Out There Monthly May 2011

18th Annual

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Out There Monthly / MAY 2011

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In This Issue

wild walls

__________ spokane’s climbing gym & yoga studio

“Families that climb together are 85% less likely to argue at the dinner table.” *

p.6 / From the Editor

MONTHLY

I Hope It Feels Like Spring . . .

By Jon Snyder

www.outtheremonthly.com

p.9 / Out There News

Out There Monthly / MAY 2011

Peshatin Pinnacles Closed to

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

Climbers, New Weekend Road Races

Jon Snyder jon@outtheremonthly.com Art Director

p.10 / Health & Fitness

Kaitlin Snyder Managing Editor

Public Health & E-cigarettes

Amy Silbernagel McCaffree

By Dr. Bob Lutz

Health & Fitness Editor

p.12 / Sustainable Living Could You Use An Energy Audit?

By Taylor Weech

p.14 / Roadtrip Now’s The Time For Palouse Falls

By Erika Prins

Dr. Bob Lutz senior writers

Jon Jonckers, Derrick Knowles Contributing Writers:

Janelle Atyeo, Thomas Brown, Ashley Graham, Betsy Lawrence, Stan Miller, Erika Prins, Rachel Scrudder, John Speare, Taylor Weech Distribution Coordinator

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

Bill Bloom: 509 / 999 / 8214 Out There Monthly

p.15 / What’s Your Gear?

Wendi & Mark Lawrence: Kayaking

By Amy Silbernagel McCaffree

p.16 / Punish stuff Women’s Rain Gear By Showers Pass

By Rachel Scrudder

p.17 / Everyday cyclist You Can Help Get People On Bikes

By John Speare

p.18 / Book Reviews Seven Marathons on Seven

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Continents And Being Radically Local

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.22 / What’s SUP? Stand Up Paddleboarding Catches A Wave

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p.26 / Last Page Confessions Of A Late-In-Life Jock

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On the cover: Shadra Ban and Kym Murdoch pad-

dling on the Coeur d’Alene River with Kym’s dog, Mylo.

Photo courtesy of Kym Murdoch, Coeur d’Alene Paddle Board Company.

*Seriously? We just made that up.

May 2011

/ Out There Monthly

5

From the Editor: I hope it feels like spring when you read this I take Sprague Avenue commuting home on my bike no matter the weather. Last week I pull up to a red light. I decide it still isn’t spring yet so I need to put on my gloves. Some guy in the car behind me starts yelling at me. What’s he saying?

I don’t know. I obey the laws. I operate my bike the right way. Yet I’m no stranger to being yelled at in the street. I’m a bit numb to aggro motorists and proud of it. You can hate on me if you want to but it won’t stop me from riding. I notice the woman in the car next to me is yelling at me too.

What gives people? I can’t understand what she’s saying either. I’m going to ignore them.

A word drifts through the chaos; “Keys!”

“Keys”?

Yes keys. On the ground behind me is a set of keys. My keys. I must have dropped them reaching for my gloves. I need those keys.

I pick them up, wave and yell “Thanks!” Maybe I’m wrong. Things are warming up.

Last weekend my family and I take a walk through Riverfront Park. We round the corner in front of the red wagon and hear this loud highpitched cry. Somebody’s kid is hurt and sad.

Turns out it’s my daughter—the daredevil. She’s taken a wicked little tumble on the asphalt. A park employee named Hailey sees this and makes sure she’s okay. She’s skinned her knee pretty good.

It’s bleeding, but not much. Would we like her to notify security to get some first aid? Sure. The security team arrives minutes later on bikes, cleans the wound, and administers a band-aid. They are all very nice.

My daughter scrambles away, ready for action again. Wow, says my wife, it’s like we’re in some utopia. I find this hard to argue with.

There’s a lot of talk about civility these days but actions are always better than words. I don’t know their full names but I would like to thank the man in a car, the woman in a car, the park employee named Hailey, and two park security guys on bikes. I may still be waiting for the sun

to come out but you’ve all made my spring a little warmer. //

-------------------------------------------------------JON SNYDER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF editor@outtheremonthly.com

P.S. The City of Spokane is creating a Pedestrian Master Plan and they need YOUR help. Find out how you can make Spokane a btter place to walk: http://www.spokaneplanning.org/pedplan.html

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Out There News Peshatin Pinnacles Closed Budget Cuts Cost Climbers Access

By Janelle Atyeo

orchard rock. // photo janelle atyeo

A short jaunt off Highway 2 just outside of Cashmere, sandstone spires rise from the surrounding orchards. Peshastin Pinnacles has been a climbing destination since the 1960s, but come July 1, Washington State Parks will close the area as a cost saving measure—a way to absorb $10 million in budget cuts expected for the next biennium.

With the grim budget picture, Leavenworthbased climbing guide John Race understands the logic behind the closure, but laments that parks are the first hit when governments need to make cuts.

“I guide all over the world, and what sets the U.S. apart from all other countries are our amazing public lands,” Race states via e-mail as he prepared for a European guide trip recently. Race founded the Northwest Mountain School in 1994.

Peshastin is less popular than some of the climbing areas around nearby Leavenworth, but it has the advantage of a drier climate. When rain clouds get trapped in the Icicle Creek and Tumwater canyons to the west, Peshastin often remains dry and prime for climbing. And it’s usually melted off earlier in the spring.

Climbers have been coming to the pinnacles since it was private land. The owners became concerned about liability issues in the late 1980s and restricted access. That is when a pair of trust land groups got together to purchase the 34-acre area, and they handed over ownership to state parks in 1991. Most climbs range from 5.5 to 5.10, good for beginners and intermediate climbers, but the bolt protection is sometimes far apart.

The area is more popular with Seattle climbers than the local crowd. It’s also a popular bird

watching area. In recent years, the park gets about 34,000 visits per season—from March 15 to Oct. 15. There is no entrance fee, and the park isn’t usually manned. Staff that cares for other parks in the Wenatchee area checks in and maintains the 8,000 feet of trail there. Closing the park is expected to save $57,000 per year.

Race finds it ironic that when more people are vacationing close to home, local recreation areas are being shut down. “When money is tight, there is suddenly no better deal than going for a hike or climb in a place like Peshastin,” he says.

Peshastin is one of five state parks slated for temporary closure. Another is Crawford with Gardner Cave north of Metaline. Hopes are to re-open these parks once the state heals from the recession. A few parks on the state’s west side will come under local management. But that’s not an option being considered for Peshastin or Crawford. “We feel these places need to stay in the state system,” says Virginia Painter, spokeswoman for state parks.

The state is willing to make special arrangements with climbing groups who want to use the park on special occasions, Painter says. That includes military groups from Fort Lewis who use Peshastin as training grounds.

Race hopes the closure of Peshastin isn’t the start of a trend toward losing public lands. He grew up in Ohio where there are far fewer acres of public parklands, and many areas are being encroached by development. “I regret that there are not places back there where kids can go and feel like they are out in a wild place,” he says. “We need places to go climb, hike, sit and feel a part of the natural world.” //

Ride to Work on a Vin tage Cru iser

New Weekend Road Races Spokane Rocket Velo has identified an unfilled niche in the local weekend scene: Spandex. Until this year, local summer road races could only be found on Tuesday nights at the Baddlands Twilight Series. The six courses include a climb up Mount Spokane and two rides along Palouse farm country.

Now riders can sport the stretchy stuff on weekends, too, at the Spokane Rocket Velo Inland Road Race Series (IRRS) presented by Larry H. Miller Lexus.

There’s room for two sets of races in Spokane; the Twilight Series and IRRS each offer something different for the region’s riders. “The Twilight Series is offered on Tuesday nights, so it definitely has a local feel to it,” says Alan Jacob, secretary and treasurer for Spokane Rocket Velo. “On a weekend race, you can plan your weekend around it, giving you a chance to go do some longer courses.” Jacob says he will race both.

Anyone can enter the race, from novices to the

competitive racers. Spokane Rocket Velo hopes to attract from elsewhere in the region. The IRRS will offer $1,500 in cash prizes, compliments of Larry H. Miller Lexus, and merchandise prizes from North Division Bicycle Shop.

How does one get into road racing? It goes something like this: Alan Jacob rode to his first race with a couple of buddies, only intending to watch the event. His friends’ team was short, though, so they, “gently” encouraged him to participate.

“They paid my entry fee and forced me to race,” he says. “It was scary, it was nerve racking, and I didn’t know if I was going to be any good at it.”

He was good at it—winning fourth place that day. “You only can find out once you try,” he says. // More information: spokanerocketvelo.com. Cost: $25 per race, plus USA Cycling membership fees and WSBA Race Number fees.

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Health andFitness ®

Public health and e-cigarettes Clearing The Air / By Dr. Bob Lutz

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How does public health affect our community? Let me give you one recent example.

Is there any such thing as “safe smoking?” I’m asking this rhetorical question with an obvious reply in mind. Maybe you’ve seen an e-cigarette?

They’re readily available, from chic and trendy sites, such as the Vapor Lounge in downtown Spokane, to fuel stations and corner stores and the Internet. They’re marketed as an effective way to kick the smoking habit and/or as a safe alternative to smoking (“vaping”). I’m here to tell you that the marketing is just that, with no data, other than from the industry, to support the claims, and some evidence to suggest otherwise.

So what’s an e-cigarette? They come in a wide array of designs and colors. All consist of three components: a smart chip with a rechargeable

Unlike tobacco smoke the vapor from e-cigarettes hasn’t been studied. battery, an atomizing chamber, and a cartridge that houses the nicotine solution. The liquid is purported to contain varying concentrations of nicotine, water, propylene glycol, and flavorings that run the gamut, from bubblegum to merlot to cigarette-flavored.

When a “vaper” inhales, the nicotine cartridge heats up, vaporizing the liquid. This creates a mist that’s inhaled. Exhaling, the mist briefly appears, looking like cigarette smoke, and then evaporates.

