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URBAN OUTDOORS: PARKOUR | RACE BANDITS | BIKE SWAP MARCH 2017 // FREE

THE INLAND NW GUIDE TO OUTDOOR ADVENTURE, TRAVEL AND THE OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE

OUTTHEREMONTHLY.COM

{Spring Fever}

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5K & 1.5 mile as fast as you can

to the top of BEACON

Trail Run

Beer Garden

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Starts on the Up Chuck Trail out of Camp Sekani for a fun, flowy climb up Beacon Hill to kick off the 3rd annual Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival.

July 8 - 9:30 a.m.

more info: www.spokatopia.com

MARCH 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

UNEXPECTED IN THE BEST WAYS The most inspiring moments come through simple and unexpected discoveries.

OutThereMonthly.com / MARCH 2017

COntents

Features

22 | To Hell and Back

22 Special Sections 28 | Inland NW Race, Ride & Event Guide 36 | On The Mountain (Skiing/Snowboarding)

columns

departments

13 | Everyday Cyclist

18 | Health & Fitness

14 | Leaf Root Fungi Fruit

19 | Biking

16 | River Rambles

21 | Running

26 | Run Wild

22 | Hiking 23 | Out There Spotlight 27 | Running 45 | Climbing

in every issue 7

| Intro

| Out There News & Events

Spring time for skiers and riders offers a mix of sun, comfortable temperatures, soft snow, no crowds, and a chill state of mind. Everyone’s likely had a belly full of powder days and sub-zero-groomer-zoomer days. Now it’s time to relax, have some fun and work on your tan. Maximize your time in the sun with these tips.

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More than just a race… it’s a lifetime experience.

MARCH 2017 www.outtheremonthly.com Publishers

Shallan & Derrick Knowles Editor-in-chief

Derrick Knowles Managing Editor

Janelle McCabe Associate editor

Jon Jonckers Kids/family section editor

Amy Silbernagel McCaffree

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Copy Editor

Andrew Butler Contributing Writers:

S. Michal Bennett Kelly Chadwick Paul Chisholm Dave Dutro Siobhan Ebel Jon Jonckers Derrick Knowles Janelle McCabe Amy Silbernagel McCaffree Ammi Midstokke Brad Naccarato Brad Northrup Erika Prins Simonds Brad Thiessen Nick Thomas Holly Weiler Jerry White Jr. Contributing photographers:

Jon Jonckers Shallan Knowles Derrick Knowles Aaron Theisen Matt Lietholt Natalya Torvik Brenda Armstrong Steve Boosinger Art + Production

Art Director - Shallan Knowles Intern/Online contributor

Siobhan Ebel to request copies caLl

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Derrick Knowles: 509 / 822 / 0123 derrick@outtheremonthly.com Out There Monthly

Mailing Address: PO Box #5 Spokane, WA 99210 www.outtheremonthly.com, 509 / 822 / 0123 FIND US ON FACEBOOK Out There Monthly is published once a month by Out There Monthly, LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. ©Copyright 2017 Out There Monthly, LLC. The views expressed in this magazine reflect those of the writers and advertisers and not necessarily Out There Monthly, LLC. Disclaimer: Many of the activities depicted in this magazine carry a significant risk of personal injury or death. Rock climbing, river rafting, snow sports, kayaking, cycling, canoeing and backcountry activities are inherently dangerous. The owners and contributors to Out There Monthly do not recommend that anyone participate in these activities unless they are experts or seek qualified professional instruction and/or guidance, and are knowledgeable about the risks, and are personally willing to assume all responsibility associated with those risks.

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Mandatory biking gear for riding Riverside State Park: extra tube, tire levers, and a hammock.

Photo: Erik K 6

OutThereMonthly.com / MARCH 2017

Intro: Spring Fever I’ve also looked into taking paragliding lessons, but fear of the unknown has kept me perpetually grounded. This past month at the Spokane Great Outdoors & Bike Expo, a new spring fever-inspired event that Out There Monthly put on, the floors of the Convention Center were packed with people who were itching for the warmer weather hiking, biking, camping and paddling season. One of the highlights for me was spending some time with a few members of Center of Lift, the local hang gliding and paragliding club, who were there to run their booth and set up a display of hang gliders from the convention hall ceiling. While helping rig and unrig the gliders, I had the chance to ask questions about flying that had quietly freaked me out enough over the

As a kid, flying was easy. Every so often I would simply go to sleep and dreams of lifting off the sidewalk up and over the fence and lilac bushes of my childhood home would take over. I can still remember the strange sensation of every cell in my body pushing back against gravity until my legs were weightless, pulling slowly away from the ground. Ever since then, lurking in the back of my consciousness, an urge to fly has waited for the right moment in time to spark action. Off and on over the years I have considered going sky diving or doing a tandem base jump off Perrine Bridge in Twin Falls, Idaho, to see if fear or elation would take over, but about as close as I’ve come was reading Steph Davis’s book “Learning to Fly” and watching too many YouTube wingsuit videos.

years that I’ve never taken the leap into the sport. I learned that getting into paragliding is relatively accessible and affordable and that many of the irrational fears that had always haunted me—like being smashed out of the sky by a rogue gust of wind or blasted off into space by uncontrollable thermals—were just that: irrational fears. Under the grip of spring fever, where the spell of the possibilities of a whole new year of outdoor adventure potential made anything seem possible, learning to fly seemed finally within reach. Maybe it’s the intense burst of life that happens all around us in nature when the cold and snow gives way to sunnier days. There is something about spring that inspires big dreams, motivates new adventures, and provokes positive life changes

if we harness that groundswell of inspiration before it inevitably fades. The urge to get moving outside after a long, dark winter can burn like a fever, and it’s best to tap that fleeting gumption while it lasts. What big plans do you hope to hatch this spring? Derrick Knowles, Editor

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Out ThereNews&Events Film Documenting the History of Mountain Biking to Benefit Local Trails (March 3) Two Wheel Transit and The Bike Hub will host

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A Red Carpet Premiere for Klunkerz, a film about mountain bike history, on Friday, March 3 at Two Wheel Transit in the South Perry Neighborhood. The event is open to the public and will spread awareness of the work Evergreen East does for the cycling community in the Spokane area while sharing a bit of mountain bike history. All proceeds will support Evergreen East’s efforts to develop and maintain local and regional moun-

tain bike trails at the places you ride, including Camp Sekani/Beacon Hill, Mt. Spokane, the South Hill Bluff, Iller Creek, and Riverside State Park. Last year over 3,000 hours of trail work and maintenance were performed by Evergreen East members and volunteers. Tickets can be purchased at Two Wheel Transit, either of The Bike Hub locations, and online at Thebikehub.com. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. (OTM)

Mount Rainier Moves to Online Permit Reservations Mount Rainier National Park has announced a

new permit process for 2017. Users will now be able to request wilderness camping and climbing permits online. In an effort to preserve the quality of hiker experiences as well as fragile ecosystems from overuse, the permits are for sites along the extremely popular Wonderland Trail, as well as other backcountry camps. Day hiking does not require a permit. Park officials concede this is a new system, and it doesn’t include all of the features they want to give to hikers. However, it will save rangers from sorting through hundreds of mailed and faxed requests. It also meets new Department of the Interior security requirements. The website also stresses, “those

wishing to climb above 10,000 feet or onto any glaciers must purchase a Climbing Pass. Climbers who wish to camp overnight must also get a Wilderness Permit in order to acquire a campsite.” Roughly 70 percent of the available wilderness permits can be reserved while the remaining 30 percent are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Also, it’s important to remember that winter snows and storm damage can impact which campsites will be available. This is especially true for early season itineraries, so be sure to check the latest updates from the park before submitting your request starting March 15. More info at Nps.gov. (Jon Jonckers)

A New Home for Your Used Outdoor Gear For those of you with quality used outdoor recre-

ation gear and apparel collecting dust in your garages, an alternative to Craigslist and eBay is coming to Spokane. Starting Saturday, March 4, NW Outdoors, a new outdoor gear consignment shop opening in the old Wintersport building (3220 N Division), will begin taking a wide range of gear on consignment in a hassle-free environment, including hiking, camping and backpacking gear; technical outerwear; bikes and biking accessories; paddling, climbing, and ski gear and more. “We don’t just sell gear, we also live for the adventure. Enjoying the outdoors is a passion that drove me

to transition my personal life into a career,” says owner Mark Schneider. Gear drop-off hours will be from 3-6 p.m. daily or by appointment through the month of March. After stockpiling quality consignment outdoor gear, NW Outdoors will officially open its doors with a grand opening celebration starting at 10 a.m. on April 1 with snacks, local beer, and music to kick off the first opportunity to browse the shop’s selection of bargain gear. Normal business hours after April 1 will run from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. -5 p.m. on Sundays. Nwoutdoors.co. (OTM)

Mojo Cyclery Opens in Spokane Valley If you live or ride in the Valley, there’s a new

bike shop on the scene. Mojo Cyclery, a fullservice bicycle shop specializing in bike repair, fits, and sales opened earlier this winter at 1405 N. Argonne Road, just south of I-90 next to Chan Bistro and Badass Backyard Brewing. Owner/ operator Morgan Johnson has nearly 15 years in the bicycle industry with an extensive background in triathlons and road racing. Mojo already has a full schedule of spring events planned, includ-

ing Coffee Crawls, where riders meet up for a relaxed pedal to a neighborhood coffee shop (departing from Mojo every Saturday at 8 a.m.) The shop is also putting on a Spring Kick-Off Festival on Saturday, March 11 to showcase some of its brands, including Rocky Mountain and Masi Bicycles and gear brands like Crank Brothers, Bellwether, Fizik, Selle Italia and more. Enjoy food and drinks and get to know the crew from Mojo. More info: Mojocyclery.com. (OTM)

Local Mountain Bikers Should Take This Survey Dig out your phone and take five minutes right now to complete a survey about mountain biking in the Spokane area put together by Evergreen East Mountain Bike Alliance. Eastern Washington’s mountain bike advocacy organization wants to know what you think of its efforts to engage and organize local riders and where you think the

OutThereMonthly.com / MARCH 2017

group should focus its energy. The quick survey will help Evergreen better serve the local mountain bike community as the organization grows and evolves. Take the survey now at www.surveymonkey.com/r/S3QDZY6 or visit Evergreeneast. org for more info. (OTM)

Mountain Bike Guiding Service comes to Spokane Airbnb is one of the world’s fastest-growing

companies, disrupting the entire hotel industry in its wake. Its popularity lies in offering renters the opportunity to experience towns and cities around the world via unique accommodations that let them feel like a local rather than a package tourist. That same philosophy is behind a new program being offered by leading mountain bike adventure company Sacred Rides. With their new Getaways program (getaways.sacredrides.com), the company is equipping passionate mountain bikers around the world with the tools, training and support they need to guide other mountain bikers on their local trails via one and two-day adventures. Spokane mountain biker Ken Hoekema was among the first to sign up and is eagerly looking forward to his spring 2017 launch. His local Getaways site Spokane.sacredrides.com is up, with several trips designed and ready to host out-of-town mountain bikers looking to explore local trails for the first time or mountain bikers new to the area who want to get to know the best rides our vast trail systems

have to offer. “I’ve been passionate about mountain biking since the 1990s,” says Hoekema, “and have called Spokane home for my entire life. Our area has an incredible variety of trails and natural beauty that I’m excited to share with the world.” Hoekema will continue his training with the Sacred Rides Getaways staff over the winter; his first trips are scheduled to begin in May 2017. “The support from the Sacred Rides team has been phenomenal,” adds Hoekema. “I’ve learned so much already from people with decades of experience in adventure travel. With their support, I’m putting together a wide variety of trips for everyone from beginners to expert mountain bikers.” His message to riders who may have never considered a mountain bike trip to the sunny Spokane area: “Come visit Spokane and ride with locals on the trails we love!” For more information or to book a Spokane mountain bike trip, visit Spokane.sacredrides.com. Or check out Getaways.sacredrides.com to browse other trips around the world. (OTM)

M O N TA N A

T R A I L I L L U S T R AT E D M A P S

R E V I S E D R E G U L A R LY WAT E R P R O O F T E A R – R E S I S TA N T

Wild Walls is Expanding Wild Walls climbing gym plans to add

approximately 2,000 square feet of floor space and 2,000 square feet of climbing space starting at the beginning of March. Wild Walls general manager, Todd Mires, explains, “The primary goal of expanding is to provide more climbing terrain for our members.” Year after year, the climbing gym has experienced tremendous growth, and hardcore climbers flock to Wild Walls to maintain their climbing fitness during the winter months. Local universities even offer credits for climbing classes at the indoor climbing gym. Thankfully, this new expansion won’t cost members any additional fees. “The Spokane climbing community is definitely growing,” says Mires, “but climbing is

also one of the fastest growing sports in the world; therefore, I don’t believe the growth we’re experiencing is unique to Spokane.” Nevertheless, the climbing gym will be expanding into the northeastern corner of the Spokane Armory building. This massive building originally provided space for the Washington National Guard after it was completed in 1908. Historian Carolyn Hage Nunemaker writes that it was also the venue for concerts, dances and sporting events before the Spokane Coliseum was built in 1954. Wild Walls occupies a significant portion of the building, and they’re eager to expand to meet the requests from the local climbing community. (Jon Jonckers)

AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL OUTDOOR STORE AND AT NATGEOMAPS.COM NATGEOMAPS

Look for more climbing fun coming soon at Wild Walls. Photo: Shallan knowles

MARCH 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

HikeOfTheMonth Sherman Point Loop // By Holly Weiler

early spring views along lake roosevelt. // Photos: Holly Weiler

REady for a

Challenge? Six Months Six or more races One Fun Challenge!

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OutThereMonthly.com / MARCH 2017

The first time I visited the Sherman Creek Wildlife Area, I was delighted by what I found in a location

I have never seen described in local guidebooks. Sherman Creek is roaring in the springtime, and with its low elevation, this is a good place to see early buttercups and other wildflowers. It’s managed for whitetail deer habitat and home to a sizable turkey population, and it’s also a good place to watch for eagles soaring over Lake Roosevelt. Getting there is easy since it’s just off Highway 20, but it’s also hard since there is very little signage. Watch for the wide spot with the “Discover Pass required” sign, as that’s the only indication you’re in the right spot. If you go too far, you’ll end up at the nearby fish hatchery, a worthwhile side trip for those who have the time. The Old Mellenberger Bridge is located directly in front of the parking area, blocked off to vehicles but open to foot traffic. It’s not until after crossing Sherman Creek on this bridge that you’ll find any trail signage, installed by a Boy Scout for his Eagle Scout Project. The entirety of the Sherman Creek Wildlife Area consists of more than 9,000 acres of winter range. The Sherman Point Loop stays on a corner of the property that hugs the shoreline, maximizing views but keeping the distance relatively short. There are old roadbeds on the property that invite additional exploration if one has the time. For the main hike, continue about a quarter mile beyond the bridge, hiking on an old roadbed. At the marked trail junction, turn left on the Sherman Point Trail and walk down the hill and toward Lake Roosevelt. The signage along the way points out interesting parts of local history: National Park Service signs and Bureau of Reclamation benchmarks (stamped 1938) indicate the boundary with the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, and Boy Scout signs point out the old ferry landing across from the mouth of the Colville River. The best view of Lake Roosevelt is located at the Reed Slide Overlook, where sand cliffs across the bay fall off steeply to the lake below. Beyond the Overlook the trail climbs a short hill and rejoins the roadbed. Turn right to follow it back to the Old Mellenberger Bridge and the parking lot. Roundtrip distance: about 3 miles. // Getting there: From Spokane, drive north on Highway 395 through Kettle Falls. Cross the Columbia River and continue west on Highway 20 for 2 miles. Watch for Sherman Creek Fish Hatchery signs and turn left on Mellenberger Road. Continue 1 mile to the Mellenberger Bridge parking area. Discover Pass required.

Holly Weiler is the race director for the Foothills Scenic Five fun run every June that supports a scholarship fund and community events.

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OutThereMonthly.com / MARCH 2017

Everyday Cyclist Sweet Deals on wheels

// By Erika Prins Simonds

Your new bike is waiting for you at the Spokane Bike Swap! // Photo courtesy of the spokane bike swap

The Spokane Bike Swap on April 8 at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center will bring together everything riders need to prepare for a year of biking. More than a 1000 new and used bikes for sale priced anywhere from $25 to $3,000 hang from bike corrals in the consignment area. Anyone seeking to sell their bike at the swap can register it for $5 in advance of the event — or they can donate their bike to benefit the Friends of the Centennial Trail. Vendors with accessories, apparel, and gadgets set up booths in the next room, alongside organizations that organize group rides, provide trail and route information, and help riders plan their commute or discover new opportunities for recreational riding. An STA bus parks right inside the building so new riders can practice safely loading their bike onto the bus. As the Bike Swap enters its sixth year, we chatted with founder LeAnn Yamamoto, Transportation Demand Management Director at Spokane County’s Commute Trip Reduction program. What kind of bikes can we expect to find at the swap?

It’s mostly used bikes. Our sellers are often people who want to sell their bike or upgrade to another bike.

What price range can visitors expect for the bikes on consignment in the bike corral?

The ranges are huge because we do sell all kinds of bikes, so we sell kids’ bikes all the way up to triathlon bikes. The average price range is $100 to $300.

What inspired you to start the Spokane Bike Swap?

Feedback from our Commute Trip Reduction coordinators. They wanted something like what the ski swap did that would give them the opportunity to reach out to their employees and give them the tools to get ready to commute. How does the swap help bicyclists prepare for the riding season?

People can come buy a bike, learn about bike rides, and learn about putting their bike on the bus. How has the Bike Swap evolved over the years?

It’s grown tremendously. Our first year had fewer than 20 exhibitors and we registered fewer than 200 bikes to consign. We sold 160 bikes from our consignment, but we were successful: We raised $10,000 for the Friends of the Centennial Trail. It has grown nearly double every year up until last year. Last year, we registered nearly 1,000 bikes in our bike consignment area, sold more than 700 bikes, and raised $36,000 for the Friends of the Centennial Trail. What can we expect this year?

