Out There Monthly October 08

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OCTO D N W O UTD BE R OOR C A LE N THE INLAND NORTHWEST GUIDE TO OUTDOOR RECREATION

// OCT 2008

// VOL. 4, NO. 10

DAR

D OF A D IFFE ROE ONTR KAIN DVE NTU R E O UTD

PAGE/11 OUR OFF-ROAD BICYCLE PARADISE

WHAT’S YOUR GEAR?:

TGR CAMERAMAN PAGE/20

A SPORTS NUTRITIONIST TALKS

CHOCOLATE PAGE/17 ROADTRIP:

HARRISON LAKE BEAUTY PAGE/12

SMARTROUTES 2010 CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES PAGE/10

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in this issue p.5 / From the Editor Calling All BMXers

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13

p.6 / Out There News Beacon Hill Open House, Green Bluff, SmartRoutes, Micah Black & A

26

New TGR FIlm

p.11 / Everyday Cyclist Offroad Trail Paradise

By John Speare

p.12 / Roadtrips

MONTHLY

Bead Lake Trail and Harrison Lake

By Jordy Byrd and Jon Jonckers

p.14 / Dangerous & Illegal A Different Kind Of Outdoor Adventure

By Jon Snyder

www.outtheremonthly.com Out There Monthly / OCTOBER 2008 Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

Jon Snyder jon@outtheremonthly.com Art Director

Kaitlin Snyder kaitlin@outtheremonthly.com Health & Fitness Editor

p.17 / Health & Fitness Is Chocolate Health Food?

By Melanie Hingle

p.18 / Sustainable Living Spokane Bioneers Event Looks at Smart Growth

By Juliet Sinisterra

p.20 / What’s Your Gear?

Josh Nieslen: TGR Cameraman

By Mira Copeland

p.21 / MUSIC Reviews & Upcoming shows Gun Of The Sun, Metallica, Pussycat Dolls, TV On The Radio, Birdmonster

p.22 / Book Reviews The Ultimate Himalayan Climbing History, Olympic National Park Guide

p.23 / OCTOBER INLAND NW OUTDOOR CAlendar & Six Month Training Calendar

Dr. Bob Lutz senior writer

Derrick Knowles CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jeff Ferguson, Ben Tobin Contributing Writers:

Jordy Byrd, Michael Campbell, Mira Copeland, Emalee Gillis, Ashley Graham, Melanie Hingle, Bob Husak, Jon Jonckers, Stan Miller, Juliet Sinisterra, John Speare Distribution Coordinator

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

Jon Snyder: 509 / 534 / 3347 Out There Monthly

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

by Snyderco DBA/Out There Monthly. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. ©Copyright 2008 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

p.26 / The Last Page Mountain Unicycling Makes An Ascent

By Emalee Gillis

On the cover: Train hopping. // Photo jeff ferguson. Inset photo: Simon of wheelsport at beacon Hill. // Photo ben tobin

OCTOBER 2008

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FROM THE EDITOR: CALLING ALL BMX’ERS In March 2007 you may recall an editorial I wrote describing how my almost 40-year-old, almost 200-pound body was almost knocked out cold when I crashed at a BMX park in Louisiana.

I guess I’m looking for more punishment. The Spokane Parks Department is on the cusp planning the city’s first public BMX park at Joe Albi stadium and they need help to make it happen.

Even if you, personally, don’t think bicycle motocross is something you’re into I urge you support this effort. Our kids are fatter than they should be and need more cool outdoor things to do.

Now is the time to get involved. If everyone who

comes to the upcoming planning meeting insists the BMX course be lined with purple rhododendrons it might happen. Seriously. Spokane Parks own Mike Aho has asserted to me that anyone showing up for the three planning meetings this fall could have enormous input on the final BMX park plan. They’ve already had successful public meetings for the Albi skate park.

And they need the help. So far no one at parks or the project contractor have been able to see the state’s most successful BMX parks (Walla Walla, Tri-Cities, or Riverside BMX in Sumner) to crib ideas. They need input from local BMXers so that this dirt track doesn’t end up being a bike version

of the failed Under-the-Freeway skate park.

(Speaking of the Under-the-Freeway skate park: the Spokane Parks Foundation assures me that a “Phase II� of this much-maligned facility is being looked at for next year. Skaters; get organized and make it happen.)

Aho feels the potential for the park is big because of the Albi location. They have huge amounts of parking and could likely handle camping for a major regional or national BMX event.

(Hello, Spokane Regional Sports Commission?)

The whole project, which would include a dirt track, bleachers, and maybe a rental concession for bikes could be completed by June 2009. So if

you are a neighbor, a BMXer, or just BMX curious please help Parks make this the best possible recreational bike facility. Please contact Mike Aho at MAho@SpokaneCity.org, to get on a list to be notified for the first meeting in October. I don’t want to have to go all the way to Louisiana the next time I need to wreck on a BMX jump. // -----------------------------------------------------JON SNYDER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF editor@outtheremonthly.com

Check out our blog at www.outtheremonthly. com for great outdoor news each week.

Spokane Alpine Haus • Infant Care • Child Development • Acute Care • Adolescent Medicine • ADHD/ Behavioral Health

Don’t forget to schedule an appointment! • Sports physicals for the upcoming school year! • Kindergarten immunizations and well care visits • Flu Mist available in September, flu shots in late fall • NEW SCHOOL REGULATIONS require chicken pox immunizations

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OCTOBER 2008

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news chunks OTM has gotten word that Iller Creek is consistently getting hammered by ATVs

and dirt bikes, even though it is Spokane County Conservation Futures property where motorized use is strictly forbidden. On the trail area known as the Iller Creek Loop there are reports that erosion has become big problem has become especially on the first half mile of the East Ridge. The upper portion of the lower trail is also reported to be eroding badly. Will all the hard work conserving this property go for naught because of some irresponsible users?

The Flying Irish Running Club folks would like to make OTM readers aware of a couple events.

After the Club’s run on October 2 author, Rachel Toor reads from her new book Personal Record at Auntie’s at 7:30. Have a beer or two and join the reading, a couple free copies given away and autographs available. Remember that Flying Irish also earn a 50% discount in the Auntie’s reading club so please support both Rachel & Aunties by showing up. On October 30 is the Annual Flying Irish Halloween Fun Run. Costume contests, pumpkin carving and oh yeah another fun-run in costumes.

Spokane’s most unique and altruistic restaurant for organic and local food, One

World Spokane, has opened it’s doors at 1804 East Sprague. They are open for lunch on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 am to 3 pm. Fridays and Saturdays for lunch and dinner from 11am to 8pm and Sundays for Brunch from 11am to 3 pm. For more information about this unique local food project email janice@oneworldspokane. com, or visit oneworldspokane.com.

Way to go Spokane!

Spokefest was a blast!

Why not keep that smile on by riding to work?

2009 Redline

Conquest Cyclocross

Aluminum frame & fork 105/FSA/Ritchey

$1150

2009 Gary Fisher Kaitai

All-weather commuter Disc brakes/700c

$650

Everything you need to ride this Fall and Winter at

www.northdivision.com North Division Bicycle Shop • 10503 N Division • 467-BIKE(2453) 6

Out There Monthly

/ OCTOBER 2008

In other local food news, Main Market Cooperative has officially launches its membership drive. As soon as Main Market Cooperative achieves its fundraising goals, work will commence in 2009 on its newly designated permanent home, the current Goodyear Tire building at 44 W. Main Street. The new location has considerably increased space compared to the previous slated location on 17 West Main Street.

The over 9,500 square foot store will visually attract business from a west & south accessible corner and offer multiple free parking spaces, full southern exposure to support a rooftop garden and outside seating. These assets meet many of the cooperative’s identified characteristics for an ideal location, bringing a full-service grocery and so much more to downtown Spokane. Main Market members share a passion for fresh, allnatural foods, community involvement and our environment. More info at http://www.mainmarket.coop.

There’s still time to promote wilderness areas in the Colville Nation Forest. The Forest Service is hosting two more important, collaborative meetings for the public around northeast Washington to decide which roadless areas will be recommended to Congress for wilderness.

If you can attend any of these meetings please call Conservation Northwest at (509) 747-1663.

They offer free carpooling from Spokane. The meetings are: Oct. 4 – Colville Collaboration Meeting on Hoodoo Canyon & the eastern Kettle Range, 9 am-3 pm, Ambulance Training Center, 425 N Highway. Nov. 1 – Republic Collaboration Meeting on the Kettle Crest &

Thirteen Mile Canyon, 9 am-3 pm, Elementary School Auditorium, 30306 E Highway 20. For more information about the issue, please visit www.conservationnw.org.

You are invited to join the “Furnace Creek Guys”, Spokane area cyclists, as they embark on the world’s premier ultramarathon bicycle race, The Furnace Creek 508! These fierce competitors have designated Mobius Kids, a children’s museum, as their charity of choice hoping that you will support their efforts by donating to the museum. At 7:00 a.m. on October 4th, 2008 these three guys will “clip in” to ride 508 miles on their bicycles from San Clarita, California to Twenty Nine Palms, California. With 35,000 feet of cumulative elevation gain they will cross ten mountain passes, that stretch from Santa Clarita (just north of Los Angeles), across the Mojave Desert, through Death Valley, to Twenty Nine Palms as they complete “the toughest 48 hours in sport”. Did you know that 508 miles is like riding your bike from Spokane to Seattle, then continuing on to Portland, plus adding an additional 51 miles? And 35,000 feet in elevation is like climbing Mt Spokane six times, all while the blazing temperatures soar into the hundreds? Now consider completing this remarkable feat in 48 hours or less. The athletes include Dave Remington, age 67, Michael Emde, age 38, and Robert “Roby T” Treadwell, age 44. Visit Mobious Kids blog at: http://2008fc508rideforkids.blogspot.com/ for all of the fun details and facts about this grueling race and Mobius Kids.

Saranac Art Projects is pleased to announce the opening of Release: The Art of angling in the American West on September 17th, 2008. The exhibition will run from September 17th through October 25th, 2008. The exhibition looks at the tradition of art and angling in the West. The works of art include paintings by Russell Chatham, Gaylen Hansen, and Heidi Oberheide. The exhibition also includes photographs by Jeff Mishler, a veteran Oregon Steelhead Guide, who has photographed and fished in Scotland, Ireland, Russia, B.C, and Oregon. The exhibition also has a collection of antique Hardy Fly Reels, dating from 1850 through 1930. Each reel shows beautiful craftsmanship while having a practical application. Hand crafted fly rods by C.F. Burkheimer Rod Company of Washougal Washington and Sweetgrass Rod Company of Twin Bridges Montana, are included in the exhibition. More info at www.saranacartprojects. org.

As Summer begins to fade and hints of Autumn’s arrival dot the landscape Twin Eagles Wilderness School has announced its Adult Apprenticeships program for 2008-2009. There are two tracks: Wilderness Skills Apprenticeship, and Instructor Training Apprenticeship. All programs take place at their brand new campus: Cedar Springs, just 20 minutes north of Sandpoint (Except Animal Tracking Expedition & Winter Snow Cave Expedition). Wilderness Skills Apprenticeship weekend intensives are led by Tim Corcoran & Jeannine Tidwell, school founders and directors, as well as other Twin Eagles Wilderness School staff and special guests.

Pre-registration is required. Limited enrollment.

Register now by calling (208) 265-368. //

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Happy H

OUT THERE NEWS

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Micah Black In Town For new TGR film But this time his band will get the party started

Join us for our

15-year Oktoberfest Party on Oct. 11 featuring our 15-Year Anniversar y I.P.A. TGR in Alaska // Photo Mark Fisher.

The onset of crisp, cool air and the col-

Time B omb 711 N

. Mon (509) 326 roe, Spokane -6949 Vin

tage bik Records-C es-Toys-Tiki-Boo ksD Kulture-L s-Furniture-Kusto owbrow-M m buy, sell, ore! trade

12PM-6P

Northern Lights Brewing Co. and Pub 1003 E. Trent Ave.

Spokane WA, (509) 242-2739

M Tues-S

at

Kootenai County Fairgrounds Saturday, November 1st 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

ors of fall signal the imminent arrival of winter and everything that comes with it—runny noses, Christmas decorations, and excited ski and snowboard film fanatics. This season brings perennial favorite ski filmmakers Teton Gravity Research to Spokane for a pre-season kickoff party featuring their latest flick Under The Influence. The latest 16mm/HD offering from TGR showcases the people, places, and moments that define our skiing and riding. Filmed during the incredible winter of 2008, the film follows the exploits of today’s top skiers and riders as they traverse the globe in search of the unique terrain and conditions that emerged from one of the deepest winters in recorded history. The Jackson Hole-based film crew scattered the planet as they filmed virgin spines in Alaska, cowboy park jumps at Grand Targhee, pillow popping deep in the Northwest, relentless powder in the Jackson

backcountry, and so much more.

Along for the ride is Jackson Hole’s own beloved band Dolman, Black, & The Brain, whose music appeared in last year’s TGR film Lost & Found and will again be featured in Under The Influence.