Unlike tobacco smoke that’s been researched and found to contain numerous carcinogens, leading to smoking bans in public spaces, the vapor from e-cigarettes hasn’t been studied. Because Washington State’s Smoking in Public Places Law only covers tobacco products producing secondhand smoke, there is some question as to whether or not e-cigarettes are covered. Currently, it’s at the discretion of purveyors of such spaces to craft their own rules and regulations.

E-cigarettes became available in 2005-06 as

a safe way to quit smoking. Their recent advent has prevented a significant body of research from developing. That said, what’s known is they’re not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), unlike other nicotine replacement products. This lack of regulation allows manufacturers to make any number of claims, with nothing more than their internal “research” for support. Unlike a prescription medication that has been evaluated by the FDA, consumers are reliant on the honesty of the e-cigarette companies. In at least two cases, this was found not to be the case, with the FDA’s Division of Pharmaceutical Analysis finding diethylene glycol (a component of antifreeze) and nitrosamine, a known carcinogen, in studied samples.

Granted, this was only two samples, but we’ve seen other similar situations. If we practiced the precautionary principle that obligates that proof of safety existed prior to release, this wouldn’t be an issue.

Unfortunately, we don’t, so caveat emptor.

You may ask whether it’s legal to sell them to minors. There are currently no federal restrictions on who can purchase these devices. Because of the addictive nature of nicotine, however, some e-cigarette vendors have chosen to refrain from selling to minors and/or to non-smokers. That said, a sting operation conducted by the Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) found otherwise, with 28 of 31 (90 percent) minor operatives being sold e-cigarettes. Given the less than subtle marketing to minors by providing a cornucopia of flavors, the public health community believed it essential to step in. Nicotine is highly addictive and exposing youth may lead to smoking and other unhealthy practices. And given the lack of research on this nicotine-delivery device, maybe it’s better to be safe than deal with the potential health-related issues in the future?

The Spokane Regional Board of Health passed a resolution in September 2010 encouraging local communities to pass ordinances restricting sales to minors. To date, the Cities of Spokane and Spokane Valley, and Spokane County have unanimously passed ordinances (effective March 31) and other local communities are planning to do likewise. Enforcement will be through local law enforcement and the SRHD (you can find more information at www.srhd.org/services/tobaccotopics.asp).

Now, maybe, given the low yearly success rates of quitting—~3% of smokers without and 7% with pharmaceutical nicotine replacement products— anything’s worth a try. And that’s an argument taken by some. After all, it’s not the nicotine that’s directly causing the health effects of tobacco, but rather the many toxic substances identified so far, some of which are known to cause cancer. But, nicotine is a proven addictive substance. As we don’t know what’s in these e-cigarette solutions because they’re not regulated, why not err on the side of precaution and prevention?

So, if you’re out and about and see a vaper, know that our local public health agency, supported by our elected officials, is out front of emerging public health issues. This is but one of the many examples of how public health regularly affects our lives in unseen ways to ensure a safer and healthier community. // Ed. note: Bob Lutz is a member of the Spokane Regional Board of Health.

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GoGreen: Sustainable Living

Can an energy audit save you Money?

Sustainable Works Wants To Help You Find Out / By Taylor Weech

A weatherization technician blows insulation into exterior walls behind siding. // Photo by Luke Tolley.

One of the largest uses of energy and fossil fuels in daily life is the home. The average house in Washington State emits 9.5 tons of carbon and other greenhouse gases each year.

So the state has set a goal for 2030 to reduce these emissions to half the current amount and to reduce energy consumption per home by 50 percent—from 25,100 kilowatts (kWh) a year to 12,500 kWh/year. These are ambitious goals, and many homeowners are overwhelmed by the perceived amount of improvements a home will need to lower its footprint.

But thanks to a new organization in Spokane called Sustainable Works, hundreds of houses have been audited for energy improvements and given an Energy Performance Score to compare to the city, state and national averages. Sustainable Works also helps address the initial cost of making energy improvements by working with local utilities, offering bulk purchasing, and providing loan options.

Sustainable Works started in 2008 as a project of the Spokane Alliance, a group of churches, unions and other non-profit organizations working together to identify and work toward common goals in the community. Improving the environment and creating jobs were two priorities identified by the Alliance, and they came together in Sustainable Works—now its own non-profit agency that trains auditors and works with a pool of local contractors to make housing improvements.

Sustainable Works received federal stimulus money to launch its pilot program in 2008 and 2009, and used these funds for equipment, project management, and other costs associated with launching a new organization. Since then, the agency has been breaking down barriers to home energy improvement one neighborhood at a time. Since stimulus money won’t last forever, they are reworking the organization to make it more business-friendly and sustainable.

Luke Tolley, one of Sustainable Works’ paid 12

Out There Monthly / MAY 2011

organizers, works to make sure the business will last beyond the stimulus funds. “I’ve been working with green jobs in Hillyard, and this is an opportunity to do a similar thing in a different location,” he says. Tolley brings to the job a

other resources to help guide the entire process.

“We go beyond the audit,” says Tolley. “We try to design an improvement project so the savings on your energy bill will be equivalent to the payment on your loan. It doesn’t happen that way every time, but it’s what we shoot for.”

Since the organization works in one neighborhood at a time, it can package together projects in the same neighborhood and offer bulk pricing, which is usually not available to average homeowners. Sustainable Works also works with Avista to match its normal rebates on retrofits and is now offering multiple, affordable loan programs.

The newest loan program, with zero percent interest, covers people living within 80 percent of the federal poverty level and below. If a household opts for a total retrofit, there is an average of 20-40 percent savings on energy bills, but this varies with the age of the house and its original condition. While this specific loan covers lower income families, Sustainable Works will offer anyone an audit. “We don’t [work] too much [with] low-income [households] because SNAP is doing a great job with that already...we fill the niche between low income and the people who can’t afford to do a retrofit out of pocket,” Tolley says.

Sustainable Works also helps renters and landlords who are willing to coordinate. An audit can

be especially helpful if a renter is thinking about buying.

The program has been incredibly popular in the first two pilot sites, South Perry and now the South Hill. Tolley says, “We are almost too busy... there’s no downside; it’s an easy sell when you’re creating jobs, saving money for consumers, and improving the environment. The practicality of it is hard to argue with.”

Sustainable Works has transitioned from employing one auditor to four, each doing one or two audits a day. Through June, the marketing focus is on the South Hill, but no one is turned down for an audit. Sustainable Works is developing a plan for after June, but its work will continue to be confined to Spokane’s city limits.

Though Sustainable Works is a small organization in its first years of existence, they are covering ground quickly in Spokane. “We couldn’t do it without the dedicated, awesome volunteers; they’re a testament to our program,” Tolley says.

“They’re the ones making the connections in the neighborhoods and with each other that make it all come together.” // For more information, go to: sustainableworks.com.

We fill the niche between low income and the people who can’t afford to do a retrofit out of pocket. background in small business, construction and neighborhood organizing.

“We’ve gained traction through working with the neighborhoods through the connections that already exist there,” Tolley says. This traction has led to Sustainable Works conducting 190 audits last year and following up with at least 30 retrofits based on the auditor’s recommendations.

Getting an energy audit is step one—Sustainable Works brings in experts to figure out what is causing excess energy use in a house. “There are certain things people don’t know how to figure out,” says Tolley. “How do you find the hidden pockets where there is insulation or isn’t? Without the long-term experience [that] our auditors have, there are things that will be missed.”

Some of the things often missed by the average homeowner and renter are insulation, air sealing, and unoccupied spaces being heated unnecessarily. The audit establishes a baseline measurement to move forward into a comprehensive retrofit process.

Normally, a homeowner would have to shop around for different contractors to carry out the different aspects of retrofitting one’s home. But Sustainable Works has a team of contractors and

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GoGreen: Sustainable Living SUSTAINABLELIVINGCALENDAR (May 21) Outdoor Composting 101 Workshop.

(May 5) Queen of the Sun What Are the Bees When: 10:00AM to Noon. Where: Sun People Dry Telling Us?. When: 7:30 p.m. Where: Panida Theatre, Sandpoint, Idaho. Don’t miss the movie Box Office magazine gives 5 stars and calls “The feel good advocacy movie of the year.” Enjoy stunning cinematography. Info: 208-265-9565. www. idahoconservation.org

(May 7) Spokane NeighborWoods Launch Party.

When: 5 PM. Where: Spokane Public Market, 24 W. Second, Spokane. Description: Dancing, Eating, Drinking, Having fun with your kids, Planting trees, Getting dirty at a social event, Heckling the DJ, Wine tasting and Cupcake eating. Info: Facebook - Spokane Neighborwoods.

(May 8) FRESH. When: 3 to 5 PM. Where: Sun People Dry Goods Co, 32 W 2nd Ave, Ste. 200.

A free showing of the film FRESH that celebrates the farmers, thinkers and business people who are re-inventing our food system. (popcorn included).

Info: 509-368-9378, sunpeopledrygoods.com.

(May 14) Spring Herbal Medicine Class. When:

10 AM to 2 PM. Where: Sun People Dry Goods Co, 32 W 2nd Ave, Ste. 200. First of three in-depth herbalism workshops by author and long time Herbalist, Becky Kemery. Designed for beginners with a focus on seasonal plants. Info: 509-3689378, sunpeopledrygoods.com.

Goods Co, 32 W 2nd Ave, Ste. 200. Marilyn & Chris Carothers, local urban homesteaders and Master Composters, will lead you through the basics to turn your kitchen waste into compost gold! Free!

Info: 509-368-9378, sunpeopledrygoods.com.

(May 21-22) Leave No Trace Trainer. When:

Over Night 9 AM Sat - 4 PM Sunday. Where: Riverside State Park. Spokane Parks and Recreation along with FLOW Adventures is offering a Leave No Trace Trainer Course. Info: 509-625-6200, spokaneparks.org.