Our exhibitors have grown to more than 60. We have nearly every [local] bike shop at our event now. It does give people a one-stop shop if they want to check out different kinds of bikes or learn about different rides. We’ve expanded our entertainment and education area. Every child under 14 who buys a bike in our consignment area will get a free bicycle helmet and fitting.//

SPOKANE BIKE SWAP When: April 8, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Where: Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St., Spokane Admission: $5 adults; free for kids 12 and under Find more information at spokanebikeswap.com

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MARCH 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

Leaf, Root, Fungi, Fruit Inner Bark: A Sweet Treat // by Kelly Chadwick

Trees damaged by browsing elephants. // Photo: Kelly Chadwick

Unlike the deliciously exaggerated sugar-and starch-filled produce of today, wild foods are often tough, bitter, astringent, or intensely vegetal, including many prized plants in older cultures. Modern palates aren’t adapted to these flavors. Which brings us to inner bark. Phloem, the inner bark of trees, is the living layer below the outer bark where photosynthates are transported. Inner bark can be peeled or scraped off for food. Sometimes pulling into even thinner layers reveals a sweeter center. Along with sucrose, you’ll get vitamin C, iron, calcium, and plenty of fiber. Until last year, snacking on wood seemed laughable to me, and not worth the injury to the tree. Then Hazen Audel, a survival instructor, dropped by my jobsite where we were removing a black locust. He handed me a thick spongy piece of inner bark torn from a branch and said, “Try this, but not too much, because it’s toxic and used in Syrup of Ipecac.” I chomped down with guarded enthusiasm, yet was amazed with the soft sweetness. Inner bark tastes good. To regard it as only useful for survival is an unjustified categorization. With the epiphany of tastiness came another — one doesn’t have to harm trees to indulge in inner bark. At the end of winter there are always damaged branches or trees that can be thinned to improve forest health. This is how you will find ecologically ethical harvests. Inner bark can be collected year-round but is best in spring when the sap flows. This is also when it readily separates from the tree. The Coeur d’Alene Tribe called May the ‘‘bark loose on tree month.’’ Historically, inner bark was eaten more often by people in northern latitudes, cinnamon being one notable exception. North Idaho and Western Montana natives along with people from Nordic countries ate it fresh, roasted, fried, and ground into flour for crackers and bread or mixed with fat, blood, or milk. The Finnish even carried it 14

OutThereMonthly.com / MARCH 2017

as gifts for distant relatives when traveling. Ancient “window panes,” sections of bark harvested centuries ago, can still be found in certain forests including our own. Bears, rabbits, rodents, and porcupines enjoy inner bark as well. I recently visited the rugged bush of Kenya, where elephants tear apart trees during droughts to get at the phloem, and the Samburu tribe members chew on a relative of ebony when moving cattle. In the Inland Northwest, native trees to sample are birch, fir, tamarack, spruce, aspen, mountain ash, maple, hemlock, and pine. Our three endemic pines are supposed to be the tastiest of the genus, though white pine requires cooking to be digestible. Aspen and maple are sweeter yet thinner. Eating inner bark fulfills the primary incentives that drive me to wild foods: connecting with the natural world and knowing the nature of something through its texture and taste. I find a deep sense of satisfaction and enrichment from these raw flavors of feral plant life. Identifying Attributes: Phloem is distinguished by its softness and light color. If edible, the bark and wood are also edible albeit hard, so worse case you’d dull your teeth if gnawing on the wrong section. Cautionary Points: Beware of trees with poisonous bark such as yew, horsechestnut, and buckthorne. Culinary Attributes: From sweet and starchy to chewy and tannic or resinous. Best cooked if you are eating a larger amount due to the abundance of resins, terpenes, and tannins. Can be fried into chips, dried and made into flour, boiled, or eaten raw. // Kelly Chadwick is an arborist and owner of Spirit Pruners. He wrote about bunchberries in August.

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River Rambles

Wondering on the Spokane River and Its History // By Jerry White Jr.

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OutThereMonthly.com / MARCH 2017

Spokane River and Falls in Downtown (December 1970)

Where does one start when wondering about

river history? There are books by noted authors, websites, scholars, and professors to be tapped. Native Americans possess centuries of oral history that affirms their deep connection to the river. But in the end, why wonder at all? Recently a friend said, “You know, we are all here because of the river.” He is right, and that is reason enough to wonder. From the beginning, indigenous people have been connected to their river. For centuries, their connection took the form of salmon fishing. Weirs to trap fish were rebuilt and repaired every year. Chinook salmon with tails the size of tennis rackets and weighing up to 100 pounds returned every spring. The first people celebrated this return with a massive salmon ceremony. No nets or spears touched the river before the Salmon Chieftain blessed a first fish, and a great ceremony was conducted honoring the return of the social and psychic center of the culture. After the blessing, the entire population bent toward catching, drying, and preparing fish. People from the Coeur d’Alene and Nez Perce Tribes came to join in fishing the Spokane River. Archaeologists tell us that the first village in this area was built more than 7,000 years ago just below downtown Spokane, but the native presence goes back much further. And all of this was because of the river, of course. In 1807 David Thompson, an enterprising Englishman, arrived to build a trading post near the Little Spokane River. Native people travelled up and down the river trapping for the growing fur trade. A multicultural world of French, English, and eastern Native Americans came to trade beaver

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pelts for axe heads and blankets with the tribes. It was the river that brought them. In 1882, the Northern Pacific Railroad arrived in Spokane Falls to make it the center of their operations. The idea of a river for power was very attractive. In this same time period, James Glover gave fellow pioneer Frederick Post 40 acres to build a grist mill above the falls. A small dam went up to power a sawmill. In 1884 water systems were built, and in 1885 the first arc dynamo was brought in to generate electricity for 11 street lights. Three years later, a municipal sewer ran to the river. The little city took water to drink, power to build and cast light, and a river to wash away their waste. Sawdust and raw sewage burst on the scene as the first major pollution issues of the area. Today, seven dams on the Spokane River generate power and control river flows, and there are several larger dischargers with pipes in the river. And is all of this history just water under the bridge? I don’t think so. It is worth wondering about because Spokane is still here because of the river. Whether you enjoy mountain biking trails, fly-fishing, walking your dog on the Centennial Trail, or cycling to work across Riverfront Park (while most of your 300 million American compatriots are stuck in traffic in some loud, stinking, riverless city), the power behind our presence is the Spokane River. Spokane is worth being here because of our big, beautiful river running through the middle of our history -- and through the middle of our consciousness. // Jerry White, Jr. is the Spokane Riverkeeper.

UrbanOutdoors parkour // Recess for Grownups and Kids

By Erika Prins Simonds

Josh Blakely clears a fallen log with ease.

Straight though it may be, the shortest dis-

tance between two points isn’t always flat or easily navigable. Most people would avoid a wall, boulder, or railing by walking around it. But, argue the growing community of worldwide parkour enthusiasts, where’s the fun in that? Parkour is an activity that challenges practitioners to keep going straight forward, tackling obstacles presented by the urban jungle rather than avoiding them. And, perhaps, throwing in a back flip for extra style points. Twenty-four-year-old graphic designer Josh Blakely learned parkour the old-fashioned way: by just going out and trying the moves he saw pros doing in YouTube videos. He started practicing in his high school wrestling room. With friends, he’d head to the park and use picnic tables, cement walls, or whatever else was out there as training equipment. Thanks to guys like Blakely, newcomers can now take classes in parkour at Inland Northwest gymnastics centers, safely learning the basics before advancing to the coveted mid-air somersaults. Spokane Gymnastics offers classes for kids and adults and boasts an 800-square-foot indoor parkour room filled with obstacles. At Avant Coeur Gymnastics in Coeur d’Alene, where Blakely coaches, students age 6 through 22 advance through three skill-based class levels by practicing in its parkour room and making creative use of the regular gymnastics equipment. Blakely officially began coaching in 2010, though he’d begun volunteering at the gym two years prior at 16 years old. Like him, most kids come in itching to do flips like they’ve seen the pros do. So he teaches them to somersault on the floor. “You start them out by learning things on the ground,” he says. “If you can’t do things on the ground then you shouldn’t be doing them in the air.” When they’re ready, students can elect to compete in regional and even national competitions. Avant Coeur Gymnastics has hosted several competitions in recent years. Most often, Blakely’s students travel to Missoula, which has its own rich

parkour scene, to compete. But the real thrill comes from taking new skills out into the world — and that’s where things get tricky. Great parkour locations might have lots of walls of varied heights, railings, and perhaps some things to hang from, like a sturdy bar. More importantly, they’re places where getting rambunctious is explicitly allowed or at the very least, they have a history of tolerating parkour. Even in public spaces where unleashing acrobatics on an unsuspecting wall or railing is perfectly legal, reactions can be mixed. “I tell kids that they can go to the local parks and typically won’t be harassed by anyone,” Blakely says. “However, doing parkour, you pretty much always get looked at in awe or you get looked at like you’re the weirdo.” Blakely’s favorite spot to train is Fort Sherman Playground in Coeur d’Alene City Park. With castle-like turrets and bridges, plus classic playground features like bars and slides, the playground couldn’t be more ideal for practicing parkour moves. But, it’s still a playground. “Parents just get enraged,” Blakely says. “They say, ‘You guys just can’t be here. You’re too big and you can’t play.” It’s a big world with lots of places to practice, so Blakely errs on the side of respecting people’s requests (especially if they’re wearing a security guard uniform) in hopes of building good will for the future. Busier places can become less hostile to parkour practitioners (called “traceurs”) when they’re not being used by others — perhaps evenings and weekends for spots that are busy during the day, or weekdays during school hours for public parks that fill up with kids when school gets out. Searching for new training spots may be just as much fun as practicing: Seeing the world as an obstacle course presents a whole new perspective of the city. For more information, visit Avant Coeur Gymnastics at cdagym.com and Spokane Gymnastics at spokanegymnastics.com. // Erika Prins Simonds wrote about winter birding in January. Read more of her writing at erikaprins.com.

MARCH 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

Health&Fitness

BOUTIQUE FITNESS

From Resistance to Respect

// By Ammi Midstokke

this approach is that there is not a lot of space for ego. This is a place for open curiosity. How do our bodies function? How could they function better? Apparently health is not a competition. Who knew? Suddenly I had a coach named Kevin sending me workouts with neat little video displays so I knew what the hell a BackBending Flying-Jane This is what individualized fitness looks like. Dive With A Twist (one sided) was. I showed up at the gym and did the workouts. I knew there was It is no secret that I am resistant to just about everything except coffee and cookies. As a some master plan these wise people understood, health care practitioner, I feel it my civic duty to but I chose to remain oblivious. The assessment scrutinize every supplement, ingredient, therapy, had made it clear that I am not of equal strength protocol, and medication until I can confirm it on both sides of my body and that my core was has never been associated with cancer. Thus it was pathetic at best. natural for me to resist Evie Fatz at LOTUS Fit By Within a few weeks, things changed. Design when she asked if I’d ever had personalFundamental, yet unexpected shifts were hapized programming. pening in my body. My gait on the stairs was “Why? I’m awesome already.” more even. Complete, even motions in varied “You could be awesomer.” movements was palpable, like getting in and “I doubt that.” out of my car. Things that were not a notice“Do a push-up.” able struggle before improved visibly. My squatty Norwegian stride became a walk that would Granted, this is a summary of our much more blend in on a crowded sidewalk. And I could do complex conversation. Also, I’m pretty sure she pushups. And planks. And an injury I’ve been would never say “awesomer.” Having established in battling for over a year began to diminish. a single simple movement that my pushup quality I wanted to not admit those things because it wouldn’t get me through a week of boot camp withwould mean a change of my current training belief out judgement, I drank the Kool Aid. Resistantly, of course. system: Go as hard as you can for as long as you There are a lot of arguments for individualized can until you cry or crash. But what is fitness? Is training. Most of us think we’re doing it when we it excelling in a competition or single sport or is it scale at CrossFit or design a unique training plan aging gracefully? I don’t mean graceful like having for our next race goal. Yet none of those programs better-than-Avon taste in perfume and jewelry. I mean moving with grace, poise, and health in an or group fitness classes (I’m talking to you, Zumba) aging body. Leaving my ego at the door and setting take into account the unique history and dysfunction of our individual bodies. my intention has been perhaps the most valuable gain from this exercise. I am less interested in what Curiosity had overpowered me. Fatz had me I can achieve in six weeks than what I’ll still be flopping around with equipment, doing left- and doing in six decades. right-sided movements, and basically confirming To find out more about LOTUS, their facilities, that I could not plank to save my life. She stood or their coaches, visit www.lotusfitdesign.com. // behind me in ominous silence writing down numbers. Ammi Midstokke wrote about winter fat biking in “Did I win? Am I the most flexible? I did that January. awesome, didn’t I?” The first thing I noticed about 18

OutThereMonthly.com / MARCH 2017

Biking Escape Winter on the Odessa-Lake Creek Trail // By Derrick Knowles Most years there are plenty of places to find snow-free singletrack in the Spokane area come March, and sometimes even all winter long, but this year you may need to travel a bit to find ridable early-season dirt. Or maybe you’re bored with your go-to late-winter riding routes and want to get out of town and explore a new trail that will throw it all at you in a 26-mile out-andback adventure ride, from smooth singletrack and meandering Jeep roads to basalt rock gardens, sagebrush bushwhacking, and a few steep climbs. Looking out at the sage and bunchgrass benches and coulees that dominate the 12,000 plus acres of Lake Creek Ranch/Pacific Lake BLM land near Odessa, Wash. (an hour and a half west of Spokane), it’s hard to imagine the volume of ice-age flood waters it took to carve this cratered canyon country out of ancient basalt flows. Especially given the stark, largely waterless desert landscape that greets visitors today. In fact, several lakes that appear on public land maps of the area have gone largely dry in recent years, apparently the outcome of increased irrigation pressure on the aquifer. Yet given the deluge of precipitation we’ve seen in the Inland Northwest this winter, don’t be surprised to find more water (and mud in places) than in recent years. One of the longest trails through the basalt scablands of the Columbia Plateau, the 13-mile Odessa-Lake Creek Trail traverses Bureau of Land Management land that was acquired from a former working ranch in the 1990s to be preserved for public use and wildlife habitat. Enjoy the wide-open views, early spring wildflowers, and watch for wildlife, including mule deer, jackrabbits, badgers, birds, and, once it warms up a bit, rattlesnakes. From the southern trailhead near the town of Odessa, follow the signed singletrack as it twists and turns through sage-dotted, basalt-rock scablands. Since it’s been two years since our crew first explored this trail on bikes and I didn’t take good notes, I’ll borrow heavily from the trail description on the Washington Trails Association website for directions for the first section of single and double track jeep road down to the coulee: At .4 mile, turn left on a powerline right-of-way. Pass through a

gate at 1.2 miles, and at 2.2 miles you will intersect a second fenceline. Turn right to parallel the fence uphill. The track gently rolls onward, passing through more gates at 2.9 and 4.2 miles. After the gauntlet of gates and undulating jeep road, you’ll soon be looking down into the Lake Creek Coulee, a wide, grassy canyon carved by ice-age floods that until recent times held several lakes. The sagebrush reaches old-growth heights in this fast and somewhat technical singletrack descent to the lakebed below. You will have ridden approximately 6 miles to reach the bottom of Lake Creek Coulee. Stop to ponder how different the scene here would have looked thousands of years ago as epic floods bore down on what was then a less scarred and channeled arid landscape, carving and scouring million-year-old basalt flows and grasslands that were once home to bison thousands of years ago. From the bottom of the canyon, ride south across the lakebed to a bridge, a superfluous structure when we crossed the dry mudflat, and follow the trail up the more dramatic other side of the coulee. The climb to the top is rocky and somewhat technical in places on top of being a good leg and lung burner. Remember as you’re climbing (and possibly cursing your winter IPA obsession) that the return descent will replace that low-geargrind grimace on your face with a smile as wide as the coulee bottom below. Once you’ve rimmed out, follow the two-track dirt road north, eventually passing through a gate to a field filled with old farm equipment that looks out over the dramatic landscape you just pedaled. We paused here to lounge over lunch in the late-winter sun among carcasses of rusting implements of a bygone agrarian era and somehow lost our motivation to keep riding the last six miles to Lakeview Ranch. If you’re in it for the exercise and adventure, skip the afternoon nap and continue the full 13 miles to Lakeview Ranch and return the way you came to make it a hearty 26-mile scablands epic. Find excellent descriptions of the full route as well as driving directions to the southern trailhead on the Washington Trails Association website at wta.org. The area is also described in Bauer & Nelsons’ guidebook “Best Desert Hikes: Washington.” //

The sagebrush reaches old-growth heights in this fast and somewhat technical singletrack descent to the lakebed below

The Ice Age Floods left behind some interesting landscape features to ride. // photos: derrick knowles

The Making of the Channeled Scablands

During the last Ice Age (18,000 to 12,000 years ago), cataclysmic floods inundated portions of the Pacific Northwest, including the Odessa area of Eastern Washington, forming the unique floodcarved landscapes of the channeled scablands west of Spokane. Here are a few highlights of that flood history summarized and condensed from the Ice Age Floods Institute. Learn more at Iafi.org: • Between 18,000 and 13,000 years ago, a piece of the Cordilleran ice sheet advanced into what is now North Idaho, blocking the Clark Fork River drainage and forming Glacial Lake Missoula. • At one point the lake was over 2,000 feet deep and held as much water as Lake Erie and Lake Ontario combined. • The ice dam that held back the waters of Lake Missoula failed repeatedly, sending water and ice sweeping across parts of Idaho, Washington and Oregon on its way to the Pacific Ocean, emptying the lake in as little as a couple of days. • The peak rate of flood flow was likely ten times the combined flow of all the rivers of the world. • Along the floodwaters’ path, more than 50 cubic miles of earth and rock were removed and deposited downstream, including boulders weighing many tons.

