Out There Monthly May 2015

RIVER RAMBLES | TRAIL MANIACS | RIVER SAFETY FOR KIDS MAY 2015 // FREE

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Out There Monthly / may 2015

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In This Issue p.5 / From the Editor

MONTHLY

A Whole New Adventure

p.6-7 / Out There News

Out There Monthly / May 2015 www.outtheremonthly.com

p.8 / Hike of the month p.9 / Running Trail Maniacs Take Over State Parks

Publishers

Shallan & Derrick Knowles Editor

Derrick Knowles

p.10 / OutThere Kids Paddling with Kids

p.11 / Everyday Cyclist Cool Water Bikes

p.12 / Fishing Fishing the Upper Spokane

p.13 / Out There Spotlight

Looking back at the Spokane Mountaineers

p.14 / Gear Room Rudy Project Eyewear

p.16 / River Rambles @M ANI TO TAP H O U S E MA N I TO T A P H OUS E .C O M

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p.22 / Out There Spotlight

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A fun bike ride on the Centennial Trail for the whole family to enjoy!

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p.23 / Biking

Bike to Work Week

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Jon Jonckers Brad Naccarato Amy Silbernagel McCaffree Contributing Writers:

S. Michal Bennett Chic Burge Kelly Chadwick Hank Greer Derrick Knowles Bea Lackaff Janelle McCabe Ammi Midstokke Peter Wayne Moe Taylor Rogers Aaron Theisen Holly Weiler Jerry White Jr. Contributing Writers:

Drew Parker Young Bennett Seth Warren Lynn Mrzygod Michael Visintainer Kelly Lynch Matt Vielle Eric Ashley Kristen Mico Shallan Knowles Todd Demars Art + Production

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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 2015 Out There Monthly, LLC. The views expressed in this magazine reflect those of the writers and advertisers and not necessarily Out There Monthly, LLC.

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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 areknowledgeable about the risks, and are personally willing to assume all responsibility associated with those risks.

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[a full-service, non-profit bike shop, empowering youth who are homeless to become wholehearted followers of Christ and exit street life.]

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Out There Monthly / may 2015

224 S. Howard St. 509.838.8580 bikes@coolwaterbikes.org

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p.36-37 / Spokane River Water Trail p.38 Last Page How to Write about Bikes and Cars

On the cover: “I spent five days on a float trip down the Main Fork of the Salmon River with Riggins-based Mountain River Outfitters last summer. MRO is unique among outfitters in that it sends a guideboat down the river every day to set up camp and prepare meals, which leaves guests plenty of time to try stand up paddleboarding.”

Photo: aaron theisen

From The Editor: A Whole New Adventure summer as a self-taught “river guide.” Each rapid was still exciting and a bit nerve-racking, and this was the most serious one so far. The route looked pretty straight forward, and I knew that thousands of boats had safely passed this way before us, yet the edginess of that moment, locked in anticipation, hung in the air and electrified my limbs. Doubt and fear, always lingering near in times like these, endlessly trump any rational reassurances that the odds are in our favor. Since then, there have been many more uneasy scouting missions, peering long and hard into the wild froth of different rapids on other rivers, looking for a way through it all, and they have mostly ended well with post-rapid celebration.

But now that familiar feeling hangs in my chest hour after hour, building then swirling eddy-like in

my tight throat, only easing off with the occasional life distractions before the next jittery surge – and I’m far from any river rapid. This edgy anticipation has been growing for nine months. Unproductive wondering and worrying and excitement as we wait for another first run into a different kind of unknown.

Eventually the waiting is over. We have made it through okay, and a whole new adventure begins.

Giving birth and raising a child are some of the most basic and common of human experiences, but that fact doesn’t dull the very real and personal intensity of ushering another life into this beautiful, crazy, wide, wild world. Meet the newest addition to the Out There Monthly family. // Derrick Knowles, Editor

© PatitucciPhoto

The steady flow of anxiousness seems familiar but strangely out of place. A little bit of mental gear grinding and the memory of a specific location and situation materializes. We had climbed up in the cliffs above the Lower Salmon River to scout one of the more technical, late-summer rapids. From that kind of vantage point, where the roar of the rapids resonates off the canyon walls in a dull, unnerving rumble, we had hoped to find the right path safely through the whitewater torrent and rock garden below.

The nerve driven urge to urinate – even though I had just gone minutes before back at the boat – was intense. And if I didn’t know better, I might have wondered if there were a thousand frantic swallows dive bombing for bugs in my chest. It was my first

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Out ThereNews New Mica Peak Zipline The Mica Peak area above Liberty Lake, a former moonshine hotspot turned hiking and mountain biking mecca, will be getting a new recreational attraction come late May when Mica Moon Zip Tours begins offering zipline canopy tours on around 300 acres of private forest land with big mountain views. The zipline tours, which kick off Memorial Day weekend, will include the thrills of a traditional zipline along with a historical experience that includes visits to remnants of old moonshine camps. The tours will cater to thrill seekers, families and history buffs. The two-and-a-half-hour tours will eventually include as many as eight zips up to 75 feet above the forest floor that will send guests flying through the air over the trees at up to 45 miles per hour. The longest zip is in the 1,500 length range, with exceptional views of the Spokane Valley along the way.

“Our tour is the perfect combination of an intimate canopy tour like those we have done in the rainforests of Belize and higher octane zips with amazing views like those outside Las Vegas or in Hawaii,” says Mica Moon founder Rik Stewart.

“What I love is the fact that we connect with both families looking for an educational bonding experience in beautiful natural settings and thrill seekers and bucket listers who want to test their comfort zones a bit,” he says. “Even the most timid of guests, with the help of our guides, will have developed the confidence to enjoy the longer and higher zips at the end of the tour.”

Guests will check in at the Mica Moon Zip Tours office at the Liberty Lake Portal building (23402 E. Mission Ave., Suite 100) before hopping into a van shuttle to the base of the mountain for the final off-road vehicle ride to the start of the tour. More info: Micamoon.com. // (OTM)

A sneak peek of the course going up at Mica Moon Zip Tours.

Photo courtesy of Todd Demars

Skeeter Skoot Family Bike Ride (June 6)

Cool Water Bikes, a non-profit bicycle shop that refurbishes used bicycles and offers hope to youth on the streets of Spokane, is hosting its annual “Skeeter Skoot” bike ride fundraiser June 6. The casual, family-friendly ride will head east along the Centennial Trail from the Gonzaga University campus (where the event starts and ends), before looping back at Mirabeau Park.

After the ride, participants can hang out and enjoy good food, play games with the kids and bid on a variety of raffle and silent auction items provided by local businesses and community

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Out There Monthly / may 2015

members. This event is the primary fundraiser that supports Cool Water Bike’s mission to give youth on the streets the opportunity to work in a bike shop, spend time with a mentor as they learn practical skills, improve self-reliance, earn a bicycle and contribute to something greater than themselves. Cool Water Bikes is a part of Cup of Cool Water, a Christian ministry working to empower youth since 1995. Details about the event will be updated soon at Coolwaterbikes. wordpress.com/skeeter-skoot and on Facebook. // (OTM)

78 Year Old Spokane Runner Sets World Record Marathon Time Strange but true, there was a world-record marathon time at the Yakima River Marathon on March 28, 2015. Spokane runner Sylvia Quinn set a new world record for 78-year-old women with an impressive time of 4:23:28. Joyce Archibald, from the United Kingdom, holds the official world record time for a 78-year-old woman, according to the Association of Road Racing Statisticians, with a time of 4:57:38. Sadly, Quinn will most likely not be recognized by the ARRS because the Yakima Marathon is a pointto-point marathon instead of a loop. This minor detail ensures that world records can’t be created on downhill courses. Nevertheless, Quinn and her friends have celebrated this performance, and she is already looking ahead to the Coeur d’Alene Marathon at the end of May for another world record attempt.

Quinn actually won the very first marathon she ran, which, coincidentally, was the Coeur d’Alene Marathon, way back in 1977. She decided to give it a try a few weeks after she participated in a little known running event called Bloomsday. Now she’s one of the Bloomsday Perennials. Quinn admits that she has osteoporosis, and she has battled some stress fractures in her running career.

Nevertheless, she’s fairly certain she can beat Archibald’s time and secure a marathon world record. “Out There Monthly” will definitely follow up with her when she does. // (Jon Jonckers)

Sylvia Quinn out on the trial.

Photo: Jon Jonckers

Turnbull Floods, Flowers and Feathers Festival (May 30) The fourth annual Floods, Flowers and Feathers Festival at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge (Saturday, May 30, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.), is a free opportunity for the whole family to get out and enjoy over 30 refuge community partners who will be sharing their special expertise covering what makes this unique scablands ecosystem tick. Reservations will be necessary for some hikes and tours, like birding and native plant walks, guided five-mile bike loops and the Ice Age Floods Institute’s geology tour. Many other drop-in activities will be on going. Booths will feature several aspects of the ecology of the wildlife and habitats of the channeled scablands, including wild pollinators, animal tracks, ticks

and mosquitos, fire ecology and even raptors from the West Valley Outdoor Learning Center.

Kids’ activities will include creating leaf impressions, painting duck decoys, and experimenting with Mobius Science Center’s famous air cannon! There will be food vendors, too.

To get to the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, drive south a little over seven miles from Cheney, Wash. on Cheney-Plaza Road and turn left at the refuge sign. Park at the refuge headquarters lot (no fee for this event). Dogs on a short leash are normally allowed at the refuge, but for this busy event, please leave hounds at home. Fws.gov/ refuge/Turnbull. // (Bea Lackaff)

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Searching for the Road Less Traveled?

Last July’s Watermelon Hill fire, sparked by target shooters using exploding targets, charred over 13,000 acres on the Fishtrap Recreation Area and surrounding land. As destructive and terrifying as it was last summer, the wildfire also provides hikers an opportunity to watch the area’s recovery this spring. Most of the largest ponderosa pines survived, aspens are already sending up new shoots alongside charred standing snags and visitors can expect better-thanusual wildflower blooms now that the competing understory shrubs have been burned away. May should be prime time for observing the area’s regeneration in the wake of the burn, as well as comparing sections of the property that were spared from the fire.

From the main parking area on Fishtrap Road, begin the hike on the open grasslands above the lake on an old roadbed that has been converted to a hiking trail. The trail is a mix of double and singletrack throughout. Although the route runs parallel to the lake, the best access to the shoreline is the farthest point out at Farmers’ Landing. For most of the hike the lake is either hidden from view or located far below the basalt bluffs.

At Farmers’ Landing visitors can choose to retrace their steps on the Basalt Bluffs make for a great scenic overlook at fishTrap lake. return route, or you can create a slightly longer loop by continuing toward the Farmer’s Landing Trailhead and connecting trails that lead near the ranch house before returning to the main trail. Much of the extended trail escaped the fire’s path, but this also makes navigation slightly more difficult. Be sure to pack a map and compass.

This hike is approximately 6-7 miles and is open for hiking, mountain biking and equestrian use.

The area is dog-friendly with a leash (watch out for rattlesnakes). Printable maps are available from the BLM website: Blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/files/brochures/fishtrap_kiosk_101711.pdf.

Getting there: From I-90 west of Spokane and Cheney, take the Fishtrap exit #254. The parking lot is located just before the Fishtrap Resort on Fishtrap Road. Give Back to Our Trails! Join Washington Trails Association for a day of trail maintenance at Liberty Lake Regional Park, May 2, providing much-needed maintenance to a trail built in the 1970s that was nearly abandoned due to lack of repairs. Signup online at Wta.org/volunteer/east.

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Out There Monthly / may 2015

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Running Trail Maniacs Take Over State Parks

By Jon Jonckers

Trail Maniacs coming to a state park near you. Photo courtesy of Trail Maniacs

“Our races are like a family reunion every month, but with people you enjoy,” says Trail Maniacs founder Dave Dutro.

If you’re reading this magazine, then chances are high that you’re already a trail maniac. Trail runners, mountain bikers and hikers all use the same trails in the local State Parks, and all of them find different challenges and adventures every time they head onto the trail. This same notion inspired Dutro to form the Trail Maniacs and the following year he launched the beloved State Park Series.

The State Park Series is the fastest growing trail series in the Inland Northwest. They have earned a solid reputation for their trail running festivities and generous prizes. More and more runners are camping in the State Parks at the races and coordinating potluck dinners the night before. Last year, the SPS gave away over $2,700 in awards, prizes and swag. Saucony recently signed up as the corporate sponsor for the 2015 series, and the Trail Maniacs are very excited about the coming season.

In a nutshell, the SPS hosts events at six state parks from two states (Idaho and Washington), essentially one race per month from May through October. The SPS is a trail run point series, including five-mile and half-marathon distances. Race organizers count your best five out of six races in the series.

Compared to any other series of backcountry trail running events, the SPS capitalizes on two key components that are fairly uncommon. First, the bonds within the trail community are super strong because trail running is so different compared to other workouts – your senses and body are equally tested. Second, these are destination races in wonderful places that really amplify why so many outdoor enthusiasts and athletes love the Inland Northwest. After every race, there’s always at least one runner that reports how running in the woods clearly beats chugging around the asphalt.

Initially, when Dutro was training for several triathlons, he resisted the standard road running model because he thought running on pavement was boring. But when he discovered trail running, everything changed. Physically, it’s a little more difficult, but everything else is so much more stimulating. Trail runs demand constant adjustments, the hills are challenging, the views are rewarding and the experience is always fantastic.

It didn’t take long for Dutro to hatch a plan for a race series that celebrates the joy of trail running and the brotherhood of the Northwest trail run-

ning community.

For 2015, the first SPS race is at Farragut State Park at the southern end of Lake Pend Oreille May 9. The second race June 13 takes place at Heyburn State Park on the southwest side of Lake Coeur d’Alene. For the third race, the SPS congregates at Mount Spokane State Park on July 15. The SPS skips August in order to avoid the heat, and the fourth race takes place in Ponderosa State Park September 12. The fifth race is at Riverside State Park October 3, and the final race of the season is actually on Halloween (October 31) at Hells Gate State Park near Lewiston. In case anyone is curious, the answer is yes, Dutro did plan the final race to land on Halloween at Hells Gate, so you have plenty of time to work on your race costume.

Another popular feature regarding the SPS series is the option for a long or short run. “Our five-mile races are perfect for runners new to trail running. That’s the nice thing about trail running…if you’re tired, walk for a while. I know I do,” says Dutro Altogether, this race series serves as a launch pad for some of Dutro’s bigger goals. The primary objective is to use the SPS races to raise funds for the local high school cross country teams. In the future, there’s a bigger goal of helping other high schools start cross country running programs.

More than giving back, the ambition for all of the SPS races is to plant seeds for a faster, stronger and better trail running community far into the future.

In order to keep these goals in focus, Dutro keeps right on planning extra events. For those that camp at the SPS races, there’s always a followup group run on the nearby trails on the Sunday after the main race. He also signs up and races at other trail runs to show that he’s not just an armchair race director. Even better, Dutro works at Physio One, which happens to be one of the best physical therapy practices in the Inland Northwest, and he’s made a career out of serving local athletes.

Admittedly, Dutro is quick to shun recognition. Instead, he keeps pointing back to the races and the ever-growing camaraderie. “Right now, I would have to say that Trail Maniacs has evolved into a giant family. It’s about so much more than just trail running events,” says Dutro. “I look forward to seeing and meeting all the runners. And now I see on social media how runners are exploring all the great local trails we have in the Spokane and Coeur d’Alene area.”

Mission accomplished. For more information about the Trail Maniacs and the State Park Series, check them out at Trailmaniacs.com. // may 2015

/ Out There Monthly

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Kids

Paddling with your kids-what to know before you go // By amy silbernagel mccaffree “Paddling is a wholesome sport and a good way to meet people,” says Stan Mrzygod, president of the Spokane Canoe & Kayak Club, which he’s been a member of since 1979. He and his wife taught their three children how to paddle. “They just learned by doing it with me,” he says. By the teenage years, the family was enjoying multi-day canoe-camping trips together.