Formed by seasoned frontman Ken Dolman in 2007, members include bassist Dave “the Brain” Reetz and drummer Micah Black. Spokanites will recognize local son Black, who was raised on area ski hills and went on to tear up big mountain ranges around the world as a professional freeskier and TGR film star. Join DBB at the Spokane premiere of Under The Influence at the Knitting Factory Saturday, October 4th. The party kicks off at 7pm with a sick film, rocking music, tons of free stuff (including a free night skiing lift ticket to Mt. Spokane) and plenty of snow dancing.

Tickets are $10, available at Sportscreel, L77, and all Ticketswest outlets. //

BEACON HILL TRAIL NETWORK OPen House and trail clean-up both scheduled for october

WINTER SPORTS EQUIPMENT

Skiing•Snowboarding•Clothing

TO SELL: x Register items for sale Fri., Oct.31st, 3 to 8 PM.

TO BUY: x Shop Sat., 9 AM to 3 PM. x Admission is $4; under 12 free.

www.winterswap.org Lookout Pass & Silver Mountain Ski Patrols We are volunteer, non-profit organizations 8

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The Fat Tire Trail Riders Club is leading an effort to formalize the Beacon Hill Trail Network, a mix of public and private ownership, for enjoyment for generations to come.

A Beacon Hill Trail Connections “Charrette” (a fancy name for a design workshop) will take place on October 24-25, 2008. The charrette will focus on producing creative solutions for connecting Beacon Hill to the surrounding communities. It will also find ways to improve access and use of the trails. A Community Open House showcasing the design work will follow on Saturday evening, October 25, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Mountain Gear Cooperate Facility (6021 Mansfield – note not the store location). Participants are invited to see what the designers from across the state came up with and find out how trails can be a bigger part of our community.

A clean-up event is also being held on Saturday, October 25th beginning at 9:00 AM. Everyone is invited to help clean up at Shields Park and Beacon Hill. Meet in the Shields Park parking lot, at Minnehaha Rocks. Bring your gloves and muscles; provided will be bags, directions, and lunch by Boy Scout Troop 19.

For the Beacon Hill workshop and clean-up,

the Fat Tire Trail Riders Club is teaming up with the City of Spokane Parks and Recreation Department, Spokane County, Avista, private landowners, developers, the National Park Service, the American Society of Landscape Architects, International Mountain Biking Association, the Spokane Mountaineers, Boy Scouts, Wheelsport East, Wintersport, Inland Northwest Trails Coalition, Spokane Mountaineers, Spokane County Regional Health District, Minnehaha Neighborhood Council, REI, Mountain Gear and a diverse group of local experts.

The Beacon Hill design workshop will be the eighth Community Design Charrette in a unique partnership between the National Park Service Rivers & Trails Program and the Washington Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects.

For more info on the Beacon Hill project or Open House, contact Angie Feser, Fat Tire Trail Riders Club at mtb@fttrc.org or (509) 481-8983.

For more info on the cleanup, contact Steve Reynolds of the Spokane Mountaineers at sreynoldsmead@comcast.net.

Mt. Spokane Ski Patrol

44th Annual Bring children’s items to swap!

October 25th-26th

Spokane County Fair and Expo Center

ROL.

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Live Music, Featured Guests, & Fun Activities *Visit our website for the detailed schedule*

On 2nd Ave. between Division and Browne Downtown Spokane

Thursday Inlander Appreciation Night

Free admission with coupon

Sunday Parents Skate FREE Parents admission is free when kids pay regular prices

www.spokanefarmersmarket.org Food Stamps/EBT, Visa/MC, WIC, & Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program Coupons

509.625.6601 | spokaneriverfrontpark.com

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OUT THERE NEWS Green Bluff ready for harvest Local Food, Local Tradition, Lots of fun

art-centered yoga

eck the website or more events d Summer class schedule

mainstreetyogaspokane.com

509-869-0817 W. Main, Spokane

HAVING PUMPKIN FUN AT GREENBLUFF. // Photo Jon Jonckers.

Nothing completes the autumn harvest sea-

• • Football player • BIG BROTHER

Share a Little Time.

Make a Big Difference.

“It’s a real fun experience for me.

It actually makes me feel like a kid again. Give it a try, become a Big Brother.”

There are 117 boys in Spokane and Kootenai County waiting for you Be A Mentor…call today!

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Inland Northwest 222 W. Mission #210 Spokane, WA 99201

Call (509) 328-8310 www.northwestbigs.org

We now take cans with labels still attached.

And scientists still can’t give us intergalactic travel?

Cans

Aluminum and tin: Rinse well, labels okay

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

recycling hotline: 625.6800 The cycle starts www.solidwaste.org

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Spokane Regional

with you.

Solid Waste System

son like a visit to Green Bluff. Thanks to the abundant and local fresh fruits and vegetables, the playful offerings for kids, and never-ending Halloween fun, there’s no excuse not to drive northeast of Spokane to visit the area’s best little farming community.

Part of what makes Green Bluff unique in the entire country is the large concentration of farms (over 30) within such a relatively small area (approximately 12 square miles.) This concentration provides Spokane area residents with healthy, affordable and arguably superior food from local growers, and the month of October really allows these farms to stand out. There’s a five-week window when 12 fruits and vegetables are ripe, as well as a bounty of year round flowering plants and local wine.

To further capitalize on the season, many farms celebrate the Fall with a giant Harvest Festival. Take

advantage of corn mazes and pony rides for the kids, samples of unbeatable local recipes (think hot cider or apple pie), and there’s ample opportunity to pick out a winning pumpkin for your best ever jack-o-lantern. What started a couple of decades ago as a one-day celebration of apples at the Green Bluff Grange has evolved into a six-week, all-out apple bonanza. Today, Green Bluff ’s more than two dozen growers continue to sell bushel upon bushel of Jonagolds, Granny Smiths and Fujis.

Note that each farm is run independently within the Green Bluff Growers Association with unique hours, events, produce & services. There is no set location for the events since each farm pretty much does its own thing. // To learn about specific events, special live music appearances, or other festival activities, check out www.greenbluffgrowers.com.

SMARTROUTES CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES

IF CHOSEN SPOKANE COULD RECIEVE $50 MILLION BIKE/PED Funding SPOKANE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION COUNCIL, Spokane Regional Health District, local

political and business leaders, community activists, walking and bicycling advocates, and local planners formed a partnership earlier this year to develop the ‘SmartRoutes 2010’ initiative; an application and case statement for $50 million from the federal government to make improvements to area nonmotorized facilities.

Over 40 other communities across the country also applied for money under the Rails To Trails Conservancy’s ‘2010 Campaign’ (SmartRoutes is the name chosen for the campaign on the local level) and there will be a national media event on Oct. 20 in Washington, D.C. to draw attention to this campaign and the need for better bike/ped facilities.

Locally, several agencies (pretty much everyone listed above) are getting together to also host an event on Oct. 20. Spokane’s event will be a lunchtime walk to the STA plaza to show support for the bike/ped cause. The plan is to have local leaders lead employees from their worksites. For instance, Todd Mielke will gather up County employees and walk with them to the Plaza, Richard Rush would do the same from City Hall, Glenn Miles would lead all SRTC employees to the Plaza, etc.

Once there, there will be a mini-information fair, food, prizes and surveys to solicit opinions on what bike/ped projects are considered to be ‘priority’ projects by members of the public. // For more information please call Staci Lehman at SRTC at (509) 343-6387.

http://cyclingspokane.blogspot.com

Everyday cyclist Living in A Trail Paradise

Not hard to find excellent off-road riding // By John Speare

simon hartt at beacon hill. // Photo Ben tobin.

I recently got a new road bike that can take

pretty fat tires. After writing about the joys of “underbiking” a couple months ago, my buddies have enjoyed busting my chops about my new fat-tired road bike, which is more of an “overbike.”

My favorite rides always have some dirt element: a county road, a fire road, or a trail. With this new bike and its fatty tires, I’ve been seeking out trails more than I have in the past and I’ve been having a blast.

A couple weeks ago, I persuaded local trails and mountain bike guru, Ben Tobin, to take me on some dirt rides. Our first ride started down the familiar trails off of High Drive. I’ve explored just about all of these trails. Eventually, if you keep going south, you end up in a development off of Hatch Road, which is where we popped out. The new piece of trail that Ben showed me was across Hatch Road, on the east side. This trail sweeps around a ravine and gently swoops down to Hangman Valley Road. From there, Ben showed me more trails in the same general area.

As I mentioned, I’m already inclined to ride some dirt as part of my normal riding routine, but what I kept thinking as I rode these trails with Ben is how amazingly under-used these trails are.

The day we rode around the south part of town we saw two walkers over the course of about 20 miles of trail.

I also started thinking about all the cyclists I know and how so many of them just don’t ride trials. Why? Most of these trails are not technically difficult. There are some sections of the High Drive trails that have a distracting steep drop off, but you can walk those as you make your way to the more interior sections. Any bike with reasonably fat tires (32 mm or more) and a bit of tread would do fine on these trails. You don’t need suspension or carbon or clipped in pedals. You don’t need mad technical skills. You just need to find a local person like Ben who knows the trails and is patient and will take you out.

There are so many cyclists that are missing out a whole world of cycling. It is so beautiful and quiet and refreshing to ride through the local sections of natural areas that are either in or on the perimeter of our city.

The following week, our second ride together started at Wheel Sport South, where the store manager, Simon, let me borrow a Specialized Stumpjumper Expert. Talk about overbiking! This bike has dual suspension. The rear pivot is sus-

pended and has—get this—a brain to control the stiffness of the suspension. Simon spent a bunch of time getting the brain, and the rest of the bike, all dialed in for me.

I’ve always wanted to ride a super bike like this on some trails. Our plan was to go hit Beacon Hill on the north side of town.

Beacon Hill is an amazing network of trails. It’s obvious that many people, Especially the Fat Tire Trail Rider’s Club, have put in a lot of work to build up and maintain this huge area. According to Ben and many online reviews, Beacon Hill has some of the best downhill riding in the northwest. It’s certainly at the top of the heap for the Spokane area. Unlike the trials of High Drive, which are swoopy with flat sections and some up and down climbing, Beacon Hill is just downhill. The trails zig zag sharply down the hill and are interrupted by boulders, large drop-offs, and many trees. If there are trails for beginners here, Ben did not take me on any. In fact, on my initial descent, I went over the bars and landed hard.

Once I got adjusted to the bike, it was thrilling to ride down super technical trails behind someone like Ben. Ben has been riding downhill for many years. He’s graceful and fast. I tried to watch for technique as he effortlessly dropped into tight corners seemingly without braking. The same corners had my rear wheel catching and slipping as I just managed to keep the bike upright. On our second run down, we took a different route.

As I traveled about 20 yards behind Ben, I saw him disappear. It was as if the ground opened up and swallowed whole. By the time I processed what had happened to him, I was shooting off the top of a boulder and dropping down to the trail below. Luckily, I didn’t freeze up and I was able to channel my inner 12 year old BMX child. I landed my first big drop. Yow. We did three runs down the hill and they were all exhilarating.

However, at the end of the day, I think I’m more of a trails guy than a downhill guy.

There are a lot of local trails that I’ve yet to explore. I know there are trails in all parts of town.

Most of these trails are not well-documented and may only be familiar to local cyclists. If you’ve not explored the trails in your area, you owe it to yourself to seek out that local trail rider and get a tour.

John Speare grew up and lives in Spokane. He rides his bike everywhere. Check out his blog at http://cyclingspokane.blogspot.com.

October 5, 2008 Fallen Leaf Run - 5K run for SIDS

October 12, 2008 Spokane Marathon more info at

www.runnersoul.com

Spokane's only running specialty store.

221 N. Wall St. 509.624.7654 �������� ������������ �������� ����������

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road trips

hike and bike Bead Lake trail

Quick Getaway near Newport Offers All the Beauty Of Bigger Lakes // by Jordy Byrd As it turns out, one of the best summer activi-

ties is also one of the best fall activities. Hiking.

Re-visiting a familiar trail or experiencing a new one this fall is guaranteed to fight off any signs of early hibernation.

If you’re hoping for a hike that’s extraordinary, look for one along a lake. If you’re looking for one that’s close enough, yet still far away from home, visit Bead Lake; a mountain lake that hosts a magnificent trail along its timbered shoreline.

Colville National Forest The 722 acre lake sits hidden in the mountains northwest of Newport, Washington, in the Pend Oreille River Valley. The lake is relatively undeveloped, with residential areas along the western face. Surrounding shoreline and forest is a part of the Colville National Forest’s 1.1 million acres in northeastern Washington. This includes acreage from the Kettle River, Selkirk mountain ranges, and the upper reaches of the Columbia River. The Newport Ranger District

a meadow on the trail to Stuart Lake, Stuart range in the background (Icicle Creek area) // photos david tagnani.

A Community Process: Defining a Future for Beacon Hill!

Public Open House: You are invited to a community workshop on the Beacon Hill Recreation Area! Come see the creative ideas that landscape architect professionals and community members have developed through a design charrette. The workshop will focus on trailheads; community connections; alternative transportation; and interpretation and education opportunities, trails and amenities.

Come tell us your ideas and help pick the best designs for Beacon Hill!

th

When: October 25 , 6:00 – 8:00 PM Where: Mountain Gear Corporate Facility (Note: Not the store!)