MARCH 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

Kids

Learning from a Mountain: Grit and Resilience // amy silbernagel mccaffree

Milder temps in March mean more enjoyable time on the slopes for kids. // Photo: Judd McCaffree

Whether it’s awakening early enough to be at the mountain by 9 a.m., keeping track of and carrying one’s own gear, or standing up from a precarious fallen-down position without assistance – these types of challenges help children acquire essential skills such as responsibility and perseverance. But also much more. I’ve brainstormed more than 20 attributes my children have learned from skiing, and two of them are also the latest buzz words in education today: grit and resilience, two indicators of future success. Grit is a “special blend of passion and persistence,” according to psychologist and author Angela Duckworth. Resilience means the “process of adapting well in the face of adversity,” according to the American Psychological Association. This ski season feels like a breakthrough for my

5-year-old daughter in terms of her endurance and the adventurous risk-taking we can now enjoy as a family. My daughter skis more runs, longer runs, and is no longer afraid of “lumpys” (our family nickname for the dips and jumps along the edge of runs, like those found near chairlift towers and trees). We have even skied a darkened run together with just the shine from daddy’s headlamp. She goes down intermediate runs with ease and confidence, and she’s completed black diamond runs without complaints. She rarely cries when she crashes, and even once said, “Do not try this at home,” after a skiing-backward face plant into the snow. After her ski legs nearly did the splits, I asked if she needed help to stand. “Nope,” she said, “I’ve got this.” My daughter has developed grit and resilience. She has always been a determined, tough girl – no

doubt a benefit of having a slightly older brother. But her greater independence and confidence, persistence and passion for skiing, and adaptability to challenging weather and snow surface conditions have made me delightfully wonder, “Who is this child of mine?” Because 3 years ago, she was the one who defiantly arched her back in toddler-tantrum style, wanting to “get off the chairlift right now” when we were not yet at the unloading ramp. She slipped off the chair, but my firm grasp of her back harness handle saved her from falling to the ground. I looked at my husband, who was waiting at the top of the hill with our son, and signaled that our daughter was “done” for the day. He skied back to the lodge, carrying her. We had only been skiing for about an hour. Another time, after getting geared up, my daughter took six steps outside the

Schweitzer spring skiing. // Photos: Shallan Knowles

OutThereMonthly.com / MARCH 2017

lodge and said, “I don’t want to ski. I just want to play in the snow.” Even the promise of fruit snacks couldn’t persuade her otherwise. Yet every ski season thereafter, we kept encouraging and helping her develop a “growth mindset.” One-on-one “ski dates” with Daddy in particular helped her bloom into a more skilled and confident skier. This year she’s making parallel turns and hockey stops, spraying me with snow. If my daughter can learn to ski and love it, I know any girl can. Many outdoor pursuits teach and instill grit and resilience, whether it’s biking, backpacking, camping, or canoeing. In combination, year-round family recreation in the great outdoors helps our children grow into the adults we want them to be, ready to face challenges both large and small for the rest of their lives. //

Running A run in the hoods: Browne’s addition & Peaceful valley // By Brad Thiessen

Running in Spokane doesn’t get much better than this. // Photo: Jon Jonckers

It’s a beautiful sunny Saturday morning as my wife Rachelle, 15-year-old son Evan, and I park near the roundabout at Pacific Avenue and Cannon Street in Spokane’s Browne’s Addition neighborhood. Although we live only a mile and a half away, it’s across the freeway and along a series of one-way streets, and we’ve spent very little time here. Browne’s Addition is a relatively small collection of turn-of-the-century homes and apartment buildings nestled between downtown, the west edge of the city, the Spokane River, and the I-90 freeway. The roundabout is the hub of the neighborhood, with six enticing eateries clustered around it. As we set off west on Pacific, I make a mental note to come back soon to try the five we haven’t visited (and I wonder again why exactly we haven’t done so yet). After four blocks among the kind of beautiful historic homes it’s so easy to take for granted in Spokane, we turn right on Poplar, then east on First Avenue and pass the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture. Just past it, we turn left at the next block and left again, descending west down Riverside. Within a few hundred feet, we’ve transitioned from an urban shoulder of downtown into the lush solitude of trees, brush and birdsong. I take it all in and give a deep sigh of appreciation. Where else but Spokane can you go from car exhaust to wild nature in a few strides? At the bottom of Riverside hill is High Bridge Park. We face a choice. We could run across the Spokane River on the Sandifur Memorial foot bridge and up to the Centennial Trail, where we could head west and follow the river along the edge of the West Central neighborhood, or east to the cool new eateries and shops of Kendall Yards. But today, we choose to take the road that heads uphill toward the nearly invisible pocket neighborhood of Peaceful Valley. If you’re like me, you’ve seen it from a distance as you’re heading across the Monroe bridge to downtown, but have never actually visited

it. It’s not on the way to anywhere, after all. As we enter Peaceful Valley, new condos and other properties soon give way to some of the earliest homes in Spokane. On a Saturday morning, it lives up to its name as an oasis of peace and quiet in the heart of the city. As we reach the center, we stop at Peace Valley Park for a sip of water at the fountain. We note the steady thrum of vehicles on the Maple Street Bridge overhead. Then it’s up the slow climb past Riverside Place, the former Masonic Lodge that for a century was a quirky collection of sumptuous halls and ballrooms. I spent many Monday evenings there listening to the Spokane Youth Symphony rehearse when my sons were members, before the space was sold and converted to a meeting and convention center. We curl around to Riverside Avenue and are suddenly thrust back in the heart of urban energy at the buzzing five-way intersection. We run the final stretch west past the unique twin spires of the Cathedral of our Lady of Lourdes, catch one last longing glimpse of the river, then skirt within blocks of River City Brewing and Iron Goat Brewing, two anchors of Spokane’s solid craft beer scene. When we reach Cannon Street, we turn left and run the final four blocks to Cannon Coffee and Cone for a quick scoop of ice cream before walking back to the car. I love the neighborhood we chose to move to five years ago. But if we could do it all over again, would we move here to Browne’s Addition? It’s hard to say – but we’d definitely check it out. This is the first of a three-part urban running series. Each of the routes in this series will be a drivable, 3- to 5-mile loop with minimal traffic lights. And of course, each route will end at an outdoor coffee shop or eatery (because runners get stinky). // Brad Thiessen wrote about the Dishman Hills Natural Area in May 2016.

JINGLE BELL RUN/WALK – DEC. 3 REINDEER RUN 5K - DEC. 10

221 N. Wall St. 509.624.7654

10208 N. Division 509-468-1786 MARCH 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

Hiking Turnbull NWR Offers Miles of Spring Hiking // by Jon Jonckers

The Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, 6 miles south of Cheney, Wash., represents a unique ecological transition between the dry, sagebrush grasslands of the Columbia Basin and the timbered Selkirk mountains. This mosaic of wetlands provides important habitat for migrating and breeding waterfowl, and more than 200 different kinds of birds have been recorded in the refuge. Alongside the birds, local mammals include elk,

mule and white-tailed deer, moose, coyote, porcupine, muskrat, beaver, otter, and 10 species of bats. In other words, it’s the perfect place for an early spring hike. Named after early settler Cyrus Turnbull who built a cabin on the north end of Turnbull Slough, the Refuge was established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt through an Executive Order in 1937. While management styles continually changed

Top:Sneak up on wildlife from one of Turnbull’s boardwalks and wildlife viewing blinds. Photo: Jon Jonckers // Middle: Miles of mellow hiking await at Spokane’s closest wildlife refuge. Photo: Jon Jonckers // Bottom: Buttercups and basalt. Photos: Shallan Knowles

Support Your Local Refuge—Get Involved with the Friends of Turnbull

Friends of Turnbull supports the education mission of the wildlife refuge by engaging volunteers to help with educational and conservation programs, including environmental education outreach to school groups on and off the refuge. The refuge’s environmental education program increases environmental awareness for up to 8,500 students annually. Friends of Turnbull also offers educational events and workshops for the public. On March 11, the Friends of Turnbull will be hosting their annual Wild Refuge Dinner and Auction fundraising event at the Wren Pierson Community Center at 615 4th Street in Cheney. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with a silent and live auction, dinner and a speaker to follow. Tickets are $50 at the door and all funds raised go to support the mandate of the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge: to protect and enhance wildlife and their habitats through education, research, habitat preservation and restoration and recreational activities. Buy your tickets online at www.Fotnwr.org/auction.html. (OTM)

OutThereMonthly.com / MARCH 2017

Spring Bird Watching for Beginners Classes at the Refuge

Sponsored by Friends of Turnbull and Spokane Audubon Society, these bird watching classes for beginners will provide a hands-on chance to learn about tools and tips for observing and identifying birds you’ll see while out for a fun walk along the Pine Lake Trail. The classes will include recognizing size, shape, beak, color, and habitat to help identify birds, as well as instruction and practice using binoculars and field guides. The classes are set for April 1, May 6 or June 3, 2017. Pre-registration is required and each class has a limit of 15 participants. For more information or to register, visit www. Fotnwr.org/activities.html. (OTM) throughout the decades, the park’s habitat preservation mission and the key scenic landmarks have never changed. Turnbull NWR encompasses approximately 18,000 acres of marshes and channeled scablands. The combination of basalt outcrops, canyons, ponderosa pine and undulating meadows provide a year-round diverse landscape that allows wildlife to thrive. Because Turnbull is a true wildlife sanctuary, fishing is not allowed and hunting is restricted. A total of 13,000 acres are dedicated to wildlife preservation. While most of the park is rightly outside of visitor access, the 5.5-mile scenic tour road provides special access to miles and miles of hiking. Two short and simple walks attract the majority of hikers on the tour road, and for good reason. The Kepple Peninsula Trail loops around a thick stand of pines along the shore of Kepple Lake and leads to a special wildlife observation blind. The Blackhorse Lake boardwalk leads to a large observation deck. Keep your eyes peeled for trumpeter swans at both locations. The Stubblefield Lake Loop is just shy of 6 miles long, and it travels past Winslow Pool, Middle Pond, and Pine Lakes (which explains why the trail is also known as the Pine Lakes trail in guidebooks and signage). The trail starts in semi-open ponderosa pine timberland at the southern point of the scenic tour road, then breaks out into open grassland fields. Look for deer and elk in the upland

areas, as well as waterfowl on the lakes. Lastly, if you’re a long distance hiker or a trail runner, there’s a fabulous “figure 8” loop within the scenic tour. Park at the Stubblefield Lake loop and follow the gravel scenic tour road counter clockwise until you reach the trailhead for 30-Acre Lake. Most people notice the designated interpretive burn signs first. The 30-Acre Lake trail allows trail runners or hikers to cut through the tour road loop to Kepple Lake, which provides opportunities to turn right to finish the infinity symbol, or cut left and run a couple miles back to the car near Winslow Pool. Although you must drive the scenic road counter clockwise, there’s nothing prohibiting hikers or trail runners from going either direction. Even better, Turnbull pedestrians experience more wildlife encounters compared to Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge drivers. When You Go

Turnbull NWR is just south of Cheney. Several signs will direct you to the refuge. You can reach the public use area by driving 4 miles south from Highway 904 on the Cheney-Plaza Road. A large entrance sign and arrow pointing down Smith Road mark the refuge entrance. Drive about 2 miles east on Smith Road to reach the main public use area. A $3 per car fee is charged from March through October. Don’t forget your camera. //

OutThereSpotlight Benjamin Powell

Documenting the Art of Nature // By S. Michal Bennett The buzz, clash, and commotion of Sherman

Avenue in downtown Coeur d’Alene created a striking contrast to the tranquility that permeated the unpretentious interior of the Benjamin Powell Galleries. A couple men in casual business dress meandered among the alluring scenic prints of Powell’s inspiring photography. The photographer himself sat across from me in the comfy little seating space near the back, his distinctive blue eyes meeting mine with directness and serenity as we talk about his art. Raised in the outdoor mecca of Missoula, Montana, Benjamin Powell and his siblings were always hiking, fly fishing, hunting, and playing outside. A National Geographic special, followed by a dream, first gave Powell the thought of becoming a photographer. “The next day,” he says, “I told my sisters about the dream, and that I was going to ask my dad to teach me to use his camera. And my older sister beat me to the punch and asked my dad before I could.” Young Ben instead snapped through disposable cameras, eventually losing interest in photography as he got older. But he never lost his ardor for the outdoors. His wilderness and outdoor experiences prompted him to volunteer for the U.S. Marine Corps, where he visited 17 different countries and experienced three combat tours in the Iraqi conflict. “I was infantry, so I slept out every night under the stars and was out in the outdoors constantly. That also built that desire [for the outdoors].” When Powell returned home, these desires began to stir up the longing from his childhood. He turned off

all his electronics, disconnected his phone, and went on the road, spending a year homeless and wandering. “I kept my cell phone for a camera and really started using it. During that year, I started to find that I had the gift of photography. It came very naturally.” After that year of solitude and introspection, he met his life partner, Heather Goodner, who encouraged him to buy a camera. He discovered quickly that portraits and shooting people are not his thing. Instead, he has spent four years forging a deep path as a landscape, scenic, and nature photographer. He established art contracts with Kootenai Health and a handful of area banks, and then, in May 2016, he opened Benjamin Powell Galleries on Sherman Avenue in Coeur d’Alene to showcase his prodigious work and break into the private market. But it’s not the photography that he loves, in spite of his recent surge of recognition and success. “I enjoy the outdoors and places of quiet and places of solitude. I wanted to share those places, and that’s why I picked up photography. Photography is just the medium that allows me to [share this].” Last summer, Powell spoke at TEDx Coeur d’Alene on the topic of “Solitude, Nature, and the Spirit.” He challenged his audience to find that space where they could silence the noise that comes from society and dampens our ability to connect with our true selves. “What I hope is that someone will stand in front of one of my pieces, and my soul or my spirit will speak to theirs. And for just a minute, their spiritual eyes will open up, I will encourage them to find their purpose, and encour-

“What I hope is that someone will stand in front of one of my pieces, and my soul or my spirit will speak to theirs.” // Photo: Matt Lietholt

age them to do what they love to do. That’s my real goal. Hopefully these places will talk to them, like they talk to me.” Now, Powell and Goodner are setting out on another adventure. In February, they closed the gallery and will be packing up Goodner’s three sons, and perhaps Powell’s daughter, and travelling the U.S. for a year. “Our whole goal is to, as much as we can, live life. We plan to hit all of the national parks

on the map, but there’s no schedule. Just go, experience life, meet people, and see what happens,” says Powell. They have a few big sponsors behind them, and they intend to commence their pursuit of the outdoors and “those magical moments” in April. Whatever the future holds, Powell is resolved to tackle the challenges right in front of him and focus on inspiring others to discover their “true spirits” with each scene he shoots. //

RUN RUN IN THE WILD RUN FOR THE POWER OF MOM

MARATHON

Mother’s Day

Marathon Half-Marathon 50k keepsake pendant finisher necklace May 13, 2017 PRIESTLAKERACE.com

fitted tech fabric shirt

post race party - cutom race bibs MARCH 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

To Hell and Back: Traversing Hells Canyon By Paul Chisholm

Nobody knows where Hells Canyon first got its

name. Some say its origins date back to the area’s first European explorers, who found the canyon to be impassible after one of their men drowned and several canoes were lost in the Snake River’s unpredictable rapids. Others claim that the name originates from a mispronunciation of the name “Haller,” a boat pilot whose plan to haul copper ore down the canyon was also reportedly thwarted by the canyon’s infamous whitewater. Regardless of its origin, the name “Hells Canyon” is undeniably fitting. Starting near the town of Oxbow, Oregon, the Snake River carves a jagged, 40-mile long defile into the heart of the desert landscape. Cactus, sagebrush, and rattlesnakes eke out a precarious existence among the steep canyon walls, which rise nearly 8,000 feet to the peaks of the Seven Devils Mountains (making Hells Canyon the deepest in North America). Summers along the river are unbearably hot, with temperatures often topping 110 degrees. Roads are few, and bridges are nonexistent. Maps of the area indicate an extensive trail system, but few paths are regularly maintained, and others have faded into oblivion after decades of disuse. Still, the very factors that keep people out are among the reasons why visiting Hells Canyon is an unforgettable experience: the rugged topography preserves a starkly beautiful landscape that is historically and ecologically unrivaled. Bear, cougar, elk, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep flourish among the cliffs and the brambles. The untamed waters of the Snake harbor one of the world’s last viable populations of white sturgeon, a monstrous fish hailing from the age of the dinosaurs that can grow to over a 1000 pounds. Two-thousand-yearold pictographs — vestiges of pre-Columbian settlement — mark the canyon walls, and more modern artifacts — abandoned cabins, plows, and irrigation piping — bear testament to the canyon’s recent history as a working landscape. The scenic beauty of Hells Canyon has always

attracted a small share of recreationalists, but in recent years an increasing number of adventure seekers have been drawn to the distinctive challenge offered by a rim-to-rim-to-rim traverse — running from one side of the canyon to the other, and back. Hat Point, the highest spot on the Oregon side of the canyon, serves as the western terminus for such expeditions. Windy Saddle, on the eastern (Idaho) side, serves as the de facto eastern terminus, though some purists grumble that “real” traverses begin at the 9,420-foot summit of He Devil, the highest peak on the eastern rim. Drawn by the challenge of a Hells Canyon double-crossing, Steve Graepel and Mike James, a pair of ultrarunners from Boise and Billings, journeyed into the canyon in September 2012. The pair completed the rim-to-rim-to-rim 36 hours after setting out — tired and bloodied, but ultimately victorious. News of the successful attempt spread quickly. Not to be outdone by Graepel and James’ tale of personal misery, Pete Meighan, an ultrarunner from Pullman, Washington, made plans for his own attempt in 2015. “It was the first time I’d attempted something so big,” Meighan recalls. “In retrospect, I was woefully unprepared for the task.” Unlike Graepel and James, Meighan began his journey at the western rim, at Hat Point in Oregon. After dropping into the canyon and swimming the river, the ascent up the eastern rim proved more challenging than anticipated. “Trail conditions were much worse than I expected and it was taking me much longer to reach the Idaho rim than I originally planned,” Meighan explains. “So I turned around.” Despite falling short of his goal, the unsuccessful attempt proved fruitful. “My first attempt was one of the best experiences I’d ever had,” he gleefully proclaims. “By the end of the first day, the canyon was booming with wildlife — bears, snakes, elk. I had yet to see so much wildlife in a single outing, which added to the adventure.” Armed with lessons from his first try, Meighan set his sights on a second attempt the following year.