Children as young as five years old can begin learning how to paddle. Give them small paddles and help them observe and understand “the play of moving a paddle as you’re moving over the water… [and] the interplay of paddle and water and how it pulls one’s hand,” says Mrzygod. “I started my kids in a canoe, but a kayak also works – it comes down to personal choice as far as what the parent is most comfortable with, so he or she can guide the children through the skill set,” he says.

Paddling Gear “The most important piece of equipment is a PFD [personal flotation device} – type III, CoastGuard approved for both adults and children,” says Mrzygod. “Wear it anytime the boat is not connected to the shore,” he says. “Most boaters drown within 15 feet of their PFDs.” Rent gear from a store that specializes in watersports, such as Mountain Gear, Mountain Goat or REI. If you eventually decide to buy your own equipment, HOME

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Mrzygod recommends mid-level gear from specialty stores. While it requires more experience to use, it’s a “better value, leading to an improved paddling experience,” he says. Mrzygod also recommends using a dry bag to store cell phones, snacks, extra clothing and other belongings.

Safety “Keep kids warm and comfortable. Start out with paddling for an hour or less. You don’t want to have kids start whining and parents losing patience.

Keep it short and sweet,” he says.

“A good place to start out, close to Spokane, would be Long Lake near the Nine Mile Resort. Around here, the water never really gets warm…stay close to shore. Stay away from moving water – no creeks or rivers. There is a whole new dynamic to moving water.” Mryzgod also recommends Newman Lake and small lakes that only allow non-motorized boats, such as Medical Lake near Cheney or Horseshoe Lake in Pend Oreille County.

Wait to paddle on moving water until children have the necessary skills, which is typically age 12 or older, according to Mryzgod. River paddling requires more complex safety awareness and rescue skills. “There are always hazards with cold moving water, including foot entrapment [from submerged rocks or sticks],” says Mrzygod. “It’s a much different dynamic than a lake.”

Two or more families – or at least two adults – should team up for canoe or kayak outings. “Go with other adults with a second boat. Self-rescue is very difficult,” he says. “You have to have skills to get back into a swamped boat.” And someone, or the entire family, will inevitably “go swimming” while learning to paddle.

When someone goes overboard, remember the “Reach, Row, Throw” water-rescue process. This means the first rescue attempt is to “reach to the person in distress, if you can, using a paddle or stick,” he says. If that isn’t possible, row to the person. Throwing a rope is the third option; however, Mrzygod doesn’t recommend using a throw bag unless parents have taken a rescue class, to reduce the risk of the rescuer being pulled in.

as FLOW Adventures and Spokane Parks and Recreation, that offer private and group lessons, as well as guided outings.

Mryzgod recommends two local upcoming on-the-water events that serve as an introduction to paddle-sports and water safety for families and children.

Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival on July 11 at Camp Sekani Park. ($5 festival admission; excursion costs vary). More info: www.spokatopia. com.

Paddle, Splash & Play on August 15 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at the Nine Mile Recreation Area/ Riverside State Park. (Free but a Discover Pass is required.) All equipment will be provided for families and children. //

Clinics and Classes “Since children should be under adult supervision at all times near water, especially if paddling is involved, it is recommended that the responsible adults have knowledge of potential risks and possess the necessary skill sets for their particular choice of paddling equipment,” says Mrzygod.

The Spokane Canoe & Kayak Club offers instructional clinics for adults and youth age 12 and older for canoes, sea kayaks and whitewater kayaks. See the club’s website, www.sckc.ws, for more information. There are also local organizations, such

Grandfather Stan and granddaughter Ania on a winter paddle on the Spokane River.

Photo courtesy of Lynn Mrzygod

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Everyday Cyclist Cool Water Bikes

Trading Street Living for the Bicycle Life // By Hank Greer

Nitty Gritty Dirt

F O N D O BIKE RIDE

A well-stocked bike shop. Photo: Hank Greer

I’m at Cool Water Bikes downtown Spokane and my commuter is suspended from a bike stand. I watch as Noah Sutherland inspects the cables, spins the pedals and shifts all of the gears up and down. Well, most of them. He points toward the rear derailleur.

“There’s a little fraying going on here, and it’s catching in the housing,” he says, explaining that this is why the shifting is stiff and it’s not dropping into the lower gears. “You need new cable housing along with new cables.”

I’ve been lazily tolerating the increasing dysfunction for a couple of months now. It bothered me, but not to the point of doing something about it. Stopping in at Cool Water Bikes to talk to Sutherland about his shop was a convenient chance to finally get my bike looked at.

Cool Water Bikes is a full service bike shop in the heart of downtown Spokane. And it’s more than that; it’s an extension of the Christian ministry Cup of Cool Water that reaches out to homeless young people living on the streets of Spokane.

Cup of Cool Water uses bikes to try to empower kids to get off the street and find a new source of spirituality in the Christian faith. At the ministry, located at 2nd and Madison, interested young people are referred to the bike shop for the Earna-Bike program. 10 hours of work gets them a bike, helmet and a lock.

Sutherland breaks out a chain wear tool. “Your chain is really close to needing replacement,” he says. I rode my bike all winter and didn’t keep it very clean. At one time the chain had rust on it before I finally did something about it. I’ve been hard on my bike. Neglectful even.

A worn-out chain increases the wear on the teeth.

That’s not good.” I knew long ago that problems in one area can lead to problems in another. Now I know what to look for, but it’s too late this time.

One young man, bouncing back from homelessness and alcohol abuse during his teen years, decided to get a job, and he wanted a bike for transportation, Sutherland tells me. He earned a bike in two weeks. He was hired as a dishwasher at a restaurant, and his relationship with Sutherland and the shop was important enough to him that he came in once a week to volunteer an hour of work. Unfortunately, he succumbed to the false comfort of alcohol and lost his job. Sutherland hasn’t seen him for quite some time but notes that he’ll be welcome if he returns.

“Installing a new chain won’t help if the cassette is that worn,” Sutherland says. “You have to replace the cassette, too. You could keep the same chain and gears until the chain starts skipping over them. Then you will have to replace everything.” I suppose I could wait until I absolutely have to do something. What’s the harm in putting it off?

A teenager who lived with his mother in lowincome housing came into the shop one day and enrolled in the program. He was thrilled to earn his bike. When he and his mother moved from Spokane, his mother donated the bike back to the shop. A couple years later the young man showed up at the shop again. As fortune would have it, Sutherland still had his bike. The young man completed two hours of work but hasn’t come back since then. It’s hard for Sutherland to know what happened. If someone makes a good or bad life

Making repairs to broken bikes – that’s the easy part of Noah Sutherland’s job.

While he looks over my bike, Sutherland talks about the many reasons some kids end up homeless. Feeling unsafe or unwelcome at home.

Running from foster care or a group home. Drug or alcohol abuse, be it them or a parent. Every person’s story is unique. Sutherland focuses on building relationships. Religion enters into the conversation, but it’s never forced. The kids determine which direction the conversation goes. Either way, Sutherland works on establishing a relationship and tries to build self-esteem and confidence in each person.

Peering over the cassette, Sutherland points out another issue with my bike. “See how some of the teeth are getting a shark fin look to them?

decision, they don’t always come back to tell him.

Sutherland makes some final adjustments, double checks his work and removes my bike from the stand. “There you go. It’ll shift a lot easier now,” he says smiling. “And now you can use all the gears.”

I pay for the parts and labor, put my panniers back on my bike, and head out the door a little wiser in the ways of bike maintenance. The bike feels so much better as it smoothly shifts through the gears. I gain speed and feel the wind on my face.

Making repairs to broken bikes – that’s the easy part of Noah Sutherland’s job.

Stop by and check out Cool Water Bikes at 224 South Howard Street. Coolwaterbikes.wordpress.com. //

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Fishing Upbeat Outlook for Fishing the Upper Spokane River // By Derrick Knowles Fish surveys over the last two decades make it clear that the redband trout fishery in the Upper Spokane River isn’t close to what it was back in the early 90s when I frequently pulled in large 15-20” redbands from the riverbank out near Harvard Road. So it was nice to hear a positive report recently from Sean Visintainer, owner of Silver Bow Fly Shop, that the redband populations on the Upper Spokane, while at an all-time low, seem to have stabilized.

Visintainer notes that redbands still face numerous issues with lack of spawning habitat, lack of invertebrates, warm water temps and other factors, but says that despite these issues, the fish that are surviving are strong and fairly nice in length. “Fishing on the Upper Spokane can be pretty decent despite the low fish population numbers,” he says. “Once an angler recognizes what type of water the fish are holding in and the tactics, you can have a good outing.” Most of the fish anglers are catching are native redband rainbows, he says; however, the last couple seasons Visintainer reports seeing more westslope cutthroat (spring flow spillovers from Lake Coeur d’Alene) and even a few browns.

But the real good news is that the potential for turning things around is getting more attention from anglers and other stakeholders. “The Upper Spokane River fishery is certainly a fraction of what is was, or could be,” says Visintainer.

“It has some great fish in it and we want to pro-

Trout Unlimited, Spokane Riverkeeper and others, plan to direct the funds raised specifically towards a non-motorized boat-slide access area at the Island’s Trailhead just below Plante’s Ferry Park in Spokane Valley. This new takeout area will open up approximately eight miles of river to drift boats, rafts, canoes, kayaks and other non-motorized boats. The boat slide will also serve as a launching site for those looking for a flat water paddling experience down to Boulder Beach.

In addition to providing better access for boaters, the plans The Upper Spokane still holds some nice fish if you know where to go.

Photo courtesy of Michael Visintainer include repairing 500 feet of riparian habitat near the boat tect them.” And local anglers aren’t just standing slide area. The project is great news for anglers around with their hands in their waders either. who will now have an official take-out location At the 2nd annual International Fly Fishing Film providing access to the best section of trout fishing in the Spokane Valley, says Visintainer. Final Festival in Spokane last month, nearly 450 anglers showed up to watch great fishing films and help plans should be wrapped up this summer, with the raise over $10,000 to go toward improving access boat slide construction starting this fall. for boaters and redband restoration efforts on the The Upper Spokane River still needs a lot of Upper Spokane. help improving fish and invertebrate populaFilm festival organizers, including Silver Bow tions, spawning habitat and water quality, says Fly Shop, the Spokane River Forum, Spokane Visintainer, and he points to another project in

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the works on the upper river that could provide a boost to struggling redband populations. “There is currently a project soon to be started out near the Starr Road area that will help improve spawning habitat,” he says. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Avista have identified the Starr Road area as one of the major spawning beds for redband trout in the Upper Spokane River. Dollars raised from last year’s fly fishing film festival helped fund studies for the spawning structures scheduled to go in this summer, which are expected to improve the safety of juvenile redband trout from predation by smallmouth bass and higher water flows. Improved population numbers could occur as quickly as three to five years if the project, which includes installing five “large wooded debris structures” into the river, is successful.

Anglers should keep in mind that the Upper Spokane is a fragile resource that needs respect, says Visintainer. “Follow the rules in place of catch and release, barbless hooks, no bait and to refrain from fishing during the closed spawning season,” he says. “I think it’s pretty neat to run down to the river after work to wade or float and catch hard fighting, beautiful wild trout. Not too many cities can say they have that right in their backyard!”

Learn more about ongoing efforts to restore native redband trout populations in the Spokane River at Spokaneriver.net and on the Silver Bow blog at Silverbowflyshop.com. //

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Out There Monthly / may 2015

OutThereSpotlight Looking Back at the Spokane Mountaineers (1940 to 1950) // By Chic Burge Some of the climbs Spokane Mountaineers members took part in back in 1940 ranged from an overnighter on Stevens Peak led by Hans Moldenhauer and a climb of Mount Adams led

by Ed Dennis, who also led the club’s second climbing class. The third significant climb of 1940 was an overnighter to Gunsight and Hunt Peaks in the American Selkirks above Priest Lake led by Byron Boyer.

The summer outing that year was to Mount Rainier, which was the first such outing in a National Park.

In 1941, Joe Wing, Earl Ferrier, Ken Henderson and Frank Hefferlin were on the third team to climb Idaho’s Chimney Rock. That year, the club also claimed first ascents on Rock Peak, Elephant Peak, St. Paul Peak, Lost Horse Peak and Ojibway Peak, all in what was then the Cabinet Mountain Primitive Area in Montana. That year Frank Hefferlin also led a climbing trip to Ojibway Peak above Rock Lake in the Cabinets during the summer outing.

In 1943 the dues for an adult were $4, and longtime member Dorothy Ferrier was elected the second woman president in the club’s history. The 8th annual summer outing was held at Diamond Lake because of World War II gas rationing. Gas conserving outing #1085 was an overnight bike trip to Rockford, Wash.

Because of the war in 1944, and severe gas rationing, the summer outing to Priest Lake was affected, as were all the regular outings that year.

Summit of Chimney Rock, August 17, 1941. Earl Ferrier and Kenny Henderson pictured.

Others who made it to the top that day were Joe Long and Frank Hefferlin. This photo is from the 3rd ever successful climb of Chimney Rock. The 2nd ever summit was also made by three former Spokane Mountaineers members a few years earlier. Photo courtesy of Spokane Mountaineers

In 1941, Joe Wing, Earl Ferrier, Ken Henderson and Frank Hefferlin were on the third team to climb Idaho’s Chimney Rock. That year, the club also claimed first ascents on Rock Peak, Elephant Peak, St. Paul Peak, Lost Horse Peak and Ojibway Peak, all in what was then the Cabinet Mountain Primitive Area in Montana.

Discover Valley Fin-tastic

The cost for a week at Priest Lake, including transportation and food, was $20.

The 1945 summer outing was held at Lake Chelan and the Stehekin River.

In 1946, the first ascent of Ibex Peak in the Cabinet Mountain Primitive Area of Montana and was led by club member Earl Ferrier. The total club membership that year reached 99 people. In 1947 the membership increased to 113.

The construction of the Chalet, the Spokane Mountaineers club house on Mount Spokane, got started in 1948, and the rope tow was lengthened to 1,100 feet. To finance the construction, $10 baby bonds were issued at 4% interest for five years. Outing #2037 was the official opening of the new rope tow.

In the May 1949 issue of “Sunset Magazine,” the Spokane Mountaineers was featured in an article about Northwest outdoor clubs. The summer outing that year was held at the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone in Wyoming.

In 1950, the last numbered outing was led.

Outing #2057 was from Mt. St. Michaels to Bigalow Gulch led by Mabel Gould. But the big news of 1950 was the ruling that booze was not allowed on outings or on club property. // This is #3 in a series of Spokane Mountaineers historical highlights. Learn more about the club and its events and outings as members celebrate 100 years at www.spokanemountaineers.org.

Angling Adventures SpokaneWaterTrail.org may 2015

/ Out There Monthly

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GearRoom Rudy Project Eyewear Rough & Tumble Test

By Janelle McCabe

In my household, I’m the reason we can’t have nice things. I prefer “rough and tumble” to “careless,” but let’s just say I’m hard on equipment. As a result, I’ve happily settled for my husband’s hand-me-downs when it comes to gear. But after taking several pair of Rudy Project sunglasses for road and trail runs and rides this spring, I’ve discovered what you probably already know: You get what you pay for.

Rydon: At .88 oz., these were the lightest weight pair we tried. And they look it: Their rimless, medium lens and minimal profile don’t require much space. Of all the models we tested, these sat farthest away on the face, so nothing bumped or rested on our cheeks when we jostled over bumps and puddles. We liked the light “Racing Red” lens color and clarity, but after a 50-minute mountain bike ride, we had to switch them out for something less squeezy around the head. (MSR: $224.99) Horus: These full-rim glasses have the shortest profile and widest nose bridge of the models we tested.

