Out There Monthly September

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VOL. 9 // NO.13 // SEPTEMBER 2013

THE INLAND NORTHWEST GUIDE TO OUTDOOR RECREATION

WWW.OUTTHEREMONTHLY.COM

women

ROCK

An INW Climbing Revolution

Surf’s up on the Spokane River p.18

Rossland, B.C. Cycling Adventures p.9

Make Your Own Backcountry Eats p.13

Bike Safety for Kids p.12

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Out There Monthly / september 2013

Personalized Group Fitness FOCUSED ON YOUR HEALTH

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In This Issue p.5 / From the Editor

MONTHLY

Let’s Turn Potential into Pay Dirt

By Derrick Knowles

www.outtheremonthly.com

p.6/ photo of the month “Summer Skiing”

Out There Monthly / September 2013 Publishers

Shallan & Derrick Knowles

p.7 / Out there news

en

Editor

Derrick Knowles Visual Editor

on

ati

on

p.8 / Health & Fitness

.co

Optimize Your Run

m

Shallan Knowles senior writers

By S. Michal Bennett

Jon Jonckers, Brad Naccarato, Amy Silbernagel McCaffree

p.9 / Destinations

Brent Emmingham, Hank Greer, S Michal Bennett

Cycling Rossland, B.C.

By Brent Emmingham

p.10 / women Rock

By Jon Jonckers

p.11 / Everyday Cyclist Kidical Mass

By Hank Greer

p.13 / outdoor living DIY Snacks

By Erika Prins

p.14 / INW OUTDOOR CAlendar & 6-Month Training Calendar p.16 / longboarding 101

By Brad Naccarato

p.18 / Last Page

Hangn’ Ten on the ‘Kan

By Brad Naccarato --------------------------------------------------------------

Contributing Writers:

Circulation director

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509 / 822 / 0123 Ad Sales

Derrick Knowles: 509 / 822 / 0123 Out There Monthly

Mailing Address: PO Box #5 Spokane, WA 99210 www.outtheremonthly.com, 509 / 822 / 0123 FIND US ON FACEBOOK Out There Monthly is published once a month

by Out There Monthly, LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. ©Copyright 2013 Out There Monthly, LLC. The views expressed in this magazine reflect those of the writers and advertisers and not necessarily Out There Monthly, LLC. Disclaimer: Many of the activities depicted in this magazine carry a significant risk of personal injury or death. Rock climbing, river rafting, snow sports, kayaking, cycling, canoeing and backcountry activities are inherently dangerous. The owners and contributors to Out There Monthly do not recommend that anyone participate in these activities unless they are experts or seek qualified professional instruction and/or guidance, and are knowledgeable about the risks, and are personally willing to assume all responsibility associated with those risks.

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On the cover:Emma tuck climbing in the Mclellan // Photo by Brett Jessen

trail Mix: Why Spokane Is REally #1 Hiking, biking, and running trails that start near the Spokane Falls connect with trails on the South Hill Bluff, Palisades/Indian Canyon Parks, and Riverside State Park.

It is common to see more deer, moose, turkeys and coyotes than people on some trails within the city limits.

You can buy a fixer-upper house within walking distance of Riverfront Park for around the same price as the average Park City SUV. Some of the biggest wilderness areas and national parks and the deepest river gorge in North America (Hells Canyon) are around 4 hours away.

A huge swath of the Kootenay region of British Columbia, that mountain bikers, skiers, and climbers flock to from all over the world, is just a few hours north.

A little bit of redneck, and a little bit of hipster, go oh-so-well together.

4

Out There Monthly / september 2013

From the Editor: Let’s Turn Potential into Pay Dirt By now you’ve probably heard the news: Spokane made the cover of the September issue of Outside Magazine as #5 in the best outdoor towns list for 2013. It’s definitely something to be proud of and excited about. Recognition like this is good news for the growing number of local recreation and tourism oriented businesses popping up around the region and can help reassure community leaders that investing in parks, land conservation, and recreation infrastructure is a smart economic development move.

Despite all that, I know more than a few Spokanites who have mixed feelings about this new found fame.

For those of us who enjoy the solitude out on the trail that is frequently cited as one of the benefits of living here, sharing our little secret with a national

audience can understandably cause some people to get a little twitchy.

We are unbelievably fortunate to be surrounded by so many exceptional recreation opportunities without having to fight crowds or pay an arm and a leg to live here and enjoy them. But let’s face it. Most of the trails, crags, rivers, and lakes here in the Inland Northwest aren’t suffering from too much love but not enough!

Trails and natural areas that don’t get used get abused. For the past three years, I’ve lived a few blocks from the river near downtown Spokane, and it’s been troubling to watch the disrespect and neglect of the incredible trails and park lands that sprawl west from the city core all the way to Riverside State Park. More people out there using and appreciating

LIBERTY LAKE, WA

these places would make a big difference.

Shallan and I had a chance recently to visit Park City, Utah – Outside Magazine’s best outdoor town pick this year – to explore the area and get some mountain biking in between sessions at the Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake City. Spokane and Park City couldn’t be more different in so many ways, but both places have a tremendous amount of recreation opportunities.

I expected the trails around Park City to be crowded, and the main paved trails and popular dirt trails right out of town were chock full of all sorts of people from every age group and fitness level imaginable.

It was nice to see so many everyday people outside walking, biking and having a good time on the exceptionally maintained and signed trail system. It

got even better, though, as we pedaled further from the trailhead. We rode fun and flowy trails through gorgeous oak, aspen, and sage for several hours on a beautiful Saturday evening without running into another person, pile of trash, or neglected stretch of trail. I’d take Spokane over Park City any day, but there are a few things we could learn from Outside’s #1.

I definitely don’t want to see Spokane over-run with Subaru loads of refugees from other outdoor towns like Bend, Bellingham or Bozeman looking for the next, best place, but a little bit of recognition may be just the inspiration we need to turn potential into pay dirt.

------------------------------------------------------derrick knowles, editor

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Photo of the Month

PhotO: Gabriella Meglasson Pro skier Aidan Sheahan disastering the down flat down at Mt. Hood this summer at Timberline!

September’s winner recieves two tickets to Reel Rock Film Festival

(509) 747-0336 Downtown Spokane (509) 456-7479

Send your 3 mb or less, hi-res (200+ dpi) submission with caption to photos@outtheremonthly.com.

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Out There Monthly / september 2013

North Division Bicycle Shop

Out ThereNews nez perce tribe stalls tar sands equipment along the clearwater and lochsa rivers A renewed push to send mega loads of tar sands equipment up Highway 12 along the Wild & Scenic Lochsa River in Idaho has generated unified opposition from the Nez Perce Tribe, conservation groups and recreation businesses worried about impacts to salmon, rivers, tribal resources and recreation. Hauler Omega Morgan defied the Tribe and the U.S. Forest Service last month and sent a load through the Nez Perce Reservation and up Highway 12 without authorization. More than 200 Nez Perce tribal members and supporters blockaded the load at the reservation boundary where tribal leaders were arrested.

Omega Morgan violated its travel permit numerous times, refusing to pull over for traffic to pass and forcing cars to wait for hours as they made a week-long journey over the narrow, winding

road. The Nez Perce Tribe and Idaho Rivers United have filed a lawsuit and injunction to stop more trucks from rolling. Omega Morgan wants to move 9 more loads up the recreation corridor.