THAT OTHER FAMOUS CANYON Hells Canyon isn’t the only gorge to be targeted by the ultrarunning community. At Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, parties attempting rim-to-rim traverses depart the South Rim nearly every day during peak season (fall and spring). The record for a Grand Canyon traverse has steadily fallen since record-keeping began in the early 80s. In October 2016, Jim Walmsley, a 26-year-old Air Force veteran, broke the record for both single (2 hours, 46 minutes) and double (5 hours, 55 minutes) crossings. Still, you’d be hard pressed to draw meaningful comparisons between the two routes. For one, there’s a bridge over the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon, negating the need for a risky and challenging river swim. Purified water is readily available at half a dozen spots along the route in the Grand Canyon, while water sources in Hells Canyon are restricted to a handful of untreated springs and creeks. Trails — carefully groomed and graded in the Grand Canyon — disappear for miles at a time in Hells Canyon. Once you consider the different elevation profiles (21,000 feet of change in the Grand Canyon compared to 36,000 feet in Hells), the distinction between the two routes quickly becomes clear. If crossing the Grand Canyon is landing on the moon, then traversing Hells Canyon is a journey to Mars. 24

OutThereMonthly.com / MARCH 2017

This time, the stakes would be higher. Pack weight would need to drop considerably. Precautionary safety gear, like a stove and a sleeping bag, would have to be left behind if he were going to make the crossing in a single day. For Meighan, the tradeoff was unavoidable. “To maximize my chances of completing the rim-to-rim-to-rim, I would sacrifice some safety and comfort for speed.” Sunrise was still hours away when Meighan set out from Windy Saddle on the morning of August 27, 2016, guided by the glow of his headlamp. His route would be different than his predecessors. Graepel and James had dropped to the river via Dry Diggins Ridge and Bernard Creek, but had lost the trail for much of the descent. Instead of descending Bernard Creek, which the Forest Service has since closed to public access because of dangerous trail conditions, Meighan opted for Little Granite Creek — a longer route, but one that held the promise of better trail. By the time the sun came up, he had covered 8 miles and was steadily descending the steep drainage, dropping 6,000 feet over 6 miles. By 10 a.m., he was at the ford. Crossing the Snake River is the crux of any Hells Canyon traverse. Graepel and James had been able to hitch a ride on a passing raft during their first crossing, but hadn’t been as lucky on the return and had been forced to swim. Meighan planned on swimming both ways. He wasn’t underestimating the river, and had carried fins and a life vest from Windy Saddle for this purpose. His swim passed without incident, and soon he was going up the other side along Hat Creek. The trail vanished, and he bushwhacked his way

through a tangled mess of poison ivy and thorny Meighan finally reached the top of Little near-complete darkness, and it becomes a death brambles. It was now the middle of the afternoon, Granite Creek, and as he looped back around the march. “My climb up the Little Granite Creek and temperatures had risen into the 90s. By the Seven Devils, the rising sun crested the horizon. drainage quickly devolved into a route-finding and time Meighan reached Hat Point, the panoramic Invigorated by the fresh morning light, he powbushwhacking slog in the dark,” Meighan remarks morosely. “It would’ve been a huge luxury to be on viewpoint held little allure. Visitors to Hat Point ered through the final miles and up the last set of switchbacks into Windy Saddle. Twenty-six hours, can scale an 82-foot-tall fire tower for unobstructed a well-defined trail, such that my only focus would 4 minutes, and 56 seconds — 10 hours faster than sightlines across the canyon, but climbing an extra be putting one foot in front of the other. This luxury Graepel and James. “I didn’t feel elation at having set of stairs was the last thing on Meighan’s mind. was few and far between.” And then the hallucinaHe started down. tions started. successfully completed my trek or for setting a new The steep descent took fewer than 3 hours. After FKT [fastest known time],” Meighan reflects honIt’s not uncommon for ultrarunners to start seeestly. “I only felt relief that it was finally over.” another uneventful river crossing, he passed several ing things toward the end of their races, especially during the night. When it’s dark, an ultrarunner’s rafting camps cooking dinner in the fading light. Despite the new documented record, Meighan brain — already addled by fatigue and sleep depri“Each had outdoor kitchens serving up elaborate isn’t satisfied. “I still think that finishing under 20 dinners,” Meighan recalls. “Although the food hours is doable,” he insists. “I plan on going back vation — is trying to paint a picture of the world smelled great and I was feeling pretty depleted, I and doing this again.” Each journey to the canyon with limited visual input. And after 24 hours of wasn’t hungry. My stomach had long since turned is unique, but any rim-to-rim-to-rim attempt in intense physical activity, it’s no surprise when the on me from dehydration.” Meighan had refilled his Hells Canyon is sure to bring its share of pain, disbrush strokes start to go haywire. Images flashed comfort, and personal misery, which is why it will water bottles several times to stave off dehydration, in and out of Meighan’s head. The bunchgrass, always hold a grip on the imagination.// but it was a losing battle in the dry heat and sunny scratchy and cold, suddenly began to appear warm slopes of Hells Canyon. After 18 hours on the move, and inviting. He’d sit down and drift asleep, only to This is Paul Chisholm’s first contribution to Out his body was beginning to protest. be jolted awake by voices from people who weren’t There Monthly. Read more of his writing at wilderAs the sun disappeared, he clicked on his headthere. “I was struggling to stay awake,” Meighan nessrevealed.wordpress.com. lamp. The battery quickly died. He had a backup confesses. “These were the most mentally and light, but it too gradually weakened to little more physically demanding hours of my life.” than a faint glow. The night sky was clear but moonless. Climbing 6,000 vertical feet up a poorly Driving distance from Spokane: 4.5 hours to Windy Saddle; 5.5 hours to Hat Point maintained trail Season: July through October is an ordeal in Distance: 42 miles roundtrip (via Graepel and James’ route on Bernard Creek) or 51 miles (via Meighan’s route on Little Granite Creek) the best of conElevation Change: 36,000 feet (Bernard Creek) or 39,000 feet (Little Granite Creek) ditions. Factor in Water: Reliable water can be found at Sheep Creek, Bernard Creek, Saddle Creek, and a spring below Hat Point.

HELLS CANYON RIM-TO-RIM-TO-RIM BY THE NUMBERS

Photos top left: STEVE GRAEPEL, Pete Meighan, Derrick Knowles, Derrick Knowles. // Bottom Left: Up and up and up. Photo Steve Graepel. // this page TOP LEFT: Two crossings of the Snake River await a successful rim to rim and back run or hike. STEVE GRAEPEL // TOP RIGHT: Impressive trail features make riverside travel possible throughout much of Hells Canyon // BOTTOM: One of the many historic buildings in the canyon. Photo: Paul Chisholm

MARCH 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

LILAC CENTURY and Family Fun Ride

RunWild

FAT ASS RUNS A Brief History // By Dave Dutro

Get Ready to Ride!

SUNDAY ∙ 4.30.17 SPOKANE, WA

PICK THE RIDE that ﬁts you best. Starting from SFCC in West Spokane, 50, 66 or 100 miles for the avid cyclist -- or 15 to 25-mile rides for family and friends.

For Details & Registration:

www.LilacCentury.com FOR MORE INFO:

509.466.4589

A Fund Raising Ride organized by Spokane Aurora Northwest Rotary

OutThereMonthly.com / MARCH 2017

One big fat ass family. // Photos Courtesy of Trail Maniacs.

In spring 2012, I had raced a couple of trail runs on the west side, and I wanted to bring that energy to the Inland Northwest. I was looking for ways to help build the local trail running community, so I contacted the race director from the Orcas Island 25k, James Varner of Rainshadow Running. He recommended that I offer Fat Ass runs. I had heard of Fat Ass runs, and I decided to host one of these events at Liberty Lake County Park. This was the best advice I ever received. In fact, Trail Maniacs was built on this casual run, and as much as I love hosting all trail races, the Fat Ass run continues to be my favorite. Many people wonder why I would call a run a “Fat Ass,” and some even think that I came up with that term myself. When we think of runners, we don’t typically think of big behinds. According to a March 1997 article in Ultrarunning Magazine, credit for the term “Fat Ass” goes to Joe Oakes of the San Francisco Bay Area. In 1978, Oakes was scrambling to find a Western States-qualifying race. He wanted to run a 50-mile race, but the only event of that distance that he found was a seven-person relay race along Highway 1. The race organiz-

ers would not allow him to run the race solo, so he signed up as seven different runners: Joseph Oakes, Jay Oakes, J Oakes -- you get the picture. He enjoyed his prank, and he knew his ultrarunnning friends would love it too. The following year, Oakes revised his epic race, calling it the “Recover from the Holidays Fat Ass 50,” staging it as an unofficial adventure run. Back then, opportunities for running in ultras were few and far between. This was Oakes’ way to give his ultrarunner friends a chance to enjoy a cool run and work off the consequences of their holiday eating. Fat Ass runs are free, no-frills runs that are all about the run and the social aspect of running. The Fat Ass motto is “No fees, no awards, no aid, no wimps.” Since our first Fat Ass run in 2012, Trail Maniacs has offered many more, showcasing some of the best trails in the Inland Northwest. // Dave Dutro is an avid trail runner, mountain biker, hiker, and co-founder of the Trail Maniacs. He wrote about dressing for winter trail running in October.

Runing

Confessions of a Reformed Race Bandit // By Janelle McCabe

Don’t be a race bandit. // Photo Courtesy of Hayden Lake marathon

I came to running as an adult, and it happened all at once after a lifetime of loathing the activity. That spring and summer, I discovered that there are dozens of footraces and fun runs in our area, and I signed up for as many of them as I could. By the time the weather cooled and the race season slowed, my bank account balance was substantially lower. I had to come up with a plan that would allow me to enjoy the fun atmosphere of races but wouldn’t cost as much. Then it struck me: I’d show up to races without registering for them, run them, and then just peel off before the finish line. I didn’t know it at the time, but there’s a term for what I was about to become: a race bandit. I had solid excuses to bandit races: I didn’t care about official finish times. I didn’t want another t-shirt or medal. I wasn’t going to use the aid stations or porta potties. I was just pacing a friend. I wasn’t trying to make it to the podium. And of course, it saved me money. So what did it matter if I poached a race here and there? Over and over, race directors agree that people have no idea how much time, effort, and expense go into organizing an athletic event. “It can be a misconception that the only expenses a race fee goes toward are a shirt and a finisher medal,” says Ken Eldore, race director for Priest Lake Multisports. “Overhead like electronic timing, traffic control, sanitation, and course set-up can be expensive. There is a great deal of time and expense by staff members months before race day. A race bandit is cheating the organizers, who have worked in good faith to produce a quality race. Bandits also cheat the registered participants who paid a fair fee, as well as any charity beneficiaries of the race.” Dave Dutro, Trail Maniacs founder and race director, agrees about the behind-the-scenes efforts at races. “Safety and liability are my biggest concerns. If a runner just shows up and poaches the run, the race director has no idea who they are or who to contact if they are hurt or lost. This strains our search-and-rescue efforts and could raise our insurance costs. These are issues that could make race entries skyrocket – or end the events forever,” Dutro warns. The hidden expenses of city and county permits as well as police support and traffic control are a serious consideration for Scott Ward, race director for Troika Triathlon. Those expenses increase his frustration with bandits, who take advantage of race-day benefits meant for paying participants. “Some have even tried to get t-shirts at the end. It is stealing in every fashion,” Ward says. Paying for and supporting local races is an investment in our unique region. Many of the local organizations that host races give their proceeds

to worthy charities, educational programs, and nonprofit organizations in our immediate community. Holly Weiler directs the Foothills Scenic Five run. “Our fun run serves as community gathering and fundraiser,” Weiler explains. “It supports the Foothills Rural Association, a 501c4. We’re satisfied if the fun run and associated pancake breakfast break even, but any profits help support community events and an annual scholarship awarded to college students who live within the Foothills boundaries. Potential bandits should understand that this is the type of organization they’d be stealing from.” Weiler goes on to praise the Bloomsday Road Runners Club. “Something that most folks don’t know about BRRC is how much they support the local high school cross-country programs. If any local coach knows of a high school kid who cannot afford good running shoes, they can contact BRRC, which will make sure the kid receives shoes for free. In a BRRC race, all of the money stays local and a good portion of it supports local high school runners. A race bandit at a BRRC event like the Spokane Marathon would be stealing from both a great local non-profit and from local high school kids.” I’m glad to report that my life as a bandit was short-lived. Sure, my registration fees pay for a shirt, an orange slice, and a timing chip. But there are far better, intangible benefits: the cheers of

I had solid excuses to bandit races, so what did it matter if I poached a race here and there?

The premier “alternative" triathlon in North Idaho Mountain Bike, Kayak, Run

spectators, the help from volunteers, the competition with fellow athletes, and the adrenalin of the moment – all things that I simply can’t replicate on a long, solitary training run. “My greatest motivation for being a race director,” says Eldore, “is that it allows me to see many other participants’ stories on race day unfold. I have yet to produce a race in which I did not reach for Kleenex as someone met (or failed to meet) something bigger than themselves. When we watch people bandit a race, they take away part of the dignity and value the rest of us are trying to achieve.” // Janelle McCabe wrote about Scottish Lakes High Camp in January.

Long and Short courses— compete as an individual or team

Cost: $40.00-$150.00

(If registered before 8/21/2017)

www.rathdrumchamberofcommerce.com MARCH 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

{inlan

Race Ride &

The Inland Northwest has no shortage of amazing races, rides and outdoor events for runners, walkers, road and mountain bikers, and triathletes. Many support deserving causes and all offer fun, unique experiences that motivate us to be more active and get outside more. We put together this first-annual guide to motivate all of us to take advantage of the incredible number of diverse events for all ages and abilities that our region has to offer. See you at the starting line!

Riding along Lake Pend Oreille in the CHAFE 150.

CYCLING Lilac Century Ride (April 30): This ride offers

DO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY! SPOKANE

a variety of fun, scenic and challenging tours. Five tour lengths support all levels of riders and everyone will enjoy a free baked potato feed at the finish. Tri-athletes may register for a Bike/Run “Brick” transition to a 5k run from a secure bike holding area. All proceeds to benefit local charities supported by the Spokane Aurora Northwest Rotary Club.

Apple Century Bike Ride (June 3): Enjoy the incredible riding and scenic landscapes of the Wenatchee area on this spring century that benefits Rotary club projects in the local community and around the world. Silver Valley Ride to Defeat ALS (June 17):

Ride solo or as part of a team through the historic Silver Valley on the world-class Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes and raise funds to fight Lou Gehrig’s disease. This is a fully-supported ride with several lengths to choose from and a catered lunch at the end.

CHAFE 150 (June 17): The route is amazing, the

rewards incredible, and the fundraising cause is worthy (benefiting local students on the autism spectrum). The Chafe 150 starts and finishes in beautiful Sandpoint, Idaho, on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille after winding into the nearby river valleys of Montana. Riders are treated with seven fully-stocked break stops, professional ride support, plus an epic after ride party.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 23RD 5K Run, 10K Run & Half Marathon Gre at p ost - race fest i vi ti e s & fa bulous goody ba gs

R E G I S T E R AT W W W. H A P P Y G I R L S R U N . C O M 28

OutThereMonthly.com / MARCH 2017

RedSpoke (July 19): Each year the Redmond Rotary Club sponsors this ride across Washington from Redmond to Spokane as a fundraiser. RedSpoke participants are required to contribute or collect a minimum of $775 in addition to their registration fee. Ride Around Washington (July 29): This year’s Ride Around Washington travels the state’s rural northern frontier, challenging riders with epic climbs and rewarding them with a sublime scenic cycling experience.

Spokane Valley Cycle Celebration (July 30): Spend the day exploring the scenic beauty in

and around Spokane Valley on your choice of 10, 25 or 50 mile bike rides. All rides start at the North Centennial Trailhead across from Mirabeau Point Park. There is also a free Kid’s Bike Rodeo with hands-on activities.

8 Lakes Leg Aches (August 5): Choose from

30, 45 or 75 mile routes – the 75 mile route passes Willow, Granite, Silver, Medical, Clear, Chapman, Kepple and Fish Lakes, for the full 8 Lakes ride experience. Year after year, this is considered one of the best organized bike rides in Eastern Washington.

Blazing Saddles Bike Ride (August 5):

Northeast Washington’s premiere cycling experience is back with a new date and new courses across the Colville area’s gorgeous countryside. Choose from 45, 68 or 100 mile rides, including Colville’s signature road cycling loop, the 45-mile Colville Loop. The 68 mile and century rides are along Lake Roosevelt, with the 100 mile ride crossing the lake by ferry.

Tour de Lentil Bike Ride (August 19): Held in conjunction with Pullman’s National Lentil Festival, riders choose from a 50, 100 or 150k bike ride through southeast Washington’s scenic Palouse. The event begins at WSU and rolls out Wawawai-Pullman Road, through Colfax to Palouse, past Kamiak Butte, and back to Pullman. There are three rest stops along the way and riders can enjoy Lentil Festival Food & Brew Fest at the end. Great Northwest Fall Bike Tour (September 3): Beginning in 2001, the Great

Northwest Fall Tour has offered a cycling event for beginner and advanced riders to enjoy the scenic countryside of Pend Oreille County. Choose the 15, 30, 50 or 85-mile route, all on paved county roads.

