Out There Monthly December 2011 by Out There Outdoors

OUR SPECIALTY AR E G / BIKES SHOP NOW BE READY FOR SPRING...

starting at

Select 2011 Bikes

Shop early for best selection

MORE DEALS on WHEELS: Select 2011 Scott and Felt Bikes STAY IN SHAPE

Bike trainers by: Minora • Cycle-Ops • Kinetic • Tacx

KIDS SKI PACKAGES $189

Out There Monthly / December 2011

Ask about our Kids Trade-Up Program!

NORDIC SKATE SKI PACKAGES starting at

499

Includes skis, boots, bindings and poles.

Just Getting Started?

Fitness Fanatics 12425 E. Trent

Check out our Cross Country Ski Lessons & Rentals

TRENT AVE

I-90

SULLIVAN

FANATICS INC.

259

PINES

GREAT GIFTS...Fuel Belts to Zipp Wheels & Clothing

Skis, Boots & Bindings by Salomon /Poles by SWIX HURRY IN...THIS PACKAGE SOLD OUT LAST YEAR

NOW 30% OFF

FITNESS

KIS S C I NORD NORDIC SKI PACKAGES

CERVELO ON SALE

LS! A T N E E&R C I V R SE

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

Just East of Pines in the Spokane Valley

509.922.6080 • 12425 E. TRENT • SPOKANE VALLEY, WA • WWW.FITFANATICS.COM

11-DELO-0998_DesertBoots_OutThereMonthly_Dec2_FNL.indd 1

11/2/11 1:53 PM

December 2011

/ Out There Monthly

M��’��G� ��A��O� t and shock absorption, When the conditions call for serious dry comforTM reach for the Refuge Core. Super stable Split heel technology and full waterproofing make you practically terrain proof. So wherever you want to go, Merrell shoes and clothing will get you there. Find out how at merrell.com 4

Out There Monthly / December 2011

In This Issue

__________ spokane’s climbing gym & yoga studio

Free $20

ate c fi i t r e C t Gif Bring in a copy of this ad and we will turn a $50 gift certficate into one worth $70. How's that for a little Holiday Goodness !

By Jon Snyder www.outtheremonthly.com

p.7 / Out There News Best Mountain Books of the Year, Mt. Spokane Mountain Bike Survey, What’s New At Local Ski Resorts

Out There Monthly / December 2011 Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

Jon Snyder jon@outtheremonthly.com Kaitlin Snyder

OR F W

Managing Editor

Amy Silbernagel McCaffree

How To Weatherize Your Child

Health & Fitness Editor

By Dr. Bob Lutz

Art Director

p.9 / Health & Fitness

Dr. Bob Lutz

TE WIN

senior writers

Jon Jonckers, Derrick Knowles

p.10 / What’s Your Gear? Mara Geffken: Skate Skiing By Amy Silbernagel McCaffree

p.11 / Roadtrip Take a snow vacation north of the border By Janelle Atyeo

p.12 / Training TIPS & My Bike Battle The Bulge By Ben Greenfield

p.13 / Everyday cyclist Pedal To Festivus With The FBC By John Speare

p.14 / Sustainable Living ‘Tis the Season to Shift Your

_________

MONTHLY

On My Knees

Shopping By Angie Dierdorff

Contributing Writers:

Janelle Atyeo, Angie Dierdorff, Brad Hauge, Stan Miller, Erika Prins, John Speare Distribution Coordinator

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

Bill Bloom: 509 / 999 / 8214 Out There Monthly

Mailing Address: PO Box 559 Spokane, WA 99210 www.outtheremonthly.com, 509 / 534 / 3347 Out There Monthly is published once a month by Snyderco DBA/Out There Monthly. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. ©Copyright 2011 Snyderco DBA/Out There Monthly. The views expressed in this magazine reflect those of the writers and advertisers and not necessarily Snyderco DBA/Out There Monthly. Disclaimer: Many of the activities depicted in this magazine carry a significant risk of personal injury or death. Rock climbing, river rafting, snow sports, kayaking, cycling, canoeing and backcountry activities are inherently dangerous. The owners and contributors to Out There Monthly do not recommend that anyone participate in these activities unless they are experts or seek qualified professional instruction and/or guidance, and are knowledgeable about the risks, and are personally willing to assume all responsibility associated with those risks.

wild walls

p.6 / Editorial

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

photo by: photoramsey.com

YOUTH & GROUP PROGRAMS Spider Monkeys Mon. 5-7 pm Wed. 5-7 pm $12 Single Visit $74 8-Punch Pass

Climbing Club $12 Single Visit $100 10-Punch Pass $65 Month Pass Wed. 6-8 PM Sun. 6-8 PM Climb Team $65 Month Pass

Birthday Parties/Groups

$16 per person (minimum 4 climbers) Package includes: Rental gear 1 hr. climbing 45 min in the party room

Yoga Mon. 7:30-9PM Flow Yoga Thurs. 8-9AM Holy Yoga Thurs. 6:30-8PM Holy Yoga Donations of $8 to $10 encouraged by guests and members

_________ _____

Wed. 7-9 PM Sun. 7-9 PM

202 W. 2nd Avenue • Spokane, WA 99201

509.455.9596 wildwallsgym@gmail.com www.wildwalls.com

p.16 / December INLAND NW OUTDOOR CAlendar & 6 Month Training Calendar Out There Monthly also supports

p.18 / Spokane’s Coolest gift GUIDE.

OUR WOMEN’S LINE PERFECTLY COMBINES PERFORMANCE AND STYLE

Great Holiday Ideas From OTM Writers. By Amy Silbernagel McCaffree & OTM writers

p.21 / Photo of the month And Roadtrip DJ By Hank Greer And Brad Hauge

p.22 / Last Page The Paddle and the Ski Pole: When To Take Kids Into The Wilderness By Jon Jonckers

On the cover: The Abominable Snowman has a holiday party with a posse of racoons. // Illustration by Spokane artist Tiffany Patterson. Exclusive to OTM.

December 2011

/ Out There Monthly

72892 MRL Blue Ridge Outdoors PMB Ad V1.indd 1

11/3/11 9:51 AM

From the Editor: On my Knees Don’t make the same mistake I did. I’ve played soccer most of my life. In my thirties, as my body got out of shape and overweight, I continued to play soccer with the intensity of an eighteen-year-old. Then during a game in 2003 I was in full stride, advancing towards the goal with the ball when it happened. A lightning bolt of pain shot through my leg. I tore my ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and my meniscus. The next year I had my knee surgically repaired. My recovery regimen included lots of cycling which strengthened my legs and became habit forming—so much so that I have been able to largely reverse my weight gain and endurance

decline from my thirties. Then came mistake number two. Don’t think that bad knees won’t come in pairs. After over a year in recovery, running Bloomsday, and lightly challenging my repaired knee other ways, I stepped back on to the soccer field. My repaired knee felt great. My other knee didn’t last one game. Mistake three. Don’t think that just because you bike a lot you can strengthen your leg so much that you can ignore an ACL tear. After another year of trying to take it easy on my other knee I decided to play a little touch football. Not too much stress on the knee right? Wrong. I went

up for a spectacular catch and when I landed my knee made a sickening crunch so loud that it startled me into dropping the ball. My orthopedic doctor who had examined me after both incidents said my knee was now more “loose” after the football crunch. I had two options: work harder to keep my knee from traumatic situations, which could include hiking, trail running, and something as simple as taking an awkward step on the stairs, or surgically repair my 2nd knee and maybe get another decade of more active use—possibly preventing further loosening. I’m lucky enough to have health insurance, but

the future of my coverage is in doubt. I’m 42, but I still have years more to be really active outdoors with my kids. Whatever mistake number four is I don’t want to make it. I’ll be prepping for surgery on my other knee as you read this and reporting back from a pain-killer induced haze next month. // -------------------------------------------------------JON SNYDER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF editor@outtheremonthly.com

P.S. Check out the digital edition of this month’s mag at issuu.com; search “Out There Monthly.”

Roll on in to the spirit of the season

spokane alpine haus skis * snowboards * boot fitting Spokane’s Finest Boot Fitting and Ski/Board Tuning

Midnight Madness Sale Friday December 9th 8 PM - 1 AM Bicycles bring out the kid in all of us!

ﬁnd us on Facebook!

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

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

Incredible Deals on This Seasons Best Gear These prices will only been around for 5 hours

Under New Ownership 2925 S Regal - 509 534-4554 - balpinehaus@hotmail.com Find us on Facebook

Photo of the Month Send your vertical-oriented, outdoor photo, 3 meg or less, with caption to editor@outtheremonthly.com. Deadline for January 12/12/11. Winner gets an OTM carabiner. Congratulations to Hank Greer, who won December’s photo of the month and recieves an OTM Omega Pacific carabiner. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. By entering the contest you grant non-exclusive rights to Out There Monthly to publish your photo in our Photo of the Month feature. See page 21 for more details.

Out There Monthly / December 2011

Out There News THe Best Mountain books of the year Banff Mountain Book Festival Names Award Winners

From the book Freedom Climbers, Grand Prize winner 2011 Banff Mountain Book Competition. © Krzysztof Wielicki Collection.

Winners of the 2011 Banff Mountain Book Festival were announced on November 3. From a field of over 100 entries, reviewers selected seven exemplary books for this year’s awards. The Phyllis and Don Munday Award (grand prize) went to Freedom Climbers by former Film Festival director Bernadette McDonald. Rocky Mountain Books published McDonald’s expansive history climbers and their historic ascents during the “golden age” of Polish mountaineering. Jonathan Green’s book Murder in the High Himalaya won the John Whyte Award (first prize) for Mountain and Wilderness Literature. Murder is the book version of the 2007 incident on Choy Oyu in which a young Tibetan nun was killed while trying to escape to India. The James Monroe Thorington Award for Mountain History went to Desert Towers by Steve “Crusher” Bartlett describes historic ascents in the desert of the Colorado Plateau. In the Adventure Travel category, Sara Wheeler’s Magnetic North won first prize. Wheeler describes her experiences during a counter clockwise circumnavigation of the North Pole. Peak District Bouldering by Rupert Davies,

John Coefield and Jon Barton was named best Guidebook. This guide describes most of the best bouldering climbs in Britain’s famed Peak District. The Mountain Image award was received by Unexpected, a compilation of adventure images from Patagonia Catalogs produced by Jennifer Ridgeway and Jane Sievert. This year, due to the large number of quality entries, the judges opted to provide an extra Special Jury Award to Crossing the Heart of Africa. The book portrays author Julian Smith’s re-creation of Ewart Grogan’s first attempt at a North-South traverse of Africa. If you are looking for that perfect book for the outdoor-minded people on your holiday buying list, the books described above are a good place to start your search. In addition to these award winners, you might also want to consider a couple of other finalists of local interest. The Ledge by Jim Davidson looks at a harrowing experience climbing Mt. Rainier. The Canterbury Trail by Fernie, B.C. writer Angie Abdou is a humorous portrayal of the clash between the emerging ski and outdoor culture with the older logging and mining culture in Coaltown (not Fernie), B.C. //

LEGAL SERVICES

Designed to meet the needs of Seniors Medicaid and Long Term Planning Probate • Guardianship • Estate Planning • Wills • Trusts Durable Power of Attorney • Living Wills • Special Needs Trusts

509.325.5222 | mcburnslaw.com

December 2011

/ Out There Monthly

Out There News Mountains open early

Here’s What’s New This Season At 5 Local Resorts

Early snow dump in november at lookout pass. // photo courtesy of lookout pass ski area.

