inland Northwest truly offers something for everyone.

Through several informal interviews with some of the area’s best outdoor photographers, Out There Monthly compiled a list of some of the premier spots that meet three primary criteria. First, these are all easy—easy to find, easy access, easy approach. These photo spots are all kid-friendly

Creek and labeled for field study. Unless you have forever avoided Interstate 90 West to the airport, then you have certainly driven right past this beautiful city park.

Local photographer Jed Conklin says, “We live in the Evergreen state. This park is a real treasure and the best chance to photograph something other than pine trees.”

Conklin also highlights two chief ingredients for good photos—specifically, good sunrise/sunset lighting, and the photographer’s creed: the Rule of Thirds.

The Rule of Thirds is imperative because spacing the primary subject into one third of your picture creates depth, adds a background, and

------------------------------------------------------------------Over time I have learned to slow down, survey the scene, look at the lighting and composition and then shoot.

------------------------------------------------------------------locations. Second, they are beautiful settings with lots of obvious composition options that do not require expensive lenses or extra gear. All of the places are relatively photogenic year round so you can practice taking better and better images, improve your skills, and possibly create seasonal family outings. Third, these places are so unique to the Inland Northwest that even if you’ve visited them ten times already, you will still find something impressive to share or photograph on your eleventh visit.

-----------------------------------------------------FINCH ARBORETUM No other location proves to be the most exotic yet simplest to photograph. The John A. Finch Arboretum is located in southwest Spokane on 65 acres of wooded hills. It’s a botanical collection of trees and plants along the Garden Springs

gives each photo a unique scale. The photographer’s role is to create a photograph that captures attention. The Rule of Thirds does that by using basic human behavior. A person’s eyes don’t focus on the center of a photograph; it scans the edges.

This is always important in composition, but especially important whenever photographing trees and friends because vegetation and people need a sense of scale in order for the viewer to appreciate the concept of the photo.

Runner-up Location (similar photography opportunity): Manito Park, Spokane’s South Hill.

-----------------------------------------------------STEPTOE BUTTE Situated halfway between Spokane and Pullman, seemingly in the middle of never-ending farm-

land, Steptoe Butte offers some of the best photography opportunities possible, especially at sunset. The perch from this State Park provides a vibrant opportunity to fill your camera with fields of gold and green, along with the many colorful wildflowers that blanket the area. Steptoe Butte State Park is a 150-acre, 3,612-foot-tall natural monument composed of quartzite, and the State Park website proudly declares views up to 200 miles in every direction.

The road to the summit actually circles the Butte a couple of times in corkscrew fashion. This circular journey only adds to the panoramas and provides multiple views of the rich farmland at various elevations. Once on the summit, the great relief from the Butte ensures there is always a shady side during the golden sunrise and sunset hours. This translates into longer sessions of soft light, and it really rewards any photographer who remembered their tripod.

Strangely enough, while forest fire or grassburning smoke often hinders the distance of the view, they can also contribute to some of the most stunning sunsets. Admittedly, it isn’t safe up there during a storm, but if you can catch the weather leaving or coming, there’s a strong chance you can create a brilliant photo.

Runner-up Location (similar photography opportunity): Kamiak Butte, approx. 11 miles north of Pullman.

-----------------------------------------------------PALOUSE FALLS Palouse Falls is a Washington State icon. After the Columbia River, Puget Sound and Mount Rainier, this waterfall easily stands among the top ten most photographed natural features in all of Washington. Rightly so. The waterfall drops 180+

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of disappointed. But I think I’ve been back there at least 30, maybe 50 times. That place has so much to offer,” says photographer John Latta.

Latta capitalizes on his Turnbull visits with a good investment in patience, and a willingness to wait. Sometimes he waits for the water to calm to capture the right reflections. Other times he waits for the wind to die down a little so a field of flowers is tack-sharp. All things considered, the sanctuary status provides a rich vista any day of the year.

He even jokes, “It’s especially nice during hunting season because I know I won’t be shot at while I’m hiking quietly out there.”

Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, Washington. // Photo Jon Jonckers. feet. Located approximately 25 miles due south from Ritzville, the Palouse River spills into a giant circular gorge just a few miles before joining the Snake River.

In the spring, the sunlight passing through the massive spray casts unbelievable rainbows. In the winter, the entire waterfall gorge can transform into a gigantic collection of ice sculptures. Even during low water, the waterfall holds your attention. With or without a camera, you should go see it.