(May 22) Free Film Showing: The 11th Hour.

When: 3 to 5 PM. Where: Sun People Dry Goods Co, 32 W 2nd Ave, Ste. 200. A look at the state of the global environment including visionary and practical solutions for restoring the planet’s ecosystems. (organic, non-GMO popcorn included).

Info: 509-368-9378, sunpeopledrygoods.com.

(May 29) Xeriscaping With Our Regional Native Plants. When: Noon to 2 PM. Where: Sun

People Dry Goods Co, 32 W 2nd Ave, Ste. 200.

Learn about using xeric (dryland) plants in home landscaping with botanist, Diane Stutzman. Help the planet and create a beautiful yard by planting native plants. Info: 509-368-9378, sunpeopledrygoods.com. //

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May 2011

/ Out There Monthly

13

Road Trips

Now’s the time for Palouse Falls

Much Cooler Than History Class—And You Might Even Learn Something. / By Erika Prins Inland Northwest residents talk about the Missoulian Floods like they’re a story out of the Bible—most people even call them “The Great Floods.”

Fifteen thousand years ago, glacial floods rerouted rivers, carved out ravines, and created new lakes from Lake Missoula to the Columbia River. The floods left our region punctuated by the Channeled Scablands, geological formations unlike any others in the world. The story is just wacky enough to sound like a fable.

Perhaps that’s why geologist Harlen Bretz— who first argued that floods caused our unique geological landscape—met resistance from other geologists when he first proposed his theory. For forty years, despite being disregarded and publicly embarrassed by his peers, Bretz continued to gather evidence.

Turned out Bretz was right and those other guys were “ye of little faith.” (In 1979, at 96 years old, Bretz received the Geological Society of America’s highest award, the Prenrose Medal, to celebrate his findings.)

But perhaps the best way to quell doubts is to show, rather than tell, our Great Flood story. Plenty of landmarks in the region testify to its truth.

None do it as eloquently as Palouse Falls—the last remaining waterfall on the glacial flood path.

The falls in the spring. //Photo Erika Prins.

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Out There Monthly / MAY 2011

Measuring 198 feet, the Palouse Falls are higher than Niagara Falls, though not nearly as wide.

Originally flowing through the now-dry Washtuctna Coulee, the Palouse River was diverted to its current course to the Snake River when the floods eroded a new channel—which is why the ravine in which it flows appears too big to have been carved by the river itself.

Visit Palouse Falls State Park as soon as possible to see the rush of winter run-off. This 105-acre, dog-friendly camping park is located in Franklin County, 23 miles southeast of Washtucna, Wash.

Measuring 198 feet, the Palouse Falls are higher than Niagara Falls.

Recommendations for the roadtrip: Stock up on water and snacks before leaving Washtucna, since none are available in the state park. If red barns and windmills are your thing, you’d better sit in the passenger seat with a camera in hand on the way—everything between Spokane and

the falls is pure Americana.

At the park, picnic tables and a lawn make for a great family lunch spot. (Hint: Follow the marmots to the best lookout spots.) Make sure young kids stay far from the edge of the cliff. A trail starts at the parking lot and heads north along the bluff to the railroad tracks. Once you leave the tracks, you’ll have several options—all perilous—for tumbling down the hillside of loose rock. If you make it to the bottom, you’ll probably survive the rest of the trek. Stay on the not-so-well-marked trail, which will take you to the banks of the Palouse River above the falls. (Caution: There is no safe way to hike to the base of the falls, despite some “trails” that may indicate otherwise.)

The winding trail alongside the river feels like a Tim Burton movie with the lights on. Reeds tower over your head and moss grows in neon shades.

Creepy flowers peek out through dead branches.

Definitely bring a camera.

Where the trail meets the water, a turn in the river’s course forms a perfect spot to stick your toes in and cool off. Nobody knows how many floods passed through here, but you can try to guess by counting the layers visible along the walls of the gorge.

You’ll know you’re at the falls when the jagged orange basalt rocks that looked tiny from the campground suddenly tower above you. You won’t have to get too close to feel like you might fall in, but inch a little closer and look down.

Then imagine chucking yourself down in a kayak. Sounds scary, but it’s been done. In late 2009, Montanan daredevil Tyler Bradt set the world record at Palouse Falls for taking the longest plunge ever in a kayak. He found a smooth “tongue” on one side of the top from which to begin his descent.

Bradt and his red kayak emerged at the bottom six seconds later, mostly intact. Bradt had a broken wrist and his kayak had a snapped oar—minor damages, all things considered. He said he took the plunge to prove human beings can achieve the feat.

Just in case, though, a medical team awaited him.

Palouse Falls and the guy who can’t pronounce their name (he says it pay-loos) shared a moment of fame, during which parents everywhere thanked their stars for children who play “safe” sports like ice hockey and roller derby.

Out There Monthly does not recommend you attempt to kayak the falls. But do visit any time through early summer to experience this geological awesomeness at its best. // For more information about visiting Palouse Falls State Park, go to www.parks.wa.gov.

Campsites: $10 per night (10 sites available); check-in time: 2:30 pm. Park hours: May through September, 6:30 am to dusk; October through April, 8 am to dusk.

WHEN YOU GO To take the more scenic route, but longer route, drive south on Highway 195, then west on Highway 26 to Washtucna. From there, drive 15 miles southeast of the junction of routes 260 and 261, then take Palouse Falls Road East. For a shorter ride, drive west on I-90 toward Ritzville, then south on Highway 261 to Washtucna.

What’s Your Gear: Wendi & Mark Lawrence (kayaking)

Mark AND WENDI LAWRENCE.

rescue each other yet.

“When we go to the ocean, we carry a VHF radio—for if we need to call for help—and some flares,” says Mark. They also take a map and compass, and use Captain Jack’s Tide and Current

“I like to explore every nook and cranny along the shoreline.”

Guide.

“The kayak is my magic carpet,” says Mark. “I can go where boats can’t. I don’t scare off wildlife.

It’s a quiet, no octane sport.”

Here is the gear list for this kayaking couple.

------------------------------------------------------KAYAKS: Mark paddles a Redfish King 17’ cedar strip kayak, which he built a year and a half ago.

He doesn’t use a skeg or rudder and so far hasn’t seemed to need it, even in the ocean. Wendi has an Impex Montauk 16’ sea kayak, with a retractable skeg.

------------------------------------------------------PADDLES: Both use Werner carbon bent-shaft paddles. “We’re pretty spoiled with our paddles,” says Mark about their high-end choice. But because he has rheumatoid arthritis, it’s much easier for his wrists.

------------------------------------------------------SPRAY SKIRTS: Snap Dragon.

©PatitucciPhoto

To jumpstart his kayaking hobby nearly 15 years ago, Mark Lawrence built his first kayak.

At a Mountain Gear demo day at Liberty Lake, he paddled a kayak for the first time. “Within three or four strokes, I knew I had to have one,” he says. So he got a precut wood kayak kit from Pygmy Boats Inc., based in Port Townsend, Wash., and spent the next year assembling it in his garage. He had to take a break for several months when it was too cold for the epoxy to work; otherwise, he figures, it would have only taken only five months. He used this first kayak for five years before buying a fiberglass one and eventually building two more.

For the past nine years, his kayaking partner has been his wife, Wendi. She caught Mark’s passion for the sport during their honeymoon

on the west coast of Vancouver Island. But they don’t tandem kayak because their paddling styles are too different. “She likes to go out 100 yards off shore in the San Juans, and I like to explore every nook and cranny along the shoreline,” says Mark.

Locally, they go on about a dozen kayaking trips between April and October, whether a day excursion or an overnight trip. Some of their favorite places are Upper Priest Lake, Farragut State Park, Clark Fork River Delta, the San Juan Islands, and the Gulf Islands in Canada. By far, Mark says, one of the best places they have been is the Broken Group Islands off the west coast of Vancouver Island. “It’s a really magical place,” he says, “like a paddler’s Disneyland…It’s a whole maze of islands.” They’ve been there twice so far, for 4-5 day self-contained camping trips, which includes hauling all their own water to paddle-in only campsites.

Every September is when they usually take their annual extended sea kayaking trip, often to the San Juans—staying at their favorite cabin resort on Orcas Island. Before each trip, they make time to practice their rescues and rolls at Medical Lake.

“We’re pretty conservative about the water we paddle in. If it starts getting too crazy—with big, confused waves and a lot of wind—we head in,” Mark says. “I have this rule I go by: if I can’t see Wendi’s lips, then I know she’s getting nervous.

And I start asking myself, ‘How am I going to explain this to my mother-in-law?’ ” So far, the biggest waves they have ever encountered were on Lake Pend Orielle. But they’ve never had to

By Amy Silbernagel McCaffree ------------------------------------------------------PFDs: Wendi: Astral Design, Mark: Extrasport.

------------------------------------------------------DRY SUITS: Both use Kokatat Supernova Semidry suits when paddling on the ocean and during the off-season. Wendi says she has a lovehate relationship with her dry suit because of its really tight cuffs, but knows it’s worth wearing one. They always keep in the mind the cold water “50/50/50 rule” that they first learned about in a kayak shop: You have a 50 percent chance of being able swim 50 yards in 50 degree water before you succumb to the effects of hypothermia, especially the gasp reflex.

------------------------------------------------------SPLASH TOPS: Kokatat ------------------------------------------------------CLOTHING: Shorts and polypropylene shirts for hot days. “Once water starts getting colder, we’ll wear Farmer John wet suits, that give thermal protection if we do go in the water, and waterproof splash jackets over those.” On really cold days, they wear a thin fleece layer underneath their dry suits.