Out There Monthly / December 2011

open six days a week, from Wednesday through Monday. More info: skilookout.com. Silver Mountain Resort: Lots to do here— gondola ride to access the chairlifts and trails on two mountains (Kellogg Peak and Wardner Peak); family-friendly village resort with condos, restaurants and shops; Silver Rapids, Idaho’s largest indoor waterpark, for guests of the Morning Star Lodge. New features include a kids’ adventure trail called Gold Pan Alley and more skiable terrain in the Tier Three area. More info: silvermt.com. Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park: New this season—season passes and lift tickets will now be scanned at each chairlift, the Snoplay Daycare (for ages 2+) has been improved, and plans are underway to build a new four-season day lodge to replace the current Lodge 2 (while still in the funds-acquisition phase, there is a 2013 completion goal). And the Backside Expansion plan has been approved, so big changes will be coming by the 2012-2013 season that will increase the mountain’s chairlift-accessible terrain. More info: mtspokane.com. Schweitzer Mountain Resort: Its newest attraction is a zip line stretching over 700’ in length—it starts near the tubing yurt and zips towards the lake, landing below the Musical Carpet. Schweitzer also has a new partnership with Whitewater Ski Resort, located in Nelson, British Columbia (see this month’s Roadtrip article about Nelson), which means Schweitzer passholders can ski at Whitewater for half-off. January is National Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month, and Schweitzer will have some low-cost introductory classes. More info: schweitzer.com. //

Online Survey Available Though Dec. 16th If you enjoy mountain biking, now is your chance to provide your input on how to improve the trail system at Mount Spokane State Park. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission has an online survey available to the public through December 16th. Responses will help the commission to better understand what kinds of mountain biking opportunities people would like to see at this 13,919-acre park in the Selkirk Mountains, northeast of Spokane. Survey questions focus on how park visitors currently use the trail system and on how to improve the system to meet the needs of bicyclists. “This survey is very important because it will help guide our choices as we develop a mountain bike plan for the park,” says Nikki Fields, parks planner. About three years ago, volunteer members of the local Beacon Hill Trails Committee were contacted by park officials to help with figuring out the park’s trails plan. Jonathan Price—who is also a volunteer ski patroller at Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park—was one of them, and he drafted the initial survey questions. “Mount Spokane is the biggest state park in Washington state—acreage wise—and some of the most vertical [terrain] for a trail system. So we’re trying to find out if the support is there to have the park become a trails-oriented destination, [with] a mix of bike-friendly trails,” says Price. “With the [state] parks moving to a payfor-use structure—with the Discovery Pass—you have to draw people regionally, not just locally.” This survey is an initial step of a multi-year project towards the long-term vision of making Mt. Spokane a mountain biking destination for both locals and tourists. “If you build something sustainable and fun, people will make that a part of where they want to go for their vacation,” he says. The official timeline aims to present a proposed plan to the public by July 2012, followed by review and more editing, and ultimately agency approval of the final plan by October.

To take the survey, go to www.parks.wa.gov/ plans/mtspokanemtnbike/. One survey submission per person—available through Dec. 16. //

For more information, email mount.spokane. mountainbike@parks.wa.gov or contact Nikki Fields at (360) 902-8658.

THE INLAND NW

(SPOKANE & COEUR d’ALENE)

AWARD-WINNING GUIDE FOR SUSTAINABLE + HEALTHY LIVING

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

www.gogreendirectory.com

Green Building Home + Garden Natural Health Transportation, Energy + Recycling Dec. 3 Santa Run Clarkston, WA Food Jan. 1 Resolution Run CdA, ID E E R F Community + more info at www.runnersoul.com Environment

Spokane's only running specialty store.

For more information, visit the Ski the Northwest Rockies website at skinwrockies.com.

SPONSORED BY:

Snow sports season is here—awesome. All of the five local ski resorts and mountains opened by the day after Thanksgiving. Here is a very brief rundown of what’s new. (More details, including a calendar of special events, can be found at each ski mountain’s website.) 49° North Mountain Resort: Major expansion project underway, which includes a new mid-mountain lodge (to be completed by summer 2013) and new chairlift to access Angel Peak (which will be installed next summer). Until then, visitors can enjoy more options for tree skiing off the top of chair 4, with easier access to Angel Peak. Lots of special events, including shop demo days on Dec. 18 and Jan. 14; Mountain Gear’s Winterfest Jan. 7-8th, a big celebration of nordic and telemark skiing with lessons, demos and live music. What a lot of people don’t know is that “49 is the second largest ski area in the State of Washington,” says Brad Naccarato, 49’s marketing director. Both the East Basin and Angel Peak expansion projects over the past few years have nearly doubled the skiable terrain. And Flowery Trail, the road to the resort, has been re-worked and is now “a super easy drive,” he says—only an hour and 10 minutes from downtown Spokane. More info: ski49n.com. Lookout Pass: Now in its 76th season, Lookout’s historic base lodge was expanded over the summer with an east wing that adds about 80 seats featuring upslope views. Jibbers will discover numerous improvements and upgrades to the Exit 0 and B-52 terrain parks, including features where tricks can be performed in plain view of guests relaxing on the deck. For the Snowsports School, new programs include the Senior Workshop on Mondays, Downhill Divas for women only on Fridays, and Next Level for intermediate and advanced skiers on Sundays. Lookout continues its free ski school for kids ages 6-17 (starts in January). And “Powder Wednesdays” are back for January and February when the mountain will be

Mt. Biking on Mt. Spokane; your Thoughts?

221 N. Wall St. 509.624.7654

Health andFitness Weatherize your child

Cool Gi fts, Toys an d More

Keeping Kids Safe And Warm During Winter Fun / By Dr. Bob Lutz

This kid is ready to rumble in the snow. // Photo jon snyder.

This is the time of year when we’re getting out there with family and friends to enjoy the cold weather, and hopefully the white stuff that makes the cold just a bit more tolerable. Given this, how should we get our kids ready for playing in the cold? Let’s talk about how to weatherize those not-just-little-adults for enjoying the cold and snow, whether it’s skiing/snowboarding, sledding or just running around. Probably the most important consideration when you’re prepping your kids for playing in the cold is they’re more susceptible to the frigid temperatures than you are because their ratio of body surface area to body mass is smaller. That said, teenagers, because of their increasing metabolism, seem to relish wearing next-to nothing in

Loose layering is key, as it will not only wick away moisture and provide insulation by trapping air between the layers, but it will also allow your kiddos to shed layers if necessary. the winter; but even this has its limits and eventually they’ll find themselves needing to warm up. The principle of layering is important—as the body is efficient at getting rid of the heat generated by working out, and at times, it can even work against keeping warm. So consider not only protecting against the cold but also wind and moisture. Plan to dress your kids for temperatures 5-10 degrees warmer than the air temperature (this doesn’t mean you need to make them look like Randy from A Christmas Story, however). Loose layering is key, as it will not only wick away moisture and provide insulation by trapping air between the layers, but it will also allow your kiddos to shed layers if necessary. A thin inner layer

of good wicking material that is snug but nonconstricting (e.g., polypropylene, silk or wool), should be followed by a warmer layer (e.g., medium weight fleece or wool) that provides the majority of the insulation and warmth while wicking away moisture and/or allowing it to evaporate. The outer-most layer, or shell, should be windproof, waterproof and breathable. Ventilation, such as zippers in the armpits, is a great feature. Use the same principles when covering their feet and hands, and consider mittens to allow fingers to share heat. And top off the cold protection with a good hat, as 30-40 percent of body heat is lost from the head. Speaking of heads, it’s important to have the proper protection for those activities where falls are common and head injuries are a serious consideration. It’s been great to see the push to have kids of all ages (and adults as well) wear helmets when they’re snowboarding or skiing—and head protection even before I was a kid playing ice hockey. But while data suggest almost 60 percent of people on the slopes are wearing helmets (with kids being the highest use group), skiing and snowboarding still account for a significant percentage of concussions, and hockey (and football) account for the most caused by competitive sports. Girls, for unknown reasons, are more susceptible, and repeat concussions are far too common to ignore. While it’s beyond the scope of this article to go into the details of head injuries, I’ll leave it by saying that while helmets can reduce the effects of head injuries by more than 50 percent, not wearing a helmet on the slopes, on a sled or on the rink, should be a non-starter for you and your kids. And remember, there are different helmets for different sports, so make sure your athlete is donning the appropriate head protection for whatever she or he is doing. This leads me to gear. Like any activity, the right gear goes a long way to making it more enjoyable, and in the case of kids, it’s also a safety issue. While you could argue that it gets pricey buying new stuff on a regular basis as your kids grow, you wouldn’t cheat yourself and you definitely shouldn’t cut corners on your kids’ gear—it will haunt you when they get hurt because you bought them skis they could grow into. We’re fortunate to have some great outfitters in our area who can make sure their gear fits properly for when your daredevil goes bombing down the slope leaving a trail of powder in their wake. Finally, just a little bit here about nutrition and hydration. Stash the junk food—it’s empty calories and shouldn’t be a consideration at any time, least of all during sports when the sugar highs lead to big-time bonking. Good carbs and adequate hydration will be key to ensuring the time spent out there in the cold is also well spent. //

Hoppy Holidays! Warm up with our 18 Year Imperial IPA and our monsterous

Frankenstout!

* Elk Vin

tage Cru iser Ride January * 1, 3PM

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, o r e ! trade 12P M-6PM

Tues-Sat

$2.00 off all appetizers 4:00 - 6:00 daily! Northern Lights Brewing Co. and Pub 1003 E. Trent Ave.