“At Palouse Falls, specifically, I have found that I get the best results shooting at sunrise,” says photographer Lacey LaDuke. “The sun is positioned right, the colors are rich, and the lighting gives great depth. Waiting too long and allowing the sun to get high in the sky washes out the colors and makes the images come out flat and boring.”

Referring to common mistakes, LaDuke says, “My first trip to Palouse Falls was in the spring of 2007, and I jumped out of the car and eagerly started snapping away and didn’t get anything that I would use today, but I was stoked at the time.

The machine gun method seems to be what most amateur photographers go with. Over time I have learned to slow down, survey the scene, look at the lighting and composition and then shoot.”

Runner-up Location: Snoqualmie Falls, west side of the Cascades near North Bend.

-----------------------------------------------------TURNBULL NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge encompasses approximately 16,000 acres of marshes and channeled scablands about six miles south of Cheney.

The combination of basalt outcrops, canyons and undulating meadows provide a year-round diverse landscape. Because Turnbull is a true wildlife sanctuary, most of the park is rightly outside of visitor access. However, the 5.5-mile scenic tour road is a real local treasure and a photographer’s portal into the area’s richest wildlife collection.

“Turnbull is the closest deep wilderness experience you can get. The first time I visited, I was sort

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Out There Monthly / JULY 2011

Runner-up Location: Potholes Reservoir, south of Moses Lake (hiking required).

----------------------------------------------------KOOTENAI FALLS Kootenai Falls, near Troy, Montana, is one of the few (if not last) large waterfalls along a major northwest river that has not been smothered by a dam. That may be reason enough for it to make this list. But when you view Kootenai Falls with an eye to the past, you can imagine what other previously unbridled waterfalls looked like— such as Kettle Falls or even Spokane Falls. The major portion of Kootenai Falls below China Rapids drops roughly 80 feet, but the whole river cascades down approximately 200 feet in less than a mile, making for some turbulent and powerful photos. It’s a beautiful sight at any water level.

Photographer Bruce Andre has four primary pieces of advice for this spot. He says, “First, move your body. Get down close to the ground—it’s a new vantage point and usually much more interesting. Very important in photographing kids—get on their level. Also, great photography is usually about beautiful light, so get out early in the morning or just before storms, and don’t be afraid to carry a tripod. Avoid using the flash on the camera because it’s usually harsh light and rarely makes for stunning images. Finally, look at the small stuff. Details can be powerful: close-ups of flowers, water, even people.”

If you’re willing to work for a more unique photo, then you can travel downriver to the Swinging Bridge, cross the river, and then head back upstream to the most prominent falls. The tumbling water never fails to provide a good photo.

HONORABLE MENTION

Beautiful Inland Northwest photography spots that might not be easily accessible or as photogenic year-round:

-------------------------------------

Mount Spokane State Park: Clearly Mount Spokane deserves some photography recognition—it’s the biggest park in the region. But it’s not an easy subject or easily accessible every day of the year, and the best photography isn’t obvious. Sadly, our common cloud cover throughout the colder months hinders the vistas.

-------------------------------------

Deep Creek, Riverside State Park: This spot repeatedly provides the most frustrating and the most rewarding photos. The geology and complexity of the area embraces an artist’s imagination and provides dramatic photography compositions. But the deep gorge also inhibits the necessary lighting, and you must be willing to hike 2-4 rugged miles to access many of the best features.

-------------------------------------

Hells Canyon: This is a seasonal photography location. In the early spring or late fall, when the temperatures and the vegetation colors collaborate, Hells Canyon proves to be a remarkable photography site. As far as photographers are concerned, the other seasons are just Hell.

-----------------------------------Priest Lake: The lake itself is fairly difficult to encompass in an image. But the contributing waterfalls, wildlife and remarkable views of the Selkirk Crest create an uncommon vault of photo opportunity. Both sides of the lake offer great scenery.

----------------------------------Roman Nose Lakes: Just about every mountain lake chain has a decent point for photography. But in the summer time, all of the Roman Nose Lakes are beautiful and inviting. Offering the only wheelchairaccessible mountain lake in the Selkirks, the wildflowers are prolific, huckleberries often plentiful, and additional trails access upper Roman Nose Lakes and some spectacular views. //

Runner-up Location: Yaak Falls, also near Troy, Montana.