------------------------------------------------------GLOVES: NRS neoprene gloves ------------------------------------------------------SHOES: NRS kayaking water shoes ------------------------------------------------------DRY BAGS: Sea to Summit ------------------------------------------------------CAR RACK: Yakima rack and bars with Malone J-Style Kayak Carriers. //

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May 2011

/ Out There Monthly

15

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the Shower’s Pass website are the actual garment’s dimensions, and not just a guide to how they will fit on a body that has those measurements while standing upright. Sitting down on something makes the hips wider and the fabric of the rain pants does not stretch; so to ensure proper fit, one would need to use the tape measure around the widest part of the hips while seated.

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Out There Monthly / MAY 2011

This spring I have been rolling with a Women’s Elite 2.0 rain jacket and a pair of Women’s Club Convertible rain pants from Shower’s Pass. Constructed out of a breathable, waterproof fabric, these garments keep the water out while letting air through. The jacket is made of eVent fabric, has pit zips, and a large back vent.

The pants feature zippered ankles for easy onand-off over the shoes, and legs that zip off just below the knee for a quick conversion to capris.

The first time I tried on the pants, I was a bit disappointed. To begin with, I couldn’t put them on over my shoes because even though the legs zip open to provide more room for doing just that, the reflective tape running around the top of the calf gives only about 1 inch more clearance than the zipped-up ankle cuff. The next letdown was when I sat on my saddle and suddenly felt how much the pants restricted the movement in my hips. Apparently, the sizes listed in the chart on

way, and within feet I noticed the reflective tape encircling my upper calves was striking the area behind my knees with each pedal stroke. This was nothing more than a minor annoyance, so I continued onward. Water poured from the sky, beaded up on the fabric of my jacket, and ran down the arms where it was readily absorbed by the cuffs, soaking the fabric of the shirt I wore underneath.

Despite all of this, I’m pleased to say both the jacket and pants have performed well over the last month. I have worn them through rain, snow, and hailstorms several times, and have always arrived at my destination warm and dry. With the jacket’s cuffs tucked inside the sleeves, both pants and jacket keep out 100 percent of the rain, breathe well, and don’t make too much noise while I ride or walk. While I can’t slip the pants on and off without removing my shoes, they do cinch up nicely around the ankles and calves with built-in hook-and-loop straps. And the jacket fits like a glove. It’s hard to tell after only a month of use, but both garments seem to be durable, and are certainly comfortable once you have the right size.

The Elite 2.0 jacket is spendy but definitely worth it, and while the pants could use some improvements, they appear to be some of the best women’s cycling rain pants on the market. //

Everyday Cyclist

http://cyclingspokane.blogspot.com

How You Help Get people on bikes “Spokane Bikes” Takes Center Stage In May / By John Speare May is National Bike Month. In Spokane, the people behind the Spokane Bike to Work organization are pursuing a more comprehensive cycling goal. Spokane Bike to Work is now “Spokane Bikes.” This name change recognizes the fact that there are many ways to think about

Be a hero. If the sun is shining, we’ll see lots of new cyclists out there. New cyclists who are disabled by a bike mechanical problem will need help. Remember the “high bar” for new cyclists?

Well, a malfunctioning bike or flat tire may just be the event to push potential new cyclists back

Char Zyskowski, Maddie Speare, and Liza Mattana host an energizer station for Plum Tree School. // PHOTO JOHN SPEARE.

integrating cycling into your life. Many people just live too far away from work to make biking there a reasonable first step to a more bikecentered lifestyle.

And that’s what National Bike Month is all about: getting people who might be on the fence to try riding a bike as part of their daily or weekly routine.

If you are reading this, then you probably do some biking already. For many cyclists, bike-related events in May often feel like they are for folks that don’t really ride bikes much. While it’s true that these events are often organized around creating new cyclists, there is actually a lot of room for existing cyclists. If you are already a cyclist, here are some ways you can be involved with National Bike Month.

Be a commuter. Many cyclists approach bike riding either as a recreational hobby or training exercise. If you are a cyclist that doesn’t do the commute thing, then use National Bike Month as an excuse to replace one car trip a week and try getting around on a bike. This doesn’t necessarily mean biking to work or getting a new commuter bike. Grab a backpack and try taking a spin to the grocery store next time you need just a couple items. Or, if you do live too far away from work and you are into training hard, then figure out a way ride to work sometime in May. The logistics may not be as onerous as you think.

Be an enabler. Most cyclists have a family member or a friend that is probably a latent cyclist. Remember that for many non-cyclists, the bar for getting out there and riding can seem impossibly high: air needs to go into the bike tires.

Does the bike even shift right? Riding in traffic is terrifying. I look ridiculous in bike shorts. The hills!

Here’s where you can really help. No one likes the bike-evangelist type, but inviting that person to the Monday morning Spokane Bikes pancake feed could be a great way to work through the barriers for your friend. Offer to help go over the bike and get it ready. Offer to show up at his or her house Monday morning and escort to the pancake feed and to his or her destination afterwards.

behind the wheel of their car. So, for the month of May, carry an extra tube on your daily commute.

You should always stop and make sure cyclists

Remember that for many non-cyclists, the bar for getting out there and riding can seem impossibly high. have what they need when you see them on the side of the road, but in May, be extra nice. If you’re lucky, you will be the reason that a new cyclist continues to ride.

Be a helper. Did you know there are “energizer stations” on the morning of May 18th in Spokane County? An energizer station is a spot where cyclists (usually on their way to work) can stop and get a cup of coffee or a donut or a piece of fruit and chat with other cyclists. Energizer stations are organized by Spokane Bikes.

Clearly, it’s not about the coffee as much as it is about the community. Most of the cyclists are just starting to try out bike commuting, so by hanging out at an energizer station, you can provide a bit of encouragement for a new cyclist. If you think you have a good spot for an energizer station, you can host your own.

There are also other events for Spokane Bikes in May. And there are many ways for existing cyclists to be a helper. Go to spokanebikes.net (not .com) for more information.

Be an inspiration. If you’re not into direct human contact with strangers, then just keep riding. Follow the traffic laws. Be smart. Be visible.

Be the kind of cyclist we want to see more of.

And at least give a slight nod and smile to other cyclists. // John Speare grew up and lives in Spokane. He rides his bike everywhere. Check out his blog at http://cyclingspokane.blogspot.com.

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May 2011

/ Out There Monthly

17

Book Reviews

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Out There Monthly / MAY 2011

“No one says, “This [fill in the blank] is going to be one of the most radical rites of passage you will ever travel through, so pay attention.” Someone just says, “Okay, go ahead now,” and you find yourself in the middle of an unexpected lightening storm with your life flashing before you.” – Cami Ostman, book excerpt.

At the heart of every marathon story there is a journey to the starting line. While no two journeys are the same, Ostman stretches her marathon journey to include all seven continents.

Fueled by a quest to expand her horizons and increase her personal growth, she stretches herself and bares everything including the training struggles, the painful humility, and the off-thewall logistics necessary to complete her goal.

She battles flooding in Panama, significant travel illness in South Africa, and situations in Prague so strange they’re almost unbelievable.

Touched by each new race and each new culture, she develops as a runner. And her gritty descriptions of long-distance running keep the reader continually moving forward.

Marathons lend themselves all too easily to metaphors about finding your own pace, and the use of running as therapy and life-transformation. Truth be told, Ostman is a marriage and family counselor, and there are a couple points where she over-analyzes her over-analyzing.

However, the next race on the next continent remains the rudder of the story, and the course of the book is always fixed on how she manages to make it happen.

The biggest testament to her strength and the greatest inspirational point of the entire book stem from Ostman’s honest, back-of-the-pack faithfulness. Taken as a whole, the seven continent marathon goal is ambitious and difficult even for a wealthy or exceptionally gifted athlete; however, this narrative is so grounded and open hearted that you just might find yourself asking tough inner questions and seeking more ambitious goals for yourself. // Jon Jonckers

Imagine spending 365 days within 100 kilometers (about 60 miles) of your house. Now think about leaving your house only using muscle power, or occasionally public transportation.

These were the images Whidbey Island resident Kurt Hoelting carried with him from December 21, 2007, through December 20, 2008, when he mostly hiked, biked and paddled around Puget Sound.

After using several online carbon footprint models to assess his carbon impact, Hoelting came to realize that, unless he changed his travel-oriented lifestyle, all other elements of his low carbon behavior would be for naught. So, for one

In the purest sense, Circumference is not about saving the environment. It is about how living locally is a step in that direction.

year, he gave up that lifestyle.

One of the most thought provoking books I have read in years, The Circumference of Home gives the reader insights into how rewarding and adventurous living a local life can be. The book also implies that eco-tourism is probably not “eco-friendly” and that maintaining physical contact with widespread families like those most of us have today will not allow us to substantially reduce our individual carbon footprint.

There is plenty of room to criticize Hoelting’s action as a hollow effort. He readily admits that only he took the pledge to not use private automobile transport. Though using public transit for commuting, his wife still used her car to do some of her travel. And, on some of his more lengthy forays, Hoelting would be met by friends who drove to the trailhead for a backcountry trip; those friends sometimes hauled group equipment, saving Hoelting the need to carry all his gear to the trailhead on his bike.

In the purest sense, Circumference is not about saving the environment. It is about how living locally is a step in that direction. Within his circle, Hoelting found rich variety of geographic and cultural wonders to explore. He found a year of adventure without generating tons of carbon.

The Circumference of Home will open the reader’s eye to a whole new world in one’s own backyard. // Stan Miller

May 2011

/ Out There Monthly

19

Outdoor Calendar CLIMBING (May 7) The Send Wagon Climbing Comp. When: 9:30 AM Registration – 4 PM Finals. Where: Wild Walls 202 W. 2nd Ave. The 16th annual competition will include T-shirts and door prizes included in the price for competitors plus free music, food, beverages, and BBQ for all! Info: wildwalls.com (May 7, 14) Saturday Climbing. When: 1-4 PM.

Where: REI Spokane, 1125 N Monroe. Spend your afternoon challenging yourself on our rock wall.