They also feature the darkest lenses (“Smoke Black”), so we tested them on a sunny day. The sturdy design held up just fine in strong wind gusts typical of Spokane spring days. We liked these better on the bike than by foot; they were more comfortable with a bike helmet than a running visor, and they didn’t fog up when we stopped riding. (MSR: $199.99) Ryzer: The rimless frame on this pair features the largest and tallest lenses of the models we tested. Their “Racing Red” photochromic lenses are substantially lighter in shade than in sun – perfect for the partly cloudy and very windy days when we tested them. During activity, we hardly noticed they were on, despite their larger profile. They pressed slightly into the browline and sat closer to the face, which meant less ventilation and more fogging when we came to a stop. The vision was crisp and clear, and the light lenses blocked the bright sunlight without losing details when the sun went behind the clouds. (MSR: $249.99) Zyon: We expected the removable side wings of this pair to interfere with peripheral vision, but visibility was fine. On my wide nose bridge, these pinched a bit, and the stiffer nosepiece held the frames out from the face almost as far as the Rydons.

Because of the reflective mirror lens, this pair appears red (“Multilaser Red”), but provides a gray-tinted view, which was nice on the bright day we tested them. I don’t care for the styling on these as much, but they function well, and the side wings might be a nice feature on a bright day at the lake. (MSR: $224.99) Ultimatum Shock: For kicks, we also tested a non-technical pair.

The “Multilaser Lime” lens and the Wayfarer-esque styling made our drive to and from the trails look hip.

There’s a lot of attention to detail here, and this pair looks, feels and is well-constructed. We like the matte black and green fade on the frame, and the hinges are sturdy and solid.

This pair is perfect for putting out the “I just crushed the trails on Silver Mountain, so I’ll be sipping an IPA from a SUP on Lake CdA for the rest of the day” vibe. (MSR: $149.99) The Eye Care Team on Main and Washington downtown Spokane is the only local retailer of Rudy Project sunglasses. Optician Jennifer Gibbs notes that most vision insurance plans cover Rudy Project lenses and frames, and the glasses come with generous warrenties, which is good news for rough-and-tumble adventurers like me. More info: 509-747-6581.

14

Out There Monthly / may 2015

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A while back I found myself at an event that featured a lot of really exciting films about fly fishing across the planet. Before the movie, I was talking to a fellow fly fisherman when he asked, “Have you seen the films this year? I saw them in Portland. They are really fun – not like last year when they beat us over the head with environmental issues.”

We finished our conversation and I went on to enjoy the films. There were lots of jumping fish, bent rods and high fives with victorious anglers tossing cold beers to each other. All fun stuff. But the evening left me with an uneasy feeling. None of the films featured the typical long dull periods of quiet where fish are not rising, where anglers untangle knots, or when anglers finally stand humbled at the end of the day, staring into a river that refuses to offer up any fish.

And then there was the comment from that guy before the films started that kept rising lazily to the surface of my mind like a trout slurping midges –“They are really fun…beat over the head….” It got me thinking, just what is “fun” with a fly rod?

In this state of reverie, I realized that some of my favorite times on the river are the long moments when the riffles refuse to yield a fish, when I find myself watching chickadees in the pine trees or a caddis fly crawling on a willow leaf.

It’s also when I notice the tattered plastic hanging in the willows and little pines sprouting in the shade of the big pines on south slopes, or maybe the plastic bottles, syringes and flip flops stranded in the log jams, and the gaping Combined Sewer Overflow pipes jutting into the river, reminding me that when it rains again, the city’s raw sewage and PCBs will come flowing into our river.

Then when there is nothing left to do but

sit quietly on a rock, fun quietly reframes for me. Fun becomes a connection to the Spokane River, and that connection includes contemplating the willows, chickadees, PCBs, otters, raw sewage and even the politics that shape our beautiful river. It’s all part of the experience and “stoke” I get from this connection.

Whether you are fishing or rafting on the river; mountain biking, walking dogs or running the trails; or even watching an angling film festival, it’s an opportunity to connect with the river in a deeper way. Experiencing the river like this, when that sense of being separate from the whole of the river dissipates, there is no being “beat over the head” when confronted with t he s ome t i me s harsh realities and uncomfortable politics that are a part of enjoying the rivers and other wild places we care about. The only real beating we will take is if we have our heads stuck in the sand.

By all means, high five your buddies and whoop a little too loudly in your victories while you’re out there on the river. But don’t disregard the boredom, the bugs, the sewage, the simple beauty and tough issues. Nor the calls to action to lend your river a helping hand when the time comes. It’s just another way we can find connection to the place we live.

Get out there and paddle, fish and swim and also learn about PCBs and pick up some plastic. After all, it’s all part of the fun! //

I realized that some of my favorite times on the river are the long moments when the riffles refuse to yield a fish, when I find myself watching chickadees in the pine trees or a caddis fly crawling on a willow leaf.

Jerry White Jr. learned to fly fish at a young age and has been exploring Northwest rivers by boat and on foot ever since. In 2014, he signed on as the Spokane Riverkeeper, turning his lifelong passion for our local river into a full-time job.

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Out There Monthly / may 2015

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Health&Fitness Camp Food for Grownups

Eating Well on the Go // By Ammi Midstokke

One time, and one time only, I ate one of those Mountain House dehydrated meals. I had been misled into believing that real outdoors people must not only have nerves of steel, but guts of steel, and thus such food was a mandatory accessory to proving expedition toughness.

As camping and mountaineering season approaches, it would seem appropriate to share some foodie wisdom of the backpacking and camping sort. To those of you who just purchased a Jetboil and scrambled eggs in a bag: toss the eggs and keep the boiler, for at least coffee is always a part of a quality camping menu.

There are typically a few key factors in figuring out what sort of food to take with us into the wild, namely caloric value, weight, space, and does it taste like dehydrated cardboard with sawdust seasoning on top. Most of us mountaineers starve ourselves to the point that the latter actually sounds delicious.

Throw some soggy cat hair on there and you’ve got a complete meal.

There is another consideration we often overlook, but it is worth a mention: soul food. I have been known to lug an espresso maker and a bar of chocolate through sub-Arctic Patagonia instead of a rain parka. While this may not be the wisest of choices, it sure felt wise while sipping Italian roast on the shores of a glacial river.

If you’re going light and need calories, nuts are going to be a part of your menu. High in both protein and fat, these power-packed delights don’t get old and funky. This is why trail mix is such a common occurrence in our bags. The trick is to not eat all the chocolate first. Another great source of protein and fat that keeps well (for about three days or more if you’re brave) is boiled eggs. Your cured meats are a great option too: smoked salmon, salami, jerky, cooked sausage.

What we often miss most are those fresh vegetables and fruits that don’t keep well or need too much preparation. Carrots, kohlrabi and apples are typically my go-to fruits and vegetables because they all work well as platforms for peanut butter. I also bring a bag of chopped kale because you can eat it raw or cooked, and it keeps pretty well for days. And trust me, when you’re in the great outdoors, you’ll want to stay regular.

Another good source of nutrients in the outdoors is homemade energy bars and muffins. You can add mineral salt, fruit, nuts, seeds, coconut, butter, and all kinds of things to create the macronutrient balance you want. Homemade mini-quiches also keep really well (and you can cook vegetables into them). Dehydrating your own meals is an option too. I was once dining on a glacier when my climbing partner pulled out a curried salmon and cilantro lentil dish that she’d dehydrated. It was almost as epic as the view.

Whatever adventure you’re embarking on, you don’t need to rely on prepackaged energy bars or chalk-paste to fuel you. Eat real food and you’ll enjoy your meals and appreciate how great you feel while you’re on your next adventure. // 3-Day Car Camping Food List for Two Mountain Bikers I try to pack so I don’t actually need ice, depending on the temperature. One trick for making this work is having your meats already frozen.

1 bottle of wine 1 wine opener (I cannot stress how important it is to NOT forget this) 1 can of coconut milk 12 eggs 1 pack of bacon (frozen) 1 hard salami 1 pack of two large sausages (frozen) 2 salmon filets (frozen, eat on day one unless you want lutefisk) 1 bag of kale 4 apples 2 oranges 1 bell pepper 2 zucchini 1 clove of garlic 1 bag of carrots 1 jar of peanut butter 1 bag of nuts (cashews, Brazil, etc.)

6 muffins 1 head of cabbage 2 lemons Salt Olive oil Dark chocolate Coffee

3-Day Backpacking Food List Everything on this list can be eaten without further cooking. Vegetarians can replace meats with things like lentil loaf and garden burgers.

2 apples 1 orange 1 bag macadamia nuts 9 peanut butter energy balls 1 package smoked salmon 2 large cooked sausages 2 boiled eggs 1 medium bag chopped kale 6 large carrots 1/2 c nut butter 3 coconut muffins 3 sweet potato tortillas 9 slices cooked bacon 1 bag trail mix 1 bag coffee

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/ Out There Monthly

17

Biking Simple & Free

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The author showing off her bright blue single speed. Photo: Young Bennett

As a kid growing up in Texas, knowing how to ride a bike was just as necessary as learning to swim. I first learned to ride on a back-pedal brake single speed – didn’t we all? I rode to school, cruised the neighborhood and pedaled with the family during Christmas to tour houses decorated for the holiday. I loved my bike, but then I guess I grew up.

I don’t know exactly when it happened, but I lost interest in riding a two-wheeled vehicle in the sweltering Texas summer heat. I focused more on swimming, but I admired my older sister who bought a road bike and won a few races. That isn’t to say that I didn’t have a bike. I had a 5-speed something or other that I rode casually. It was brown and unmemorable, but a few years into college, I pulled it out of the shed and dusted it off.

In my early 20s, I spent a year at a small college on the outskirts of Sydney, Australia. I had the brilliant idea to pack up my bike, ship it to the Baulkham Hills suburb and use it to ride to and from classes each day. Well, the Hills turned out to be hilly. And other students were generous with their four-wheeled motorized vehicles. I am ashamed to say that I rode my bike maybe three times the entire 10 months I lived there, and I gave it away before returning home to Colorado.

After commuting in Colorado Springs on a 50cc scooter and passing up multiple opportunities to become a mountain biker, I moved to the Inland Northwest with my husband, Young.

The first year here, we shared our only car, but I

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also walked to work and utilized Coeur d’Alene’s Citylink bus system. When my next birthday came around, my husband presented me with a candy-blue Free Spirit cruiser. It had three sticky speeds and a back-pedal brake, but I soon discovered a new level of freedom. I could experience the outdoors, build physical strength, get to where I was going and have fun all at the same time. Yes, there were hot days and rainy days, and my spring seat squeaked, but I quickly fell in love with bike commuting.

A few years later, Young once again transformed my world by building me the perfect single speed. It was light, quick and Superwoman colors – red, blue and yellow. I cut my ride-towork time in half and darted through the streets of Coeur d’Alene with new energy. How could I have ever considered this tedious?

Today, my sweet Raleigh Sprite has faithfully carried me to and from work, sped me to appointments, launched Bike-To-Work Week rides, helped me keep up with Young on lakeside jaunts and even transported me across the Harrison finish line of a rainy, cold Coeur d’Fondo. Some friends have pressured me lately to switch to a mountain bike and join them on some of the cool bike events happening in North Idaho. But, I think I’ll stick with my single speed. It has taken me back to the joy and simplicity of riding as a kid, and has convinced me that owning a bike can open up experiences, freedoms and opportunities I would never otherwise know. //

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RaceReport Nitty Gritty Dirt Fondo, Riverside Relay, & 25 Years of the Tiger Tri

BIKE TO WORK ( O R S C H O O L . O R P L AY. )

WEEK

No shortage of camaraderie at the Riverside 24 Hour Relay. Photo: Jon Jonckers

Nitty Gritty Dirt Fondo Comes to Riverside (May 9) Long a big thing in Europe, gran fondo rides have been gaining in popularity in North America in recent years. If you’re looking for a long pedal on mostly gravel roads right on the edge of Spokane this summer, the brand new Nitty Gritty Dirt Fondo will be right up your alley. Rally your friends for a fun, challenging 65 mile course with approximately 65% dirt/gravel and 35% pavement on the charming backroads of the Coulee Hite and Deep Creek communities. The course boasts about 4,500 feet of climbing with scenic terrain and dirt road options that are not well known by most Spokane area cyclists. It’s a ride, not a race, so timing is included for bragging rights only.

Various bike choices are possible depending on abilities and preferences. Road bikes may be best for riders who are more comfortable and savvy on the dirt surfaces with their road bike tires (700 x 25-28 are good options for road tires), while others might prefer the security of a cyclocross bike with narrow knobby tires. A mountain bike may do the job as well, but you might consider a more efficient tire than the wider, knobby tire that is standard on most of these bikes. An inverted tread tire or faster rolling tire will help gain speed and efficiency on both dirt and pavement sections. The dirt roads for the NGDF are hard-packed and generally in good condition.

However, keep in mind that weather conditions may alter road surfaces considerably and thus your bike and tire choice.

The ride starts and ends at Riverside State Park Nine Mile Recreation Area, with food stops and mechanic support (provided by Wheel Sport) along the way. Beverages, BBQ, and a post-ride celebration round out the day back where it all began. Emdesports.com. (OTM) Riverside 24-Hour Relay Trail Run (May 30) If you have ever reached the end of a book and wanted more, then you will probably love this race. If you have ever finished a day of skiing, and pleaded for the lift operators to give you one more ride on the lift, then you’ll probably love this race. If you have ever gone biking or running in a park, and had to leave early because it closed, then you will probably love this race.

I completely understand why relay races, such as Spokane to Sandpoint, are gaining traction and increasing in popularity. But I believe the genius of a relay race with laps at Riverside State Park is better for four big reasons. First off, after your run, you don’t have to climb into a van or SUV that smells like sweaty socks to reach your next relay station. Second, a loop in the State Park is much more convenient for family members to support

and cheer for you. Third, there’s more opportunity for camaraderie with other teams because everyone stops and starts at the same point. Fourth, at the end of the race, the single exchange station eliminates the need to shuttle back to the start or return your teammates to their cars.

Riverside State Park is a trail running mecca, and the six-mile loop is mellow compared to other local trail races. Since some teams dress up in costumes or funny face paint, the base camp maintains a positive, party atmosphere late into the night. I had a great time last year because I treated each lap like the next chapter in a good book, and I loved the whole relay from beginning to end. (Jon Jonckers) Colville, Wash. to Celebrate 25th Year of the Tiger Tri (July 18) No doubt the thing that keeps people coming back to swim, bike, and run their way through northeast Washington for the Tiger Tri over the past 25 years is the sometimes painfully beautiful forests, lakes and wide open spaces that dominate the course. Event organizer and Colville, Washington Parks and Recreation Coordinator Jake Wilson hammers this point home: “About 60% or more of the Tiger Tri participants in recent years have been from out of town, and a lot of people comment on how beautiful the course is,” he says. “It’s primarily on the Colville National Forest and along the Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge, and it’s just a super scenic course.”

The race begins with a 1k swim in Lake Gillette, a mountain lake about 25 miles east of Colville, at the Beaver Lodge boat launch. From there, the 40k bike portion heads west on the lightly traveled State Route 20 for a fast, 90% downhill roll with substantial elevation loss through the woods and flowing hills to Colville. The final leg is an 8k run along Rotary Dominion Trail in town, with a new finish location at Yep Kanum Park under giant pine and fir trees. To celebrate its 25th year, live bluegrass music, food vendors and possibly a beer garden are in the works for the finish line.

The Tiger Tri is perfect for casual athletes, says Wilson. “It’s absolutely a beginner friendly event. We do get a few competitive participants, but most people show up to enjoy a challenging yet fun down-home-event-atmosphere and gorgeous course.”