Spokane WA, (509) 242-2739

Resources: http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/safetyspotlight/winter-sports-safety/ http://eloop.hubpages.com/hub/Clothing-forKids-Winter-Sports-Activities http://w ww.childrenscolorado.org/news/ pr/2010-News/winter-sports-tips.aspx http://life.familyeducation.com/safety-gear/recreational-sports/48160.html http://kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/exercise/ sport_safety.html December 2011

/ Out There Monthly

What’s Your Gear: Mara Geffken (skate skiing)

mara and family ready to go.

How do you take along a baby on a Nordic ski trail? (This isn’t the beginning of a corny joke.) Mara Geffken, a skate skier for the past 13 years, tows her baby—now toddler—on the trail. As a mom of two young boys (ages 4½ and 1½), who also works as a Physician Assistant in Dermatology, she says the key to making her skate skiing a priority is scheduling it into her week. Along with her husband, Daryl, they make it a family adventure. “We go up to Mount Spokane most weekends and then take longer trips to Winthrop,” she says. Some of her favorite places include segments of

the Community Nordic ski trail in Winthrop and the great vista on the way to Shadow Mountain at Mount Spokane. What Mara enjoys best about skate skiing is “working hard while seeing the amazing creation around [me]” and “amazing vistas at the top of hard climbs.” Her most memorable ski trip was the first time she took her oldest son, Tyler, to Winthrop and pulled him behind in the Chariot—an all-terrain baby stroller chassis that can convert to a Nordic ski sled. “The sun was shining off the snow. He loved it when we stopped so he could roll in the snow and eat it,” she says. “The pace slowed down, but it was great to see him enjoying being out with us.” Before children, Mara went skate skiing at least once during most weekends. Although she may not go as often now, she pursues her sport by pulling her kids behind her while skiing (when they are younger than three years old), and then “getting them out on skis and/or a sled when they are older.” (She says that pulling a child in the Chariot is hard work.) “They are fairly patient but we take shorter loops and let them be a part of the skiing. And then we can always take more loops later,” Mara says about what works best when taking her young kids on the trail. “We will also have one person stay with the kids while they play in the snow while one of us skis and then switch off.” These days, Mara also tries to keep her family within their physical limits. “We were at Sun Mountain in Methow Valley and decided to take a longer ski route up Thomas Road,” she says

By Amy Silbernagel McCaffree

about a family ski trip, prior to having children. “Little did we know that you climb all the way up for several miles. We kept expecting it to end, and we would turn a corner and see more hill straight up. On skate skis, the hardest workout is up hills—so needless to say, all of us were out of breath, low blood sugar and ready to collapse. We had not brought much to eat and we were all excited to head down the hill for rest and replen-

“We kept expecting it to end, and we would turn a corner and see more hill straight up.” ishment. Now it is a family joke that if something is long, hard or arduous we state it is a ‘Thomas Road.’ We have been back several times with kids and have gone part way up just to remind ourselves of the work of that day.” In addition to skate skiing, Mara also enjoys snowshoeing and alpine skiing in the winter—in addition to sledding, running, walking and building snowmen. In the summer, she enjoys biking, swimming, running, hiking, sports in the park and triathlons. Here is the gear you will see this fit mama using on the Nordic trails. -------------------------------------------------SKIS, BOOTS, & POLES: Fisher SRC skate skis, Fisher boots, and Swix poles. -------------------------------------------------------

SKI WAX: Swix. ------------------------------------------------------COAT: Mara wears several different brands (e.g., North Face, Mountain Hardwear and Pearl Izumi), especially if it has Windstopper® (windproofing) in its design. ------------------------------------------------------HAT: A lightweight Isis brand, because she gets warm while skiing. ------------------------------------------------------GLOVES: Toko Nordic, “claw” style gloves “because my hands are one part of my body that stays cold,” she says. ------------------------------------------------------PANTS: SportHill XC. ------------------------------------------------------SOCKS: “Any warm, non-wool sock works for me,” says Mara. ------------------------------------------------------UNDERLAYERS: Under Armour or Hot Chilly – for warmth. ------------------------------------------------------SUNGLASSES: To protect from the wind as well as sunlight, Mara wears an Oakley brand with interchangeable lenses, so she can still wear them on cloudy days and not have them be too dark. ------------------------------------------------------BACKPACK: Kelty hydration pack with extra clothing layers tucked inside, as well as Nugo protein bars, granola bars, hard candy, water and sunscreen. ------------------------------------------------------CHILD CARRIER: Chariot Cougar I with the ski attachment. //

Free to Spokane County businesses!

Let us show you how to reduce your trash disposal bill while becoming a better recycler Pacific Materials Exchange, in partnership with Spokane Regional Solid Waste System, is offering free assessment services to Spokane County businesses that are interested in reducing their disposal bills and increasing their recycling efforts. The services are provided completely without charge and all collected data is confidential. Several levels of assessment are available, ranging from a packet of information to an in-depth on-site consultation and survey.

www.TalkTrashSpokane.com Recycling Hot Line 625-6800

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

Partial funding provided by a grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology. 10

Out There Monthly / December 2011

Road Trips

Take a snow vacation north of the border

Nelson, B.C., offers charming arts district in town and perfect powder all around / By Janelle Atyeo Winter is the perfect time to take in the town of Nelson, B.C., and the boundless outdoor offerings of the Selkirk Mountains. The Whitewater Ski and Winter Resort is 20 minutes south of Nelson, opening for the season in early December. The vertical drop and lift ticket prices are comparable to Schweitzer, but Whitewater has more than one and a half times the snow in an average year. Celebrate the season at the mountain with the Winter Carnival and Snow Ball Apres on January 21 or watch all levels of backcountry skiers and boarders compete at the sixth annual Coldsmoke Powder Fest, February 24-27.

For the flatlanders, Whitewater has 15 miles of nordic trails for cross country skiers and snowshoers. A snowy view from Pulpit Rock overlooks the city of Nelson, B.C., on the shores of Lake Kootenay. // Photo courtesy Jodie Ponto.

1st Anniversary Celebration Saturday December 3rd

Stop by for treats, sales & prizes!

An Urban Homestead and Natural Living Store Your Source for Local & Sustainable Gifts Mon-Sat 10 to 6 | Sun 11 to 4 SunPeopleDryGoods.com | 509.368.9378 | 32 W. 2nd Ave.

For the flatlanders, Whitewater has 15 miles of nordic trails for cross country skiers and snowshoers. Nearby, the local nordic ski club maintains another 15 miles of wooded trail. The lure of local organic fare at the Pepperbox Bistro just down the road in Salmo (talked up in Derrick Knowles’s June OTM Roadtrip article), was reason enough to plan a trip across the border. Much to my dismay, the place was recently closed. Friendly locals pointed us to a nearby golf club with good grub. The burger topped with sautéed mushrooms was the perfect fill-up for the last leg of the trip. Coming into Nelson, the highway drops you off on the charming Baker Street. If the adventure you want involves less snow and more window shopping, hiking through the streets of Nelson is enough of a getaway. Enjoy a chai tea prepared with spices ground in mortar and pestle while you wait at what is perhaps the tiniest coffee shop around, located in the box office of The Royal music venue. Nelson sits on the shores of Kootenay Lake with the pine-covered Selkirks cozied around the town of 9,000 people. The view is best from the overlook at Pulpit Rock, an hour’s climb from the trailhead. Gaining nearly 1,000 feet in elevation in only a mile of trail makes for a nice morning hike to get the blood moving. The trailhead is just across the Big Orange Bridge (BOB), on the opposite shore from Nelson. For a less rigorous climb, there is a great view from the in-town Gyro Park. The park has beautiful gardens in the summer, and

you might just catch a cross dressing brass band parading through. A few hostels in town offer a casual comfort that you don’t find in the long lonely halls of a commercial hotel. Their rates are easier on the wallet, and the in-house kitchens provide a place to cook some of your own meals to keep your food costs down as well. Some hostels offer ski and stay packages if you plan to hit the Whitewater slopes. The Whitehouse Backpackers Lodge is within walking distance of all the town’s main sites. Hostels can be great for all ages. Don’t think you’ll be stuck sharing a bunk with a ripe-smelling traveler who’s up at all hours. The lodges offer private rooms where all you’ll need to share is a kitchen and a restroom—and at the Whitehouse anyway, they were well kept and clean. It’s encouraging how environmentally aware and locally conscious people and businesses are all around town. And it’s not something new that’s just now catching on. The Kootenay Co-op grocery store has been around since 1975; the Kootenay Carshare Cooperative celebrated its 10th anniversary this summer; Whitewater uses snowcats powered by French fry oil to groom its trails; and the Nelson Brewing Company went all organic in 2006. Speaking of beer, Nelson Brewing offers some quality seasonal selections to refresh you after a winter workout. Try the Nelson After Dark British Ale for a fine roasty brew with hints of chocolate flavors. The Blackheart Oatmeal Stout is also a hearty winter warm-up. A good way to sample the brews is along with some superb Thai food at the Busaba Thai Cafe, just a block off the main drag on Victoria and Josephine streets. Judging by the crowded tables, it’s a popular spot on a Saturday night, and the food did not disappoint. //

Find out more at www.discovernelson.com.

WHEN YOU GO Nelson is 150 miles—about 3 ½ hours—due north of Spokane. Once you leave town on Highway 2, it’s almost a straight shot—a mere four turns away: on to Highway 211 once you cross to Pend Oreille County; on to Highway 20 at Cusick; Highway 3 just after the border crossing; and then a last turn at Highway 6 at Salmo. You could do it with one eye open. Just don’t do it any less than sober. Canada’s DUI laws are strict—so much that they might deny you entry if you have one on your record. Passports are needed to re-enter the states, and prepare for a barrage of questions about everything from what kind of groceries you’re bringing back to your occupation.

December 2011

/ Out There Monthly

Affordab

Bring the family to experience an old tradition Freea & o Coc ndy Ca nes Ca

Choose and cut your own Christmas Tree *Saws Furnished!*

Fresh Wreaths, Tree Stands, Pre-Cut Trees Cut Fresh Daily While supplies last!