No doubt, there are a dozen other regional locales that are not on this short list but could be. Obviously, the criteria for this list are subjective. Yet any one of these five spots will fill your camera card, and hopefully when you are editing or reviewing your photos back home you might become inspired to seek out some exciting parks and natural areas even closer to home to sharpen your photography skills before you visit the next spot. While some of these scenic locations might be a couple hours away, there is plenty to photograph at Dishman Hills, Beacon Hill, Tubbs Hill, or even down the bluff below High Drive in south Spokane. Along with the major lakes and rivers, there is plenty to photograph along the Little Spokane River, Hangman Creek and the Coeur D’Alene River.

Good photos already tell a story. But once you begin sharing the experience of capturing the photo with others, you will have even more stories to tell. Taken a step further, if you weave photography into an outdoor event or outing, you will begin to dramatically capture and archive the

experiences and they will grow in value—even while the iPad, laptop computer and the camera itself decrease in value.

Out There Monthly exists because of the plethora of wonderful outdoor experiences available in our region, and photos preserve the marvel of these. If you’re looking to create some family memories to hold in your heart and hang on your wall, you can’t go wrong with these five stunning photography destinations. //

Many thanks to these professional photographers. Check out their websites and view their impressive pictures and genius photography.

• Jed Conklin: www.jedconklin.com • Lacey LaDuke: www.ladukephoto.com • Bruce Andre: www.bruceandre.com • John Latta: www.lattaphoto.com

Photo of the Month

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PhotO: Ben Tobin Rachel Toor and her dog Helen—all six legs in the air. Send your vertical, 3 meg. or less submission with caption to editor@outtheremonthly.com. Best photos entries will be picked for upcoming issues.

Roadtrip DJ: July Maya Zeller Family Fun Edition Traveling with toddlers is all about music repetition. And, since most of us grown-ups can’t listen to “The Ants Go Marching” more than once, a recent trip with my 21-month-old daughter taught me the following soundtrack bears replaying:

JUNE 30

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“Stolen Car” / Patty Griffith / 1000 Kisses When you have a baby, any car you’re driving feels kind of stolen, or at least time to simply drive feels stolen. So, as you head up Sunset Hill, the orange glow of morning illuminating the year’s worth of dust on your dash, your child(ren) still sleeping in the back, put on this track and let yourself get out of Spokane.

“BRAND NEW KEY” / MELANIE / GATHER ME Perfect for when you’re just cruising down the highway, this is my daughter’s most-requested song: she shouts “Key!” or “Bike!”, then sings along, waving her arms.

“HURT” / JOHNNY CASH / AMERICAN IV: THE MAN COMES AROUND If your child is like mine, you will have listened to “Brand New Key” so many times you actually feel like hurting yourself. Don’t drive off the road or anything—just put in this track and dig Cash’s delicious melancholy.

“FIDELITY” / REGINA SPEKTOR / BEGIN TO HOPE Don’t be fooled by the conservative title. This one’s a ton of fun. Who doesn’t like to let loose and sing “it breaks my ha-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-aaaart”?

“SEA OF LOVE” / CAT POWER / THE COVERS RECORD Also good for singing to your dog (“Do you remember/ the day we met/ that’s the day/ I knew you were my pet”), this song makes an excellent lullaby as you head over the pass, children nodding off, little mouths drooling. //

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50 Years old and beating people half his age Local Kayaker Jud Keiser Doesn’t Know When To Quit / By Mike Barenti Jud Keiser wants to be a professional 12 year old, and when he paddles his kayak, he looks like an overgrown kid. He’s a blur of movement. His boat flips and tumbles improbably in the whitewater. He smiles even when things don’t go exactly right.

Out of his boat though, you notice the lines around his eyes and that his hair is a little thin on top. He doesn’t look his age, but he doesn’t look like the mostly twenty-something crowd he com-

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petes against in whitewater rodeos either. At 50, he is the oldest kayaker paddling professionally.

That he’s competing against people young enough to be his children made his seventh place finish at a whitewater rodeo in Missoula, Montana, last July, somewhat improbable. He paddled against some of the best kayakers in the country, and they all wanted a spot on the U.S. national team so they could go to Germany and compete in the freestyle world championships this July. Keiser’s finish made him the team’s alternate.

Kayaking has its share of older athletes, and like older athletes in other sports, these elite kayakers typically dominated the sport in their younger years. As they age, they simply dominate a little less but still manage to stand out against most of their younger competitors.

Keiser’s a little different. A standout high school basketball player at Northwest Christian in Spokane, he went to work at the Trentwood aluminum plant after graduation. Tall, blue eyed, and ridiculously photogenic, he also worked as a sports photo model, typically for extreme skiing shoots.

Then the photographer he usually worked with asked if he wanted to do a kayaking photo shoot.