6021 E. Mansfield, Spokane Valley Refreshments will be served and prizes given away!

For more information, call Angie at 481-8983.

Community Charrette Partners & Sponsors

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Out There Monthly

/ OCTOBER 2008

Enjoy the winding pathways through oldgrowth conifer forests, steady creeks, mosscovered boulders and spectacular lakeside views. manages Bead Lake and surrounding areas of the national forest. Year long recreational activities include camping, boating, kayaking, canoeing, biking and hiking. Arguably the most famous feature on the mountain lake is the Bead Lake Trail.

Bead Lake Trail Open throughout the spring, summer and fall, the scenic 12.8 mile trail (both ways) is worth the hour drive from Spokane. Nan Berger, recreation manager for the Newport and Sullivan Lake ranger districts, said the trail is accessible for hikers, cyclists, and trail riders with horses. Beginning to advanced hikers, and intermediate to advanced cyclists, are encouraged to enjoy the winded pathways through old-growth conifer forests, lulling creeks and spectacular lakeside views.

The trailhead begins and ends on Bead Lake

Ridge Road. Forest Service signs and a brief switchback lead to the trail head at an elevation of 3040 feet. From there, the single file pathway ebbs and flows along the shoreline, valleys and coves of Bead Lake. A few hundred feet from the trailhead is a free, primitive Forest Service campsite. The site has a spectacular beachfront and iron fire ring. Several other campsites, including an Eagle Scout project dubbed the Enchanted Forest, sit along the way.

Trail’s history The trail was originally constructed after the forest fires of 1910. The Bead Lake Trail, including numerous others, was built to intersect a larger route called the Divide Trail, Berger said.

Although no longer maintained by the Forest Service, the original trail connected multiple mountain peaks and supplied fire lookouts all the way up into Canada.

During this time of year the trail experiences minor seasonal changes. In October the Western Larch or Tamarack trees will change their color to a beautiful golden yellow, Berger said. The trees will then drop their needles, she added, paving a colorful trail. If you’ve got the time and a pole, there are plenty of access points for fishing.

Berger said fishing season is open year round with a self-sustaining population that includes Kokenee, Lake Trout, Largemouth Bass and more. If you don’t feel like packing a fishing pole, the trail also hosts several geo cache sites, Berger said. For more information about geocaching and coordinates for the Bead Lake Trail visit http://www.geocaching.com.

Toward the end of the hike, the trail will fork along Lodge Creek. Travel left and you’ll continue up a steep switchback until reaching the end of the trail at 3600 feet, on Bead Lake Ridge Road. Once on top rest yourself, eat some food and enjoy the crisp fall weather. You’ll find that the way down is just as beautiful as the way up.

For no hike is the same; no matter how many times you do it. //

WHEN YOU GO // From Spokane follow North on U.S. Route 2 for about 47 miles into Newport. From Newport follow U.S. Route 2 across the Pend Oreille River into Idaho, and turn left after the bridge on LeClerc Road. Continue on LeClerc for 2.8 miles and turn right on Bead Lake Road. Travel for 6 miles and turn right on the first road, Bead Lake Ridge Road. The trailhead and a free parking area are approximately ½ a mile up the road.

Who to contact For more information about Bead Lake call the Newport Ranger District at 509-447-3129 or 509-447 -5647. For more information about the Colville National forest call 509-684-7000 or visit http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/colville. //

road trips Harrison lake: Great views in the selkirks North Idaho Alpine Lake Also Hides Old Small Plane Wreck // By Jon Jonckers Harrison Peak and Peak 7171, serve up the best views of the entire Selkirk Crest. I had visited the area before, once in bad weather and once when forest fires burned nearby, and it wasn’t until recently that I learned just how far you can see up there. Looking south, one can see the teeth of the Harrison Cirque, almost seven independent mountains, as well as the mighty Chimney Rock and Mount Roothan. Gazing east, one sees most of the Pack River drainage, the upper portion of Roman Nose, and the Purcell Mountains in the distance. Due north, the chiseled shapes of the Lions Head occupy most of the horizon. Even further north, looking into Canada, one can pick out the larger Selkirk Mountains just across the border. Finally, on the eastern perimeter, one can see glimpses of Priest Lake, some of its islands, and perhaps Upper Priest Lake.

Like many Selkirk enthusiasts in this area, I had been up and around most of the significant North Idaho hikes and climbs.

But, as previously mentioned, I was thwarted by poor weather or dismal visibility due to forest fires when I attempted to reach Harrison. A few years after those trips, the major bridge for the Pack River Road was washed away in a massive spring runHarrison is great north Idaho alpine lake. // Photo by jon jonckers.

“The sight of Harrison Peak hovering above

its namesake lake at the headwaters of the Pack River provides one of the loveliest backdrops in all of North Idaho,” according to Thad Laird.

He ought to know since he wrote a Climber’s Guide to North Idaho and the Cabinet Wilderness.

Make no mistake; Harrison Peak and the greater Harrison Cirque (aka The Harrison Lake Basin) are truly one of the most scenic spots in all of the Selkirks.

The hike to the lake itself hardly requires much effort until the final half mile. I suspect fit hikers with a light daypack will spend less time reaching the lake than they spend on the dirt roads driving to the trailhead. The trail from the Pack River trailhead follows a mild grade, and generally features increasingly better views of the giant Beehive Dome, a massive granite blob hundreds of feet high. Quite frankly, the views and the trail reminded me a lot of other hikes in the area— good but not great. But reaching the lake is just the start.

The Selkirk mountains were named after Thomas Douglas, 5th Earl of Selkirk, a prominent philanthropic sponsor of early Canadian settlements. A few websites maintain the rumor that he bought “116,000 square miles of land for ten shillings” in 1811. Although the mountains are occasionally considered a subdivision of the Columbia Mountains, most agree that the Selkirk Range is encircled by the Purcell Mountains to the east and the Columbia River to the west and north. The summits are lowest in the southern portion within North Idaho, where they barely average 7,500 feet, however many northern peaks in British Columbia exceed 10,000 feet. Nevertheless, 7000 feet is a wonderful height for scenic Idaho wilderness.

The vantage points above Harrison Lake, from

crest and find the wreckage of a 1980’s small plane crash. I haven’t seen it myself, but I’ve confirmed with trusted sources that have seen it. I’m told it’s located in the boulder field, spread out, to the south of The Fin. Good luck.

Rich Landers, in his book 100 Hikes in the Inland Northwest, writes, “One of the most ruggedly beautiful alpine lakes in the Selkirk Mountains….”

Perched in rugged country between a gleaming Priest Lake and the awesome Lake Pend Oreille, I dare anyone to disagree. //

WHEN YOU GO // Access to the preferred Harrison Lake trailhead can be reached via the Pack River Road (which is about 10.5 miles north of Sandpoint). Turn west off US 95 and travel about 20 miles to reach Trail 217. The trailhead is fairly obvious and well marked with sufficient parking and a pit toilet. Beware: the last 5 or 6 miles of the Pack River Road may only be suitable for high clearance vehicles.

If the Pack River Road is not an option, consider coming up from Bonners Ferry via the Myrtle Creek Road (clearly detailed in 100 Hikes in the Inland Northwest). //

The off-season allows you to avoid the crowds. off. Repaired recently, most people weren’t even aware the eastside trailhead was even approachable. However, even though the bridge is back, the road is still one of the worst in North Idaho.

You can find dozens of campsites at Harrison Lake, but I would not be surprised if the lake is hyper-crowded at the height of the backpacking season. I suspect there’s snow around the lake if you camp up there too early, and that’s why I recommend the fall season. A little less daylight during the day and a little colder at night, but the off-season allows you to avoid the crowds, and the bugs, and any snow obstacles in the high country.

The scramble to the base of Harrison Peak is well marked with cairns as you contour on a ridge to the peak. The actual summit takes some negotiating, even circumnavigating the summit top, but given enough time most peak baggers can figure it out. As for Peak 7171, the triangle rock face that hovers almost directly over the lake, I recommend skirting the south side of Harrison Lake, continue past the giant slabs of granite, and up to a large bench. From there, cut back east until you meet the dramatic ridgeline that guards the Harrison Cirque.

Extra points go out to the hearty backcountry traveler willing to travel high along the cirque

More classes More times More formats More teachers More choices

23 7:00

Thur.

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Out There Monthly

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DISCLAIMER: Out There Monthly does not endorse or encourage freight train hopping.

When most people think of outdoor adventure

OF KIND T EREN F F A DI TURE OUTDOOR ADVEN BY: JON SNYDER

Top: Widerstand riding in a boxcar. // Photo courtesy of widerstand. Bottom: Hopping a train. // photo jeff ferguson.

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Out There Monthly

/ OCTOBER 2008

it involves visiting remote areas, by themselves or in small groups, and taking calculated risks to experience something beyond their static everyday lives. Those words certainly describe mountain biking, rock climbing, or backcountry skiing.

They could also describe hopping freight trains.

Only hopping freight trains is not just dangerous, it’s also illegal.

That hasn’t curbed its appeal to young men, and, to a lesser extent, young women, eager to take up the hobo mantle and ride the rails.

There are no comprehensive nationwide statistics for train hopping, or railroad trespassing, as it’s known in the industry. The Federal Railroad Administration does keep statistics for injuries and fatalities as a result of trespassing.

Need some education in respecting the power of a train? If you mess up and are involved in an accident there’s a 50% chance you’ll end up dead. For the last ten years the casualty rate for non-crossing, nonvehicle related accidents on trains has held steady at about 1,000 incidents a year, about half of those being fatal.

According to Gus Melonas, Seattle area public relations officer for BNSF, about 20 people a year die hopping trains in the state of Washington, a number that has held steady for the past ten years.

“Back in the 50s and 60s my brother and I would just count the hobos on the trains going by” says Melonas. But not anymore. “My office is right at the yard and I see 60 trains a day go by,” says Melonas. “I don’t recall seeing a hobo in years.”

Melonas says there are now more freight trains in the Northwest than anytime since his company first came to the region in 1873. The trains are faster, fuller, and the yards are more secure. “We are more aggressive than ever in enforcing our anti-trespassing policy—there is less trespassing now, without a doubt, “ he says. Starting in 1990 railroads became more assertive and high-tech in discouraging trespassers. That effort picked up more steam after 9/11.

In 1998 train hopping had a streak of media exposure. There was a well-publicized case of a dozen plus hobo murders attributed to the rail riding gang loosely known as the Goons. PBS ran a documentary about the depression era called “Riders of the Rails.” Both The Austin AmericanStatesman and The New York Times did pieces on modern cell-phone and web enabled hobos and recreational rail riders that ran in 1998 as well.

Ten years later there’s no indication that a yuppie hobo-revolution ever materialized. But there is no doubt that train hopping is alive and well among transient punk rock kids. In Spokane many get off trains at the west side of town and walk through to the downtown core and city services.

So with all the impediments why do people still ride the rails? Why do they endure the discomfort, the danger, and the loss of control that comes with waiting for a train and seeing where it takes you?

OTM interviewed a veteran rail rider from Oregon who goes by the hobo moniker “Widerstand” to get the answer. Widerstand has been riding trains for 12 years and his travels often take him through the Spokane area.

-----------------------------------------------------Why do you hop trains? Recreation?

Transportation?

Well both really, I don’t think it can really be just one or the other.

-----------------------------------------------------What are the risks? Rail yard bulls?

Broken limbs? Killer hobos? Gangs?

Well there are many risks but just about all of them are under your own control. When you ride a train all of the cards are in your hands.

For the most part the Special Agents (Railroad Bulls) are really nice guys if you’re nice to them and show them a little bit of respect. I have talked my way out of many tickets and nights in jail by just being nice to them and calling them Sir. Yes riding trains is dangerous but so is driving a car or riding a bike. At least when train hopping if you use your head and know how to be safe on the rails things like broken limbs and dying do not really happen.

Yes there have been a few killer hobos but there isn’t a community out there that doesn’t have a few bad seeds and as for the gang thing that would be the last thing I worry about.

Really the biggest risk and what has killed more train riders then anything else over the past 100 or so years would be exposure. Freezing to death in the winter and running out of water in the summer and just cooking to death.

-----------------------------------------------------What’s a common myth about train hopping?

I wouldn’t say that there are myths, just misconceptions. I think a lot of people view train riders as lazy, unintelligent, drunken, dangerous bums that just so happen to ride trains. This could not be farther from the truth. Every year I manage to put out a 100+ page book on train hopping and I know many other people that work cool projects, create music, and art...etc.

-----------------------------------------------------What’s the scariest thing that’s ever happened to you riding?

Well over the past 12 years of train riding I would have to say the scariest thing that happened to me was this summer when I was on a train near Cascade Summit. We were stopped at a siding and I heard footsteps outside the car I was riding and I looked out expecting to see the conductor walking the train or something but instead it was a black bear... My heart skipped like 10 beats...

-----------------------------------------------------How about the best thing?

Probably the best thing about riding trains is the landscapes you get to see that no one else ever gets to.

-----------------------------------------------------How do you combine riding with earning a living?

Well its really not that hard for myself. I live a really cheap life style so if I can earn about $3000 a year I am pretty set, but seems like every year its getting a bit harder for me to find a job in the current economy.