OTM readers who hike, fish, hunt, and kayak in the Lochsa River corridor stand to lose if the oil companies succeed in sending 200-plus loads toiling up Lolo Pass every year, filling pullouts during the day (loads only travel at night) and bringing traffic to a standstill. Park your rig and head into the backwoods, and you are likely to find your vehicle towed on return. A load lost off a truck could block the highway for weeks. Citizens are organizing to protect the corridor. To learn more or get involved go to www.fightinggoliath.org for more info.//

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Boat, bike, run: New triathlon event

Tribal council and others stand firm as ISP approaches // Photo by Kevin Taylor

rainshadow race on mt. spokane Oct. 5 Without a doubt, Rainshadow Running is the best trail running event outfit in the business.

They’re everything that would otherwise scare a first-time trail runner away, but the power of completing any of their races is so spectacular that most of them fill up to capacity every year.

Best of all, the Rainshadow Running series is hosting a race on Mount Spokane on Saturday, Oct. 5. If you are a runner, you won’t want to miss this race. Across the entire Northwest, trail runners crack a smile at the mere mention of race director James Varner. His races have developed a cult following because he devotes himself to

creating a trail running party that just happens to have a kick-ass trail run mixed into it. At the recent Angels Staircase 60km race on Aug. 11, he posted $4,500 in prize money to invest in the sport he loves and foster a new course record.

The Rainshadow Running Mount Spokane race promises to be equally tough and rewarding, and it significantly exceeds standard ski resort trail runs. There are 25km and 50km race options, and each distance features multiple aid stations. If you’re an endurance athlete, and you already train up at Mount Spokane, why not run this race?//

RIM Ride adds flat routes on centennial trail The third annual Liberty Lake Rotary Club’s Rotary in Motion (RIM) Century and Family Fun Ride is set for Sunday, Sept. 15. Rides range from 50 and 100 mile routes with challenging climbs to a few shorter, flatter rides better suited for families and individuals interested in a less demanding course. All of the rides take advantage of some of the most scenic parts of the Liberty, Newman, and Hauser lakes areas.

Two new routes this year eliminate hill climbs by sticking to the relatively flat yet super scenic

Centennial Trail. And a 5-mile family-friendly ride will follow paved trails through the Liberty Lake area. Each ride includes food stops, medical and mechanical support and safety crews as well as lunch provided by Quizno’s. Proceeds from the ride help Liberty Lake Rotary Club help fund local community projects, says ride founder and director Mandy Desgrosellier. “We had over 200 riders last year and expect at least 300 hundred cyclists to turn out for this year’s event,” she said.

More info at: rotaryinmotion.com.//

The Inland Northwest has itself a new triathlon in Spokane Valley that swaps out the swimming for a canoe/kayak run down a beautiful stretch of the Spokane River. The 1st Annual Valleyfest Triathlon on Sunday, Sept. 22 offers a fun, accessible triathlon event that utilizes some of Spokane Valley’s finest outdoor recreation assets, including a 1-mile float down the river to Plante’s Ferry, an 11-mile road bike ride and

a final 3-mile loop run that incorporates the Centennial Trail. Valleyfest is also teaming up with the Bike Hub on the same day to host a trail ride for all ages and abilities that includes four different routes on the Centennial Trail.

The ride starts at Mirabeau Point Park at the North Centennial Trailhead. More info on both events at: www.valleyfest.org/boatbikeruntriathlon.html//

MTB Race/Event to benefit 49dn ski patrol 49° North Ski Patrol is holding Tour de Rock Sept. 22 as a fundraiser to keep patrol members well stocked with medical supplies and equipment and to cover training costs for ski patrollers this upcoming season. In addition to several mountain bike race routes, this year’s event has been expanded to include hiking tours and a shorter bike ride designed for kids, as well as live music and a post-ride barbecue. The main mountain course includes a climb up through

Sunrise Basin on unpaved roads, then a traverse across the face of the mountain and finally a fun downhill run back to the lodge with refreshments and support services along the way. For those looking for more of a challenge, there will be a ride from Chewelah to the ski resort followed by the climb to the top of Chewelah Peak. Maps and profiles for each of the routes, plus more event details and registration information are available at www.ski49n.com.//

run with the moose on Mt. Spokane The third annual Wild Moose Chase Trail Run, held on Sept. 29 up at Mt. Spokane State Park, is an EWU Physical Therapy Program fundraiser that is part of the Inland Northwest Mountain Trail Running Series which included runs at Schweitzer and 49 Degrees North earlier this year. The Wild Moose Chase race includes 5k and 10k courses through the Nordic ski trail system, as well as a 25k course that goes around the mountain with over 3,000 feet of elevation gain. “I just scouted out the route a few weekends

ago, and it’s going to be absolutely awesome,” says Jamie Redman, one of the race organizers. “It’s just competitive enough to get your adrenaline going, but still fun enough for you to stop and pick the huckleberries. In other words, a great trail race!” To encourage youth participation, kids’ registration is only $10. The race starts at the Selkirk Lodge at Mt. Spokane State Park. All you need to know at: www.wildmoosechasetrailrun.com //

September 2013

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Health andFitness Before & After / By S. Michal Bennett Running is one of the oldest and most primal forms of exercise. Paleolithic men and women ran from predators and ran to hunt food. Today, most of us sit behind desks or stand behind counters, and running has become an athletic activity that we strive to make time for in our week.

Whether you’re tackling a marathon, running trails or jogging a stretch of the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes to start your day, preparing your body for this high impact activity and recovering well after a run are both vital.

Before: Fueling Up While a small amount of coffee or green tea can give you a natural energy boost for your workout, some people like to also pre-fuel with carbohydrates or protein. However, downing a stack of pancakes or chugging a bottle of Ensure, while giving you short-term results, can result in longterm digestive and gut health issues.

Instead, start your run with a nutrient-dense, healthy carb-rich greens and fruit smoothie or juice* that’s easier to digest. Or shake up protein powder with some quality omega-3 oil. You will notice the difference in your energy levels, endurance, mental clarity and muscle recovery during your workout.

In addition, therapeutic enzymes, taken before

exercise, can make a significant dent in post-workout muscle soreness.

Before: Warming Up Stretching before a run is vital to prevent injury, maintain form and improve response time.

However, you don’t want your muscles to be too loose. A five-minute light warm up and stretch is sufficient to get your muscles ready to work. And don’t just focus on your calves and quads – be sure to work out the kinks in your shoulders, neck and back as well. Foot to ground impact affects the entire body, and preparing each muscle will result in a better post-workout recovery.

Second, make sure you have good running shoes specifically made for your running sport – not basketball, cross-training or dress shoes, but running shoes. For many of us, running is difficult enough as it is – why add another obstacle into the mix? Having proper shoes will also make focusing on form more accessible.

After: Cooling Down After your workout, your muscles are hot, your skin is sweaty and your lungs are sucking air.

Slowly cooling down with movement and postworkout stretching will help your body purge excess lactic acid, reducing soreness over the next 36 hours. Focus on the muscles that feel the most taxed. Use a tennis ball to self-massage joints, muscles and connective tissues. Finally, stretch long, using both static and active stretches.

After: Fueling Traditionally, athletes are known to binge after a workout, and the mainstream consensus is that you should eat within 20-60 minutes of a cardio exercise. However, that idea has been challenged in recent years. While this is still the recommendation for anyone who did not fuel before their run, many athletes are now merely following their regular meal schedule post workout. Experiment and find out which protocol works best for you.

Regardless which strategy you choose, seek out fresh, seasonal foods, avoid refined sugars and simple carbs, and choose natural and organic proteins and produce. You will discover that you sleep better, perform better and experience less muscle soreness. Above all, know your body, listen to its signals and stay healthy out there on the roads and trails.// Running Performance Tip Drinking during a long run, especially during hot weather, will make a vast difference in your performance and recovery. Simply drink clean water – every 20 minutes is recommended.