Dietz Tree Farm 17714 N. Day Mt. Spokane Rd. - Greenbluff

Open Daily 9-4 509.342.1425 509.238.6975 greenbluffgrowers.com (#13)

VisitLincolnCountyWashington.com

Training Tips Battle The Bulge

How To Stay Light For Winter Sports / By Ben Greenfield A bit of a paradox exists between our urge to strap on snowshoes, ice skates, skis or snowboard and the natural propensity to gain fat in the winter. After all, it’s tough to stay light on your feet for winter sports if you’re carrying an extra ten pounds of insulation. Here are three tips to ensure you battle the bulge over the winter: 1) Time Carbohydrates. Try to eat any carbohydrate rich meals earlier in the day, when your metabolism is higher and you’re more active with your winter sports. Avoid filling up on pastas, breads and other starches in the evening when you’re less active.

ing winter sports are due to dehydration, and not actual hunger. 3) Eat Fats. This may seem counterintuitive, but by eating healthy fats like avocadoes, coconut milk, olives, seeds and nuts, you can effectively satiate your appetite and give your body slow burning fuel to use during a long day on the slopes or trails. Finally, remember that moderation is key during the holidays! Often, a small bite of a cookie is just as good as multiple helpings from the platter. Now get out there and enjoy the snow. //

Ben Greenfield dishes out more fat loss

2) Stay Hydrated. The fat burning process of “beta oxidation” depends on adequate hydration. And those munchies you often experience dur-

My Bike

tips from his free blog and podcast at BenGreenfieldFitness.com

Jacque Hendrix

Photo by Kari McKay

After my beloved Trek 850 was stolen, I was at a loss—it was a main source of my transportation. Along came Pedals 2 People (www. pedals2people.org) with this wonderful Bruce Gordon. Bruce, as he’s thoughtfully known, gets 12

Out There Monthly / December 2011

me to work and back each day and is great for transporting lots of stuff from various yard sales during the summer. With front and rear racks, I can carry a bunch while riding my cares away. //

Everyday Cyclist

http://cyclingspokane.blogspot.com

The Northwest’s Favorite Family-Friendly Winter Resort!

Pedal to Festivus

Jeff Everett & The FBC Will Ride In Any Weather / By John Speare Jeff Everett and his wife Lisa have been putting on a night bike ride every month for the last four years. Typically, rides fall on the night of the full moon. But there are a couple special rides a year where the full-moon rule is bent a bit. The Festivus ride is one of them.

OTM asked Jeff a few questions about this yearly event. What is the Festivus ride? It is our go-to theme for the December Full Moon Fiasco. I encourage everyone to decorate their bikes and wear costumes. I give away prizes that have been donated by local and not-so-local folks. I do my best to come up with a venue that will accommodate that many people and the games that we like to play. Explain the events you have done at the ride? Long Distance Frame Toss, Slow Races, Obstacle Course, Bike Decorating Contest, etc. I try to have bike-related games at the destination bar, but not every large venue is set up so I can work that out. What’s the ride date this year? I’m doing my best to have it on December 10th. Check the website for the final date—http://fbcspokane.blogspot.com What are the challenges of planning a winter bike ride for 100-plus cyclists? Planning any ride has its issues. For the larger rides, I have to consider a destination that is large enough to hold everyone that shows up. During the winter, the turnout is smaller, so we can visit some otherwise overlooked places. However, I have to treat it like a summer ride when looking for a venue, [yet like] a winter ride when planning the route. What do you like about the ride? All the great decorations that people put on their bikes is certainly a reason to show up, but my favorite bit is giving away prizes. The Good Doctor, a couple of Lifetime Members For Life, and I work really hard to get businesses to donate items for Festivus, and it’s fun to pass those out. How many people showed up at last year’s ride? We had about 125 riders show up. It was around 20º, clear. This will be your fifth Festivus. What was your favorite year?

I like them all, but I can’t help but remember how miserable the first one was—and how happy I was to be doing it. It was an awful night of slush, giant ice and freezing rain, but the eight of us went anyway. It was supposed to be a relaxing ride around the South Hill so we could look at Christmas lights. I didn’t have any prizes or games. It was just a bike ride. I guess if I had to pick, the first one was my favorite. How much snow is too much? John, you know the answer to this. No snow is too much snow. We ride no matter the conditions. Though, I will admit that the length of the ride changes according to conditions. I don’t want to be out there any longer than I have to. It gets a little sketchy trying to move 100 riders through those conditions. What can a newbie expect? Good question. I get new riders every month, and a fresh batch of questions. Anyone can participate in the FBC rides. It is handy to be over 21

No snow is too much snow. We ride no matter the conditions.

NOW OPEN

Future Mid-Mountain Lodge

We keep improving one of Washington’s largest skiing and snowboarding resorts with YOU in mind!

Gift Cards Available Online 509.935.6649

[since] almost all of our destinations are bars. If you show up on a bike and participate, you are a Lifetime Member For Life. I design spoke cards for every ride, and I will shove one into your hand upon your arrival. I suggest a one-dollar donation for the card, but that is entirely up to you. I certainly don’t want to cut into anyone’s beer money. The donations go toward printing the next batch of cards, stickers, musical guests, etc. You’re going be a dad soon. Is the passing of the FBC torch imminent? [It’s] certainly a consideration. I have tried in the past to let others lead and organize specific rides with less than stellar results. It would be hard to take over something that has grown from two riders to 200. I have had the luxury of watching it grow and have developed better ways of organizing. I think that someone taking over in the future would have a hard time keeping it from turning into a Critical Mass, which would be my nightmare. What would be your ideal Festivus ride? Wow—last year was pretty great. We had a great experience at The Swamp, as we always do. The weather cooperated and gave us clear skies and streets on which to meander, though it was stupid cold. And The Steam Plant was our best venue yet for this particular ride. On top of being a great place to go under normal circumstances, they made a special effort to accommodate all of our needs. //

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

ski49n.com

Its All On Sale

Chewelah, Washington

GINORMOUS HOLIDAY SALE

Bikes 2011 and 2012 models Winter Gear Trainers Wheel Sets Tires and Tubes Clothing Helmuts and Shoes And more

509-443-4005 12505 E Sprague Ave Spokane Valley December 2011

/ Out There Monthly

GoGreen: Sustainable Living

‘Tis the Season to Shift Your Shopping Great Ideas From Local Shops / By Angie Dierdorff

bicycle sculptures from senegal at kizuri. // Photo: angie dierdorff.

There is a commercial for Big Lots featuring a thin, middle-aged mom in khakis, blue Izod, white cardigan, brown mom bob and sensible shoes who is pushing her empty shopping cart with a sad face. When she sees a towering pallet of $3.99 see-through yellow plastic guitars glued with the image of Elvis that are full of stale popcorn from China, her pretty face lights up with the joy of finally finding her husband’s gift. Plenty of unnecessary, throwaway products like the giant plastic popcorn Elvis are made from non-renewable resources with sweatshop wages somewhere far overseas and across many highways. Much of our culture exists to buy and discard, buying into these ads, spending hardearned money on things that are neither needed nor useful in order to feel like we “save big.” At the same time, our collective awareness of the bonds between social and environmental justice and consumerism is growing at a rapid rate. Our technological ability to quickly organize, connect and communicate has never been greater. And unrest over the disparity between the one percent holding most of our nation’s wealth and the rest of us is allowing a new consumer paradigm to emerge from the ashes of the recession. We are fortunate to live in a region with people who not only understand that how we choose to spend effects lives, economies, resources and our shared environment; they are also doing something to spread and build on this support. Earlier this year, a group of several local business leaders were inspired by the Bellingham, Wash.-based BALLE (Business Alliance for Local Living Economies) to form a local chapter of this organization dedicated to supporting and growing socially-responsible businesses. The Sustainable Business Network of the Inland Northwest (SBN) With their mission to “connect and support a coalition of local independent business dedicated to building a strong Local Living Economy,” our local BALLE chapter envisions “a thriving economic region that supports local independent businesses, fosters viable local employment, joyful communities and a culture of respect for all.” This holiday giving season, regional consum14

Out There Monthly / December 2011

ers can play a vital role in taking this vision closer to reality. “Shift Your Shopping” is inspiring shoppers all over the country to choose to spend their holiday dollars with local and independent retailers. In cooperation with a national movement launched in part by BALLE, the SBN is coordinating a local Shift Your Shopping cam-

Unrest over the disparity between the one percent holding most of our nation’s wealth and the rest of us is allowing a new consumer paradigm to emerge from the ashes of the recession. paign, kicked off with BALLE’s “Buy Local Week” November 28-December 4. “This year, more than ever, it is important for consumers to think about the impact of their dollars,” says Kim Harmson, owner of Kizuri and founding SBN member. “When you spend with locally owned businesses, studies show that these dollars re-circulate in our community in a variety of ways creating a sustainable local economic base, allowing for more jobs, and support for schools, parks and city services.” If you agree that we need to think globally and act locally with our consumption, especially in the holiday retail season when we can make a real economic impact, join Shift Your Shopping for the next few weeks. According to BALLE, “a shift of just 10% of holiday spending toward locally owned businesses has the potential to create an impact of billions in economic activity in just two months.” Becoming a conscious consumer is an investment in the people and values you want to thrive.

Ready to Shift Your Shopping? Read on for a few unique gift ideas supporting local retailers and organizations. • KIZURI fair-trade and local gifts and clothing (35 W. Main Ave. Spokane): Peace Wreath ($19) made in the Philippines from natural takipasin wood wrapped in galtang vine; Folk Art Bike ($38) with working parts, recycled pop and beer cans. Made in Senegal from recycled pop and beer cans. Bike Earrings and Pin ($9 ea.); “Chanchitos” ($5), three-legged earthenware pigs from Pomaire, Chile. • Sun People Dry Goods urban homestead and natural living mercantile (32 W. 2nd Ave. Spokane): Back to the Roots Grow-at-home mushroom kit ($21.95) lets you grow up to 1-1/2 lbs of gourmet, tasty oyster mushrooms in used coffee grounds in as little as 10 days. They make a great holiday gift and can last in the boxes for months before opening. Brooklyn BrewShop Beer Making Kits ($42) include everything you need to make a gallon of your own home brew (several varieties and flavors)! • Eco Depot green building and sustainable energy (1326 E. Sprague and 32 W. 2nd Ave. Spokane): Aurora Glass wind chimes and ornaments ($10-$20) made in Eugene, Oregon, from recycled glass by St. Vincent DePaul. • Spokane Civic Theater is a nationally recog-

nized non-profit theatre—one of the oldest community theatres in the country (1020 N. Howard St. Spokane). Family Tickets to A Christmas Carol ($22-$29): Don’t miss this new version of the holiday Dickens classic with giant puppets, great costumes and special effects! • Mother’s Haven for mother and baby (2112 N. Government Way Coeur d’Alene): GAIA Natural Baby lotion, powder, shampoo and massage oil ($9.99-$13.99) a great gift for the Christmas baby made with organic ingredients and without parabens, chemical fragrances, phthalates, lanolin or petrochemicals. If You Shift: Local businesses participating in Buy Local Week at print date include: Eco Depot, Hula Hut Grill, Kelly Lerner—Architect, Kizuri, Maid Naturally, Mountain Gear, OPA Restaurant, Rings and Things, Roast House Coffee, Rocket Bakery, Spokane Holistic Chamber of Commerce, Sun People Dry Goods, The Family of Light Healing Center, with others to be announced. Go to http://ballespokane.blogspot.com/ for complete list or contact the SBN: ballespokane@ gmail.com, (509) 720-8555. // http://sustainableconnections.org/thinklocal/why http://shiftyourshopping.org/2011/