Co-op members climb for free and gear is provided.

Info: 509-328-9900, rei.com/Spokane.

(May 8) Adopt a Crag Post Falls. Where: Q’Emlin

Park, Post Falls, ID. When: 10:00am on Sunday.

Hosted by: The Kootenai Climbers. Please join us for social mixing, coffee, snacks, a briefing on the area and safety, community building, a work project, a final debrief, a loot raffle, and refreshments. Info: Rusty Baillie at baillie2@frontier.com.

(May 10, 24) 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.

Submit your event at www.outtheremonthly.com

owns a bike and wants to learn how to keep it running for years. Register at rei.com/Spokane. Info: 509-328-9900, rei.com/spokane

(May 5) Spangle Time Trial Series Day 1. When: 6 PM. Where: Spangle, WA. Join us for the first of 4 time trials over a great road course. Day 2 on May 21, Day 3 on May 26, Day 4 on June 4. Info: 509363-6825, marla@emdesports.com (May 5 – 6) Bicycle Walla Walla Wine Tour.

When: 9 AM – 4 PM. Where: Walla Walla, WA. You will be amazed at the great wines, wonderful riding, and beautiful scenery! Lodging, 3 meals, support vehicle and guides included. Info: 509-625-6200. spokaneparks.org.

(May 15) Spokane Trailquest. When: registration

& start anytime between 8 & 11 AM. Where: Liberty Lake Pavillion Park. Ride solo or with a partner.

It’s like a scavenger hunt on a bike with free food & drinks at the end.spokanetrailquest.weebly.com.

Info: 509-327-7220, spokanebell@aol.com.

(May 12) Bike Commuting Basics. When: 7 PM.

Where: REI, 1125 N Monroe. Whether you have a road bike, a mountain bike, or something in between, cycle commuting is within your grasp.

Register at www.rei.com/spokane. Info: 509-3289900, rei.com/spokane.

SIXMONTHTRAININGCALENDAR CYCLING

(July 23) Spokenya Run. Help those in Adiedo Kenya

(May 18, 25 June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29) Wednesday Night Mountain Bike Series. Info: 509-879-

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

(June 4) Spangle Time Trial Series The Final Day in a series of 4. Info: 509-363-6825, marla@

(August 20) Strides for Strong Bones. Info:

emdesports.com

(June 4) CHaFE 150 Sandpoint, ID. Beautiful

ride in Idaho & Montana Info: 208-290-7148 www.chafe150.org

(June 11) The Mad Dash - 4 & 8 hour solo or relay mountain bike race. Info: adventuresportsweek.com

(July 1-4) Northwest Tandem Rally. 4 days of

tandem biking. Info: 509-363-6825

(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,

CYCLING

30, 45, 75 mile options. Info lcsnw.org/events

(Ongoing) Belles and Baskets. Whatever style

(May 1) Juniper Dunes Wilderness Area Field Trip. When: 7 AM. Where: Juniper Dunes

15, 37 or 55 miles. Info: purpleride.org

(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 (May 1 - August 31) Bicycle Commuter Challenge.

When: Daily. Where: Coeur d’Alene. Get commuter punch card at Bicycle Sales and Service, Terra Sport, and Vertical Earth in Coeur d’Alene-Then commute for free bike swag. Info: 208-667-8969, bicycleservice.com

(May 5) Bike Maintenance Basics. 7 PM. Where: REI, 1125 N Monroe. This class is for anyone who

E N N O E G L AR YC C

Wilderness Area (See website for directions). Sand dunes, juniper trees, wildlife, and native plants is what you will find on the Juniper Dunes hike!

Trip details found on WNPS website. Info: Diane Stutzman 509-893-3771, nechapterwnps.org.

(May 7) Deep Creek Canyon Hike and Photo Opportunity. When: 9 AM. Where: Riverside State

Park (See website for location details) Bring hiking shoes and camera to view the wildflowers and scenic views of Deep Creek Canyon with Rich Leon. Info: Rich Leon 509-325-0747, nechapterwnps.org

(May 8) Mothers Day Hike in Dishman Hills.

When: 10 AM. Where: Dishman Hills Natural Area (see website for details). Bring Mom out to see the flowers and ferns in Dishman Hills Natural Area in early Spring! Led by Mary Water. Sylvia Eberspecher (209) 379-5881, nechapterwnps.org.

Spring Bike Tune-up $39.95

29’ers In Stock 3215 N. Argonne • 509-922-7528 20

Out There Monthly / MAY 2011

build a new medical clinic. Info: spokenyarun.org

5119

HIKING/BACKPACKING

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

(September 10) Purpleride: Spoke d’ Alene. 4, (October 1) CF Cycle for Life. 25 & 65 mile

options. Info: washington.cff.org/cycleforlifespokane

MARATHONS (June 5) Teen Closet 50 Mile Relay Race. Info:

509-993-5471

wastrongbones.org

(August 20) Expedition Idaho Road Run. Info: expeditionidahorace.com

TRIATHALON (June 11) The X Tri! An off-road triathlon. Info: adventuresportsweek.com

(June 26) Ironman, Coeur d’Alene. Info: ironmancda.com

(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.

(August 21) West Plains WunderWoman Triathlon. Info: emdesports.com/wunderwom-

an_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: friendsofmo-

(June 11) Deepwater Trail Marathons!. Info:

ran.com

(June 12) St. Joe River Marathon. 5K, Half and

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

adventuresportsweek.com

Full Marathon. Info: stjoerivermarathon.com

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

Hiawatha

PADDLE (June 18) Canoe Classic. Fun day of paddling

lakerace.com

on the Spokane River. Info mountaingear.com/cc

RUNNING

ADVENTURE RACING

(June 4) Glenrose Mountain Goat Challlenge 10K. Info: mountaingoatchallenge.com

(June 4-5) Adventure Sports Week “One Long Day” Adventure Race. Info: adventuresports-

(June 5) Adventure Sports Week Road Rush - 5k, 10k and 10 mile runs. Info: adventure-

sportsweek.com

(July 23) Spokane Indians Pennant Run. Benefits Ronald McDonald House. Info: 509343-6810.

week.com

(June 5) Adventure Kids Challenge! Clinic & 3hr adventure race for kids. Info: www.adven-

turesportsweek.com

(August 14-20) Expedition Idaho!. Info: expedi-

tionidahorace.com //

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.

Outdoor Calendar Monroe. This multimedia presentation will explore one of the most wildlife rich, uncrowded recreational destinations in our region, the Columbia Highlands. Register at rei.com/Spokane. Info: 509328-9900, rei.com/spokane.

(May 15) BLM Native Restoration Sites. When:

10 AM. Where: Meet at Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area Headquarters (see website for details). Learn about successful site restoration and use of native plant materials on this hike with Jason Lowe near Swanson Lake Wildlife area. Info: Jason Lowe, BLM, 509-990-8039, nechapterwnps.org

(May 21) Iller Creek Conservation Area. When: 10 AM. Where: (see website for trip details and directions) Hike through a rich, diverse wildlife and native plant paradise on this 5 hour hike led by Sylvia Eberspecher. Info: Sylvia Eberspecher at 209379-5881, www.nechapterwnps.org.

(May 22) Hog Canyon Native Plant Walk. When:

9 AM. Where: Hog Canyon (see website for directions and trip details). Explore this scenic shrub steppe habitat area, abundant with wildlife and native plants, adjoining pine forest and aspens.

Info: Michael or Michelle at 509-951-9225/9226, nechapterwnps.org

(May 22) McKenzie Conservation Area hike with Jack Nisbet. When: 1:30 PM. McKenzie Conservation Area. Learn about Newman Lake’s natural history and diverse habitat with Jack Nisbet.

Space is limited. Please RSVP. Hosted by Inland Northwest Land Trust. Info: 509-328-2939, outreach@inlandnwlandtrust.org.

RUNNING/WALKING (May 14) USA 15km Trail Championships. When:

9 AM - 2 PM. Where: Riverside State Park. See the country’s best trail runners compete for a national title or participate in the community run! Info: 509456-5812, spokanesports.org.

(June 5) Adventure Sports Week Road Rush.

When: 9 AM. Where: Coeur d Alene. 10k, 10 mile and 1/2 marathon road runs in scenic Coeur d Alene! Info: 208-664-0135, adventuresportsweek.com

TRIATHLONS

(May 13-15) IM Coeur D’ Alene Triathlon Camp.

When: 9 AM - 5 PM. Where: Couer D’ Alene. 3 day camp with Ben Greenfield on the IM CDA course includes open water swim clinics, fueled bike course previews, guided runs & interactive triathlon seminars. Info: 208-883-7705, pacificfit. net/calendar.php.

(May 14) Palouse River Duathlon. When: 9 AM

Show Time, 10:00 am Go Time. Where: Palouse City Park, 505 W. Main St. Palouse, WA. Multisurface Duathlon. (No road bikes) Beautiful & Challenging Course. 2m run, 10m bike, 2 mile run.

Post Race Pasta and tec shirt comes with registration. Info: 509-939-2143, palouseriverduathlon. blogspot.com

PADDLING (Ongoing) Learn to Row. When: Mornings and Evenings. Where: Spokane River near Upriver Dam. Learn to Row. Instruction in sculling and sweep rowing. No experience needed. Must be 18 and able to swim. Info: spokanerowing.org (May 7) Roll Clinic. Where: FlOW Adventures

(Rental Pool). FLOW Adventures is offering a kayak roll clinic. Come learn to roll your whitewater or touring kayak. Must pre-register, space is limited.

Cost: $60. Info: 509-242-8699.

(May 14) 6th Annual Paddlefest/Demo Day. When: 9 PM – 4 PM. Where: Coeur d’Alene- Independence Point, Come and paddle kayaks from Seda, Maelstrom, Hurricane, Prijon, Malibu. We’ll also have Stand Up Paddle Boards from Tahoe SUP, Surftech and more.