For more on fueling during a workout see the article “The Real Truth About What To Eat Before, During and After Your Workouts & Races,” by Ben Greenfield. www.bengreenfieldfitness.com

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Destinations rossland, BC Cycling adventures ROAD, RAILWAY AND MOUNTAIN BIKING / By Brent Emmingham

After a grueling and unrelenting climb, a happy rider descends from the clouds on the Seven Summits Trail. // Phot0 by Brent Emmingham

Is Rossland a quaint ski town with some

of the best cycling available? Or, is it a serious road and mountain biking destination that just happens to host the snow-covered steeps of Red Mountain? Rossland is all of this and a fun town with plenty of pubs, restaurants, B&Bs, and arts and cultural events to round out an otherwise adrenaline packed-trip.

Rossland is located just across the U.S. and Canadian border, about 127 miles north of Spokane and is best known as the home of Red Mountain Resort. Nowadays, almost as soon as the snow stops flying, Rossland becomes a serious bike town.

Mountain Biking The main attraction for mountain bikers in the Rossland area is the Seven Summits Trail. It was Bike Magazine’s Trail of the Year for 2007. Named for the seven mountain summits that can be seen (or climbed, if that’s your thing) from the trail, it can best be described by these seven adjectives.

The Seven Summits Trail is truly “epic.” IMBA (International Mountain Biking Association) has awarded the trail its Epic classification. The length, almost 23 miles, including the downhill Dewdney Trail section, makes for a full day of riding. The first major section of the trail is “breath-

taking” – literally. Estimates vary as to how much elevation gain is actually earned, but it’s close to 4,000 feet of lung-busting climbing. It’s definitely “challenging.” Sections of the singletrack trail have significant exposure. Rocky ascents and technical descents are interspersed throughout the route.

The mountains surrounding Rossland are also a “historic” treasure trove of old mining roads, routes, and trails that date back to the turn of the last century. And the trail is “beautiful,” with amazing views, even through the cloud layer or fog that often settles on the peaks and ridges.

The Seven Summits Trail can also be “dangerous,” especially if you’re not prepared. Be sure to pick up a trail map from Revolution Cycles on Columbia Ave. downtown Rossland before you begin your adventure. It’s easy for riders to get separated (cell phone coverage is limited) and flat tires are common. There are only a few rideable routes back to town if you get into trouble, and there isn’t any water along the trail. And perhaps best of all, the Seven Summits Trail is a “local” trail that everyone in Rossland seems to know and respect. While this trail will take most riders four to eight hours to complete, local legend has it that fit riders can ride the entire trail, starting and finishing in Rossland, in 3 1/2 hours!

Once you have the Seven Summits trail checked

off, Revolution Cycles has a chalkboard that lists all the other local trails with difficulty ratings and status updates. “When I moved to Rossland 20 years ago, the mountain bike movement was somewhat fringe,” says Tyler Merringer. He and his wife, Caroline, own Revolution Cycles and are almost always in the shop helping customers and offering sage advice about Rossland’s cycling opportunities.

“The number of local riders has more than doubled and the improvements in bike technology and the maturation of the trail building scene has made the trails in and around Rossland more accessible and enjoyable for all rider skill levels,” Tyler added. And, if your bike took a beating on one of the local trails, or needs a check-up before you head out, the staff at Revolution Cycles will take great care of you and your ride. More trail info at: www.revolutioncycles.ca Rossland also features not one but two mountain bike skills parks. Need to work on drops, skinnies, or features? One park is geared toward wooden features and is a great place to build confidence, while the other, somewhat larger park, is more of a dirt-jump park and better suited for expert riders. These parks will definitely build and test your skills.

Road and Railway Biking Mountain biking is not the only cycling attraction in and around Rossland. You’ll see almost as many vehicles loaded with road bikes as mountain bikes. If it’s pavement you prefer, there are multiple popular routes that will satisfy every level of roadie, especially if you like climbs. Almost every route out of Rossland will require some degree of climbing. One of the most popular rides is up Highway 3B to Nancy Greene Lake, a sub-alpine lake inside Nancy Greene Provincial Park. The scenery and a cool dip in the lake are sure to take your mind off the pain. Tourism Rossland lists several other popular road biking routes around Rossland: www.tourismrossland.com/road-biking-0 Also popular in the area is riding the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR). Those of you who enjoy the Route of the Hiawatha Bike Trail in north Idaho will surely want to check this ride out. Like the Hiawatha, it is an abandoned railway grade that is never at more than a 2.2% grade but includes tunnels and white-knuckle trestle crossings. Riding the KVR is a great way to get some exercise and absorb some of Rossland’s mining history. www. kettlevalleyrailway.ca//

Rossland MTB Events Saturday, Sept. 7

Two annual bike events happening in Rossland this month are worth the drive north of the border.

The Dreadhead Enduro DH is an increasingly popular Enduro style downhill race that requires riders to pedal to the top (within an allotted amount of time) before being timed on the down. The race includes two courses that follow several sections of classic Rossland singletrack. All-mountain bikes are recommended. Registration ($40 cash) is from 8-10:30 a.m. at the trailhead on race day or at Revolution Cycles from 3-5:30 p.m. the day before.

Call 1.888.296.5688 for more info.

The Huck N’ Berries Bike Jam, a branch of the Rossland Rubberhead Bike Festival, is the “berry” hucking kids version of the Dreadhead Enduro race that takes place amongst the pumptrack, gap-jumps, and other sculpted features of Rossland’s Centennial Park.

Come watch your kids or somebody else’s kids get crazy air with their bikes.

BBQ, beer garden, and lively bike festival atmosphere and awards ceremony included. Registration and more info at Revolution Cycles.

For details on both events (and entertaining videos) check out: www.rosslandrubberhead.com//

OTM Picks: Out on the Town in Rossland The Flying Steamshovel (Pub) www.theflyingsteamshovel.com Idgie’s Fine Food www.idgiesrestaurant.com Misty Mountain Pizza (Next to Idgie’s) www.mistymountainpizza.ca Mountain Shadow Hostel www.mshostel.com

Saturday, September 21, 2013 Open to cyclists of all ages and levels.

Century • Metric Century 40 Miles • 20 Mile Family Fun Ride for more information, go to blazing100.org.

Held in conjunction with the Northwest International Chili Cook-Off! September 2013

/ Out There Monthly

9

women

ROCK

By Jon Jonckers

No one knows for certain how

many local

female climbers have climbed 5.12 or higher in the past 20 years, but one thing is certain. Right now, Spokane is home to twice as many super strong and talented female climbers than at any time in the past two decades. Admittedly, rock climbing continues to be primarily fueled by guys; however, the current wave of strong women at local cliffs is downright impressive.

In many cases, these women are succeeding at national climbing events and pushing past their male counterparts. Best of all, these female climbers are still improving exponentially.

Emma scans for her next move -Mclellan climbing area. // Photo: Brett Jessen 10

Out There Monthly / september 2013

Unlike running or basketball or nearly every other team sport, men and women don’t necessarily compete separately in outdoor rock climbing. The climbing routes are graded by difficulty, and this genuinely levels the field. Rather than a different tee or smaller ball or some other gender allowance, women have always competed equally on routes alongside men. In other words, a 5.10 route or a 5.11 route is the same degree of difficulty regardless of age or gender or height or anything else.

To be fair, in direct competition, men still dominate. Even around Spokane, at climbing areas like Deep Creek, Big Rock or McClellan, the majority of climbers are male. But four or five years earlier, while there were plenty of female climbers willing to climb the easier routes, there were not many women pushing themselves to try really difficult routes. At any given time, in the past 10 years, perhaps only three to five local women could climb 5.12. Right now, there are 10 or more that can climb 5.12 or harder.