Turntables for Christmas

Vintage Audio Gear • Clothes • Hats • Records | 2611 N. Monroe • 509-326-4842

GoGreen: Sustainable Living SUSTAINABLELIVINGCALENDAR (December) Shift Your Shopping. Shop local and win big! A group of local independent businesses have thrown together the mother of all gift baskets, including a pair of snowshoes from Mt. Gear, jewelry from Rings and things, a gift certificate at Kizuri, goodies from Sun People, books from local authors and more, more, more Spokane goodness than you can possibly imagine. All you need to do is download a set of tickets and start dropping them at participating businesses. This is a program of the Sustainable Business of the Inland Northwest. Info: ballespokane.blogspot.com. (December 3) Sun People’s 1st Anniversary Party & Customer Appreciation Day. When: 10

AM - 6 PM. Where: Sun People Dry Goods Co, 32 W 2nd Ave, Ste. 200. Join Sun People Dry Goods as we celebrate our 1st Anniversary and YOU our customers! Stop by for cake, Roast House Coffee, drawings, prizes, discounts! Info: 509-368-9378, sunpeopledrygoods.com

(December 7) The Lands Council Annual Holiday Party. When: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM. Where: The

Community Building Lobby. Join us for great company, yummy food and drinks, and of course FUN! All are welcome to attend! RSVP at: landscouncil. org/events/.

(December 7) “Shop for a Cause” – a fundraising event for The Lands Council. When: 10 AM - 6 PM.

Where: Sun People Dry Goods Co, 32 W 2nd Ave, Ste. 200. Shop at Sun People on this day and 10% of your purchase will go to The Lands Council to support their mission. Info: 509-368-9378, sunpeopledrygoods.com.

(December 10) Vermicomposting Workshop. When: 10 AM - Noon. Where: Sun People Dry Goods Co, 32 W 2nd Ave, Ste. 200. Discover the joys of worm composting; see active worm bins; learn the benefits; learn about proper care & how to avoid common problems. FREE. Register Online. Info: 509-368-9378, sunpeopledrygoods.com.

(December 4) FREE Film Showing of “Radically Simple”. When: 2 PM. Where: Sun People Dry (December 18) FREE Film Showing of “Quantum Goods Co, 32 W 2nd Ave, Ste. 200. Jim Merkel Activist”. When: 2 PM. Where: Sun People Dry is a crusading author, engineer and advocate of sustainable living who’s used his knowledge to demonstrate & exemplify a less-resource intensive lifestyle. Info: 509-368-9378, sunpeopledrygoods. com.

Let it Snow

Goods Co, 32 W 2nd Ave, Ste. 200. Dr. Amit Goswami demonstrates how our mistaken views of reality had led to our current environmental, social, economic and spiritual crisis. Info: 509-3689378, sunpeopledrygoods.com. //

Local Fair Trade Earth Friendly 509.467.7677 35 W. Main • Spokane, WA kizurispokane.com

learn to ski or ride! only $39 What??? You say you’ve never skied or snowboarded before? Papa Murphys and Schweitzer Mountain Resort are here to help! For just $39, we’ll give you a lesson, a beginner hill ticket, and rental gear that will change your life forever. For the best pizza in town and your Learn To coupon, stop by your local Papa Murphys today!

save $15 when you buy this 3-pack of tickets... don’t worry, the tickets are fully transferable and don’t have any blackout dates.

schweitzer.com | 877.487.4643 SMR_OTM_Dec.indd 1

Scan the QR code to order online, or visit schweitzer.com/gift December 2011

15 / Out There Monthly 11/18/2011 2:25:01 PM

Outdoor Calendar CLIMBING (Ongoing Mondays & Wednesdays) Spider Monkey Climbing Club. When: 5 – 7PM. 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.

(December 3, 10) Saturday Climbing. When: 1-4

PM. Where: REI, 1125 N Monroe. Looking for a family activity on Saturdays? Climb our wall! We provide all the gear you’ll need. Co-op members climb for free! Info: 509-328-9900, rei.com/ Spokane.

(December 5) Women’s Climb Night. When: 5:30 - 8:30 PM. Where: REI, 1125 N Monroe. Ladies, come out and practice your climbing, agility and balance skills in a safe, encouraging environment. Info: 509-328-9900, rei.com/Spokane. (December 7, 21) Discover Rock Class. When

(December 4) Elk Drug Drop-Outs Vintage and Cruiser Bicycle Ride. When: 3 PM. Where: Starts at Elk in Browns Addition. Family friendly (although we do like our beer!) Info: 509-326-6949.

(December 10) Full Moon Fiasco. When: 8 PM.

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

RUNNING/WALKING (December 3) Santa Run. When: 10 AM. Where: Clarkston, WA. This is a low keyed event with awards going to the best costumes. Refreshments and hot cocoa will be provided to all participants along with a candy cane to all finishers. The 5k run/walk starts at the Swallows Nest park picnic shelter located at the 2nd Swallows Nest sign heading south on highway 129. Info; brrc.net.

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

SKIING/SNOWBOARDING

CYCLING

(December 3, 10, 17, 31) Snowshoe Tour Mt Spokane w/ Transportation. When: 10 AM – 2 PM.

(Ongoing Mondays & Wednesdays) Bike Hub Spin Classes. When: 6 PM. Where: The Bike Hub

Basement 12505 East Sprague Ave. Just because it’s cold out doesn’t mean you have to stop riding! Bring your bike and trainer and come join us every Monday and Wednesday nights at 6pm for our spin classes. We have a huge projection screen and tons of videos! Info: 509-443-4005, thebikehubspokane.com.

(Ongoing Saturdays) Weekly Urban Bike Races. When: 6 - 7 PM. Where: Cda Park. Bike

Races, Format by Popular Vote at time of Race. Formats are : Relay, Picture hunt, Follow the clues, Sticker slap race. Road bikes Suggested. Prizes! Info: 313-757-1888, facebook.com/event. php?eid&3050340401358

(Ongoing) WOW Cycling Spokane. Great cycling is

here and we’re out on the roads and trails! We’re now on FaceBook as Wow Cycling Spokane, friend us! Info: 509-951-6366, wowcycling.com.

(Ongoing) Belles and Baskets. Whatever style your cycle, join other Spokane women for no-drop rides, treats, and friendship. Info: 509-951-4090, facebook.com/bellesandbaskets. (Ongoing) Spokane Bicycle Club. S.B.C. offers eight weekly rides of various lengths and difficulty for members and non-members. Check the web site for ride details. Info: 509-747-5581, spokanebicycleclub.org. (December 3) Pedals2People Grand Opening. When: 2-6pm. Where: 1527 E. 16th Ave. Spokane. Celebration of new location for Pedals2People Do-it-Yourself bike repair shop. Food, refreshments and good community. Larger space, reconditioned bikes for sale. Info: 509 322-6254, pedals2people.vc@gmail.com.

Out There Monthly / December 2011

(December 3) Holiday Kick Off . Where: Schweitzer

Mountain. The lights come on and the holiday season officially begins with hot chocolate, cookies and carolers. Followed by Christmas stories in the Selkirk Lobby. Info: schweitzer.com.

Where: Yokes Foods 14202 N. Market St. Parking Lot. Learn about and try this fun winter sport. During the hike you will travel through the snowcovered trees and hills around Mt. Spokane. We will meet at the Mead Yokes. Directions and information emailed upon registration. Price includes snowshoes and transportation! $35. 1 session (Ages 14 & over). Info: spokaneparks.org.

(December 4) Country Ski Skating. When: 1 - 3 PM. Mt Spokane State Park Selkirk Lodge. Sponsored by Mountain Gear. If you’ve crosscountry skied, be part of this skiing style. Skating is quick, graceful and fun. Learn with us as you experience the basics of ski-skating. Class is taught by P.S.I.A. certified cross-country ski instructors. Includes equipment rental. Directions and additional information emailed upon registration. SNO-PARK permits required. $41. 1 session (Ages 18 & over). Info: spokaneparks.org. (December 4, 11) Cross Country Ski Lessons – Family. When: 10 AM - 12 PM. Where: Selkirk

Lodge. Make this winter special by sharing the fun of learning to cross-country ski with your family. Lessons taught by professional ski instructors. Info: 509-625-6200. spokaneparks.org.

(December 9) A Day for Heather. When: All day.

Where Schweitzer Mountain. Join Schweitzer for this very special day, “A Day for Heather”. Lift tickets will only be $10, and all ticket proceeds will benefit the Community Cancer Services of Sandpoint. Info: schweitzer.com.

(December 10) Cross Country Moonlight Ski and Dinner. When: 6 PM - 9 PM. Where: Selkirk Lodge.

Discover the beauty of moonlight on snow crosscountry skis through the woods. Afterward enjoy Italian style dinner from Trezzi Farm Catering. Info: 509-625-6200, spokaneparks.org.

Submit your event at www.outtheremonthly.com (December 10) Snowshoe Moonlight Hike with Dinner. When: 6 PM - 9 PM. Where: Selkirk Lodge.

Travel through the winter landscape of Mt Spokane by the magic of moonlight. Return to the Selkirk Lodge for a delicious dinner. Info: 509-625-6200, spokaneparks.org.

(December 10) XC Skiing Intermediate. When: 10–noon. Where: Mt. Spokane State Park Selkirk

Lodge. Sponsored by Mountain Gear. If you’ve taken our beginning lessons, or if you’ve skied before and want to become more skilled, this is your class. Taught by P.S.I.A. certified crosscountry ski instructors. Includes equipment rental if needed. Additional information emailed after registration. SNO-PARK permits required. Mt Spokane State Park Selkirk Lodge. Cost: $41. Info: mountaingear.com/pages/retailstore/retail.asp.

SIXMONTHTRAININGCALENDAR CLIMBING

TRIATHLON

(March 30 through April 1) Mountain Gear Presents: Red Rock Rendezvous rock climbing festival. Info: www.RedRockRendezvous.com.

(March 3) Methow Winter Triathalon. Bike, Ski, Run. Check for updates. Info; www.mvsta.com.

CYCLING

mancda.com.

(March 11) Gran Fondo Ephrata. Where:  Ephrata,

MULTI-SPORT

WA. 78 miles of some of the toughest, remote country roads central Washington has to offer. Info: beezleyburn.com.