Shirts, a pasta feed, and, because it’s a pointto-point race, free shuttles back to the start at the end are included with registration. Make it a weekend at one of the many local campgrounds or friendly small-town hotels and explore northeast Washington’s many miles of Lake Roosevelt beaches, mountain lakes and hiking and biking trails. Tigertri.com. (OTM)

P L U S : T H E R I D E E V E RY D AY C O M M U T E C H A L L E N G E S TA R T S M AY 1 S T

E N R I CH E D L I V I N G . L A ST I N G VA L U E .

R E G I S T E R AT

SPOKANEBIKES.ORG may 2015

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Youth Summer Day Camps A R T

Kayaking the Spokane River Upstream of Post Falls Dam // By Chic Burge

SPORTS ADVENTURE PADDLE BIKING BOARDING SWIMMING & MUCH MORE!

Camps Start June 22nd Register now at spokaneparks.org or call 625.6200

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Paddling

Out There Monthly / may 2015

Beautiful and serene. The scene on the Spokane River just downstream from Harbor Island. Photo: Chic Burge.

Sometimes when I’m heading out to kayak, the winds are up on the lakes. That’s when I head for the Spokane River. Paddling upstream from Q’emlin Park in Post Falls, Idaho, the river meanders for about a mile until a series of islands on the north bank come into view. During high water (July to October), you can paddle between these islands. They are private property, so act accordingly.

At about two miles, on the north bank, is Black Bay Park. This small park offers a paved trail and many small beaches and rocks to dive off of. Further north, the park has tennis courts, basketball courts, parking and woods to wander about in.

Three miles or so up the river, there is an inlet on the south side that has a small primitive launch site at its base. Just upstream from the inlet is the remnants of the old Greensferry Road.

Near the five mile mark, Harbor Island stretches for about a mile on the south side of the river.

When the water is high enough, the paddle up through the inside passage is a pleasant and calm voyage. The east end of the inside passage flares out into the main body of the Spokane River as

it heads up towards the Riverstone development.

From there, Canfield Butte stands out to the east on the horizon. About one-third of the way between Harbor Island and Riverstone, there are a series of islets, mostly grassy knolls, on the south side of the river. To get away from the boat traffic, paddle the inside passage where it is more quiet.

Just past Riverstone, and before the mouth of the Spokane River, is the Blackwell Slough off to the right (southwest).

This slough is a good route to use if you are going to Cougar Bay and don’t want to deal with the narrow water route under the US-95 bridge. From here, Coeur d’Alene Lake opens up with extended paddling possibilities in Cougar Bay, Casco Bay, Kit Island Bay and along Tubbs Hill. Consider using two vehicles for a shuttle to make it a one-way trip.

During the summer season, the boat traffic on the Spokane River can be severe. That’s why the river is best paddled during the spring, early summer and fall, when boat traffic is less intense. I paddle year round because of the lack of boat traffic in the off season. For directions and more information on the Spokane River boat launch and other facilities at Q’emlin Park, visit Postfallsidaho.org/prqemiln.html. //

At about two miles, on the north bank, is Black Bay Park. This small park offers a paved trail and many small beaches and rocks to dive off of. Further north, the park has tennis courts, basketball courts, parking and woods to wander about in.

2015 Trail Runs Idaho / E. Washington 5/9/15 Farragut* 5/30/15 Liberty Lake 6/13/15 Heyburn* 7/5/15 4th of July Ultra 7/25/15 Mt. Spokane* 9/12/15 Ponderosa* 10/3/15 Riverside* 10/31/15 Halloween at Hell’s Gate* *State Park Series

www.trailmaniacs.com

Spokatopia.com along the Spokane River at Camp Sekani Park. Outdoor like stand up paddleboarding, kayaking, disc golf, rock climbing, mountain biking; learn about and try other freeride bike stunts and local brews.

A fun outdoor adventure without music, a mountain bike jump park, slacklining, and a local brews beer garden.

general Camp Sekani area: • Paddleboarding • SUP yoga • Kayaking • Geocaching • • Disc Golf • Canoeing and Kayaking • Rock Climbing Intro Class • Cycling on the Centennial Trail • Mountain Biking • Trail Running and Hiking subject to change

Spokatopia.com

may 2015

/ Out There Monthly

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OutThereSpotlight Charlie Cindric

Paddle Board Prodigy // By Taylor Rogers

Riverside State Park – Seven Mile Airstrip* *

Charlie Cindric carving up the Trailer Park Wave.

Photo: Taylor Rogers

Each race still only

17 & U

nder o

10!

nly $

WA Discover Passes REQUIRED – They will be available for purchase on-site May 6.

Each evening is sponsored by a local bike shop. Each shop has donated great prizes to be given away randomly at the end of ‘their’ evening. FREE cold refreshments will also be provided at the end of each race.

DATES / SPONSORING SHOPS

MAY 6 Two Wheel Transit

JUNE 3 Fitness Fanatics

JUNE 17 North Division Bike

MAY 13 Vertical Earth

Mid-Season Party

JUNE 24 (Series Final) The Bike Hub End-of-Series Party

MAY 20 Bicycle Butler MAY 27 Mtn. View Cyclery

(June 3 after the races)

This Bike Life JUNE 10 Wheelsport

(June 24 after the races)

Cool Water Bikes

BROUGHT TO YOU IN PART BY:

Douglas, Eden, Phillips, DeRuyter and Stanyer, P.S. For more information, call (509) 879-5119 or email info@nomadzracing.com 22

Out There Monthly / may 2015

The immense might of the Spokane River raged by as Charlie Cindric paddled his stand up paddleboard to the churning edge of the current where the safety of his eddy ended and the wave began. The pillow of whitewater crashed, pulsing continuously, irregularly, as he heaved the final stroke that brought him into the current.

He seemed to sail forward onto the wave, paddle working lazily now as the board bobbed and surfed under his expert guidance. He made it look easy. But one wrong move and he would be swimming the rapid that seemed to wait, menacing and patient, behind him.

Cindric is a stand up paddleboard, or SUP, champion, having won first place in his division at the Payette River Games in Cascade, Idaho, at Kelly’s Whitewater Park last year. The Payette River Games is arguably the largest and most

has that in spades.

And he doesn’t just rely on his “natural knack;” he trains hard too. He does cross-country and track, skateboards, snowboards, and generally cross-trains, not to mention surfing, running rivers, and paddling flat water on his board, all of which he and his dad do year-round.

“The Spokane’s nice because there’s typically a wave that’s in at some point, somewhere,” says Chris. Charlie’s favorite spot is Trailer Park Wave.

“It’s the best wave to surf in Spokane,” says Charlie.

And surfing is Charlie’s favorite. “It’s just fun,” he says, with a mischievous smile.

“You can kind of bring it to whatever level you want,” says Chris. But if you’re just starting out, it’s important to take a class. “People see this happening, and then they try it, and they put themselves in bad situations,” says Chris. “It’s more than just

Charlie’s favorite spot is Trailer Park Wave. “It’s the best wave to surf in Spokane,” says Charlie. And surfing is Charlie’s favorite. “It’s just fun,” he says, with a mischievous smile. prestigious SUP competition in the United States.

With its prize purse of $50,000, athletes compete in two different river running events, SUP Xross and SUP-er G, where they go head-to-head with the best paddlers in the world for both time and score.

In 2014 Cindric competed in every event and won his division. He was only 12. “He just had a natural knack for it,” says Charlie’s father and certified SUP instructor Chris Cindric. Charlie started at age 10, coming to the river with his dad. “I’d come down and then I’d film, then practice ferrying across the river, doing that,” says Charlie. And three years later, at 13, he’ll be competing for the 2015 prize in the Elite class, with some of the best stand-up paddle boarders in the world. He’s also a sponsored member of the Badfish “Grom Team.” Grom, short for grommet, is a slang term taken from ocean surfing and now used on kid river surfers with talent. And Charlie

standing up on a board.”

However, it’s not all serious training for Charlie and Chris. For them, SUP is a family affair. “Stand up paddling as a family is great because the paddleboard is like a platform for the kids,” says Chris.

“So it’s not like struggling to get into a canoe or a kayak even....It’s just five inches off the surface of the water – the kids swim off of it.” Even Charlie’s three younger siblings enjoy SUPing. They try to do flips from the board, and occasionally try to knock their parents off.

The Cindrics already have a family trip planned for this summer. The whole family is heading to the Payette River Games where both Chris and Charlie will compete, and eventually to Northern California, where they want to see Crater Lake and the Redwoods. And surf, of course. “We’re just going to be a big ol’ SUP family,” says Chris, smiling. //

Biking More Ways to Participate in Bike to Work Week // By Erika Prins My dad got me a bike as a college graduation present so I could ride to my first full-time job. At the time, it was a cheap alternative to buying and maintaining a car, but I gained way more than a bump in disposable income by bike commuting – riding every day made me feel great about my body because of what it could do, not because of its shape or size. Exercise became a way of life, not something to fit into my busy schedule. Physical empowerment became an everyday thing, affecting my confidence at work and in relationships.

Bike to Work Week, a nationwide event encouraging bike commuting, challenges participants to take trips they would usually take by car on a bicycle instead. The ethos is simple: getting somewhere you need to go on a bike helps protect the environment and improves your quality of life.

This year for Bike to Work Week, we’re making a big change to encourage new riders to participate. Instead of basing our Commute Challenge competition on riding the most miles, we’re challenging participants to log at least one mile of riding every day from May 1 until May 22. To kick off the challenge, we’re hosting a kick-off at River City Brewing on Friday, May 1 at 5 p.m. An optional informal downtown ride will take off at 6:30 p.m.

Regular Bike to Work Week events, including the pancake breakfast, six rides, morning energizer stations and a wrap-up party, aim to help riders connect with others who use bikes to get around.

Spokane area riders logged almost 8,000 trips during last year’s Bike to Work Week, totaling over 50,000 miles taken by bikes instead of cars.

Almost 900 people chose to make physical activity part of their everyday life during that week.

Want to participate but can’t ride to work? Ride to school, to the coffee shop or wherever else feels like a comfortable distance for you. It doesn’t have to be every trip you take. Try these Bike to Work Week opportunities to connect with other riders in your community.

“Ride Every Day” Commute Challenge (May 1-22) This year’s challenge is to ride every day for 22 days! The Commute Challenge kick-off event is Friday, May 1, at 5 p.m. at River City Brewing downtown Spokane. Show up for happy hour and an informal ride.

Kick-off Breakfast (Monday, May 18, 7 a.m. at Riverfront Park) Mountain Gear and Roast House Coffee will serve pancakes and coffee while you get the chance to relax, listen to live music and chat with other riders. Who knows, you might even find a riding buddy for the week. The mayor and lawmakers who have helped move forward bike-friendly policies are expected to speak.

Commute of the Century (May 18-22) The City of Spokane hosts a supported series of lunch-hour rides exploring Spokane neighborhoods by bike. These rides offer you a chance to find new bike routes and provide feedback.

Energizer Stations (Wednesday, May 20, 7-9 a.m.)

Grab snacks, coffee and other goodies at energizer stations hosted by local businesses and nonprofits around the city. Find locations near your commute route at spokanebikes.org.

Ride of Silence (Wednesday, May 20, 6 p.m. at Riverfront Park) A silent procession will take place to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured on the road, including a short dedication before the silent ride. Meet by the “runner” sculptures and wear your helmet.

Wrap-up Party (Friday, May 22, 5:30 p.m. at River City Brewing) Wrap up the week in style with snacks and beer generously donated by River City Brewing. Be there to win door prizes and to celebrate your cycling accomplishments!

For more information about Bike to Work Week Spokane, visit Spokanebikes.org. //

Bike to Work Week Coeur d’Alene

By S. Michal Bennett

Riders celebrate Bike to Work Week at multiple events around the Inland Northwest each year. Credit LEFT TWO: Photo courtesy of CDA Parks Department RIGHT PHOTO CREDIT: Photo courtesy of Kootenai Environmental Alliance

After several years riding in the spring rain and cooler weather, Coeur d’Alene has decided to celebrate its 2015 Bike to Work Week during the first week of June. Organizers are also partnering with the Centennial Trail Foundation and BikeCDA to increase participation. Events will include the annual kick off morning ride (Monday, June 1); a moonlight ride (Tuesday, June 2), a bike film and free bike checkups at Pilgrim’s Market (Friday, June 5), and the incredibly fun Roots Pursuit team bicycle challenge to benefit Community Roots Local Food Share program (Saturday, June 6). To register your team for the Roots Pursuit, visit Kealliance.org/rootspursuit.

Bike commuters can also participate through the Corporate Challenge if your employer is a partner. Each participating company is judged on the percentage of employees who ride their bikes to work during that week. Prizes are presented on Saturday during the Roots Pursuit award ceremony. Visit Cdaid.org for more info.

This year, the community is also getting more involved with bike events all month, including a bike rodeo, educational events and possible bike film showings at a couple local breweries. Find out more at Bikecda.com. //

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Out There Monthly / may 2015

Triathlon Swim Bike Mom // By Jon Jonckers

Abby Weichman turning some pedals on the Centennial Trail. Photo: Jon Jonckers

Women can be transformed through the sport of triathlon by surrounding themselves with positive people who enjoy training and competing. Swim Bike Mom is an organization that encourages women of all shapes, sizes, ages and abilities to take part in triathlons. As a mother of three, including twins, Abby Weichman, Swim Bike Mom ambassador, testifies to this truth with her own sweat, blood and tears.

“I was looking for a blog to follow while training for a race a couple of years ago. I wanted to find one that was current, was similar to my life as a wife and mother and wasn’t intimidating to

read,” says Weichman. “Meredith Atwood is the founder of Swim Bike Mom, and her blog is as real as it gets.”

Without a doubt, Abby loves everything about the sport of triathlon. She likes signing up for the races, scheduling the training, getting up early to swim, talking about nutrition with her friends and the energy of the crowd on race day. The sport can be intimidating, but it can also be empowering.

The experiences are vibrant, and the camaraderie during the race is mind-boggling. “I was once beat out of the water by a woman who had one arm!

When I saw the picture, all I thought was, ‘She is

freaking awesome!’”

Weichman admits she was an average crosscountry runner in high school and wasn’t a college athlete like a lot of triathletes. She balances training with her husband, an equally accomplished triathlete, and she works to surround herself with supportive people. Through the process of becoming an ambassador, she has reached out to other mentors in the Spokane community.

“I really like Robin DeRuwe, the owner of Fitness Fanatics. She is so patient and knows all kinds of things related to triathlon. Jessi Thompson, cofounder of Tri-Fusion, is an amazing person that is full of life and so kind and has an optimistic energy that just surrounds her. She makes me want to try harder in everything. My husband could be a motivational speaker because every time I am having a difficult time he builds me back up, and encourages me when I need help.”

Swim Bike Mom begins with a simple message: “Begin to Tri!” The genesis for the organization lives inside swimbikemom.com. The blog has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, and they’re constantly seeing new developments and new transformations from contributors. Even if someone is just thinking about a triathlon, this site is a good place to start.

The blog features advice, race reports, encouragement, as well as all the tips necessary to avoid a lot of the common rookie mistakes. Quite frankly, nearly every triathlete could benefit from swimbikemom.com. “It’s taken a long time as a mom to admit that my talent isn’t being creative, as in being able to decorate my house artistically, or bake a cake for a party,” Weichman says. “My talent is encouraging others to do the best they can and helping them believe in themselves. I can do this for other people because I do the best I can, and I surround myself with other positive people.”

Weichman plans to run the Tinker Bell Half Marathon with family in May. Her primary race is Ironman Coeur d’Alene in June. She also hopes to sign up for Valley Girl or WunderWoman this year. //

Local Triathlons & Why You Should “Tri” Them Troika Triathlon – May 30, 2015 2015 marks the 35th anniversary for this classic Northwest triathlon. Based in Medical Lake, this is a race that is, coincidentally, half the distance of an Ironman race, but not a sanctioned Ironman event. Recently, they added a sprint distance to attract more participants. Altogether, the course is fantastic, and this is a great primer for the rest of the triathlon season.Troikatriathlon.com.