Just in case the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) that’s used for climbing grades is unfamiliar, fifth class, or 5.0, is any climb that requires a rope to protect yourself in case of a fall. 5.0 could be equivalent to a ladder on the side of a super tall water tower – not too difficult but possibly scary and a little dangerous. 5.5 is a few degrees tougher. 5.8 is a respectable degree of difficulty. 5.10 is fairly challenging, and it requires a fair amount of practice. 5.11 routes require even more practice and specific training. 5.12 is tough, and this grade suggests dedication, mental awareness, and a fever for rock climbing.

The YDS scale is open-ended; however, the hardest confirmed routes to date are 5.15.

“Rock climbing isn’t a fringe sport any more,” says Todd

Mires, the general manager at Wild Walls in Spokane. He has watched this trend happen right in front of him at the climbing gym, and he readily admits that 10 or 20 years ago it was mostly men at the cliffs trying difficult routes. This is no longer the case. Mires says, “It’s more social, and it’s more acceptable for women to rock climb now.”

Mires cites numerous rock climbing tangents in the local community that have enhanced the local climbing culture. For starters, there’s the local climbing team coached by Joshua Jackman, the new climbing wall at EWU and the upcoming new climbing wall at Whitworth. Gonzaga offers rock climbing classes at Wild Walls. Gonzaga Prep pioneered a climbing team for it’s students.

Mires also notes that there has been a lot of new route development at Big Rock and McClellan.

In addition to changes in the local climbing environment, climbing gear has morphed and changed, and in the past 10 years there’s been a steep increase in women-specific climbing equipment, notes Eric Barrett, the senior climbing buyer at Mountain Gear. “Almost 20 years ago, the first women’s specific harnesses and climbing shoes arrived on the scene. But in the past 10 years, women’s gear has really grown, and the goods are truly tailored for women.”

In jest, Barrett laughed and talked about the old strategies for making women’s climbing gear: shrink-it and pink-it. In other words, the manufacturers would resize a men’s version, offer it in pink and maybe add some glitter. Thankfully, this mode of product development failed, and ever since then there has been a steady investment in true hardware made for women – including harnesses, shoes, backpacks, sleeping bags, and climbing-specific clothing.

All things considered, the Inland Northwest has always fostered strong female sport climbers. Shortly after Wild Walls opened, several women trained hard and advanced through the climbing grades. Tara Yeck, Shannon Quine, Britt Alsaker, Serra Barron and Melissa Main established themselves as top-notch climbers. Melissa even competed at national and international climbing events.

Throughout the 2000s, several more women entered the scene, including Tana Bachman, Sarah Moeser and Jessy Humann. In the past couple of years, the landscape changed dramatically thanks to the rise of Rachel Patton, Dawn Moss, and the twins – Cierra and

Grace Ford spots Emma Tuck as she makes her next move. // Photo: Brett Jessen

Grace Ford reaches for a hold. // Photo: Brett Jessen

Makenna Graham. Like Melissa Main, Cierra has also excelled at national climbing competitions, and she isn’t even in high school yet.

The Graham twins are fraternal, and they belong in their own climbing category.

They’ve only been climbing for a few years and competing for two seasons, and they’re already making a huge impression on the indoor climbing community.

The twin’s father, Andy Graham, notes that their climbing focus makes them quite a bit different than most 13 year old girls. “I think the climbing community is unlike anything else, and unless you’re a part of that, it’s hard for other kids to relate. I think this is why the friendships they have made through climbing are a little unique, and watching them hang out with other like-minded kids in the sport is unlike anything we have ever seen. These friendships will last forever.”

Graham points to the positive impact climbing has had on the twins, such as increased confidence and personnel growth.

“Being 13 is a tough age, and having climbing gives them an outlet to develop their own identity, mentally and physically. Climbing has helped them set personal goals and push themselves to accomplish them without limitations.”

Cierra and Makenna Graham repeatedly do well at indoor climbing comps, and they’re both super ambitious when it comes to the

outdoor climbing scene. They’re also part of the tight tribe of female climbers that train together at Wild Walls including Emma Tuck, Grace Ford, Emma Nickoloff, Rylee Engelbrecht, and Emma Linklater. This is the female spark of the next rock climbing forest fire.

All things considered, both men and women are climbing significantly more difficult routes in the Inland Northwest. The trend is difficult to measure because there

is respected among the entire sport climbing community. Some might say she has outgrown the national climbing competition circuit, but she still lands on the podium at all of the local climbing comps. In many ways, she is an average college student with a parttime job at Mountain Goat Outfitters, and in other ways, she is crushing all of the hardest climbs that very few men can climb.

Alex Rice competed nationally too, and he climbs with Sarah more than anyone else.

In many ways, she is an average college student with a part-time job at Mountain Goat Outfitters, and in other ways, she is crushing all of the hardest climbs that very few men can climb. aren’t any soccer tournaments, AAU basketball camps or Little League results to chart and graph and compare. It’s worth noting that these climbing ambitions don’t lead to college scholarships either. Nevertheless, the local climbers have improved, and the local female climbers have improved dramatically.

Perhaps the least appreciated and most significant female climber in the area is Sarah Moeser. She is shy and quiet, and she dodges praise like a boxer dodges punches, but she

He can’t help but laugh when he describes her climbing style. “She is the most tenacious climber around. Her footwork is awesome, and she is so graceful when she climbs.

It’s funny because she can be timid on the approach to a climbing cliff, but once she is on the rock, she is all business.”

Later on in our conversation, Rice remarks on her dedication to climbing. “She is downright determined. After she has rehearsed a route several times, she starts to become

a machine, and it’s really amazing to watch her. Like when she climbed The Masochist (5.13b), she was committed to going all out.

When it comes down to it, she is just so mentally tough. So many people train their muscles, but few climbers are as mentally strong as Sarah is.”

Perhaps the most impressive thing about the local climbing scene in recent years is the growing camaraderie among the climbers, both men and women, young and old, alongside simple and difficult routes. Climbers still discuss grades and accomplishments, but it isn’t like golf handicaps or time trials. They’re more inclusive and much more supportive because when a younger or newer climber can climb a higher grade, they become part of the crew rather than a new competitor. The climbers share beta, and belaying, and keep an eye on one another’s safety.

In particular, local female climbers are stretching their reach and including more friends, and they’re not shy about climbing the toughest routes at the cliff. The amount of stronger women climbing locally has doubled in the past two years, and it hasn’t happened by accident. There’s a growing number of hard climbers that are eager to see the first local 5.14 female climber, and many predict it will happen within the next two or three years. Based on the current growth, it’s quite possible.//

Some of the Spokane climbing team at Wild Walls // Photo Jon Jonckers September 2013

/ Out There Monthly

11

Everyday Cyclist Kidical mass /

By Hank Greer

On a cool, cloudy day last April, Erika Henry,

Summer Parkways Co-Chair, reviewed arm signals with a group of helmeted children straddling their bikes. She held her arm out and asked, “What direction am I turning?”

A chorus of kids answered, “Left.” And so began Spokane’s first Kidical Mass.

Kidical Mass (www.kidicalmass.org) began in Eugene, OR in 2008, in part as a means to get children and families more involved in, and excited about, cycling. Riding in a group helps the children learn more about riding in traffic and increases their confidence to do so. Parents and adults riding along add to the safety. But most importantly, everyone has a comfortable and fun bike ride. Bill, Erika, and the Summer Parkways organization thought it would be a great idea to bring Kidical Mass to Spokane.

They held Spokane’s first Kidical Mass during the West Central Neighbor Days Festival at Cannon Park. After reviewing hand signals and some basic safety rules, the kids left the park and leisurely followed a 3-mile route shepherded by several adults.