Info: 208-676-1533, kayakcda.com (May 21-22, 28-29 & June 4-5) River Guide Training. When: 9 PM – 6 PM. Where: Clark

Fork River Montana, Presented by Pangaea River Rafting, you’ll be flipping rafts, saving swimmers, swimming rapids, giving commands and captaining you own boat. All rafting gear provided. Info: (208) 773-0539, postfallsidaho.org/prrecreation.html.

(May 28) Rec Kayak Class. When: 10 – Noon.

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.

(May 28) Tour Kayak Class. When: 1 – 5 PM. 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.

(May 31, June 1,3) Whitewater Kayaking Class.

When: 5:30-8 PM. Where: Upper Spokane River, Presented by Hydrology Kayak School, this 3-day beginner class will teach you the fundamentals of basic whitewater kayaking. All kayaking equipment is provided. $95. Info: 208-773-0539, postfallsidaho. org/prrecreation.html.

YOGA (May 2 – June 27) Iyengar Yoga 8 -week series for beginners. When: Mon, 9:30 AM or Tues or

Thurs at 6 PM. Where: Sunflower Yoga, 6413 E. 14th Ave. Learn Iyengar yoga with attention to detail, alignment, use of props as needed and teacher adjustments. Gentle and intemediate classes also offered.

Info: 509-535-7369, www.sunfloweryoga.net.

EVENTS/MOVIES/MISC… (May 1-7) Native Plant Appreciation Week (NPAW). When: All week. Where: Various. Join

the local chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society for Native Plant Appreciation Week! Events listed on our website. Info: 509-638-8919, www. nechapterwnps.org.

(May 15) Experience Riverside State Park Your Recreation Destination. When: 9 AM – 4 PM.

Where: Riverside State Park. The event will provide 7 different sites within Riverside State Park where volunteers and Park Rangers will greet the public and provide safety and educational information about the park and its recreational activities. Info: riversidestatepark.org/events.htm.

(May 19) Vanishing of the Bees. When: 7 PM. Where: Magic Lantern Theatre. $5 donation at the door. 15-20 minute Q&A segment will follow the 90-minute film. Enjoy information booths in the lobby. Info: 509-328-2939, inlandnwlandtrust.org.

(May 19) Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to benefit Spokane Riverkeeper. When: 7:30 – 9 PM. Where: Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is an international leader in the cause for clean and healthy waterways and his talk will help champion the cause of cleaning up and protecting our precious resources, like the Spokane River. He will be speaking on Thursday, May 19 and 7:30 pm at the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox. Tickets are $17 and $7 for students and are available through TicketsWest.

His talk will benefit the Spokane Riverkeeper. Info: cforjustice.org

Custom Built Bicycles 953-0633

OUTDOOR MAY 2011 CALENDAR

(May 11) Exploring Northwest Washington’s Columbia Highlands with Conservation Northwest. When: 7 PM. Where: REI, 1125 N

(May 21-22) Leave No Trace Trainer. When: Over Night 9 AM Sat - 4 PM Sunday. Where: Riverside State Park. Spokane Parks and Recreation along with FLOW Adventures is offering a Leave No Trace Trainer Course. Info: 509-625-6200, spokaneparks.org. // May 2011

/ Out There Monthly

21

Kym murdoch on Lake coeur d’alene. // Photo by: Windy Welch of Windy’s Photography

What’s SUP?

Stand Up Paddleboarding Catches A Wave

BY amy silbernagel Mccaffree

While Hawaiians have long known the joy of stand up paddle surfing, also known as “beach boy surfing,” freshwater fans in the Inland Northwest have only recently been enjoying the sport of stand up paddling (SUP).

Although Hawaiians get the credit for developing the modern sport of SUP, it actually descended from the styles of watercraft and methods used by both Peruvian fishermen and African warriors, according to Corran Addison’s “History of Stand Up Paddling”—included in Rob Casey’s book Stand Up Paddling: Flatwater to Surf and Rivers, newly published by Mountaineers Books.

Dave Kalama, who typically gets credited along with Laird Hamilton, writes in his foreword to Casey’s book that it was actually Duke Kahanamoku—the father of modern day surfing— who was first spotted stand up paddling on his surfboard, using a long canoe paddle, in order to better observe incoming swells and other surfers in the water. John Zapotocky was inspired when he saw Kahanamoku and is now usually given credit as inventing modern stand up paddle surfing.

But the sport wasn’t really recognized until 1995. That’s when Kalama and Hamilton started doing it. Eventually, the two began to enter competitions, and after a photo of Hamilton appeared in the surfing media in 2004, the “first stand up paddle surfing boom” began within a matter of months, Addison states.

Paddleboards made their way to the California surfing scene in 2000. And by 2009, Addison says “stand up paddleboarding was the fastest growing paddle sport in North America.” Now the U.S. 22

Out There Monthly / MAY 2011

Coast Guard classifies SUPs as vessels.

GOING LOCAL

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

Powerboats may still rule most of the larger Inland Northwest lakes, but stand up paddling is gradually becoming a niche sport for landlocked water lovers who use paddleboards as replacements for kayaks or canoes.

One reason is that it’s accessible. “It’s not extremely expensive,” says Spokanite Nick Murto, who’s been stand up paddling for a year now. “And it’s so much more portable and easier to get around than a canoe.”

A paddleboard is relatively light and fairly easy to carry since it’s equipped with a handle, he says.

the summer months.

Murto’s favorite place to go paddling with his 12’ SUP-ATX paddleboard is the Spokane River. “I love putting in just below the damn at Minnehaha and paddling all the way to downtown, which takes about an hour,” he says. He has a friend shuttle his car to C.I. Shenanigans restaurant, his take-out point.

“I also like to put in off the Centennial Trail near Gonzaga, on the south side of the river,” he says. “I paddle upstream as far as I can and then come back.”

Stand up paddling is also a versatile sport.

Author and photographer Rob Casey, who lives in Seattle and has been stand up paddling for three years, uses his paddleboard for not only river pad-

------------------------------------------------------------------“It’s mixing a canoe—going-where-you-wantquietness—with the long-board, snowboard feeling and freedom of movement.”

------------------------------------------------------------------(It can weigh from 20 to 40 pounds.) Anyone who has gone canoeing or kayaking knows that carrying one of those from a car rack down to a boat launch or beach is a feat requiring at least two people.

And the gear list for SUP is relatively simple, with the basics including the board, paddle and PFD. A leash, water shoes and gloves are also recommended—unless, of course, you just want to tootle around a calm lake, staying close to the shoreline. Additionally, a wetsuit or dry suit will allow you to stretch the paddling season beyond

dling but also surfing on the coast. In fact, his one board has multiple uses, including fishing and overnight camping trips (by attaching gear to the nose of the board).

“It’s really easy [to learn]. You don’t need a lesson just to play around in a lake,” he says.

Casey says an inflatable SUP board is especially versatile because it “can adapt to multiple sizes of people” and is easy to store.

Liberty Lake SUP fan Bill Kinnison enjoys the independence of the sport and that it, quite sim-

ply, gets him on the lake to exercise. And it’s fun.

“If there are boats out there kicking up wakes, I’ll paddle out to the wake and surf back in, just like on a surfboard,” he says.

Indeed, the “appeal of surfing culture” inspires people, says Casey. “Surf kayaking never picked up, but what’s cool about stand up paddling is that anyone can have a piece of the surfing pie—you don’t have to live in Hawaii.”

Kinnison and his wife, Patti, look forward to enjoying their second summer of recreation on their paddleboards. Bill, who is also a sky ski rider, is somewhat of a year-round paddler. He lives only two blocks from Liberty Lake and takes advantage of this.

“I probably would have paddled year-round except the lake froze,” he says. He managed to paddle on the lake this past November and December. And his first paddleboard outing of this year was in mid-March, which required him to paddle through some slushy ice. As of mid-April, he has been four times, always dressing for the conditions, which includes a NRS semi-drysuit, water shoes, and water socks. “I stay plenty warm,” he says.

Another great advantage that stand up paddling has over kayaking or canoeing is that you, indeed, can do it by yourself—no partner needed. Like biking, just put it on your car rack (or if it’s an inflatable, stash it in your trunk) and head to the water. Take it with you to work, go for a lunchtime paddle (if you work close to a lake or river) or head for the water right after work—just like any other workout.

Paddling with a pooch. // photo by bill kinnison

Exploring shallow water, swampy areas, narrow tributaries, and other waterways that are impossible or difficult to access in a powerboat or other vessel is another advantage that SUP offers, Kinnison says. Moreover, stand up paddlers enjoy a different perspective on the water—the higher vantage point provides better viewing of what lurks beneath the water.

“Any of the local small lakes would be a riot just to go explore,” says Kinnison. “As a skier, I’ve

been on these lakes a million times. But when I got on the paddleboard and started going slow, I was more aware of everything. You see more at two miles per hour than 20.”

As far as the physical benefits, it’s a great core body workout. Casey says it’s “better exercise than kayaking”—a full body workout versus just an upper body one. It also increases leg strength and improves balance and posture.

“It’s for all ages, I’ve seen kids doing it. And peo-

ple who don’t normally do other physical activity really enjoy it,” says Murto.

Kym Murdoch, owner Coeur d’Alene Paddle Board Company (which she opened June 1st of last year), describes stand up paddling as “very addicting” because of the serenity and peacefulness of the experience.

“You don’t really know you’re working out because it’s so enjoyable. Once people try it, they’re hooked,” she says. “It’s a great way to start and finish your day.”

Murdoch sells gear, provides rentals, and hosts a “SUP club”—which currently has over 50 members—for group paddles that take place six days a week. Her passion for the sport has even motivated her to envision a local racing circuit, and she has already been discussing the possibility with potential sponsors.