SpokeFest (September 10): Over 15,000 riders of all types, abilities, and ages have ridden the first nine years of SpokeFest. Celebrate a great

nd NW}

Event Guide community event with the signature 21-mile ride or 9 mile and 50 mile options. SpokeFest is a nonprofit event that promotes bicycling for health and transportation.

WaCanId Selkirk Loop Ride (September 11): An annual bicycle tour taking cyclists on

paved roads encircling the Selkirk Mountains of Washington, Canada and Idaho, this 6-day event covers 370 miles/595 kilometers and showcases the International Selkirk Loop’s spectacular scenery: majestic mountains, beautiful lakes, rivers and North America’s longest free ferry ride. The ride claims the best SAG support of any ride – so if you need a lift along the way, no problem.

Bike MS: Cycle Silver Valley (September 16): An unforgettable, one- or two-day journey

through the ancestral lands of the Coeur d’Alene nation on a “Rails to Trails” path almost completely off of roadways. As many as 200 riders will cruise along looping routes that start and finish at the Silver Mountain Resort. Full meals, generous amenities, stunning landscapes, fully stocked rest stops and spirited festivities are all included.

Rotary in Motion 5 Mile Family Bike Ride (September 16): This family-friendly ride put on

MOUNTAIN BIKING Two Wheel Transit 10 Hour MTB Race (April 29): This inaugural race at Camp Sekani will hit

the early-season dirt in its prime with plenty to offer all riders. Each team completes as many 9.4 mile laps as possible in the 10 hours, and the teams in each category who do the most laps win. There is also a solo rider category. This new race on some of the best mountain bike trails around is sure to be a hit. Woodrat 25 Mile (May 20): Choose a 25 mile

as part of the RIM Ride weekend takes riders on the City of Liberty Lake’s beautiful trail system. It’s a fun and safe ride for families and kids.

RIM Ride (September 17): Choose from 15, 25, 50 or 100 mile rides that explore scenic Liberty Lake, Post Falls, Green Bluff and Spokane Valley cycling routes. Routes for all ages and abilities are well marked with food stops and medical and mechanical support. Proceeds benefit various Rotary Club community projects. Clarkston Rivers & Ridges Ride (September 30): The Rotary Club of Clarkston invites you to

come and explore a road bike experience that will take you over major rivers, through the famous Palouse and back. Multiple routes appeal to a variety of riders, including a 50-mile out and back or a century ride.

Coeur D’Fondo (September 23): Coeur d’Fondo showcases beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene and the forest, roads and scenery along Idaho’s Scenic Byway. The course passes through many lakeside communities before finishing back at the fall Oktoberfest in downtown Coeur d’Alene. Choose between five courses ranging from the 108-mile

FEATURED MTB EVENT: Spokatopia MTB Jump Jam & Demo Day (July 8): Don’t miss one of the

biggest bike demo events in the Northwest with shops and reps offering up the latest and greatest mountain bikes for demo all day long. The Spokatopia Mountain Bike Jump Jam also happens that day as part of the Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival at Camp Sekani Park in Spokane. Compete or watch riders flying through the air at the Evergreen East-sponsored beer garden.

or 12 mile race division. Double-track and singletrack riding in the Panhandle National Forest includes sections of low chain ring climbs, some fast downhill, groves of huge cedar trees, and lots of turns. This ride is for intermediate skills or better, no crazy rock jumps or boulder fields, but quick turning sections of singletrack for confident riders.

Nelson Fat Tire Festival (August 24-27):

24 Hour MTB Race (May 27): Every Memorial

Ovando Gran Fondo (September 9): Starting

Weekend, riders race in Riverside State Park, beginning at noon on Saturday and ending at noon on Sunday. Teams and solos compete for medals, prizes and bragging rights. Each team decides how many laps each rider does, from one to a whole bunch. Bring your camping gear, bike gear and whatever else will keep you going for 24 hours.

Wednesday Night MTB Race Series at Riverside (May & June): Join a fun crew of

riders for one or two laps on a different 7-9 mile course through Riverside State Park every Wednesday night in May and June. All levels and abilities are welcome, as riders can race or ride as seriously as they choose. 5 in July Wednesday Night MTB Race Series at Farragut (July): Choose from one or two

lap courses (team or solo) every Wednesday night in July. The cross-country courses tour some of Farragut State Park’s best riding.

Nelson, B.C. has become a full-on mountain biking mecca, and this festival showcases some of the town’s best downhill and cross-country trails along with the unique, creative and passionate people that make the local biking community so special. Rides, races, shuttles, parties, music and familyfriendly events fill out the weekend. and finishing in Ovando, Montana, this fully supported, 55-mile ride takes you through some of Western Montana’s most scenic landscapes, including private land not otherwise open to the public. Ride terrain is primarily gravel and dirt roads, so cross or mountain bikes are recommended. The OGF benefits the Missoula Symphony Association.

Kootenay Sufferfest Cyclocross Race (September 17): Traditional or classic style cyclo-

cross racing on a 2.5-3 k course with multiple loops within a set time. For experienced and nonexperienced riders on mountain or cross bikes. Silver Mountain Bike Park Race Series (Summer/ Fall): Silver Mountain Bike Park will once again host a series of mountain bike races with opportunities for a wide range of riders, from pros to those who are new to racing. The race series showcases some of the best downhill trails and riders in the Pacific Northwest. Dates TBA at Silvermt.com soon.

2017 Trail Runs Idaho / E. Washington 4/1/17 Season kick off party 4/29/17 5th annual Liberty Lake Trail run 5/20/17 SPS #1 Farragut 6/17/17 SPS #2 Heyburn 7/8/17 Up Chuck Challenge 7/22/17 SPS #3 Mt. Spokane 8/5/17 7-Summits MTB vs Trail Runners 8/19/17 Jackass Hill Climb 9/9/17 SPS #4 Riverside 9/22 to 9/24/17 Trail Maniac Ad 10/28/17 SPS #5 Halloween at Hell's Gate www.trailmaniacs.com MARCH 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

Race Ride & Event Get active and ﬁght hunger all at the same time!

Saturday, April 1, 2017 5K and 10K run/walk begins at 9 a.m. Plante’s Ferry Park

Registration, packet pickup and race information available online:

thehungerrun.org

Presented by

A collaborative effort of Second Harvest and Union Gospel Mission to feed the hungry.

July 30, 2017

Family Nudist Park

You’ve Always Wanted To... The Original Bare Buns Fun Run

to increase awareness of hunger in our region, Second Harvest and the Union Gospel Mission put on the Hunger Run, a 5K and 10K familyfriendly race set for the first Saturday in April in Spokane Valley. One in seven people in the region struggle with hunger and food insecurity, and both sponsoring organizations are passionate about feeding the hungry. Second Harvest distributes over 2 million pounds of free food each month, and UGM serves over 900 meals a day and is open to the public for lunch and dinner daily. John Ortiz, District Manager for Safeway/ Albertsons, explained his company’s support of the event: “We believe each and every one of us can take responsibility for the people who are hungry in our neighborhoods. They are our children. They are our neighbors, our friends, and our family. There are too many hungry and malnourished people in our community and we refuse to ignore a problem that has existed for so long in a country with so much bounty and excess.” Yakima River Canyon Marathon (April 1): This point-to-point marathon course offers

An Entire Weekend of Fun!

Saturday 2pm: Hash Run/ 8 pm Dance Sunday 9am: The 33rd Running of the “Original” Bare Buns Fun Run

Sport Arena Pickleball Bocce Volleyball KIds Pavillion Playground Hot Tub Sparkling Pool Camping RV Sites Amazing Food

ROAD RUNNING FEATURED RUN: Hunger Run (April 1): In order

Sunday

Everyone can help fight hunger at the hunger run, April 1

spectacular views of the Yakima River Canyon. Beginning in Ellensburg, the course has two small loops and then heads south to the canyon. There are two major hills and many curves as the route follows the Yakima River to Selah, Washington.

Hauser Lake 10K Ice Breaker Run (April 2): The Hauser Lake 10k Icebreaker benefits the

Double J Dog Ranch at Hauser Lake. They are the Inland Northwest’s premier sanctuary and rehoming center for dogs with special needs. The 10k course is a Bloomsday second seed qualifier and is USA Track & Field certified. The loop around Hauser Lake is absolutely gorgeous.

Negative Split Half Marathon (April 9): The Negative Split Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K takes place in downtown Spokane in Kendall Yards between Monroe and Cedar. This is a great way to kick off your spring break or get yourself primed for Bloomsday. Spring Dash (April 23): This is a great race to kick off the running season and raise funds for United Way of North Idaho. The beautiful course

passes through downtown Coeur d’Alene and serves as a second seed qualifier for Bloomsday. The race starts and finishes at McEuen Park. Bloomsday (May 7): Arguably the most iconic race in the entire Pacific Northwest, Bloomsday remains so popular because it’s fun for every age and ability, the volunteers are extremely encouraging, there’s unique live music, and the event gives back so much to the community. Color me Rad (May 20): At the starting line

you’re clean as a newborn baby, and some 3 miles later, you’ll be so coated with a rainbow of color that your own mother may not recognize you. At each color station, a new dimension of powder or gel will paint your masterpiece. You’ll cross the finish line and into a final blitzkrieg of color.

Coeur d’Alene Marathon (May 28): The

Coeur d’Alene Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5k fun-run event is one of the most spectacular races in the Inland Northwest. The majority of the racecourse hugs the shores of scenic Lake Coeur d’Alene, and a portion of proceeds benefit the North Idaho Centennial Trail Foundation.

Foothills Scenic 5 Fun Run (June 10): Choose from a 5-or 3-mile course on a mixture of paved and dirt roads in the Foothills community north of Spokane. The routes feature local agricultural lands with Mount Spokane as the backdrop. This annual fundraiser concludes with a huckleberry pancake breakfast. Dad’s Day Dash 5k (June 18): Celebrate Father’s Day on a 5k run or walk in and around Spokane’s Manito Park and help raise fund for SNAP, Spokane’s community action agency. All proceeds help provide people of low income in our community with access and connection to resources that create opportunities. Glacier Half Marathon (June 24): This event is part of the National Park Half Marathon Series. The course runs on the border of the east side of Glacier National Park. Most of the pre- and postrace activities will be held in East Glacier Park Village, Mont. Missoula Marathon (July 9): In 2010, Runner’s World Magazine readers named the Missoula Marathon the Best Marathon in United States. In 2011, it was named the Best Tourism

Guide - Continued Event by the State of Montana. And the 2017 Runner’s World Marathon Guide named it one of the top races for Back Of The Pack participants. Round “About 5K” (July 23): This scenic, stroll-

er-friendly run/walk winds through the streets of Deer Park, Wash., a half hour north of Spokane. The route incorporates two of the town’s roundabouts, hence the name. Proceeds benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Spokane to Sandpoint Relay (August 18):

The Spokane to Sandpoint Relay is a 200.2-mile overnight relay in the style of Hood To Coast. Teams of 12 (or even 6 or 8) runners take turns running “legs” – shorter segments of 3 to 9 miles that link together at exchange points. A total of 36 legs comprise the Spokane to Sandpoint Relay. Running is often a solitary sport, but in a relay, it’s all about your team. Many teams get in to the spirit by creating elaborate names, wearing matching outfits, participating in contests, having spontaneous dance parties, cheering on fellow runners, and decorating their vans. The Spokane to Sandpoint Relay is a race, a celebration, and a vacation all wrapped up in one weekend of running followed by an epic after party.

Tase T. Lentil 5k Fun Run (August 19): This official USA Track & Field Certified race is held Saturday of Lentil Fest at 7:30 a.m. Kick off the National Lentil Festival Food & Brew Fest with a fun run or walk. Riggins Salmon Run (September 9): Runners complete an out and back course along the beautiful Salmon River, retrieving a special token at the turn around aid station. The finish line for all distances will be at Riggins City Park, where runners and their families can enjoy live music, food and drinks. There’s even a fun run for kids age 3 to 6. Run the Dam (September 16): Runners will begin on the east side of the Grand Coulee Dam and run across the largest concrete structure in North America, through “Old Grand Coulee,” along B Street, and back along Banks Lake, finishing at North Dam Park in time to enjoy the Harvest Festival. Sandpoint Scenic Half (September 17): The

Scenic Half Marathon is actually a three-race event, giving participants the option to run a 13.1 mile half marathon, a 10k or 5k. With a route across Sandpoint’s iconic Long Bridge, offering panoramic views of Lake Pend Oreille and the surrounding mountains, what else could they call this awesome event?

Newport Autumn Bloom 5k or 10k Fun Run (September 16): This two-distance fun run

through the picturesque community of Newport, Wash., has something for all serious and novice runners and walkers. The 10K is a certified Bloomsday second seed qualifying race, and the event benefits programs of the Newport Hospital and Health Services Foundation. Happy Girls Run Spokane (September 23):

Happy Girls Run Spokane brings together women of all levels of physical fitness and achievement for a race that is life changing for many runners. All Happy Girls Run Half Marathon finishers receive a stunning piece of custom jewelry made locally by Mishakaudi. The rustic bronze necklace was right on trend for the season. 5k and 10k runners will receive new Happy Girls Run Sock Guy socks. FEATURED RELAY: Centennial Beer Chase (October 7): Love running scenic trails and

drinking craft beer? Round up a few friends for this second annual, one-day, six-person running relay of approximately 50 miles, consisting of 12 legs of varying distances (3-7 miles per leg). The course will be flipped this year, starting from Spokane and running the Centennial Trail east with exchange points at local craft breweries along the way to Coeur d’Alene for an end-of-race party. On a 6-person team, each person runs two legs; on a 3-person team, each person runs four legs. Each time runners exchange at a brewery, they have the option to enjoy a 3-4oz sample of beer. Teams must provide a designated driver.

Spokane Marathon (October 8): The Spokane

Marathon, a Boston Marathon qualifying race, is one of the most scenic courses in the country. The course includes Brownes Addition, Fort Wright Mukogawa, Riverside State Park, the Centennial Trail, a portion of the Bloomsday course, and finishes in Riverfront Park. This is the oldest marathon in the area, and proceeds benefit Spokane area high school cross country programs.

Hayden Lake Marathon (October 14):

Runners have the option of a full marathon, half or quarter marathon length as they tackle the gorgeous, forest-lined roads around Hayden Lake north of Coeur d’Alene (the full marathon goes completely around Hayden Lake). Enjoy breathtaking views while running the hilly course past golf courses, lakes, horse pastures, farms, and forests. All distances start and finish at Hayden Lake’s Honeysuckle Beach.

Three Complaints Every Race Director Hates

Complaining about the weather is absurd. Not only does the race director have zero control over the weather, it also suggests that you failed to prepare for it. This doesn’t mean the weather wasn’t awful or the weather didn’t contribute to other problems. But ultimately racers need to remember their own hat and gloves, and they need to understand their own limits. Complaining about the price suggests you were forced to enter a race. There are plenty of inexpensive races and rides that don’t require a lot of dough, especially trail runs and mountain bike rides. But when you add up security, porta potties, permits, water stations, online registration, and first-aid responders, the costs start to rise. Frankly, you must have thought the price was okay when you entered your credit card details, therefore you sound like a total whiner if you complain about it later. Basically, if a race is too expensive for you, then don’t enter it. Complaining that a race was too hard almost always makes a race director smile inside. Perhaps it was too hard for you. But if the majority of the racers finished, then it wasn’t too hard. Finally, here’s a list of things that race directors want to hear from you. Please speak up if something is unsafe or potentially dangerous. If something like, for example, course markers didn’t work well enough, race directors appreciate suggestions for an improvement. Lastly, if there’s a feature or component of a race that impresses you, please give the race director a high five, and tell them the beer garden was great, or the volunteers were supportive and cheerful, or the course was beautiful. Even better, if you really like a race, sign up to do it again next year. // (OTM)

Cycle the

Selkirk Loop Washington - Canada - Idaho

September 11–16, 2017 Breathtaking Scenery 370 Miles / 595 Km Best Support of Any Ride An Amazing Adventure! WaCanId.org 1.888.823.2626 MARCH 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

Race Ride & Event

Race day challenges can be pretty epic. Photo courtesy of the Kaniksu 50 & Emory Corwine Memorial Ruck Race

TRAIL RUNNING Snake River Island Hop (April 22): This

USATF sanctioned 100k ultra marathon (with a 50k option) was created for the person who has successfully completed a marathon and wants to see if they can push themselves farther. The course is flat and the trail is mostly gravel, providing a positive and safe experience for beginning ultra runners.

Spokane River Run (April 23): One of the old-

est trail runs in the Northwest that is recognized in the Trail Runner’s Trophy Series, this race features a 5k, 10k, 25k, 50k and 50k team relay race. The beautiful and challenging courses run through Riverside State Park and are primarily on singletrack trails that wind through thick pine forests and rugged basalt cliffs along the roaring Spokane River.

Check trail conditions, book tours or rentals, & shop for bikes at

www.revolutioncycles.ca 250-362-5688

Trail Maniacs Liberty Lake Trail Run (April 29): An 8-mile loop run located near Liberty Lake,

Wash., that features waterfalls, a creek bed, bridges, singletrack, and switchbacks with canopied cedar groves. This trail run is rated as difficult. Post-race party includes a pancake feed with sausages and usual Trail Maniacs post-race refreshments. Priest Lake Mother’s Day Marathon (May 13): Celebrate the power of Mom on this spe-

cial Mother’s Day weekend. Finishers in all distances will be awarded a stylish keepsake Priest Lake Marathon pendant finisher necklace. Run along Priest Lake with big views of the Selkirk Mountains.

Trail Maniacs Farragut State Park Race (May 20): Farragut has miles of singletrack and

you will see all the best sections. Each of the courses will have very little elevation gain/loss per lap. Everyone finishes on the Lake Shore Trail, and of course will include many “Damn-it-Dave” hills.