Other people I know often just busk (play music) on the streets, fly a sign...etc. but I really just prefer to have a job for a few months out of the year, if I can find one that is.

-----------------------------------------------------Is the Northwest a good place for train hopping?

The Northwest is an excellent place for riding trains! Just in Oregon and Washington you have two large Class 1 carriers, UP and BNSF, which cover the two states pretty well along with a long list of regional and shortline railroads.

-----------------------------------------------------What do you know about rail riding in the Spokane/CdA area?

Well the history of the railroad in Spokane goes

TRAIN DANGER // The dangers

of train

hopping might be best described by train hoppers themselves In acclaimed zine

There’s Something About a Train, editor Lee quoted this passage written by Mike from another train-related zine called Antipathy as a disclaimer for readers:

Trains passing east of downtown spokane. // photo courtesy of jon snyder.

way back to the 1880s I believe all the way back to the construction of the Northern Pacific Railway and along with any railroad comes the train riders.

It’s pretty hard to ride trains without at least passing though the Spokane area, if you look at a rail map of Washington or the US you would see that a huge amount of traffic is routed through there. The area between Spokane and Sandpoint is nicknamed ‘The Funnel’.

On top of those things the Spokane area has been the stomping ground of some well-known hobos and train riders.

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

How did you get started riding?

I started riding trains when I left home at 14 years old. I spent some time just sleeping outside not really knowing what to do at that age.

One day I saw a stopped train and not really knowing anything about trains I got on and in fact I ended up all the way in Spokane on a super cold February day . . . I really thought I was going to freeze to death on that train . . . I got off and almost immediately ran into some much older riders (40’s and 50’s)... They were the nicest people I ever met.

They helped me out a lot and showed me the ropes of train riding.

It seems to me that riding trains has become a punk rite of passage or even a social standard. There is a certain degree of illustrious machismo that accompanies train talk, of triumphs and failures, of friendly bulls that buy you lunch to frostbitten toes and jail time, and accordingly, affords it a kind pretentiousness, Ask anyone who has never ridden a train, but has been excluded from a conversation how it looks to them . . . I am positive they will concur.

It’s not that this is bad necessarily, because like anything else,

train jumping is something people have to identify with one another and make connections. However, there is something a biy scary about a social standard that puts people in an uncomfortable place.

Train jumping is not safe. People die. People get their feet run off or fall from trains. They are robbed or beaten by the various degenerate life forms that hang around train yards. People get thrown in jail, poisoned by toxic chemicals from the cars, dropped in the middle of nowhere with no food and no water . . . The list goes on and on. [emphasis ours—e.d.] For me, the joy and philosophy that train jumping gives me is more than ample justification to continue on in the noble art. However, for people that are not willing to be arrested on federal trespass charges or risk eating shit and losing a body part, it sucks that it has become such a standard. Basic point; we need to think about social standards as they manifest themselves in our culture and recognize their effects on other folks in an effort to keep them from coming to dominate. //

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Out There Monthly

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frieght train access terrain almost unreachable by others means of transportation. // photo widerstand.

the view from a boxcar. // photo widerstand.

For the first time in my life I had felt accepted and felt like I found where I belonged and I have stuck to it ever since.

-----------------------------------------------------That was in Spokane? Can you tell me anything more about that?

Well I pulled into Spokane riding BNSF and it was cold as can be out when I met them, they gave me some much warmer gear and showed me the ropes of getting free food, work, places to sleep, and most importantly how to be safe when riding trains. I ended up spending a few months riding with them and learning things. The three of them were really old looking, they maybe appeared to be in their 60s at least but they were really in their 40’s and the years of riding and living outdoors had really broken them down.

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-----------------------------------------------------Did you see any of the guys who helped you out again after that trip?

I never did see them again but from what I can put together from asking people over the years about them I think they headed to the east coast and we parted ways and that was that... They could have changed there monikers or died and vanished.

-----------------------------------------------------Do you usually ride alone?

I often ride alone just because I find that having a traveling for partner is like having an anchor attached to me or hiking with a pack of bowling balls; it just slows me down.

-----------------------------------------------------Do you see yourself connected to a

longstanding tradition of train hopping?

Absolutely! It’s really hard for me when riding not to think about the past and the people that traveled on the line I am on before I did. I feel like I’ve always tried to be a good representative of the train riding community and carry on some of the traditions.

-----------------------------------------------------Have you ever been to the Hobo convention in Dunsmuir?

I have never made it to the West Coast Hobo gathering just because well I am not that social and being in large groups makes me pretty uncomfortable.

-----------------------------------------------------Have you noticed changes in the economy or the railroad industry affecting rail riding at all?

Well, the number of trains moving over the whole system is up due to the fact that the cost of fuel for trucks is so high and it is much cheaper now to ship via rail so it doesn’t seem like you have to wait as long for a train as you did just 10 years ago.

-----------------------------------------------------Have you ever encountered hostility from railroad enthusiasts or folks who are against train hopping?

Of course there is always some self-righteous ass out there that feels like it is his place to enforce the law and they will call you in or something along those lines. I think the general consensus that most railfans or foamers are pretty much against the idea of riding trains for one reason or another... but I probably shouldn’t get into my opinion of that.

-----------------------------------------------------In 1998 there was a lot of media attention about “recreational train hoppers”-- folks with professional jobs hopping for fun. The New York Times and the Austin American-Statesman both had big pieces on train hopping and how it had been affected by the internet. Ten years later I was wondering if you have seen any big changes in the people you see hopping trains? Does everybody have GPS and cell phones now? Is hopping trending up or staying flat? Or going down because trains are more full and faster and more secure?

Well I would say that the majority of train riders now have cell phones or if there is a group traveling together I can pretty much guarantee that one of them will have a phone so that is pretty normal now... I don’t see much use for a GPS but then again some phones now come with it so...

Some people also use scanners. Train hopping was super trendy in the 90’s and I would say that it is still somewhat—but not like it use to be. There are a lot more riders in the summer time then in the winter.

-----------------------------------------------------Is there a whole scene of younger rail riders?

The vast majority of the train riding community is younger. Mostly 16 to 30-year-old males.

-----------------------------------------------------I’ve read that train hopping is sort of a rite of passage for crusty punks and anarchist kids. Is that true in your experience? Have you ever encountered kids who seemed to be hopping because it seemed like the cool thing to do and got in over their heads?

Oh god yes! Just go to any metro area in the summer like Portland, Seattle, SF, Minneapolis, Baltimore, or New Orleans...etc. and crusty punks that ride trains are a dime a dozen! I have noth-

ing against them or what they do so long as they leave me be, but that kind of goes with everyone.

The world is full of stories from crusty punks that start with “We were so drunk waiting for a train in the winter time but at least we had our spacebag... etc.” for example... I would say that a fair amount of them get in over their heads.

-----------------------------------------------------Have you had any friends or associates that have been seriously hurt or killed riding trains?

None of my close friends have died riding but I have known a few people that did die because they were being stupid and for them I really have no compassion. I guess because it was about this time of year I think of Lil Jay who caught out of Tacoma, with his wife and friend. They were riding an intermodal suicide well-car and drinking when he was digging in his bag or something and they turned around for a second and looked back and he was gone. The story after that comes from his wife and what I heard second hand from an engineer, I guess the girls started to freak out, I guess when he fell under his body also hit a dragging defect detector so the engineer stopped the train and the conductor walked the length of the train and found two girls freaking out and crying and shit and then further back he found the balled up broken mass that was Jay. I guess the conductor wasn’t really the same after seeing that.

-----------------------------------------------------What would you say to someone who wanted to ride the rails? (Other than the obvious, “don’t do it because it’s illegal and dangerous”) Find a friend that rides that you can trust and go with them on your first trip, learn as much as you can about railroads and trains before heading out, bring more food and water then you think you will need, always be prepared for cold weather even in the summer months, and bring your patience. //

HOBO READING LIST // Widerstand’s Hobo & Train Reading List: ---------------------------------------------------------------There’s Something About a Train, vol. 7 There’s Something About a Train, vol. 6 Can be purchased from www.peacesupplies.org

---------------------------------------------------------------Hobo by Eddy Joe Cotton ---------------------------------------------------------------Rolling Nowhere by Ted Conover ---------------------------------------------------------------Lonesome Whistle by Duffy Littlejohn ---------------------------------------------------------------Ridin’ Free by Guitar Whitey ---------------------------------------------------------------Beggars of Life by Jim Tully ---------------------------------------------------------------Riding The Rails by Michael Mathers ---------------------------------------------------------------The Last Great American Hobo

by Michael Williamson ---------------------------------------------------------------Tales of an American Hobo

by Charles Elmer Fox ---------------------------------------------------------------Hard Travellin’ The hobo and His History

by Kenneth Allsop ---------------------------------------------------------------Boxcar Bertha by Den Reitman ---------------------------------------------------------------Mostly True by Bill Daniels ---------------------------------------------------------------Tales of The Iron Road by “Steam Train” Maury Graham ---------------------------------------------------------------Catching Out, film DVD, 2003, directed by Sarah George //

HEALTHAndFITNESS Is Chocolate health food?

Straight talk from a sports nutritionist // By melanie hingle

Our first Towne Hall Series on Inflammation helped so many….we’re doing it again!

Please join us

• A New Perspective on Heart Disease November 3rd @ 6PM, 2nd Floor

• A Fire in Your Belly: Inflammatory Bowel Disease & Crohn’s Disease December 8th @ 6PM, 2nd Floor

• Autoimmune Disorders: New View on Cause & Treatment Options to choco or not choco? // photo Angelika Schwarz.

Cocoa therapy as a way to reduce high blood pressure…a dark chocolate “prescription” to prevent heart disease…chocolate milk aiding muscle recovery after strenuous exercise. These are just a few of the many claims that have been proposed by manufacturers of chocolate products based on current research. But are these chocolate health claims justified…or just a lot of hype? Let’s separate the chocolate fact from fiction.

There’s a substantial body of research suggesting dietary flavonoids (compounds found in plants that have specific health benefits when consumed) help protect against heart disease through their antioxidant properties (by helping keep free radicals at bay); activation of compounds that relax arterial walls (reducing blood pressure); as well as inhibiting platelet activity (decreasing clotting risk). The plant food, Theobroma cacao (or the raw cocoa bean), is a rich source of these dietary flavonoids, which has prompted many chocolate manufacturers to make a somewhat shaky “if-then” leap—i.e., “IF flavonoids protect against cardiovascular disease and cocoa beans are high in flavonoids, THEN dark chocolate must be healthy for your heart!”

Further, although chocolate is naturally high in fat—specifically, saturated fat—the dominant type of saturated fatty acid found in these cocoa beans appears to be cholesterol-neutral, meaning it won’t increase your blood cholesterol levels.

So does this mean you can have your chocolate and eat it too?Not necessarily.

While it’s true that raw cocoa beans contain high amounts of flavonoids, the processing techniques that are most frequently used to make cocoa powder (often referred to as “Dutching” or “alkali processing”) strip away the majority of them. And although the fat in chocolate is cholesterol-neutral, it’s still fat, making chocolate a very high calorie food. With over 2/3rds of Americans either overweight or obese, adding a food as calorie-dense as chocolate to the diet (no matter how healthy), requires a reduction somewhere else to avoid undesirable weight gain.

Even physically active folks should think twice before adding these “extras” to their diet. Clearly, a lot of little “extras” can add up to several hundred calories. So speaking of physical activity, is chocolate a good fuel for endurance activities? Here are a few things to consider. First is the type of activity.

Since it’s a high fat food, chocolate may not work well for many during higher intensity activities – e.g. running, intense cycling, or strenuous hiking.

Fat empties from the stomach at a slow rate, putting you at risk for significant gastrointestinal distress.

However, during longer lower intensity activities –

e.g. cycling, hiking, adventure racing, this dense source of calories could absolutely be an option.

Portability and feasibility remain an issue (i.e., how do you carry chocolate without it melting all over the place?), making it somewhat impractical in warmer climates.

As for recovery after exercise— there is still no convincing evidence that chocolate is better than other foods for exercise recovery. Taking all of the above into consideration, here’s what to think about if you want to add chocolate to your diet (if you haven’t already): Serving size – 1.5 ounces--or about the size of a 1/3-inch stack of business card – yes, this is SMALL. It’s not the entire bar!

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Ingredients – if you want to choose a higher quality chocolate, go for the most natural, least processed chocolate you can find. That means avoiding chocolate with milk solids, emulsifiers, and tons of added sugar. If it contains vegetable oil or partially hydrogenated oil, don’t buy it.

Percentage of cocoa – the amount of cocoa can vary from 10-94%. Generally speaking, the more cocoa, the more flavonoids – choose chocolate with a minimum of 35% cocoa.

Calories – most chocolate bars contain 220 -280 calories per 42 grams, or about 1.5 ounces, so eat in moderation!

IF you’re picky and stick to the above guidelines, your chocolate choices will be automatically narrowed for you! Here’s something else to consider —the flavonoids found in dark chocolate are also found in other plants, for example, apples, red wine and tea. And keep in mind that just because chocolate appears to affect cardiovascular risk factors, this doesn’t mean it prevents disease… it only has been shown to affect risk factors—not the same thing as disease prevention.