Hayden Triathlon – July 11, 2015 This is a Sprint triathlon: 0.5 mile swim, 12 mile bike, and 3.1 mile run. The Hayden community is very proud of this race, and it’s gaining a reputation for offering the best food, best prizes and the coolest swag. As expected, this reputation generally draws a competitive crowd. The course is challenging, but there are no hills on the bike portion. This triathlon is arguably the best spectator triathlon in the area. Haydentri.com.

Valley Girl Triathlon – July 12, 2015 As a women-only sprint distance triathlon, this is a super popular race for any female first-timers. While there are some competitive athletes, the overall vibe is very encouraging and empowering. The race begins at the Liberty Lake Village Beachfront and finishes at the Liberty Lake Pavilion Park. Be advised, this race sells out every year. Valleygirltri.com/home.html.

West Plains WunderWoman Triathlon – August 16, 2015 WunderWoman is also a women-only event at Medical Lake with sprint and Olympic distances. The spectators and the participants are known for their encouragement. Many female triathletes prefer WunderWoman because the transitions are easier, the bike course is safer and due to the August date, women can train longer in the summer. Best of all, you can practice on the course (Liberty Lake Village doesn’t allow triathletes to use its private beach for training). Signmeup.com/site/online-event-registration/105679.

Priest Lake Olympic Triathlon – August 29, 2015 Everyone raves about the crystal-clear lake and the excellent scenery, especially during the run portion. The Priest Lake Tri features a self-seeded swim start to give athletes of all abilities a better swim experience with faster swim times and a safer race experience. The race begins and finishes on the beach at Hills Resort, so everyone has an easy start, and everyone can unwind in the sand by the shore at the end. Priestlakerace.com/events/triathlon. //

may 2015

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Biking Riding the Woodrat //

Ride or Race above Priest Lake // By Brad Naccarato

Saddle up and pack the beef jerky – the riding around Priest Lake can be wild, rugged and beautiful. PHOTO CREDIT LEFT: Brad Naccarato ; PHOTO CREDIT RIGHT: Kelly Lynch. Courtesy of Priest Lake Multisports.

North Idaho’s Priest Lake is known for its pristine waters and high-mountain peaks. It’s a place that’s frequented by many summer vacationers looking to escape the city grind. During the cooler late spring/early summer months, however, the low and mid-elevation mountain biking trails surrounding the lake are where it’s at. Whether you’re looking for a mostly flat, novice-friendly type of ride through the Hannah Flats or something a little more challenging like the Binarch Creek Trail, Priest Lake offers a wide of variety of mountain biking options, many of which are rideable in May. The Woodrat Trail (#235) located on the west side of the lake is an intermediate/advanced option that provides a little bit of everything you’d expect in a well-rounded ride with plenty of climbs and descents to keep even more advanced riders satisfied. Covering two valleys and two ridges, Woodrat starts at about 2,500 feet and climbs to around 3,200 feet at its highest point, with a graded climb of about 25%.

Woodrat’s accessibility is perhaps its greatest asset; the two trailheads are both located minutes from Highway 57. While the trail itself is not a complete loop, the two trailheads are connected by the Lakeshore Road, allowing you to loop back to your starting point with three miles of mostly level, dirt-road riding.

Named after an old quartz mine located on the shores of Priest Lake, Woodrat has been an active trail for at least 50 years. In years past, Woodrat was 26

Out There Monthly / may 2015

often abused and widened by off-road vehicles, but recent efforts by the Priest Lake Ranger District to enforce new trail guidelines have helped to restore the trail to its historic singletrack condition.

Having grown up on the west side of Priest Lake, Woodrat is a trail I’ve ridden dozens of times since I first started mountain biking over 20 years ago, but I knew going in for an early spring ride this year that it was going to be a bit sketchy.

I wasn’t sure if my legs would have enough juice to get me through, plus the early-season trail conditions, including mud and downed trees, were sure to keep things interesting.

I hung in there until the first fork of the trail, a spur trail called Bulldog (#274) that spits you back out on the Lakeshore road. As my legs were screaming, I contemplated bailing out onto Bulldog, but decided I was going to hammer it

out to the top, one way or another. My final “walk n’push” through the steep, muddy section to the first ridge was well worth the effort, as the tight, tree-lined trail broke out onto an expansive, open ridge with incredible views of the snow-topped Selkirks to the west.

After making it up and over the first ridge, I got to enjoy the first descent of the ride through a dense cedar forest with filtered views of the lake and mountains, before starting the climb back up to the second ridge. After another brief, albeit ego-deflating push over the second ridge, my final descent to the Lakeshore Road below took me through a smooth section of singletrack that allowed me to let off the brakes and flow into a fast, fun rhythm to close out the ride.

Expect some mud and downed trees across the trail early in the season, but by late May, trail

conditions should improve with warmer weather and rider use and maintenance in preparation for the Woodrat 25er mountain bike race (June 6).

(The Priest Lake Ranger District usually does not begin trail maintenance on most Priest Lake area trails until the summer months.) No matter the season, with Woodrat, you can expect easy access, flowy singletrack, great views and an adventurous, legitimate leg burner.

For more info on other Priest Lake area mountain bike trails that are often rideable in May and June, like Binarch Creek, Hannah Flats, Elkins Trail, Upper Priest Lake and the Upper Priest River trails, check out Mtbpriestlake.com, a website run by local riders looking to promote and protect the amazing, relatively unknown network of trails around the lake.

Getting There: To reach Woodrat Trail, travel north

Woodrat 25er MTB Race June 6 You have two choices if you sign up for the Woodrat 25er June 6: a 25-mile endurance course or a 12-mile division of intermediate to advanced riding. The course is a mix of double track and singletrack in the Panhandle National Forest by Priest Lake, Idaho. The singletrack includes sections of low chain ring climbs, some fast downhill, groves of huge cedar trees and lots of twists and turns. Racers will enjoy a BBQ lunch and finishers’ party with music and a beer garden that kicks off at 11:30 a.m. All riders take home a trophy pint mug with the Priest Lake race logo.

(Online registration ends May 31 at midnight.) Plan to make it a weekend with great camping options and lodging nearby at Hill’s Resort (Hillsresort.com). More info and race registration at Priestlakerace.com. //

out of Priest River on Highway 57 until you reach Luby Bay Road (about 29 miles). Follow the signs to Hill’s Resort – this will put you on the Lakeshore Road (#237). Continue on 237 past Hill’s Resort until you see a sign for the trailhead on an old logging road that veers to the right (about a 1/4 mile past Hill’s). You’ll see the trailhead after driving about 100 yards up this road. The trail is well marked with signage all throughout. The trail ends, or begins, depending on your preference, back on the Lakeshore Road near Osprey Campground, roughly three miles from Hill’s Resort. //

DiskGolf Local Pro Disc Golfer Lands Discraft Sponsorship // By Bea Lackaff Spokane’s Shawna Buzzingham, already a world class disc golf player, continues to rise through the ranks – she is earning her way, she is gritty and ambitious and is just as determined to share the fun as she is to win.

“I started disc golfing eight years ago,” says Buzzingham, “and have been competitive since 2009. I’m sponsored by Team General Store, Team High Country, and as of this month, I’ve been sponsored by the number one leader in disc sports, drumroll, Discraft!” She notes that Discraft, a company that produces discs and other disc golf gear, has been on the front lines of disc golf since the sport first started getting popular in 1978.

“It’s a very exciting time for me. I’m quitting my day job for the summer and going on tour. I will be competing in several National Tour events, as well as some Majors, and most importantly, Worlds in Pittsburgh,” Buzzingham says. Her new status isn’t exactly a cakewalk –often tournament disc golfers pay their own traveling expenses, sleep on the couches of their extended disc golf family when far from home; and, by the way, sponsors only pay when you win.

Buzzingham is more than just a great disc golfer – she has pushed herself at every opportunity to get there. For example, last year, while playing a huge tournament in Portland, she managed to keep her focus even while being attacked by bees. She still came in as the 25th best woman disc golfer in the world.

Another example of Buzzingham’s grit is the way she first came to the attention of her major sponsor, Discraft. She remembers thinking that the sport of disc golf was blowing up and that a player would just fall into the haystack with all the rest without self-promotion. So, she built an online disc golf presence for herself. Then, one of her new online community of friends turned out to be a team captain for Discraft who soon invited her to join their team.

Buzzingham’s enthusiasm for the sport goes way beyond her personal success – she wants everyone to know that if they aren’t already out there rattling those basket chains, then, they could be having a whole lot more healthy outdoor fun. There are no excuses, she says: old or young, athletic or not, rich or poor, even folks with special needs, can all get out under the trees on the disc golf courses and have a fun game right along with the best of them.

“Tournament events are coming up in Spokane,” Buzzingham says. “On May 22 and 23, the Four Mounds Disc Golf Reserve will be hosting The Lilac City Open A-Tier event. It attracts players from all over the U.S., and sometimes the world!” Buzzingham and her friends will be there huckin’ em. //

“I’m quitting my day job for the summer and going on tour.”

Shawna Buzzingham huckin’ a disc.

Photo courtesy of Matt Vielle

Single Track Racing in the Selkirk Mountains Fast turns and big mountain views thru cedar forests at Priest Lake Idaho 25 or 12 Mile Course Division Awards Free Post Race Lunch and Pint Glass to Racers Camping by the course info at priestlakerace.com may 2015

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Leaf, Root, Fungi ,Fruit Coral Mushrooms // by Kelly Chadwick

Forest coral. Photo: Drew Parker

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May is for morels, mycophiles say. But at “Out There Monthly,” May is for corals! No scuba gear required because the forest corals are terrestrial fungi in the genus ramaria.

Corals are more prolific in the Northwest than anywhere in North America and possibly on Earth. Showing up a couple weeks after morels

ing bodies of duff, use a kitchen sprayer.

Corals work in most mushroom dishes. Along with slicing, they can be broken into attractive bite-size florets that I find visually appealing in soups. They lend themselves well to broth; we reduce them into Italian brodo with tortellini.

Like tilapia or zucchini, they offer value and ver-

Forest coral are one of the few mushrooms mountain bikers can gather, being visible at high speeds. start and continuing into June (bolete season), corals grow sporadically along trails or shallow draws in conifer woods, especially with hemlock.

About every third year they flow down the hills in abundant veins of gold. Which makes them one of the few mushrooms mountain bikers can gather, being visible at high speeds.

Precise identification of corals can be difficult, especially in the fall when new and diverse species arise. So here are the three important guidelines: 1. Collect ramarias in spring only.

2. Stick with bright colors: white, yellow, orange, purple, etc.

3. Use larger specimens, i.e. fist-size or bigger when young.

Though not dangerous, the small, brown corals can make you sick. The only time I’ve been poisoned in 25 years of foraging was trying to identify one of these buggers. After microscopically narrowing it down to two options – one with a purgative effect, the other without – I cooked it up, ate a tablespoon, had a “mushroom flu” for a couple hours and was thus able to correctly identify it. For normal people, stay with the guidelines.

Corals, though not prized cuisine, are included here because of their prominence in the region.

The flavor is clean with a hint of forest floor. Firm specimens are best, as ramarias become wormy if the weather’s too warm or wet. Once home, shake them clean but don’t wash until prep time. Their flesh crumbles easily, so to rid their dense branch28

Out There Monthly / may 2015

satility over greatness.

In good years, such large quantities can be found that methods of preserving must be pursued. Blanched and placed in quart freezer bags, they’ll last about a year. For a delicious broth, cook older specimens in your largest soup pot with an onion and some garlic cloves. Freeze in ½ gallon containers and use in soups, sauces or risotto. Pickling firms up the texture, and they’re an unusual crudités option. Break them apart into broccoli like fronds before packing the jars.

Unlike most mushrooms, Ramarias don’t dry well, becoming musty and developing poor texture when reconstituted.

Identifying Attributes: Resembles ocean coral with upright branching fingers. The flesh is brittle. Grows on the ground in rich humus and decomposing wood.

Cautionary Points: Avoid large portions your first time, as certain people experience a laxative effect. Steer clear of small brown corals.

Culinary Attributes: Offers versatility over haute cuisine. The understated forest flavors work with most sauces. Well suited for preservation, but not drying.

Wine Pairings: French Cabernet Franc, Montepulciano D’Abruzzo, or Cru Beaujolais. //

Biking even an old dog can learn new tricks Sign up for a Mountain Bike Skills Class // By Derrick Knowles

Slow Ride SESSION IPA

Practice makes perfect. Riders learn new skills at an Evergreen East class. Photo: Eric Ashley, courtesy of Evergreen East

Just because you started mountain biking on a fully rigid fat tire bike back in 1993 doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a badass rider.

Let me tell you. I’ve watched much younger riders with far fewer chain replacements under their saddles destroy me up and down the trail and launch off jumps and speed through rockdrop sections that I instinctively dodge or walk around. It doesn’t help that I haven’t spent an ounce of energy towards developing new skills.

I’ve always been content to hop on my bike, go with what I got and just ride, whether it’s the familiar local trails or challenging Northwest classics like the Seven Summits, Long Canyon or Tahoe’s Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.

While I’ve held my own and had fun on the trails I’ve ridden over the years, something Evergreen East skills instructor Penny Schwyn said to me in an email the other day got me rethinking my old-school aversion to putting a little effort into becoming a better rider: “Between the new technologies and geometry, and the new science of mountain bike skills coaching, there is a lot of material that you will find useful. We have taught a lot of old dogs new tricks.” Once I got past the thought that, yes, the gray hairs in my beard do mean I’m getting old, the idea of putting in a little effort to learn more of the technical side of a sport I’ve enjoyed for decades that would help me be a better rider was starting to sound pretty good.

Evergreen East’s mountain bike skills classes are designed to do just that – make you a better rider.

All you need to do if you’re a long-time mountain biker is restrain your ego a bit, or if you’re a newbie, relax your fear of pushing your comfort zone and trying something new, and just sign up for a class. It’s as simple as that. Certified instructors will make sure you have fun, ride confidently, and overcome personal barriers to take your riding to the next level.

Classes offer a low student-to-instructor ratio for personalized feedback and instruction. Each skill is carefully demonstrated and broken down before progressing onto practice and drills. And at the end of the day, you can apply all your newly learned skills during a trail ride. With new instructors added this year and a diverse instructor team that includes women and men with different riding styles and years of experience covering racing, coaching and movement analysis, you can be sure to get the help you need in every class.

Classes cover three skill levels: fundamental, inter-

mediate, and freeride. There is also a “Fundamental Women” class lead by female instructors. When the long evenings in July roll around, the popular mid-week evening class option will make a comeback – these classes will be in addition to the halfday weekend courses and will take place over two consecutive weeks. Both women’s and intermediate sessions will be available in this format. All classes are located at Camp Sekani in Spokane Valley unless otherwise noted.

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Fundamental Skills You can go a long way with basic skills. New and experienced riders can all benefit from a focus on fundamental bike handling. The class starts with proper balance and adds a host of vital skills, including braking, climbing, descending, tight turns and negotiating obstacles. Some classes are already sold out, but there is still room in these two: June 20 (10 a.m. -1:30 p.m.) and the women only class July 13 & 20 (6-8:30p.m.).

Intermediate Skills Ready to take it up a notch? Learn how to manage rough trails and obstacles through line choice, wheel lifts, roll-downs, and varied cornering techniques. This class requires completion of a fundamental skills class or instructor approval. Class dates/times: June 6 (10 a.m. -1:30 p.m.) and July 23 & 30 (6-8:30 p.m.).

Freeride Skills Attack the trails and get some air as you take the plunge into freeriding. Dial in your trail skills with a variety of wheel lifts, advanced cornering, jumping techniques and drops. Requires completion of an intermediate skills class or instructor approval. Class dates/times TBD soon. Check Evergreeneast.org for an updated schedule.

How to Sign up for a Class To take one of these classes, you need to bring a mechanically sound mountain bike and helmet.