(April 2012 - August 2012) Baddlands Cooper Jones Twilight Series Races. When: Tuesday

evenings at 6 PM. Where: Cheney, Spokane, Rathdrum, Liberty Lake, Steptoe Butte. USAC Sanctioned bicycle racing. Road races and crits. A, B, C, and Wms Packs. Info: 509-456-0432, baddlands.org.

(April 29) Lilac Century. Info: northdivision. com/lilac.htm

(May 26-27) 24 Hours Round the Clock. “Round the Clock” is a 24 hour team relay mountain bike race, beginning at noon on Saturday and ending at noon on Sunday. Info: www.roundandround. com. (June 2) CHaFE 150. Where: Sandpoint, ID.

One-day, 150 or 80-mile ride. Info: 208-2907148, chafe150.org.

MARATHONS (May 19, 2012) Windermere Marathon, Spokane. Info: windermeremarathon.com.

(May 27, 2012) Coeur d’Alene Marathon. Info: 509-979-4370.

RUNNING (January 14) 33rd Annual Nookachamps Winter Runs. Mt. Vernon, WA. 1/2 Marathon, 10K, and 5K Info: nookachamps.com.

(February) Partners in Pain 5K. Info: brrc.net (May 6) Lilac Bloomsday Run, the 36th. Info: www.bloomsdayrun.org

(June 24) Ironman, Coeur d’Alene. Info: iron-

(May 5) GORUCK Challenge. Where: Portland,

OR. 15-20 MILES. 8-10 HOURS. GOOD LIVIN’™. Team Challenge event. Designed and led by Green Berets. Info: 202-885-9736, goruckchallenge.com

SKIING, SNOWSHOE (January 11) Ladies Day at Mt. Spokane. Program runs 9am-4pm. Info: 509-238-2220 x215, mtspokane.com.

(January 21) Cougar Gulch Cross Country Ski Race, 5k and 10k formats. Info: Schweitzer.com. (January 28, 2012) USASA Alpine and Slopestyle Competitions at Schweitzer. Info: schweitzer. com.

(February 10th, 11 & 12) 5th Annual Kan Jam Freestyle Festival. Events include a Rail Jam, Slopestyle, and Big Air contests. Info: mtspokane.com.

(February 18, 19)Group Health Pursuit. Where: Mt. Spokane. 10k Classic ski race on Saturday and Skate race on Sunday. Info: spokanenordic. org.

(February 22-36, 2012) Master’s Ski Race Clinics and Races. schweitzer.com (February 4, 2012) Washington Romp to Stomp. Stevens Pass, WA. Modeled after the highly successful Race for the Cure®, the Tubbs Romp to Stomp out Breast Cancer consists of a 3k or 5k snowshoe walk or a 3k snowshoe race. tubbsromptostomp.com.

(February 12, 2012) Langlauf 10K Ski Race. 34th annual XC ski race at Mt. Spokane. Info: spokanelanglauf.org. //

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

Outdoor Calendar PM or 10 AM - 2 PM. Where: Mt Spokane. Learn the basics or refine your cross-country skiing skills at Mt. Spokane, taught by our P.S.I.A. certified cross-country ski instructors. Info: 509-6256200, spokaneparks.org.

(December 16) Mt Spokane – First Night of Night Skiing. When: 3:30 PM. Where: Mt. Spokane.

We’ve lowered the cost of night skiing this season, reducing the nightly lift ticket rate to just $19 or less (plus tax). That’s six hours of skiing for $19 bucks. We’ve also continued our bonus schedule of 8 additional nights of skiing under the lights, for a total of 48 nights of skiing. That’s practically EVERY Wednesday through Saturday from December 16th through March 10th (excluding Christmas Eve & Christmas). Come on up for a few hours of skiing after work, we’re only 28 miles from downtown and only a gallon of gas away! Info: mtspokane.com.

(December 17) Great Scott Cross Country Ski Race. When: 8:30-9:30 AM Registration, 10:30

AM Race. Where: Schweitzer Mountain. There is a new fun “team” format this year, with competitors signing up in teams of two and competing in a relay as they take turns racing around the 2K course. Each team will have a member ski 2K, tag their teammate, and then let their teammate ski 2K. This continues until both racers have skied 6K and completed the race. Teams can be any mix of Skate or Classic skiing and any skill level. If you can’t find a teammate to join with, just come to Registration and we’ll do our best to get you joined up with someone! Info: 208-255-3081, schweitzer.com.

(December 18) 49º North Demo Day. When: All Day. Where: 49º North Ski Area. Come out and test all the latest and greatest skis and snowboards from our local shops. Free to the public (debit/ credit card and valid ID required) One run per demo. Info: 49n.com.

Spokane. The three-day Holiday Camp lesson session begins on Wednesday, December 21st. Lesson offerings include Mini & Mighty-Mites for those 4-6, and Kids Club for ages 7 & up, both ski and snowboard. Get the kids on the snow for the first time, or bring them up for three days of fun. Info: mtspokane.com.

(January 7-8) Mountain Gear’s Winterfest. When:

All day, Where: 49º North Ski Area. Join Mountain Gear at 49º North Resort and Nordic area. During the day, take advantage of free classes, a winter safety course, demonstrations, and gear demos. Stick around for live music, a bonfire, BBQ and night-time ski and snowshoe tours. Info: 509-9356649, mountaingear.com.

YOGA (October 31 - December 23) Iyengar Yoga Classes for Beginners. When: Mon. 9:30am, Tues. 6pm &

Thurs. 6 PM. Where: Sunflower Yoga 6413 E. 14th Ave. Iyengar yoga is known for its therapeutic benefits, use of props and clear instruction. Gentle and intermediate classes also offered. Info: 509535-7369, sunfloweryoga.net.

(December 28) Winter Restorative Yoga Workshop. When: 1 - 3 PM or 5:30 - 7:30 PM. Where: Sunflower Yoga, 6413 E. 14th Ave. Relax and renew with supported yoga poses taught in the Iyengar tradition. All levels of experience welcome. Cost is $25 for each session. Info: 509-535-7369, sunfloweryoga.net

EVENTS/MOVIES/MISC… (December) Shift Your Shopping. Shop local and win big! A group of local independent businesses have thrown together the mother of all gift baskets, including a pair of snowshoes from Mt. Gear, jewelry from Rings and things, a gift certificate at Kizuri, goodies from Sun People, books from local authors and more, more, more Spokane goodness than you can possibly imagine. All you need to do is download a set of tickets and start dropping them at participating businesses. This is a program of the Sustainable Business of the Inland Northwest. Info: ballespokane.blogspot.com.

We’ve moved. And we need your help! We’re at 1527 E 16th Ave. Thursday 2-6, Friday 2-6 Saturday 11-6

Want to volunteer? Email pedals2people.vc@gmail.com

(December 3) Mobius Kids Children’s Museum 7th Annual Santa Breakfast Fundraiser. When 8:30 –

10:30 AM. Where: The Davenport Hotel Grand Pennington Ballroom. Includes breakfast, festive activities and a visit with Santa! Purchase tickets at Mobius Kids located in the lower level of River Park Square. $25 per person (children 12 months and younger may attend for free) Info: mobiusspokane.org. 509-624-KIDS.

(December 7-8) Banff Film Festival North Bend. When: 6PM. Where: North Bend, WA. Share in the heart-stopping action, heartwarming stories and mountains of inspiration at Banff Mountain Film Festival in North Bend, WA. Info: 425-888-6397, proguiding.com/tripreport/view/banff-mountainfilm-festival.

(December 7) When: 7 PM. Where: REI on

Monroe. Gals Get Going . Learn details about the program and how you can join Gals Get Going for a fun and challenging workout this winter. Classes will run for 8 weeks at 6:30 on Wednesday nights at U District Physical Therapy. Info: kirsten@galsgetgoing.com, galsgetgoing.com.

(December 28-29) Snowshoe Survival Youth Day Camp. When: 10 AM – 3 PM. Where: Mountain Gear. Send your child with us during winter break to learn survival skills at the beautiful snow covered Mt. Spokane State Park. 509.625.6200, spokaneparks.org.

(December 31) REI Scratch and Dent Sale. When: 9:30 AM – 1 PM. Where: 1125 N. Monroe. Scratch and Dent Sales are legendary fro their great deals and “garage sale” style shopping. Numbered tickets, indicating the order in which customers are ushered into the sales area, are handed out at 7:30 AM and often lines form even earlier. //

HEARD LOUD AND PROUD ON 88.1FM

OUTDOOR CALENDAR

(December 21 - 23 and 28 - 30) Holiday Camp Lesson Sessions. When: All day. Where: Mt.

(November 5 – December 17) Yoga Gentle Stretch. When: 9 - 10 AM. Where: Unity Church 2900 S. Bernard St. ) If you have not exercised for a while, suffer from some of the aches and pains that accompany life, or you simply want to de-stress in a very gentle matter, this is the class for you. (No class Thanksgiving week). $60. Ages 16 & over. Info: spokaneparks.org.