So do we believe the headlines? “More good news about chocolate” (Science News, March 2, 2002) “Chocolate therapies.” (Science News, August 13, 2000) “Prescription-strength chocolate” (Science News, Oct 12, 1996) and “Can chocolate fight diabetes too?” (Science News, August 13, 2005) The jury’s still out! // Melanie Hingle is a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX in the area of behavioral nutrition and physical activity.

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SUSTAINABLE LIVING

The Best Way to grow a City

Spokane Bioneers Exhibit Highlights to Smart-Growth & Garbage Art // By Juliet Sinisterra

Garbage turns subdivision by gabriel brown // Photo courtesy of the artist.

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Out There Monthly

/ OCTOBER 2008

Downtown Spokane

On Smart-Growth, the Sightline Institute ranks Spokane sixth out of seven Northwest cities. In 2000 less than 10% of our population lived in compact, mixed-use neighborhoods compared to 60% in Vancouver B.C. Smart-growth concentrates growth in the center of a city to avoid urban sprawl; and advocates compact, transit-oriented, walkable, bicycle-friendly land use, including neighborhood schools, complete streets, mixed-use development with a range of housing choices.

Presently, Futurewise is the only statewide non-profit organization solely focused on smartgrowth, land use planning and management.

Futurewise, along with artist and local garbologist, Gabriel Brown, will be highlighting issues around sprawl through an artist-adorned exhibit at the Spokane Bioneers Conference, October 17-19 at Spokane Falls Community College.

Spokane Bioneers is a satellite of a larger, national conference held that same weekend in San Rafael, California. Bioneers are social and scientific innovators who look to living systems to understand how nature operates. The national conference will highlight a host of plenary speakers ranging from world fungi expert and Washingtonian, Paul Stamets; to Ray Anderson, a green business leader and chairman of Interface, Inc., the world’s largest manufacturer of modular carpet; to author, journalist and political activist, Naomi Klein.

Specifically, Spokane Bioneers aims to “tap the richness of our region’s diversity, inviting people to come together as a learning community, and explore new ways of living, acting and thinking that will nurture our sustainability.� Beyond the live satellite downloads of the national plenary speakers, Spokane will offer over 25 workshops that explore sustainability locally (see sidebar for workshop listing).

The Futurewise exhibit hopes to enrich local dialogue related to smart-growth & sustainable development. The booth plans to showcase imagery of what well-planned communities look like. “Most of us have not been shown enough alternatives to think critically about sprawl. We want to give people the words for this type of development—complete streets, attractive density, mixed-use ,� explains Kitty Klitzke, Eastern WA Field Coordinator for Futurewise.

In Spokane the smart growth vision the Southgate neighborhood has put forward, including trails, public gathering places and protected natural spaces, contrasts some of the plans proposed Southgate development. Brown will complement these images with a number of art pieces.

A large, upright cul-de-sac , entitled “Monument to Sprawl� is carved from over 100 layers of cardboard. In “Great Tasting Goodness,� Brown showcases numerous, small houses constructed of colorfully-labeled consumer product reclaimed from dumpsters; “this speaks to the overwhelming repetitive, completely absurd nature of consumption and dwelling in our lives,� says Brown.

Brown will also be installing a garbology piece during the conference consisting of collected litter from around the Spokane area. Brown has been diligently scouring parking lots and open areas for the “really tiny pieces that are often overlooked and tend not to be picked up.� Brown takes two

to three hours to canvas a parking lot for tiny garbage remnants. While Brown is installing the piece during the conference, he will be wearing a bright orange vest, the same vest he wears while collecting the garbage. “The installation creates something much larger—an American portrait of sorts—very related to site, place and event,� says Brown. At the end of the conference, Brown intends to “sweep away� the installation in a manner similar to Tibetan Monks and mandala sand paintings. “This exhibit won’t exist anywhere else—I will have worked hard on it and it is about to disappear. It is a type of offering—it becomes a reflection of us—a comment on our wastefulness and impermanence.�

As a society, we have become increasingly wasteful. According to Pat Murphy, in his book, Plan C: Community Survival Strategies for Peak Oil and Climate Change, the average U.S. citizen is responsible for an exhorbitant amount of waste per year: 2,147 pounds of hazardous waste, 336 pounds of paper, 78 pounds of glass metal, 492 pounds of carbon monoxide, and 36,668 pounds of carbon dioxide. “The volume of these waste materials (about 50,000 pounds per person per year) is shocking,� writes Murphy, “ and the invisible waste generated in a gaseous form is threatening life on earth.�

Our consumption patterns and the impact of our built environment are closely linked. In the past 50 years, we have been building larger homes further and further away from each other—creating larger spaces to heat alongside greater energy costs associated with expanding infrastructure such as electricity, natural gas, water and sewage.

We tend to forget that it takes a lot of energy to pump water. We also have fewer people living in a home. In 1950 the average home size was 253 square feet per person, in 2003 it was 893 square feet per person. According to Murphy, our housing sector is responsible for 39% of the U.S.’s annual CO2 emissions, compared to only 9% of the remaining world. The way we build our homes and where we build our homes clearly impacts the health of our planet.

Beyond the Futurewise exhibit, Klitzke will be leading a workshop at Spokane Bioneers entitled, “Alternative Transportation Forum: Leveraging Global Warming and High Gas Prices in Order to Build a Viable Transportation Infrastructure.� The workshop aims to engage participants in a vision for the transportation future of Spokane.

How we plan our communities, the size of our homes, their energy use and how we move to and from our homes are key components of sustainable development patterns and the future wellbeing of our planet.

According to the Bioneers website; “The hour is dangerously late, yet there appears to be a worldwide awakening. The next ten years will be the make-it-or-break-it period to effect a fundamental, large-scale shift.� //

www.sustainspokane.org www.bioneers.org www.futurewise.org www.architecture2030.org www.ecobuilding.org

SUSTAINABLE LIVING

BIONEERS SPOKANE WORKSHOP SCHEDULE // Friday, Session 1 | 2:45-4:15 PM

Preparing for a Green Spokane: The Mayor’s

Envisioning Spokane: Examines how a new

Sustainability Task Force along with the four topic work groups share with you what’s been developed so far, and get your feedback.

form of community activism is taking hold in Spokane.

Green Collar Jobs & Solution Based Politics Grow Local Opportunities: Discusses the fast moving local and national efforts addressing this critical new pathway for meaningful employment for all citizens.

Growing Farms: Creating Healthy Food Communities : An overview of the Cultivating Success program and an opportunity to learn how you can become an active participant in developing our local food and farming community.

Education Connecting to Culture & Tradition: Discusses oral tradition in the forms

Energy & Water Wise Living: Practical Solutions: Discusses how we use energy and water, two vitally important resources.

Changing the Face of Communities: Women in Leadership: Discusses the female approach to leadership which incorporates multiple factors.

Conserving Landscapes through Public & Private Partnerships: Outlines the ways that people as well as government entities have permanently protected local lands.

Google Earth Forum: Learn the Basics about Google Earth and its Use for Web AdvocacY: Come see what the “Spokane River

of creation stories, song, drumming, question and answer, and power point.

Project” looks like on Google Earth.

Getting to Zero: What will it take for our community to become a zero waste society? Discusses the likely ecological and techni-

Overview of the work of Architect Bill McDonough and chemist Michael Braungart.

Film: Build Green: David Suzuki reports on a wide range of green buildings.

cal challenges as well as the regulatory and structural requirements needed to achieve zero waste.

Hands on the River: Spokane River Field Tour: An afternoon field trip to learn about current events impacting our Spokane River.

Polar Bears & Green Living: Consequences & Opportunities of Climate Change & the Built Environment: Discusses what local and

Film: The Next Industrial Revolution:

Saturday, Session 1 | 2:45-4:15 PM Indigenous Spirituality & the Environment: Explores local indigenous cultures as they relate to the environment and spirituality.

Creating and Sustaining Community Gardens: Walks participants with and without gardening experience through the process of developing and establishing a sustainable community garden.

state governments are doing around the country to help address the energy and carbon impacts buildings have in their jurisdictions.

Film: The 11th Hour: Narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, explores the perilous state of our planet, and the means by which we can change our course.

tell their stories about re-integration into civilian life after seeking help for that process.

Friday, Session 2 | 4:30-6 PM

River Restored: Returning the Lower Snake River to Salmon, Wildlife and People:

Sources of Life: Nature’s Tools for Sustainability: Participants will look to reclaim a deep awareness of nature.

of a culture whose arts are declining.

Eco-Nomics: The Current Economic Situation: Crisis and Opportunity: This presentation looks at the roots of the current economic crisis and suggests ways we can use it to make positive change.

Film: Biomimicry: Learning from Nature: Two-part series based on the book Biomimicry - a new science that studies nature‘s best ideas and then imitates these designs and processes to solve human problems.

Saturday, Session 2 | 4:30-6 PM Alternative

Transportation

Forum:

Leveraging Global Warming and High Gas Prices in Order to Build a Viable Transportation Infrastructure for Spokane.

Local Farms, Healthy Kids: Explains the new state legislation and shares how to access these funds in order to ensure healthier food in schools.

Inspiring Women Leaders: A Conversation: Local women leaders as share personal stories.

Reclaim the Media: This workshop will give the average person a glimpse of ways to make positive change.

Building Community at the Table: Discusses the development of the only consumer food co-op in our area.

Film: Everything’s Cool: Examines the media strategies, on both sides, that have resulted in the U.S. government’s failure to take decisive action on global warming. //

Help for Veterans: Our Stories and Our Healing: Veterans from three different wars will

Discussion of the Snake River plan as well as the challenges and opportunities involved in working collaboratively.

Art as a Solution: Explores the social impact

civil. structural. mechanical. electrical.

SUSTAINABLE LIVING CALENDAR // (October 7) In-CENT-ives Workshop. When: 7:30 AM – 10 AM. Where: The Davenport

Hotel, 10 South Post St. Presentations on incentives, including energy-related federal and state incentives, Avista incentives and rebates, and City of Spokane Green Incentives.

Cost: Free. Info: To register www.greaterspokane.org.

(October 8) Smart Energies Seminar: Think Globally, Profit Locally. When: 3 – 5 PM. Where: The Davenport Hotel, 10 South Post.

St. Join five guest speakers to learn about best practices in energy, the future of our energy structure, renewable energy trends and technologies, energy policy, legislation and hear an opening welcome introduction from Mayor Mary Verner. Register by October 2.

Info: www.greaterspokane.org.

(October 16) Lecture: A Road map to Zero Energy Buildings. When: 5:30 PM. Where: The Saranac Hotel, 25 West Main.

Presentation by Peter Rumsey. Sponsored by Cascadia Region Green Building Council.

Info: http://tlspeterrumseyspokane.eventbrite. com.

(October 17 – 19) Spokane Bioneers Conference. When: All weekend. Where:

Spokane Falls Community College. Bioneers is a nonprofit organization that promotes practical environmental solutions and innovative social strategies for restoring the Earth and communities. Students attend free! Cost: $65 for 3 days, $25 for one day. Lunch: $10.

Info: (509) 209-2394 or www.sustainspokane. org.

(October 23) An Introduction to the Integrated Design Process. When: 8 AM – 2 PM (workshop and seminar). Where: Spokane

engineering

get green. get connected.

SPOKANE ANCHORAGE SEATTLE LOS ANGELES

Convention Center, 334 West Spokane Falls Boulevard. Learn about a process integral to sustainable solutions. Sponsored by Cascadia Region Green Building Council. Info: http:// idpintrodesignspokane.eventbrite.com.

10 N. Post St., Suite 500 Spokane, WA 99201 ph 509.328.2994

(October 26) Xeriscape Tour. When: 1 – 4 PM. Where: Meet at the Green Zone.

coffman.com

Come tour examples of climate appropriate landscaping. Sponsored by the Northwest Ecobuilding Guild. Info: Alli Gray at agra461@ecy.wa.gov. // LASTING OCTOBER 2008

creativity | results | relationships /

Out There Monthly

19

what’s your GEAR? [tgr cameraman] by mira copeland JOSH Neilsen

Nielsen at work. // Tate MacDowell/TGR.

As the Supervising Producer and one of the Principle Cinematographers for Teton Gravity Research, Josh Nielsen (a native of Vancouver, WA) ushers nascent ski/snowboard films through development, filming, and post-production.

When you work for a company that films outdoor action sports, “things get pretty wild—you have to follow the weather,” says Nielsen, who has filmed in just about any winter climate you

can imagine, from Alaska to Japan.

Whether they’re checking weather reports and avalanche risk, coordinating “crazy heli-logisitics,” or racing the locals for first tracks at their home resort, Jackson Hole, these guys need gear that performs. “We’ve been filming for 13 years, so we’ve got it dialed in,” he says, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t get intense.

For this year’s flick, Under the Influence, Nielsen’s main job in Alaska was the “Barbie” guy—the guy who gets dropped off on a mountaintop near the athletes to get the cross-angle shot. It’s called the “Barbie” because you sit around so long you could fire up a barbeque. Sometimes the Barbie is a gnarbie—a route you can’t ski down. When it’s not, Nielsen gets to break out the rest of his gear.