You don’t need to be an Evergreen East member to sign up, but there is a price break for current members, and a significantly discounted membership is offered when you sign up (prices range from $50 for a class to $65 for a class and membership). To register or for questions, email classes@evergreeneast.org or look for additional details, including class descriptions and a full schedule, at Evergreeneast.org. // may 2015

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The Inland Northwest’s arid reputation is baked into its name. While it may be on the “dry side” of the Cascades, with world-class whitewater, blue-ribbon fishing and a place at the forefront of river sports, the region has been quietly racking up river recreation accolades over the years. Meet these three Inland Northwest river people who are revolutionizing the way we relate to and think about our iconic waterways.

Spokane Women on the Fly Founder Heather Hodson in her natural habitat.

Photos courtesy of Heather Hodson.

Heather Hodson – Fly Caster

S

pokane angler Heather Hodson is upending the typically masculine demographics of fly fishing, one cast at a time.

“Being on the water is an escape for me,” says Hodson. “My everyday life can be very hectic, juggling three different high-stress critical-care nursing jobs, training for marathons, star ting a women’s fly fishing group and maintaining an amazing relationship. The river is an outlet for me, my happy place: no cell service, no social media, no television, no ICU alarms going off, just me and the river. I’m not a very religious person, but I’m a very spiritual

person, and the river is my church. The smells, the sounds, the views, everything about being on a river is ‘Zen.’ Catching a fish is just a bonus.”

Hodson grew up near Mount St. Helens in southwest Washington, where family outings

Hodson started fly fishing in 2009. “It took a full year to catch my first fish on the fly rod,” she says. “I had no idea what I was doing, so I decided to take the beginner fly fishing class at Silver Bow Fly Shop in 2012.”

Hodson took to the sport like, well, a fish to water: last year, she fished more than 75 days. In an effort to get more women on the water, Hodson created Spokane Women on the Fly in March of last year.

In addition, Hodson, who is now a fly designer for Catch Fly Fishing – her two designs, Rainbow Bright and Barbie, are apparently “fish-catching

I’m not a very religious person, but I’m a very spiritual person, and the river is my church. The smells, the sounds, the views, everything about being on a river is ‘Zen.’ Catching a fish is just a bonus.

30

Out There Monthly / may 2015

revolved around water. There she started gear fishing with her father. As an adult she settled in Spokane, one of her main motivations being the proximity to fishing waters, with more than 50 lakes within 50 miles.

machines” – helped develop and now teaches the women’s beginner fly fishing class at Silverbow. In 2014, 24 women took the class; this spring’s classes are sold out, and she is adding more.

Clearly Hodson has tapped into a pent-up demand. “I think that women can be very intimidated by fly fishing,” she says. “I walked into a fly fishing shop in Montana, and the first thing they said was, ‘Are you buying something for your husband?’ My idea is to give women the tools to make it less intimidating – so they can talk the talk and walk the walk. I think men are more amazed that women are actually interested and passionate about the sport and not just trying to impress someone.”

Hodson notes that she has never claimed to be an expert at fly fishing; it’s her passion and love of fishing, the outdoors and sharing those experiences with others that drives her. “It’s amazing that I can see other women have that same experience.

I’ve had a couple ladies that have told me they don’t want to touch the fish – now, one of the girls that told me that is a crazy, addicted fly girl!”

Now that Hodson has achieved her initial vision – “ladies getting together informally to fish” – she’s casting a wider net. “Once a month we tie flies and drink some beer – I call it “Tackle and Talk.” It’s a group of like-minded women with no drama; there’s nobody trying to impress anybody in the group.” She hopes that as more Spokane Women on the Fly anglers develop confidence in fly fishing, they can lead their own outings. She’s also working on putting together more trips, including a fully-guided and outfitted weekend.

Hodson expects to see a lot more women out there as interest in fly fishing increases. “Women can see we’re ‘reel women’ with an emphasis on the R-E-E-L,” laughs Hodson, “not just models that look good but normal women. We’re out there, we like to fish and we have extreme passion for it.”

Hodson’s Zen approach to fishing extends to her “kiss-and-release” policy. “Ever since I was a little girl, I always kissed the fish and then released them,” she says. “I kiss them and thank them and let them be on their way, so I can have the opportunity or somebody can have the opportunity to catch them again.” Thanks to Hodson’s infectious angling enthusiasm, often as not that next opportunity might just be another woman.

River People

By Aaron Theisen

A Fly Caster, River Surfer and Whitewater Pioneer Find Your Inner River Rat at these Spring Whitewater Events Cinco Fest at Three Rivers Resort (May 2-3, Lochsa River, Lowell, Idaho) An informal party tradition at the Three Rivers Resort, Cinco Fest attracts groups of boaters from Spokane and North Idaho to take advantage of some of the season’s biggest whitewater.

Three Rivers offers rafting specials (with free camping at the resort if you raft). After a refreshing day on the river, hit the hot tub, fiesta down by the bonfire or cozy up with your favorite cerveza in the bar. Idaho3rivers.com.

Peter Grubb guiding a boat-load of eager paddlers down the Lower Salmon River.

Photo courtesy of ROW Adventures

more creature comforts like four-star lodging with fresh linens and hot showers. He’s proud that, at its core, his company has kept the “adventures” in “ROW Adventures.” “At the end of the day ‘adventure’ is a personal experience word: anything that pushes people’s limits, their comfort zone, could be an adventure. But we’re unique in our market space in that we have so many trips in which people do still camp and work up a sweat,” he says.

Grubb’s across-the-map research in 1979 has paid off too. “We’re super fortunate in this area to have so many water resources, both from a human consumption standpoint as well as a recreational standpoint. The Spokane River, in particular, is unique in all of the U.S., being a whitewater river as opposed to just a meandering flat-water [urban] river.”

And the presence of a healthy river – a healthy whitewater river, no less – brings with it unique rewards. “There are some dynamics when you’re on the river that you don’t have when you’re riding a bike or hiking,” asserts Grubb. “You’re only in control to a degree, so there are those everchanging variables – high water, low water, inbetween water, high snowpack, low snowpack, natural events, flood events – that make the river a very living thing.”

“In a lot of sports there’s this talk of ‘conquering’ something –conquer the mountain, bag the peak,” says Grubb. “I don’t hear that vocabulary in river runners. Nobody says ‘I conquered that rapid;’ it’s ‘I ran that rapid,’ or ‘I paddled it.’

There’s more, to me, respect – pay the river respect or it will put you in your place,” he says.

“I can’t explain why there is a particular pass i on arou nd rivers, but certainly all my life I’ve had a passion for it.”

Peter Grubb – Whitewater Pioneer

T

he founder of the world’s top whitewater tour operator got his start in life in the desert. “I grew up in central California, so I wasn’t around water a lot except for the Pacific Coast beach area,” says Peter Grubb, founder of Coeur d’Alene-headquartered ROW Adventures.

“My father was a biology teacher, so he took us camping a lot and introduced us to an appreciation of nature at an early age, but my first rafting trip wasn’t until 7th grade in science club,” says Grubb. “In college, I was looking for a summer job as a camp counselor, and there was a little ad that said ‘whitewater guides wanted in West Virginia.’ I was going to school in Annapolis, Maryland, at the time, and I remember I got an atlas out to figure out where West Virginia was!”

That summer, over the course of 111 day-trips on that West Virginia river, Grubb fell in love with guiding. “I thought the only thing that could be better than this would be doing five- and six-day wilderness trips where I could connect with people on a more meaningful level and share things more deeply,” he says. “So I started doing research, talking to people and reading books and zeroed in on Idaho. It has more wilderness whitewater than anywhere in the U.S., double the next contender, with something like 3,500 miles of free-flowing whitewater. So I ended up here the summer of 1979 and never left.”

Wanting to start his own guide company, Grubb founded ROW Adventures with his brother, who had recently moved to Spokane. At the time there were no rafting companies in town. “Here was this area that was sort of a whitewater epicenter with so many rivers around it, and no competition around – so that made it easy to be the pioneers.” Today, ROW is routinely recognized as the top tour operator in the world.

Asked what, in his more than 35-year tenure as owner of ROW, has changed the most, Grubb says that, aside from gear improvements, it’s a clientele desirous of softer adventure. “People in general seem not as willing to put up with cold and being miserable,” laughs Grubb. “We used to start our season in early May – sometimes even late April – and we’d be out on days when it was snowing. Usually people would go on one of those trips and then they’d say ‘next year I’m coming in June!’ So our start date keeps getting later and later. We usually don’t even bother starting until the weekend after Mother’s Day.” From its peak in the late 1990s, the popularity of whitewater rafting has waned, as more people sample other river recreation options, whether whitewater kayaking, paddleboarding or surfing or just hiking or camping along a river.

Grubb has seen other operators around the world fail or shift to catering to a clientele demanding

“In a lot of sports there’s this talk of ‘conquering’ something – conquer the mountain, bag the peak,” says Grubb. “I don’t hear that vocabulary in river runners. Nobody says ‘I conquered that rapid;’ it’s ‘I ran that rapid,’ or ‘I paddled it.’ There’s more, to me, respect – pay the river respect or it will put you in your place.”

Lochsa Rendezvous (May 2-3, Lochsa River, Lochsa Lodge, Idaho) This annual whitewater boater rendezvous put on by Lewis and Clark Trail Adventures on the Lochsa River has a cult-like following, with cabins at the Lochsa Lodge typically booked up for the weekend well in advance (camping in the area is plentiful). Rafting specials all weekend will get you out on the wild Lochsa, with live bluegrass music and revelry into the night.

Trailadventures.com.

Memorial Day Madness (May 22-25, Lochsa River, Highway 12, Idaho) Join the informal gathering of spectators lined up to watch some serious peak flow, whitewater glory and carnage at Lochsa Falls (mile marker 114) between Three Rivers Resort and the Lochsa Lodge along Highway 12. Boaters on all sorts of unique craft play it up for the crowd of cheering and booing spectators.

Watch the spectacle for yourself: Youtube.com/ watch?v=wSWY0Mq3zFU. Big Water Blowout River Festival (June 6, Salmon River, Riggins, Idaho) This is an action packed day of rafting and other activities suitable for thrill seekers and families.

Hit the Salmon River’s famed whitewater with experienced guides offering discounted raft trips all day. Paddle huge boat munching waves with names like The Pencil Sharpener, The Pancake Wave, The Big Easy and The Haystack. Enjoy the pleasant spring weather and magnificent scenery and wildlife of the Riggins area. If you’re not up for challenging the whitewater yourself, there’s excellent rapid viewing from the road in several locations, and there’s a Dutch oven cook-off at Riggins City Park. Bigwaterblowout.com.

Payette River Games (June 19-21, Cascade, Idaho) Whether you want to challenge yourself against the world’s best stand up paddlers, try river surfing, enter a SUP race, play beach volleyball, start the day with a relaxing yoga session, compete alongside your four-legged friend or just soak in the fresh mountain air, there’s something for every river lover at the Payette River Games.

Payetterivergames.com. // may 2015

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Play it safe above and below a dam At Avista, we want you to enjoy recreation activities on area reservoirs and waterways. But remember, waters near a dam can pose serious hidden dangers to boaters and swimmers.

Sudden water discharges from spillways and turbines can also be hazardous.

To protect yourself near a dam, follow these safety tips: • Obey all posted warning and closure signs.

• Never cross the boater safety cable above a dam. Strong currents could pull you through an open spill-gate or into an intake area.

KB of Strongwater Mountain Surf Shop in Missoula shreds the Pipeline Wave on Idaho’s Lochsa River at optimal flows during the 2014 Pipeline Classic river surf event. Photo: Seth Warren

• Be alert for debris, obstructions and partially submerged objects.

• Never fish, swim, play or anchor your boat in the area above or below a dam.

• Look out for overhead bridges, cables and power lines.

• Always wear a lifejacket and safety whistle when on the water.

Kevin Brown – River Surfer

For Spokane River, Lake Spokane and Lake Coeur d’Alene flow and elevation changes for the coming week, visit: avistautilities.com/waterflow or call 509-495-8043 (Washington) 208-769-1357 (Idaho).

M Just under 4 hours SE of Spokane

The Mighty Lochsa River is Calling…

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Book your Idaho Adventure today!

From Mid-May to early July 1-866-769-8747

www.riverdancelodge.com 32

Out There Monthly / may 2015

or four years earlier, we wouldn’t have looked at surfing. We started giving surfboards more of a chance: instead of just walking away from a wave, we’d just start grinding and grinding, trying to successfully ride it.”

Then they started building surfboards specific for river waves. Those river waves aren’t necessarily perfect for ocean boards, says Brown, but they are surfable with the right set-up. Brown and his business partner opened Strongwater in downtown Missoula in 2008, bringing river surfing to the masses and surf culture to Montana.

“River surfing is probably a lot like ocean surfing was when it started out,” says Brown. “There are no stigmas, no cliques – it’s all camaraderie, everybody cheering each other on. Everybody falls down, everybody swims; the best person is not that much different from a first timer. Even if you’re the best guy, at the end of your run you’re going to fall down and swim to shore.”

Brown is committed to seeing Missoula being a bona fide surf town. “We surf every day – we probably surf more than most people who surf the ocean,” he says.

“We put a lot of effort into getting Missoula onto the map [as a river town]. Waves are being built all over the world in rivers – the sport is exploding. But Missoula still has a ton of work to do, which is why I love it so much.

There’s so much opportunity.”

Brown is a true believer that tourism and capitalizing on a great river running through a downtown is the future. “Not only for environmental reasons but the economic future,” he says. “Change is a good thing; you’ve gotta be open to it.” And that idea of change, so perfectly embodied by rivers – everchanging and connecting vast distances while staying in place – informs Brown’s approach to both work and play, which are essentially, inextricably intertwined. //

issoula, Montana, is routinely ranked as one of the best river towns in the United States. Kevin Brown, co-owner of Strongwater Mountain Surf Company, would like to see it ranked as one of the best surfing towns too. It may seem like a pipe dream to some, but Brown, known to most as “KB,” has revolutionized the young sport of river surfing.

Brown is one of few surfers who can say his riding began in the Rocky Mountains of Montana. As a child, he saw surfing for the first time on visits to his grandparents in Chula Vista, Calif. “I had always been fascinated with boards: skateboarding, snowboarding when it first started, wakeboarding before it was even called that.”

Brown got a whitewater kayak in that sport’s infancy and built a respectable resume, competing in U.S. Freestyle competitions. “I fell in love with the river, with the power of the water – whitewater kayaking was always surfing in the mountains to me, never kayaking.”

When, in 2008, the city of Missoula bu i lt Bre n n an’s Wave, an engineered whitewater feature downtown next to Caras Park on the Clark Fork River, Brown found an inland outlet for surfboards. “The year Brennan’s Wave was built, the high water made it hard for kayaking,” he says. “So a dozen of us brought out surfboards, and that was the start of surfing here.”

At the time, surfboards were simply a means of making the best of a blown-out wave, says Brown.

“When the water went down, we got out our kayaks – whichever was the best tool for the best wave. The more we fell in love with surfing, the more we started getting waves that maybe three

“River surfing is probably a lot like ocean surfing was when it started out,” says Brown. “There are no stigmas, no cliques – it’s all camaraderie, everybody cheering each other on.”

TheBuzzBin New Belgium Slow Ride: A “Sessionable” IPA After a long day, a cool Slow Ride IPA is one of the best ways to unwind.

Slow Ride by New Belgium takes a detour from all of the bitter and hoppy IPAs on the market. This mellow IPA collaborates with big citrus aromas and a lingering malty flavor. New Belgium blended four hops to create a drinkable American IPA with a slightly lower alcohol content. Quite frankly, it looks slightly darker than a Corona, but tastes 50 times better.

The genesis of the Slow Ride taps into the New Belgium signature beer, the Fat Tire Amber Ale. New Belgium has a history of art-inspired beers, and they’re certainly proud of the Tour de Fat bike parade. While some critics might suggest the Slow Ride is weak, in reality, the Slow Ride is subtle. This is not a chocolate stout or imperial IPA. Instead, the Slow Ride delivers drinkable India Pale Ale that synchronizes with its pale ale name.