Bill Bender, also a Summer Parkways Co-Chair, led the ride. Along the route he talked to the kids about what to do as each situation developed before them.

“Okay, when we’re approaching an intersection we want to slow down and look both ways. If there are cars coming we want to stop and let them go by. If we have a stop sign then we want to stop no matter what.”

At a stop sign to cross Pettit Drive Bill asked one of the children to come up to the front.

“Tell me when we’re clear to go.”

The little girl was about 8 years old. She looked left and right and left again. “There’s a bus coming,” she said.

“Good job,” said Bill. “So keep watching and tell us when we can go.”

After the bus and another car went by, she spoke up. “Okay, we can go.”

“Very good. Thank you.” Bill continued to involve the kids and encourage them as they rode along. Parents, grandparents, and other adults on the ride also coached their charges. They reinforced the meaning and use of hand signals, keeping an eye out for traffic, and most importantly,

that riding a bike is fun.

The second Kidical Mass was held in mid-May in the Chief Garry neighborhood. Free helmets were provided by the Progressions Credit Union.

(The Cop Shop provided free helmets at the first Kidical Mass.) This time Bill had the honors of teaching the hand signals. Watched over by adults, this group of energetic kids took a tour of their neighborhood along and across roads with vehicle traffic present. One different aspect of this route was that it included getting off the bike and crossing an arterial as a pedestrian—twice.

When it was over, many of the children said that 3-mile ride was the farthest distance they had ever gone. That may be true for some, but I suspect they thought so because they were riding under conditions that were more controlled than they’re used to. When I was a kid my friends and I never paid attention to how far we rode.

We just kept pushing the pedals until we got to where we were going. We were focused on playing, not distance.

There is one more Kidical Mass event scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 12, in the South Perry neighborhood. Meet and register—it’s free!—for the ride at 4:30 p.m. at the Two Wheel Transit bike shop at 817 South Perry (www.twowheeltransit.com).

Helmets are required. At 5 p.m, the kids will get their instructions, and then th.e wheels will start rolling. This time the route is 2.5 miles long. You can get all the details about the ride and route on the Summer Parkways web site (www.summerparkways.com).

One great thing about this event is that you do not have to reside in the neighborhood where the Kidical Mass is being held in order to attend. In fact, taking your child to more than one event will help reinforce what they’ve been learning. There was one repeat attendee from the first two rides.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see that young person pedaling along with her dad this time, too.

Could your child benefit from a bike safety refresher? Do you and yours want to have fun on a nice easy ride? Then come on out. Whether you live across town or in the South Perry neighborhood, whether you’ve been to either, neither, or both of the previous rides, you are welcome to join in.

What’s the main reason you should go? Because bike riding is fun.//

“Good job,” said Bill.

“So keep watching and tell us when we can go.”

(250) 362-5688 | Rossland B.C. | www.revolutioncycles.ca | 2044 Columbia Ave.

rossland Rossland Rubberhead Bike Festival Saturday, September 7 1-888-296-5688

www.rosslandfattirefestival.com

(250) 362-5688 | Rossland B.C. | www.revolutioncycles.ca | 2044 Columbia Ave.

12

Out There Monthly / september 2013

Teaching kids to love bikes and learn the rules of the road to stay safe// Photo by Hank Greer

OutdoorLiving

diy snacks

Turning Fall Harvest Into Backcountry Bounty / By Erika Prins Buying lightweight, healthy snacks to pack along on outdoor adventures can seriously break the bank. Even then, you may find weird ingredients on the labels and worry how those mystery substances will hinder your performance out there.

Dried fruit can be one of the biggest offenders.

Even organic dried fruit at grocery stores often contains sugar and other additives.

method for drying food.

Higher quality and longer lasting food dehydrators average about $250 at big box stores and online. Sun People Dry Goods, a locally-owned natural living supplier, sells two models in the same price range.

That’s a lot of money for a kitchen appliance, but drying your own stuff sure beats the price of packaged organic, all-natural foods at the store. “[The dehydrator] appeals to people who, one, are

“The vegetables rehydrate as they cook and add nutrients to simple meals like ramen noodles.”

You can make many of those expensive packaged foods at home to save money and determine the ingredients. Dried fruit requires minimal kitchen skills, so it’s a good beginner DIY snack.

Kyle Merritt, a Spokane native and avid backpacker, dries fruits and vegetables at home for his hiking trips. Merritt’s list includes zucchini – which he slices thin to make chips – onions, carrots, apples, plums and bananas.

“All the veggies, I end up throwing in when I am about halfway through cooking a dish,” he says. The vegetables rehydrate as they cook and add nutrients to simple meals like ramen noodles. The fruit, he sprinkles over oatmeal in the mornings and eats for snacks along the trail.

Merritt uses a dehydrator, by far the most efficient

cost conscious and two, those who like to do it themselves,” says Sun People owner Juliet Sinisterra. Many of her customers use dehydrators to make a variety of products. “People want to prepare their own dried fruit. A lot of people want to dry their own herbs. You can even do granola in there.”

Sticker shock shouldn’t be a deterrent from drying your own food. The locally owned General Store in Spokane also has several less expensive models of dehydrators ranging from $50 to $150. Quality used dehydrators can also be found online and at garage sales. Almost everyone I asked about their dehydrator said they found theirs second-hand. Merritt found the one he’s been using lately in the basement of his house when he moved in.

As an alternative to a dehydrator, you can also use

your kitchen oven and supplies you already have on hand. It can take several hours to most of a day to dry different fruits and vegetables in an oven set around 100 degrees, depending on what you’re drying and how thin you slice the food. Cracking the door and setting a fan nearby can help simulate a dehydrator.

Whatever method you use will require three elements: warm temperatures, low humidity and airflow. Your fruit should be ripe (not overripe), pitted or cored, and evenly sliced for uniform drying.

Dipping the fruit in citric acid or lemon helps preserve the color of the fruit, but Merritt says he likes his fruit just as it is.

For him, the only drawback to drying with a dehydrator is that you can only make so many dried snacks at once. He’d like a solution that uses less power and has a larger capacity – and he’s found instructions online for building just such a thing.

“Someday, I strive to make a solar-powered dehydrator for the backyard.” // Check out Sun People Dry Goods (sunpeopledrygoods.com) or the General Store (generalstorespokane.com) if you’re looking to buy a new food dehydrator from a locally-owned store.

Where to find fresh fruits and veggies for drying Cole’s Orchard

Cole’s is a certified organic, small family farm/orchard up at Green Bluff that offers apricots, prunes, pears, and apples, as well as a variety of vegetables. open Friday Sunday and by appointment.

More info: 509.238.4962 greenbluffgrowers.com/map/15. html

Spokane Farmers’ Market

Many types of fresh, local, and organic fruits and vegetables. Located downtown on 5th Ave. between Division and Browne on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8a.m .to 1p.m. spokanefarmersmarket.org/

Sandpoint Farmers’ Market JEnnifer Hall Picks cherries at green bluff for drying and canning // Photo by shallan knowles

Downtown in Farmin Park Wednesdays from 3-5:30a.m. and Saturdays from 9a.m.-1p.m. sandpointfarmersmarket.com/

ganic r O d e i f i t r Ce duce o l a c o L Heirloom Tomatoes Squash & Zucchini Carrots Cucumbers Peppers

Gravenstein Apples Macintosh Apples Tree Ripened Peaches as the fruit ripens

Cole’s Orchard at Greenbluff

call for availability and to place your order 509.238.4962 find us, like us September 2013

/ Out There Monthly

13

OutdoorCalendarc Submit your event at www.outtheremonthly.com CLIMBING (Ongoing) Vertical Introduction.