How to Train for Your Race When You Can’t Train for Your Race - By Jon Jonckers

Book a Fat Bike or Snowshoe Tour, Lesson or Clinic. Visit the Kootenai Gateway in downtown Rossland for tours, information & local souvenirs.

www.kootenaigateway.com 250.362.0080

Photo: Ryan Flett & Tourism Rossland. 32

OutThereMonthly.com / MARCH 2017

EXPLORE ROSSLAND, B.C.’S HUGE NETWORK OF

FAT BIKING

TRAILS

Injuries happen. Overtime at work derails your training schedule. Maybe you have to curtail your workouts to care for a family member. There are dozens of reasons that might interfere with training for your upcoming race. But you can continue training even if you can’t manage a particular workout. For starters, just Google “bodyweight exercises” and you will find a myriad of helpful exercises to do wherever you are. Obviously, not every exercise on the Internet is valuable, but there’s something for everyone. Second, seek out a credible physical therapy office that might be able to assist. For example, if you’re nursing a minor injury, you might consider running with the Alter-G antigravity treadmill at B&B Physical Therapy. It’s a fantastic way to maintain conditioning without the stress and impact of a workout. Third, start a yoga routine. Nick Murto, from The Union yoga studio, says, “For people returning from an injury, yoga can provide that extra strength and flexibility they need to help repair and improve their muscles and joints. It can also help to strengthen stabilizer muscles, the kind of things that we really don’t affect when we run. [For example] running is so linear, the motions are all repetitive and in the same direction. This can cause runners to have extremely tight hamstrings and hips, where the lateral motions and stretches in yoga can help to alleviate this tension.”

Guide - Continued Rain Shadow Running Sun Mountain (May 20-21): On the edge of the Chelan Sawtooth

Wilderness, above the Methow River Valley, these courses offer great mountain trail running early in the year. You can expect fields of wildflowers, beautiful, snow-capped peaks in the distance, and stunning singletrack. Pay close attention to the rise and fall in the course profile. Priest Lake Spring Run (May 28): Half

Marathon, 10k, and 5k options on a mix of pavement and compact gravel road leave few excuses to get out and run at Priest Lake this spring in a fun, festive atmosphere. There’s also a 1k Kids Dash— children under 10 can run a 600 yard course. All participants receive a tech t-shirt.

Herron Half & 10k (June 4): This race near

Flathead Lake, Mont., is well known for its community support and Big Sky camaraderie. They always have great prizes and really cool awards. The half marathon involves over 2,000 feet of vertical gain and the 10k over 800 feet.

mile vertical elevation gain/loss. The race includes some of the most enjoyable singletrack running trails in BC, old mining roads, and possibly the only mountain marathon in North America that requires a cable car to cross a creek! Trail Maniacs Mount Spokane State Park Race (July 22): In a word, Mount Spokane is

stunning. The races are challenging, and they’re equally rewarding. Lots of singletrack and forest roads which loop around Day Mountain, Kit Carson and Mount Spokane. There’s something for everyone at this race, and the post-race party is always memorable. Bring the whole family.

Bare Buns Fun Run (July 30): This year is the

33nd running of The ‘Original’ Bare Buns Fun Run and the 78th Anniversary of Kaniksu Ranch. BBFR is a clothing-optional, 5K run/walk through a forested area on a pressed gravel/dirt road. The race is sanctioned by USATF and is a part of the Buns Across the Border series. Nudity is not required, but clothed runners are in the minority.

Rainshadow Running Beacon Rock (June 10): The Beacon Rock races are harder than your

average trail race courses thanks to the elevation gain and loss for each course (7,500 feet for the 50k and 3,750 feet for the 25k). You’re in the forest most of the time, but the views (on a clear day) of the Columbia River Gorge, Mt. Hood, and Mt. Adams are spectacular.

Glutes in the Koots (August 7-11): Four days of unparalleled trail running, coached and guided by ultra runner Jen Segger, with four nights lodging at the Sol Mountain Lodge in the B.C. Kootenays. Professionally catered meals, new friends, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This is the best running camp to prepare yourself for ultra distances and technical terrain running.

Trail Maniacs Heyburn State Park Race (June 17): Heyburn’s course is just plain F.U.N.

Trail Maniacs Riverside State Park Race (September 9): The trails feature rugged ter-

The Up Chuck Challenge (July 8):The 3rd

XTERRA Smokechaser 30k & 5 Mile Trail Race (September 9): This trail race starts on the

Runners start out with a nice “little” hill, and then it all gets better from there. There are many rolling hills and a creek crossing. Oh the creek crossing (great location to snap a pic). All of that combined with the favorite meal of all Trail Maniac races: taco bar with warm tortillas and loads of beverages from Slate Creek Brewing.

annual Up Chuck Challenge trail run starts at Spokane’s Camp Sekani Park on the Up Chuck Trail for a fun, winding, nearly all singletrack 5k climb to the top of Beacon Hill. Or try the 1.5 mile “Up Chuck Lite” run or walk to the top of the Up Chuck Trail. The 5k version gains nearly 1,000 feet of total elevation. The race is timed on the up only, with another 2.3 mile run or walk back to the start for the 5k, and a half mile walk/run back down for the 1.5 miler. The race ends back at the Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival.

The Dirty Dash (July 8): The Dirty Dash is a mud run obstacle course where a military boot camp meets your inner 5-year-old’s fantasy and subsequently converts boy to man and then man to swine. All you’ll need is a complete lack of shame to wallow in pits of mud and a smile to show through at the end. Kaniksu 50 & Emory Corwine Memorial Ruck Race (July 15): This non-profit 50-mile

Endurance Run and Memorial Relay Ruck Race travels through the Lower Selkirk Mountain Range of the Colville National Forest. The 50-mile ultra run takes place in conjunction with a relay ruck race. The ruck race is a relay where 1-5 participants complete one of 5 legs carrying a minimum 35lb ruck for males and 25lb ruck for females. This event celebrates the life of Emory Corwine who was a USAF SERE Specialist who passed away in June 2012. Idaho Peak Ultra Trail Marathon & 10k (July 22): A race to the summit of the BC

Kootenay’s iconic Idaho Peak and back with 1

rain, freshwater marshes and several basalt pillars. The mighty Spokane River is never far away. The start and finish are at the Bowl and Pitcher campground, and most of the trails are in the shade. Like always, the food and drinks at the finish line are outstanding.

shores of Priest Lake, Idaho, and runs through sections of lush forest and alpine terrain to a historic fire lookout tower at 7,200’ elevation. Experience the wilderness trails of Priest Lake like the Smokechasers of days past with this epic challenge. Sekani 5k & 10k Trail Run (October 1): This

9th annual 5k or 10k trail run also includes a free Kids’ 1k. The run is an adventure run/hike/ walk race on dirt trails in Spokane’s Camp Sekani Park. Expect 700 feet of elevation gain for the 10k run. The trails run above the Spokane River and provide great views of the City of Spokane and surrounding areas. Proceeds benefit Franklin Elementary school’s APPLE program.

Trail Maniacs Halloween at Hells Gate State Park Race (October 28): The State Park

Series season finale is always at Hells Gate State Park in Lewiston because it’s the best park to host a Halloween party. Runners are encouraged to run in costume, and October weather next to the Snake River is typically mild. The last race of the series generally means the greatest amount of prizes and giveaways.

Chocolate Chip Cookie 50k (October 28):

This is a rolling trail run with awesome views of the Spokane River, the Swinging Bridge, and haystack basalt towers throughout Riverside State Park. The course includes two loops with an approximate total of 2470 feet of elevation gain. It is a beginner-intermediate course, with some short hills, single and double track, forest roads, and a little gravel. Best of all, the chocolate cookies are homemade and delicious. MARCH 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

Race Ride & Event

APRIL 29th

SPOKANE WA BEACON HILL - CAMP SEKANI GET SIGNED UP! www.velo-northwest.com/2wheel-10hour/

9:30am United Way of North Idaho

~ April 23 ~

2017

McEuen Park | Coeur d’Alene

DASH get ou t o t tot-tirds! A fun run for everyone! &move! for k Competitors & walkers welcome! Qualifier for Bloomsday’s second seeding Top 3 awards for overall and multiple age groups

Kayaks ready and waiting for the water leg of the Rathdrum Adventure Race. Photo courtesy of the Rathdrum Chamber of Commerce.

TRIATHLON/ SWIMMING/ MULTISPORT Troika Triathlon (May 20): This is the ultimate triathlon event in the Inland Northwest. Troika Triathlon offers multiple options including an Olympic course, a collegiate Olympic course, a sprint course, a duathlon, an aquabike, and a half distance triathlon. In a nutshell, there’s a triathlon race for every age and ability. Many triathletes consider this the best primer for additional races later in the summer. Hayden Triathlon (July 8): This sprint triath-

lon features breathtaking scenery, with a challenging but friendly course. The Hayden Triathlon is USAT sanctioned, and treats racers with a .5-mile swim, 12-mile bike, and 3.1-mile run. Based on its continued growth, this is one of the most popular triathlons in the region.

Valley Girl Triathlon (July 9): This popular women’s sprint distance triathlon includes a 1/3 mile swim, 12 mile bike ride and 3 mile run and is limited to 400 participants. The event takes place in beautiful Liberty Lake, Wash., and includes a post-race pizza party celebration. Tiger Triathlon (July 15): Complete a course

that travels through the scenic Colville National Forest, with a finish in Colville, Wash. Swim Gillette Lake, ride the mostly downhill course down Tiger Pass, and finish with a run on the packed gravel and asphalt of Rotary Trail back in Colville.

Wunder Woman Triathlon & Duathlon (July 30): This triathlon and duathlon for women

and men will have more team options, more events, and more awards this year, and it all benefits the Spokane Osteoporosis and the Washington Osteoporosis Coalition. Free bone density screenings will be provided for participants and spectators. Long Bridge Swim (August 5): This event has grown a lot since 68 friends swam across Lake Pend Oreille in 1995. The Long Bridge Swim is held the first Saturday in August and attracts a wide range of swimmers. So far, 6,374 swimmers have successfully finished, including children as young as 7. Priest Lake Triathlon (August 26): Choose

between an Olympic distance triathlon or a sprint mountain bike distance. All participants receive a technical fabric finisher shirt and finisher medal featuring an international award-winning design.

FEATURED MULTI-SPORT EVENT: Rathdrum Adventure Race (September 9): Mountain

bike Rathdrum Mountain, paddle Twin Lakes in a kayak, and then run the trails back to Rathdrum, Idaho’s charming City Park. North Idaho’s premier “alternative” triathlon offers two courses. Choose the long or short course and compete or just have fun in the solo or team categories. Editor’s Note: This guide was compiled by Jon Jonckers and Derrick Knowles. Did we miss your favorite race, ride or outdoors event? Email derrick@outtheremonthly.com and we will do our best to include you next year!

Be More Active This Summer & Save Money on Races with the Team OTM Challenge

25 34

OutThereMonthly.com / MARCH 2017

To register or for more information: UnitedWayofNorthIdaho.org/SpringDash stop by Fleet Feet in Coeur d’Alene or call 208-667-8112

Sign up for Out There Monthly’s Team OTM Challenge and challenge yourself to complete at least one running or bike riding event each month for six months (May through October). You’ll have dozens of races and less competitive fun runs and rides to choose from as an individual or team, and you’ll receive generous registration discounts of up to 30% off each event. There’s also a kickoff party at No-Li Brewhouse, tons of free swag, and you get a Team OTM tech shirt. More info at Outtheremonthly.com/team-otm-challenge.

Guide - Continued

7TH ANNUAL

2017

Bryanna Petrie trail running at Antoine Peak // Photo: Jon Jonckers

For Best Results, Hire a Local Coach BY Jon Jonckers If you really want to qualify for the Boston Marathon, complete an Ironman, win your age group, or set a new personal record, then you should hire a coach. Admittedly, there are dozens of great ways to improve your fitness and reach those goals that don’t involve a coach, such as online programs, workout books, joining a gym, or trial and error. But most serious athletes will tell you that without a coach, it’s too easy to fall into convenient training patterns, which often lead to plateaus. However, when you hire a quality coach, you allow yourself to be guided toward training harder and smarter than you can alone. Local coach Austin Stuchell summarized it best when he remarked, “Do you really think that the best college teams and athletes would be so competitive if their coach just gave them workouts via email or Skype?” A local coach knows the area, knows the climate, and can even suggest great training locations or trails to help break up the monotony. It’s a more personal relationship, and

occasionally the athlete and the coach can train together. Even better, if it’s a local race, your coach can be there to cheer for you and congratulate you at the finish line. Local coach Byranna Petrie says, “I like being able to see my athletes and watch them run. This makes it easier for me to check form and make suggestions on improving cadence. It allows me to establish a relationship with the client, so they feel comfortable sharing their goals, their fears and how their body is adapting to my training plan. I can see their physical gains, and even help with possible injuries. It’s easier to show stretches, show proper form and to educate on strength training.” No doubt, every training method has advantages and disadvantages, including price, time, availability, and previous conditioning. A coach isn’t perfect for everyone. Then again, if you’ve tried the other methods, and you need a better plan with some encouragement and mentoring, then you should certainly consider a local coach. Author’s note: Bryanna Petrie has a Master’s in Human Nutrition and is a certified Marathon Coach, NAASFP. You can learn more about her at Wholesomelyfit.com. Austin Stuchell is a USATF Certified Level 1 Coach and an Assistant High School Cross Country Coach. You can find out more about him at Facebook.com/SpokaneEnduranceTraining.

A community cycling event for all ages and abilities.

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MARCH 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

on the mountain Local resorts

Powder. Corn. Sun. Smiles. Spring skiing is awesome! Photos: Aaron Theisen

Spring Skiing Survival Guide By Brad Naccarato

Spring time for skiers and riders offers a mix of sun, comfortable temperatures, soft snow, no crowds, and a chill state of mind. Everyone’s likely had a belly full of powder days and sub-zerogroomer-zoomer days. Now it’s time to relax, have some fun and work on your tan. Maximize your time in the sun with these tips. WHEN AND WHERE TO GO

Every weekend in March offers some sort of annual spring ski event at the resorts. This is about the time that the clouds clear out, the weather stabilizes, and the sun starts to reappear. The five resorts in our region typically have similar spring skiing conditions. However, if you decide to make a trek north over the border, things may be a little less spring-like, as the British Columbia resorts tend to hold on to their winters a bit longer. Do: Attend Schweitzer’s “Schpring Finale and The Big LeBREWski” event on April 8. It’s Schweitzer’s final weekend of operation, and you’re guaranteed to have a great time with fun events, live music, and great beer. Don’t: Pay full price for skiing if you don’t have to. This is the time of year where many resorts start to see skier visits drop off. They’re eager to get you back up, and most offer spring deals the closer it gets to the end of the season. HOW TO SKI IN SPRING CONDITIONS

Spring is a mixed bag that can have you skiing soft groomers one minute and carving through 8 inches of fresh snow the next. Above all, be ready and able to adapt to changing conditions. While spring skiing is known for its carvable corn snow, unpredictable weather can still create some challenges.

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OutThereMonthly.com / MARCH 2017

As the day progresses, the sun’s radiation and the rising ambient air temperature begin to soften the top layer of snow. This is where velvety corn skiing is born. But if the day breaks cloudy and cool (or too windy) after a clear, cold night and then remains so, you’ll have much firmer conditions. In spring, especially in late spring, the quality of your ski experience depends on your timing. It’s not just a matter of giving the slopes an extra hour or so to start softening. Equally important is your choice of where to ski, and when. Do: Follow the sun. In spring, shadowy northfacing slopes are no blessing early in the morning. Start your spring ski day on east-facing slopes. Then follow the sun all day long.