“I had all these rivers around me and I don’t ever remember seeing a kayak,” Keiser said. He had canoed before and figured a kayak wouldn’t be that different. So he jumped in and paddled around the base of Snoqualmie Falls. “As soon as I got out I thought ‘I really want to try this.’” Keiser was 36.

Six months later a friend took him down the North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River. He swam four times but kept kayaking.

Around the time Keiser started to paddle, whitewater kayaking started to evolve. Before this evolution, the sport focused on river running and the main competitive outlet was slalom racing. People had held whitewater rodeos for years, but the big trick then was the ender, where the kayak shoots into the air perpendicular to the river.

Then boats started getting shorter—down from 10 feet or longer to maybe 6 feet or less today—and the design changed from the displacement hull, where the kayak’s bottom is round, to the planing hull, where the kayak’s bottom is flat like the surf board. At least in competition, the ender became obsolete.

Rodeos started to take place at holes or hydrau-

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Out There Monthly / JULY 2011

Keiser in the spokane river. // photo Jon jonckers.

lics (kayakers use the term interchangeably), where the rivers spins back on itself like a whirlpool

“I had all these rivers around me and I don’t ever remember seeing a kayak.” turned sideways. Riding in a hole with a short boat, a skilled kayaker can throw tricks with strange names like phonics monkey and space Godzilla that look more like something you would see at a gymnastics meet than on a river.

The rules of rodeo or freestyle kayaking are fairly simple. Each kayaker has a set amount of time, typically 45 seconds, to do as many tricks as possible. Each trick has a specific point value, and a panel of judges notes the tricks performed and adds up the score. The kayaker with the highest score wins.

The shorter boats did more than just change whitewater rodeos into freestyle kayaking. While people still paddle down rivers, kayakers now go to just one spot on a river—a good hole or a wave— and spend an afternoon throwing rodeo tricks just for fun.

Keiser found himself attracted to park and play kayaking for its simplicity. He could go by himself and didn’t need to shuttle cars around, he

says. Eventually he entered a rodeo in Big Fork, Montana. “I’ve always liked competing,” he says.

“It just pushes you to get better faster.”

In 2000, a year after that first rodeo, he won the U.S. amateur championship, and then turned pro. He took fourth at his first professional rodeo in Jackson, Wyoming. “That just launched me,” he says. Since then, Keiser has racked up some impressive finishes at various rodeos, particularly at the whitewater festival in Reno, Nevada, a highprofile, invitation only event. (He placed tenth at Reno this May.) This year, Keiser built his training and competition schedule around the world championships. Even though he’s the alternate, he wants to be ready to compete if something happens to one of the other kayakers. He has spent almost every day on the Spokane River, even in the coldest weather.

He’s also started to think about the end of his career. When he talks about it, he sounds like a kid who doesn’t want to grow up but knows he has no choice. There are commitments—a wife, a house, bills “as an 18 year old, you don’t think about any of that”—and the wear and tear of competing. “Just the littlest thing can cause injuries that can last forever.

“In the mornings I think I’m not going to compete much longer. In the mornings, I feel my aches and pains. Then by the afternoon I’ll feel better and think I’ll do this forever.”

Even if he stops competing, the kid in him will keep Keiser on the river. “I just enjoy the flow of water under my boat. And you can enjoy that at any age,” he says. “It’s not all about the tricks.” //

WA L K • B I K E • D R I V E • S A F E LY S P O K A N E

True or False?

1.

20 bicyclists and pedestrians are hit every month on average in Spokane County.

2.

Drivers must stop for pedestrians to cross in crosswalks, but not at unmarked intersections.

3.

Bicyclists cannot be ticketed for violating traffic laws.

4.

Bicyclists may choose to ride on a bike path, bike lane, shoulder or travel lane.

5.

Pedestrians must walk on sidewalks when they are available.

6.

It is illegal to ride your bike on Division Street from N. Foothills to Newport Hwy.

7.

Pedestrians can’t suddenly leave a curb and step into traffic so that a driver can not stop.

8.

Drivers do not have to stop for a bicyclist in a crosswalk.

9.

On public roads, bicyclists can ride in pairs.

10. In Spokane County, 4 out of 5 cyclists injured in a collision were male.

StickmanKnows.ORG Watch our new TV spots Get great safety tips Link to pedestrian, bike, & vehicle laws Find maps of collisions in your neighborhood

ANSWERS:

View a calendar of local fun events

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1. True 2. False 3. False 4. True 5. True

6. True 7. True 8. False 9. True 10. True

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