When: Tuesdays and Thursdays 6 – 8 p.m., Saturdays 4 – 6p.m. Where: Wild Walls 202 W. 2nd Ave. In this class you will learn the fundamentals to climb indoors: fitting the harness, knot tying, and proper belay technique. This class (or previous experience and passing our belay test) is a prerequisite for top roping in our facility. Ages 12+, $35. Info: 509.455.9596.

(Ongoing) Introduction to Lead Climbing. When: Last two Tuesdays of

the Month 4 -6p.m. Where: Wild Walls For climbers looking to further their climbing ability and increase the options available to them, our lead climbing class will prepare you for the world of sport climbing!

With an emphasis on safety, you will learn proper technique for both lead belaying and lead climbing, as well as helpful strategies for efficient sport climbing. Experience required, $75. Info: 509.455.9596

(Ongoing Mondays & Wednesdays) Spider Monkeys Climbing Club.

When: 5 – 7 p.m. Where: Wild Walls, 202 W. 2nd Ave. For kids ages 4 – 10 years.

Please call ahead. Come climb and meet new friends! Info: 509.455.9596.

(September 14) Mountain Bike Skills Clinic for Beginners.10a.m.-1p.m. at

Camp Sekani. Ages 14+ Learn body positioning, braking, descending, front wheel lift and more from Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, $50. Info: 509.625.6200 or spokaneparks.org.

CYCLING (Ongoing) Belles and Baskets.

Whatever style your cycle, join other Spokane women for no-drop rides, treats, and friendship. Info: 509.951.4090, facebook.com/bellesandbaskets.

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

Area. Spokane BOMB (Believers On Mountain Bikes) is a non-denominational Christian group leading rides in the Spokane area April-October. Everyone welcome, helmets required. Info: www. spokanebomb.com

(September 4-5) Iron core racing summit or bust. 8.5 mile run up to

Kellog peak, bike back down. info: Silver Mountain Sports 208. 783.1517

(September 7) Brian Williams Memorial Bike Ride. When:Starting

at 1:00 pm. Where:O’Shays Irish Pub and Eatery, Coeur d’Alene. This poker ride has live music, barbecue, silent auction, door prizes and t-shirt included. $20 suggested donation. Info: NIC Outdoors Center 208.676.7169.

(September 8) Spokefest. When: 8:00

am. Where: Spokane Falls Blvd. Various length bike ride celebrating Spokane. Info: www.Spokefest.org 14

Out There Monthly / september 2013

(September 12) Kidical Mass South Perry. When: 5 p.m. Where: South

SIXMONTHTRAININGCALENDAR

Perry Neighborhood. Fun, safe bike ride especially for kids. Join familyfriendly late-afternoon ride on anything that rolls! Bikes, trailers, tandems, folding bikes, trikes. South Perry neighborhood, 2.5 mile route. Start Two Wheel Transit, 817 S Perry. Info: summerparkways@gmail.com, www.summerparkways.com

2013). Coeur d’Alene. The 9’er is a challenging and beautiful 9 mile trail run on Canfield Mountain. All dirt course. Info: www.ironcoreracing.com

(September 14-15) Bike MS. Ride around Lake Coeur d’Alene. Two ride

options: One Day: 84 Miles, Two Day: 150 Miles. BikeMS.org.

(September 15) Ride the RIM. 7 10:30 am in Liberty Lake, WA. 5, 15, 25, 50, & 100 mile bike rides. Cyclists of all ages & abilities. Great end-of-season Spokane Valley ride!! Info: 509.869.9624 (September 22) Valley Fest Trail Ride. When: 11 a.m. Where: Mirabeau Point Park North Centennial Trail Head.

A great way to get the whole family out together and enjoy the beauty that Spokane has to offer! Info: www.valleyfest.org

(September 22) Tour de Rock. Long ride starts at 10 a.m and mountain rides & hike start at 11 a.m. Rough Ride 4000’ - Chewelah City Park; mountain rides & hike – 49 Degrees North Lodge, Chewelah. Mountain bike ride/fund raiser to benefit the 49 Degrees North Ski Patrol (a nonprofit organization that provides safety and first aid). The less strenuous route involves a climb up through Sunrise Basin on unpaved roads, then a traverse across the face. Info: 509.939.2175 or ski49n.com (September 21) Blazing Saddles at the Colville Fairgrounds. When: Various

times. Where: NE Washington Fairgrounds in Colville. Century/Metric Century/40 miles and Family fun 20 Mile. Info: www. facebook.com/BlazingSaddlesBikeRide.

(September 28) CdA GranFondo.

When: various times. Where: Downtown Coeur d’Alene. Ride around Lake Coeur d’Alene followed by post-ride Oktoberfest.

108 miles, 84 miles, 47 miles*, 37 miles** and 15 miles options. Info: CdAGranFondo. com.

HIKING / WALKING (On-Going) Wed & Sun Hobnailer Hikes. When: Varies. Where: Varies.

Join Hobnailer hiking club for weekly 6-8 mile hikes in the Spokane area. Info: clcspo@msn.com or 509.456.0250

(September 14-16) WTA trail work party. 8:30 – 4:00 pm. Sullivan Lake

Ranger Station. Join us for 1-2 days of trailwork in the Sullivan Lake Salmo Priest areas, swimming, boating, car camp, potluck Sat PM, BBQ and drinks provided.

Info: 206.625.1367 or wta.org

LAuren D’Arienzo and Julie Hilliard at the Wunderwoman tri // Photo by Garrett williams

(November 9) West Regional Cross Country Championships. Where: Plantes Ferry Sports Complex.

Some of the regions top collegiate cross country runners compete for Division Cross Country Championships. Info: www.spokanesports.org/events.html

(November 23) Division II Cross Country Championships. Where: HIKING Plantes Ferry Sports Complex. 500 runners from Florida to Alaska will (October 6) Pothole Bench Hike. congregate in Spokane to compete When: 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Where: for the Championship. Info: www.

Pothole Bench near Grand Coulee. spokanesports.org/events.html Hike is about a 2 mile roundtrip, vertical about 100 feet with (November 28) Turkey on the Run, numerous, large potholes drilled Wenatchee, Wash. Info: www.runinto the basalt surface by the wenatchee.com/ Ice Age Floods. Fee required. Info: 509.235.4251 or app.box.com/s/ MARATHONS amw8f1llqpc0b9oy9rr3 (October 13) Spokane Marathon.

(October 6) Northrup Canyon Hike. Marathon, Half Marathon, When: 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Where: Marathon Relay & 10k. Info: www.

Northrup Canyon near Grand spokanemarathon.us Coulee. Hike is 7.2 mile round trip, 480 feet above trailhead, and (October 26) Halloween at Hells through a hidden canyon located Gate. This race is held at Hells Gate along the east wall of the Upper State Park, Lewiston Idaho. 1/2 Grand Coulee. Hike is moderate- Marathon this course is rated as ly difficult because of mileage. difficult. Info: www.trailmaniacs.

Fee required. Info: 509.235.4251 com/ or app.box.com/s/amw8f1llqpc0b9oy9rr3 CYCLING RUNNING (October 6) Cycle for Life. When: 10 Where: Chewelah City Park.

(October 5) Rainshadow Running a.m.