(The Seattle area currently hosts up to 40 races a year, according to Casey, with “Round the Rock,” a 13-mile race around Mercer Island, being the most popular. For more information about races in the Pacific Northwest, visit www.paddlesurfnorthwest.com.)

Besides Murdoch’s business on Sherman Avenue in downtown Coeur d’Alene, just a handful of other local businesses sell and/or rent SUP gear— including Mountain Gear, Eagle Outfitters (based out of Eastern Washington University’s EPIC Adventures) in Cheney, Northwest Paddleboards, Kayak Coeur d’Alene, and ROW Adventures in Coeur d’Alene and Spokane.

“You can get into it cheap, but you don’t stay into it cheap,” says Kinnison. He started out by paddling a used windsurfer board in the spring and early summer of 2010, just to see if he would like it before investing in SUP specific gear. He now uses a 12’ board made by Lakeshore Paddle Board Company.

TRYING IT OUT

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

Flatwater is the best setting for a first attempt— that is, a lake with scant boat traffic. If you don’t have a SUP friend or acquaintance to borrow gear from, then rent it and take a lesson, join a guided paddle tour, or try it on your own.

“You can stand, sit, float next to them; take it seriously, or just kind of relax,” says Dustin Semb, full-time assistant recreation supervisor with EPIC Adventures and Eagle Outfitters at Eastern Washington University. “It takes just a few minutes to learn. The taller you are, the more difficult it is to learn how to stand up…it’s mixing a canoe—going-where-you-want-quietness—with the long-board, snowboard feeling and freedom of movement…Lake paddling is really quite easy.

River paddling is not quite as easy but extremely fun.”

A SUP newbie’s first attempt should be on a board that is not too narrow; otherwise, it will be tippy. “Make sure you get on a board that fits your size and weight,” Casey advises. In general, the longer the board, the more stable it is. And the taller you are the longer board you will need.

Whatever you choose should be stable enough so you are able to stand up on it the first time when on flatwater.

As Kinnison says, “When you get on the board, it’s so stable—you’d have to be half-drunk to fall in.”

Casey also advises that beginners take a lesson if you aim to do more than a leisurely shoreline paddle. “There are certain ways to paddle that are more efficient,” he says. “It’s actually a lot of work to paddle these things, so learn the different strokes to make it easier on your body and avoid tendonitis.”

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May 2011

3/1/11 10:13 AM 23 / Out There Monthly

Kids at the lake taking a break on the sup. // photo courtesy of kym murdoch.

Good places to

paddleboard

BEST LOCAL PLACES FOR STAND UP PADDLING

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

*NOTE: Public boat launches maintained by the

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) requires a vehicle use permit. More info: http://wdfw.wa.gov/licensing/vup.

Spokane County

wearing a wetsuit or drysuit, depending on the water temperature and weather conditions.

As far as PFD rules when it comes to stand up paddling, Rick Dethman from Mountain Gear says the same rule applies as for whitewater and tour kayaking—a Coast Guard approved Type 3 PFD is required. They are made to be “unencumbering and allow you to move around without restriction,” he says. And except for a helmet, the same safety rules also apply (depending on how far and how long you plan to paddle)—stash sunscreen, a hat, water bottle, and other essential safety gear in the PFD pockets.

While a PFD must be worn on moving water, Semb says that for flatwater it’s the same situation as if in a canoe—just have one accessible. This could mean attaching it to the board using a bungee

or suction cups. When it seems too warm to wear one, some options are to use a fanny pack style or inflatable belt PFD. Children age 12 and younger, however, must wear a PFD at all times, whether on a lake or river.

“Stay near the shoreline on all lakes because of the boat traffic,” advises Murdoch. “Be aware of your surroundings and abilities. I’ve seen paddlers going where they shouldn’t go, like across a lake.”

When it’s paddleboard versus powerboat, boats always have the right of way.

She recommends smaller lakes, which “are often more enjoyable because they are more calm.” And says that, in general, the best times of day for stand up paddling are the morning, 7-10 am, or the evening, 6 pm-sunset, to take advantage of the calmer water and avoid boat traffic. //

-----------------------------------------------------> Newman Lake - WDFW vehicle use permit required for using public boat launch.* -----------------------------------------------------> Liberty Lake* -----------------------------------------------------> Medical Lake* -----------------------------------------------------> Williams Lake* -----------------------------------------------------> Badger Lake* -----------------------------------------------------> Fish Lake – Located only five minutes from the EWU campus, this is a good place to try out SUP for the first time since motorized boats are not allowed. Free parking.

-----------------------------------------------------> Rock Lake – Dustin Semb from EWU EPIC Adventures/Eagle Outfitters says this is a long lake, with free parking, that is good for practicing one’s fundamental SUP skills.

-----------------------------------------------------> Spokane River – Always use a leash on a paddleboard when on moving water. Paddle during the late summer when the river flow is flow. Some recommended options are: (1) Put-in below the Upriver Drive damn near Minnehaha, paddle downstream, and take-out east of Riverfront Park; (2) Put-in/take-out at Boulder Beach (between Market and Argonne on Upriver Drive)—paddle upstream towards the paper mill and enjoy an easy return trip downriver; (3) Put-in/take-out at Plese Flats; (4) Put-in/take-out west of Plante’s Ferry Park in Spokane Valley (there is a small parking area off East Upriver Drive)—paddle upriver before enjoying a cruise downstream.

North Idaho

-----------------------------------------------------> Windy Bay on Lake Coeur d’Alene – Located near Worley, Idaho, Bill Kinnison says it’s great for viewing wildlife on the shore and fish under the water. Windy Bay Boaters Park & Campground is accessible only by boat. (Any of the other bays on the lake are also good for SUP.) -----------------------------------------------------> Honeysuckle Beach at Hayden Lake – Stay near the shoreline, advises Kym Murdoch.

In the summer, go in the morning or after 6:00 pm when there is less boat traffic.

-----------------------------------------------------> Dike near North Idaho College -----------------------------------------------------> Hauser Lake – This small lake north of Post Falls has very little boat traffic, says Murdoch, but the water is murky.

-----------------------------------------------------> Coeur d’Alene River – Best time to paddle the river is May to July, before the river water level drops too low. “It’s not super challenging to paddle upstream and there are some little rapids,” 24

Out There Monthly / MAY 2011

says Murdoch, who advises that only experienced stand up paddlers go on the river. “You don’t want to be a beginner and be on the river.

You should definitely know what you’re doing.

It’s a good workout, but it’s not hard to do [due to the mild current during summer].”

ELSEWHERE IN EASTERN WASHINGTON

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

> Diamond Lake* – Located off Highway 2, seven miles southwest of Newport, Wash., this 800-acre lake offers seven miles of shoreline.

-----------------------------------------------------> Banks Lake* – This human-made reservoir near Coulee City, Wash., is good for SUP in the summer. Rob Casey says it’s windy, but the water is warm.

-----------------------------------------------------> Lake Roosevelt – This national recreation area has 27 public campgrounds. Near the Seven Bays campground, Bill Kinnison says there is a tributary river you can paddle to reach a waterfall.

-----------------------------------------------------> Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park – Located seven miles southwest of Coulee City, Wash. in Grant County, the park is blessed with 73,640 feet of freshwater shoreline at the foot of Dry Falls. “It looks like the Grand Canyon but northwest style with basalt,” says Casey.

-----------------------------------------------------> Columbia River – Casey says the river portion near Brewster is especially nice in late summer.

WESTERN WASHINGTON

(Recommendations from Rob Casey, author of Stand Up Paddling)

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

> Puget Sound – Necessary skill level varies depending on where you are in the Sound. “Go where it’s calm with a low level of boating traffic,” says Casey. “And when you start out, stay close to shore [because water and weather conditions can change quickly.]” In addition, he advises, “Always wear the leash that attaches you to the board, even if it’s uncomfortable.”

-----------------------------------------------------> Lake Union (Seattle) -----------------------------------------------------> Alki Beach (West Seattle) -----------------------------------------------------> Deception Pass – Located at the north end of Whidbey Island, the tide changes three times a day here. The resulting tidal rapid, Casey says, is only for experienced paddlers who have Class 2 (or greater) river experience. It provides “a river-like experience” for paddlers “but it’s safer because there are no strainers or other funky river stuff where people can get in trouble,” he says.

-----------------------------------------------------> Strait of Juan de Fuca – A scenic but fickle place to SUP surf. Start at Crescent Beach at the Salt Creek Recreation Area, located about 15 miles west of Port Angeles on the Olympic Peninsula (three hours from Seattle).

Different conditions in the Strait are suitable for both beginners, with three-foot waves, as well as experienced paddlers.

-----------------------------------------------------> Westport – This coastal city in southwest Washington is known for its wave versatility— from mild ones for beginners, to 20-foot waves for experienced surfers. Westhaven State Park is a good place to launch your board. //

Crushing Rocks: The Music Report Radio format wars Welcome SPRING(???) and good luck to all the Bloomies!!

I just got wind from a (competitor radio) birdie that The River/KEZE is switching formats from their alternative/AC mix to RHYTHMIC. That change is set for May 1st.

This is interesting for a few reasons, not least of which is their following in the (relatively fresh) footsteps of 105.7, which changed from “alternative” (the Peak) to Top 40 (NOW) last summer.

Nobody has known what an alternative station is since the ORIGINAL 105.7 The Peak (back when alternative music existed, perhaps?), so seeing that reincarnated version go wasn’t all that sad, and what it did that was more important was give direct competition to longtime local mainstay ZZU. The fun part of moving KEZE over now is that it will compete with both ZZU and NOW for listeners, much like the Big Three (Clear Channel, KXLY, Radio Spokane) have been doing in the country format.