Don’t: Get too lackadaisical. Soft snow, while forgiving, can transition quickly and without notice to its firmer and nastier cousin, ice. Stay balanced and focus on holding a good edge through every turn so that an end-of-the-season injury doesn’t ruin your summer. WHAT TO WEAR

The natural nighttime cold can linger well into the morning and may be accompanied by a chilly wind that feels frigid when you’re not in the sun. Layering is the key here to help you combat whatever Mother Nature has in store. Forget the down jacket and heavy insulated snow pants. You want to travel lightly but still have proper wind and snow protection. A good wicking base layer and a warm midlayer will keep body heat in during

the cold period -- even if it lasts all day. As the temperatures rise, remove the midlayer if you’re overheating or open the arm and leg zippers now common on most outerwear. Do: Be sure that you’re wearing a waterproof shell. Rain, snow, hail and sleet are all possibilities on a spring day and nothing will end the day faster than a soggy midlayer jacket posing as an outer layer. Don’t: Give skiing a try on a nice sunny day with your leather jacket and a pair of Levi 501s. We’re all for folks learning to ski, so long as they’re prepared for weather in the mountains. Jumping into an alpine environment with street clothes is a recipe for disaster – one that the EMTs on the mountain will gladly send you a bill for. APRÈS SKI TIME

local resort spring celebrations

March 11: Give the boards a break for part of the day and check out Silver Mountain’s Fat Bike and Snowshoe Race sponsored by Trail Maniacs. The moderate course is a 2.75 mile loop that starts at the top of the tubing hill before hitting all singletrack to the snowshoe trail. Take it as seriously (or not) as you want with one or two laps and have fun! March 18: Get your Luau on at 49 Degrees North’s Hawaiian Daze. Barbecue on the deck, live entertainment, and fun competitions round out this tropical-themed party on the slopes. March 18: Your kids will be stoked when you take them to Family Fun Day at Mt. Spokane. Free entry includes a kids’ obstacle course on the bunny hill with slalom gates, hoops to slide under and rollers and banks to cruise through. April 1: Oyster lovers won’t want to miss 49 Degrees North’s Oyster Feed—trucked in fresh from the Washington coast for this annual celebration of spring in the Selkirks. April 8: The Slush Cup and Beach Party at Lookout Pass is an end-of-season bash complete with grilling on the deck, pond skimming, and other entertaining antics. (OTM)

This is where things get good. When spring skiing is in full bloom, people love to let loose, drink some spirits, and spread out on the outside decks. Most resorts will bring in live music acts and weekend events such as relay races, slush cups, and other spring-themed activities. If you’re lucky (or unlucky), you may even get to witness those rare spring phenomena known as bikini and man-kini skiers. Do: Show lots of skin, wear lots of sunscreen, and celebrate the end of another glorious ski season here in the Inland Northwest. Don’t: Pound three pitchers, leave your poles at the lodge, wreck your skis by using them to get to your car and then tailgate the family unlucky enough to be stuck in front of you all way down the hill. We want everyone to get home safely so that they can enjoy many spring ski days to come. //

on the mountain travel

A signature sunny day at Mission Ridge. // Photos: Brad Northrup

Mission Ridge

The Sun Valley of Washington By Brad Northrup

The question came up while I was attending a party with my saner, better half not too long ago. The conversation revolved around skiing, and someone asked where I spent my formative years on skis. “Mission Ridge,” I said. Their reply was one I have heard numerous times over the years: “Yeah, I have heard about that place, but have never gone.” I responded as I always do: “You should.” Celebrating its 50th anniversary this season, Mission Ridge is located 12 miles from Wenatchee, and is situated in a basin on the eastern side of the Cascades. The mountain features 2,000 acres with a base elevation of 4,570 feet (the highest in Washington) and a summit elevation of 6,820 feet, equaling 2,250 feet of vertical drop. Thirty-six designated trails can be accessed by three fixed-grip chairlifts and one high-speed quad that provides a quick ride to the summit. But those stats don’t tell you how the mountain skis. Two things make Mission Ridge a unique moun-

tain. First, the sun: the region receives 300 days of it each year. Couple that with the elevation, and you have yourself a heck of a goggle tan come Monday morning. All of that sunlight makes for great visibility, especially during those low-light days in December and January. In the spring, the place absolutely glows. Mission Ridge’s second unique feature is its terrain. The groomed runs that wind their way down from the summit and the upper

reaches through bowls flanked by basalt cliffs and scenic rock formations seem to go on forever. Your legs will not. Steep, butt-puckering runs with names like Tyee and Johnson’s Run lie in wait in the trees off Chair 3. For those willing to traverse Windy Ridge or the Bomber Cliffs, the powder fields of Bowl 4 and 5 can be tapped if conditions permit. In terms of snow quality, don’t let the numbers fool you. Just because the mountain reports

VISITING MISSION RIDGE

Terrain: 10% easy, 60% moderate/difficult, 30% expert Snowmaking: 80 hydrants that cover 66 acres Drive time: 3 hours from Spokane to Wenatchee; 20 minutes from Wenatchee to the parking lot Lodging: Numerous hotels in the Wenatchee area. For larger groups, check out a VRBO. Eat and drink: Check out Bob’s Classic Brass and Brews or McGlinn’s Public House Mountain must-see: The wing of a B-24 Liberator that crashed on the mountain in 1944 is displayed at the top of the cat track that provides access to Bomber Bowl. Stop and touch the wing for good luck. //

a 50-inch base does not mean that skiing is limited to the groomed runs. No, everything is covered, and the dryness of the snow will make you question why you go to the Wasatch every year. Mission Ridge is one of very few places in the Northwest where you can experience champagne powder and not have to drive 14 hours to find it. And even when it is tracked out, the snow tends to be dry and easy to maneuver through. For the icing on the cake, a clear day on the summit of Mission Ridge will blow you away. The hulk of Mt. Rainier lies just to the west, Mt. Adams to the south, and the icy summit pyramid of Mt. Stuart looks to be so close you could reach out and touch it. Add the views with the snow-ghosted trees, and you have a picture-perfect day. Am I biased because I grew up at Mission? Yep. But I am also thankful to have grown up skiing a mountain with so much diverse, challenging terrain.

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on the mountain ski deals

Right: Armstrong Generations on Silver Mtn Photo: Brenda Armstrong // Left: Eric and Fay on chairlift at 49N Photo: Steve Boosinger

Season Pass

Long-Time Ski Pass Holders Spread the Love By S. Michal Bennett

Many of the people who live, work, and raise their families in the Inland Northwest have been taking full advantage of the superb winter mountain conditions throughout the area for decades and were among the first people in line when the ski resorts began offering season passes. I had the opportunity to talk to a few of these long-time pass holders, listen to their stories, and imagine a simpler time when local ski hills consisted of a rope tow or two and wide-open slopes. “My wife and I bought our passes the first day [49 Degrees North] opened in 1972,” says Eric Alm. “I actually started skiing down the road about 4 or 5 miles at Chewelah Peak in 1957. I think that was one of the first chair lifts in the whole region.” For Alm, skiing at 49 Degrees North is all about family, friends, and more family. His brother-in-law and sister-in-law have a cabin “up there,” so he and his

wife spend Friday through Sunday afternoons on the mountain during the winter. “It just never gets old for me,” he says. “Skiing always has been and always will be, I hope, an integral part of our family and friendships.” Tammy Jensen began skiing on Mt. Spokane when she was in fifth grade. “There used to be another lodge on the other side that burned down,” she recalls. “The Spokesman-Review had a free ski school, and 800 students would come up on buses.” She and her friend George Simchuk were the first official riders of Chair Lift 1 in 1956, when a lift ticket cost a mere $3.50. She has seen her kids grow up there, coached ski racing for 45 years, and now serves on the board as Vice President of Operations. “I have skied there for forever,” says Jensen. “It is close. The grooming is awesome. It’s not expensive. I think it is such a fantastic asset

for Spokane.” More than 30 years ago, Brenda Armstrong’s husband, Sid, worked in the lab at Bunker Hill in Kellogg, Idaho. During a shutdown, the mine gave all the workers and their families passes to Silver Mountain. “We took our kids up,” says Armstrong, “and we’ve had season passes ever since.” Today, she is in real estate, her husband is the CFO for Post Falls School District, their three kids are grown and married, and they have eight grandkids. “We come up, use the lunchroom for lunch, go to the water park afterward – it’s a lot of fun,” says Armstrong. Aside from nice long slopes like Rendezvous, Armstrong and her family revel in the gondola ride, especially with a hot cup of coffee first thing in the morning. “When you’re on a 20-minute ride, you get to know all kinds of people,” she says, “and the kids love it!”

Dick Caron sometimes skis Silver Mountain, but Lookout Pass is his favorite place to play. “I have skied at Lookout for a long, long time, like 60-somethin’ years,” he says, “and I’m still skiin’ and still lovin’ it.” Caron is from Wallace, and for him, Lookout Pass is easily accessible and consistently covered in the deep, soft snow that he loves to ski. “I don’t know how long I’ve had season passes,” he says, “but as you get older, it’s stupid not to have ‘em, ‘cause they’re so damn cheap.” A few times a week, especially if there’s a decent snow fall, you’ll find him headed up the mountain in the morning, “at a decent time,” looking for fresh, powdery snow. “If you want some of the better snow, and you can ski just about anywhere,” says Caron, “I think Lookout is the place to go. Without a doubt, the snow is about as good here as you can get within our 200-mile radius.” //

I Ski & Ride Around Contest Enter to win a 2017/2018 season pass that’s good at all four of the Ski the Northwest Rockies resorts (49, Lookout, Mt. Spokane, and Silver)! Do you like to ski and ride the resorts around the Inland Northwest to try different terrain, chase powder dumps and see what the different ski areas have to offer?

Here’s How to Win: Ski or ride each of the four Ski the Northwest Rockies resorts between now and the end

of the season and take a photo of you with your lift ticket or season pass at each resort. Follow the contest rules and email your four photo entries by April 10, 2017 to contests@outtheremonthly.com. We will announce the winner of the 2017/18 “Gold Pass” good at 49, Lookout, Mt. Spokane and Silver on Facebook in April, 2017. Be sure to follow the complete contest rules at Outtheremonthly.com/i-ski-ride-around-contest.

March 2017 Retro Ski Pass Contest WINNER! March winner scores a lift ticket from one of our awesome resort sponsors!

Thank you to our awesome “I Ski/Ride Around” Contest sponsors!! WHY DID I THINK THIS STASH LOOKED GOOD? // SUBMITED BY MIKE AMTOFT

OutThereMonthly.com / MARCH 2017

on the mountain Mountain Culture

2017/18 Season Pass

Sale

Photo: Shallan Knowles

Ski Bum Advice

Three People You Should Never Ski With By Brad Northrup

As I close out my 40th year on snow, I have come to some serious conclusions about this crazy sport we call skiing. First, my boots will never be comfortable. Like, ever. Second, I was wrong when I said I would never wear a helmet because, and I quote, “They are for people who fall too much.” I was equally wrong for poking fun at folks who utilize boot heaters. I really want some. Finally, there are just some jokers you should avoid skiing with, for the sake of both your sanity and safety. If you have ever spent time on the hill with any of the following, you know what I mean. THE GAPER

Remember how you promised your girlfriend’s brother you would take him skiing this year when the two of you were slamming Fireball shots at that strip club in Vegas? Yeah, time to pay up. You realize the error of your ways as he flies by you in a power wedge, making no attempt to turn and using his unzipped, flapping parka as some sort of sail to hopefully slow down. The Levi 501s tucked into rear-entry boots, a motorcycle helmet, and a Marlboro dangling from his lips really ties it all together. THE GEAR HEAD

There is no doubt that the right equipment can make a huge difference in elevating your skiing to the next level, but this dude takes it way too far.

His endless blathering about the subtle nuances of standard powder skis with a tip rocker versus the full rockered awesomeness of his 150mm-wide Super D-Bag Limited Editions make you want to shove him off the chair while over the high span. As he begins to drone on about the complexities of light refraction and goggle technology, you wonder what gods you pissed off to wind up here.

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THE POWDER JUNKIE

Without a doubt, nothing is more fun than laying down fresh tracks in a virgin powder field. But when it has not snowed in four weeks and every inch of the mountain has been tracked out and brushed down to the ice layer, this clown seems to think there is a hidden stash in every stand of trees, and he goads you into following him. Skiing through the trees is hard enough when conditions are great, but the pucker factor increases dramatically when it’s boilerplate or full of death cookies. Folks on the chair clearly hear you thanking your skiing partner with colorful sentence-enhancers as your face is whipped by Douglas Fir branches, leaving you bloodied and smelling like a car freshener. // Brad Northrup is a former ski racer, alpine coach, and ski bum. He currently is looking for people to ski with, with no luck.

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Many dog breeds can learn the skijoring ropes

Skiing with Your Dog

Give Skijoring a Try with These Tips for Beginners By Holly Weiler

My four-legged friends have always been my best training partners for athletic pursuits. I have never had a dog bow out of a planned activity at the last minute due to bad weather or vague personal reasons, and on several occasions my dogs have prevented me from skipping a training day. Who can say no to that look from an eager pup? It’s easy to take a dog for a hike or a run in the summer, but when winter arrives and the best trails have a thick layer of ice, it takes extra effort to take a dog on a quality adventure. That’s where skijoring comes in, where the human goes on cross-country skis and the dog pulls with wild abandon. With an initial investment in proper equipment and a little research about the best places to play, most dogs can quickly get in touch with their inner sled dog. Don’t assume your dog won’t take to it because they don’t look like an Iditarod champion. I have seen successful skijor dogs that ran the gamut from short-legged basset hounds to huge St. Bernards, along with all kinds of mixed breeds. Do invest in quality skijor equipment, as none of the local ski trails allow offleash dogs. The only real requirement for a good skijor dog includes being friendly, both with strange humans and with strange dogs. That’s not to say the dog should approach all; most skijor dogs are trained with the command “on by,” meaning it’s impolite to stop in the middle of the trail to sniff noses. Dogs that are aggressive or fearful of other skijor teams approaching at a high rate of speed will need some additional training before they should be out on the ski trails. It helps if your pup likes to pull, which might

be confusing for a dog that has been trained to not pull when on walks. I have found that my dog knows the difference between his harness (designed for pulling comfort when the human encourages more speed) and his collar (which makes pulling feel uncomfortable, plus the human says “heel”). Don’t try to skijor with your dog’s usual collar and leash, as this can cause injury. I purchased my skijor kit from Howling Dog Alaska, a company that caters to sled dog teams. There are other similar companies, but the main thing to keep in mind when choosing which equipment to invest in is to get a harness designed for pulling (as opposed to walking harnesses, which have no extra padding) and a leash that has an integrated bungee cord. The bungee helps protect the dog when its human inevitably crashes and some stretch is needed to lessen the shock of the sudden stop. If you’d like to try before you buy, skijor equipment rentals are available through Fitness Fanatics at Mt. Spokane’s Selkirk Lodge on Sundays. The most important consideration for skijoring is the dog owner’s responsibility to clean up any messes. Nothing makes other skiers angry faster than seeing “brown klister” on the skate deck. Double bag any doggie deposits and carry them with you immediately, as bagged poo should never be left alongside a trail. Other incidentals to pack include booties for your dog’s feet to help prevent snow buildup, water and a collapsible water bowl, and some dog treats. For the best workout for both human and dog, use skate skis. Classic skis work well for a slower tour.

Skijoring Trails

• 49 Degrees North Nordic Trails: Every day after 2 p.m. Purchase trail passes at the Nordic Area yurt. • Mt. Spokane Nordic Trails: Wednesday all day and Sunday after 12 p.m. on specific trails only: Linder Ridge and Mica Road to Junction 8; Lower Tripps to Tripps Knob; Upper Tripps (oneway, uphill only). SnoPark permit with Special Grooming sticker required.

Skijoring Events

• Join “Skijor Spokane” on Facebook. • Paws and Poles skijor race at 49 Degrees North Nordic Area, March 4, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. //

OutThereMonthly.com / MARCH 2017

on the mountain profiles

Learning life’s lessons on the ski slopes. // Photo: Natalya Torvik

Little Rippers

Inspiration from the Next Generation By Amy Silbernagel McCaffree

mom says, “He wasn’t immune from disaping down runs, carving turns like it’s nobody’s pointment when he started, but improving in business, out-skiing timid adults snowplowing his skiing ability helps him to understand that down the mountain. Little rippers share a compersistence, practice, and following directions mon backstory: They started alpine skiing with pays off. Participating in the Mt. Spokane kids’ their parents at a young age and practice regularly programs and volunteering has [given him throughout each season. opportunities] to understand teamwork, comradery, making friends, and practicing courViktor Torvik, age 8, is a weekend regular tesy and compassion.” at Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park. Skiing At Lookout Pass, another impressive young since age 3 with his parents, Tom and Natalya, skier is 8-year-old Erin McElgunn, who tears it Viktor joined the Mini Mites ski school proup every weekend and during school breaks. Now gram when he was old enough. Now in second in third grade, she, too, has been skiing since age grade, he’s in a Kid’s Club advanced group. “I 3. “Erin likes that it is challenging and that she like going fast and jumping. I also like getfeels good when she goes on runs that were once ting trained, so I can be good at skiing,” says hard or scary for her. She likes skiing with friends Viktor. “My favorite run is Secret X, because I and family, and it’s like having a cool playdate like to go through the fluffy powder between with friends when she’s on the mountain,” says the trees.” Erin’s mom, Stacy McElgunn. “She has a fair For children who are new to alpine skiing, amount of freedom at Lookout.” Viktor’s advice is to “first learn making a pizza Erin’s favorite run is Montana Face. “It looks shape with their skis. Once they get better, they steep from the top and it’s really fun,” she says. can turn back and forth. When they get even To improve her skills and meet more ski-kids, better, they can do a hockey stop [turning left Erin and her older sister joined the Lookout or right with skis together]. Once they get better at that, like me, they can go really fast Pass ski team. She’s now in her second racing season, participating in “a few [Giant Slalom] and do fast turns. They should also get a cool races perKissick year,” her mom says. “I’ve seen Erin teacher Andy [Viktor’s Kid’s Club coach].” Donnie Getlike Moving Today. Contact take more risks. New things sometimes make Because his father is a volunteer patroller 509-999-0734 DonnieKissickpt@gmail.com her nervous, and she has become braver about with Mt. Spokane Ski Patrol, the Torviks arrive trying things that intimidate her.” Erin offers at the mountain by 8 a.m. “Viktor started to up some advice for other children: Although help the Chair 5 crew set up for the day. This skiing “can be scary at first, you’ll love it and would entail wiping down chairs, setting up be happy. Start on blues [intermediate runs] crowd control nets, and grooming the loading and greens [beginner runs] and then try harder ramp,” his parents explain. “As time went on, things because you’ll probably be able to do it.” he started to help by scanning passes, closing up lifts, and helping to direct people into the With more than a month left in this winter’s correct line for loading. Several of the mounski season, and lots of children having completed ski lessons the past few months, expect tain employees appreciated his enthusiasm, and to see even more kiddos confidently cruising they rewarded him by teaching him how the down the mountain on skis and snowboards. lifts work. This year the mountain management Give an encouraging shout-out – “Looking offered to silk screen his coat with ‘Jr. Staff ’ good!” or “You’re doing great!” – and tell those on the back along with the Mt. Spokane logo. parents snowplowing with their toddlers and Along with being proud to wear this coat, he holding on to harnesses, “Keep it up!” They, truly loves his mountain family.” In addition to benefitting from appropriate too, will be skiing the pow in a few years. // risk-tasking and physical challenges, Viktor’s We’ve all seen them. Super kid skiers swish-

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on the mountain gear

the years. Today, though, the primary U.S. manufacturers, Ambition Snowskates, Icon Snowskates, and Premier Snowskates, also make leashes, which satisfy gear requirements for most resorts. Here in the Inland Northwest, we have our very own snowskate company, Boyd Hill Snowskates. About eight years ago, owner Bryce Rich teamed up with TJ Sneva of Sneva MFG to make “big mountain snowskates that you can ride in the powder and at ski resorts—adult-sized stuff,” says Rich. Unlike the other builders at the time, they also offered all the components separately: grip tape, struts, skate beds, leashes. “We sell either all complete or the

pieces people need to build a skate.” It’s safe to say that snowskating is a niche sport, even if Burton did release the limited “snowdeck” back in the early 2000s. It almost died out then, but somehow it has stuck around and is now making a comeback, says Rich. “The sport is full of 40-yearold skateboarders who are tired of snowboarding.” Rich and other snowskate fans are working closely with local ski resorts to bring awareness and opportunity to Eastern Washington and North Idaho— and maybe some young people to carry on the sport to a new generation.