Ride 25 or 50 miles from Chewelah Series. Where: Mt. Spokane. 25km to Springdale and back via Stevens and 50km race, with multiple aid County loop around Waitts Lake. stations. Info: rainshadow-running. Info: Becky Washington, rebecblogspot.com. ca214@centurytel.net (October 5) Sekani Trail Run at OTHER Camp Sekani, Info: www.active. com/running/spokane-wa/sekani- (October 12-13) Ultimate Table trail-run-2013 Tennis Tournament. Where: The Sports Center. Four-Star (October 5) The 50k and 25k courses HUB both climax with their climbs up and USATT-sactioned event. Info: www. over Mt Spokane. Info: www.mtspo- spokanesports.org/events.html kane50k.blogspot.com/

(November) Ski Conditioning. and Thursday group class(October 12) Battle Back for Mac Monday es at Physical Therapy Associates.

Attack; Steptoe Kicked My Butte Prepare your body to play in the Info: 208.699.9998 snow. Info: www.ptassociates.net.

(October 12) THE 9’ER (CMRS

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.

O OutdoorCalendar (September 26) WTA trail work party. 8:30a.m. – 4:00p.m. Iller Creek.

Join us for a day of improving existing park trails to prepare for winter storms and spring runoff. We’ll hike the loop looking for and fixing problem spots. Info: 206.625.1367 or wta.org

(September 28) WTA trail work party. 8:30a.m. – 4p.m. Liberty Lake

County Park. We need 5 volunteers to complete the match of volunteer work that paid for park improvements we have all enjoyed on National Public Lands Day. Info: 206.625.1367 or wta.org

RUNNING (Ongoing) Fat Ass Trail Runs. When:

TRIATHLON / MULTI-SPORT Spokane River Centennial Trail. This is an exciting opportunity for a Triathlon in Spokane Valley. It includes an exciting twist of a 1-mile kayak/canoe course rather than swimming. www.valleyfest.org

Winthrop WA, 2nd Annual Methow Valley Off-Road Duathlon, 40km Mtn Bike & 10Km Trailrun held at Sun Mountain/MVSTA trails. Info: www. methowduathlon.blogspot.com/

YOGA

(September 14) Heart & Stroke Walk and 5K Run. When: 9a.m. Where:

EVENTS / MOVIES / MISC

T.J. Kelly Park. 5k and 10K options Info: www.phd1.org

(September 21) 2013-Odessa “Deutschesfest Fun Run” 5K and 10K. Run at 8:30a.m. Info: www.visitlincolncountywashington.com/

(September 21) River Run HalfMarathon. 10K, 5K, Wenatchee, Wash.

Info: www.runwenatchee.com/

(September 21) 50K/25K Cle Elum, WA Info: www.rainshadow-running.

blogspot.com

(September 29) Wild Moose Chase.

Where: Mt. Spokane, Selkirk Lodge. A great run for local trail-running-all stars, and family friendly. Sign up by Sept. 11 for a t-shirt. Info: www.wildmoosechasetrailrun.com

(September 28) King of the hill 5k. When: 10.30a.m. Where: Mt St.

Michaels Academy N.8500 St. Michaels Road, Spokane. Prizes for winners. Info: 509.599.6448 or beta.active.com/spokane-wa/running/king-of-the-hill-5k-2013

(September 28) Speedy 10K. Spokane Raceway Park. Flat and Fast. Info: www. speedy10k.com

(September 28) Almira Country Fair “ACFun Run” 5K. Run at 8:30. Info:

www.visitlincolncountywashington.com/

6 Packs & Lessons LIMITED TIME

2013-14

(September 28) Methow Duathlon.

(September 15) Yoga Open House

(September 21) Newport Aututm Bloom Fun Run. When: 9a.m. Where:

on

(September 22) Spokane ValleyFest Triathlon. When: 8:00 am. Where:

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

FAT ASS is the name given to a series of low-key runs that are frequented by experienced runners & walkers and characterized by the phrase “No fees, no awards, no aid, no wimps”. Info: 208.457.2726, facebook.com/TrailManiacs

Riverfront Park. Take a stand against heart disease and stroke! Sign-up to walk or run the 5K at www.SpokaneHeartWalk. org Info: 509.536.1500

Save up to 45% on select Lesson Packages!

Visit ski49n.com for

When: 9a.m-4:30p.m Where: Harmony Yoga, 1717 W. 6th Ave. Visit the Harmony studio, meet the staff, and sample classes free of charge. First time students receive a “First Class Free” coupon which can be applied to a future class of choice. Info: harmonyoga.com

(Ongoing) Spokane Table Tennis Club.

When: Wednesdays from 6:30p.m. - 9p.m.

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

509.456.3581.

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Sep 22 Tour de Rock Annual Ski Patrol fundraiser with a BBQ, Biking, Hiking & Live Music.

Oct 19 Ski Patrol Ski Swap Northeast Washington Fairgrounds Colville, WA

(September 6) First Friday with Charlie Schmidt. 6-8pm. Cup of Cool Water, 1106 W. 2nd Ave., Spokane, Wa 9920. Participate! Charlie will have Keyboard Cat Paintings on display. You will be handed a spray can or marker to join in the creation of works that document all of us at the event! Info: 509.747.6686 or cupofcoolwater.org

(September 14) Ales for the Trail Microbrew Festival. When: 1p.m. -

7p.m. Beachouse Bar & Grill: 3204 E Coeur D’Alene Lake Dr, Coeur d’Alene.

Drink craft beer from North Idaho and Eastern Washington breweries while raising funds for the North Idaho Centennial Trail. Music, games, and prizes. Food available. Info: www.nictf.org

(September 21) Orienteering Intro Class. 9:30a.m.-noon. Gonzaga’s Jepson

Ctr Rm 123. Learn to navigate unfamiliar terrain and trails using a map and compass. Classroom instruction followed by course to test your skills! $8. Info: 509.625.6200 or spokaneparks.org.

• heirloom tables for home or office

(September 21) West Valley Outdoor Learning Center Open House. When:

• made to last for generations

10a.m.-3p.m. Where: 8706 E Upriver Dr. Spokane. Help us kick off our new interpretive native plant trail at the first open house of the school year! Suggested donation $4/person. Info: 509.340.1028 or www.olc.wvsd.org.//

• handcrafted from locally reclaimed wood

d a r e d e s i g n s @ 1819 dare-designs.com 208.660.5479 September 2013

/ Out There Monthly

15

Longboarding 101

by Brad Naccarato A few years back while riding my bike on the Centennial Trail, I came across a sight that seemed out of sorts to my eyes: Two men, 40-something in appearance, moving at a very high rate of speed, were approaching me. These guys were carving, sliding, and generally looking to be having a ball on what I thought were irregularly long skateboards. Grown adults having fun on skateboards? And giant skateboards no less. I soon began a quest to find out more about what I had witnessed that day. What I discovered was a fascinating off-shoot of the skateboard industry known as “longboarding.”

What exactly is a longboard? A longboard is greater in size (both length and width) than its smaller counterpart, the skateboard, and has more stability, traction and durability due to lower wheel durometers (a measure of the wheel’s hardness). Many, but not all longboards, use trucks (axles) that contain different geometric dimensions than a skateboard as well. The angles at which some longboards can turn, as well as their ability to coast long distances make them more suitable for cruising on streets than regular skateboards.

Longer than a trick-deck skateboard, longboards are usually equipped with larger, softer wheels which afford a smoother, faster ride, or depending on the durometer, it can be a slower ride. Since longboards use softer bushings than a typical skateboard,

carving is generally easier too.

Recently I stopped by Sports Outlet, one of Spokane’s largest skateboard retailers to find some answers to a few of my lingering questions. Jeff Yamada, a sales associate for Sports Outlet, gave me the skinny on modern longboarding.

Why longboarding? “Basically, longboarding started when people decided that they were going to try to surf on the street,” said Yamada. “The bigger boards used in longboarding have a cruise-like, carving feel with greater travel per kick and more surface area to stand on – it’s more reminiscent of surfing than traditional skateboarding,” he added.