ALSO curious is just what type of rhythmic KEZE will be. ZZU and NOW are mostly Top 40/ CHR stations. NOW covers the rhythmic/hip hop field, but they skew more Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, etc. ZZU (which I perpetually want to type as THE ZOOOOO because I’m old school, man!) encompasses those, and throws in a whole lotta Train and John Mayer for good measure (competing with Hot AC KCDA, and, for those keeping track, the River). As I type, NOW is playing Britney Spears and KZZU just wrapped Jason Derulo (followed by Cee-Lo and Jason Mraz... whoa). If KEZE went a step further with hip hop like Kanye, Jay-Z, Diddy, or Drake, it could really stand apart. BUT WILL IT? Statistics

/ By Ashley Graham

would probably say no (and probably warn against it), right? Let’s ask Pendleton Broadcasting’s 104.5 Jamz in a few more months…

But a station that plays hip hop on a regular basis could be a fun challenge. Is it of interest to anyone? I don’t know. Spokane’s radio market is curious already as it has a LOT of stations—many within the same format, many overlapping—and in a couple formats (country, and now CHR) the number of stations rivals the numbers in Seattle.

My favorite part of the switch is that it eliminates another station that has a middling, indirect audience. I appreciate KCDA’s staying power, but stations like the River and the Peak were trying to appeal to such a broad scope that their content just wasn’t always compelling. Every city needs a place to hear Dave Matthews (I get it!), but does any need three effin’ stations that play ‘em? And Train? And, for chrissakes, 3 DOORS DOWN? Let’s shake it up! KCDA continues to play 3 Doors Down, ZZU matches with some John Mayer but also offers Katy Perry, which rivals NOW 105.7’s Lady Gaga and Ke$ha, which overlaps KEZE’s new mix of Rihanna, Drake and Kanye! SOUNDS GREAT! I love competition, and I love pop music.

I’m happy already.

Anddd... right NOW, as I type, both ZZU and NOW are playing Katy Perry’s “Firework.” Maybe less of that, guys...

Beyond the radio hubbub, the Knitting Factory has shows this month from artists you could go days/weeks/years without hearing on ANY Spokane radio station! Ghostland Observatory arrives on the 18th, Modest Mouse the 28th, and Bright Eyes on May 31st (recommended!).

Long-awaited “WICKED” arrives at INB, May

Roadtrip DJ: May Thomas Brown HARD-FI / “CAN’T GET ALONG (WITHOUT YOU)” / ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST British indie rock band Hard-Fi has a great sound that hooks me on nearly every track, which made whittling it down to just one song a challenge. That said, whenever this track plays, I listen to it twice.

MINT ROYALE / “SHOW ME” / ON THE ROPES On The Ropes is the kind of album you could play from start to finish at an upbeat cocktail party (or a road trip, of course). These are the same guys who remixed “Singin’ in the Rain” in that Volkswagen commercial.

WILLIAM SHATNER / “COMMON PEOPLE” / HAS BEEN What? You think a William Shatner album can’t be good because of his 1968 flop? Make no mistake, this album (produced by Ben Folds) is full of win. It’s funny, poignant, human and, oh yeah, the music is good, too.

FRENCH HORN REBELLION / “UP ALL NIGHT” / THE INFINITE MUSIC OF FRENCH HORN REBELLION This Brooklyn band has been most accurately described as “genre bending.” They’re kinda like indierock electro-pop disco chill wave. After releasing 4 EP albums, the guys have finally put out a full album. It was worth the wait.

PANJABI MC / “BEWARE (JAY-Z REMIX)” / BEWARE If you haven’t heard of Bhangra, you’re already behind the curve. This blend of modern dance music and traditional Punjabi folk music has been popular in Europe for nearly 30 years. I’m finally starting to hear it stateside thanks to the popularity of artists like Panjabi MC. //

18-29. On the heels of that, Best of Broadway Spokane just announced their 2011-2012 season and it’s lookin’ good! 2008 Tony Award winner for Best Musical “In the Heights” is a highlight, along with more familiar titles like “Mary Poppins,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Young Frankenstein,” and “Come Fly Away.” Season tickets are on sale now, with single ticket on-sales coming soon. //

CD OF THE MONTH // BRITNEY SPEARS

• Small Classes • Early Mornings • 7 days a week INLAND AIR SPORTS a certified school since 1981

Femme Fatale (Jive) The prospect of a Britney Spears album is cause for discussion: when you’ve been replaced, do you keep stickin’ it out? Is it overly harsh to question the need for a new Britney album entering the pop music void? There are so many dominant forces at this point from the likes of… well, look to the left. Does Britney still have something? In her catchier moments (which play too Gaga-y), she’s a solid “just-fine” (always was), but at a slower tempo, she’s less than stimulating.

Incidentally, the recently-released new Beyonce single, “Run the World (Girls)” is ten times more fun/just flat-out better than any track on Britney’s album, even with its grating girl-power vibe. //

tel. 509 535 8119 inlandair@msn.com

www.spokanehanggliding.com

Food scraps: They’re not garbage anymore Now you can add: • most food scraps • cardboard pizza boxes • coffee grounds and paper filters • egg shells • “non-shiny” food-soiled paper

to your Clean Green yard debris

The cycle starts with you.

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

recycling hot line: 625.6800 www.solidwaste.org May 2011

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Last Page

Confessions of a late-In-Life Jock

How I Stopped Worrying And Learned To Love My Bike / By Betsy Lawrence I was the baby of the family: the cute one, the dancing one, the happy one—NOT the athletic one. That was my big sister. I was the not athletic one to the extent that my mom went to my grade school to warn the P.E. teacher (one of those old-school, could-have-been-a-characteron-Glee, P.E. teachers) that I was not like my sister, so don’t expect much.

Mom was right. I didn’t learn to walk until I was two and couldn’t ride a bike until I was eleven. I couldn’t make contact with a ball with my hand, foot or a bat. I spent my junior high years finding ways to be injured to avoid P.E. When I ran out of injuries and had to do a 360 on the uneven bars, three spotters had to push me up and over.

When we had to jump over hurdles, I refused.

The teachers ran masking tape between rows of hurdles so I would jump over the tape without fear of the hurdle falling on me. Title IX was wasted on this girl.

Once I became an adult, while not an athlete, I was pretty active. I adored tap dancing, oldschool aerobics and weight lifting. In my forties, I began practicing yoga and soon became a yoga instructor. All these activities had something in common—they could be done indoors and didn’t feel like “sports.”

Eight years ago when I began dating Steve Faust, the man who later became my husband, he took me on a bike ride. I unearthed a bike that I had used twenty years prior on trips to the playground with my young children. I expected an easy ride, not the fifteen-mile, Riverside State Park loop that he took me on; it nearly killed me. (How is it that loop is uphill the whole way?) However, I enjoyed riding again, so I soon visited a local bike shop and bought a comfort bike.

In the following years, I came to love my heavy, comfortable bike. I added a rack and grocery carrier and became what I called a “lateral cyclist.”

No huge hills for me, but living near drug stores, a library and several grocery stores, with my bike I could easily accomplish tasks, get a little exercise, and—to my shock—feel a little bit less uncoordinated. I biked nearly every day during nice weather and it made running errands feel like play.

Three years ago, as I became more comfortable riding, I heard about Bike to Work Week. I couldn’t imagine ever getting from my home near Comstock Park all the way to my work at Spokane Community College, but just to get involved, I volunteered at the BTW wrap-up party. I marveled at those spandexed folks who seemed to easBetsey lawrence on her new bike new her house on the south hill. // photo bonnie lawrence.

2011 Spokane Marathon

October 9th, 2011

ily commute by bike. Even though I was daunted by thoughts of the trucks, the roads, the distance, the helmet hair, I vowed to ride to work during the next year’s BTW Week. I began preparing for this

I spent my junior high years finding ways to be injured to avoid P.E.

Marathon • Half Marathon Marathon Relay • 10k

Supporting Spokane’s high school cross country teams since 1997.

HOST HOTEL

www.spokanemarathon.us 26

Out There Monthly / MAY 2011

task by gathering lots of information. Friends who bike commute explained routes that are commonly used, and I learned that I could avoid streets that frightened me. I found that those in the cycling community are thrilled to educate those who want to give commuting a try.

The next step to becoming a bike jock occurred when I rode in Spokefest the following September; there was a bus with a kind STA driver who demonstrated how to put my bike on a bus rack.

Learning that easy, two-step process was the key to opening up the whole town to cycling. On a Friday in May, the last day of Bike to Work Week, I was ready. I rode to work and downtown to the wrap up party, put my very heavy bike on the bus for a two-mile break up the hill, and was proudly able to join the ranks of bike commuter.

Since that day two years ago, I have biked to work dozens of times. Last summer I decided it was time for an upgrade and bought a lighter

bike that makes riding all the way up the South Hill easier. Bike commuting makes my work day a lovely experience. Sure, my hair isn’t quite as fluffy as usual, but after enjoying views of the river, saying “hello” to runners, yielding to geese, and smiling at truck drivers, I enter my work place much calmer than I would after driving. I am very proud to mention that I rode 1,000 miles in 2010—a huge accomplishment for the girl who took years to learn to ride a bike.

After learning all I have about cycling, I wanted to share my knowledge with other women. In July 2009, with the help of two friends who were involved in other cycling groups, I started Belles and Baskets. With an email address (bellesandbaskets@yahoo.com) and Facebook page, we quickly grew to over 200 local women who were interested in riding with other women. Our mission is simple: we meet twice a month on Sunday afternoons and Tuesday evenings, from May to October, and ride 10-15 miles in various areas of Spokane. Following or during the ride, we always stop for coffee, ice cream, beer or other refreshments. Women who join us range from those who haven’t biked in years, to casual cyclists, to triathletes, to daily commuters. No one is left behind, and we all enjoy fun conversation and new friendships. Through Spokefest, Bike to Work Week, and Belles and Baskets, I am delighted to share with others my pride in being a late-in-life jock.

As my mother would attest, if I can do it, anyone can! //

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Out There Monthly / MAY 2011