3rd Annual Boyd Hill SortaNatural Banked Slalom (March 4-5, 2017)

Skating on the snow. // Photo courtesy of Boyd Hill Snowskates.

Snowskate Renaissance?

Local Board Builder Bryce Rich Hopes to Revive a Once-Dying Sport By S. Michal Bennett

The history and invention of snowskates are

deeply rooted in the Inland Northwest. Many believe that a Stevens Pass local named Steve Frink came up with the concept for bideck snowskates in 1994. He was a skateboarder and his design was the closest thing you can get to skateboarding on snow.

THE SNOW

For those unfamiliar with what a bideck snowskate is—probably most of us—it is simply a skateboard deck mounted onto a lower ski deck that is usually grooved to glide easily on snow. The most significant feature is that it doesn’t have bindings, a detail that has caused some issues at ski hills over

THE FOOD

Before terrain parks existed at Lookout Pass—or anywhere, for that matter—there was a run called Rolling Thunder that was a big trench that had been carved out of the mountain. “It happens to be the perfect size for a snowskate banked slalom,” says Bryce Rich, owner of Boyd Hill Snowskates and organizer of the Boyd Hill SortaNatural Banked Slalom snowskate event. In its third year, the event is expanding snowskate awareness to the Inland Northwest, as well as bringing together riders from across the country for a little healthy competition. “The cool thing about this niche market,” says Bryce, “is that it is kind of a small universe. We get crews from the East Coast, New Mexico, California, the Pacific Northwest – it’s a hotbed of the truly best snowskaters around.” Day 1: Registration is $28 (includes lift ticket) and begins at 8 a.m. on the Montana side of Lookout Pass Lodge. The practice runs start at 10 a.m., then the competition heats up at noon. There will be food, beer, raffle prizes, glory, and pretty much something for everyone through the last chair of the day. Day 2: Sunday moves the activities to Silver Mountain’s terrain park, which will include competitions, free riding, and skate demos provided by Boyd Hill Snowskates. Discount lift tickets will be available at the Boyd Hill command vehicle, and awards will be handed out for the best trick and “full pull” run through the course. Find more info on the event Facebook page. //

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BRE

OutdoorCalendar

W IS B

THE

WINTERSPORTS

A L IMITED

(March 5) Spokane Nordic Challenge 20/30/50k Loppet. Where: Mount Spokane State Park. The

Spokane Nordic Challenge Loppet has options for 20, 30 or 50 kilometer distances. “Loppet” is the traditional term for a long-distance cross country ski event. Info: Spokanenordic.org/challenge

(March 12) SheJumps Into XC Skiing: Survival Edition. Where: Mt. Spokane. When: 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. A women’s specific day full of classic crosscountry skiing that will include an introductory lesson, rental equipment if needed, and basic outdoor survival tips. Info: www.shejumps.org

(March 11) Fat Bike and Snowshoe Race. Where: Silver Mountain Resort. Both events will incorporate ¼ miles of groomed trail and the rest is all singletrack. The course is a 2.75 mile loop that starts at the top of the tubing hill before hitting all singletrack to the snowshoe trail. The trail itself is

about 2.5 miles long and is a very moderate grade. Info: Silvermt.com

Transit, either of The Bike Hub locations, and online at Thebikehub.com.

RUNNING

OTHER

(March 19) Rapid Rabbit Run. Where: East Valley High School. When: 10 a.m. Awards for top male and female finishers in the 5 mile and 3 mile run. Proceeds benefit Senior All0Knighter Class of 2017. Info: eastvalleyhs.wixsite.com

(March 4) The Inland Northwest Permaculture Guild’s Annual Seed Swap. Where: Community

BIKING (March 3) A Red Carpet Premiere for Klunkerz. Where: Two Wheel Transit (Spokane’s Perry Neighborhood). When: 6:30 p.m. Come watch Klunkerz, a film about mountain bike history and support the work Evergreen East does for the cycling community in Spokane. All proceeds will support Evergreen East’s efforts to develop and maintain local and regional mountain bike trails at the places you ride. Tickets can be purchased at Two Wheel

Building, Spokane (35 W. Main). When: 12-4 p.m. The Inland Northwest Permaculture Guild encourages everyone bringing seeds to try to bring only open-pollinated, heirloom seeds that you grew or collected yourself. To protect public health and safety, GMO or treated seed is not allowed. $10 donation for a table. Cost to attend is free. Info: Inlandnorthwestpermaculture.com

(March 11) Friends of Turnbull Dinner & Auction. Where: Wren Pierson Community Center, Cheney, Wash. When: 5:30 p.m. Since 1997, Friends of Turnbull has been a major sponsor of the environmental education program, outreach activities, habitat restoration and other projects at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge.

SIXMONTH TRAININGCALENDAR RUNNING (April 1) Hunger Run. Where: Plante’s Ferry Park, Spokane. When: 9 a.m. 5K or 10K race benefiting Second Harvest and the Union Gospel Mission. Info: www.TheHungerRun.org

(April 2) Hauser Lake 10K Icebreaker Run. Where: Hauser Lake, Idaho. The Ice Breaker run is an annual 10k race the first Sunday in April. It is an official Bloomsday Second Seed race benefiting special needs dogs at the Double J Dog Ranch. Info: Facebook.com/hauserlake10kicebreakerrun

(April 22) Wetland Trail Run. Where: Cheney, Wash. Leaving from the Cheney/Spangle trailhead, enjoy the beautiful scenery as you run or walk 4.25 miles or 2 miles of the Cheney Wetland Trail. Info: www.cityofcheney.org

ORGANIC FAIR TRADE

(April 23) Spokane River Run. Where: Riverside State Park. Annual trail run held through beautiful pine forest along the Spokane River. Courses range from 50k to 5k. Info: SpokaneRiverRun.com (April 23) 35th Annual Spring Dash.

Where: Coeur d’Alene. A five mile run in beautiful downtown Coeur d’Alene and qualifier for Bloomsday. Kick off the running season and raise funds for United Way of North Idaho. Info: UnitedWayofNorthIdaho.org

(May 7) Lilac Bloomsday Run. Where: Downtown Spokane. Spokane’s most famous 12K fun run. Info: BloomsdayRun.org (May 13) Priest Lake Mother’s Day Marathon. Run along Priest Lake with big views of the Selkirk Mountains in celebration of Mom. Info: Priestlakerace.com

SPOKANE, WA ROASTHOUSECOFFEE.COM 44

OutThereMonthly.com / MARCH 2017

(May 20) Troika Triathlon. Where: Medical Lake. Options include Olympic course, long course and sprint course. Info: TroikaTriathlon.com

(May 27-28) 24 Hours Round the Clock. Where: Riverside State Park, Spokane. A mountain bike race, beginning at noon on Saturday and ending at noon on Sunday. Teams and solos compete for medals, prizes and bragging rights after riding for 24 hours. Info: Roundandround.com

(July 8) Up Chuck Challenge Trail Run. Where: Camp Sekani Park, Spokane. When: 9:30 a.m. Kick off the day at the Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival with a 5k or 1.5 mile trail run to top of Beacon Hill or Camp Sekani. Timed only on the uphill climb, both distances include an untimed run, trot or walk back to the festival grounds. Complete the race and sport your Up Chuck bandana at the Spokatopia beer garden! Info: Spokatopia.com. (July 9) Valley Girl Triathlon. Where: Liberty Lake village beachfront. When: 7:45 a.m. Women’s sprint distance triathlon. Info: www.valleygirltri.com (July 15) Kaniksu 50 & Emory Corwine Memorial Ruck Race. Where: Colville National Forest. A non-profit 50 mile ultra run & a 50 mile fast pack relay. For the fast pack relay, 1-5 participants each complete one of five legs carrying a minimum 35lb pack for men and 25lb pack for women. Runners have 14 hours to complete the course featuring 7800 feet of elevation gain and the fast packers have 20 hours. All proceeds go The SERE Association’s memorial scholarship fund.

BIKING (April 8) Spokane Bike Swap & Expo. Where: Spokane County Fair & Expo Center. When: 9-5. Hundreds of bikes to choose from and over 50 exhibitors – including most local bike shops – bring every type, size and price range of bike. You’re sure to find a great deal on a new or used bike. Info: SpokaneBikeSwap.com

(April 29) Two Wheel Transit 10 Hour MTB Race. Where: Beacon Hill/Camp Sekani, Spokane.

An inaugural race where teams or solo riders complete as many 9.4 mile laps as possible in the 10 hours. Info: Twowheeltransit.com

(April 30) Lilac Century Ride. Where: Spokane. The season kick-off for the local cycling community. Five tour lengths ranging from 15 to 100 miles. All levels of riders will enjoy a free baked-potato feed at the finish. Proceeds benefit local charities supported by the Spokane Aurora Northwest Rotary Club. Info: Lilaccentury.com (May 20) Woodrat 25 Mile MTB Race. Where: Priest Lake, Idaho. Choose a 25 mile or 12 mile race division. Double-track and singletrack riding includes sections of low chain ring climbs, some fast downhill, groves of huge cedar trees, and lots of turns. This ride is for intermediate skills or better. Info: Priestlakerace.com (June 17) CHAFE 150. The 150 mile route with no mountain passes or long sustained climbs starts and finishes in beautiful Sandpoint, Idaho, on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille after winding into the nearby river valleys of Montana. The ride is a benefit for local students on the autism spectrum. Chafe150.org (June 17) Silver Valley Ride to Defeat ALS. Ride solo or as part of a team through the historic Silver Valley on the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes to help fight Lou Gehrig’s disease. Several lengths to choose from.

(July 8) Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival. Where: Camp Sekani Park, Spokane. When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. In its third year, Spokatopia has grown into one of the Northwest’s largest bike demo events. Come try different bikes; sign up for adventure clinics to learn new sports like climbing, kayaking, geocaching, paddleboard yoga and other outdoor activities; demo paddleboards and other watercraft; watch live music or the mountain bike jump jam; and check out over 50 exhibitors. Info: Spokatopia.com.

Climbing

Prepare for Spring Climbing with These Training Tips // By Siobhan Ebel

Climbing well outdoors means training well indoors. // Photo: Jon Jonckers

To some people, climbing in a gym is the only type of climbing they know; to others it’s simply supplemental training for outdoor climbing. When it’s still too cold to climb real rock outside, it’s the perfect time to ramp up training for the coming season. Below are a few climbing exercises you can do in the gym that focus on limit strength, power, and power endurance to keep you at peak strength. Limit Strength

According to Eric Horst, author of Conditioning for Climbers, “limit strength is the maximum force you can generate in a single all-out effort.” Limit strength is used when crimping holds or for locking off on a move. Training for this type of movement often involves grip strength. Most climbers are no strangers to pull ups as they remain one of the most effective methods of increasing limit strength. There are numerous variations including weighted pull ups, uneven grip pull ups, wide grip pull ups, and locking off at 90 and 45 degrees. All are useful for increasing limit strength. Dead hangs are also an effective training method for increasing limit strength. 1. Find two holds spaced evenly apart. Start with jugs, but as you get better you can increase the difficulty of the holds. 2. Hang from the holds with your arms straight until your grip fails. 3. Rest and repeat. Climbing Power

Power is limit strength in the form of quick explosive movements. Power is used in the execution of dead points or dynos, and training for this type of movement often involves working on contact strength. Feet-on lunges is a great beginner exercise to work on contact strength. 1. Position yourself squarely on the wall while holding two evenly spaced jugs (as with dead hangs you can increase the severity of the holds as you get better). 2. Put one arm behind your back. 3. Quickly lunge to a hold slightly higher than your start hold and then return to your start hold. It’s important to note that your feet should not come off the wall. 4. Repeat until you fall off. Power Endurance

Power endurance is the ability to climb at near maximum strength for extended periods of time.

Sport climbers especially rely on power endurance. One of the simplest, although in my opinion hardest, ways to increase power endurance is to add weight through the use of a weight vest/belt while climbing. Because it will be much harder to climb with the added weight, climb three to four grades below your normal onsight level. One hand traversing is another way to increase both contact and grip strength while also increasing your power endurance. 1. Find a section of the wall with enough room to traverse and position yourself slightly off the ground. In my experience, if you’re just beginning to work on contact strength it takes a bit of trial and error to find your balance, so don’t climb too high. 2. Put one arm behind your back. 3. Traverse by lunging from hold to hold and moving your feet as needed. 4. When you fall off or get to the end, repeat using your other arm. Campusing, an advanced climbing technique that’s recommended only after you’ve been climbing for at least three to four years to build up the necessary tendon strength, is another great way to work on power endurance. At its simplest, campusing is climbing without your feet. It’s usually done on a campus board featuring evenly spaced rungs, and involves lunging, or dynoing, from rung to rung. All four points of contact should leave the wall as you ascend the rungs. To prevent injury, keep your arms slightly bent and avoid locking your elbows. Rambos is a relatively simple power endurancebuilding exercise in theory, but it is both effective and tiring in practice. 1. Pick a route two or three grades below your onsight level. 2. Climb the route. 3. Downclimb the route. 4. Repeat until failure.

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Avoid Injury While Training

It’s important to note that unless otherwise stated, these training exercises are not for beginners. As with any exercise, if it hurts, stop! Don’t risk injury by climbing through the pain or neglecting rest days. Allowing your muscles to repair themselves between workouts is essential to see growth and improvement in your climbing abilities. // MARCH 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

Last Page canyon canoeing at bonnie lake // By Nick Thomas

A spring paddling classic in the channeled scablands. // Photos: Nick Thomas

It was midweek halfway through spring when

we rumbled along a dusty road south of Cheney with our rented EWU canoe humming atop our station wagon. We reached the put-in spot down wonderfully named Hole-In-the-Ground Road. There, Rock Creek meanders along the canyon floor, presenting the only way to access the lake. There were a couple other cars but no people to be seen. We unloaded our gear: life preservers, a picnic lunch, water, sunscreen. The day was unseasonably warm, hot even, if you stayed in the sun. We slid the canoe down the ramp and jumped in, launching a quick half-day adventure. We paddled under the bridge, heading upstream

OutThereMonthly.com / MARCH 2017

nice and easy against the current. All around over the marsh were red winged blackbirds, fiercely trilling; their vivid wing patches glowed like racing stripes. In the sea of reeds the route sometimes seems to double back on itself thanks to the oxbow curves, which lets the view keep changing. On the west rim of the canyon ledge a majestic land bridge spans open air, sun shining through a wide arch, the likes of which I’ve never seen in the scablands. After we passed a beaver dam, the creek suddenly widened. We’d officially entered Bonnie Lake. We rowed farther and the canyon walls seemed to rise higher. Soon we were in its shade, the cliff walls dancing with blue refracted light. A fisherman in

a small rowboat was reeling his line in for another cast. The lake is popular among anglers but never crowded, unlike its larger downstream sister, Rock Lake. Just then an osprey caught a stray ray of sunshine, dove and came up, dinner flashing. Bonnie Island soon came into view, shimmering in the sun. Three kayakers were pulling away from a reedy beach as we paddled ashore. Tromping around the small lake isle was oddly thrilling. The land sloped some 50 feet above the water, but the canyon walls were still much taller. Bonnie Island is ancient; wedged among relatively young basalt flows, the island’s exposed granite dates back a billion years. We felt the sense of timelessness as we

sat and took in the quiet. As we sat listening and eating our lunch, no human noises intruded on our picnic — no cars, jets, voices; only the zooming, ambient insects high above. We sighed, stretched out in a sun patch. Up-lake a giant turkey vulture circled the eastern rim in search of its meal. The lake felt apart from anything, literally removed. And we felt that way too, camped out atop the small, county-owned island. Rarely had we experienced such tranquility and seclusion so close to town. Tucked away in its spiny canyon, the place seems to exist as an ancient secret. After a while the golden sun, the scent of sap and tall grass, and the strange heat demanded its toll; my eyelids grew heavy. We woke up when the sun moved behind the tree line, the blasted colors of that world rapidly deepened. Woozy, a bit sun drunk, we clambered down the trail and paddled hard for creek and car. We’d only experienced a portion, a third maybe, of the lake’s length. But now we know the way, and we hope to return with plenty of time to see the rest of lovely Bonnie Lake. // Nick Thomas wrote about the adventures of a crosscountry skiing newbie in January.

MARCH 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

Full-service shop, rentals, demos, classes and an experienced staff! For a complete list of class descriptions, 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

UPCOMING EVENTS WE’RE SPONSORING: 10th Annual “Bounder”

Paws & Poles Race

49°N Ski Resort Nordic Area Saturday March 4, 2017 Bring your dog, your skis or snowshoes for a romp in the snow benefitting SpokAnimal C. A. R. E.

March 24-27, 2017 Red Rock Canyon, Las Vegas, NV

Learn or improve your climbing skills at

America’s Best Climbing Festival! 100+ climbing clinic options. Don’t miss your chance – they’re filling fast!

Big Wall • Crack Climbing • Gear Placement Women’s-only • Gym-to-Crag • NEW Monday Clinics

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Spring’s Coming –

Get out and Play! We’ve got the outdoor gear, clothing & footwear for all your adventures! Climbing Gear Red Rock Rendezvous 48 at the Mountain OutThereMonthly.com / MARCH 2017 Red Rock Conservation Area, Las Vegas, NV Photo: Eric Odenthal