Skateb o arding came b efore longboarding and surfing came before both.

Skateboarding originated in Hawaii in 1959. When the surf was low or too rough, surfers would “sidewalk surf ” or skateboard. As skateboarding slowly became a popular hobby, it eventually led to the cre-

ation of longer boards. Roller-skate wheels were typically used to assemble both long and short boards. Modern longboarding and skateboarding became official in the 1970s when urethane wheels were finally invented.

Breaking down the anatomy of a longboard: The board is essentially characterized by 4 components: the shape of the deck; the wood type; the truck style; and the wheels’ size, shape, and hardness. “For beginners, I would recommend a pintail shape (narrow towards the rear) with reverse kingpin trucks (kingpin is on the outside) with softer wheels in the 75-80 durometer range,” Yamada said. The pintail shape is easy to control, and the softer wheels provide greater grip on the pavement,” he added.

What about wood types? “That’s personal preference,” Yamada said. “Some like the springy feel of bamboo while others like the stiffer feel of maple”.

Photo courtsey of David Uhlenkott Dopamine Board Sports

Places to ride: Longboarding can generally be done anywhere there is pavement, but for the best riding experience Yamada recommended newer asphalt trails such as his personal favorite, The Centennial Trail. Other similar trails include: Fish Lake Trail and Medical Lake Trail – and for a more urban experience, he recommended Riverfront Park or City Park in Coeur d’Alene.

While longboarding is a fairly safe activity, most injuries occur when riders attempt to “slide-brake” while moving at high rates of speed. Before learning proper braking techniques, it is also common for riders to jump off the moving board and ‘run out’ their speed, but this is safe only at low speeds.

“I see a lot of newer riders pushing it until the board begins to speed wobble – the rider starts gaining speed, the board starts shaking and the rider will jump off,” Yamada said. This technique is considered dangerous among the longboarding community. If the rider is traveling faster than the speed at which they can run, other techniques are required, such as footbraking or carefully controlled sliding maneuvers.

Longboards travel at a much faster rate of speed than traditional boards. Some boards... are designed to travel at speeds beyond 40 miles per hour.

He also recommended wearing helmets, knee pads and wrist guards or sliding gloves. “You name it, and I’ve scraped it up – the more protection you have the better.”

Just how fast do these boards go? Longboards travel at a much faster rate of speed than traditional skateboards. Some boards, like the ones designed by David Uhlenkott at Dopamine Board Sports in Spokane, are designed to travel at speeds beyond 40 miles per hour. “For me it’s all about the speed and the only way to get that fix is on a longboard,” Uhlenkott said.

While skateboarding may have the stereotype as a youth-driven sport, longboarding seems to have developed a greater appeal to a larger age group. Manufacturers are marketing boards to people from the ages of 10 all the way up to 50. It seems that the ease of use combined with the diversity of riding locations has given many of those “grown adults” a chance to relive their youthful skateboarding days and also given them the chance to create some new and even better memories on their longboards.// 16

Out There Monthly / september 2013

Photo courtsey of David Uhlenkott Dopamine Board Sports

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Last Page hangn’ ten on the “Kan” River Surfing / By Brad Naccarato

Newsflash: Ladies and Gentlemen, the

Spokane River has become the newest surfing hotspot here in the Inland Northwest. Yes – that’s right…the Spokane River.

In the Spokane Valley, just east of Sullivan Road, people geared up in helmets, PFDs and stand-up paddle boards, line up uniformly in a slack-water section of the river. They are waiting patiently for their turn at one of the world’s more unlikely surfing spots. Spokane is hundreds of miles from the coast and even further from any surfable ocean breaks. But an ingenious band of surfers has not let the absence of conventional waves put them off. The “Sullivan St. Wave” has become one of the newest hotspots of a not-sonew inland watersport: river surfing.

The sport actually can be traced back to the 1970s, with a small group attaching tow-ropes to the bridge that crosses the Eisbach River in Germany. They would hold the ropes, try to stand up on door-like planks and attempt to emulate the ocean surfers that they had seen overseas. It didn’t take long to realize that the ropes were unnecessary. The fast flowing water of the Eisbach plows into a deeper section of the river that barely moves at all, creating a consistent, albeit dangerous, wave effect. Signs warn inexperienced river surfers not to attempt surfing – rocks, strong currents and lack of space combine to make getting in the water perilous.

John Fair, Director of EWU’s Epic Adventures, has been a pioneer in the Spokane River surf scene since 2011. Through Epic, John has been providing surf lessons to Eastern students since 2012. “Nine out of 10 people who come out for our clinics will be upright and surfing by the end,” says Fair. “We make sure everyone does a swim test before we get started and that everyone is fully outfitted with boards and safety gear,” he adds.

John Fair working the sullivan st. wave //Photo Brad Naccarato

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While it bears some resemblance to traditional surfing, river surfing is a unique and diverse sport that land-locked water junkies have zeroed in on. who is interested in learning more about this exciting sport take proper lessons from those who are well versed in SUP river sports and whitewater rescue techniques.//

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from the slack-water into the moving water – and movement is lateral rather than up and down the break. Holding your position in the narrow confines of the wave is the challenge.

Moving water and the obtrusive objects that typically make up a river bottom can create a unique set of dangers that all river surfers must address. “There is a lot of essential gear we use out here: river specific SUPs, helmets, life vests. But probably the most essential piece of gear would be the use of a quick-release board leash,” says Fair. “Strong currents can present a lot of dangerous scenarios and having the ability to quickly separate yourself from your board can save your life,” he adds.

Fair, along with a handful of locals, surfs the river on a year-round basis. With each season, fluctuations in river flows bring certain waves into peak condition as others go out of peak.

“Optimal flows would be around 1,800 CFS for our beginner wave here at Sullivan,” says Fair.

As the flow reaches 6,000-10,000 CFS, waves such as Fair’s favorite, “Trailer Park Wave,” come into peak. These are much more advanced waves and should not be attempted by novice river surfers. When flows reach maximum levels in May (20,000-40,000 CFS), “Corbin Wave” is the hotspot. But this is super advanced territory, and river flows like this can be downright deadly to an inexperienced river surfer.

Fair has established a “River Surf Spokane” Facebook page. He has plans to use the page as a way to organize impromptu and beginnerfriendly surf lessons. You can also find lots of pictures and videos detailing his group’s latest outings on the page. “It won’t be anything official, just friendly and welcoming to folks who want to come out and give river surfing a try,” says Fair.

Mountain Gear, one of Spokane’s premier outdoor outfitters, is the first and only retailer in the region to carry river surfing-specific boards. “We started carrying Badfish boards this last spring in anticipation of more folks wanting to enter the sport,” says Russell Aldrich, a sales associate for Mountain Gear. “The boards start at about a $1,000, but for $60 you can rent a Badfish board, paddle, PFD and helmet if you just want to give it a try,” he adds.

While it bears some resemblance to traditional surfing, river surfing is a unique and diverse sport that land-locked water junkies have zeroed in on. While it is both fun and exhilarating, it can be challenging and dangerous. It’s highly recommended that anyone

l

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River surfing requires a different type of board than your traditional short surf boards or large flat-water SUPs. Badfish SUP out of Salida, Colorado is one of the first manufacturers to design river surfing/SUP boards. The boards are designed to be short, relatively broad and durable.

Some also have Kevlar edges to prevent damage from regularly crashing against a river’s stonewall banks.

River surfing also requires traditional ocean surfers to learn new skills: there is no time to get up and let the wave approach you – river surfers have to be riding the second they are pushed

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Out There Monthly / september 2013