DEC 2011

(December 11, 18 or January 7, 8) Cross Country Ski Lessons with Transportation. When: 12 PM - 4

December 2011

/ Out There Monthly

SPOKANE’S

COOLEST GIFT GUIDE

Your favorite OTM writers hand-wrap their can’t-miss ideas for holiday presents

Behind the words and pictures of your beloved Out There Monthly are people who love outdoor gear and gadgets, and like to share what makes our recreation experiences safe and awesome. Since this is the traditional season of giving, why not offer gifts to helps others enjoy more (and more memorable) outdoor recreation? Our boss—publisher and editor-in-chief, Jon Snyder—and five of us writers pooled our ideas into this year’s annual gift guide. Whether you have a gear guru in your life or not, or just friends and family who you would like to encourage to get a little more outside play time, this is for you. Money is tight; we know. So we hope this helps direct your attention to what is worthy of your hardearned dough. jjjj --------------------------------------------------STUFF WE ALREADY OWN AND LOVE & THINK WOULD MAKE A GREAT GIFT --------------------------------------------------Smartwool® socks: There’s no bad weather, just inadequate clothing. Inadequate socks and gloves are the clothing items most likely to kill a good outdoor winter day. You can never have too many good quality warm socks. What I like about Smartwools is that they don’t penalize me for going from warm to cold environments. I wear black knee-high ski socks that I can just pull down when I am indoors and I won’t be uncomfortable. Mountain Gear has a great selection of Smartwool socks in various colors and styles, and they generally are in the gift-friendly $20 price range. Also sold at Spokane Alpine Haus and other stores. – Jon B. Snyder (JBS) --------------------------------------------------ERGObaby® Carrier: As a mom of two young kids, my outdoor baby gear has to be trustworthy, durable and easy to use. The Ergo is all that while being comfortable to wear, whether in the front, back or hip position. It can be used with either a baby or toddler (40-lb recommended weight limit), and now comes in four different styles: the original, organic, performance or sport—the latter two being more breathable and lightweight. Whether it’s hiking in the summer or snowshoeing in the winter, or simply grocery shopping, this carrier allows me to easily carry my baby (or toddler, just not at the same time) and do it all hands free. And there are accessory add-ons, like a backpack that attaches to the Ergo’s shoulder straps, to make the carrier even more functional. More details at ergobabycarrier.com, and available to buy locally at Mother’s Haven in Coeur d’Alene and REI. – Amy Silbernagel McCaffree (ASM) --------------------------------------------------18

Out There Monthly / December 2011

Outdoor Research® Alti Mittens: Best piece of gear EVER (in my opinion)! When your hands are bitterly cold, your ability to simply function is drastically reduced. If you’re shop-

ping for someone that plays in the cold, then they probably need to adjust bindings, fix crampons, tie a knot or even unscrew the lid off a water bottle—and premium handwear is imperative. No, they are not cheap. But nothing ruins an outing quite as fast as miserably cold fingers. This might not be an exciting gift, but they will be treasured. – Jon Jonckers (JJ) --------------------------------------------------Camelback ® hydration system: It’s a simple piece of gear but one of the most used in my arsenal. I use it on almost every outing: biking, hiking, backcountry skiing, elk hunting, and even pub walks downtown. A water bottle stuffed in the bottom of a pack doesn’t make keeping hydrated easy like a Camelback system does. – Derrick Knowles (DK)

--------------------------------------------------Elephant Bike: We’re lucky to have a local builder with such vast industry experience right here in Spokane. A fully-outfitted custom-built commuter, cyclocross bike or road bike starts at about $2,500. It’s a pricey gift, but it lasts a lifetime, and is therefore a great value. elephantbikes. com – John Speare (JS) --------------------------------------------------The North Face Aconcagua Vest: The most-worn item in my closet, hands down, is a poofy North Face Aconcagua Vest. Know a woman who’s always cold? Get her this vest. They’re available for $99 at Mountain Gear in a bunch of colors. They come in easy sizes—small, medium, etc.—and

lessons and then use the rental equipment all weekend if you want. A great experiential gift for

someone who wants to try something new. (JBS) --------------------------------------------------Custom Painted Longboards from Mountain Goat Outfitters: Mountain Goat has had a great selection of longboard gear for years, but in the last few weeks they have a added a handful of custom boards under their in-house Left Hand Skateboards brand. Each one is handpainted by local artist Troy Webber and retails for $100 for the bare deck. Webber’s art is a unique brand of metal/punk/skate mayhem that looks look great on everyone. – Erika Prins (EP) jjjj --------------------------------------------------COOL GEAR & OTHER GIFTS AVAILABLE LOCALLY --------------------------------------------------I “bike” Spokane t-shirts from Boo Radley’s: These are great gifts for any cyclist on your list. And $5 from the sale of each shirt goes to Pedals2People. Slam dunk gift. (JS) --------------------------------------------------Ortlieb® panniers from North Division Bicycle Shop: These are the best-in-class panniers—whether you are traveling to work daily, or circling the globe on your bike. See the OTM November gear review column for more details— available to read online if you no longer have your copy. (JS) --------------------------------------------------Beginner Nordic Lessons from Fitness Fanatics: For just $55 you can get an hour of in-store training and an hour and a half of on-thesnow training. They offer both classic cross-country and skate ski beginner lessons, and they also feature women-only classes ($80 for a clinic) and private lessons ($60 an hour) if you are so inclined. Rental equipment is extra, but you can get the

awesome on the road or on the wall. (JBS) --------------------------------------------------Therm-a-Rest® NeoAir sleeping pad from Mountain Gear: It’s super light and compactable and said to be much warmer than other air mattresses. Say buh-bye to cold, sleepless nights. (DK) --------------------------------------------------Black Diamond Boundary ski poles from Mountain Gear: Simple, strong, adjustable ski pole for the backcountry or ski hill. (DK)

a hand crank, or an AC or DC plug. Best of all, it features a little USB port so you can also charge any USB device such as your phone, your MP3 player, or whatever. As a gift, this serves as a safe, never-ending light source, and arguably the most efficient charger you can have in the backcountry. (JJ) --------------------------------------------------Holiday Package from Riverfront Park: Need a fun, easy, creative stocking stuffer? Have family coming into town for the holidays? Riverfront Park has an all-ages special offer—for only $14 (includes tax), you get to enjoy four great activities: one ticket for a special engagement IMAX movie (Real Steel, Happy Feet 2 or Polar Express), one ice skate admission and rental,

--------------------------------------------------RUNNING SHOES FROM RUNNER’S SOUL: I buy all my running shoes at Runner’s Soul and save the receipts—they give you $50 bucks in store credit once you’ve spent $500. That might sound like a lot, but when training for a marathon, you go through two or three pairs of shoes in mere months. Runners usually favor a particular shoe, so a gift certificate of $100-$125 will work better than trying to sneak into their closet and figure out the style and size of the smelliest pair of kicks. (EP)

--------------------------------------------------Brooks saddlebags, bike seats and accessories from Two Wheel Transit: If you’re shopping for a hipster cyclist, check out Brooks saddlebags, bike seats and other bike accessories at Two Wheel Transit. They’re all leather and made in England, which is just the sort of thing the fixie-loving, skinny pant-wearing youngster in your life will fancy. (EP) --------------------------------------------------Goal Zero Lighthouse Lantern from Mountain Gear: Without a doubt, this wins first prize for the coolest outdoor gift this season. Nothing else compares to the environmentally sound lantern that is rechargeable via solar panel,

jjjj --------------------------------------------------AVAILABLE ONLINE VIA MAIL ORDER --------------------------------------------------Jackets, coats and blazers from Nau: Nau uses recycled and sustainable materials to create clothes that strike the perfect balance between outdoor utility and urban fashion. All their coats, blazers and jackets are cool—but not cheap; expect to pay around $300 and up. But it’s often worth it to save up for a piece of gear

a Carrousel ride, and round of Mini Golf. (ASM) --------------------------------------------------Washington State Parks “Discovery Pass”: Consider giving a Discovery Pass to a loved one. It might be the best way to introduce or share our local parks and public land. Now more than ever, a pass or a permit shouldn’t be a limiting factor for friends and family to enjoy the outdoors. Available to buy at most local gear

that does exactly what you want it to. www.nau. com (JBS) --------------------------------------------------Subaru “Badge of Ownership”: I bet at least 60 percent of all OTM readers own a Subaru. Just look at the parking lot of a local gear shop or ski area and you might mistake it for a Subaru used car lot. So show some Subie love with a free official “Badge of Ownership”—small decals to display and tell the world all the fun outdoorsy things you do with your Subaru. You only need

the vehicle’s VIN number to order. More details at www.badgeofownership.com. (ASM) --------------------------------------------------Exped Torrent 30 pack: Tough to beat the simplicity and genius design of an Exped Torrent 30 pack. Why invest money and closet space towards specialized packs when this simple, durable rucksack is all you need for most adventures?

The TPU laminated nylon is welded so there are no seams, and the roll-top closure ensures it’s a completely waterproof pack. Admittedly, the suspension is pretty basic, but it’s very streamlined, extremely durable, and being waterproof qualifies it to carry expensive electronics. Really, it’s the best choice for any trips where weather might be an issue. www.exped.com (JJ) --------------------------------------------------Outdoor Media: If outdoor media fits into the gear category for you or your loved one like it does for me, then I’d recommend one or all of the following: Sweetgrass productions new soulful ski film Solitaire, or a subscription to Mountain Gazette and Off-Piste magazine. (DK) --------------------------------------------------Grand Bois tires: Or as my more utilitarian friends call them, “Grand Bourgeois” tires. Available for 26”, 650b, or 700c wheels, these ultra-supple, pricey, Japanese-made tires are as

shops. (JJ) --------------------------------------------------Gift card from Sun People Dry Goods, Mountain Goat Outfitters, Fitness Fanatics, Spokane Alpine Haus, North Division Bicycle Shop, or Mountain Gear and other Out There Monthly advertisers: Sometimes the best gift is a simple gift card—it says, “I love you so much, I’m going to let you get yourself exactly what you want/need!” There is no stress about style, sizing or color. Even better, giving a gift card from a locally-owned small business—whose staff plays, skis, runs and bikes where you do—puts your money where your mouth is if you’ve been talking about strengthening our “local economy.” Hint for how to make this gift even more spectacular if it’s for a woman who is a mom to young children: include an offer to babysit the kids so she can shop carefree. And maybe include a coffee shop or pedicure gift card as well, so she can have an entire “me-time” afternoon. (ASM)

December 2011

/ Out There Monthly

close as you can get in speed and comfort to sewups without gluing your rims. compasscycle. com (JS) -------------------------------------------------Lululemon running tights: Lululemon’s upscale pricing has no place in an aspiring writer’s budget, but I received a pair of their running tights as a gift last year and love them an unreasonable amount. They make me run faster. They make my legs look fantastic. They make me feel like a ninja. Order Lululemon gear for the starving artist/yogi/runner in your family. She (or he – they have a men’s line) will feel totally spoiled—then go home and practice ninja moves in the mirror. A note on fit: As most Lululemon stuff is designed to fit like cellophane, don’t be alarmed if the item you’ve ordered looks significantly smaller than the intended recipient. lululemon.com (EP) jjjj -------------------------------------------------OUTRAGEOUS ITEMS WE WOULD BUY IF WE WON THE LOTTERY TOMORROW -------------------------------------------------Yoshitomo Nara Trek Speed Concept Bike: This ride was designed by one of my favorite Japanese artists and ridden by Lance Armstrong at the Annecy Individual Time Trial in the 2009 Tour De France. It sold at a charity auction for $200k, which means in a pinch you could sell it and buy a nice house. (JBS) -------------------------------------------------Backcountry hut system: If money wasn’t an object, I think I might create a system of