------------------------------------------------------Skis: “When you’re carrying your camera bag and gear, you really have to be on skis to get around,” he says. Nielsen uses the K2 Pontoons, a reverse camber ski developed by pros specifically for skiing in bottomless powder. “They’re super good for carrying around heavy weight because of their rocker tip—it’s easier to keep your weight balanced so you don’t fall over the handlebars.”

------------------------------------------------------Bindings: Solomon STH16 binding. “I pretty much never want to lose a ski,” Nielsen says, so he uses this binding with a higher DIN setting than most: 16.

------------------------------------------------------Boots: Dalbello Krypton PRO. “They’re a good boot for people with skinny ankles and skinny long feet—they give you a lot of lateral support.”

Custom footbeds are a must, he says, and he keeps his feet warm with Therm-ic boot heaters.

-----------------------------------------------------Poles: By Scott: “For a park shoot or for banging around on the hill, I use a smaller basket, but you definitely want the wider baskets for deep powder days, so you can get traction on a long traverse.”

------------------------------------------------------Outerwear: “North Face, head to toe.” Nielsen wears their Monte Cargo pants, and switches between their puffy Verdi jacket for colder, harsher climates, and their Mammatus shell for warmer, wetter days.

“I usually throw a packable puffy (the North Face Thunder jacket) in my backpack in case I need an extra layer.”

------------------------------------------------------Gloves: “Usually I have two to three extra pairs of gloves in my backpack,” he says. “One of the trickiest things for us is that no matter what, we have to change film barehanded.” In addition to the pair he uses for skiing (regular leather work gloves subjected to a boot water-proofing treatment), he uses a pair of thin Dakine Storm gloves for filming, and North Face Mountain Guide mittens when it gets really cold.

------------------------------------------------------Hats: By Dakine, he says, “and I always have a Balaclava.”

------------------------------------------------------Eyewear: The Don sunglasses, by Smith, and their Phenom goggles. “You’ve got to carry two pairs of goggles no matter what—you’re going to

Spokanes' Best Music Store!

fog up, you’re going to fall and get snow in them, or you’re going to go through serious weather changes.” Nielsen usually carries a pair of dark lenses for bright light and a pair for low light.

------------------------------------------------------Pack: Dakine’s Guide pack, retrofitted with foam to hold his standard TGR 16mm camera.

The film gear can get bulky, but “it’s all pretty portable—that’s kind of the most important thing for the kind of filming we do.”

------------------------------------------------------Safety: Backcountry Access Digital Tracker avalanche transceiver. “I don’t go anywhere without it, even if the avalanche risk is low,” he says.

He also carries a Black Diamond probe, a Dakine shovel, a modified Dakine MIA first aid kit, and either a Leatherman or a Dakine multi-tool, because “you never really know what’s going to go wrong out there.”

The camera crew often uses climbing gear— Nielsen uses a Black Diamond harness, daisy chain, and belay device. “We’re always climbing around on super sketchy stuff, especially with the ski BASE jumpers,” who had him dangling over cliffs to catch them in action.

------------------------------------------------------Secret weapon: His “ditty bag,” containing a handful of zip-ties, a space blanket, some rope, and assorted other things that might come in handy while you’re dangling out of helicopters, camera in hand. //

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Out There Monthly

/ OCTOBER 2008

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MUSIC REVIEWS BY DR. OSLONORWAY

BIRDMONSTER From the Mountain to the Sea (Fader)

Oh how I love Birdmonster. The San Francisco quartet has long been a favorite of Spokane (thanks in part to the Spokesman’s Isamu Jordan!), and though they’ll be skipping the tour stop on their next outing, this new disc is plenty to hold you over. Birdmonster plays with pop in the best way and emerges refined and refreshing. The new tracks that the band has been sporting on their MySpace lately are a great sampling of what is in store here, but there are hidden gems a-plenty, like opener “My Love For You,” and “Greenland Sound,” though my personal favorite remains “Born to Be Your Man.”

THE DANDY WARHOLS ...Earth to the Dandy Warhols... (BTW)

What’s the deal with these guys? Having freed themselves from the restraints of their major label record contract at long last, the Dandys have opted to self-release a sprawling collection of scattershot material. There’s the string-laden psychobilly of “The Legend of the Last of the Outlaw Truckers AKA the Ballad of Sheriff Shorty” and the white funk of “Wasp in the Lotus” and everything in between, all infused with the band’s trademark affected hipster detachment. They close the set with an epic fifteen minute goof-off called “Musee d’Nougat” that reminds me of the filler track on Public Image, Ltd.’s first album where John Lydon says, “We’re only trying to finish this album with a minimum amount of effort which we are now doing very successfully.”

FERAL CHILDREN Second to the Last Frontier (Sarathan)

One of the hottest things on the west side for the past couple of years, Seattle’s experimental noisemongers Feral Children garner heavy comparison to Modest Mouse, with dark, wandering anthems that feel very much on the verge of total collapse.

Delivered in the easiest-to-swallow sort of ways (promise), the Children sound like they would pack a massive punch live (and, we’ve been told, holy crap many times, that they really do). They will be at the Blvd on October 10 with some other acts we’ve never heard of but…when things this good hit town, you must take advantage.

Please do.

Gun of The Sun Go Home (Bdpnmnshp)

I’m always looking for evidence that the Spokane hip-hop scene is more than just DJ James Pants, now I have it. Go Home layers electro and trip-hop beats with rapid-fire dual MCs and the result is not exactly like anything I’ve heard before. The record has the feel of gritty, morally ambiguous film noir. A couple of listens and the middle tracks, “More Than Enough,” “Follow Me,” and “One With The Gun,” really dig into your skull.

A solid effort that leaves me eagerly awaiting what this crew will do next.

Metallica Death Magnetic (Warner Brothers)

The Metallica Principle, as I’ll call it, dictates

that organizational sports psychologist plus preeminent Thrash Metal Band equals an album to suck like no other. The converse of the Metallica Principle yields massive and punishing riffs.

Without laying down too much pop psychology, it’s safe to say that Metallica had some serious issues with St. Anger and wanted nothing more than to distance themselves with their most impracticable and dire effort. We can now all get up off the couch, cuz Death Magnetic chunks and wallops like the glow that you first encountered listening to Ride the Lightening. They’ve ditched their odd apprehension towards guitar solos, Bob Rock, and crappy production. Metallica has finally come to fully accept their Thrash ancestry.

MINT CHICKS Crazy? Yes! Dumb? No! (Milan)

New Zealand’s Mint Chicks have made their much-talked-about arrival in the United States, and luck for all of us in the Northwest, they’ve selected nearby Portland for their new stomping grounds. This full-length album, previously released by Flying Nun, is the Chicks at their best.

Exciting, spastic, dance tunes as, mark my words, Spokane has never seen—nor have you EVER seen anything like lead singer Kody Neilson on stage! But alas, fortunate Spokane that you are, resident tastemaker Patrick Kendrick, along with a crew of ambitious twentysomethings going by “Wunderground,” has arranged for a showing: October 3 as part of Terrain! which will also showcase local favorites Hockey, Kaylee Cole, Kevin Long and others. Not to be missed!

than his previous work, or it has prominent acoustic guitars in it anyway. Actually, the bulk of the record consists of well-composed, vaguely melancholy pop songs sung by Zettel in a slightly Calvin Johnson-esque baritone. The material is given understated, inventive lo-fi production that economically utilizes choral singing, strings, percussion and piano to powerful effect.

// OTM SUGGESTS //

UPCOMING SHOWS! October 3 (Rock & MORE)

Terrain w/ Kaylee Cole, Mint Chicks, Hockey empyrean 154 S Madison St, 838-9819 October 8 (Alt Rock)

Minus the Bear, Annuals, Themes The Service Station, 9315 N Nevada St. ,

TV ON THE RADIO Dear Science (Interscope)

Despite what I’ve been told by critics and friends for the past few years, I’ve always found TV on the Radio to be a bit tedious and aimless. Return to Cookie Mountain had those couple of KILLER tracks (made that way in large part by amazing vocals, still the most powerful part of this band’s many), but overall was long, wandering. I’ve steered clear of them since (also despite having seen them in ‘04 KILL IT at the Showbox, alongside favorites Beep Beep and the Faint). Broad in its scope and grand in its delivery, however, TV on the Radio is a lesson in musical patience, one that I’ve now learned. Upbeat tracks like “Dancing Choose” (my favorite) and “Red Dress,” give way to the gorrrrgeous balladry (can it be called that?, I’d like to…) of “Family Tree,” on this new disc, and the overall is delightful. (Let’s even forgive Dave Sitek now for his involvement with ScarJo’s musical efforts…). //

466-1696 October 10 (Rock)

Mathemeticians, Belt of Vapor, Cyrus Fell Down empyrean 154 S Madison St, 838-9819 October 16 (SPOKEN WORD)

Henry Rollins knitting factory, 911 W. Sprague, 2443279 October 17 (Hip-Hop)

Akil (of Jurassic-5), LocKe, Gun of the Sun The Blvd., 333 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.

October 31 (Blues)

Too Slim & The Taildraggers Annie Fannie’s, 3827 E. Boone.

November 3 (Heavy Punk)

Akimbo empyrean 154 S Madison St, 838-9819

PUSSYCAT DOLLS Doll Domination (Interscope)

Produced within an inch of its life, this is a laughable attempt at perpetuating all of that alreadylaughable faux-girl power, git-yr-man-in-line crap. Music made by women can be empowered simply by the fact that women are already empowered (remember?), and judging by these tracks, the Pussycat Dolls dolls and their keepers don’t know that. Meanwhile, watch out for the solo careers.

RODRIGUEZ Cold Fact (Light in the Attic)

Seattle-based reissue label Light in the Attic has unearthed another neglected gem in this 1970 album by enigmatic singer-songwriter Rodriguez.

Looking like an ersatz Jose Feliciano with his ever-present shades and sounding like an angry American Donovan, the Detroit native wasn’t able to connect his druggy folk-rock with an audience in the States the first time around, although he inexplicably gained rabid cult followings in Australia and South Africa. Motown session guitarist Dennis Coffy produced, and he added several effective touches throughout, including spooky synth sounds in the strong opener, “Sugar Man,” and light orchestration elsewhere. Cold Fact might have been a little too far off the grid for mainstream audiences at the time of release but it may find new life with fans of neo-psychedelia.

SEE ME RIVER Time Machine (Aviation)

I should start this by mentioning that this album has extremely attractive packaging and includes five trading cards that each depict a band member.

To burn a copy of it would be to cheat yourself!

Seattle’s See Me River is the new project of former Das Llamas frontman Kerry Zettel, and it’s much rootsier and more homegrown-sounding OCTOBER 2008

/

Out There Monthly

21

Banff

Mountain Film Festival • Coming to Spokane

November 21, 22, 23 •

THE BING CROSBY THEATER Fri. Nov. 21, Sat. Nov. 22 (7 p.m.)

Sun. Nov. 23 (6 p.m.)

•

Tickets

Now On Sale

Tickets: $12 / person or $32 for all 3 days

• MOUNTAIN GEAR Get your tickets at

2002 N Division, Spokane • on line: mountaingear.com

or

TicketsWest

•

Brought to you by

2002 N. Division, Spokane • (509) 325-9000 • mountaingear.com Store hours: Mon - Fri 9:30 am - 8 pm, Sat 9:30 am - 6 pm, Sun 11 am - 5 pm 22

Out There Monthly

/ OCTOBER 2008

BOOK REVIEWS Fallen Giants: The History of Himalayan Mountaineering from the Age of Empire to the age of Extremes Maurice Issleman and Stewart Weaver, Yale University Press, 2008, 592 pages Issleman and Weaver’s massive tome summa-

rizes Himalayan mountaineering in general the same way Michael Ward described Mt. Everest in his 2003 book Everest: A Thousand Years of Exploration. Though narrowed in focus to the Himalaya, Fallen Giants reprises James Ramsey Ullman’s The Age of Mountaineering in a summary of mountaineering achievements through the book’s publication in 1954.

Nick Clinch, leader of the successful 1958 American Hidden Peak expedition, and past president of the American Alpine Club says of Fallen Giants, “This will be the definitive history of mountaineering in the Himalaya, clear, free of jargon, and readable, and so thorough that it will not be worth anyone’s time to repeat this effort.” A bit overstated, but still a fair assessment of the research invested in creating this massive work. In two or three decades there may be enough new material to warrant another book. But, for the history of events through the first half-decade of the 21st century Fallen Giants will be the reference standard. The generous use of illustrations and probing assessment of the social and political changes that have occurred in mountaineering in the last century sets Fallen Giants apart.

The book recounts the familiar: Himalayan exploits like the British expeditions to Everest from the days of Mallory to the success of Hillary and Tenzing in 1953 and the first ascents of the 8000 meter peaks. More importantly, stories of lesser known activities like Martin Conway’s first Himalayan expedition in 1892 and Fanny Bullock Workman’s explorations in the Karakoram in the early 19th century.