When you’re ready to slow down, kick back, and unwind, then you’re ready for a Slow Ride. The stats are sweet and simple: ABV = 4.5%, IBU = 40 (a measure of bitterness). Cans or bottles, this is the go-to beer when the pavement is sizzling. Doesn’t matter if you have a bike or not, a Slow Ride is a smooth and peaceful way to kick back and relax. (Jon Jonckers) Summit Cider Tap Room Opens in Coeur d’Alene If you are gluten free or just seeking a delicious drink to enjoy in addition to beer and wine, look no further than Summit Cider, which opened in Coeur d’Alene in March with a lineup of hard apple ciders that are sure to please any palate.

Located off Kathleen Avenue and just behind Fred Meyer (3884 N. Schreiber Way #201), Summit’s theme is the “active and healthy lifestyle that we enjoy through mountain sports,” says brewer Davon Sjostrom. This outdoor recreation theme is reflected in the ski fan/chandelier hanging in the tasting room; the names of their five ciders, Yard Sale (dry), Fall Line (dry), Corduroy (semi-dry), Chunder (semi-dry) and Greenhorn (semi-sweet); and the fact that the taster trays are mini shot skis, made locally by Shotzski in Sandpoint.

Davon started home brewing cider after switching to a gluten-free lifestyle for health reasons. He and his business partner, Jason Fletcher, met a few years ago, and on a pumpkin-picking excursion to Green Bluff, were inspired by the excellent brews at Twilight Cider Works to create their own “cider that is of high quality and low sugar.” Each Summit Cider brew is clean, crisp and refreshing and perfect

for cooling off at the end of a warm day.

At the moment, you can enjoy all of the Summit Ciders styles at the cozy tasting room or fill a growler to take home. The tap room also offers Coeur d’Alene Cellars wine, as well as a couple of beer taps from local breweries if your friend is just not into cider. Look for lake-safe cans coming in their near future!

Summitcider.com. (S. Michal Bennett) Tierra Madre Café & Juicery— Get Your Health Buzz On Headed up to Sandpoint this summer for some sunny recreation? Make sure you bring your travel mug and stop in at Tierra Madre, a charming café close to downtown Sandpoint (301 Cedar Street, Suite 105) that offers vegan and vegetarian fare, smoothies, fresh-pressed juices, local Evans Brothers coffee, raw desserts and tea – all with an emphasis on sustainability and healthy living. That means no paper cups, local ingredients when possible, seasonal juice detoxes and a “reduce, reuse, refill” approach.

With deliciousness like their curry sun-dried tomato and nut “burger,” the firefly smoothie (peaches, ginger, kale, banana, avocado, honey and coconut water) and rotating desserts, like raw chocolate cream pie, this little juicery will keep you energized and nourished for whatever trail lies ahead. Make sure you check out Wheatgrass Wednesdays and ask about their seasonal specials. More info: 208-255-1508.

(S. Michal Bennett) //

Top: A slow ride through Red Rocks. Photo: Jon Jonckers Bottom: Holy Tierra Madre!

Yum. Photo: Kristen Mico, courtesy of Tierra Madre.

may 2015

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OutdoorCalendar

SIX MONTH TRAININGCALENDAR RUNNING

from marathon, half-marathon, 25K or 50K courses. Info: Priestlakerace.com

(October 11) Spokane Marathon. Where: Downtown Spokane. An Inland NW classic, it sports a dreamy course that meanders its way through Spokane’s historic neighborhoods and scenic haunts whiol never straying too far from the Spokane River. Info: Spokanemarathon.us.

the shores of Lake Pend Oreille after winding into Montana through lush river valleys of the Cabinet Mountains. Six fully stocked rest stops, extensive SAG support, epic after-ride party and all for a great cause!

CHAFE 150 raises money for children on the Autism Spectrum in the Lake Pend Oreille School District. 80-and 30-mile options also available. Info: CHAFE150.org

Fully supported and a Boston Marathon Qualifier.

Info: WindermereMarathon.com

Triathlons

(June 21) Dad’s Day Dash 5K. Where: Manito

(June 20) Justin C Haeger 10 Miler. Where: Spokane Falls Community College. When: 8 - 10 a.m. This is a 3.1-and 10-mile race raising awareness about prescription drug abuse in our community. Info: jchtenmiler.com.

Lake, Wash. When: 7:45 a.m. Women’s only sprint distance triathlon. Info: ValleyGirlTri.com

(June 6) June Bug Fun Run. Where: Spokane Community College. When: 9 a.m. Run together for strong, healthy kids with proceeds benefitting Lutheran Community Services Northwest. 3-and-5 mile options. Info: Lcsnw.org/junebugrun (June 7) Windermere Marathon and Half Marathon. Where: Liberty Lake. When: 7 a.m.

(June 27) Kaniksu 50 & Emory Corwine Memorial Ruck Race. Where: Frater Lake, Wash. When: 6:12

a.m. A 50-mile point to point Endurance Run and Memorial Relay Ruck Race held in the Lower Selkirk Mountain Range in the Colville National Forest. Info: kaniksu50.com

(June 27) Padden Triathlon. Where: Lake Padden

Park, Bellingham, Wash. Sprint and super sprint distances. Info: cob.org/races

(July 10-12) Missoula Marathon. When: 6 a.m.

The weekend includes a half marathon, a 5K and kids activities. The course is flat, fast and USATF certified. It’s a point to point run with a scenic route throught the countryside and finishing in historic downtown Missoula. Info: MissoulaMarathon.org

(July 12) Valley Girl Triathlon. Where: Liberty

(July 18) Tiger Tri. Where: Colville, Wash.

Start at Lake Gillette for a 1K swim, then bike 40K along scenic Highway 20 to the Colville High School, and finish the race with an 8K run along Rotary Trail. Not ready to take on all three? Get your friends together and form a team. Info: Tigertri. com (July 18) Race the River. Where: Coeur d’Alene.

When: 7 a.m. The race starts with a .5 mile swim with the current of the Spokane River, transition at the Riverstone complex for a 11.25 mile bike ride and run 3.1 miles through the city park. Info: RaceTheRiver.com (August 16) West Plains WunderWoman Triathlon. Where: Waterfront Park, Medical Lake.

(July 11) Let’s Climb a Mountain. Where: Spokane.

A challenging 34.5 mile solo and team realay from the Clock Tower in Riverfront Park to the top of Mt. Spokane. Info: LetsClimbAMountain.com

When: 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. All women’s triathlon with both Sprint and Olympic Distances.

Individuals and relay teams available. All entrants receive technical T shirts, post-race meal, finishers medal, race memorabilia, an amazing “Racer Recovery Lounge” (hosted by REI, Bella Cova and Fit4Mom). Cost: $90. Info: EmdeSports.com

(July 18) Schweitzer Mountain Trail Run.

BIKING

Where: Schweitzer Mountain Resort. When: 10 a.m. Challenging and beautiful trails on Schweitzer Mountain resort. Enjoy awesome singletrack with lake and mountain views. Post-race Mountain Music Festival at 2 p.m. Family friendly, with activities including chairlift rides, ziplines hiking, biking and huckleberry picking. Info: Smtrailrun.com

(August 14-15) Spokane to Sandpoint Relay.

Where: start atop Mt. Spokane and run to the finish in Sandpoint, Idaho. When: 6 a.m. This run winds through 60 miles of world-class Centennial Trail, 80 miles adjacent to waterfront, through two National Forests and ends at a beautiful beach. Info: SpokaneToSandpoint.com

(September 26) Priest Lake Marathon. Where:

Priest Lake, Idaho. Run on dirt forest roads along the lakeshore of pristine Priest Lake, through groves of lush forest and old-growth cedars, and enjoy big views of the Selkirk Mountains. Choose

(June 6) Woodrat 25er. Where: Priest Lake.

When: 10 a.m. A mix of double track and singletrack riding on the Panhandle National Forest near Priest Lake. 25-mile endurance race or 12-mile division of intermediate to advanced riding. Info: PriestLakeRace.com (June 6) Skeeter Skoot. Where: Gonzaga University. When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You ride to stations along the Centennial Trail any time between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Each time you pass a station, stop and draw a card from the deck. You must stop at least five times to get a full hand. The bike ride will be a minimum of 12 miles and a maximum of 22 miles. Prizes awarded for the best (and worst) hands. Info: CoolWaterBikes.com (June 20) Chafe 150 Grand Fondo. Where: Sandpoint. The 150-mile ride starts and finishes in beautiful Sandpoint, Idaho, on

Park, Spokane. When: 9 a.m. 3rd annual 5K run benefitting SNAP, Spokane’s only non-profit community action agency. Info: 509-456-7111 (June 20) Specialized Demo. Where: Camp Sekani. Test this season mountin bikes. Bring riding gear, and driver’s license. Info: 509-747-4187.

(June 27) Silver Valley Ride to Defeat ALS. Where: Snake Pit Resort, Kingston, Idaho.

Picturesque and memorable one-day ride on the paved Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes in North Idaho.

Fully supported. 28-or 43-mile option. Lunch provided. Benefits ALS Association Evergreen Chapter. Cost: $50. Info: rideals.org

(July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29) Five in July. Where: Farragut State Park, Idaho. When 6:30 - 9 p.m. One and two lap mountain bike race options where each lap is approximately 8.5 miles. BBQ and refreshments included after racing. Info: BicycleService.com (July 2-6) Northwest Tandem Rally. Where: Bellingham, Wash. Two fully supported days with fiverest stops enroute including lunches, and two self-supported days on popular routes in and around town. Info: nwtr.org/2015 (July 15-19) RedSpoke. Where: Redmond, Wash., to Spokane. 300-mile-bicycle tour across Washington State. Fully supported. Info: RedSpoke.org (July 25) Jedermann Gran Fondo Bike Ride.

Where: Cheney, Wash. When 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. This cycling event features 30-66-and 100-mile distance options and a 12-Hour Challenge (teams and individuals). Featuring medals for 100-mile and 12-hour finishers, T Shirts, pint glasses, post ride meals, food stops, pancake feed and post ride live music and celebrations. Info: ValleyGirlTri.com

(July 26) Spokane Valley Cycle Celebration.

Where: Mirabeau Meadows Park, Spokane Valley.

Spend the day with family and friends enjoying the scenic beauty in and around Spokane Valley on your choice of a 10-mile, 25-mile or 50-mile bike ride. Info: Cyclecelebration.com

OTHER

and money dots for 2-day shooters. Silent Auction, Vendor Booths and Raffles. Info:ArcheryEvents. com/event.cfm?id=2200.

(July 11) Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival. Where: Camp Sekani/Beacon Hill, Spokane Valley. When: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. A one-day outdoor adventure festival along the Spokane River. Outdoor enthusiasts and their families can try outdoor activities like stand up paddleboarding, kayaking, disc golf, rock climbing, mountain biking; learn about and try other outdoor activities, products and gear at vendor booths; and enjoy fun, creative entertainment including music, a MTB jump jam and local brews. Info: Spokatopia.com (July 24-26) Northwest YogaFest. Where: Eureka Center, Sagle, Idaho. Yoga classes from varying backgrounds, speakers, music, and organic foods.

Cost: $300. Info: eureka-institute.org (August 1) Long Bridge Swim. Where: Sandpoint.

When: 8 a.m. This open swim is 1.76 miles across Lake Pend Oreille. Info: LongBridgeSwim.org

Promote Your Event to Thousands of Outdoors Fanatics Every Month!

List Your Race or Outdoor Event in Out There Monthly.

It’s easy to add your event at OutThereMonthly.com to get listed online and considered for the monthly print edition.

(June 19-20) Silver Mountain Archery Shoot.

Where: Silver Mountain Resort, Kellogg, Idaho.

Two-Day Competitive and Non-Competitive brackets. Adult, youth, cub and pee-wee classes. Awards

Have an Event You Would Like to List?

Please visit www.outtheremonthly.com and click “Add Event” under the “Outdoor Calendar” tab to get your events listed online and considered for the monthly print magazine calendar. To be considered for the print calendar, events MUST be entered by the 20th of the month to be listed in the following month’s issue. Please follow the instructions for submitting an event using the web form.

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Out There Monthly / may 2015

OutdoorCalendar Full events calendar at www.outtheremonthly.com RUNNING

(May 9) Trail Maniacs State Park Series #1.

Where: Farragut State Park, Idaho. When: 7 a.m.

SPS is a trail run point series, including 5 mile and half marathon distances. Organizers count your best 5 out of 6 races in the series. SPS will include six state parks from two states (Idaho and Washington), with one race per month from May-October. Over $2,000 in prizes for the overall series. Come stay the weekend; each of the state parks offer camping and showers! Info: Trailmaniacs.com

(May 16) Wild Goose Chase. Where: Wilbur City

Park. When: 8 - 10 a.m. A 5k fun run held in conjunction with Wilbur’s Wild Goose Bill Days. Info: WilburChamber.org

(May 19) Kaniksu Land Trust Trail Run. Where: Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, Sandpoint. When: 6 – 7:15 p.m. Kaniksu Land Trust Trail Run Series includes a 5K run on May 19, 10k June 16 and 15k July 28. Info: kaniksulandtrust.org (May 24) Coeur d’Alene Marathon. When: 7 a.m.

Marathon, Half-Marathon and timed 5K Run/Walk.

The Marathon and Half Marathon start at McEuen Park. The 5K runs through the Sanders Beach neighborhood. Info: CDAmarathon.com

(May 6) Wednesday Night MTN Bike Series.

Where: Riverside State Park. When: 6:30 p.m. Local mountain bike racing/riding that’s fun for everyone.

A different course every Wednesday (6-10 mile laps), professional timing and random prize drawings sponsored by local bike shops. Cost: $20. Info: info@nomadzracing.com

(May 9) Mountain Bike Classes. Where: Camp

Sekani. When: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Join Evergreen East’s mountain bike classes to build your skills. Gain confidence and trail skills, or take your biking to the next level. Fundamentals, Women’s Fundamentals, Intermediate and Freeride classes, all taught by certified instructors. Info: EvergreenEast.org

(May 9) Nitty Gritty Dirt Fondo. Where: Nine Mile

Recreation Area. Featuring approximately 70% dirt and 30% pavement, these roads will take you on to the Coulee Hite and into the Deep Creek areas. Info: ValleyGirlTri.com

(May 9) Horse Lake Trail Run. Where: Horse

Lake Reserve, Wenatchee. When: 9 a.m. -1 p.m. The Horse Lake Half-Marathon and 5-Mile trail runs are held on the 1,700-acre Horse Lake Reserve. Info: LakeChelanMarathon.com

(May 24) Priest Lake Spring Run. Where: Priest Lake, Idaho. When: 8:30 a.m. 5K, 10K, HalfMarathon, and free kids dash on a new, scenic course up at Priest Lake. Info: PriestLakeRace.com Creek Loop Trail. When: 9 a.m. 8-mile loop gaining almost 1,000 feet of elevation on singletrack and double track trail. Pancake feed at finish. The run is rated as difficult. Info: UltraSignup.com

(May 30) 35th Annual Troika Triathlon. Where:

(May 31) Red Devil Challenge. Where: Wenatchee

(May 30-31) Riverside 24 Hour Relay Race.

Where: Riverside State Park. When: 11 a.m. Join a team, or run solo for the 2nd Annual all-night race.

Camping available, live music, swag, food vendors and awards. Info: R24relay.com

BIKING (May 2-3) Tour de Bloom Omnium. Where:

Squilchuck State Park to Mission Ridge Ski Area, near

TRIATHLONS (May 30) 35th Annual Troika Triathlon. Where: Medical Lake Waterfront Park. When: 7 a.m.

Half distance and sprint distance available. Info: TroikaTriathlon.com

Hiking/Nature (May 9) Wildflower Identification Workshop.