Out There Monthly / December 2011

huts or replace some of the Fire Lookouts in the Idaho Selkirks. I don’t want to create a backcountry circus, therefore they would be exclusively approached by human power—just hiking, skiing or snowshoeing. Then I would map out some killer multi-day loops, so that one could, for example, start at Priest Lake and end in Sandpoint, or travel from Bonners Ferry to Coolin. Thankfully, anyone can do those trips now, but recuperating each night in a hut or fire lookout would be fantastic! (JJ) -------------------------------------------------Create the “Spokane Parks Pump Track Foundation”: Its mission would be to partner with the Spokane Parks Department to create and maintain public pump tracks in our city parks. (For more information about pump tracks, see the September 2011 issue of OTM.) Pump tracks are a great recreational and skillbuilding opportunity for cyclists of all ages and abilities. In addition, the maintenance and ongoing design of pump tracks has the potential to be a perfect community-building opportunity: each track would take on the personality of the community that designed, built and maintained it. It would be so cool to visit each pump track throughout the city to experience the different technical challenges and vibe that each would offer. (JS) -------------------------------------------------Chalet Arrowhead pop-up trailer camper: I enjoy car camping, but I think I would like it even more if my family (which includes a toddler and baby) had a Chalet trailer

-------------------------------------------------Carbon fiber mountain bike: A new lightweight, carbon fiber mountain bike with a lot more suspension travel than my aging Stumpjumper. Probably a Specialized Enduro Expert Carbon from Wheel Sport. (DK) --------------------------------------------------Stand-up paddle board. They’re not outrageously pricey, but the rest of the plan—to spend my life floating on the river—might interfere with work. (EP) // During this holiday season, thanks for supporting the advertisers that make OTM possible. If you buy a gift at a local shop don’t be afraid to tell ‘em OTM sent ya.

camper to sleep in. This Oregon-based company makes the Arrowhead model, a pop-up A-frame with hard sides. A friend of mine has one and says he can set it up in about a minute. It includes a fridge, furnace, cook top and hot water heater. Although I would miss our Big Agnes® tent—maybe—I think I could go car camping every weekend of the summer if I had a Chalet. (ASM)

Photo of the Month

Hank Greer

Top Dollar Paid For Old Car, Truck and Boat Batteries

We recycle all types of batteries. Keep it Green, Recycle

PhotO: HANK GREER Varsity girls from Mead, Ferris and North Central high schools just before the start of their cross country race at Audobon Park on Sep 21, 2011. Hank wins an OTM carabiner. Send your vertical, 3 meg. or less submission with caption to editor@outtheremonthly.com. Best photos entries will be picked for upcoming issues.

Roadtrip DJ: December BRAD HAUGE “The Boxer” / Simon & Garfunkel / Bridge Over Troubled Water Quite possibly the greatest song ever written. And even if you don’t want to go that far, I can’t think of a better soundtrack as you pull onto the highway, the day just starting. “Rearviewmirror” / Pearl Jam / Live April 12, 1994, Orpheum Theater, Boston MA Clichéd roadtrip song title? Possibly. But the slow build of driving guitars, poignant lyrics, and the added energy of the live audience and angst of the ’94 tour make this the perfect song to wake up the car and driver alike. “Everything To Nothing” / Manchester Orchestra / Mean Everything To Nothing This album always seems to call to me as we hit the barren parts of Eastern Washington. I dare you not to play drums on your steering wheel while belting along with the boys from Georgia. “Christmas Time Is Here” / Vince Guaraldi Trio / A Charlie Brown Christmas Hey, it is a December road trip, and what better song to set the holiday mood. Recommended listening while coasting through the Cascades surrounded by all that winter has to offer.

10 % off all Solar and

“Hey Guys! It’s Christmas Time!” / Sufjan Stevens / Songs for Christmas Vol. IV: Joy! A peppy Christmas original from my favorite songwriting eccentric. Whimsical lyrics weave through this boisterous song, almost forcing you to roll down the windows, let the frigid air into the car, and exclaim “It’s Christmas Time!” as you roll into your relatives’ driveway. //

Stop in for all you houseboat and R V solar needs. C oupon must be pr esent.

Accessor ies.

December 2011

/ Out There Monthly

Last Page

The Paddle and the Ski Pole When To Take Kids Into The Wilderness / By Jon Jonckers Over and over, I frequently hear parents report how difficult it is to take their kids into the woods. Sometimes, I even hear questions about what age is appropriate to begin taking their kids into the wilderness. On the one hand, there are well-meaning parents that only say they want their children to play outside more, yet they’re not willing to stray outside of cell phone coverage. On the other hand, there are parents that are temperamental and discouraged because their kids can’t keep up with them. I admit there are some real obstacles and expenses involved, and I confess I have been both of those parents at one time or another. Even still, whenever I hear those questions, my internal GPS sarcasm locater always leads me to one of two statements, depending on the season. In the summer, I say, “A child is like a canoe— they behave better if paddled from the rear.” In the winter, I say, “Give them a ski pole. If they keep playing with it in the snow for more than 30 minutes, but haven’t broken it or hurt someone with it, then start them on cross country skiing.” Certain reactions to both statements remain priceless, especially the summer statement, provided you can keep a straight face and you actually take your kids paddling. Meanwhile, the winter statement simply testifies that the child doesn’t mind playing in the right snow conditions, and not every piece of gear is a weapon. While I would

never defend either of those statements in a million years, I would be willing to offer up a couple grains of experience to emphasize a point about bringing your kids into the woods. This past summer, my dear friend returned from a tour in Afghanistan. Since our kids are sort of the same age, we try to do Daddy Campouts together with a couple other like-minded Dads. By ski boat and canoe, we all convened at a semi-remote beach on Lake Pend Oreille. The following day, I canoed with several little kids along the shoreline, and we eventually found a mineshaft. After pulling the boat onto the rocky beach, I herded two boys and a little girl to the opening, and we peered inside. At that point, the little girl’s voice echoed in the black hole, and she said, “Wouldn’t it be cool if a white rabbit with a clock came running out of this hole!” Everyone agreed, including me. Strangely enough, when I overheard the girl share the adventure with my own 5-year-old son back at camp, he plainly reported, “Yeah, me and my Dad do stuff like that all the time.” Equally conflicted, I thought he was a bit rude and I wanted him to apologize. But I also wondered if I had somehow forgotten a time when a rabbit with a clock did run out of a mineshaft towards us. More importantly, my son’s snide comment signaled to me that he felt these tiny expeditions were such common occurrences, and almost trivial. It wasn’t just the recent paddle trips down the Little

Jon and his son cross country skiing. // Photo Jon Jonckers.

Spokane River or the Clark Fork, but his increasing confidence really hatched much earlier the same year on the Mount Spokane nordic trails. Even though the weather cooperated rather well on his first outing past the Selkirk Lodge, the fits and gripes and falls tested all of my patience. My wife and I took turns holding him upright on bubble-level ground, and he still tipped over. We shuffled, applauded and even bribed with candy,

We shuffled, applauded and even bribed with candy, but the first experience proved to be an enormous struggle.

Out There Monthly / December 2011

��

�

��

�

��

� � � � � ��

��

but the first experience proved to be an enormous struggle. Yet, we saw so many other kids his age, and they were doing just fine. That’s when another parent, much wiser than me, offered, “Skiing may be a winter activity, but I think of it as a fall sport.” Nevertheless, we needed to maximize our SnoPark Pass investment, and a few weeks later I agreed to take my son again—just the two of us. If

we managed to get the skis on without whining or epic falls, I could call it success and then we could simply share some hot cocoa in the Selkirk Lodge. But just a couple minutes after we headed down the trail, the weather diminished and the standard heavy mist settled all around. I winced the first time I saw him fall, and I felt certain that would become our turnaround point. But he righted himself and we continued. After a full day, at glacier speed, we arrived at the Nova Hut. The fire was already burning, and the hot chocolate never tasted better. You could have pushed me over with a feather when I heard him say, “Gosh, Dad, skiing is fun. Why didn’t Mom come? Doesn’t she know there’s hot chocolate out here?” We returned to the car, cold and tired, and he fell asleep in the car before we passed the snowmobile parking lot. After that, his confidence grew even more each time he told a grandparent or his preschool teacher how much he skied. At the heart of the matter, your kids probably don’t care if it’s a paddle or a ski pole. The experience that you, as the parent, invest into your child is usually secondary to the bonding and empowerment they receive from the time spent with you. Truth be known, asking when is the best time to take your kids into the woods is like asking when is the best time to plant a tree. The very best time was several years ago. The second best time is right now. //

��

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT Most public skating in Spokane

OPEN NOW THROUGH FEB. 26, 2012

ADMISSION PRICES Adults (13 & over)

$450

DISCOUNT ADMISSIONS Youth (3–12) Senior (62 & over) Military W/ID

$350

Skate Rental

$350

Are You Ready for Winter? M O M E N T S K I S

NS OPE. 26th C DE

MARKER

BINDINGS

SPACECRAFT HATS & TEES

SPACECRAFT MOMENT HOLDEN ANALOG NIKITA COAL SMITH PRANA CAPITA DAKINE MONTBELL THIRTY-TWO KAVU WESTCOMB ROSSIGNOL BATALEON DALBELLO CELSIUS ARBOR LINE LANGE UNION DYNAFIT MARKER D Y N A S T A R

SPECIAL OFFER

Includes:

HOLIDAY PACKAGE

• 1 ticket to Special Engagement

ONLY

Polar Express, Real Steel, or Happy Feet 2

• 1 Skate Admission & Rental • 1 Ride on the Carrousel • 1 Round of Mini Golf

1400

FOR PACKAGE

All ages. Includes tax.

509.625.6601 | spokaneriverfrontpark.com December 2011

/ Out There Monthly

Find unique, outdoor-inspired gifts for him, her, kids, climbers, skiers & more!

Discover Rock Climbing 12.7, 21 6 - 8 pm

Intermediate Rock Climbing 12.28 6 - 8 pm

at Mountain Gear $20

advance registration required

For a complete list of events and information, contact us:

2002 N Division, Spokane • 509.325.9000

mountaingear.com/retail Hours: Mon-Fri 10 am-8 pm, Sat 10 am-6 pm, Sun 11 am-5 pm

The North Face Apex Bionic Jacket Men’s & Women’s $129.00

Gibbon Classic Slackline $74.95

Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles $89.95

Suunto Vector Access Fund Watch Reg $219.00 SALE $179.98

The North Face Denali Glove Men’s & Women’s $25.00

Goal Zero Lighthouse USB Lantern $34.99

Gopro Hero HD Naked $199.99

The North Face Chilkat II $100.00

ICETrekkers Diamond Grip $41.95 Innate Cha Vacuum Bottle $14.95

Atlas 9 Series Snowshoe $159.95

Overland Equipment Hood River Bag Reg $44.95 SALE $14.98

iStock | Danny Warren Photography

Black Diamond Gizmo Headlamp Reg $19.95 SALE $14.98

Out There Monthly / December 2011