Though an important research work the book is almost too big to be one’s reading choice for lounging on the beach during summer or sitting by the fire in winter. Rather, except for the hard core mountaineering reader, this is a book to be savored over the long term; read a chapter when the spirit moves you then move on to something lighter. Stan Miller

Olympic National Park Pocket Guide Levi T. Novey, Falcon Guides, 2008, 96 pages Year after year, Falcon books publishes top-

quality outdoor guidebooks. Yet, even as the depth and width of their guidebooks selection grows, they can’t keep pace with the Internet and all of the outdoor data found online. In many cases, trailhead directions, a few trip reports and relevant information about road conditions, backcountry permits, even weather, can be found with simple Google searches.

The new Olympic National Park Pocket Guide doesn’t necessarily compete with that information, it supplements your trip with the most pertinent information AND it includes two very valuable pop-out maps. No need to stare at a tiny navigation screen with a weak signal since you’re in a remote area. No need to bring 2 maps—one for driving and one for trails. No need to leave the book at the car due to weight or size, since this one weighs less than two BumbleBars. Best of all, its only $9.95. I applaud Falcon for the entire National Park Pocket Guide series.

This doesn’t replace an in-depth guidebook.

You still need further instructions in order to select a hike or a climb, and I suspect most people visiting the Olympics for more than two days need a little more information about distances, park resources, and seasonal restrictions. Essentially, the lightweight and compact size hinders the book from providing more than the bare minimum. But I suppose that’s what most drive-by, National Park visitors want.

All in all, the guide features the key things you’ll need to get the most out of a short visit.

An overview of outdoor activities, local flora and fauna, and a light history of the peninsula are included, as well as useful driving information to help you navigate in and outside the park. There are a couple pages dedicated to family activities, and a few pages to help with dining or lodging in Port Angeles. If you just need the basics, distilled into an inexpensive, pocket-sized package, than this guide is perfect.

Jon Jonckers

OUTDOOR CALENDAR CLIMBING

(Ongoing) Spider Monkey climbing Club.

When: 6PM – 8PM (Tuesdays). Where: Wild Walls, 202 W. 2nd Ave. For kids ages 4 – 10 years. Please call ahead. For ages 4 and up.

Come climb with friends! Cost $12 (single visit), $74 (8 punch pass). Info: (509) 455-9596.

(October 21) Discover Rock Climbing. When: 6 PM – 8 PM. Where: Mountain Gear, 2002 North 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. Cost: $20. Info: www. mgear.com.

CYCLING (Ongoing) Spokane’s Bike Buddy Program.

When: Ongoing. Where: Spokane, WA. The Bike Buddy Program matches you with a trained volunteer familiar with the commute between your neighborhood and workplace. Sponsored by the Spokane Bicycle Club and Bicycle Alliance of Washington. Info: SpokaneBikeBuddy@aol. com.

(Ongoing) Commuter Bike Project. When:

By appointment. Where: Spokane, WA. John Speare, member of the Spokane Bicycle Advisory Board, tracks your commuter cycling route with a GPS receiver. Info: johnspeare@gmail.com

(October-November) Inland NW Cyclocross Series. Where: Various, WA. Info: (509) 326-

6983 or www.emdesports.com.

(October 12) Runningshoes.com Mountain

Bike Duathlon. Bellingham, WA. INfo: (360) 647-7665.

(October 25th)

Beacon Hill Open House.

When: 6PM– 8PM. Where: Mountain Gear Corporate Facility (Note: Not the store!) 6021 E. Mansfield, Spokane Valley. You are invited to a community workshop on the Beacon Hill Recreation Area! Come see the creative ideas that landscape architect professionals and community members have developed through a design charrette. The workshop will focus on

(October 26) Spokane Trailquest. When:

9am. Where: Mirabeau Park by Spokane Valley Mall.

Join us for our 26th Annual Fallen Leaf Run to benefit Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Great Family event!!! See website nisa-sids.org for more info. Info: (409) 456-0505, nisa-sids.org.

Registration between 8-11AM. Where: Valleyford, Community Park. Trailquest is a mountain bike orienteering event where the competitors can ride solo or as a team of two.

Only $20 each. Contact Ken Bell. Info: (509) 327-7220, spokanetrailquest.com.

(November 1) Pedals2People Annual Public Meeting and Potluck. When: 5-7PM. Where:

Spokane. Come meet Spokane’s hands-on nonprofit bicycle organization that’s working to get more people on bikes. Info: Please RSVP to (509) 842-6597, www.pedals2people.org.

HIKING (October 20) “Day Hiking: North Cascades” + “Best Hikes with Dogs: Inland Northwest”

by Craig Romano. When: 7PM. Where: REI,

1125 N Monroe St. Hiking expert and lifelong outdoorsman Craig Romano will share his knowledge and pictures of great hiking destinations WA. Info: (509) 328-9900, www.rei.com/ spokane.

(October 21) Columbia Highlands: Exploring Washington’s Last Frontier by Craig Romano. When: 7PM. Where: REI, 1125 N

Monroe St. Cherished for its vastness, its lack of human intervention, its rejuvenating properties, and its abundant wildlife, the Columbia Highlands is Washington’s “Last Great Place.”

Info: (509) 328-9900, www.rei.com/spokane.

RUNNING/WALKING/MARATHONS (Thursdays—March-November) Flying Irish Running Club. When: 6PM. Where: O’Doherty’s

Irish Grille 525 West Spokane Falls Boulevard.

Weekly 3 mile fun-runs, with walkers always welcome. Run six times and earn a free shirt good for food & drink discounts afterwards. EZ & fun 3 milers with food & drink half-priced afterwards! Free clothing too! Info: (509) 7470322, or www.flyingirish.org.

(October 2) Flying Irish Run and Book Reading.

When: Reading at 7:30PM. Where: Aunties Bookstore, 402 W. Main. We’ll run, have a brew or two and head to Aunties for a reading from a new running related book. Author, Rachel Toor reads from her new book “Personal Record”. at Auntie’s at 7:30. Have a beer or two and join the reading, a couple free copies given away and autographs available. Remember that Flying Irish also earn a 50% discount in the Auntie’s reading club so please support both Rachel & Aunties by showing up! Info: www.flyingirish. org.

(October 4) Leavenworth Oktoberfest Marathon, Leavenworth, WA. Info: www.leav-

enworthmarathon.com

(October 5) Step Out Walk to fight diabetes.

When: 8am Register, 10am walk starts. Where: Riverfront Park North Bank Shelter. Fundraising event to support people with diabetes. Supports the American Diabetes Association in sponsor-

(October 5) Fallen Leaf Run (5K) for SIDS. When:

(October 5) City of Trees Marathon. Boise, ID.

Info: www.cityoftreesmarathon.com.

(OCTOBER 9) SUN CITY MARATHON & 5K. Yakima, WA.

Info: (509) 453-8280 or http://www.ontherunevents. com/results/1223_top.htm.

(October 12) Spokane marathon & Half Marathon.

Info: http://www.spokanemarathon.us/ (OCTOBER 19) RUN LIKE HELL HALF MARATHON.Portland, OR. Info: (503) 236-2801 or runmore@yahoo.com.

(October 30) Annual Flying Irish Halloween Fun Run. When: 5:45PM. Where: O’Doherty’s Irish

Grille 525 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. Costume contests, pumpkin carving and oh yeah another fun-run in our costumes. Don’t miss it. Info: www.flyingirish. org.

Snowsports (Ongoing October- January) Ski/Snowboard Conditioning Class. When: Tuesday/Thursday

7-8am, noon-1pm, 6-7pm. Where: U-District Physical Therapy, 730 N. Hamilton. 5th annual Ski/ Snowboard Conditioning Class. Get in shape for the upcoming season. $75 per month (8 sessions).

More info www.udistrictpt.com Info: (509) 4587686, www.udistrictpt.com.

(October 28) Ski Tune-up Class. When: 6–8 pm.

Where: Mountain Gear, 2002 North Division. Learn everything you need to know about smoothing and filling in those nasty gouges with P-Tex. Become skilled at beveling your edges, taking the nicks out and fine-tuning the metal for a bite on the hardest ice. This class covers all the information and tools necessary to get your skis ready for the slopes – your personal readiness is up to you! $20. Info: (509) 325-9000, (October 25-26) Mt. Spokane Ski Patrol 44th Annual

Ski Swap. When: 9-5PM Saturday, 9-12 Sunday.

Where: Spokane County Fair and Expo Center.

Register your item 3PM-9PM on Friday. Enter to win a free Mt. Spokane season pass. Admission $4, 12 & under free.

(October 29) Ski / Board Wax Class. When: 6–8 pm. Where: Mountain Gear, 2002 North Division.

We will cover the basics to get you moving faster down the slopes. Learn how to prep and hot wax your skis/board from our certified technician. All boards should be waxed on a regular basis, including no-wax skis – this class allows you to keep those bases in incredible shape. Bring questions and get answers. $15. Info: (509) 325-9000.

(November 1) WINTER SWAP. When: 9AM-3PM. Where: Kootenai County Fairgrounds. Fundraising event for the lookout pass and silver mountain volunteer ski patrols. Buy new and used snow sport

OUTDOOR

(October 19) The Elk Vintage Cruiser Bike Ride.

When: 3pm. Where: The Elk, Brown’s Edition.

Vintage bike ride to David’s Pizza. All bikes are invited, the older the bike the better. Come have fun and meet other vintage enthusiasts.

Hopefully it won’t snow! All Cruisers are invited. Third Sunday of every month. Info: (509) 499-5422, or newtimebomb@hotmail.com.

ing education, youth programs and advocacy in the community. Info: (509) 624-7478, or tduncan@ diabetes.org or diabetes.org/stepout.

CALENDAR

(October 14) Full Moon Fiasco. When: 8pm.

Where: Starts at The Swamp. A relaxed bike ride through Spokane during the full moon. Any bike. Any level of rider. Any level of beverage enjoyer. Info: http://fbcspokane.blogspot.com

trailheads; community connections; alternative transportation; and interpretation and education opportunities, trails and amenities. Info: Angie at (509) 481-8983.

OCT2008

(Ongoing, Mondays) Womens Climb Night.

When: 6PM – 8PM. Where: Wild Walls, 202 W. 2nd Ave. For kids ages 4 – 10 years. Please call ahead. Come climb and learn to climb with other women in the Spokane area every Monday Night. Cost is $12. Join the Fun at Wild Walls! Info: (509) 455-9596.

SUBMIT your event at www.outtheremonthly.com

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outdoor calendar equipment for bargain prices. Info: (208) 8183133, winterswap.org.

TRIATHLON/MULTISPORT (Ongoing Wednesday’s through summer) Moms In Motion Triathlon Training. When:

Every Wednesday at 5:45PM. Where: Witter Pool in Mission Park. Train for triathlons this summer with Moms In Motion. Info: (509) 327-9143, www.momsinmotion.com.

YOGA (October 10-12) Fall Yoga Retreat with Peter Sterios. When: Begins 5pm 10/10. Where:

Sleeping Lady Mountain Retreat, Leavenworth, WA. Oktoberfest weekend with internationally recognized yoga teacher Peter Sterios. Includes 2 nights lodging, gourmet meals, and 5 yoga sessions. Afternoons unplanned...time to ‘just be’.

More info: Shawn Brow, southperryoga@aol.com, (509) 443-6241.

EVENTS, MOVIES, MISC. (October 4) Teton Gravity Research FILM PREMIERE. When: 7PM. The Knitting Factory.

Spokane area premiere of Teton Gravity Research’s new ski & snowboard flick Under The Influence.

Music by Dolman, Black, & The Brain featuring TGR’s own Micah Black. Tons of free swag! Info: (509) 238-2220 x211, or http://www.myspace. com/mtspokane.

(October 4) Spokane River Clean Up. When: 9am-

3pm. Where: High Bridge Park. A positive, highenergy gathering that affirms a sense of stewardship and community pride for the Spokane River and the natural areas along its banks. Info: (509) 981-6296, or friendsofthefalls.org.

(October 3-5) Fall Festival Of Homes. When:

10AM-5PM Where: Various locations.

Washington’s largest new home show is the Fall Festival of Homes featuring 50 new homes from thirty-five of spokanes finest builders. Free admission. Info: (509) 532-4990, www.spokanefestivalofhomes.com.

(October 7) Need to Know. When: 6:30PM.

Where: Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 314 S Spruce St. The disscussion group “NeedToKnow” hosts Dr. Kim Thorburn, County Commissioner candidate. Hear Dr. Kim’s plan for the future of Spokane County; bring your questions. Info: (509) 328-4832, goshdangitall@hotmail.com.

(October 10) Gonzaga Dean’s Businss Forum Breakfast. When: 7AM Breakfast, 7:30AM-

8:30AM program. Where: Gonzaga University School of Business Wolff Auditorium. Gonzaga University Clarence H. Barnes and the Dean’s forum board present Tinker Hatfield Vice president, Special Projects Nike, Inc. “The Business of Design.” Info: (509) 313-5991, www.gonzaga.edu/ deansbusinessforum.

(October 10) Turnbull NWR Community Work Party. When: 9AM. Where: Turnbull NWR.

Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge and Spokane Audubon Society will host a community work party on Saturday, October 11, 2008. Info: (509) 328-9900, www.rei.com/spokane.

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submit your event at www.outtheremonthly.com

(October 13) CPR FRIENDS AND FAMILY, PEDIATRIC. When: 6:30-8:30pm. Where: St.

Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute, 711 S. Cowley St. Spokane, WA. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for the infant and child is offered as a oneclass session to members of our community. This class provides CPR techniques for infant (birth to age 1) and child (1 to 8 years old). Other safety techniques taught include management of choking, and accident and poison prevention. This is a course designed for parents, grandparents, foster parents, older siblings and teachers. Fee: $25 per person. Info: (509) 232-8138.

(October 14) Reel Rock Films. When: 7PM.

Where: Mountain Gear, 2002 North Division.

Mountain Gear is offering the best climbing and outdoor adventure films of the year, showcasing climbers making the scariest and most dangerous routes – from highball boulders to alpine walls to free solos. For more information go to: www. reelrocktour.com. Free. Info: (509) 325-9000.

When: 11AM-2PM. Where: Finch Arboretum. Just in time for fall yard clean up, residents will learn how to turn yard and garden materials into valuable soil amendments and reduce garbage disposal costs. The Compost Fair is being held in conjunction with the Fall Leaf Festival. Info: Ann Murphy, (509) 625-6535, amurphy@spokanecity. org.

W. 25 Main Street, Spokane Washington 99201 Wednesday-Saturday Eleven Thirty to Five Thirty PM

(October 22) Animals of the Pacific Northwest Portion of Lewis & Clark’s Journey. When:7PM.

SIX MONTH TRAINING CALENDAR //

(October 18) Fall Compost Fair.

Where: REI, 1125 N Monroe St. Come explore a portion of Lewis & Clark’s famous journey – From Montana to the Pacific Coast! This presentation will concentrate on the animals they discovered along this Northwestern section of their journey! Info: (509) 328-9900, www.rei. com/spokane.

(October 23) Meet the Mountaineers. When:

7PM. Where: REI, 1125 N Monroe St. Learn about Spokane’s oldest recreation group. We offer outings and clinics in a wide variety of activities.

Info: (509) 838-4974.

(October 29-30) Transitions 6th Annual “People Who Care Helping Women Who Dare.”

When: Starts 11:30AM. Whre: Red Lion Hotel.

Transitions will have its 6th annual fundraising event at the Red Lion Hotel at the Park. Doors open at 7 a.m. on October 29th for breakfast and at 11:30 a.m. on October 30th for lunch. The event is free to attend but a donation will be requested at the end of the program. Donating is optional.

This year’s theme is “Outrageous Hope.” Deanna Davis, author of “Living with Intention” will be the visionary speaker. Info: (509) 328-6702.

(November 1) Northwest Sports Career Seminar and Job Fair. When: TBA. Where:

Spokane Arena. The Sports Career Seminar and Job Fair is ideal for college seniors, recent graduates or anyone else who is interested in starting a career in sports management. Seminar & Job Fair registration is $49. The fee includes full participation in the event, lunch and a ticket to the Spokane Chiefs Hockey game that evening. Info: (509) 324-4014 x323, www.spokaneindiansbaseball.com. //

Artists Reception October 9. Six to Eight PM.

Saranac Art Projects www.saranacartprojects.org

CLIMBING (November 10-13) Banff Mountian Film Festival ICe Camp, Banff Alberta.. Info:

(December 13) Jingle Bell Run & Walk.

Spokane, WA. Info: (206) 547-2707 or www. spokanejinglebellrun.kintera.org.

http://www.alpineclubofcanada.ca/activities/ (May 3) Lilac Bloomsday Run. Info: www. winter/bmff_ice.html bloomsdayrun.org.

(March) Red Rock Rendezvous. Las Vegas,

NV. Info: www.mgear.com.

CYCLING

SKIING/SNOWBOARDING (January) Methow Valley Pursuit. Winthrop,

WA. Info: www.mvsta.com.

(October-November) Inland NW Cyclocross Series. Where: Various, WA. Info: (509) 326-

(February) Starlight Race Series. Schweitzer Ski Resort, Idaho. Info: www.schweitzer.com.

MARATHONS

(February) Langlauf Cross-Country Ski Race. Mt. Spokane. Info: www.spokanelan-

6983 or www.emdesports.com.

(November 1) Zetgeist Half Marathon. Boise,

ID. Info: www.zhalfmarathon.com.

(November 16) New Balance Fall classic Half Marathon. Vancouver, B.C. Info: www.

fallclassicrun.com.

(November 30) Amica Seattle Marathon.

Seattle, WA. Info: www.seattlemarathon.org.

(March) Snake River Canyon Half Marathon.

Pullman, WA. Info: www.palouseroadrunners. org.

RUNNING

glauf.org.

(February) Sheimo Cup. 49 Degrees North.

Info: www.ski49.com.

(March) World Cup Telemark Finals.

Sandpoint, ID. Info: www. schweitzer.com.

(March) Tandem Ski Races. Lookout Pass Ski Resort, ID. Info: www.skilookout.com. //

TRIATHLONS (March) Winter Triathlon. Winthrop,WA.

Info: www.mvsta.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.

Join The Lands Council and Thomas Hammer Coffee to Celebrate

Dia de los Muertos Celebrate “The Day of the Dead” with an evening of Latin American inspired food, beverages, and coffee!

Learn about coffee growing, roasting and blending while sampling blends from Central and South America, including Thomas Hammer’s new Colombian Eco-Brew!

Friday, October 24th 6:00-9:00 p.m.

Thomas Hammer Headquarters 210 W. Pacific Ave. Tickets: $35/person or $60 for two To purchase tickets, contact Kristi at 509.209.2851 or kfountain@landscouncil.org www.landscouncil.org

Come celebrate with us October 11 • 9am to 4pm 2015 N. Division

LIVE MUSIC CRAFTS • FOOD ART & MORE!

(across from Mt. Gear)

This event is brought to you by PEACH-People for Environmental Action & Community Health a tax exempt non profit organization dedicated to teaching simple sustainable living skills in the greater Spokane area. And Fresh Abundance LOCAL & Organic Foods – Bringing LOCAL Food to LOCAL People ™

TM

In addition to live satellite reception of the Bioneers plenary speakers from San Rafael, local workshops will focus on topics such as food & farming, green building, the Spokane River, art , spirit and more. Via sattlelite plenary speakers include Naomi Klein ~ Dune Lankard ~ Janine Benyus Paul Stamets ~ Erica Fernandez ~ Ray Anderson ~ Kavita N. Ramdas ~ Alexandra Cousteau and more

Early Sponsors: Bioneers Community Colleges of Spokane S & P Construction Community Building LLC New Priorities Foundation Center for Justice KYRS Thin Air Radio Mountain Gear

Bioneers at Spokane Falls Community College Revolution from the Heart of Nature 2nd Annual Spokane Conference Oct 17-18-19

bioneers

TM

bioneers

Revolution from the Heart of Nature

© Sara Pinnell

Visit www.bioneers.org to learn more about Bioneers and this local partnership. www.bioneers.org to learn more about www.SustainSpokane.orgVisit or call 509-209-2394 Bioneers and this local partnership.

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LASTPAGE

Doing a Mountain With Only One Wheel Offroad Unicycling Makes An Ascent

By emalee gillis “The last quarter of the hill gets a lot more technical a lot quicker. I almost hesitate when riding off a 5 foot drop, but I drop off and keep riding.”

Sanders has dropped even more than 5 feet.

“Last year, on one trail, I rode off of an 8 foot ledge into a sand pit and rode out of it. The sand was really super fine. You get sucked into it really easily. The only way to get out is by pedaling really hard.”

According to Sanders, it takes a long time to develop skills technical enough to do a challenging trail. “You just need to get used to it. You’re not getting better unless you do harder stuff. After a while, rougher terrain just seems easier. The street is nothing.”

“When you start, you ride and at the first rock you fall off. Some guys will keep going over the same rock until they get it.” Sanders has the same approach. He’ll back track and keep going over the

There’s no such thing as coasting on a unicycle.

Phil Sanders on a one-wheel air. // photo courtesy of phil sanders.

Can you imagine riding down a steep moun-

tain bike trail without handlebars…or gears… or brakes…and with only one wheel? That’s how mountain unicycler Phil Sanders of Spokane rides every time he hits the downhill side of a trail.

A mountain unicycle (muni) is also known as an all terrain unicycle or a rough terrain unicycle. Neither mountain bikes nor muni’s need a mountain. Muni’s are all about getting off the road and riding a unicycle in a place no one thought a unicycle could go.

On his one-wheeler, Sanders will rip through thin pathways between rocks on a steep mountain trail. He’ll hop up on rocks and logs. He rides high rails. And, he’ll drop 5 feet or more and keep going.

Key to Sanders’s more technical maneuvers is

the handle that extends from the seat of a mountain unicycle. “I hang onto that handle almost the entire time I am riding,” said Sanders. “Doing a drop without a handle would be a really bad day.

If you didn’t have a handle the unicycle would fall out from underneath you. You can ride some stairs or a sharp curve without a handle, but for higher jumps you need a handle.”

One of the places where Sanders likes to ride is Beacon Hill near Spokane. He also rides on trails in Nine Mile and Mead. According to Sanders, there are some technically very difficult portions of Beacon Hill. “It’s washed out and the rock is like granite. There are some completely brutal rocky sections of the trail. A beginner would be torn out on it. Jagged rocks are sticking up and they throw you off balance.”

“I like the last part of the trail,” said Sanders.

same rock until he can make it without falling.

Like all unicyclists, Sanders must pedal constantly every minute he is on his muni. There’s no such thing as coasting on a unicycle. “On a muni, not pedaling means not moving,” said Sanders.

That constant motion is one of the reasons that riding a muni is a great workout.

Steering a unicycle is different than for bicycles. Sanders said, “I’ve been doing it so long, it’s automatic. It’s about leaning. You lean to the left and right. For sharp turns, you must turn your shoulders.”

“When going uphill, I miss gears,” said Sanders.

“I normally push my unicycle uphill and ride downhill.”

Sanders has had some bad falls. “My worst fall was at a skate park while practicing. I rolled one of my ankles and was on crutches for six months.

One other time, I was practicing this move where

you jump off the unicycle, spin it around, and get back on. I split my shin open really bad.”

Sanders has not considered stopping the sport due to his injuries. “Every time I fall, I get up and try it again,” he said.

The growing interest in muni’s has led to innovations in unicycle construction. Mountain unicycles are a rugged specialized form of a unicycle with a tougher frame and a wider tire covered with rubber knobs for better traction.

Some muni’s have brakes on the back of the seat to help riders slow down or stop. Sanders doesn’t have one. He, like most unicyclers, uses back pressure on the pedals as he continues to move forward. “I have this thing that I like using my own strength,” he said.

Sanders also participates in Trials Unicycling.

This form of unicycling is obstacle unicycling.

With a group of friends, Sanders rides around Spokane and hops on rails, up staircases, down curbs, off of park benches and retaining walls. He even hops up on hand rails and rides down them.

Trials Unicyling is another growing sport.

Locally, Mountain Gear sells mountain unicycles in their store and catalog. The most popular muni is Kris Holm’s brand which sells for about $500.

Some cost over $1,000. Sanders owns a Bedford muni, another excellent brand.

Once a year, hundreds of muni riders gather from around the world for the California Mountain Unicycle Weekend and the Moab, Utah Muni Fest.

Sanders participated in the Moab festival. He loved it because of the beauty of the area and the trails are more challenging than anything he normally rides.

Sanders said, “One of my best moments was riding in Utah. I had never been there. I was never super serious. I did a 17 mile trail, 3 miles uphill, then 14 miles of downhill. A few of the riders broke from the rest of pack. I found myself riding alone in 100 degrees in the best terrain in the desert. I knew mountain unicycling was what I had to do for the rest of my life. It was my moment of enlightenment.” // Contact Sanders at philunicyclepro@gmail.com.

Local Beer.

Regional Food.

In-house preparation.

Come check out Spokane's most three-dimensional restaurant.

159 S. Lincoln, Downtown (509) 777-3900 steamplantgrill.com 26

Out There Monthly

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Food Music Prizes spokane, washington

Volunteer

Volunteer

October 4, 2008 9am- 3pm Register early online @ friendsofthefalls.org Park at SFCC, ride the bus free! • Buses running every 15 min. starting at 8:30 am • Staffed bike corral at High Bridge Park • Check-in at High Bridge Park 9am, clean-up starts at 10am Partners: Out There Monthly, David’s Pizza, Mountain Gear, Center for Justice–Spokane River Project, City of Spokane, The Lands Council, Veterans Conservation Corps, Thomas Hammer Coffee, Spokane Transit, REI, Northwest Whitewater Association, Gonzaga University, Rings & Things, Thinking Cap Communications & Design, Conservation Northwest, Downtown Spokane Partnership, Earthworks Recycling, Faith & Environment Network, FLOW Adventures, WSGA Inland Empire Geocachers, Inland Northwest Trails Coalition, Sierra Club Inner City Outings, Spokane Bicycle Club, Spokane Canoe & Kayak Club, Spokane Fly Fishers, Spokane Mountaineers, WSU Spokane, Spokane Falls Community College, ASEWU Epic Adventures, Inland Empire Mountain Bike Patrol, Northern Lights

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