Where: Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, Cheney, Wash. When: 8:30 a.m. The day will begin with an introduction into basic plant morphology. Plant material will be collected from the beautiful area surrounding the Turnbull Laboratory for Ecological Studies to be used during hands-on instruction.

Cost: $25. Info: Nechapterwnps.org/special-events. htm.

(May 12) Camp Cooking Basics for Backpackers.

Where: Spokane REI. When: 7 – 8:30 p.m. Are you planning an overnight backpacking trip and have questions about how and what to make for your meals? This free class covers equipment (stoves, cook sets & fuel), planning and preparation along with some tips and tricks to make your meals the hit of the trip. This class will be held outside on the patio, rain or shine! Info: REI.com/Spokane

FACEBOOK.COM/PULLMANARTWALK

(May 16) American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure. Where: Northern Quest Resort and Casino.

Various route distances from 4 miles to 100 miles.

Fully supported with breakfast, lunch, post ride massage and live entertainment. Info: diabetes.org/ SpokaneTourDeCure

(May 16) Kidical mass Bike Ride. Where: Chief Garry Park, Spokane. When: 1 – 2:30 p.m. Kids and their families are invited to Kidical Mass, a fun, safe bike ride especially for kids on an afternoon bike ride of about 3 miles, cycling on anything that rolls!

Info: www.summerparkways.com (May 18-22) Bike to Work Week Spokane. Events include Kick off Breakfast, Commute Challenge, Commute of the Century, energizer stations, Ride of Silence, Wrap up Party and More. T-shirts and swag for participants. Info: SpokaneBikes.net

(May 28) State of the Scotchmans. Where: Well-Read Moose, Coeur d’AleneWhen: 6 – 8 p.m.

Preeminent wilderness historian and advocate Doug Scott will be the featured speaker at the annual meeting of Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness. Info: Scotchmanpeaks.org (May 28) State of the Spokane River. Where: REI Spokane. When: 7 p.m. Join Jerry White, the Spokane Riverkeeper, to find out about what’s going on with one of our community’s greatest outdoor resources, the Spokane River!

other (May 15) Mayor’s Artist Award Ceremony.

Where: Regional Theater of the Palouse. When: 7 p.m. Pullman Mayor Glenn Johnson will be presenting Mayor’s Award to a local community member who’s shown strong dedication to the arts in our community.

OUTDOOR CALENDAR

National Forest. When: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. The event is held on single-track, well-maintained trails along the east slopes of the Cascades. The 25K — a loop with the start and finish at Sandcreek Trailhead — is very challenging with about 3,000 feet of elevation gain. The 10K, which also starts and ends at the Sandcreek Trailhead, has an elevation gain of 1,000 feet. Info: RunWenatchee.com

(May 31) Gran Fondo Leavenworth. Where: Cascade High School, Leavenworth. When: 8 a.m.

The course is the perfect mix of pavement, Forest Service roads and mega mountain passes. Info: RideViciousCycle.com

(May 21) Map and Compass Navigation. Where: REI Spokane. When: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Come learn basic navigation skills using map and compass to find your way. In this in-store class you’ll learn the parts of a compass, how to read a topographic map and how to use them in tandem. Info: REI.com/ Spokane

(May 30) Liberty Lake Trail Run. Where: Liberty

Medical Lake. Half Ironman and sprint distances.

Info: TroikaTriathlon.com

(May 23-24) 24 Hours Round the Clock.

Where: Riverside State Park, 7 Mile Airstrip.

Course can be completed as a team or solos. Info: RoundAndRound.com

MAY 2015

(May 3) Lilac Bloomsday Run. Where: Spokane.

The 39th running of this all-day event in Spokane is open to all runners, walkers, wheelchairs and assisted wheelchairs and strollers. Cost: $18. Info: BloomsdayRun.org

Wenatchee. A criterium in downtown Wenatchee, and a road race on the Waterville Plateau in neighboring Douglas County — over a two-day period. Info: Adventure Wenatchee.com

may 2015

/ Out There Monthly

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9 Ways to Explore the Spokane River Water Trail

By Bea Lackaff

LEFT: Urban fly fishing at its best. Photo courtesy of Michael Visintainer. MIDDLE: Go with the flow on a tubing trip. Photo courtesy of FLOW Adventures. RIGHT: River lovers staying high and dry on the Centennial Trail. Photo: Bea Lackaff

The Spokane River is a trail, 111 miles long, offering something for everybody, in every season: soaking up nature along the Centennial Trail, the excitement of hooking a native trout, rafting the Bowl and Pitcher, swimming or soaking up some sun on the riverbank.

While finding the river is pretty straight forward, accessing the river for recreation can take a little looking into. Fortunately, the Spokane River Forum’s online interactive map and resource guide has made finding the growing list of river access locations and recreation facilities easier than ever.

Navigating the River Trail @ Spokanewatertrail.org The Spokane River Water Trail online map identifies 24 access sites along the river. The website (www.spokanewatertrail.org) offers all the information you will need to explore the water trail and safely find more outdoor recreation fun on or along the river. Each access site is pinpointed, labeled and has pictures, directions and other information. The map features an easy-to-use filter with 15 different categories you can search for, like swimming, fishing, and RV camping,

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Out There Monthly / may 2015

along with other searchable features such as restrooms.

You can also search for specific information covering what sections of the river might be best for whatever activity or information you’re looking for, like the appropriate flow or the experience levels necessary to navigate different sections of the river. For example, when you search for fishing information there are options for more information on fish species found at different sections of the river, ideal flow levels and links to fishing regulations. Because all rivers can be as dangerous as they are fun, river safety is also covered under the “Safety and River Flows” menu option, with information on dams, rafting, whitewater and flows. (Of course it is each individual’s own responsibility to read the rules, know their ability levels and use appropriate safety measures).

The river trail website is also the best place to go to search for information about the growing number of river recreation related clubs, organizations and outfitters that are getting out on the river with more frequency. Learn about and connect with groups like the Spokane Canoe and Kayak Club and Northwest Whitewater Association; guided

rafting, paddling, tubing and fishing adventures with outfitters like FLOW Adventures, ROW and Silver Bow Fly Shop; organizations offering classes and to learn various river recreation techniques and skills; and agencies like Spokane Parks and Recreation that offer a wide range of experiences on and along the river that you can sign up for. If your time on the river inspires you to help protect and restore the river, look under “Stewardship” to find out how to pitch in with others on a riverenhancing project.

The Making of a River Trail Conceived in 2009 after a series of “Meet Me at the River” excursions, it became clear to a consortium of river advocates that public access to the Spokane River was limited and inadequate.

The key to connecting people to the rich fishing, floating, boating, swimming, hiking and biking resource along the Spokane River corridor is developing access and the awareness of access.

The Spokane River Forum, a non-profit clearinghouse of river-related resources and a catalyst of innovative initiatives that sustain a healthy river, has taken the lead in developing both.

Spokane River Forum Executive Director Andy Dunau notes that the organization has helped develop and restore six access sites so far, with four more in the works. SRF worked with the Spokane County Conservation District in 2014 to complete a access site at State Line, and they are supporting Spokane Parks and Recreation to create a river recreation take-out under the Division Street Bridge that could be ready by mid-summer.

The SRF is also working with partners to create public river access at The Islands Trailhead and repair the stream bank.

“There’s so much to do on this amazing river, and it doesn’t get used to its potential,” says Travis Nichols, veteran Spokane River kayaker. There may be bumper to bumper inner tubes on the river between Barker Road and Mirabeau during the summer months, but, as Nichols notes, “It’s not over crowded when people act respectfully at put-ins and take-outs, don’t bring glass containers to the riverbank and clean up after themselves.”

At the same time, Nichols points out that the river offers unexpected solitude. “There are miles and miles of fishing capacity where you can be completely alone.”

Your Spokane River Water Trail Bucket List

One of the new boatin campsites on Lake Spokane that Avista put in last summer. Photo: Shallan Knowles

Most of us live near enough to the Spokane River to see it or bike or drive over it regularly, and all of us can find ways to enjoy this amazing recreational resource more often. Use the Spokane River Water Trail map to learn more about each of these activities and find the right information to get you out on the Spokane River this summer. Start exploring at Spokanewatertrail.org.

1. River Tubing: For family fun on the river come mid-summer, grab your own tubes and hit the stretch between Harvard Road and Mirabeau in Spokane Valley. Or rent tubes and get a shuttle from local outfitter FLOW Adventures and enjoy the scenery, wildlife and fun on the lower river between Peaceful Valley and T.J. Meenach Bridge.

2. Whitewater Rafting: Get your adrenaline fix rafting class III and IV rapids through Riverside State Park between the T.J. Meenach Bridge and Plese Flats. Use the Spokane River Water Trail map resources page to find guides that can take you through it all safely. There are many options to experience the unique view of the world from the river, from a thrilling whitewater ride through Devil’s Toenail to an urban happy hour float.

3. Boat Camping: Stay overnight at AVISTA’s new Lake Spokane (aka Long Lake) boat-in campground. Managed by Riverside State Park and located on Lake Spokane upstream of Long Lake Dam, enjoy a secluded, beautiful lake-side camping experience with your boat amazingly close to Spokane.

4. Roll or Stroll along the River: The Centennial Trail extends over 37 miles, urban or wild, along the Spokane River, from the Idaho/Washington Stateline to Nine Mile Falls Dam. Try hiking, biking, or longboarding through the especially scenic, wilder and woodsy stretches of the trail from the T.J. Meenach Bridge to Nine Mile Falls Dam. 5. Fish for Native Trout: Fly fish for redband trout on the upper and lower stretches of the river, although your best odds are floating or wading the miles of river below downtown Spokane. Take a class from a local fly shop to get started or hire a local guide to show you the best flies and holes.

6. Whitewater Kayaking or River Surfing: If you have the experience and equipment, flip, roll and surf your play boat at the Trailer Park wave just above Corbin Park and below the Post Falls Dam. A new access site recently purchased and developed by Avista, including parking and an improved trail, makes playing at Trailer Park so much easier.

7. Expand Your River Skills: Expand your horizons by taking a class. Learn to stand up paddleboard (SUP), roll a kayak, paddle whitewater or how to cast for trout with a fly rod. Find the clubs and outfitters that offer classes on the river trail website.

8. Stand Up and Paddle: For a scenic, mellow stand up paddleboarding tour, try the stretch from Plese Flats to the new Avista take-out above Nine Mile Dam. 9. Go Swimming: For a simple, total immersion experience, go swimming in the Spokane River this summer! Grab your towel and sunscreen and use the river trail map to find the best swimming spots with amenities like restrooms. Particular reaches of the Spokane River are recharged from the aquifer, so be prepared for a breathtaking shock of cold water. Some stretches of the river, including those highlighted for swimming on the water trail map, can be safer for swimming than other areas with faster moving water. Always use caution and wear a personal floatation device (PFD) when you’re out in the water. //

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/ Out There Monthly

37

Last Page How to Write about Bikes and Cars As a cyclist and a motorist who is also a teacher of writing, I can’t help but notice two rather curious things about how newspapers write up bike-car accidents. Take, for instance, the following, from the Spokesman Review: “A man in his 60s was hit by an SUV while riding a bicycle at North Columbia Circle and North Park Boulevard near Downriver Golf Course around 4 p.m. Monday,” (May 28, 2012).

First, this is the passive voice. Rather than, “An SUV hit a man in his 60s riding a bicycle,” the word order is swapped so that we read that the cyclist was hit by an SUV. And second, isn’t it strange that a cyclist was hit by an SUV? Not strange in that it is out of the ordinary, but strange for the word choice – a cyclist is a person, the SUV is an inanimate object. These two words are not on equal terms with each other. One is a human, flesh and blood; the other a machine, a mass of metal and plastic.

To avoid singling out the Spokesman, here are a few more examples. (They are everywhere once you start looking for them.) From the Oregonian: “Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue said a cyclist was struck by a car in Tigard and taken to the hospital with some bleeding from his head, around 3 p.m.,” (July 2, 2013). From the Seattle Post-Intelligencer: “Seattle Police say a woman on a bicycle died Friday morning after being hit by a large truck in downtown Seattle,” (August 29, 2014). From the Bellingham Herald: “Tim Johnson, 47, was riding in the bike lane in the 3400 block on Northwest

// By Peter Wayne Moe

Avenue just before 5 p.m., when he was hit by a turning truck,” (March 14, 2014).

I do not want to make any claims as to whether cyclists have a right to the road, or whether cyclists or motorists cause more accidents, or who was at fault in the examples I’ve cited. I want to set those issues aside for a moment and think about language. Whenever we write or speak a sentence, we make decisions about how to represent the world we see. In the names we use for things,

ing the presence and agency of the vehicle and its driver. And it’s a world where that passive voice feeds road rage, it being all the more easy to blame the cyclist when the cyclist is the subject of the sentence (“Those Damn Cyclists!”).

These accounts we’ve all read numerous times have a grammar that absolves the motorist of responsibility. Indeed, the motorist is not even present in the sentence, replaced by a driverless SUV that goes about hitting cyclists. What if these

These accounts we’ve all read numerous times have a grammar that absolves the motorist of responsibility. in the words we use to describe those things, we write a version of the world. Language represents, shapes, and even constructs reality.

And the reality – the world – these sentences write is a troubling one. It is a world where a human is struck by a car rather than a human struck by another human or a bicycle struck by a car. It is a world of un-parallel terms, the terms perhaps a reflection of the un-parallel size and strength of car and bicycle, of machine and human. It is a world where the car drives itself, its operator absent because of grammar and word choice. It is a world of a passive voice that moves the cyclist to the fore of the sentence while lessen-

stories were rewritten in the active voice and with parallel terms for cyclist and motorist – what if we saw the headline, “Motorist hit cyclist” instead of the all-too-familiar “Cyclist hit by SUV”?

Consider the following, from the Associated Press reporting on an event in Anaheim: “A bicyclist was struck and killed by a car moving so fast that his friends didn’t know what happened, and his body apparently was carried on the car for 13 miles,” (August 24, 1999). This story, like the others I’ve cited, is tragic. Here’s a rewrite: “A motorist struck and killed a bicyclist. The motorist carried the bicyclist’s body on the car for 13 miles. The motorist was driving so fast witnesses didn’t know

what happened.” There’s a very different story told in that rewrite than in the original. My revision, clearly, has its problems, but in rewriting the sentence, we can see the shared difficulty both the original and the rewrite face: that of trying to figure out how to tell a story. I am not a journalist, and it could very well be that there is some house style that governs how these stories are written up. Still, I wonder if there might be a better way.

I think we are, here, touching upon the limitations of language. Grammar requires a sentence to have a subject that does something or has something done to it. So, in writing these sentences, these stories, our choices are limited. Our subject is either the cyclist or the motorist/car. If we pick the cyclist, the cyclist must – by the demands of grammar – get hit by the motorist/car. And if we pick the motorist/car, the motorist/car must – again, by the demands of grammar – hit the cyclist. This is how language works; verbs require subjects and objects; it is how we’ve all been making sentences since we began speaking; there’s no way around it.

But if we hope to improve cyclist-motorist relations, if we hope to make our sidewalks and roads safer, if we hope to better our communities by bettering our commutes, one place to begin could be revising our sentences, finding a way to work within both the confines of our grammar and the confines of our streets to tell a new (perhaps even a happy) story about bikes and cars. //

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Outdoor Dog Photo Contest!

Damn, Im good lookin!

Round up your best photos of your outdoors loving hound! Full contest details available online.

Categories include: Best in Show, Hounds in Action, Water Dogs, On the Trail, & Best with Owners.

Winning pics will be printed in Out There Monthly’s June 2015 issue and prizes will be awarded to owners AND pups. Full details at OutThereMonthly.com/contests 38

Out There Monthly / may 2015

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39

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Out There Monthly / may 2015

Photo: © Jacob Boling | NRS